Life as a single parent and other Summer happenings

John spent all of last week bike riding somewhere through the BC mountains with the young men in the ward. Now does that sound like an awesome time or what? It almost beats the "horseback riding through the Rockies" adventure that he went on last summer. Just imagine all of the beautiful scenery he has gotten to see. I could be wrong but I don't think he has missed out on a Young Men's camp since we got married. You would think that I would have gotten used to him being away for a week or so each year - but I haven't.

The truth is, I kind of fall apart when he goes away. I stop wearing make-up altogether. I stop cooking real meals. (why try when the kids are happy with Lucky Charms?) The house reaches a rare state of "disaster," and don't even get me going about the nights. Those long nights when the kids go to bed and I sit up alone, rehashing every scary vampire movie that I've ever watched. I usually manage to fall asleep in the wee hours of the morning, curled up in the fetal position, but NOT until I have barricaded every entrance to our house with whatever large item of furniture I can move. Nope- I do not do well alone.

This year I tried to be a bit more productive, so I took the kids up to Calgary for half the week, and then spend the rest here at home. After battling with rush hour traffic, over priced hair salons, a cranky old man that I may or may not have called the police on (ok I did), suffering through a medical procedure I hope to never experience again and a couple of sleepless nights - I have decided that I do not enjoy the city life. I think I have grown far to accustomed to this little town without a Wal-mart. Luckily though the week wasn't all bad, we also enjoyed a lot of highlights as well.

Calaway park with my entire family was a hit, and dinner at Peters Drive In afterwards doesn't hurt one bit either. We enjoyed a hour or two at my sisters community lake one morning, as well as a nice (though too brief) visit with my sister in law Kat. The kids LOVED the sleepover at the Okotoks cousins house complete with the best bed time story ever. And what would Canada Day be without a trip to the Raymond Parade and party in the park! After all of that, I have developed a deep appreciation and respect for single mothers. How do they do all that they do.... ALONE? I barely survived it for a week! Then again, I am a admittedly a tad bit needy.

By the time John got home around 11:30 on Saturday night I was so excited to see him I could have kissed his face right off. Sure he was dirty, had a beard, smelled of sweat, and carried in his hands a sack full of laundry that would require immediate washing - but he was home. HOME, I tell ya! Oh he was a beautiful sight!

Other adventures of late:

Our youngest boy Nate is now a crawling, stair climbing, standing machine ...who apparently likes to eat Sand. (not to mention hair elastics, popcorn kernels and old shoes -but definitely Sand)





I am beginning to wonder if my oldest daughter might be a bit obsessive compulsive. I sent her downstairs to clean her room and this is how she achieved it. Every lose and random object she owns now has a specific mason jar of it's very own. A jar for buttons, a jar for her favorite polly pocket dresses, a jar for her money...and a jar that holds one eraser.
She's efficient this one!



A sweet girl in our ward took some family photos for us in Waterton a couple of weeks ago. At one point I leaned over her shoulder and snapped this shot of Sam. Which wasn't difficult considering that that he REFUSED to perch himself any other way!
To Sam's credit I actually think he was trying to be cooperative. I haven't seen the shots Haley got yet, but I'm pretty sure this "Donkey Kong" pose is a predominant theme throughout. Seriously Kid!! Every time I see this photo, I want to both Hug Sam AND Send him to his room!

Well that is our first week of Summer Holidays - Gone Already! Does any body know how to slow time down a bit?

Slow down

“There seems to be little evidence that the Creator of the universe was ever in a hurry. Everywhere, on this bounteous and beautiful earth … there is evidence of patient purpose and planning and working and waiting.”

This past week has been a week in which a lot of things have come to… an end. September and June seem to be my two busiest and most hectic months of the year. September is when so many things begin, and June is when everything wraps up.

Some of the “ENDS” we celebrated this week were:

End of Swimming Lessons:
Both Sam and Abby completed a session of swim lessons. They have been going every night for the past couple of weeks, with only a couple of breaks in the form of cancelled classes due to rain. Abby did remarkably well. She’s comfortable in the water, can now swim the entire length of the pool, and loves practicing her dives. Sam, on the other hand, is new to this whole swim lesson thing, and he was not quite pleased about the fact that lessons were not held in the kiddie pool. For the most part, (every time I was there to watch him), he spent the entire half hour stuck to the wall clinging on for dear life. Every once in awhile his teacher would PRY him away from the wall and try to get him to put his head under water, with little to no success. That said, I was impressed yesterday when Sam walked in the door after his final lesson, and I noticed that on a little part of his head, his hair was a little teensy weensy bit wet. Progress was obviously made.

