Today was the first day of my three day temp job. It was also the last day, but I'll get to that.
I went to bed later than I planned and lay there, wide awake for a long time. I was feeling really anxious about working again after being off for so long and I knew I would miss Jordan terribly.
Once I got into the groove of getting ready I felt much better about going. I left the house pretty close to the time I wanted to (read: late) and hit every green light on my way and ended up arriving 20 minutes early. Had to be a great sign right?
The company I was to work for - Frito Lay - was directly across the street from the company I worked at for 10 years so I was very familiar with the area. I thought about dropping in to visit after work but decided against it.
I met one of the other temps right away and within five minutes I knew her entire life story, how she was going to move out west to Vancouver a year ago but discovered she had breast cancer. After fighting that for the last year she was now ready to re-enter the workforce. She was very outspoken and did the majority of the talking for both of us. Being that I was out of my element I let her wear the pants in our newly formed relationship.
The work was extremely simple: enter a customer number, verify the name, and print. NEXT! Three temps were hired for three days. Three temps finished all the work in three hours. End of assignment.
I was on my way home before noon.
So there you have it. My exciting day in a nutshell. No crazy stories to tell.
I feel better having "gotten my feet wet" so to speak. I won't be so nervous for the next placement I hope.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
12 Month Stats
This morning I took Jordan to see Dr L for her 12 month check up and next set of vaccinations. She had two shots, one for MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) and the other was for Meningitis. I was really, really nervous (and frankly still am) about the MMR shot because of all the lawsuits in the US which accuse that vaccine of causing Autism. We had a great chat about that and he calmed (most) of my fears.
Actually, Dr L was quite chatty today and we covered many topics on childcare, vaccinations and medicine in general. Did you know that you can only get Shingles if you've already had Chicken Pox? And that you don't catch Shingles from someone who has it, Shingles actually comes from yourself. Interesting.
Jordan now weighs 22 lbs 10 oz. She was so cute laying on the scale. She's so long and we had to kind of fold her up so she was entirely on it. When we stretched her out to measure her length the woman said "My goodness she's long". Well, with a dad that is 6'2" and a mom that is 5'9" what can you expect?? Of course I can't tell you how long she is because I was still hung up on the 22 lb part.
What would I do if I didn't have SOMETHING to worry about when it comes to her?
Apparently a baby should triple its birth weight by its first birthday. Well, she was 8lbs 9 oz at birth so she should be at least 24 lbs...but she's not. I asked if she was underweight and he said no.
Then he got really excited.
Remember this post when he got very excited about her percentile growth chart thing? Well, today he was even more excited. She's in the 77th percentile for weight and in the 78th percentile for height. "You know I never understand what that means" I said.
"Just look at this, Kate. Just LOOK at it!" he said while he whipped the monitor around for my viewing. "She's perfect! PERFECTLY PERFECT! It looks like someone has drawn this to show what perfect growth looks like, and she's it!"
Yes sir, she's "it" alright. Brilliant, perfect, wonderful...
She's good to go with table food only and we can forgo the formula and keep her just on whole milk. She was so cute at the table tonight, tasting everything on her plate, looking happily at everyone.
Tomorrow is Day One of my three day temp placement. I'm feeling a lot of anxiety about it even though I know everything will be fine. It's been a very long time since I've worked in an office...
Stay tuned for the highlights of my work day tomorrow :-)
Actually, Dr L was quite chatty today and we covered many topics on childcare, vaccinations and medicine in general. Did you know that you can only get Shingles if you've already had Chicken Pox? And that you don't catch Shingles from someone who has it, Shingles actually comes from yourself. Interesting.
Jordan now weighs 22 lbs 10 oz. She was so cute laying on the scale. She's so long and we had to kind of fold her up so she was entirely on it. When we stretched her out to measure her length the woman said "My goodness she's long". Well, with a dad that is 6'2" and a mom that is 5'9" what can you expect?? Of course I can't tell you how long she is because I was still hung up on the 22 lb part.
What would I do if I didn't have SOMETHING to worry about when it comes to her?
Apparently a baby should triple its birth weight by its first birthday. Well, she was 8lbs 9 oz at birth so she should be at least 24 lbs...but she's not. I asked if she was underweight and he said no.
Then he got really excited.
Remember this post when he got very excited about her percentile growth chart thing? Well, today he was even more excited. She's in the 77th percentile for weight and in the 78th percentile for height. "You know I never understand what that means" I said.
"Just look at this, Kate. Just LOOK at it!" he said while he whipped the monitor around for my viewing. "She's perfect! PERFECTLY PERFECT! It looks like someone has drawn this to show what perfect growth looks like, and she's it!"
Yes sir, she's "it" alright. Brilliant, perfect, wonderful...
She's good to go with table food only and we can forgo the formula and keep her just on whole milk. She was so cute at the table tonight, tasting everything on her plate, looking happily at everyone.
Tomorrow is Day One of my three day temp placement. I'm feeling a lot of anxiety about it even though I know everything will be fine. It's been a very long time since I've worked in an office...
Stay tuned for the highlights of my work day tomorrow :-)
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Happy Birthday Jordan!
Wow! A year old already! This past year has flown by, but what a beautiful year it has been.
My mom, sister and nephew came for dinner to celebrate her special day. We thought it would be a good idea to keep her party small so she wouldn't be overwhelmed. Here are a few pictures of her from dinner.
She actually fell asleep just before we were going to bring out her cake...
Her cake...(I baked it!)
Grabbing it...
Trying it out...
Yum!
Happy Birthday Squish!
My mom, sister and nephew came for dinner to celebrate her special day. We thought it would be a good idea to keep her party small so she wouldn't be overwhelmed. Here are a few pictures of her from dinner.
She actually fell asleep just before we were going to bring out her cake...
Her cake...(I baked it!)
Grabbing it...
Trying it out...
Yum!
Happy Birthday Squish!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Spring Has Arrived!
Oh today was glorious!
My day started off with a walk around Chinguacousy Park with Cindy and an extra large Steeped Tea. (thanks again Cindy!) The sun was shining so brightly and all we needed were light sweaters.
As for the appropriate footwear...well, let's just say Cindy is on a different calendar than the rest of us...
Even with those shoes she can still walk faster than me! Today we made it around the park in 35 minutes. Last year our record for our final walk was 43 minutes. I think the tea helped me move faster ;-)
And for those of you who may be wondering... I did not win on this cup. Roll Up The Rim To Win is a scam.
Julie played soccer today and was amazing as usual :-) Afterwards, the children and I went to my mother's to visit and they drew all sorts of Easter decorations to hang up on her windows.
Being that it was such a beautiful day, the children and I headed over to the park to let Jordan check things out. She loves the slide. I held her hands while she slid down and Julie caught her. I loved her face as she slid down - head thrown back, eyes closed, huge smile.
While Sam and Julie played at the park, I continued to walk around the neighbourhood. At one time I knew almost everyone who lived here. But ten years has brought a lot of changes and a lot of new families. I had one friend here that I would chat with outside (for hours sometimes!) and I miss her because she moved last year. (Hi Anne!) I bumped into her and her husband at Walmart yesterday and you know how you know you miss someone, but you don't really know how much until you see them? That's how I felt when I saw Anne. I miss having a friend in this neighbourhood to talk about things with.
Well that's about it for today. It's almost....
Remember to turn off all your lights from 8:30 - 9:30.
I hope you are participating, friends!
Last year I experienced Earth Hour while in the hospital, having just given birth to Jordan that morning. It was so awesome to look out my window to see so many homes, completely dark. Very cool movement this is.
Tomorrow is Jordan's first birthday. How has a year gone by already? More on that tomorrow...
Now go and turn off your lights! ;-)
My day started off with a walk around Chinguacousy Park with Cindy and an extra large Steeped Tea. (thanks again Cindy!) The sun was shining so brightly and all we needed were light sweaters.
As for the appropriate footwear...well, let's just say Cindy is on a different calendar than the rest of us...
Even with those shoes she can still walk faster than me! Today we made it around the park in 35 minutes. Last year our record for our final walk was 43 minutes. I think the tea helped me move faster ;-)
And for those of you who may be wondering... I did not win on this cup. Roll Up The Rim To Win is a scam.
Julie played soccer today and was amazing as usual :-) Afterwards, the children and I went to my mother's to visit and they drew all sorts of Easter decorations to hang up on her windows.
Being that it was such a beautiful day, the children and I headed over to the park to let Jordan check things out. She loves the slide. I held her hands while she slid down and Julie caught her. I loved her face as she slid down - head thrown back, eyes closed, huge smile.
While Sam and Julie played at the park, I continued to walk around the neighbourhood. At one time I knew almost everyone who lived here. But ten years has brought a lot of changes and a lot of new families. I had one friend here that I would chat with outside (for hours sometimes!) and I miss her because she moved last year. (Hi Anne!) I bumped into her and her husband at Walmart yesterday and you know how you know you miss someone, but you don't really know how much until you see them? That's how I felt when I saw Anne. I miss having a friend in this neighbourhood to talk about things with.
Well that's about it for today. It's almost....
Remember to turn off all your lights from 8:30 - 9:30.
I hope you are participating, friends!
Last year I experienced Earth Hour while in the hospital, having just given birth to Jordan that morning. It was so awesome to look out my window to see so many homes, completely dark. Very cool movement this is.
Tomorrow is Jordan's first birthday. How has a year gone by already? More on that tomorrow...
Now go and turn off your lights! ;-)
Friday, March 27, 2009
Happy Birthday Julie!
