CHRISTMAS

Christmas day has come and gone.I can hardly believe it. The days seem to all blur together. Christmas Eve was a blast as we hung out with good friends sledding and eating and laughing.We had a long but wonderful Christmas day with Nathan's family. The food was good, the company was good and the kids got a tonne of stuff. I also got to talk on the phone with my bro and his wife who are in France so that was awesome.
Got a message from my sis in Hawaii, and talked to my momzy yesterday.
The kids (and I) have been spoiled by Kayla and Kurtis. They took them out for lunch, then took them swimming, then had a sleepover with them yesterday. It was so nice for me to have a little time to myself, and some time with JUST Nathan. That hasn't happened for quite a long time. I really appreciate Kayla and the effort she puts toward spending time with my over the top crazy kids on her days off when she could be catching up on much needed sleep or spending time with her hubbie. She really is wonderful.
We are anxiously counting down the days when Lindsay and her family get here. 3 more sleeps and then some more fun begins.
It has also been nice to sleep in and hang out with just MY OWN kids. No extras. And to wear my p.j.'s all day if I want. Sometimes I love to be lazy. I wish this week would go by slowly but I have a feeling it will be back to business all too fast.

SO CLOSE

Two more sleeps till Christmas. Not ready yet, but close. I have been so busy, I am a little bummed that the kids have been off school for 4 days already and we haven't done anything together. Hopefull next week we can enjoy each other's company. Tomorrow we are going to go sledding and have chinese food with good friends and then spend the evening together as a family playing games and tracking Santa.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINDSAY!!!!! You are a hot mamma/sista!! Can't wait to see you!

NOT NEARLY ORGANIZED

So we are in the new house!!! Hurray for that! We also finally have Internet hooked up and I have about ten minutes to jot a few things down. First, moving SUCKS!! I hope I don't have to move for a VERY long time. I still haven't put a dent in the unpacking.......maybe Christmas break it will get tackled. I haven't even started Christmas shopping. I am just so busy. I am excited to have a few days of just my family and me, NO EXTRA KIDS. Can't wait for Kayla and Kurtis to get here on Tuesday and then we are all very excited for Lindsay and her family to get here on the 30th.
The weather hasn't been too terribly cold (knock on wood) and we have lots of snow. Which is fun for the kids.
There are soo many things I need to write down before I forget but I don't have the time......I might have to do multiple postings a day.
Back later.

COLD WEATHER TURNS ME NUTTY

As soon as the weather goes below -30'C a turn a little nutty. Among other things,I find myself talking to objects. For example:

I have had to park outside because we have the garage full of boxes. So as I go outside to start the van, I first stop to talk to the little gnome we have on the steps. "Oh, you're probably freezing", I say as I brush the snow of him. Next, I get into the van and say "Hi Sally(that is the van's name.....don't ask) are you gonna start for me today?" I then turn the ignition and, because I have a wonderful husband who plugs my vehicle in for me, she starts right up. "Good Girl, now warm up for a little while", I say. Today is garbage day, so I opened the garage door......"Come on Bessie (another name.....again, don't ask) up you go." Then I push the garbage bin to curb, all the while saying, "I know it's cold, I will put you back as soon as I can." What is that all about? Crazy I tell you, crazy.

We take possession of our house in two days. YEAH!!! Very excited, but a little stressed. I MUST tackle the kitchen today. Wish me luck!!!

UNSETTLED

I have been feeling somewhat unsettled the last couple of days and I am pretty sure I know why, but I am not sure how to go about handling the problem. A LOT of pondering lies in my future. Also, if anyone knows where I can get a new throat, yes throat, please let me know as mine is on fire and hurts like a son of a gun. I would be much obliged.

7 MORE DAYS!!!!

K & K's WEDDING

Family Shot

Trentan Tractor

Alysha Nicole

Joshua Samuel and me

Alysha and Merynn Abby

Just a few shots of Kayla and Kurtis's wedding day. I didn't put any pics of Kayla cause I forgot to ask her if it would be ok to do so, but she looked so, so, beautiful. Their temple ceremony was amazing. They are such a wonderful, inspiring couple. I ALMOST made it through the ceremony without crying.....almost. The girls were flowers girls. Merynn was in charge of Kayla's train,and Alysha was in charge of Kayla's flowers. (not sure if Kayla knew about that, but that's what Alysha decided.) At the reception, the girls got to sit at the head table with Kayla and Kurtis. I think this was their favorite moment. Thank you Kayla for making them feel special on YOUR special day.

Their reception in Grande Prairie was yesterday (Nov.13) and we went to the farm on friday to have supper and visit with Kayla and Kurtis before the reception on Sat. When Trentman saw Kurtis, he ran right up to him and gave him the biggest hug!!!! It was soooo cute!! I mean, I don't even get hugs like that!! It is so wonderful to have such positive influence in my kids lives.

Congrats Kayla and Kurtis!! We are extremely happy for you. We ALL love and adore you!

P.S. Special thanks to Lindsay for making the girls hair look fabulous!!!

TAKE A CHILL PILL

To the people who have road rage, can't wait in line, who are grouchy and live a fast-paced life, I say this.....TAKE A CHILL PILL!!!!!
While running errands today, I realized that people(not all, but in general) are impatient, grouchy, and always in a hurry. Why is that? And if your life is busy and hectic, why are you taking it out on me? I hope I am not in the "general" group. If I am, I will definitely be making an extra effort to relax.

Get to sleep in a little bit tomorrow. VERY excited about that.

I am pretty sure that Joshua's fav. day of the year just might be Remembrance Day. Any of you who know him can probably understand this. Any of you who don't, I will enlighten you tomorrow.

HI RACHEL!!!!!!

GOOD RIDENCE

Today I needed to do a good house clean. I started with the girls room and worked my way down all four levels. By the time Nathan got home from work I had the following things for him to take to goodwill : 3 big garbage bags full of kids clothes, 1 box of books and 3 boxes of toys. (I'm talking good size boxes) Ahhhhhhhhh, I LOVE decluttering. Scary thing is I haven't even started on my or Nates stuff. I'm sure Nate will be going back to the goodwill again this week!!!!
Everything looks so good. Even closets!! Yeah for me!!

The day was great until Josh puked everywhere. Gross. Oh, yes, and Trentman looks like the devil cause the white part of his eyes are bright red and oozing. Double gross. Anyone want to come for a visit?

SORRY BLOG

Well hello there. How are you? Have we met before? I have been away for awhile. I have very negligent of you blog and I apologize. I have good excuses though. I went to a most beautiful wedding two weekends ago. ( I will get into that later) And then, last week we bought a house!! Yikes!! We are very excited. So I have been running around getting papers signed and getting other things taken care off that need to be done when buying a house. We take possession Nov. 25 (which is in 17 days) so we are already starting to pack. The best part of it is that our new house is 1 block away from the house we are in now, so we don't have to pack too carefully. The kids haven't seen the inside of the new house and are itching to have a look. Soo fun.

