5QF - Aug 28

I survived my first week back to work!

Monday I was given about an hour and a half of training and then I was on my own. The work is pretty straightforward and there is enough to keep me busy. The two people I work with seem to be very nice and we've had a few laughs. As far as everyone else... well, it's common for people to ignore a temp but you'd think I had the plague or something. It doesn't bother me. I do my job and go home.

Want to see my desk?

I love that I'm by the window. I'm one of those people that needs a lot of light.

I was originally told that this job was a two week assignment, and if they wanted to extend it, there would be a raise involved and could possibly go full time. The woman I report to thinks it will go a little longer than two weeks but can't say how much longer. I'm not worried. I'll do my best every day and if they keep me longer, they keep me longer. If they don't need my services anymore, I'll move on to another company. That's the key to temp work - don't take it personally.

I'm amazed at how supportive everyone has been about me returning to work. Well, everyone except for a certain anonymous commenter who left a hurtful, judgemental and very ignorant message on my blog on Monday. Apparently "good mothers" stay home with their children. Hello... it's 2012.. time to leave the dark ages, lady!

Anyway.

You may (or may not) be impressed to know that I've been wearing make-up every day. Oh yes, I have. And heels. Julie and I went shopping last weekend and she helped me pick out a few new things for my new job with my gift cards from Christmas. I felt pretty swanky this week.

Did I just say "swanky"?

Last night Ian had a magic show across the city, so he and the children picked me up after work and we headed out. Afterwards, we drove around looking at huge houses on the Bridle Path, otherwise known as Millionaire's Row. OH MY GOSH were these houses huge. The kids' reactions were priceless.

Simple, sweet fun together.

Lots of work to do today and I'm already a day behind so... let's get started on Mama M's Five Question Friday blog hop! Yippee!  

1. Do you make your kids finish all the food on their plates?

It depends. I expect them to eat their dinner, but if they're full I won't push them. The last thing I want to do is create eating disorders in my children.

I don't often withhold dessert because they didn't finish their dinner. Sometimes you just get tired of eating what you're eating and you've had enough, and something sweet rounds things out nicely. I don't like it when someone tells my children to eat all their dinner or they won't get dessert. Yes, they will.

2. Do you give an allowance?

Yes we do, but not for things like making their beds or taking out the garbage. Those things are part of being a family. But, you want to watch your younger sibling so I can take care of something, or match up socks or help with an extra project around the house? You betcha.

3. Do you actually park your car in the garage?

No.

4. What is one food you will NEVER cook?

Liver. It is nasty and smelly and I will NEVER cook it in my house OR make my children eat it.  I think serving liver to children should be considered child abuse. I'm sure someone will comment and tell me the nutritional value of liver but I don't care.

CHILD ABUSE.

I still remember the ONE time I ate it and I will never, ever, EVER forget it's nastiness.

*shudder*

5. Do you have anything exciting planned for the summer?

Nothing set in stone, but I'd like to do some camping and maybe go to Canada's Wonderland. We'll see.

Ok that's it! I have to get going on my mile-long chore list.

Have a great weekend!

Head on over to Mama M's blog My Little Life to join in on the fun!

First Day

Hello!

I'm blogging from my phone for the second night in a row because the power cord for my laptop is acting up.

I survived my first day! I get very little training and was on my own by 11am. With the exception of the credit manager and the other collector, no one spoke to me all day.

I'm very tired and I'm heading upstairs to bed now.

Thank you so much for your kindness and encouragement. I appreciate it more than I can say. xoxo

Feeling Nervous...

Sigh.

Tomorrow is my first day at my new job. And I'm starting to feel nervous. I hope they like me.

My lunch is packed and I'm getting ready to put out my clothes and do my nails.

Ian is going to be overwhelmed with things to do: caring for the littles, finishing up getting the house ready to list and job searching. He will be exhausted.

I will miss the children SO MUCH. But I can't think about that. I need to stay focused. I'll update on my day tomorrow. Hope I can sleep tonight.

5QF ~ April 20

Today is a very exciting day at our house - it's our 16th wedding anniversary! Ian surprised me with roses and a beautiful card that made me cry.

Look at the multi-coloured one...each petal is a different colour, right to the very centre one. So beautiful!

Sixteen years. Some of them have been extremely hard, but we persevered and we are even more in love today than we were when we said I do.  While things around us seem to be so unstable, it is an incredible feeling to know that Ian and I are solid. And we have FOUR kids! What!?

Blessings abound.

Last night Ian and I took the children out for dinner to celebrate my new job. We don't go out to eat very often, and by that I mean practically never, but we thought last night was worth it and so we went for it.

Mattie fell asleep on the way there and slept through most of dinner. (Look at how tiny his hands are in Ian's big ones - so cute!)

During dinner, Jordan loudly announced she needed to use the potty so I got up to take her. I was thinking about my dinner and not paying attention to where she was going, and I just followed her.

In here.

I didn't even notice.

Then I saw these, and slowly I started thinking what the heck...I know what those are...they aren't supposed to be in here...

