~ Kate's Life ~

Isaiah 41:10

2012-02-10T16:02:00.000-05:00

Isn't this picture amazing?

I love it, and it makes me feel so comforted.

Praying you feel the Lord's peace and presence with you today and always.

Kindergarten Registration

2012-02-08T16:03:00.000-05:00

Things were very exciting for Jordan 'round these parts today.

Today we began the registration process for her to attend Junior Kindergarten this fall!

She's been longing to go to school for months now and loves to pretend like she has homework to do. She'll pull out her crayons and colouring books and sit at the table with Sam and Julie while they do theirs.

Ian and I took her over this morning to sign her up. I'd forgotten how much paperwork is involved!

While I filled out form after form, Ian took Jordan to the gym so they could watch a class and see what goes on.

She was pretty excited.

I was hoping that we'd be able to take a quick peek into the kindergarten classroom before we left. I've stayed in touch with Sam and Julie's kindergarten teacher, Mrs. B, and was happy to see her today. She not only let us peek into the class, but she gave Jordan a full tour.

I'd forgotten about the little desks and chairs.

And the smell of paint and fun.

And different activity stations.

And the little sink for little hands to reach.

She was so shy! I couldn't believe it. I loved watching her trying to take everything in.

So yeah, she's excited.

I have to go back tomorrow with a copy of her immunization record, and then that will complete her registration. We'll schedule a classroom visit for early September and then we wait. And listen to her talk about school. Over and over and over... ;-)

It's strange. I thought I'd be sad, but I'm not. I'm really excited for her. She's ready for something more. We don't get out a lot, so she doesn't really interact with other kids her age except for Sunday school.

Now, once the Fall hits and I have to actually leave her there, that's when the tears will come!

At least I still have Matthew to keep me company!

Tuesday's Treats ~ Lemon & Lime Poppy Seed Cake

2012-02-07T06:01:00.000-05:00

The grocery store down the street sells a lemon coffee cake that I just love. What I don't love it the price tag. The only time I will buy one is if I'm having company over for coffee or it's my turn to bring something to a gathering.

When I saw this recipe in my Taste of Home magazine I couldn't wait to try it.

And now you can too :-)

You'll Need:

1 yellow cake mix
1 package of instant vanilla pudding mix
1/4 cup of poppy seeds
4 eggs
1/2 cup of water
1/2 of canola oil
1/4 cup of lemon juice
1/4 cup of lime juice

Glaze
1-3/4 cups of confectioners sugar
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
2 tablespoons of lime juice

Step One:
In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then beat on medium for 2 minutes. Pour into a greased and floured 10 inch fluted tube pan.

Step Two:
Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the centre comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step Three
In a small bowl, combine glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over cake.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Just a couple of things to note here. For my own personal preference, I felt like 1/4 cup of poppy seeds was a lot. Next time I think I would put in a little less. My baking time was about 42 minutes, and for the glaze, I only used 1 & 1/4 cups of confectioners (icing) sugar for the consistency I wanted.

I intended to take some of this cake over to my Mama's house, but it didn't quite make it.

Sorry Mama.

I liked this cake. For me, it leans more towards a coffee cake than a regular cake. I'll definitely make this again.

Counting Mine {151-165}

2012-02-05T06:08:00.016-05:00

What a week! Lots of highs and lows, and much to be thankful for in between.

The other day my sweet friend Marie sent me an email saying she was praying this verse over me:

"However, as it is written:
“What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”[a]—
the things God has prepared for those who love him-"
1 Corinthians 2:9

Marie sends me emails of love and encouragement regularly, reminding me of the truths I need to cling to. She lifts me up and prays for my family and I am so thankful for her. Her emails always seem to arrive on a day when I need them the most. She is definitely one of my one thousand gifts :)

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
151} little girls with polished nails
152} drive-in movies
153} picnics
154} slow dancing with my Ian
155} disco
156} Ian's well worn, well read bible and all the written notes within it
157} garbage exemption day
158} when Julie let's me blow dry her hair
159} reading a bible verse and hearing it in a fresh way
160} staying in hotels
161} free samples
162} cars that stop when there's no crosswalk, just to let children cross
163} when Jordan picks out all the orange m&ms to give to me
164} stores with pretty bags
165} a restored marriage
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
If you are counting your own blessings and blogging about them, will you leave me a comment with the link to your blog, or share them with me at katieb38@hotmail.com? I'd love to know how you are being blessed through your journey!

Counting Mine {1-15}
Counting Mine {16-30}
Counting Mine {31-45}
Counting Mine {46-60}
Counting Mine {61-75}
Counting Mine {76-90
Counting Mine {91-105}
Counting Mine {106-120}
Counting Mine {121-135}
Counting Mine {136-150}

2012-02-04T13:53:00.001-05:00

There is this house in my neighbourhood that is having a hard time letting go of Christmas.

See what I mean?

It looks like Santa keeled over on the porch.

It's February 4th now, sweet neighbour of mine.

Time to pack it up already.

Unless they're waiting for December to roll around again...

5QF ~ February 3

2012-02-03T06:47:00.000-05:00

I can't believe how quickly this week has gone by.

Yesterday was an awesome, awesome, day. I went and had my hair coloured and cut for the first time in a very long time. How long, you ask? Well, my last visit was July 16th.

Shameful!

My roots were as long as my arm, I think.

Mary, my wonderful stylist, fixed me right up and I was on my way in no time.

I was feeling pretty good let me tell you. I was actually feeling...prepare yourself... sexy.

Yep.

It's amazing how a good cut and colour can make a woman feel so good about herself.

She even told me which brand of hair colour to purchase to be able to do touch ups at home to save money. So thankful for that.

I don't know what got into me today. It was my turn to drive the children to school and I invited Jordan to come along. That girl loves errands of any kind so she was very happy to come with me. We dropped the kids off at school then went to Walmart to pick up a couple of items. As soon as we returned home I put the groceries away and started making cake balls. After that I made a Shepherd's Pie for our dinner tonight, a cake that I'll share with you on Tuesday, and a casserole to take to my mother's house. And then I made baby food for Matthew that left me feeling like a rockstar.

Busy, busy, busy.

Since I went on and on about my new hair on twitter yesterday and didn't show a picture, I figured I'd vlog my Five Question Friday today while my hair still looked pretty awesome.

Ok, two things about this video. First, the sound is wonky and it goes normal and quiet and Matthew never stopped moving but I just can't re-do this video again. And second, I actually did this video last night but I'm trying to talk like I did it today but I kept messing up. Again... I can't do this video again.

Ready?

Me too!

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

**As usual, my sincere thanks to the folks at YouTube for freezing on a frame that makes me look like a moron.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Head on over to Mama M's blog My Little Life to join in on the fun!

Making Baby Food With The Baby Bullet

2012-02-02T20:58:00.000-05:00

I tried my hand at making baby food today and I'm excited to tell you about it.

This is not a tutorial because making homemade baby food isn't rocket science. If I can do it, anyone can do it.

With THIS!

Best baby gift ever.

Matthew has been eating baby food from a jar for awhile now. Mostly because it's convenient and because I wasn't sure what foods he could eat without having issues. I didn't want to go to the effort of making something and then finding out he couldn't tolerate it. Now that I know, I am free to make it from scratch.

Before I show what I did, I have to show you two things first.

First, would you look at how cute these little jars are! They look so happy. And they have a dial on there that you set to the date you made it, so you always know how fresh it is.

And this itty bitty spatula!

So cute!

Ok, first thing I tried was corn. See?

All I had to do was press it down a few times to puree it. The more you press the more pureed it gets. I didn't want it too smooth because he's ready for more texture now.

Voila!

Sorry for my blurry pics. I took them on my iphone and I was a little excited.

Such happy little jars.

Next I made some green beans.

Kind of gross.

I don't like green beans unless they're a certain brand in a can. These were not canned green beans and I don't have to eat them so I'm not fussing about it.

And after.

See that little container thing under my hand? That's for the portions you can freeze. So awesome.

See?

I also made peas, but I spared you those pictures.

And all my (blurry) little happy jars ready for the fridge.

Making my own baby food made me feel like a rockstar today. I wanted to puree everything!

Run kids! Run!

I've always formula fed my babies, and they ate food from jars. I always kind of admired other moms that made their own baby's food to be honest. And today I feel pretty good about myself for taking the time (30 seconds ha) to make Matthew's food fresh.

Apparently anything we're eating can be put into this Baby Bullet and pureed for him to eat. It's so easy to use and easy to clean. I really like it.

I sound like a commercial. I can't help it :-)

Seriously though, if you're looking for a baby gift that will make an impact, I strongly suggest this. Easy peasy.

:-D

Back Off

2012-02-01T00:17:00.000-05:00

I saw this on Pinterest today and it made me smile.

Some days - like today - the spiritual attack is so strong and I feel worn down.

I feel like it's a battle all day between me and him. He pokes at my fears and I counter with a bible verse. Back and forth, back and forth. All day long.

I'm tired.

Yet I'm peaceful.

This is one of my favourite verses.

I've been praying this verse for about a week now and it's comforting. I love the reminder that not only is He with us, but He goes before us as well. That we're not alone.

I know God is with us. I feel Him. Verses I've memorized will pop into my mind right when I need them. That's the Holy Spirit.

I pray daily that God will give me what I need to be the encouraging, supportive and loving wife that Ian needs and deserves, especially now.

It feels like things are getting harder. But that's ok. We can do hard. I don't know when things will change for the better, but I know God can change our circumstances in a second. It's hard to wait, but knowing He is coming to help makes the waiting easier.

He is good. Always, He is good.

Just A Few Things

2012-01-30T15:00:00.001-05:00

I don't have a lot to blog about today so I'm just going to ramble a little.

I have a cold and I feel so lousy. Ian made sure I stayed in bed all weekend and brought me tea and toast and M&Ms and apple pie... oh yum. I'm still feeling pretty wiped out but life must go on, right? My house is a disaster and I'm moving so slowly that it's taking me forever to clean it up. I actually got sidetracked by the Imagination Movers show if you can believe that. It was a new one and I actually stopped the vacuum and sat down to watch.

Sam and Julie are home sick again today. I hate that they're missing so much school but I can't send them feeling the way they are. It makes me crazy when parents send sick kids to school and then my kids catch their cooties.

Oh yeah. I said cooties.

I keep forgetting to switch the laundry so I just run the washer again and hope I remember next time. I also run the dryer for another 5-10 minutes if the clothes are cold when I eventually return to get them.

Please tell me I'm not the only one who does this.

I'm drinking iced tea like it's going out of style these days. Ian bought some Walmart brand powdered mix and we love it. I drink it with tons of ice and pretend it's summer.

Only 142 days until summer in case you're wondering.

I'm so thankful for my husband, Ian. He hasn't had an easy time for awhile now, but he always puts a smile on his face and does what needs to be done. He's out doing that today and I'm so proud of him. He is a wonderful man of character and integrity and I'm so thankful that God chose him for me.

Mattie is now awake from his nap that lasted all of eleven minutes. I think he's the next one to have this cold we're all sharing.

Hope you're having a great Monday :)

5QF ~ January 27

2012-01-27T14:05:00.000-05:00

It's a cold, snowy day 'round these parts. Sam and Julie both feel sick today so I kept them home from school. My house is a disaster and I'm so far behind on my laundry.

I was planning on vlogging today, but I have a cold and my face is puffy. And my hair is a hot mess.

Trust me. You don't want to see me today.

So, today I'm just going to do my Five Question Friday old skool style and type it out.

Ready?

Let's go.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

1. Do you swim in the winter?

No. I don't like the chill I get when I go outside after swimming. I don't take the time to dry my hair before I leave and it freezes on the way to the car.

When I win the lottery and have an indoor pool in my house, you betcha I'll be swimming every day. Be nice to me and I'll invite you to join me.

:-)

2. Do you love or hate winter?

I think I'm pretty clear on this. I despise winter on a level you cannot imagine.

Only 52 days until Spring...

3. Do you put makeup/actual clothes on when you know you're going to be home all day with just family?

I don't wear makeup at all. I have been considering starting because I'm getting older and wrinkles are appearing, and my skin isn't as nice as it was when I was younger. I need some 911 assistance.

As for actual clothes, yes. I get dressed every morning. I am not one to lounge around in my pjs. It makes me feel gross. Even if I'm sick, like today, I will still get dressed.

4. How old were you when you had your first alcoholic beverage?

I was sixteen. I went to a bush party with several coworkers that were older than me and I started drinking beer. I had absolutely no tolerance and no one told me when to stop. I eventually passed out for about 45 minutes. I was still drunk when my friends dropped me off at home the next morning. I remember sitting on my front porch for almost an hour trying to find my keys in my purse. I told my mother I was sick and she took care of me all day. The guilt became overwhelming and I admitted that I was hung over.

She grounded me for two years.

Two years.

I wish I was lying.

I was allowed to go to the movies, the mall or out to dinner with friends, but I wasn't allowed to go to any parties for two years.

She's a tough cookie, my Mama.

5. How many ill calls in a 12 month period do you think are acceptable?

Oh I could go on about this all day long. It really bothers me when someone takes a lot of time off work. I don't like having to cover someone else's workload on top of mine, and I can't stand having to wait to get something from someone else who's off all the time.

I've worked with people who felt it was a challenge to work two weeks in a row without missing any days.

We get 40 hours of paid leave per year, which is 5 days. I think exceeding that amount of time would be considered excessive.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

That's it! Hope you all have a wonderful Friday!

Head on over to Mama M's blog My Little Life to join in on the fun!

It's Been A Good Day

2012-01-26T17:10:00.000-05:00

My day started out a little on the rough side. I've caught Ian's cold and my head feels too heavy for my body. And I'm a bit cranky.

This morning we took Sam and Jules to school, then Ian dropped Jordan, Matthew and me off at my Mama's to visit for a bit while he went to an appointment. We had so much to talk about that I don't think we covered everything! I haven't been to visit in over a week and it felt so good to be with her again.

We got some good news today too. I'm not sure when I can talk about it but I will as soon as I can. I hate when bloggers do that. If you're going to tell me you have good news, either tell me now or keep it to your dang self. Right? Right.

Ian and I took the littles to the mall in the afternoon which gave me an opportunity to pop in here.

*my apologies to the dude sitting on the bench...I don't know how to photoshop or blur you out. But rest assured you look fab-u-lous SNAP.*

I spent 25 glorious minutes in there. I looked at everything I wanted to look at and priced out a few things I'd like to add to my sewing arsenal someday.

I passed by a bin of pre-cut fabric and saw this:

SO CUTE!

We are a Veggie Tales family and I thought I could make a pillow each for Jordan and Matthew. We'll see. I couldn't pass it up at only $3! I tend to buy fabric when it's on sale and then just add it to my collection without making anything because I really don't know what I'm doing. I really should take a sewing class or two.

So there you have it. We got some great news today, I visited my Mama and Fabricland. All the makings of a great day.

Tomorrow is Five Question Friday and I think I feel a vlog coming on...

What I Look Like When I Try To Sew

2012-01-25T14:20:00.002-05:00

I think I've made my love of Pinterest pretty clear. If you aren't on it then there is something wrong with you.

Ok, not really. But seriously, you need to check it out.

Every so often I come across something that makes me laugh really, really hard.

Look at this.

This was me after drinking three glasses of wine while trying to applique a pillowcase for Julie's friend for Christmas.

Too funny.

Ok.. go sign up!

Tuesday's Treats ~ Skor Squares

2012-01-24T11:36:00.001-05:00

It feels like forever since I posted about something I baked. October of 2010 in fact! Between working and being exhausted from being pregnant, I had to put my baking hobby on the back burner for awhile.

But I'm baaaccckkkk.... Or rather, easing back into things slowly.

One of my easiest go-to recipes are for Skor Squares. Quick prep time, quick baking time, and everyone loves them. I've made them for baby showers, bible studies, pick-me-ups for people, as an olive branch to my neighbours...

And now you can make them too!

You'll Need:

1 box of Ritz crackers (225 g box)
1 package of Skor Bits
1 can of condensed milk

Preheat your oven to 350.

Crush the entire box of the Ritz crackers and pour into a large bowl. Add the whole package of Skor chips and the can of condensed milk.

Mix until thoroughly blended.

Pour into a greased 9 x 13 inch pan and bake for 20 minutes.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Yes, it really is that easy and there's absolutely no way you can make a mistake. And they are so delicious.

Cleaning A Glass Stove Top

2012-01-23T12:51:00.000-05:00

Remember how I used to complain about my oven beeping all the time whenever I turned it on?

I used to want to punch it.

It once took me 2 1/2 hours to cook five pork chops, and then they ended up almost getting burned because the temperature shot up from 350 to 425 without anyone touching it.

We had to stop using it several months ago when it started heating up all on its own. The burners worked fine, but we used the toaster oven, microwave, and crock pot for everything else.

So, all that to say, we recently got a new oven. And I love it. I'm not one to get attached to appliances, but I'll admit.. I've hugged this one a few times.

I've long wanted one with a glass stove top. Ian always said no, not as long as we had small children because he was afraid one of them would touch it and burn their little hands. I always said that children could be taught not to touch.

But I got one :-)

Have I mentioned I love it? I did? Oh, well I'm probably going to be saying it again at some point in this post. Be prepared.

But as much as I love it, it makes me so nervous. I'm afraid of the stove top getting scratched or cracked. I won't let anyone else clean it but me. I'm kind of a beast when it comes to it. My mother-in-law gave me some tips on how to clean it and gave me some Vim and scrub brushes to use. While it does most of the trick, there is still some residual stuff left behind at times.

Yesterday I made spaghetti for dinner and had a boil over. Normally I lay a wooden spoon over the top of the pot to prevent this from happening, but Jordan had taken it from the drawer and I couldn't find it.

So, even after cleaning my stove top with Vim, the scrub brush and a whole lot of elbow grease, this is what I was left with.

I was getting stressed out and started to get really nervous. Why wasn't it coming off? Was it going to look like this forever?

Then I remembered back to when my sweet friend Jen sent me over to my beloved Pinterest to check out a this link she'd found that explained how to clean your stove top.

I figured that today was a great day to give it a go. I took pictures so you can feel like you were right there with me.

:-)

First I liberally sprinkled baking soda all over the top of my stove.

Then I soaked two dish towels in a bowl full of hot, soapy water. I squeezed out the excess water and placed the towels over the top of the stove. Apparently this was only to take fifteen minutes, so I set my timer and went to do something else.

When the timer went off I practically ran to rip off the towels and rejoice in my brand new looking stove top.

It didn't work.

Not ready to give up just yet, I repeated all the steps again.

When the timer went off again, I returned to the stove and gently moved the towel around, using the baking soda as a scrub. When I peeled off the towels, it looked better but not perfect.

Out came the Vim and scrub brush again. I was expecting to have to use a lot more elbow grease, but the rest of it came up pretty quickly. A quick wipe with a clean, dry cloth and this is what I was left with.

Doesn't it look great?! I love it!!

I have walked by and admired it about a dozen times now. It looks like new.

Ian googled ways to clean a glass stove top and one suggestion said to wait until the "hot surface" light goes off, then wipe up any spills with a damp cloth before they have a chance to set. I think I'll be trying that next time to avoid this stress! A couple of people suggested a product called Bar Keepers Friend but I'm not sure we'll sell it here in Canada. Worth a try to look!

Do you have any special tips or tricks you use?

Counting Mine {136 - 150}

2012-01-22T14:52:00.001-05:00

Today was my first day back in church after being away for two months. Well, if you don't count Christmas Eve, but that was at a different church.

Why the long break? Lots of reasons, none of them really worthy of such a long time away. I think that at some level was a little freaked out at what happened the last time I was there. I didn't really go into detail about it, but I mentioned it in November.

It was so good to be back today, and to see so many of the faces I love so much. I collected lots and lots of hugs :) Matthew went into the nursery for the first time and did really well. It felt weird to be empty handed in the sanctuary!

Back at home, I was preparing lunch and I asked Jordan how her Sunday school class went, and she told me how much God loves her.

Precious.

It's a good, good, day.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
136} that sweet, tired feeling after a day out in the sun
137} the first warm day after a long, cold winter
138} swimming in the dark
139} magazine day
140} baby skin
141} irish accents
142} watching tv in bed
143} seeing my big boy cuddling my little boy
144} holding a sleeping baby
145} baking something new that Ian loves
146} how my mother's front door is always open
147} spring
148} people watching in the mall
149} ironing Ian's shirts
150} Ian's hand on my lower back as we enter a room
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
If you are counting your own blessings and blogging about them, will you leave me a comment with the link to your blog, or share them with me at katieb38@hotmail.com? I'd love to know how you are being blessed through your journey!

Counting Mine {1-15}
Counting Mine {16-30}
Counting Mine {31-45}
Counting Mine {46-60}
Counting Mine {61-75}
Counting Mine {76-90
Counting Mine {91-105}
Counting Mine {106-120}
Counting Mine {121-135}

Saturday Afternoon Sewing Project: Toddler Apron

2012-01-21T18:30:00.000-05:00

I've been wanting to sew something for awhile now but the idea of pulling out my sewing machine and ironing board and setting everything up seemed like too much trouble.

I tend to lose track of time when I sew, which is not a good idea when I have little ones to watch.

But today seemed like a perfect, slow day to pull out my stuff and choose a project. Ian said he'd take over all Matthew's care so I could relax and enjoy myself.

I love that man.

My initial plan was to make a diaper wipe case thing that has a pocket for a few diapers and a pocket for the wipes. But once I got into my tote full of fabrics, I decided to make Jordan an apron instead.

I love aprons. Julie and I have each have a gorgeous apron from The Hip Hostess and we feel like we're all that when we wear them. I thought Jordan would enjoy having one for herself so she can be like us in the kitchen.

This is the fabric I chose:

Sew pretty. (Haha...see what I did there?)

