Daybook {06.29.12}

FOR TODAY: June 29, 2012

Outside my window... it's over cast with a threat of rain.

I am thinking... that it's only 12 hours until we leave for our trip. 

I am thankful... for this opportunity to travel again. 

In the kitchen... still clean, because no one is up yet.

I am wearing... black yoga type capris and an oversized shirt.

I am creating... nada

I am going... to Alabama!

I am wondering... if I will get it all done on time and if I don't, that's ok.

I am hoping... that today flows smoothly.  One more trip to the city, grocery shopping and final packing.

I am looking forward to... the people I will see on our trip, including my sister at the end of it.

Around the house... ultra clean!  No mess, no clutter... that way when we get home, it's still clean.

I am pondering... as thankful as I am for technology and the wonderful ways we can communicate with others, it makes me sad to have to use them to talk to a certain person. 

A favorite quote for today... "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." - Dr. Seuss

One of my favorite things... the one hour I'm up before everyone else and have this time to myself.

A few plans for the rest of the week... driving.  Yeah, lots of driving.

A peek into my day/week:

Home sweet home for the next two weeks!

Happy 4th Birthday

Dear Sarah,

How can it be that we celebrated your FOURTH birthday yesterday?  The years seem to have gone by so quickly... I wish I could pause time and hang on to these moments a little longer. 

Today was a very busy one compared to our normally quiet days.  We had all your friends and their siblings over for snacks and cake this morning.  You loved opening the presents and eating the top of your cupcake.  The rest of the afternoon was spent playing with all the new things you received.  After the pancake supper, Dad, you and I headed to the mall to buy your first Build a Bear.  Although the experience was a little overwhelming and you would have been happy to take them all home, we did help you narrow down your choice.

It took you a longer than normal time to fall asleep from all the fun of your day.  I think it was after 9:30 when you finally stopped chattering to us!  

Things that make you who you are:

1. Unconditional love.  For everyone.  Including people you don't know.

2. You have enthusiasm for everything.  

3. You still love to watch Curious George but Max & Ruby and Toopy & Binoo are also your favorites.  

4. If you had agreed, this would have been the first birthday to have a pony tail in your hair.  

5. Telling people "I missed you" wins your way into their heart every time.

6. Pajamas are your favorite outfit.  I wish I could find sleepers for you as you get older.

7. You love slap-stick humor. 

8. You are a tease.

9. You hand out hugs and kisses freely.

10. Whenever I suggest that I might go out, you eagerly jump and say "I wan' come!"  

11. You don't really care for the medial professionals yet.  To you, they are up to no good!

12. You love Grandma so much that often I take the back seat to her.

13. Frequently you remind me that "Aunty had a baby."  (just in case I forgot!)

14. All your siblings love the way you say their name.  I think we all kind of hope that it doesn't change.  "Ja-wa", "Ya-Ya", and "Na-Na-" are your biggest heroes.  

15. You love being outside.  Going for walks or bike rides are great fun for you.

16. Fruit Loops, bananas, cheese and Ritz crackers  are your favorite foods.  We are continuously trying to increase your palate.

17. Not all your words are very clear yet and I find I have to translate a lot for you.

18. Exactly one month ago, you started sleeping through the night.  

19. The words "quiet", "mellow" and "easy going" are the best way to describe your personality.

20. You love going to playgrounds.  It is so exciting for me to see how confident you are this year.

21. You still need a soother at night to help you sleep.  

22. Helping me is something you love to do. Grabbing an extra broom or pushing the vacuum around is great fun!

23. "Mine" is one of your favorite words as you clutch your prized possession (at that time) with such fervor.  

24. You've almost grasped the concept of pedaling your trike.  You don't quite have enough strength in your legs to keep it going for long though.

25. You love to tell us "watch dis" as you proudly show off a new (or old) skill.

26. Sweet Sarah, I love you.  You bring joy and happiness to my days.  You will always by my "little one" and I am so blessed to have you in my life.  I hope this year is full of fun, delights and surprises for you. You are my ray of Sunshine and I am so thankful for you!

 2008

 June 2009

 June 2010

June 2011

June 2012

(poor you, the sun was so bright!)

Happy 4th Birthday Sarah!  I love you lots!

Daybook {06.21.12}

June 21, 2012

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...the sun is just beginning to rise over the trees in the field.

I am thinking... that I am so glad I went out for a bike ride this morning.

I am thankful... for being able to workout.

In the kitchen... nothing.  It is still clean since no one is up yet except me.

I am wearing... workout clothes.  Capris, tank top and a baggy shirt that I long ago borrowed from my mother in law.

I am going... to desperately need a shower.  After my coffee.

I am reading... Cutting for Stone

I am hoping... that I'll have a better sleep tonight.

I am looking forward to... some crazy hot weather in Alabama.  We'll be there in just over one week!

I am learning... that I may not be able to be a runner.  I am almost ok with that.

Around the house... peace.  It's quiet and I'm the only one awake.

I am pondering... not much right now. 

One of my favorite things... birthdays.

