November 2011 Recap

It’s that time again! Another month has passed us by and it is time for a recap. So why do I do this? First of all my memory is terrible and often find myself wondering when such and such happened. Second of all I love lists and information. Third of all I believe I am a type A personality. Enough said.

Here's a look at our month:
Entertainment – what we’re looking at , listening to and going to!
Books, Magazines, Blogs read: no books, a few magazines and regular blogs
TV, Movies, Live Entertainment:
Planes, Trains and Automobiles (Netflix); Puss in Boots (theatre); Evil Thing (DVD); Dreamer (DVD); Barbie Charm School (DVD); Love Actually (Netflix);
Willy Wonka (live)
Daily Happenings & Special Events:
Visit to Adam and Amanda’s (5th)
Great Wolf Lodge (9th and 10th)
Marlee to A’s bday party (12th) *
Kim and Kerry drop-in (12th)
Kid’s teacher conferences (15th, 16th)
Drew to Promise Keepers (19th)
Santa Clause parade (19th)
Drew work Christmas (25th)
MSVS (26th)
Melissa work Christmas (27th)
Travel (1 hr plus): n/a
Financial/ changes to the house etc.:(gifts, renos, big purchases, household purchases): n/a
Health/Development/ Exercise/ Extra Curricular Activities:
Drew: Angus Glen 10k run; basketball
Alison: Angus Glen 10k run
Cierra: bowling
Matt: dentist (24th)
Marlee: art class on Saturdays; dentist (24th)
Mitchell: Dr visit (21st); fighting cough/ cold; affected sleep for several nights. His speech has not increased (same words as previously), he has used a few words in sign language this month (more, eat); sleep the same as October; really liking muffins, popcorn, yogurt; interests the same; EC about the same
Accomplishments/ Disappointments (Goals - Gotta Do’s, Wanna do’s; OLW, projects)
Alison – CPR course (12th)
Dinner to new baby George (23rd)
All Around Us/ Other (News, Trends, Births, Deaths, World Events, City News Etc): n/a

November to do list

After finishing up LOAD I find that I have neglected a few things around the house. The guys have been great and it was a very successful time for me (I find that I am much happier when I do have some 'me' time on a regular basis - and what better me time than scrapbooking?) however it time to get back to reality. For me that does not allow for scrapping every day of the year. Last year I found it really helpful to focus on my to do list for November. Tackle some of those things that I have been procrastinating on. Sooooo...
This is what I have come up with:

- Recap for Sept (yikes - how did I forget that?) and Oct

- Receipts

- Blog book (while the discount is still available)

- 1 Jessica Sprague layout

- Gotta do list update

- Print out family mission wordle style

- Add layouts to BPC classes gallery

- Pantry shelf - Drew

- Part for bike stroller

- Something on kijiji or ebay

- Tickets for Mary Poppins and Willy Wonka

- Catch up on safe church names

- Purge at least 5 boxes full

- Get caught up on family binders

- LOAD recap

- LSNED recap or layout

- Purge kids school stuff

So hopefully this is not an outrageous list. There is definitly some doable things here. Off to get started. Wish me luck!

October 2011 Recap

It’s that time again! Another month has passed us by and it is time for a recap. So why do I do this? First of all my memory is terrible and often find myself wondering when such and such happened. Second of all I love lists and information. Third of all I believe I am a type A personality. Enough said. Here's a look at our month:

