Day 4 - Days of December (Ssssnakes and apples)

Today's Jesse Tree ornament talked about sin and the garden of Eden.  Gummy snakes went with it reather well.

 

Day 3 - Days of December (nativity)

We got two of our numerous nativity sets out and play started immediately.

 

 

Day 2 - Days of December (wreath and tree decorating)

We decorated the tree (we wanted Cierra to be home to help) and at dinner started the advent wreath lighting.

Day 1 - Days of December (tree and stocking set up)

Mitchell was totally excited about getting out the tree!

We also got out the stockings and some decorations.

Drew shaved off his Movember moustache.

Marlee had a busy to do list for the first of December. 

It was a busy day!

November 2012 Recap

It’s that time again!  Another month has passed us by and it is time for a wrap-up.  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. Let's just say that I like to see my life all wrapped up, nice and tidy with a bow. Enough said.

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

Books, Magazines, Blogs read:

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.R. Rowling;

This Side of Heaven by Karen Kingsbury;
TV, Movies, Live Entertainment:
Big Bang Theory Season 1
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Honk Musical (10^th)
Hugo
Daily Happenings & Special Events:
Great Wolf Lodge (14^th to 16^th)
Promise Keepers (Drew) (17^th)
Drew to Colts game (22^nd)
M3 to emergency for croup (22^nd)
Drew, Marlee to see Wreck It Ralph
Hair cuts Alison and Cierra and M3 (23^rd)
Drew work Christmas party (24^th)
Adidas Christmas Party, visit with Nickell’s (25^th)
Small group (turbo)
Travel (1 hr plus):
Niagara (as above)
Nickell’s (25^th)
Financial/ changes to the house etc.: (gifts, renos, big purchases, household purchases)
Winter prep, garage clean-up
Meals to new moms
Matt to Gavin’s birthday at theatre (Wreck It Ralph) (gift card)
Health/Development/ Exercise/ Extra Curricular Activities:
Drew: Angus Glen ½ Marathon; basketball; council
Alison: run/walk with girls around lake; Angus Glen 10k; nursery, MOPS; S/L Target classes; prayer group; physical (20^th); skin tags removed (26^th)
Cierra: bowling; swimming; dentist apt (6^th) - filling
Matt: hockey; VPO, really into lego
Marlee: loving her tv, art (monster drawing, cursive writing) and playdates
Mitchell: Croup (22^nd); hit cheek on dog cage cover (29^th); feisty; loving crafts, a few more signs, waking in the night a few times!!; lots of "dribbles" before getting to the bathroom
Mackale: rolling front to back; Dr apt (26^th) (15-13lbs) see monthly report
Accomplishments/ Disappointments (Goals - Gotta Do’s, Wanna do’s; OLW, projects)
Again, not a whole lot.  Worked on a few 12onthe12th layouts (will most likely put in a photobook); started some Christmas ideas
All Around Us/ Other (News, Trends, Births, Deaths, World Events, City News Etc):
Neighbours moved back from Poland!
Krystel’s baby born (Petra) (13^th)
Steve and Kristine’s baby born – Gracie (14^th)
In-laws to California (15^th to 24^th)
Parents to South Carolina (29^th to 17^th)

Testing testing

Okay - just learning about this new app (for me) so that I can perhaps add a post or two to this neglected blog! So far I've learned I have to pick the photo first or my text is gone... Hmmmm

Not too exciting but I was really captivated by the scene by the marina today on our walk. Everything was so still and the clouds were so colourful. Beautiful early start to the new season!

October 2012 Recap

It’s that time again!  Another month has passed us by and it is time for a wrap-up.  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. Let's just say that I like to see my life all wrapped up, nice and tidy with a bow. Enough said.