I can't believe that my little girl turned 8 today... crazy! She was so excited all week that I thought she'd burst before she had a chance to make it to her birthday party tonight!
Ian and I ran some errands this morning and spent the afternoon cleaning and setting up for her party. I baked her a two layer cake and had the first layer in the oven before they even left for school. [Oh yes. I am an awesome mother. And I even have a blister on my thumb from when I pulled the first cake out of the oven. Battle scars!] Ian decorated it with a High School Musical 3 theme and it looked awesome!
Her party went from 5:30-9:00 pm and she had five girlfriends over. They watched HSM3 and sang karaoke. So cute! Sam's friend came over and they played video games and watched movies downstairs.
Fifteen minutes into the party and there was a kid standing on my couch.
ON! MY! COUCH!
One would think that little girls are polite and sweet and demure. Not this bunch. They were rambunctious to say the least.
Julie had a wonderful time and everyone had gone home by 9:10pm.
I'd love a glass of wine to relax but I'm not sure I can stay awake for it!
Ian and I ran some errands this morning and spent the afternoon cleaning and setting up for her party. I baked her a two layer cake and had the first layer in the oven before they even left for school. [Oh yes. I am an awesome mother. And I even have a blister on my thumb from when I pulled the first cake out of the oven. Battle scars!] Ian decorated it with a High School Musical 3 theme and it looked awesome!
Her party went from 5:30-9:00 pm and she had five girlfriends over. They watched HSM3 and sang karaoke. So cute! Sam's friend came over and they played video games and watched movies downstairs.
Fifteen minutes into the party and there was a kid standing on my couch.
ON! MY! COUCH!
One would think that little girls are polite and sweet and demure. Not this bunch. They were rambunctious to say the least.
Julie had a wonderful time and everyone had gone home by 9:10pm.
I'd love a glass of wine to relax but I'm not sure I can stay awake for it!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Thankful Thursday
Today I am thankful because...
~ God is good, all the time
~ My children are healthy and happy little people
~ My marriage is growing stronger and even more loving every day
~ I have beautiful friends, sisters of my heart, that pray for me, especially when I cannot, who know just when I need a hug, a phone call or an email to let me know I am loved and being prayed for, and who understand when I laugh one minute and cry the next, loving me anyway
~ I get to co-lead a wonderful, loving group of girls at Girls Club
What are YOU thankful for today?
***Please remember to keep praying for Baby Stellan, his Mom and for the team of doctors and nurses that are caring for him.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Urgent Prayer Request
Please pray for Baby Stellan. His story has been awesome and miraculous but he needs our help right now.
I had posted this in my Twitter feed the other day, and now I have a button you can click to read all about him.
Please be on your knees for this little one. Our Father will hear every single one of us.
Blessings,
Kate
I had posted this in my Twitter feed the other day, and now I have a button you can click to read all about him.
Please be on your knees for this little one. Our Father will hear every single one of us.
Blessings,
Kate
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
65 Questions
Due to a severe lack of creativity, I'm posting something that was sent to me on Facebook. (I love Facebook!)
1. First thing you wash in the shower?
My hair
2. What color is your favorite hoodie?
I don’t own one
3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
Oh yes :-)
4. Do you plan your social calendar more than a week in advance?I usually plan it at the beginning of each week
5. How are you feeling RIGHT now?
Blessed, grateful, tired
6. Whats the closest thing to you that's red?
A bookmark Julie made for me a couple of Mother’s Days ago
7. Tell us about the last dream you remember having?
It involved a lot of horses and a lot of their poop and a lot of talking out loud
8. Did you meet anybody new today?
Not today
9. What are you craving right now?
Sleep
10. Do you floss?
No
11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage?
Flatulence
12. Are you emotional?
Yep. God created me that way :-)
13. Have you ever counted to 1,000?
Not since grade school
14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?
Lick it
15. Do you like your hair?
Yes, I do
16. Do you like yourself?
Most of the time
17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush?
Yes. Although he was a lousy president he seems like a nice man
18. What are you listening to right now?
Ian gaming
19. Are your parents strict?
Yes but also very loving and encouraging
20. Would you go sky diving?
No
21. Do you like cottage cheese?
Ew GROSS
22. Have you ever met a celebrity?
I met Captain Kangaroo
23. Do you rent movies often?
no
24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in?
Just my personality
25. How many countries have you visited?
4
26. Have you made a prank phone call?
Many
27. Ever been on a train?
No. A psychic once told me that I would die on a train before I was 36 so I never went on one.
28. Brown or white eggs?
I've only ever had white. Is there a difference in the taste??
29. Do you have a cell-phone?
Yes...my precious...
30. Do you use chap stick?
Rarely
31. Do you own a gun?
No. I would like to but apparently I can't carry it around with me in my purse so what's the point?
32. Can you use chop sticks?
No
33. Who are you going to be with tonight?
I was with Cindy and Jen earlier, with Ian tonight ;-)
34. Are you too forgiving?
With some people yes, with others perhaps not enough
35. Ever been in love?
Yes
36. What is your best friend doing tomorrow?
Emptying our storage unit, helping me clean
37. Ever have cream puffs?
No. I only eat healthy foods (snicker)
38. Last time you cried?
Tonight (sorry girls...)
39. What was the last question you asked?
"How tall are you?" (I asked Cindy)
40. Favorite time of the year?
Spring and Fall
41. Do you have any tattoos?
No and never will. Although if I ever changed my mind - which I won't - I would probably have a pair of lips on my butt
42. Are you sarcastic?
Oh like I could ever be sarcastic
43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?
Yes and I liked it. The sequel was lame but we aren't talking about that now are we?
44. Ever walked into a wall?
Yes
45. Favorite color?
Green and purple. But not together. Because then it would be Barney.
46. Have you ever slapped someone?
Yes. Frankly, I'd like to slap more people.
47. Is your hair curly?
No
48. What was the last CD you bought?
I don't buy CDs
49. Do looks matter?
No
50. Could you ever forgive a cheater?
Yes
51. Is your phone bill sky high?
I have no idea, Ian pays the bills
52. Do you like your life right now?
Yes. I am richly blessed and God is working in me
53. Do you sleep with the TV on?
I fall asleep when the tv is on so yes. I think...
54. Can you handle the truth?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no.
55. Do you have good vision?
When I'm wearing my contacts/glasses. Without them I'm as blind as a bat
56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?
I truly don't hate anyone. Hate is such a wasted emotion. Dislike... well let's just say that some people are easier to like than others...
57. How often do you talk on the phone?
As little as possible
58. The last person you held hands with?
Ian
59. What are you wearing?
Pants and a t-shirt
60. What is your favorite animal?
Cats
61. What is your favourite song right now?
"My Life Would Suck Without You", Kelly Clarkson and "Ayer", Flo-Rida
62. Can you hula hoop?
No
63. Do you have a job?
Yep - CEO of my home :-)
64. What was the most recent thing you bought?
Steeped Tea at Timmie's and I Rolled Up The Rim and lost. AGAIN.
65. Have you ever crawled through a window?
Yes
1. First thing you wash in the shower?
My hair
2. What color is your favorite hoodie?
I don’t own one
3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
Oh yes :-)
4. Do you plan your social calendar more than a week in advance?I usually plan it at the beginning of each week
5. How are you feeling RIGHT now?
Blessed, grateful, tired
6. Whats the closest thing to you that's red?
A bookmark Julie made for me a couple of Mother’s Days ago
7. Tell us about the last dream you remember having?
It involved a lot of horses and a lot of their poop and a lot of talking out loud
8. Did you meet anybody new today?
Not today
9. What are you craving right now?
Sleep
10. Do you floss?
No
11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage?
Flatulence
12. Are you emotional?
Yep. God created me that way :-)
13. Have you ever counted to 1,000?
Not since grade school
14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?
Lick it
15. Do you like your hair?
Yes, I do
16. Do you like yourself?
Most of the time
17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush?
Yes. Although he was a lousy president he seems like a nice man
18. What are you listening to right now?
Ian gaming
19. Are your parents strict?
Yes but also very loving and encouraging
20. Would you go sky diving?
No
21. Do you like cottage cheese?
Ew GROSS
22. Have you ever met a celebrity?
I met Captain Kangaroo
23. Do you rent movies often?
no
24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in?
Just my personality
25. How many countries have you visited?
4
26. Have you made a prank phone call?
Many
27. Ever been on a train?
No. A psychic once told me that I would die on a train before I was 36 so I never went on one.
28. Brown or white eggs?
I've only ever had white. Is there a difference in the taste??
29. Do you have a cell-phone?
Yes...my precious...
30. Do you use chap stick?
Rarely
31. Do you own a gun?
No. I would like to but apparently I can't carry it around with me in my purse so what's the point?
32. Can you use chop sticks?
No
33. Who are you going to be with tonight?
I was with Cindy and Jen earlier, with Ian tonight ;-)
34. Are you too forgiving?
With some people yes, with others perhaps not enough
35. Ever been in love?
Yes
36. What is your best friend doing tomorrow?
Emptying our storage unit, helping me clean
37. Ever have cream puffs?
No. I only eat healthy foods (snicker)
38. Last time you cried?
Tonight (sorry girls...)
39. What was the last question you asked?
"How tall are you?" (I asked Cindy)
40. Favorite time of the year?
Spring and Fall
41. Do you have any tattoos?
No and never will. Although if I ever changed my mind - which I won't - I would probably have a pair of lips on my butt
42. Are you sarcastic?
Oh like I could ever be sarcastic
43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?