Entertainment – what we’re looking at , listening to and going to!
Books, Magazines, Blogs read:
TV, Movies, Live Entertainment:
Gilmore Girls (finished season one)
Alex, the Life of a Child (VHS TV movie)
Parenthood (Netfix)
Not much reading or tv because of LOAD; perused regular blogs
Daily Happenings & Special Events:
Dinner with Nickell’s (8th)
Church meeting – survey (11th)
Bowling (Groupon) (19th)
Rounds Ranch with Small group (22nd)
Church baby shower (23rd)/ Marlee to Carson’s birthday
Matt to Josh’s birthday (24th)
Al taught Safe church presentation (25th)
Funeral (28th)
Church harvest dinner (29th)
Halloween/ Light the Night (30th)
Travel (1 hr plus): n/a
Financial/ changes to the house etc.:(gifts, renos, big purchases, household purchases)
Carson – ball making kit, gazzoobles kit
Josh - $25 pot of gold ELM gift
Health/Development/ Exercise/ Extra Curricular Activities:
Drew: council; ½ marathon (16th)
Alison: run/ walk; dentist (11th); 10K (16th)
Cierra: biking (wipeout – 7th);BRumble volunteering; dentist (11th); bowling Mondays(Spec Olympics)
Matt: hockey; shoot the puck (Fridays)
Marlee: Art Start (Saturdays)
Mitchell: 19 months – speech about the same – lots of mom, da, vrmmm (transportation), tsss (animals); sleep about the same – 1.5 hour nap daily; down for bed at 9 for 3-4 hours then in bed with us; fidgety and nursing from 5-7ish until I get out of bed; eating – not a tonne; likes bananas and granola with yogurt; carbs and fruit still lots of nursing though; fetches things, helps get dressed, puts things away, identifies pictures; LOVES cars; EC about the same – catches after sleep, a few poops; grabbing self after he’s gone
Accomplishments/ Disappointments (Goals - Gotta Do’s, Wanna do’s; OLW, projects)
LOAD; OLW loaded to site; working on going through slides
All Around Us/ Other (News, Trends, Births, Deaths, World Events, City News Etc):
Warren M died (27th) 4 weeks since diagnosis

LOAD1110 - Day 27

A You're Adorable... A-B-E & F - additions for Mitchell's album of random photos and words that go along with the song sung by Sharon, Lois and Bram - A You're Adorable

Park - LOAD1110 - Day 26

Park - LOAD1110 - Day 26
Originally uploaded by Alijoyc

The awesomeness of Marineland

The awesomeness of Marineland
Originally uploaded by Alijoyc

9 months - M3 - LOAD1110 - Day 23

9 months - M3 - LOAD1110 - Day 23
Originally uploaded by Alijoyc

11 months - M3 - LOAD110 - Day22

11 months - M3 - LOAD110 - Day22
Originally uploaded by Alijoyc

12 months - M3 - LOAD110 - Day22

12 months - M3 - LOAD110 - Day22
Originally uploaded by Alijoyc

Thoughts

“Be careful little ears what you hear; be careful little eyes what you see…”

It's amazing the way the mind works and what tangents it can go to.

We went and saw a movie put on by the BFilm Festival tonight.

It was called the Whistle Blower. We had intended to go see the Blues Bros but then I saw that Rachel Weiss was in this and the drama seemed more appealing. I didn't really know what it was about. It was about human trafficking in Bosnia.

Scary stuff.

Disturbing stuff.

Make you numb and cry stuff because you know it happens stuff.

I get at least one email a month talking about it and asking for money combat it.

So afterwards there I sat on my cushy car with tears running down my face thinking about our fallen world.
Then I started thinking about the movie Taken where this happens to teenage girls on a fun trip. That lead me to thinking about my exchange trip in high school and how I'd love for our kids to do that but is it now too dangerous? Would I let them go without us there with them? I did some really stupid stuff when I went. If I did that today???

But are we to be ruled by fear? No. The world has some amazing things to discover and explore but on the other hand it is still tainted with sin.

Bottom line? I live a cushy life. I flit away lot money away needlessly.

That lead to me thinking about wanting to live like no one lives so that we can live like no one lives (Dave Ramsey – no debt so that we can give).

But will I remember this?

Will I remember to give so that others can have better lives?

A fraction as good as ours?

