THANKFUL, FRAZZLED, HOPEFUL

As I have probably mentioned several times, I find myself blogging at moments of extreme emotion.  Tonight, I am feeling an interesting trio of extremes.  Gratitude, Fluster, and Optimism.

Gratitude

I am feeling very thankful for my Christian brothers and sisters, who never cease to amaze me with their generosity.  This thankful feeling has been warming my heart all week,  on account of 2 big things that happened early on. 

First, the wonderful Guindon family, once again, stole our children to give us a weekend of freedom!  The Guindons went to Dave’s church on PEI where he grew up and were family friends. Tamara and Marcel had 4 kids under the age of 5, and know how precious the gift of some time off, is.  They have lived outside of Ottawa for quite some time now, and their kids are all wonderful and kind teenagers.

So, we dropped all 3 kidlets off last Friday around supper along with a van full of pack and plays and booster seats and diapers and clothes and bottles.  The amount of gear was sort of embarrassing, but necessary.   Jesse and Janna were very excited, and Robyn was totally oblivious.  The baby was a bit under the weather, but Tamara was good to go with that.  I think her words were, “bring it on.”  We were sent home to our FREEDOM 48 weekend (that was my name for the much anticipated weekend) with a spring in our step, and a gift card for the movies, some chocolate and drinks!

Well, we had such a relaxing and refreshing and recharging weekend!  We did lots of normal stuff, that we don’t normally get to do.  Slept in, went out for lunch one day, went out for supper another (thank you Jake and Kat for the early Christmas gift- it was perfect timing)  and to see the hunger games.  We leisurely read magazines in a quiet house.   We made loud noises and ran around the house acting like fools after hours.  Sunday night, came quick, but I was ready to see the kids again.  I really loved the break from all the mess, whine, diapers, cooking, cleaning.  But, all that work and mess is worth having 3 little kids fill the house with their laughter and love.  

Tamara dropped them off before bed, not only alive, but very happy and with ALL their laundry done!  Major bonus.  They had a great weekend hanging out with such a happy and energetic family.   We were told Robyn was a bit cool and unsure at first, but really attached to Marcel and the youngest daughter, Sarah, so that was nice to hear.  Jesse had tons of stories about the weekend.  Nicholas taking him to the park, Marcel pushing him around in the big snow shovel, Tamara giving him a very important job of cleaning the car windows.  Janna said she had fun, and spent the next couple of days, saying, “want go back to Sarah’s house.” 

It was a perfect break before this last week before Christmas break.  Things are CRAZY with the school demands right now, and I have extras on top of my extra kids all week long.   Monday went pretty well, and I was feeling warm and loved and ready to face the relentless demands of watching 5 little ones under the age of 4 all day, all week long.  

Bright and early Monday morning, however, as I was getting ready in the bathroom, a piece of paper slid under the door.  It was a fancy invitation that requested the presence of Mrs. Vance at a fine dining experience that night.  I needed to dress up and be ready to leave at 6:40.  Well, Mondays are small group night, and I knew something was in the works with all our small group members.

Upon checking my email, a few of the other girls had emailed to bail on small group on account of their husbands giving them mystery date invitations.  Well, we put 2 and 2 together, and figured the guys were arranging some sort of surprise group date.   A few weeks back, at our Christmas party, we had played a guys VS girls game done by the Friends show.  At the start of the game, we got to propose a prize for winning.  So, the guys talked and if they won they were asking for a man date out for dinner and to see the hobbit WHILE the kids were awake.   Us girls, came up with wanting a formal dinner made and served by the men.... Now we LOST!!! So, this was obviously out the window, but with these invitations that thought was in the back of everyone's mind.

So, Dave got home from work that night, and after supper sent me upstairs to fancy up and he was going to get the kids all to bed and the house cleaned up.  I put on a dress and tights and added some extra punch to my eye make-up.  I was fully expecting to see Dave throwing on a suit and getting ready for the 6:40 hour.  But, when I came downstairs, he had his jeans on, his feet kicked up, and was just chilling.  I sort of freaked out a bit, asking why he wasn’t dressed, was a babysitter coming, etc?  He wouldn’t give away too much, but told me that the night wasn’t about  him, but about us girls.  I felt sad, thinking that he wasn’t able to find a babysitter and I was on my way to a mystery dinner with all my girlfriends and THEIR husbands.  I kept watching the clock, and waiting for Dave to jump up and throw on his suit, or warm up the van....but he just sat on the couch...doing NOTHING.

At 6:50, the doorbell rang, and there stood a tall dark guy with a suit and tie.  He said he was here for Chrissy and escorted me outside.  And there, backed into my very tricky court driveway, was a LIMOUSINE!!!!  He opened the back door, and I slid in to see my friend, Kim sitting there beaming.  I screamed!!!!  One by one, the driver picked up each of the ladies, and we all tried to piece together what was happening.  Most of the husbands were back at home.  Some dressed up, others not.  One was madly cleaning.  One was in and out all day and stole a shower curtain.   The driver spun around barrhaven for quite some time, and then eventually, drove right back to one of the girls house.  The one whose husband had been madly cleaning! 

Well, we were greeted by all our handsome gentleman dressed up in formal service attire.  They took our coats and boots,  escorted us into the front room where candles were flickering, jazz music playing, and the smell of food wafting out of the kitchen, which had been sectioned off.  We were seated on cozy leather couches and served appetizers and drink orders taken.  Once we were done the intro, the poetry began!   A poem honoring us and our character as wives, but also witty and introducing the next part of the night, a 5 course meal.  

We were then moved into the dining room where red roses and chocolate adorned a table decked out with candles, and drinks were being chilled in large crystal bowls filled with fresh snow.   The menu was printed and there for all of us to view. 

Soup

Butternut Squash Soup topped with Bacon

Salad

Spinach walnut with roasted pear and a maple vinaigrette dressing

Main

Stuffed Chicken Breast

Oven Roasted baby potatos

Choice of fresh vegetable (asparagus was even one of them)

Pallet Cleanser

Lime Sorbet

Dessert

Chocolate mouse with choice of raspberries or strawberries

Now, don’t be afraid.  Dave wasn’t in charge of the food!  He actually, had written all the poetry that was recited in between each course by different guys.  But, the cooks did a GREAT job!  We learned later, that they had “practiced” the meal to make sure it would be amazing and timely earlier in the day.  All the guys took turns filling up our drinks, bringing out food, and clearing the table.   They all chipped in back in the kitchen assisting the cooks and cleaning up as they went.  And, I think they they did some eating of their own too!  It was too yummy to resist. 

Back at the table, us girls just enjoyed an AMAZING meal, lots of laughs, and the odd spontaneous smooch from the servers as they popped in and out.   At the end of our fun and wonderful dinner, we all realized we hadn’t taken ANY pictures of the food.  And the guys had worked so hard making sure the presentation and serving ware was fancy and perfect.   We were all a tad sad about that.   

The boys sent us back to the front room to continue with our conversation, offering tea and coffee, and the 7 of them, worked hard cleaning up, before joining us for the last 20 minutes of the evening.

What a great night!  I had trouble falling asleep thinking back on all the preparations and work they must had all done to bring this thing together.   Feeling so thankful for such a wonderful husband with a a great group of guy friends.  And, so  giddy I got to ride in a limo with 6 of my best girlfriends.  WE joked that we would like to do this again next year.  How on earth would they top that?