Yes and I liked it. The sequel was lame but we aren't talking about that now are we?
44. Ever walked into a wall?
Yes
45. Favorite color?
Green and purple. But not together. Because then it would be Barney.
46. Have you ever slapped someone?
Yes. Frankly, I'd like to slap more people.
47. Is your hair curly?
No
48. What was the last CD you bought?
I don't buy CDs
49. Do looks matter?
No
50. Could you ever forgive a cheater?
Yes
51. Is your phone bill sky high?
I have no idea, Ian pays the bills
52. Do you like your life right now?
Yes. I am richly blessed and God is working in me
53. Do you sleep with the TV on?
I fall asleep when the tv is on so yes. I think...
54. Can you handle the truth?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no.
55. Do you have good vision?
When I'm wearing my contacts/glasses. Without them I'm as blind as a bat
56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?
I truly don't hate anyone. Hate is such a wasted emotion. Dislike... well let's just say that some people are easier to like than others...
57. How often do you talk on the phone?
As little as possible
58. The last person you held hands with?
Ian
59. What are you wearing?
Pants and a t-shirt
60. What is your favorite animal?
Cats
61. What is your favourite song right now?
"My Life Would Suck Without You", Kelly Clarkson and "Ayer", Flo-Rida
62. Can you hula hoop?
No
63. Do you have a job?
Yep - CEO of my home :-)
64. What was the most recent thing you bought?
Steeped Tea at Timmie's and I Rolled Up The Rim and lost. AGAIN.
65. Have you ever crawled through a window?
Yes
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Purging Queen
Is there such a thing as a purging high? I dare say there is...because I am on one!!
I have been spending most of my evening sorting through clothes that the children have outgrown and I am positively pooped. I have two garbage bags ready to put out on my porch for The Canadian Diabetes Association to pick up and two garbage bags of children's clothing to pass on to friends of ours. I even have a large box of baby clothes ready to pass on to someone who will be able to use them. (Size 0-9 months...anyone? Anyone?)
But that's not the best part. Oh no.
The BEST part is the super huge Rubbermaid container that is full of clothes for Jordan to grow into. I've separated them into bags BY SIZE! All I will need to do is reach in and grab the next size that she needs.
Oh yes friends...I am feeling very organized and pleased with myself this evening.
This high is not that unlike the one I get on Garbage Exemption Days. On those days we can put out unlimited bags of garbage and I actually go through the house all giddy, looking for things to throw out.
I wonder what I'll find to purge tomorrow.
I have been spending most of my evening sorting through clothes that the children have outgrown and I am positively pooped. I have two garbage bags ready to put out on my porch for The Canadian Diabetes Association to pick up and two garbage bags of children's clothing to pass on to friends of ours. I even have a large box of baby clothes ready to pass on to someone who will be able to use them. (Size 0-9 months...anyone? Anyone?)
But that's not the best part. Oh no.
The BEST part is the super huge Rubbermaid container that is full of clothes for Jordan to grow into. I've separated them into bags BY SIZE! All I will need to do is reach in and grab the next size that she needs.
Oh yes friends...I am feeling very organized and pleased with myself this evening.
This high is not that unlike the one I get on Garbage Exemption Days. On those days we can put out unlimited bags of garbage and I actually go through the house all giddy, looking for things to throw out.
I wonder what I'll find to purge tomorrow.
God's Pie
My church just wrapped up a 5 week series on stewardship this morning. To be honest, I think I only made it to the last two sermons because a) I hate sermons about money and b) I don't have any!
Many things are becoming clearer to us as we make our way through this season of employment and financial strain. The clearest being that when it comes to money, none of it is ours. All we have been given (and what has been taken away) belongs to Him, and Him alone. He is the great Provider. How embarrassed I am to admit how poorly I have handled what He has given me.
The following video clip was shown during our service this morning and I certainly saw myself in it.
Do you also see yourself?
It's amazing to me to see clearly - and probably for the first time - how I think about money. I worry about not having enough. I want it so I can feel secure. It's not that I want things, because I am not a materialistic person. I just want to have some in case I need it.
Shameful.
"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."
Matthew 6:24
Dare I say that I am beginning to feel grateful for this season we are experiencing...?
Many things are becoming clearer to us as we make our way through this season of employment and financial strain. The clearest being that when it comes to money, none of it is ours. All we have been given (and what has been taken away) belongs to Him, and Him alone. He is the great Provider. How embarrassed I am to admit how poorly I have handled what He has given me.
The following video clip was shown during our service this morning and I certainly saw myself in it.
Do you also see yourself?
It's amazing to me to see clearly - and probably for the first time - how I think about money. I worry about not having enough. I want it so I can feel secure. It's not that I want things, because I am not a materialistic person. I just want to have some in case I need it.
Shameful.
"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."
Matthew 6:24
Dare I say that I am beginning to feel grateful for this season we are experiencing...?
Friday, March 20, 2009
March Break ~ Day Five
Wow this week went fast.
This afternoon we took the children swimming. Well, Ian did anyway. I watched :-)
I was blown away watching Sam swimming in the deep end, calm as could be. And Julie was swimming as well, without cheating by keeping one foot on the bottom of the pool! Jordan looked adorable in her new bathing suit and loved being in the water. Everyone was pretty wiped out afterwards.
We had our usual Family Night in the evening and watched a movie together. This time Julie cuddled with me, and Sam cuddled with Ian. Jordan, of course, slept through the entire thing. (OK..I slept through 2/3 of it!)
A great end to a great week.
This afternoon we took the children swimming. Well, Ian did anyway. I watched :-)
I was blown away watching Sam swimming in the deep end, calm as could be. And Julie was swimming as well, without cheating by keeping one foot on the bottom of the pool! Jordan looked adorable in her new bathing suit and loved being in the water. Everyone was pretty wiped out afterwards.
We had our usual Family Night in the evening and watched a movie together. This time Julie cuddled with me, and Sam cuddled with Ian. Jordan, of course, slept through the entire thing. (OK..I slept through 2/3 of it!)
A great end to a great week.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
March Break ~ Day Four
Today started off with some bad news: Cindy was laid off from her job this morning. She worked for the same company Ian did but we thought her position was safe. I guess no one is these days. I know she'll land on her feet, she is a strong woman. Still, it was a sad blow for her today.
We all headed downtown late this morning, and while Ian was interviewing with another recruitment firm, the children and I checked out the Eaton Centre. I'd forgotten how huge that mall is! LG was hosting a texting competition and Sam really wanted me to enter to win the $25,000 prize. I kept trying to explain to him that just because I text often doesn't mean I text super fast. It was fun to watch. We spent the rest of our time at the HUGE Indigo bookstore and at the Disney store.
Ian met up with us at the mall and we walked over to show the children City Hall. As we walked we passed a man laying in the middle of the sidewalk inside a sleeping bag, a cup in his hand. Ian gave each of the children some money to drop into his cup and they felt good that they were able to help someone else. Julie was full of questions: Why was he laying in the middle of the sidewalk? Why can't he go home? Why can't he go to a shelter? Doesn't anyone care about him?
Our next stop was lunch, and we had a picnic near the water. Sam kept telling us what a great day it was. It was nice to spend the day together.
Once we got home I had a nap and Ian fixed dinner for the children and we all watched a movie together. Julie cuddled with Ian and Sam cuddled with me. Jordan fell asleep and missed the whole thing.
This week has gone by so quickly. I love having the children at home like this, and to have Ian home as well made it even more special. I think we might take the children swimming tomorrow. Jordan can break in her new bathing suit :-)
So I'm trying out Twitter. So far I'm not that impressed. I've added it to my sidebar, but I really don't do anything so incredibly interesting that I need to stop what I'm doing to update my Twitter thing so you all know. I think I'm going to drop it. I'm a huge facebook junkie and in the words of my dear friend Jen...I can only social-network so much. I've also added a Contact Me section in case anyone wants to email me about anything they don't want in the comments section or has any questions. Whatever.
That's it. I'm outta here.
We all headed downtown late this morning, and while Ian was interviewing with another recruitment firm, the children and I checked out the Eaton Centre. I'd forgotten how huge that mall is! LG was hosting a texting competition and Sam really wanted me to enter to win the $25,000 prize. I kept trying to explain to him that just because I text often doesn't mean I text super fast. It was fun to watch. We spent the rest of our time at the HUGE Indigo bookstore and at the Disney store.
Ian met up with us at the mall and we walked over to show the children City Hall. As we walked we passed a man laying in the middle of the sidewalk inside a sleeping bag, a cup in his hand. Ian gave each of the children some money to drop into his cup and they felt good that they were able to help someone else. Julie was full of questions: Why was he laying in the middle of the sidewalk? Why can't he go home? Why can't he go to a shelter? Doesn't anyone care about him?
Our next stop was lunch, and we had a picnic near the water. Sam kept telling us what a great day it was. It was nice to spend the day together.
Once we got home I had a nap and Ian fixed dinner for the children and we all watched a movie together. Julie cuddled with Ian and Sam cuddled with me. Jordan fell asleep and missed the whole thing.
This week has gone by so quickly. I love having the children at home like this, and to have Ian home as well made it even more special. I think we might take the children swimming tomorrow. Jordan can break in her new bathing suit :-)
So I'm trying out Twitter. So far I'm not that impressed. I've added it to my sidebar, but I really don't do anything so incredibly interesting that I need to stop what I'm doing to update my Twitter thing so you all know. I think I'm going to drop it. I'm a huge facebook junkie and in the words of my dear friend Jen...I can only social-network so much. I've also added a Contact Me section in case anyone wants to email me about anything they don't want in the comments section or has any questions. Whatever.
