Good News and More Good News

It's been an exciting few days around here.

I think I mentioned that Sam had his audition on Jan 25th for the media arts program and the high school he is longing to get into. He had submitted his letters of recommendation, character letters, report cards, attended their workshop, ect. For the audition, he had to prepare a 60 second video with a voice over and a certain number of transitions and graphics included. He chose to do his video on social media and the effects. It was awesome!

I took the morning off work to take him to his audition and I didn't know who was more nervous - him or me! He looked so handsome in his shirt, tie and dress pants. He was quiet afterwards, almost disappointed.

This past week was a long one for him as he waited for the results to be posted on the school website. Hundreds of students from several schools apply for this program and only 22 get accepted.

And he got in!!!

We are so thrilled for him. He came home that night and crashed and didn't wake up until 9pm. He said he had no idea how tightly wound he was, waiting for the results. We had a celebration dinner for him on Saturday night with ribs and wings, and a cookie cake with ice cream for dessert.

My boy is happy.

In other news... I got a promotion today. Our credit manager has been off sick for a month now, and it looks as though it will be another month or so before she returns. This morning the owners asked if I would step in and take over until she returns. We discussed my qualifications - or rather, lack therof - but they have faith in me that I can do it, so I agreed to give it my best. We're going to touch base in a week to see how I'm doing and if I want to continue in the role or have them bring someone in from outside.

Today was off the charts busy. My phone was going nonstop, the emails were pouring in, people were asking me questions and looking to me to make decisions... It was insane. I did the best I could today, and I'll do my best tomorrow. That's as far ahead as I can look at this point. I have this intense fear of failure, so I'm hoping it will go ok.

Alrighty. I need to work on my course homework so I'll wrap this up.

See you next time :-)

Hey

So.

A friend emailed me recently and said "You know how bloggers go quiet for long periods of time? And then suddenly there's a pregnancy announcement? Is there something you want to tell me??"

It's true, isn't it.

Well, my friends, not in this case.

I've just been busy.

I have things to talk about, I just don't have the energy.

I just wanted to say hey and let you know I'm ok.

Hope you guys are too.

Week Long Wrap Up

Oh my word, I am a slacker blogger.

This past week has been so busy that it just passed by in a blur.

The manager was in the hospital this week so a lot of her duties fell to me. I already have a very heavy workload so these extra tasks really had me hopping. People were looking to me to make decisions that I didn't necessarily feel qualified or authorized to make, but I had to do it anyway. Hopefully this week will be a little more manageable.

Monday night I met a friend for tea. I was a little shy about going, because although I really, really like this friend, we hadn't ever gotten together outside of our small group. I shouldn't have worried! We had such a great time, and she lovingly prayed for me before we left. I didn't get home until just after 10pm.

Tuesday night I stopped at my mother's on my way home from work. We had dinner together and I helped her out with something and we talked for a few hours. I love spending time with her but I don't seem to get over there as often as I'd like to. I need to change that. By the time I got home it was almost 10pm.

Wednesday night was my course. Guess what time I got home? Just after 10! I really, really, really, didn't want to go that night. I was tired from work and two late nights, and it felt like just one more thing I had to do. I sat on the couch until it was ten minutes to the beginning of the session, still trying to convince myself to go. I decided to just go for pete's sake, and I was so glad I did. I love my small group.

Thursday night was quieter and we were all home, which was so nice. I feel guilty when I'm out in the evenings.

Friday my coworker friend took me out for lunch to the Greek place around the corner. She wanted to treat me for my birthday. So sweet. I like her a lot, and I love that she's a Christian as well.  The big boss was kind enough to allow us to have an extended lunch which we were thankful for and made good use of. We never run out of conversation!

Friday night I went straight to the church after work to meet up with Ian. This weekend was the Jr High Youth Retreat up north in Muskoka, and Sam and Julie were going. Once they headed off, Jordan, Mattie and I hit up the grocery store for some snacks and then McDonald's for dinner. Once Mattie was in bed, Jordan and I climbed into my bed with a bag of chips to watch a movie together. She ended up falling asleep and I let her stay.

Saturday was my birthday (happy birthday to me!) and Ian had made videos for me from the children as to where I could find my gifts. So sweet. After lunch, I took the children to my mom's for a visit and she served a delicious roast dinner with my favourite dessert. Once the little ones were in bed, I watched The Vow.

This morning was slow and relaxed. We skipped church and ate birthday cake for breakfast. I scored a short nap on the couch. Ian, Sam & Jules arrived home around 5pm and my house was full and noisy once again, just the way I like it.