The next morning, my grandma called me to touch base, and started off by lecturing me about where was I last night, she’d been trying to call me several times.... And I was just like, “ WHooa Grandma....Do you know what I was doing last night?!  Let me tell you”  Her response was, “One in million, Chrissy.”

So, that concludes my feelings of thankfulness and warmth. 

The week, has also provided a good share of exhaustion and deep breaths.  AS I mentioned, I got tons of kids here all week, and Dave has lots of evening things with school, and I have some other commitments in the works as well.  So, I’m feeling pulled, strained, stretched.  I am THANKFUL that my shopping and wrapping and baking were done weeks ago.   I am also REJOICING that all my kids are currently healthy.  

Poor Robyn, was having WEEKS of the runs, and then a trio of shots which made her miserable for several, STILL with diarrhea.  But, the doc recommended eliminating dairy, and today was the first day in ages she had a normal poo.  She was also happy today and not taking anger fits.  My sweet little Robyn, has discovered her will and temper since she turned one.  It can get pretty bad.  If she gets angry enough, she just starts BEATING on me.  She pulls my hair and screams at me, and slaps me in the face, and goes all CRAZY on me.  It is not something I am used to.  And while it is absolutely fine for her to be angry and have emotion and frustration her reaction is UNACCEPTABLE!  Even in a 1 year old.  So, I’ve  been trying a few different things  over the past couple of weeks to nip this in the bud, and today was the first day that she hasn’t taken a smacking fit at me.  Yay.    These extreme displays of rage have, perhaps, been adding to that frazzled feeling?

Ok, so I’ll end my little, BIG blog with my last prominent feeling, and that is HOPE.

Tomorrow is Dave’s last day of school before a much needed break

It’s my last day of having extras for a few weeks

And the most hopeful event of these, and of all time, is that Christmas is coming!

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
⁷ Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will do this

Isaiah 9:6-7 KJV

Thanks for Reading. I'm out!

FA la-la-la-la la-la la-la and PEACE OUT for a while

It’s December 1^st!  And I must say I am feeling pretty slick.  My goal was to have all my presents and cards purchased, wrapped, and set to go for the start of the month.  And, aside from a couple of costume pieces left to make for Jesse, I got ‘er all done!   I wanted to be able to take December to just enjoy the season! No running around to do, just festivities and fun.  So, the house is decorated, the gifts are set, and I have all my baking supplies purchased and ready to tackle this week.

I’m doing 5 different sweets this year.  Four tried and trues from the past years, and one new one.   You just never know with these gluten free recipes, so my new cookie attempt will be an icing topped sugar melt away.  Jesse is going to be helping me bake everything this year.  I am committed to having all of my kids trained in the kitchen!  They don’t have to love it, or be amazing at it, but they WILL learn how to do some cooking and baking.  I do hope they progress beyond mere competence, and enjoy it.  We’ll see.   If genetics play any factor in this, they have a 50/50 chance as Dave despises all things kitchen related.

I’m not sure if all this baking was the best idea.?  We did our first batch on Friday night, and it was a simple-straight forward 5 minute fudge recipe I have made several times.  I let Jesse help with the measuring and stirring, and I was also watching Robyn at the same time... And I wonder if he tossed in a little extra of something while I wasn’t looking.  Because, they fudge didn’t set!  This morning, while Jesse is at Sunday school,  I poured the goo back into the pot, and tried again – thinking maybe letting him do some of the stirring was what threw it off.    So, it’s back in the freezer now, and we’ll see how if it works!  Poor Jesse keeps asking when it will be ready, and I haven’t had the heart to tell him it flopped!  Hoping it will work itself out in the next few hours.

I’m also not sure about all this baking, for the sake of the waistline.  One month ago, after hearing some good reviews, by a few people, of a free AP called fitnesspal, I started on my goal to lose 15-20 pounds. Robyn is a year now, and NO I am not pregnant again yet, and so I just felt ready to shed this baby weight.  The program just tracks your food intake (it even scans barcodes of packaged foods!)  and it tracks your cardio and strength activities over the day.  Based on your age and gender and activity level, it gives you a calorie intake goal each day, based on how quick and how much weight you want to lose.  It recommends one pound per week, and that is what I am working on.

  I have really liked it, because I haven’t had to change much of what I do or eat!  The biggest thing has been my supper portion has been a bit smaller than usual, and I usually only have healthy snacks in the evening with the calories I have left.   So, I still have my huge breakfasts, and snacks with the kids, and coffee and tea and chocolate treat every afternoon.   I haven’t altered the sort of meals I make or anything like that.   I have, also, found myself exercising a couple of times a week: usually just a brisk walk to balance out the numbers.  Which is good!  The first week felt hard in the evenings when I usually like to snack, but now I don’t miss it at all.  Anyways, I have lost 8 pounds in a month of doing this!  It only takes me about 15 minutes a day to enter all my data, and my organized heart has fun with that part.   Anyways, back to the baking.... Hokey calories!  My pan of fudge was 6000 cals!  I think my December goal, with all the treats and parties, will simply be to maintain my current weight, and then I’ll hope to start losing again in the new year.  I know the first 5 or 10 pounds are usually the easiest.  So, we’ll see.

Speaking of parties, we had our FIRST Christmas party last night with our small groups.  It was a big potluck, with games and songs and a gift exchange, and a lot of fun.  Dave and I felt so strange getting to bed after midnight.    I didn’t think the excitement of the Christmas season could ever be trumped from being a child, but now, having kids, I think I am even more excited!

The reason for being such a keener on all of the prep, is so that I can just enjoy this lovely month with my family, and better focus on the reason for the season.  With that, I am taking a break from social media for a while.  SO, if you are wondering if I am dead or depressed or angry because of my lack of blog or FB posts, fear not.  I am, likely, alive and VERY well.  Give me a call if you want to touch base!

Thanks for reading.  I’m out!

Chrissy

ditches, friends, and Woodstock NB

The plan for the day was pretty straight-forward.  On Saturdays, the new AM routine is for me to watch the kids while tackling all the housework and laundry for the weekend, AND Dave gets a good 3-4 hour stretch of marking done while he’s bright and fresh.  Then, the work is just done and we can enjoy the weekend more. After this little Saturday am spree of productivity, Dave will take the kids out for an hour or two for the purpose of  

a)      BONDING with the kids

b)      to give me a little break

After lunch and naps, we do something nice as a family before supper and bed.  Today, the after nap plan was to:

1)      Crack open a pomegranate and beat the crap out of it with a wooden spoon to quickly release all the seeds.  This is going to be our kick off the pre-holiday season tradition.  (  I saw a you tube video going around demonstrating this, and I tested it.  And it works!

2)       Put on the Christmas music and set up the tree and other decor

3)      Enjoy some hot chocolate after all the magic is complete.

Well, the first few hours of the day went as planned.  I was pretty pooped by 10 after tackling so much laundry and chores WHILE hanging with the kids.  I was going to run to do groceries with them, but flopped onto the bed in despair as Dave was marking, and lamented the task ahead.  I just didn’t feel like running around in the cold with all 3 kids to get groceries.  Like any wonderful husband, he offered to do it with them before they went to the park.  Like any skeptical wife, I questioned his ability to get all the correct sale items while juggling the 3 kids on a busy Saturday.  But, he grinned and told me he had full confidence in himself.  I proceeded to draw a overhead map of the grocery store with letters A-Z , and an accompanying legend which showed which items would be in THAT location and the proper price.  This was my attempt to make it easier for him and thus alleviate my guilt of dumping this task on him.  Plus, it was kind of fun to make.  Sometimes my love and need for organization scares me!