That's it. I'm outta here.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
March Break ~ Day Three
Today the children started their day off by watching the original Escape to Witch Mountain which they absolutely loved. Ian then took them to see Race to Witch Mountain, which they also absolutely loved. Jordan and I stayed home and enjoyed a nice, quiet afternoon together.
The agency I met with yesterday called me this morning to offer me a three day placement for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week, doing data entry. I'm grateful for the work. And I need to make a call to a gentleman I worked with a couple of years ago to see if he's hiring anyone. Just the thoughts of making a cold call like that has my innards all buggered up. Oh well. Not the time to worry about that I suppose. Ian has an interview with another recruitment firm downtown tomorrow so hopefully something will come from that.
I'm feeling heavy hearted about going back to work and disappointed in myself for feeling this way. I wish I felt more gracious about it instead of being so selfish. I've had 14 months at home with my children and I expected to have to go back to work when Jordan was four months old, so really I shouldn't be feeling this way. Instead I should be grateful for the time at home I've been blessed to have. Its just that being a stay-at-home mom has been a dream come true for me and I'm not ready to give it up. Ugh. I hate this. Suck it up already, Kate!
I'll try to stop whining about this. Really I will.
This evening I met up with Cindy and Jen at our usual Tim Horton's for our weekly girl time. Two high dudes were yelling at one of the ladies behind the counter, swearing like crazy. I kept my "you should be ashamed of yourself!!" comment to myself because frankly I didn't feel like getting my butt kicked today.
I have yet to win anything from Tim Hortons' Roll Up The Rim To Win contest. I think it should be renamed Roll Up The Rim To Lose. All that effort to roll the bleeping rim just to read "Please Play Again". Why? So I can LOSE again?
Blah.
The agency I met with yesterday called me this morning to offer me a three day placement for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week, doing data entry. I'm grateful for the work. And I need to make a call to a gentleman I worked with a couple of years ago to see if he's hiring anyone. Just the thoughts of making a cold call like that has my innards all buggered up. Oh well. Not the time to worry about that I suppose. Ian has an interview with another recruitment firm downtown tomorrow so hopefully something will come from that.
I'm feeling heavy hearted about going back to work and disappointed in myself for feeling this way. I wish I felt more gracious about it instead of being so selfish. I've had 14 months at home with my children and I expected to have to go back to work when Jordan was four months old, so really I shouldn't be feeling this way. Instead I should be grateful for the time at home I've been blessed to have. Its just that being a stay-at-home mom has been a dream come true for me and I'm not ready to give it up. Ugh. I hate this. Suck it up already, Kate!
I'll try to stop whining about this. Really I will.
This evening I met up with Cindy and Jen at our usual Tim Horton's for our weekly girl time. Two high dudes were yelling at one of the ladies behind the counter, swearing like crazy. I kept my "you should be ashamed of yourself!!" comment to myself because frankly I didn't feel like getting my butt kicked today.
I have yet to win anything from Tim Hortons' Roll Up The Rim To Win contest. I think it should be renamed Roll Up The Rim To Lose. All that effort to roll the bleeping rim just to read "Please Play Again". Why? So I can LOSE again?
Blah.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
March Break ~ Day Two
Happy St Paddy's Day!! ERIN GO BRAGH!
Today was my appointment with the placement agency. I went through all my work clothes last night and settled on something I felt comfortable in for my three hour appointment. It felt so weird to wear heels again. My feet immediately missed my running shoes...
I left the house a bit later than I planned (shocker) and had to stop for gas first. I was in too much of a rush to pull my I'm-blonde-can-you-help-me-pump-my-gas-sir? routine, so I just did it myself. Ew. I hate that job. No matter how careful I am, my hand always smells like gas. Gross.
I was pretty nervous and even though I printed out door-to-door directions, I still managed to take the wrong exit off the highway. I called Ian and he directed me to where I needed to be. I actually arrived early.
I was told to expect up to three hours of testing. I couldn't believe some of them! One was for "filing". How hard is it to file? Quite hard, apparently, because they have to test for skill! Lots of weird general knowledge questions, and that one question they always asked in grade school.... if a train travels 60 feet in 2/5 of a second, how far will it travel in 3 seconds? I don't care how far the train will travel...I am a collector...all I want to know is when you're sending the cheque.
I can type 73 words a minute. I don't know if this is good or not, but I'm impressed because I didn't make any mistakes AND I wasn't looking at the keyboard. My "keystrokes" are 12,569 whatever that means. The last time I was tested it was 11,500 so whatever I'm doing in my stay-at-home life, I'm getting better.
Would it be wrong to admit that I felt good when I heard the office staff talking about my "crazy fast" typing skills? I don't care. I did.
MS Word....Excel...filing....numeric...alpha numeric....general knowledge.... all for a 10 minute interview where I was told that they didn't have anything available at the moment, and "don't call us, we'll call you". UGH.
I've touched base with all my old contacts that I can think of and reactivated myself with all the agencies I worked with in the fall of 2007. It's scary out there.
By the time I got back to my car my feet were KILLING me so I whipped off my heels and threw them on the seat beside me for the drive to my mom's house. I couldn't WAIT to get back into my jeans and a t-shirt. I need a job that will let me dress casually and I know of one....
I think I'll be a bus driver!!
Oh yes... you read that right. Picture it now, friends.... I can stop traffic with the little stop sign that swings out from the side of the bus... Oh yeah... even better than patrolling the kiss-n-ride at the children's school.
The children are having so much fun playing outside in this warm weather and I'm loving that we can have the windows open. Man that was a long and brutal winter.
Tomorrow Ian is planning on taking the children to see Race To Witch Mountain. Just a little trivia for you... did you know that the little girl who starred in Escape to Witch Mountain and Return to Witch Mountain grew up to be Paris Hilton's aunt? Yep. It's true.
I received a lovely email from Carrie today. She said she heard a song the other day and thought of me, and the chorus went like this:
All is well with my soul,
He is God, he is in control,
I may not know all his plans,
but I know I am in his hands.
Oh how I needed that reminder today. Thank you, Carrie.
Today was my appointment with the placement agency. I went through all my work clothes last night and settled on something I felt comfortable in for my three hour appointment. It felt so weird to wear heels again. My feet immediately missed my running shoes...
I left the house a bit later than I planned (shocker) and had to stop for gas first. I was in too much of a rush to pull my I'm-blonde-can-you-help-me-pump-my-gas-sir? routine, so I just did it myself. Ew. I hate that job. No matter how careful I am, my hand always smells like gas. Gross.
I was pretty nervous and even though I printed out door-to-door directions, I still managed to take the wrong exit off the highway. I called Ian and he directed me to where I needed to be. I actually arrived early.
I was told to expect up to three hours of testing. I couldn't believe some of them! One was for "filing". How hard is it to file? Quite hard, apparently, because they have to test for skill! Lots of weird general knowledge questions, and that one question they always asked in grade school.... if a train travels 60 feet in 2/5 of a second, how far will it travel in 3 seconds? I don't care how far the train will travel...I am a collector...all I want to know is when you're sending the cheque.
I can type 73 words a minute. I don't know if this is good or not, but I'm impressed because I didn't make any mistakes AND I wasn't looking at the keyboard. My "keystrokes" are 12,569 whatever that means. The last time I was tested it was 11,500 so whatever I'm doing in my stay-at-home life, I'm getting better.
Would it be wrong to admit that I felt good when I heard the office staff talking about my "crazy fast" typing skills? I don't care. I did.
MS Word....Excel...filing....numeric...alpha numeric....general knowledge.... all for a 10 minute interview where I was told that they didn't have anything available at the moment, and "don't call us, we'll call you". UGH.
I've touched base with all my old contacts that I can think of and reactivated myself with all the agencies I worked with in the fall of 2007. It's scary out there.
By the time I got back to my car my feet were KILLING me so I whipped off my heels and threw them on the seat beside me for the drive to my mom's house. I couldn't WAIT to get back into my jeans and a t-shirt. I need a job that will let me dress casually and I know of one....
I think I'll be a bus driver!!
Oh yes... you read that right. Picture it now, friends.... I can stop traffic with the little stop sign that swings out from the side of the bus... Oh yeah... even better than patrolling the kiss-n-ride at the children's school.
The children are having so much fun playing outside in this warm weather and I'm loving that we can have the windows open. Man that was a long and brutal winter.
Tomorrow Ian is planning on taking the children to see Race To Witch Mountain. Just a little trivia for you... did you know that the little girl who starred in Escape to Witch Mountain and Return to Witch Mountain grew up to be Paris Hilton's aunt? Yep. It's true.
I received a lovely email from Carrie today. She said she heard a song the other day and thought of me, and the chorus went like this:
All is well with my soul,
He is God, he is in control,
I may not know all his plans,
but I know I am in his hands.
Oh how I needed that reminder today. Thank you, Carrie.
Monday, March 16, 2009
March Break ~ Day One
Just as my title says, today was the first day of March Break and we were blessed with a gorgeous day with a temperature of 9 degrees! The sunshine felt so good.