On Friday the kids brought home their report cards and all three of them did so fantastic. I am grateful that they are all in that "excited to go to school" phase and want to learn new things. parent teacher interviews are tonight so we'll see want the teachers have to say.

Another busy week lies ahead. But I had my extra hour of sleep (turned the clocks back to standard time) so I am as refreshed as I will get and ready to tackle the events that lay awaiting!!!

Stayed tuned.......wedding stuff to come.......

SKNNY JEANS AND ANTICIPATION

Right now in the world of fashion, skinny jeans, apparently, are the "it" thing. Both my girls think that they need to wear their "skinny's" everyday. I, myself, do NOT own a pair but I don't think I could get away with wearing them anyways. While out running errands after supper today, Merynn and I saw a very skinny GUY wearing very skinny jeans. I immediately said my two bits about it. (I think it looks ridiculous when guys wear skinny jeans.....but that's just me. Please don't get offended. )And Merynn stayed silent. About a minute later, Merynn started laughing hysterically. "What are you laughing about?", I asked. To which she replied, " I just imagined Dad wearing skinny jeans." Now THAT would be ridiculous.

The kids and I leave tomorrow to go spend the weekend in Edmonton and area (Nathan is meeting us there) for Kayla and Kurtis's wedding!!!! We are ALL so very excited for the big event!! Alysha and Merynn get to be flower girls and they are wearing beautiful matching dresses. The boys have cute matching ties. Josh might be the most excited of all. He loves his Auntie Kayla so much. We can't wait!! The anticipation is driving us all crazy!

I am also excited to go cause I FINALLY get to see my brother and his wife, who we haven't seen for VERY long time. PLUS, my sisters will be there and my cute nieces and nephews. Everyone in my family will be in town at the same time, (except for stupid Rachel cause she thinks it's more fun to live in stupid Hawaii. I think I will shun her for a while.) which is a very rare occurrence. Too bad the weekend is so short.

SMARTIES

I love smarties. Always have. When I was in high school, sometimes my momzy would even buy me a HUGE box of them from Costco and I didn't even have to share with anyone. How cool is that? I usually took a box to school and ate it in Biology class to make sure I stayed awake. Ahh the memories. Anyways, at Kindergym today, Trentman got a massive, and I mean MASSIVE, stash of candy from all of his school buddies. It just so happens that in this stash there were three big boxes of smarties. Not the small Halloween ones, the REAL DEAL. Ooooooh the temptation. I literally spent a good part of the afternoon thinking up ways to get him to give up the goods to him mommy. And boy did I have some good excuses. But he was being so, so good about sharing his candy already, that I just couldn't take (or sneak) even one box away from him. Turns out that, for today at least, Trentman doesn't like smarties and gave me ALL the boxes!! Should I save a box for him just in case he changes his mind? NO WAY PEOPLE, NO WAY. The boxes are safely hidden for my consumption only. Heh, heh, heh.

Anyone know why they are called "smarties"?

YOU MIGHT BE TIRED WHEN.....

You might be tired when.....

1. You lean so far into the tub while trying to clean it that you fall in. (Yes it kinds stings)

2. You feed your kids cereal and fruit and vegetables for supper.

3. Your 7 year olds homework is just too hard.

4. You put your kids to bed at 7:00 p.m.

5. Gasp when you realize it's 8:30 p.m. and your not in bed yet.

6. You try to decide if it's worth getting up and going to sleep in your own bed, or if you should just sleep on the couch.

7. You start hyper-ventilating when you realize it's only Tuesday and the week is just going to get busier.

8. You actually start asking yourself, "what if the garbage could take itself out?"



Why so tired you ask? Well the main reason is cause Nate is in Fort MacMurray for the whole week and, as everyone knows, I can't sleep when he is not here. ( Totally lame I know) but also because I can't seem to shut my brain off regarding a few MAJOR choices that need to be made.
I also can't seem to wrap my head around the fact that is it already the last week in October. I mean, the kids were listening to Christmas music today for crying out loud. Where did then even FIND a Christmas CD??

OH BROTHER

I am not sure if there is, or will be, a week dedicated to brothers (like there was for sisters), and I didn't want to leave my bro. out so........

Why I Love My Brother T.J.

I love T.J. because he owns a speedo. I love him because he thinks he looks GOOD in a speedo. I love him because he always goes for the "shock" value. I love him cause he puts up with four sisters. I love him cause he is daring. I love him cause he is adventurous. I love him cause he goes with his gut. I love him cause he married Britt. ( I LOVE Britt) I love him cause he is multi-talented. I love his sense of humour. I love him cause he sang at his own wedding. I love him cause he doesn't like dogs either. I love him cause he is a penny pincher (except for snowboarding stuff). I love his messy printing. I love him because he is bold. I love him because he did the whole "goth" thing. I love him cause he puts these weird things in his milk. I love him cause he is a hippie. I love T.J. cause he is a hard worker. I love him cause he thinks "outside the box". I love him cause he is good uncle. I love him cause he went on a mission. I love him cause he gets TOTALLY spoiled by dad. I love that he chased me around the house, threatening me with a trumpet. I love that every time I think of him, I smile. I love that he made his sisters his "groomsman" and we had to be bare-foot. I love that he can be level-headed. I love that he used to let me slick his hair back with half a bottle of gel. Speaking of which, I love his cowlicks. I love that he would sit on top of the barbie house and be "the sun" and/or "the moon"(that was the only way we would let him play with us). I love him......because he is my bro.Oh T.J. I could go on and on with funny memories. You are a most fantabulous brother and I think the world of you.

2 THINGS

1. It is more frustrating to look for a house than I thought.

2. I love my Hannah.

COOL RIDER

Every time we go over to Nate's parents house, a.k.a. "the farm", Nate and his dad always take the kids for a quad ride down to the creek. Sometimes I tag along, sometimes I don't. This past spring Nate and his dad brought out the little motorbike and taught Josh how to ride it. Kinda fun, kinda scary. But he was slowly getting the hang of it. Anyways, I haven't seen him ride the bike for a while because lately, I have opted to stay home for some peace and quiet while Nate takes the kids to the farm to goof around. Today, however, we all headed out there for F.H.E and, after supper, we went for a quad ride. This time though, Josh hopped on "his" motorbike and drove there himself!!! He was sooo good!! And a smart driver too. He is so not my little boy anymore. He is one cool rider with his fancy helmet and his fancy skills. It is so awesome to see him learn and develop talents. He totally thinks he is so cool. Can anyone say "Chick Magnet?"

EARPLUGS

Merynn has always been good to practice her piano songs. But since last weekend she has developed an obsession. She is on the piano ALL THE TIME. Now, I am not complaining exactly, I am excited in her sudden leap of interest (and she is quite good at it too), it's just that I can only listen to Row, Row, Row Your Boat, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Skip to My Lou and Jingle Bells so many times a day. She also likes to "make up" her own songs which, again, is fantastic but...... in small doses. Perhaps I am not a very supportive mother after all and I know I shouldn't roll my eyes every time I hear her play, but the sound of quiet in our house is so rare that sometimes I just can't help it. And seeing as I don't have the heart to tell her to get off the piano, I have a solution. I have decided that I will invest in some earplugs. That way, I can listen to her when I want too, and have some inconspicuous quiet time when I need it. Now, the question is, where can I get me some good earplugs?

