Sunday, November 30, 2008

November Over...Already...

Oh my gosh...could I be any more tired?? I fell asleep in my beloved recliner last night at 8pm, then actually went to bed before 9pm. I slept until 10:30 this morning and I've still been tired all day.

So naturally I think something more is wrong with me than just a cold. Mono? Lupus? Something even worse? What? Ugh... it's currently 7:26 and all I can think about are my pjs and my pillow. Sad.

Apparently there is a snow storm coming. It's supposed to snow all night and all day tomorrow and there's supposed to be 10-25 cm by the end of it. The children will be able to break in their new shovels.

I was just about to say "Hey, nothing wrong with a little child labour" but there is always that one person that takes offence, you know?

But still... I said it. ;-)

The children decorated our Christmas tree last night. Once they finished we all headed outside to see it from the window. It looked so beautiful. They were convinced that it was missing a piece because it seemed so small. Then they realized that nothing was wrong with it - they had just gotten taller.

I can't believe that tomorrow is December 1st. My Christmas shopping is well on track and I plan to start my baking this week. I love Christmas!

Tomorrow I'm having lunch with Cindy and Jen and I can't wait. I love those girls so much, I can't even tell you. We just fit together so well.

In other news, my other friend Jen is about to have her baby. She has less than 2 weeks to go and I.am.so.excited! She thought something was happening today but it didn't amount to anything. I am on pins and needles I tell you. I can't take the suspense... Come on Jen, let's go already for the love of pete.

7:31...still too early to go to bed...

Tonight the dude came to fix our furnace and I am so grateful. I absolutely hate being cold but tonight that all comes to an end! I could just jack up the heat so the house feels like a sauna. But I won't because I don't know how to work it. Ha.

I just realized that I can't go to bed early. Tonight Desperate Housewives is on! Carlos is going to find out that his vision can be restored and I can't possibly miss that... sorry if I spoiled that for you all.

Well, that's it for me for tonight. I'm just rambling and my mind is everywhere. Perhaps tomorrow I will have something deeper to talk about.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Saturday Update

I can't believe that Jordan is 8 months old today. As always, I find myself wondering where the time has gone. It feels like only yesterday when I saw her beautiful face for the very first time. I have enjoyed every moment with her - the good ones and the frustrating ones. She is so perfect and has fit into the family so well. How I managed without her I will never know.

This was us just after her first bath on her Birth Day.



And here she is at 8 months old, waving.



Julie was awesome at soccer today. She was the goalie for the first half and only one ball got by her, she blocked all the rest. I was so proud of her. At one point she stopped the ball and a group of us went wild cheering for her. She's feeling pretty good about herself today.

I spent the day at my mom's yesterday and she was in more pain than I have ever seen her in. After lunch she went upstairs to take a pain reliever and to rest. She slept for a couple of hours which I was so grateful for as she isn't able to sleep much at all. Her doctor has advised her against surgery and has stopped her physiotherapy altogether. Apparently there is "nothing more they can do".

Maybe so. But my God can do anything. And I am praying constantly for full and complete healing for my mother, and I continue to ask that you pray alongside me as well.

Here is a picture of Sonic.



He and Shadow have become fast friends and often "talk" late into the night, according to Sam.

And here is the prayer card I told you about, that we made at Coffee Hour this week. I am going to make a couple more of them, as I have a few things I want to concentrate on praying for.





Thursday night was exciting as usual. We made chocolate molds with the girls. I was able to spend time with each girl as we worked, and got to know a bit more about each of them. They continue to hug me and a few have started telling me they love me. I am blessed each week. One of them spent an evening making Christmas cards for everyone in the group! Such precious young girls. Next week is our Christmas party and then we're done until January.

Well, I'm off to the library. Catch you later...

Thursday, November 27, 2008

What Have You Done?

I got this from an internet parenting board and since I am sick today (feel free to insert your sympathies here) this is all I have the energy for.

What Have You Done...?