I had a rough night last night. I had a terrible nightmare and I actually woke up crying hard. (Poor Ian, I woke him as well. Sam too...) It was so awful that it was hard to stop crying, and I didn't want to fall asleep again. Eventually I did, and had another nightmare. Ugh. Usually my dreams are rather entertaining and it isn't unusual for me to talk or laugh in my sleep but last night was a totally different story.
Last month Julie asked if we could go to the cemetery where my father is buried so that she could pray for him. We decided that we would go today, so this morning the children and I made tissue paper flowers to take for him. We each had our own design which was so sweet, and I loved watching them create these lovely flowers for a man they had never met and never had the chance to love. But I loved him and that was enough for them.
They each made a little card to go with their bouquets and that sparked an interesting conversation as to what they would have called him, had he lived. My father in law goes by the name "Poppa" so that was out. Julie settled on "Grandfather" and Sam went with "Grandpa". So sweet. I was moved to tears more than once as I watched their little hands crafting, wanting so much for each flower to be perfect.
We headed to the cemetery after lunch. I don't go there very often because while his body lays there, he is not. It's my deepest prayer that he is in Heaven and I will see him again. Ian located his spot, and cleaned off his marker for me.
I asked Ian to take this picture because I wasn't sure if I would end up wanting one, and I'm glad he did. I'm going to share it with you, not to be morbid, but because I am so proud of my children, and love the hearts that God put inside them.
Didn't they do a beautiful job?
While I spent a few minutes alone with Dad, the children wandered about, straightening flower arrangements that had blown over. As we pulled away, I told them that out of all the flowers that people had left for their loved ones, none of them were as beautiful as the ones they had made for their grandfather.
Visiting the cemetery has taken on such a different feel for me since I became a Christian. The hope we have of seeing our loved ones again is so amazing. This life isn't all there is, there is so much more.
Our next stop was the library. I have lived in this city for over 20 years and I have always thought that the library was closed on Mondays. I even asked one of the librarians how long they had been open on Mondays. Her answer was "7 years".
Oops.
Once we were done there we did a bit of grocery shopping then came home. The children rode their bikes outside and played with their friends. Sam was so excited when I told him that it is supposed to be 14 degrees tomorrow. (I'm pretty excited too)
Dancing With The Stars was very good tonight. My girl Melissa is doing so well. I love this show! Tonight the dances were the Salsa and the Quickstep. I'm not a fan of the Latin dances because deep down I'm just jealous that my body doesn't move that way. The Quickstep and the Viennese Waltz are my favourites.
Tomorrow is my appointment with the placement agency, so I went through my work clothes and found something to wear and printed off copies of my resume and references. In the morning Ian will help me review my MS Word and Excel knowledge for the testing they'll give me. I feel like I've been out of the loop for so long and I don't know how I'll present tomorrow. Hopefully it will be like riding a bike.
I'll let you know.
I had a rough night last night. I had a terrible nightmare and I actually woke up crying hard. (Poor Ian, I woke him as well. Sam too...) It was so awful that it was hard to stop crying, and I didn't want to fall asleep again. Eventually I did, and had another nightmare. Ugh. Usually my dreams are rather entertaining and it isn't unusual for me to talk or laugh in my sleep but last night was a totally different story.
Last month Julie asked if we could go to the cemetery where my father is buried so that she could pray for him. We decided that we would go today, so this morning the children and I made tissue paper flowers to take for him. We each had our own design which was so sweet, and I loved watching them create these lovely flowers for a man they had never met and never had the chance to love. But I loved him and that was enough for them.
They each made a little card to go with their bouquets and that sparked an interesting conversation as to what they would have called him, had he lived. My father in law goes by the name "Poppa" so that was out. Julie settled on "Grandfather" and Sam went with "Grandpa". So sweet. I was moved to tears more than once as I watched their little hands crafting, wanting so much for each flower to be perfect.
We headed to the cemetery after lunch. I don't go there very often because while his body lays there, he is not. It's my deepest prayer that he is in Heaven and I will see him again. Ian located his spot, and cleaned off his marker for me.
I asked Ian to take this picture because I wasn't sure if I would end up wanting one, and I'm glad he did. I'm going to share it with you, not to be morbid, but because I am so proud of my children, and love the hearts that God put inside them.
Didn't they do a beautiful job?
While I spent a few minutes alone with Dad, the children wandered about, straightening flower arrangements that had blown over. As we pulled away, I told them that out of all the flowers that people had left for their loved ones, none of them were as beautiful as the ones they had made for their grandfather.
Visiting the cemetery has taken on such a different feel for me since I became a Christian. The hope we have of seeing our loved ones again is so amazing. This life isn't all there is, there is so much more.
Our next stop was the library. I have lived in this city for over 20 years and I have always thought that the library was closed on Mondays. I even asked one of the librarians how long they had been open on Mondays. Her answer was "7 years".
Oops.
Once we were done there we did a bit of grocery shopping then came home. The children rode their bikes outside and played with their friends. Sam was so excited when I told him that it is supposed to be 14 degrees tomorrow. (I'm pretty excited too)
Dancing With The Stars was very good tonight. My girl Melissa is doing so well. I love this show! Tonight the dances were the Salsa and the Quickstep. I'm not a fan of the Latin dances because deep down I'm just jealous that my body doesn't move that way. The Quickstep and the Viennese Waltz are my favourites.
Tomorrow is my appointment with the placement agency, so I went through my work clothes and found something to wear and printed off copies of my resume and references. In the morning Ian will help me review my MS Word and Excel knowledge for the testing they'll give me. I feel like I've been out of the loop for so long and I don't know how I'll present tomorrow. Hopefully it will be like riding a bike.
I'll let you know.
Psalm 139
1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.
5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, [a] you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to [b] me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.
19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
20 They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,
and abhor those who rise up against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Sunday already...??
How is it that it's Sunday night already? BOOOO!
Friday afternoon we headed over to the church so Ian could set up the youth room for the Movie Madness event they were having that night. Jordan loved being able to crawl all around the room and down the hallway. The faster she crawled the harder she laughed, until she just collapsed in a heap of giggles. Oh how I enjoy her!
While Ian was at the church, Julie and I watched "Are We Done Yet?" while Sam played on the computer. Once they went to bed I stretched out on the sofa to read but couldn't concentrate, so I ended up resting quietly until Ian came home a couple of hours later.
Saturday morning was full of sunshine, and I headed over to Ching park with Jordan to meet Cindy for a walk. It was chilly, but the fresh air was wonderful. What a great way to start the day. We only walked halfway around then let Jordan swing for a bit in the park. I headed off at 11 to pick up the rest of the family for Julie's soccer game. Her team did pretty well and they either tied or won by one goal. I don't really keep score. If they have a good time then in my opinion, they won.
After lunch I had a wonderful nap and Julie's friend *L* came for sleepover (Julie's first!), and my mom and nephew came over later on for dessert and to watch a couple of episodes of "Smallville". I don't have the appreciation of superheroes like Ian does, and nothing could prepare me for the appreciation my mother has developed for them! It was so cute to listen to my mother discussing Doomsday and Braniac and Bizzaro with my husband.
Early this morning I could hear Jules and *L* making their breakfast before the rest of us got up. They sounded so cute and were trying so hard to be quiet. We all headed off to church together for 11 and the service was very nice. It isn't often that I get to sit in the service with Ian, as it seems as though he is always teaching Sunday school, so it was nice to be together today.
Nadine came over just after 3pm and we had a wonderful afternoon talking together while her daughter *L* and Jules continued to play. The more time I spend getting to know Nadine, the more I love her. They all stayed for dinner and Ian barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs. YUM! We've been having hamburgers done on my George Foreman grill during the winter and they just weren't the same.
So here I am at 8:18pm, ready for bed! Ian's friend Gary will be here shortly and they will game the night away. I plan to get comfy in my bed and watch Desperate Housewives.
I put a tiny bow in Jordan's hair this weekend and she looked so cute. She has just enough hair to make the bow stay.
I actually had someone ask me if I favoured Jordan over Sam and Jules because I post more pictures of her and so few of them. I do not favour one child over another. The older children often don't like to have their picture taken because they know it will end up on this blog. Ha! Jordan, however, has zero control!
Tuesday I have an interview with a placement agency that will take 3 hours. They'll talk with me then set me up for all sorts of testing and then we'll see if they can find me some work. I've been touching base with all the contacts that I've kept since leaving the working world 14 months ago. And as always, I continue to pray that Ian finds something soon.
My mind is so active and anxious these days. I spend a lot of time praying for my mind to slow down so that I can focus my prayers. I am so fortunate to have so many people praying for me when it seems that I can't.
That's about it.
Friday afternoon we headed over to the church so Ian could set up the youth room for the Movie Madness event they were having that night. Jordan loved being able to crawl all around the room and down the hallway. The faster she crawled the harder she laughed, until she just collapsed in a heap of giggles. Oh how I enjoy her!
While Ian was at the church, Julie and I watched "Are We Done Yet?" while Sam played on the computer. Once they went to bed I stretched out on the sofa to read but couldn't concentrate, so I ended up resting quietly until Ian came home a couple of hours later.
Saturday morning was full of sunshine, and I headed over to Ching park with Jordan to meet Cindy for a walk. It was chilly, but the fresh air was wonderful. What a great way to start the day. We only walked halfway around then let Jordan swing for a bit in the park. I headed off at 11 to pick up the rest of the family for Julie's soccer game. Her team did pretty well and they either tied or won by one goal. I don't really keep score. If they have a good time then in my opinion, they won.