I helped bundle the kids up and off they went.  I spent the first hour bustling around finishing a few house items, some emails, and finally sat down to breath deeply and enjoy some down time.  Some snow had started to really come down, and I thought about how the kids would be loving the park, Dave would be loving driving in the magic white, and it would be perfect as we decorated our tree.   Minutes later the phone rang.  It was Dave, “Hi Chrissy.  It’s Dave.  The kids and I have been in a minor car accident.  Everyone is ok.  The van is just stuck in a ditch off greenbank and fallowfield.  Can you call some of the guys to come and pick us up?”

“The guys” 

  I am so thankful that Dave and I have a  group of “guys” (and their wives)  that we can call up, no matter what the situation, and know help will arrive.  After about ten minutes that involved me choking back tears while sending a few texts/calls/email/ and a facebook shout out, I had help on the way!  I say, “I”,  but really, it was God looking after us in all of this.

First off, as I found out later, there had been a bad accident a few cars ahead of Dave on this horrible stretch called the greenbelt.  It is just 2 very narrow lanes of traffic,  the speed limit is 80, and some people fly through their going 100.  It is open and windy, and gusty, and narrow and horrible.  In fact, when I was just 5 months pregnant with Jesse, I drove my car into the ditch in the EXACT same place as Dave, when an oncoming van lost control and swerved into my lane.  Anyways, an accident happened a few cars ahead due to ice on the roads, causing cars behind to slam on their brakes.   All Dave saw was the car ahead of him swerve onto the shoulder of the road, with another car stopped on the middle of the road.   When Dave jammed on his breaks- they just slid on  the ice, and so he had to either hit the car in front of him, on crash into the car on the shoulder of the road, or veer hard right and take the deeper ditch. So, that’s what he did.  He not only missed the cars, but somehow missed the fence and poles down in the ditch too.   The van didn’t roll or crunch... simply bashed downward into the ditch and scraped itself along the fence while coming to a stop.  I guess the girls were ok because they didn’t know what was going on.  But Jesse was screaming and crying and hyperventilating asking Dave why there was big bangs and bumps and WHY he was not on the road!  I am just so thankful this was not worse than what it could have been.

The tow trucks were all tied up dealing with accidents all over the city on this first real snowy day in Ottawa, and since friends were on the way, the police recommended waiting until later in the day, and calling for a tow then.   Small group guy, Stevie, arrived first on the scene, and since he has a baby exactly Robyn’s age, a car seat was all set, and he picked her up and brought her home to mama(being the more tired and hungry one of them all).  He also brought home our groceries.   Steph arrived a bit later after leaving her own 2 kids with her mom, and picked up Jesse, Janna, and Dave (2 car seats all set in HER van) and dropped them off safe and sound to my front door step.  She had even thought to take some snacks with her, as it was past lunch and nap times, and everyone was likely a bit moody.   I didn’t arrange any of this seating plan!    Stevie was the first person to come and had a car seat for Robyn.  Steph was the next person, and had enough seats for the others.  I just feel overwhelmed that God works out even these little details.

While waiting for everyone to get home,  I had several calls, texts, and Katie even came by to make sure I was ok.  I kept breaking into tears when people asked how I was, because I felt SO guilty that I hadn’t done the grocery trip earlier in the day as planned.  I know these things happen, and Dave, was in the same boat feeling so responsible for not being more vigilant on the roads.  I guess I am just trying to leave the guilt at the door, and be thankful and rejoice in all things! 

Anyways, everyone arrived home safely and I had grill cheese (comfort food) all set to go.  Kids were SOOOO tired and hungry as it was past 2, but it was so nice to see them.  Jesse told me he hated the snow now because it made him bump off the road for a long, long, while.  And has also been lamenting how he misses the van! 

Needing to get the van towed and checked out, Dave called another guy who is good with cars from our small group, to see if he might take a look at it to assess the damage before committing it to the shop.  Well, dear Paul, not only agreed, but found a friend who has a 4 by 4 and offered to try and pull it out of the ditch and look at it himself.   They got er’ done this afternoon, and the van seems ok!  Scratched, missing some plastic off the bumper....but running just fine.  Dave drove it home, and we just JUST enough time to get the tree up before supper and bed.

  

And right now, I am just reflecting about how God is so good, and in control, and taking care of us.  And these bumps in the road, and messes in our days, are such opportunities for him to show His Power and goodness through others.  Praise God.  And, thank you for the wonderful friends you have blessed us with here in Otown.

On that same note, I am feeling really down because 2 members from our small group, and really our best friends since the day I moved here, are moving out of Ottawa very soon L

I met Seth and Rebekah just 2 days after coming back here happily married to Dave.  Rebekah would know the exact day, because she remembers incredible things.  But, I am going to guess it was May 19, 2007.    We met at Eggspectations, a breakfast place downtown, and I immediately loved Rebekah.  She was a combo of people I knew, and had that friendly maritime vibe, with a few loveable quirks.  As did her husband, Seth.  Seth and Dave had been friends all year at Carleton University.    Dave and I have this horrible habit of categorizing everyone’s personality.  You’re either very Ontario, Ontario, maritime-ish, or SUCH a Mari timer.    And being from there... it is just cozy and awesome to us!   I probably shouldn’t have confessed that...  

 Anyways, they were my first friends here, and we spent a lot of time together that first summer.  We would play Mario party and eat popcorn out of our apartment for hours on end, and if we were really being fancy, we’d make sausages.  WE were so broke!  They also had us over to Seth’s place and we watched a lot of the Sens action with them the year they were in the play offs.  They rejoiced with us when we got Cooper, and asked if they could come over immediately to see him!   

 I should mention they were just engaged when we met, and so that first year in Ottawa we enjoyed getting ready for Seth and Reb's wedding. Showers, and tux fittings, and decorating and the like.  Even though busy, they always made time for fun and hang outs.    They enjoyed board games and hot drinks with us, and if you would have told us that in 5 years we would have gone from 4 to 10... I’m not sure we’d have believed you!

Rebekah and I got pregnant just a few months apart, and they were the first visitors to come and see Jesse.  Bringing dinner of course.  We were so sad when we found out that summer during our trip to the Maritimes that Rebekah’s mom had passed away from a hard fought battle with cancer.  And not only that, but just weeks before their first little girl, Naomi entered the world.   We visited them in the hospital, and tried to share our limited tips on nursing and slings and babies in those first few months. 

Jesse and Naomi

 

They helped us move to our townhome when Jesse was shy on 1, right around the time they moved into their new town home just 10 minutes away.  When I headed back to work that September, Rebekah was the one who watched Jesse for me, and then our second babies were born just one month shy of each other a few months later.  Jonah and Janna.  We didn’t plan it, or the names, but it’s been so fun, having kids the same age in each others lives.  

Later that year, we invited Seth and Rebekah into our small group from church, and got to know them on a much deeper and more spiritual and intimate level through weekly meetings involving prayer, bible study, encouragement, investment, and accountability....

baby dedication... lots of babies from the small group

Their third baby, Gideon, came about half a year before ours, and it didn’t stop them from being so generous with their time and possessions and energy.  Despite having 3 kids under 3, these are people who are always up for spontaneous visits, grabbing our kids to give us a short break here and there, dropping off unidentified cards with money ( I KNOW IT’S BEEN YOU GUYS!)  They have been so generous, and gifted us with their dishwasher when we needed one, an air conditioner, and have offered us countless things like these!   My favorite picture frame on the wall....