1. Started your own blog (Duh!)
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo (I am assuming my wonderful solos in the shower and car count)11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check (And that's CHEQUE for us Canadians, EH?)
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in Arlington Cemetery
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone (My precious!)
99. Been stung by a bee

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Blah Blah Blah Its Wednesday...

Last night we welcomed a new little creature to the clan. Sonic the guinea pig.

Sam has been saving for a "buddy" for Shadow and had finally saved up enough money so last night we all headed off to PetSmart for him to pick one out. I love guinea pigs. I had three of them growing up and they are rather charming little creatures with a lot of personality. I wasn't there when Ian introduced the two of them together, but I hear Sonic got quite the welcome. Apparently they cuddled together all night. Sweet.

Last night was my evening out with Cindy and Jen and I think it ranked as our best time ever. I can't remember the last time I laughed that much. I am always on the lookout for suitable men to match these two up with and last night I found the perfect one for Cindy. PERFECT. Of course we spent so much time trying to figure out how to approach him without freaking him out that he eventually left.

I should have just used my Wal-Mart approach and said "Psst!" Throw all caution about being freaky to the wind. This is Cindy's future after all!

Oh well. There's always next week.

This morning I was at Coffee Hour and it was so good to see Jen again. (I have a few friends named Jen so try to keep up! ;-) She is so pregnant and so cute. Today she let me feel the baby kicking which in itself was amazing because you just do not touch Jen when she is pregnant. Can't wait to see her little baby. Just over two weeks to go...

I loved what we worked on at Coffee Hour this morning. We made prayer cards out of scrapbook materials. We're challenging ourselves to pray about something for 60 days. On the front we write what we are praying for and steps we can take. On the back, we mark off each day we've prayed for this particular item. I loved this idea so much that I think I'm going to suggest this as a craft for the children to work on after school today.

If I wasn't so lazy I'd post a picture of it. And one of Sonic. But that would involve finding the camera, taking the pics, resizing them, then posting them.... and I am tired right now.

After Coffee Hour I picked up a prescription and dropped off some dry cleaning. I was wandering around Chapters with Jordan, reading the magazines for free (love that) when my cell phone rang. It was the school.

Is it bad when you are on a first name basis with the school secretary...?

"Hi Kate...its Helen..."

"Oh hi Helen...which one is it today?"

Julie had fallen in the school yard and had ripped up her knees. When she put Jules on the phone she told me about "all the blood gushing out" of her knees and that she was "bleeding all over the place".

I left Chapters and ran into the house to pick up a pair of jeans and socks and headed over to the school. I didn't know whether or not to take her home with me.

Oh I bet you already know what I decided to do. You know she's here right now... I am such a softie. She was dramatically limping all over the place, then she'd only limp when I was looking. I just checked on her and she is KNEELING while colouring.

!!!

My plans were to head out to Woodbridge to return a couple of items that someone had lent me for Jordan. Oh well, there is always next week, right?

Monday, November 24, 2008

Productive Day

I spent the day with my mother and we were able to get some more of her Christmas shopping done. I'm happy she's getting it done before the huge crowds hit.

We started off at Costco and I unexpectedly found a couple of gifts for people on my list. I have to say, I am a very sucky gift-giver. I need the person to tell me very clearly what they want to get. (Bonus points if they tell me where I can get it) I seriously lack creativity in this area.

Next stop...my most favourite place in the WORLD....Wal-Mart. I was expecting everyone and their uncle to be there, but I was pleasantly surprised. We were looking at men's robes, trying to figure out if it was the right size when I told her we needed a guy who was built somewhat like the person we were shopping for. I looked around for a dude that would be about 6' but all I saw were little elderly men. That wasn't going to work at all.

Finally....I saw him. He was about 6'7" but he would have to do.

"PSST!" I say.

He looks at me, startled. I realize his facial expression must be very close to what mine looked like when that freaky dude popped out at me on Saturday.

Today...I was Freaky Dude. Yikes.

"Can you help me?" I whisper. "Yes!" he whispers back.