There are so many causes - which do you choose? Healthy living for our own kids? One or two children through Compassion or World Vision? Family as a whole through Focus on the Family? Local giving in our community? Do you give now or work to pay down your debt so that we can give more later? How do I keep from forgetting? How do we protect our kids?

I have no answers other than to breathe, believe that we believe in a good God; one who shares my struggles and my pain and I have to trust that our kids are in His hands. I have to trust that if I ask, He will lead me to give in the way that I shoudl give. I have to thank Him that I was born into this type of life with the ability give back and to help others if we only do remember.

I pray that I will remember.

I pray that I will not forget how blessed I really am.

Extra big {HUGS} to the kids tonight.

Man how I love them.

4 Months - M3 - LOAD110 - Day20

4 Months - M3 - LOAD110 - Day20
Originally uploaded by Alijoyc

Queen's Park - LOAD1110 - Day 19

Queen's Park - LOAD1110 - Day 19
Originally uploaded by Alijoyc

Block Play - LOAD110 - Day17

Block Play - LOAD110 - Day17
Originally uploaded by Alijoyc

I did most of this yesterday but held off until today to finish...

The best Monday ever....

I receive an email from Simple Scrapper on Mondays that gives a prompt about a memory. A few weeks back I got this one... what was the best Monday ever?

I have to admit that I don't recall a best Monday but I do like Mondays in general. After busy weekends with the kids home it is nice to get back into routine, start a list and get back into being productive for the day. I also really enjoy the quiet. I have really enjoyed reading these memory Monday prompts from Simple Scrapper and also from Katie the Scrapbook Lady - they are great reminders to look at the past or do some sharing and to get the story down.

1 month - M3 - LOAD110 - Day 16

1 month - M3 - LOAD110 - Day 16
Originally uploaded by Alijoyc

The Look - LOAD1110 - Day15

The Look - LOAD1110 - Day15
Originally uploaded by Alijoyc

This was a special look Grandpa happened to receive the other day. Don't worry Grandpa, you're not alone - lots of people have been seeing this!

Park - LOAD1110 - Day14

Park - LOAD1110 - Day14
Originally uploaded by Alijoyc

He hits runs scores - LOAD1110 - Day13

He hits runs scores - LOAD1110 - Day13
Originally uploaded by Alijoyc

The look

Close...

Not quite, but a little closer...
Ahh haa.
Now THAT is the look that a number of people have been receiving from little boy charming.

What do you think he is trying to say?

4 seasons - LOAD1110 - Day12

Journaling reads: I’ve said it before and I’m sure I’ll say it again. I love where we live. The great white north? Technically yes, we are in a snow belt. But we really do have 4 distinct seasons. And I love that. New growth, cool, wet days of spring; melt into blazing hot sunny days of summer; which transition to colourful cool mornings and warm afternoons of fall and then comes a few months of cold, white, snowy winter. Just enough of each season to start to get sick of it and then we are moving on to the next. The best of ALL worlds. What’s not to love? Barrie, Ontario, CANADA Photos from 2010-11
TFL!

2 months - M3 - LOAD1110 - Day11

2 months - M3 - LOAD1110 - Day11
Originally uploaded by Alijoyc

Today's prompt was about money... I've got a few ideas brewing but not enough to complete it for today. So instead we have another Mitchell page... 5 more to go?

2 weeks - M3 - LOAD1110 - Day10

TFL!

Celebrate Monday | Celebrate Memories - Sundays

I get a weekly email from Simple Scrapper called Celebrate Monday. It is a "weekly journaling exercise designed to help us get back to the basics and find more joy in our memory keeping." Me? I just like the push to get some journaling and memory keeping down - if not scrapbooked, at least on to the blog and down on paper so-to-speak.


Today's prompt is about Sundays...


Sundays in our family has always been about church. Rest. Family. When I was little, my dad was the minister at our church so the mornings started early with him out the door to the church behind our house. We followed down the lane in our Sunday best (not really that fancy but church clothes none-the-less). We had our set spot to sit as a family in the sanctuary. We tended to be among the last to leave the church, staying for coffee hour and clean up.

