12 Days of Christmas

For the second week of December....  I forgot to take photos... most of the time.

Sarah got a job.  She works just down the street at the school... cleaning!


Patrick's Sterling Singers performance.  Sarah had her first training for work and couldn't go.  I had to stay with Whittaker and Emerson.  So the Bishop took Miles and Duncan so they could watch the performance.  Then they went for ice cream.

Christmas cookies with the Scouts.  We were learning about primary and secondary colours.  What better way than with balls of different colours of cookie dough.   Although it looked like play dough and as leaders we were tempted to snitch the dough but the colour made us leery.  The swirly dough looked pretty cool in the end.


Relief Society Dinner.  This evening was for Caleb... and all the other missionaries from our ward.  We enjoyed a meal and shared stories of the missionaries.  The ward all put together packages for each of them.  What a great feeling of sweet kindness and such generosity, from our friends and neighbours.

Baby Sybil Avery  Rose was born to Bailey on 12-12 at 12:21.  My children's official relationship is 1st cousin once removed.  BUT.. I am sweet Sybil's great-grand auntie!

Ward Christmas breakfast and play.  Sarah and James Peck were the stage crew for Sister Moulton.  Duncan was a member of the main cast family and played a very spoiled and materialistic boy.  (So didn't fit.  He's my boy literally asking for socks and a nailbrush for Christmas.)  Cooper was a singer in the choir.  The play was cute and a lot of fun, to participate in and to watch.  They did a cute version of the 12 days of Christmas about service to others.


Duncan had Family Home Evening this week and he taught us about the meaning behind the song, 12 Days of Christmas.  It was fun to learn.

On the 1st day of Christmas, my true love gave to me (Our Heavenly Father) a partridge in a pear tree (The Savior, and his atonement)

On the 2nd day, 2 turtle doves (2 books of Scripture)

On the 3rd day, 3 french hens (3 wise men and gifts)

On the 4th day, 4 calling birds (4 gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John who testify of Christs life and teachings)

On the 5th day, 5 golden rings (The Torah or the 1st 5 books of the Old Testament, regarded as more valuable than gold)

On the 6th day, 6 geese a laying (6 days to create the earth)

On the 7th day, 7 swans a swimming (7 gifts of the spirit mentioned in Romans 12; Prophecy, Ministering/Service, Teaching, Encouraging, Charity, Leadership, Mercy... Although it could just as easily be the gifts of Prophecy, tongues, wisdom and knowledge, testimony, faith, miracles and healing)

On the 8th day, 8 maids a milking (The 8 Beattitudes; 

3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst afterrighteousness: for they shall be filled.
 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called thechildren of God.
 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you,and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.)

On the 9th day, 9 ladies dancing, (9 fruits of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23  "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law".)

On the 10th day, 10 lords a leaping (The 10 commandments, Exodus 20:3-17;

3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
 4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
 5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of thefathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
 6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
 7 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
 8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
 9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in itthou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thystranger that is within thy gates:
 11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lordblessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
 12 ¶Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be longupon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
 13 Thou shalt not kill.
 14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.
 15 Thou shalt not steal.
 16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
 17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.)

On the 11th day, 11 pipers piping (The 11 apostles who remained faithful to Christ)

On the 12th day, 12 drummers drumming (12 Latter day apostles who still testify of Christ/ originally it was the 12 points of the Apostles Creed)

In connection with him, we hung our new ornament on the Christmas tree.  They were from the song... Snow globes with a depiction of one of the 12 days of Christmas.

Egg Nog, aka Christmas milk, and other general lounging about... I often find this scene..... (I'd like to say they're watching Christmas movies or uplifting things but generally it's just Curious George.)

Molino de Viento

What fond memories from a vacation of long ago.  Bailey and Caleb have grown a bit since then.

It was the trip of "Molino de Viento's".  That would be the spanish for windmill.  We did a fine job identifying every 'molino de viento' from Victoria, BC, Cananda to Dallas, TX.  

F is for First Footsteps

FIRST FOOTSTEPS!  Yes he has taken a step.  FINALLY... and for Bailey's Birthday to Boot!

He can stand unaided for a FULL 10 seconds as well!!

I think he's pretty excited about Bailey's 23rd Birthday Bash and wanted to prove he was grown up enough to go!  We'll be having cake today for sure!

Happy Birthday Bailey from the youngest cousin to the oldest!

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.' 

It was just the opportunity Bailey needed to wear her new yellow boots!  Out she went with all my future veterinarians.  The offered water and attempted chicken neck massage therapy, but all our efforts were in vain.  The following morning she was gone.  

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.

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!!

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."

Witchy Women

Raven hair and ruby lips
Sparks fly from her finger tips
Echoed voices in the night
She’s a restless spirit on an endless flight
Wooo hooo witchy woman, see how
High she flies
Woo hoo witchy woman she got
The moon in her eye
She held me spellbound in the night
Dancing shadows and firelight

The Halloween spirit is in the air.  We've been working on Halloween costumes for the four costume parties we're attending this year.  It's almost more exciting to know that we have multiple parties to attend to make the costume making even more worthwhile.  EXCEPT, there are those who feel the need to have a different costume for each event... Oh well... even more fun.  After a busy week and a lot to do on Friday especially, I heard about an event that might be fun for the witches among us.  I didn't tell them until the very last minute since I didn't want to dash their hopes if they didn't get home in time.  Home in time they were though so I told them to dress in warm black attire and to don a witches hat.  We were going to the 'witches night out'!

It was a well attended event.  The witches were certainly out in all their splendor.  The two witches with me were definitely playing the part of the witch... They had witch envy... bad!  

