Baby Steps

are the sweetest things. Sarah took her first solo steps this week. So far, it's only been two at a time but I know her days of crawling everywhere will be over before I know it. I can't believe she's growing up so fast!

Changes to come

Well, our house is officially sold pending just a few more conditions that will be lifted by October 2. Once our house plus the one we are moving into have their inspections passed, then all we have to do is pack, pack, pack. I've already begun so as not to be totally swamped in the middle of November. So in the midst of preparing to move us, I will continue to school the kids, change diapers, drive people to various extra curricular activities, stay in touch with my sister, prepare meals, and take care of the family. I think we are in for a big adventure!

Moving On

I am not one for change. In fact, if most of my life stayed the same, I would be perfectly content. About a year ago, we had a real estate agent come and talk to us about selling our house. The market wasn't great, Sarah was newborn and we didn't feel led to do anything. On Saturday, September 12, our agent come to the door asking if we want to show our house to a couple. Um... I'm wrapped in a towel because I just came out of the shower and she pops over to discuss a showing? She wanted to show the house in an hour. Panic mode set in. One hour to get dressed, get the kids to clean their rooms, vacuum, clean bathrooms, clean the kitchen and make the house look good. I mean it WAS Saturday... the house was lived in. We managed to get out of the house for a potential buyer's impromptu showing. That night our realtor calls us with an offer. Suddenly, this seems more real... we counter offered and they accepted. That's it. Five days after the walk through, our house (which wasn't actually FOR sale) is sold. Hmmm. I've never moved before. I've never packed to move before and frankly, I find the thought of it very daunting. I've always been happy where I am. This poses as a grand and hopefully fun adventure for my family. We shall see... updates to follow.

"It's a GIRL!"

And what a joy she's turned out to be. On September 10, 2000, God blessed me with my daughter. We named her Andrea Shirley after my mom.

She is beautiful.
She is loving.
She is sweet.
She loves to read.
She loves to dance.
She's eagar to please.
She's as girly as can be.
She can keep up with the boys.
She's always up for a challenge.
She's full of life.
She's quiet.
She loves Anne of Green Gables and Little House on the Praire.
She's ours.

Reunited

Today I had to be a parent helper at school. As a general rule, younger siblings are welcome to come as long as they aren't too disruptive. My 15 month old disruptive? Oh yes. So I called on my mother in law to watch the two little girls for the four hours I was gone. Sarah managed fine. She will only drink from me yet so she was very thirsty when I got back home and I was more than happy to be relieved! Her face filled with glee as she nearly fell into my arms and her eyes closed in sweet contentment as she began nurse. I'm glad I only have to do it every 5-6 weeks since we were meant to be together!

Close Enough to Kiss

The International Babywearing Week is scheduled for September 21-28, 2009 with the theme "Close Enough to Kiss." I have loved wearing my babies and have become more and more educated with each one. I love the closeness I feel with them and how their little body nearly melts into mine.

Good Mornings

I was woken up to the hungry cry of Sarah at 6:15 this morning. After she fell back to sleep during her morning nursing, I laid her back into bed. Standing at the top of the stairs, I debated going back to bed or staying up and making coffee. Since my days are wonderfully full of my children as I homeschool them, I took this opportunity to enjoy some "me" time with my favorite coffee mug. It was a Mother's Day gift from Andrea and I make sure it is clean every night so it's ready for me in the morning. It is amazing what 30-60 minutes alone does to refresh me and prepare me for the day.

This Is The View....

... when we woke up this morning. For the past few weekends, Doug has taken each kid (not including Sarah) up to his parent's acreage and spent a night and most of the next morning for some one on one time. This weekend was Arianna's turn and instead of coming home the next day, she thought we all needed to camp out for another night. So I packed up with the other three kids. It was a short time of craziness as I thought of a supper, clothes for everyone, baby things, food for breakfast and whatever else crossed my mind. Once we were settled, we enjoyed barbecued burgers, potato chips, s'mores, and later, mugs of steamy hot chocolate. We parked the motorhome far enough away from the house that we are on our own and yet close enough to home that we could easily go home if needed. All in all, it was a good time away. The kids didn't settle right away as a windy and rainy storm blew in but it wasn't long before the familiar hum of the furnace running lulled us all to sleep. The view upon stepping out of the motorhome doesn't really feel like you are on your in-law's property (at least not until the old wrecker cars come into sight) and we do feel we are out on our own.

