Colds Suck

I woke up yesterday feeling like I'd been hit by a truck. If this is how Jordan has been feeling all week then I feel even sorrier for her.

Sick or not, it was Wednesday and that's the day I try to do my errands if I have any. Being that Coffee Hour is on hiatus until the new year (sniff) I had a few more hours to do what I needed to do. And did I need to do a lot!

After dropping off the children at school, Jordan and I mailed our Christmas cards and returned my books to the library. Then we went to Shoppers World to see if I couldn't knock off a few gifts on my list. This is a very lousy mall, I have to say, but I did get one gift before heading off.

Next stop was Costco for some spinach dip my mother loves. It was crazy there and people don't seem to care if they hit you with their cart. As I was pulling out of my parking spot, I heard something scraping along the ground. I stopped and interestingly enough, so did the noise. I pulled forward but couldn't see anything, so I reversed and heard something drop. Pretending that it couldn't possibly be from my van I pulled out completely and started to drive away. Then... I saw it. A piece from my van had fallen off.

!!!

I quickly stopped and got out to see what the heck was missing and saw that it was a strip by the sliding door. GREAT. I turned back to go and pick it up and saw a woman pulling in. So I started running.

Yes... I ran. You can laugh later.

"Stop! Stop!" I yelled.

The woman in the car stopped and looked at me. Then she kept going. By then I was close enough to see that the part that had fallen off had a nail sticking out of it and would pierce her tire.

"Stop! Please stop!" I said, more because she was driving over a part of my van and less because it was about to puncture her tire.

Then she gave me the finger.

My mouth fell open.

Finally she reversed enough to let me pick up the piece and when I looked up to thank her, she was wildly waving her hands at me, and yelling something. I think she may have even been frothing at the mouth.

I just pretended she was wishing me the Love of the Lord, tossed the piece into the van and continued on with my day.

We stopped at a few more places before stopping at home to rest and recharge. Jordan, however, had other plans. Plans that included a lot of crying and fussing. She finally fell asleep 5 minutes before we had to leave to get the children from school.

Picked up the children, went to my mom's to drop off the dip but she wasn't home, so we went to buy a stamp. I actually let Sam go in to Hasty Market on his own (with a list of security measures and 60 cents) to buy the stamp. Then we went to Walmart which was a MISTAKE. I should have gone there first thing, because everyone and their uncle was there and all the aisles of Christmas wrapping paper and decorations was jammed up with skids of stock.

It was frustrating to say the least.

We got home and I had just finished shovelling the driveway when Ian arrived home from work.

Whew.

I felt so crappy that Ian sent me to bed early. I was there before 8pm! SWEET!

This morning I had just gotten out of the shower when Ian told me I had a phone call. It was my very dear friend Jen calling to tell me that she had her baby just an hour before. He was born at 6:05 am and weighed just over 9lbs. I can't wait to see him. I just had to stop and thank and praise the Lord for this precious arrival. This time last year, Jen and her husband were mourning the loss of a baby that was not meant for this world, and now here they are with this precious little boy.

I've said it before, and I'll continue to say it as long as there is breath in my body... He is so good, is he not! Thank you, Father! Thank You, Thank You, THANK YOU!

I rested as much as I could today but I still feel lousy. I yearn for the day my nose works again so I can stop breathing through my mouth like a neanderthal.

Apparently there is a huge storm coming either tonight or tomorrow. Looks like we'll have a white Christmas, and who doesn't love that! I hope it doesn't affect our plans for tomorrow evening though. We're going to a Christmas party that friends of ours hosts each year. There will be five couples and a whole lot of children. Two of the ladies are friends of Ian's from way back in the day that we reconnected with through our church. One other couple is from our church and we are close with, and the last couple are people the hostess met while in the hospital. It's always such a great evening together. Once a year just the ladies get together for dinner.

Ha... someone just let me know that they received my Christmas card today. TODAY! And I just mailed it yesterday. I think Canada Post is staffed by superheroes.

Well, I'm waiting for Ian to come home so I can go to bed. I am hoping that I will wake up miraculously well in the morning.

Drive-By Post

I am almost finished my Christmas shopping. I have only a few gifts left to buy and I pretty much know where to find what I need. I still have a ton of wrapping to do and haven't even started my baking yet. Maybe this weekend I will get around to it.