"Oh, I could have really put together a great witches costume if you'd given me more notice." 
"Look at that costume."
"Look at her hat."
"I love that outfit." 
And then.... to top it off... the tutu witches.  Oh I'll never live it down.  Bailey has been making tutu's for another costume and having such fun prancing about in her tutu.  When she saw the tutu witches I was done for. 

I've given as much notice as I can for all future events and have learned NOT to spring a costume party on these witches in the future!  Fortunately, they are forgiving witches and once the costume angst and envy was out of their system we had a delightful witches night out. 

Bailey Crocker

In ten days I think Bailey has cooked or baked something every single day!!!  She has earned the new title given her by Uncle James.  "Bailey Crocker"

Isn't she having entirely too much fun?!!

mmmmm

Warm rolls, a dab of butter or some homemade jam.... are you salivating yet?

I ate one on behalf of everyone who would have to gaze on this photo!  

And they were better than they look.

Fish and Chips

It was deemed Fish and Chip night!  Hooray!  So we were off to Ford's Cove for some vittles.  Apparently so was everyone else on the island.  So it was a bit of a wait for our group of 9 to get our order filled.  At first we all sat down to wait on a log. 

Waiting began to take its'  toll on some.

Hunger pangs were giving way to exhaustion.  We had spent the whole day at the beach in the hot sun, running and playing all day. 

Grandma was taking it the toughest.  You can just see her thoughts... "I should be doing something productive with my time.  I wonder if there is something in the car to work on... no I took everything out so I would have seats for everyone.  hmm... I should relax and enjoy this time.. I wonder if I should go ask about the order, see if they've started it yet.

The wait was long... well over 40 minutes, but mmmm it was yummy and I managed to find a few photo ops to keep me busy.  Much to my subjects dismay!

Caleb his efforts to look aloof  and not notice me are wasted... I know he really wanted to turn and give me a big cheesy grin!

Dayton sitting on the log by the cove was such a natural shot for him. 

Miles, Whittaker and Sarah were all tolerating the wait at different levels.  Sarah, was too mature for her own good and was waiting patiently.  Miles definitely was needing something to take his mind off of waiting, but Whittaker wasn't aware that this moment was any different than another moment of being cooped up in a stroller and moved from one location to another. 

Once we decided to leave the log, the wait wasn't nearly as difficult to handle.

Bailey had come prepared for a bit of waiting time.  She had swimsuits, towels and juice boxes.  She also knew that the rocks at Ford's Cove could be a lot of fun to play on.

We headed down to find a place to claim as ours out on the rocks.  On the way, Miles found a penny on the ground. Lucky pennies are something my boys love to find.  This one was very dirty.  Miles hoped that meant that it was really old and not just dirty.  He took it to the water to clean it off.

*plop*

Yes.  Waiting no longer consumed his thoughts.  Now much of the wait was spent trying to relocate the lost penny.

Everyone assisted for a bit, but all gave up... except Miles.  He explored the rocks for a bit and played some also, but he returned every few minutes to look one more time for the penny.  Unfortunately he was unsuccessful.  But if you're a treasure hunter.... I know where there's some money out by Ford's Cove!  (Miles is now asking for a metal detector for Christmas so that he can take it to Hornby next year)

Warning:  Picture intensive.  How we entertained ourselves while we waited, and waited, and waited ....


and waited for our food. 

Fortunately, a gorgeous sunset, an exquisite formation of sandstone rocks and the tide coming in provided a natural playground and plenty to occupy an excruciatingly long wait....

 

 

 
The kids leapt, they splashed, they explored, they made new friends, they observed marine life, they sat and absorbed the tranquility, they asked a few times how much longer until the food was ready....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hanging with Dayton, navigating the changing pathways as the tide came ever closer, testing new abilities to leap from one rock to another and amazingly no one fell in... although there were a lot of near misses! 

 I loved watching as people came in so many ways to get their take out food.  This one in particular was great.  They kayaked in, she hopped out, placed their order, then she popped into the cove store and grabbed a bag of groceries, she returned to the restaurant window, picked up her order and returned to the kayak with their food.  Once the groceries were stowed, they sat in the kayak, allowing themselves to be swayed by the waves as they enjoyed their meal.  Then they went on their merry way. 

Similarly, sailboats, small yachts, hikers, bikers and even hitchhikers came down to the cove for their meal. 

 Sometimes we needed to take turns babysitting.  Whittaker was strapped into his stroller which was becoming all to familiar to him, but this time it was carried out to an outcropping of rocks not yet covered with the tide.  He was in the thick of the action.  He could see everyone around him hopping on the rocks and having a great time.  It was so fun I'm sure he forgot about being strapped in like a prisoner for once!

So, I snapped a LOT of photographs while we waited for our food.  My subjects were generally cooperative and patient with me.  It was only fair to allow a photo of myself to be taken. 

 I'm sorry... I can't help it...  I am a Supernova after all! 
Once the camera was back in my possession again I assisted those who were preparing to carry the food down to our dinner location.

Miles was fascinated by the boating equipment and how it worked on this boat shaped restaurant.  He determined that the ropes were too short for them to be anything more than decorative. 

Finally... our food was ready.

With such an order, they had waited until they could put our order in all at once so we could all eat together rather than cooking it as they had space in the fryers and some of us eating sooner than others.  Sometimes decisions are made that if given the opportunity to do them differently another time, we would... I think this was one of them.  Two smaller orders would have fed us a lot sooner.  However, we might not have enjoyed such a tranquil and delightful pre-dinner ocean show. 

Regardless, we all (except Duncan), enjoyed our meals.  He decided that cod wasn't his favourite fish.

We were spread out at different 'tables' so to speak, but we all found just the right spot to enjoy our meal.  

Once our meal was completed, the big boys loaded up into Dayton's boat......

and swung by our dinner location to give us a wave before they .....

... sailed off into the sunset!

Day 4 had been another wonderful day!