THINGS I HAVE LEARNED THIS WEEK:

1. Trentan is allergic to long haired cats.

2. Deep down, Josh is a momma's boy (YAY!)

3. There is an animal called an Ibex

4. I really have no sense of direction

5. No matter how hard I try, laundry will always be my enemy. Always.

YIPES

Yipes it's been a few days of ignoring the blog!! Life is fast and furious!!

Last weekend my Momzy came to visit us. (over Thanksgiving weekend) Oh how I love my Momzy. We so appreciated her taking the time to come and see us and her willingness to spend time with us. The kids adore her. We had lots of laughs. And a few tears. Without geting too sappy, I just can't express my love and gratitude for my Momzy. She has always shown such love and service and dedication and support to her kids. I hope she knows how important she is to my family and me.

I think we are settling down into somewhat of a routine. The kids are all happy and healthy and growing too fast. Soon my baby will be four, and I will be out of "the toddler years".
We are soo extremely blessed to have such good kids.

On a side note, I was flipping through an american magazine the other day and I saw an add for "Fat Boy" ice cream treats. Seriously? They actually have a brand name called "Fat Boy"!!! Can you believe that? Mull over that for a while..........

OLIVER

I don't know how, but Merynn did it. She convinced her grandpa that she needed her own horse, and that's what she got. She sure is one spoiled little girl. She has named her horse Oliver, which I think is cute. Oliver is 10 years old and used to be a race horse. He is very gentle and very obedient. I have been told that he is an excellent horse for my Rynni. Seeing as I don't know horses and their tendencies, I will trust Nate on this. Merynn, I believe, is experiencing true love, as Oliver is the only thing she talks and think about. She wants to go to the farm everyday and see him. I feel bad that I can't get her there every time she asks. I hope both her and I understand the magnitude of this new responsibilty and that we make the time to go and visit and take care of him on some sort of regular basis. I will have to add Oliver to the on going "list of things to do".

THINGS I LEARNED THIS WEEK AND SUCH

1. There is such thing as a "Sisters Week".

2. I am extremely glad I only have 4 children.

3. Things aren't always what they seem.

4. I am more insecure about certain things than I thought.

5. My sister is ok with the fact that I don't like her dog. (or any dog really)

6. Thomas S. Monson took piano lessons. (which my kids think is "so awesome!!")



So this weekend was General Conference. It's always fantastic to hear the words and guidance of our leaders. What was also so neat was that because of our trip to Utah this summer, the kids were really excited to see the Conference Centre and the Salt Lake Temple on t.v.. "Hey Mom, we were there!! I remember seeing that organ." Or, "we were on the top of that building!!". Even Trentan had his two bits to say. They listened more closely to conference and it was awesome to witness. I just hope the memories stay fresh and they will continue to listen. But, what are the odds of that?

SISTERS #3

Why I Love My Sister Sarah

I love her cause she let's me hold her baby. I love her because she speaks her mind. I love her cause she is bold. I love her because she is beautiful. I love her because she is independent. I love her because her point of view is completely different than everyone else's. I love her because she can read my mind (seriously, she can). I love her because she is sincere. I love her because she is a peacemaker. I love her because she tried to saw through my door. I love her because she likes to file morning, noon, and night. I love her cause she is sentimental. I love her cause she can sew. I love her laugh. I love her cause she remains positive even though she lives in Fort McMurray. I love her because she, uncharacteristicly, has a pet dog than she OBSESSES over. I love her because she is ok with the fact that I am NOT a dog person. I love her because she forgave me for driving away with her hanging on to the outside of the van. I love her because she trusted me to teach her how to drive a standard. I love her cause she sometimes gets overly worked up (take a chill pill will ya). I love how she knows each of my kids sooooo well. I love her because she knows about all kinds of caskets. I love her because she watches smutty reality t.v. shows. I love her cause she doesn't like to read (it gives her a headache apparently). I love her freckles. I love her because she is loyal. I love her because she is supportive. I love her because she doesn't have "middle child syndrome". I love her because she is who she is. One fantabulous sister.

Happy "Sisters Week" Sare Bear

SISTERS #2

Why I Love My Sister Rachel

I love her because she is adventurous. I love her cause she likes to ride bikes. I love her cause she ALWAYS quotes movies. I love her cause she is daring. I love her cause she is playful. I love her cause she is a good auntie to my kids. I love her cause she can convince me to do almost anything. I love her cause she is protective (Boyz II Men concert). I love her cause she took me parasailing, and on the Screamer. I love her for the random stuff she knows. I love her long hair. I love her cause she is silly and goofy. I love her cause she is fashionable. I love her cause she survived getting ran over by a fork lift. I love how she can get mom and dad to buy her almost anything. I love how she always has her camera. I love how she knows every song on the radio. I love that she convinced me to watch Chuck. I love how she, too, has some awesome dance moves. I love her because she is FINALLY maturing. I love her cause she makes me laugh AND roll my eyes. I love her cause she likes to do puzzles. I love her cause one minute she can be a tough tomboy, and the next a girly girl. I love her cause she watches the UFC. I love her cause on the rare occasion we are at the same house, she cooks for me. I love that she follows her heart. I love that when the family gets together, and she is not there (cause she's living it up in Hawaii), we miss her tonnes. I love that even though we are 8 years apart, we are good friends. (in my opinion anyways). Although we don't see much of each other, or communicate very often.....I hope she knows I love her.

Happy "Sister's week" Rakel, Rach, Spoiled one.......

SISTERS

According to Facebook, it is "Sisters week" this week. Who knew? Not me. But somebody did. Anyways, the next few posts are to celebrate "Sisters week".

Why I Love My Sister Lindsay (DON"T get offended)

I love Lindsay cause she laughs at my jokes. Sometimes she just laughs at me, but that's ok. I love her because I can talk to her about ANYTHING (and I mean anything) and she listens with an open mind and an open heart. (and I do, periodically, talk to her about stupid, random stuff.) I love her because she is a "planner". She always has to know what's going on,and when, so she can plan for it, on it, around it, in it.......you get the picture. I love her because she has kids that are the same age as some of mine. I love her because she is sometimes waaaaay uptight, and other times, waaaay spontaneous. (not usually, but sometimes) I love her because she has incredible patience. I love her because she is smart and classy. I love her because she makes the effort to come see me. I love her because we think along the same lines. (well, I liked Joe and she liked Danny, but, mostly we do) I love her because her example keeps me on the straight and narrow. I love her because she loves and lives the gospel. I love her because she phones me every Monday. I love her cause she reads my blog. I love her cause she can play the piano like no ones business. And the accordian. I love her cause she has awesome dance moves. I love her cause we are 18 months apart. I love her cause she doesn't judge. I love her cause she is organized. I love her cause she puts up with me. (which can be trying at times I'm sure).I love her cause she ALWAYS has makeup on. I love her cause she watches the same t.v. shows, and reads the same books as me. I love her cause she puts mayonnaise in cake. I love her for her many talents.I love her because I can trust her. I love her cause she is the best big sister ever.

