We have a new arrival!

Yes. I caved. We now have a dog.

This is Harvey. Yes he is ours.

Apparantely he met my stipulations of no longer being a puppy

and being trained

and being free.

Yippee me.

No seriously, we are on day 3 and so far so good.

Just one container has been a casualty and I was distracted by a house full of kids.

Details?

We got him on Valentine's Day. He is a yellow lab. He is 4 1/2 years old. His origianl owners are from Europe and needed to return. They would have had to quaranteen he and his sister for 6 months so they preferred to find new owners. They did but then just before they had to leave it didn't work out. They contacted their vet who is also the vet for a friend of ours. Our friend was willing to take them both until new owners could be found. We decided we could be those new owners. To one. But we know where his sister Hershey went so they can remain friends. Or siblings. Or however that works in dogland.

Anyway. We have a dog.

Similarities

I'm seeing some similarities between this little guy and a certain other someone.....

How about you?

Life Up North

Life up North Summer Vacation Weeks 4 and 5

Life at the cottage (aka as camp to everyone else up here except for us because C gets it mixed up with "duck" camp) brings many stories and memories to be shared:

M3 is becoming quite the climber - easily scooting up on the coffee table.



The kids love riding the bike (we only have one at the moment) and the paths are great for doing it here. Unfortunately this one is getting a bit small but he doesn't care. Just previous to this photo the kids were fighting over who got to ride the one bike. It was typical for this day. lots of arguments and saucy talk. Even some tears.


M3 took a while but all of a sudden got VERY brave at swimming. He went from daddy's arms to the edge - to the ladder (it had to be the ladder) and literally got to be jumping in - going under as well.



Visiting with cousins is a highlight of our visits. M2 was particularly looking forward to swimming and visiting Karli. We spent the day by the pool visiting and snacking, and it was great.


I went out for a canoe ride with C and had a pretty good experience. I had kept putting it off as I was afraid we would get stranded with me not knowing how to guide us back. It wasn't nearly as difficult as I had imagined.

M2 enjoyed some wake-boarding.

M3 SQUEALED with delight when M2 showed him a baby frog. it was precious to witness.

On one of my walks I stopped to look at Little Lake. I was struck by the mid-morning beauty through the trees.

This was the year for fishing. Off the dock. Off the neighbours dock. From the canoe. He didn't have any luck but he sure had fun.

Football in the water - great fun diving for it!

M3 preferred the edge of the water and was content pouring and dumping. Pouring and dumping. Pouring and dumping.

M1 got the windsurfer board going and became quite proficient at using it. He went all around the bay on it.

I love seeing sharing like this!

At one point the kids wanted to play dogs. How appropriate that there was a cage to accomodate them. Hair and everything!

M2 enjoyed the swinging - just not the scraping against the trees.

M1 got M3 into some hitting practice. He actually hit it a few times!

Of course we had to have a checker game or tow. He beat me easily.

Sleeping is a different adventure up north too. It sometimes takes a longer to get to sleep but usually they are so tuckered out we don't have to say anything.

The boys enjoy a splash or two.

All in all life up north was excellent. The weather was great (One day of actual rain, one day of cooler temps), the water was awesome. We visited with fmaily and relaxed in a differnt sort of way. As usual, returning home was bittersweet. Another year done and more to look forward to.

Memory Monday - wall pictures

I finally got around to changing these photos the other day. (I know the clarity isn't that great but "technically" they are copyrighted...right?).

When Sarah and John and Macy were here at Christmas we decided to update our family portraits. They turned out really well and I love them. It just means that they replace the old ones. And it is a daily reminder of how things change and times moves on.

Oh how our our family has changed! Everyone is a little older. Grandma and Grandpa are no longer with us. Mitchell and Macy have joined us. When you change out the old with the new it feels like a part of us is missing. I know that is not true as those that have gone on will always be with us.

But not seeing them there at their spot on the wall reminds me more clearly of their absence.

It is also a reminder of how much I am enjoying photos as decoration - so that we can see the people in our lives and remember the times we shared with them.

Soooo what am I trying to say?

Missing you guys today!

But glad of the additions!