Oh, I guess I should warn you... if you sew extremely well, you might just keel over and die at how I do things. Just love me anyway.

I had an old apron that Sam and Julie used to wear way back in the day that is all stained and grody now. I pressed it and used it as my pattern.

Don't groan. It worked.

I pinned the apron to my fabric and cut around it, leaving enough to hem.

Then I cut four pieces to make into the ties. Two for her waist, two for her neck.

I think the waist ties were 20 inches and the neck ties were 12 inches. But I could be mistaken. I'm very hungry right now and my focus on my belly.

I folded each strap in half, pressed it, then opened it.

Each side was folded into the centre point and pressed again.

And press...

And then folded, pinned together and sewn closed.

I set those aside and then hemmed all around the apron part.

Sew, sew, sew...

Voila!

Jordan is a happy gal.

There are some small imperfections but I'm pleased with it. I know what to do better or differently next time.

Usually when I sew something, all I see are the mistakes. I've made the decision to try new things and to be ok if they don't turn out perfectly. I admire other people's baking/cooking/sewing skills and have spent so much time trying to be like those people, and I just end up feeling like a failure.

So done with that!

I've made the decision to try new things, and to be ok if they don't turn out. I need to stop being jealous of the skills of others, and enjoy the gifts and skills that God gave me.

And that's how things are going to roll around here from now on.

Happy Saturday!

5QF ~ January 20

2012-01-20T05:35:00.008-05:00

Yesterday was an AWESOME day....it was my birthday!

What did I do, you ask?

I was served breakfast and lunch in bed, where I stayed ALL.DAY.LONG. I read, watched tv and napped.

I loved every second of it.

Glorious.

We even let the big kids skip school so they could be at home with us. :-)

Ian made one of my favourite meals and once Julie came home from Girls Club at the church, we had the birthday cake that Sam baked for me. (He's kind of an awesome baker)

It was a really good day.

And now it's Friday :) And what happens around here on Fridays...? I play along with Mama M's Five Question Friday. So glad she is back home from her vacation!

Ok, let's get to it.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

1. Where do you hide the reeeally good snacks?

It depends. If the snacks are M&M related, then I hide them in my nightstand. Otherwise I hide them in one of the crispers in the fridge. Or, as we call them, rotters. Crispy things go in, I forget them, and they come out all rotted.

Oh my gosh. I can't believe I told you that.

Moving on.

2. Do u keep your vehicle clean or am I the only one who has things falling out of their van?

Every so often Ian will go through our van and clean it all out. Then bit by bit, the crap returns and it gets all messed up once again.

Yesterday I opened the side door and an empty pop can fell out.

Can't believe I just told you that either.

3. Have you ever been to Vegas?

No, but Ian has and he would love to take me. I'm not much of a gambler. I'll take $20 to the casino, lose it, win it back and then stick it in my purse and I'm ready to go.

I've heard the shows are awesome though. Someday we'll go.

4. Warm room light blankets or cold room warm snuggly blanket?

I don't really like blankets at all. I get overheated and then I start fussing and it's just not good. Then I need to turn on the fan so I can cool off and settle down.

So if I had to choose, a light blanket.

5. What is the worst airplane/flying experience you've ever had?

The last time I was on an airplane was about fifteen years ago when we flew out to British Columbia for a friend's wedding. But I wasn't asked about WHEN, now was I?

Focus Kate.

I can't help it. Ian put in a new air freshener in the automatic air freshener sprayer thingy and it smells AWFUL. Technically it is called "Mountain Mist" or something lame like that. It should be called RAID for the horrific smell it has. It's blowing my focus and making my head hurt.

Worst flight ever was the return flight from our honeymoon. There was a group of people at our resort that started drinking the second they arrived at the resort and didn't stop until the bus came to return us to the airport 7 days later. One lady was so drunk she threw up all over herself, her seatmate and the person in front of her on the bus. I looked at Ian and said, "Perfect. What do you want to bet she sits next to me on the plane?"

Ian just rolled my eyes at me and said something about me always assuming the worst.

We found our seats on the plane and then watched as Drunk Lady made her way down the aisle. She found her seat and climbed over a couple to sit down.

"See?" Ian smiled. "You shouldn't assume the worst."

And then... someone pointed out to her that she was in the wrong seat. She got up, walked further down the aisle and located her correct seat.

Right next to me.

"HIIIIIII!" she said, breathing her vomit breath in my face.

I just looked at Ian. "You were saying...?

Worst.flight.ever.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Alright, that's all I've got. Hope you all have a wonderful Friday!

Head on over to Mama M's blog My Little Life to join in on the fun!

Another Commercial I Love

2012-01-18T12:24:00.000-05:00

I'm not a huge fan of commercials. We have PVR so I tape all my shows and watch them

And when a network runs the same ones over and over and over it makes me absolutely crazy.

But this one...

... I can't watch enough.

It makes me laugh because I've been that guy.

More than once.

For the most part I don't want to be touched, talked to or waited on when I'm sick. But if there is barfing involved... I become this dude.

"Ian... Ian... call my mom..."

It doesn't matter how many times I've watched this commercial (and it's a lot), I laugh every single time.

Do YOU have a commercial that you just love?

Other Commercials That I Love:
Geico
Tim Hortons

Before and After

2012-01-17T13:50:00.000-05:00

Ever feel like you clean up a room only to have it completely destroyed within the hour?

Me too.

I'm not a huge enforcer on chores. If I ask the children to help out, they do. I guess I feel like since I'm at home all the time that all the housework should be my responsibility. I know that in the long run I'm not doing them any favours, but I just can't seem to help it.

If I need the table set or cleared, the front hall straightened, or Jordan's always messy desk cleaned up, I call out what I need help with and they choose which chore they want to do.

The one that no one ever wants to help with?

The play area off my kitchen.

I don't blame them. Just look at that mess.

It's mostly Jordan that plays here. I try to get her to tidy up but it gets pretty overwhelming for her. I try to break it down by task, and suggest she first gather all her crayons, then stack all her colouring books... but then my OCD & control issues take over and I shoo her out of the room so I can clean it myself before I'm eighty.

Now. Doesn't that look better?

I think so too.

I like this picture. It makes me feel productive. And peaceful.

It stayed this way for almost three hours. Or as I like to call it... naptime.

I am debating whether or not to print this picture out and hang it up for everyone to see, with a big sign saying IF THIS ROOM DOESN'T LOOK LIKE THIS PICTURE WHEN YOU LEAVE, THEN CLEAN IT UP!

Or something.

Am I weird for taking a before and after pic? Tell me I'm not the only one who does this!

Matthew

2012-01-16T15:34:00.001-05:00

Every so often I have a smack my head moment when I realize I don't take very many pictures of Matthew. I guess that's a side affect of being the fourth kid on the scene.

But there are perks to being number four as well. He never has to do anything for himself. There is always someone close by to pick up something he dropped or to give him a hug, or a sip of his bottle.

Recently I commented to Sam in my usual calm, relaxed way, "HE SHOULD BE SITTING BY NOW! WHY ISN'T HE SITTING!? WE NEED TO TEACH HIM!"

Sam, who really is calm and relaxed, gently sat him down on the floor. He watched him for a second and then looked up at me. "You mean like this?"

Brilliant.

Who knew he'd be a pro sitter right out of the gate??

All he wants to do now is sit and play with his toys.

Such great posture.

I love his little arms and legs!

He tries hard to crawl but hasn't mastered it yet. I can't leave him playing because he sometimes gets rolling around to check out other parts of the living room. All he has to do is start to whimper and someone jumps in to help him get what he wants.

We can't help ourselves!

He saw the doctor last week for his last round of vaccinations and he weighs 19 lbs! He's such a perfect little squishy armful.

He laughs and smiles quickly, and babbles and coos all the time. I love how his whole face lights up when he sees me.

He's still a lousy sleeper. Good thing he's so cute.

His hair has three different things going on all at once. The top is all spiky, the front does something else all together and the back is smooth.

See?

Oh I love him.

OK. I need to go and take some more pictures of him to quell some of this Mama Guilt.

A Post Where I Seem To Complain A Lot

2012-01-15T14:08:00.001-05:00

Thank you to everyone who participated in Five Question Friday this week, usually hosted by Mama M at My Little Life. I loved helping out and being able to check out some great new blogs in the process.

One thing I must apologize for. I have a right-click disable feature on my blog to protect any pictures and content that I post here. Which means, anyone who wanted to cut and paste this week's questions onto their blog wasn't able to, and had to write them out instead. I completely forgot about that until someone brought it to my attention.

I'm sorry :(

Other than that, I think it all went well!

Ian and Sam will be returning home from the Jr High retreat later this afternoon. Ian always stays in touch with me when he's away, and he sent me a few pictures and reports of the fun they were having. Apparently Sam took a cross country skiing lesson yesterday. I can't wait to hear about that.

The girls, Matt and I have managed well in their absence. Friday night I cooked the girls' favourite pasta for dinner. I saw the "recipe" in a magazine and wanted to try it. It's a jar of Ragu spaghetti sauce with Philadelphia cream cheese melted and mixed into it, served over penne. SO GOOD. Julie made her amazing s'mores for us for dessert and we put on our pjs and watched Frenemies on the family channel.

Saturday morning I woke up to Jordan's coughing. She had climbed into bed with me at some point during the night and I let her stay. I knew from the first cough that it was croup, and she had that really heavy, raspy breathing. Stridor I think it's called. She was so panicked and was grabbing my hands and my shirt, coughing and crying and gasping for air. I took her into the bathroom and ran the shower on hot for as long as we could stand it. Afterwards, I tucked her in my bed until Julie woke up. I asked her to watch Matthew and then brought Jordan in the bathroom again to run another shower. We stayed longer this time and it seemed to help immensely.

Jordan had croup when she was just a year old, and the gasping for air part scared me like crazy, and I called 911. She spent the night in the ER on breathing treatments and sent home. I felt pretty helpless yesterday, wondering how "normal" this was and when did the air gasping part become an emergency. I called my mom - who was a nurse before retiring - and filled her in, and she said I could call her anytime during the night if something happened and would come right over. I'm so thankful that she had a very easy night.

Last night we had Mac & Cheese, made stuffed bunnies and ate more s'mores before bed. Matthew was up constantly during the night and I missed having Ian with me to help. I put Matt to bed and get up with him anytime up to 3:30am. After that Ian gets up. He wouldn't go to sleep until after 10pm and then was waking at 1, 2:30, 3:30, 4:45, 5:30, 6:15....

This morning the children had chocolate cake for breakfast because I didn't feel well enough to make them anything healthier. My head is killing me, I'm extremely nauseated and I'm exhausted.

Between Jordan's croup, Matthew's repeated waking and the constant fighting between the girls for the last two days... I am beyond ready for Ian to be home. It has not been an easy weekend.

The children have a PA day tomorrow. That kills me. They just had two weeks off, return for one week, then get a day off. I don't understand it. I'm sure Sam will appreciate the day to recuperate from the retreat.

It's now naptime and I have two little people to get to bed, and a mountain of laundry to fold. Hope you're having a wonderful Sunday! :-)

5QF ~ January 13

2012-01-13T01:45:00.000-05:00

It's Friday! It's Friday!

It's just going to be Julie, the Littles and me this weekend. Sam and Ian will be heading up north for the Jr High winter youth retreat and won't be home until Sunday afternoon. We'll watch movies and do our nails, and maybe even work on a craft Julie found that interested her. Hopefully there won't be any scary noises or anything to creep me out. The last time they were away at a retreat some freaky dude was knocking at my door after 11pm! I almost called the police but they went away. Whew.

As I mentioned yesterday, Mama M is entrusting me with her Five Question Friday blog hop today while she's on vacation. She's probably laying on the beach with a fruity drink by her side. Hopefully she remembered her sunscreen!

Rules for 5QF: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, then watch for the linky post to appear Friday morning and LINK UP!

Questions for Friday, January 13th: (GAH! Friday the 13th!!) (Special thanks to Keely (@Keely1978) at Mannland5, Tyler (Tylerh2102) at Just Another Day In OUR Paradise, Pam (@TroopPetrie) at Troop Petrie, Melissa (@Melissa_m80) at My Scrumptious Treats and Lauren (@funyungrl) at My Life for their question suggestions!

Mama M would love to link you in a future 5QF, so head on over to her community or watch for her Thursday afternoon shout outs for questions on Twitter and offer up your best question suggestions! Remember to @5crookedhalos her and use hashtag #5QF if you go the Twitter route!)

1. What's the the last thing you bought for yourself?
2. What is your favourite meal on a cold winter day?
3. Have you started looking at swimsuits for this year, and do you buy a new one every year?
4. If you could be any candy what would you be and why?
5. What are you most passionate about?

Since Mama M is away this week and we will all miss her... here's a BONUS question supplied by Keely!

** What is your favorite thing to "pin" on Pinterest?
(good one, Keely!)

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ *~ ~*~

1. What's the the last thing you bought for yourself?

Yesterday I bought myself a cup of tea at Second Cup when I met up with a sweet friend for a visit.

Before that it was highlighters. Actually, Ian bought the highlighters for me, but I asked him to get them. So technically I bought them for myself. I'm a highlighting freak.

2. What is your favourite meal on a cold winter day?

I love mashed potatoes and corn with gravy. Oh sweet mercy, that food makes my belly happy.

3. Have you started looking at swimsuits for this year, and do you buy a new one every year?

Ew. No. I HATE shopping for swimsuits. I still have the one I bought for my honeymoon almost 16 years ago. I hardly ever wear it (and to the public at large... you are welcome) so it's not worn through like you'd think it would be.

One year Ian decided he was tired of looking at straight black and sent me out to buy myself a new one. With colour.

It was awful.

Imagine me on the floor of the dressing room, curled up in the fetal position. I may have been shaking in fear. I ended up buying another black one, but this one had a white and hot pink stripe.

I've worn that one about three times.

4. If you could be any candy what would you be and why?

An M&M. Everyone loves M&Ms, right? Well, except my husband, which works out well because of my sharing issues.

5. What are you most passionate about?

Loving my family.

I want my husband to feel respected, honoured, loved and cherished. Some days I accomplish this better than others, but I will never stop trying until I get it perfect.

I want my children to feel loved, wanted and special. To be a godly example for them, encouraging them to love God, others and themselves. To know that they can do anything with their futures and to never settle just for what's easy. To stand up and speak out for what's right. That life will bring storms, but their solid faith in Jesus will be what gets them through.

I want to honour my mother with my words and actions, and to ensure that she knows she has my love and respect.

We only get one shot here and when I leave this earth I want the people I loved most in my life to know I loved them with everything I had in me.

I'm also passionate about living an authentic life.

**Bonus Question: What is your favorite thing to "pin" on Pinterest?

Oh I am a pinaholic! I LOVE Pinterest.

I like pinning food or desserts that look like something I would love to try, encouraging Bible verses or funny pictures, and craft/sewing things. I love being inspired by the things I see there.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ *~ ~*~
Ok, that's a wrap! Make sure you link up and if you get the chance, hop around and check out some of the other blogs that have linked up and leave them some love. It's a great way to meet your fellow bloggers and make some new friends.

Happy Friday everyone!

Five Question Friday Preview

2012-01-12T15:50:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Five Question Friday preview!!
I'm very excited to be hosting this week's Five Question Friday for Mama M at My Little Life, while she and her precious husband enjoy themselves on a much needed vacation.

Rules for 5QF: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, then watch for the linky post to appear Friday morning and LINK UP!

Questions for Friday, January 13th: (GAH! Friday the 13th!!) (Special thanks to Keely (@Keely1978) at Mannland5, Tyler (Tylerh2102) at Just Another Day In OUR Paradise, Pam (@TroopPetrie) at Troop Petrie, Melissa (@Melissa_m80) at My Scrumptious Treats and Lauren (@funyungrl) at My Life for their question suggestions!

Mama M would love to link you in a future 5QF, so head on over to her community or watch for her Thursday afternoon shout outs for questions on Twitter and offer up your best question suggestions! Remember to @5crookedhalos her and use hashtag #5QF if you go the Twitter route!)

1. What's the the last thing you bought for yourself?
2. What is your favourite meal on a cold winter day?
3. Have you started looking at swimsuits for this year, and do you buy a new one every year?
4. If you could be any candy what would you be and why?
5. What are you most passionate about?

Since Mama M is away this week and we will all miss her... here's a BONUS question supplied by Keely!

** What is your favorite thing to "pin" on Pinterest?
(good one, Keely!)

Remember, this is just a preview and the real deal is tomorrow. In the meantime, head on over to the blogs of the people who provided this week's questions. They're a great group of ladies!

See you tomorrow!

Jury Selection ~ Day Two

2012-01-11T20:14:00.005-05:00

I realized today that I'd forgotten to post about my second day of jury selection.

It was riveting.

I woke up feeling very chatty and raring to go. I ate my breakfast on my way to the courthouse, scored a sweet parking spot that wasn't too far away, and snagged a coveted chair by the window. The only people there that day were the panel I was in, so it wasn't crowded at all.

Every time I looked at this guy he was sleeping.

We were instructed to be there for 9am, however nothing happened until 10:30 when they took attendance. Then we all sat in silence until 11am at which point we were all herded into a courtroom so things could get underway.

As soon as the charges were read I felt my chest tighten. There was no way I could serve on this jury. No way. I don't know if I'm allowed to tell you the nature of the trial because there were all sorts of laws and rules and instructions given by the judge and "no blogging about the trial" was part of it.

So, rather than run the risk of getting thrown into the slammer for my big mouth, I'll just say it was awful and I'll skip the details.

The judge asked for anyone who couldn't hear what was being said to come to the front. Only two people went up.

Next, he called for anyone who couldn't speak or understand English to come forward. About five people went up for that.

Then he called for anyone with a medical issue that would hinder their participation on the jury to come forward. About ten people went up for that.

And then he called for anyone who felt that serving on the jury would cause them significant financial hardship. About 27 people lined up.

I groaned.

Students were deferred. A woman who was 9 months pregnant was deferred. A limo driver was denied and told to sit back down, and he stood there shouting at the judge. A man who was the sole provider for his wife, who was mentally unwell, and their children. The judge denied him at first, until the man gently spoke up asking him to please reconsider, that he had so much to deal with, could he please spare him this one extra responsibility. I prayed for the judge to show this man compassion. He was deferred.

I kept watching the clock.

Then they separated all of us into four groups. I was in the third group and we were herded single file into the main waiting room. We all had to sit together and were not permitted to speak with group four.

Finally at 12:30 we were released for lunch and I headed down to the cafeteria.

While I ate, I prayed that I wouldn't get selected to serve, and that I would get an opportunity to explain to someone why I couldn't. I truly felt that I couldn't be impartial and that someone needed to know.

While I sat there I overheard one woman ask another "Is there a gift shop here?"

Bless her heart.

I went back up to the waiting room for 2pm as instructed.

At 3pm my group was herded single file to another room. We had a court officer leading us and one bringing up the rear. There was to be no talking and no escaping. We were told nothing other than that they were close to having a full jury and we would be finished by 5pm.

Whew.

At 3:30 they started taking five people at a time to the courtroom. It was 3:40 when they brought me in. I was #17. The court officer guarding the door to the courtroom said they only needed one more juror and it would be over with.

Person #13 went in.

I prayed that they wouldn't get to me.

All of a sudden we were rushed back down the hall like something was on fire. "Move! Move! The jury is coming out. Move!"

Back in our room, the five of us waited, wondering what was going on.

At 4pm a court officer said the jury was complete and we were free to go.

Relief flooded me and I grabbed up my purse and took off.

Apparently my name will go back into the jury pool and I could be re-called in three years. While the waiting was boring and went on for hours, it was interesting to see how the process went and it's always good to learn new things.

Still, I'm glad it's over with.

Courageous Coupon

2012-01-11T12:13:00.000-05:00

The kind folks at Graf Martin are offering this $5 off coupon to you all to purchase your own copy of the Courageous DVD or Blu-ray at any participating Canadian Christian retailer.

Awesome, right?

There is one snag, though. Some time ago, I disabled the right click option on this blog in order to protect the pictures of my children that I post here. Unfortunately, that means it may be hard for you to just copy and print out this coupon.

If you are interested in having this coupon, please email me at Katieb38@hotmail.com and I will send you a printable copy right away.

I can't WAIT to see this movie again. So, so, SO fabulous.

If you do watch it, please let me know - I'd love to discuss it with you!

7 Months

2012-01-09T19:30:00.002-05:00

Happy 7th Month Birthday Matthew!
You are SO loved!

5QF - January 8

2012-01-08T14:45:00.000-05:00

I have a few blog posts floating around in my head these days and very little time to write them out. Nothing terribly important, just little things I want to talk about.

Tomorrow Sam and Julie return to school. I have loved having them at home for the last two weeks and will miss them a lot when they head off tomorrow morning.

You know the house across the street that put out all the garbage and then left in a hurry, and then I saw all sorts of cleaning, painting and work crews coming and going, followed by a for sale sign in the lawn and then shortly after it was sold?

Whoa.

Spy much, Kate?

Well, all that to say, I saw the new people yesterday. They had a whole whack of brand new furniture delivered and I saw two young children about three and five years old running in and out. Jordan and I are going to take a walk later and see if we can meet them. The one that looks to be three is a little girl and it would be awesome for Jordan to make a friend. I can just picture them waving at each other from their windows. So cute.

They've got HUGE boxes in their garage right now. I really, really, want a couple of them so I can make a washer and dryer for Jordan to play with. I get I'd best be gettin' to makin' friends stat.

Friday was a busy day for us here so I didn't get to do my Five Question Friday on time, so I'm just going to do it today.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

1. What is the weather like where you are and do you like it?

It's cold and I hate it. Not really any snow at all which is fine by me. Today is very sunny and that helps a lot. When it's overcast and snowy I get depressed.

