BE SAFE AND HAVE FUN!!!!!!!

And we thought we lived in a safe neighborhood!!!

This morning police found the body of a woman in her 30's in the trunk of a car in the school parking lot. Rumour has it that it is actually a teacher from the school. Her family reported her missing last night. Helicopters have been flying very low over our home the last hour or so, not quite sure what they are looking for, but we are all thinking it must be related.

It's sad that we all have this false sense of security; nothing can hurt us in this safe family oriented neighborhood. How do we go about explaining this to our children who return to school next week?

~update~ Sadly the rumours are true. The woman found was in fact Paula Gallant, a grade three teacher at Daniel's school. She was the mother of an 18 month old. They even interviewed one of her students on the news this evening. She will be missed deeply. Grief counselling will be available to the students on their return to school next week.

The helicopters were in fact related, taking pictures of the neighborhood.

What will they think of next?!?

This is one of Sam's most entertaining gifts. Darth Tator!!! He's hilarious! 

Christmas Sparkle....

One of the things I find so peaceful about Christmas aside from the greatest gift ever given, is the softness of the lights on the tree. I can sit for long periods of time just enjoying the stillness. Now that the rush is over, the panic over last minute things is gone, my evenings are even more relaxed and special. I'm hoping that all of you are now able to find some quiet moments for yourself in which you can reflect on all that is important and dear to you. Let us take nothing for granted. 

Cozy creatures, only a "little" excited!

Waiting for Santa.......

A collection of some of the christmas activites. I love the picture in the middle of Craig and Claire. They look so peaceful just enjoying the wonder of the night.

Just to let you know....

I am a stupid woman!!!

oh my, oh my......

A visit to my Gram's is never dull, but at Christmas we always have a special time. Today we went for brunch. Her home is a lovely little winterized cottage, not so child proof that I can totally relax! Anyhoo, we arrived at 9:30 this morning and right away she serves egg nog. Now there was some child friendly nog, but ours was far from kid proof. Two large glasses later on an empty stomach and I was near done. We then sat down to brunch. I ended up sending the hooligans outside so we could have some quiet and mellow adult conversation. Of course, after brunch we had to have a couple of slippery nipples. Very yummy, but oh my, I'm thinking I now need a LONG nap.

I have plopped the kids in front of the TV to watch a movie, Hud has left for work and I am just going to putter VERY slowly about the house getting ready for our open house tomorrow.......

Hope you are all ready for the joyous season nearly upon us and that you are all able to sit back and relax with your dear family and friends. Cheers to all of you!!!

just a thought....random at that.....

~Alison unleased+ a tin of Quality Street Chocolates= a very happy and hyper Alison~

Hope the rest of you are enjoying all of the treats of the season as much as I, ever mindful of our blessings. (However they present themselves!)

And so we say good-bye.....

The funeral for Matyas' was this afternoon. What a heart wrenching service. One of the biggest things that touched me was the difference in our cultures as far as how we express our grief. We would be inclined to weep silently, putting on a brave face. Samea on the other hand wept openly and loudly. Her grief was so intense. She could hardly walk down the aisle as she hasn't eaten more than a few sips of soup the last few days. Hudson said that last night at the visitation was even more heart breaking as she cried so much, almost to the point of falling asleep. At one point she reached over and rubbed Matyas' head speaking quietly to him.

Please continue to pray for her and her children. She has stopped nursing the baby, and is still not talking with the others. Hudson will go again tomorrow to be with the children.

The family was featured on the news last night and was on the front page of the paper today and today many, many calls from people wanting to help have come into the church and for that we are all very thankful.

Be extra thankful for your families, and stay safe!

And in the Midst of Joy, Tragedy!

Yesturday, while we were enjoying the snow, the youth group girls were here baking cookies for people in our congregation, and many others were going about the business of the season, a young man from our church was killed in a car accident on one of our busiest highways. He leaves behind a wife and five children. The youngest only three weeks old. They had come to Canada only a few short years ago, the language still very much a barrier for his wife. He had been working as a custodian until last month when there was not enough work for him. The family has very little, and now are even worse off.
Hudson will go this afternoon to be with the oldest boy who is not speaking to anyone. The pain is unimaginable. The fear probably equals the pain.
This puts a whole new perspective on life, how we spend time with each other, and what we choose to make important in our lives. My prayer is that I no longer take for granted the moments with my children and Hudson. That I never assume that I will have a tomorrow. I need to make the best of every moment I am blessed with.