My aunt arrived today. Mom and I picked her up at the airport. I love it there...it's so exciting. I am always inspired to go somewhere, but then I remember my intense fear of flying and the inspiration goes away.

Jordan is on day 5 of her cold. I feel so sorry for her and it's very clear that she feels so lousy. I finally took her to see Dr. L today and he said her ears, throat and chest were clear, its just viral and we have to wait it out. Poor thing. She weighs 20 lbs which shocked me. I was expecting around 25 lbs.

The more he checked her out the more excited he got. "Look at her growth chart! Look at it! Could she BE any more perfect?"

My sentiments exactly.

He went on to say "She's better than perfect...she's...she's..."

"Brilliant?" I supplied.

"She certainly is!" he agreed.

But of course. ;-) Brilliant children are the only ones I make.

He got so into playing with her I had to jokingly tell him to focus because I had a ton of questions. We wrapped up with him saying he wanted to take her home.

I checked out Mitchell's going-out-of-business sale tonight. Every single book - both hardcover and soft - are $2.95.

!!!

Bibles are $7.95!

!!!

I bought a copy of The Message which I have been wanting for awhile. I could have browsed for hours but I had my nephew with me.

I just finished writing my Christmas cards and my tongue has a paper cut and it tastes funny. I should invent an envelope that has chocolate tasting glue. I would be famous.

Anyway... I'll mail them tomorrow but I honestly don't expect them to arrive at their destination by Christmas. I am late for everything. But just when you are experiencing the Post Christmas Day Letdown... a card arrives from Yours Truly.

Oh... it will be like Christmas all over again.

Here it is, almost midnight. I wanted to be in bed by 9:30!

Smackdown 2008

High drama today.

I sent the children upstairs to the bathroom to brush their teeth before we headed out this afternoon. Within 5 minutes I heard a lot of yelling and someone crying.

Great.

Apparently Sam was taking up too much of the mirror, so Julie bumped him to the side. He bumped her back and the toothpaste fell off the counter. So Julie bent over to get it, bumping him with her bum. Sam shoved her and she banged her head on the wall. Julie in turn picked up her toothbrush and went at Sam's arm and shoulder in a stabbing motion.

!!!

So Sam was crying and I couldn't blame him when I saw the welts rising up on his skin. Good thing Ian arrived to end it all because I don't think Jules was quite done with Sam yet.

Siblings! (insert deep dramatic sigh here)

Julie had a birthday party today and the entire class had been invited. It's all she's been talking about for a month now. After this whole fiasco we said she couldn't go, but then I got to thinking about the kid who was having the party and how disappointed he would be if she wasn't there.

Yes... we let her go.

We are currently trying to decide on an appropriate punishment fitting the crimes of shoving your sister into the wall head first and for stabbing your brother with the handle of a toothbrush.

Suggestions anyone??

Cooties & Chocolate

Lots of Cold Cooties floating around my house today. Jordan was sniffly yesterday morning and by the end of the day she had a fever, cough and congestion. Poor little lamb. She was up most of the night, with Ian and me taking turns going to her to comfort her. She's a little better today.

Julie seemed to be coming down with something today so we skipped her soccer game so she could rest. Ian is still fighting his cold and mine seems to have come back. UGH. Only Sam is perfectly healthy and I expect him to remain that way. That kid hardly ever gets sick.

I scored a couple of naps today and I'm looking forward to going to bed tonight.

Tonight the children and I made chocolate molds...





I can't believe they actually went to sleep without a problem considering all the chocolate they ate. But hey, that's half the fun, right?

TGIF!!

Kate's In A Chatty Mood

According to Jen M I've been a blog slacker, so here I am.

Yesterday was our final Coffee Hour until the new year. Boo. I didn't know that because apparently I didn't pay attention to the agenda that was handed out a couple of months ago.

What the heck is my life coming to? No Girls Club until the new year, no Coffee Hour until the new year... no Dancing With The Stars until the new year...!

!!!

Yesterday morning I was scraping together all the change I could find so I could stop for my beloved steeped tea (with double milk, no sugar, just in case anyone wants to surprise me). I'm talking about lifting sofa cushions...checking old purses...the ashtray in my van. I was able to scrape together 53 cents. Not going to cut it. While I was driving I shook my coat pocket and actually squealed when I heard jingling...now I had 67 cents. Obviously I didn't make it to Tim's.