Mostly, they are just such KIND and loving people.  Always up for anything, always smiling, and honest about who they are, and where they are in life.  They have been through a lot of loss in various ways, and yet have persevered by God’s grace.  In just 5 plus years of marriage they have produced 3 kids, moved around Ottawa several times, lost loved ones, switched jobs, finished schools,  had their families move away to Russia/Australia, etc.  And now, they are the ones moving...at pretty much the same time they are expecting baby 4!!! 

We were very excited to hear about little Potter 4 this past summer. Due February 2014.   We were also pumped to hear Seth had gotten into training for a GREAT job.  However, it involved completing 4 months of intensive training a few hours outside of Ottawa.   This was exciting for them, but it’s been hard on pregnant Rebekah, who remained in Ottawa, with her 3 kids under the age of 4.  We’ve done our best as a small group to surround her with meals and company and help with the kids and babysitting dates, but nothing really replaces the loneliness for your spouse.  Seth has made it home on weekends, but they go by so fast, and then Rebekah has, yet another, week to tackle on her own.   In circumstances where I have done a week or 2 without Dave, I just about went crazy.  It’s the doing dinner and bed time on your own each day that is the worst, I think.   Rebekah has done 16 of these weeks!!! Four to go!

Today, was “posting” day.  The job would require relocation somewhere of several posts in Canada.  Seth was in the middle of the picking order in a huge class of trainees, and had a top 10 list made carefully with Rebekah. They’d been doing their research on various areas available, decided on priorities, and consulted me asking info about Woodstock, NB.   It was one of the choices, and growing up just 10 minutes away, I was able to give them lots of details.  It made it onto their top 10 list, and when Seth had his turn to choose today, it was available, and so he chose it!

The Potters are moving to Woodstock!!!!  I am so excited for them.  I think they will like the maritime vibe once they get used to it.   I am a bit jealous.  I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to raise our kids in New Brunswick, to smell the piney trees every day, to breathe in the fresh and OPEN air.   Seriously.  

The biggest feeling today, though, is that I am just sad.   They have been with Dave and I along our entire Ottawa adventure!  Not just as witnesses, but been so involved in it.   I will miss them SO dearly, but am thrilled we’ll be able to see them every summer, and happy for this new job and great little town for them. 

Seth and Rebkeah have never lived outside of Ottawa.  They have never been to Woodstock.  They have no family, and NO connections there.  They are moving, likely, in the dead of winter just a month before she is due with a new baby.  It’s a new job, it’s a new world.   I know many of my readers are from NB.  IF any of your are in that area and want some lovely friends with 4 lively kids, DO get a hold of me, and I”ll give you their digits.  I’m sure some friendly faces and visitors would be such a blessing in their new adventure.  Plus, they are going to NEED SOMEONE to come watch their kids while she gives birth to baby 4!  I bet they’d even pay you  ;)

Well, I should be on my merry way.  Going to sit by the tree, and take those moments to breathe and be thankful.  Thanks for reading.  I'm out. 

ROBYN ELISE at 1!

Robyn turned one yesterday.

I have been doing that thing, all week, where, you remember exactly what you were doing at this time a year ago.  Somehow, I remember lots of details surrounding the days of the birth of each of my kids.  And of course, the laboring experience.  Robyns is by far the most vivid.  Perhaps because it was the most recent, or maybe because I went all natural and it was more intense and I have replayed it in my brain more....but I can remember it so clearly!  I will NOT rehash that story, but  at this time, last year, I had been home from the hospital since noon with the baby....out for groceries with the new family of 5... done some cleaning and laundry, and settled in for an early bed time.

Well, the year with Robyn has flown by, as they always, do.   I am so thankful for the health of my little Robyn, and the wealth of smiles and joy she brings to all the members of our family.  She started out as a mellow little newborn who slept and ate like a champ, and has remained so happy and stable!  She is BY FAR the easiest child I currently have under my care, and spends much of her day just wandering around the house finding things to play with, watching her siblings act crazy, or hanging out with me in the kitchen. She loves to be around people, and wrestle with her daddy and Jesse.  She likes to push Janna’s buttons by taking her toys or pulling her hair and watching her freak out.  She loves to pet the dog and make funny noises at him.  She likes to come and sit by my feet in the kitchen and play with Tupperware while trying to sing.  And she likes to scoot over to whatever newcomers or guests we have with us, and just stare them down for long periods of time.    As much as she seems to love being around the action and people, I ask Jesse several times a day, “ Hey- where is Robyn?”  And he runs off to find where she may have wandered off to.  Sometimes she is playing in the closet with shoes... or tucked into a corner looking at books... or trying to break into the dishwasher to steal knives.  She is very good at entertaining herself and independent as well.   Or maybe, she just revels in a bit of space once in a while. 

 

What we all love most, though, is her eager smile and ready laughter.  The way she actually hugs our necks when we pick her up, or pats our back, or just plants a wet one on our mouths followed by happy gurgles and sometimes snorts.   The way she bolts over to Dave when he lays on the floor and belly flops onto him, or giggles endlessly at Jesse’s antics.  I could go on and on, about this special and lovely daughter of mine, but I will end with a quick list.  Cause I just love a good list!   Happy Birthday Robyn, we love you!  

ROBYN AT 1

Weight: 17 pounds.  Long and lean

Teeth: 4 on top, 4 on bottom

Words:  mama, dada, hi, dog, ya, star

Hair: Oober blond, and growing slowly and surely

Walking:  Almost!  She takes little sets of 2 or 3 steps all the time.  She finds crawling faster, though, so prefers that  and always uses one leg to pull herself forward faster

Favorite song: Twinkle Twinkle little star.  She always bobs along and tries to sing.  Gets the word star in there when I sing it

Favorite activity:  Trying to catch up with the kids running around the house, and wrestling with daddy

Favorite food: Lasagna ( just like momma)  Not a huge fan of fruit

Favorite book:  Poor third child, rarely gets read to individually...but likes to come and slap the pages when I read to the older kids and point out tiny things like flowers or stars.

Pet Peeve:  Her earrings snagging on a toy, ripping off, and me pinning her down to put her back them back in.  OR, being taken out of the bath tub.  She LOVES the bath and just about drowns herself every time she gets in there.  I have to hang on for HER dear life. 

Napping: She is trying to drop one of her 2 naps, but I am discouraging it.  Right now, we are trying a short morning one so she’ll still sleep in the afternoon with the rest of the kids

Sleeping:  Goes to bed around 6:30, and does 12 hour nights sometimes, but often wakes up once around 4 am for a quick feed and back  to sleep until 7.

Thanks for reading.  I’m out!

when God sends poop

Frayed. That is how I feel.  I looked up some synonyms and the results were:  worn, tattered, un ravelled.  Those are all good words too.

The week has been rough.  A 48 hour stomach bug crept it’s way into the house starting with Janna last weekend.  Sunday and Monday it wreaked havoc on my poor little sweet Janna.  Monday and Tuesday it came after Jesse.  Tuesday and Wednesday my defenses fell (although, thankfully, not with the same intensity as the kids) and Wednesday and Thursday Robyn joined in the fun.   The POOP!  The cleaning.  The laundry.  The tears.  The night time wakings.  What a stinky and dirty blurrrrr....

There have been a few fortunate things I must comment on.   Firstly, Dave took a half day off as a personal day and surprised me at noon.  I may or may not have called the school and burst into tears???  But, when he asked if he should come home, I said, “no” and meant it.  But, that he did made me feel sooooo loved.  He sent me to bed, and then out of the house for some fresh air while he cleaned and took a turn with the mess.