2. When you're sick what do you seek comfort from?

Nothing. I just want to sleep, sleep, sleep and be left alone. I don't need to be visited or waited on, I just want to sleep it off. I do like it when Ian checks on me and covers me up with the blanket. But that's all I need really.

3. What do you need to do before the end of the month?

Nothing terribly pressing. Just the regular day to day stuff that needs to get done.

4. Have you ever served on a jury?

I made it to day two of the jury selection process on Thursday but I didn't get chosen. I am so glad because the nature of the trial was very disturbing. I'll post my day two post as soon as I can.

5. If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

A cat. No matter what happens to a cat, it always lands on it's feet. I feel as though I'm easily knocked off my feet these days, so a little cat in me would work out just fine.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

That's all I have time for today. Have a great Sunday!

Head on over to Mama M's blog My Little Life to join in on the fun!

Book Review: The Resolution For Women

2012-01-07T15:16:00.001-05:00

With everything you have to do, have you taken the time to decide who you want to be?

From best-selling author Priscilla Shirer, in partnership with the creators of The Love Dare, comes a resolution that challenges you to realign your daily decisions in a way that glorifies God and fulfills who He created you to be. Layered with biblical truth and seasoned with encouragement, The Resolution for Women will inspire the woman you see in the mirror to trust God's perfect plan for her lie, resolving to become "purposefully feminine, surprisingly satisfied and faithfully His."

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

I am so excited to tell you all about this book that I don't even know where to start. I want to do it justice so that you will be inspired to read it for yourself.

The Resolution For Women is made up of fourteen resolutions to better your life, broken down into three parts: This Is Who I Am, This Is What I Have, This Is What Matters To Me. The author begins each chapter with a story and weaves it in with that chapter's resolution, making it personal so it will relate to the reader. Each section ends with questions to ponder or actions to be taken, as well as a spot to sign your name, solidifying your commitment to that particular resolution.

Funny, challenging and oftentimes in-your-face convicting, this book will inspire you to want to be a better wife, mother and friend. The author is respectful, yet she is not afraid to speak out on the stuff that is hard to talk about. She acknowledges topics that stretch our understanding and may cause us to feel uncomfortable. She has a way of presenting a new idea or thought pattern to help us re-frame our way of thinking.

There is so much I loved about this book and it is full of highlighted paragraphs and folded down pages. So much truth and knowledge packed into each page. I loved the list of affirming Bible verses in Part Two, re-written in the first person so that when they are spoken out loud they are affirming. It's a great go-to place to be reminded of who I am and what I am expected to do to strength my faith.

This book has inspired me to be a more loving mother who is intentional in her parenting, as well as to be more encouraging and supportive of my husband.

In the chapter entitled "How Do You Heal An Unbroken Heart?" the reader is challenged to rethink the prayers that ask for our be hearts protected from things we see or experience. But if our hearts are healthy and whole, they don't need healing. The author challenges us to pray for our hearts to be broken so that we can be healed by the ultimate Healer. It's a crazy thought to get our heads around, isn't it? It's our nature to protect ourselves and here we are presented with the idea of asking for our hearts to be broken. But it makes so much sense. I want His healing touch, don't you?

The author tells us how to live with integrity and how to forgive those who have hurt us. These resolutions have inspired me to be a better wife, one that honours, loves, encourages, prays for and submits to her husband as the spiritual leader of our home. To be a mother who is intentional in her parenting, loving deeply and offering affection and affirmation, showing them what it looks like to be a woman secure in her femininity who chases Jesus with her whole heart and models Him to others. A better friend, who shares her time and gifts with others, encouraging and esteeming them as I am best able.

One of the topics I found difficult was that of submitting to my husband. This is always a tough topic and I have balked at it countless times in my marriage. The author explains submission in it's biblical sense and stresses that by submitting to our husbands we are not lessening ourselves, not at all! She goes on to say that the feminist movement has taught us not to submit to a man, to be in control of ourselves, to view ourselves as equal - as if not better - than our spouses. Oftentimes this produces a hard and controlling woman, taking the role of spiritual leader from our husbands as God designed.

Tough stuff to get your head around, isn't it? I know! But to be honest with you, I do submit to my husband as the spiritual head of our home. I do not feel lessened by it or controlled by it. It feels right and he handles this role well, and I admire the way he leads our family using his God given gifts and talents. He respects me and I am a factor in every equation. Instead of it being a master/servant type of scenario some people view submitting as, I actually feel more empowered knowing our roles in our home.

The section on integrity challenged me as well. It calls us to look at what types of entertainment we seek out that may encourage us to sin. The type of sinful behaviours we watch, listen to or read, that we would never participate in or tolerate in our real lives, simply for the entertainment. What other type of sin do we entertain under the guise of "fun"? So thought provoking and painful to think about, but so necessary in order to become a woman of integrity.

The Resolution For Women, put plainly and simply, is a must read. It will inspire and challenge you to live a more authentic and intentional life that will enable you to leave a godly legacy.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

"Book has been provided courtesy of David C Cook and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from B&H Publishing Group".

Book Review: The Resolution For Men

2012-01-07T13:40:00.000-05:00

While most men will die with deep regrets, others will resolve to live for what matters most.

From the New York Times best-selling authors of The Love Dare comes a strong resolution of faith, family, and fatherhood that sets men on a course toward long-term success - the kind that breaks the chains of your past, earns the loving trust of your wife, wins the hearts of your children, and prepares a legacy beyond what your father could leave for you. With a clear resolution, you'll be able to see exactly where you're going. Straight ahead into a life marked by renewed faithfulness.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

One of the issues closest to my heart is that of fatherless children. If you've read my blog for any length of time, then you'll know of the rare times I've shared the hurt I've felt from not having the chance to have a relationship with my father, and the painful wounds that has left me with.

I believe that our generation underestimates the importance of fathers and the powerful effect they have in - and on - our children's lives, as well as the void that is left by their absence. Children are resilient, yes. But they are also deeply susceptible to being wounded.

This generation is in desperate need of strong, courageous men to raise up our children to become godly men. Somewhere, somehow, we need to break the cycle of immature and self-serving men and replace them with men of courage, prepared and able to lead their families.

The Resolution For Men is broken down into three main sections: A Call To Men, Committing To The Resolution (12 in total) and 8 Appendices. Each chapter begins with the resolution to be studied as well as an accompanying bible verse.

This book is encouraging, inspiring and convicting. Written respectfully, the authors speak to the reader and encourage them to rise up to take responsibility and leadership in their homes. To love your children through your marriage by loving and honouring their mother, as well as affirming them through words, time and affection. To model a Christ centered life by being a living example.

One section I particularly appreciated was the one on how father's can lose their children's hearts through their absence, anger or harsh criticism, as well as several questions to ask your child in order to begin to repair any damage done.

Another section I appreciated was about capturing your child's heart through attention, affirmation and affection. I missed all of this due to my own father's absence in my life and as a result I grew up with a low sense of self worth and felt unworthy of being loved. Never underestimate the powerful impact that you have on your child as a parent. We get one shot at this blessing of parenting and it's important that we are armed with as many tools as possible to raise them up to be men of courage and leadership.

Our world is in a deep and desperate need of courageous men.

Can I get an amen on that?

As important as each resolution is, the Appendices also pack a punch covering topics like How To Pray For Your Wife and How To Pray For Your Children, as well as a list of scriptures to memorize with your child. But the best of all, was a section to list your Revolution Army, the men that will hold you accountable to your resolutions, and who you can also hold accountable in theirs, so that you don't have to undertake this journey on your own, unsupported.

To further enrich this book, there are discussion questions at the end, a section for notes and the powerful closing speech from the COURAGEOUS movie. So powerful.

I'd like to leave you with an excerpt of that speech.

"I want the favour of God and His blessing on my home. Any good man does. So where are you, men of courage? Where are you, fathers that fear the Lord? it's time to rise up and answer the call God has given you, and to say I will, I will, I will!"

"As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." --Joshua 24:15

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

"Book has been provided courtesy of David C Cook and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from B&H Publishing Group".

Jury Selection ~ Day One

2012-01-04T21:58:00.000-05:00

I've never been one to have a bucket list or worry about regretting having not done a particular thing when I'm on my death bed. I figure that at that point regret will be pointless because I'd be dead soon and then I wouldn't care about what I hadn't done in my life.

But. There was one little thing I've always hoped I get the chance to do.

Serve on a jury.

So imagine my excitement when I received a jury questionnaire back in October from the Sheriff's office. I filled it out with great excitement, licked that envelope with a flourish and popped that sucker into the mailbox with a little "Please Lord let me get picked!"

If I was excited then, imagine how excited I was when I received a summons to appear for jury selection on January 4th.

I practically pinned it to my shirt in pride.

Today was the day. I was excited. I showered and put on a nice outfit. I wore dress shoes. And perfume. I was ready.

I got there in plenty of time, scored a fairly good parking spot and headed inside. You have to put your bag on the belt, and empty your pockets into a tray, then walk through the scanner thingy. Just like at the airport. I didn't have anything in my pocket except an unused dog poop bag. Do I leave it in my pocket? Do I put it in the tray? Pocket or tray? Tray or pocket? Decisions! I ended up putting in the the tray and the security guy picked it up and just looked at me. "Really?" he asked.

I followed all the arrows to the waiting room and when I got there I was shocked. There had to be about 300 people in that room.

Oh, and apparently I missed the memo that it was PJ Day At The Courthouse. I saw lots of pj pants going on in there.

I stood in the A-L line for about 30 minutes before I reached the desk to register. For 27 of those 30 minutes I had some weirdie standing behind me sniffing my hair. He kept asking me what I used and so I told him. "No," he said. "It's something else...."

What?!

I chatted with a very pleasant woman while we waited. I have always said that if you stand next to me for longer than five minutes, I'll chat you up and make you my friend.

They had me stand in a second line, where I was asked if there was any reason why I wouldn't be able to serve on a jury if selected. Apparently being a stay-at-home mother with four children in her care isn't important enough to be excused.

More waiting.

We watched a video telling us what to expect throughout this process. There was a construction worker character who talked about his hurt feelings when he wasn't selected. Twenty minutes later he was talking about what he wore while he was on the jury and what the experience was like.

Inconsistencies!

I nudged the dude next to me. "Did you catch that?" I asked him. He looked at me blankly. "That guy forgot he already told us he was rejected for duty, now he's talking about what it was like to serve. Very inconsistent."

Less than five minutes later he moved seats.

Whatev.

More waiting.

Then the big surprise. I was on panel 101, but there were still about 150 people from panel 100 from yesterday. I slowly realized that I wasn't going to be finished with this today.

Shortly after 11am a clerk came out to dismiss all of panel 101 with the orders to return to the courthouse tomorrow 9am.

Dang.

While walking out of the courthouse I started to get anxious because I had an extremely important appointment scheduled for Thursday morning that I couldn't miss.

I felt like my morning had been completely wasted. I called Ian who was able to reschedule the appointment for Friday instead. I'm praying like mad that I will be finished with this tomorrow.

Not the fun I was expecting.

I'm going to have to make my own fun tomorrow.

I'll let you know how Day 2 goes.

J & J's Snowman

2012-01-03T19:29:00.001-05:00

After enjoying a green winter so far, I was disappointed to wake up to snow the other day.

However, Julie and Jordan were over the moon. They dressed as warmly as they could and headed out to make this fellow.

So cute.

And now I'd like to report that there are only 168 days left until summer.

Not that I'm counting.

Book Review: Couragous Living

2012-01-03T18:44:00.001-05:00

"Be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord." Psalm 31:24

Catch a fresh wind of bravery through the bold biblical accounts of Abraham, Joshua, Ruth, and many others in Courageous Living by Michael Catt, pastor and executive producer of the unforgettable film COURAGEOUS.

In the movie, four police officers are focused and confident with it comes to facing danger on the job. But leading their families at home in God-honouring way? That takes courage.

Because we are all called to take a faithful, fearless, stand in all that matters, Catt sheds new light on the stories of people in the Bible who displayed great courage when it would have been easier to play it safe. They challenge and inspire us now to keep moving forward, to examine our priorities, and to deal with anything that brings fear to our heart.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Powerful. Insightful. Inspiring. These are the three words I would use to describe this book. While primarily aimed towards men, I found it very encouraging to me as a wife and mother.

The author writes about his favourite bible characters while weaving in stories of people from modern day, powerfully encouraging the reader to step out of their comfort zone and to lead courageously by example. To not just sit idly by, enjoying the comforts of this world and being led into a passive life.

We live in world of cell phones, ipods, computers, video games, time spent selfishly. More is more, right? Only the best for our generation. When we take a step back and look at what our world is coming to, what is has already become, we see that courageous, godly men are in short supply. We need to pull away from that, step out of the places that make us feel safe, and start investing and training our young men to become great men of faith.

With the books I read, I tend to fold down the corner of pages where a line or two had an impact on me. My copy of Courageous Living has a lot of folded corners! Here is one of the takeaways that really got me:

Some of us are too big for God to use. We are proud of our strengths, gifts, talents, personality, education, and training. But God is looking for desperation, brokenness, humility, faith, and obedience, and He shares His glory with no one. (page 56)

Encouraging, don't you think? I love hearing about how God uses the weak to show His glory. It gives me hope that He might use me for something!

I am so blessed to be able to honestly say that I am married to a courageous, godly man. He leads our family well and I am so inspired by him. He invests in his children and encourages them to be bold in their faith.

I encourage you to suggest this book to any of the men in your life. It is definitely worth the read.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

"Book has been provided courtesy of David C Cook and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from B&H Publishing Group".

End Of 2011

2011-12-31T18:05:00.000-05:00

Here we are on the very last day of 2011.

Many of the blogs I read are talking about the highs and lows of their year, and their resolutions for 2012.

Our high was definitely the arrival of our little boy Matthew. He is such a sweet baby and a symbol of unexpected blessings and hope.

One afternoon, earlier this year, I was laying beside Jordan while she napped. One hand was stroking her hair while the other rested on my pregnant belly. I was talking to God and asking Him how I would manage everything He had entrusted me with in the season we were enduring. I felt Him speak to my heart and it just took my breath away.

"Look at her. Look at who I gave you. You asked Me for one more child. I gave you two. I exceeded your prayers then, and I will do it again."

Wow.

Our lows this year have been low. No doubt about that. We are leaving 2011 battered and bruised and so tired. But. There was a lot of blessings and beauty this year as well. The way we've turned toward one another, instead of turning away. How our family has become even stronger. The people who have loved on us over and over, and met our needs in ways we never imagined. Learning to let go of the control I seem to think I have, and let God have it all. My anger, my fear, my own ideas of what should be. Choosing to let Him in. Hearing from Him in a way that has changed my life. I guess He needs to completely break me so that He can mold me into who He intended me to be, before I got in my own way.

I have hopes and dreams for 2012. Things I would like to happen. Places I'd like to go. Stuff I want to do. I don't really make resolutions anymore because I never keep them for long. Then I feel bad about myself, and I am so done with feeling bad about myself.

So, I'll share with you what I hope to accomplish in 2012.

I would like to take steps to better myself physically.

I want to spend more time getting to know Jesus. He reached out to me in a way I never ever expected and I'm dropping everything and going with Him. My hands aren't clenched closed anymore. They're open and expectant. I'm giving up control to Him I'm expecting a wild ride!

I want to be a strong supporter and encourager of my husband. He leads our family well, and I couldn't be more proud that he is mine. I feel like we've fallen in love with each other in a fresh way, and I want to date him again!

I want to be the mother that my children deserve. My daughters deserve a good female role model to emulate and I want it to be me. All of my children need to hear me speaking with a softer tone, see me making healthy choices, spending more time with my Bible open and less time with my iPhone in my hands.

I want to wear perfume and makeup even if I'm not going anywhere. To use the good dishes on a weekday night. To drink milk out of a champagne glass just because I can.

I want to spend more time being Kate, and less time trying to be someone else. God made me to be Kate, and it's time I started trying to be Kate.

I want to try baking and sewing and crafting more, and being ok when things don't turn out perfectly. I will have tried, and my victory will come from that alone.

I want to smile and laugh more, and swear less.

Not bad for someone who doesn't make resolutions, right?

I may not know what you've celebrated, lost or endured in 2011. Some of you have allowed me to pray alongside you in your difficult seasons, and to rejoice with you in your blessings. Many of you have contacted me to let me know that you have been praying for our family this year. Thank you.

The blogging community is a powerful place of love and support and I am so thankful to be a part of it.

Happy New Year, friends. May you receive God's beautiful blessings in abundance, and feel that incredible joy and peace that comes from Him.

Book Review: My Favourite Bible

2011-12-31T11:55:00.003-05:00

Bring the Bible alive!

The most treasured stories of the Bible come alive in My Favorite Bible.

Start your little ones on a life-long love of God's word!

This colorful and dynamic gospel-centered Bible storybook guides children through the foundational truths of Scripture. Each story is fully and vividly illustrated and includes a simple narrative with things children ages 4—8 love: repetition, rhythm, and energy, along with a key biblical theme, a key Bible verse, an activity page, and discussion questions.

Adults and children will cherish time together as they grow closer to God.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

I've been looking for a good devotional Bible for some time now, so when the opportunity to review this one came along I jumped at the chance and couldn't wait for it to arrive.

Sam and Jules have a good solid grasp of our faith and I am so thankful for that. As Jordan rapidly approaches her 4th birthday and is soaking up learning like a sponge, I was anxious to find age appropriate devotional materials for her to learn from.

I loved the colourful and cute pictures that filled each page. The stories were told in little-people speak, with different sized fonts and curly words. It is an eye catching book for children and Jordan loved it.

Aside from all of that, you know what I think I loved most? It's small and light enough to fit in a child's lap comfortably. Sounds like a minor thing to get excited about, right?

I gave it to Jordan to hold and look through, and just sat back to watch her expressions and reactions to it. I loved her face as she turned the pages, oohing and ahhing over the pictures, and then hugged it to her little chest.

"Is this book for me?" she asked.

I nodded and smiled. "That book is filled with stories about God's goodness and love for us, Jordan!" I whispered to her. Her little face beamed and she nodded, telling me how she wanted to learn all about God too.

After each story there is a Family Talk section, highlighting the key verse for that story. It includes a few paragraphs relating each story to modern day, in a way that this age group will understand. It ends with some questions for your child to think about.

There is also a Family Fun page after each story as well. It suggests a couple of options of how your child could put her faith in action.

I really, truly would recommend this type of devotional material for the 4-8 year age group. I look forward to using My Favourite Bible as an added tool to help Jordan grow her faith.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

5QF ~ December 30

2011-12-30T10:43:00.001-05:00

We made it until the end of December before getting any snow and now it's everywhere. I don't care how pretty it is, I don't like it. I'm not a winter girl.

Only 173 days left until the summer. I can make it. I'm coming, flip flops! I'm coming!

Julie and I took our Christmas tree down on Wednesday and it's sitting on our front porch. It was too big to fit down the stairs but we just shoved it down there and out the door. I was half finished vacuuming up the needles when I managed to suck up the strap of Jordan's babydoll carrier and the whole thing shut down. When I pulled on the strap the whole bottom came off, including the rolling thing and the belt. Ooops. It was touch and go while I tried to fix it myself so I started practicing my speech for Ian, explaining why we needed to buy our 18th vacuum. (Yes, we're on #17) But Ian fixed it and all is well. Whew

I have not made any resolutions for the new year. I never keep them anyway. I don't feel the excitement of a new year like I usually do. This year will present new challenges for us as a family and I'm emotionally exhausted before we even leave the gate. Not good.

My girls are outside playing in the snow right now. I love seeing their pink faces and red, drippy noses when they come in to warm up. I'm going to crank out my questions for Mama M's Five Question Friday so I can get some cookies baking in the oven for when they come inside.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

1. What's the oldest piece of clothing in your closet?

My school uniform! I can't seem to part with it. It's not like I'll ever wear the kilt again, right? I just can't let it go. I enjoyed my high school years and it's like a souvenir. A closet space stealing souvenir.

2. How many random blog readers have you met?

In real life? One! I met a lovely woman "C" at the Women of Faith conference last month and I like her a whole lot :)

Through the blogging community? TONS. I love the women I've met through this blogging hobby of mine.

3. Do you let your kids stay up till midnight on New Years Eve? (Or, if you don't have kiddos yet, did you get to stay up until midnight as a child?)

Yes, we let our kids stay up. When it was just Sam and Julie, we used to watch the NYE celebrations from somewhere ahead of us at 9pm so they could get to bed at a decent hour, then Ian and I would celebrate alone.

Now we all stay up. I make everyone's favourite meal for dinner, we play games and watch movies and eat snacks right up until midnight. We toast with wine for us, and pop, juice or milk for the children. I cry then we go to bed.

:)

4. What are the gas prices where you live?

We're paying about $1.19 per litre right now. I tried to figure out online what that converts to in gallons and it came out with $5.41/gallon. That can't be right.

5. What is one resolution that you know you should do but are too afraid to try?

I'm not really afraid to try anything resolution-wise. Lose weight, maybe. I fail every time. Maybe I'm subconsciously afraid to try because I'm afraid I'll fail again. Maybe I just love cookies too much. Maybe both are right.

Oh! Speaking of cookies... I need to get them into the oven for the girls to have when they come in from the snow to warm up!

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Head on over to Mama M's blog My Little Life to join in on the fun!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-26T18:54:00.000-05:00

Another lovely Christmas has come to an end.

Saturday night, Ian and I took the children to our friends' church about a half hour north of us for their children's service. Our regular church wasn't doing a children's service this year, and we felt that mass would be too long for the little ones, so this worked out beautifully for us.

For the drive there, I decided to sit in the very back of the van with Jordan so we could hold hands, sing songs and tell secrets. I wasn't banking on Ian and Sam playing Feliz Navidad over and over and over all the way to the church. I can't stand that song. I got to hear it all the way to my mother's house as well. Lucky me.