Sam's school of the arts audition is this Thursday. I'm hoping to be able to leave the office to be there. I know I can't watch, but I can lend my support from the hallway!

Ok, that's about all I've got for tonight. I need to get to bed so I'm ready for whatever tomorrow may throw my way!

Counting Mine (241 - 250)

I will proclaim the name of the LORD.

Oh, praise the greatness of our God!

He is the rock, His works are perfect.

Deuteronomy 32:3-4

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

 

241)Jordan`s arms around me, and her little girl voice telling me she needs me

242) being able to encourage a friend, simply because I`ve experienced the same trials

243) a friend telling me how much I mean to her

244) a good pen

245) when Jordan climbs into bed with us, cuddling into my back

246) mashed potatoes and corn, covered in gravy

247) wild wind while I`m warm inside

248) fresh beginnings

249) being in a small house group with women I love and trust

250) how much Ian loves me

 

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

If you are counting your own blessings and blogging about them, will you leave me a comment with the link to your blog, or share them with me at katieb38@hotmail.com? I'd love to know how you are being blessed through your journey!

5QF ~ Jan 11

Oooh boy.

I have some weird eye infection thing going on in my eye, so I had to take out my contacts and I'm wearing my glasses instead. It's an old prescription and it's making me feel a little off kilter.

Someone once told me my glasses looked like they belong to Mrs. Beasley.

Anyway.

I vlogged again because I'm lazy.

Quite possibly my worst vlog ever.

And the longest.

Here we go.



Have a great weekend.

Counting Mine {226 - 240}

One of the many things I want to bring back to my blog this year, is the theme of gratitude. I have so much to be grateful for, but I've let what I don't have cloud that.

I'm so sorry, Lord.

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

226) a warm shower, washing away the stress, worries and failures of the day

227) the way Mattie closes his eyes and lifts his face for me to kiss his cheeks, like he`s soaking up my love

228) feeling like I matter

229) watching a child`s eyes flutter as they fight sleep

230) little arms cuddling a stuffed lovey close while they rest

231) Ian`s arrival home at 11:57 pm, just in time to ring in the new year with us

232) Julie choosing to journal her gifts because she sees the model of thankfulness

233) the heart-realization that God didn`t make a mistake in me

234) when the children offer to help with dinner or to set the table

235) snow that falls steady like rain

236) hearing Sam tell me I`m a good mother, and that he doesn`t tell me enough

237) quiet moments to myself

238) the peace I feel after a day well lived

239) the way my sweet Mattie smiles at me, like he has a big secret

240) late night water fights in the house

 

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

 

If you are counting your own blessings and blogging about them, will you leave me a comment with the link to your blog, or share them with me at katieb38@hotmail.com? I'd love to know how you are being blessed through your journey!

5QF ~ Jan 3

Happy Friday!

It's a vlog-type day today. Turns out there are a few bloggers that are doing vlogs today.

Yay!

Too many people are worried about how they look or sound or whatever, but there's no need. Just have fun with it!

I love vlogs. And here's mine.

Could I look worse?

Probably. Do I care? Nope.

WAIT!

After I watched the video I realized I skipped question 4 which is "what food must be in your house at all times?"

That, my friends, is milk. We go through milk like nobody's business. About a 4L bag every day and a half. I seldom drink milk so don't blame me. If milk is not considered a food, then I would say Pop Tarts. The natives get angry when there's no Pop Tarts.

Alright, I'm all caught up. Carry on.

 

Have a great weekend!

My Year In Review

In the last few days I've seen a lot of facebook statuses, tweets and blog posts about how difficult 2012 was.

My current facebook status is this: Goodbye 2012. You have been painful, and you have been beautiful. I wouldn't change a minute of it.

We entered 2012 battered, bruised and so tired. We had no idea what this fresh year would hold for us. Had I had even the tiniest glimpse, I might have knocked back an extra drink or two on New Years Eve!

I won't give you a month by month recap of our year, because many of you have lovingly walked it with me. You know the emotions and fears I struggled with, because many times it was your prayers that carried me, especially during periods when my own prayers ran dry.

Selling our home was a difficult process for me, and there were many, many, MANY tears. I don't like letting go of things. I don't know how to.

But what God did in the month of June alone astounds me. Anyone who watched it unfold had to have seen that it was God at work. It stretched us and scared us and thrilled us, all at the same time. We stepped out in faith and trust and God delivered. Our house was listed, sold and we were in a new home within the month.

I returned to the workforce on a 2-3 week temporary assignment that resulted in a full time offer of employment with a salary that far exceeded my expectations.