Family Day Fun - LOAD Day 24

Family Day Fun - LOAD day 24
Originally uploaded by Alijoyc

Today's prompt was to use a checklist. Check.

Journaling reads:
Checklist for Family Day Fun:
Alison - walk across the lake a
Marlee - go skating a
Matthew - attend birthday party a
Drew - play hockey X
Cierra - eat at a restaurant a
Mitchell - go along for the ride a

Once we got organized we ended up having a great day. It usually takes us a while to get our plans sorted out and get ourselves moving. We really enjoy our down time sometimes more than anything else. This time we wanted to try to work around everyone’s goals rather then waste the day away. While all of the events but the birthday party were geared to involve the whole family it didn’t really end up that way. No one wanted to venture across the lake with me so I went by myself. The family that was coming over to play hockey ended up cancelling and the ice rink wasn’t really conducive to a full hockey game. Marlee and Cierra got their skating in and we ended up ordering Pizza Pizza in (Cierra’s pick) instead of going out. Mitchell did just come along for the ride but thoroughly enjoyed himself. In the end, it all began and ended with family and that is what counts. February 21, 2011

Family Photo Shoot 2007 LOAD DAY 15

Family Photo Shoot 2007 LOAD DAY 16
Originally uploaded by Alijoyc

The prompt today was to use ribbon in a new way. I do use ribbon a lot, and in a variety of ways but preferred to go with another layout from my to do list. This shows our family photo shoot at Zehrs in December 2007. Marlee was 3.5 years, Matt was 5 and Cierra was 17.

LOAD Day 12 Family Reunion

LOAD Day 12 Family Reunion
Originally uploaded by Alijoyc

I followed the colour prompt today! I was able to quickly do up one of the pages from the CK KOTM from a few years back. I'm not 100 about the journaling but for now it reads:

Brenda and Greg hosted the latest --- family reunion It was held on July 10th, 2010 and just about everyone was able to make it. It had been a few years since out last one and of course there were lots of changes. We all enjoyed swimming, hot-tubbing and good food and fellowship. The kids had a piñata and of course we had to get a family photo. I hope it won’t be so long before we all get together again.

Family portrait 2011 - LOAD Day 10

Family portrait 2011 - LOAD day 10
Originally uploaded by Alijoyc

I didn't follow the prompt but needed to do this anyway. This is about as easy as it gets. I needed a 5th layout for a wall display and this was the best way to match it. It goes along with our 2010 memories/ year end album layouts that I make every year.

Now that we have a 4th child I thought I'd add a family portrait layoute to even it out on the wall (or rather keep it at an odd number right?). This year I am working on a monthly family portrait to co-ordinate with the other layouts.

TFL!

Memory Monday - Happy Birthday to a special sister

Tomorrow is my sweet sista's birthday! Happy 34th Sarah! You've come a long way baby. To commemorate this special day I thought I would take a trip down memory lane (not that I actually remember all of these photos mind you) - I will just note what does come to mind...

One of the first photos with just the two of us. Obviously it is 1977, and we were living on W Street. I recognize the outfit I am wearing from a few years previously. The couch is the one mom and dad were starting to purchase when I was first born. They still have it although it has been recovered. I see that Macy looks like Sarah.

I just like this one because you look so scrappy. You are in the kitchen on W Street. Your were just cute - probably 1978 since you are walking.

I like this one because again you are cute. It is probably summer 1979 since it is at the cottage and your hair is a little longer and you look to be about a year older then the previous photo. I like that it shows a bit of the cottage landscape behind you.

I like this one primarily because of the "knocky knees"/ droopy tights (isn't that what mom says you said?) Did you always have droopy clothing? Funny that we still have this dress too. You are in our back yard on W Street and you can see L & T's back yard as well as the Cr's house. Wasn't there talk of some animals buried in the back yard next door that made us refer to it as a pet cemetery? I remember not wanting to play back there very much. That and their very damp basement that smelled. But I digress. Date:?

Awww. My maid of honour. Blue is such a nice colour on you and I really like your hair then too. What a day. Hard to believe we are coming up on 13 years. I should add the photo of you with your scarf - FUN! Thanks again for all your support that day! Date: August 29, 1997

And here we are just recently at the outdoor Christmas Eve service. December 24, 2010. A new mom. Wearing mom's poncho and a distinctly Canadian hat. Are you trying to remind yourself that you are capable of withstanding the cold Canadian winters that you have left behind?

