I was descending the stairs to check on the progress of a project that Patrick is working on, (new food storage shelves... FINALLY!! YIPEE!!! And his brother is painting the downstairs bathroom, simultaneously, containing my excitement... can't stand the smell of the freshly sawed lumber, or the poorly unventilated bathroom paint fumes, so I only check periodically!... but I digress)
I overheard an unusual conversation from the boys bedroom.
Miles- "I have to disagree with you."
Friend - "But bigger is better."
With intense passion in his voice, until the end when he almost bit his friends head off with the intensity,
Miles-"That's not always true. Didn't you ever see 'Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs'? BIGGER almost destroyed their whole world!"
I popped my head around the door way and mentioned that I thought he could argue his point without getting so worked up and to try to make it a friendly conversation and not ruin their friendship over this issue.
I continued on to the project area in my foreman capacity. I think Miles may have a valid argument, although citing fictional, cartoon movies as the basis for his debate may not lend a whole lot of credence.
(They were deciding on the strengths of skills in various dragons to begin with.... I think his argument may stand.)
Christmas Day 2010
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| Christmas in the living room before the arrival of the kidlets. |
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| The stinkers. I told them that this year they couldn't even look at their stockings until 6am. I wanted Whittaker to have a chance at a reasonable nights sleep. None of this 3 am stuff... So, they set their alarms for 6am. By 6:15, I had requests to come upstairs! |
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| I showed them! Instead, I came downstairs and made them show me their stockings. Then Caleb, Patrick and Forrest scratched their lottery tickets that were in their stockings. They won, $1050.00, $22,000.00 and $3000.00.... until they learned they were GAG tickets!! Hee Hee! After that, all nerf guns were pointed at me! Upstairs was inevitable! |
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| Waiting until the OK was given to enter the living room. No peeking. And then pandemonium!! Checking everything out took a while. Everyone was just as excited for their own gifts as they were for each others! |
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| He decided to delve a little further into his stocking finally. He discovered there was an orange inside. After devouring his orange and then eating our traditional 'treat cereal' breakfast, he discovered that opening his gifts could be fun. He adores his Glow worm from his Uncle Forrest, and contrary to what others thought, he did appreciate his bucket of birdseed!! It meant that his favourite birdies would return to the window! |
Patrick replaced all my missing hubcaps! Now I don't know if I want them on the van or not. How can I get some assurance they won't just fall off again?
Grandma received a glass chicken from Forrest, and via skype she accepted it excitedly!
Sarah had been my little sidekick through most of the Christmas preparations and I found it difficult to surprise her since she essential picked out her own presents! But surprise I did with some small items.
Miles and Duncan were thrilled with toys another year. Miles also was pleased to have his new interest knitting well supplied with needles and a box full of yarn! Watch for scarves!
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| There was a fair bit of assembly this year. Awesome that they were all old enough to do it themselves! Caleb's chin-up bar is getting a LOT of action. Perhaps we'll all be buff soon. HA HA HA.. |
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| After our Christmas morning was complete. We tidied up a little and prepared for the arrival of the Connolly's. We exchanged a few gifts and then prepared a few potluck items and headed over to some friends for Christmas evening festivities! There was a TONNE of food! Plenty of people and lots of fun! |
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| We took advantage of the lovely tree and took some group photos. Some turned out better than others. In order for me to be in the photo, I handed the camera to a willing photographer..... Cooper! oops... Forgot the flash was turned off and every shot he attempted was blurry. I love the group shot of the kids, where Cooper is lecturing Whitaker about how annoying it is to have his jacket yanked on. He listened intently... and then Derek held his hand. |
It was a busy Christmas season. The hustle and bustle was definitely felt. I think I'm going to start planning next year's Christmas next week. I'm going to have to come up with a way to not be referred to as the Grinch so frequently. I think it's ironic that I'm referred to as the Grinch, yet I'm also the only way they have any Christmas joy also... Perhaps if I truly was Grinchy, they'd appreciate things more. I do love how, as hectic as it feels in the preparations, it all seems to come together in the last stages and we feel spoiled all over again.
In Memory of a Dear Lady
It must be announced that we have suffered the loss of our lovely lady. One afternoon the kids noticed that she was making some choking sounds. After looking into the situation, she was indeed choking. We hurried inside to google what to do?
'Massage her neck and give her water to drink. Surgery could be an option.'
She is survived by her flock. She will be remembered for her elegant markings and her faithful egg service. And of course for her awkward, wobbly running skills. All donations of grain and table scraps will be accepted in her honour at the hen house out back.
Funeral Services were held by Patrick, alone in the rain at midnight.
An Early Christmas Gift
For Mummy,
Merry Christmas. I have now slept through the night for 11 hours straight, 3 nights in a row. I promise this is the new normal! I knew you wouldn't mind if I didn't wrap it, or if it arrived a little early for Christmas.
Merry Christmas. I have now slept through the night for 11 hours straight, 3 nights in a row. I promise this is the new normal! I knew you wouldn't mind if I didn't wrap it, or if it arrived a little early for Christmas.
Love Whittaker
Christmas baking
The queen of hearts she made some tarts,
All on a winter's day.
She set them out in the snow to cool,
And one was whisked clean away!
And one was whisked clean away!
Finding no one to take the blame,
She confessed to her snitching ways.
The tarts were brought back in to serve,
And lasted only a minute.
She learned that twelve were not enough,
The next day she made more.
Butter and mincemeat tarts are gone,
Now it's cookie baking galore!
Getting an early start is sooo over rated!
Twas three days until Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring...
except Whittaker, Miles, Mummy and three kitties, but that's normal!
The stockings were hung ...
haphazardly from the opening to the living room from their lovely snowman hangers, although there weren't enough since this year I decided to make all new stockings and then havent' started and will likely use a mismatched hodge podge, because I simply can not decide which type of stocking I want....
The list of to do things was being checked for things to cross off as no longer important enough to get to and is there possibly anything on there that could be delegated to someone else? (important things like blogging stayed... but less important ones like bake more goodies... gone!)
and then, at roughly 5:32 AM, after having a quick shower, the quietly stirring creatures decided to do something a little unusual and not so festive at all. We turned on the Signing Time DVD in the kitchen and gave Whittaker a MUCH needed and overdue haircut!! By 7:12 AM, the sweepings were gone, the pictures were taken and the household was waking and somehow between 5:32 and 7:12, the baby had vanished and a little boy took his place.