Meanwhile, Jordan is in one of the stalls, pulling her pants down. Then it hit me - we're in the men's room!

I'll admit, I stood there for another five seconds wondering if she could do her business before we were discovered, but then decided that was gross and made her pull up her pants and we went to the right bathroom.

I'm blonder than you think. Just sayin.

OH! Did you notice that blogger now has thread commenting?? I'm trying to get better and replying to comments left, so if you've left one, check back because I (hopefully!) I've responded! Love, love, LOVE connecting with people who read this blog. Love it.

In other practically irrelevant news, I think I've finally arrived in the blog world because now I have my very own stalker. All I did was unfriend someone who showed her true colours to me and BOOM. She's been tweeting and blogging about me and bad mouthing me all over the place. I wish she'd let it go and move on, but she can't seem to. It's been amusing to say the least, but I'll be honest, I'm not spending much time thinking about it. I feel sorry for her, actually.

Enough chitter chatter! It's time for Mama M's Five Question Friday blog hop! Yippee!



1. Groceries are high right now what is easiest way you have found to cut back?

Price matching! Walmart will price match any other store, provided it's the exact same item. And if something we use a lot is on sale, I'll buy two or three of that item and put it away.

I will also freeze leftovers instead of putting them in the fridge where they'll go to waste.

2. What are the top 3 things on your "bucket list"?

I don't have a bucket list. I figure when I'm dead it won't matter what I did or didn't do.

3. Would you rather give up AC or heat?

The only thing I hate more than being cold is being hot. Well, frankly I don't like being cold or being hot. I just want to be room temperature. I'd rather throw on a few extra socks and sweaters in the dead of winter then boil to death in our July heat without A/C.

Short answer, I'd rather give up heat.
4. What's your favorite cocktail??

Is a Long Island Iced Tea considered a cocktail? That's really the only mixed drink I like. Well, I also like a vodka and oj but I haven't had many of those. Except for the rare glass of wine or beer, I'm not much of a drinker.

5. What was your first job & how old were you?

I was 12 and I delivered flyers to something like 300 houses and I earned half a cent for each flyer delivered.

I didn't like that job because my hands were forever dirty, my legs forever tired, and there was this dude who would open his curtains in his living room and stride back and forth, naked as the day he was born. Creep.

And that's a wrap! Have a wonderful Friday!

Head on over to Mama M's blog My Little Life to join in on the fun!

A Better Day

Well, things have certainly improved in the last 24 hours.

Yesterday I posted about my car breaking down, and CAA towing it home. It is currently parked in my driveway. Well, it turns out that the tow truck driver didn't charge me for the additional kilometres to tow me home. How awesome is THAT?

Then, wonderful friends of ours offered us the use of one of their vans for the next few days. WHO DOES THAT? I'll tell you who does that... AWESOME people do that. So we were able to make it to the visitation for our friend's father last night as well as the funeral this morning. We are so grateful for loving friends.

But the biggest piece of news? I got a job today :-) The woman at the agency yesterday told me about a position she had open at a company where the collections have fallen way behind and they need someone to come in and clean it up. And this morning she called to offer me the position! I've done credit and collections for years now, and in the last five or so years I've sort of settled into the area of massive cleanup and I really enjoy it. It's a two week assignment for now, but they want to see me prove myself and when (not if!) I do then I will be able to stay longer with a raise.

I have mixed feelings about returning to work. On the one hand, I'm feeling very excited about this position, and the opportunity to contribute to the family. But on the other hand... I will miss being at home so much. I love being with Ian and the children, and our slow and easy lives together. But this job is a huge blessing, and not a moment too soon.

I called my mom moments after I got off the phone with the agency and she just laughed and said "How can you not see that God has been working on your behalf? Look at the last 24 hours-your car dies and your friends lend you theirs, and now you have a job." SO true.

Feeling very thankful and relieved tonight. What a welcome change.

When It Rains It Pours

Today has been one of those days.

I woke up this morning feeling "off". I showered and dressed with the intent to go to my Bible study, but I just couldn't get myself going. I ended up skipping it altogether. Instead, I decided to get some more packing done which felt good.

I had an appointment with an employment agency this afternoon and my contact there discussed a couple of potential opportunities I might be suitable for. She believes she can get me placed rather quickly which would be really good. The sooner the better. It was a good meeting, and I left feeling pretty good about it.

Then I got out to the car and it wouldn't start. It just made this clicking noise. I'm not a mechanic, but I suspected it was the battery. I texted Ian and he gave me a number of things to try, none of which ended up working. He said he'd make some calls and call me right back.

While I waited I started to cry. On top of everything else that is going on with our life, this was the final straw. Really God?? I just sat there, feeling sorry for myself and doing the ugly cry.

There were several men nearby doing landscaping, and one of them came over to see if I was ok. I told him how my car wouldn't start and he brought his truck over to give me a jump. I was so grateful! I texted Ian to tell him I didn't need a tow truck, and I was on my way.