**update** Hud just called as he was leaving their home. Since she was told of Mathias' death, his wife has not spoken to her children. She nurses the babe when he is hungry, but her grief is so intense that she can't cope. She has not left her bed since last evening. All of their Sudanese friends are at the apartment. There is some talk of her wanting to return to her home. Simon was in his room with his sister surounded by his friends but there are two younger ones as well who have not only lost their father, but for the time being are without their mother as well. Pray that she is able to find comfort in her children. That her pain would be alleviated enough that she can nurture her children through this as well.

Our first snowfall of 2005, and it was a good one! I came out in my jammies to take some pics. Looking at me Hud says..." and that's why we call her Barbie!" It's a beautiful day, light wind and sparkling snow. Who could ask for a better Saturday?

Remember When?

Post a comment with a COMPLETELY MADE-UP, FICTIONAL MEMORY OF YOU AND ME. It can be anything you want--good or bad--and can include fellow bloggers, if you wish. Keep it within a PG rating, please. I'm anxious to read about our fictional past.I encourage you to do this on your blog, so I can post some made-up memories about you too! I seem to recall you milking a cow for the first time.....

Thanks to Jamie Dawn for this fabulous idea!

Christmas Mice.....

At the moms group today, we made the cutest little mice. Totally edible, I thought they may be something fun that some of you might like to do with the kids.
Simply separate a double cream oreo cookie
dip stemmed marachino cherry in melted chocolate
immediately stick on a hershey kiss
place on the cookie
snip mini marshmallows into little ears
use green and red gel icing for holly, and red for the eyes......

'tis the season for good fun. We even had a light dusting of snow last night....things are getting festive!

HAPPY DECEMBER.......

This is the tap Dance part of Claire's christmas recital for the seniors....

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Claire , although sick with a snotty nose etc, participated in her ballet recital at a seniors complex last night. She seemed to enjoy it although perhaps a little off balance.....

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And for Andrea and Cori we have LIPS ALMIGHTY!!!!!!!

Here you are girls! Who's lips are who's? Can you guess? This picture required a second evening of purple lipdom....hope you have enjoyed it! Lips seem to be the thing these days.......

Show me the prince !!!!

According to a test I took off Andreas blog, I am a romantic princess who is most likely to free a cursed prince from a terrible spell with a single kiss. Well as we learned awhile ago I am the kisser of men, so it would only be right! But I want to know why it has to stop with a single kiss?!? Bring on the royalty!!!!!!!

Just so everyone knows, we all look glamorous in purple glittered lip gloss. Hud won't know what hit him when he walks in the door and sees a family full of purple lips!

Christmas is coming.....

And the baking's underway! Date balls, and chocolate cherry cordials, and shortbreads too. Wonder what to make next. Fruitcake yet to go.....

More and more of my christmas lights are burning out. Sooooo frustrating since they were already up in the windows. Nova Scotia power will exchange 2 sets of regular lights for 1 LED set at the annual tree lighting this weekend. Perhaps I'll have to make sure that I am there!

Some girls are coming over tonight to work on christmas cards and wrapping paper. It's much more fun making them with friends. Good food, good friends, the perfect way to spend an evening!

Of course the weather is anything but winter wonderlandish. Rain, wind and more rain!

"tis the season to be jolly.......

And so the season begins.....

Tonight was the annual Parade Of Lights in Halifax. We thought we were going to be late but actually got a great parking spot and then a fabulous spot to stand. We were actually so close that a couple of times as some really big floats came by, we and those around us had to move. Claire and Sam loved it, Daniel would have preferred to be home in bed. Next year he can stay home! At this parade you have the opportunity to bring in food for the food bank and toys for needy kids. I was thrilled to see the trucks responsible for collecting the stuff overflowing. The giving was incredible! I'm hopeful that as we head further into the season that people remember what we are celebrating and that the generosity never stops.....