It was so fun to see you in this new role and to be able to visit when you were here.

So Happy Birthday sista! I hope you have a great birthday tomorrow (although it will probably BE tomorrow by the time I finish this lol!). So glad you are my sister!

Listening to Smitty and worshipping...

and getting a pep talk from mom can do wonders for your soul.

To remind me that we are not alone in this world
To remind me that I am a good mom
To remind me that books are only guides and one person's opinion
To remind me that all kids have fussy periods regardless
To remind me to trust my intuition more
To remind me that we are loved
To remind me that we will survive this!

Okay more of that came from my mom then from Smitty but still he had a hand in taking me to the one who is the lone provider, the alpha, the omega, the one is and was and will be forever there for me. So to you both (well you three) thanks! I am definitely feeling better!

My signature style...

of gift-gving is becoming well known.

And I think I get it from my mother. Yesterday at the baby shower I gave my baby bag of favourites. Part of it was a homemade scrapbook to be used for favourite photos. I've given this a number of times and get rave reviews each time. And then my creativity gets credited to my mom, who traditionally gives a Raggedy Ann or Andy. I think they are right. My mom is quick to point out that she could not do scrapbooking and I am quick to point out that I don't have the patience to sew in the ways that she does.

But I think the two mediums are still related. She is definitely "Crafty" and I suppose that means I get my craftiness, although different, from her. She certainly exposed us kids to lots of different crafts growing up. I can remember her silk screening cards at Christmas, making banners for church, making box costumes for Halloween and play, macrame, potting, always sewing - costumes for plays at church or Halloween, clothes for us and herself, - you name it. From an early age we usually made homemade gifts for relatives, like leaf mobiles, place mats and other crafts. So yes, I think the skill and desire has been passed on. Now as a frugal adult, I also value the art of giving homemade and personal, if not clutter free gifts.

My gift yesterday included the scrapbook (20, 12x12 general pages that could house favourite photos for things like bath time, sleep, play etc); a mommy hook; and IKEA kids dishes (plates, cups and bowls). I usually include a note about the items and why they are favourites as well as a how-to for the album. It is all put together in a gender appropriate reusable shopping bag.

If money were no object, some other favourites I might include would be:

• a digital timer with clip
• bibs with velcro
• a Praise Baby DVD
• a food mill for baby food
• an eye mask
• large receiving blankets

Depending on the age of the baby at the time of the shower (and their living practices as I know them) I'll sometimes include info about the local OEYC, the cloth diapering service and a re-usable cover, the local consignment stores and other "tips" I have found helpful.

So far these gifts seem to have been well-received and well, I enjoy putting them together so that is half of it!

One person really can make a difference...

We went to the annual Terry Fox Run today and again saw what a difference one person can really make.

We've been going with team Adidas since 2006 and this is the first year that Jan and Melissa were away. I find I am getting more and more into it as each year passes. Ever since Matt started learning about Terry Fox in school, I've seen him as a hero in the eyes of the kids. It may also be the Thunder Bay connection. We have made a point of stopping at the memoriam there for the last few years as well (except this year with Mitchell - we were on a roll) and it allowed me to learn more about him. Seeing his statue there makes it it home. I actually get a lump in my throat every time we drive by. He has become such a hero in the eyes of Canadians - and now mine as well.

The day turned out really nicely and it was great to see so many people take part. They always have an opening ceremony and then a warm-up exercise, and since this year was the 30th anniversary, they released some pigeons. One lady sang an amazing song about his life. Matt's teacher from last year is one of the organizers and that has been a big hit to see her there. We get one-of-a-kind team shirts from Adidas and Melissa has shared one with her as well - another great connection.

We caught up with a few people we haven't seen in a while

finished respectfully

and then headed to church (lots of comments on our "team shirts" - which helps when you come in late =]).

As for the rest of the days events...

Drew had to work after church so the kids and I grabbed lunch at McDonald's (didn't I say I wouldn't eat there anymore?) [note: it has been less!]. We didn't have time to get all the way home before the baby shower at church so we stopped at the skateboard park to watch while we ate. The kids have been wanting to do that for ages.