And just so you don't think my life idyllic and picturesque....
whilst I ran to my room to dress for the day while he was still strapped in his highchair, he pooped his pants...
except Whittaker, Miles, Mummy and three kitties, but that's normal!
The stockings were hung ...
haphazardly from the opening to the living room from their lovely snowman hangers, although there weren't enough since this year I decided to make all new stockings and then havent' started and will likely use a mismatched hodge podge, because I simply can not decide which type of stocking I want....
The list of to do things was being checked for things to cross off as no longer important enough to get to and is there possibly anything on there that could be delegated to someone else? (important things like blogging stayed... but less important ones like bake more goodies... gone!)
and then, at roughly 5:32 AM, after having a quick shower, the quietly stirring creatures decided to do something a little unusual and not so festive at all. We turned on the Signing Time DVD in the kitchen and gave Whittaker a MUCH needed and overdue haircut!! By 7:12 AM, the sweepings were gone, the pictures were taken and the household was waking and somehow between 5:32 and 7:12, the baby had vanished and a little boy took his place.
And just so you don't think my life idyllic and picturesque....
whilst I ran to my room to dress for the day while he was still strapped in his highchair, he pooped his pants...
.. and then he ate it by the fistful!
Excuse me while I go brush my little potty mouth's teeth AGAIN!!
Napoleon Noble...
You have to be familiar with the movie Napoleon Dynamite to understand the following.
There are many a phrase from the movie that became common usage at our home. Although Patrick was never a fan of the movie, he couldn't help but pick up on a few of the phrases.
The other morning as we were all hustling about doing things at home, I looked up from the kitchen counter and noticed that Patrick was sitting on the couch in the living room. He had only been folding blankets so it wasn't as though he was exhausted and everyone else was still bustling about. I asked him if he had forgotten what his tasks were for the day.
He replied, "I'm just sitting for a minute. My lips hurt real bad today!"
Well..that's what I was CERTAIN that I heard him say! I laughed thinking that Patrick had used a Napoleon phrase as a funny.
Obviously seconds later I knew I had misheard. He asked, "Why is that so funny? I really hurt."
I stopped what I was doing and stepped into the living room.."WHAT?"
He said, "I told you my RIBS hurt real bad, and now you're laughing hysterically!"
I'm an awful person... that simply made me laugh even more!
He did admit, once he understood what I had heard, that it was amusing... but of course... laughing just makes his RIBS hurt more!
There are many a phrase from the movie that became common usage at our home. Although Patrick was never a fan of the movie, he couldn't help but pick up on a few of the phrases.
The other morning as we were all hustling about doing things at home, I looked up from the kitchen counter and noticed that Patrick was sitting on the couch in the living room. He had only been folding blankets so it wasn't as though he was exhausted and everyone else was still bustling about. I asked him if he had forgotten what his tasks were for the day.
He replied, "I'm just sitting for a minute. My lips hurt real bad today!"
Well..that's what I was CERTAIN that I heard him say! I laughed thinking that Patrick had used a Napoleon phrase as a funny.
Obviously seconds later I knew I had misheard. He asked, "Why is that so funny? I really hurt."
I stopped what I was doing and stepped into the living room.."WHAT?"
He said, "I told you my RIBS hurt real bad, and now you're laughing hysterically!"
I'm an awful person... that simply made me laugh even more!
He did admit, once he understood what I had heard, that it was amusing... but of course... laughing just makes his RIBS hurt more!
I am a Super Evil Genius!!
I decided to surprise the kids and their Uncle Forrest with a visit for Christmas time. Obviously, Forrest had to be in on the surprise, but the secrecy only heightened his excitement!!
Originally I intended to book a flight from Mississippi on Christmas Eve so that the kids would wake Christmas morning to Uncle Forrest hiding in a large refrigerator box in the living room. I tracked down a box, but getting a Christmas Eve flight turned out to be the hang up in my plan.
Patrick learned of my shenanigans, but I never let on that the Christmas Eve plan had fallen through. Somehow Caleb got wind of someone arriving on Christmas Eve and guessed that it would be Forrest. They both kept the surprise hush, hush!...
I kept mine more hush, hushier!
So, one afternoon, with the guise of needing to run some Christmas errands, I took only Whittaker with me and left the kids a list of chores to do. I even promised to bring home a treat for dinner if they finished the to do list! I did run a couple Christmas errands and then... off to the airport to fetch a 'treat for dinner'!!
Forrest is the biggest kid of the bunch. I don't mean because he's so tall either! He couldn't sleep the night before his flight because he was sooo excited. Now I'm a bit concerned about Christmas morning... I have a tough time keeping the little kids from waking too early...
We arrived home and I had a few groceries in the van. I carried Whittaker in and told the kids they did a great job with the to do list, could they run out and help unload groceries from the van. I quickly grabbed the camera to get their reactions, but I wasn't really fast enough. They were flabbergasted, shocked, thrilled, wowed, knocked out of their socks!!
The best part! They still unloaded the groceries!! Duncan came in excitedly telling ME that there was a surprise in the van! Like I didn't know! hee hee..
The fun and games began immediately! They quickly hid his suitcases downstairs and tidied up any sign of a visitor and prepared to be 'in on the surprise', when Daddy came home. Patrick came in quietly though and we didn't know he was in the mudroom! He heard Forrest's voice and then we heard laughter and a loud, "No way!" from the mudroom.
A week still until Christmas and they've already started to be spoiled! It's a party every minute!
What do you do with a drunken baby?
Whittaker isn't drunk!
It just seems that way.
Today he had an MRI to rule out hydrocephalus and or tumorous growth. Results are in. He's normal. So now afterwards, with the results in hand, I wish he hadn't had to go through with the whole procedure. Well, I wish he hadn't had to go through with it all along. The IV was the most traumatizing 45 minutes. The MRI only lasted 30 minutes. The recovery part... well, 12 hours later he's still our loopy, discombobulated, uncoordinated, imbalanced.... drunken baby.
He couldn't be left unattended all day. Not that I leave him unattended normally! He is accustomed to a certain amount of freedom around here.. and today.. NONE! He couldn't even sit amongst his toys safely. He definitely couldn't crawl. As for any first steps... Today would NOT be the day! He was exhausting to care for until we decided to put him in the safe confines of his playpen with soft toys. This was much easier on us and more amusing for us also.
I tried to get some of his antics photographed, however when he's swaying and stumbling and falling over, the following is all I was able to capture.