The service itself was lovely. I loved singing Silent Night by candlelight, and looking at my precious family. I felt so thankful for them. Afterwards our friends gave us a tour of their church and I was beyond impressed with everything they showed us and shared about the ministries there. I'd love to go back again.

After church we went to my mom's for a delicious ham dinner, followed by our tradition of new pjs and reading The Night Before Christmas. When we came home, Julie and I helped Jordan make cookies for Santa.

Speaking of Santa... guess who showed up in our backyard?? The Big Guy himself! We heard him jingling his bells and his "ho! ho! ho!" Jordan was so excited I thought she'd jump out the window!

Our Christmas morning began at 6am. Sam and Julie were already awake, so Ian and I went in to wake Jordan. As soon as we spoke she flung her blankets off and was heading out the door to go downstairs. Matthew slept through pretty much the whole thing!

We went to my Mom's for 9am and opened gifts there then had a huge breakfast. Home for naps then back for a huge turkey dinner. So good.

Today is Boxing Day here in Canada and Ian's parents came for lunch. It was a good visit and the children were glad to spend time with them before they head down south for the winter.

Late this afternoon Ian and the big kids headed out for some Boxing Day shopping, and I stayed home while the little ones napped.

Heaven.

I watched movies and dozed while enjoying time alone. I deeply love my family but after three straight days of visiting and eating and laughing and talking.... I need some quiet time.

I'm hoping to take the tree down tomorrow. It's lovely, but it's big and the needles are dropping all over the place and I'm ready to get the living room cleaned up and everything put away and back to normal.

How was YOUR Christmas?

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T06:14:00.001-05:00

"For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas, friends! May the many blessings of love, peace and joy be with you this holiday season and always.

xo

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T10:38:00.001-05:00

Christmas Eve is one of my favourite days of the year. It always has been.

So many precious traditions.

A Christmas Eve service with Ian and the children. Gathering with all the people I love most in this world at my mom's for a delicious dinner filled with laughter.

Afterwards, watching each of the children open one gift. Sitting in front of the fire to listen to them take turns reading The Night Before Christmas.

Then, going home to get the children ready for bed. Tracking Santa on the Norad site. Putting out cookies and milk for Santa. Children too excited so sleep.

Sitting in the darkened living room with my Ian's arms around me, looking at the lights on our beautiful tree. Reflecting on the birth of our Saviour. The beauty of the true meaning for the season.

So much anticipation and hope held in the heart.

Anything is possible.

How do YOU spend your Christmas Eve?

Stuff Going On

2011-12-21T14:34:00.000-05:00

Only three more sleeps until Santa comes :-)

I have a lot to accomplish this week and so far I'm right on track.

Monday was my day to finish up my Christmas shopping. I drove the children to school then came back for Ian, and the little ones and headed to the mall. I mentally prepared myself for long lineups and impatient, pushy shoppers. To my surprise I didn't encounter either.

Ian took Jordan with him and I kept Matthew with me.

He's not a huge shopper, as you can see.

I love what he's wearing. We all call it his Prison Break outfit. I don't know that any of us have even seen Prison Break, come to think of it.

All was going well as we shopped, even meeting up with Ian and Jordan so she could see Santa. I didn't think she would sit on his lap, but she did. Wouldn't say anything to him, but she got up there and was so excited when she came to see me afterwards.

Santa looked at me, winked and waved with a hearty "Ho! Ho! Ho!" and I forgot I was a forty year old mother of four and squealed "HI SANTA!" while waving like mad.

And yes, there were tears in my eyes.

Oh to be young again.

Another thing I wasn't expecting was to spot my ex-boyfriend at The Body Shop. I went in there with the stroller even though it was pretty tight between tables of products and other shoppers. But I wanted to see what they had so in we went. We'd been there for precisely three minutes when I spotted him.

I was calm. I was mature. I darted behind a large display of body wash so he wouldn't see me. Except I managed to knock the entire display down causing everyone to look at me. Oh man. Not my finest moment.

Ack!

I picked up the children after school and took them shopping to pick out their gifts for Ian. Sam shops just like his dad. In and out, no stopping. Julie and I are browsers and can spend ages in a store together.

Aside for a few small stocking stuffers, I am done.

Yesterday I went to Costco with my Mama so she could pick out the ham for Christmas Eve dinner. No ex-boyfriend sightings thank goodness. I went back to Mom's for a bit to visit with her and my aunt.

Late yesterday afternoon I started to feel sniffly, sneezy and sore. I was in bed with the lights out at 9:30 which is very unusual for me. Usually I'm watching tv and replying to emails and such until about midnight. All night I kept waking up and feeling worse and worse.

Today Ian and I are exhausted. Physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Neither of us are feeling the joyful Christmas spirit although we are putting up a pretty good front for the children. The hits keep on coming and we are feeling so broken. Today was designated for wrapping the Christmas gifts, and there we both sat all morning, me in tears, both of us silent, lost in our own thoughts while we wrapped.

Things have to change. Oh Lord, they have to change. We are rapidly approaching the point where we will have some serious decisions to make. I'm choosing to praise Him still, even though I have never felt lower.

:-(

Tonight should be fun as the children wrap their gifts for one another. I'm looking forward to that. Jordan wrapped her gifts for her siblings this morning and she was so cute. I swear I have a mild form of OCD and I'm beginning to suspect she does a bit as well, so there was some rough patches. We had to laugh when she said "That's it! I'm done with this!" and flounced off.

Gotta laugh where you can, right?

I still need to complete a couple of sewing projects, two of which Julie is giving to her friends. I saw appliqued pillowcases on Pinterest and she loved the idea and asked me to make two of them for her best girlfriends.

Thursday I'm hoping to get some baking done although I'm not in the mood. Friday is for housework so I don't have to worry about it over the weekend.

And then... lots and lots of time with the people I love the most in this world. I can't wait for that.

Ok that's it for now. I'm hearing a weird noise so I'm off to investigate then get back to my wrapping.

Happy Wednesday :-)

Counting Mine {121 - 135}

2011-12-18T21:07:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that Christmas is just one week away. We're almost done our Christmas shopping, the last of which I'm hoping to finish up tomorrow. The rest of the week will be spent wrapping gifts and baking special treats while celebrating the true meaning of this beautiful season.

Last evening I watched a live stream of The Story Tour. Max Lucado, Selah, Natalie Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman... the list went on. Such beautiful singing. More than once I felt my eyes filling with tears. I'm hoping that it will be available on iTunes because I still have an iTunes card to spend :-)

I met up with my friend Dawn on Thursday afternoon for a cup of tea and to introduce her to Matthew. I haven't seen her in forever and it did my heart good to be with her again. Matthew took to her right away and cried when she left.

Thursday evening was Mother/Daughter night at Girls Club so Julie and I baked fudge brownies to take with us. Such a sweet evening with her. I was also able to catch up with a couple of my friends while we were there which was nice.

Ian is watching The Polar Express with the children and just pulled out a batch of gingerbread cookies.

I'm going to have to wrap this post up now, I think!

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

121} freshly brushed teeth
122} a sermon that speaks directly to my heart
123} reconnecting with an old friend
124} my snowman pjs, worn and torn as they are
125} walking down the street and hearing the clinking of dinner dishes being washed
126} having my hair brushed
127} watching my children playing in the leaves
128} praying with my children
129} going out on the porch during a heavy rainstorm and seeing my neighbours doing the same
130} a Friday evening snowstorm and we're cozy inside with nowhere to go
131} the scent of freshly washed floors
132} my grandmother's afghan
133} the sounds of my children spilling into the house as they arrive home from school
134} a warm candlelit bubble bath with a glass of wine and a good book
135} the feel of Ian's arms around me

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

If you are counting your own blessings and blogging about them, will you leave me a comment with the link to your blog, or share them with me at katieb38@hotmail.com? I'd love to know how you are being blessed through your journey!

Counting Mine {1-15}
Counting Mine {16-30}
Counting Mine {31-45}
Counting Mine {46-60}
Counting Mine {61-75}
Counting Mine {76-90
Counting Mine {91-105}
Counting Mine {106-120}

Words I've Been Saying Wrong My Entire Life

2011-12-14T21:30:00.006-05:00

I married a very, very, intelligent man.

If I need to know something I just ask him and chances are that he knows the answer.

It's actually quite impressive.

He's like my own personal Google.

I find that I don't even bother to look up my own information or calculate anything on my own anymore. I just ask him.

But every so often there comes a moment when I think that I know something that he doesn't. Instead of lovingly sharing my information, it comes out more like "BOOYAH! You are so WRONG buddy!"

Take the word "melee" for instance. He pronounced it as "may-lay". I looked at him and asked him what he'd just said. He repeated it.

Oh this was my chance to set him straight.

I sat up a bit straighter and smiled at him.

"Actually, it's pronounced mee-lee." I said.

He didn't say a word. He just pulled out his iPhone and the next thing I hear is a voice saying "may-lay".

Dang.

About six months ago we were laying in bed, getting ready to go to sleep. We were joking around and he used the word "cacophony".

I asked him to repeat himself. He did.

Here we go, I thought.

"Um, Ian," I said, in my booyah you're wrong voice. "It's cah-co-phony."

And then I laughed and rolled over.

About ten minutes later, out of the darkness, I hear that same automated voice.

"Cuh-caw-pho-nee."

Dang.

For forty years I thought it was cah-co-phony.

My entire life.

I don't use that word often, but whenever I did, I was saying it wrong. And here I thought the person was all impressed with my word skills.

Wrong.

Julie has been working on a poem at school and one of the words was "ubiquitous". I asked her to pronounce it and she said she had no idea.

So... I asked my Google-Ian.

Instead of telling me, he asked me how I pronounced it. I rolled my eyes and said "I'm pretty sure it's yoo-be-qwee-shus."

He lovingly said "you-bit-qwi-tus" and gave me a kiss.

Dang.

Now I wonder how many other words I've been saying wrong.

Why I Shouldn't Be Allowed To Drive After Dark

2011-12-12T17:03:00.001-05:00

Driving is such a pain in the bum if you ask me.

So much responsibility. I can't look at my surroundings because I'm afraid I'll ram another car or run over somebody.

I don't like to drive in the rain, during winter, in traffic, on highways or in the dark.

So the five minutes I actually drive a year is a pain in the bum.

I actually considered letting my licence lapse so that I wouldn't have to drive ever again but I know that isn't a realistic idea.

Anyway, all that to tell you why I shouldn't be allowed to drive after dark.

A couple of weeks ago I drove past City Hall and the park next to it and was blown away by all the Christmas lights. It was absolutely breathtaking. I immediately thought of how Julie would love them, and we were long overdue for some one-on-one girl time. I mentioned them to her and she said she'd love to see them.

Two weeks passed. There was always something going on or it was too late to go downtown to see them. Finally, I promised her that we would go after dinner on Sunday.

I woke up not feeling that great as we've all been fighting colds. I pushed on because moms just can't get sick, right? After dinner I felt tired, but she looked so hopeful and excited that I just couldn't brush her off again. So, we headed off just after 8pm.

We were in the middle of a great conversation as we drove along oohing and ahhing over the lights on the main street. I turned to drive along the street behind City Hall looking for a place to park with a parking meter. I didn't want to use the underground parking because I just didn't feel as though it was safe.

I live in a city where you can go from middle class homes on one block, and the next is full of rooming houses, with prostitutes and drug dealers walking around. I wanted a place that was well lit for us to park.

There weren't any open spots, so we drove around the corner and down a side street. There were all sorts of No Parking signs, so I continued along to an apartment building. No empty spaces.

There was very little lighting and it was in a creepier part of the neighbourhood. The end of the parking lot curved to the right into an alley. I assumed it would circle around the building and come back out at the front.

I was wrong.

Just as we reached the end of the alley the front end of my van dropped down and we heard this awful crunching sound. We both screamed. It took a few minutes to register what had happened.

Julie and I just looked at each other.

At this point, may have said a swear word that started with s.

A few times.

Getting out of the van was hard because the alley was so narrow. Straight ahead of us was a parkette behind the building.

A parkette I didn't see at all.

Why didn't I see it??

And there hung the front end of my van, about three feet off the ground.

Oh Ian was going to kill me. I just knew it.

We walked back down the dark alley, clinging to each other. Julie was really afraid, and frankly I wasn't feeling so brave either. We walked around a bit and discovered that if we continued to drive the van off the ledge, we could drive around the parkette and come out of a different part of the parking lot and then be on our way.

But I didn't know what kind of damage it would do to the under part of the van to do that.

I called Ian and told him what happened. He immediately called my mother who hurried over to stay with the children so Ian could come and find us.

There were apartments across the parkette and I was pretty sure I didn't want to go there to ask for help. The downtown part of my city is pretty, but not the safest.

Julie was really, really scared so we held hands and prayed together. Then I did what any sensible social media addict would do.

I tweeted for prayer!

I told her that some day we would laugh about this and that I was going to start laughing now. (Because I knew there would be no laughing when Ian saw with his own eyes what I did)

About ten minutes after my 911 call to Ian, I saw him walking down the alley and relief just filled my body. I immediately felt safer and knew he'd get us out of this jam. To his credit, he didn't yell at me!

He assessed the situation and then we decided to risk driving it down, except the van wouldn't move at all at this point. Turns out we have front wheel drive. I never knew what front/rear/all wheel drive meant and didn't care. Well now I know. So, we couldn't go forward or reverse. We were stuck.

Ian asked this one guy if he could help us, but he said no. I don't blame him. If some dude asked me to go with him to a dark alley to "help with his car" I'd be out of there in seconds!

After trying to collect enough stuff to shove under the front tires to get some sort of leverage, I remembered that I had a CAA membership.

I wish I remembered that before I called Ian because we could have just avoided that call altogether!

Ian called them and told me to take Julie home, but she wasn't having any of it. Frankly, I wasn't fond of leaving him there alone either. CAA came in record time and used some sort of lift to raise the front of the van so Ian could reverse out.

As we were driving home I half heartedly pointed out the beautiful Christmas lights to Julie. She just gave me a look and we both burst out laughing.

The van seems to be ok and I am so grateful for that. We just don't understand why I couldn't see what was coming. I have very poor depth perception in the dark and that was certainly a factor.

I went to bed feeling like such a crappy mom. Instead of being calm I freaked out. I was outwardly calm, but Julie is a smart girl. She knew I was scared too. And I was. I didn't know if the wrong kind of person would come along or what. I should have just gone to the underground parking lot and be done with it.

And that, my friends, is why I shouldn't be allowed to drive in the dark.

Counting Mine {106 - 120}

2011-12-11T18:30:00.011-05:00

This weekend was one of the sweetest weekends I've had in a long time. Ian had a full weekend of magic shows and Santa bookings, so sadly he wasn't here to be a part of it.

It wasn't like we did anything exceptionally great. We just were together, enjoying each other's company.

Julie helped me clean out a cupboard, and then I cleaned the freezer while she did the fridge. I made cake balls, and one by one all the children found their way to the kitchen, sitting on the stools at the breakfast bar. We teased and talked and laughed together and my heart felt so warm.

We ate a lot of cake balls. A lot of them. I made one big one that we called The Big Daddy just for Ian. All of us want to eat Big Daddy, and Ian is holding off just to tease us I think.

Today, I was rocking Matthew in the rocking chair in the play room, singing his favourite songs. Once he fell asleep, I moved him and started rocking Jordan, singing her favourites. Then she got cross with me for messing up the words and took off.

Then... Julie climbed on my lap and we started singing made up songs that just had us in stitches.

These are the days.

These are the moments that I don't want to ever forget.

This afternoon we put up our Christmas tree. If you know me, you know this is late for us! I'm that annoying person that is always counting down to Christmas on the 25th of each month.

Watching the children decorating the tree, I did what I do every single year without fail.

I started to cry.

Last Christmas, Matthew was still growing within me. Just a dream of what he would be. This year, he was mesmerized by the lights on the tree. I watched Sam helping Jordan hang a favourite decoration. Julie on top of the chair, hanging the ornaments on the higher branches. And Ian, putting the star on the top of the tree like he does every year. Each of us hanging a heart ornament, six in total.

I cried because it hit me just how much God loves me. He has filled my home - and my life - with people to love, and who love me. I know I don't deserve all that He has given me. I know this. I am so grateful.

There is laughter and warmth and love in this home. We fight with each other, and tease each other, and support one another.

Such love.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

106} loading the bobbin into my sewing machine correctly the first time
107} waking up and checking the clock, and seeing that I don't have to get up just yet
108} the careful way Ian holds my heart
109} having a door held open
110} exceeded expectations
111} church family that loves deeply
112} fireworks
113} answered prayers
114} sweet family traditions
115} going to see a movie on my own
116} feety pjs
117} getting to fall asleep next to Ian each night, and waking up to him each morning
118} freshly washed laundry
119} family vacations to Sherkston
120} pushing a baby in a stroller

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

If you are counting your own blessings and blogging about them, will you leave me a comment with the link to your blog, or share them with me at katieb38@hotmail.com? I'd love to know how you are being blessed through your journey!

Counting Mine {1-15}
Counting Mine {16-30}
Counting Mine {31-45}
Counting Mine {46-60}
Counting Mine {61-75}
Counting Mine {76-90}
Counting Mine {91-105}

5QF ~ December 9

2011-12-09T06:10:00.000-05:00

Today is Matthew's half birthday! Six months old already... whoa. He's been so sick this week and it's been breaking my heart. I've been cuddling him and loving on him as much as possible and it calms him. I love how he closes his eyes and smiles when I kiss his cheeks. It's like he's just soaking up my love.

I finally folded the four baskets of laundry that have been taking up space in my living room.

Now I have four baskets of folded laundry taking up space in my living room.

My house is a disaster.

Remember when I posted about not having a monkey? A few of you suggested that I pray about it and see who God brings forward, so I did.

WELL!

That very day I got a message from a lovely woman from my church that I admire and respect deeply and she was offering to be my monkey. ME!

AND!

I reconnected with three friends in the span of one week - each of them had been my monkey at some point in my life. In the same week!!

I'm going to have a whole gang of monkeys now. Or herd. Pack? I don't know what a group of monkeys are called. Sorry.

I started Christmas shopping this week and the children are hoping to get the tree up this weekend. Still not feeling it though. I need to put the stress I'm feeling aside so that I don't spoil the holiday for my little peeps.

I have lots to do today so I'd better get this Five Question Friday on the road!

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

1. What is your favorite Christmas cookie?

I love a good shortbread cookie. And sugar cookies are good too.

Oh who am I kidding... I love all cookies. I don't support cookie discrimination.

2. What's your favorite holiday movie & why?

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Oh my gosh that movie kills me. There's just so many great lines and physical comedy.

The children and I love to point out houses with lots of Christmas lights or overly decorated. It's always a race to see who can yell "GRISWOLDS!" first.

Which is really funny since the children have never seen the movie. I guess they just think that's what a busy looking house is called.

3. Is there a gift that you bought for your kids that you wish you hadnt after they opened it?

Polly Pockets. Nothing good ever comes from Polly Pockets.

I think they are from the same family as Lego.

Bad.

4. What is the messiest room in your house right at this moment?

Jordan's bedroom. She's pulled everything out of her drawers and closet looking for something "perfect to wear".

Hello! She's three.

The runners up would be my kitchen and living room. With Matt being so sick and needing all of my attention everything has gone to pot.

5. What is the furthest you have driven for the holidays?

To my grandmother's house, two and half hours away. We used to go every Christmas morning to see her.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Have a great Friday!

Head on over to Mama M's blog My Little Life to join in on the fun!

The Eyes

2011-12-08T10:06:00.000-05:00

If you have a daughter then you know about The Eyes.

I don't know what it is about them, but I get suckered every time.

It's like the word "no" has dropped from my vocabulary and I cave.

Look for yourself.

See?

Could you say no??

I am the world's biggest sucker when she pulls this.

Ah what can I say? I love her to bits!

Christmas Came Early For Kate

2011-12-07T11:31:00.000-05:00

Monday was a very exciting day in my house.

The postman brought me a package sent by my wonderful friend Mama M.

See?

So exciting!

Want to see what's inside?

Oh mah word!

I may or may not have squealed like a little girl.

Sweet M knows and appreciates my M&M addiction and took pity on me when I told her we only had a few flavours here in Canada.

And so she sent me a care package with new flavours to try.

LOOK!!

Coconut.

Cinnamon. (what!?)

Mint Chocolate.

Cherry. (two bags!!)

Peanut Butter. (my favourite)

I was in Happy M&M Heaven when I saw all that she'd sent me.

Isn't she AMAZING?

She totally loves me.

And I totally love her.

Currently they are sitting on my kitchen table like this.

Ian and the children are dying to try them.

Vultures.

I have sharing issues.

Thank you again, M. I appreciate your kindness and for enabling my addiction.

XO!

First Snow

2011-12-06T16:17:00.003-05:00

I did a double take this morning when I looked out the window.

Snow.

Gross.

I was in denial that it was coming, but it's here.

Winter is not my favourite. While it's pretty, it's not appreciated in my world.

Jordan, however, couldn't wait to play in it.

Such a piddly amount but it was packing snow, so Jordan was happy.

See? Happy.

Starting on her snowman...

Adding rocks for eyes...

So hard at work...

Ta da! A mutant snow family.

Love how the ice looks on the branches.

Sorry for the picture quality. All I had was my iPhone, so I captured what I could as it happened.

I'm hoping it's all gone when I wake up tomorrow.

Sigh.

Winter.

Ew.

Purse Sisters

2011-12-05T14:03:00.000-05:00

Remember when I told you that I bought this beauty before heading to Rochester NY last month?

Well I still love it.

Love it.

It makes me want to start collecting bags as a hobby.

I didn't think I could want anything more.

But then my sweet friend Jennifer showed me her bag and I fell in love.

Again.

It's like they're purse sisters.

Oh my gosh. Did I really say purse sisters??

Oh I did.

