Catching Up

In the past few weeks we've had lots of activities! 

Liam had his first 'friends' birthday party.  I abhor doing kids parties but this meant so much to him.  I figured we could do it this once.  Keith planned the entire party and activities...I give ALL credit to him.  He's a birthday party rock star.

It was a Star Wars theme as you can see!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then we had the obligatory family party.  This is more my speed.  No activities to plan!

 

 

 

Liam was spoiled with lots of Lego and Star Wars paraphernalia!  It's his current fascination.

 

 

 

And this past weekend we took our annual pilgrimage to the Abbey.  This hike was awesome especially because Liam did the entire thing at our pace and didn't complain.  It helped that Auntie Kori engaged him in conversation the entire way up.  Distraction works wonders.

 

The monks have a beautiful garden.

 

 

Shaggy little mushroom!

It was SO warm and beautiful.

 

 

 The peaceful sanctuary.  I love it here.

 

 

Sadly, I have come down with strep throat but should be feeling good again in a few days.  I am so thankful for antibiotics! 

Rock Heads

Keith was away this weekend visiting extended family in the Island with my brother.  A time to get away and destress from work.  We kept busy back at home and ate lots of junk food!  It was a break for all from the usual routines. One of the activities me and the kids tried was decorating garden rocks.  I have a spot in my yard that us a bit dreary so I thought some pretty painted rocks would liven it up.  We learned through trial and error how to best paint the rocks and that none of us are exactly artists!  But we had fun and will likely paint more soon.  I think that our artist in residence will really like to give this a go!

Dump

A few weeks ago we had the most intense dump of rain we've had in a while.  The skies opened up and it rained HARD for a good while.  It was good for the lawns and trees....

 ....but not so good for my boy who was riding home from work on his bike.  Absolutely soaked to the skin!

Learning to Play

I will readily admit that I am not at all good at 'playing' with my kids.  They learned pretty quickly as little ones that asking me to play with them was a useless task.  I will sit down and play a game, color or watch a show with them but to just sit down on the ground and play for the sake of play....no.  I shocked the pants off Liam the other night when I offered to play cars with him.  Not sure what was wrong with me but I felt an urge to surprise him.  He looked very shocked and then pleased as he said "Mum, this is the FIRST time ever you have played with me!".  Now that is an exaggeration my boy but yes, it's a rare treat.  

We went up to his room after he told me all his room rules such as I have to do everything he says.  Right.

Well, it turns out that I need a purpose in my play so I decided to go through his Hot Wheels bin and organize by color.  He liked my rainbow but he then wanted me to push the cars around.  This wasn't very fun and after about 5 minutes I offered to read him several books.  Thankfully he was very happy to do so and I concluded my 'play' for the night.  You're welcome Liam!  Mummy has other talents....the next time you need to play ask your Dad or brothers!

Private Education - A Personal Perspective

I guarantee you that if you would have asked me five short years ago if I was even remotely interested in sending my children to private school the answer would have been 'no'.

We were happy with our decision to have our kids go through the traditional school model in the public system.  We had no complaints...it was working out very well.

The shift in thinking all got started with a surprise blessing named Liam.

During my maternity leave I grew very restless at the thought of returning to the Credit Union after my one year leave.  In this case absence was NOT making the heart grow fonder and I was increasingly becoming agitated about returning to a job I did not enjoy anymore.  I by chance saw a posting online for a one day a week position at MEI middle school as a secretary and thought it was worth a shot.  I would lose nothing by applying.  I figured this was a way to get my foot in the door to being a secretary in a school (long time dream) by working one day a week there and the other hours at the credit union.  It was positively providential that I was called for an interview and then called back and offered the job....four days a week!  This was a sign it was for me.  Although I didn't want to work so much with a little boy at home I was NOT going to let this opportunity slip by.  I happily took the position and well, let's just say I've never looked back.  It has been a massive blessing in my life.  I love my job, my co-workers, the students and the parents.  It's truly a dream come true.  After working two years at MEI,  I grew to find that my desire to have my children be a part of the MEI community quite strong and we moved Nathan over for grade 8.  Best decision ever!  He absolutely thrived and my momma's heart was about bursting to see him so happy.  Chad followed the next year starting grade six and well, it was a no-brainer to have Liam here for Kindergarten.  I am beyond pleased with their experience.  The holistic approach to education...mind, body and spirit fulfills their every need.  They are sincerely loved, cared about, prayed for and educated in a way that makes every financial sacrifice worth it.  