After lunch I had a wonderful nap and Julie's friend *L* came for sleepover (Julie's first!), and my mom and nephew came over later on for dessert and to watch a couple of episodes of "Smallville". I don't have the appreciation of superheroes like Ian does, and nothing could prepare me for the appreciation my mother has developed for them! It was so cute to listen to my mother discussing Doomsday and Braniac and Bizzaro with my husband.
Early this morning I could hear Jules and *L* making their breakfast before the rest of us got up. They sounded so cute and were trying so hard to be quiet. We all headed off to church together for 11 and the service was very nice. It isn't often that I get to sit in the service with Ian, as it seems as though he is always teaching Sunday school, so it was nice to be together today.
Nadine came over just after 3pm and we had a wonderful afternoon talking together while her daughter *L* and Jules continued to play. The more time I spend getting to know Nadine, the more I love her. They all stayed for dinner and Ian barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs. YUM! We've been having hamburgers done on my George Foreman grill during the winter and they just weren't the same.
So here I am at 8:18pm, ready for bed! Ian's friend Gary will be here shortly and they will game the night away. I plan to get comfy in my bed and watch Desperate Housewives.
I put a tiny bow in Jordan's hair this weekend and she looked so cute. She has just enough hair to make the bow stay.
I actually had someone ask me if I favoured Jordan over Sam and Jules because I post more pictures of her and so few of them. I do not favour one child over another. The older children often don't like to have their picture taken because they know it will end up on this blog. Ha! Jordan, however, has zero control!
Tuesday I have an interview with a placement agency that will take 3 hours. They'll talk with me then set me up for all sorts of testing and then we'll see if they can find me some work. I've been touching base with all the contacts that I've kept since leaving the working world 14 months ago. And as always, I continue to pray that Ian finds something soon.
My mind is so active and anxious these days. I spend a lot of time praying for my mind to slow down so that I can focus my prayers. I am so fortunate to have so many people praying for me when it seems that I can't.
That's about it.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Time Flies
It's almost impossible to believe that Jordan will be a year old in just a couple of weeks. Where has the time gone??
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Hanging On
I am happy to report that we're all healthy again. WHOO HOO! These last two weeks have been brutal. The children are back in the rhythm of school again and have gotten all caught up on all the work they missed when they were off for the week. Jordan has been sleeping through the night for the last two nights so she's well rested and happy again. Other than a few sniffles, Ian and I are back to normal. Well, normal for Ian and me anyway ;-)
Well, we've had a couple of days to get used to the disappointment about the job opportunity. But, it is what it is, and there is no point moaning and groaning over it. God's in charge and He has a plan. We just need to wait on Him.
Oh that is so easy to type, so hard to do sometimes. Is it completely wrong if I am secretly praying that this firm does a "Bachelor" and decides that Ian was who they wanted all along, and will dump the other dude any time now?
Even in the midst of my disappointment, fear, worry, etc... God has really shown me that He is with us. A few weekends ago I had really given into the aforementioned emotions and just wanted to lay down and kick my feet in the world's biggest temper tantrum. We've been here before, friends. Laid off, looking for work. I know how difficult this can get. Ian gave me a list of Bible verses for me to focus on, but I just buried the paper underneath a stack of things and tried to forget about them. But on a Sunday night, I pulled out my Bible and went looking for the verses. The first one was from James. I never got any further than that one on the list. I read all of James and when I was done I was crying.
I remember a woman at Coffee Hour that encouraged us to not just read God's promises, or to just memorize them, but to claim them. So, I did. I spent a lot of time talking to him that night, surrendering all my emotions.
The next day, Ian submitted his resume to a recruitment firm, then called in the afternoon to follow up. The woman started the usual "don't call us, we'll call you" that he's getting everywhere, but he managed to get her talking, and discussing his qualifications. She asked him to come downtown to meet with her the following morning.
The first thing she said when he walked in was "kudos for getting an interview". They had received 100+ resumes and were only going to interview six, and Ian was the sixth. It went really well, and she said they would be choosing three of the six candidates in a couple of days. She called him back at the end of the day saying she was fast tracking him to the final three and would meet with the client on the following Monday.
Monday came and he met with the client and it went extremely well. Instead of three people interviewing, there were four. Ian felt he presented well and presented everything he wanted to, and felt as though he had a good chance. The recruiter said they would know who had the job by Wednesday.
Thursday arrived and we still didn't know. Ian called her and they had narrowed the choices down even further, to two, and Ian was one of them. We called in everyone we could think of to pray for this. I can't tell you how many people we had praying.
Friday at 4:30 we learned that the job went to the other guy. Boo. She said it was an extremely hard decision for them to make, and that he presented very well.
I am so proud of you, Ian.
Here we are, at the front end of a recession and with 100+ people going for the same job and making it to the final two, it's almost as though God is reminding us that it doesn't matter what is happening, He can turn things around in a second. There were times when I was so overcome with fear and worry, and my mind would be racing to the point that I couldn't even focus on praying, and He spoke to my heart, reminding me to be still, and know that he is God. We have been stretched these last couple of weeks and it's far from over, but He can turn things around and open doors that we never imagined were there.
I think if one more person looks at me with pity and asks "How are you? No REALLY? How are you?" I'm going to pop them one. I know they mean well, it's just hard when person after person says the same thing. I can't tell you how I really am. I can't tell you all the bitter thoughts that are in my head right now. I can't tell you that I am so afraid of what the future holds that I have trouble sleeping at night. I can't tell you how sad I am that I will very likely have to return to work and that just looking for jobs steals my breath and makes my heart ache in a way it never has before. I can't tell you that it's hard looking at the pity and worry on your face and I just want to break down crying. What would it do to openly admit those feelings? So much easier to slap on a smile and tell you "Oh we're fine! God has a plan!"
And He does, my friends. He does.
Anyway...
I was very excited to learn today that Melissa from The Bachelor will be joining the celebrities on Dancing With The Stars starting tomorrow night. GO MELISSA GO!!
We've had some crazy weather this last week. One day it was 17 degrees! Of course, the very next day was below zero. Welcome to Ontario! If you don't like the current weather, just wait a minute for it to change again.
Ok. That's it for me today.
Well, we've had a couple of days to get used to the disappointment about the job opportunity. But, it is what it is, and there is no point moaning and groaning over it. God's in charge and He has a plan. We just need to wait on Him.
Oh that is so easy to type, so hard to do sometimes. Is it completely wrong if I am secretly praying that this firm does a "Bachelor" and decides that Ian was who they wanted all along, and will dump the other dude any time now?
Even in the midst of my disappointment, fear, worry, etc... God has really shown me that He is with us. A few weekends ago I had really given into the aforementioned emotions and just wanted to lay down and kick my feet in the world's biggest temper tantrum. We've been here before, friends. Laid off, looking for work. I know how difficult this can get. Ian gave me a list of Bible verses for me to focus on, but I just buried the paper underneath a stack of things and tried to forget about them. But on a Sunday night, I pulled out my Bible and went looking for the verses. The first one was from James. I never got any further than that one on the list. I read all of James and when I was done I was crying.
I remember a woman at Coffee Hour that encouraged us to not just read God's promises, or to just memorize them, but to claim them. So, I did. I spent a lot of time talking to him that night, surrendering all my emotions.
The next day, Ian submitted his resume to a recruitment firm, then called in the afternoon to follow up. The woman started the usual "don't call us, we'll call you" that he's getting everywhere, but he managed to get her talking, and discussing his qualifications. She asked him to come downtown to meet with her the following morning.
The first thing she said when he walked in was "kudos for getting an interview". They had received 100+ resumes and were only going to interview six, and Ian was the sixth. It went really well, and she said they would be choosing three of the six candidates in a couple of days. She called him back at the end of the day saying she was fast tracking him to the final three and would meet with the client on the following Monday.
Monday came and he met with the client and it went extremely well. Instead of three people interviewing, there were four. Ian felt he presented well and presented everything he wanted to, and felt as though he had a good chance. The recruiter said they would know who had the job by Wednesday.
Thursday arrived and we still didn't know. Ian called her and they had narrowed the choices down even further, to two, and Ian was one of them. We called in everyone we could think of to pray for this. I can't tell you how many people we had praying.
Friday at 4:30 we learned that the job went to the other guy. Boo. She said it was an extremely hard decision for them to make, and that he presented very well.
I am so proud of you, Ian.
Here we are, at the front end of a recession and with 100+ people going for the same job and making it to the final two, it's almost as though God is reminding us that it doesn't matter what is happening, He can turn things around in a second. There were times when I was so overcome with fear and worry, and my mind would be racing to the point that I couldn't even focus on praying, and He spoke to my heart, reminding me to be still, and know that he is God. We have been stretched these last couple of weeks and it's far from over, but He can turn things around and open doors that we never imagined were there.
I think if one more person looks at me with pity and asks "How are you? No REALLY? How are you?" I'm going to pop them one. I know they mean well, it's just hard when person after person says the same thing. I can't tell you how I really am. I can't tell you all the bitter thoughts that are in my head right now. I can't tell you that I am so afraid of what the future holds that I have trouble sleeping at night. I can't tell you how sad I am that I will very likely have to return to work and that just looking for jobs steals my breath and makes my heart ache in a way it never has before. I can't tell you that it's hard looking at the pity and worry on your face and I just want to break down crying. What would it do to openly admit those feelings? So much easier to slap on a smile and tell you "Oh we're fine! God has a plan!"
And He does, my friends. He does.
Anyway...
