Friday, November 23, 2012

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.

Saturday, September 1, 2012

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.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

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, July 28, 2012

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.




Tuesday, July 10, 2012

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.

Monday, June 25, 2012

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!

Saturday, June 2, 2012

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!