So much ......

for my evening all to myself. Hud is away overnight, so I was looking forward to a bubble bath and a good book, and a bed all to myself. Sam had other ideas! He's enjoying a late afternoon nap which means it's mom and Sam date night. Not that he is a bad date, it's just that I was looking forward to some solitude at the end of a crazy week.

Mmmmmmmm......

The smell of ham cooking, and the coziness of being inside on a torentially rainy day........

The girls are back.....

We are back from our weekend away and we feel that we are rested and ready for the onslaught of the season. We settled into our hotel room, went for a swim, spent some time in the hot tub and sauna. We were starving so went for a fairly early supper at Baahn Thai where we ate much spicy food. After walking around a bit we went back to the hotel, dropped off our coats etc, and went to a cafe in the bottom of the hotel complex. I had never experienced the incredible taste and texture of a flourless chocolate cake. I enjoyed it so much that I am endeavoring to make it for tomorrow night's bookclub.
After dessert, we thought we should hit the pool again. We traipsed our way to the pool in our robes and on rounding the corner, we were met by two men coming out of the pool area. They greeted us with " Oh man, there are four of them!" We had a good laugh and enjoyed some more relaxing, 'til we decided that we were ready for some wine and snacks. Once back in our room we got comfy in our jammies, broke open the wine etc, and spent the rest of the evening enjoying good food, and some interesting conversation! At two we turned out the lights, at two thirty we were being woken by the phone. The front desk was calling to tell us that our pizza had arrived. I told the guy on the other end that we had not ordered any. He wished us a good night and we managed to go back to sleep. Until six thirty that is when the alarm clock went off! We went back to sleep 'til almost eight at which point we went back to the pool.
We then hit the market, went out for brunch , and then went across the harbour to spend the rest of the day and evening shopping. We ended it all off by having chinese food for a late supper, then I got dropped off and the others all went on to the valley. Good times with good friends. It doesn't get much better than that!

And we're off....

Nancy, Christine, Karen and I are heading out for our latest 24 hrs+ of freedom. Nancy is putting us up in a hotel on her airmiles, we are going to eat much spicy food, shop, swim, try to get Nancy to sing with the piano player at the bar in the hotel, etc,etc.....

Here we go again...high wind, and water in the house...

This would be the shutter that flew past our neighbors living room window landing under yet another neighbors car. It seems we just went through this not long ago. Everybody else manages to keep theirs, but we always lose one or more in any good storm. The water bucket is close to half full, with the source of the leak still unkown. We only know it is on the west wall of the house somewhere! Maybe in the spring we will dismantle that side of the house and start from scratch! One can always count on some issue or another with us!

So the dilemna is.....

Due to the fact that I am going grey at an amazing rate, do I go gracefully or start now down the road of hiding the grey. And if I do that, at what point is it cool to have the nasty roots while letting myself go back to au naturel?

Mental health days, and other things ....

Our first mental health day was had today by Daniel. He just couldn't cope with things this morning so I gave him the option to get dressed and head to school or head back to bed for the day. He chose the latter. I must say it has been a great day for both of us. We got to have lunch together, almost alone.... worked on his spybotic and just enjoyed some time together.
Today was the last day of cranking his mouth wider and he's off at the orthodontist with his father, where we will learn how long he needs to have the appliance in his mouth. Last appointment they were very pleased with the progress, now it's just the jaw that needs to be pushed into it's proper spot.

Claire has been enjoying her piano lesons and gets soooo excited when she actually plays her pieces by herself with little or no help. It's fabulous to see such joy in her eyes.

Sam is happy being Sam. He's crashed now on the couch in the family room, tired out from all of the fresh air. He has been enjoying Daniel's lego more and more, everything he creates being one type of weapon or another.

Beef and barley soup is cooking away in the slow cooker, filling the house with such a yummy smell, the sun is shining and the wind is blowing. A perfect fall day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CRAIG!!!!!!!

I'm so proud of you and I'm so glad that you are my brother. You add so much to our times together and I couldn't ask for a better uncle for my kids. We all love you! I hope this year, your thirtieth, is the best one yet!