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

Books, Magazines, Blogs read:
Woman First Family Always by Kathryn Sansone
Fame; Found; Forgiven; Family by Karen Kingsbury
Usual Blogs
TV, Movies, Live Entertainment:
Brothers & Sisters Season 4 (DVD rental)
Daily Happenings & Special Events:
Household Fire Inspection (2^nd)
Dinner with P family to celebrate new baby (3^rd)
Thanksgiving dinner/ birthday celebration (7^th) at John and Vicki’s
Visit to Clark’s farm (8^th)
Farm field trips – M3 (15^th, 25^th)
Lunch visit with R family (25^th)
Dinner with B-R family (25^th)
Vicki retirement celebration (26^th)
Halloween party at H house (27^th)
Halloween dinner get-together before trick-or-treating (31^st)
Travel (1 hr plus):
n/a
Financial/ changes to the house etc.: (gifts, renos, big purchases, household purchases)
Matt to JW birthday party (20^th) (hockey stick, towel and kneeling pad)
Pool closed (20^th)
Marlee to CJ birthday party (27^th – Rec centre, McD) (5-$5 Bulk Barn gift cards)
Health/Development/ Exercise/ Extra Curricular Activities:
Turbo Small group; small group; S/L Target group
Drew: running; 2 moles removed; given clearance until January!
Alison: MOPS; running
Cierra: bowling; bee sting (22^nd); Dr B visit (22^nd); Dentist (30^th)
Matt: hockey; VPO
Marlee: lost tooth #  (27^th)
Mitchell: working on target words; some raspberries and hitting we are trying to curb; love of firetrucks and vehicles
Mackale: Dr B (12^th – 13-14oz; 41.5” head; 57” length; prevnar and rotorix)
Accomplishments/ Disappointments (Goals - Gotta Do’s, Wanna do’s; OLW, projects)
True Scrap 4; LOAD1012 – completed; OLW, MMEW barely!
All Around Us/ Other (News, Trends, Births, Deaths, World Events, City News Etc):
Pastor SW gave notice at church; 2 babies born at church;

September 2012

It’s that time again!  Another month has passed us by and it is time for a wrap-up.  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. Let's just say that I like to see my life all wrapped up, nice and tidy with a bow. Enough said.

Here's a look at our month:

Entertainment – what we’re looking at , listening to and going to!

Books, Magazines, Blogs read:
The Reckoning by Beverly Lewis; Return by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley; Rejoice by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley; Reunion by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley
TV, Movies, Live Entertainment:
Brothers & Sisters Season 2, 3 (DVD rental)
The Shunning (ILL)
Snow White and the Huntsman (rental)
Big Miracle (rental)
Rust (library)
Daily Happenings & Special Events:
Canada’s Wonderland (3^rd)
School started (4^th)
Church Fall Kick Off (9^th)
Marlee to K birthday (sand-bucket/cash for your day in the sun), L birthday (craft activities – purse, accessories kit)(16^th)
Alison’s 40^th birthday (16^th) – dinner at home {rec’d VISA gift card from J & V; frame from M; Boston from J & D & D}
Mackale dedication at church (23^rd)
Educational Activity Day (28^th)
Apple orchard grounder sale (29^th)
Travel (1 hr plus): n/a
Financial/ changes to the house etc.: (gifts, renos, big purchases, household purchases)
Painted Marlee and Matthew’s bedrooms
Health/Development/ Exercise/ Extra Curricular Activities:
Small group;
Drew: council; running
Alison: running/ walking; elliptical; Dr Br apt; mom’s cooking group; MOPS
Cierra: bowling;
Matt: Baseball; VPO; orthodontist apt (24^th)
Marlee: Dentist –cavity filled (17^th)
Mitchell: started nursery school (6^th); S/L assessment (17^th)
Mackale: Dr appt (12lbs, 1oz); dedicaton (23^rd)
Accomplishments/ Disappointments (Goals - Gotta Do’s, Wanna do’s; OLW, projects)
I did nothing this month – no OLW, no MMEW – very poor goal wise.  I’m looking forward to a better month.
All Around Us/ Other (News, Trends, Births, Deaths, World Events, City News Etc):
Madison Jean P was born (22^nd)

 

August 2012 Wrap-up

It’s that time again!  Another month has passed us by and it is time for a wrap-up.  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. Let's just say that I like to see my life all wrapped up, nice and tidy with a bow. Enough said.