I was pleasantly surprised. The language was okay and the kids were very impressed at the various skill levels. I had some good conversations with Matt - he would love to be able to do what they do, and thought that they were quiet "smart". We discussed what that meant to him - skill wise of course. It was a good learning time to show that only about half were wearing helmets and hardly, if any were wearing wrist guards. I hope those lessons last.

We then headed to mom and dad's to drop off the kids and pick up mom. While we were getting in, Cierra accidentally let out the dog. She is a runner and immediately dashed into the street. SCREEEEECHH!! My heart was pounding! We were able to get her back safely, thanks to another dog owner who was walking his dogs. She tends to run when approached so I don't know what I would have done! One lady stopped her car while I was at the corner and yelled at me saying" that dog is going to get hit by a car!!!". Um really? Do you think I meant for this to happen? Another reminder to calm down and think before speaking. I was not impressed. After going over the "next time..." with the kids we were on our way.

We celebrated the birth of a little boy at church with a shower. About 20 ladies showed up and I got some more great ideas for gifts (homemade bibs out of hand towels, animal scrapbook, books). If only money was no object. I gave my baby bag of favourites (more on that later) and always have more then I need to add to it but sometimes some variety might be nice! Mom made a Raggedy Andy (I think she said she's done about 100??? - wow!). I do love attending these showers - such a great way to get to know people better and be a part of the larger church family. I wish more ladies realized or felt comfortable in coming out even if they don't know the individual. Mitchell and this little guy are going to grow up together so I'd like them to spend time together!

After the shower we went back for a birthday dinner in my honour. Poor Mitchell was quite over tired by this point but we managed to have a good time with good eats (beef stroganoff and chocolate cake - yum!) and family and fun (the kids do love that "secret hiding place"!) Mom and dad gave me an exercise outfit so I think I will now pass on my black hoody. We then had to return to lunches and clean up at home though so the kids were into bed lickety split and off we went to bed. Another weekend gone in a flash.

Camp! recapping

All packed up and ready to go!

Well we made it. We've been here a few days and mom and dad should have just made it home early Monday morning (we got an email at 3:50am!). Here's a quick recap (note - long and detailed summary)!

The drive here was surprisingly good. We made it to TBay by 2pm on Friday - about our regular time. We left the house at 10am - the predicted hour after the time we really wanted to leave. But I have to leave the house in a tidy ready to welcome us home manner. What can I say?

Mitchell fell asleep pretty much immediately even though we returned home quickly to retrieve my hat. Then we stopped at the library to drop off our things and to pick up a book on hold. Our last stop was the church to pick up my flash drive and then we were off. We made it all the way to Jeremy's in Nairn Center - one of our favourite stops, for needed gas and a late lunch. (One pee break by Matt in a cup!) It took us an hour an a half for our pit stop after all was said and done. A little longer stop then usual but it is good home made, although fried food. Mitchell seemed to take a while to feed and be toileted and then be ready to go again. Cierra got her magazine though and she was in heaven for the rest of the day. By 3:45 we were on the road again and Mitchell was asleep in 10 minutes. We made it to Walmart in Sault St Marie were we grabbed some drinks, had a quick wander and then got gas.

We had a picnic dinner at Havilland Shores Park - where there was a playground and a beautiful gradual sloping beach.

We drove to check out the washrooms at the next beach but they weren't any better. Thankfully we had the potty and we were soon on our way again. I had to stop to nurse at 9pm and then by 10pm all 3 younger kids were asleep. By now we were encountering some serious fog so we cut our evening short and slept at the White Fang just near Wawa. Mitchell throws a bit of a curve ball now - especially without a pack and play. I shared the bed with him and Marlee, Cierra had an air mattress and the boys shared.

In the morning we were up at 7am and out by 7:42. Not sure why it took so long - we just had an over night bag and the cooler to pack back up. I have to say that by this point I think I am already regretting the decision to bring our own diapers to care for. And seriously wondering if we brought enough. Time will tell! (This is after I hand washed a few just to be on the safe side).

