Happy Birthday to a Real Jewel

I just wanted to send a little love out to my sister today who just happens to be having a birthday! She's a little messed up though and thinks for some reason that she is turning 34.

She's not. But I think she's gotten her age wrong for the past few years - so let's just let her go with it, shall we?

Happy "34th" Jewel!!!

In honor of her birthday I wanted to share with you some of the things that make Jewel special to me .   

First there is -  Jewel the COOK:

I have to say Jewel's cooking ability started out sort of rocky. My first memory of her in the kitchen was as a kid when she had the great idea to make home made corn chowder. Here is what it consisted of:

Milk.
Corn.
Salt and Pepper
The end.

Despite that, she has fortunately become a most excellent cook/baker. I mean check out this cake she made me for my birthday this year. Jewel is ALWAYS making something yummy and luckily, because I live a mere block away I get to enjoy some of that.

Some of my favorite dishes she makes include her yummy buns. Her REAL Home made corn chowder, her chicken noodle soup and she makes The. Best. Scalloped Potatoes. I'm not exaggerating when I say that each and every pregnancy of mine has been made endurable because of the meals she'd bring to my family on a regular basis. You'd be surprised at how much love can be packed into a simple casserole!   I remember particularly one evening during my most recent pregnancy.   The kids were at the table eating and I was in bed whining.  Down the hall I could hear Abby's voice ask Dad where the yummy food came from, to which John answered - Auntie Jewel.   After a brief pause Abby said, "that auntie Jewel sure does take care of us!" 

Jewel The Aunt:

I feel sorry for all of the little kids in the world who do not get to have Jewel for an Aunt.    She just has this way with kids.   Not only does she go out of her way to treat all of the kids in her life special but she can get them to do anything ANYTHING with out even having to ask twice.    (I wonder what that would be like)   If I tell Abby to practice the piano - no dice.  If Jewel tells Abby to practice the piano it is as good as done.    If I try to get medicine into a sick baby - no dice.   Jewel manages to get it in them without even having to SIT on them or anything.   I could spend 5 months trying to potty train my kid - no dice.   Jewel just has to ask nicely and it is as good as done.   It actually really bugs me sometimes.     Just kidding.   Well, no I'm not.

Jewel the MOM:

When it comes to motherhood Jewel knows how to do it.  She is always finding little ways to show her kids she loves them.   I mean, how many moms do you know that will catch a snake during a morning run and carry it home to her daughter?    I obviously don't understand what love is, because I would NEVER do that!    One of the things that I really admire about Jewel is how she incorporates traditions into so much of what they do.    Every celebration is a big deal to them.   AND her kids happen to have the most creative tooth fairy EVER - and I'm starting to wonder if Jewel might have something to do with that too.    

Not only is Jewel a great mom to her kids, but she also plays a Mother like role in my own life.   Ever since my mom passed away - Jewel has filled those shoes in a lot of ways.  When I am sick - she takes care of me.  When I don't know how to do something - she does it for me.    When I need advice - she has the answers.   Have I mentioned that I'm glad I live down the street from her?

Jewel the CRAFTER:  

Jewel is addicted to sewing and is constantly whipping some cute thing up to give to some lucky person. Without Jewel, we'd never enjoy home made pickles, salsas, jellies, relish, peaches, and pears.   Without Jewel, my son would not have a black superhero cape to wear as he rids the world of chaos.   ...Or I suppose - creates chaos.   

I guess if there was one thing I would complain about in regards to my sister it is that you absolutely Can NOT watch a movie with her.   She talks through the entire show and begs to be told what will happen before waiting to see for herself.    The last time I watched a movie with her was when we went to see twilight.   And believe me - that is the LAST TIME!   

  As a kid I really resented the fact that she was the one who got to be named Jewel.   I always had to hear other people say, "Oh.  You really are Such A JEWEL!"   

Hearing this usually made me ...well...want to throw up.

But that's only because  I was jealous. 