I'm so glad we gave MEI a chance....it has been so good for us all!

Fluff and Stuff

I think I like my new camera just about as much as these guys!  Nice clear shots in our recent snowfall.  They played while it lasted and in a few days it will be gone, gone, gone.

Next up...spring please!

Harsh Reality

Yeah so, I hadn't weighed myself in a really long time.  Denial and not wanting to face reality were two big reasons.  I bought myself this new fancy schmancy digital scale with birthday money.  It arrived yesterday and well, there was an ugly truth to face.  I can't even utter or type the numbers but I have gained back a big chunk of the weight I lost last year before our cruise.  I could feel it on my flanks and even though my clothes all still fit they aren't fitting as well as they used to.  All that hard work and I lost control of my eating.  Ack!  I feel upset with myself but the only thing to do now is to commit to losing it again.  Weekly weigh ins will keep me accountable.  Thankfully I never gave up the exercise do that won't be something I have to restart!  So now you know my shameful tale and hopefully I can post some positive results here in the next couple of months!

Heartache and Hope

It's been a rough 15 months.  Yes, for me but most entirely for my dearest friends Keri and Kori as they have watched and supported their sister Kristin through her cancer journey.
I have been a part of the Templeton family since 1986 so this hit home in a big way.  I have felt very helpless watching from the sidelines as my friends were hurting and crying their way through the days.
Sadly, Kristin's battle ended on February 9th.  It was a punch in the gut to realize that it was all over and that her four sweet children and husband were left behind to cope with this massive loss.
Yesterday, on Valentine's Day we gathered to commit her body to the ground and then move on to celebrate a life well lived.  Kristin was unlike Keri and Kori in so many ways yet they were bonded as sisters.  Kristin was honoured through a fantastic tribute that K & K bravely spoke at the service.  I even had a few laughs as the words were true and from the heart.
The reason that we don't despair though, is that our great hope is to be reunited with her in Heaven one day.  We all will die.  This is a fact!  But what happens to us when we die is in our capacity to decide.  Jesus promises eternal life to all those who chose to follow him.  What a comfort this is and it is the only reason we can smile through the tears!

Frugal House Frau

 

 

All the items below wee purchased for $1 each.  IGA is closing and this thrifty shopper is reaping the benefits! 

 

Bitterly Cold

Golly, it's been cold these past few days.  We are definitely spoiled by a milder climate.  These sub-zero temps and arctic outflow winds can seriously make night time walking an effort in pure survival. 

Lots to Look Forward To!

My week wrapped up!  

Oh this week flew, but don't they all?  Keith has been so very busy in the garage every spare moment working on pieces for the set of 'A Christmas Carol'.  I have been single-parenting it quite a lot.  But still have managed to find time to get in my power walks each night.  One day I dragged Keith away from the power tools, another night I took Nate and the rest of the nights were spent on the treadmill.  I only exercise to maintain these days since my eating isn't as disciplined as it should be!  Thankfully I thoroughly enjoy my power walks and don't like to miss.  The boys will be at rehearsals all weekend as next week is the big production.  Liam and I are going to put up the Christmas tree (well, that's the plan anyhow!) and go see the Christmas tree lighting and parade at High Street Mall.  Have you been there yet?  I really like that new mall...it's a great addition to Abbotsford!  

 Last weekend, Liam 'helped' me make Banana Chocolate Chip muffins.  I have to admit I wasn't too sad when he lost interest fairly quickly.  I am not so great at sharing my kitchen space.

On my day off, I was out around the lunch hour and got a brilliant idea to meet Keith for lunch.  He was pleasantly surprised by my phone call and we met up for Chinese food.  It was a such a nice time that we decided that we would do this once a month.

I am looking forward to Christmas break already.  I have about 2/3 of my shopping done and have my baking list sorted and my ideas for Christmas dinner pretty much solidified.  The music has started playing on the radio and I'm starting to feel that lovely coziness that Christmas brings.  Liam is singing carols already that he is learning at school and Chad has been playing carols on his clarinet.
So thankful we have Christmas to break up the long winter!

Catching Up & Winding Down

 Hey friends.  It's been a while...sorry!  I'll just bring you up to date with a few snippets of the past week or so.

 Our new electric fireplace was looking pretty empty but I wasn't sure what to decorate the mantle with.  A few days ago I went down the Christmas aisle at Costco and these little owls spoke to me.  I find that it's the 'Year of the Owl' in decor and while I am not generally a trendy gal I just loved these pieces.  And they were very affordable.  They like their new home.  They told me.

