sweet

'What will your obituary say?' at QuizGalaxy.com

May Long

Ahhh...there's nothing like a May Long Weekend. Sitting out on the beach, with blankets wrapped around your legs, toque covering the head and mitts on your hands enjoying the beautiful SNOW falling on the ground. Gag!!! Snow! I can't believe it's stinkin' snowing!! My furnace just cut in, I'm freezin!

This is so not how a long weekend is suppossed to be!!

girls week

This week is officially my girls week out. Meaning just Keziah and I are home right now. So far, it's had it's ups and downs. It appears that neither of us sleep very well when Daddy isn't here with us and we don't eat very well either. Actually I suppose that depends on what you call "well" as I am eating my 2 favourite things: ice cream cake and macarooni.

Thankful

Lately I'm becoming more aware of things. More aware of how fortunate I am to have 3 happy, healthy children and the fact that I had no problems getting pregnant and delivering them. Last weekend I was at my brother's place in Melfort and Jill, my sister-in-law, was telling me about this little guy that she knew who was born with some sort of bone disorder. I don't know exactly what it is, but she said that his bones are very brittle and brake at the slightest movement. Shortly after he was born his parents couldn't figure out why he kept crying. After numerous tests they found out that he had broken his leg and arm. So they had to go to Regina to set them and on they way back from the hospital he broke his other leg. Jill said that the mother can't nurse the little guy or burp him or anything. All they can do is lay him on the floor and just watch him. How sad. My heart aches at that and all I can do is pray for them and the little guy.

A friend of mine has 4 children and her youngest is named Elisabeth. This is the latest e-mail from her...

Hey there. I don’t know if most of you remember about a year and a half ago I sent an email about a heart condition Elisabeth has, it’s called an Atrial Septal Defect. We have been for 2 check-ups since then and yesterday the doctor told us that open heart surgery is the only option and he wants it done this year. So we will be going to Edmonton Children’s Hospital to get this done probably late summer or fall. We have been praying for healing constantly and will continue to do so. So if you think of her send up a prayer. I know God has protected her throughout her life so far with this condition. Most children have recurring chest infections, she has had none. And there can also be problems with growth etc. but she is a very healthy girl. So thank you for the prayers sent so far on her behalf and we will keep you posted as to the exact time of her surgery. Thanks for your prayer support. God is in control, I know that and trust that He is with us and will be with the doctors through the surgery. Thanks for your prayers.

Elisabeth will be 4 in September.

NOW

Awhile back I saw this ad on TV for this NOW show. It was hosted by Phil (from Amazing Race, which is one show that I would LOVE to be on and I think Steve and I would win, or at least come in top 3. Aim big right?) and I just think he has the coolest job, so I thought it would be neat to check it out. The whole idea stems from a near death experience and how we should be thankful that we are alive and therefore not "waste" the time we have. N.O.W. (No Opportunity Wasted). The fact that it's coming to Canada I think is the coolest, 'cos so rarely do these shows allow Canadians to apply. I'm just excited.

Anyway, so after this near death experience Phil made a list for life (which I'm sure you've heard of in one form or another). I just spent a few minutes checking out the site and now I'm wondering what my biggest fear is? If I had 72 hours to do something for someone (or the world), what would I do? What would I put on my list for life? I was reading one and I kinda chuckled. This woman's biggest fear was dying before she had the chance to model. Yeah....... But I guess it's her fear, however whacked it might be.

So I'm going to think about this for awhile and I'll get back to you. In the meantime, what are some of yours?

better

After my last post, I fed Keziah again, then went for a run. The last song on my MP3 player was one of my favourites. It was just what I needed.

Video by India Arie
Sometimes I shave my legs and sometimes I don't
Sometimes I comb my hair and sometimes I won't
Depend on how the wind blows I might even paint my toes
It really just depends on whatever feels good in my soul

I'm not the average girl from your video
and I ain't built like a supermodel
But, I learned to love myself unconditionally
Because I am a queen
I'm not the average girl from your video
My worth is not determined by the price of my clothes
No matter what I'm wearing I will always be India Arie

When I look in the mirror and the only one there is me
Every freckle on my face is where it's supposed to be
And I know my creator didn't make no mistakes on me
My feet, my thighs, my lips, my eyes; I'm lovin' what I see

I'm not the average girl from your video
and I ain't built like a supermodel
But, I learned to love myself unconditionally
Because I am a queen
I'm not the average girl from your video
My worth is not determined by the price of my clothes
No matter what I'm wearing I will always be India Arie