Secondly, the extra kids I keep, found alternate arrangements of care for the week.  So, I only had my brood to deal with.  One of the families even dropped off a casserole one night to lessen my work load.  How sweet is that?  Also, I had a neighbor take Jesse out for a few hours yesterday on her bus run.  He was happy to get out of the house and meet some new people and get a change in scenery.

That is the hard thing about sick and contagious kids.  Nobody wants to come near you.  Understandably.  And getting out of the house is, likewise, not the fairest to the world.  And, with this stomach bug, we really needed to be NEAR a bath and toilet at all times.   It got a bit lonely. Especially since Dave was away.   That was the main unfortunate thing,  Dave was away for 3 days on a teaching conference.  So, I really was bound to the house, with the full work load pressing hard and heavy.  And missing my partner in crime.  No- I could never call Dave a criminal.   My partner in love :)

The second of the unfortunates is that my house is FREEZING!  We called the townhouse people earlier in the week when we didn’t suspect the furnace was doing it’s job.   They came and inspected it, and replaced the filter.   After that, we felt more air pumping through the house, but still not warm.  SO COLD in fact, I thought maybe I was getting sick as I couldn't beat the chills. 

Well, today, after having the actual heating people here for most of the afternoon and into the evening, I was happy to have confirmed I’m not crazy or sick.  The furnace, was, just pumping out air: not heat.   After several hours of stomps through the house and banging and in and out and in and out, I was hoping for good news- especially since they totally wrecked my freshly mopped and sanitized floors.   Bad news.  The universal switch won’t work on the model of furnace we have.  They can’t get the part until Monday morning.  So.... a cold house for another few days.  Oh well.  We’ll save a few dollars on heating costs, right?  I’m digging deep here to be positive!

But!  Tomorrow, is a new day.  The kids all made it through the day with solid poos and happy tummies.  Robyn is a teething machine, currently, and so was a bit wrecked.   But, we have a full family back in the house tomorrow, plans to be made, cabin fever to beat, and HOPE.

Thanks so much for reading.  I’m out. 

Octover (That is how Jesse pronounces it)

It’s the middle of the month, and so it seems appropriate to squeeze in a few minutes before bed time to crank out a quick blog.  I have an extra 4 kids joining my crew for the rest of the week, and so I doubt there will be much time or energy after those days!  A colleague of Dave needed child care for his 3 kids whose normal provider is on vacation.  So, I thought to myself, 7 kids in the house...it will be crazy...but it could be fun... and it will help buy some Christmas presents!  I’ll do it.

Anyways, I am getting ahead of myself here.  October has been beautiful in Ottawa!  It’s been sunny and up in the high teens most days, and we’ve barely had any rain.  The kidlets and I have been spending as much time outside as possible.  Usually we do a morning walk and long play at the park, and then back out to the front yard to play after naps and snack in the afternoon.  I can’t believe in just a months time it could be TOO cold to play outside... 

We enjoyed a week long visit from Nana Vance, as well, and she was a great listening ear for Jesse who was her shadow all week.  He would literally follow her around wanting to help her with every single thing she did.  It became their routine for him to help her make her breakfast every morning.  He only burned his hand on the frying pan twice!  Then they would sit and he would color while she ate and then she’d join him for a picture.  Quite cute.  Sharon did my laundry while she was here, and she took one of the kids out of the house each morning, which was nice for the kids to get some one on one time with their Nana, and a bit off my load.   The nicest thing, was that she cooked a huge supper on the weekend, plus ordered pizza, PLUS had Rob bring up a lasagna as he drove in for the weekend to say hi and fix some things on Katie’s car.  So, we had leftovers for 4 nights after they left.    

We had a pretty good thanksgiving weekend.  It was a bit busy.  IT started off on Saturday morning with a 7 am grocery shopping trip while Dave watched the kids, followed by some house cleaning.  Dave was playing guitar for church which takes up some extra time with practicing on Saturday, and then my brother, his wife and 3 month old ADORABLE niece, Parker, came up for a visit and supper.  Our Sunday started with Sunday school, church, followed by naps, and then we hit up the Darrin, Leah, Cameron and Abby crew for dinner on Sunday.  It’s always great to see this family, as I nannied for them the first year I lived in Ottawa.  Their kids, then 3 and 5, are now 9 and 11!  They whisked Jesse and Janna down to the playroom and entertained them for most of the night while Dave and I actually got to have some grown up conversation while bobbing around an overtired Robyn.

Monday, I decided to cook my own turkey and ham feast, mostly because I wanted leftovers all week. I had gotten a taste of that the previous week with Sharon, and I must say it was INCREDIBLE not to have that task looming at 5 on week nights.  We had previously agreed that Dave would spend the morning marking, and the afternoon was slotted out to do our annual hike at the jack pine trail.  So, I tackled the whole meal WHILE watching all 3 kids, and had it on the table for 1pm.  It was quite the feat, and my list of when to start each component was what saved me!  Plus, some pretty great kids!   They did very well at entertaining themselves and playing with one another for most of the morning so I could work away in the kitchen.   Lunch was great, and all the leftovers filled my heart with joy as I filled up the fridge..

We met up with some friends at the jack pine trail after naps.  This is our 4^th year going there on the thanksgiving weekend.  It’s just the nicest little trail for a short hike for kids.  Colorful leaves on huge trunks, a little boardwalk over a marsh with ducks, and several birds waiting to eat right off your hands.  It’s beautiful, and one of my favorite little places tucked in  just a 5 minute drive from our house.  Each year, the trip has ended with somebody sobbing.  The first one was Jesse I think, the next one Janna, the next one BOTH o f them.  I remember trying to get to the exit last year and being 8 months pregnant with Robyn, having contractions, while Dave carried a sobbing Jesse and Janna out.  Our friends asked us, “ And so WHY do you like coming here every year?”  Anyways, it’s all just part of the fun now, and we fully anticipated somebody falling or getting tired by the end, and the question to be asked was simply, WHO?

Well, I was totally shocked.  Robyn is by far the most easy going and chill of my kids.  Hands down.  But, she was THE one!  The crying, fussing, pooping, get-me-outta-here one.  At one point we changed her bottom on the forest floor to see if it would help.  Nope.  I even hiked while nursing her for a while to see if it would help.  Nope.  She was just not having it.   Oh well, it was fun all the same, and I love watching the changes in the kids each year.  Jesse was climbing things this year, and Janna insisted on getting right in there and exploring TeePees and hopping off every rock we passed. 

Robyn has not been napping in the afternoons all week.  She has been doing her morning nap, fine, but just not sleeping during the afternoons.  I’m not sure what is up with that, but she is much too young to be morphing from the 2 to 1 nap... so I’ll just keep trying.  She has been a bit grouchier than usual, on account of that, but that doesn’t say too much.  She’s still QUITE pleasant.  She also, has been standing up without any help here and there over the weekend, and so who knows when she'll be walking!  Dave thinks in a month.  I hope NOT, and am hoping she holds off for at least a few more. 

Anyways, that is all for now.  I hope everyone enjoys the rest of this stunning yet cozy month.  I have Halloween costumes to get cracking on, and that is the next BIG and exciting thing Jesse is all geared up for.  Actually, he has been geared up since LAST Halloween and has spoken about it all year long.  So, I hope it’s not a disappointment!  He has chosen a clown costume, and so that should be cute and fun.  Thanks for reading. I’m out!

CHrissy  

and we're on our way....