On Remembrance Day we went to support Keith and remember the soldiers at the local Cenotaph.  It was a fairly balmy day...dry and around 14 degrees.  Liam was very restless but it was a meaningful ceremony none-the-less and I'm glad we went.

Kori and Heather must have made some secret plans and left me out.  NOT nice!  Actually we find that unintentional matching days happen more often than not in our office.  It's a sign we're all bonded and like-minded!  In case you were curious, Kori is doing incredibly well in her new position at MEI.  I'm super proud of her!

1980's & Nerd Day at work was so fun.  We are all of fairly similar age so we were nice and comfortable with our outfits, mannerism and have fun playing the top hits over the internet.  Like, totally rad!

 Liam is keeping us on our toes and constantly entertained with his hilarious one-liners and funny stories.  He's become quite 'infamous' at school and he's endeared himself to the office staff, admin and teachers at both the elementary AND middle school.  

Ah yes....the traumatized child.  Liam watched the movie 'Charlotte's Web' for the first time and was beside himself with grief once the movie was over.  Charlotte died and Liam could not be consoled.  Poor tender-hearted little lamb.  The same thing happened to Nathan 10 years ago!  

And now for the winding down news.  I have lost my bloggy mojo.  I am finding it rather a chore than a pleasure.  I already post most of my current events on facebook so to duplicate my photos and updates is rather tedious.  My readership is way down, my picture taking is also rather dismal (crappy camera to blame?), my time on the computer is shorter and well, it's just not like it used to be.  I will most likely discontinue regular posting after Christmas.  I will keep the blog open and perhaps will post 'big events' as they happen but the day to day 'stuff' of life will not be recorded on this medium.  

It's been a good ride!  

Reached My Limit

My boys like to drink water and this is a healthy and proper thing to do.  They also like to drink water, leave the cup randomly on the table or counter and then forget which one is theirs.  Then they take a new cup.  Repeat, repeat, repeat.

This had to stop.

The mother ran out of patience with this untidy habit.

My solution was to give each child a 'spot'.  Their cup may live in this spot only and they will only take out ONE cup per day.  

Rinse and re-use, I say!

Plunging Into Debt

We are officially the proud owners of this tank.  It had been something we had talked about for several months now.  Doing the two car thing to do family activities to include William was getting pretty old.  I was also tired of going to church in two separate vehicles.  We can now happily seat eight peeps in one place...this 2013 Pilot is very roomy and fun to drive too.  It's got a few bells and whistles such as a back up camera that have been fun to use.  It's our very first NEW car....the inside smell is lovely.  I wonder how long it will take to smell like 'eau-de teen & child'?

The biggest thing that prompted this to happen over the weekend is that we found out that some issues that our CRV was having, were going to possibly be expensive to fix.  It also needed new tires and brakes.  Now was a good time to trade it in....even if we had to say good bye to our new hitch and roof racks!  

The dealership gave us a great trade in value (shocking) and with $5000 off the price due to clearing out the 2013 stock we timed it just right.

Hello car payments!

'I Learned a New Word Tonight'

This is what William told us as he sat in the fast track section of the ER room on Saturday night.

As he and his friends were walking home from town on Saturday night a car hit them while they were crossing an intersection in a cross walk.  It was dark, rainy and the boys were wearing dark clothes but they did have the right of way.  The car was just accelerating to turn left so it wasn't going too fast...it could have been so much worse.

God had his hand on the whole thing as an ER nurse on her way to work saw the incident, called the ambulance and stayed on scene.  She's the one that called me at home to let me know what happened.  One friend didn't get hit, the other was bumped and William was bumped down to the ground, hitting his shoulder and elbow.  

As we rushed to hospital, the police were still at the scene (not to far from our house) and we were able to stop and get the 'scoop' from them.

At the hospital we were met by the home stay rep from school and she dealt with all the financial and insurance matters.  

After a fairly short wait, William was x-rayed and seen by a doctor.  He's pretty much fine...sore and bruised.  The international grape-vine went nuts and before we knew it another friend showed up in the ER to make sure William was okay and actually had called home to China to tell his parents.  These parents phoned William's parents and caused quite a worry because they didn't have proper information.  Brenda gave this boy a severe tongue-lashing about jumping the gun on spreading information that was not his to spread.  William's mom called his cell directly and I think felt much better after speaking to him and knowing for sure all was well.

So......that was a bit stressful.  William and his friends got a chat from us too about not paying attention when they walk.  Often, they have headphones on and are head down texting and walking.  Danger, boys!