End of Soccer!
This has by far been our favorite soccer season yet. Both Abby and Sam really improved in skill, and we were impressed and relieved that Sam really took to this sport and enjoys it as much as he does. That might have been because his two favorite friends, Everett AND Katie were on his team. Or maybe it was because his “Coach” was somebody familiar to him that he likes. Whatever the reason - he had fun. Another highlight were the two British Coaches who have travelled here to assist with the program. Coach “Chicken” and Coach “Spike” were SOOO much fun for the kids as well as us parents on the sidelines. They taught the kids drills and entertained at the same time. And we all know that when kids are involved, you have to be willing to entertain!

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End of School!
That’s right –we’re done, and the last day of school could not have come soon enough! I was quickly hitting burn out mode. Sam has beat all odds and passed preschool, Abby sailed through grade 1, and John is yet one year closer to retirement. I swear it – there is not a happier day in our home than the last day of schooll! Abigail has warned me that she plans to spend the summer sleeping in every day until noon. However, I have other plans, and they involve "not wasting a single minute of this beautiful next two months!" John is starting his summer break off right by going on a Scout trip in BC. He will be biking a long a discontinued railway trail that cuts through the BC mountains, camping along the way. It has been kinda funny to watch him tinker around on his bike and go riding more then he ever has before. In fact, until now that bike has pretty much gone UNused. But look at him now. One Scout Camp and the guy thinks he's Lance Armstrong or something! Perhaps I'm just jealous though. (I've been secretly planning a few fishing excursions with the kids while he's away-just to make him feel as though he missed out.)

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End of Dental Work!
Hallelujah!!! Don’t get me wrong, we like our Dentist. But this year has by far been the worst when it comes to number of cavities. I’m not kidding- if I had a dollar for every time I took one of the kids to the dentist in the last 7 weeks I’d probably have…well, about 12 dollars. I know that doesn't sound like much and that is exactly my point! It's hardly worth it for all that hassle!!! Sam had his 5th and last appointment this week, and the family is officially done! We won't have the same experience next year, I can tell you that!

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End of Relaxation!
Well our little Nate has grown by leaps and bounds recently. He has been crawling for about two weeks now, which we have all gotten used to just fine. Imagine my dismay however to realize that he has somehow (completely on his own), figured out how to climb the stairs... THE STAIRS!!! Now what do we do? This officially ends the relaxing phase in which Nate was our favorite child who sat happily in our arms. He is now MOBILE! Look out.

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End of Jordan and Luce!
Perhaps that sounds just a tad dramatic, as it isn't really the end of Jordan and Luci, but rather the end of life with them as we've known it. As noted in our previous entry, Jordan and Luce have been planning to move for quite awhile now, and I thought I was pretty well prepared to say goodbye. I mean they are still family right? It's not like we'd never see them again. Still, I really wasn't prepared for some of the moments this week in which I realized that I was doing something with them for the "last time." On Thursday night, we were cleaning up in their kitchen and I went to put little Liberty to bed. As I laid beside her for a minute we had a little chat about where she’d be moving, and when she’d come to visit all of us. All of the sudden I could hardly contain myself as I realized I had completely missed out on so many chances to spend time with this little girl! I was getting all choked up and she was, by this time, rambling about her future birthday party plans. Every once in awhile I'd try to get a word in to tell her that I was going to miss her. She seemed completely unphased by the conversation as she asked me if I would "bake her a chocolate cake, and that could I put the white stuff (icing) on top of it if I wanted to?”

Sure kid.

Thankfully, they all stayed at our house the night before they left, and I was glad to be able to squeeze in any amount of last minute time with them. As if I could make up for lost time with that final gesture. That whole day, I was filled with memories of things we've enjoyed doing together, and that is when I realized I was going to miss those things! Wiener Roasts in Waterton. Long drives looking for bears. Countless accidents and even injuries with Jordan and John's airplanes. Libby's enthusiasm about every.single.thing in life! Jaxson’s constantly dirty hands and cute head that seems to attract goose eggs like nothing else! Fabulous Mexican Meals, late night phone calls that last way longer then they should have considering we lived within blocks of each other...

We all said good bye on our front lawn Saturday morning, and then I followed them to their "old house" (gosh that sounds weird) for a final photo in front of it.

And then they left.