Because the truth is - she IS a JEWEL.    A real live bonafide "Jewel."   One of the definitions that I found of the word Jewel was this:

"One that is Precious or Treasured."  

Yup.   I think that sums it up!

Happy Birthday!

Flush the toilet, Put the Seat down and CLOSE the Door!

I realize that the last post I wrote was all about my boys, and it appears as though it may be a little heavy on the male half of our family this week as well. I'll try to share a little bit about us girls first. Hmmm, let's see how has my week been. Well, between the double sprained ankle that just won't heal (though probably would if I'd stay off of it), the possibly broken toes (I swear it they are broke!), and the never ending problem with my stinking burning RED eyes, I've had a really swell week. And when I say swell - I mean as swell as can be when you look like Cruella Deville. Luckily my disposition has matched my appearance, so at least I'm balanced.


Abby's week has consisted of way too many cartoons, piano practicing (finally!), play dates with friends, and too much conversation that sounds a little too teenage for my liking. And what is with her sleeping in?


I could write about Jessica as she usually is the sweetest one. However, earlier in the week a neighbor of ours so generously offered to take her swimming, and of course it only makes perfect sense that Jess would chose that day, that time to go and pooh in the pool! I think they had to close the kiddie pool entirely! Sure, "accidents happen I know". I'm afraid though, that anything good she did this week was quickly forgotten in light of that. Now anytime she asks if she can go anywhere I always say, "No. Because remember that time when you pooped in the pool?" I plan to stop holding that over her head. One day;)


I'm happy to report that the biggest fencing job that John has ever undertaken is officially complete! I stopped by towards the end of it, to try to get a picture but I could not fit the entire project into one frame.

This job basically consisted of removing an old fence, posts and cement from three different properties and then building those neighbors a new fence. Thankfully he hired out some help for the worst parts, and true to his promise he finished just three hours shy of his self proclaimed deadline. He said Two Weeks and by george he DID IT!

John is a hard worker/perfectionist, which happens to be something about him that I loved back when I was first getting to know him. I don't know if people who hire him will ever really know how much behind the scenes work he puts into building a fence, though John would say that's not what matters. I may or may not have complained a time (or two) as he wrote estimate after estimate, drew map after map, and made phone call after phone call just to prepare to begin working. Days worth!

This time around, he spent a couple of days in search of the best latches he has ever used, that would go on each gate. Latches that he learned about while working at Classic in Edmonton years ago. They are three times more expensive then any latches at your typical home building store - but according to John they will ensure that the gate NEVER sags. Not for years and years to come at least.

And who cares about their work lasting for all of those years?

Well John does. In fact I don't think he would ever settle for being or doing something that was just mediocre, and I'm learning to not fight it and just admire it. (Though I may not have felt that way as I was driving across southern Alberta trying to pick up those ever so valuable parts.

So there you have it. Just one more fence built - that is pretty much guaranteed to outlast the millenium.

Just a little break in this post about my boys to highlight these little apples that have popped out on our tree. If I had the energy, I'd pick those and turn them into something yummy.

Instead, I pick them and put them on my table for decor. Which is also nice;)

Maybe next year.




This past week was Sam's Birthday and I have to say, I just love it when birthdays come around. Birthdays in this home serve a very important purpose to me. Like Christmas, Easter, and visits from the tooth fairy - birthdays serve as a means of leverage. Take this week for example. For days, every time I heard Jessica cry, or every time Sam called someone his new favorite mean name/term of endearment "Dumb Rat" I was able to officially call OFF his birthday. This would immediately result in hugs and apologies followed by atLEAST 5 minutes of absolutely golden behaviour.

It was actually pretty touch - and - go as to whether or not he'd actually get to even turn five this year! Because, as far as he knows - I absolutely do have the power to "call off" his birthday. Just one of the perks of motherhood I suppose. But love and mercy prevailed and we now have a very happy little Five year old boy on our hands.

