baby, it's cold outside

Actually, it's not so cold today: about -11 degrees. Gently falling snow. White sky and muted sun. Looks colder out than it is. But it was sure cold the last few days. Makes me want to curl up by the fire and read a good book. I haven't been to the library for so long, I almost forget what a book looks like.

Took D to emergency last night. I could see that both his eyes were infected, and his whole face was red and puffy. He has been so sick for two weeks - just a bad cold, but he sure didn't feel good. He got his immunizations on Wednesday (which the emergency nurses couldn't figure out, cause apparently they aren't supposed to give immunizations if the kid is sick) and has had fever on and off since. Sleepless nights and fussiness. Very runny nose, and then eye infections. Well, turns out that he had two ear infections and two eye infections, poor guy! Thank goodness for antibiotics - even this afternoon he is so much better. He has energy; he is playing; he is definitely starting to feel more like his cheeky self.

Bought Daisy an "indestructible" ball this morning from the pet store. Maybe it will keep her busy so she stops chewing the toys!

Gave Great Grandpa A's harmonica to P this morning. He was thrilled and has been making music all day! It will be good to see Uncle T at Christmas; maybe he can give P some pointers.

Early dismissal this afternoon, so the kids and I are going to make the gingerbread train.

modern electronics for dummies

If only there was such a book! Maybe there is - but would it save me time to actually read it?? I know nothing about modern electronics! I recently got a smart phone, and it is smarter than me! P told me off while we were driving in the van today. He said, "Mommy, do you know what a DS is?" I said no. He asked me how old I am, and when I told him, he incredulously said, "I'm 5 and I know what it is and you're 33 and you don't know??!" I tried to explain to him that the iPad, iPod, DS (whatever it is), etc, etc are all new "toys" and were not around when I was a little girl. He thought I was making excuses, and said "But you're an ADULT!" Trying not to laugh, I asked him to enlighten me, and he told me it's something like a laptop! OK - I was still clueless. So I asked M when he came home for lunch. He said it is a video game player that you don't have to put games on; they already come on it. And then P said, "Mom, the difference between an iPad and and iPod is that the iPad is sideways." Well, that helps! Seriously, I need that book.

some days are better

Some days are better than others, and
Some nights are twice as long, and
Some days I'm more than weak, and
Some nights I'm less than strong, and
Some days I just can't take it, and
Some nights I barely make it, but
Some days are better.
-- Charlie Major, Some Days Are Better

Today my doubts didn't plague me quite so much. Today the kids played in the sunshine and snow. Today the dog didn't vomit on the carpet. Today I thank God for vaccinations and second chances and medicine. D is getting shot up this afternoon, poor little guy. And I think today of my Grandma Jean. A preemie baby in a shoebox, warmed close to the stove, predicted a slim chance to live by the doctor, lived a long life. Another baby, stillborn - whose mother was told to have no more babies, yet had two more. My mom, a miracle - and me too. And all of us. God's mercy and love are unfathomable.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

tree up!

A brought home the Christmas tree this afternoon; it is now relaxing, preparing itself for being thoroughly decorated tomorrow afternoon! I told him to make sure it was at least 6 feet tall (after he brought home a little shrimpy one another year!), and it is - I think it is about 8 feet tall, which works in our living room. It is so much fun getting ready for the holidays with the children getting older. As I unpacked the box of decorations, there were multiple exclamations of "I remember that!" and "Can I hang that one up?"
We decided to work towards a "gift-less" Christmas - over the next few years. This year, the children will have stuffed stockings, but no gifts under the tree. Instead, they are each choosing an outing or event that the family can do together during the holidays. P has chosen to go to It's A Blast - a fun indoor playground and arcade in Regina. M wants to go bowling and L wants to go swimming. Hopefully we can convince Grandma and Grandpa to go along!
M and P played soccer this morning. P has one more week for this session. R was such a good coach for P's first soccer experience. We found out that P will have him again for the next session in January, which is awesome. M has JJ, which is so great - cause he learns so much from him. It's quite fun to watch M play now, as his skill is really improving.
So glad T is coming for Christmas! Wish A could make it, but he has lots to do.
Another sore throat and more coughing for me today. I don't know why it can't just leave me alone! Last night was horrible: D was up first, but not for long. Then P was up sick with stomach issues. Then I couldn't sleep for all my coughing! So, no sleep from about 3-6:30am. I really didn't want to get up at 7:30! Thank goodness for caffeine!

no rest for the weary

It's been a few nights since I had a good sleep. The kids have all been sickish with colds - and I finally got it too. Cough, cough, cough - yes, for hours every night. Made it impossible for me to sleep very well. Night before last I put an extra pillow under my head and the incline made it a lot better - I slept like a baby, well, maybe like my baby - cause he was up 3 or 4 times it seemed and so therefore, so was I! I am trying to wean him, and this kid just won't let it go! Since A's parents left (and I think D figured two parents had left - he would not really have remembered what it was like in the house before they came . . . after all, they were here five and a half months!), D has been clingy and really attached to me. He is just starting to relax a bit now, almost a month after they left. Which is good, because I found a babysitter I love and I need D to love her too!