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

Books, Magazines, Blogs read:

Redemption by Karen Kingsbury & Gary Smalley; The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton; The Shunning by Beverly Lewis; Deadly Voyage by Hugh Brewster; The Confession by Beverly Lewis

TV, Movies, Live Entertainment:

Brothers & Sisters Season 1 (DVD)

In Time - DVD

To Save A Life - DVD

Just Go With It – DVD

Mirror Mirror – DVD

Daily Happenings & Special Events:

Harvey to vet (1^st)

Cierra home from camp (4^th)

Kids to golf camp (13-16^th)

Visit with Julie & Brad (18^th)

Matt to Ethan’s birthday (24^th) - $30 cash

Samantha up (25^th)

Marlee’s 8^th birthday and party (26^th) (party at home with swimming and water slide, pinata, candy and snacks; pizza for family lunch; chinese food for family dinner)

15^th Anniversary! (29^th)

Travel (1 hr plus): n/a

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

Vet

Alison’s laptop got virus

Birthday parties as above

Health/Development/ Exercise/ Extra Curricular Activities:
Drew: running;  

Alison: incision flare-up/ heat rash; itchy elbows and knees again off and on

Cierra: camp; Foot apt (29^th);

Matt: baseball; dentist (27^th); VPO

Marlee: eye doctor (20^th); dentist (27^th); turned 8; she is definitely growing up!  Seems a lot taller, got haircut, earrings; likes leggings, skirts and changing clothes several times a day; chatty at home; quiet with new people; loves ice cream, popsicles, crackers and cheese, kd, candy; likes swimming and the trampoline; loves music and you tube (payphone, fireworks; Suite Life on Deck, Fairly Odd Parents, Scooby Doo)

Mitchell: similar to last month; using signs well, little speech; toileting the same – some accidents, working on wearing underwear in house and out in public; lots of tv (including a lot of Japanese vehicle cartoons); loving vehicles, trampoline, sandbox, purple car; sleeping well at night – up maybe 2x per week; nursing still 3x/day; loves siblings; lots of kisses

Mackale: What a pleasure – gaining weight, sleeping well, loved by all. Monthly update on the 9^th!

Accomplishments/ Disappointments (Goals - Gotta Do’s, Wanna do’s; OLW, projects)
NothingJ  I did work on scanning the kids artwork for their school albums – making progress!

Still working on post partum recovery.

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

Rachel/ Gideon wedding (11^th); Neil Armstrong died (31^st)

 

Introducing...

Welcome to M4 – Mackale Brooks.  Our family is now complete! He was born via c-section on Monday, July 9^th at 12:55pm.  He weighed 8 lbs 9 oz and was 22” long.  We had a very restful stay at the hospital in a private room and were discharged on Thursday around noon. 

Some further observations:

·         Having number 4 was quite different from the others as I guess they assume you know what you are doing. I had much fewer interruptions and definitely less teachings (if any?). 

·         Mackale has been an easy baby from the get-go and we are all enjoying him immensely.  I hate to say it but I think he has been the easiest out of all of them. Does that mean he is an easy going child or am I just that much more comfortable with being a parent and know what to do? 

·         It has also been the best recovery-wise for me.  Again, is my body just taking care of itself or am I just more aware and know what to do?

·         I also got my tubes tied – and it feels like more people are asking if that will be all.  Even my own kids are asking for another one.  Crazy!  I would gladly have more but felt that our doctor felt that 4 c-sections was enough.  I did read on the internet that some people in the US have had 8 and 9.  Not too common up here from what I gather.  Although our Dr did say that I was in really good shape inside and had healed nicely.  I hate to say it but it does make you think.  Except that I will still be 40 next month.  Oh yes, that was the other factor. 