On my way translated to about twenty feet and the car just died. I tried to start it and it didn't even make the clicking noise it made before the guys helped me. Just nothing. I got out and called the guys over again, and they brought the truck around. But this time when they jumped me, there was all this clunking noise and then a really strong burning smell. One guy shouted for me to turn off the car, then told me there wasn't any way I was going anywhere, and I needed to call my husband back.

I called Ian and he arranged for CAA to come and get me, and for my mom to bring the children home after school. While I waited for CAA to come, I must have counted two hundred cars that just passed me by. No one stopped to see if I needed help. They just passed by, disinterested and unconcerned.

I am exceptionally lame in situations like this in a normal situation, but with everything that's going on right now, I just felt broken. I was useless. Then a young woman came running up to my window to say she'd seen me crying, did I need help or would I like her to stay with me until help came? So sweet.

CAA came quickly and had the car hooked up in no time and proceeded to my house. Apparently the first ten kilometres are free and then they charge something like $3 per kilometre after that. I live about 30-40 km from my agency appointment and was mentally totalling how much it was going to cost, then stressing out how we'd pay it.

The tow truck driver brought me right home, backed the car into my driveway, and didn't charge me for the extra kilometres. What a blessing.

So, here we are without a vehicle. We only have the one, so now we need to figure something out. A friend of ours lost her father this past weekend so we were planning on going to the visitation tonight and the funeral in the morning, and Ian has a magic booking on Friday night. I don't know what we're going to do. I am so frustrated.

What can I say. When it rains it pours.

Weekend Catch-up

This past weekend was busy!

Friday night, Ian took Sam and Julie to youth group, and I hung out with Jordan and Mattie watching Dora the Explorer and Go Diego Go and tried not to poke my eyes out. I love being with my little people, but those shows are torture.

Saturday afternoon, Julie and I browsed the mall for a couple of hours together. We've been trying to have more girl time together, which we both enjoy. Ian's parents came for dinner in the evening.

Sunday we all headed to church. I was so excited to get there because our pastor was going to be doing a sermon on faith during the hard times, and I need all the encouragement I can get! We sat in the very back, which ended up being a good thing because I got very into the singing part. My butt was goin', my hand was raised... I was praisin' the Lord I tell you.

Sunday afternoon I went to a baby shower for a young woman in our church. Normally I don't like going places by myself because I feel like a loser, but for some reason I was really excited about going and I had a really nice time. AND I held a beautiful four week old baby and felt absolutely no baby fever whatsoever.

Oh yes, you may clap if you'd like. Four and no more is my motto.

Sunday evening I returned to the church to hear a woman share her testimony and talk about human trafficking in Canada and the ramifications of the new legislation for prostitution in Canada. I was unprepared for what I heard and learned. My heart broke. I don't have permission to share her story here, but oh my goodness... it is an incredibly powerful example of a redeemed life. Incredible.

Yesterday Ian and I took Jordan and Matthew to an indoor playground. Ian found a super cheap coupon on Wagjag and the littles get something like six visits for $8. We had the place to ourselves!

Mattie loved the ball pit.

And he loved tooling around in this little car.

I tried and tried and tried to get pictures of Jordan but she wouldn't let me. I need to win the lottery so that I can buy a high-power-super-shutter-speed camera so I can snap all the pictures of her I want, whether she likes it or not.

Lots to do this week as usual. Busy is good, it keeps me out of trouble.

Have a great day!

Book Review: You're Already Amazing

Psst . . . pull up a chair and I'll tell you a secret. You'd better lean in close for this one.

Ready?

You don't have to do more, be more, have more.

I'm sure there are security alarms going off somewhere. You should probably hide this book when your in-laws come over.

But it's true.

It's the kind of true that will change your life, set you free, and make you wake up smiling for the first time in a long time. I know because that's what it did for me. . . .

So watch out, sister. If you keep reading you just might be next.

With this heart-to-heart message, Holley Gerth invites you to embrace one very important truth--that you truly are already amazing. Like a trusted friend, Holley gently shows you how to forget the lies and expectations the world feeds you and instead believe that God loves you and has bigger plans for your life than you've even imagined.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Ever wonder if you're good enough? Funny enough? Smart enough?

I do... all the time. I am constantly comparing myself to others and I'm always falling short. It's exhausting, really.

Author Holley Gerth's simple truth in her book is that we are already amazing, simply because God made us that way. All our traits and characteristics? They've been given to us for a purpose, and from them we develop our strengths and gifts.

I really enjoyed the way this book is written: not preachy or like Holley is talking at at me as the reader. She is open, authentic and vulnerable, and I appreciated that. It's as though it was just Holley and me, sitting across a table at a coffee shop, while she encouraged me with God's truths.

As women we need to spend less time tearing one another down, and more time building each other up. We are daughters of the King and we need to treat each other as such!

I like that she encourages the reader to create a Life Statement. I've been struggling to write my "mission statement" for years now, and I'm encouraged to finish it, and to live it out authentically and honestly.

One of the many lines that struck me with it's simple truth: it's not about being perfect, but about being perfectly loved.

I am enough. And you know what? So are YOU!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

5QF ~ April 13

Boy the weeks fly by fast these days.