I raced ahead and parked up on the south hill because I wanted to get a picture of them leaving town. It was at this moment, when I saw their little U-Haul pass by Chief Mountain, that I was over come with regret. I felt like yelling to them to stop. Stop it all. Just come back and stay. I’d be a better friend. We’d do lots more together. I’d complain less about Jordan’s crazy obsession with things that potentially blow up. And when Jordan gets going about why "the world needs more businessmen" I would not roll my eyes any more. (much) Our kids would play together EVERY day, not just a couple of times a week like they used to.

If they’d just come back –

They kept going.

And that was the most difficult END of the week.

It got me thinking though about how when one thing “ENDs” it usually means something else is beginning. As I drove back home I felt a renewed determination to be a little bit better with this. To “get it right” a little more often.

The secret, I think, to having no regrets is this: No matter what you are going through, whether it is a never ending series of dental appointments, the drudgery of a school day routine, a little baby in your arms, or enjoying those you are close to - the key is to NEVER take a single moment of it for granted.

That is all.
The end.

Deported!

It was two years ago, that John's brother (Jordan) moved his family of four up here from Provo Utah to begin a new job. Even though we were excited at the thought of having them closer to us, we were all very nervous about his wife (Luci) and how she would handle life in Canada. She's an American. (This is where I would usually pause to make fun of Luci and how patriotic she really is, but I have recently heard her Dad speak about the American Constitution, and ever since then, it has been impossible for me to tease her, darnit!) Suffice it to say, she loves her homeland almost as much as she loves warm weather. Maybe more. However, I dare say Luci has adjusted quite well to the cold winters, short summers, and superior chocolate that Canada has to offer. In fact, I'm pretty sure that she now loves this place as well as the laid back pace of a small town.

So for the life of me I cannot understand why they have decided to leave? "WHY ARE YOU LEAVING????"

Whatever the reason, it is official. They have sold their home and as I speak, are packing up their belongings and preparing to head back to Utah. Naturally we had to throw them a Canadian style send off. And of course, the party had to be a Surprise!

I put a lot of thought into just how to throw a surprise party (I'd never really done one before), but I knew that two things were essential in order for it to work. 1. I had to involve the right people. People who would be fun AND able to take care of all the details. 2. I had to spend the week prior to the party, completely ignoring Luci. For some reason I think that is a mandatory step. You know, make it so that they sit back and wonder "why nobody even cares that they are leaving." It helps to makes the surprise part that much sweeter when they realize that they actually are loved. Anyhoo...while I worked on ignoring the honorary couple - Rachel, Kat, Jewel, Betsy and Jacki set to work taking care of everything else.

We all met in Waterton (where else?) for a wonderful potluck meal and visiting.
John's sister Rachel immediately dubbed it -the "DEPORTATION PARTY." I liked how that sounded, almost as much as I liked her decorations.

Jewel, Betsy, and Jacki put together a HUGE basket full of both home made and purchased Canadian Goodies. Kat supplied very decadent Crave cupcakes from the big city for all of us to enjoy, and most importantly Jord and Luce were surprised, so success all around!

The older kids ate fast, which is no surprise, and then spent the rest of the evening trying to catch one of the many gophers loitering on the field next to our camp kitchen. It was funny to watch a dozen kids run from one whole to the next trying to get one of these little things. It reminded us a lot of a live version of .

Actually, a small part of me worried that we might get in trouble by park officials for disturbing the wildlife. (but do gophers really count as wildlife?)

That is when Jordan pulled out a bunch of Rockets that he just happened to have on hand (shocker), and shot those off high above us, making everyone within a mile radius turn and stare.
Again, I worried that park officials might get mad at Jordan, for disturbing the peace. But then what could they do about it - Deport him?

The rest of the evening was spent relaxing and enjoying the beautiful weather. The Guys ended up down by the lake and spent a good chunk of time shooting rocks into the water using home made slingshots that John had made.

The cute Mothers held their cute babies.

The children with ADD played in the water, (clothes and all) when their Mother wasn't looking.

(I'm just kidding about the ADD part, he's just a very undisciplined child)

Jordan Jr. aka Jaxson, was pretty much content playing with these Rockets. I think he wanted to set them off just one more time. This kid is just like his Dad, it's so fun to see!

It was a perfect evening in Waterton. Not a single bit of wind, and beautiful Sun. I like to think it was God's way of telling Jordan and Luci that they should perhaps stay in Canada.

I mean, a person would be foolish to leave all of this right?

At any rate- we LOVE ya and wish you the best of luck back in the USofA ....EH!