A few plans for the rest of the week... a funeral today, Sarah's birthday tomorrow, a 60th birthday party for two of my favorite people on the weekend... a busy few days ahead!

A peek into my day...

~ August 4, 1928 to June 15, 2012~

Today we will celebrate the life of Bertha Wunsch (Doug's grandma).  A mother to 5, grandma to 12 (not including the married ins) and great-grandma to 16.  Although we will miss her here on earth, we take joy in knowing that we will one day see her again in Heaven. 

Daybook {06.15.12}

June 15, 2012

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... it looks cool and dreary.  No rain coming yet but it looks like it might.

I am thinking... about the prep I need to do for tomorrow as we celebrate Sarah's birthday.

I am thankful... for a good night's sleep.

In the kitchen... nothing.  It is still clean since no one is up yet except me.

I am wearing... jeans, a tee shirt and a new hoodie.  Up and ready to spend the morning with my mother in law.

I am creating... ways to make our yard look bigger.  Yesterday I took a saw to a few trees in our back yard...!  Very refreshing to be a little destructive like that!

I am going... to do day two of my walk/jog combo this afternoon.

I am reading... The Lost Girls.  I haven't actually started but it's next.

I am hoping... that I'll have everything ready for our vacation in a couple weeks.

I am looking forward to... some crazy hot weather in Alabama.  We'll be there in just over two weeks!

I am learning... that parenting teens is a very different job than parenting the younger years.

Around the house... again, the usual clutter but mostly Sarah's toys are scattered about.

I am pondering... not much right now. 

A favorite quote for today... "I thought we would "do school" this year; instead we "did life," and somehow school happened anyway."

One of my favorite things... listening to the kids get along well.

A few plans for the rest of the week... well the week is almost up but my weekend has a birthday party, church, my niece's dedication and Father's Day all to be done in two days!

A peek into my day...

Happy Friday!

Photo Challenge

The clouds that rolled in the other evening

The stacks of books beside my bed.

Fantasy

Christian fiction

War novels

A Bible

Devotionals

Romance

History

... a little bit of everything

Daybook {06.10.12}

FOR TODAY - June 10

Outside my window... it's windy and rainy.

I am thinking... how much I love Sundays.  Usually we have a meal with my in-laws and that is something I really look forward to. 

I am thankful... for the four children God has blessed Doug and I with.  They are amazing, smart and wonderful people who I love with all my heart.

In the kitchen... the dishwasher is running.

I am wearing... pajama pants and a big shirt of Doug's.  For some reason, it's comforting to wear his shirt... makes me feel close to him even if he's not.

I am creating... not much.  I don't feel very creative these days.

I am going... to spend Independence Day in the USA!!  I am SO excited!

I am reading... Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (still).  I don't feel like I have enough time in my days to read lately.

I am hoping... that the weather clears up soon.  I'm not a big fan of storms and such.

I am looking forward to... not cooking much today.  It's Sunday and that means Doug makes supper!  :)

I am learning... to ask "mountain or molehill" more often.  Is it worth the fight or should I just let it go?

Around the house... is the usual clutter. *sigh*

A  quote for today... "The Sun'll Come Out Tomorrow" - Annie

One of my favorite things... a cup of hot, creamy coffee.

A few plans for the rest of the week... start my lists for our trip, ensure things are all in order, do a few coffee dates with friends...

Thanks Peggy

Photography Challenge Days 1-2

Day One - Self Portrait

Ok, so it has Doug in it too... that's ok, he's a part of who I am

Day Two - Favorite Shoes

Maybe not exactly my favorite but they are new and I'm excited to wear them!

Days 3-4 coming soon

Photography Challenge

I stumbled upon this by a fellow blogger, Beauty in Weakness and decided I'd join the challenge.  I'm obviously a few days behind so I'll try to catch up slowly!

Anyhow, I thought this would give me a reason to pull out my camera and use it more often!

Happy Friday!

Daybook {06.07.12}

Inspired to me by Peggy- The Simple Woman's Daybook

A June Kind of Daybook 

Outside my window...
... it is beautiful.  The sun is shining, the wind is blowing the trees and the birds are hopping around the wet lawn happily finding their breakfast.

I am thinking...
... what should I do with my day?  School seems to be coming to an end and I know the basement needs a huge clean up.

I am thankful...
... for my husband's new job.  He is so happy and satisfied and I like it when he's content.

In the kitchen...
... breakfast clutter and a floor that needs to be mopped.

 I am wearing...
... plaid pajamas.  It's still early and we are being lazy.

I am wondering...
... how much stuff I can set at the curb for the annual large item pick up tomorrow.

I am reading...
... Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by JK Rowling

... Have a New Teenager by Friday by Dr. Kevin Lehman

I am hoping...
... that the weather holds.  I don't like rainy days since it makes me feel all cooped up.

I am looking forward to...
... our trip to Alabama at the end of June.  I'm also looking forward to all the fun things I will do with my sister after she moves.  Even though the moving makes me sad.

I am learning...
... that I have the potential to be a runner.  I'd like to run a 5K race this fall.  I hope I can do it!

 Around the house...
... it kind of looks like a bomb went off.  It's a bit of a mess but we are at it today!