Yesterday Ian took the littles to run errands and to an indoor playground for a bit so I could pack up my half of the bedroom in peace. I was just about finished my closet when I saw the box of my father's things, and I sat down and started to look through them. Pictures, cards I'd given him, the envelope of my little girl hair held together with the delicate ribbon, the letters I wrote to him after he passed away.

And I cried. For a long time. Because I still miss him after all of these years and because leaving this home is so painful and because it just felt so good to let everything out and not have to put a smile on it because little people are watching me. I just let it all out and it was a relief.

Today the littles and I went to visit my mother. We haven't seen her since she was here on March 28th and we've definitely been missing each other. I used to visit her 2 or 3 times a week but life seems to have gotten so busy since Matthew arrived. I really need (and want!) to get back on a visiting schedule. If the children don't get to see their Gram regularly, they start making noise about it! So thankful she is so close by.

We are all back to feeling better, thank goodness. Julie and I still have a bit of a leftover cough, but we're ok.

We're very close to listing the house, but for personal reasons I won't be blogging much about the selling process. Once everything is done I'm sure I'll have some stories to tell though.

I'm going to a baby shower on Sunday for a woman in my church, but I don't know her. That's alright though - I'm looking forward to meeting her and supporting her in this new phase of her life. I've been loved on and supported by so many people during this season of our lives, and I'm happy to be on the other end for a change. (PS: I hope there's cake)

I think that's all I have time to ramble about tonight. I need to wake Matthew up from his super late nap, otherwise he won't sleep for me tonight. He'll just babble all through Dateline like he did last week.

But first... it's time for Mama M's Five Question Friday blog hop.



1. Who mows your grass?

The landscapers do. We live in a condo community and we're supposed to mow our own grass, but a couple of years ago we switched landscapers and they started cutting our grass. No one else's, just ours. I haven't told them they aren't supposed to, nor do I have any plans to. I just smile and thank them.

2. Do you have a picture wall or picture gallery in your house (show us! <--- my addition to the question)?

We did, but we've taken almost all of them down and packed them away in preparation for our move. Otherwise I'd show you.

3. What book has influenced your thinking the most? Or, what blog? (I want to read what gets people thinking!)

The Bible, The Resolution For Women by Patricia Shirer, and Plan B by Pete Wilson. I have a feeling that Crazy Love by Francis Chan (which I'm reading now) is going to have a huge impact on my thinking.

As far as blogs... none really. I read them for the entertainment value mostly, and tend to stay away from the "big bloggers" because the bigger they get, the less they remember where they started from, and I don't like that.

4. Do you have allergies? If so, how do you handle it this time of year?

No allergies here.

5. What's your go to meal to cook in an hurry?

Cook in a hurry? Oh no, I never rush my cooking. I always leave plenty of time and only use the freshest of organic ingredients...

Ok, so I can't even type that with a straight face.

Roasted chicken and potato wedges from the local grocery store. Cheap and quick.

That's it! Hope you have a super weekend!

Head on over to Mama M's blog My Little Life to join in on the fun!

Week(s) At A Glance

Busy day ahead - Matt and I are about to head out to my Bible study this morning, then we have playgroup this afternoon. Love full days like this!
(and I love that it's going to be a Dora-free day for the most part!)

I'm very behind in posting my cell pics, so this post will have a lot of them.

Julie and Mattie at the park.

I love when Max sleeps like this.

Unreal. And it's gone up from when I took this picture.

I have always loved this store, so imagine my joy when I found one near my house! I browsed at my leisure and made my 2012 Christmas list...

It's happening! Boxes, boxes, everywhere!

These are such a huge hit in the US it seems. I don't understand why they're being marketed as being something new. They're CLEMENTINES, people. Been around forever. Except for Jules, my kids don't like citrus fruit so they aren't in on the hype.

Speaking of Julie, take a peek at her sidewalk chalking she did recently. She did an incredible one over the weekend for Easter, but I didn't get out in time to take a picture of it and I think it's gone now.

Amazing right???

Here is our vacuum # 17, on his way to the graveyard.

Painting weekend was a success, and freshed up our hallways.

I read this and wasn't in love with it. Sam wanted to read it and I figured I should check it out first. He's reading it now, and we're trying to decide if we should see it in the theatre. We have coupons, so we're thinking yes.

I think I went through two boxes myself while I was sick.

What I'm reading now.

I had to give Jordan a time out, then I got very involved in what I was doing and forgot her. When I went to get her, this is what I found.

We had some really warm weather a couple of weeks ago, and I was able to dress Mattie in shorts! Look at his chubba baby legs!

Getting ready to review this on my blog - coming soon!

Please Walmart... I'm one of your most faithful customers...please make it store policy to be dressed in regular daytime clothes in order to shop in your stores.

With all this packing and cleaning, I'm loving how organized it looks underneath my kitchen sink.

That's what it's been looking like 'round these parts lately!

I Missed Easter

Another Easter is over, and I missed pretty much all of it.

Not only did we miss Good Friday service because we were all sick, but we missed Easter Sunday service as well. I don't think I've ever missed church on Easter Sunday in my life.