I was the first one to arrive at the church yesterday morning and there was a dude walking around the door. He looked a little down on his luck so to speak, and came over to talk to me when I parked.

Being the ever-so-savvy (suspicious? paranoid?) person that I am, I kept my van in reverse in case he tried to kill me through the window.

Watch much tv, Katie?

Anyway, he had walked some insane distance to meet with our Associate Pastor. It was really cold and I don't have a key to the church so I thought about asking if he'd like to sit in the van with me to warm up a little until someone arrived, or if he'd like my 67 cents for a coffee around the corner. Sadly, I realized that I knew nothing about this man, and being as the world is today... I couldn't risk it. I made some excuse about running an errand and would be back shortly. Lame.

When I came back he was getting ready to leave. He started talking about what he had to do that day and he just looked so... beaten down. I asked if he had to leave right away, could he come in for a cup of coffee before he headed out? But he politely declined and headed off. I keep thinking about him.

Being that it was our last Coffee Hour of the year we had a pot luck. Yep...that bit of info must have been on the aforementioned agenda that I didn't pay enough attention to. Embarrassing.

We discussed the Psalms at great length, with several ladies sharing their favourites. Oh the number of times I have gone there to seek comfort or strength...

Jen had to leave early for her midwife appointment, so we gathered around her to pray for her. She doesn't know if/when she will be back as her little baby is due this Saturday (!!!) and her hands will be full. We laid hands on her while we prayed and I so hoped she wasn't freaking out. I do love touching people.

Ok.. that sounds a little creepy.

Afterwards, Jordan and I headed off to do some grocery shopping. She was very busy licking, tossing or squishing whatever she could reach in the cart. Once we got to the cash register I realized that I had forgotten a few things on my list, so I paid, parked the cart, picked her up and went to get what I missed. After I got her and all the bags into the van I realized I still forgot something. The very thing that took me to the store in the first place. UGH! I left it until Ian came home, then he ended up going out to get it for me.

Yesterday was the first time I did the grocery shopping start to finish on my own and it sucked. Usually I go alone, unless I bring Jules who basically does all the work for me, and when I get home Ian and Sam bring the bags up for me and Jules puts everything away. But no... I had to do it all by myself.

First of all, was I supposed to leave Jordan in the van while I brought the bags inside, or bring her in first and then go back and forth...?

I won't tell you what I did because it was probably the wrong thing to do. HOWEVER... I did lock the front door each time I went back out to get another load. I am nothing if not oh-so-savvy (paranoid?).

After putting everything away (by myself!), I spoke with a couple of friends on the phone, then it was time to pick up the children from school. Julie had a rough day. Jacob knows she likes him. The world as she knows it is over apparently.

This morning Ian was home sick, so I drove the children to school and dropped in on my mom. She was practically pain-free yesterday (yay!) but not so lucky today. After visiting with her I drove to Newmarket to pick up something from Ian's agent. I even drove on the 400.

Oh yes. Let's just take a moment for some awed silence and admiration.

Thanks!

I dropped in on Mom again so I could hide a couple of Ian's Christmas gifts (don't bother looking Ian... you won't find them) and visited with her and my sister until the children arrived from school, then we headed home. Tonight was Julie's Christmas Concert and so she had to look just perfect apparently. So.. she had a warm bath, I styled her hair and Ian presented her with a lovely new dress for the occasion. She looked beautiful.

"A is for all that He is!" was her line and she delivered it impeccably. She is amazing.

There is this girl that Julie goes to school with and for the purposes of this blog, I shall refer to her as *E*, because "brat" is not a nice thing to call a little girl however fitting that name might be. (Also because God reads my blog too and I wouldn't want Him seeing that!) *E* tells Julie she is ugly, has ugly hair, is a dork, follows her around, encourages the other kids to ignore her, has better clothes than Julie, and so on. This has been going on since Junior Kindergarten. Jules was in tears this week because she can't stand it anymore and wanted me to do something to end it.

Ahh... a teachable moment. And I jumped on it, friends.

We talked about how some people who feel poorly about themselves have to bring others down to make themselves feel better. She was shocked that people would do this.

