heat!

Goodness, it has been awhile since I wrote anything.  Today is very hot and humid.  About 30 degrees outside.  At least I didn't have to go out in it much - just ran to Safeway to get some fruit and to the post office to mail parcels.  Z is getting a cold; I guess D and I gave it to her.  I feel guilty.  Tato has been outside in the heat messing about, building shelves in the workshop and such.  After strep throat and a cold, I am finally feeling a bit better.  The kids are okay, and M only has 3 more days of school!  Summer will be fun!

garage sale fun

I took A's parents along this morning on our weekly garage sale adventure. A was at a course all day, so he wasn't with us. It was even more fun than usual - trying to translate back and forth with the dozen Russian words I know, and watching A's dad experience "second-hand" for the first time. He loaded up with a lot of good bargains, and the rest of us did too. The children each found some toys, which should keep them busy this week. We finished off at a house that had hotdogs for sale, so I didn't even have to make lunch! And next week, we get to do it all again!

in-laws

I probably have the nicest in-laws in the world. And, I am not being sarcastic. A's parents arrived almost two weeks ago for a visit of undetermined length. They have a visa for six months, so they may stay that long. At this point, none of us know. Anyway, I am already feeling stifled in my space, and I have to push myself extra hard to be hospitable and gracious. They don't speak English, which is a challenge when A is gone for work. Mama likes to cook and clean, and I like to take it easy (although cooking and cleaning get done when  - but I sure feel guilty relaxing when she is always busy. A says to stop worrying - that I worry more than she does. It is really nice to see the kids enjoying the visit with their Ukrainian grandparents.

L had a little friend over today for the first time, which actually went really well. They were talking a bit and playing together nicely. We will have to do it more often; hopefully it will help L build confidence with her speech.

The kids are loving the sun, back after a week or so of rain and cold. Goodness, I thought we were back in the Lower Mainland for awhile there!

sinus infection

So. Fun, fun, fun. I was just getting over my cold, when I get slammed with a nasty sinus infection. I went first thing this morning to the clinic - one has to go early to get in quickly. I was the second one there, and by the time they opened the doors there was a good ten people behind me. So I've started the antibiotics, and I am just praying the kids don't get the same thing. M hurt his ankle yesterday and it is all swollen. Not sure what's wrong, but Dr. O sent him for an X-ray. She also has him on antibiotics.

There are so many things to get done before A's parents arrive on Sunday. Oh, well. I guess the important things will get done. I am very anxious about the coming visit, although I love his parents. Hopefully it will go okay.

the gag reflex

Today we took the kids into R to the dentist. I don't mind the drive or the extra cost of the pediatric dentistry as long as they don't hate the experience. Everyone's teeth look great, so that's good. M has a strong "gag reflex" and mom says I had the same when I was little. I always feel sick to my stomach after going to the dentist. The hygienist said that M had a bit of trouble because he was gagging and having to stop so much during the cleaning and fluoride, and then he got upset. I think for next year, I will prepare M to gargle with the fluoride rinse so he doesn't have to deal with those foam trays filled with goo. Maybe I will teach him to gargle using juice.

good kids

While in the post office the other day, someone told me how good my kids are. "Such good kids." And they are, I suppose. They have their naughty times, that's for sure - but then, so do I! I hope they learn to be respectful, obedient, helpful and compassionate. I hope I can teach them to love in the little day to day interactions with those around them. Good? Well, I don't like that word. . . cause first, no one is good but God; and second, what does good mean anyway when said in that context? Since it was an older lady, she probably meant "what quiet, non-disruptive kids"! Good thing she doesn't live with us!

safe and secure

I feel safe here now. I guess that means it is home. I feel relaxed, secure and good about this place. A has been in Vancouver for the last few weeks, and says that now after going back for this small job, he is certain that we made the right choice in moving here last year. He can't stand the constant rush, the endless traffic, the noise, etc. And I sure don't miss it. Why would I, when here I have sun and sky, quiet and space, calm and contentment? Glory to God!