Look out girlfriend, one day that bag will be mine!

Casserole vs Hotdish

2011-12-04T20:08:00.003-05:00

There is an ongoing debate on Twitter about what this is called:

Some say it's a casserole.

Some say it's a hotdish.

What do YOU call it?

5QF ~ December 2

2011-12-02T10:44:00.004-05:00

Well look at that... we're into December.

Whoa.

Is it just me or has this year just flown past??

I need to get my butt in gear and start my Christmas shopping. As usual I never know what to get anyone. Worst gift giver ever. This year I kind of wish I could go to sleep on the 23rd and wake up on the 27th, to be honest. I'm really not feeling it.

My aunt arrived yesterday to spend the holidays with us. I love her to bits and I'm always so happy to see her.

I reconnected with an old friend of mine last night, and while the circumstances were heartbreaking, I was so grateful to see her again. No matter what distance or how many years may pass, we always come back together. There is so much love between us.

There is a heaviness within my home these past couple of days and we are feeling beaten down and disheartened. I admire my husband more than I could ever express. He just keeps getting up day after day, trying so hard to do what needs to be done. Giving up is not an option, I know this, and his strength and determination is so admirable. I love him so much, and I pray daily that I will be the support and encouragement that he needs. God is with us and is our provider. I feel Him walking alongside us, and I pray that He will open doors for Ian soon. The waiting is painfully hard.

Ah well. Moving on.

Today is Friday which means it's time for Mama M's Five Question Friday.

1. What is your favorite Christmas decoration in your house?

Christmas lights for sure. We have a strand in the kitchen as well as a strand in each person's bedroom. So pretty.

2. Do you finish your Christmas shopping early or are you a last minute type?

Some years I'm ahead, some years I'm still racing around on the morning of Christmas Eve. I do like to wander the malls on the morning of Christmas Eve and enjoy the hustle and bustle.

I'm thinking of going to the mall today with the littles, so that Ian has a quiet house to work in. And to tire them out :-)

3. When do you turn on your heat?

I never touch the thermostat because I don't know what I'm doing, and I'm always warmer than everyone else so I'm not a good judge of temperature.

I just asked Ian and he said "when it gets cold".

Cheeky bum.

4. Do you ever wish your blog was private?

Yes and no.

Yes because there are people that read my blog that I really wish didn't. I've looked into IP blockers but I haven't found one that will do what I want it to do. I think WordPress has an option to block IP addresses, but I'm too nervous to make the switch. I'm still looking.

(whoa, that kind of sounded mean)

And I say no because you people are so kind to read my thoughts as I post them, and to offer encouragement, prayers and jokes when I need them. It makes me feel warm and fuzzy to know that strangers care enough about me to do that. And I've met some super people through this blog and I wouldn't want that to end.

5. Do you put your deodorant on before of after you put on your shirt?

Before. Doing it after seems like so much extra work for some reason.

Head on over to Mama M's blog My Little Life to join in on the fun!

Things Aren't Always What They Seem

2011-11-30T21:34:00.000-05:00

Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family.

The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guest room. Instead, the angels were given a small space in the cold basement.

As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it.

When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied, "Things aren't always what they seem."

The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife.

After sharing what little food they had, the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night's rest.

When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field.

The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel "how could you have let this happen? The first man had everything, yet you helped him!" she accused. "The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let the cow die!"

"Things aren't always what they seem," the older angel replied. "When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find it. Then last night as we slept in the farmers bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave him the cow instead. Things aren't always what they seem."

~Unknown ~

I often read this story when I'm frustrated with something I see or experience and it never fails to be a great reminder that there is always more to something than meets the eye.

xo

Look Who's Back

2011-11-28T14:29:00.000-05:00

Every year I hope this little fellow will get eaten by the other Christmas decorations while stored away for the next year.

No such luck.

Each year Ian unpacks it and places it next to my chair in the living room so I can see it's creepy face day after day.

My first sight of him this year was on the coffee table.

Later on, I saw him on the kitchen counter while I was unloading the dishwasher.

When I saw him staring at me from the table beside my chair in the living room I knew something was up.

Ian said he and the children have a pact for it to follow me everywhere I go.

I've started taking pictures of all the places he's showing up and told Ian I was going to blog them all.

He said I should plan to be taking a lot of pictures.

I don't have the heart to get rid of it... apparently he had this when he was a kid.

So, I'll hope - as I do every year - that he'll just magically fall off the shelf and break.

Knowing my Ian, he'd patiently glue each piece back together just so I wouldn't miss out on the creepy Santa elf experience next year.

Oh lucky me.

Counting Mine {91-105}

2011-11-27T20:04:00.003-05:00

I've been enjoying a gentle sense of peace this week.

I like it.

Still absorbing how powerful church was a couple of Sundays ago.

Absorbing....and basking in it.

God is good.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

91} getting the same number of socks out of the wash that went in
92} beautiful meanings behind names
93} squeezing out that extra bit of conditioner when I thought the bottle was empty
94} a wagging tail = a happy dog
95} quoting movie lines with the children throughout the day
96} being a stay at home mom
97} spending my days with my Ian
98} farm animal families
99} baby pigs
100} pink and purple sunsets
101} flowers for no reason
102} puddle jumping
103} hugs
104} the crisp scent of Autumn
105} that burning smell the first time the furnace is turned on

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

If you are counting your own blessings and blogging about them, will you leave me a comment with the link to your blog, or share them with me at katieb38@hotmail.com? I'd love to know how you are being blessed through your journey!

Counting Mine {1-15}
Counting Mine {16-30}
Counting Mine {31-45}
Counting Mine {46-60}
Counting Mine {61-75}
Counting Mine {76-90}

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T06:46:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my American friends!

I hope you are all surrounded by the ones you love today!

I Need A Monkey

2011-11-22T17:01:00.003-05:00

Every day, without fail, my mind drifts back to my time at the Women of Faith conference at the beginning of this month. I love that.

Even though I knew I couldn't possibly record every word spoken, I did write down as much as I could. I hoped that what I didn't get down on paper would somehow find it's place in my memory and I'd remember it in the moment I'd need it.

Dr. Henry Cloud, who wrote the book Boundaries, shared about a study he'd heard of on monkeys and stress. Apparently a single monkey was placed in a cage on it's own, and for a period of time the people conducting the study would do whatever they could to absolutely terrify and stress that poor little guy out. Noise, shaking the cage, whatever it took to get him good and scared.

When they were certain that the monkey was highly stressed and freaked out, they'd stop what they were doing and introduce one more monkey into the cage. Within minutes, that monkey calmed down by over 50%.

Within minutes.

He went on to talk about how just the act of being in a stressful situation with a buddy can cut your stress level in half. He said we should all have a monkey.

We should all have a monkey?

I thought about this for a moment. Who was my monkey? Who did I turn to when I was terrified and stressed out? Who calms me?

My first thoughts were Ian and my mom, but they'd be the first to tell me that it can't be them all the time, that I need a female friend to be able to go to when I needed support.

And you know what? I don't have one.

How sad is that??

I have serious issues with trust, and letting someone into my life - my heart - is next to impossible for me, and it takes forever. I've been burned many, many, times with friendships so I tend to just hold back now because it just hurts too much otherwise.

Yes, I know how lame that sounds.

I have been blessed with many people to love and who love me in return, but I don't have a monkey.

And I really want one.

Now I need to figure out to let my guard down and let people in. Ugh. Just the thought makes me itchy.

Very, very itchy.

How do I go about getting myself a monkey? I suppose I could scroll through my friends list on facebook and pick someone.

Or how about and ad on the board at the local grocery store?

Monkey needed. Must like to drink wine, laugh and be trustworthy.

Hmm. Needs a bit of work I suppose.

I could parlay this into a whole blog series entitled "Kate ~ Monkey Finder".

I'll let you know how things work out :-)

In the meantime, I'd love to hear about the monkeys in your life...

Someone's Been Sleeping In My Bed

2011-11-21T05:43:00.000-05:00

Every so often when I'm ready to go to bed, I discover a little surprise under my covers.

Like this sweet little girl.

I know I should put a stop to it but a part of me loves to just crawl in beside her and cuddle her before I move her back to her own bed.

She's so squishy and smells so good. She'll outgrow this phase soon enough.

Between you and me? I hope it isn't any time soon.

Sweet precious moments.

Counting Mine {76-90}

2011-11-20T06:56:00.002-05:00

I've spent much of this past year angry.

Anger is not a flattering trait for anyone, much less a woman. A mother.

It's hard enough to admit it to Ian, but to the world at large? Ouch.

But yes, I have been angry. Little things have been amplified, exaggerated, blown out of proportion. All because I have been filled with this anger.

At who? Well, just about everyone. The jerk who laid off my husband when he busted his butt for him, day in and day out. The neighbours next door that make noise at midnight. The paper delivery guy for skipping a day.

God.

He has the power to change our circumstances at any moment. So why doesn't He?

As the months passed my anger grew, and I started to feel myself becoming depressed. I was sure that once Ian went back to work life would be fine again.

Or would it?

I suddenly realized that I was more afraid of what was happening to my relationship with God than I was about our financial situation. A job wasn't going to fix what was rapidly breaking.

Back in the day I used to kind of roll my eyes when people would say that God spoke to them. Yeah, right, I'd think. But then He started talking to me. Not in a booming voice for the world to hear, although that would be nice because I can be somewhat dense. I'd just know it was Him, gently speaking right into my heart, silencing everything else.

So why was He silent now when I needed to hear Him the most?

I saw this on Pinterest awhile ago and pinned it. I remember thinking at the time that it was lovely, but really...who wouldn't want the storm calmed first?

Then Sunday happened. I've spent this past week trying to get my head around it and I haven't been able to. Someone at my church shared a message they'd received from God, and if you'll forgive me for the all about me-ness of this, it felt as though he was speaking right to me. Everything around me fell silent, and I heard Him.

He hasn't forgotten me. I am His. He is here.

I was undone.

I don't even know how to express it, and I know I should be trying harder. I'm sure that that message was meant for a lot of people in that sanctuary. But for me, with the silence and the words and the impact on my own heart... I can't get my head around it. I'd love to share the entire message here but I haven't asked for permission to do so.

So this week has been pretty awesome. It's changed the way I feel. The way I pray. The way I see Jesus.

Present, loving.

He knows me. He hears me.

The storm is still raging, but He has quieted this child's heart.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

76} watching the moon appear as daylight fades
77} the smell of freshly cut grass
78} watching the sun rise
79} wind chimes
80} those final moments of labour, just before the baby is born, when the air feels electric and a life is about to be forever changed
81} the feel of the car driving over gravel roads
82} whispered "I love yous"
83} watching the cat sleeping in a patch of sunlight
84} an unexpected package
85} new underwear
86} my favourite ice cream on sale
87} being trusted with someone else's story
88} encouragement spoken
89} watching leaves fall from their trees
90} reaching for the phone to call someone and it rings in my hand...and it's the person I was going to call

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

If you are counting your own blessings and blogging about them, will you leave me a comment with the link to your blog, or share them with me at katieb38@hotmail.com? I'd love to know how you are being blessed through your journey!

Counting Mine {1-15}
Counting Mine {16-30}
Counting Mine {31-45}
Counting Mine {46-60}
Counting Mine {61-75}

5QF ~ November 18

2011-11-18T07:54:00.005-05:00

Well, hello again, Friday. You snuck up on me once again.

There is some kind of bug going through my house this week. I was feeling run down early last week and it hit me again this week. Julie had a couple of slow mornings but went to school anyway. It hit Sam yesterday and he stayed home and spent the day in bed. My littles are feeling a bit warm this morning as well. Ian? Well, he just keeps on keeping on. I'm hoping for a quiet weekend at home where we can all just rest and relax.

Each morning, Jordan climbs into bed with us, and I look forward to starting my day with her sweet little hugs and kisses. Yesterday Matthew was in her spot and she greeted him by saying "Hello there, troublemaker."

Um..hello, Pot? Meet Kettle.

Love that little girl.

This week's Five Question Friday marks two years since I joined in on this blog hop. Two years that I've been blessed to call Mama M my friend.

And no... I don't call her Mama M in real life. Ahem. I do know what the M is for. Magnificent, of course!

And this week's questions are:

1. Do you have a go to song that always puts you in a good mood?

Yep, Sweet Home Alabama. I don't know what it is about that song, but whenever I put it on my butt gets twitchin' and I get to singin' and my day gets just a bit brighter.

2. Are you a real Christmas tree kinda person or do you go with a real fake one?

What is a "real fake one"?

I think there are pro and cons to each. An artificial one can be put up early and taken down late for maximum enjoyment and doesn't need watering, or to have millions of needles to be vacuumed up.

Real ones smell awesome and there's nothing to store afterwards. But the needles...oh the needles. And I worry about them being a fire hazard.

Not sure which we'll go with this year. Last year Ikea sold real trees for $20 and they were gorgeous.

I'll let you know.

3. What are you thankful for?

God's provision and promises, and for all the love I have in my life.

4. Which fashion fad from the past do you wish you could wear today?

Stretchy pants tucked into slouch socks and oversized sweatshirts. Hair scrunchies. The Rachel hairstyle.

5. Do you wait until the "low fuel" light comes on before you fill up the gas tank?

Sadly, longer. When the needle is flat at the bottom of the orange section, that's when we roll on into the gas station. I'm going to get stranded somewhere, mark my words.

Ok peeps, that's a wrap for today. Have a great Friday!

Head on over to Mama M's blog My Little Life to join in on the fun!

A Post Where I Talk About Random Pics I Took In Rochester

2011-11-17T10:44:00.000-05:00

The thrill of handing over my brand spanking new passport to cross into the US a couple of weeks ago has not gone away. A trip to the US is always exciting for me.

It amazes me how differently things are done there. I don't understand why the same product is packaged differently, or why the US gets better snacks than we do.

More on the snack rip off shortly.

I took a bunch of pictures of random stuff and today I'm going to talk about them.

The money.

It all looks the same.

Boring.

Canadian money is multi-coloured and pretty. See?

So pretty.

I feel compelled to point out that this is not my money. I wish.

One of the places I had to go while I was in Rochester NY was Target.

I love Target and word on the street is that it's coming to Canada in 2013.

Just one more reason to hope the world doesn't really end in 2012.

What's with the balls out front of Target?? Anyone? Anyone?

Does every Target have these out front? Is it decoration or something? They were distracting me.

And get a look at THIS:

Right there in the store. We can't buy beer in our stores here. We actually have to go to the beer store. Which is called...get ready... The Beer Store.

These huge cereal bags looked like bags of dog food.

Does anyone actually buy their cereal like this? Where do you store the bag??

And these were so cute!

Check this out.

I love yogurt. And I love m&ms. Together? HEAVEN.

Enough about that.

Look.At.THIS.

I am drooling. I love Reece's in any form and this dessert has my name all over it. Which is why I didn't buy it. Which I am now regretting. It's on my Christmas list.

And these... we buy these already made but I didn't know you could actually bake them yourself.

All this stuff that the US has that we don't. Maybe I'll just move there and bask in the goodness.

Amen.

Jug vs Bag

2011-11-16T17:32:00.005-05:00

Yesterday I was talking with some of my American friends about milk.

I posted about this topic back in January 2010. You can see that here.

When I'm in the US it always amazes me how milk is sold in jugs.

Take a look at that. How do they fit in the fridge? It seems to me that they would take up a lot of space in there. And what if you had a large family and needed a lot of milk?

I don't get it.

Now, here in Canada, we sell milk the proper way.

In bags.

See?

Each bag holds three smaller bags that go into a pitcher. Snip the corner of the bag and pour. The pitcher is slim enough to fit in the fridge door to make room for more important things. Like food.

I guess that we Canadians are just a bit more streamlined in the milk department of life.

:-)

Counting Mine {61-75}

2011-11-13T06:30:00.000-05:00

My heart feels different these days.

Stronger.

More peaceful.

I was emailing with a sweet friend of mine the other day and I told her that God is doing something to me. In me. I can feel it. I feel like He is reaching down into the pit I've been in and is gently lifting me out. He's meeting me where I am to get me. Me. It's overwhelming. Still, there is spiritual attack but I give it to the Lord and go forward. I'm living very much minute to minute these days. It's all I have the strength to do and I just sense that's what He wants for me right now.

As more and more is stripped away, I am seeing how much I truly have.

And I'm rich.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

61} funny or inspirational church signs
62} a fresh box of crayons
63} Christmas lights
64} watching my big kids walking together, heads bent close as they talk
65} driving my children to school
66} an open parking spot close to the store
67} inside jokes between Ian and me
68} the feeling of well being, no matter how fleeting
69} the scent of burning leaves
70} a wave from a neighbour
71} driving up to the drive-thru window to find that the previous car already paid for my order
72} warm strawberry rhubarb pie
73} a friend that reaches out in love
74} getting mail
75} the smell of turkey roasting in the oven

If you are counting your own blessings and blogging about them, will you leave me a comment with the link to your blog, or share them with me at katieb38@hotmail.com? I'd love to know how you are being blessed through this journey!

Counting Mine {1-15}
Counting Mine {16-30}
Counting Mine {31-45}
Counting Mine {46-60}

Ramble, Ramble

2011-11-11T22:44:00.003-05:00

I didn't get my act together this week to participate in Mama M's Five Question Friday this week. Sorry M!

Today was Matthew's check-up and his second round of vaccinations. I was hoping that my doctor could give me some advice on how to get Matthew to sleep through the night. He's now waking up almost hourly all night long and it's killing us. I've tried just about everything from swaddling to strict schedules, extra bottles and cereal before bedtime. Nothing is working and we're burning out. He wrote down a website to look at for some tips but I managed to forget the paper in his office so I had to go back for it, then I lost it somewhere between the car and the house.

Sleep deprived I tell you.

Little man now weighs 17lbs and Dr L said he was thriving and perfect. He seems to really like Matthew. I like that.

Yesterday I went with my mother to the hospital for a couple of tests. At a red light a guy motioned to us that our tire was low so we had to pull over at the next gas station. Neither of us knew a thing about pumping air so I went and asked a Pepsi delivery guy to help us. Ten minutes later we were on our way and I knew just about everything about the delivery guy. He told me his entire day's route, how many kids he had and their ages, where he vacationed last, his plans for the weekend, and what he was having for lunch that day.

He smelled very nice for someone who was delivering Pepsi all day.

Just sayin.

I do love learning about people.

While I was waiting for Mom in the waiting room I met a lovely woman who seemed very lonely. She told me her entire life's story, from her arrival to Canada, how her children grew up and moved away, how her husband died, how she is alone now. She talked and talked as though this was the first time in a long time that she had someone to listen to her. I wanted to get her number so I could call her from time to time but she was called in for her test and left quickly.

I really wanted to hug her. I have hugging issues, you know.

It snowed for exactly six minutes this morning.

Tonight was Family Movie Night and we watched Jimmy Neutron. This is one of my favourite movies and FINALLY we got to watch it after I was shot down for 8 million weeks in a row. I know every line for every character.

Apparently my children don't enjoy me quoting them throughout the movie.

Apparently it's "annoying" and "distracting".

Whatever. That'll show them for withholding my movie from me.

I felt as though I was getting a cold on Monday and Tuesday but it turned out to be nothing. Now tonight I am sneezing and sniffling.

Today Sam was the Faith Ambassador at the school assembly. He did a little sermon on the theme of conscience. He did a practice run last night and I was blown away. Julie said he was awesome today. I'm sure he was. He used to want to be a video game designer. Now? A youth pastor.

A youth pastor! I love it.

Motivation visited me today. I scrubbed my kitchen floor, windows, walls, baseboards and cupboards. I even cleaned out some drawers and got rid of some clutter. Go Me!

I'm sure more happened this week but for the life of me I can't remember. This weekend I'm hoping to get over to my Mama's to make a few batches of cake balls. Oh my they are delicious little treats. I've yet to have someone try them and not love them.

Julie is going to a sleepover tomorrow night. I'll miss her.

Ok, that's all I've got. See you on Sunday.

A Sweet Friend

2011-11-08T13:55:00.007-05:00

I miss being at Women of Faith. It's so strange to state something like that and I'm not sure if I can explain it so that it makes sense.

I feel as though I walked into the weekend with raw and open wounds and this weekend was like salve, and my wounds started to heal a bit. But now, returning to "real life", I'm afraid that this new healing will be ripped away, exposing the wounds again.

Actually, I'm terrified of that. I want to remember every word I heard. I want to keep the safe feeling I had.

I keep reading and re-reading my notes from the weekend and listening to the Rejoice worship cd that I purchased, trying to keep my head back where it's been.

While there is much for me to still share with you, I can't wait any longer to tell you about a wonderful woman I got to meet on Saturday: Angie Smith from Bring The Rain. While I've been blessed to know Angie for some time now, seeing her face-to-face took things from an online friendship to making our friendship solid in my heart.

We'd been messaging each other on Friday trying to figure out when we could meet up in her schedule but weren't able to make it happen that day. It felt so weird to be so close yet not be able to see her. I'm a hugger and I was just itchin' to give that sweet girl a big squeeze.

I woke up on Saturday morning and decided to just let things be what they would be. If I was able to make it to her book signing, I would. But if I couldn't then I would have to be ok with that.

Jen and I arrived at the arena about five minutes after the session started. The worship team was singing and the place was full of energy. I was singing away when I saw a woman coming down the aisle looking for someone. Just as her eyes met mine I realized who it was.

It was Angie. And she was looking for me.

I started to make my way to the end of the aisle with a polite "excuse me, excuse me" but the closer I got to her it became more "move! move!"

My apologies to the woman on the aisle seat...her toes may never be the same again.

We hugged and hugged and who knows what either of us said because it was so loud but there she was. My heart was so touched that she would have left her spot on the Women of Faith porch to come and find me. Later on I would learn how she wasn't allowed to do that. She's a rule breaker, that one.