Happy Father`s Day

I met John just over nine years ago. At the time, I was serving as the Young Single Adult President in Edmonton. He had just earned his initial degree and had moved to the Great White North to pursue medicine. I thought I was doing a good job as a YSA pres, but ol' John here had a different opinion. I remember the day my YSA committee received a letter (typed. DOUBLE SPACED. 4 pages long) that mentioned a few concerns he had about some of the YSA activities. The gist of this letter was that the way the dances were currently run did not really help to facilitate the dating needs of the young single adults at that time. He quoted the strength of youth pamphlet, the prophet, and the scriptures. More importantly, his lengthy discourse contained a list of "suggestions" that we, (as a committee) might want to consider. You know, things that would enable the guys and gals to mingle better, and communicate more effectively. His suggestions included things like, selecting better music, turning down the music, oh and my favorite...offering some social dance classes!

Social Dance Classes? Really?

I remember how, at the next monthly planning meeting, I'd shared that letter with the committee and we all had a good laugh at the thought of 300 people breaking into some sort of square dance or doh-si -doh sorta thing together. None of us quite knew who this John Guy was but we were all pretty sure that he must have come from BYU. He had.

I remember the day I actually met that John Guy. It was, coincidentally, the same moment that I decided that what the YSA program really needed was a social dance class. But of course! (Looking back, I admit, his good looks might have had something to do with that decision.) Naturally, I needed his help in implementing some of his ideas, and it all ended up working to my advantage in a wonderful way.

Because nine years and one dance class later, that John Guy is the most wonderful, delightful, Dad to our four kids. The kids adore him because he will drop anything to play with them, reads to them any time they ask, teaches them fun origami, and yawns like Chewbacca. I adore him because he is steady, supportive and makes my life so, so sweet.

And if it wasn't for him, I would never have learned the Cha Cha!

HAPPY FATHER`S DAY to the most "AWESOMEST" DAD we know!

Disclaimer: I know it looks as though we took the kids on a hike in their pajamas, but there is a perfectly logical explanation for this picture. It is ...um...well... ok, we actually did take them on a little hike in their pajamas. What can I say, John is spontaneous like that. It's what we love most about him!

A Whole LOT of Rain

It's been a wet spring. I think somebody around here just might be praying for rain - and I wish they'd knock it off!!!

I love a good rainstorm, but we literally had a downpour for TWO days straight, without any break. How WET! The more I talk to people in town, the luckier I feel. Our basement stayed dry, when unfortunately, other's did not.

The following pictures were taken Thursday afternoon after a day and a half of rain. It was crazy! (and makes me nervous when I think of all the mosquitoes that will soon be here) Sure looking forward to THAT!

Really though, this is what I love about living in Southern Alberta. Never a dull moment. Well, at least when it comes to the weather.

Shining Moments

This week has absolutely flown by. I feel as though I am in one of those phases in life, when I'm just trying to stay on top of things.      So much to do in so precious little time!    Perhaps that is just how JUNE is and I should accept the fact that "busy" is my new "normal."        Between school parties, school meetings, spring cleaning, and other end of the year events, I'm really just trying to keep up.     Here is a quick recap of some of the brightest (and not so bright) happenings from the past few days.

Lets start with the best and brightest news of all.   The High School has officially finished classes and all that is left are a couple of weeks of finals.    Technically John is not finished work until the end of June, but this time without students is really nice.    He will administer a few end of the year exams, clean his classroom, prep for next year, and easily be home by 3:30 every day!      Things are winding down and it is pretty great!!!

For the kids- the focus this week has been on their teeth! On Wednesday, Jessica and I travelled into Lethbridge so that she could be sedated as they repaired her SIX cavities.      Can you believe that?    What 3 year old do you know that has ever had so many?      I actually know of one kid who had EIGHT cavities at that age.   Abby!         It is at this point that I want to clarify that we do brush our kids teeth.    Not to mention Flossing!    I realize that my argument might sound a bit pathetic considering their dental history, but it's true.     They Brush - and that's all I am going to say in my defense.

Sam and Abby are old enough, thankfully to sit in that dentist's chair and endure any discomfort dished out to them. Jessica was just a tad to young, and we decided it'd be best if we had the work done in Lethbridge. Besides, I love taking an entire day to drive to the city and spend a LOT of money! I have vowed that this is going to be our last bad year for checkups.   The very LAST YEAR!    If I have to rule out sugar entirely, I swear I will.     I'd tell you the total number of cavities our entire family had combined this year, but it is ridiculously embarrassing.         Nope, this was definitely NOT a "shining moment" for me as a Mother, and I've battled the guilt of it all week.            But don't worry.    I'm sure that the feeling will pass - and "probably more quickly then it should."     AND since I'd prefer to look on the "bright side," of things - at least I married a Teacher.        True, we'll never be rich, but the Dental Coverage is Great!