I resorted to videoing him.... (watching it again, I kinda feel mean for filming him instead of helping him)
Fortunately, it also left him groggy and sleepy most of the time. He slept most of the day but we were to wake him after two hours of sleep and keep him awake for at least 30 minutes each time. Thankfully bedtime has rolled around and now he had permission to sleep all through the night... in fact I hope he will. I certainly intend to!
They tell us he'll be better tomorrow.
It just seems that way.
Today he had an MRI to rule out hydrocephalus and or tumorous growth. Results are in. He's normal. So now afterwards, with the results in hand, I wish he hadn't had to go through with the whole procedure. Well, I wish he hadn't had to go through with it all along. The IV was the most traumatizing 45 minutes. The MRI only lasted 30 minutes. The recovery part... well, 12 hours later he's still our loopy, discombobulated, uncoordinated, imbalanced.... drunken baby.
He couldn't be left unattended all day. Not that I leave him unattended normally! He is accustomed to a certain amount of freedom around here.. and today.. NONE! He couldn't even sit amongst his toys safely. He definitely couldn't crawl. As for any first steps... Today would NOT be the day! He was exhausting to care for until we decided to put him in the safe confines of his playpen with soft toys. This was much easier on us and more amusing for us also.
I tried to get some of his antics photographed, however when he's swaying and stumbling and falling over, the following is all I was able to capture.
I resorted to videoing him.... (watching it again, I kinda feel mean for filming him instead of helping him)
They tell us he'll be better tomorrow.
Eggstra, Eggstra!!
Eggs are big news around here again. We had been doing well for a while almost ten eggs a day and then suddenly without notice, the ladies must have gone on strike! Not an egg for days. Then one rubbery shelled egg every few days was all we were getting.
The mystery.
The strangeness.
The sadness.
The sheer LACK OF EGGS!
We went out and spoke kindly with the ladies but to no avail.
We added a heat lamp, a light, and changed their diet. We continued to give them the scraps from our table.
Meanwhile, a friend in the neighbourhood had also acquired some chickens and ducks and was having incredible Egg success. With only he and his wife, he simply couldn't keep up with all the eggs. We became the recipient of many duck eggs.
Cooper, long known as the egg connoisseur of the bunch is spending a few days here while his mother is out of town. He got up the first morning he was here and announced that the Emergency Egg Patrol was on the job! He was heading out to collect the eggs and visit with his feathered friends.
It didn't take long after he told the ladies in the back yard of our betrayal and enjoyment of the duck eggs for them to quit their strike and return to work! We're back to 5 eggs a day.
The mystery.
The strangeness.
The sadness.
The sheer LACK OF EGGS!
We went out and spoke kindly with the ladies but to no avail.
We added a heat lamp, a light, and changed their diet. We continued to give them the scraps from our table.
Meanwhile, a friend in the neighbourhood had also acquired some chickens and ducks and was having incredible Egg success. With only he and his wife, he simply couldn't keep up with all the eggs. We became the recipient of many duck eggs.
Cooper, long known as the egg connoisseur of the bunch is spending a few days here while his mother is out of town. He got up the first morning he was here and announced that the Emergency Egg Patrol was on the job! He was heading out to collect the eggs and visit with his feathered friends.
It didn't take long after he told the ladies in the back yard of our betrayal and enjoyment of the duck eggs for them to quit their strike and return to work! We're back to 5 eggs a day.
Christmas Caroling
The day started out well... then it turned ugly and then it was lovely...
I'll explain.
It was early Saturday morning, and I had 7 children to have ready to leave for a fun morning of Christmas caroling with the scout troop at the retirement centers in town.
Dilemma #1. They had to be in full scout uniform.
Dilemma #2. The only thing keeping us from being in full uniform was the lack of the appropriate numbers on one child's shirt.
Dilemma #3. The scout store was open at 9am. We had to meet for caroling by 9:45. There would be time to get to the store and procure the numbers and drive to the retirement center, but not time to sew on the four required numbers.
Dilemma #4. Sewing wouldn't be necessary since there were two other adhering options. Iron on adhesive or velcro. Couldn't do the iron on in the car on the way and my velcro seemed to have grown legs and wandered off.
Dilemma #5. If I take the time to find the velcro at 8:45, we might not meet all the deadlines. I searched for the velcro. Everyone helped. I finally found it. I handed the velcro and the one badge that we already had to a child and sent everyone to the car.
I was feeling confident that we would make it.
I hurried through the checkout at the store and by 9:15 I was in the car with 7 kids, new badges and we had enough time to velcro them on the shirt and meet the scouts on time. I asked for the velcro and the badge that I'd already had.
Somewhere between the kitchen and the car, the badge had gone missing. I lost my temper. After orchestrating everything so well, now I was driving back home to get a silly number and no longer had any time cushion to get us to the caroling on time.
Now rushing, I ran in and got the number that I had quite a hatred for now... quickly velcro'd them all onto the shirt and headed out once again.
I wasn't feeling the Christmas caroling spirit. Nor was I gaining an appreciation for scouting. They were all waiting for us.
My mood changed almost instantly as we walked into the center and saw the faces of the elderly eagerly waiting for us to come sing to them. They weren't excited about the paper candles that we had made for them, they were eager to have visitors. To have the children visit with them.
Never underestimate the power of a baby. I was kept extremely busy as everyone seemed to want a chance to hold, pat on the head, squeeze his cheeks or in some way be near to sweet accommodating little Whittaker. One lady in particular kept asking me to go over and let him walk to her, she always loved when a baby would walk to her. I had a difficult time convincing her that he couldn't walk yet. She just kept trying to reassure me that she was steady on her feet, she could hold him when he walked over. Never argue with the elderly! I walked Whittaker over while holding his hands. (Not his favourite thing to do, so he rewarded her with a scowl!)
The other kids all sang nicely and visited for well over an hour. We then repeated all of this at two other centers.
Five minutes into the first caroling, Mackenzie walked over to me and she looked positively green. We found a bathroom quickly and I called Patrick to arrange a quick pick up. She spent most of the day in bed with a bucket next to her.
The singers were all rewarded for their efforts with some hot cocoa and rice krispie treats in the parking lot! Whittaker was asleep within seconds of being buckled into his car seat! He'd done a lot of work being cute that morning!
I had gained a much better appreciation for the scouting outing.
As I tucked in the boys for bed that night, we chatted about our caroling experience a bit. I was taken aback by Cooper's comments.
"It was a delightful activity. I think the elderly really liked me. I do wish that the other kids hadn't been so rude during that Rudolph song though."