I was very excited to learn today that Melissa from The Bachelor will be joining the celebrities on Dancing With The Stars starting tomorrow night. GO MELISSA GO!!
We've had some crazy weather this last week. One day it was 17 degrees! Of course, the very next day was below zero. Welcome to Ontario! If you don't like the current weather, just wait a minute for it to change again.
Ok. That's it for me today.
Friday, March 06, 2009
An Answer
Ian got word this afternoon that the position went to the other candidate.
Thank you for your prayers and notes of encouragement. We appreciate it so much.
God has a plan for us, there's no doubt about that. He is good.
Blessings,
Kate
Thank you for your prayers and notes of encouragement. We appreciate it so much.
God has a plan for us, there's no doubt about that. He is good.
Blessings,
Kate
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Urgent Prayer Request
I hadn't wanted to say anything until we knew for sure, but we need your prayers so here I am.
In January I posted that Ian had been laid off from his job of 5 years. Well, this past week has been interesting to say the least. I wanted to be able to write out the events in a clear headed way that would clearly show the Lord's hand in this situation, but I can hardly breathe as I type this. This is the best I can do right now.
We are waiting to find out if Ian will be offered a position with the company he has been interviewing with. We hoped to know something yesterday, but instead of a yes/no, he learned that it is now down to two candidates, and Ian is one of them. We are hoping to know more tomorrow as to what the next steps - if any - will be.
Please, please, please pray for this, friends. We want to be in God's will, and we know that He is in control.
I will update the details of this process once we know one way or the other.
Thank you...
In January I posted that Ian had been laid off from his job of 5 years. Well, this past week has been interesting to say the least. I wanted to be able to write out the events in a clear headed way that would clearly show the Lord's hand in this situation, but I can hardly breathe as I type this. This is the best I can do right now.
We are waiting to find out if Ian will be offered a position with the company he has been interviewing with. We hoped to know something yesterday, but instead of a yes/no, he learned that it is now down to two candidates, and Ian is one of them. We are hoping to know more tomorrow as to what the next steps - if any - will be.
Please, please, please pray for this, friends. We want to be in God's will, and we know that He is in control.
I will update the details of this process once we know one way or the other.
Thank you...
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
The Bachelor Finale
*** SPOILER ALERT!!! ***
If you haven't had a chance to watch the finale of The Bachelor yet then stop reading now. I cannot keep this in a moment longer!
I guess I must havegone on and on mentioned a few times about how excited I was for the finale because Ian settled in to watch it with me. Friends, this was HUGE. Ian has nothing but an intense dislike for all reality television, with the exception being Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.
For once, all the promo hype was true — it really was the "most dramatic season finale in Bachelor history." The return of DeAnna... Jason crying on the balcony like he was devastated... the After The Final Rose that was so intense, it could only be filmed in private... Oh yes, I was in it for the three hours.
So both ladies met Annoying Child as well as his parents, brothers and sister-in-law. Everyone seemed relatively unscathed. I waited in anticipation for the The return of DeAnna...
Basically she travelled all the way to New Zealand to tell Jason that she made a mistake in choosing Jesse. (Didn't I yell this at my tv at the time??) Ha ha! He was very nice to her, and clearly let her know that he was in love with both Molly and Melissa.
AWKWARD!
Then she tried to be all helpful, telling him to "lead his heart" not to follow it. Her visit was short and a waste of time. Hyped up drama that didn't pan out.
Then, the Final Rose!
Enter....MOLLY!
He barely gets talking before he breaks her heart...he has chosen Melissa.
YES!!!
She goes on and on about what a mistake he is making, blah blah blah. I couldn't wait for her to get into the limo and LEAVE already. I never liked her. Her voice practically made my ears bleed and every time she spoke she either repeatedly nodded or shook her head. She looked like a bobble-head and I found that very distracting. And she wore too much makeup. Just sayin'.
Finally she left and then there was the dramatic scene of Jason crying on the balcony. I felt teary too, because while I don't think you can be totally in love with two people at the same time, I do think it would be a hard decision to make. I felt so sad for him! Poor Jason!
Enter...Melissa!!
I didn't like her hair, but her dress was gorgeous. I was all teary when he was professing his love for her...she was so happy! Finally she wasn't the "dumpee"! Then it got really cheesy with the aerial shots of them hugging, and the jumping into the pool thing...lame. All I could think about was how much time she would have spent doing her hair and make up, not to mention the cost of that dress!
I was happy.
Then....After The Final Rose. I couldn't possibly imagine what situation would be so intense that it would have had to be filmed without an audience present. I thought maybe we were going to meet Melissa's Oh-So-Private-Parents or something. When Jason walked out alone I was right on the edge of my seat. Where was Melissa?
Then he starts crying. Again. He isn't happy with Melissa because the chemistry is gone, and he can't stop thinking about Molly, and wants another chance with her.
SAY WHAT!?
Out comes Melissa and he breaks up with her. I think Melissa summed it up for all of us when she said, "You are such a bastard!" Once the breakup was over with, she was sent out to a waiting limo.
He comes back in - here's a shocker - crying. I wanted to shout "SHUT IT, CRYBABY!!!" at the tv, but I held back.
Out goes Jason and in comes Molly. She is still in love with Jason... Jason comes out, answers a few of her questions and then drops the bombshell... he has broken up with Melissa and wants Molly back. She pretends to be all shocked and confused (please, I think we all know this show is somewhat scripted!)
And then...the part that KILLS ME!!! She agrees to see where things will go!
Hello! She was rejected and now that he comes crawling back, she goes back to him?
CRAZY!
I thought he was this sweet, kind guy, looking for a wife and a mother for Annoying Child but he turned out to be such a jerk. I am really rather disgusted. Why break up with her on tv? Why humiliate her like that? Why put a ring on her finger with the promise of forever, when his heart is with someone else? Who does that? Six weeks isn't a long time to make a relationship work.
Shame on you Jason!
Ian and I have decided that this show is fixed. I'm never watching it again!
Oooh... After The Final Rose Part 2 is on... gotta go!
;-)
If you haven't had a chance to watch the finale of The Bachelor yet then stop reading now. I cannot keep this in a moment longer!
I guess I must have
For once, all the promo hype was true — it really was the "most dramatic season finale in Bachelor history." The return of DeAnna... Jason crying on the balcony like he was devastated... the After The Final Rose that was so intense, it could only be filmed in private... Oh yes, I was in it for the three hours.
So both ladies met Annoying Child as well as his parents, brothers and sister-in-law. Everyone seemed relatively unscathed. I waited in anticipation for the The return of DeAnna...
Basically she travelled all the way to New Zealand to tell Jason that she made a mistake in choosing Jesse. (Didn't I yell this at my tv at the time??) Ha ha! He was very nice to her, and clearly let her know that he was in love with both Molly and Melissa.
AWKWARD!
Then she tried to be all helpful, telling him to "lead his heart" not to follow it. Her visit was short and a waste of time. Hyped up drama that didn't pan out.
Then, the Final Rose!
Enter....MOLLY!
He barely gets talking before he breaks her heart...he has chosen Melissa.
YES!!!
She goes on and on about what a mistake he is making, blah blah blah. I couldn't wait for her to get into the limo and LEAVE already. I never liked her. Her voice practically made my ears bleed and every time she spoke she either repeatedly nodded or shook her head. She looked like a bobble-head and I found that very distracting. And she wore too much makeup. Just sayin'.
Finally she left and then there was the dramatic scene of Jason crying on the balcony. I felt teary too, because while I don't think you can be totally in love with two people at the same time, I do think it would be a hard decision to make. I felt so sad for him! Poor Jason!
Enter...Melissa!!
I didn't like her hair, but her dress was gorgeous. I was all teary when he was professing his love for her...she was so happy! Finally she wasn't the "dumpee"! Then it got really cheesy with the aerial shots of them hugging, and the jumping into the pool thing...lame. All I could think about was how much time she would have spent doing her hair and make up, not to mention the cost of that dress!
I was happy.
Then....After The Final Rose. I couldn't possibly imagine what situation would be so intense that it would have had to be filmed without an audience present. I thought maybe we were going to meet Melissa's Oh-So-Private-Parents or something. When Jason walked out alone I was right on the edge of my seat. Where was Melissa?
Then he starts crying. Again. He isn't happy with Melissa because the chemistry is gone, and he can't stop thinking about Molly, and wants another chance with her.
SAY WHAT!?
Out comes Melissa and he breaks up with her. I think Melissa summed it up for all of us when she said, "You are such a bastard!" Once the breakup was over with, she was sent out to a waiting limo.
He comes back in - here's a shocker - crying. I wanted to shout "SHUT IT, CRYBABY!!!" at the tv, but I held back.
Out goes Jason and in comes Molly. She is still in love with Jason... Jason comes out, answers a few of her questions and then drops the bombshell... he has broken up with Melissa and wants Molly back. She pretends to be all shocked and confused (please, I think we all know this show is somewhat scripted!)
And then...the part that KILLS ME!!! She agrees to see where things will go!
Hello! She was rejected and now that he comes crawling back, she goes back to him?
CRAZY!
I thought he was this sweet, kind guy, looking for a wife and a mother for Annoying Child but he turned out to be such a jerk. I am really rather disgusted. Why break up with her on tv? Why humiliate her like that? Why put a ring on her finger with the promise of forever, when his heart is with someone else? Who does that? Six weeks isn't a long time to make a relationship work.
Shame on you Jason!
Ian and I have decided that this show is fixed. I'm never watching it again!
Oooh... After The Final Rose Part 2 is on... gotta go!
