A Spectacular Weekend

I hope you all had a good weekend! I think despite the rain, wind and clouds our weekend was overly enjoyable! Our yout group had a photo scavenger hunt down at the street fair, in the rain, on Saturday. They all had a good time and we had lots of laughs over the photos! I saw some of you out there braving the weather. I hope you all had a good time too! Then we hit the free Tom Cochrane concert over at Prime Ministers Park. Yup...that brought back alot of memories from the past. You know you're old when all these kids today have never even heard of Tom Cochrane, and you know all the words to his songs! Sheesh...that put me in my place, but it was alot of fun.
Sunday, I did my best to please my husband. I can say this knowing he'll never read it, but I STRONGLY believe that guys get PMS too. Yesterday was his day. He should've been relaxed and soaking up the attention. Instead every little thing the kids did seemed to irritate him. It was not a relaxing good day. It did seem to get a bit better about 4 p.m. when we headed out to Founder's Day on the riverbank. It wasn't so much the activities, but rather the playground at Riverside School that released some steam and some tension from his shoulders. It was good once again. We ended the day by hitting the fireworks, which are a personal favourite of mine. If there was such a thing as a firework groupie, where all they did was travel around after firework displays, I'd be there!
A busy weekend had by all. I hope your household had a good weekend. It's sunny outside now and the forecast for the rest of the week is nice and hot. I pray that you'll be able to get out and make the most of the nice weather this week! Summer is officially here!!

Good for you!

Last night I was talking to my husband about something someone said that really rubbed me the wrong way. It was as if they were saying that being a stay-at-home mom is a second rate job. I just got the feeling that money was a high priority for this person. I think if more people put less priority on money values and more priority on family values, this world would be such a better place to live. If you choose to stay home even tho' your bank account is hurting, I applaud you! I used to wonder if I should get a part time job to help out financially a bit. So I did. I got a job at Shanannigans coffee house. The job itself was great. 4 years ago, before I was married and started having kids, it would have easily been my dream job. For some reason, I just didn't feel right tho'. So I only worked that once. I figured out that for now, my job is at home with my kids, supporting my husband. It doesn't pay much, but the rewards are priceless!! I get to nap in the afternoon and eat cookies with milk for snack! How many jobs do you know of let you do that?
Here's a little theme song that a friend of mine wrote about us Homemakers. I hope you enjoy it! Feel proud that you are a chosen few!

Sigh...

I once had the opportunity to live off a small island between Vancouver Island and the mainland. It was great. I could walk from my house to the beach and listen to the ocean in like 2 minutes. I tried to take advantage of that everyday, 'cos I knew I wasn't going to be there for very long. I was there from September to December. Maybe b'cos it was autumn, I'm not really sure, but I hear it's like this most of the time. Rainy and cloudy and downcast. It got really depressing after awhile and I was only there for 3 months! We need sunshine for sanity sake I think! So if this recent BLAH kinda weather is getting you down, take a few minutes to mentally picture yourself sitting on a beach. Imagine the warmth of the sun beating down on your skin. Your in the warm zone. Make yourself a pina colada or iced tea with one of those little umbrella's in it. (It's kinda funny, the song "wake up to the sun" by Limblifter just came on as I'm writing this. It's a totally "sitting back and enjoying summer" kind of song. Very cool.)

Anyway, I'm sure it won't be this dreary for much longer, and if I'm wrong, call me up and I'll make you a pina colada with a little umbrella in it. We'll apply the sunscreen, sit in our beach chairs, start the little propane heater and enjoy our "summer" together. Remember misery loves company, so call a friend over. Trust me, it will make you feel better!

Good Boy!

I never knew I could get so excited over someone going pee in a potty! Finally my son is catching on! This is great! I'm so excited!!

I'm a good mom!

Well I don't know about you but it's easy to get in a slump. You do something wrong then condemn yourself for it then continue the cycle until that's all you know anymore. I read something that said you have to verbalize what it is you want to be true. Say out loud, "I'm a good mom!" and slowly you will become just that. I was doing a bible study 'Believing God' and she said at one point Satan finds out your worst fear and sets out to confirm it. He can't read your thoughts but he can watch your actions and words. If he sees you doubting your calling as a mother or your ability he will pounce on it and set out to confirm it. By speaking out loud things you want to be true, you will discourage attack in that area. Say "I'm a good mom!", "I love my husband.", "He is a babe!", "I love my children.", etc. The spoken word is so powerful, let's use it for good.