We we able to purchase a second car for me to drive to and from work, leaving the van for Ian. We have always been a single vehicle family, even when Ian and I were dating. A second car wasn't something we thought we'd be able to have.

Our children are happy. We have a fenced back yard with a deck that we used constantly this past summer. The park near our home is ten times bigger than the one in our old neighbourhood. It is so peaceful and feels safe here. The neighbours wave to one another on their way to work. We look out for one another. One neighbour even returned our dog when he got out one afternoon and even knew his name. Sam and Julie have more freedom here, and they love it. We've replaced furniture that was all but broken down in our old house.

He's given me new friends, and restored our extended family relationships.

Pretty great, huh?

There's more.

God is doing something in me, I can feel it. He's speaking to me in the verses I'm reading, through the people I'm talking to, the sermons and music I'm listening to, the course I'm taking at my church. I'm finally getting it... He loves me! My sinful, selfish, messy self. He loves me and He has a plan for me. I've just been soaking it in and trying to get my head around it. My deepest fear has long been that I would leave this earth never connecting my heart to what I knew in my head to be truth. That I would miss my chance to know who Jesus really is. But I feel it happening. I sense Him with me, I talk to Him all throughout my day. I'm learning to trust Him. Oh how I wish I could explain this better.

2012 was all about letting go. Looking back, I can clearly see all the areas where God had me let go of things. (Sometimes ripping them from my vise-like grip!) He has taken my life and shaken it up and shaken me free, and set me down in new surroundings to begin again.

I have no safety nets. No home I own, no padded savings account. Just the Lord. I know that my faith is going to continue to be tested. Do I believe the words in my heart that I speak from my mouth? We have enjoyed a calm season, but when the storm rages again - and it will - will I rest in Him? Will I remember then what I know to be truth now? That He is the same in the valley as He is on the mountain? I hope so. Oh, how I hope so.

I don't know what 2013 holds, but I do know Who holds it. I know that there is a good plan for me, and I pray daily that I will have the courage to live out these days He has ordained for me in a way that will please Him.

May 2013 bring you abundant blessings, joy and peace to your heart.

With much love,

Kate
xoxo

5QF ~ December 28, 2012

Oh my word.

I was too lazy to blog my Five Question Friday so I decided to vlog it instead.

Sweet mercy... what an effort! First I had to try to remember my youtube password, then I had to create a new account because I couldn't find my password, upload it, etc.... it's been a two day journey.

But... here it is. In all it's awfulness.

My face looks so fat.

Ugh.

Meh.

After the lengths I went to just to get this video on this blog... I no longer care about my fat face!

So, without further ado... here is my first vlog courtesy of my ipad.




Have a great weekend, peeps.

Chatter

Happy Christmas Eve Eve!!

So excited.

We still have a ton of wrapping to do. I love wrapping.

I spent yesterday and today at my mom's house, hanging out and doing food preparation for tomorrow and Christmas Day.

My sister arrived home for Christmas today.

Last week Sam got his ear pierced for the third time because he keeps letting the hole close. He wants both ears done eventually because "girls think guys with pierced ears are hot". The next day at school some girl told him he looked sexy. Sweet mercy.

I have been trying new foods lately. This week it was chicken souvlaki (however you spell it) and a cranberry. Very tasty. Last month it was a crab cake. That just about killed me. My throat closed over and was all itchy. I went to the pharmacy and got some benadryl and survived. In case you haven't noticed. All my life I was allergy free and now... crab cakes.

Ian and I are so overdue for a date. We were going to go out last night but ended up sitting in our living room by the light of the Christmas tree, just talking about life and our faith, and our hopes and dreams.

I've been loving these last few days at home with the children. Yesterday we tried a craft I saw on Pinterest that I figured I could handle. I bought four plain white mugs at the dollar store and pulled out my sharpies, and the kids and I each decorated a mug. Then I baked them at 400 for 40 minutes. The idea is that the marker becomes permanent on the mug and then can be used as a regular mug. Well let me tell you that wasn't what happened. The head faded what we wrote on the mugs and you can still wipe off the writing. So, we'll use them as pen holders or something.

We've renewed our lease until January 2014 which has brought me great relief. Our original lease was until the end of January 2013, and I was feeling very unsettled and worrying if we'd have to move again so soon. I'm very happy to have another summer and Christmas here.

I didn't send out any Christmas cards this year. Again. I had a list made up, but things were just so busy and I never got around to writing them out and mailing them. Maybe I'll send out Happy New Year cards. Who am I kidding, I'm not doing that.