I told her that yes, I could go into the school the following day and could put an end to it immediately but that wouldn't solve the problem. I told her that there just be another *E* around the corner, be it at this school or another one, high school, where she will choose to work. The key was to learn how to deal with the *E*s of the world and yes, to even love them. I said that even I had *E*s in my life too, and its a challenge to love them but I keep trying. She said she gets so angry with her, and she knows that anger separates her from God and she doesn't ever want anything to separate her from Him.

Oh preach it, my beautiful one!

So tonight, when I dropped her off at her classroom before the concert, *E* arrived. Julie smoothed down the front of her new dress and looked up at me and whispered "She looks prettier than me". I held her close and whispered back "No, she doesn't. Not even close."

Now I know I shouldn't encourage that sort of thing, but unbiased mother-love or not, my daughter is beautiful. Perfect hair, gorgeous face and features, but more importantly she has a beautiful heart. And she showed that heart tonight as she asked *E* if they could talk privately. I moved away slowly and eventually stopped because I was curious as to what she would say. She took *E*s hands in hers and asked her if they could start over and be friends again. And *E* said yes! I was so proud of Jules for putting herself out there.

When I tucked Sam in tonight I said hello to "The Guys", Shadow and Sonic the guinea pigs. Sam then said "Oh look, it's Grandma!" To which I replied, "I am far too young to be anyone's grandmother!" And then HE said "Maybe so, but you LOOK old enough to be."

!!!

Anyone want a 9 yr old? He's really rather smart and cute.

Before I sign off, I will update you on my new medical issues. In addition to my menopause, I think I am getting meningitis. My neck has been killing me since mid-morning yesterday and it gets stiff. I don't have a fever but I'm not ruling it out. And in addition to that lovely new issue, my hands are falling asleep all the time, mostly when I'm using them, so you know what's coming.... ALS. This is not the first time I have been concerned about my limbs falling asleep. I have also become rather forgetful so perhaps its the onset of Alzheimer's. I'm going to have to make an appointment to have these issues confirmed or denied, whichever the case may be.

See you next time.

~ Kate

Show And Tell

This weather is killing me mood-wise. Jordan woke me up this morning just after six and when I looked out the window at all the snow that fell overnight I immediately felt so blue. I didn't even want to think about going outside and wished that the schools would be closed. I think it was only a couple of inches but still...

In the past I have experienced that SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) aka winter blues/winter depression, but I've had a wonderful reprieve the last couple of years. I don't think I will be so lucky this year. I try to combat it by keeping the blinds open to let as much light in as possible and on overcast days I keep the lights on. Still... it sucks. I don't enjoy the winter much at all.

I did make it to my mom's today after my mini-meltdown and was so pleased to see that she was experiencing very little back pain at all today and was able to move around rather easily. I was so thankful. She felt so good she was all set to shovel the driveway!

!!!

She didn't, in case you were wondering!

Lately I have been wanting to eat spaghetti but no one else eats it in my house. Today I could hold off no longer and so I cooked some. What a letdown. I didn't realize I was out of Parmesan cheese and it wasn't nearly as good as I imagined it was going to be. Very disappointing. So disappointing in fact, that at this very moment I never want to eat it again.

So there.

Here's Jules, earning her keep. ;-)



Cindy picked me up just after 7 and we met up with Jen at our usual hangout - Tim's. Our usual table was taken (grr) and so we had to wait for the couple sitting there to leave. If it's the three of us, we always sit at one particular table. If it's just Cindy and me, then we sit at a different particular table. It is my OCD people..things must always be the same. Always.

Tonight I am going to show you these dear friends of mine.

Here is Cindy...



And here is Jen...



I love these ladies so, so much. I just love being with them.

There was a couple at the next table making out which bothered Cindy immensely. I couldn't see them but Cindy was rather grossed out. I am not one for PDAs (Public Displays of Affection) so I didn't make it a point to look at them. Holding hands or a hug is fine, but if someone shouts "get a room!" you can be certain that you are crossing the lines of what is acceptable in public.

Lately I have been experiencing pain underneath my right arm, on my side. Anytime I moved I felt this sharp pain. Of course, I was certain it would turn out to be something horrible like a tumour or something so I have been feeling quite anxious about it. But I discovered today that I do not have a tumour... I merely require a new bra because the wire is sticking out of this one, and into my side.

Oops.