Am I less of a lady if I don't wear pantyhose?
My mama said a lady ain't what she wears but, what she knows
But, I've drawn a conclusion, it's all an illusion, confusion's the name of the
game
A misconception, a vast deception
Something's gotta change
Don't be offended this is all my opinion
ain't nothing that I'm sayin law
This is a true confession of a life learned lesson I was sent here to share with
y'all
So get in where you fit in go on and shine
Clear your mind, now's the time
Put your salt on the shelf
Go on and love yourself
'Cuz everything's gonna be all right

I'm not the average girl from your video
and I ain't built like a supermodel
But, I Learned to love myself unconditionally
Because I am a queen
I'm not the average girl from your video
My worth is not determined by the price of my clothes
No matter what I'm wearing I will always be India Arie

Keep your fancy drinks and your expensive minks
I don't need that to have a good time
Keep your expensive car and your caviar
All I need is my guitar
Keep your Kristal and your pistol
I'd rather have a pretty piece of crystal
Don't need your silicon I prefer my own
What God gave me is just fine

I'm not the average girl from your video
and I ain't built like a supermodel
But, I learned to love myself unconditionally
Because I am a queen
I'm not the average girl from your video
My worth is not determined by the price of my clothes
No matter what I'm wearing I will always be India Arie

nothing

Nothing is more depressing than having nothing to wear. Then in a moment of defeat, going to a store to try on clothes 2x bigger than what's all in your closet, and still not finding anything that fits.

I think I'll go on a starvation diet for the next year.

da do run run run da do run run

Last Thursday I hauled my lazy, sluggish bottom out to Summit Physiotherapy to join a Learn To Run class. Once there I was quite glad to see 5 (including myself) Mom's from Mom's Morning Out. Last fall we had a session at Mom's about fitness put on by some of the staff at Summit and they put a plug in for this Learn To Run class. So, whether or not they were there b'cos of that class, I don't know, but I secretly (altho' I guess not so secret anymore) took a little pride in the fact that I, at least, would not have been in that room full of women, if it had not been for Mom's. Cool.

The class itself was alright. I think it should be interesting as the weeks go on. I'm glad I have some knowledge of breathing techniques and posture that I've oozed off of other people in the past. That's right, I used to be in peak physical form! You can't really tell by looking at me today (especially in my jazzy, new running pants I bought on the weekend - eek!!) but back in the day (over 10 years ago) I was firm in all the places I'm not now. In highschool I was on the soccer team and my french teacher was a long distance runner, so she would take us out after school for cross country runs (and I mean cross country! Those runs went FOREVER!!!) and give us pointers on breathing and posture, so that we wouldn't tire ourselves out. For some reason I can remember eating Oh Henry bars every day before I ran. Oh to be young again... Then I got interested in cycling. I'll add that I got more interested in cycling b'cos of a hot guy after I was already interested. So you can't say that I did it for a guy, b'cos I didn't. That was how I got interested in guitar (which is a completely different story). And at the height of my cycling "career" I was training with the Sask Team for the Junior Canada Games. We went to Utah and rode hills in the rain. I'd like to say it was awesome, but instead will settle for "it was an experience". As we all know, coming down was way easier than going up. Then to top off my physicality, I decided to try out for the RCMP. Passed the first written exam but when it came time to get my sight and hearing checked, having failed both and not having the $5000 to fix it, I dropped out before actually taking the Physical exam.

After that I got married and had little time (or need ha ha ha) for cycling, running or any sort of weight training. Shortly thereafter I had children and had even less time. Until now, and for some reason, I have even less time, but the "lipids" (as Steve likes to call "fat") on my belly are growing and stocking up and so I feel that something must be done and done soon. So this Thursday I will return to my running class, having done my homework (of running 3x a week) and I will feel great for it!!

At this time I'll post a picture of me standing on a hill with my hands on my hips wearing my jazzy new pants with a cape (b'cos that's cool) blowing in the wind.

But I don't have one.

Lucky for you.

the sum of it

To sum up the type of day I've been having I'll just say that I just got back from dropping supper off at Dixie's only to find out that I had locked my keys in the van. Luckily, the back door was open so I was able to remove a carseat and climb over the back seat enough to reach over and unlock the sliding door. After crawling back out I opened the sliding door and grabbed my keys and let myself back in.

I think a good drink is in order for tonite.