Tell me.....

How it is that Samuel managed to get himself stuck under the stove? I was downstairs switching laundry, and talking on the phone with Karen when I heard screaming from upstairs. I ran up as fast as my old lady knees would take me to find Sam tucked as close to the stove as possible, one arm underneath. I got down beside him and tried to pull him out, but it wouldn't budge. Not really familiar with the underside of a stove, I wasn't sure if he could have it caught in something so I didn't want to yank too hard and what I was doing was making him cry harder. Karen was still on the phone so I asked her to talk to Sam while I ran next door to get help lifting the stove.
As I'm leaving the house I hear him saying to Karen..."no I'm not fine! I'm stuck...." Come to find out later she had asked him not if he was fine but rather could he hear her!

Tracey came right over and we lifted the stove without too much trouble and Sam was free. He almost immediately started to laugh. Goon! He had been chasing a silly rubber bouncy ball! I knew I didn't like those foolish things. Anyway, all is well and we are back to our normal selves again.......

Latest keywords that bring up my blog.....

'I know she was watching me october 2005' what on earth does that mean?
housewife home alone
free nudist cycling quite sure I never offered such a service
housewife nudist and again...what's with that?

Halloween with my brother. A yearly tradition. The kids love the fact that Uncle is tireless, and will go as long as they are able to walk.... pumpkins and gourd greeting all of the trick or treaters, all 200+ of them!

Worlds Dullest Blog...... and I thought I never had anything interesting to say!

Of Bagels and other great things......

Today I tried something new. Making my own bagels. Not a difficult task at all and they even came out looking like "real" bagels!

The kids were thrilled as they seem to be their mainstay as of late. Daniel thinks they taste better than store bought, Claire is not so sure but is not willing to give any up. Sam only says mmmmmm......

I finished a fabulous book this morning. The Kite Runner. Absolutely incredible story and such a great read. Our book club will be discussing it at my place in November, and I can't wait to hear what everyone else thought of it.

The kids were home today, and we couldn't have had better weather. Sunny, mild and wind free. The kids had a great time out in the leaves, and helping to drape the trees with cobwebs. Here's hoping monday night is as nice...

Homemade pizza night here at our house, followed by a movie and pop-corn. The kids have such funny tastes, Claire likes olives and cheese, Sam olibes (spelled that way on purpose) and bacon, and Daniel is willing to try just about anything. I'm happy so long as their are olives and hot peppers, and lots of veggies. Hud misses out as he is at work.

Mom was here for a couple of days this week, and the kids had a blast. Especially the last day when they discovered that she was very good at air hockey.

Hope everyone has a safe and happy weekend......

Now if only I could somehow get my hands on the money......

My blog is worth $14,113.50.
How much is your blog worth?

Yes Dad...this is just how I want my mouth to be!

A little help from Grammy....

Working hard.....

Jake wanting not to miss out on any pumpkin sampling!

Mustn't miss any seeds for roasting.....

Like my top?

Sam chose not to have a pumpkin as he couldn't find one small enough, so he opted for a gourd instead!

The finished product!

What's up with the roses still blooming at the end of October?

One of the last Hollyhocks....

And today from Andrea we have this game......

Go to http://www.google.com/ and select Images. Type in your responses to the questions below and choose a picture from the first page only that represents your answer.

Your home town?
The town/city where you now live?
Last years favorite Christmas present?
Your occupation?
Your hobby or pastime?
What's your favorite meal?
Favorite smell?
Your ideal vacation spot?

Halifax

Where do I live now?
Time with my family was by far the best gift!
Stay at home mom is my job
Gardening
Thai food at Talay Thai
Vanilla
The Bahamas

Would you be concerned.....

if, when you turned your back, your three year old was trying to ignite his dinner roll using the candles in the center of the table?

Sam the dog farmer, all geared up for his pre-school harvest party.

Alone and other things.....