Thoughtful Weekend

I wonder if anyone ever reads this. Sometimes what seems like a good idea can totally turn around and hit you in the butt. I guess in a small way tho', this has been kinda therapeutic. Writing down my thoughts helps sort out my mind.

This past weekend my husband and I took 8 kids from our Youth Group to Strathmore for a youth conference. It's something we do every year. However this was the first time I've been able to go. The team behind the conference try to get the weekend as meaningful as possible for Jr. Highers (the age group allowed to go to this specific conference) while still attempting to make it meaningful for leaders as well. This year they did something different and had stations set up around a gym for the kids to go to. There was a prayer station, a "Dear God," station where the kids could write notes to God, a foot/hand washing station, a "Letters from God" station where the had scripture written all over a table and a "sin-giving" station where the kids could throw black paint against a white sheet of drywall symbolizing them giving their sins to God. It was really cool and very well done. Definately something that impacted both kids and leaders. But there was something else. Each year they take an offering. This year the money was going to a group called Childrens Hopechest. They showed a video clip and one of the leaders had been to Russia and seen first hand how the program worked. It all got me thinking about my own children. There are so many unwanted, uncared for, and needy children all over the world. What right do I have in bringing another child to life when there are so many others who could use my help and would die to have a mother's love? It all pulled at my heart strings and I started to cry. Does anyone have an answer? Why does God allow this to happen? Are not children innocent in His eyes? The video said that there are over 800,000 orphans in Russia today. When they turn 15 or 16 they are released from the orphanage and sent into the world to make it on their own and "survive". I don't remember exactly all the stats, but I remember that only 10% of those "released" make it and survive. Roughly 60% commit suicide, 30% turn to prostitution. It makes my heart ache. If this even makes your heart quiver a bit, there are many ways that you could help. Ask your church about sponsoring a child. I started sponsoring a child 10 years ago thru Compassion Canada. There are groups that sponsor thru World Vision. I encourage you to look for an organization that suits you. Be thorough in your search and find out exactly home much of a monthly donation goes straight to the child. Or if sponsoring isn't your thing, pray. It's amazing how a simple prayer can change a life.

May God be with you and your family this week!

The Sound of Silence

This morning I went for a jog out at the Little Red Park. For those who don't know where that is, it's across the river on the Highway towards Nipawin and Candle Lake. Just 5 mins. out of town. I love going there. My parents used to live here in PA, and one of the things they missed most, when they moved away, was the Lil' Red Park. So I always try to take advantage of all it has to offer, while I can. As I was saying, this morning I took Gus (my brute of a dog) and we went for a jog. The sun was shining, the wind was keeping most of the mosquitoes away and everything was silent. As I was running I tried to pay attention to the stillness. Listening for the sound of the wind moving the tree tops. The sound of the birds singing and squirrels sqeaking (or however you spell that!). Nature and the outdoors can be very soothing and a GREAT way to relieve stress. So I encourage you all to take advantage of something great that PA has to offer - Little Red Park. Take your kids, take your husband, take a friend or just take yourself. Drive out there and walk, bike, run or just sit at one of the many fire pits. Reflect, think, pray. There's tonnes of awesome nature trails in the back area if you take the first exit (towards Pinegrove, but keep going straight instead of turning right). If your still a bit nervous about getting lost, you can pick up trail maps at Fresh Air Experience or the lodge in the Park.

Lack of wisdom and a whole lot of PMS

This past Wednesday I got my 2 right wisdom teeth pulled. Maybe I'm a bigger softy than I thought, but my head still hurts. It feels like I've been hit really hard in the right jaw. Not that I know what that feels like, but it hurts. So I'm continually popping Ibuprofen, which helps out with the next fact...PMS.