Tomorrow night I'm going to mass with my mom. I haven't been to Christmas Eve mass in several years so this will be really nice. I was a semi-practicing Catholic until I was 30 then we started attending an awesome Baptist church about 10 years ago. Every so often I long for the traditions and reverence of the Catholic church.

I have a gross cough and a sniffly nose. This nonsense has been going on now for about two weeks. I'm worried it will turn into bronchitis. I had it back in the spring and it went on for seven weeks before I was completely healthy again. I don't have time to be sick!

Last week Julie got her arm caught in the car door. I don't know if I can even explain how it happened. She opened her door and leaned against the door jam thing as she got out, at the same time that Sam opened his door, which kind of crushed her elbow. Cue the screaming and tears. It was all swollen and she couldn't move it so we went to the ER in case it was broken. It wasn't and we were on our way about 2.5 hrs later. She wore her arm in a sling for a couple of days, and except for some bruising she's ok now.

We took the kids to see Santa last week. All four were in the picture together which just makes me laugh. The older two, of course, know the truth about Santa, but they're so committed to keeping the magic of Christmas alive for the little ones.

I'm sure there's more to talk about but I'm pretty tired. I need to answer some email and then head to bed. Tomorrow will be a long and exciting day for the children.

Catch ya next time!

Forgot To Tell You ...

Oooh look at me... blogging two nights in a row.

I feel wild now.

I forgot to tell you about the cool thing that happened yesterday. Every morning I stop at the Tim Horton's drive thru to get a large steeped tea to take to the office. The woman in the box that takes my order recognizes me by my order and will comment that I'm early that day or running behind and better hurry. They notice if I've missed a day and will comment on it. Very sweet ladies. Often I will pay for the person behind me because it makes me feel so good to bless someone else.

Well.

Yesterday I was driving up to the drive thru lane and I saw a woman waiting to get in line but the car in front of me wouldn't let her in even though she was there first. I held back and gestured for her to go ahead of me and she waved and waved at me. So I waved and waved back because I'm all about making friends wherever I am. When it was my turn I placed my order and when I got to the window they told me that the lady ahead of me had paid for my tea.

!!!

What a sweet blessing to start my week.

Julie's final dance class was tonight and we all went to watch the class perform what they've learned. At one point the instructor had the girls choose someone from their family to teach them the steps. Julie went for Sam first but he wasn't having any of that, so she asked Ian. It was so sweet to see the pride and love on her face as she held his arm while she waited her turn.

Afterwards we went to Baskin Robbins for ice cream to celebrate. There was a couple sitting at the next table and the woman thought it was the coolest thing ever that we both had a Jordan and a Matthew. She said she also had a Bentley. We refrained from telling her that we did as well, only our Bentley is a guinea pig.

My course homework is done, my little peeps are all in bed, and I'm heading there now too. My throat is hurting and I've started sniffling and sneezing. Hopefully I'll wake up well rested for tomorrow because Wednesdays are my longest days. I leave the house when it's dark, before everyone wakes up, and I'm home after the children are asleep. Last Wednesday I watched the sun rise on my way to work, watched the sun set out of my office window, and stood outside watching the stars before I came in for the night.

Blessings... they're everywhere.

Goodnight!   :o)

Christmas Chatter

14 days until Christmas!

Eeeeee!!

We have most of the children's gifts bought but will likely pick up a couple things here and there to make sure everything is pretty even between the children. I am obsessed with making sure everyone is equal.

We're planning to bring the Littles to see Santa on Thursday night. They won't go and sit with him on their own, so I'm hoping that Sam and Julie will each take one Little and sit with them, and then I'll have a Santa picture with all of my sweeties!

We're doing a Secret Santa gift exchange at the office next week, and we each drew names to see who we'd be buying for. I've been trying to get to know my co-workers over the last seven months but they're pretty private people! I drew the name of the only guy in our department and I was completely lost as to what to buy for him. Then someone put up a sheet of paper with Christmas Wish List written on it, and everyone has been writing down what they want. Perfection! Seems like everyone wants Walmart or Shoppers Drug Mart gift certificates. Easy peasy.

I did a little online shopping. Unsupervised online shopping. I felt all...tingly. I'm expecting something to arrive this week and I don't think I'll be able to breathe until it arrives. So excited.

I have a few vacation days that I need to use up before the end of the month, so I'm taking this Friday and Monday off. I think I'll start wrapping the gifts on Friday while the children are in school. Then they'll come home to gifts under the tree and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies.

In other news...