So..... It’s almost the end of September, and time for a quick blog!  I was right in my assumption that I would have FAR less free time on my hands with watching the extra kids.  But, I have found myself with some spare time today.  Currently, Robyn is sleeping, and Jesse is having a snack beside me.  Dave is out getting new glasses with Janna (for himself NOT Janna).  We picked them out last night during our new weekly goal “Friday night date night.”  Oddly, the store didn’t have their optician in last night,  because she broke her ankle that afternoon, and nobody else was able to fill in.  So, we picked out the frames and lenses and got the process half way done, but he has to go back in this morning and do the final measurements with the optician and payment.   They are really nice glasses!  Totally different from his last pair.  More timeless looking as they are pretty tiny and rimless, and you can see his gorgeous blue eyes much more clearly than his current chunky black trendy (5 years ago) pair.  I can’t wait for them to arrive.     

I’m far too pooped to do much this morning, so typing seemed like a good activity.  The weekend seems like such a golden time compared to the craziness of the week these days, and I really feel like singing and dancing come 5pm on Friday. It’s been 6 weeks now that I have been providing childcare.  I feel like it took about that long to adjust! Jesse had the roughest initial start with the change in schedule and home life, I had a few hard weeks in the middle, and Janna saved her adjustment challenges for the past couple of week.   Robyn has been fine all along! Maybe hers is still to come??

Anyways, it took me some time to figure out a few things.  Getting to know the kids was one big thing.  I now know who I have to watch for what, and what works and doesn’t work for the different kids I have here.  Another big thing was that I had to tweak my daily routine a bit.  I found I had stuffed a bit too much into the day, and so I have adjusted a couple of things that seem to help a lot.   Nap time was another issue for one of the little ones, and finally, 6 weeks in, he isn’t screaming his head off during nap time. Getting those issues under my belt, and just accepting that my house isn’t going to be as clean as I want it, were key in helping me adjust.   Dave has also been really supportive and amazing. It took me a while, but I am at the point where I feel good about my decision, and am enjoying the days much more than I was at first.

My kids really like having the extra friends around.  On Thursdays, Jesse whines when he realizes that nobody extra is coming over for the day!  Although, he proceeds to fully enjoy the time with just mommy and his siblings.  He also just about cries every Saturday and Sundays when he asks to do homeschooling and I tell him we don’t do home school on the weekends.  That’s a good sign, right?  So, he seems to be at the point where he is embracing the new deal, and doing well with it all.  He and the 3.5 year old I watch Tuesdays and some Fridays have REALLY hit it off, and so it’s wonderful to see him developing such a great friendship. He starts skating lessons in a couple of weeks with Daddy, and is pretty pumped about that as WELL as Halloween.  He decided early on that he wanted to be a clown, and so we picked up a pattern a couple of days ago, and so there is NO going back now!

Janna, as I mentioned, has had the more recent struggles.  She has a love/hate relationship with the other 2 year old I have.  They love to play the same things, and sit and read books together, and can be very cute and silly together.  But, he likes to egg her on because she reacts so strongly, and she likes to scream at him, and then he likes to throw things in her face.   It has been good training ground I guess.  But she cries a lot on and off during the day for no apparent reason either than someone looked at her the wrong way!  As Dave says, “Oh Janna... you have emotions...”   We were talking last night about how scared we are for her teenage years.  One minute she is laughing and joking, and then the next scowling, then crying, then stoic... you just never know!  She tends to be a total angel one on one... and I feel guilty that she is experiencing some sort of middle child frustrations coupled with having to share mommy with extra kids.  Ah well... we’re working through it, and the golden age of 3 ( I LOVE 3!) is just around the corner.  For now, we try and see the funny and cute side in some of her struggles, and embrace all the snuggles and funny 2 year old antics.

Robyn is just steady old Robyn.  She is a fast crawler and cruiser, and plays so well on her own and with others.  Her and Janna have just started “fighting” over toys and such, and Robyn is so funny when she gets angry.  She just balls her fists up and shakes in anger while her face turns bright red for 2 seconds, then gets over it.  The size of her appetite is pretty epic, and she loves just about everything I feed her, except apples or apple sauce.  Actually, all 3 of the kids seem to be doubly hungry these days.  I feel like I might need to up the grocery budget a bit to keep up with their stomachs!

Speaking of stomachs, I’m hungry, so shall be off.  I hope everyone else has straightened out the bumps in their new fall times routines, and will enjoy all the October has to offer:  the weather, nature, Thanksgiving, Halloween fun, lots to look forward to.  Jesse’s nana is coming to Ottawa to visit for a week to kick off October, so he’s pretty excited for the month to arrive, as well.   Thanks for reading.  I’m out.  

BACK AT 'ER 2013

I had a wonderful back to school day, today!  My Tuesday brothers don’t start until next week, and so it was a relaxing and quiet (in comparison to 5) morning around here.

Anyways, my kids were all so happy and content and were so good just playing games, reading, and sharing with one another this morning.  Robyn started cruising along the furniture this morning, and so has had fun finding new things she can pull herself up to.  While she napped, the older kids and I got to work making a back to school cake together.  Janna was very serious about stirring in the vanilla, while Jesse was very serious about cleaning off the beaters

  After a quick trip into the store for icing and a few other odd groceries, we ate lunch, had story time, and everyone went down for their naps so happily and quietly. 

Jesse had quiet time for a bit over an hour, and then he came downstairs to do school with momma while the girls napped.  He was so excited he almost tripped down the stairs.  I had the materials we were working with today all out, and so we made a sign and took a picture to mark the start of the school year!

Jesse was SO good and serious about the whole thing.  We learned a memory verse today, sang a song, and talked about “attentiveness.”  We then did readings from 4 or 5 different books.    We talked about each of the readings and what was the same or different between the characters.  We did some “developing the early learner” activities in his work book, and started on pre-writing skills by introducing a bunch of large letter piece cut outs and playing with them together.   Big line, little line, Big curve, and little curve were quite the hit.  I loved spending this time with Jesse, and see him SO eager to learn and discuss and try new things.  It was really very special, and I hope that he continues to love this time each day J    I hope all you families today had some great moments during this memorable day of the year.  I’m sure there will be several ups and downs along the path, but kids are just so stinkin’ resilient, adaptable, and forgiving.  I’m amazed, daily.

Recently, several articles or blogs have been brought to my attention about how our kids love us, despite our imperfections.  That all moms and different, and nobody can be the perfect mom.  That while we often see in other moms WHERE they shine, everyone has weaknesses.   Sometimes we feel like we aren’t as good or got it together as others... or we can judge and tear down methods that aren’t our own.  It’s so true, and I’ve really just been inspired to try my best to accept my strengths and weaknesses.   While I can organize like a pro, and keep a ship sailing smoothly, I suck at other things.  I am horrible at laundry.  I don’t sort things and I don’t fold fresh out of the dryer.  I forget to spray and wash stuff.  Along with my kids having stained and faded clothes permanently, I am really bad at keeping them clean.  They usually have stuff on their faces or shirts when we are out in public and while I could just grab a wipe that is in my oober oorganized bag,  I just don’t care enough to do it.   I often forget to brush their teeth in the morning (thank goodness for Dave who makes sure they always get done at night), and I give them unhealthy treats at the grocery store to keep them happy.   On the health note, while I do aim for healthy meals and snacks, my kids probably eat frozen pizza or KD a few times a week.  These are just a few of the surface areas I struggle with, and that isn’t even the deep stuff. 