Somewhere I hear my mother's voice going "Kate...what the heck are you doing?" or something like that. I wasn't paying attention because I was on a mission and I don't have the time to return something because it was the wrong size when this dude was right there, ready to help us.

It started off with me asking him to hold the robe up against him. Then I asked him to try it on. He put down all his items and took off his coat to try the robe on. My mother appears, no longer embarrassed. "Can you wrap it around you?" she says.

What a gem this guy was. I almost asked for his number to pass on to Cindy or Jenn, but I figured this guy was already wary of me and my weirdness. We bought the robe.

So, that was freaky thing #1 at Wal-Mart. The second one was when I asked a woman in the bedding department if they sold flannel sheets. Not only did she say yes, but she even TOOK ME THERE!

I know! I was shocked too.

I can just picture Jen reading that last line and saying "I don't believe it!"

Believe it Jen!

When we came out of the store, it was snowing my favourite kind of snow - big fat flakes. It was so pretty.

We were off to the library to pay my overdue fine. Yes...I am a bad library card holder. I will admit to you - and only you - that I had a big, fat fine on that card. Well, I went to pay a portion towards it and do you know what Library Guy did? He wrote off the balance! I'm telling you... I only paid 2/3 of that big fat fine. What an awesome guy.

Well, my beloved Dancing With The Stars is finished tomorrow night. What am I going to watch on Mondays and Tuesdays NOW? I'll just read more.

Ooh. I just felt a fresh wave of gratitude towards Library Guy.

Tomorrow night is Girls Night. I feel like I haven't seen Jenn and Cindy in forever. It's only been a week, but I miss them. Not sure what we're doing but I hope there's a frosty involved somehow.

That's it. I am pooped.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Sunday Ramblings

Not much going on.

My big thrill on Friday was that baby food jars were on sale - 10 for $5.00! I don't dare tell my friend Amanda that I bought Heinz. She would never do such a thing... apparently its democrat baby food.

SO sorry about that Amanda ;-)

Saturday we all headed out for Julie's soccer game. She was on fire! I felt such pride in my daughter, watching her run after the ball with such joy. She gets her athleticism from her father. (Her stunning good looks are from her mother. Ha!)

In the evening I headed over to Wal-Mart. I hate that particular store. No, I'm not going to revisit my rant about Wal-Mart. Stock in the aisles and a million people shopping with such panic you would think it was December 24th. I was there to buy pillows for my mother and while I was minding my own business, going around a corner, when some dude POPPED out right in front of me. I did what just about any person who had the crap scared out of her would do.

I screamed.

Yes....right there in the middle of Wal-Mart. And yes, I was embarrassed. But not quite as embarrassed as when I screamed the SECOND time this dude got me. I think he was just walking around, popping out at people.

Freak.

Today is my mother's birthday :-) She came over for dinner and I realized that it has been months since I've had her over. My sister came as well and its been about two years since she's been here.

In other news.... apparently a meteor hit in Edmonton, Alberta. I know someone who lives there... I wonder if they saw it.

I found this video...



Scientists estimate that it weighed six or seven metric tons — a.k.a. 15,000 pounds — when it entered the atmosphere.

Unbelievable.

Oh, speaking of unbelievable... 90210 isn't back on until January!

!!!

Ok, that's it for me. See ya next time.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Its C-c-c-old!

I.am.freezing.

!!!

There is something going on with the furnace and it keeps shutting off and it's very cold in this house!

I do not like being cold.

It snowed last night and everything looked so pretty this morning. I wish I'd taken a picture. The first snowfall is always so beautiful.

We couldn't find the children's boots so my most excellent husband went to Walmart at 7:30 am to buy some. Apparently he wasn't the only parent there!

In other news... my mom has had three "good" days with her back. She's getting up to answer the phone and to putter around. I am so relieved. I don't know how long it will last, but I am grateful for every minute and I know she is as well!

Tonight we're packing Operation Christmas Child boxes at the church with the Girl's Club. Or... we are making chocolate. We haven't decided yet.

What's there to decide?!?

Sears is having a huge 70% off sale so I'm going to try to head over there tomorrow to buy some new pots. Chef Kate needs to get back in business.