I got my hair done last week and it looks fabulous. Someone actually stopped me to tell me how great my hair looked and asked who my stylist was. I was happy to refer her because I have THE BEST stylist on the planet.

My Mama had cataract surgery last week and is feeling great one week later. It was such a quick procedure and everyone was so kind to her. All except one nurse who had these long, yellow, dirty fingernails and poked my mother in her eye while she was putting drops in. She was wiping her nose and not washing her hands afterwards... so gross. She was rude to my mom, and it was a miracle I held my tongue let me tell you. It wasn't until she was in the post-op area that I mentioned to her nurse about the previous nurse's treatment. She called someone over for me to talk with, and it wasn't until after she asked me to put something in writing and gave me her email address, that I realized we went to high school together. I hadn't seen her in 20 something years and the first thing I do when I see her again is to complain! Sweet mercy.

Tonight I stopped to do a bit of Christmas shopping/browsing and heard someone call my name in the parking lot. It was my childhood friend who I met when we were six years old. Over the years we've lost each other and found each other again, lost and found... We stood there talking for almost a half hour out in the cold but it was so worth it.

Lots going on this week. Julie's final dance class is tomorrow night so we're all going to watch her. Wednesday night is my last night of Freedom Session (the course through my church), and we'll start the next book next month. I'll be thankful for the upcoming break in classes/courses/appointments/commitments over the holidays to just enjoy being with my peeps.

Hopefully sometime soon I can write about my experience with Freedom Session so far, and how I can feel myself changing inside. I'm learning excellent tools to change my ways of thinking and my behaviour in some areas. As I sit here and write tonight, I have so many things on my mind that cause me to feel anxious, yet there is a growing sense of peace in me. We'll talk about that as soon as I can wrap my head around it better.

Tomorrow I need to get up and out to the office extra early so I'm going to wrap this up and get to bed.

Lots and Lots of Random Things

This past week has been so busy and my mind feels so cluttered that I often feel hyped up and frantic. It's hard to fall asleep at night and then I wake up exhausted in the morning. So much going on here and I'm looking forward to a four day weekend to relax with my people.

We put up our Christmas tree last weekend and the children did a wonderful job of decorating it. It amazes me how every year they make it more beautiful than the last. Each ornament holds such special meaning and memories. The outside of our house is decorated as well and I love it. Sometimes I go out and stand on the driveway just to look at the front of the house because it looks so pretty.

We've been in this house for five months now and we really love being here. The children will finish out the school year at their current school, then next Fall Sam is off to high school and the girls will transfer to the school in our area. Julie really wants to transfer over the Christmas break but I think it would be best to finish the year.

I just finished a lovely cup of tea and I'm in my new pjs I got for free with my $25 coupon my favourite store sent to me. I'd like to go to bed but my room stinks of nail polish because Julie wanted me to do her nails tonight. Usually that's our Sunday thing, but she needed some mom time tonight and I was happy to oblige. We've all been going at quite a fast pace this past week so I wasn't about to miss the opportunity to slow down with her.

This Saturday night we're going to a Christmas party. I offered to bring cake balls and Ian and Sam are salivating already. Apparently it's been a year since I last made them!! That can't be true... can it??

Have I mentioned my total addiction to the tv show Flashpoint? GAH. I went months without watching television and then I saw one episode and I was hooked. My beloved Netflix and I have a standing date every night and I watch a couple of episodes before bed. I'm a couple of episodes into season 2, and I'm watching the current season as well. I can't get enough. I think I'd make an awesome sniper. Except I wouldn't shoot people dead like they do on this show. I'd just shoot their shoulder or leg or something, because in my mind... I'd be an exceptional marksman. Or I could be a hostage negotiator. I'd love that job for real.

It snowed the other day and it stayed on the ground. People were slowing down and slipping like crazy. It was all melted by this morning, thank goodness. I'd already had enough of it. I don't own boots because I don't like how they're so heavy on my feet. I have a sad suspicion that I'll have to buy a pair this year.

We're ahead of the game with our Christmas shopping for the children. Ian has done most of it, but we were able to do some together last weekend. As usual, I am at a complete loss as to what to give Ian. I need him to be specific and just tell me exactly what to get. I could just give him money... ew, that's so tacky right?

I have five vacation days I have to use up before the end of December, so I've planned it so I have a couple of four day weekends. I'm going to have to give some serious thought to this job in the new year. I'm not sure how much longer I can handle the stress of it. My anxiety attacks are back in full force and while I have a lot of coping strategies and tricks to get through them, often times I can't and I have to take something to help me out. I hate that, but I know it isn't going to be like this forever.