I mention all of this, in that I hope I never sound like I have it all together or know all the answers.  I want to be an encouragement to other moms.  I assume most of them are, at heart,  just as wiped, sticky, and depleted as I am.  I truly thank God for his daily grace and new mercies each morning.  I know He can give me all I need to make it though the days, and on top of that Joy.   I know he cares and lifts me through the rough days.   All the same, I know he works and speaks through others, and that our stories are intertwined.  And so, as a mom, as I encourage and uplift my kids, I hope that I can be an encouragement to other moms despite our differences in child rearing, priorities, and what we put on the table for supper.   I think it would be so great to put aside judgment and self-doubt, and speak love and encouragement into each other.   I’ve been writing out some fall goals for myself over the past few days, and that is one personal area I’m going to be working on this year. 

SO, enough about mommas.  Let’s talk about daddies.  Dave had a great day, as well, and we all enjoyed pizza for supper compliments of Nana Vance!   Dave got home to the kids playing in muddy water outside.  It started out as a science experiment.  Then an older neighborhood gal joined in and made it into some sort of game that involved certain ways of stirring or else you’d get “kicked out of the club.”  As Janna was breaking said rules, our neighbor exclaimed, “Janna will NEVER be kicked out of the club because she is such a little cutie” as she glared at Jesse and threatened to kick him out of the club. 

Dave and I have expressed some concern to one another about Janna getting a bit spoiled as people tip toe around her because she is so tiny and sweet (by times).  However, this morning, I had a bit of a reality check as my 3 kids were playing together.  They were all looking at books with me, and Jesse was tickling Robyn’s stomach and blathering on in baby talk to her, “ Oh you little cutie pie pie pie.  You are just so so sweet, you little girlie girlie.  I could NEVER EVER be mean to you!................. (long pause)  Just Janna.  But NEVER to you!”   Oh my land,  I had to try hard not to laugh.  Needless to say, Jesse will provide Janna’s dose of humbling material for her life, I think.

The kids continued to play the game, which  ended up with them all pretending to throw up into the bucket.  This produced INTENSE laughter, and then the spitting started.  It was here that I spoke up and asked the kids not to spit.  Our neighbor looked up at me with the saddest and more sincere eyes and said, “ But it’s for the customers!”  Kids say the funniest things.

Anyways, we got the kids in and cleaned and fed, AND enjoyed a homely, yet tasty back to school cake.  The kids were down and house tidied by 7:30, and now Dave sits at his computer putting in the necessary night time hours that are a teachers life.  

With that stunning photo, I shall be on my way.  I’m trying to get to bed nice and early when I have a full house the next day, so here I go.  Thanks for reading. I’m out.

New adventures

It’s a quiet Sunday afternoon, and Dave has the big kids on a bus/train trip across the city.  He had to return some library books to Carleton, and thought the kids would have a fun time doing the transfer from bus to bus to get there.  He is so courageous and adventurous... I would just take the van!

Robyn is scurrying around the main floor on all 4s.  She is crawling super fast now, and it is so much fun.  If she wants to come see me, she does! If she wants to be picked up, she’ll crawl over and start trying to scale my leg.  She is pretty good about not getting into things, yet.  She mostly crawls to the toys, sippy cups, kids or myself.  She continues to be able to play so independently, but loves a crowd around.  She is super wiggly, and doesn’t really like to be held for too long anymore.  Such a difference from Miss. Janna, who would stay in my arms all day if she could.

I have survived my first few weeks of watching other children along with my own.  The kids I had here, adjusted very quickly (aside from settling in for naps- but its getting better), and seem to love coming, so that is a huge blessing.  Janna and Robyn did great with the extra kids.  Jesse LOVED having visitors all day, but he was definitely the biggest challenge. He takes more time to adjust to things, and while he loves having people around, he really re energizes after time to himself.  So a shorter quiet time each day was a struggle for him.  Also, Jesse loves to talk talk talk.   He doesn’t quite realize that other kids are perhaps less conversational than he, and he can become easily frustrated when trying to have a conversation with somebody who would rather run around or just play.  But, it’s a good learning ground for him, and I’m sure with time, he’ll settle down a bit.

I have felt a strange mixture of joy and relief come 5 each day.  First off, I feel proud of myself.  That I not only fed and tended to 5 little ones, but that I managed to do art, story time, music time, and get them all to the splash pad and back in one happy piece!  It’s a ton of work, and that everyone ends their day mostly happy, fed, clean-ish, and with lots of playing and reading and an outing each day.... well, it’s a feeling of accomplishment.  Just my 3 kids, feel so easy to tend to once the extras leave.  And, the weekends feel so joyous and relaxed.

But, I also feel guilty.  A bit guilty that I don’t have quite as much time for each of the kids as before.  Dave keeps reminding me that it’s good for the kids to have other kids around but to be near their mom.  It’s good for them to learn they aren’t the center of the universe but still so loved.  That if they were in school or a commercial day care, they would get much less individual attention.  And he is right.  I think it’s just been a big adjustment going from the summer OFF with Dave, into watching 5 kids by myself.   I can’t believe that my mom, at one point, had over 17 kids in her care when she used to do day care when we were young (mind you- this was before licensing numbers, and some were just before or after school kids).    Maybe what I need to do is take on 17 kids for a couple of days, and then 5 will feel like nothing?! Please email me if you’d like to sign your kids up for this experiment ;) 

 I also feel guilty that Dave comes home to a less than bubbly wife, as I am just SO wiped by 5.  I feel so depleted of all energy and patience and think I look like a bit of a zombie.  I have actually had a few 8:00 bedtimes over the past few weeks.   Dave was so sweet, and the other night did a big pile of a laundry for me, and has been doing extra things around the house.  He has also given me his blessing to get out of the house if I need it once he gets home.  I know guilt is not a healthy thing, and so I’m trying to shake it, and just be grateful and know I’m doing my best, and that I might not be able to do all the extra things I did when I was on my mat leaves with just my kids.  And that is ok. 

Anyways, just a few things on my mind, so thought I’d shout them out there while I had a minute.  I’m looking forward to the official start of school next week, all the same.  We start on Jesse’s JK curriculum, it looks SO GREAT!  And will all enjoy our annual back to school cake on Tuesday as well.  I love how the nights are cooling off quicker these days, and the breeze is back in town.  These are nice evenings for after hour walks.  If any of you are interested in hanging out at my house while the kids sleep so Dave and I can get out for some much needed husband and wife time, you can also email me ;) and I can set that up for you! LOL.

Well, Robyn needs someone to play with.  I think she gets a bit bored when there aren’t a ton of little people running around to watch. SO, I should be on my way.  I hope everyone makes smooth transitions into your fall time routine.  I have no idea how I will make out with blogging this year, but will try and touch base a couple times a month.  Thanks for reading.  I’m out. 

Transitions. Child care. Homeschooling.

Well, Vance Tales is back in business, and I am officially relieving Dave of his summer blogging.  Dave decided to aim for one blog a week this summer, as one a day was too time consuming.  However, he found this approach really hard.  He likes to narrate details, and so looking at all the materials and pictures of ALL the family for a whole week was a bit overwhelming.  I think he decided that for NEXT summer he will go back to the daily format, but just do a “highlight of the day.”  I do believe, however, that he has one more post he is working on putting up by the end of the week.  It’s about our 2 week vacation back to the East Coast we returned from a week ago.