I would love to blog on and on about this and that...but my fingers are like ice so I have to go.

Poor me.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Good Reports!

Lots of great things to report today :-)

I visited with my mother today and she was feeling better than she has in ages. She was up and down, answering the phone and puttering around. It felt so good to see her sitting comfortably. I am so grateful for answered prayers. What tomorrow holds I don't know. But today...today she was ok.

Jordan is on the verge of crawling. She got up on all fours but then looked really nervous and plopped back down. She can get one knee up under her but hasn't quite coordinated herself yet.

She also waves! But only to my sister and my mom...not to me, her most excellent mother. But that will come soon enough.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Blue

This morning I dropped the children off at school and met up with Amanda for tea before she had to head for home. I felt really sad as we brought her stuff down to her car but I managed not to bawl like a baby. I hate goodbyes. I was squeezing back the tears as we hugged "c-ya later" (not goodbye!) and let them go once I was in the car.

What can I say.. I'm a suck.

I visited with my mom for awhile after that. Her pain level has increased and she cannot get comfortable at all. My heart is so heavy. What I would do to be able to take this from her.

My house is out of control. It always is, but I feel the need to whine about it right now. Oh well. Baby steps, right?

I went to see The Haunting Of Molly Hartley at the theatre tonight with Cindy and Jenn. It was pretty good and the pop-out-scary-factor was rather high. I rate it a 7/10. I mentioned in a previous post that I scream at scary movies... and friends... tonight I did not disappoint. I managed to scream while Jenn was drinking so that was a bit of a mess. Then I jumped while I was drinking, so that went everywhere. We were laughing pretty hard. Cindy said she was going to count how many times I screamed, and when I asked for the total as we walked out to her car she said she lost count.

Yikes.

We left before the lights came up, as per the rule. Can't have people see the freaky screamer.

I managed to break another pot tonight. I was carrying one on top of the other (lazy lazy... God gave me two hands) and one slipped and smashed into the sink. Positive side... a contained mess! Ian cleaned it up for me, bless his heart. So.. this week I need to find a new set of pots because that's the second one in my set of 3 that I've broken in the last two months and my little saucepan isn't going to cut it.

I got those pots as a wedding gift. :-(

Well friends... that's it for me. Emotional day = a tired Kate.

See you tomorrow...

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Sunday Night

I'm absolutely beat.

Today was Jen's shower lunch. Amanda, Grace and I, along with all of our children, met up with Jen at Kelsey's for a girl's lunch together. Good food, good conversation, GREAT people ;-) I can't believe Jen has less than 4 weeks to go. Soon that precious little baby will be here. So exciting. It absolutely blows my mind that we can grow a little person inside of us. Wow.

After lunch, Jen went home to rest and Grace and I visited with Amanda at her hotel.

Oh... here is Amanda and baby AJ :-)



Grace didn't stay very long, and it was just Amanda and me, hanging with AJ and Jordan. We talked about everything under the sun. Conversation flows so easily with us and I feel so comfortable with her. I will be so sad saying goodbye to her when she leaves tomorrow. I'm going to take the children to school then meet up with her for a cup of tea before she pulls out.

Amanda made these blankets for the children. Sam and Julie went nuts over them and wrapped themselves in them to watch tv. They're on their beds now.



And this is what Amanda brought me!!



Does this woman know me or what? And might I point out...that's an extra large bottle of Downy you see there my friends...

I had to post this picture of my cup from Tim's yesterday. Winter cups already! Love it.



Last month I talked about the pottery we painted at Coffee Hour. We were to decorate it with what we felt were our spiritual gifts. (Art is not one of mine, as you will see). So... here's what I did.



Ok that's it for me. I am heading to bed!

Saturday, November 15, 2008

GREAT Day :-)

Julie's team won today! 2-1! I can't get over how well she played. She was right in there, completely focused. She took a ball to the face at one point, and was body checked shortly after.

Oh yes. There's body checking in soccer. Betcha didn't know that.