Jen was shamelessly laughing at me tonight. I was wearing my stretchy pants that I would wear to the gym and they are a little....short. Well, she couldn't stop laughing at my "floods".

Darn you, Jen! Never again will I feel bad for making fun of your "baby hands"!

Seriously, friends... she has little baby-looking hands. I love them.

I had a terrific blonde moment tonight, just as we were leaving Tim's. I saw something painted on the ground just in front of the store, and I stopped to look at it and asked the girls "What the heck is POTS?" and then I walked around and realized it said "STOP".

Sigh. I know. And I admitted it here, to all of you.

Love me anyway, people. Love me anyway.

Oh I am tired. Tomorrow is Coffee Hour. I hope I have the energy for it. I'm looking forward to seeing my other friend Jen. She is due in just a few days and I can't wait. I have become that annoying friend that constantly asks "anything? how about now?" I'm just so excited for her.

Still reading The Shack and I'm enjoying it. It has such great imagery in it and I've had tears more than once.

Enough babbling for one night... See you next time.

Busy Weekend

This past weekend was a busy one and I am pooped.

Friday was a PA day for Sam and Jules. This school gives PA days like nobody's business. I don't recall getting this many days off when I was a kid. In fact, I think we went to school 365 days a year.

It's become almost a tradition for the children to go to my inlaws for the first weekend in December. So, after an extremely healthy breakfast (read: doughnuts from Tim Hortons) we headed off for the hour drive north. We didn't have any snow here on Friday and Jules drifted off to sleep then woke up and was shocked to see all the snow everywhere.

I intended to only stay for a cup of tea then head back home so I could do some Christmas shopping with Jordan but I was invited to stay for lunch and the children really wanted us to stay, so we did.

Lots of drama when it came time for me to leave. I felt so sad that they were crying and asking me to bring them back with me. I hate that my inlaws' feelings would have been hurt by it, because they didn't mean to be hurtful. Anyway, I'll skip the details because they are so sad.

Later that afternoon I got an email from Sam pleading with me to "at least visit" them the following day. I talked to Ian when he got home from work and we called his parents to see what was going on. We all decided that if Sam was still that upset the next day, we would go and get them and bring them home. (It wasn't necessary because they had settled down the following morning after a good sleep.)

In the evening I went to a Christmas party at a friend's home. Ladies only :-) I brought a friend with me and it was a really lovely evening. The woman who hosted it is from my church so I knew a lot of the people there. I suck at small talk. I truly do. If I am comfortable with someone, I will talk until their ears drop off their head, but I can't do small talk. Good thing my friend is very comfortable and gracious so I let her do the work ;-)

Afterwards I met up with Cindy at our usual haunt. We even got Jen to come out at that hour and visit with us. I think we left around 1am. Yikes. Love those girls. I got to see them twice in the same week! YAY!

Saturday morning Jordan and I tagged along with Ian to see one of his Christmas shows. I don't think I've ever told you that Ian is a magician. Yep, he is! He does children's shows, adult shows, you name it and he rocks. It's been a few years since I've seen him do one and as usual he was excellent. At the end of the show he got all of the children to sing Jingle Bells and then Santa arrived. I got teary watching them get so excited to see Santa. Then before I knew it, I was crying. And... I also got teary watching the kids get excited when Barney arrived.

Barney!!

Freak.

Yes... so I think I know what's wrong with me. Between being tired and weepy, I no longer think it's mono or lupus. I think its menopause.

The Change of Life. Isn't that what they call it? Ugh... like 20+ years of PMS isn't enough, we get to experience menopause.

!!!

Moving on...

After a nap in the afternoon, we wrapped all of the children's gifts so we could drive them crazy when they got home from their grandparents. They aren't allowed to even touch them until Christmas morning. Ha ha.

Cindy offered to watch Jordan for us in the evening so we went on a date.

Oh yes, friends. A kid-free evening, doing grown up things. Dinner out... not having to repeatedly pick up things that the 8 month old drops...not having to remind the children over and over to eat their dinner, stop fighting, keep their voices down, etc....

After dinner we went to see Transporter 3 and while the plot was a little weak the action was unbelievable. Most excellent. Loved it.

Cindy would text me periodically throughout the evening to let me know that Jordan was fine. I truly appreciated that, because even though she is my third child, I worry as though she is my first.