Camping with six people in a relatively small space is an adventure. Personal space becomes an issue and tidiness is a must! We've learned to live with each other in about 250 square feet of space in harmony even if it has been forced upon us. And despite the stepping on feet and side stepping in the narrow areas, as I closed the door and walked away, I look forward with anticipation to the next time we go camping.

Time For a Change

Well, I decided to change things up a bit. It's a new name and a new face! I hope you'll become a 'follower' since I started a whole new blog. Also, please link me to your blog so I can add you to my list!
Please let me know what you think!

Anne of Green Gables

My love for Anne of Green Gables began years ago when CBC TV first aired it in 1985. I would have been nine years old. My parents had recorded it on a VHS tape player and my sister and I watched it to the point of wearing the tape out. I don't remember the year but I do remember opening a shared Christmas present from Mom and Dad which was a boxed set of the Anne of Green Gables movie and sequel. Four videos... without the annoying Christmas commercials that we'd come to know by heart. Oh the joy of watching them over and over to the point of memorization and recitation for example- "Chrysanthemum: C-H-R-Y-S-A-N-T-H-E-M-U-M". I will never forget how to spell that word simply because of the many times of watching.
Just a couple years ago, I bought a three DVD set that included the first movie, Sequel and the Continuing Story. Today my daughter Andrea and I are having an Anne marathon. We started last night with the first one and three hours later, we are onto the sequel. How fun to snack on popcorn and pop and watch a show that I grew up with. The only thing missing is my sister. I think the next time we do this, she'll have to come over and watch with us. It will be even better when Arianna, Sarah and her Lucy are all old enough to watch with us. We'll send the boys on a hike or camp out or something 'manly' like that and us girls will have an Anne-fest! How much fun that will be!

The Heart of My Children

So today, I decided to venture out to Costco with the four kids. Although it was quite windy, the sun was shining and I thought it would be a good day to get out for a mini field trip. As we headed toward the city, I noticed some very threatening clouds to the east but I kept going. As we got to the outskirts of the Edmonton, it started to rain. Not just a light drizzle but serious rain! Thankfully, I had an extra hoodie for Sarah in the van and Arianna had grabbed a coat on the way out but the older two and I did not. We parked and made a dash to the store. I think that taking all the kids shopping is actually easier than doing it with just the little girls during school hours. Joshua and Andrea are so helpful with unloading the cart and helping with the baby. I'm sure some disagree and I guarantee that other shoppers looked at me either with sympathy or perhaps admiration! The line up to the checkout was long. It snaked down past the food aisles, all the way to the frozen food. I really had no choice but to join the throngs of other customers. So me and my brood waited and walked towards the tills at a reasonably steady pace. As we were getting closer, we passed bunches of roses. The kids asked if they could buy me some. When I asked "with what money?", they replied with "well, yours of course." Of course. And really, at $19 for two dozen beautiful roses, who was I to say no? So, as I sit here typing, I am breathing in the unique scent that only roses have, and quite enjoying the gift that my children "bought" for me. So despite the tough homeschooling days and the challenges that I encounter with them, they are the sweetest, dearest most loving little people in my world!

Bittersweet...

Today, Joshua and Andrea went back to school (of sorts). They attend a program that is for homeschoolers while allowing the kids to go to school twice a week. I settled the kids in for their first day and Andrea eagerly waved me off. Joshua was a little apprehensive as his grade moved into the room of junior high students. But he gave me a half hearted wave and I took my leave with two in tow.

The house was eerily quiet as Sarah went for a nap and Arianna did some crafting. The non stop jabbering of kids and make believe play wasn't there and I felt like I should be doing something more productive than *playing* with Arianna. I also know she was missing them as much as I was. I watched the clock until I knew I could leave to get them without being too early and with joy in my heart, I picked them up at 3:00. The van was full of news, updates and information as we made the short drive home.

An hour later and Arianna has her buddies back home and things resume.... the way I like it.