It had been a nice activity and I do think the elderly had enjoyed it, but I didn't recall any rudeness during Rudolph!
Apparently, Cooper hadn't heard this song before or at least not this way, and he claimed that everyone kept adding rude things that weren't on the lyrics pages. (you know, like chiming in with, 'like a light bulb', or 'like Pinocchio'!) I did my best not to laugh. I told him that the elderly expected them to sing it like that. It's a silly thing everyone does whenever they sing that song. We agreed that they should have written it on the lyrics page so people would all know. Then we had to sing it so he could learn them. He was laughing at how funny it was.
While Cooper said his prayers, he asked that the elderly not have to die too soon please. They were nice people you know.
So I guess it was all worthwhile. Rudeness and all!
I'll explain.
It was early Saturday morning, and I had 7 children to have ready to leave for a fun morning of Christmas caroling with the scout troop at the retirement centers in town.
Dilemma #1. They had to be in full scout uniform.
Dilemma #2. The only thing keeping us from being in full uniform was the lack of the appropriate numbers on one child's shirt.
Dilemma #3. The scout store was open at 9am. We had to meet for caroling by 9:45. There would be time to get to the store and procure the numbers and drive to the retirement center, but not time to sew on the four required numbers.
Dilemma #4. Sewing wouldn't be necessary since there were two other adhering options. Iron on adhesive or velcro. Couldn't do the iron on in the car on the way and my velcro seemed to have grown legs and wandered off.
Dilemma #5. If I take the time to find the velcro at 8:45, we might not meet all the deadlines. I searched for the velcro. Everyone helped. I finally found it. I handed the velcro and the one badge that we already had to a child and sent everyone to the car.
I was feeling confident that we would make it.
I hurried through the checkout at the store and by 9:15 I was in the car with 7 kids, new badges and we had enough time to velcro them on the shirt and meet the scouts on time. I asked for the velcro and the badge that I'd already had.
Somewhere between the kitchen and the car, the badge had gone missing. I lost my temper. After orchestrating everything so well, now I was driving back home to get a silly number and no longer had any time cushion to get us to the caroling on time.
Now rushing, I ran in and got the number that I had quite a hatred for now... quickly velcro'd them all onto the shirt and headed out once again.
I wasn't feeling the Christmas caroling spirit. Nor was I gaining an appreciation for scouting. They were all waiting for us.
My mood changed almost instantly as we walked into the center and saw the faces of the elderly eagerly waiting for us to come sing to them. They weren't excited about the paper candles that we had made for them, they were eager to have visitors. To have the children visit with them.
Never underestimate the power of a baby. I was kept extremely busy as everyone seemed to want a chance to hold, pat on the head, squeeze his cheeks or in some way be near to sweet accommodating little Whittaker. One lady in particular kept asking me to go over and let him walk to her, she always loved when a baby would walk to her. I had a difficult time convincing her that he couldn't walk yet. She just kept trying to reassure me that she was steady on her feet, she could hold him when he walked over. Never argue with the elderly! I walked Whittaker over while holding his hands. (Not his favourite thing to do, so he rewarded her with a scowl!)
I had gained a much better appreciation for the scouting outing.
As I tucked in the boys for bed that night, we chatted about our caroling experience a bit. I was taken aback by Cooper's comments.
"It was a delightful activity. I think the elderly really liked me. I do wish that the other kids hadn't been so rude during that Rudolph song though."
It had been a nice activity and I do think the elderly had enjoyed it, but I didn't recall any rudeness during Rudolph!
Apparently, Cooper hadn't heard this song before or at least not this way, and he claimed that everyone kept adding rude things that weren't on the lyrics pages. (you know, like chiming in with, 'like a light bulb', or 'like Pinocchio'!) I did my best not to laugh. I told him that the elderly expected them to sing it like that. It's a silly thing everyone does whenever they sing that song. We agreed that they should have written it on the lyrics page so people would all know. Then we had to sing it so he could learn them. He was laughing at how funny it was.
While Cooper said his prayers, he asked that the elderly not have to die too soon please. They were nice people you know.
So I guess it was all worthwhile. Rudeness and all!
Just another morning...
It's 6:30 am.
I've been up for 1 1/2 hours already.
A child is laying on the floor in the office with a bucket next to his head. At least he's stopped ringing the bell every time he thinks of something he might like to eat or drink.
A child is laying on the floor in my bedroom, finally back to sleep with a bucket next to her head.
A child is taking the puppy(just puppy sitting!) out to go potty in an effort to make it stop yapping. She tells me she is feeling better but still thinks a bucket carried around with her is a good idea.
A child is demanding my attention at every turn, has had a diaper change, a banana, some toast and a bottle and still won't just go play quietly.
A child is asking me for toast and telling me that he's been awake for forever but he tried to go back to bed. (I wish I could trade places... I know I would be successful in going back to bed!)
A child is whining at the bottom of the stairs because he wanted to go outside to take the puppy potty and the other child didn't wait for him. And, he's really hungry.. like starving!
A child is asking if they can play computer yet? Someone woke them up when they got up to be sick. And now said child has a headache. 'Oh, and how come I didn't get any toast?'
A child and his father, who are typically up betwen 5 and 6 am each day, are still in their warm beds sawing logs.
I think the day has officially begun and I should be allowed to blare Christmas music now! Right!??!
And then maybe, I'll sneak back off to bed..... fine, I know I that won't happen.... but I can dream.
I've been up for 1 1/2 hours already.
A child is laying on the floor in the office with a bucket next to his head. At least he's stopped ringing the bell every time he thinks of something he might like to eat or drink.
A child is laying on the floor in my bedroom, finally back to sleep with a bucket next to her head.
A child is taking the puppy(just puppy sitting!) out to go potty in an effort to make it stop yapping. She tells me she is feeling better but still thinks a bucket carried around with her is a good idea.
A child is demanding my attention at every turn, has had a diaper change, a banana, some toast and a bottle and still won't just go play quietly.
A child is asking me for toast and telling me that he's been awake for forever but he tried to go back to bed. (I wish I could trade places... I know I would be successful in going back to bed!)
A child is whining at the bottom of the stairs because he wanted to go outside to take the puppy potty and the other child didn't wait for him. And, he's really hungry.. like starving!
A child is asking if they can play computer yet? Someone woke them up when they got up to be sick. And now said child has a headache. 'Oh, and how come I didn't get any toast?'
A child and his father, who are typically up betwen 5 and 6 am each day, are still in their warm beds sawing logs.