Amanda arrived safely this afternoon! YAY! She called me to let me know when she was halfway, then again just after she crossed the border into Canada. Unfortunately she got lost in Toronto for an hour and half. But she arrived and all is well. Her little daughter AJ will be 5 months old on the 20th and is SO CUTE! I want her but Amanda won't give her to me.

How selfish.

Jen came as well and we had a really nice time together. We headed over to Wendy's for some dinner and I must report the most disgusting thing ever. There was a dead bug on the inside of the lid of my drink.

!!!

Of course I notice this AFTER I drank most of it. Gross.

I took it to the manager and I really don't think she could have been less concerned. Jen pointed out that I should have taken a picture for this blog.

Sorry guys. I wasn't thinking. I was too grossed out.

Once back at the hotel, we headed down to the pool so the children could swim. While Jen swam with all the kids (thanks for that, Jen!) Amanda and I sat with the babies and talked. She is such a sweet, gentle person. I really like her.

We headed off just after 9 and it was no longer raining....but snowing! It was almost like sleet. I left the children with the desk clerk after giving them a list of a million things not to do/where not to go/who not to talk to and ran to get the van so they wouldn't get too cold.

Once home, the entire herd poured into their beds and fell asleep right away.

Ian is in bed as well. His cold is really hitting him now. Poor guy. I don't know if mine is coming or going. I just hope it holds off a little longer. I don't want to miss any of Amanda's visit!

Friday, November 14, 2008

Friday Already!?

The Fakers have a PD day today so they're home with me. Kid One is playing video games, Kid Two is working on a craft at my kitchen table and Kid Three is fighting against her nap.

I have a very long "To Do" list today. I've already completed a few things but like I said... it's long. I expect to hear my washer and dryer crying for mercy by the end of the day.

Still fighting this oncoming cold. I woke up this morning feeling like I was hit by a truck. I can't be sick! Not this weekend of all weekends! Amanda is arriving tomorrow and I am so excited to see her and her little daughter.

Last night's Girls Club was so much fun. We did a bunch of relays and the girls had such a good time. A devotion and video followed and once again, come the end of the evening I was sad to see them go.

Two girls begged me to be their chaperone for their upcoming field trip! Lots of hugs from all of them. I have been thinking of them so much this morning and so many of them aren't from our church, they come from within the community. It's a great outreach for them for sure. But I only get to see them on Thursdays and I miss them in between. I wonder what they are doing and I pray for them.

Tonight is family night :-) Ian will be with the Youth Group so it's just The Herd and me. Julie wants to make pizza but Sam wants to order it.

Decisions, decisions...

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

No Title For Lack Of Creativity

They got me again ... my little fakers.

Julie started first this morning. She was tired and sore all over and didn't feel well enough for school today.

Shortly after Sam said he also felt unwell and had a headache.

Normally this wouldn't be an issue but I had a meeting at the church to discuss the Girls Club and I really couldn't miss it. So...I called the school to let them know they wouldn't be there today and I brought them with me to the church.

As soon as we got out of the driveway the fooling around started. I commented on how well they seemed, that it must have been a miracle healing.

Busted.

Once we got to the church I got them settled with their books and DSs and warned them not to fool around, talk loud, fight or wander around. They were to stay in that spot until I came back to get them or the building was on fire. And they were not to disturb me unless there was blood coming from one of them.

My friend Jen offered to watch Jordan while she was at Coffee Hour. Bless her heart! I was so grateful! I was able to concentrate on my meeting without worrying about what to do if she fussed.

Thanks again Auntie Jen!

I tell you...many times I have wondered what I'd do without Jen's love and support. I hope I never have to find out.

The meeting went very well and I am feeling very encouraged by what was discussed. I am loving this ministry and the other leader and I are full of ideas. We really seem to be on the same wavelength and that's really exciting.

The children overheard me talking on the phone about a falling out with a friend of mine who is cross with me for being friends with someone she didn't like. This really surprised them and they were full of questions as to what happened, which led to a great conversation about friendship and what true friendship looks like. Sam's response was priceless. He said stuff like that goes on at their school all the time - aren't adults supposed to be grown up and mature?