I think I neglected to mention a couple of weeks ago  that we planted our garden.    Any other year, and I would have bored all my family and friends with endless details (and bragging) about every last bit of our gardening adventure.     I don't know what my problem is.    Either I really am busy, or I'm just marginally excited about our simply average sized garden that we now have compared to the one we had at our old house.      Suffice it to say - we planted, and things are growing!


I spent the week enjoying a little photography project. After an evening phone conversation with my sister-in-law Sarah, I was inspired to spend several nights documenting the rising and setting of the sun.

I also used this project as an opportunity to figure out my camera a little bit by shooting in manual.   I have come to the conclusion that nobody should operate a camera, in manual at 5:30 in the morning.   (Or, for that matter, drive, while operating a camera at 5:30 in the morning.)     Ok really, nothing should be done at 5:30 in the morning.        It was a crazy notion, and I'll never attempt to do that again.

At least I got some nice shining photos of the experience.

As far as capturing the setting Sun?  Well, that I am willing to do more then once.

(Other Sunny shots from the past couple of weeks can be found HERE.)

Nate's First Hike

Well the Sun has finally decided to SHINE and not a moment too soon, I might add! I actually don't mind a rainy day- in fact I love it- but it has been nice to enjoy some warmth again.

This past Saturday just happened to be one of those delightful but rare days in which there was absolutely nothing going on. No yard work planned, nothing to build, no trees for John to hack down....nothing. Combine that fact with the beautiful sunny weather, and we had the makings for a perfect Saturday afternoon.

Of course we could not get started with our "perfect Saturday" until we had enjoyed the customary Saturday morning breakfast. (We make the kids cook breakfast around here.)




Not wanting to miss a moment of our perfectly unscheduled Saturday, we quickly loaded the van with everything we would possibly need, and headed to Waterton for our first official Hike of the year. Coincidentally, this just so happened to be Nate's first Hike EVER. I'll admit, I had high hopes of our most happy and most delightful child of all (sorry kids) LOVING every minute of it. However, we'd barely parked the van at the foot of the trail when Nate started dishing out all this "attitude."

I think he was all mad about being confined in an unfamiliar contraption called a hiking back pack. Or perhaps he didn't like that huge over sized toque that I'd made him wear. Or perhaps it was the fact that little drops of rain were beginning to fall. Whatever it was, our pleasant happy Nate had been replaced with "Mr. Whines a-lot." There were some ominous looking clouds right behind the mountain, and John and I debated a few times whether we really should even start out. However, when I saw how much Nate was NOT enjoying this - I just knew we had to press on.

I mean, if we had buckled and not gone hiking, what would we have taught him? That it's alright to give up when things get tough? (...or uh...rainy?) Would he have learned how to cope with discomfort? Nope- we made that mistake with our first two children, and they started out as pure wimps! I remember how it all came to a head one winter day a few years ago, when we were cross country skiing on the Cameron Road with the in-laws!! Sam and Abby cried and complained the ENTIRE time, and THEY were the ones cuddled up, being pulled along on a SLED. Nobody else's kids were hating life the way mine were, and it was then and there that I vowed that from that moment on, our kids were not going to be flaky little wimps anymore.

Unfortunately, little Nate had to bare the brunt of that decision. So...we started up the mountain.

Actually,the weather held up quite nicely for the first few minutes and the kids kept up and enjoyed the trail just as much as John and I. I think Nate enjoyed the beautiful scenery as well, though he never hesitated to tell us what he thought of being strapped on to Dad's back. Nate's resistance to the hiking backpack only served to strengthen my resolve.

Twenty minutes later- it began to rain. A couple of times Sam would curl up into a little ball to shield himself from the rain. He reminded me of one of his little Bakugon toys, the way he folded up.

Still, we were not going to stop. We'd planned to fish at Crandell lake, and darn it, that is what we were going to do!

Twenty minutes after that and we were all hunkered down under a tree, trying to stay dry. Resolve gone. Ready to turn around and head back down the trail.

It was a little bit deflating to not even reach the lake, and I felt bad that this had become Nate's First Hiking Trip. Hardly the "perfect day" I'd envisioned.