Vanderbaby

A huge congrats to Marc and Dixie on the birth of their baby girl Olivia Kate. She's a cutie! Well done you two!

those days

Today is one of those days where I feel like I could be The Hulk. I think Steve is in that zone too. It's probably just 'cos we're over tired. Hopefully.

I should probably go take a nap.

First health lesson

Yesterday Matthias called out from the bathroom "Girls don't have pee pees". To which I replied, "yes we do, they're just different." To which Callah hollered from the kitchen table "yes I do!" And then Matthias once again replied, "no you don't." To which Callah again hollered "yes I doooooooooo!!!!!" (the girl likes to argue VERY LOUDLY) I then decided to intervene and went in to tell Matthias that we do, they're just different. "Boys have a penis and girls have a vagina." I explained. He repeated the information I had just handed out.

A few minutes later we were sitting at the table eating lunch when Matthias once again said that girls don't have pee pees. I reminded him that we do. "Do you remember what Mom told you earlier? Remember? Boys have....?" He replied, "penis". "And girls have....?" I asked. Then Steve, in his infinite wisdom, says "I told him that girls have 2 bums."

I stopped. Laughed. And then asked him, "can you say vagina?" To which there was no reply.

Anyway, that was our first health lesson.

Today was our last Mom's meeting. I'm relieved in a way, simply because I don't have to get up anymore. There's still lots of planning to be done for the fall which means lots of work I should be doing. I'm also sad tho' to see Mom's done. I really do enjoy my Tuesday mornings. It gets me out and gives the kids a chance to hang out and play with different kids. This year I got to meet alot of new women who I really enjoy talking to and hanging out with. I hope if they have more babies, they'll once again grace our group with their presence. To those of you going back to work, take 'er easy and keep in touch. Those of you staying home, I really hope to see you again at Mom's in the fall. On May 8 we have our final wind-up out at the Little Red. Start praying for nice weather and we'll see you (hopefully) there!

Man I'm suddenly extremely tired. So I'll finish with this. We're having another Mom's Golf Nite. Last year we went to Silver Hills and had a total blast. This year we're going to Fairview and then heading out for snacks/supper afterward. It's Thursday May 24. Tee off time is 6:30 pm so we need you there by 6:15 at the latest. If you're interested let me know. Club rentals are $4 or if you know someone else going who has a set, I'm sure we can share (we're not that professional!). Like I said, last year was alot of fun and I'm sure this year will be also. Hope you can come!

Chow!

could this be it?

We're going on 3 nights now of 8 or more hours between nightly feedings!!

tease

Last night Keziah slept for 10 hours btween feedings. I know it's just a tease, but I'm still excited. Now if only the rest of the family had co-operated in her efforts (for my xtra sleep) it would have been sweet dreams for me. You see I thought it would be a treat to make some popcorn for the kids. We'd cuddle up on the couch and watch a movie. Steve was out in the garage working on his baby (I'm going to go on a side-step here. Before we were married Steve had this Landcruiser. To be honest it was one of the things that attracted me to him and I love it as much as he does. This baby will never leave us - or rather, we will never leave this baby. It's great. The roof comes off and it's such a thrill to ride it. We should seriously charge $ for rides. It's just awesome.) with the baby monitor hooked up to the TV so he could hear our heroes play their game while he worked.

It was going great until Callah started playing with the stove controls. I didn't realize she had had them on that long until she started screaming bloody murder. To cut to the chase she was up till 10 pm crying with ice packs on her hand. This morning she has a nice coil imprint to show for it. (This morning her accident prone self continued and while jumping on the bed she fell and slammed her chin on the windowsill biting her lower lip.)

And actually that was it. Matthias stayed up till 9 pm to comfort Callah. Keziah, after being fussy all day, had finally fell asleep. The only other thing that kept me awake was the thought of looking for a babysitter for Saturday night.

Oh well.

*yawn*

Let's see what tonite brings.

A running thought

This just cracks me up. My Dad used to tell me stories of how him and his buddies used to fart in a can and then light it up. Crazy juveniles.

Anyway, today Keziah is 5 weeks old. Lately I keep referring to things in weeks. She's 5 weeks old. Last week was Easter break. This week is the Covenant Annual Convention at our church (which just means that it's going to be busy chaotic). Next week we have our first parent meeting at St. Anne school for Matthias and I start a learn to run class. It's also the last week of April. Then it's May. Mom's Morning Out is finished. Keziah will be almost 2 months old, which means she's halfway to 4 months and that excites me b'cos I usually start Pablum and formula when they hit the 4 months stage. And at times it seems like each day is taking forever, but when I look back I'm like "gee...she's 5 weeks already!" And of course, you want them to remain small forever b'cos that's when they cuddle and appreciate you.

