Happy 2010

Had so much fun with friends last nite. So much to blog. More to come later.
Happy New Year Everyone!!

FPO LAST M

Last month Mark gave me his work schedule and said that in this particular Friday he had to go to work for abit in the morning. The day before I went and got my hair done and he was home with the kids..I thought. He snuck out and did some grocery shopping. He was acting kinda odd. My the end of the day he told me what was up. He was sending me to the spa and making me an amazing 4-course meal. wow So Friday morning I got up and he insisted on driving me to Wild Orange Spa. He had also made me eggs benedict for breakfast. I got to the spa and sat in the steam room for quite awhile. I was secretly hoping my mom was coming too, oh well, another time. I first got a massage, then a facial and then a pedicure. I felt so pampered it was crazy. Mark picked me up about 2 and wanted me to nap, not gonna happen but I did relax with the kids on the couch before our yummy dinner. He made artichoke dip, French Onion Soup, Couille St Jacque and Creme Carmelle. So spoiled. It was the end of my kids term so it felt great to relax. Mark said this was kind like my hunting trip, which he goes on each year. Did I mention he went on 2 this year? So not a big deal and even better when he shots something. Thank you Mark was such a wonderful treat of a day. So love you!!

Sunday Afternoon

Yesterday after church we came home and had lunch. It was abit rainy but the didn't hold the kids back. They all headed to the woods with a bunch of neighbor friends to play in the fort they have made. They are so enjoying their time out there. Just the other day Nash took Nate and Faith out there for the first time. I was feeling a little apprehensive to send them but I decided to go for it and see if Nash would step to the plate. Well,he sure did. They all came home so dirty but had tons of fun. At dinner time they both wanted Nash to sit between them. Clearly, it was a relationship building time. Yesterday I think there were 9 kids hanging out together, boys and girls ages 4-12. I only checked on them once.

While they were out I made some very yummy cookies. I think they are even kinda healthy. They have flax seed, sesame seed and craisins in them. They taste like a granola bar. By the time it was dark the kids were all inside, eating cookies and popcorn, trading peek-a-poohs and watching a movie. Sent them all home at 6:30 and ordered pizza. Fun day, lots to be thankful for

Thankfulness

I know it seems I don't post much anymore. I think about it and that is about as far as it goes. I thought with it being Thanksgiving last weekend I would post cause I have so much to be thankful for. Last Sunday we went to my Grampa's place called the Hallmark. They served us turkey dinner in a family dinning room and we didn't have to do all the dishes. It was a nice relaxing change. Then we went for a walk in the dark around Fishtrap Creek. This year has been so difficult for my Grampa.

We just completed our 6th week of school. Jess is in Grade 5, Nash is in Grade 3 and Faith is in Kindergarten. This is my 6th year of homeschooling and I am continually learning new things and new ways to teach things. We have a had 5 field trips and all our activities are well under way. We are just as busy as last year but our schedule seems way better. We even have days where we are able to be at home all day. All the kids are in swim lessons. Faith, Jess and Nash are in piano. Nash and Jess are playing soccer and go to Treasure Quest every 2nd Tuesday evening. Faith is doing Ukrainian dancing. Lil' Nate just goes with the flow but some days are harder than others for him. So far we have enjoyed a beautiful fall. Lots of playing outdoors and riding bikes and with both little kids now off training wheels we go on alot of bike rides. We are so thankful for our neighborhood and all our friends. We have also begun skating as a family. Faith and Nate had never been and are doing really well. Another bonus of homeschooling when can go and skate when everyone else is in school. There is a little rink close to us that is always open. Mark is now assistant store manager at the Save On close to us. He has gone on to 2 hunting trips this fall and just brought home a buck. He is so great at providing for us here on the home front.

Serving Others in Love

Praying I will use my gifts to honor God, to be a servant to all, even washing my kids feet. Warning: this is graphic and abit tear jerking and completely mind-bogging that this happens

How can I make a difference? What can I do to help?

Holidays

We spent last week in Oliver, BC at lakeside.bc.ca What a great time we had. This is place I remember coming to when I was younger. With our 4 kids we stay in the Cabanas. You bring all your camping stuff minus the tent. We even have a sink with cold water and a couple of outlets, maybe that is why I can do this sort of camping for a whole week. The weather was fantastic. We have been waiting for this family holiday cause our one to Oregon was cancelled till next summer. A couple of weeks before we left Faith learned to ride her bike on two wheels and while we were at the campsite Nate learned. The whole campsite was cheering him on! Nate is now also out of is baby seat and into a booster. My baby is growing up. Part of me is delighted to see him take off on his bike and part of me is a little sad. My parents also came up for 2 nites to surprise the kids. It was nice to have them to there with us. Mark also just purchased kayaks for us all. Faith and Nate still have to ride in our boats but Mark did find out the hard way that Faith is able to use the orange boats and he had to go for big swim after Faith. We had tons of fun using to kayaks too. We came home to lots of clean up but it was well worth it. I canned 40lbs of peaches that we picked up in Keremeos. We are now on our countdown till school starts. I think I have everything in order and ready to go, supplies, curriculum, etc. I am aiming not to over schedule us. The 3 oldest will be taking piano. Faith is taking Ukranian dancing. Nash and Jess are playing soccer and all 4 will be taking swim lessons. There is still alot of play time and down time in all that. Now I am praying for right attitudes from everyone. They say that want to be homeschooled so I will continue to work with that until the Lord shows us different.

PS Mom if you want to see pictures on my blog bigger just double click.

There is so much more to post about our summer. This was just a highlite, perhaps there will be more to come later.

Lil' turkey

Who wouldn't sleep well on a tummy full of cookies. I baked cookies today cause it was much cooler than it has been and my Natester kept helping himself. Every time I turned around he had another one in his mouth. I finally said put them on the counter and go up to your room. I told him he should rest and that he did.
I have never had a child challenge me the way he does. He has made me re-think my parenting and sometimes I am just at a lose. He says and does things I have never had a child do. He gets into things I have never had a child get into. He can also be so cute....thankfully! He says this thing,...."Mommy I miss you". How can he possibly miss me when we are together every minute of every day? I still treasure it.
PS He just woke from his nap and asked if he could have more cookies...what a guy!