However things quickly turned around when we got back down to the town site. It is there that we celebrated our pathetic stroll by eating at a new restaurant titled, "Wieners of Waterton." Some childhood friends of John's family recently opened up a cute little hot dog shop there, and he'd been wanting to try it out. For me, the "perfect day" literally came in the form of a quarter pound hot dog and a regular size order of sweet potato fries. One bite and life was good again. Who knew that is all that it would take?

After we'd eaten, we headed to the nearby playground with some friends of ours whom we'd met up with. We always enjoy visiting with the Salmons!

We were delighted to see the new splash pad that has been built. Seeing this helped to strengthen my resolve again. Only this time, I resolved simply to spend as many summer days out here as possible.

And how did Nate enjoy the rest of the day? Well, due to an unfortunate event with a sippy cup, and a lack of dry clothes - he spent the rest of the day strapped into his car seat in nothing but a diaper. Only this time, he didn't seem to mind. It's got me worried that he has something against heights.

It's alright though. We'll make a mountain man out of him yet!

End of the Year Wrap Up

It was a fun week for our little 7 year old! On Monday, Abby got to participate in her very first piano recital! She was so over-the-top excited about this, it wasn't even funny. She hand picked her outfit, practiced her song Arab Dance 10 times throughout the day, and practiced her curtsy about that same number of times as well! Well, actually she had a difficult time deciding if she would bow or curtsy...or both. It was a bit of a mystery as to what she would actually end up doing.

Seriously. If I could bottle up her confidence and sell it - I would. Only I wouldn't sell it, I'd keep it all for me! Abby played very well, and John and I both have been so grateful to her teacher Betsy for making this first year so positive for Abby.

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A year ago, my friend Joanna made the cutest little Graduation cupcakes to celebrate her husband's completion of post secondary school. I instantly loved them, and decided, at that very moment, that I was going to make them as soon as I had a reason to.

For a whole year I waited. Finally this past week I got the chance to make them for all of John's Physics 30 students who were all graduating this weekend. I'm not really sure if John even wanted to take cupcakes to his students, but he didn't really have a choice. After all, I'd been sitting on the idea for a whole year! Like he was going to argue with that.

Besides, what kid doesn't want a bit of a party during class time?

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Another year end event that we enjoyed this week was Abby's track and field day at school. If you were to ask her, Abby would tell you that there are three things that have made grade 1 awesome!

1. You get your own desk. 2. You get to buy hot lunches. 3.You get to do Track and Field.

So there she was on Friday, at the much anticapated Track and Field Day. Running the 100m dash.

Well. Sort of running it.

I have to admit, she didn't seem too focused on the race.

It's not that she wasn't enjoying it all.

I think that perhap she was enjoying it a little too much.
She really seemed to take her time. It was almost as if she was trying to make all the excitement last longer. Maybe she is the type of person who finds "joy in the journey" rather then the destination.

Then again, maybe she just likes attention!

I'm not kidding, I half expected her to take a "bow" after crossing the finish line!

June is always such a busy month, with class parties, field trips, swimming lessons and other such things. I've pretty much given up on all sense of routine and discipline. Bed time is a joke. We're all sleeping in longer and longer every morning. And homework is a thing of the past!

The countdown to John's last day has officially begun, and I am currently working on a very detailed Summer "To Do" List.

That list consists of hiking, fishing, and hiking!!!

It's gonna be rough. But I'll try to enjoy it.

Look who's laughing Now!

If anyone were to ask John or I, we would both agree that Nathan is by FAR our happiest, most smiley baby EVER! (Not that our other kids were not happy- they were, but Nate seems unusually pleasant, that's all) Still, I can count on ONE HAND the number of people who are able to get Nate's to laugh. Now anyone can get Nate to Smile. And he Chuckles ALL the time, but I'm talking about a laugh here. You know- those great big deep belly laughs? Those are the laughs that I'm talking about. There are a couple of people who can get such a delightful reaction out of him, everytime.

I am not one of those people! I don't know why? Heaven knows, I try!


Earlier this week though, I figured it out, and was able to get some fairly decent happy squeels from him. Not as happy as some laughs I've heard from him, but acceptable, especially considering that he was laughing at ME! Not John! Not Auntie Jewel, or Aunt Luci! Not his favorite neighbor across the street! Not the stranger at the post office! ME!

I, his mother - was finally able to make him laugh!!!!

(But oh my, it took a lot of work:)

This kid makes me so happy!