My husband can usually tell when I'm PMS-ing. This week however, I gave him the heads up before he got the chance to say anything. In my opinion I've been really good this week. Last night tho' I'd say was the worst. I had a conversation with my Mom that didn't go as well as I would have liked. I'm not sure if I was reading too much into it, or if she was just unwilling to help out. Anyway, it didn't end great. Then the emotions kicked in and I felt like crying. To make things worse, the whole problematic issue needing help seemed to somehow get 10x worse than it actually was and my husband, Steve, say's "don't worry about it." By now we're getting ready for bed, the lights off and my jaw is starting to hurt. Dead silence. I have all these thoughts racing thru my head, and I'm waiting for Steve to say goodnite before he falls asleep. Silence. Finally I say,"fine then. Good-nite." and roll over and start crying. Of course now that I'm telling someone this, I feel like a complete loser. It's amazing how our emotions can get the better of us. This prompts him to take on his psych-voice and ask me what's wrong. I say my jaw is hurting and all I can think about is the problem next weekend. He proceeds to tell me again not to worry about it. God will handle things, and he rolls over and falls asleep. This irritated me more than ever. Here I was fuming mad, with millions of thoughts running thru my head waiting for the Ibuprofen to kick in and he, so easily, rolled over and fell asleep. Just like that. I decided it was my duty to toss and turn and make as much noise as possible, trying to get comfortable. It was to no avail, as his body started to twitch (which it always does when he first falls asleep). Eventually the drugs kicked in and my mind settled down and I fell asleep too. What a night.

I'm thinking the PMS has to be over soon, and the pain in my jaw should go away. Then life will get back to normal once again. Hopefully your week was much better. And if not, if your suffering from a PMS week, well I'm praying for you. The week is almost over!

Happy Mother's Day!

Hope you all have a great day! Here are some stories and quotes about Mother's. Enjoy!

Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever. -Unknown

I can't seem to copy and paste stories, so you're gonna have to look some of these up. Sorry.

"What the child says he has heard at home." -African proverb

"Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother." -Lin Yutang

Here are some more good Mother's quotes

A Mother's Prayer

Dear Lord it's such a hectic day,
With little time to stop and pray,
For life's been anything but calm,
Since you called on me to be a mom.

Running errands, matching socks,
Building dreams with building blocks.
Cooking, cleaning, and finding shoes,
And other stuff that children lose.

Fitting lids on bottled bugs,
Wiping tears and giving hugs,
A stack of last week's mail to read,
So where's the quite time I need?

Yet when I steal a minute Lord,
Just at the sink or ironing board,
To ask the blessings of your grace,
I see them in my small one's face.

That you have blessed me all the while,
As I stop to kiss that precious smile.

Finally, you can check out the Celine Dion song "A Mother's Prayer"

Friendly Conversations

The other night I went to a going-away/prayer/party party. It was alot of fun. We laughed, we cried, we talked, we ate. It was all good. It was the first time in awhile that I was able to really enjoy myself and not feel like an outsider of sorts. So thank you, ladies, for letting me be a part of that evening!

New Colour

I'm sorry, but the pink was getting a little too "pinky" for me. I've added some links to the side there. Hope they work. If anyone has any comments or questions, please feel free to do so!

Thanks!

So much to say

I'm stoked. I have the new Avril Lavigne cd (surprisingly very good and clean) playing on the stereo, my belly is full, the kids are napping and the husband (or as a friend likes to call him: my first husband) is gone to the church for an hour. The house is mine!

Last weekend I bought a new pair of swim shorts. They're a little tight. I believe however that I still have a few months anyway to fit nicely into them. It seems that every year around this time, the female population is thrown into a tizzy about weight and the impending swim-suit season. Sadly I'm one of those females. I'd like to think that I don't put alot of pressure on myself about my weight, but as my husband looses weight, I feel that I must as well. To me, there's just something not quite right about weighing more than my husband. At the Mom's Nite Out awhile back when we went to BP's and bowling (by the way...would anyone be interested in doing that again??) someone said that they thought it was so cool when they hit the 200 lbs. mark when they were pregnant. After having the baby, however, it wasn't that cool anymore. I laughed when I heard that and it still makes me smile when I think about it now.

So this morning I went for a run out at the Little Red Park. I love going out there. Usually I take my bike and my dog, but this morning I felt like running. I used to be a track runner when I was in high school. I loved the feeling of being near death (or so it felt) in the heat, sweat dripping all over. To me there's something about that feeling that makes me feel alive. I wonder what happened? This morning I think I nearly did die. I ran for about 7 mins before nearly collapsing on the trail. My dog, bless her, came over as if urging me on. I couldn't do it. I had to walk the rest of the route. I'm determined however, to beat that trail, and fit nicely into my swim shorts!

So if you are like me and dreading the upcoming season of skimpiness. Take heart in knowing that God made you how you are, but He also wants us to take care of ourselves. So grab a buddy and get active. Yesterday I simply walked over to Kinsmen Park so my kids could get some exercise and fresh air too. It was great! I'm always looking for someone to get active with - if your stuck give me a call! I'd love to go with you!