After lunch I do remember lots of family times - walks in the woods, board games, outside time.

As I entered highschool and our family was going through some career changes, I found that I tended to work more on Sundays. I worked at a group home for individuals with special needs. Sunday shopping had just been introduced which we felt (as a church and as a family) wasn't necessary or good for the family unit. The group homes still needed to be staffed though and that worked for me. I think it actually turned out to be an escape for me, as well as a welcome way to save money for school - both during highschool and university. Church was still a given if I was able to attend but the afternoons fluctuated between meeting with friends, doing things at home and still the odd family activity. It has since become a favourite nap time for my mom!


Now that we have our own young family, Sundays continue to evolve for us. Church is a given (unless I have to attend by myself - which with Mitchell's schedule means I am in the nursery with him for the time being - not much point for the other kids since I can't be with them). We are still usually one of the last families to leave the church - for reasons I can't quite figure out. It really just boils down to us being slow I guess. Talking. Taking our time. Putting things away. You name it. All of a sudden everyone is gone but us.

Afternoons may involve the library as a family since we pass it on the way home from church. A few times I've taken Marlee to the art museum for a family art class. It is one of the things that seems to truly interest her and is something we can do together or with Cierra. Then I hate to admit it but quite often we get chores done during the remainder of the afternoon. It is a time when Drew is home and the time is not taken up by hockey or other extra-curricular activities. We try to do something outside or perhaps watch a movie together. At least we are together. In the winter time we head out as a family to go skiing - lessons for the kids and free ski for Drew and I and a family friend. We all go out for a few runs together after the lessons.

The evening closes with dinner with my family. Usually they come over to our house, taking turns bringing or having dinner. On skiing days we go there. We usually go late into the evening, catching up on family news and then rush to get the kids in bed.

After the kids are all in bed, ideally I like Sundays to plan the upcoming week and to wind down. Extra-curricular activities, work schedules, meal planning and to do lists. Get the week off to a good start and finish off the last week by filing what we did. Then we collapse to watch some TV before bed.

That, in a nutshell (a long one at that), is how we spend our Sundays - past and present.

LOAD1110 - Days 7, 8 and 9

A few more days of LOAD1110 to share....

7 months - M3 - LOAD1110 - Day7
Another layout to add to Mitchell's monthly size comparison album.

So Thankful - 2009 - LOAD1110 - Day8A

I did the digital layout a while back but wanted something to do with the papers that everyone wrote on so I did up this pocket page for them. This will now go into an album for us to add to each year with thanksgiving messages.

3 months - M3 - LOAD1110 - Day 8B

Park Page - 2011.02.05 - LOAD1110 - Day 9

I decided to go digital instead of following the prompt (to choose one of the journaling methods - great ideas though). This is one of an ongoing album where we are exploring the various parks in our neighbourhood - trying to be more spontaneous and to visit different parks than those we normally go to.

TFL!

Someone should tell him...

that plumbers don't usually use power drills do they?

8 months (M3) - LOAD1110 - Day6

8 months (M3) - LOAD1110 - Day6
Originally uploaded by Alijoyc

I decided not to go with today's prompt of "Digging Deep" (to go back and use some older photos). I have lots of ideas there but not too much organized for it. So instead we went with Mitchell's monthly photo shoot...

TFL!

Pandamania 2011 - LOAD1110 - Day5

Pandamania 2011 - LOAD1110 - Day5
Originally uploaded by Alijoyc

It's all about texture...

'S' is for Sassy & Sweet - LOAD1110 - Day4

'S' is for Sassy & Sweet - LOAD1110 - Day4
Originally uploaded by Alijoyc

A Christmas Tradition - LOAD1110 - Day3

A Christmas Tradition - LOAD1110 - Day3
Originally uploaded by Alijoyc

The prompt today was to do a layout on a tradition. This one has been in my To Do pile for LONG time. It isn't totally was I envisioned but I am glad I am done. We miss you Paula!