I looked forward to hearing her speak and while my heart just ached for her as she shared about the devastating loss of her precious Audrey, I was so encouraged by the depths of her faith. She owned that stage, making us all laugh and cry alongside her.

I decided that I would leave just before the conference ended and head upstairs to her signing table. I'd brought my copy of What Women Fear just in case. I was the fifth or sixth person in line and quickly learned that the line would be cut off at 20. Whew!

I'll admit, I did feel somewhat guilty for taking up a spot in that lineup, considering I already had a chance to meet her but I kept my mouth shut. I figured the Lord would forgive me!

The woman waiting in line behind me was a hard core Angie fan and was telling me facts about her like she was hosting a trivia contest. "Did you know..." and more "did you know..." It was more than a little creepy. Just sayin'.

Then it was my turn :-) We hugged and hugged some more, and again...who knows who said what because we were both talking over each other. Yes, people. She truly is as genuine and kind as she comes across on her blog. Even more so. And funny. I put my purse down and leaned on that table all comfortable-like as if we had all the time in the world.

Oh I saw you giving me the stink eye, Trivia-girl. I saw.

One of my big expressions is "pics or it didn't happen" so, here's my pic.

Just so you know, I told Angie I was going to blog about this and drop her name like a ton of bricks and she was a-ok with it. She told me if I didn't blog about us meeting then she was going to break into my blog and do it herself. Ha.

We hugged and hugged and then our time was over. I felt sad leaving. There was so much I wanted to say to her that our emails and tweets couldn't convey. I hope she felt them in my hugs.

I love you dearly, sweet Angie. I'm so glad we got to meet, and your inscription in my book was lovely.

And that concludes my name-dropping for today.

:-D

Women of Faith 2011

2011-11-07T10:27:00.008-05:00

I am just coming off one of the best weekends of my life.

Of.my.life.

Where to start! At the beginning is always the best, so I'll just take you through my weekend. There is so much I want to tell you, but I'll give an overview for now so I don't overload you with a huge post.

Thursday afternoon, I picked up my sweet friend Jen to head off to Rochester NY. We left about 1:20pm and hit the border about a hour later. I felt such pride at handing over my spanking new passport. We made it to our hotel with no trouble, checked in and touched base with our husbands to let them know we arrived safely.

We headed out to locate the arena and the closest parking lot to it, then enjoyed dinner at Perkins, followed by visits to Target and Walmart. We were back in our hotel and in bed by about 11pm.

I woke up so excited on Friday morning I could barely stand it. We ate breakfast then drove over to the arena about a half hour before the doors opened. The energy in the Blue Cross Arena was off the charts! I could hardly sit still.

We heard from Sheila Walsh and Dr. Henry Cloud first. So many great takeaways from both speakers. I was taking as many notes as I could while trying to stay present in each moment. I was tweeting pics while they spoke and eventually had to stop because I was so caught up in what I was hearing.

When Sheila spoke, it was like she was speaking right into my heart. She encouraged us to live intentionally, to thank God while we're in the storm, not just once it's passed and for getting us through it. One of the many things she said that struck me was "You are not a victim. You are a daughter of the King! And that will never change." Wow!

She closed by singing Amazing Grace and it was absolutely beautiful.

Dr. Henry Cloud is the author of Boundaries and he was fantastic. He talked about what makes us happy, and necessary endings. Those things are a blog post all on their own! He told us that in order for God to get us from where we are to the Promised Land, it's going to hurt a little. We have to let go of where we are in order to go to where we are intended to be. Lots on that.

At the lunch break I was able to meet Cassandra who I met through my blog and we sat together for the rest of the session. Fun! I've mentioned before how I suck at small talk and get all rambly, and poor Cassandra had to endure that! Sorry friend! We did get to see each other a couple more times during the weekend and stayed in touch through Twitter.

The session ended around 3:30ish and Jen and I went back to the hotel to relax for a short bit then went to Appleby's for dinner. Lots of great conversation and great food. We returned to the arena for the evening session at 7pm.

Ken Davis had us in stitches and in tears. Utter brilliance. He shared a prayer that his granddaughter once prayed over him. "Dear God, Don't let my grandpa be afraid. Help him to think about rainbows and bunnies. Don't let him forget about Jesus." So simple, so sweet. A simple prayer I am sure I will say in those moments when I am too broken to form deeper thoughts. Don't let me be afraid. Don't let me forget about Jesus. Lots of great worship mixed in as well.

Saturday morning couldn't come fast enough. It was a full day of incredible speakers: Sheila Walsh, Luci Swindoll, Lisa Harper, Angie Smith (can't wait to tell you about her) and Nicole Johnson. As well as beautiful worship by the Women of Faith worship team, Natalie Grant and Mary Mary.

One of the high points of Women of Faith was when Sheila was sharing a tender moment spent with her dying mother in law, who believed that if it was Sheila that was sick, God would have healed her. Sheila reminded her of the song that her mother in law had sung to her grandson just that morning - Jesus Loves Me. And she began to sing it, and everyone in the arena joined in to sing with her.

8,000 Christian sisters all singing Jesus Loves Me as one. Can you imagine how beautiful that sounded? I turned around to look all around me and was overwhelmed. It was incredible. Jesus was with us in that arena. I felt it in my bones.

I heard things this weekend that my mind already knew. But for the first time in a very long time - if ever - my heart heard them. I felt so safe in that arena. So connected to His church. I felt almost afraid to leave when it was over. To return to the real world. Yet, I'm also excited to share with others what I experienced this weekend and to share the change that I can feel happening to my heart.

After a quick stop at the scariest pharmacy ever (I half expected my van to be stripped or to get stabbed) we were on our way home to our sweet families, hearts and minds full of God's truths and His love.

I wish I could find words strong enough to drive this home to each of you that are reading this: at some time in your life - the sooner the better! - attend this conference. They travel all across the US so there must be a location near to you. Bring a friend with you. The ticket price and time away from your family is worth it. YOU are worth it. Prepare to be changed forever.

**I was provided two free tickets by BookSneeze in return for two blog posts on this event. Thank you, BookSneeze, from the bottom of my heart!

Counting Mine {46-60}

2011-11-06T07:38:00.003-05:00

I had an incredible, life changing time at the Women of Faith conference this weekend! There is so much wonderful stuff to process and work through and apply... I'm excited to tell you all about it!

It is my sincere hope that you will be able to attend an event such as this at some time in your life. It was powerful. I need to take some time to just absorb all that I've learned and experienced before sharing it with you.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

46} the flush on Matthew's cheeks as he sleeps
47} my family all together at once
48} campfires
49} getting into the car just as my favourite song starts on the radio
50} Walmart
51} walking through the conservation area with Willow in the Fall
52} freshly baked chocolate chip cookies
53} sleeping in
54} the way my hand fits perfectly inside Ian's
55} riding along in the car, cozy and warm, while it rains outside
56} small town shops
57} the first snowfall that sticks
58} laughing until I cry
59} a hot washcloth on my face
60} Willow laying across my cold feet

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

If you are counting your own blessings and blogging about them, will you leave me a comment with the link to your blog, or share them with me at katieb38@hotmail.com? I'd love to know how you are being blessed through this journey!

Counting Mine {1-15}
Counting Mine {16-30}
Counting Mine {31-45}

Excitement, Gift Cards And My Pretty New Red Purse

2011-11-02T14:03:00.005-04:00

I am SO excited for the Women of Faith conference in Rochester NY this weekend. So excited in fact, that I have given myself a headache.

I have so much to do before I leave my sweet family for these precious days so I'll make this post short and sweet.

Halloween went very well. Sam really enjoyed going out with his group of friends. Julie only did a bit of trick or treating and was content to walk along with me and return early to my mom's house to give out candy. Jordan was a machine... she just kept going and going and going. She did enter a few homes - six to be precise - all home-invasion style, looking for someone to give her candy. Embarrassing, yet sort of funny. She also fell six times.

Yes.... I kept a running tally of both.

We returned to my mom's house, thinking the night was over, but Jordan wanted to go out again, so we did. I have wonderful memories of my mother taking my sister and me out each year, letting us go and go and go until we decided we were done. There wasn't ever a time limit. I wanted to do that for my children as well. As we headed back to mom's, Jordan asked me to carry her. She buried her face in my neck and said "You're my superhero, Mommy."

Aww!

In other, unrelated information...

I am a gift card gal. I love gift cards. I know that some people think that they're impersonal but I love them. I also like to give them as well. It just makes it easier for the recipient to choose something they really love.

For me, I hoard my gift cards until just the right moment. It has to be something that I definitely, definitely want. And yesterday was just such a time. I was window shopping in the mall, looking for Christmas gift ideas when I saw it.

So pretty. So red. So impractical. So goes-with-nothing-I-own.

But I had to have it.

I whipped out my gift card from Christmas 2010 and used it.

I love it so much I wanted to tuck it into bed beside me last night. But I didn't, because I'm not that weird.

I also had a couple of gift cards for my favourite clothing store, so I brought my personal stylist, Julie, along with me to pick something out for the conference this weekend. According to Ian, I wear too much black, grey and navy, so he told Jules to make sure I stayed away from those colours.

That girl knows fashion. She's ten! She was putting things together that I never would have thought of and they looked so stylish. At one point we had about 30 pieces in our dressing room even though the sign said six only.

I despise shopping for myself on a level you can't even imagine. I don't like flashy, busy clothes so that eliminates a lot of choices. But my sweet girl found me something absolutely perfect. We texted a photo to Ian and he loved it too. I whipped out my gift cards and a coupon and we left quite pleased. Julie, because she had succeeded in her mission. Me, because I didn't have to pull my own eyes out, necessitating an ambulance to come and bust me out of the store.

I need to wrap this up so I can get everything done before I leave tomorrow. I'm hoping the arena has wi-fi because I'm planning on tweeting throughout the event. I'll try to tweet some pictures as well. If you're interested in hearing about the conference, feel free to follow my twitter feed right here. If that link doesn't work, look me up! I'm KatieB38.

Catch ya later!

Too Tired For Titles

2011-10-31T10:23:00.003-04:00

My house is a disaster and all I want to do is cuddle with my little people today. November tomorrow? Say it isn't so.

Julie is very excited about her school dance today. Sam? Not so much. Jordan has been practicing her Trick or Treat-ing skills all morning. Sam is going out door-to-door with a group of his friends tonight, the first time without us. I pity the mom that volunteered to take that herd out on her own!

Ian still needs his rest from his operation on Friday so he will stay at my mom's with Matt while I take the girls out on my own tonight. I'm a little sad that we won't all be together this year, but it is what it is. Sam is older now and it's very likely that this is his last year going out. Why not be with his friends? And Matthew doesn't know what Halloween is, so he isn't missing out on anything. As I'm learning to let go of my need to be in control of every little detail, I'm embracing the it is what it is mentality. Tonight will be different, but it will be good.

Sam made his own costume this year. He's going out as a MineCraft character. If I was a cooler mom, I would know exactly what that meant and be able to tell you more about it. But I'm not, so I can't. Julie is going as Little Red Riding Hood and Jordan is Minnie Mouse. We aren't dressing Matt up this year.

On my way home from driving the children to school I turned on the radio. All four of my favourite stations were playing Michael Jackson's Thriller. Awesome.

I was reminded on Saturday that it was one year to the day that I learned I was pregnant with Matthew. I remember feeling a bunch of emotions all at once: shock and fear the biggest. I wore that shock and fear for the first few months before I finally settled down and accepted the reality. I didn't know how we would manage raising four children, or even afford four children. But I accepted it.

And now, a year later, I wonder how we managed without him. God's plans are always so much better and bigger than our own, aren't they? He knows what we need, and what we long for. Things we can't even imagine. He's a pretty cool guy. I feel like I'm getting to know Him in a way I never have before.

The house across the street that I've been spying on for some time is all quiet now. All the painting and cleaning and shovelling that I saw going on in here has all finished up. And as I spy out of my window right now, I see the For Sale sign going in the lawn. I have been praying for a nice family to move in. A friend for Sam maybe. Or maybe one for me.

Jordan has been making huge strides with her potty training. She has been initiating trips to the bathroom on her own and been dry for a few days in a row. She's even woken up dry in the mornings! She's been longing for pretty underwear so I think today might be the day to take her out to buy some. In my desperation to get her trained I promised her Mickey Mouse underwear. I've never seen Mickey Mouse underwear so I have no idea how I'm going to deliver on that one. Disney store maybe? Ka-ching, Kate.

Three more sleeps until I leave for the Women of Faith conference in Rochester! So excited! I still have some gift cards left over from Christmas, so I think I might use them up and buy something to take with me to wear. Perhaps a pair of pants that don't fall down every four steps because I get tired of hitching up my drawers all the time. I've been stressing about the financial aspect of this trip, but the other day Ian's agent called to offer him a magic show that will pay pretty much the same as what my trip will cost. Crazy!

Ok, that's all the time I have for now. Lots to get done before we go to my Mom's tonight.

Happy Halloween!

Counting Mine {31-45}

2011-10-30T06:00:00.001-04:00

When I first decided to start counting my gifts they came easily to me. I found that I was carrying paper and a pen with me wherever I went because they'd come so quickly.

Now that I'm nearing 200 I find I'm slowing down somewhat. Not for a lack of gifts, but instead of sitting and thinking about them, I'm living more in the moment and slowing down and seeing them. Noticing them. Feeling them.

This past week I've had some really great moments of clarity in terms of my relationship with God. I have issues with control, and I can't give the control up to God. Bottom line, I just don't know how to. I have this deep need to be in control of absolutely everything and I don't know how to let go and get out of His way. But this past week, I realized that the more I try to stay in control of things, the less control I have. I've made a mess of so many things and having my eyes opened to something as basic as this was new for me.

And so it has started. A whispered prayer to the One who knows me the best. I can't do it, Father. I can't do it. I need you. I give it to you. And as I opened my hands to let go, He has filled them with this new sense of peace.

This week we received another blow. And while I still allowed myself a few tears in the shower, I still felt that feeling of all is well. I didn't rail at Him as I have done in the past. I just let myself cry and feel His comfort.

He knows. He knows.

None of what I'm feeling or struggling with is a surprise to Him. He knows it all.

This season that we're in is scary and it sucks. But it's also precious. This time that Ian and I have had together, and with our children, has been precious. It has had purpose. God has provided. He has a plan. I have no idea what it is, and frankly I wish He'd hurry up, but He has a plan.

When I think of the struggles that we have faced this year, are currently facing and those that are still coming fast, I wonder if God isn't stripping everything away from us so that when He does show up, it will be crystal clear that it is all because of Him and the glory will all be His.

As hard as things are...don't I want that? Don't I want people to see God's glory in our lives? To change our circumstances so that people will see that it's all from Him? To show people that no matter what things look like, He is always at work in us and around us?

I do. It's hard, but oh yeah...I want that. I want Him to be glorified in this. I want people to see who He is, and what He does, and how He loves.

Oh how He loves.

The gifts that I've been counting, the ways that He blesses me every single day when I stop to look for them.

I'm finally, finally getting it. He loves me.

Me.

31} sunlight on my face
32} knowing I've done something to make Ian happy
33} my mother's voice
34} feeling my child's hand in mine
35} napping with Jordan and feeling her warm body snuggled up to mine
36} sand underneath my feet
37} making someone laugh
38} a fresh nightgown, straight from the dryer
39} smiling
40} all the windows in my home, letting the sunlight fill each room
41} retreating to a quiet room in my house and having one of the children seek me out for a hug
42} family movie nights
43} my mom's egg salad sandwiches
44} an unopened box of kleenex
45} cool pillows

If you are counting your own blessings and blogging about them, will you leave me a comment with the link to your blog, or share them with me at katieb38@hotmail.com? I'd love to know how you are being blessed through this journey!

Counting Mine {1-15}
Counting Mine {16-30}

5QF ~ October 28

2011-10-28T07:47:00.003-04:00

Happy Friday peeps!

This week seemed to be busier than usual. A few highs and a few lows, but overall a pretty good week.

The highlight of my week was Wednesday evening when I met up with my dear friend Linda for dinner. I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was to see her. I've been pulling away from people a lot this year and it felt so good to reconnect with her again.

Dinner was delicious and the company even better. What a lovely, soul nourishing evening.

Tonight we headed out in search of a pumpkin farm once the big kids finished their homework. We ended up at a farm we've been to before that has horrible, horrible customer service...but hundreds of pumpkins.

Watching my children search out the best pumpkin is something I never get tired of watching. Julie picked ours this year and Ian will help them carve it on Sunday or Monday after school.

Today will be a busy one as Ian is having surgery this afternoon, so I have to get my Littles packed up and over to my Mama's for most of the day. But the weekend will be a slow and quiet one with just the six of us while Ian rests and gets waited on and spoiled. :-)

So, let's get this Five Question Friday show on the road!

1. Do you prefer cotton, silk, or flannel sheets?

I like cotton the best, and I love it when the sheets are cool. In the winter time ou bedroom is always so cold by the time I go to bed, and I love how the sheets are always cool. LOVE IT. I hate feeling hot when I sleep. Sometimes I whip off my blankets and turn the fan on full blast and just lay there. Meanwhile, Ian is wrapped up like some kind of Burrito Boy.

So that said, flannel sheets are out. We have them but I'm always so hot that I don't ever want them on our bed.

And satin sheets... oh mercy. We have those too. Nothing like sliding right off the bed onto the floor, which may or may not have happened to me. Once or twice. I'm not telling.

2. What time zone are you in?

I actually had to google this one. Eastern Standard Time.

3. What is your favorite part of the holiday season?

I love time with family, our family traditions, and all the great food.

4. What is your favorite "wintry" drink? (It doesn't have to be an "alcoholic" drink!)

I don't really have one. I like hot chocolate but really I'm most happy with a cup of tea. I don't like egg nog. That stuff is just nasty. Barf in a carton I always say.

5. In your opinion, what is the worst job in the world?

Oh I can think of a lot of them.

Trash collector. The people that clean up after crime scenes. The military personnel that travel to soldiers' homes to tell their families that they died in combat. Anything that deals with blood or guts.

Ok that's that.

Did you notice the sidebar photos I added of the children? I love them. The photos and the people in them ;-)

Have a great day everyone!

Head on over to Mama M's blog My Little Life to join in on the fun!

Just Some Stuff

2011-10-25T16:58:00.005-04:00

You know that warm feeling of contentment that just wraps itself around you all out of the blue? I had a moment like that today.

The sink was filled with breakfast dishes. Willow was barking and charging the window at his neighbour dog friend walking past. The phone was ringing. Jordan was singing at the top of her lungs. Matthew was crying in his jumperoo, wanting to be picked up. And I was in the bathroom, plunging up the pieces of a pull-up diaper that Jordan had tried to flush.

And there it was. So unexpected. This warm feeling of all is well. Our circumstances have not changed, things are still as difficult as they have been. Yet out of the blue, while plunging away like my toilet's life depended on it... was this sense of everything is going to be ok. And even now, hours later, I still feel it.

I've been longing to feel an ounce of that for so long now and today I got it.

Thanks God :-)

Last night I cooked chicken in our toaster oven. Did you know you could use a toaster oven to cook chicken? Well I didn't. I mean I do understand the OVEN part of toaster OVEN. I felt like I was MacGyver last night. Like I invented fire or something equally as awesome.

Today has been a very low-key day. It's cold and rainy and I feel the dampness in my bones. the Littles and I just hung out and cuddled lots today. Jordan has been playing "doggie" for the last hour and she barks more than my real life dog does.

Remember when I told you about the house across the street with all the garbage that I posted a picture of? Well...there's been a lot of activity going on over there these last few days. They were shovelling something in there on Sunday. Shovelling! Then they ripped up all sorts of carpet. Today a couple of guys were painting and wearing what looked like hazmat suits. I am dying to know what the inside of that house looked like for them to have left so suddenly.

I think I just bumped myself up a notch on the Nosy Scale.

On Sunday, we all headed out to a lovely park for a picnic and to take some more family photos. It was a gorgeous day and I enjoyed being with Ian and the children so much. I felt like we really soaked up the day and I loved that. Several times I felt like I would cry because I was so happy. Moments. Beautiful moments.

I'll be posting some of our pictures soon. I've posted before about my older children's rights to privacy and safety, and they've both given their permission for me to post a picture of them in my sidebar. They even chose which photo themselves. I'm excited to show them to you.

Awhile ago we got Netflix. At first I was in love with it, then I forgot about it. Ian told me that it now had a whole bunch of new stuff added but I didn't really care. But then...THEN he told me it had 100+ episodes of the original 90210!

!!!

I watched the original episode then went snooping and saw that they had Season 4 episodes of the NEW 90210 so I watched one of those. OH MAH WORD. Just when I thought it couldn't get more exciting, Ian told me I can get Netflix ON MY PHONE!!!

Between toaster oven cooked chicken and 90210 on Netflix, I'm not sure I could handle much more excitement this week.

That's it for now. Over and out.

Counting Mine {16-30}

2011-10-23T06:19:00.001-04:00

I wish I could find the perfect words to use to tell you how my heart is changing.

Slowly but surely... it is softening.

The more gifts I count, the more peace I feel.

They come to me constantly and unexpectedly.

Some make me laugh out loud.

I love it.

And He loves me.

16} freshly polished nails
17} singing my favourite worship songs in church
18} the feel of Bible pages
19} getting lost in a good book
20} the colour orange
21} laughter around the dinner table
22} freshly bathed children
23} watching my daughters dance with their daddy
24} cracking an egg into a bowl and not getting any shells in it
25} a nap on a Sunday afternoon
26} warm, soapy dishwater
27} forgiveness
28} suddenly remembering what my father's voice sounded like
29} a full cookie jar
30} catching all green lights when I'm in a hurry

If you are counting your own blessings and blogging about them, will you leave me a comment with the link to your blog, or share them with me at katieb38@hotmail.com? I'd love to know how you are being blessed through this journey!

