Birthday Man

Carl is quite an amazing fellow I must say. Happy Birthday to the best husband a gal could ever ask for!

Let's Dress Up for Halloween!

New Rhythm for Me

My position at the University ended in the middle of September, and even though I knew it was coming and had applied to countless openings, nothing came of it. At first I was quite distraught about not having another job, but as the time came closer, I was almost relieved to be able to have the time off. It ended up being really beneficial for our family as Carl had a very busy fall with meetings and conferences.

The children really enjoyed having me at home and every day after school I was the one to pick them up and shuttle them to all their activities. But I was also there in the morning to help them get off for school. I realized though that I needed something other than keeping house.

I registered for courses and of course I was busy with my community project with Spanish Bilingual programming. I could volunteer at the school and also give rides other kids from various families. I also decided that I would begin on painting the bedrooms. It makes me feel good to be able to paint because everything is fresh and different. A new beginning.

It has been a blessing to be able be at home. I've felt that the time has been a positive time for me and our family. This is the first time I have ever been home without being on a maternity leave! It's given me a chance to rest, to study, to work in the home, to volunteer, and above all, reflect on the last few years and to think about the next chapter.

New School Year!

My first baby started junior high! And my littlest baby started nursery! Where has the time gone.......

And more camping!

Camp

Once we were home from out trip out East, we settled into a nice routine of summer holidays. I was back at work and the girls went back to gymnastics. But within 2 weeks, we were packing up the oldest three for camp. 

It was Asha's first time at overnight camp, and I admit, I was a bit nervous. I knew that the counsellors would be fabulous with her, but I was preoccupied nonetheless. As it turned out, a wonderful girl from our church ended up being Asha's counsellor for the week. It set my heart at ease.

Kezia went again with Avery and had a blast. This time, Joel ventured into the more rustic program of camp. He cooked most of his food over a fire, they slept in tents and didn't have many of the "luxuries" that the girls had. He loved it and begged to go back the following year. 

It certainly was a quiet week with only having Elena at home. Carl and I actually had an evening once she was in bed! I think she liked being an only child for five days, but she did miss her siblings. The other three had a fabulous week at camp. Joel was covered in mosquito bites, Kezia was exhausted, and Asha was filthy, but they were all happy and content.

Meeting my Sister and other delights in New York

Over the last number of years, I have met my biological family. I met my half siblings, the ones younger than me once we returned back from Bolivia. But there were a number more that I didn't know and this summer while we were in Pennsylvania, I was able to meet another sibling face to face.

Claire is my older sister who has a lovely husband William and daughter Grace who live in New York. As soon as I laid eyes on them, I saw family resemblance. Wow! So that's where the long legs, muscles and height in my children come from! We had the opportunity to talk on the phone a number of times so we picked up on conversation very easily. I loved how the children were so happy to meet and it melted my heart when Grace affectionately called me her Aunty and my children her cousins.

We spent two days together, enjoying each other's company and seeing some sights in New York. It was a beautiful connection and I can't wait to see them again.

 

While in Pennsylvania.....