Julie helped Jordan do her egg hunt on Sunday morning, reading all the clues for her. So cute. She had just finished finding everything the Easter Bunny left when Willow went nuts at the door. Ian went to check and came back  with four gift bags decorated with lovely tissue paper and ribbon. My mother had stopped by secretly and left chocolate for all of the children. She is always thinking of them. So sweet.

This was the first year that we didn't have Easter dinner at my mother's house and that just about broke my heart. We ALWAYS have Easter at my mom's. She makes her table look so pretty, and puts out chocolate for the children and cooks this amazing ham dinner. I knew the children would miss it too, so I had planned on cooking a ham and decorating the table for the children but I just didn't have the energy or the spirit to do it. I ended up putting a stew in the crock pot.

We have yet to decorate our eggs. I suppose we should just let that part go, but the girls still want to, and I'm afraid that this is the last year that Sam will be interested in doing that. He says he'll keep doing it as long as the littles are interested, but still... I don't want to miss it.

In addition to everything else, my face went all funky this weekend. Saturday morning I woke up and the left side of my jaw was all swollen and deformed looking. I kept ice packs on it throughout the day hoping to bring it down a bit but it wasn't helping. On Sunday I switched to hot cloths on my jaw and that helped with a lot of the discomfort. Yesterday it was still swollen and I was trying to figure out what to do, because I'm pretty sure I have a tooth infection but I don't have any dental coverage right now. I figured my doctor could give me an antibiotic to help with the infection until I could get to a dentist. And then last night it just started draining and slowly my face is returning to normal. Crazy.

I've been in such a lousy place emotionally these last couple of weeks and it's been such a drag. Not just for me, but for Ian and the children as well. They're noticing that I'm not myself and they're getting worried about me. I can't have that. I made a conscious decision last night to choose joy, and to end this pity party NOW. I woke up this morning feeling a little low, but then reminded myself that today would be what I choose to make it, and I was going to choose to have joy. I've had to make that decision about four times already this morning, but that's ok. Maybe that's just how things have to go for a bit until I'm back in a better place.

I've made a mental list of what I need to accomplish and will stay on track as best as I can. I have tons of laundry to do, Matt's outgrown clothing to sort, a kitchen and bathroom to clean, and Bible study homework to finish. Tomorrow is another busy day with my Bible study in the morning and Matt's playgroup in the afternoon.

Have a great day :-)

5QF ~ April 6

We're all slowly starting to feel better around here, but we aren't there just yet. We missed Good Friday service today and that hurts my heart. I can't remember the last time - if ever - I missed Good Friday service.

I've decided that the only other question I hate more than "so, any job prospects?" is now "so, have you listed the house yet?" Annoying. I know people mean well, but... well, stop asking! We'll let you know if anything changes. There's enough pressure on both fronts without being asked about them so often. Being that we've been so sick this past week, we haven't been able to pack up any more of the house so everything is on hold at this point. We'll get back on track after the weekend.

So it's Friday, which means it's time for Mama M's Five Question Friday blog hop.


1. Would you prefer having people over for dinner or going to their house?

For the most part I prefer to go to their house. I'm not that comfortable hosting so it's just easier.

2. Favorite Bible verse and why?

I can't just list one favourite because I have too many of them!

"I lift my eyes up to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1

"The LORD himself goes before you; He will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8

"Fear not, for I am with you." Isaiah 41:10

"The LORD will fight for you, you need only to be still." Exodus 14:14

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 I love these verses because they're so comforting and reassuring of what is true.

3. What was the first concert you ever attended, and the most recent one?

Get ready for me to set the new standard for concert-going-coolness. Are you ready?

First concert: Shaun Cassidy. Oh yes ma'am. I was so in love with that guy that I used to rollerskate around my basement listening to his records and crying. That's love, friends.

Last concert: American Idol, the year that Ruben won. I scored floor seats, second row, centre. Nice. As far as excitement goes, it ranks right up there with the births of my children.

I hear you laughing at me. You don't just understand my level of cool.

4. The year is 2025. What are you doing, and what have you done?

Wow, in 2025 I'll be 54. Sam will be almost 25, Julie will be 24, Jordan will be 17 and Matthew will be about to turn 14. I'll probably still be working, trying to help pay for weddings, college/university tuition, car insurance and braces.

What have I done? Raised two awesome kids into adulthood, with two awesome teenagers at home!

While it's fun to pretend where I'll be in the future, the truth is only God knows. I pray that we are all still healthy and together, wherever that may be.

5. What's your favorite Easter treat?

M&Ms and Reeces miniature cups. Oh who am I kidding... I like all chocolate. Except for the chocolates with surprises inside them, like cream or cherries. That's just gross. And peeps. Peeps are gross.

Have a great Friday!

Head on over to Mama M's blog My Little Life to join in on the fun!

This and That

We survived Julie's sleepover birthday party!

I mentioned on Friday Ian was diagnosed with bronchitis. Well, Saturday morning I woke up feeling stuffed up and sore all over. We weren't about to cancel her party just because we felt sick, so we just pressed on. Ian went out to get decorations and supplies. I baked her birthday cake, as well as a few dozen sugar cookies for the girls to decorate. Sam helped Julie hang some decorations and Jordan just about fainted all day long from excitement.