Happy "Sisters Week" Lou.

THINGS I LEARNED....

Last weeks learnings:
1. Pulling an all nighter "just because" is such a bad idea.


2. NEVER jump to conclusions.


3. There are some ginormous spiders in Grande Prairie. (time to move)


4. I soooooooo love turkey dinner. (thanks Jen. It was DIVINE!)


5. My girls can NEVER reach puberty. I won't be able to handle it.


6. I'm pretty sure Joshua's legs are now hollow. That kid eats ALL THE TIME!!

EVIDENCE

Evidence. Today I found some terrible, self-incriminating evidence. I was shocked when I found it. At first I didn't believe it. Then I thought it was the light playing a trick on me. It just couldn't be possible....could it? Yup. It could. There it was in plain view. Evidence that I am not what I used to be. I am in fact, getting old. The evidence you ask? A grey hair. Go ahead. Gasp in horror. It's terrible. Are you as shocked as I was? Probably. Don't worry though. I destroyed the evidence promptly after finding it. No one will ever know. For now.

My list of things I learned this week will be posted tomorrow. I need to mull over a few things tonight.

Oh,and Lindsay........ OH MY GOSH!!!!!!! (Glad I was home for THAT news!)

WHEN THE BOYS ARE AWAY, THE REST OF US WILL PLAY

Nathan has gone hunting for the weekend and Josh is at a sleepover birthday party. What to do with the other three? Well, for starters, we went to WalMart and I let them pick out a movie for later. Then we went to Pizza Hut cause we all like it, but Nate doesn't, so I didn't want to miss out on that opportunity. We came home, had a dancing fiesta in the front room, and then build a huge fort in the basement where they watched their movie with popcorn and lemonade, and are now sleeping. I love how I turn into "the bestest mom ever" on days like today. Who knew building a fort = " You're the awesomest." As much fun as the kids had, I am pretty sure I had more. It was a much needed cup filler for me because I have been so busy lately, that the only time I spend with my kids is to help them with their homework and then to tuck them in at night. I love them SO VERY MUCH!!!!
Hopefully they are up for round two tomorrow. I know I am.

PHOBIA

When I was younger, my little brother had a "pet" tarantula. I didn't really think much of it and, for the most part, forgot the thing was even in the house. Then one day, for whatever reason, my dad thought it would be "funny" to let the spider walk around on the table after supper. Gross right? We sat there, watching it crawl around. Then all of a sudden, it stopped right in front of me and jumped!!!! For those of you who have never seen a tarantula up close,they are disgusting. They are hairy and prickly and scary. I was wearing a wool sweater, which resulted in the tarantula getting stuck to my chest. Of course I turned into a typical "scream your head off, jumping up and down, flinging your arms around" girly girl while trying to get it off. Ewww, I get goosebumps just thinking about it. Anyways, ever since that day, I have been TERRIFIED of spiders. Not just a little bit, but 100% leave the room freaking out, total arachniphobia if there is a spider. Of any kind. So, I have always thought that one of the few things Grande Prairie had going for it, in my book, is that there aren't any overly huge spiders here. That I knew of or have ever seen. Until last week. Oh my gosh. There was a spider on my front flower garden brick that was so big I just might have peed my pants. I have never seen any spider that big before that wasn't in some sort of cage. I totally paniked and ran inside. Then I had all of these thoughts of "what if it got in the house?" "What if it went in one of the kids rooms? Or MY room?" It had to die. End of story. But was Nathan home? Of course not. I was actually going to have to deal with this thing on my own. Holy bejeebers. I puffed up to my full 5 foot nothing height and went back outside, picked up the biggest rock within reach, and dropped it on the spider.......and ran back inside. There the rock stayed for days. I dared not let anyone move it. On Saturday, my friend Meaghan came over and, I watched from inside the house, as she went and flipped over the rock. Let's just say "I GOT IT!"

I sure am brave. And still scared spitless of spiders.

THINGS I LEARNED THIS WEEK

1. One can give oneself a black eye.

2. How to can pears (thanks LeAnna).

3. How to make playdough (thanks Meaghan).

4. Josh can do a pretty good English accent.

5. Kori has some outrageously awesome dance moves.

QUICK UPDATE

- Still not feeling so awesome. Ears and throat hurt.
- not at all happy about the frost that has been sitting on my windshield in the morning.
- happy that Nathan cleaned the garage out so I can park in it again. (it's been a while)
- took the kids to a movie tonight. Not such a good show (Alpha & Omega), but had fun anyways.
- Can't believe September is half over already.
- glad to help out a friend.
- My kids are good, sweet kids.
- need to rest.

BLAH

Feeling libe by heab gob ran ober by a truck. So Stuffy. Going to sleeb wib by kleenex box.
Why can't toborrow be Saturday so I dont hab to get out of bed?

ITALY

I have read a few books recently that have been some how connected with Italy. And it sounds like a beautiful and most intriguing (sp?) place. Verona, Siena, Venice, Rome.....the words just roll of your tongue. I had decided that eventually, I would very much like to visit Italy. (are you listening fairy godmother? )So, just for fun, I checked out how much it would cost to fly to Italy. Holy crap on a cracker!!!! That is a big chunk of change people. Needless to say I won't be visiting Italy anytime within the next......EVER, but it was/is fun to daydream about.

THINGS I LEARNED....

Things I learned last week:

1. I don't like to sandbag

2. There was a reason I didn't watch the first "Rambo" movie until recently......it's stupid.

3. My piano bench needs to be fixed.

4. I am a hypocrite.

5. I should really tackle my bedroom.

DIRTY LITTLE SECRET BUSTED!!!!