Hud is away this weekend with the youth. I am here with the kids. I love having the bed to myself, but I hate the noises of the night when I am alone. Last night I was awakened by a sound like dishes from downstairs. Me being me, was terrified and therefore frozen under my duvet. It didn't help matters when I started thinking about the show Criminal Minds that I had watched the night before, where women were being attacked in their homes in the middle of the day. I lay there torturing myself for a couple of hours 'til sleep finally won out again. I wasn't nearly ready for the day when the boys climbed in with me at 6:30.

Karen and her kids came later in the morning and we spent the day watching them tear through the house so glad to be together again. After we cleaned up from lunch we sat down while the kids played, watched movies etc, and made some christmas cards. YES....I know it's early, but it's best to get at it when a spare moment is found. Just like old times, hanging out, making plans for home renos, drinking far too much tea than is good for one's bladder and laughing 'til we wet ourselves. We enjoyed one of our favorite suppers together, loving the kids antics at the table. We had shared thanksgiving dinner at their place last week, so it was a real treat being together again so soon.

Andrea's post was very fitting, reminding us all not to take our friendships for granted as they can be altered so easily by circumstance. Distance is not my best friend, it sure makes things different, but I'm willing to do what's necessary to keep it alive.

Daniel's retainers are strange, having to crank his mouthpiece wider on a daily basis is odd, and a little nauseating as he gags when the crank gets to the back of his tongue. So far we have managed not to have a mess but it's been close a couple of times.

Underwear boy lives on, ready to take on any enemies he feels are present. He spends his days flying through the house with some sort of sword. Andrew sent he and Daniel some little wooden knives he carved for them and so now Sam is properly equiped for his rampages.

Claire is loving school and is so very organized in regards to her homework and everything else school. She has been on her toes keeping us as a family on the ball in regards to our thanksgiving leaves that we write on every night in Oct. After every supper she brings us leaves and a pen and we need to come up with what we are thankful for. Her best one yet is bananas dipped in chocolate. I'd have to agree on that one.

Off to tuck a wee boy into bed...planning on enjoying a good book listening to the rain as it continues to pour outside.

And now we give you ....

Bumbling Bav! AAAHHHH Whooo Hooo AAAHHHH!

**bav steps forward and motions crowd to settle back into their seats**

Thank you friends for such a warm welcome. Today I would like to talk to you about FRIENDSHIP.

** more cheering**

Thank you. I feel so blessed to be here and to speak of such a heart felt topic. You see friendship can be a life saving gift. We all have it in us to give... but do we all not drop the ball for time to time. Do we not get caught up in our own lives forgetting the things others may be going through.

**crowd is very quiet**

Lets start with this new thing called BLOGGING. You see when you go and start up a blog you slowly build friendships. And you may have things happening in your life and the blog gets put to the side. You are then taking your friendships that you were giving through said blog, and leaving you devoted (very beautiful and smart) friends just hanging.

**big gasp from crowd**

I know, I know ... you say you would never do that. But people I am telling you... I have been one of those people myself. Shshshsh, settle down. I know this sounds horrid. And I promise this will have a good outcome. Please stay with me.

You see, I have left my blog. I too have not updated for days. (tearing up) This is so hard to talk about. (wipes nose with sleeve) And I too have let my friendships go stale with no love or attention. But then I got a call. No it was not a burning bush. It was a call from my friend Alison. You will all get to know her in a minute. You see Alison saw that I was letting go. She, being a good friend called me on accountability. And with that call, (deep breath) I saw that the friendships I had planted on my blog had grown and become a park full of life.

Alison gave me friendship and I hope that I too can repay the favor. For Friendship should be given freely so that the garden can continue to grow.

**crowd goes crazy, people are cheering and crying**

People... People... My friend Alison!

TAGGED

I was tagged by Margie....

1. Go into your archive.
2. Find your 23rd post.
3. Find the fifth sentence (or closest to).
4. Post the text of the sentence in your blog along with these instructions.
5. Tag five other people to do the same.

Here's my 23rd posts fifth sentence:

" Oh daddy, I can't get to the door..there is just too much lava!"

I tag...Lori, Emily, and Cori, and anyone else who wishes to play!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

I'm now sexier than ever!