A peek into my day...
... the kids and I are cleaning.  Purging, selling, donating... whatever it takes to clean this place!

Happy Thursday!

No Need to Explain

Yesterday on a whim, I stopped doing school with the kids and decided to go swimming.  As I was dressing Sarah and putting a diaper on her, I could feel the disapproving looks from another mom.  I'm sure my sensitive heart was overreacting when she said to her little boy "Let's go potty" and then proclaimed praise that seemed loud enough for the entire change room to hear.  No my {almost} four year old isn't isn't potty trained and I although I know why, I can't change it.  Even though I don't owe anyone an explanation, it's just tough to see the questioning looks from others. 

*sigh*

A Bit of a Hodge Podge

When I originally sat down to write this, I was in a gloomy kind of mood. My day didn't go as {I} planned and I've had a lot on my mind lately. I've been adding to this every few days and it's been sitting in my drafts folder for a few weeks now. I daily re-read it, change or add something and then step away.

Admittedly, much of what I've been thinking about has been courtesy of other bloggers and writers. I love when I read something that speaks so close to my heart and then I wish I had the wisdom to say it first. So, the first thing I will write about is from someone else and how they have spoken to me through their own blogs and will credit them as necessary. Other parts of this post are just a compilation of things that are going on around here.

Number 1:

Make each moment count. You can not know what tomorrow will bring and so it's important that we live for this moment. The one we are in now. The laughter of our children, the family meals, the bike rides, the ice cream runs, park days, picnics. Allow for spontaneity in your day... it's good for the heart. I also need to say “yes” more often. I am doing better than I used to but there's always room for improvement. It has taken me a long time but motto is “mountain or molehill”? Is the issue that I am dealing with serious enough to get worked up about and deal with at a higher level or is it something that I can just say “it's alright” and not look back. 

My sweet friend Carlene posted the following challenge in her blog a few days ago. I have accepted her challenge and I pass it on to you and hope you'll do the same.

Give the gift of time. Time is extremely precious to each of us. There is only so much of it in a day and our day is full before we even start. For many people it is often easier to give money than time. Set aside time for those you care about. Be deliberate about it. Pencil it in.

Give the gift of words. It is so rare that we tell someone why we appreciate them. We sign a card with our name but neglect to write in our own hand a few lines about why that person is important to us. We say "I love you" but forget to tell that person what it is about them that we love. Write it down. The words are precious and one day may be even more so.

Give the gift of presence. Sometimes all another person needs is for you to be there. Not to say anything, just be present. Human contact and connection. Relationship and link.

Take the time, be deliberate. All you have is today...and you never get it back.

Number 2:

For quite a while now, we've been talking about taking a second trip down to Alabama. Four years ago, I promised myself that if we ever went again, it would be on a plane. Somehow, my family has managed to convince me that we should drive there. That means 36-40 hours in the motor home with all of us. Last time, it wasn't too bad but now all the kids are bigger, plus we have one more. Doug's employer has approved his vacation time and we are going to be leaving in four weeks! Now you may ask “why Alabama?” That's a fair question indeed. Why would we want to drive to {practically} the south easternmost corner of the US? For many years now (maybe 8?), I've been part of an online group of moms. I am the only one in Canada though. Through forum posts, emails, texts, and Facebook, a much deeper level of friendship has been created with these women. So somehow in 2004, I got it in my head that I wanted to meet a few of these people. And Alabama seemed like a good place to start. I met five of these ladies down south and then a couple more in Ohio on our way home. It's interesting how we didn't have to ever meet face to face prior to our trip and yet it was as if we lived next door, not thousands of miles apart. It was a trip of a lifetime and the kids still talk about all the things we did. We are beginning to get excited about this “second chance” trip and I can't wait to see my long distance friends again!

Number 3:

Sarah has slept through the night for 12 consecutive nights now. After three years and 11 months, she has finally figured it out. I've always been quick to respond to my kids when they cry and CIO methods have never really worked for me. I'm sure there are some who disagree with how I did things and that I should have forced the issue earlier on. This way though, there was no fight. We never had to listen to her cry at her door and her trust in us never wavered. If she cried (for whatever reason), someone came to help her. Usually that meant spending the rest of the night between us and, for the time, it worked. And now, she's sleeping completely through and it's working as well.

Number 4:

Our school year is slowly winding down. It is hard to keep the kids inside when the sun is up so early and the days are long and warm. We are spending a lot of time with friends, biking around, visiting parks and doing stuff together. I am really proud of my kids and if I had to give them marks for their work, they would all be straight A students! I do have a few new ideas up my sleeve for next fall but we'll let that rest and think about it in a few months.

Number 5:

I have a dream to be a runner.  Not necessarily to race but to have the endurance to run/jog a full 5 km.  From my house, I have mapped out a half way point of 2.5 km (5 km round trip) and that seems like a long ways yet.   Maybe now that I've put it out there, I'll be held accountable... hmmm.  And I suppose there's no time like the present.  So maybe this morning, I'll strap Sarah into the stroller, grab the other kids and head out.