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.

saturday

today we went to a few garage sales, although we have taken to going friday instead. most people do so, and we are more likely to find a deal if we go the first day rather than the second...

yesterday I got a beautiful footstool (brand new with tags attached!) for the guest bedroom. it coordinates perfectly with the chairs.  I also found a gorgeous chinese fan; it is huge, so not sure yet where to display it. a bunch of other small things, a couple of life jackets (will need those for the houseboat trip hopefully next summer). etc etc

very annoyed at the moment, waiting for A to get ready to go. we planned this afternoon's excursion to the western development museum weeks ago, as they have a huge Lego display today - should be very cool. well, now A and his dad are trying to build some contraption for beans in the garden, and I have been told to WAIT. (I'm soooo good at that!) the kids will be disappointed if we miss the display, though, and the museum closes in just a couple of hours. ah well.

looking forward to M and B's visit in a few days. they arrived in canada a few weeks ago, but detoured to visit disneyland before coming here. when I was seven, my best friend went to disneyland and I was so jealous. I knew it was something our family wouldn't be doing. I wonder if it still as cool today as then, or if there are other vacation spots just as popular with kids. last year, M was telling me about some great places to visit right here in canada - Dinosaur Provincial Park; The Enchanted Forest; etc.

about 30 degrees today, but doesn't feel too hot. we get a breeze so often in MJ that the weather is rarely unbearably hot.

I can't believe she's 3!

L turned 3 on Sunday! Wow - how time flies! I don't know why, but I keep thinking to myself that in another two years, D will be three and the baby thing will be completely finished. I feel a bit sad about that, as it has been my [wonderful and amazing] life for the last 7 years, but I am really excited to be heading for the next stage!

Anyway, we had Grandpa H and mom and dad here, and of course A's parents. This will probably be the last year that L lets me do what I want for her birthday, rather than have a proper party! A made Ukrainian BBQ and I made a cake, shaped like Dora! I didn't think it looked much like Dora, but L liked it, which is really all that matters.

The weather has been HOT! Today is predicted to be 36 degrees. We have the little pool set up in the backyard; it warms up during the day, and the kids go out after 4pm to play in it - it is just too hot earlier. The sprinkler is great too.

The kids made a new friend across the street. His parents are separated, so he only lives here on the weekends I think. He is a year older than M and is super sweet and polite and respectful. I am hoping that the boys pick up some good manners from him! I don't know what it is with M these days, but I am really hoping that it is just a stage that he is going through and will grow out of.

Swimming lessons this morning for the boys. Looks like it will be another waste of money. I am really disappointed with the teachers. I am planning to put the boys in the Flying Fins program during the fall/winter. I have heard that the instruction is a lot better.

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.