5 months - LOAD1110 - Day2

5 months - LOAD1110 - Day2
Originally uploaded by Alijoyc

TFL! I started taking photos of Mitchell on his monthly birthday with a few stuffed animals to note his size. I hope to get each month's pictures into an album with stats about each month. It was so fun to see the growth and changes!

six (Marlee's Birthday) - LOAD1110 - Day1

six (Marlee's Birthday) Day1- LOAD1110 - Day1
Originally uploaded by Alijoyc

Starting a new LOAD challenge...Day 1 is here.

September 2011 Recap

It’s that time again! Another month has passed us by and it is time for a recap. So why do I do this? First of all my memory is terrible and often find myself wondering when such and such happened. Second of all I love lists and information. Third of all I believe I am a type A personality. Enough said.

Here's a look at our month:

Entertainment – what we’re looking at, listening to and going to!
Books, Magazines, New Blogs read:
Sarah's Key (click on photo for description)

This book was very riveting. I had not heard of the event that took place and as with all books discussing the Holocaust, it causes me to think about the world we live in, our role as humans and as Christians and the need to remember and to treat others as we would want to be treated. I see from googling this book that there is now a movie out... another I would like to see.
TV, Movies, Live Entertainment:
Smurfs (drive-in)
Blind Side (DVD)
Gilmore Girls - episodes of season one
Baby for Sale (DVD)
Daily Happenings & Special Events:
Drive in with W's (1st)
Baseball tournament in Thorald (2nd, 3rd)*
Marineland (4th)*
School started (6th)
Port Dover with Nana, Poppa, Melissa (10th)*
Visit to Ben, Rachel (10th)
Fall kick off at church (11th)
Cierra started day program (12th)
Marlee to Kiera's birthday party at Bulldog Fitness (17th)
Terry Fox run (18th)
Bridal shower at church for Sue (18th)
Matt to birthday party at Retro Planet (22nd)
Travel (1hr plus): *see above
Financial/ changes to the house etc.:(gifts, renos, big purchases, household purchases)

Ben, Rachel $50 gift card

Kierra - barbie movie, cash

Pool closed (35th)
Health/Development/ Exercise/ Extra Curricular Activities:
Drew: running
Alison:* Dr appt (20th), running/ walking
Cierra: bike riding
Matt: baseball, hockey, fishing
Marlee: lost tooth top right; Dr appt (20th)
Mitchell: Dr appt (20th); 18 months – lots of mom, da, vrmmm (transportation), tsss (animals); sleep about the same – 1.5 hour nap daily; down for bed at 9/9:30 for 3-4 hours then in bed with us; fidgety and nursing from 5-7ish until I get out of bed; eating - likes bananas, grapes, apples, granola with yogurt; carbs; lots of nursing; fetches things, helping to get dressed, likes shoes; puts things away, identifies favourite dog; loves to watch cars outside, digital frame; cars and balls are favourites; EC about the same – catches after sleep, a few poops
Accomplishments/ Disappointments (Goals - Gotta Do’s, Wanna do’s; OLW, projects) All Around Us/ Other (News, Trends, Births, Deaths, World Events, City News Etc):

Every little bit....

I followed a few environmental blog links today and found myself commenting on one that had discussed how the parties involved kept their plastic plates at a conference to reuse rather than to just discard. Sounds like something I would do. She asked if it was, so I responded about some of our adventures, here.

Helper or Hinderer?

Is he a helper?

Or a hinderer?


I'm proud to say he IS mastering the difference between green and red and now happily helps pick the RED ones. Way to go buddy!

Augsut 2011 Recap

August 2011

It’s that time again! Another month has passed us by and it is time for a recap. So why do I do this? First of all my memory is terrible and often find myself wondering when such and such happened. Second of all I love lists and information. Third of all I believe I am a type A personality. Enough said.