One year Older.

Well, I am officially 30!   Look at that.  One minute you are a young and careless twenty year old, and then one morning you wake up and "POOF".  You are Old.  

The strangest thing though:   Suddently, 30 doesn't feel old at all!   How can that be?  

In short, my birthday weekend (and yes, birthdays around here are a three-day event)  was Fabulous!   In fact, possibly the best ever.  

Here's Why:

1.   I was awoken at 5:00 am by the sound of somebody walking through the house.   The paranoid side of me instantly suspected an intruder.    So I sent John to check it out.      That is when we discovered our   year old with a gift bag in hand, trying to hide my birthday gift before I woke for the day.  It was a lovely hand-maid magnet that she made at Jewel's house.    I love how this girls internal alarm clock gets her up early every time there is a reason to celebrate.   Also, I love that she was that excited about my little ol' birthday.

2.   One of the neighborhood girls came over to play on Friday, and in her hand were these flowers.   Her sweet, "Happy Birthday Mrs.Hardy,"  completely surprised me.   How did she know?    Her mom, and my visiting teaching companion later dropped something off as well.   Seriously, it made me feel like a million bucks AND strengthened my testimony of the visiting teaching program ALL at the same time!

3.     I was almost moved to tears on my "Birthday Eve"  when three of my favorite people brought by a cake for me.  In the shape of a camera!  But not just any camera.  MY CAMERA!   I was so thankful for my  sisters - Jewel and Luci, and my new pal Betsy who labored over a hot stove, or at least bowls of chocolate icing, to make me a birthday cake!    (that's right-all it takes is a chocoate cake and you are like, so totally my new BFF!)    Jewel always thinks of some sort of creative cake for me, ( like last year for example) so this really shouldn't have been a surprise.  But  it  was.  And more importantly, I was really touched that they would work together on something so personalized to me.  As soon as they left, I snapped a few pictures of my "camera."

And then I ate the lense, with a small scoop of ice cream.

4.   Even though it snowed all.weekend.long, we still managed to have a lot of fun together.   John and I decided to cancel our much anticapated "Waterton hike" in light of the weather, and instead took the kids swimming in Lethbridge.   It was so cozy, sitting in a hot tub while the wind blew outside, and it was equally fun to fill ourselves up with warm pasta afterwards.    Really, a perfect day!

I feel so glad to be 30 years young, and blessed to have such a generally happy life.  On previous birthdays, people would,  ask me if I felt any "older or wiser."  The answer was always NO.  I mean really, what difference does one day make from the day before?   

But no lie - I really do feel a LOT wiser today.
 I'm not kidding!

It's the strangest thing!

Just Dreamin

Yesterday, John took Abby to soccer and watched her play. He watched her for a full hour.  In the pouring rain.   It has been raining consistently for a couple of days now, and unfortunately, the downpour wouldn't let up for a measly little soccer game.    As they sat their sopping wet selves down at the table for dinner, John made the comment that perhaps school would get cancelled and we might get a "Rain Day."     Well, Abby's ears perked up at the thought of that, and she asked for details about this said, "Rain Day."      She had never heard of such a thing.     Of course, that is because there is no such thing as a Rain Day,  but John should know better then to joke about a day off of school.  

The converstaion made me smile, as I realized just how precious those unexpected school cancellations have become to us.   It's not just having Abby and Sam stay home, that is fun  - it's having Dad home too!   Those are the moments that I feel extra EXTRA glad that I`m married to a school teacher.   I thought back to September two years ago, when there was a water main break at the High School, and   classes were all cancelled as a result.   A water main break!!     It was so random and unexpected, that John almost didn't believe it.     In fact, part of him suspected the news was a prank, and he left for work as usual,  just so that he wouldn't be caught not showing up for work.    Five minutes later, he returned, ready to enjoy a day off.    We spent the day hiking in Waterton, and enjoying the beautiful fall weather.   We practically had the park to ourselves, as the summer was over, and most people were at work or in school.  

Except for us!   That day was definitely one of the "most perfect days ever"!

All because of a Water Main break.

So now, as I watch the rain fall, I admit, a little part of me actually hopes that maybe...we might just get one of those  imaginary "Rain Days."

I mean, stranger things have happened right?

And believe me, I know just what I'd do with such a day!

"YOU is the WOIST Mom EVER!"

It's difficult to believe that someone so cute could say such a thing,  isn't it?

Don't worry though.

I'm pretty sure that, deep down, she loves me.   