This morning we headed off to the early service at church as Ian was teaching Sunday school. Great worship today.

After putting my house back in order, the children arrived home and all felt right again in my home. I miss those little creeps when they are away! Dinner was especially lively tonight as they shared what they had done all weekend. Its good to have them home.

Not much on the agenda for this week which will be nice. I'm going to try to finish my Christmas shopping so I can relax and enjoy the season for its true meaning.

Want to know what really gets on my nerves? When people type/say "Merry Xmas". Hello! It isn't X's birthday, it's Christ's birthday, thank you very much. And the other thing that bothers me - really, really bothers me - is the whole "Happy Holidays" thing. It's CHRISTMAS! I don't care if people are bothered by Christmas... I don't complain about Diwali or Ramadan or Hanukkah (sp?) and demand that they get "Happy Holidays".

Oh I am too tired to rant. I have menopause you know.

Talk to you tomorrow!

Someone...Help Me...

Pssst!! I think Ian is trying to kill me!

His poison of choice? Buckley's Cough Syrup.

Oh friends...this stuff is n-a-s-t-y!

It's pretty much common knowledge that if you pinch your nose it will cut off your taste buds. I have done this my entire life and it has always worked.

Until today.

Ian brought home the Buckleys and made me take some. Oh man.. this stuff tastes like Vicks Vaporub! In my mouth!

!!!

It didn't matter what I rinsed with or ate afterwards, the taste wouldn't go away. Nothing I did helped. I have felt nauseated all day. All day.

I am thinking about their commercials where they say "It tastes awful, but it works!" Then the people take a spoonful and make this mild little grossed out face. I would have gotten fired from that commercial because I started heaving as soon as I swallowed the second spoonful.

I think Ian used the biggest spoon he could find, that's what I think.

:-(

Poor me.

Everyone says it really works. I don't know if it does or not, I just know that I'm afraid to cough in Ian's presence because he is poised and ready to make me take more. And I'm not going to do it.

In other news....

Tonight was our Christmas party for Girls Club. Ian did a magic show for the girls which they loved. One of them wrote me a lovely Christmas letter, thanking me for spending time with her. I felt so teary when I read it because I pray for this particular girl all the time. There were so many hands helping to clean up and take down the tables and somehow my letter got misplaced and I am so sad about that.

I brought Jordan tonight and the girls were all over her. I had to push aside my major cootie issues and just let them love on her like they wanted. I love observing them and seeing their gentle hearts in action. We don't restart the next session until the second week of January and I felt sad saying goodbye to them tonight.

I am missing them already...

Tomorrow I am taking the older children up north to their grandparents so they can spend the weekend there. I miss them so much when they're gone and the house just doesn't feel right until they're home again.

That's it for today. Over and out.

Challenging Day

I love Wednesdays.

This morning was Coffee Hour and I know I say this a lot, but I think today was my favourite one so far. It was a smaller group today so there were a couple of opportunities for me to talk one-on-one with a few of the ladies for the first time and I really enjoyed that.

I managed to remember to return the books I borrowed from the church library and signed out The Shack by William P. Young. Apparently it's a life changing book and will really make me look at God in a fresh new way. I've heard a lot of controversy about this book so I'll let you know what I think when I'm finished.

It was so laid back today...lots of sharing and laughter. We have really grown as a group and I feel so safe there. I almost shared my story...but I didn't. Maybe someday. No...probably not. Definitely not.

We talked about the various trials we will endure in this lifetime and how God allows them in order to refine us. He doesn't allow things to happen to hurt us, but to grow us.

What is faith worth if it is not tested? I believe this. Yet...I am ready for a break from being tested. I truly am.

When I look over the course of my life I can see where He has been working in me, around me and even through me. A lot of things make sense. A lot of things don't. Not yet. And maybe it never will in this lifetime. But one day He will reveal it all to me.

My favourite verse just came to my mind... "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

Did you know that in the Bible there are 366 commands from God to not be afraid?

Neither did I.

As much as I loved the thought provoking discussion, my mind has been racing all day with thoughts and emotion. Mid-afternoon the anxiety started. For the first time in a very long time I had a panic attack. I couldn't regain control and I can't express to you how much I hate not being in control.