;-)
Monday, March 02, 2009
Pooped
I am absolutely exhausted tonight and wish I could go to bed early but I simply can't. It's the finale for The Bachelor and I have to see Melissa win.
Jordan slept through the night last night and didn't wake until 9:10 this morning. Unheard of! She seems to be on the upswing although you can tell she still feels pretty lousy. Sam and Julie both felt great this morning so I sent them to school. They were so excited to see their friends again.
I stopped to get a large Steeped Tea from Tim's and when I rolled up the rim to win, I lost. Again!
Darn you Tim Hortons!!
I managed to get a couple of loads of laundry done and made a small dent in my housework before the school called asking me to pick Sam up because he was in the office complaining of a severe headache. I'm not sure if he is still feeling the effects of his cold, or that he had to write a test this morning and studied the wrong things...
I've misplaced a brand new bottle of Shout! as well as a full box of J-Cloths. I cannot express how frustrated that makes me. They simply disappeared.
I can't wait to post about what is going on here but for now I will just say that God is so good and He is showing Himself to me these days. I appreciate that so much.
5 minutes to The Bachelor finale... go Melissa go!
Jordan slept through the night last night and didn't wake until 9:10 this morning. Unheard of! She seems to be on the upswing although you can tell she still feels pretty lousy. Sam and Julie both felt great this morning so I sent them to school. They were so excited to see their friends again.
I stopped to get a large Steeped Tea from Tim's and when I rolled up the rim to win, I lost. Again!
Darn you Tim Hortons!!
I managed to get a couple of loads of laundry done and made a small dent in my housework before the school called asking me to pick Sam up because he was in the office complaining of a severe headache. I'm not sure if he is still feeling the effects of his cold, or that he had to write a test this morning and studied the wrong things...
I've misplaced a brand new bottle of Shout! as well as a full box of J-Cloths. I cannot express how frustrated that makes me. They simply disappeared.
I can't wait to post about what is going on here but for now I will just say that God is so good and He is showing Himself to me these days. I appreciate that so much.
5 minutes to The Bachelor finale... go Melissa go!
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Update & A Quiz
I hate being sick!!!
Sorry to start this post off with a whine, but I just couldn't help it. We can't remember a time when we were all down with colds at the same time. This past week has been brutal and now we're heading into week 2.
I'm going to have to take Jordan to the doctor tomorrow because she seems to be getting worse. It's been a week and she went downhill on Friday. I could go to the walk-in clinic but I don't think they're very good doctors there, and they have no personal investment in the patients they see.
Yesterday I attended the Women's Day Apart conference hosted my my church. I've never been to one of these before, so I was really looking forward to it. I had a hard time shaking that ever present "Mother's Guilt" about leaving Ian home with three sick children alone, but as he reminded me, I have to nurture my spiritual health as well.
One of the workshops I signed up for was "Building A 5 Star Family" which was very good. Lots of great ideas on how to create lasting, loving memories for my children. The second workshop was "Hope In The Midst Of Pain" which was hosted by a woman who lost her 2 yr old son in a tornado in Alberta about 8 years ago. She and her husband host a carnival every year in memory of their son, and the children and I went to check it out last year. After a break for lunch, we all gathered to hear a guest speaker the event co-ordinator heard speak at the last BCOQ conference. A great day for sure.
While I was out, Ian and the children baked and decorated a huge cookie for me...
Awww! Isn't that so sweet? I love those guys!
Here is a quiz from Julie over at Contentment Corner. I love this blog - she is such an inspirational woman and a wonderful writer.
1. What is something Mom always says to you?
Sam: I love you
Julie: I love you
2. What makes Mom happy?
Sam: Watching Dr Phil
Julie: Her kids
3. What makes Mom sad?
Sam: If she gets too stressed out
Julie: When one of her kids gets hurt
4. How does Mom make you laugh?
Sam: When she makes her 'serious face'
Julie: By saying funny stuff
5. What was Mom like as a kid?
Sam: Every day ran home from bullies (sadly...this is so true)
Julie: I think she wanted to have fun
6. How old is your Mom?
Sam: 38 (he tells everyone this unfortunately!)
Julie: 38 (she does too!)
7. How tall is your Mom?
Sam: About 5'4" (wrong)
Julie: 6' (wrong)
8. What is your Mom's favorite thing to do?
Sam: Spending quality time with the family
Julie: Sleep! (guilty as charged)
9. What does Mom do when you're not around?
Sam: Chores and takes care of baby and watches tv in spare time
Julie: Takes care of Jordan or talks to Dad
10. If your Mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Sam: Acting - She would make everyone laugh on a comedy show
Julie: Singing
11. What is Mom really good at?
Sam: Making everyone laugh and keeping the family together
Julie: Being loving
12. What is Mom not very good at?
Sam: Discipline
Julie: Boxing on the Wii
13. What does Mom do for her job?
Sam: She takes care of our baby
Julie: Takes care of me, Jordan and Sam
14. What is Mom’s favorite food?
Sam: Pasta
Julie: Chinese
15. What makes you proud of your Mom?
Sam: She keeps the family together
Julie: When she shows love to other people
16. If your Mom was a cartoon character, who would she be?
Sam: Wilma Flintstone
Julie: Agent K in The Replacements
17. What do you and Mom do together?
Sam:We make each other laugh
Julie: Girls Club and we have "girl time"
18. How are you and Mom the same?
Sam: We are both awesome and we're both funny
Julie: We both have blue eyes and we're both kind to people
19. How are you and Mom different?
Sam: I'm a gamer and she's not
Julie: I lose my temper more than mom (I'm not so sure this is true!)
20. How do you know Mom loves you?
Sam: She provides shelter for me and feeds me well
Julie: By being kind to me
21. Where is your Mom's favorite place to go?
Sam: The living room
Julie: To her bible study
That's all for today :-)
Sorry to start this post off with a whine, but I just couldn't help it. We can't remember a time when we were all down with colds at the same time. This past week has been brutal and now we're heading into week 2.
I'm going to have to take Jordan to the doctor tomorrow because she seems to be getting worse. It's been a week and she went downhill on Friday. I could go to the walk-in clinic but I don't think they're very good doctors there, and they have no personal investment in the patients they see.
Yesterday I attended the Women's Day Apart conference hosted my my church. I've never been to one of these before, so I was really looking forward to it. I had a hard time shaking that ever present "Mother's Guilt" about leaving Ian home with three sick children alone, but as he reminded me, I have to nurture my spiritual health as well.
One of the workshops I signed up for was "Building A 5 Star Family" which was very good. Lots of great ideas on how to create lasting, loving memories for my children. The second workshop was "Hope In The Midst Of Pain" which was hosted by a woman who lost her 2 yr old son in a tornado in Alberta about 8 years ago. She and her husband host a carnival every year in memory of their son, and the children and I went to check it out last year. After a break for lunch, we all gathered to hear a guest speaker the event co-ordinator heard speak at the last BCOQ conference. A great day for sure.
While I was out, Ian and the children baked and decorated a huge cookie for me...
Awww! Isn't that so sweet? I love those guys!
Here is a quiz from Julie over at Contentment Corner. I love this blog - she is such an inspirational woman and a wonderful writer.
1. What is something Mom always says to you?
Sam: I love you
Julie: I love you
2. What makes Mom happy?
Sam: Watching Dr Phil
Julie: Her kids
3. What makes Mom sad?
Sam: If she gets too stressed out
Julie: When one of her kids gets hurt
4. How does Mom make you laugh?
Sam: When she makes her 'serious face'
Julie: By saying funny stuff
5. What was Mom like as a kid?
Sam: Every day ran home from bullies (sadly...this is so true)
Julie: I think she wanted to have fun
6. How old is your Mom?
Sam: 38 (he tells everyone this unfortunately!)
Julie: 38 (she does too!)
7. How tall is your Mom?
Sam: About 5'4" (wrong)
Julie: 6' (wrong)
8. What is your Mom's favorite thing to do?
Sam: Spending quality time with the family
Julie: Sleep! (guilty as charged)
9. What does Mom do when you're not around?
Sam: Chores and takes care of baby and watches tv in spare time
Julie: Takes care of Jordan or talks to Dad
10. If your Mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Sam: Acting - She would make everyone laugh on a comedy show
Julie: Singing
11. What is Mom really good at?
Sam: Making everyone laugh and keeping the family together
Julie: Being loving
12. What is Mom not very good at?
Sam: Discipline
Julie: Boxing on the Wii
13. What does Mom do for her job?
Sam: She takes care of our baby
Julie: Takes care of me, Jordan and Sam
14. What is Mom’s favorite food?
Sam: Pasta
Julie: Chinese
15. What makes you proud of your Mom?
Sam: She keeps the family together
Julie: When she shows love to other people
16. If your Mom was a cartoon character, who would she be?
Sam: Wilma Flintstone
Julie: Agent K in The Replacements
17. What do you and Mom do together?
Sam:We make each other laugh
Julie: Girls Club and we have "girl time"
18. How are you and Mom the same?
Sam: We are both awesome and we're both funny
Julie: We both have blue eyes and we're both kind to people
19. How are you and Mom different?
Sam: I'm a gamer and she's not
Julie: I lose my temper more than mom (I'm not so sure this is true!)
20. How do you know Mom loves you?
Sam: She provides shelter for me and feeds me well
Julie: By being kind to me
21. Where is your Mom's favorite place to go?
Sam: The living room
Julie: To her bible study
That's all for today :-)