I'm getting my hair done on Saturday morning. Thank goodness! I look like a hot mess. My appointment is at 8:30 in the morning and it means I'll have to leave the house before 8am but that's fine by me. Early in, early out.

I wonder if there is a 12 step program for Essie addicts. Seriously... I have about 9 bottles at this point, and a list in my head of the ones I can't seem to find anywhere. I need to stop this insanity. It's nail polish!

Alright, enough rambling. I need to get to bed.

Book Review: Grace ~ More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine

 



Grace.

We talk as though we understand the term. The bank gives us a grace period. The seedy politician falls from grace. Musicians speak of a grace note. We describe an actress as gracious, a dancer as graceful. We use the word for hospitals, baby girls, kings, and premeal prayers. We talk as though we know what grace means.

But do we really understand it? Have we settled for wimpy grace? It politely occupies a phrase in a hymn, fits nicely on a church sign. Never causes trouble or demands a response. When asked, “Do you believe in grace?” who could say no?

Max Lucado asks a deeper question: Have you been changed by grace? Shaped by grace? Strengthened by grace? Emboldened by grace? Softened by grace? Snatched by the nape of your neck and shaken to your senses by grace?

God’s grace has a drenching about it. A wildness about it. A white-water, riptide, turn-you-upside-downness about it.

Grace comes after you. It rewires you. From insecure to God secure. From regret riddled to better-because-of-it. From afraid to die to ready to fly.

Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off.

Let’s make certain grace gets you.

 

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

All of my life I have struggled to understand the concept of God's grace. People would speak of it, and I would nod and smile as if I understood the depths of it. But I didn't. Not really.

I was really looking forward to reading this because I've read several of Max Lucado's books, and he has such an easy, genuine style of writing. That sitting across the table over a cup of tea style that I love so much. It reaches me, and I understand.

Nothing drove home the idea of grace harder than the image of Jesus washing his disciples feet. Even Judas' feet. Max talks about the grossness of feet, and how Jesus stooped to wash the dirt and grime off the feet of everyone who would eventually end up abandoning him. The line that really hit me was this: "If He washes the feet of His Judas, you will have to wash the feet of yours."

Whoa.

Max talks about how grace has happened to each of us. How our feet are soaked with His grace. He has washed the filth from our lives.

Beautiful.

At the end of the book there is a reader's guide with questions for each chapter, a grace reading, scripture review and prayer, making this an excellent Bible study choice.

I would definitely, definitely recommend this book to anyone who was curious about, or struggling to understand the depths of God's grace.

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

Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson.

Stuff

I'm not going to lie... I'm totally jealous that it's the American Thanksgiving today.

Happy Thanksgiving, by the way. You know, if you're American and all.

Does Australia have a Thanksgiving?

I don't know.

But now I need to find out.

I'm so happy that I have three whole days with my sweet family this weekend. Ian has an appointment tomorrow so I took the day off to be with the children. I'm going to drive the three older ones to school, then go to my mother's for breakfast and to visit for the morning. It's her birthday tomorrow.

Ian bought Matthew some new pjs today. So cute. I call them grandpa jammies. You know what those are, right? The button shirt and pants. Oh my word he looks so adorable. When I came home from work I went into the kitchen to see him and he was wearing a "My Mom Rocks" t-shirt. LOVE!

Last night Sam and I went to check out another high school. We're all hoping he gets accepted into the arts program at the other school, but just in case he doesn't he needs a plan b. This school was so huge. Three stories and just BIG. The uniforms were nice and there are tons of clubs and sports to join. Sam couldn't possibly have been less interested. His hopes are all pinned on the arts school.

Oh boy.

Jordan has been doing this blinky thing that is freaking me out. I don't know if she's stressed or tired or her eyes or dry or what. But I'm this close to taking her to the doctor even if he just tells me to chill out.

I finally broke down and bought an ice scraper for my car. It's pink. There have been several mornings recently where there has been frost on the windows and I had to scrape it off with a credit card.

Don't judge.

I'm in complete denial that winter is coming. I hate winter.

I don't even want to talk about it.

And on that note... I'm going to bed.

Restless

If I had to describe how I am feeling these days, that's the word that comes to mind first.

Restless.

My heart is unsettled and I just feel... off.

Life feels backwards. I desperately want to be at home with the children again. I miss changing diapers and cooking and making peanut butter sandwiches and driving the children to school. I know that Ian longs to be back in the workforce, creating and presenting and leading.