Anyway back to my running thought...so May. May will fly by 'cos Steve is leading a youth event in Strathmore, my parents bought a cabin so I may actually get to be in a cabin for a May long weekend for the first time ever. Party!! (yeah rite, c'mon here. I'm under 30 with 3 kids!!) Then before ya know it it'll be June and June always holds the promise and preparation for summer camps. July will soon follow and if it's anything like last year we had a camp every week followed by 2 weeks of summer "vacation" and this year we have a "family" (I say " " because it's on a side of the family that really has no relation to us) reunion in Weyburn (of all places) in August. And then it's September.

Sigh.

The next few months are just going to fly.

One day at a time Lisa, one day at a time.

Outta my mind

I'm kinda actually bored altho' I know there's no way that's humanly possible as Matthias and Callah are doing laps behind me in the basement shrieking bloody murder over who hit who and I think I hear Keziah waking from her nap in the distance. I feel like my eyelids could be held open with toothpicks and I'm starting to count down the minutes to my afternoon nap (approx 96.5).

Steve is going to S'toon for a day and a half and for some reason the thought of being home alone, for the first time since baby came, makes me feel kinda scared and depressed. For the first time in a long time, I'm making a mental note to do nothing but rest in the hope of keeping everyone's sanity while he's gone.

And so knowing there's tonnes of stuff that I should be doing, but I'm mentally telling myself to forget (altho' it's kinda hard to forget about feeding screaming kids) I'll leave you with this picture of what I want to look like in the future. The guy in front, that's Steve. Ooooh yeah...that'll be so sweet (only I'll have a whip!).

New Addition

Bonnie had this 'Motivation for Moms' on her blog and I know more often than not, it's little stuff like that that can make or break a day, so I thought I'd add it to this blog. Hope you enjoy the little motivations as much as I do.

Thanks Bonnie.

"she's so good!"

Lesson learned : never talk about how well your baby is sleeping. She'll do the exact opposite for the next few nights.

emotional

The other night Steve and I watched Blood Diamond. It was a good show, but not in the "that was so cool, I want to watch it again" kind of good. It was more of an eye opening kind of good. The kind that make you think kind of good. Know what I mean? DiCaprio's accent drove me crazy (do Africans really talk like that? Saying "yuh" after every sentence??) but otherwise the acting was good. Djimon Hounsou was awesome as usual (I have yet to see a movie that he hasn't been great in). If you want to watch it skip to the next paragraph, if you have no intention keep reading. One of the things that hit me was the story line following the son. The rebels (and I could totally be wrong on who's who) kidnap his son and make him join their force, meaning make him kill his own people. I'm just amazed and shocked at how they can do this. How they can make children, no more than 10, fire machine guns and kill women, children their own age and babies? At one point in the movie they have these kids saying their new "names" to the general (or whoever) and one of the boys says "I am baby killer". I know it's only a movie, but I know that this stuff has really happened and is still happening in parts of the world. How can we be so messed up? What is wrong with humans? It reminded me of Hotel Rwanda. Another one of those good, makes you think kind of movies.

Anyway, I recommend it. Then while blog surfing I came across this on Peggy's blog. You'll need a kleenex (seriously) if you want to check it out. I've been getting a few of these in my e-mail and pictures of troops and stuff. This war is so beyond stupid. Again, what is wrong with humans?

In baby news, last night we had our first really rough night and I know I should be napping right now, but there's just so little time in the day to do stuff that I enjoy (one being catching up on the blogging world) and so here I am, sitting at the computer, half baked.

And finally, I know I haven't written about Mom's lately, but tomorrow is our final Marriage Talk. Wendy Demers will be speaking and she's been married for 25 years. These talks have been awesome so far and I'm sure this one will be no different. It's been good to hear how we all have our troubles and really, are no different than anyone else. Kinda comforting.

Oh yeah, in case you care, our house is a COMPLETE mess. That's what happens when your basement is leaking in opposite sides of the house and you decide to repaint a bedroom and install laminate in 2 bedrooms and the living room. All in one week!! Yeah!!

Nursing baby

Yesterday when I was nursing Keziah, Matthias came and sat beside me on the couch. He had brought one of their baby dolls. He lifted his shirt and brought the doll's head to his breast.

"I'm feeding baby too Mom!"

I was too busy laughing to correct him. I'll have to remember this story for when he grows up and gets married!