Love that kid. He is so right. Such a silly, silly thing to get upset about.

In more important news....

I'm SO excited... My friend Amanda is arriving on Saturday for a visit. I am beyond excited. She will join us for church on Sunday and then we're meeting up with Jen for lunch.

I'm still feeling pretty run down. Ian sent me to bed just before 7pm last night and I read for a bit and watched some tv. (90210 was awesome)

I'm trying to muster enough energy to go grocery shopping with my little fakers. Since they pulled one over on me today they get to help me out.

Poor Kate...

Monday, November 10, 2008

A Carrot, An Egg, And A Cup Of Coffee...

~ Special thanks to Julie L for this gem ~

You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again...

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up; She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, ' Tell me what you see.'

'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots . She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door,how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst,you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.

Family & Friends

Yesterday was such a great day.

It started out with Ian bringing me a cup of tea and a freshly baked cinnamon roll in bed. We headed off for church which was going to be an inter-generational service, with our Associate Pastor and his wife (and our personal friends!) were going to preach together.

It was so cute to see children involved. They handed out the bulletins as we arrived, read the announcements and passed the collection plate for the offering. Worship was incredible and was led by one of our young adults. The sermon was based on Joshua 24 and was so inspiring.

After church we headed home for lunch. We had a picnic on the living room floor and ate my World Famous Stew, and talked about the sermon we'd heard, and shared some thoughts about one another. I loved hearing what my children appreciated about me.

In the evening the children and I headed over to Cindy's for dinner. Jenn was there as well, and we had a great time laughing as usual. Cindy made this incredibly good pasta dish and bless her heart...sent the leftovers home with us. Thanks Cindy! ;-) She had little gift bags and a bag of High School Musical candies at each of the children's places at the table. For dessert, she had baked several mini cakes for them to decorate. They were in heaven and haven't stopped talking about her since.

Mom seemed to be doing a bit better today. She was able to move around more than I've seen her do lately, and that made me happy. I am so grateful for everyone's prayers for her. Tomorrow we're going swimming at a therapeutic pool to see if that helps her at all.

I think I'm getting a cold. My muscles are aching and my nose is sniffly.

All together now....AWWWW POOR KATIE!

Thanks guys. Knew I could count on you. ;-)

Saturday, November 08, 2008

Soccer & Pizza

Soccer season has begun once again and I am happy about that.

Her new coach had told us that her team colour was gold, which frustrated me because she was gold that last two seasons! Well... she is NOT gold...she is YELLOW. (Ok...maybe a yellow-y gold). I think her yellow socks are the brightest socks I've ever seen. Julie commented that there is no way we'll lose those socks in the laundry. No kidding there, Jules.

She did really well and wasn't shy at all with her new coach and teammates. Today she played defence and goal. I stress out when she's the goalie. Talk about pressure! That ball is coming at you and it's all up to you to make sure it doesn't go in! But...Jules loves it there and she really rocks at it.

I don't think she appreciated my "You're the best goalie EVER!" shout-out based on the look she gave me.

Oh well...it's true. ;-)

I scored another nap this afternoon. I don't know why I'm so tired lately.

The children and I made pizza for dinner. They were so cute fussing with the crust and the cheese. It's in the oven right now and it looks SO good. I would have taken pictures as per my obsession, but I can't find my camera. So you'll just have to imagine the best looking/tasting pizza ever.

And if you never hear from me again...something went terribly wrong...

;-)

Friday, November 07, 2008

Slow Days

The last couple of days have been pretty slow.

Yesterday I let the kids skip school so we could just have a lazy day together. I know, I know...hardly the most responsible thing to do....but it sure made me cool to them!

Last night Jules and I headed out for Girl's Club. We were at the senior's home doing a craft with some of the residents. I am ashamed to admit this, but I don't relate well to the elderly. I don't know what to say at all and I hate that. But these girls...wow. They just chattered away and helped the seniors with their craft. So sweet.