My job is very stressful and the ever increasing pressure to produce is so intense. I've never had to work under conditions like these before and I'm really struggling. It's affecting me emotionally and physically and that frustrates me. I'm no longer that career driven woman I was before I had children. If I was, this job is it. There is a lot of potential with this position. But my priorities are so different now.

I feel disconnected from my children. I'm tired by the end of the night and there isn't much of anything left for Ian. That's not fair to him. I never was any good at balancing work life and home life.

I don't understand why things are the way they are. I do believe that God's plans are better than ours, I do. I just don't get it. I don't know what it is we need to do or how we need to pray for Him to change things. I don't know how to be settled with the way things are. I just tell Him that I'm sad and how much I miss my old life, and trust that He knows the why of things.

I know I sound whiny, and I'm sure I'm coming across as ungrateful. I'm sorry. I'm just so tired and so sad, and I just needed somewhere to let it out.

** I've turned off the comments to this post because I don't want anyone to feel as though they have to say something. I just needed to whine a bit.**

November 16 ~ 5QF



I am looking forward to a weekend of doing nothing. Sleeping in, lazing about, napping in the afternoon....

 

My reality will be more like helping to organize the garage, rearranging some furniture to make room for our Christmas tree, laundry, and church.

 

But holding out hope for a nap...

 

This week my mom and I went out for dinner to celebrate Diwali as we do each year. Of course, we aren't celebrating Diwali as much as we're just enjoying a reason to go out for dinner together.

 

Wednesday was the Open House at the high school Sam is desperately wanting to attend. I have my course every Wednesday, so my mom came to watch Julie and the little ones, while  Ian and Sam headed over to the school. Only 22 students are accepted into the media program, and Sam is longing to be one of them.

 

I can't believe that we're discussing high schools already. Wasn't he a baby just last week...?

 

Ok. I can't sit here chatting you up any longer - I need to get my butt to work!

 

Welcome to Five Question Friday!!

As I mentioned yesterday, I am hosting this week's Five Question Friday for Mama M at My Little Life, while she and her darling daughter Belle enjoy themselves at Disney World.

Rules for 5QF:  Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, LINK UP with the linky thinky at the bottom of this post! Mama M would love to link to you in a future 5QF, so head on over to her community or watch for her Thursday afternoon shout outs for questions on Twitter and offer up your best question suggestions! Remember to @5crookedhalos her and use hashtag #5QF if you go the Twitter route!)

Special thanks to this week's contributors: MrsKarenC (@mrs_karenC) at Dinosaur Superhero Mommy, Maranda (@MarandaLamping) at Maranda Lamping, Brooke (@HallBro) who doesn't have a blog it seems. (Get on that, Brooke!), Kristina (@Kristinascackle) at Kristina's Cackles and Ashley (@ashleywbeck) at The Court of Three Sisters.

Lovely women.

Make sure you check them out!

On to the questions!

1} What snack/drinks do you eat at the movies?

I like popcorn or plain M&Ms. I'll bring my own diet pepsi with me because I can't stand the concession stand prices. I have this one friend that CANNOT STAND it when I pop the tab on my can. She thinks I'm the cheapest person ever.

2} What's one food you refuse to ever try?

Oysters. They sound gross and they look gross and I'm just betting they taste gross too.

3} What's your favourite nail polish color?

I love Expresso by Sally Hansen. I've recently discovered Essie and the rainbow of beautiful colours, but I haven't chosen a favourite Essie yet. I have been really enjoying the darker colours but Ian can't stand them. I'm wearing something orangey-pinky and he likes that.

Next week it's grey... prepare yourself Ian.

4} What is your favourite Thanksgiving tradition?

We just had our Thanksgiving last month and I'm jealous that the US is about to have theirs. We don't have any particular traditions. Just a beautifully cooked bird and precious time around the table together.

5} What are your least favorite words in the English language?

My #1 least favourite word is "share". I have serious sharing issues. I also don't like "meal" or "slacks".

That's a wrap for this week! Don't forget to link up below!



Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

Five Question Friday Preview!

Welcome to the Five Question Friday preview!!
I'm very excited to be hosting this week's Five Question Friday for Mama M at My Little Life, while she and her darling daughter Belle enjoy themselves at Disney World.

Totally jealous.

Rules for 5QF: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, then watch for the linky post to appear Friday morning and LINK UP!

Mama M would love to link you in a future 5QF, so head on over to her community or watch for her Thursday afternoon shout outs for questions on Twitter and offer up your best question suggestions! Remember to @5crookedhalos her and use hashtag #5QF if you go the Twitter route!)