They danced and sang, decorated cookies and opened gifts, did each other's nails and played games, ate pizza and chips, and talkedtalkedtalkedtalkedtalked! Ian called lights out at 12:30 but had to go downstairs NINE times afterwards to get the girls to settle down. The ninth time he had to go, two of the girls were shining flashlights into Sam's room where he and his friend were gaming.

Crazy.

Ian got up Sunday morning and put out a buffet breakfast for the girls: fruit, donuts, fresh baked (by him!) cinnamon buns, and juice. All the girls, as well as Sam's friend, were picked up at 9:30. Perfect.

Meanwhile, I was sick in bed, convinced I was dying. I hate being sick and ohmygosh I can't remember ever feeling like this. I ended up staying in bed on Monday as well, most of Tuesday and I skipped my bible study this morning. Sam and Julie seem to have what I have, which is more of a chest cold type deal, but Jordan and Matthew got more of a stomach bug.

We're a hot mess here, I tell you. My mom calls regularly to ask how we're doing and asking how she can help, but I don't want to risk her catching anything we're carrying. It will end eventually and we'll all be back on our feet.

I finished The Hunger Games and just as I expected, I didn't get caught up in the hype. Sam is reading it now, and he doesn't seem too caught up in it either. We have lots of movie coupons around here so we're trying to decide if it's worth seeing in the theatre or not.

My pastor dropped by today. I'm sure he thought he'd be in and out in two minutes, but I got a hold of that poor man's ear and I unloaded. Right there on my freezing porch. He knows me well and knows that I ramble and cry, and today I certainly did not disappoint, but he's always able to keep up and never fails to offer loving encouragement and incredible wisdom. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Such a kind man.

Tomorrow I have an appointment to see a specialist. My actual appointment isn't scheduled until the middle of June, but I'd decided that I could be dead by then, and asked to be put on their cancellation list and tomorrow popped up. I'm hoping for good news.

I'm very excited for this weekend and to celebrate Easter at our church. As if celebrating the Risen Lord isn't going to be enough, it marks the end of Lent and I can drink pop again.

YEEHAW!

I keep telling Ian that I'm going to roll on into our church on Sunday morning with my big two litre bottle of Diet Pepsi and three straws stuck together to form one big one, and just drink it all through the service.

Ha. I would never do that...but could you imagine if you looked over and saw me doing it?? Too much.

That's it for tonight.

:-)

5QF ~ March 30

I wrote out this post last night, scheduled it for today, and when I looked at it... nothing I posted was there.

Weird.

I'll try again.

I took Ian to the doctor today because he's been so sick this week and wasn't getting better. Turns out he has bronchitis. He feels terrible and seems to be getting worse and I've never seen him like this. I even called the hospital tonight to ask a few questions and they were very helpful.

Tomorrow is Julie's birthday sleepover and I don't know how I'm going to handle all the prep work, baking (cake and cookies for decorating) as well as overseeing everything on my own.

It's been a very busy week and I'm bone tired.

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Today is Friday, which means it's time for Mama M's Five Question Friday blog hop.



1. What giveaway would you like to do on your blog?

I'd like to give away a spa certificate. I don't think I'd enjoy a facial, and I certainly wouldn't want a massage and having some Stranger Danger rubbing their creepy hands all over my body.

But... apparently the vast majority of people do enjoy these types of things, so I'd like to give that to someone.

2. If you had to choose between natural artistic ability and natural athletic ability, which would it be?

Natural artistic ability. I'd love to be able to draw or paint, or play the piano well. Or sing...

But I can't do any of the above.

I wouldn't want to have athletic abilility because then I'd have to do things like run. Ew. If you ever see me running, please call the police because there's a killer after me.

3. Do you ditch the coat the minute it becomes "spring" or are you a holdout for more cool temps?

I hate wearing a coat. It's bulky and hot and I don't like it. I take one in the car with me in case I need it, but I seldom wear it. Ian calls it my Linus Blanket.

4. What would you do if you won the mega millions lotto of 1/2 billion dollars?

Barf and then faint.

I'd buy all new socks and underwear. And pillows.

And then I'd travel the world with Ian and the kids.

5. You are at a hotel by yourself...what do you do?

Sigh.

I need to savour that thought for a moment or two.

I'd take a long, hot, bubble bath, put on brand new pjs, climb into bed and watch a movie while eating pizza from Pizza Hut.

And then I'd sleep and sleep and sleep...

Have a great Friday!

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Head on over to Mama M's blog My Little Life to join in on the fun!

Thursday Already??

I don't know how that happened.

Well I do, actually. It's been a very busy week.

Monday we had a real estate agent over to discuss our plans to sell. He was here for about two and a half hours and answered every single question we had. I feel much more at ease. He's even going to take us through a couple of rental properties so I can see what's out there.