I have a secret. A dirty, messy, embarassing, shameful secret. I am about to confess of this secret, only because I was called on it (by my 3 year old none the less), and it might just be time to face it. Ok. Here it goes. My room is ALWAYS messy. Not just a little messy, but disasterous, what the heck happened in here? messy. Always. It is such an interesting relationship I have with my room. I try really hard, and take pride in the fact, that 95% of the time, the whole rest of the house is clean on a daily basis. When cleaning the house, I save my room for last, just so I don't have to tackle it because by the time I get to my room, I KNOW I will be too tired to clean it. I don't like to clean my room. I like HAVING a clean room, I just don't like to CLEAN it. It hasn't always been this way, but it has slowly gotten worse. And add to the fact that Nathan has junk EVERYWHERE, it just seems like an impossible task.
I don't like to clean it because I don't actually have anywhere to put anything. My closet is ridiculously small, I don't even HAVE a dresser (there's a story there, but not for today) and my bed is literally up to my ribs because we had to jack it up so we could put rubbermaid containers underneath the bed to use instead of a dresser. Plus, I don't have carpet in my bedroom which I just can't stand the feeling of freezing my feet when I get out of bed in the morning. Might as well step on clothes right? Anybody feel sorry for me yet? Would YOU want to clean that? Anyways, I tell you this because there is a story that goes with it.
I was getting after the kids yesterday because I "just wanted their rooms cleaned. And to stay clean for one day". I was letting them know how disappointed I was that they refuse to take care of their clothes and toys. "Is it so hard to just hang your clothes back up of put your toys back where they go?" I asked. I mean, we've organized their rooms in such an efficient way that really, it shouldn't be hard at all. So there we were, the kids sitting quietly while I ranted on about how important it is to be responsible and keep their rooms tidy. To which Trentman said to me matter-of-factly, "Then why is your room so messy mom? You are making a bad choice not to clean your room." To which there was a chorus of "Yeahs", by the other three. Busted. Oh, so busted. I had been so careful to keep my bedroom door closed!! How did they EVER find out? Noone even ever goes in there!! I murmured something about how I was too busy cleaning their rooms and the rest of the house, to clean my own room. And left. I walked down to my room, and sat on my bed. (Which was surprisingly made) and cried. Life is just backwards when a three year old has to reprimand his mother for her messy room. Please don't think less of me. I am coming up with a way of curing this illness. Keep your fingers crossed!

HUH?

WHAT? The day is over? Where the johnny did it go?

ANOTHER HARRY POTTER FAN......FINALLY!

Just before school started, Josh wanted to use his allowance to buy a new game for his PSP. So while we were out school supply shopping he spotted the "Harry Potter Lego" game. It was a little pricey so I made a deal with him. He could get the game, if he started to read the books. As soon as we got home, he read the first three chapters of the first book, played his game, and read some more. Since school has started, he has taken the book to school and back home everyday. On Saturday night he watched the first Harry Potter movie. And today after school, he watched the second. There is officially another Harry Potter fan in the family. YEEEESSSS! I am no longer alone! I absolutely LOVE that Josh and I have something that only we can talk about. It drives Nathan crazy that he can't join in on our "Harry Potter" conversations. Sucker!

WHAT NOT TO DO ON LABOUR DAY

The very last thing I want to do on a Labour Day holiday is actual labour. Makes perfect sense does it not? So I was not impressed when I found out that this Labour day I was going to be filling SANDBAGS for a fundraising project for cubs and Young Men/Women. I know what you're thinking......what the what? My thoughts exactly. My original plan was to let Nathan and Josh go by themselves because really, what can little old me really do anyways? But then Nathan laid out a BIG speech about supporting him in his calling and Josh in cubs and blah, blah, blah, and I was sorta considering going except, what about the other three kids? Huh? What was I supposed to do with them? Well, I'll tell ya. While working out this morning I was enlightened to the fact that bouncy castles would be there and lunch would be provided. I. Was. SOLD!!! So after my morning "Bob beating" as I like to call it, the rest of the kids and I headed out. I figured I would show my face, tie a few bags, let the kids get some fresh air (because let's be realistic, summer is over), have a hot dog and be back in time to start my new book and relax before life gets out of control busy. WRONG. Wrong, wrong,wrong. I stayed till the bitter end (about 4:30) tying and lifting 40 pound bags of sand and gravel onto endless piles of pallets. Oh, my poor little body. Even worse, my poor, poor ego. Am I really so wimpy that a 12 year old boy can out lift me three bags to one? Ouch. That will be my word to describe the day. Ouch. But you know, for how much physical torture I went through, I came home with a smile on my face for being able to laugh the whole day long with friends as young as they come to friends I love to pieces. The kids were, of course, of the charts filthy but happy as can be to have had the chance to spend a whole day playing with friends aswell. Not such a bad day after all.

P.S. Anyone know where I can get a 3 hour massage?

SURPRISE!!!!

There's nothing better than watching someone's face when they are the recipient of a surprise. The look of shock and confusion that sits on their face makes me so giddy. I love it. So you can imagine the state I was in yesterday as I got ready to have a surprise bridal shower for my sister-in-law Kayla. EXCITED! If you know me, then you know how much I adore Kayla, and I was a little bummed because I figured I wouldn't be able to go to her bridal shower in Edmonton with all the stuff going on at home. Saddness turned to sheer joy and trickery on tuesday however, when a phone call from the bride-to-be herself informed me that she (and her soon to be hubby) would be in Grande Prairie this weekend. Oooooohh yeeeeeesssss. And the wheels (and cranks) in my head started to turn. Why not have a a bridal, no, surprise bridal shower for her here? After getting the "ok" from Nathan and filling Barb (mother-in-law) in on the plan, it was settled. Party. My house. Saturday.
The rest of the week was spend thinking about how to get her here, and planning some games, and inviting people. Saturday morning Nathan woke up to a "honey-do" list while I ran and got food and party stuff. Kayla actually called and invited us to the farm for supper at 6:00!!! Lucklily, I had to play piano at a baptism and wouldn't be able to make it. Shucks. Now, I have never thrown a surprise party before and it was very awesome to see everything come together, and the closer it got to party time, the more excited I was getting. Guests started to arrive at 7:00 and at 7:30 Barb managed to get an unwilling Kayla to my house. With all the guests in the front room, and me about to pee my pants, I opened the door and we all yelled "SURPRISE!" And boy did we surprise her. Hee hee. It was fantastic. My only regret is that I didn't have the video camera on. The rest of the night was filled with good food, good company and lots of laughs. I am so grateful to all of our friends and family that made the effort to come and support Kayla in this next stage of her life. They are a true blessing.


Now, back to other things.....

THINGS I HAVE LEARNED THIS WEEK

1. Throwing a surprise party is FUN!!

2. Yougurt with cheerios is DELICIOUS!!

3. I have more seperation anxiety than my kids.

4. Three of my favorite friends are from one family.

5. I have lots of favorite friends.

6. I am nervous for this next week to begin.

7. When this next week does begin, I am going to be BUSY!!!!

CAN'T......HARDLY.......WALK.......

I have been impatiently waiting for school to start. Not because my kids drive me crazy, or because I LOVE getting up early (laying the sarcasm on thick) or because maybe my house will stay clean for 2 seconds. No, it's because when school starts, routines and schedules start. I find I am much more efficient when there are routines and schedules to follow. I can't back out. For example: now that school has started, I can get back into the habit of working out. So, every day this week, I drop the three(yes THREE!! Alysha is now in grade one. yeehaw!) oldest kids off at school and jet to my friend Meaghan's house for a good old fashioned biggest loser workout video. We decided though, that we wanted to tackle this whole project with enthusiasm and went straight to the level 2 workout. Bad idea. Oh, such a bad a idea. My mucsles. Oh, my muscles. My legs feel like they are 80 pounds each and I am walking waist deep in thick goo. I picked up a half carton of milk and I might as well of been trying to pick up a house. But the initial pain is worth it right?