Later!

jogging buddy??

Beginner jogger looking for same to start jogging. Carlton track or Little Red...either or. Or someone who's into mtn. biking out at the Lil' Red. That would be great too. Leave a note in the comment section.

Thanks!

Terrible 2's (and 3's? and 4's??)

Up until about a week ago, my son (who as previously mentioned is 2 yrs 7 mos) has been as close to an angel as humanly possible. He's been a real joy and help to have around. Always adorable, always polite and well...just overall great. I'm beginning to wonder if it was maybe something he ate, 'cos all of a sudden he's turned into a little "no" monster!

*SIDE NOTE* I'm currently writing this at my parent's home in Regina, where my sister just got peed on by my 9 month old daughter. All I can do is laugh...

Now where was I?? Ahhh yes...my little he-monster. All of a sudden he doesn't want hugs or kisses. He says "no" ALL THE TIME. He's stomping his feet. Yesterday we took him to the "Tot's Cafe" where they have all sorts of toys for toddlers to play with while the mothers drink coffee and he was a little monster. Pushing kids over and stealing their toys, he'd hold the door to the playhouse closed so no-one could get out of the play house. He was a little monster! I miss my angel of a 2 year old!!

So I guess I'm sending this out to all you Mom's who have lil' monsters of your own. Personally I just have to remember those times when he used to come and get kisses and hugs before bed. When he'd ask to help make cookies and pick up his toys without being dragged, kicking and screaming. When he'd skip and jump instead of stomping his feet to the tune of "no! no! no!". And I'll have to peek in his room at night more often so I can remember how innocent and peaceful his face actually is.

I pray that you all have a great weekend (as great as this cold weather can allow!) and for patience and loving hearts as we face our little monsters every day!

Chow!

Things I Love

I love it when my daughter (who is 9 months) cuddles up against my chest.
I love to watch my son (2 years, 7 mos) run ahead of me on the path.
I love when my son says "Mom" over and over and over...and over.
I love how my daughter's belly hangs over when she sits down.
I love when my son says "I love you" at night before he falls asleep.
I love how my daughter's nose wrinkles when she smiles.
I love to watch my son sleep.
I love it when I nap beside my son and he puts his arm around me (which looks so uncomfortable for his little arm around my big neck).
I love to watch my husband play with the kids on the floor.
I love to listen to my son sing to my daughter when they first wake up in the morning.
I love to listen to them laugh.
I love it when my son gives my daughter a big hug, and in the process they both fall over.

I love my family.

What are some of the things that you love?

One word

Dentists....the word still makes me cringe after all these years. I have nothing against them personally, I have friends who are and work for dentists. There's just something about what they do. I'm saying this b'cos I was at the dentist this morning and my teeth/mouth/whole head really....still hurts.

Anyway, that's all I have to say about that.

Ahhhhhhh!

Does anyone else feel totally irritable lately? I don't know why but everything has been making me frustrated and annoyed this week.....month....s... Anyways, just a note to myself and everyone else, even when you think "Why am I doing this?" know that somewhere somehow it will make a difference in how our children view life, family, love, everything. I know for myself, I had better snap out of it or my kids could end up thinking "Mom's always grumpy". So, here's to us mom's doing the hardest job on earth, and quite possibly the most rewarding. (I know I need to remind myself of that!)

Calling all Mom's...

I've had this idea in my head for awhile now. I've talked to a few other people and they think it has the making's of a cool idea. So here's hoping and we'll see how it goes. However, I'd rather not do this on my own, if you'd like to be a joint "blogger" and add your cents worth, let me know and I'll gladly add you to the site as a member.

I'm going to make this short and sweet as I still have to think of something to make for tomorrow morning's potluck. I have no idea why I always leave this sort of thing to the last second. It's like I'm just trying to tire myself out. Anyway, I hope you all have a restful sleep and we'll see you later!

Holiday

If your anything like me, your just about going crazy right now. It's been so cold for so long, the kids are running around the house just trying to blow off some of that energy that needs to be spent. The baby's crying 'cos she has a cold, your husband is outside trying to fix the vehicle that won't work in Arctic weather and all you want to do is crawl under those warm covers of your warm, soft inviting bed.

Well good news! Mom's Morning Out starts up again on January 18, 2005 at the Prince Albert Alliance Church at 9:30 a.m. You deserve a break! So bundle up and hope to see you there!

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.