·         We have made do with significantly less supplies.  The only equipment we have used in the first month are a bassinet, car seat, bath tub, diapers, diaper wipes, clothes, blankets, sling, double-long stroller. 

·         We asked to not receive any gifts as we already have all that we need.  We hate to put him into that 4^th child situation but it really is true – by the time #4 comes around you either have all you need or you realize you never needed it in the first place.  

 

 

 

 

Month 1

Physical - You are currently weighing about 8-15oz.  You appear to be right in the middle of the norms. You are wearing newborn clothing and have outgrown your first onesie.  We have kept your clothing VERY simple – with the warm weather you have only worn short sleeve onesies and we have about 5 that we have rotated through.  This is quite the change from big brother Matthew – one of the joys of being number 4!

Outings, significant events in the month – We’ve been to church a few times and saw lots of our church family.  We also met up with our MOPS friends at the water fountains.  We went to the Jones cottage for a weekend. Aunt Sarah and Macy came up from South Carolina.  Lots of people visited us at home.

Health, dental (Dr appointments, illnesses, milestones) – 2 Dr appointments for a goopy left eye for the first few weeks and we tried an antibiotic cream for it which didn’t seem to work.  Finally we just let it take its course and it eventually cleared up. Otherwise everything has been typical for a one month old.

Sleep routine – You are having two long naps during the day and seem to be having a good long one at night.  Regardless, we have been sleeping together for the most part on the couch (easier to sit up and not disturb daddy in the middle of the night) – and it is working well.   Mommy feels rested once she is finally awake (now if you can just get Mitchell to sleep in a little longer J)

Elimination routine – yeah, we haven’t started taking you to the potty yet but we are noticing that you don’t like being wet or dirty and cry about it (who wouldn’t?).  We are changing you as often as we notice - which is quite frequent.  We are going the cloth route again and haven’t had any issues – probably doing a load every three or four days.  Thank you Aunt Sarah for all of the diapers!

Eating – likes, dislikes, schedule – Just me!  You are eating well, we had no beginning issues at all.  You are frequently falling asleep during a feed but that is okay.  You do lots of cluster feeding before bed and in the morning but since you are sleeping 4-5 hours I am fine with that!

Things you like/ dislike – objects, things to do, entertainment.  Now as your first month comes to a close you are actually awake and alert a bit more.  We love to see your deep blue eyes and see the faces you are making.  You seem to be more comfortable in the car seat than in the bassinet but ultimately prefer being held or in the sling.  Daddy finds that you like walking with you in a football hold around the house when I need him to hold you.  All of your siblings love to pat your head and give you kisses.  Marlee asks daily to hold you. 

It has been a lovely month getting to know you little man!  I am trying to take it all in and relax and really enjoy this time with you – especially knowing that you are our last.  I feel sad about this in some ways but it is encouraging me to take each day as the blessing that it is!  I love the faces you make and the softness of your head and skin.  I love the way you smell!  I love that my own recovery has been steady and good.  Some days I have been a little sore at the end of the day but we have been able to take it easy the next day.  I especially love that it is summer time and we have no set agendas – all the better to enjoy this time with our family.  We are so thankful that you were born healthy and safe and have transitioned into our family with such ease. We are blessed!

July 2012 Wrap-up

JULY 2012
It’s that time again!  Another month has passed us by and it is time for a wrap-up.  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. Let's just say that I like to see my life all wrapped up, nice and tidy with a bow. Enough said.