Talk about sweet... These girls SQUEAL when they see me! "Kate! Kate!" I LOVE it. When it's time to sit down it's "Sit with ME Kate! NOO!! Sit with ME!!!" As I moved among them while they crafted it was "Look at mine, Kate! Look what I did!"

These little girls...they've got me.

Thank you again, Father. Thank you for this blessing...they are wonderful little people.

Ian was home today so I took advantage of that and had a nap. When he came to check on me it was 2 1/2 hours later!

!!!

I was so disoriented when I woke up. It felt like I'd been asleep all day. We ran a couple of errands and had dinner at the mall food court with the children. I always have to know what I want to eat before I get to the food court, otherwise the decision making process could go on until mall closing. Tonight's selection was Taco Bell. I love that place and in my opinion...there should be MORE Taco Bells in my city. And a Burger King in my area would be sweet.

Tonight we watched Tinkerbell for our Family Night movie. It wasn't too bad. I've always found her to be annoying but now I see her differently.

Easy there, Kate. It's a cartoon character not a person.

Tomorrow Julie starts soccer. I'm pretty excited about it. I am the typical mini-van driving soccer mom. I even have a soccer ball magnet on the back of my van. Oh yes...I sure do!

I am a God-loving, church-going, mini-van driving, stay at home soccer mom of three kids... If you had told me ten years ago that this would be my life today, I would have laughed and said "Not me! Definitely not me!"

Amazing how God blesses, isn't it?

I haven't said this in awhile...but I LOVE having a baby in the house again. Jordan is so incredibly sweet. I love how she'll look over at me and burst into a smile. I love how she calls me "Mum Mum" when she is upset and wants me. I love just cuddling her and making her laugh.

In other news...

I just about drove into the ditch the other day when I saw that gas was 85 cents.

I don't like that it gets dark so early. It feels like bedtime ALL THE TIME.

Remember when I blogged about The Bachelorette and how frustrated that DeAnna chose Snowboarding Jesse instead of Perfect Husband Material Jason? Well.. check the news people...DeAnna and Jesse have broken up. Uh huh.. I knew she made a mistake there.

That is all.

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Prayer Request

Today I am so grateful for the prayers of true friends.

I am reaching out to all of my friends, the ladies in both of my bible studies, and now to you all (there are about 25 of you now!) to please pray for my mom.

Mom is stuggling with severe back pain due to a bulging disc and it has reached an unbearable point. She seems to have exhausted the benefits of physiotherapy, and has been told that she is not a candidate for surgery. She's been prescribed pain killers but they don't always help. Most nights she is unable to sleep.

It is so unbelievably heartbreaking to watch her like this. I can do her laundry, run her errands, prepare her lunch...but I can't do the one thing I wish I could - to take her pain on to myself.

Please pray along with me that God will free her from this pain, and to rest her body so that she is able to function.



With heartfelt thanks,

~ Kate

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

???

What kind of plant is this do you suppose? It looks rather obscene, doesn't it? It's growing in Mom's neighbour's garden.

Hallowe'en Pics

Here are a couple of pics from Hallowe'en...

Jordan the kitty...



The whole gang... 2 Indiana Jones', 1 Angel, 1 Kitty and 1 Pumpkin!

Monday, November 03, 2008

Trip To The Park

With not many warm days left, the children and I headed to my favourite park after school today.

Here's Jordan swinging...



My girls...



The Herd...



This type of thing always makes me laugh. The parking lot was completely empty, then a woman pulled up and parked right next to me.



Ha.

We headed off for a walk around the park...

Julie posing...



Yoda...er...I mean Sam...



Love these guys so much...



I love this park. It's always so quiet and hardly anyone is ever there. I'll miss it when it snows, so I took a couple of pictures to keep for when I'm missing it.

The sandy area to the left is where the children like to go to catch little fish in the summertime.



View from the bridge...



I love autumn...

Sunday, November 02, 2008

Weekend Update

Oh why can't this weekend be a long one...??