So, what was William's new word?  ADVENTURE!

Fall Finds

These mushrooms are beautiful.  I hate to eat mushrooms of any sort but they are interesting little specimens!

It's Busy But Beautiful Life

This week's highlights:

*Nathan handed his completed Missions Trip (for next spring break) application in at school.  We look forward to seeing where God sends him.  Keep posted for updates. His Planning 10 class also visited Tabour Court this week and he had a great time playing 'chair volleyball' with the seniors.  He's very comfortable visiting with seniors and can't wait to go back.  I love this kid!

*Chad had a soccer tournament, a cross country race, early morning volleyball practices, a vastly improved road run time, early morning Robotics and a play test in band.  He's a going concern...and handling his busy schedule quite well.  I love this kid!

*Liam has had a few emotional melt downs at supper this week, is getting 12 hours of sleep a night and using up every drop of that stored energy throughout his days, attended the school fun fair, dunked a teacher on his first and third throw of the ball, memorized a few Bible verses without a problem and has had the greatest one-liners for our amusement. (his latest is:  My heart is dripping with love-ness for you Mummy)   I love this kid!

*Keith has been overworked and stressed but thankfully is coping alright and once he comes home shifts into 'Dad and husband' mode pretty well.  I am thankful that he works so hard and do pray that his managers see how hard he works and how desperately their department needs more staff (they are short four people) so that Keith doesn't burn out.  And yes...I do love this guy too!

*I have been enjoying this crisp, dry weather.  The leaves are gorgeous and the foggy mornings that turn into sunny afternoons have been wonderful.  Work is ticking along and I still love showing up and seeing what exciting things will transpire.  We have so. much. fun.  I'm blessed!

Feeling thankful and never taking anything for granted.  There is too much going on with friends and family around me to feel anything less.

Happy Friday friends and have a great weekend.

A First and Possibly Last

So last weekend I attended my very first BC Lions football game at BC Place.

Highlights:
Meeting up with friends, Gary & Sonya, Chris & Heather, Roger & Kori.
Watching the cheerleaders the 'felines' prance around in orange plastic boots.
Half-time show Super Dogs.
Big ole hot dog and Pepsi.

Lowlights:
The football game itself.  I do not understand the rules and we lost.
The indoor temp was freezing....absolutely freezing.
Getting 'kicked out' of BC Place for chatting too long after the game.
Paying BIG prices for nosebleeds seats.  Crikey!


I think the list almost balances out but not quite enough for me to try that again.  I think I prefer hockey...and those ticket prices are most definitely out of my league!

Here are a few pictures...thanks Sonya!

Lunch

I haven't made lunches for years so I was unaware of the 'Bento Box' phenomenon that has taken over packing school  lunches.

 

It's really quite a genius idea of making lunches more appealing to the little ones who can be so easily distracted from eating at school.  Afternoons are probably already hard enough for teachers without having cranky, unfed children to add to the mix.  I am going to be attempting this style of lunch for Liam now that he's starting full time Kindergarten. 

 

 Some of the Bento boxes are extremely pricey....the above set is around $50 US.

 

 

This one is a bit more reasonable at $25 US.

 

 

 

But I found this 'knock-off' at Superstore for a whopping $6.97!  I'm sure it'll do the job just fine. 

Shifting Gears

Things have been a bit quiet on my blog.  I returned back to work on August 19th and have been working full time since.  It's been a busy office with training Kori and having the other secretary face her first 'school start up' on her own as well.
Nate and Chad have been doing a fabulous job taking care of Liam while I've been at work.  Nathan finished up work at MEI on the 23rd and has been enjoying his time off.  He really appreciated the fact he was able to earn some money this summer and still has the goal of using those earnings to fund a missions trip.  Whether or not that will happen in grade 10 or 11 remains to be seen.
We took the two older boys to Seattle last weekend to get their back to school shopping done.  We had a fabulous time, eating, shopping and exploring new areas of Seattle.  It's our favorite little 'get away'.  Keith's parents generously took Liam for the night and it was just a real treat to have that time away.
As we head into September we are looking at dropping a wad of cash on a few necessary house repairs.  A new roof is coming (GULP), a new front door and a new garage door too! 
Another arrival will be our Chinese student, William who returns on September 5th.
We've got full-day Kindergarten, Wee College, Grade 7, Grade 10, youth group, A.C.T. and heaven only knows what else all slated to start up really soon.
Those lazy summer days are already a distant memory and I'm mentally preparing myself for switching to crazy mode!