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

Books, Magazines, Blogs read:
Dive #1,2,3 by Gordon Korman; Junior fiction quick reads – really well done though; I had to go to the library to get #2,3 as soon as I finished #1
I survived the earthquake of SanFrancisco by Lauren Tarshis – another junior fiction book that was a quick read that I could discuss with Matt
The Coke Machine by Michael Blanding; This one was okay.  It was basically about the history of how Coca Cola came to be and its relationship around the world.  Not all that great.  Which I could have surmised really.  So given that, and its effect on health in general, I am still trying to cut down.  But I do admit, that it tastes really good.  Bummer!
Silvertown by Melanie McGrath; This was given to me by my dad and gives a glimpse into the history of this area of England – just around the corner from my Nan.  It was interesting. I can conclude by saying that I am very thankful that I was born where and when I was.  Things have “progressed” to a better life for us.
Beyond the Sling by Mayim Bialik; Written by the actress “Blossom”, she gives insight into how and why she raised her kids by attachment parenting (Sling, co-sleeping, EC etc).  It was very well written other than her believe that various things have “evolved” over millions and millions of years. Her description of “gentle discipline” warrants further research.
Harry Potter and the Order of thePhoenix; While it took me a bit to get into it (I think I was distracted), once I got past 100 pages I was hooked.  Again.  Well written and suspenseful.  Matt and I are having some very good discussions about the books and movies. 

TV, Movies, Live Entertainment:
Bones (Finished S 6) (Netflix)
Muppets (rental)
Mighty Macs (library)
Hoodwinked (library)
Brave (theatre)
So I Married an Axe Murderer (Netflix)
Jumanji (library)
Dolphin Tale (library)
Puss `N Boots (library)
Cop Out (library)
HP and the Goblet of Fire (#4)
Daily Happenings & Special Events:
Canada Day fireworks on lakeshore with Hodgins (1^st)
Strawberry picking (2^nd)
Cierra to Cameron’s birthday party at Retro Planet (5^th) - $25 Toys ‘R Us gift card
Funeral for Aly (7^th)
Alison hospital (July 9^th to 12^th)
Church summer camp (Sky) (July 16^th to 20^th)
Marlee to Ruby’s birthday party at Art Center (22^nd) - $20 Michael’s gift card
Cierra to camp (July 22^nd to August 4^th)
Marlee to art camp (July 23^rd to 27^th)
Sarah and Macy up to visit (July 28^th to August
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: golf tournament (work), running
Alison: c-section, tubal ligation on July 9^th; stayed in hospital until Th 12^th; see hospital notes for details; itching on joints started again in hospital!; lost 23 lbs
Cierra: Foot appointment
Matt: baseball, VPO, lots of swimming; everything is “sick” (aka cool)
Marlee: lost 2 teeth; lots of swimming; art, Polly Pockets, Barbies
Mitchell: hair cut on 13^th; similar speech – using signs a lot more; sleeping at night well; getting along well with baby – lots of kisses, pats; wanting to nurse a lot more (“umm”) (back to 3x a day while we “adjust”); mommy’s boy at home for anything bedtime related; watching lots of TV (Fireman Sam, Cars, Bob the Builder, Little Cars)!
Mackale: born Monday, July 9^th at 12:55 pm weighing 8 lbs 9 oz, 22” long.  Healthy and beautiful.  He eats well, likes being held and generally eats, sleeps and goes to the bathroom!  I have not started EC with him yet but plan to… first Dr visit Th July 19^th weighed 8 lbs 7 oz; all good.
Accomplishments/ Disappointments (Goals - Gotta Do’s, Wanna do’s; OLW, projects):
Have not done much in this area other than rest up and read.  There is dog hair everywhere and the lack of being able to do things at week 3 is getting old!
All Around Us/ Other (News, Trends, Births, Deaths, World Events, City News Etc):
2012 Summer Olympics in London, England – I would really have liked to be able to watch some of this on TV!
Foodland is being torn down – currently boarded up :(

Lost and found

Do you ever just want to kick yourself?

I just discovered that I am more organized than I thought. 

I recently made a photo book about our childhood cottage.  The only problem was that I was missing a photo that I KNEW I had.  One that I really wanted to include.  I looked ALL OVER for that photo - my yearly albums, my childhood albums, my cottage album, my to do binders.  You name it.  I even prayed about it but I couldn't find it.  And since I was on a time restraint I eventually had to submit it anyway.