Special thanks to this week's contributors: MrsKarenC (@mrs_karenC) at Dinosaur Superhero Mommy, Maranda (@MarandaLamping) at Maranda Lamping, Brooke (@HallBro) who doesn't have a blog it seems. (Get on that, Brooke!), Kristina (@Kristinascackle) at Kristina's Cackles and Ashley @ashleywbeck at The Court of Three Sisters.

Lovely women. Make sure you check them out!

This week's questions are....

1} What snack/drinks do you eat at the movies?

2} What's one food you refuse to ever try?

3} What's your favourite nail polish color?

4} What is your favourite thanksgiving tradition?

5} What are your least favorite words in the English language?

Remember, this is just a preview and the real deal is tomorrow.

See you then!

Essie... I Love You

I love freshly polished nails.

Every Sunday night, after the girls have their baths, we get together and I do their nails.

Julie always comes prepared with the colour she's chosen. Jordan is another story and choosing her colour can take awhile.

It's sweet girl-time together that the three of us have come to look forward to at the end of each weekend.

Once their nails are dry and they've been tucked into bed, I do my own while watching Revenge on tv.

Recently I discovered Essie nail polish.

I love it.

Every shade of every colour you can imagine. And they all have such cute names.

This one?

This one is called Bahama Mama.

I. Love. It.

Ian? Not so much. He prefers when I use bright colours, not "emo or goth" colours like this. But he won't come out and say he doesn't like it. He'll just try to avoid looking at my hands altogether.

I asked my mom what she thought:

Me: What do you think of my nail polish?
Mom: I think you should have left it in the bottle.
Me: I love it! It was half price.
Mom: You still paid too much for it.

Dang, Mama. Don't hold back now...

Seriously though...it's crazy expensive polish.

Recently I was at the right place at the right time and scored three bottles for 50% off.

Someone suggested I check out eBay where they sell them in lots for cheap.

I'm not allowed to use eBay without spousal supervision due to The Incident. But we don't need to talk about that. It's in the past. So now I have to come up with an explanation as to why I need to buy nail polish in bulk....

Oh Essie... I love you...

Rambling Thoughts

Hello, hello.

I'm still alive, just very busy.

And now... I'm about to be very rambly. Which isn't even a word.

Ian and I are going to a surprise party for an old friend of his this weekend. I'll have to practice my small talk so I don't sound like a moron.

I went to a Ladies Game Night at the church recently. I don't like to play games but I'm lonely and need to socialize more. I met a couple of new ladies and visited with some sweet friends I haven't seen in awhile. There's a Victorian Tea coming up later this month. I don't know what that's all about but I'll go.

So many of my friends are having babies lately, or so it seems. Oh I love a new little squishy baby. I'm done though. Never thought I'd be able to truthfully say that, but I am.

I have recently discovered the tv show Flashpoint and I love it. I don't know where I've been all this time, but this show is amazing and it's filmed right here in Toronto.

I wish it was my birthday so I could buy myself a birthday cake. I love cake.

I'm longing for a road trip.

My Mattie has had a cold for a week now. He seems to get better and then crashes again. He sees the doctor tomorrow.

I had the best visit with my mom tonight. We talked for hours and it felt so good to be with her. It's been awhile.

The biggest thrill of my life lately has been the new laundry detergent Ian switched to. It's Arm & Hammer something or other and it's HEAVENLY. I am constantly smelling my clothes and I'm sure I look like a weirdo but I can't help myself. (I just did it now)

I'm still thinking about getting a tattoo. I haven't decided what I want though, or where I'd put it. Ian doesn't like tattoos though, so I probably won't get one.

I miss being a redhead.

I wish I could sleep for three days straight. I'm always so tired.

I wish I could iron something. Ironing really relaxes me.

Christmas is next month. Can you believe that? We're all very excited to decorate our new home. Not sure where we'll put the Christmas tree. Someone in our neighbourhood has their Christmas lights up already.

Next week is Diwali. My mom and I always go out for lunch or dinner each year to celebrate.

I wish people wouldn't leave messages on my cell phone. It's such a process to retrieve it and I have call display so there's no need to leave a message. Someday I'm going to switch my voicemail message to say "It's Kate - don't leave a message!"

I'm fighting the urge to shop online. I don't need anything but the idea of ordering something from my chair is appealing to me right now. Oh, you know what I'd like? A mother's necklace or something. You know what I mean, something with my kids' names and/or birthstones. Something like that. I do own a Lisa Leonard necklace but it doesn't have Matthew's name on it. She said I could send it in and she'll add his name but I don't want to part with it in case it gets lost in the mail.

Ok that concludes my rambling for tonight.