So, I won’t say a ton about it.  But, I will say a few things.  This year, I think we struck a good balance of catching up with people, spending time with family, doing activities, AND trying to relax.  We really could have just GONE GONE and GONE each day, but accepted that we wouldn’t be able to catch up with all our old friends each summer we are home.  Or DO all the activities on our list EACH summer.  So! For those darling people we would have REALLY liked to see and didn’t get a chance this summer: We’ll look YOU up next time J

I felt pretty sad about leaving NB this time around.  Even though the kids all seem to start to break down a bit approaching the 2 week mark, I just didn’t want to leave!  Most years I hit the point where I am ready for my own bed and house and to get back at things.... But, this year the open spaces, the piney breeze, the friendly smiles, and our dear families were just a pulling on my heart strings.  Anyways, it was a great 2 weeks, and we made some memories and had some great moments that I am sure will never fade from my aging brain.

So, we’ve been in Ottawa for a week now, and my time has been spent getting ready for the transition to fall.  It came a bit early as Dave went back to work on Tuesday, and I start watching children out of my home tomorrow!    I have one of my part timers start at 7:30 AM, along with his older sister.  She will just be joining us for a few weeks before her school starts, as well as a handful of PD days here and there over the school year.  This little guy will be with me Monday, Wednesdays and some Fridays.    Then, in September, I have 2 brothers starting with us on Tuesdays.  And then in October, one little guy who will be here one day a week...switching between Wednesdays and Fridays.  They are all wonderful kids from AMAZING families that are looking for a Happy and Christian Home with other kids to send their kids just a few times a week. 

So, this week, I have been putting into practice the fall routine with Jesse, Janna, and Robyn.  I waffled between many daily schedules and I am sure this will need to be tweaked, but here is the run down for the upcoming days.   It is all printed out and posted on each floor of the house, and I am interested in seeing how things will go!

DAILY SCHEDULE

7:00-7:30 Breakfast

7:30-7:45 Kids dressed/teeth/faces/diapers

7:45-8:15 Daily chores

8:15-9:15 Free Play: Basement Play Room 

   (Babies nap 9-10)

9:15-9:30 Organized game

9:30-10 Art

10:00-10:15 Snack

10:15-10:30 Bathroom break/diapers/Outdoor prep

 10:30-11:30 Daily Excursion (Park, Friends place, Library, Ikea?? It will depend on the weather and day, and kids moods, etc.  On the couple of days where there are 5 children, it will just be a close by park as we won’t all be able to squeeze into the van)

11:30-12 Wash up from outdoors- bathroom if needed- then TV Show while lunch is prepped

12-12:40 Lunch

12:40-12:50 Story Time

12:50-1 Bathroom/Diapers/Transition

1-3 NAPS (Older kids: Quiet time for the first hour- Second hour homeschooling for Jesse. Older children welcome to join in listening to books, etc)

3-3:15 Music, dance, exercise or sensory activity (will depend on the day and kids ages/ moods etc)

3:15-3:30 Light afternoon snack

3:30-3:45 Bathroom/Diapers/Transition

3:45-4:45 Outdoor Play front or back yard.  We will go out in all weather conditions EXCEPT for extreme heat/cold/winds etc.  In the case of severe weather we will play in the basement playroom for the last hour of the day

As you will notice, Jesse starts his more formal homeschooling soon!  His 40 pounds book box came Fed Exed on Tuesday, and he was SO excited.  It was adorable.  After lunch, the kids and I spent almost 2 hours poring over the books and a few activities contained in this magic box.  Here they are checking out the goods

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I really wasn’t expecting such the fuss over my decision to homeschool our children from friends, family and strangers.  Most people have a fairly negative reaction, and, if positive, continue to question my methods, qualifications, and the social impact I am putting on my child.  In fact, the other day, in the parking lot to shoppers a woman made the comment about how busy I must be with the kids.  After asking the ages, she asked what school Jesse would be going to in the fall.  I told her I was homeschooling, and she engaged me in a 15 minute Q and A!  Are you qualified?  How does your curriculum match up with the provinces? How are your kids going to be socialized? How long does it take a day?   Will you be introducing letters?  Will you teach your kids to read?

WILL I TEACH MY KIDS TO READ?!?!  I wanted to say in a SUPER serious expression, “ I don’t believe in reading.  That’s why I am NOT sending my kids to school.”

Mostly, it’s kind of funny how people just don’t seem to understand AT ALL while on earth I would want to spend the whole day with my kids.  That I will go crazy.  Why wouldn’t I catch a break if I could?   While I don’t look down on the education system, or the majority of the population who DO send their kids to school, It’s just that I DO actually WANT to have more time to spend with them while they are so young, influential and mouldable.   I want to guide their moral and educational instruction.  I want to know their strengths and weaknesses and have the time and knowledge to guide them through these.   I want their days to be based around the home, starting with a leisurely and non rushed breakfast that does not involve them getting out the door by 7:30.  I want them to have hours outside each day to play. I want to teach them how to clean and cook and contribute to family chores. I want them to have unstructured time each day to be creative and learn how to use their imaginations and entertain themselves.  I want them to be able to go into their rooms and decompress each day during a quiet time.  I want to be able to welcome Daddy home with supper almost on the table and eager, rested kids.  I want them to have evenings free from homework, and time to spend with their dad.  I want to be able to take a beautiful sunny day off of school if we want and go for a hike.  I want to make birthdays “holidays.”  These are just a handful of things I will throw out there. 

So, I’m very excited to start up his curriculum come September.  It’s about an hour of instruction each day, and so the plan is to get it done during the second hour at nap time for the other kids.  As the woman at Shoppers said, “ Well.... I suppose.... in Kindergarten...by the time the teacher gets them all seated... and then lines everyone up.... and then .....and then..... they probably are only REALLY learning an hour of actual material.   It’s more about learning the way school works and socialization and everything.  But what about friends? ”     (and I must just interject here and say here: GOD BLESS Kindergarten teachers. You do a great job with all those kids and working in all your objectives.  I have GREAT respect for teachers of all ages and stages)

So, I may as well answer this question of socialization while I’m blogging.  Jesse will be put in group things.  There is swimming and soccer and Sunday school and Awana and play dates and his siblings!  He gets plenty of chances to interact with other kids, especially in our neighborhood as there is often a few, if not a dozen, kids running around.   Also, there is a fantastic homeschooling association in Ottawa.  Everyday there are other homeschooled kids who may together for a science experiment, or recess, to go skating.  There are even tons of group courses you can register for, where your child is dropped off for this or that for so many weeks to be taught by another parent in an area of expertise.  It could be a short lecture, gymnastics basics for 8 weeks, a science fair, a 12 week photography course.  Lots of things to do and chances to interact in larger groups.   There is a stereotype of the homeschooled kid who is socially awkward and may be ill at-ease in large groups. And sometimes that plays out, and sometimes it doesn’t.  But, honestly, my goals and hopes for my kids are NOT that they would “be cool” or “be great in a crowd”  There are far more important things I want to try and teach and demonstrate for them, that just wouldn’t be taught in school.  How to esteem others.  How to forgive.   How to be a peace maker.   Not that I will have a daily lesson and activity on such BIG heart issues...but I will have SO much opportunity with all those minutes spent with them over the days, playing, eating, working, and schooling to see where their heart it, and try to shepherd it in the way it should go.

So, a busy year ahead!   But, I feel so thankful that I am able to stay home with the kids.  That God has provided the kids to watch along with my crew so we can make ends meet financially, AND the kids have new faces to interact with each day.   So, wish me luck tomorrow.  A new adventure begins J