So fast forward to tonight. 

I must be nesting because I am on this major kick to clean up my office and rid it of some of the extra stuff that is there and I will never do anything with.  Anyway, I was putting some things away and I saw one of my 12x12 cropper hopper holders labelled "cottage".  Hmm. 

And the first thing visible through the front of it????? 

Of course.

THE photo. Actually 3 of them.

Sooooo peeved.  Right there.  All the time.  Serves me right though.  Too many places of "organization".  They are going right into my TBay photo album. 

But before I go, a brief description.

These are obviously me.  I am in the little wooden playhouse or shack that was behind the main cottage.  There was really no purpose for it.  It was there with the cottage. We just got to play in it when we wanted.  I remember sweeping it out and keeping it neat and tidy and just "hanging out" in it with my brother and sister.  It was ours.  Still, a memory.

(I also see I was wearing the clogs that were popular at the time!   circa1983)

Anyway, not a lot to say about the photos.  It was more just a nuisance that I knew I had something and then couldn't find it.  That really bugs me.

On the other hand, it is a little funny that I have been finding a number of lost articles lately - all ones that I have prayed for (library iCarly DVD finally found amongst our hand weights, photo descriptions from my dad in my office, library Mighty Machines DVD under the deck!). 

The time frames haven't been the best but at least I have gotten them back.  Strange. 

Now I can add one more to my list.

June 2012 

It’s that time again!  Another month has passed us by and it is time for a wrap-up.  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. Let's just say that I like to see my life all wrapped up, nice and tidy with a bow. Enough said.

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

Books, Magazines, Blogs read:
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.R. Rowling
Creating Keepsakes
TV, Movies, Live Entertainment:
Bones (Netflix)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (DVD)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (DVD)
Madagascar 3 (theatre)
Daily Happenings & Special Events:
Drew to Curtis’ stag (2^nd)
Haircuts (5^th)
Opened pool (8^th)
Church golf tournament and lunch (9^th)
Carrie S birthday dinner (12^th)
Strawberry picking (15^th)
Father’s Day (17^th) (gift card to Red Lobster, photo book | breakfast out, golf tournament | Boston)
Dinner at Hodgin’s (22^nd)
Couples shower (Rachel and Gideon) (23^rd)
Last day of school pool party (28^th)
Marlee to Ayla’s birthday party (30^th) (Toys R’ Us gift card)
Travel (1 hr plus):
n/a
Financial/ changes to the house etc.: (gifts, renos, big purchases, household purchases)
Furnace filter changed (24^th)
Health/Development/ Exercise/ Extra Curricular Activities:
Drew: running; 3 moles removed on back (30^th)
Alison: OB appointments all good; dentist (Cleaning)(20^th); heartburn; itchy swollen ankles
Cierra: drama, swimming
Matt: baseball
Marlee: much more confident in swimming – going under water, holding breath longer
Mitchell: vomited 12/13^th; pottying fairly well; sleeping well once asleep; still nursing before bed; few words, more signing
Accomplishments/ Disappointments (Goals - Gotta Do’s, Wanna do’s; OLW, projects)
Not much in this department; got started on kids school of life albums; working on cousins photo book and MTAV book.
All Around Us/ Other (News, Trends, Births, Deaths, World Events, City News Etc):
Lost Aly G (28^th)

May 2012 Wrap up

It’s that time again!  Another month has passed us by and it is time for a wrap-up.  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. Let's just say that I like to see my life all wrapped up, nice and tidy with a bow. Enough said.