I think the day has officially begun and I should be allowed to blare Christmas music now! Right!??!
And then maybe, I'll sneak back off to bed..... fine, I know I that won't happen.... but I can dream.
Oh, What do you do in the Winter time?
Once there was a snowman, snowman, snowman.
Once there was a snowman, tall, tall, tall.
In the sun he melted, melted, melted.
In the sun he melted, small, small, small.
The tall snowman building came about because of:
1. A large amount of white flakes accumulated in the yard.
2. Caleb was frustrated with his siblings and declared to me that he was going to go outside to 'cool' off.
3. Duncan, overhearing Caleb, asked if he could go outside and 'cool' off with Caleb.
They more than cooled off... Duncan returned 4 hours later with frigid extremities and a huge smile on his face.
Caleb returned almost 5 hours away, dripping with sweat and a much happier outlook on life!
P.S. The snowman measured a mere ten and a half feet without his hat on!
Fun in the sun snow... my little orange snow Angels
Popularity is overrated!
Being popular in your youth likely meant you didn't spend much time on your studies...
Being popular nowadays means everyone needs me and I get spread much too thin... only not in the body sense of thin. As I sit to type of have one needing a nose wiped, one telling me they're hungry, one asking for help with a craft, one wants me to take a picture of their snowman creations, one is emailing me for genealogy assistance, and one is wondering how much longer I'll be getting ready for Primary. He insists I told him I'd only be a minute and it's already been three hours.
How do I explain this....
I haven't started what I sat down to do yet....
Being popular nowadays means everyone needs me and I get spread much too thin... only not in the body sense of thin. As I sit to type of have one needing a nose wiped, one telling me they're hungry, one asking for help with a craft, one wants me to take a picture of their snowman creations, one is emailing me for genealogy assistance, and one is wondering how much longer I'll be getting ready for Primary. He insists I told him I'd only be a minute and it's already been three hours.
How do I explain this....
I haven't started what I sat down to do yet....
Be Careful....
Last Saturday night,
Jim and his girlfriend were stopped at a light after attending an evening movie.
Suddenly from behind them a careening vehicle rear ended them and destroyed the back end of their vehicle and set in motion aches and pains that are still concerning them almost a week since.
Jim has numbness in his hand that isn't going away and a terrible back ache. Lori (his girlfriend), has an extremely stiff neck and some bruises to the back and face. They've seen medical attention and are recuperating slowly.
The car... not so much.
Unknown was the chain of events that were started by this motor vehicle collision.
Don't bad things typically happen in threes?
(If you're superstitious.... which I'm not.... but maybe I'll start..)
Earlier this week....
amongst all the snow and ice...
I rushed out the door with a hot casserole in my hands. Took one step out the door, reached for the door knob behind me and before I managed to latch the door....
Out from under me my feet went up.
My backside went down hard and fast and my arm twisted from the door knob to the door stoop and my head hit the door.
Sarah had gone out ahead of me and when she noticed that I was no longer behind her to unlock the van, she looked and saw me on the ground. I managed to convey that I wanted her to take the hot casserole off of my belly where I had so carefully caught it...(not intentionally... just happened that way)
Then, I managed to gingerly get up and go back in to change my pants since they were soaked clear through and attempt to not rush out the door again to the scout meeting.
Needless to say... I ached a little the next few days, and we blocked off the door with the ice skating rink in front of it.
Four days later....
Patrick came home from work.
I was still in the kitchen making dinner and could hear him grunting in the mudroom as he removed his boots and coat.
I am a caring wife. I asked what was causing all the moaning and groaning.
"I fell off a ladder at work."
My initial reaction, "Why did you do that?"
He was unimpressed by my response.
He came into the kitchen and showed me the injury. While he had his shirt up to show me where he had landed on the rungs and scraped up his skin, Caleb joined us in the kitchen, took a look at Patrick's scrape, and asked,
"What'd you do that for?"
I stifled a laugh.
Patrick sighed and rolled his eyes.
Sarah wandered into the kitchen. She noticed that Daddy had his shirt held up and asked,
"Is that marker on you?"
Now thoroughly annoyed with the lot of us, he explained that he fell off a ladder and that he was now going to change out of his work clothes and head to the urgent care to get it checked out.
I convinced him to have a bite to eat before he left. Then I suggest that the little boys tag along to watch Daddy get x-rays. See, I'm a thoughtful, caring wife. I didn't make him go all alone. I then went to a scout meeting.
Shortly after I returned from my meeting the boys returned from their outing with Daddy. The little boys had little toys from a treat box at the urgent care and Daddy had some pain meds and the news that he had a fractured rib.
Now I really became a caring wife. I shared all my knowledge and experience with him.
"In Little House on the Prairie, Charles Ingalls broke his ribs all the time... and doing much more exciting things than falling off a ladder. And it was always plural ... as in , 'he broke his ribs', not 'rib'. They always wrapped a long white bandage around his torso and then told him to rest, which of course he never did, but he always got better before the next episode."
He simply shook his head.
He just doesn't appreciate me.
I offered to make BBQ ribs for dinner tomorrow. I suggested he eat a whole one.
He took his pain pill and went to bed.
I went to Walmart in the middle of the night.
I had to fight with many shelf stockers to find all the things on my list.
I went to bed worried about the large man in pain next to me who had taken medicines with a side effect listed saying, 'may cause thrashing while sleeping'.
Jim and his girlfriend were stopped at a light after attending an evening movie.
Suddenly from behind them a careening vehicle rear ended them and destroyed the back end of their vehicle and set in motion aches and pains that are still concerning them almost a week since.
Jim has numbness in his hand that isn't going away and a terrible back ache. Lori (his girlfriend), has an extremely stiff neck and some bruises to the back and face. They've seen medical attention and are recuperating slowly.
The car... not so much.
Unknown was the chain of events that were started by this motor vehicle collision.
Don't bad things typically happen in threes?
(If you're superstitious.... which I'm not.... but maybe I'll start..)
Earlier this week....
amongst all the snow and ice...
I rushed out the door with a hot casserole in my hands. Took one step out the door, reached for the door knob behind me and before I managed to latch the door....
Out from under me my feet went up.
My backside went down hard and fast and my arm twisted from the door knob to the door stoop and my head hit the door.
Sarah had gone out ahead of me and when she noticed that I was no longer behind her to unlock the van, she looked and saw me on the ground. I managed to convey that I wanted her to take the hot casserole off of my belly where I had so carefully caught it...(not intentionally... just happened that way)
Then, I managed to gingerly get up and go back in to change my pants since they were soaked clear through and attempt to not rush out the door again to the scout meeting.