Oh friends...there are things in my life that I wish I had done differently. So many moments I wish I could return to, to create a different outcome so that I could erase the hurts I have caused.

I take comfort in knowing that He has forgiven me, and He is restoring me.

If I've said it once, I'll say it a million times...He is so good is He not?

Yawn

My Jordan is BRILLIANT!

Tonight she was sitting on Ian's lap while he sang "If You're Happy And You Know It, Clap Your Hands" and she clapped at all the right times.

Oh she is amazing.

Yesterday's lunch with Cindy and Jen was excellent. We went to the Mandarin and the food was so good. Afterwards, Cindy and I went shopping and she came back to the house and we had tea.

This weekend the children are going up north to visit with their grandparents. I will miss them. :-( Cindy has offered to watch Jordan for us on Saturday night so that we can go and see the new James Bond movie. She is such a wonderful friend to me and we trust her completely with Jordan.

I woke up this morning feeling so lousy and wanted to stay in bed all day. I'm tired of being tired! Ian gets up with Jordan during the night so I don't know what my problem is.

I visited with my mother, then took my nephew to Square One to do some of his Christmas shopping. It was a difficult afternoon but God helped me through it. I feel emotionally drained from it, to be honest. There is such a story there, but not one I can share.

I took Jules to the doctor and did my grocery shopping, and now I am struggling to stay awake to watch a movie with Ian. If this fatigue goes on much longer I'm going to have to make an appointment with my doctor.

The children brought home excellent report cards and we're very proud of them. They work so hard.

I am absolutely disgusted, shocked and horrified at what is happening in Ottawa right now. They have lost their minds. Liberal/NDP/Bloc??

Disgusting.

Well I'm off to watch the movie. I give myself 10 minutes before I'm asleep.

November Over...Already...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday Update

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

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



And here she is at 8 months old, waving.



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

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

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

Here is a picture of Sonic.



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

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





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

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

What Have You Done?

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

What Have You Done...?

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

Blah Blah Blah Its Wednesday...

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

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

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

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

Oh well. There's always next week.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

!!!

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

Productive Day

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

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

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

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

"PSST!" I say.

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

Today...I was Freaky Dude. Yikes.

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

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

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

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

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

I know! I was shocked too.

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

Believe it Jen!

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

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

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

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

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

That's it. I am pooped.

Sunday Ramblings

Not much going on.

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

SO sorry about that Amanda ;-)

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

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

I screamed.

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

Freak.

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

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

I found this video...



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

Unbelievable.

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

!!!

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

Its C-c-c-old!

I.am.freezing.

!!!

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

I do not like being cold.

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

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

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

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

What's there to decide?!?

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

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

Poor me.

Good Reports!

Lots of great things to report today :-)

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

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

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

Blue

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

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

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

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

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

Yikes.

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

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

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

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

See you tomorrow...

Sunday Night

I'm absolutely beat.

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

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

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



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

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



And this is what Amanda brought me!!



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

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



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



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

GREAT Day :-)

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

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

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

How selfish.

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

!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday Already!?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Decisions, decisions...

No Title For Lack Of Creativity

They got me again ... my little fakers.

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

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

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

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

Busted.

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

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

Thanks again Auntie Jen!

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

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

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

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

In more important news....

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

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

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

Poor Kate...

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

~ Special thanks to Julie L for this gem ~

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Family & Friends

Yesterday was such a great day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

All together now....AWWWW POOR KATIE!

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

Soccer & Pizza

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

;-)

Slow Days

The last couple of days have been pretty slow.

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

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

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

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

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

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

!!!

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

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

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

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

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

Amazing how God blesses, isn't it?

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

In other news...

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

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

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

That is all.

Prayer Request

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

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

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

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

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



With heartfelt thanks,

~ Kate

???

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

Hallowe'en Pics

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

Jordan the kitty...



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

Trip To The Park

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

Here's Jordan swinging...



My girls...



The Herd...



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



Ha.

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

Julie posing...



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



Love these guys so much...



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

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



View from the bridge...



I love autumn...

Weekend Update

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

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

I know. Drama Queen.

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

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

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

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

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

Love that girl.

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

!!!

Love a clean movie, let me tell you.

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

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

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

Still..knock wood!

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

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

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

Love that guy.

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

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

Honestly!

Interesting...

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

I'd be interested in your thoughts about this.

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