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

Books, Magazines, Blogs read:

Hana’s Suitcase by Karen Levine; The Help by Kathryn Stockett; Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone; Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets; Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

I got caught up on some scrapbooking magazines while I was away – Creating Keepsakes
I didn't have a lot of time for blogs this month but got caught up on some of my regulars – great while we were away.
TV, Movies, Live Entertainment:
Bones (Netflix)
Sarah's Key (library) – I have to say that the book was SOOOO much better.  I was really quite disappointed with the movie but I guess that often happens when trying to adapt a movie from a book.  Anyway – the book is STILL highly recommended!
I Don't Know How She Does It (Hotel rental) – quite enjoyable.  It was also really cool that it was set in Boston where we were staying. 
Inception (library) – a bit wonky and difficult to grasp but it did all come together in the end.

Michael W Smith concert at church on the Queensway (5^th) – great concert; the kids weren't as excited as they were for Chris Tomlin but he was promoting his instrumental and worship albums and he just has a different type of feel.  He's still my favourite!
Daily Happenings & Special Events:
Matt school trip (1^st)
Drew 40^th birthday (2^nd);
MWSmith concert (5^th); Drew birthday breakfast
Kids Church drama (5^th, 6^th and 9^th)
Final MOPS (7^th), lunch with Kristy
Visit with Sean and kids (12^th)
Mother's Day (13th) - great day - Drew took his mom out with the kids for the afternoon and I had the afternoon to myself.  Perfect!  Mom and dad came over for take out dinner - our fave from Casa Mia.  Awesome!
Cierra 22^nd birthday celebration at Moose Winoosky's (17^th)
Dad up to camp (17^th to 30^th)
Boston! (18^th – 21^st)
Ottawa (26^th – 28^th)
Travel (1 hr plus):
Boston (Al & Drew 18^th-21^st) - getaway
Ottawa (whole family with Williams 26^th-28^th) –for running
Financial/ changes to the house etc.: (gifts, renos, big purchases, household purchases)
Drew's birthday – wine gums, golf balls, Boston
Cierra's birthday – see list
Garage, front door and porch painted
Furnace cleaned
Water Heater serviced
Dishwasher serviced
Odyssey – serviced for air conditioning and squeaky door
Health/Development/ Exercise/ Extra Curricular Activities:
Drew: running (1/2 marathon in Ottawa – time 1:53); golf
Alison: all going well with pregnancy (now at 33 weeks); little exercise just walking to and from school; sciatica difficult in evening, some leg cramping
Cierra: celebrated 22^nd birthday; totally into iCarly right now but still talks about HM regularly.  She loves her music, her videos and her magazines.  If she has these she is happy.  She enjoys DP 2 days a week, getting exercise and social time there.  She enjoys a night out each week with her 1:1 worker.  She goes home to see mom most weekends from Friday evening to Sunday morning.  At home she helps out around the house with a variety of chores and enjoys her free time.  She is very much a sibling in how she gets along with the other kids.
Matt: started baseball this month; came 5^th in triple jump at school track and field meet; loving being loud; had tech removed for the month due to behavior; working on accepting that we don't always get our way = typical 9 year old from what I hear
Marlee: daily trampoline; back and forth friends with daycare; off tech for the month due to not listening; loving her crafts and being outside; stomach troubles – watching milk intake
Mitchell: got bopped in the nose by a swinger - blood everywhere but fine (11th); registered him for speech therapy but there is a 10-14 month waitlist (as expected); still communicates very well just not with words; pottying very well – have had several completely dry days; nights are hit and miss; sleeping well in own bed; still nursing before bed, settling by lying with him; eating really well – loving gherkin pickles!; loving movies, cars and construction
Accomplishments/ Disappointments (Goals - Gotta Do’s, Wanna do’s; OLW, projects)
LOAD512 this month (31+ layouts); finished Marlee's Boo Boo album, childhood neighbourhood and most of wedding mini album
I did not follow through on OLW or MMEW very much
I also had 4 copies of Picaboo photobooks - Hawkeye Memories made.  They turned out really well and I was able to share them with family members.
All Around Us/ Other (News, Trends, Births, Deaths, World Events, City News Etc):