Mitchell was quickly asleep even through the Tim Horton's breakfast stop in Wawa. We made it to Marathon by 10am for a pit stop and nursing. The engine light and TCS came on for some reason but after reading the book (and the fact that we are in the middle of nowhere) we decided to chance it and keep going. Mitchell was asleep again but then awake after 1/2 an hour so we stopped in Schriber and fed him again. The kids played at the playground in the rain and we got going by 11:45. We finally pulled in to TBay right on schedule at 2pm. No stopping at Terry Fox this year. We immediately went to the library and then called mom and dad. After getting some groceries we pulled up to camp around 4:30. Phew! It always feels like a whirlwind drive but we were certainly pleasantly surprised at how well this one went. We were really not sure how this would go.

We spent the evening catching up with mom and dad and letting the kids get into camp mode.

The men folk discussed the trees that need to be cut down.

The water is really low the year, which actually makes for a great beach and more play area. It was really warm and sunny so we had an early dinner (for camp) of shepherd's pie and then had a fairly relaxing evening. The water is beautiful and I may actually go swimming this year!

Saturday

The day was beautiful! Sunny and warm and we were all up to enjoy most of the day. Poor mom and dad were probably up earlier then they had been all month but we were all down at the water for a lot of the day. The cousins arrived shortly after 1pm and we had a great time together. We discussed their recent travels and then had a late lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs. We then spent some time reminiscing about Aunt Elsie.

Dad loved the times that Aunt Elsie took care of him in Calgary - especially when his mom was busy with his brother. They took the train downtown and spent the day together weekly. He also remembered the time that she took him on the roller coasters and then had greasy dinner and then spent the bus ride home throwing up in a paper bag. Good times! I hope that our kids have memories of Ya-Ya like that!

Rob talked about visiting Aunt Elsie in Calgary, as well as the time that she spent living with them with Gramps in the later years. She did a lot of chauffeuring of the boys back and forth to school, to hockey and to Bingo. She was a fiercely independent lady those days! This turned to some memories about Gramps as well - how Rob used to greet him daily by rubbing his comb-over to the other side. That is until Gramps "caned" him one day in the side! He also remembered how he was "forked"one day while attempting to take the last pork chop. You can bet he remembered to ask anyone else if they wanted to have the last one from then on!

Adena enjoyed the regular lunches that Aunt Elsie used to make for her when she came home for lunch. When that got difficult for her they still made it a priority to eat together which was nice.
What I enjoyed most about this time of remembrance was that it wasn't sugar coated. Aunt Elsie really wasn't that pleasant to visit in her final days. She really didn't want to be here and was ready to move on. Aunt Marilyn and Adena did an amazing job and were faithful in visiting her regularly despite this. With dad so far away, the burden fell to them and we are so grateful for that. We are thankful that we were given the opportunity in a way to give back to her for those early years.

It was a great time full of laughter and memories. While we didn't see her nearly as much as everyone else there did, it was nice to be a part of it. And to get these memories recorded. Maybe one day I'll be able to get a tribute album of her done. I've been promised some photos of the early days of camp - I can't wait to finally get that one album done!

We said our goodbyes around 6:30 and cleaned up. While the adults still felt full from lunch,
a short time later the kids felt that they needed dinner so some snacks were prepared. You certainly can't get out of routine with them! The kids were soon separated for bedtime and we were left to tidy up, finish helping my parents with last minute closeup instructions and then we settled down for some more tv. MacGyver! We watched the pilot the night before and caught another hour this evening. Not as cheesy as I had thought it might be! Not to say that there isn't some, just not as much!

Sunday
My parents got on the road around 8am and the rest of us slowly crawled out of bed. Drew left for a game of golf with the boys leaving me behind with the kids. It was a fairly windy and cool day so we spent most of it inside. Mitchell was rather out of sorts and really only got a few hours of scattered naps. We watched The Railway Children in between nursing and attempts at napping and lunch prep. We also caught some Scooby Doo videos. Needless to say, by the time Drew returned at 5 pm I was ready for some relief. Mitchell wasn't quite ready though to spend time with Drew and I finally went for a walk with him in the sling. We made it to the end of the road and he was asleep. Finally. I walked to the rock pile for good measure and then back. As soon as I opened the door (this had been about 1/2 hour), he woke up. Exasperating! Back out we went. He failed to fall asleep again but he was at least in a better mood. Good enough for Drew to hold for a while once we got back. Soon the kids were down for the night and we watched The Jane Austen Book Club. Even Drew enjoyed it. That is another thing with the library movies - we find ourselves watching ones we might not ordinarily watch. We were pleasantly surprised!