Friday was awesome. After walking the children to school, Jordan and I continued on our usual route. I thought about cutting our walk short because I just wasn't in the mood to exercise (as usual *yawn*) but figured I'd be eating chocolate throughout the day so I'd better take the extra long route back to Mom's. It was really quiet and the leaves were blowing across the street....then I heard it....that creepy music from 'Halloween'.... I kept peeking behind me as if Michael Meyers was about to jump out at me.

I know. Drama Queen.

Mom and I had lunch with the children then headed to the mall so that Mom could have her hair done. Jordan and I walked around the mall until Mom was done.

After school we, (translation: Ian) carved our pumpkins, had pizza and cupcakes for dinner and all headed out trick-or-treating together. Ian and Sam both went as Indiana Jones, Julie was an angel, Jordan was a cat and I was a pumpkin. The weather was insanely warm for this time of year so the children didn't need to wear their winter coats. Nice.

Once we got home, Ian checked over the children's candy and I think they might of watched a movie together. I can't be sure because I fell asleep! I guess all that fresh air and walking did me in.

Julie and I headed out to the hair salon to have our hair done together on Saturday morning. It was nice to have some unplanned Girl Time together. She got a great trim and blow dry and looked so much older than her 7 years. While I was having mine done, she kept looking at herself in the mirror, fixing a stray strand here and there.

While we sat waiting for my colour to take (no..I'm not a real blonde...just on the inside) we twirled in our chairs while she planned out her entire wedding. She wants to marry a man like her Daddy (smart girl), he has to be a Christian (yes!), her bridesmaids will wear baby pink and she wants ME to walk her down the aisle. She will have one baby and her husband will stay at home while she works full-time stacking produce at the local grocery store.

Love that girl.

Saturday evening, the children and I met up with Cindy and saw High School Musical 3 together. Have to say... #3 is my favourite and I am lame enough to admit that I felt teary at the end. These movies - while a little on the cheesy side - are so clean. No swearing, nothing sexual...so pure and sweet. I remember reading somewhere that the director actually asked the parents of the two main characters for their permission to have their kids kiss onscreen. Both sets of parents agreed, but in the end, he decided not to have them do it, because it wasn't necessary.

!!!

Love a clean movie, let me tell you.

This morning we all headed out to the early service at church. We had a guest speaker, that dude I wrote about awhile back, who talked about building relationships with your neighbours and making an impact on your community.

I felt like jumping up and saying "I made squares for my noisy neighbours and if you knew me and this whole story, that would strike you as a huge deal!!!"

But I didn't... because I didn't do it for credit. I did it because my Father asked me to and to try to mend the fence, so to speak. Since I did it I haven't really heard them at all. Might be a coincidence...might be more of an effort on their part. Time will tell.

Still..knock wood!

We visited with Ian's folks this afternoon which was very nice. I don't know what's up with Jordan today but she had some serious separation issues. It makes me sad when she cries when my inlaws hold her, because while I know she has issues, I don't want them to feel hurt. I feel bad when she cries when Ian is holding her!

Secretly, I love that I'm her favourite. Ok.. I guess since I said it here it is no longer a secret.

After lunch, Sam and I carried in some dishes to the kitchen and my mother-in-law had a cd playing in there. So...Sam and I put down the dishes and had an impromtu waltz together. He never dances with me, but this afternoon he was all over it. I realized that I had never danced with him before. That little dude can do a great waltz.

Love that guy.

I'm tired tonight and I feel like I'm coming down with something. My throat is hurting and it's getting on my nerves. I've felt like this for a couple of days now and I wish it would either come or go already. Oh yeah, and I'm cranky...;-)

Julie's soccer coach called. Finally. Her first game is this coming Saturday, smack dab in the middle of the afternoon. And her team colour is Gold. Just like last year. And the year before that.

Honestly!

Saturday, November 01, 2008

Interesting...

I saw this ad in a magazine while I was getting my hair done and it sure struck a chord with me.

I'd be interested in your thoughts about this.

(click on the picture to see it bigger, and to read what it says beneath the picture)