We took him out for lunch on Saturday and I could not believe how many times he played with his glass of water! I mean he was practically trying to swim in it. That said Sam and Water have always been a deadly combination.

Which makes me question the super soaker that he got as a gift. Oh heaven help us!

Just a little story about Sam. This evening he was picking on Jessica (life as normal around here), and I sent him to his room. As I went in to talk to him, I asked him why he so often chooses to be mean to Jess. Sam's response was, "I don't know what is wrong with me. I try to be good, but it is NO USTE!" We went on to talk about things and after a few minutes Sam said, "I know why mom. It is because I don't like church and I don't think about Jesus as much as I should." I actually think we had a breakthrough with that conversation.

Great. I'm so happy to know that I have a 5 year old HEATHEN on my hands!


Speaking of busy little boys. Our little Nate continued to surprise us this week. He is barely 9 1/2 months now, but he sure can move. He is no longer content to sit still and has to be where the action is. Always. He skuttles around the house now upright and holding on to anything around him. On a couple of occasions we've even caught him taking an unsteady step or two, though it is nothing we are willing to encourage at this point. We've learned far to well, that once a kid learns to walk - it is game over.


And look at this, he seems to have the same interest in water that his brother Sam has.

This has given rise to the newest most important rule in our house.

"Flush the Toilet, Put the Seat down and for Heaven Sakes CLOSE THE DOOR!"

It shouldn't be that difficult should it. Without fail though, I will have barely sat down to elevate my ankle or something incredibly selfish like that, when I hear the sickening sound of little 9 month old hands splashing away. This usually is when a five minute debate breaks out as we try to decipher just who exactly broke the newest cardinal rule!

The fact that Nate actually understands that he has been banished from all bathrooms, has made his determination to make it into one that much more fierce. If we even open the door for a moment, he comes racing around the corner on his hands and knees with eyes fixated on the end goal.


I suppose I look like the mean mommy all across the board this week, and my kids would surely agree. But hey I'm the mom. If I don't keep them from pooping in pools, acting up in restaurants and contracting E-Coli, who will?


No really - anyone? I'm obviously not doing a good enough job!

How my Boys Inspire Me

This past week Nate has seemed to grow right through the baby phase and straight into Toddler Stage!  He babbles non stop, shakes his head at everything, and seems to get a kick out of seeing me hurt myself in some clumsy way.   I don't know-  sounds like a toddler to me.     At one point I was working in the kitchen and turned around to see Nate, just standing there smiling at me!

He was proud of himself for sure - and now continues to stand any chance he gets.  

And to prove he's becoming a big boy - his beautiful happy smile is now sporting TWO handsome little teeth!

Nate has been such a fun baby to have in our home, and toddler or not he is a good natured little kid.    Without a doubt, the thing people say most about him  is that he is such a HAPPY soul.   He really is smiling most of the time.  (As in,  pretty much always.)

 Nate INSPIRES me to SMILE more - even when I don't feel like it.

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Yesterday morning,  I was giving Sam the usual before church lecture, which basically consists of me trying to warn/bribe him to behave well during the next three hours of meetings.    The conversation went something like this:

Me:  So Sam - Is it ok to talk when your teacher is talking?

Sam:  Yeaaahhummmmaahhhh...NO!

Me:   Good.   Is it ok to be rude to your teacher or anyone at all?

Sam:  Yeahhhummmmm.....NO!

Me:  Good.   Is it ok to call the other kids names?

Sam (in an exasperated tone as he rolls his eyes at me):   I know.  I know.   No calling them "stupid head" or "Dumb Rat!"

Sam inspires me to laugh a little bit more and to set a better example and speak with kindness.

   (Though he didn't learn those words from me - I assure you!)

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This past week has one spent close to home.    I've been nursing a sprained ankle ever since our wicked awesome day hiking crypt a few weeks back.   We've attempted a few smaller hikes since crypt and I've managed to limp my way through them, but that all came to a crashing halt on Monday when my foot had swelled up to an alarming size.   My darn ankle finally got the best of me and the doctor ordered a "splint, crutches and some forced R&R, and for goodness sakes NO more HIKING!" 