Monday
Monday brought about more cool windy weather. Great for the indoors! Matt and Drew attempted to go play golf together in town but were rained out after a short time. (They still had the hour in and hour back though and some time at MacDonald's for lunch). Marlee, Cierra and I spent our time watching more Scooby Doo and trying to get some nap times for the boy. We got one good nap in - which I then spent getting lunch ready and eating with the girls and that was it. When the boys got home we only had a short time before we turned around and starting getting ready to go into Rob and Adena's house for dinner. Oh - that and we dealt with a hygiene issue but that is another story.

Btw - did I mention it was cold? And windy? And wet? And that since we had an extra person to pack for we decided to condense this year and not bring all the stuff we never seemed to use? Some of which was warmer clothing? Yeah well, it was good to head into town - even a little early because perhaps the weather was a bit different. And we might as well go shopping and get some more clothes.

So into town we went. It was still cool but it was dry and we were inside. We tried the library at the mall but it was closed so we headed to the other one where although bigger, didn't have much of a selection unfortunately. Still, we got a few more movies and books and headed to get some salad.

We decided against getting more clothes (and we were out of time) but that's besides the point. It's funny how when we are missing something our immediate instinct is to go buy some more. I only brought Mitchell one pair of pants. Yes I know. What was I thinking? And the problem was that they got wet and with the damp weather at camp they weren't drying very quickly. But we did have blankets and lots of towels and we can make do. And spot clean instead of immersing in the future!

Fast forward to dinner - great spaghetti and play time with the cousins. Again Mitchell didn't sleep (although he did on the drive into town) so he was getting a little antsy by 8pm. Since Rob had to work in the morning it was a good time to head out. And he immediately fell asleep so we decided to stop at the superstore. We love this place! After an hour and a half we had picked up some good bargains - a tether ball set for home (14.95), a 2 in 1 basketball and garden tennis set (10.00), some clothes for Cierra and I, some pants for Mitchell (2 for 2.94 down from 10.00!) and the best deal? Star Wars light sabers marked down to $4.44 from $29.99! We got 6 of them! Of course we only went in for grapes and $200 later well... So much for just keeping it simple eh?

On a side note, we stopped in the washroom before heading out and well, let's just say that we were quite the sight. The whole family, kids included, dressed in "aahheeemmm" our best (Marlee in her pajamas even), out at 10:00 at night at the grocery store with very little groceries. I'm sure there were a few looks.

Tuesday (today)
A nice sunny and windy day. It started late for me - up with Mitchell at 10am. Poor Drew - since we have limited tv more this year, Matthew has been getting Drew up early for breakfast. He usually crawls back into bed but I'm sure it's not quite the same. He took the kids down to the beach for an early bonfire. We managed one good nap for Mitchell during the day and attempted a few others (what is with this rolling?).

We had a few good saber fights and a little bit of tv.

All in all a good day!

"Brudda" talk

hi hi!

boo! boo!

hi hi hi!

Mitchell!

hi hi hi hi!

are you my brudda? are you my brudda?

hi hi hi hi hi!

peekaboo!

hi hi hi hi hi hi!

awwww - you are so cute!

hi hi hi hi hi hi hi!

where's mommy? where's mommy?

hi hi hi hi hi hi hi hi!

Mitchell! Mitchell! Mitchell!

hi hi hi hi hi hi hi hi hi!

Mitchell, Mitchell, Mitchell, I made him out of clay,

Mitchell, Mitchell, Mitchell, how I love him today!

hi hi hi hi hi hi hi hi hi hi!

Wowsers these guys love their brother! This is an example of the frequent discussion that we are hearing around here. Inches from Mitchell's face and it usually involves some form of face touching. The love is evident! I do worry a liitle about him not knowing what personal space is though...(that and the fact that his mother is always in that space too and may go crazy from the incessant noise and constant touching!!!)