Needless to say... I ached a little the next few days, and we blocked off the door with the ice skating rink in front of it.
Four days later....
Patrick came home from work.
I was still in the kitchen making dinner and could hear him grunting in the mudroom as he removed his boots and coat.
I am a caring wife. I asked what was causing all the moaning and groaning.
"I fell off a ladder at work."
My initial reaction, "Why did you do that?"
He was unimpressed by my response.
He came into the kitchen and showed me the injury. While he had his shirt up to show me where he had landed on the rungs and scraped up his skin, Caleb joined us in the kitchen, took a look at Patrick's scrape, and asked,
"What'd you do that for?"
I stifled a laugh.
Patrick sighed and rolled his eyes.
Sarah wandered into the kitchen. She noticed that Daddy had his shirt held up and asked,
"Is that marker on you?"
I convinced him to have a bite to eat before he left. Then I suggest that the little boys tag along to watch Daddy get x-rays. See, I'm a thoughtful, caring wife. I didn't make him go all alone. I then went to a scout meeting.
Shortly after I returned from my meeting the boys returned from their outing with Daddy. The little boys had little toys from a treat box at the urgent care and Daddy had some pain meds and the news that he had a fractured rib.
Now I really became a caring wife. I shared all my knowledge and experience with him.
"In Little House on the Prairie, Charles Ingalls broke his ribs all the time... and doing much more exciting things than falling off a ladder. And it was always plural ... as in , 'he broke his ribs', not 'rib'. They always wrapped a long white bandage around his torso and then told him to rest, which of course he never did, but he always got better before the next episode."
He simply shook his head.
He just doesn't appreciate me.
I offered to make BBQ ribs for dinner tomorrow. I suggested he eat a whole one.
He took his pain pill and went to bed.
I went to Walmart in the middle of the night.
I had to fight with many shelf stockers to find all the things on my list.
I went to bed worried about the large man in pain next to me who had taken medicines with a side effect listed saying, 'may cause thrashing while sleeping'.
The demise of a Spatula
Earlier this morning, Patrick was looking for the 'spatula' so he could flip the pancakes. He called from the kitchen, "Where's the stiff spatula?"
-The blue and black one?
"No it's just black, but it's not flimsy. It's stiff."
I stopped getting ready for church and went to the kitchen to investigate the issue. I saw two spatula's in the canister next to the stove.
-What's wrong with those?
"I need to flip the pancakes not scrape the side of the bowl."
- Then why did you ask for a spatula? You need a flipper.
"Whatever it's called.. Spatula, flipper... where is it?"
Problems with this scenario.
1. It has long been established that Patrick, pancakes and I are not a combination that ends well.
2. Obviously we are referring to two different kitchen gadgets with the same name.
3. This all took place only 5 minutes after an altercation over the correct method of grinding flax seeds.
4. I am appreciative that he is willing to make pancakes on Sunday morning, however I wish he could do it on his own... I often feel it would be more efficient if I just made them myself and then tried to get ready afterwards!
We discussed the fact that, yes both items are commonly referred to as spatulas, so I conceded that I could see why there was confusion. But I had no idea where the stiff one was. He proceeded to flip pancakes with the flimsy 'spatula/flipper'. I retreated to the office instead of finishing my dressing and hair so that I could google 'spatula'.
Obviously more important!
Here is what we learned.
Spatula -definition
-The blue and black one?
"No it's just black, but it's not flimsy. It's stiff."
I stopped getting ready for church and went to the kitchen to investigate the issue. I saw two spatula's in the canister next to the stove.
-What's wrong with those?
"I need to flip the pancakes not scrape the side of the bowl."
- Then why did you ask for a spatula? You need a flipper.
"Whatever it's called.. Spatula, flipper... where is it?"
Problems with this scenario.
1. It has long been established that Patrick, pancakes and I are not a combination that ends well.
2. Obviously we are referring to two different kitchen gadgets with the same name.
3. This all took place only 5 minutes after an altercation over the correct method of grinding flax seeds.
4. I am appreciative that he is willing to make pancakes on Sunday morning, however I wish he could do it on his own... I often feel it would be more efficient if I just made them myself and then tried to get ready afterwards!
We discussed the fact that, yes both items are commonly referred to as spatulas, so I conceded that I could see why there was confusion. But I had no idea where the stiff one was. He proceeded to flip pancakes with the flimsy 'spatula/flipper'. I retreated to the office instead of finishing my dressing and hair so that I could google 'spatula'.
Obviously more important!
Here is what we learned.
Spatula -definition
1. A small implement having a broad, flat, flexible blade that is used to mix, spread, or lift material.2. A device, such as a small wooden paddle, used to press down the tongue during an examination of the mouth or throat.
from Wikipedia
A spatula, also called an egg slice, a "turner," a flipper in Canadian English, or a yiwen or danny in Fiji, is a kitchen utensil with a long handle and a broad flat edge, used for lifting and turning fried foods.[1][2][3]Relieved now to have been slightly vindicated, I shared my new found knowledge and we determined that from now on we would refer to the pancake flipping device as a Danny and the bowl cleaning devices as spatulas. Ahh... a good days work!
In American English, the word spatula is often used to refer to as a scraper.
The word spatula, known in English since 1525, is a diminutive form of the Latin term spatha, which means a broad sword (as in spatharius) or a flat piece of wood and is also the origin of the words spade (digging tool) and spathe.[4]
After church....
I was hurrying to make a quick meal so that we could get to a meeting and then hurry home to start decorating for Christmas. I had prepared the meal and needed to broil it for a few minutes before serving. I quickly turned on the oven while I grated the cheese to spread on the top of the newly created rice/meat/sauce/spinach/leftover-going to be wrapped in a tortilla soon meal,- but I began to smell a horrid stench.
We've been enjoying the ambiance of the fireplace in the living room and I immediately looked to the fireplace in case there were clothes hanging too close trying to dry that had begun to melt but it wasn't that. Instead I turned toward the stove where I noticed a black smoke and then....
..Voila!
I found the newly named stiff 'Danny'! Well, what was left of it. It was in flames. The frying pan it was sitting in, inside the oven, wasn't too pleasant either.
I think I'll ask for a new stiff 'danny' for Christmas. My old one is still outside in a snowbank.... it was the best idea we could come up with when Patrick removed it from the oven still flaming.
A couple of Kooks!
These were taken just over a year ago... back when they were young....