Also, once again I an indebted to my fab. older sister for helping me with some GREAT ideas I needed for the weekend. Thanks Linds.

VACATION - LAST DAYS

Saturday we planned on going to the the Timpanogos Caves. First we stopped at a huge Cabella's store that Nathan wanted to check out. Surprisingly, I thought is was cool. This particular store had a ginormous display of stuffed animals and it also had a fish pond were you could feed the fish. TO Nathan's delight, we spend a good hour in there. Then we headed to the caves. When we got there, we were told that the waiting period was THREE HOURS. Nope, not waiting that long, so we drove to Park Place, where all the outlet stores are, and did some shopping. Then we sorta poked around Utah and by the time we got home the kids were exhausted and went to bed earlier than usual.
And Sunday was pack up, and start driving home. :( We weren't in Utah nearly long enough if you ask me, but duties called us back home. Well, Nathan anyway. So Sunday we drove from Salt Lake to Great Falls. Monday we drove from Great Falls to Edmonton and spend the night at Kayla's house. Tuesday we sent Nathan home on the bus and the kids and I stayed at my mom's house/the lake for another two weeks of fun and laughter. More on that later.
I really enjoyed the "just our family" time. Nathan and I got to know the kids better, and we re-introduced ourselves to each other! It had been a while since we had spend some good quality time together.
I think, all in all, the trip was a success.

VACATION - DAY 7

Thursday we went to temple square. Another fantastic experience. The kids were already amazed at how many chapels and temples we had seen so far. "Mom, they are everywhere!" "Look over there Mom, there are two chapels right beside each other!" "Is that ANOTHER temple?" But those were washed away from their brains momentarily, as we walked up to the Salt Lake temple. At first, complete silence. And then, as if they had practiced, they all asked if they could go inside at the same time. So cute. We somehow managed to make our way throught the maze of wedding people(sooooooo many wedding people) and went to the south visitor's centre first. This visitor's centre is all about how the Salt Lake temple was made. There is even a 7 foot replica of the temple with an outside wall off so you can see what the some of the temple looks like on the inside. (Of course, this just made the kids want to go in even more) Josh needed to know every detail about how they transported materials to the temple site and how they carved the stone. (there's a shocker). Merynn was entranced by the mini angel moroni. I say mini.......but it was about as tall as Alysha. Next, we made our way through the Assembly Hall, the Tabernacle, and then the North visitor's centre. This visitor's centre is more about the Savior. We spend ALOT of time in there. I was really overtaken by how interested the kids were to look and read and watch every picture, sign and video. Josh and Trentman's fav. video? The one about the 2000 warriors, of course. We then went and had a tour of the conference centre.
One word. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Truly, amazing. Everything about that building is beautiful. We even got to hear soemone playing the GINORMOUS organ. Again, amazing. We had two non members guys on the tour with us and they were from Poland. (Just a neat tidbit) Next we did the Joseph Smith building (awesome) and then our last stop was the beehive house. There was a few more buildings I would've like to have looked around in, but the day was getting quite hot and the kids were starting to show signs of loosing their cools. Guess we will just have to go back. So we went back to the condo and.........went swimming, had a late supper and went to another cheap movie.
This was a day I won't soon forget.

Just a side note. A couple of sundays ago Josh was looking through and Ensign and saw some pictures of the beehive house and was floored that there were pictures of a place that he had actually been in a magazine.

VACATION - DAY 6

Thursday was our "big spender" day. We went to a theme park called the Lagoon. I really love this theme park because not only does it have all kinds of rides, but it also has an outdoor waterpark as well. How fun is that!!?? You get all sweaty from the rides, you just walk over and cool off on the waterslides. Awesome. So off we went. Rides first. Now, I am not a "rides" person. AT ALL. Just the thought of spinning and dropping makes we a little uneasy in the tummy. Luckily, Josh and Merynn were tall enough to go on most of the rides by themselves and they were also allowed to take the two younger ones on the rides they wanted to go on. So, I lucked out. It is more fun for me to sit and watch them have fun anyways. Nathan was a real trooper and went on a lot of the rides with the kids as well, which was also a fun thing for me to watch. I did go on most of the "kiddieland" rides. (yes, I realize I am lame)But we had a blast. Smiles were on everyone. The waterpark was equally fun and they have some very unique waterslides that the two older kids couldn't get enough of.
For about two years now, Merynn has been asking to go on a ferris wheel. Not sure what put the thought in her mind but it has been something she would talk about ALL the time. It just so happens that there is a HUGE ferris wheel at the Lagoon, so after we did all the rides, and all the waterslides, we ended the day with a ferris wheel ride. Nothing but pure contentment radiated off Merynn's face as she sat through that ferris wheel ride. The middle picture I posted doesn't even do the moment justice. A tear actually crept down my cheek for my daughter and the fact that one of her wishes actually came to life. So,so magical.

VACATION - DAY 5

On Wednesday we went to the Hogle zoo. It was a very entertaining day. We saw every animal we were hoping to see except for a hippo. We might have missed it, or maybe there isn't one there. I think the funniest part of the day was when we were walking over to see the monkeys and all of a sudden,we could hear this strange noise.????? Turns out, it was a monkey "singing". Oh man it was funny. We also saw a cute baby elephant which was mesmorizing. It was great to slowly make our way around the zoo and enjoy the weather, the sights and the sounds. I did NOT like the "Night time Terrors" exhibition. Spiders, and scorpions and cockroaches........so freaky gross. The craziest thing was that there were bats just hanging from the trees!! In NO cages!! (insert barfing noise)
It was amazing to realize how majestic and peculiar some animals really are.

After we were done at the zoo, we came back to the condo and went for an afternoon swim. I am pretty sure we could have spend each and every day of our vacation at the pool only, and the kids would have not been happier. They just loved swimming in an outdoor pool. After our swim and supper, we took the kids to go do a little shopping and see a movie.

Another wonderful day.

VACATION - DAY 4

We woke up VERY early tuesday morning and drove. We drove and drove and drove some more. We drove all the way to Utah. Stopping of corse at anything we thought would be interesting. We crossed the border and were officially in the United States.
The kids did surprisingly well for the 12 hour drive we did. Yes, apparently we are crazy. But we wanted as many days in Utah as we could get. We stumbled upon an army surplus store in Idaho which I am positive was Nathan's highlight of the entire trip. He was giddy with excitement as we walked around. Ridiculous, I know. The kids each got a camouflauged shirt and then we kept on driving. We arrived at our condo in Utah at 7:00 at night and quickly unpacked the van and went for a more needed swim in th outdoor pool. The kids were amazed that even though it was dark out, the air was so warm. They had already decided that this trip was awesome.