Blah.  Whatever.

This sprain came on the heels (pun intended) of John beginning the BIGGEST fencing job that he has ever undertaken on his own, which has meant a lot of long days for him.   Perhaps the most grueling part of this contract has been the week long task of removing the old fences, posts, and cement from the ground and prepping the soil for the new work.   Even though he actually hired out extra help at times for this job, he has still walked in the door, sometimes close to dark - dirty, tired and so so sore.  

We were surely a sight for sore eyes each night as we would slowly crawl into bed, both tired, both stiff, both nursing our own individual aches.   John would lay there with a piping hot towel to soothe his muscles and I with an ice pack strapped on to my new found CANKLE - and we would just laugh at how pathetic of a pair we were.   Or at least how pathetic I was.    Because, despite all of John's discomfort and HIS long days of work - HE hasn't complained ONCE!

  I don't think John even knows how to complain.   

John definitely inspires me to complain less and enjoy my own work a little bit more. 

What an inspiring bunch of boys eh!

Finally Fishing

It has been a crazy summer so far!   Can you believe that the summer break is HALF OVER!    I have a feeling August is going to FLY by and we are really going to have to make the most of the next few weeks doing those summer things that we LOVE Most!      One of those things being Fishing!   It felt good to have the time (and energy?) to take the kids fishing - not once, but TWICE this week.    It's really becoming a family affair as the kids enjoy it a little bit more each time we go.   



Earlier in the week we drove out to Waterton and let the kids play at the new splash park before having a wiener roast at our favorite spot out there.     Once we were all full and fat off of hot dogs and s'mores we drove up to Cameron to fish.   It could not have been more perfect.    The Sun was beginning to set, there was NO wind, and the fish were jumping.   And Biting!  John took Abby and Sam out a little ways and they caught 7 in under an hour!    I was fishing from the dock and enjoyed hearing their little squeals of excitement drift across the lake with every catch.    Sam actually got his VERY own fish this time (not grandpa again thankfully), and he was more then a little pleased with himself.   

I don't think Cameron is often this still.     We've been so lucky to get the nice days each time we've gone this summer.     As much as I like to fish, I also don't mind hanging back on the shore while John and the kids go out on the lake.     It gives me some quiet moments to enjoy the scenery!

As we drove down towards the town site the sun was setting.    I think everyone should experience Waterton as the sun goes down.   The atmosphere is so calm and soothing!

That night was definitely one of our family favorites, and the kids were over the moon excited this afternoon to sit down for Sunday dinner and find that we were eating the very fish they'd caught last week!   Yummm!

On Friday we headed south this time to Glacier.    (I really love that we live pretty well halfway between Waterton AND Glacier)    We brought Grandpa with us this time and enjoyed a small hike with him.    Hiking with Grandpa is a lot of fun.   He points things out to us that we normally would not likely notice.    The kids (and ok me too) have learned lots of names of various flowers, and have discovered berries we'd never noticed before.  

Jessica was the resident Huckleberry Queen, stopping every few minutes to fill her hands with them.  

Wild strawberries were another tasty little find!

I love this picture of John and Nate.  He is always so willing to carry Nate.  And the water.  And all supplies. 

But I carry the camera- so that is helpful. 

This is perhaps my favorite picture of this week.  Nate's smile makes me happy and reassures me that he might actually be content with all this hiking business!  What a trooper!

Again a lovely evening!

After having a quick picnic the kids were itching to do some fishing again.   I actually took a turn with them out on the lake and caught THREE of the four fish!   Yeah for me;)  That only made Abby mad

at me though because SHE is supposed to be the "fisher."      She actually had the nerve to ask that I go back to shore and let DAD fish with her, because he is apparently "way more fun."  

So I caught another fish ...just for her;) 

Nothing like a little bit of family bonding time eh!