... and kooky!
They've matured since then....
Actually all kidding aside... they have.. It would be truly awful if they weren't so darn sweet!
A tme to give thanks
2 Corinthians 9: 6-15
"But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you ; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift."
As many sit down to a Thanksgiving feast today, I reminisce to over a month ago, Oct. 11th! (yes I'm WAY behind on my blogging!!) (I'm THANKFUL, there's not really a deadline or any penalty for allowing life to take over!)
Anyhoo... We celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving this year!! I haven't done it before, always celebrating at the end of November. Not this year. Instead, I'm THANKFUL for the fabulous Thanksgiving a la Bailey, and now I'm enjoying a wonderful birthday holiday a la moi! Four days off to do whatever I please. (It just so happens, as Patrick so happily pointed out, that I please to do a lot when I get the chance) I do have a list of things I hope to accomplish. I'm THANKFUL that I set my own schedule and can do as I please! I'll see how well I do at the end of the weekend!
For our feast, and my first ever full thanksgiving spread, prepared in my own home, we enjoyed a succulent turkey. I'm THANKFUL for my fine electric roaster, which left the oven available for baking apple pie, pumpkin pies, a pumpkin/cheesecake roll and delicious home made rolls a la Tina! I'm THANKFUL for baking skills and wonderful recipes! We also had all my favourite vegetables since it was Canadian Thanksgiving; brussel sprouts, beets, carrots and parsnips mashed. I'm THANKFUL for children who indulge me in trying and learning that they too like the new vegetables. Mashed potatoes, stuffing and gravy were added to appease the masses. I'm THANKFUL that the masses are so easy to please. Our timing wasn't perfect... the bird was ready long before the rest of the meal but it was still juicy and nice when eventually all the food was ready to eat. I'm THANKFUL that there wasn't a deadline other than some grumbling tummies. I'm even more THANKFUL now, for many Thanksgivings at the Ranch where I've only assisted and and we've all enjoyed a delicious feast!
It was a long day. A lot of work. Delicious. Pricey. I still don't understand the purpose of spending extra money on a lot of food that I almost couldn't fit into my fridge for one meal for one family. To show gratitude? Wouldn't showing gratitude be better shown by giving that extra time, energy and money to those who don't have food? I'm certainly THANKFUL that we have never had to experience going hungry.
So perhaps this will make up for my bah humbug approach that I've taken many years when I refused to do anything beyond making homemade Macaroni and Cheese!
I'm THANKFUL for so many blessings, for friends, family, life and happiness!!
"But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you ; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift."
As many sit down to a Thanksgiving feast today, I reminisce to over a month ago, Oct. 11th! (yes I'm WAY behind on my blogging!!) (I'm THANKFUL, there's not really a deadline or any penalty for allowing life to take over!)
Anyhoo... We celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving this year!! I haven't done it before, always celebrating at the end of November. Not this year. Instead, I'm THANKFUL for the fabulous Thanksgiving a la Bailey, and now I'm enjoying a wonderful birthday holiday a la moi! Four days off to do whatever I please. (It just so happens, as Patrick so happily pointed out, that I please to do a lot when I get the chance) I do have a list of things I hope to accomplish. I'm THANKFUL that I set my own schedule and can do as I please! I'll see how well I do at the end of the weekend!
For our feast, and my first ever full thanksgiving spread, prepared in my own home, we enjoyed a succulent turkey. I'm THANKFUL for my fine electric roaster, which left the oven available for baking apple pie, pumpkin pies, a pumpkin/cheesecake roll and delicious home made rolls a la Tina! I'm THANKFUL for baking skills and wonderful recipes! We also had all my favourite vegetables since it was Canadian Thanksgiving; brussel sprouts, beets, carrots and parsnips mashed. I'm THANKFUL for children who indulge me in trying and learning that they too like the new vegetables. Mashed potatoes, stuffing and gravy were added to appease the masses. I'm THANKFUL that the masses are so easy to please. Our timing wasn't perfect... the bird was ready long before the rest of the meal but it was still juicy and nice when eventually all the food was ready to eat. I'm THANKFUL that there wasn't a deadline other than some grumbling tummies. I'm even more THANKFUL now, for many Thanksgivings at the Ranch where I've only assisted and and we've all enjoyed a delicious feast!
It was a long day. A lot of work. Delicious. Pricey. I still don't understand the purpose of spending extra money on a lot of food that I almost couldn't fit into my fridge for one meal for one family. To show gratitude? Wouldn't showing gratitude be better shown by giving that extra time, energy and money to those who don't have food? I'm certainly THANKFUL that we have never had to experience going hungry.
So perhaps this will make up for my bah humbug approach that I've taken many years when I refused to do anything beyond making homemade Macaroni and Cheese!
I'm THANKFUL for so many blessings, for friends, family, life and happiness!!
I am THANKFUL!
K-I-S-S-I-N-G
We recently had a girls night in! A variation on a ladies night out. The younger girls felt a little left out of all the grown up activities so we planned a night without any pesky little brothers. We watched a more grown up feeling movie and had late night ice cream. It was fun. We watched The Man From Snowy River.
Grandma, Bailey, Sarah and Kenzie were all new to the movie. I, on the other hand, surprised myself by being able to still quote most of the movie! I was rather obsessed when I was younger.
They enjoyed the film and were excited to learn that there was a sequel! We added it to the Netflix queue and within a few days we had in in our possession. Bailey was out of town but we couldn't wait for her to return. We held another girls night in.
During the sequel there is a little more kissing involved since of course the characters are a little older and wiser now. It is after all a romantic drama.
The movie was almost over and Sarah asked, "Is that the kind of Irish, or Scottish, or whatever accent they're using, kind of kissing?"
Kenzie replied, "It's Australian kissing."
After a chuckle and a look at Grandma, I replied, "It's just movie kissing. Real kissing doesn't care what language you speak or accent you may have or even where you live."
Grandma, Bailey, Sarah and Kenzie were all new to the movie. I, on the other hand, surprised myself by being able to still quote most of the movie! I was rather obsessed when I was younger.
They enjoyed the film and were excited to learn that there was a sequel! We added it to the Netflix queue and within a few days we had in in our possession. Bailey was out of town but we couldn't wait for her to return. We held another girls night in.
During the sequel there is a little more kissing involved since of course the characters are a little older and wiser now. It is after all a romantic drama.
The movie was almost over and Sarah asked, "Is that the kind of Irish, or Scottish, or whatever accent they're using, kind of kissing?"