VACATION - DAY 3

Monday morning we woke up and drove to Drumheller. I had only been there once that I remembered and Nathan had never been, add that to the fact that Trentan is obsessed with dinosaurs and you get an excited crew. As we drove into Drumheller and we started to see all the dinosaur statues everywhere our excitement was seaping out of every crack. First we just HAD to go see the GINORMOUS t-rex that you can climb up and look out of his mouth. So cool. Then we headed to the museum. It was fantastic!! We somehow split up with Nathan taking the younger two and me taking the older two at a slower pace so we could actually read all the information and inspect all the cool experiments. It was fun to hang out with just Josh and Merynn but it would have been fun to see Trentan's expressions too. We eventually met up with each other and did the last bit of the museum together. There were so many neat things to see and investigate. The kids really liked the scale that told you how much you weighed in animals. Example: Rynni weighs the same as a beaver. Nathan weighs as much as a deer. All of us together weigh as much as a moose. Drumheller is really a neat place. I wish I would have researched it a little more cause besides the museum, there are still all kinds of things to do there. We could have easily spend another day there. I guess we will just have to go back one day.
After we were done at the museum, we drove to Lethbridge where we stayed in the Ramada hotel which had a wave pool and two waterslides.
The perfect way to end the day.

(I will eventually post pictures. Nathan downloaded them onto his laptop and he has it with him on the road. So they will have to wait)

VACATION - DAY 1 and 2

Alright, here it goes. Our big trip summer 2010.

We left Saturday and arrived at Wabamun lake to hang out with my fam. It was super exciting cause my lil' sis Rachel was back for a visit. (she lives is Hawaii......I know right?)So after a great day of tubing and kneeboarding and hanging out with cousins, aunts, sisters and parents, we drove to Edmonton to spend the weekend with Nathan's sisters Kayla and Sarah. Sunday we got up and went to church with Sarah and Shawn. It just so happens that they are in the ward that Nathan and I were in when we lived in Edmonton while Nathan was going to school. It seems like so long ago that we were there last and it was really good to see some good friends and catch up. After church, we went to the park while Nathan had a nap and we waited for Kayla to get home from church. After a delicious, yet unfortunately short, supper.......(if you want details you'll have to ask)Kayla had the great idea to take the kids to Hawerlak Park and feed the ducks. So we did. It was a really fun, relaxing afternoon. We took a frisbee and a football and enjoyed each others company. I loved it.

HOME

We are home at last!!! Well, actually we have been home for a few days but who's counting? We had a most wonderful and memorable trip to Utah and then to the lake (which I will get into later) and are back home in one piece. As the weeks passed and I continued to live out of a suitcase, I realized how much my house is a sanctuary for me. One of the best parts of the trip was walking back through my front door. The familiar furniture, the familiar smells, the familiar mattress....Now, don't get me wrong, it was fun to spend a week in the little condo we booked in Utah, and it is ALWAYS fun to be at the lake, but I was definetely anxious to be on my own turf again. The kids could have stayed at the lake for the rest of the summer I'm sure, but I was done. If only I could have brought my sisters and momzy home with me. Then life would be perfect.
It was good to see all of the familiar faces at church today. I love that so many kids came and gave me a hug today. Maybe I make a little bit of a difference?? I feel terrible though because all I wanted to do was visit with my galpals instead of paying attention. There will be playdates this week for sure!!! I need to catch up with my peeps!
So, because I need to write down our trip so we can remember it, I am going to do it throughout the week cause I'm pretty sure I can't do it all in one sitting. So that will start tomorrow.

Just one other thing before I sign off for today:

CONGRATS TO KAYLA AND CURTIS!!!!!

We are so very excited!!!

FUN TIMES TODAY

Jen and I took our kids to the museum today. They are celebrating heritage days there so the kids got to do some extra neat stuff. They got to pan for "gold", make a key chain, weave, go to "school" (with slates and chalk)and investigate all the pioneer houses. They all had a lot of fun. And actually, so did I. After we were done with the Heritage village, we went and checked out the rest of the museum. Josh was absolutely entranced with the morse code telegraph. He played on it forever!! At one point, Merynn said to me,"I am learning so much mom. Thanks for bringing me here." It really was fun. Of course we had to top it off with an ice cream. Yummmmm, bubble gum ice cream. I did take some pictures with my new camera......I will post them later.

Then I had an extra excellent treat....I went to safeway to pick up some ice, and guess who was there? My Whipples!!! Oh how I adore Leslie, Hannah and Marin. If my two girls grow up to be even half the girls Hannah and Marin are, life will be bliss. I love to just sit and chat with them.

We got to go out to the farm for supper. Auntie Kayla is visiting. She is an amazing auntie and sister. (in-law)We went for an extra long quad ride and had a great time.

Today was a good day.

3 MORE SLEEPS!!!

JUST PLAIN WEIRD

As I was pulling into our driveway this afternoon, I realized that my next door neighbor was vacuuming her lawn. Yes,vacuuming. No, I did not have a hallucination. No, I am not joking. She was full out vacuuming her lawn. With a shop vac. Does this seem strange to anyone else? Or is there a new gardening technique that I missed? Even my kids were confused. I wish I was brave enough to ask her just why exactly she was doing that.

Also so weird.......my momzy AND my brother both called me today. A rare occurrence if there ever was one. I LOVED it. I can never get enough of my bro., but he is usually M.I.A., so it is a special day when he calls. So awesome to talk to my momzy too. Love, love, love her.

4 more sleeps till we leave!!!!

NOTHING NEW

I have totally been slacking on the blog updates......but here's the problem......I have NOTHING to write about. Everyday is the same old, same old . Get up, get the kids breakfast, work out, hang out at the park, hang out at home, go to bed. I feel like summer is passing by so quickly and we are wasting it. The weather should really co-operate.

The weekend was good. Nate was actually home on Saturday for a change, and it was almost weird to have him around. We got some yard work done and I cleaned the van out (yes, AGAIN) to get ready for our trip. And then.......it was GIRLS NIGHT!!!! Oh how I love these nights. Out for supper and then to a movie. It was STUPENDOUS!! My cheeks were actually a little sore from all the laughing. I love my friends, yes I do. After church we had a couple of families over for supper and again, much fun, much laughter.

I had to teach the lesson in Relief Society today and it was on the priesthood. I really am grateful for the priesthood and that my husband is worthy to use this gift. The priesthood has blessed my life, and the lives of my family so many, many times. I hope that I can teach and guide my sons on the right path so that they too can have the power of the priesthood and bless others. I am also proud of my kids for their eagerness to invite friends to church and to share what knowledge they have of the gospel to others. Merynn brought a friend to church today and even gave her a Book of Mormon. Her boldness is an example to me.

I have so much to do this week to get ready to leave and I don't want to do ANY of it. How to get motivated? Anyone want to come to my laundry? Anyone?

Also, thanks Linds for always anwsering your phone and my silly questions. And FYI - the piano playing went so ridiculous even my Josh commented on my mistakes!(no go with the book in the library). But it is over.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARAH GANDER!!! We love you.

