Farewell to the 2009 Cmas Tree

Look how green that tree is...

We cut 'er down on December 12th and sent 'er back to the forest on January 24th! That's a month and a half!!!

Previous years the kids have tied the tree to the back of the go-kart and dragged the tree to the forest.

January 24, 2010

We have been very fortunate to have both Nolan and Grayce participate in the "DARE" program at their school.

In grade 5 an RCMP officer comes into the school for 10 weeks and teaches the children about "Drug Abuse Resistance Education".

At the end of the program the children have to write an essay about their commitment to stay drug and violence -free.

Grayce's essay was chosen to be read aloud at the graduation ceremony.

Footie Pajamas

I had always thought one of the milestones of the children growing up was when they could no longer wear blanket sleepers.
I've never seen them bigger than 4T. Then a saw a photo of my friends daughter who is 14 wearing some!! I asked about them and sure enough, in the States, they even come in adult sizes!! Strange. Anyways I was thrilled and made a mental note to pick up a pair next time I went "down" (for Bethany, NOT me). My friend spotted these on her next trip to Target and picked up size 4/5 and 6/6x for us (on sale for $6.50 a pair!). So here they are - modelled by my BIG GIRL. sniff.

Fun with masking tape

This is NOT how I discipline the children. Honest.
Nolan did this to himself while the girls and I were at the corner store. That was in August 2009.
Fast forward to January 2010 - and a new roll of masking tape - Bethany thought it was fun and funny for about 30 seconds.

Poem/Prayer of St. Therese de Lisieux

May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow you soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise, and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.

I drew you a cheese stick mama!

Bethany drew me this gorgeous rendition of a cheese stick. Then she preceded to tear it out for me. I'm still not sure how a girl with dairy allergies even knows what a cheese stick looks like......

Streaker

Before Christmas Grayce asked if she could get her hair streaked BLUE. I told myself I would not overreact when this day came...so I casually suggested that she save her money and buy the brush on (non-permanent) kind. Well, we have new designs, new streak effects each day! I have discovered that my Mary Kay eye makeup remover works wonders on removing this blue stain from skin (and counters, and floors...) Who is the fool who suggested this!!??

January 11, 2010

Nolan successfully built a hoverboard!! He started with an old DVD and a balloon and then found the instructions for this on Youtube!! The video we got yesterday shows the pride and joy on his face - this is a photo the next day (today).

December 15, 2009

December 15, 2009

Today I’m thankful for:
1. The honey lid landing gooey side UP on the floor.
2. Sis. Arnold calling to check that the children’s and my needs would be met this Christmas.
3. Bethany telling me everyday “I like you and I love you...” and today she added, “...and care about you.”
4. Substitute teachers. I didn’t go to work today. There was freezing rain all over the highway. I let the older two stay home from school too. Grayce and Bethany slept until 10, I stayed in bed until 11 and Nolan rolled out around 1pm.
We’re staying off the roads today. Precious cargo. Everyone of us.