Reminder to self: kids are pretty smart.

My kid does know what I'm trying to teach him. Lanelle was hitting Kellen, who was getting a little frustrated. I talked to him about how we have to teach her, because she doesn't understand she shouldn't hit. Kellen was right into that and very patient when he told her later, "please don't hit, that is not allowed." He mentioned it several times to me in the evening. "We have to teach Lanelle, right?" So, I asked him, "And, what do you think I have to teach you?" His eyes wander around the room, but I can tell he's thinking. I'm laughing inside, thinking he probably has no idea. I'm also thinking, "sharing!". I couldn't believe when he smiles slyly and says, "to share!" Obviously I'm getting through to him if he can come up with that, right?! I was surprised, but probably shouldn't be. Kids are pretty sharp, eh?

Love

I'm feeling a lot of love this Sunday afternoon. Love for my husband who took the kids to camp and gave me 32 hours all to myself. Love for inspiring friends and reconnection (thanks so much, Julia.) While it seems very strange to type - Also, love for myself, which I think is pretty good after spending so many hours in solitude. I loved being alone and all the things I got to do, even laundry, baking, weeding and all the quiet reflection. It has been fantastic and I'm so ready for this busy week. Only working 3 days, but long days into the evening. Not that I'm complaining, because then I'll be enjoying 2 more weeks of holidays. Anyhow, I'm getting sidetracked.

I also loved the people I got to meet at Creation Vacation this week. It was a wonderful group of people. When the kids are older, I would love to do the whole week. But, I loved the day I had, and Sheena was awesome! She made me want to take up writing.

These are 2 recent pictures that give me lots of love feelings. It was such a great moment watching these kids have so much fun playing up on the hill. It was gorgeous!

Now that I'm feeling so very refreshed, I can hardly wait for family to get home to love on them! I am so thankful for those who bring love into my life. I hope you can feel overwhelmed by love in your life today!

We're Off

I'm blogging at work, that's a first. I'm short on time and I'm in vacation mode. Vacation starts at 4:30 today and in a mad rush we will be leaving for BC shortly after that, trying to get to Calgary at a decent time tonight. I really wanted to be organized. It's not happening. I tried packing with the flashlight in my hand last night. What are the chances that the power would go out right after I got the kids to bed!?!? I gave up and went to bed after packing one and a half bags. I'm more rested than I thought I would be today, so maybe that will help more with a quick getaway anyhow. Send prayers for us, for safe and HAPPY travels!!

Plum Down

Lanelle walked up behind me while I was making supper tonight. I heard a "thunk" and then "uh-oh". The "uh-ohs" kept being repeated so I began to pay attention to her. She was pointing to the open air duct until the cupboards. Once Ian had to dig out Lightning McQueen from down there with a coat hanger and sticky tape. We should have covered it up. Since Lanelle came from Ian's direction, I asked him if he'd noticed what she had in her hand. We weren't sure. Then he pointed out that there had been a raid on the plums that were still on the floor in the grocery bag. We counted, yep, we were missing one. Replaying the thunk over in my mind, I realized it probably was indeed the missing plum. We ignored the issue for a while. I wondered how long it would take to shrivel up to nothing. Would it stink?

Ian couldn't live with the plum down there, so it became a late night project. I was wishing for suspended ceiling tonight while my wrist was cramping and my elbow was yelling at me as I tried to fold my arm around an impossible corner while fishing for a plum with a coat hanger. I would have ripped the duct apart, but not our basement ceiling. Not for a missing plum. Ian was trying not to yell as he was giving direction peering into the duct that he opened up in the storage room. The whole thing struck me as very funny after awhile and I couldn't stop giggling which didn't help. Eventually, just before I gave up, I managed to retrieve it. We also found a monster truck that neither of us recognized. I think it had been there for a long time.

Ian is currently searching for material in the garage to cover the hole. Just thought I'd share my giggle with you.

Missing

I think I've been missing being here, at my computer before I go to bed, to think just a bit. I was missing the kids today while I was at work. I've been thankful that hasn't been an overwhelming feeling that robs me of enjoying the days at work. But maybe since I'm getting very anxious for the holidays to begin as I dream about how much fun we are going to have. 4 days left.

I was missing Grandma Bell lately. I decided to take up knitting again. I thought it would be fun while we drive out to BC and back over the long weekend to have something to feel productive about. I saw the most beautiful knitted dress that I wanted to make for Lanelle. I was surprised that the skill I once had didn't come back as quickly as I thought it would. So while watching some knitting on youtube, playing with the yarn in my hand and feeling very awkward with the knitting needles, I kept having flashbacks to Grandmas kitchen where she taught me knitting with a few friends in 4-H. It was really nice to have so many warm memories. I only briefly thought about going back to crocheting, but didn't want to disappoint Grandma. I think I'll be able to knit some hats on the trip but don't know that the dress will be done without some serious practice.

One a very different note, Lanelle made me laugh tonight even though I shouldn't have. Kellen and I were trying to play trains and she kept darting into our game (very sneakily) and grabbing an engine or car as she took off at top speed down the hall. Kellen would wail and take off chasing her again. She'd act very nonchalant as he ripped it out of her hand and tell her no. She'd saunter back to her toys for a moment before darting in again to frustrate him. Like you probably are thinking, I thought she was just wanting to play with us. So I tried to involve her in pushing the train around, but she honestly had no interest in that. Once she had her hand on a car she was gone, anticipating the chase the would ensue. What kept seeming so funny to me was that it wasn't her done in her usual squealing, smiling way. She was very serious about it and seemed to enjoy torturing her brother in some somber, dark way. She was so content with herself and not concerned at all about Kellen's reactions. So, yeah, I shouldn't have been laughing, but it was so strange.

With that little story I best get myself to bed. I just didn't want to forget that one.

Share your good reads, please!

I'm dreaming about my soon to begin vacation. I'd like to do some reading, while the kids play in their new fun backyard. I'm going to go to the library this week and would like to order some good books. So please help - send me some of your favorite titles!

I've been told some people can't comment. If that's the case, email me - janetmuirhead@hotmail.com.

Please, please, pretty please...

Hopscotch Camis GIVEAWAY!!!!

I wish I would make the time to sew. The handmade uniqueness would be so worth it. Until that time, maybe I could win something cute, specifically this
Hopscotch Camis GIVEAWAY!!!! for Lanelle, please?! She looks so cute in red!