Here is this weeks list:

1. I learned what "parging" is.

2. There is an animal called a Nutria.

3. Kids will get RIDICULOUS when they know the are being filmed.

4. I no longer can function on 6 hours of sleep.

5. Girls night is WAY better than headache medicine.

6. I miss Leslie, Hannah, Marin and Kori. COME HOME!!!!!!

7. Apparently, one can be Elder's Quorum President and Young Men's President at the same time. Huh.

TOONEY TUESDAY

For the last two days the weather has been cold and gross and the kids have been extremely good considering they can't go play outside. So, to thank them for their good behavior, I took all the kids to go see the new movie Despicable Me tonight. I LOVE CHEAP TUESDAY!!!!! It was a really cute show. Josh fell off his chair once or twice from laughing so hard. (what 9 yr. old boy wouldn't laugh at a fart gun?) We had a really fun night out.
I did witness something odd tonight while at the movie. A lady walked up to the garbage can took out a large empty pop and went and got a refill!! How gross is that!! The things people will do. Sick.

Hoping the weather warms up.

SPOILED

I absolutely LOVE the present Nathan got me for my b-day. It's a sony dual camera and camcorder. It is going to be perfect for our trip. And everyday life too. I am really excited to use it. It is so small. I think it's awesome. I wasn't expecting him to get me anything because I don't really NEED anything and I told him to just save the money so we would have more for our trip. He spoiled me anyways. Thanks Nathan. Love You.

THINGS I LEARNED THIS WEEK

Here's this weeks list:

1. You can sunburn ANY part of your body.

2. My new favorite smelling soap is Dial brands Pomegranate & Tangerine. Yum it smells good. Makes me want to lick my hands.

3. 32 feels the same as 31.

4. I am very, very, very out of shape.

5. Not only can Josh and Merynn get along......they can get along almost too well.

6. The simplest acts of kindness mean the absolute most.

THE BEACH

Yeah, yeah I know, I've missed a couple of days. Here's the situation......when it is hot here in G.P., we are outside. All day because hot weather doesn't happen frequently, so we take what we can get. So what happens is, when we finally do come inside, and the layers of sunscreen have been scrubbed of the kids, and they have watched a movie and are in bed,the house is a disaster cause I have been out side all day. Which means, instead of blogging, I am catching up on cleaning. By the time the cleaning is done, I am done too. And into bed I go. So there. End of that explanation.

The last few days have been insanely beautiful and the kids and I have been loving it. They finished their swimming lessons and they all did fantastic. Yesterday we went to Musreau Lake with the Keslers and had a blast playing at the beach. I am not sure if there is any sand left there though because somehow it ALL managed to end up in my bathtub! Ahh good times.

Nathan and the two older kids left about 2 hours ago to go to Edmonton to go canoeing for the day tomorrow with Kayla/Curtis and Sarah/Shawn and Andy and Grandpa Brent. They were all really excited to go. I hope they have a fabulous time. So I think I am going to take the younger two and go see a movie. Alysha wants to go see "The Karate Kid" so that's probably what we'll do.

Life is good.

WE'LL MISS YOU

Sadly, it's official. We have no more pet rabbit. After looking for 3 days with no success, we have come to the conclusion that Freckles is not coming back. It is heart breaking to see the girls go through the loss. I am pretty sure we won't be doing the "pet" thing again any time soon. Thanks for the memories Frecks. You were a most wonderful pet rabbit.

On a lighter note, the 3 older kids started swimming lessons this week at the outdoor pool. Notice that I did NOT register Trentan......They all had a great time and did really well. 9:00 in the morning is a tough time but we got there on time today. We'll see if we can keep it up.

For F.H.E. we went to a place called Kleskun Hills. We were supposed to go with some friends but I didn't get my act together fast enough and they were leaving when we were arriving. SORRY FRIENDS!!! It was so much fun. Nathan had told the kids that fossils had been found there and so they would climb one of the hills and look for "footprints" or any other sign of a dinosaur. Oh man it was hilarious. At the end of it all I think the tally was 9 t-rex footprints, 7 "long neck" foot prints, a "long neck" head/neck/body, and my personal fav., a pterodactyl wing. (Trentman "found" that one) Because it had rained last night, the hills were muddy and we had to strip the kids down to their undies and t-shirts before letting them back in the van. They were filthy! What a fabulous, fun time.

WHAT I LEARNED THIS WEEK

Things I learned this week:

1. I not only dislike the wind, I LOATHE the wind.

2. One of my most favorite things to do is to talk on the phone (or in person) with my sisters. (that includes sis.-in-laws) Sorry bro.

3. Trentan loves to make up songs. About anything.

4. Nathan is a softie. When it comes to Alysha. (I kinda knew this already, just reiterating)

5. I can use big words in a sentence!!! (see point 4 - last word)

6. Those individuals who have callings as nursery leaders, without a doubt, have THE most patience of all.

WHAT DO YOU SAY?

What do you say to your daughters when their pet rabbit has escaped AGAIN and this time we can't find him? Anywhere? For two days?

What do you say to all your kids when, while you are eating breakfast, a sparrow runs into the kitchen window and lands on your deck and dies?

What do you say to your youngest son when he tells you, "Mom, please don't sing in my room. If you want to sing, go find a stage."?

What do you say to your friend and her two amazing daughters when they put up with you WAAAAYYYY longer than necessary?

What do you say when, after trying for two summers, your now 6 year old can FINALLY ride her two wheeler, and she wants to know why you are crying?

What do you say to your sister who, was in the hospital for three days getting an organ removed, phones to apologize for not calling your daughter on her birthday?.......ummmmm.....you were a little busy Sarah!!

Oy! The last 48 hours have been ridiculous.

AHHHH THE CLEANLINESS

The last two days we have been busy steam-cleaning the heck out of everything. 3 bedrooms, 8 couches, 3 area rugs, and two vehicles later, our house smells fabulous, and our furniture looks amazing. I am now on a cleaning frenzy. I now need to convince Nathan that I need the ladder in the house so I can dust the lights that are waaaayyy up high in the kitchen. (I would actually like to just replace them with something new and more updated, but I won't push my luck.)
The first few days of summer haven't been too memorable but we are enjoying each other's company. Hopefully the sun will come out, and the wind will stop. We are keeping are fingers crossed.
Looking forward to some "girl" time with my friends tomorrow.

HAPPY CANADA DAY!!

p.s. adding some pictures of the kids courtesy of my friend Leslie!! Thank You!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALYSHA NICOLE

Happy, happy 6th birthday to my Alysha. I love your smile, I love your laugh, I love your voice, I love your determination, I love your tenderness, I love your curls, I love your smarts, I love your shyness. I hope you know how much you are loved and adored. I hope you remain as sweet and pure as you are today. Never forget who you are. My daughter, and more importantly, Heavenly Father's daughter. I LOVE YOU!!

Thank you to all who took the time to phone Alysha and tell her Happy Birthday. You made her day extra special. (she thought the bumps given to her by Jen and Suzanne were awesome too!!)