Anyway, this morning A had to leave EARLY for work out of town, and just after he left (about 5ish), M started vomiting. Poor guy - every half hour or so till about 10. Then he rested a bit and had half a slice of bread for lunch and some juice, and now he is perfectly fine, although maybe a little tired. I revisited me fear and anxiety from last year when M and P were so sick and had to be hospitalized. Thank God he is okay; now I just hope no one else gets it.

Freezing rain and then 10cm of snow (our second snow of the year - the first was about 40cm a couple of weeks ago) made the roads treacherous. I was a bit worried about A going out of town this morning; hope he makes it back alright this evening.

Poor L dropped a metal chair on her toe last night and cut it badly. I couldn't see the wound, it was bleeding so much. We bandaged it and held it in the air with pressure on it for 20 minutes or so. Then before bed we changed the bandages. This morning I took them off and soaked her foot in a bucket of warm salt water, which cleaned it up nicely. Then I could see the deep cut and major bruising. Yep - it will hurt for awhile!

Daisy loves the snow, but not the cold! She asks to go out, and as soon as her front end is through the door she tries to turn around and get back in! She might as well get used to it!

P is so funny. The other morning at breakfast, he says to me, "Mommy, can you buy me a little vine?" When I asked what he wanted it for, he said to swing on, of course!

Had the kids' parent teacher interviews last night, although I should call them student-parent-teacher interviews, as the kids are supposed to be presenting their work to the parents. Not sure yet if I like the new format, but M did a great job showing his work to Grandma A and me. Both Mr. F and Mrs. E are excellent teachers, and I am happy with what the children are learning. Still think I will print out some worksheets to give the boys for homework each night.

Daisy

I was wakened by the dog whining, which doesn't happen much anymore. She is pretty good about waiting in her kennel in the morning till I come downstairs and let her out. But today she started at 6am. I tried to ignore her, as I really wanted more sleep! Two nights in a row of D fussing and squirming (yes, I need to get him sleeping all night in his own bed SOON!) has left me crabby and tired, and that early morning deep sleep is so precious. Anyway, the dog whined and whined and wouldn't let me get back to sleep, so I thought I would come down and let her out and then go back to bed. So I got down here and found that she had got sick in her kennel and it was all over her too. Nice. Thanks. I let her out and then cleaned things up, and then I knew there was no way I would go back to sleep so I went on eBay!

We are going over to the school this morning. There is a work party to put in a new swing set for the little children. I will take the kids to play; their friends (L and B) will be there too.

Need to mow the grass today in the backyard. Finish typing the meeting minutes for church. Take Daisy for a walk. Recheck the kids' backpacks to make sure they have everything for school on Tuesday. Maybe hit a couple of garage sales.

Just another Saturday.

a good day

Yesterday was a good day! M had her baby! I was so anxious for her, hoping and praying that that she wouldn't have to be induced and that he would be born safely. Well, glory to God! 10 days late, but she went into labour herself the night before she was to be induced. God really loves us and often shows that love in little ways that require trust. I am so happy for her! And J is so beautiful!!

I had confession yesterday as well, which was a relief as always. I am so thankful for Father S, who helps me to put things into perspective, and often provides a different perspective than mine. His love for God is evident each time I see him, in his words and demeanor.

M had soccer camp last night and is doing really well. JJ is a great coach, who really knows his stuff. I am hoping that there will be lots more opportunities for M to learn from him. P is anxious to play soccer, and keeps asking me when the fall is, as I said he could play in the fall!

Looks like A's parents are staying for the full six months. I am tired of them being here, although there is little to complain about beyond the dynamic. Z really helps out with cooking and cleaning, as well as looking after D anytime it is needed. P has been helping with work around the house and yard, and we have got so much done. There is lots more to do, but it is exciting to be able to have time to do it, and to think about what colours we might want for paint, what flooring we might decide on, etc.

School is back in next week! I can't believe how fast the summer went by! I hope L will be ready for Pre-K. She is excited about it, but we will see how the reality goes! P and M are excited to go back and see all their friends.