Hear the sarcasm! Went to physio this afternoon, enjoyed the normal ultrasound, and electric stuff, and then got to have my knee caps taped in place! When I squeeze my muscle, instead of moving up and down they move side to side. The taping is supposed to force them where they are meant to go. Crazy theory...we'l see if it helps! So for now, I am walking around stiffly with giant bandaid type things on my knees. It's really a shame that summer seems to be back, and it's too hot for pants!

It's going to be a long month....

Sam came to me after it was dark outside last evening and asked if it was time NOW to go christmas treating! Not only is he confusing his festivities, he is also way ahead of schedule!

A Mix Of Things.....

Emily brought me a whack of tomatoes the other day...lots! It blows my mind how after you have scalded them, peeled them and then chopped and boiled them down with spices etc, how little salsa you actually get!

I find it amazing how the morning glories out front put on such a show day after day, leaving seed pods that eventually dry and give us hundreds of seeds. Far more than we started with in the spring. Lots to share, which is half the fun of gardening. The sweet william is the same, and the poppies, and so many others.

Went to curriculum night at the school last night. It's unfortunate that not all of the parents go. I think it is a great way to not only support the teachers but also to show your kids how interested you are in what they are up to on a daily basis. The first session was in Claire's building then all of the specialist teachers were in the gym in Daniels building then all of the 3-5 teachers were in their classrooms. We sat in our kids seats, allowing us to meet the parents of our kids classmates, and make connections for playdates etc. It was great to be filled in on all that Claire will learn this year. It's incredible how much they accomplish in primary.
The general meeting in the gym filled us in on the school's vision for this year. Exciting times ahead.
Daniel's teacher is younger than I am. She also lives on our street. She is SO organized! She has the kids responsible for so much and they are meeting her expectations. She is so big on them taking ownership of their own stuff. There was some concern from a couple of parents about the new curriculum as it is American. Our spelling is slightly different for some words, and it all seemed focused on American history. I don't have a problem so long as they are also getting their Canadian history.

Today is a day of running around, orthodontist appointments again, no school for the kids, craft supplies for the moms group on monday, more baking etc... Hard to believe that thanksgiving is next weekend. Must figure out what we are doing!

Yes it's true...

That when going through physio it hurts before it helps! Yikes. The pain is ridiculous. And I thought I was crippled before he twisted and pulled.

Update on the pear chutney. Absolutley out of this world. I'm going to pump out a bunch more and send it out as christmas gifts.... Emily and I had it with some cold chicken this morning for breakfast. Even better than cold pizza!

Well that was fun!.....

First physio appointment today. Assessment of the knees. After twisting, pulling etc Jeff is quite sure that there will be lots to see on the x-ray. He did some funky ultrasound thing, then something that made me knees feel like they were full of pins and needles, all the while a fabulous heating thing draped over my knees. He has decided that I seem to have external tibial tortion, and so is going to work at strengthening the muscles around my knee to help them get back in line. I even have homework, and get to go back again next week for more of the same...

Bought a half peck of pears the other day and am trying out pear chutney. Never had it but I like Mango chutney so thought I'd give the pear a whirl....

Emily and Jacob are coming for the night tonight. It'll be nice to have a good buddy here for a nice long visit.

Hope you have all enjoyed your Monday!

So it's Official...

I have screwed up knees. After much waffling, I decided that since I was no longer able to stand up straight that it was time I see the doctor. Of course, I had the neighbor telling me to go as she is watching me with tears in my eyes try to get from the front of our porch to the door.

I have always, as long as I can remember had discomfort in my left knee if I did alot of walking etc. I just assumed it was me. This summer after spending a week in a camp kitchen, crying myself to sleep because of the pain, began to think that this was ridiculous for someone of my age. Since we have been home it has bothered me much. In the last few weeks both knees have been bad. This week I was crippled. Walking Claire to school was a chore, standing to make meals no better.

Yesterday I went to the doctor and after my explanation of the pain and her examination and twisting of my legs, she has told me that I have Pattella Femoral Syndrome. Great I said.... what does that mean. It means, she replies, that my knees are out of line...no the aerobics that I was doing in the last years had not helped, the fact that I had a hard time at the gym using the quad extension machine should have indicated that there was a problem etc.... my days of flip-flops are over.....