Really.Deep. Down

Life from Sam's perspective, and other ups and downs from the week.

Recently, we have had a little trouble keeping Sam from taking off to our neighbors house.   It seems that every time I turn around, he is gone.    One day last week, his friend Kate was over playing, when Sam took off and headed towards HER house.   John and I got a little suspicious of him and when we asked him why he was going there when Kate was already here, sam replied, "'cuz.   I need a fruit roll up."

Say what?

Apparantly I don't stalk the shelves with the right kind of treats, but that's no reason to high tail it to the neighbors is it?    John and I tried to convey this to Sam, but he didn't really seem to get it.  Or care.

This week, I was got mad at him again for taking off on us, and I sat him down and explained that, I could buy him fruit roll ups too, but I was choosing not to.     "There is no way that I was going to spend money on fruit roll ups- not when he disobeys me and runs off to his friends."

That is what I said, but somehow, somewhere in his brain - things did not completely connect, and he obviously received an entirely different message.   Or maybe, he just didn't care.  

Whatever the reason, this past Monday morning, bright and early, I realized that Sam was, gone.  Yet again.    When I phoned Kate's mom to see if Sam was there, she shared with me (while laughing) what Sam had told her as she let him in to her home.

 He said, and I quote:
"My mom said that we don't have enough money for fruit roll ups, and that I have to find a friend who has them."                                              


Say what?  For the record, that is NOT what I said, but trust a four year old to hear only what he selectively wants to hear.    And that is how Sam managed to come home WITH a fruit roll up in hand.  Yet again.

Sure, he's cute -but my oh my,  what a scammer!

Lucky for Sam, he redeemed himself later that day.  His first Soccer game ever was a success!    We've known for awhile that he would be on the same team as his number 1 buddy Everett.   The icing on the cake though, was when we discovered that his neighbor Kate is also on the team!     And Kate's mom?  Well she's the coach!    Sam's little mind must have been just reeling with excitement.
I mean, she's the NICE MOM who buys fruit roll ups!!!

In all honesty, Sam surprised me with how will he did.   Considering the excitement, he really did seem to grasp what soccer is all about.   He was a very attentive goalie, always waiting and alert, even when the ball was at the far opposite end.  

  

He had better control of the ball then I expected (for a 4 year old), AND even managed to score two goals!  Now, he is HOOKED and begs to be able to go to soccer ever. single.day!    He wore his soccer uniform to bed that first night, AND THEN to school the next day.   

Boys are so gross like that.   (Though it does cut down on laundry, so - whatever.)

Abby also had her first soccer game this week.   She did just as well,  proudly explaining afterwards that she was the only one who got any goals!!!

I love how kids can get away with  being not so humble.

Soccer seems to have really taken off in this town, and gained in popularity,  thanks to some very devoted "soccer moms" who wanted to see it grow here.   A large portion of the kids in town play, and that makes it fun for so many reasons.   Not only do the kids get some great exercise,  but I really enjoy sitting and watching as well, and it makes for some great family evenings.    Chief Mountain is easily viewable and it provides a beautiful back drop as we cheer, and of course, visit with other equally proud parents. 

Speaking of beautiful back drops - the blossoms have all appeared in full force this week!

 The other day, I noticed two beautiful purple blossomed trees on the temple lawn.      

I've gone a couple of times to take some pics which you can go Here to see.

 I am so excited about this crab apple tree we have in our backyard.

From my kitchen window,  this is what I get to see as I wash dishes,   and it has me looking forward to all of that  Crab Apple Jelly that we will soon enjoy!

I don't really know how to make Crab Apple Jelly -  but it would be a pity not to learn now, wouldn't it?

The FLU bug got a hold of us this week, and really did a number on the family.   Sam was the first to get sick, and it was bad.  Probably the sickest I've ever seen him.   At one point he was lying like a pathetic heep of boy on the bathroom floor when he looked up at me and said,    

"Oh mom. I am a sick sick Man."   

 If it was not so sad, I would have laughed at him.    Things only went down hill from there.    So far,   Nate and I are the only ones who have managed to avoid getting sick, but I think it is just a matter of time before we fall victim as well.    And chances are, that will likely happen as soon as John returns to work, and I'm left to juggle the kids on my own.     Because that is just how things work. 

That is why I baked two meals for the next couple of days, got caught up on the laundry, and tied up all those lose ends that only Mother's know about.   So bring on the Flu.   I'm ready!

Oh yeah, and one more thing:

Happy Long Weekend!!!!