Counting Mine {1-15}

5QF ~ October 21

2011-10-21T06:32:00.000-04:00

This week has gone past so quickly and I seem to have accomplished very little. It's been cold and rainy and that has affected my mood and energy levels incredibly. Even with the naps I've been having this week, I still can't boost up my energy. I hope I'm not getting sick.

Today will be all about getting caught up on the housework and laundry that has fallen behind. I want to be able to go into the weekend with a clean house.

Being that it's Friday, it's time for some Five Question Friday hosted by the beautiful and funny Mama M over at My Little Life.

Chip chop... let's get to it.

1. Where do you escape to when you've had enough?

The bathroom. Seriously, it's the only place I can go for privacy.

Sometimes I get little fingers pulling on the bottom of the door while hearing "what doin', Mommy? What you doin' in der?" But not often.

I'll tell you a secret...sometimes I'm not even doing my business in there. I'm just sitting on the edge of the bathtub and reading a book. Sometimes I just close the toilet lid and sit there and pray.

Shh. Don't tell anyone or I'll have to find a new hiding spot that's legitimate.

2. What shows are you watching this fall?

Dancing With The Stars, Greys Anatomy, Desperate Housewives and a new one, Revenge. Oh mercy do I love that one. Drama, drama, drama!

If you watch Revenge too then you have to let me know because I'm dying to discuss it with someone.

3. What was the longest road trip you've ever taken and where did you go?

I've driven to Florida many times, so that would be the longest. My Mama and I would take one route down there and spread it over three days so we could shop all the way down there and all the way back.

When Ian and I drove there with the children we did it in just two days because we took a different route and he wouldn't let me stop to shop. Anywhere.

4. Do you plan on taking your kids to Disney World?

We took Sam and Julie to Disney in 2005 and then again in 2007. I'm glad we got to go back since I cried the entire time the first trip because I was so excited.

I'm hoping to be able to go back in a year or two so that Jordan and Matthew can enjoy it as well. Jordan especially because I've never known anyone to love Mickey Mouse quite like she does.

5. What is something people would surprised to know about you?

I think most people would be surprised to know how shy I am. I'm actually very shy. Small talk just about kills me, and then I end up rambling and saying all sorts of really dumb rambly stuff, which has me cringing for days afterward.

Ok, that's a wrap! I hope you have a wonderful Friday!

Head on over to Mama M's blog My Little Life to join in on the fun!

Things Kids Do That I Don't Understand ~ Take Six

2011-10-20T14:41:00.000-04:00

Why can't they do this when it's the crappy toilet paper? Why must they do this to the good stuff??

I have no words.

I'm Really Going!

2011-10-19T10:08:00.002-04:00

It's been a very exciting week for me, mail-wise.

On Monday my tickets arrived for the Women of Faith event in Rochester, NY next month!

I thought I was already excited about going.

And then I saw the seats.

FLOOR SEATS!

Now I'm really excited about going!

And then, just when I thought nothing could top my excitement... this arrived on Tuesday.

My picture is horrible but ohmygosh I have a passport!

I feel like fleeing the country! Oh, wait a minute... I will be next month. :-)

So it looks like I'm really going.

At the beginning of this year I prayed that God would open up a way for me to get to this event, knowing that it wasn't in the budget. And then this opportunity came along. Amazing.

Can it get better? YES. Because this morning I opened my email and had received a comment from a lovely woman who wanted to know if I had any plans to meet up with any of my readers while I'm in Rochester. WOW. I'd never even thought of that! Great idea, Cassandra :-)

So, if you will be attending the Women of Faith event in Rochester, let me know and maybe we can arrange to meet up!

No Sales For Me Thanks

2011-10-17T21:08:00.003-04:00

While shopping at Walmart yesterday I came across a display of Dr. Seuss books.

And then I saw the sale price.

Yikes.

Couldn't they have made the price $6.67? Or $6.65?

There's just something so strange about seeing this particular number together with a display of children's books.

Creepy.

But maybe that's just me!

Counting Mine {1 ~ 15}

2011-10-16T11:20:00.006-04:00

Recently I've been reading one thousand gifts by Ann Voskamp. She writes about a dare given to her by a friend: to count one thousand things she loves.

Her gifts from God.

And by doing so, she learns what true joy is. She reaches a level of intimacy with the Lord and she is able to let go, to trust Him. To see Him in each moment, to live each moment fully for what it is. To be thankful for everything and to see that all that is given to her has been lovingly given by the Lord.

That thankfulness always precedes the miracle.

I want this joy. This level of intimacy. The trust. I need it.

I want to feel close to the Lord and to be thankful for what he has given me. To draw close to him and know in my heart that he loves me. I have head knowledge, but I need heart knowledge too.

Even more, maybe.

So this morning I decided to start my own gratitude journal. I planned to just list ten to see what I came up with, but before I knew it I had 79.

I am humbled.

And there are more. Many more.

So, I decided to post my one thousand gifts as I go on this journey. Not so much for everyone to read them, but for me to have a place to store them.

And so I will begin.

1} being a mother
2} a cup of tea in my favourite mug
3} listening to worship music in the kitchen and hearing Julie singing along in the next room
4} my mother's hands
5} swinging ponytails
6} looking across the room at my husband and seeing that he was already looking at me. And then... he winks
7} the hum of the dishwasher in the late evening
8} rain against the windows
9} checking the time and seeing that it's 3:16, a reminder of John 3:16
10} a joke that makes me laugh for days
11} watching baptisms - death of old life, beginning of new
12} promises kept
13} meeting new friends in unexpected places
14} the quiet that settles after the children have all been put to bed
15} being the first to use a brand new jar of peanut butter

Each Sunday I will share more of my list with you. If you feel prompted to start your own list, or you are already compiling your own...will you let me know? It would be such a blessing to know that others are on this journey to thankfulness and joy as well.

Have a great Sunday and start counting ;-)

Other People's Garbage

2011-10-13T21:55:00.009-04:00

I have a number of weird interests. If you've been reading my blog for awhile now then you've likely picked up on some of them. But one of my weirder interests is in other people's garbage.

Please don't misunderstand me... I am not a garbage rooter. I don't look through people's garbage, I just look at it.

Say I'm walking Willow for instance. I might walk slower to make a mental note of people's recycling. I may not know many of my neighbours but I know the ones that have babies, who eats a lot of pizza and who has a major pop addiction.

I have, on occasion, rather excitedly told Ian something along the lines of "You should see all the garbage the house on the corner put out!! Go by and look!"

Wow. I don't know what scores higher on the Lame Scale...the fact that I do this, or the fact that I'm actually telling you I do it.

No matter. We're all friends here.

So, in light of this weird interest, imagine my joy when I saw this:

This is my neighbour's house across the street. They started putting furniture items out on the curb on Sunday morning. I saw a bench that would fit perfectly in my front hall for the children to sit on while putting on their shoes, so I sent Sam over to ask if we could take it. The dude was so excited that it was going to "a good home" as he put it. We ended up with two of them. One is sitting on my front porch and one is in the front hall. We also scored a low coffee table that we've put in the playroom so Jordan can sit at it while she colours and does her crafts.

What is in the picture is what's left after various people came by and picked through it. Now the house is empty and there's a realtor's locked box on the door.

Sigh.

There you have it. I love checking out other people's garbage.

Please come back to this blog of mine... I'm not totally crazy...

Weekend Wrap Up

2011-10-10T23:20:00.004-04:00

I love long weekends just as much as the next guy but do they ever mess me up. It feels like Sunday night, but really it's Monday night... so I feel like I'm already running behind. Am I the only one that feels like this??

I'm kind of glad the weekend is over to be honest. I love Thanksgiving but it just didn't feel the way I'd hoped. Saturday was dinner at Ian's parents' house and last night we had a delicious turkey dinner at my lovely Mama's house and my belly was happy. I love turkey and Mama knows it.

In the midst of my Eeyore-like state, I am thankful for many things. For a husband who loves me (even when I'm at my most unlovable), and four beautiful, happy and healthy children.

This afternoon we all headed up to the conservation area for our fall pictures. I'm never happy with pictures of myself but Ian said once he's done with them I will be.

Today my sweet blog friend Jennifer from The Days of a SAHM captured a screen print of my 20,000th tweet. While I'm impressed that she caught it...I am somewhat embarrassed that I tweet so much. Meh. Some things need to be said. In 140 characters or less. Donchaknow.

In case you were wondering what earth shattering tidbit of news I felt I needed to share in 140 characters or less, I said Potty training is sucking the life out of me. Why does it have to be so hard?

Yes, tweet number 20,000 was a complaint. Nice.

But it's true...potty training IS sucking the life out of me. It's coming along slowly but surely. I'm a briber. I'll find out what she wants the most and I'll dangle that carrot in front of her until she gets moving. She desperately wants pretty underwear, so that's the carrot. She'll use the potty but she doesn't like the interruption of the whole thing. But...she can't go to Sunday school until she's fully trained and that makes her sad. We'll get there. She's a smart girl.

I'm starting to wonder if I'm going to make it to the Women of Faith conference next month. I've got my hotel booked, passport photos taken and the application on the counter to fill out. I think I know who I will ask to be my guarantor and then it's just the 11 hour wait in the passport office to submit it. But I'm concerned about the financial aspect of it all, if my beloved van will make the 9 hour round trip and will my passport be ready in time.

But... I did pray at the beginning of the year that God would make a way for me to attend this conference, and He did. I need to trust that all the details will fall together. But it's hard. We're hoping for good news this week and that's all I'll say about that at this point.

That's about it. I'm exhausted and tomorrow will be a busy catch up day.

Bye for now :-D

Proud Of My Boy

2011-10-08T13:57:00.006-04:00

It's Thanksgiving weekend and I'm just not feelin' it this year. It's my favourite time of the year and I'm just not into it.

I am emotionally and physically sick from stress and it sucks.

Meh. Life goes on.

Sam really impressed me this week. His friend *C* lost his dad suddenly on Monday and Sam asked to go to the viewing to pay his respects to the family. He came home from school and changed into something more appropriate and we headed over. I was prepared to go in with him as he'd never been inside a funeral home before, not to mention ever seen a casket, but he said no, he'd be fine. We went over a few things and he left me in the car.

An hour and fifteen minutes later I went in to check on him to make sure he was ok. There he was, sitting with *C* and a group of their friends, right up near the casket. He was ready to go but didn't know how to break away.

I was so proud of him for doing that, and for doing it all on his own. He said he felt good about going.

How fast they grow.

Well, I'd better run. It's 2pm and I'm still in my jammies. I need to shower, do my hair and get Matthew bathed and dressed so we can head out.

Hope you're enjoying your Saturday :-)

5QF - October 7

2011-10-07T11:01:00.002-04:00

I was too lazy to type my 5 Question Friday today so I got the bright idea to vlog instead.

Jordan decided she wanted to vlog as well.

It's noisy. It's distracted. It's my life.

It's the first and last time I vlog with my Littles.

You have been warned.

Have a beautiful day!

Head on over to Mama M's blog My Little Life to join in on the fun!

Oh My Ears

2011-10-05T23:37:00.004-04:00

Do you know what this is?

I'll tell you exactly what it is.

At the moment, it's the bane of my existence.

Julie's lovely teacher has decided that they must learn this annoying little instrument. And they must learn it now.

I remember having to learn it in middle school and I hated every second of it. I never did learn how to play Three Blind Mice like my classmates did, thus setting the stage for a life filled with musical failure. I gave up trying to learn it and just moved my fingers and made a blowing face whenever my teacher looked in my direction.

The sound. Oh the sound...

It makes my ears bleed.

I want to break it in half and stab my ears with it.

I don't care how talented you are on a recorder - and I have yet to meet anyone who is - it does not sound pleasant. No one has ever said "Oh my! Now that man just sounds just lovely on that recorder!" No one. No where.

I prefer fingernails on a chalkboard, or children's whining to this sound.

I hate it even more than the sound of bagpipes. And I really, really, really, hate bagpipes.

I made my mom and Ian promise not to play bagpipes at my funeral. I need to add a No Recorder Either clause in my will as well, I think.

Pray for me. Pray for my ears. But most of all, pray that this music unit ends soon so I can bury this annoying little noisemaker in someone else's backyard.

Amen.

Applique T-Shirts

2011-10-03T19:46:00.009-04:00

Ian gave me the best gift EVER this weekend.

Time for myself.

And how did I choose to spend that time?

Sewing!

I am still very much a beginner and learning as I go along. I tend to stick to easy projects that I can finish before frustration sets in, and even though they may not be perfect, I enjoy the feeling of having created something.

I tried my hand at appliqueing t-shirts some time ago. Simple letters on shirts. I put them on the Littles and no one laughed at me, so I figured maybe they weren't so awful.

After seeing all different types of applique work online I figured I was ready to try my hand at it again.

One popular idea is to applique a tie on a t-shirt for a little boy. Ian created the template for me and this is how it turned out.

I thought it was adorable and dressed Matthew in it for church the next day.

Jordan loves Mickey and Minnie Mouse. She loves them. Every day we have to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse about three times.

I wanted to try making something Minnie themed for Jordan, so again I called on my wonderful Ian to create a template and size it for me. This is the end result.

*sorry for the blurry shot - Jordan was in motion when I took it *

And here she is with hers on just after church.

It's an easy and inexpensive sewing project to do that turns out pretty cute.

Cost To Make: Approximately $10-$15
Time To Make: 1 1/2 hours

Things Kids Do That I Don't Understand ~ Take Five

2011-10-01T19:57:00.003-04:00

Things have been pretty quiet on the Things Kids Do That I Don't Understand front.

Well, until Thursday that is.

When Julie came home from school and came upstairs to say hello, I noticed that she still had her shoes on. She knows my rule about no shoes in the house and before I could open my mouth she spoke.

"I know what you're going to say, Mom. And I'm sorry I still have my shoe on in the house."

I looked down and sure enough she only had one shoe on.

Before I could ask my question she spoke again.

"The reason why I still have my shoe on is because I can't get it off. See?"

"I guess you're wondering how this happened, huh." she asked.

I raised my eyebrow and nodded yes.

She said that she was pulling her jeans on after gym and didn't feel like taking her shoes off first. One pant leg worked fine, but the other got stuck.

"You tried to pull your skinny jeans on over those huge clunky shoes?" I asked.

She nodded and told me that she tried to fix it all afternoon but she couldn't get the leg over the shoe, nor could she take the shoe off at this point.

"I figured you would help me when I got home." she said, shrugging.

I tried and tried to pull her jeans and shoe off but they wouldn't budge. Even with me bracing my foot against her butt, I still couldn't pull it off. All I was doing was yanking with all my strength while she laughed her head off.

Finally Ian came in, grabbed her leg and pulled the jeans and shoe off.

We made her promise not to do this again.

And that's Take Five of Things Kids Do That I Don't Understand.

5QF ~ September 30

2011-09-30T09:01:00.005-04:00

How is it that it's the last day of September? My favourite month and it's over already. Next up....Thanksgiving! You all know how I love me some Thanksgiving.

I think Matthew is getting a cold. His nose started running yesterday, he sneezes a half dozen times a day and he is uncharacteristically cranky. All he wants to do is to be held. He's a total crankasaurus as soon as you put him down.

Speaking of Matthew, a box arrived for him the other day from my sweet friend Bellismom. Outfits and shirts! He wore one of the outfits yesterday and I think he was feeling pretty swanky. Thank you, *A* - I love you dearly!

Jordan and I have been colouring so much this week that I have Colourer's Cramp. Ok, I know that isn't a real thing, but it should be. My hand literally hurts when I hold a crayon! We were running out of free pages in our books so she and I went colouring book shopping last night. Michael's sells colouring books for $1 so we picked out six of them.

Guess what we're doing today?

A moment of prayerful silence for The Colouring Hand, if you will.

It's just the Littles and me again this evening. Sam and Ian will be at youth group and Julie is going to yet another party. I see lots of cuddling in my evening plans :-)

Ok. I have things to get done today so I'd better get this show on the road. Meaning... it's time for Mama M's Five Question Friday!

1. Do you apologize to your kids if you're wrong?

I try to. I think it's important for them to know that parents mess up too and to validate them with an apology. Some apologies are easier than others!

An example. The other day I was getting ready to give Jordan a manicure and pedicure. I washed her little hands and feet and then went looking for the pink bucket that Julie and I designated our Girly Bucket. When I looked inside, I was shocked to see about five bottles of polish and nothing else. There should have been polish remover, nail clippers, files, and about a dozen bottles of polish.

Jules has a bit of a habit of borrowing things and not returning them, so I immediately felt cross with her, as she was the last one to do her nails. I was grumbling about it and Ian and I both went looking for the missing stash and found nothing. I guess Ian clued her in because the first thing she did when she saw me was to apologize and promise to take her room apart to find the missing items.

It wasn't until the next day while I was feeding Matthew that it hit me: I had put the missing items into a Ziploc bag to take with us on our beach vacation, and it was very likely still in my beach bag. I immediately went to look and my heart sank as I found it.

As soon as Julie got in the door from school I apologized for blaming her, and told her it was my fault. I had tears in my eyes becauseI felt so crappy. Ian suggested I take her out for ice cream to make it up to her, so I did. It turned out to be a pretty great time out together.

My daughter has a beautiful and forgiving heart. I am thankful for that.

2. Do you have a class ring, letterman's jacket, or similar obscenely priced high school "must have"?

Oh yes. I have a high school ring I just had to have. It has my birthstone, year of graduation and the school name on it. I think it may even have something engraved on the inside of the band. It cost a few hundred dollars but I didn't care. Everyone was getting one and they were so cool. I vaguely remember my mom asking me if I thought I'd ever wear it.

I haven't worn it in twenty (choke!) something years and it probably died of boredom somewhere in my jewelry box.

3. If you could be one age for the rest of your life, what age would you choose?

There isn't one. The older I get, the more comfortable I become with who I am. There was something about turning 40 this year that gave me some much needed clarity in terms of how I perceive myself, and how I had allowed certain people to treat me. I re-evaluated some relationships in my life and had to let go of some of them. It was painful but necessary. If something causes you pain it's best to just let it go.

I like being 40. I also liked being 19. But forever? No thank you.

4. What is your favorite (unused) baby name?

With four children with three names each, there aren't many unused names I like left!

I always loved the name Avery, but Ian said it made him think of the label company. Ashlynn was nixed as being a porn star name and McKenna was killed off because there were be no McKids in Ian's house. Kendall and Kennedy were favourites of mine as well, but Ian said he didn't like K names because they sounded too harsh.

Umm...like Kate?? Nice, Ian. Real nice.

For boys I liked Connor and Declan but Ian nixed those as well. Joe is a name I've always loved but then I'd have Julie, Jordan and Joe. It's hard enough with two J names already.

But we don't need to discuss baby names because we.are.done.

Ok God? Did you hear that?? :-)

5. If you could make your child like something what would it be?

I would like for Sam like pasta and peas. I'd like for Julie to like herself the way God made her and to not doubt her worth. I'd like for Jordan to mind me a little better, and I'd like for Matthew to sleep through the night. Every night.

Alright, much to do and I'm still in my pjs!

Hope you all have a wonderful Friday!

Head on over to Mama M's blog My Little Life to join in on the fun!

Bits & Pieces

2011-09-28T22:57:00.003-04:00

Well, word on the street is that some of you are having problems leaving comments on my posts. I don't know what is happening with blogger lately. I was having trouble leaving comments on other blogs as well, and someone told me it has something to do with being logged into google all the time. Or something. I wasn't really paying attention.

You know what makes me sad? Getting a great comment and not being able to reply to it because the commenter doesn't have an email address attached to their blogger profile. I love replying to comments people leave me because I always have something to say.

Today I had to explain to Jordan that her nose is not like a pocket and to please stop putting things in there. I actually had to do some recon work and go in to retrieve something she'd put in there. Picking someone else's nose is not on my top ten list of favourite things to do.

Today it was my turn to bring the snacks to my Wednesday morning Bible study. Ian picked up a lemon poppy seed coffee cake which my favourite. I was secretly hoping that no one would eat it and I could bring it home. Much to my happiness I was able to bring a lot of it home with me, and I've eaten too much of it. Apparently I won't be happy until it's all in my stomach. But then I'll be sad. Oh the drama of a simple coffee cake.

My laptop battery is dead and so is the power cord I need to recharge it. I haven't been able to tour the world via Google Earth lately and that's sad. I like looking at small towns and then going to MLS.ca to see the price of real estate for that area. I've found a lovely house in Texas, one in Goderich, Ontario and another one in Montreal, Quebec. It's a weird little addiction I have.

Another one of my addictions? Pretty much anything on TLC. Sister Wives, Extreme Couponing, Hoarders....

Oh my, Hoarders. I think my neighbours must think we're massive hoarders considering all the garbage we put out during the two exemption weeks we had this month.

I had great plans of having an afternoon nap today but Matthew wasn't having any of it. He sat on my lap smiling and laughing at me for ages. According to him I'm a pretty funny gal.

I haven't been able to sleep these last couple of nights. Usually I could sleep through a hurricane with a tornado on the side, but not this week. Hopefully I'll rest well tonight.

Ian has this love affair going on with air fresheners. I can't stand them but he LOVES them. And I love him, so I put up with them as best as I can. All that to say, I need to wrap this post up because the latest one he bought sprays its scent at certain times, and it just went off and I'm seeing double.

Nighty nite!

Toddler Rules

2011-09-27T18:42:00.002-04:00

I discovered Pinterest and I adore it.

If you haven't checked it out then you are missing out.

I came across this yesterday and I had to laugh at how very true it is.

Thank You

2011-09-26T22:06:00.005-04:00

I had prepared a vlog earlier this evening, with Matthew as my special guest. He was wide awake and happy and I was going to show him off a little. I was experiencing a pretty good hair day with a rare clean shirt thrown in as a bonus.