The fix? Well...I get to get fitted for orthotics which will help get my feet, ankles, and knees in line again. I get to have x-rays to determine the extent of the damage. I also get to go to physiotherapy. The neighbor told me of a great spot right here in our community where she went when she broke her ankle. What she neglected to tell me was that the therapists are very young and very good looking males! When they asked what they would be working with me on , I told them I had messed up knees. Their response, looking at what the doctor had written was yes....you certainly do. Great! I felt myself getting redder and more flustered at the thought of them working with my legs....laughing outloud when they asked if I was a runner....

When I got home, I went next door to suggest that it would have been nice to be prepared for good looking young guys as opposed to seasoned older therapists... Her husband and I had a good laugh when he replied he hadn't been aware that that's who had been working with his wife!

Hud says he has had pain in his knees for years and so he's thinking maybe he should go find a young female physiotherapist to help him out.......

And so Routine it is.....

Real life has started....freedom of summer is gone for sure. The first week of school still seemed exciting and new. Now we are into everything full swing. Monday night ball hockey for Hud, Tuesday afternoon ballet for Claire, evening meetings for Hud, Wednesday night small group, Thursday night guitar for Daniel, piano for Claire maybe Daniel, Friday night youth group for Hud. Add in orthodontist appointments, play dates, all my stuff and of course homework, there is no need to worry about what to do in our "free" time! Swimming lessons need to get squeezed in as well. Never mind the stuff that needs to happen around here.

We have a serious leak somewhere on the west side of the house, not quite sure of the location, just hoping the kitchen floor doesn't need to come up. Water running down electrical wires in the basement through the kitchen floor above is never good.

Claire has settled in well at school and is happy to go each day now. She has come up with a funny quirk though. Before school she could print her name properly. Now that she is in school, she prints it in perfect mirror image. Everytime!

Sam is missing the big kids but is enjoying the boy next door and is often over at the neighbors for the better part of the morning.

Life is busy but we all know what's coming and somehow it seems to make life run more smoothly. Ask me in a month how we are doing and I may have changed my mind. Hope you are all enjoying what fall has brought you.......

Is it really necessary.....

To label a package of cheese with the words " ALLERGY WARNING! contains milk ingredients"
I may not be the smartest thing around, but I'm quite sure that we all know that cheese comes from milk.

And so it goes.....

We had a wonderful surprise yesturday when friends from the valley called to say they were in town and could they visit. They ended up coming for supper and we had a blast. She is preggers, and so we had lots of extra stuff to talk about. She played our new piano that we were given from the camp that Hud speaks at. It was so nice to have fabulous music in the house.

Claire had a hard time at drop off time at school. It was a day three melt down in the extreme. Tears and all. She was mad the first day, and a bit frightened but today she was sad and that is harder to watch. Her teacher took her by the hand and in they went. Off now to pick her up so I'm anxious to see how she made out.

Claire quite sure that we shouldn't be making her do this. Nothing like her "grampy" lips!

Claire was not so pleased to be sent with her teacher. All 150 primary students and their parents had to gather in the gym and find their teacher. Once that was done, they started filing them out by the class. Notice the sound of screaming in the background. It was tough for everyone.

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What I came home to after all the dropoffs! My Rose Mallow had bloomed!

Sam thrilled to be with his friend Katy at pre-school....what a morning for firsts!

Do I really need to stay? I'm NOT very happy with you!

A little overwhelmed at the sheer number of primary students....

I have yummy stuff in my lunch Dad....

Ready to head out with the neighbors

Grandmother's birthday garden.....

An Angel in need.......

Rebekah is a little treasure who is struggling with inoperable cancer of the face. She has been undergoing intense radiation and chemotherapy. Her little body is fighting a raging fever, and she is having increasing difficulty breathing. Her parents are incredibly strong and her daddy is amazing at keeping everyone up to date on the latest info.
If you can find it in yourselves, I would ask that you head over to their site and offer your support. There are also lots of practical ways in which those of you close by can help.
Let's surround them with our love and prayers, ever mindful of the blessing of all of our healthy children.

Morning Glory

Balloon Flower

Purple Bee Balm

Columbine