Tuesday was my sweet Julie's 11th birthday. Ian had blown up balloons the night before and covered her bedroom floor for her to see when she woke up in the morning, then he made her cinnamon rolls for breakfast. For her birthday dinner, she asked for ham, mashed potatoes, corn, dressing and gravy, with a marble birthday cake for dessert. I was watching her opening the rest of her gifts and couldn't believe how quickly the last 11 years have gone by. I love her so much, and I'm so proud of her. She has always been a lovely girl, but she's turning into this beautiful young woman. So thankful she's ours.

Ian was very sick on Tuesday. He had this crushing weight on his chest and a wicked cough and headache. He stayed in bed most of the day. I was getting pretty worried about him because he doesn't often get this sick. He was better yesterday but then it hit him again today. If he's still this sick tomorrow I think I'll take him to the doctor. Which he'll hate, but I'm worried.

Wednesday morning was my bible study and since Ian seemed to be better, I left the littles at home with him. Good thing I did since there wasn't any child care this week. In the afternoon, Matthew and I went to his playgroup and then my sweet Mama came for dinner. I cooked a roast in the crock pot, mashed potatoes and carrots, with a vanilla birthday cake for dessert. We were celebrating both Julie and Jordan's birthdays.

Today was Jordan's 4th birthday. She also woke up to balloons all over her bedroom floor. She wanted Sam and Julie to stay home from school to hang out with her today so.... we let them. She asked for chocolate cupcakes for her birthday cake so I baked those for her. She also wanted ham, mashed potatoes and corn for her birthday dinner, just like Julie. I had some ham left over from Tuesday, so I put that out as well as roasted chicken for the rest of us. Once she ate her cupcake she opened her gifts and I was very teary watching her. Where have the last four years gone? Such a precious little girl.

Julie is having a sleepover birthday party on Saturday, so if you all could pray for my sanity I'd appreciate it. I'm not sure what the total guest count is at this point but does it matter? I'll be crazy by morning. Tomorrow I need to bake three dozen sugar cookies for them to decorate, as well as bake her birthday cake.

Yes. Another cake. Which will bring this cake baking business to a grand total of four this week. I always bake the girls their own cakes for their special days, then one for the family celebration.

My sincerest thanks to Walmart for having cake mixes and icing on sale for $1 each this week.

I think that's about it. More packing this weekend, church and hopefully I'll get over to my mom's to visit.

I've started reading The Hunger Games with all this free time I have (that was sarcasm in case you missed it) and I'm just not feeling it. I'm not surprised... I didn't get the Harry Potter or Twilight hype either.

That's enough rambling.

Over and out.

Super Quick Update

I'm still alive.

We've been very busy packing and cleaning these past few days, and yesterday some sweet friends from our church came to help us paint our house. I was on baby duty, which was a good thing since painting frustrates me and makes me use words that aren't very Christian, if you catch my drift.

This week will be very busy as well. Tomorrow we have a real estate agent coming over in the afternoon, Julie's birthday is on Tuesday, my mom is coming for dinner on Wednesday, Jordan's birthday is on Thursday, and Julie is having a bunch of her girlfriends over for a sleepover on Saturday.

And now... I sleep.

A Post In Which I Talk A Lot

It's been a day.

I spent the morning at the church for the first day of our new bible study. We're going to study the book of James with Beth Moore and I could not be more excited. I love Beth and I love the way she teaches. Our group has a good feel to it too which is really nice.

Afterwards Ian and I had lunch with the littles and then spent some time talking. And when I say talking, I really mean talking Kate off the ledge. I am so stressed out right now... it's unbelievable. I am a total crankasaurusrex.

I don't like change. I really, really, don't. I quite like when things are the same. There is comfort and security there that I appreciate.

Right now? Feels like everything is changing and I don't like it one bit.

I still can't get used to our new cable. I can't find my shows, I can't find what we've taped. I can't find where the kids shows play on demand. Ian repeatedly shows me but I'm just not getting it. So I've pretty much stopped watching tv altogether. Rogers was overpriced and had the worst customer service ever but their cable was easy to use and I could find my dang shows.

Why am I having such a hard time letting go of this house? It's the right thing to do and it's the right time to do it, so why the fuss?

I lay awake at night wondering if we're taking the easy way out. If this will really solve our problems or just create new ones. If I failed my family because I didn't return to work months ago.

Ian is a very logical man. And, thankfully for me, a very patient one. He works with facts and figures because they don't lie. When he shows me on paper how everything will work out, I see it. When he explains that had I returned to work, my income would have gone to daycare because he wouldn't have been able to spend 8-10 hours a day job searching, networking, following up, etc with two small children to care for. And then, once he found a job I'd come home again with nothing to show for my efforts.

I just feel as though everyone is looking at me, wondering why Kate didn't do something to help the situation. That they are looking down at me.

But feelings lie and facts don't. I have to remind myself of that all the time.

Another fact? We have a lot of people who love us and want to help us. People I didn't think even liked me. We are regularly getting phone calls and emails asking what they can do to help us.

Isn't that sweet?

It sure is.

