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.

Vacation 2009

It's been a while since I blogged as we were on a one week family vacation. It was great to get away from the rush of day to day life, leave technology behind and live together (mostly in harmony) in the confines of a 30 foot long motorhome. Our first intended destination fell through as the bugs were so bad that the kids couldn't even be outside so we headed for Long Lake, Alberta. It was lovely there. Lots of trees, large campsites, a great beach and lake, and minimal bugs. We spent our first two nights there. On the third day, we headed to Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park. Again we were greeted by spacious sites, trees everywhere, a virtually private beach, and hot weather. We set up camp for the rest of the time there and relaxed! Some tidbits about the week are:

* The first morning out, Arianna fell off her bike and did quite a number on her leg, elbow, shoulder, face, and hand. Even her helmet was scuffed up. Thankfully she was ok but she did not get back on her bike until we got home.
* One night, my sister and I managed to get all six kids to sleep in the motorhome at the same time.
* Arianna is a very good swimmer and showed her skills in the lakes.
* My nephew Ben says the cutest things. My favorites are "fun-gunk" for kerplunk, "Aunty Fancy-Car" for Aunty Stephanie, and "mo-ho" for motorhome.
* Andrea went for a walk and was missing for a while. I will never forget the fear of not knowing where she was nor the peace and relief I felt when she was found.
* Camping with a crawling one year old is an adventure. Especially when she wants to crawl on the gravel and eat rocks.
* The kids got along great. Our family time was a blessing and we came home closer than before.
* Camping with my sister, brother in law, nephew and niece was SO much fun! I can't wait for next year!

It was a great time away. I can't post all the pictures here so I will direct you to my Facebook so you can view them there.

Kelly's RAK

I met Kelly a few years ago when her oldest son and my second daughter were about a year old. We have become good friends and two years ago I had the opportunity to meet her and her sweet family in Ohio when we took a two week trip through the US. Her three boys are simply darling and it was a wonderful day. We share a love of scrapbooking and that's the main idea of this blog.

Kelly is doing a RAK giveaway of some of her scrapbook stuff. She's got lots of great things to give away and I'm hoping I win! Check out her blog here and wish me luck!

Busy, Busy, Busy

So looking at my blog, it's been nearly a week since I posted last. My week was spent getting aquainted with my first nephew. His parents were looking for someone to watch him while they worked and I was asked to do the job. It turned out to be a wonderful time as I watched this 3 year old play with my kids as if he belonged with us. I had forgotten how busy preschool aged boys can be though and I was very thankful for my older children who jumped right in and helped take care of him. It was exciting to have an additional child with me and gave me a glimpse of what FIVE would have been like. Hmmm, I think four is good!

In Loving Memory

~Shirley Van Neck~

March 23, 1955 - July 13, 1999

I can only imagine what it will be like, when I walk by Your side...

I can only imagine, what my eyes will see, when Your Face is before me!

I can only imagine. I can only imagine.

Surrounded by Your Glory, what will my heart feel?

Will I dance for you, Jesus? Or in awe of You, be still?

Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?

Will I sing 'Hallelujah!'? Will I be able to speak at all?

I can only imagine! I can only imagine!

I can only imagine, when that day comes,

when I find myself standing in the Son!

I can only imagine, when all I will do, is forever, forever worship You!

I can only imagine! I can only imagine!

Surrounded by Your Glory, what will my heart feel?

Will I dance for you, Jesus? Or in awe of You, be still?

Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?

Will I sing 'Hallelujah!'? Will I be able to speak at all?

I can only imagine! Yeah! I can only imagine!

I can only imagine! Yeah! I can only imagine! I can only imagine!

Yeah! I can only imagine!! Only imagine!!!I can only imagine.

I can only imagine, when all I do is forever, forever worship You!

I can only imagine.

I don't know what I'll do when I get to Heaven to meet Jesus but I am sure looking forward to being reunited with my Mom. It's tough to be the grown up when my kids ask "why couldn't Oma get a new heart?" I don't KNOW why. I wish I had a better answer for them. It's been 10 years and it's by the grace of God that I get through some days. I think about her daily and although the pain of missing her is duller than it used to be, I still feel sad when I think about her.

Monday Mentionables

~Sarah uses a soother to sleep. I need to make sure she has extras in the crib because when I put her down with one in her mouth, she takes it out and trades it with another one that's in there. Everytime.

~I feel SO incredibly blessed to be able to watch my nephew this week. I am thoroughly enjoying getting to know the little guy!

~Some days I wish coffee came in IV form.

~I'm fascinated that even at 10 & 8.5 years old, my children find playdoh fun!

~My five year old can ride a two wheeler and I've never seen a prouder munchkin.

~I can't believe my other nephew is nearly two!

~My nights are still interrupted once to breastfeed my baby.

~Both of my pre-teens are using deodorant.

~I am still madly in love with my husband.

~I can't wait to go camping with my family, my sister, her husband, and their kids.

Two Teeth In One Day

Today, Arianna joined the ranks of those who get visited by the tooth fairy... and doubly so as she lost two in one day! Her bottom two baby teeth came out (actually I pulled them) this afternoon. She has such a big kid grin now.

Ah, she's growing up so fast!

"Throw Out The Schedule"

My friend Sheri wrote a blog post about attachment parenting and nursing on cue. I hope you'll take a moment to read it. And after reading her experience today, I felt like sharing my nursing experiences.

When my first was born, I was told to buy the books BabyWise by Gary Ezzo. It was a disaster and a complete failure. Joshua simply did not comply to the "alone time" and he was far from impressed with my forcing him to wait the four hours between feedings. It was killing me inside and my heart was breaking for my crying baby boy. After only a few days of misery for myself and my baby, Doug insisted that the books were to leave the house. They had become an inhibitant on my mothering and my dreams of what being a momma was about were shattering moment by moment. Once the books were out of the house I immediately did what my heart and body felt were natural and held my baby. LOTS. I also became one of those who was to whip up my shirt after just a few cries and nuzzle him against my chest to nurse. I slept when he slept and he slept in my bed with me until he was 18 months old.

Sixteen months later and much wiser, my daughter was born. From day one she slept in the bed with me and I went out and bought my first sling. She was an attached baby who was fortunate enough to be nursed on cue. She's now a fiercely independant 8.5 year old.

When Arianna was born, I was more knowledgable about extended nursing and had planned to breastfeed her until at least 12 months. Well, a new sling and months later, she finally weaned herself at 18 months. Another independant child of mine growing up... 5 years old now.

Sarah is now a 12 month old nurser and loves being "wrapped" or slung in the hotsling. She nurses frequently and I offer it to her many times during the day even for just a 2 minute drink. She wakes up at least once, sometimes more during the night and although she prefers her crib to sleep, she spends much of the day in my arms or at least in the arms of a willing sibling. I have no end goal when I will stop breastfeeding her. I am thankful that she is intolerant to milk and I know that my milk is the best for her.

The 2008/09 School Year

For the second year, Joshua and Andrea attended a part time school program that works with the homeschooling. I can't believe how much they have grown up physically, in maturity, socially, and spiritually. They've come a long way in 10 months and although this was a fun, exciting and successful school year, I am really looking forward to the summer break. Next step, grade 4 & 5! Way to go kids, I'm proud of you both!!

September 2, 2008

June 25, 2009