I thanked those of you that commented on my last blog post or sent me heartfelt and encouraging emails that brought me to tears.

And in doing so, I began to cry again. I am so humbled that people even read my blog to begin with. Whether I know you in real life or just online, you humble me. And to share your encouraging words, kindness and love... I am so sincerely appreciative.

I'm tired of feeling like an Eeyore and I'm sure you're tired of reading about it. I long to feel like myself again.

Goofy. Light hearted. Hopeful.

So why didn't I post the vlog?

Because I had Jordan running back and forth behind me yelling "Brains! Brains!" in the zombie voice someone taught her to use. Ian and Jules were playing on the Wii and were laughing and smack talking one another. I could hear the tv show Sam was watching in the other room. I was tearing up. And somewhere, for some reason, there was water running.

It was pretty noisy.

I had to laugh, because all you could hear was all these different noises and there Matt and I are, talking away and you couldn't hear a thing.

I.Am.Blessed.

I have a home. I have children to love and who love me. I have a husband who adores me and our children.

In spite of the state of my heart, I am completely aware of how richly I am blessed.

I have been beaten down by spiritual attack. Ian was talking about something and mid-sentence I blurted out "Will you pray for me?" because I couldn't stand feeling so alone in a house full of beautiful blessings.

And he did. My sweet man prayed so lovingly over me and I felt more at peace.

All in all, it was a good day. I cuddled and coloured with Jordan, then gave her a manicure and pedicure with the purple polish she loves so much. We both had naps and cookies and apple slices for our snack. We rocked together in the rocking chair while I sang songs to her about Jesus. I loved all over Matthew.

Yes. A good day.

Tomorrow my mom is coming over to visit with us and to cuddle the little ones. I love that she lives so close to us and that she can see them whenever she wants to. We'll likely talk each other's ears off, and by that I mean that *I* will talk HER ears off. :-D And there will be some Dancing With The Stars watching too.

Thank you for praying for me. For my family.

Small words, but they are so heartfelt.

Thank you.

Fear

2011-09-24T21:20:00.006-04:00

Occasionally when I run out of things to look at online I will re-read some of my older blog posts. Often I will laugh at some of the things I've written because I get a kick out of myself sometimes. Laughing is so good for the soul.

But as I read through my posts from this year there's an underlying theme in my life.

Fear.

I have spent a lot of my time afraid.

I profess to be a Christian yet I live in fear. I know better. I do.

I know what Bible verses to look up to combat the fear. I pray. I ask others to pray for me. I call out to God and wait for His reply.

I can't hear anything. I don't sense or feel anything.

I don't know what God is doing, or what He has planned for us, or when change will come.

Is there a reason for this, have we done something wrong, are we failing to learn a lesson?

It hurts and I feel forgotten.

Time is running out and I am scared.

I'm afraid He isn't going to show up. And I need for Him to show up.

I'm tired of seeing people who have so much get more. I'm tired of seeing the wicked prospering more.

I'm tired of my crappy attitude and I don't know how to just let it go...

I hate feeling like this. My stomach is in knots and I feel barfy. And I want to cry. But I have no one to cry with.

I long to have such strong faith that people can see Jesus through me. But they don't.

If you're the praying type, would you pray for me? Pray for strength of faith, for answered prayers and opened doors, and that I will shake this off and be a better support for my husband.

I'm sorry that more and more of my posts are downers. I'm hoping for good news soon.

Thank you...

5QF ~ September 23

2011-09-23T12:53:00.005-04:00

I can't believe it's Friday already. I swear it was Monday only yesterday.

I went to my Wednesday morning bible study group and we've decided to do a study on marriage. I think next week I'm going to try to leave the littles at home. While I love taking them places with me, it is very distracting to be getting up and down all the time trying to settle Matthew, or check in on Jordan, change diapers, etc. There are other moms there that understand, but still...I would hate to break the focus of someone else, especially if they're really hearing something, you know?

Meh. We'll see.

Today Jordan and I went to The Good Walmart to do some grocery shopping. It was a lot busier than usual...I think people are on to it now. Boo. I have a pet peeve about Walmart and I'm curious to see if anyone else gets bothered by this as well.

Does your Walmart cashier take your bag off the bagging holder thingy, or do you have to take it off yourself? Ours will fill a bag, then move it to the end of the 2 foot holder thingy, then start another bag, etc. I used to lean over and take mine off but I got to wondering why? Why can't they take it off and move it to where I can reach it? It happens at every Walmart location I go to.

I've decided I'm not going to touch the bag until they take it off the rack. Because I'm going hardcore now.

Maybe you have no idea what I'm talking about and you think I'm crazy.

I have a wicked headache today. I don't usually get them this bad, and it's making me very nauseated. I'm hopeful that the littles will nap at the same time so I can lay down for a bit.

Anyway. It's Friday, and you know what that means 'round these parts: Mama M's Five Question Friday!

1. Dream job...realistic and completely unrealistic.

Realistic dream job? When I'm not doing the stay-at-home-mom gig that I absolutely love, I work in Credit & Collections. I'm very good at what I do because of the way I do it. I respect my customers and realize that collections is largely customer service. People don't hate to hear from me. It's not the career I planned on, I just kind of fell into it. In no way is this a dream job, but it's a little late in my life to be re-directing my career goals, and I have no intentions of returning to school.

Unrealistic? I'd like to be a teacher, except I don't really like other people's children all that much. Or a nurse, except I can't stand blood, barf or listening to people complain about being sick or in pain.

Actress maybe. I can bring the drama for sure, and the paycheque would fit very nicely in my Coach bag.

2. Do you fart in front of your significant other?

No, nor does he in front of me. I think it's so rude to do that. Let's be honest, they're going to escape once in awhile, nothing you can do about that. But you excuse yourself and move on.

I think "fart" is a very funny word and I love a good fart joke.

3. What's the furthest you've ever traveled from home? How far and where was it?

The Dominican Republic for our honeymoon. I don't know exactly how far that is from here, but it took a four and a half hour flight to get there and they didn't speak english.

4. How do you celebrate birthday for your kids? Family only or friends? ... Alternate for those without kiddos: How did you celebrate birthdays as a kid?

The older ones have friend parties, either here at the house or on location somewhere. I prefer the on location ones because it's so much easier in terms of preparation and clean up. And because I don't really like other people's kids, remember? So the less face time I have with them in my home the better. We will also have a family dinner where the grandparents and extended family are invited. Jordan just has family parties at this point.

Julie's and Jordan's birthdays are two days apart, but I have always - and will always - insisted that their days be celebrated separately. It's a busy weekend with a lot of cake, let me tell you. Not that I'm complaining.

5. Fave thing about fall?

The colours of the leaves as they change, the cooler temperatures, apple picking, family photos in the leaves, baking pies and comfort foods. Fall is my favourite season. I hate that Winter follows right after though.

Have a great Friday :-)

Head on over to Mama M's blog My Little Life to join in on the fun!

10 Things God Wants You To Know

2011-09-22T06:33:00.001-04:00

The other day I was creeping some of my friends' facebook profiles and I came across this little gem below. It was posted by a lovely young woman who I met at church and she has a deep passion for God that I admire deeply.

Here was her status on Tuesday:

10 Things God Wants You To Know

I am for you.
I love you.
I believe in you.
I will not fail you.
I will be with you.
I will provide for you.
I will bless you.
I will give you rest.
I will strengthen you.
I will answer you.

Simple. Sweet. True.

I'm going to print a few copies of this to leave in places around the house to remind me of what is true.

Thank you for this reminder, Maryanne. I needed this. XO.

Popcorn & Colouring Party

2011-09-20T22:15:00.006-04:00

I wanted to do something fun with Jordan today so I decided to have a Popcorn & Colouring Party.

I'm not great at playing. It feels awkward to me and the children learned early on that I sucked at it. Thank goodness their father is so fun. He's like the playmate of the year.

Well... not that playmate of the year. You know what I mean.

The dude is fun.

But colouring? Now THAT is right up my alley. I find it so relaxing and will often do it to settle myself down if I'm stressed out. I have my own not-so-secret stash of crayons and colouring books too.

Jordan pulled out what we needed while I prepared the popcorn and drinks.

All set up and ready to go!

See the pull-up in there? I don't know why it's in the picture, but it is. Still working on potty training, my least favourite parenting job ever. But that's a whole other post, isn't it.

Here is the picture we chose to work on together:

Jordan insisted that Pooh's shirt be green. I told her that Pooh's shirt is normally red, and she said ok, but today his shirt was green.

She was very intent on working on her portion of the picture. So much so that she edged me right out of her way.

I heard lots of "I love you, Mommy!" and "I having fun, Mommy!" and "I happy now!" during our little party.

Almost done...

Note the big black bee on the right. She said they should all be black because bees are mean, they are scary and they hurt people. She said that black was her angry colour.

I guess only one bee was mean, scary and hurtful because the others were spared the wrath of The Black Crayon.

And our finished picture:

I always date the pictures I colour, and the children started doing it too. I love looking through old colouring books to see how they've improved.

I guess Jordan thought I was a lot of fun because we coloured for another hour after her nap, then we played with her Mr. Potato Head parts.

Playing is hard work you know. I can see why little people get so tired!

Matthew's Dedication And My Embarrassment

2011-09-19T19:00:00.007-04:00

Yesterday was a big day for our family. Matthew was dedicated!

I was so excited I could hardly sleep the night before. I just lay there praying for him, and praying for a beautiful, memorable day. My Mama, our dear friend Gary (who is more of a brother to Ian) and Ian's parents joined us.

I decided to hold off on giving Matthew his mid-morning bottle, figuring I'd feed him during worship and he'd be sound asleep by the time he was being dedicated.

Big. Mistake.

You'd think I'd know better considering this is my fourth child.

But no.

Again I say big mistake.

He started crying during worship so I took him out to the foyer and bounced and jiggled him the way he loves (and makes me look like a goof). It seemed to be working and then we were called up to the front.

As soon as we joined our Pastor, Matthew opened his mouth and started crying.

When I say crying I mean ear shattering wailing. Right in front of the entire congregation. I did what any loving mother would do - I passed him off to his father.

I dearly love our Pastor. He is a wonderful man of faith, and has been such an instrumental part of my spiritual growth. I am blessed to be able to count him as a friend. He just rolled with the crying and proceeded with the dedication.

Matt was crying so hard I couldn't hear anything. I had tears in my eyes, but not because I was moved. It was because I couldn't imagine a time when I felt more embarrassed in my life.

Yeah, yeah. We've all been there. I know. But this was happening to US and it's different when things happen to US!

As soon as we stepped down Matthew stopped crying. Honestly, Matthew!

I took him straight back to the nursery to settle him down and feed him. I was visiting with a lovely lady who mentioned that she read my blog. I was surprised and asked if she was serious and she said yes, someone had told her about it so she checked it out.

I felt really shy about that all of a sudden and looked down. And when I looked down I was shocked to see that the wire from my underwire bra was sticking out of the top of my shirt.

I can't decide what was more embarassing: a) the fact that in my 9 years of attendance at this church, I have never heard a baby cry like Matthew did during a dedication and has now set a record I can't wait for some other couple to beat (sorry, but true), b) my bra broke right there in the house of the Lord and the wire was sticking out for all of God's people to see or c) people I know in real life read me.

It's a toss up.

But, drama aside, he has been dedicated and I'm happy. I don't have any pictures to post because he had gotten himself all worked up that he barfed on his outfit. I was pretty sure you didn't want to see that.

Since the housework was all done on Saturday, I didn't have anything I had to do today. So, the Littles and I headed over to my Mama's for breakfast and a visit. We came home for lunch and while they napped I watched tv. The house was so quiet.

Too quiet.

Nothing on tv.

Nothing except for.....soap operas.

So, I broke my 20 year hiatus from soaps and watched The Young & The Restless. Two minutes in I knew that dude wasn't a real bone marrow match for little Delia, and Victor Newman sure got old. Esther used to be Katherine Chancellor's maid, no? Now she was all dressed up all fancy like the other people just hanging around. And some freaky eyed lady was locked up in the wine cellar with some Australian dude.

An hour of my life I'll never get back.

Tonight is the Dancing With The Stars premiere and even though there isn't anyone on it this season I really like (except for my girl Nancy Grace) I will still watch.

Over and out.

DVD Review: Stuck

2011-09-17T00:36:00.003-04:00

We are often so stuck in invisible struggles in our hearts and minds, we barely have space for God. These deep struggles, these stuck places, are familiar to every one of us: brokenness, anger, discontentment, fear, and sadness. Stuck takes on these struggles within us so that we can encounter God. Because until we recognize that we are stuck and in need of God, we will miss what He has for us.

Jennie Allen's Bible studies are designed to draw women close to God and to each other. These shorter studies dig deep quickly, creating experiential conversations and allowing women to wrestle with Scripture in a deep and authentic way throughout the week.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

I haven't had a lot of spare time for reading since Matthew came along, thus the lack of reviews here on my blog. Truth be told, I'm in a difficult place spiritually and reviewing books about God and Christianity was just out of my realm of ability these days.

When I opened my email and saw this offer, I couldn't turn it down. Just the name of it was enough.

Because I am stuck, guys. Stuck in a dark place of despair as we move through this season, and I'm losing sight of God's promises. He feels distant to me, and I feel angry and disappointed.

I'm stuck.

I'm a visual learner. I like to see things as I learn them. So DVD bible studies are right up my alley. I was curious to see what Jennie Allen could bring to the table.

And oh, did she bring it.

Each video is short, but they are packed with biblical truth, supporting bible verses, and Jennie shares from the heart where she's been, what she's struggled with, and how she was able to become unstuck.

I liked that each video was in a different setting, and it felt as though she was just sitting across from me, talking to me. Encouraging me. Reminding me.

I really, really, liked her.

She is so easy to relate to, sweet, and has a passion for women's ministry. She is so on fire for God and while I listened to each lesson I felt something rising up in me.

Hope.

The lessons in this study are all ones I can relate to: brokenness, anger, discontentment, fear, and sadness. I bet you can too.

My Wednesday morning bible study group started up this week, and we're looking for a new study for the Fall. I'm going to definitely pass this one on to our facilitator for consideration.

It's that good.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Samplers of the Book and DVD have been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. DVD-Based Study available October 2011 at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson.

One Of My Favourite Things

2011-09-15T23:01:00.006-04:00

...are itty bitty little baby feet.

Some Rambly Stuff

2011-09-13T23:10:00.000-04:00

Ian and Sam returned home on Sunday afternoon, happy and exhausted from the retreat. I slept well with all my people under the same roof once again.

Tomorrow is Garbage Exemption Day and I am very excited about that. We have a two bag limit on garbage and if you want to put out additional bags then they have to have a $1 tag on them. It's hard to pack six people's worth of garbage, diapers, dog poop bags and cat litter into two bags. We cheat by using contractor sized bags, and our pick up guys look the other way. I appreciate that.

But tomorrow ....tomorrow is a free for all. We can put out 1,000 bags if we want to. Same as last week. Oh boy, last week we went on a tossing binge and got rid of a lot of crap. Tomorrow will only be a three bag day.

And now you know my garbage pick up habits and information.

You know that one drawer in your kitchen that is a catch-all for all sorts of crap you don't know what to do with but you can't throw it out? Yesterday I cleaned mine out. Lids with no bottoms. Bottoms with no lids. I cleaned that out yesterday and felt so good about it that I kept opening the drawer to look inside. Today I cleaned all the excess stuff off the bulletin board in the kitchen and only re-pinned the important stuff.

I had coupons pinned there that expired in 2009. I guess I figured I'd use them someday. You know, like when 2009 rolled around again.

I also bought a calendar that sticks to my refrigerator. With six people in this house, Mama needs to know what's going on, and when. I feel better when things are written down and I know what to expect.

Jordan and I delivered three bags of outgrown children's clothing and two cans of formula to the local church this morning. For almost 20 years this church has been providing struggling mothers with clothing, diapers and baby food. A mother comes in, selects the clothing she needs, then when the child outgrows it, she returns it all for the next size up. This ministry is very, very, dear to my heart. While I have not needed it personally, I know someone who has, and it was a beautiful example of love in action.

After the church Jordan and I dropped off our empty beer bottles. All eleven of them which netted us $1.10. Six of the eleven were from last summer. As in 2010. There was dust on the box.

Remember when I built this dresser for Jordan a few years ago? It took me 11 hours and 2 minutes, but I did it all on my own. I was a little psychotic about it and refused to let anyone help me with it. By hour 10 I figured I was headed for a mental breakdown. Well, I bought another one for Matthew last month and decided tonight was the time to put it together. Nothing like taking care of things right away, huh? With the assistance of a power drill and my wonderful husband, the dresser was put together in under two hours.

A power drill and a wonderful husband are two very handy things to have. Ian never lets me use his power tools, not since I almost drilled a hole in his arm. But we don't need to talk about that.

Tonight I learned that Coffee Hour resumes tomorrow morning instead of next week! I'm looking forward to being with my Christian sisters again, and studying God's word together. I'm in a really rough spot spiritually, and I need this like I can't even explain.

I am completely addicted to Google Earth. You can type in an address and it zooms from outer space right to that particular spot. You can even drag and drop a man-thingy to get a street view. I travel all over the world and see places I'll never get to in my lifetime. If I read a news report, I will fire up my Google Earth and take a look at where the crime happened. If I'm watching a movie, I will type in the address and look all around. Lately I've been using it to look up small towns, then I price out the real estate. I think it's a sickness. But it's a cheap sickness.

So that's it. I'm off to bed. Busy day tomorrow.

Girls And One Little Dude's Weekend

2011-09-10T21:25:00.007-04:00

Yesterday I was determined to take the little ones out of the house for several hours so Ian could get some peace and quiet for his job search. It's hard to make phone calls when there is a baby crying in the background, or a pre-schooler demanding a drink over and over.

While I was curling Julie's hair my mom called to say she was just around the corner and could take the children to school. SCORE! They love it when she drives them because she gets them there early and they get more time to socialize with their friends. For me, it meant I could dry my hair properly and not have to pin it back like Snookie for the hundredth day in a row.

Thanks Mom!

I figured the mall would be a good place to fill in some time and burn some of Jordan's energy. I kept thinking of the little shoes I saw at Old Navy the night before. Turns out they were having a big sale on all baby items. So... I bought the shoes I liked so much for only $6 on sale. I got the next size up so he can wear them for a little while before outgrowing them. I ended up buying him a pair of high tops as well for $9. I also got two free pairs of socks!

While we were standing in line, Jordan pointed to something behind me and asked "What's that?" I turned around and saw a young child sitting in a stroller, dressed in a pink frilly skirt, pink ballet slippers and longish hair. So I said, "That's a little girl." To which I heard the haughtiest voice ever say "You mean, that's a little BOY."

"Excuse me?" I asked. She repeated what she had said in the same tone and then went off about skewed gender role expectations and other blather I wasn't really listening to. So when she was done ranting at me she asked what I had to say for myself . Holy pickles. I didn't have much to say after that. I think I said something like "Ok, well thanks for all that. Have a great day." But what I said in my mind was something else entirely.

You know those kiosks that are set up in the middle of the mall? The ones where someone comes right up in your face trying to get you to try their hand cream/flat iron/body lotion/whatever? I can't stand them. I avoid all eye contact in an attempt to discourage them from approaching me, but they don't care. Apparently a woman with an active and jumpy preschooler and a wailing infant isn't a deterrent for them either. One woman stepped right in my path trying to sell me her product. Oh the snippy things I would have liked to have said to her! Instead I just moved around her saying no thank you over and over. Eight times, to be exact. Gotta give girlfriend points for persistence.

We left the mall and stopped at my mom's for a short visit so she could cuddle Matthew and Jordan for a bit which she loves. I love that she lives so close that I can just stop in like that. Julie recently told me that her Gram's house feels like her other home. Love.

Our last stop was to Walmart to buy milk and some snacks for Ian and Sam to take with them on the youth retreat this weekend. Jordan was so tired by the time we got back to the van that she fell asleep clutching her fries in her fist.

We all drove over to the church at 5:45 to drop Ian and Sam off but we didn't stay. I felt sad about that, because we always stick around until the bus leaves, but I didn't have the energy to keep Jordan from running around, and having people pick at the baby, not to mention the tears that flow when Daddy leaves... We picked up subs for dinner on our way home and ate them in our pjs. Julie pulled out the sofa bed and made some s'mores afterwards while we watched tv until the girls crashed at 10:30. I was just about to let Wills out at 11 when I heard knocking at my front door. It was three slow knocks, all creepy like. Who knocks like that!? Killers do, that's who. My living room is on the second floor and if I lay flat on my stomach and peer through the banister and a specific rib crushing angle, I can see who's on my porch without actually having to approach the door. It was two super creepy looking guys.

As if I was going to answer the door!

Willow was going crazy, snarling and barking in a way he doesn't do very often. I thought I'd drop dead. There was no way I could go to sleep at that point! They kept standing in front of the house, looking at it and talking. I tweeted and facebooked what was going on and a sweet friend of ours said if needed him to, he would come by with their dog and check things out. I considered calling the police to see if they had a car in the area that could just drive past but I felt like that might be too much.

Ian saw my facebook status and called me from the retreat. It's amazing how scared I get when he isn't here.

Anyway. I was on high alert and wide awake until 3:45 am! Finally I went to bed just in time to get woken for Matthew's 4:30 am feeding. GAH! Needless to say, I've been tired today. I took the children out for dinner as I always do when the boys are away. Julie loves being able to talk about girly things. We have a very close relationship, much like my mother and I have. It's very special.

So, here I am in bed...trying not to be creeped out. I've left a couple of lights on (sorry Ian!) and trust that our fierce protector Willow will keep us safe.

Tomorrow the boys come home!

Ok. Enough rambling. The last little one finally closed her eyes so it's time for me to sleep as well.

:-O <--- see what I did there? That's a yawn face!