Except... I have a very difficult time asking for and accepting help. And when I say very difficult I really mean that it's next to impossible for me to do it. I could be on fire, see you with the hose in your hand and still not ask you to help me. Why? Because you might be busy, or not like me, or need that water for something more important.

Don't roll your eyes. If you've been reading my blog for awhile you know that I am full of issues.

Want to hear another one of my many issues?

Ok.

I can't handle having people in my house. It freaks me out. I can't explain why, it just does. And this weekend, we're (hopefully) going to have people in our house helping us (gah! that help thing) paint and do some small repairs.

I am anxious already. I can see it now... me, collapsed on the floor in an anxiety induced coma. Do you think they'll just cover me with a dropsheet and paint around me??

In case you're wondering, I did have a therapist. A lovely one. But she moved away and I haven't found anyone new yet. Perhaps I need to move that a little higher on my To Do list.

Moving on.

Today I cleaned and disinfected one of our bathrooms and cleaned out the cupboard. Good thing I did because that thing was almost as nasty as the Walmart bathrooms.

Jordan figured out how to open the front door this afternoon. Doesn't sound like a hard task, but she has little hands and hasn't been able to pull it open before. I guess she got tired of me telling her we'd go outside later and decided to take matters in her own hands. So thankful that Julie was on the porch and caught her red handed.

In my efforts to become more active, I've started walking around the block after dinner. I'm enjoying the warmer temperatures and the sky has been so clear that we've been able to see the stars so clearly.

Tonight Sam came walking with Jordan and me. We ended up walking around the block five times! Hey, as long as my (soon to be) teen is talking, I'll keep walking. I know how precarious our relationship will get in the next few years, so I want to make sure we have a solid foundation of openness and trust now.

And here I am, talking your ear off. According to my schedule, I should be packing up my bedroom. But I'd rather talk to you. Or read my new book that came in the mail today: You're Already Amazing by Holley Gerth. I'm going to be reviewing it on my blog. Just so you know... I love it so far. I cried just reading the intro.

I suppose I should wrap this up now and head to bed. Tomorrow we have a lot to do and no time to waste.

See you Friday :-)

It's Just A House

That's what I keep telling myself.

It's just a house, Kate.

Yet, I am so sad to leave it.

I remember how we would drive by every single day during the building process, trying to figure out what work had been done that day. We would sit on the curb across the street and stare at it in silence, full of excitement.

"We're going to fill that house with children," we'd say.

And we have.

13 1/2 years we've lived here.

We chose the cupboards and the counters, the tiles in the bathrooms and carpet colours.

My mother and I wallpapered the living room, side by side.

I know all the floorboards that creak when you walk on them.

I can remember the day I brought each baby home from the hospital.

I love watching the sunset from my kitchen windows.

Letting go is so hard.

I am surrounded by half packed boxes and I feel like my house is in chaos.

I know that moving is the best thing for us, yet I am struggling with sadness and feeling so overwhelmed. There is much to be done.

One step at a time and it will get done. Just keep going, Kate, one step at a time.

Week At A Glance

I've been truly enjoying the wonderful weather we've had this past week. Last night I was out talking with our new neighbours for a couple of hours while all of our kids played together. Any friends I had in my neighbourhood have long moved on, and it feels so good to have a friend here again.

Jordan and the new little girl across the street are practically besties already. And their birthdays are only a day apart. So cute.

Sam has spent more time outside this week than he ever did last summer.

I started feeling a little bitter this morning - I've prayed for new friends for the children, for me... and now they're here and we're leaving! What's up with that, God?? But I know He's prodding us to move for a reason, and I trust that wherever we end up, He's got everything worked out already. So, I'll enjoy things as they are for now.

Here's a glimpse of what's been going this week.

Packing has begun at our place. We are really doing this, full speed ahead.

Ian had the hardest time trying to get Matthew into this sleeper for bed. It had all sorts of snaps that criss crossed and folded over and whatnot. He kept muttering, "what's up with this sleeper voodoo business?"

Turns out he put it on backwards. Bless.

I gave in to peer pressure and started playing DrawSomething on my iPhone. I think that's what it's called, anyway. Not being one to read instructions, I jumped right in. I stared at this picture for about 20 minutes trying to figure out what my friend drew before I read the instructions. Oops.

Matthew's had a touch of croup this week, and we've been spending a lot of time together in the bathroom, running the hot shower. Here he is, comfortably sleeping. Finally.

The next morning, Jordan wanted to play with Matthew, so I lifted her into the crib with him, much to his delight.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Get in mah belly!

We switched cable/telephone/internet providers yesterday and that will save us over $100 a month while giving us more stuff that I don't understand but is very exciting to Ian and Sam. All I know is I can't find my shows and I can't operate this darn thing. Ian has given me two "tutorials" but I can't absorb anything. Really, I just want him to set up all the channels I watch and "favourite" them so I only have to push one button.

So far... not a fan. Change blows. I hate change even more than I hate sharing.

Occasionally I play Family Feud on my iPhone. My friend sent me a Fast Money round request. If my score bumped us up to 200 or more, she'd win $1,000.

Oops.

And there you have it, my week at a glance.