Here's a look at our month:
Entertainment – what we’re looking at , listening to and going to!

Books, Magazines, Blogs read:

Not much in this area! Usual top 10 blogs and more

TV, Movies, Live Entertainment:

Bones Season One (movie rental)

The Smurfs (kids at movie theatre with Ya-Ya)

Spy Kids 4D – theatre

Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure (movie rental)

Daily Happenings & Special Events:

Cottage (July 23^rd – August 5^th)

Golf tournament – Drew work (6^th)

Visits with R family

Sleepovers for Matt

Cierra to camp (14^th – 20^th)

Matt to birthday party (20^th) (gift card for Canadian Tire)

Marlee’s 7^th birthday and party (26^th)

Travel (1 hr plus):

Thunder Bay (July 23^rd – August 5^th)

Cierra to camp

Financial/ changes to the house etc.:(gifts, renos, big purchases, household purchases)

First floor painted, fireplace painted

Gifts (see above)

Health/Development/ Exercise/ Extra Curricular Activities:

Drew: baseball

Alison: *

Cierra: n/a

Matt: baseball

Marlee: eye appointment (8^th)
Mitchell: Growing like a weed. Talking a bit more; lots of pointing; signing for car/truck; another tooth Aug 3^rd (lower right); sleeping same as last month (did realize he is still getting 11.5 hrs/day); EC – a few successes as noted here but otherwise the same. He likes to do puzzles and stay on the potty but generally I am not seeing cues – just going on timing.

Accomplishments/ Disappointments (Goals - Gotta Do’s, Wanna do’s; OLW, projects)

Completed most of OLW

Purging

New foods – Kale (farmer’s market) not a major fan but would like to try it in a different way;

All Around Us/ Other (News, Trends, Births, Deaths, World Events, City News Etc):

Said goodbye to Holjak’s

Church hired interim pastor

Anatomy of a 7 year old's birthday!

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday dear Marlee,

Happy Birthday to you!

Love you Toodles!

So how do we execute a birthday party for an excited almost 7 year old?

First it starts with a plan (I have a spreadsheet to remind me all of the details to consider)...

Marlee had her pick for dinner - she chose Chinese food with the family.


Which then led to gift time... Marlee got some clothes, some crafts and lots of wonderful attention.

After she went to bed the real work began... decorating that is. Banners, balls and balloons, birthday card banner, and the table set for the morning.

And at the last minute (of course it was around midnight) I was inspired to add pictures of Marlee all over the house. I took out a pile of her photos from my card file (see Stacy Julian LOM) and a number of scrapbook pages I had made of her. I got to bed at 1:11.

In the morning Marlee awoke to the decorating - I think she LOVED the added photos.

She then had the requested Eggo waffles for breakfast.

And enlisted on the requested scavenger hunt which ended with her pot of gold at the end of the rainbow (she asked for money to go shopping with - together).

We got working on her party and set out all of the snacks.

When the guests arrived they started with some Wii dancing and then moved outside for some water slide play and some pool time (thank goodness it was warm enough)...

...some craft time (they made bracelets)...

We later moved inside for some ice cream cake and cupcakes that the kids decorated...

And finally some pinata time. We had purchased the filling earlier in the week and it was Marlee's favourite activity. It was filled with wrapped candy, granola bars, rice krispie squares, welch's fruit snacks and raisins. A little healthy but all wrapped. (We are still making some concessions regarding the environment).

The older boys were sequestered for the pinata time despite their protests.

The afternoon ended with some quality play time with some newly acquired toys.

She was very happy.

Drew and Matt had baseball practice so we went out and rented Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure
to finish off the evening. It was a hit.

All in all it was a fabulous birthday.

Now we just have to figure out when we will go shopping.

She is definitely eager to go ASAP.

Happy Birthday sweet 7 year old!

I'm so glad we could do this.