Kenzie replied, "It's Australian kissing."
After a chuckle and a look at Grandma, I replied, "It's just movie kissing. Real kissing doesn't care what language you speak or accent you may have or even where you live."
The Cookie Bandit
We bake cookies... and bake cookies... and bake cookies and they're always disappearing! Now I know why... There is a cookie bandit!
I'm relieved... I thought it was because I had been subconsciously eating them all!
Party Time Proof
I realize that it wasn't blogged about immediately and since as my sister puts it... if it isn't blogged about, it didn't really happen! So. I will finally update some of the blog posts so that these things can happen.
(Of course it was a little over a month ago, but we had a super deluxe, extra chocolatey, chocolate cake. We all sang and he officially turned 7! He's growing up way too fast.
We'd had a fairly relaxing day. The Connolly's were here for the day and it was lovely outside. They all tried juggling sticks and then they put on a little performance with tickets and refreshments to show off their new juggling skills.
The weather was warm still and the kids decided to sleep on the deck as a fun way to celebrate the end of Duncan's birthday! Whittaker was only out there for bedtime and then he was whisked away to his crib! Much to the other children's dismay. The deck may have a railing all the way around that make it a large crib as they argued but I stood my ground that he didn't get to stay outside! It was only for the big kids!
Duncan had so wanted to have a friend party this year and we had decided that we would have a 'let's go fly a kite' party. I had little kites for each of his friends, planned out some little games and activities and decided to have it at the park near the house since flying kites would need a large field. So we were all ready for the party, except, how do you have a kite flying party? You require an important element... Wind! How could I send out invitations not knowing which afternoon would be a windy one? That was only one issue! The second..... Duncan didn't really have many friends. He has lots of little friends that he knows... but they're all girls and other than one of them... they don't really hang out with him much... they have other little girl friends they like to hang out with. He had it in his mind that a friend party would have lots of people. He just didn't seem to know who these lots of people would be. So, inviting a bunch of kids over that aren't typically ones that hang out around here with the invitation to come on over on the next warm, windy afternoon doesn't really fly. (hee hee)
This is why some time passed after his birthday without a party. I did finally get him to understand that if a warm windy day in early October happened, we would quickly call all his little girl friends and see if they could meet us at the park, but not to be disappointed if they were at dance and couldn't make it during the gust!
All my preparations and chats with him were for naught. The correct weather conditions didn't present themselves during daylight hours, when we were home and not busy, for many weeks. And so.... that is why on Oct. 23rd, an entire month after Duncan seventh birthday we finally planned a different sort of Birthday party! We also had another birthday boy! Derek had turned 5 only two days previous. So we referred to it as the Double D bash!
A bash for two boys only one week before Halloween was the perfect opportunity for us to get our pumkins carved, 'and call it a party!!'. We decorated the house with balloons and streamers and put out the pumpkins and carving tools on the table. We had games on the counter for early finishing carvers and other activities planned. The wait for the guests was all that remained!
Guests arrived and we got down to business. Some more eagerly scooped out the pulp than others. Even late arrival guests got down and dirty.
We created a lovely, spooky, assortment of great jack-o-lanterns!
With the table still busy with some of the more detailed carvers, and others needing more to do than the games at the counter of halloween 'don't eat pete' and a matching game, we decided to serve our dinner in shifts and then move on to the next activity in small groups. Dinner was yummy macaroni and cheese. Thanks to Bailey, we drank a delicious and lovely to behold, throw it together in a matter of minutes from all the juices and fruit on hand punch. The punch was a hit! (hee, hee)
The next activity was definitely better as a small group activity! We decided to bob for apples! It didn't take long for the kids to get excited about this game! I hadn't given any thought to how to fill the tub when it was time. So a few minutes were spent with the logistics. Do we fill pitcher after pitcher and run them outside to the porch? Will the tub be too heavy if we fill it in the bath to carry out to the porch... oh wait... of course. There is a hose spiggot, only 2 feet from the tub on the front porch, just fill it from the hose outside! Easier said than done when the front yard pants are involved!! The pants were cooperative and agreed to assist with filling the tub if we would be willing to carry the tub to them!
Once the tub was filled, the kids didn't waste any time getting into this game! Duncan managed to snag an apple right away... by the stem.. We immediately removed all the stems and made him try again. Everyone had a turn and the game was on! It was a lot of fun. I had wondered if the kids would tire of it or not want to stick their face in the tub of water outside on the porch in the cool evening, but not one complained. Sarah required an outfit change afterwards but I think that had something to do with her bobbing method. Cheers erupted as each child succeeded!
We were glad to head back inside after the bobbing was complete to warm up and open presents.
Bailey had made a point of getting up and shooing everyone out of the kitchen for a few hours in the morning to create her masterpiece twin dinosaur birthday cakes for the birthday boys!! They were so excited! The cakes were way yummy also!
If this wasn't enough fun, we also had a movie planned! How to Train your Dragon was showing in the downstairs birthday cinema! A little popcorn and a movie was a great end to our night. Just over five hours of partying and we had some tuckered out party goers! Thankfully it was bedtime and once the guests were all sent home, our crew fell happily into their beds! I think that the change of plans birthday party was a success. Now I have a bunch of kites, still waiting for a warm windy day.... Perhaps Miles would like a kite flying party in March?
Trouble with a Capital T!
Someone is making up for lost time... He isn't walking quite yet... but apparently he's climbing!
And proud of it!
Hallow... Rain??
The weather gave a trick instead of a treat...
Thankfully it let up after a bit so that it was only freezing cold instead of cold, windy and raining! The trick of treaters began giving up a lot sooner than in past years.
There was enough candy to cause much discussion and sorting fiasco after returning home still.
At this time it is still undecided, how much candy is too much candy to give up (in trade) to the candy witch!
I can't keep up!
In the last three days, we've been go, go, go, so much. I've taken over 400 photographs and missed out on what seems like as many hours of sleep!
How will I ever get it all documented!! Maybe less sleep???
This was the blog I intended to write and include a quick tidbit teaser and some tantalizing photos... but... blah blah blah... I've decided to just keep on keeping on and eventually by the time I'm 110 I should be finished with the backlog!.... maybe....
,
How will I ever get it all documented!! Maybe less sleep???
This was the blog I intended to write and include a quick tidbit teaser and some tantalizing photos... but... blah blah blah... I've decided to just keep on keeping on and eventually by the time I'm 110 I should be finished with the backlog!.... maybe....
,
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