The teeth just keep falling out! That leaves only three top teeth on each side to eat. Gasp!
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
(Definitely not) On my own
Carl had the opportunity to travel to Thailand for two weeks with MB Missions. It was a great experience for him to connect with the missionaries, to meet the partners and local church people first hand, and come to a better understanding of the ministry there.
I was very excited that he had the chance to go, and I was almost completely not jealous that I couldn't go! The only thing was that with my job not being very flexible, we would need to arrange for someone to pick up the kids from school. Maybe even if they were generous to take them to their activities etc. That gave me mild anxiety on the best of days. I mentioned this to my friend Kim who scoffed at me when I told her I was looking into hiring someone while Carl was gone. "If Carl is going on behalf of the church, then the church can very well take care of his family while he's gone". I was so moved.
She organized a spreadsheet of our schedule, advertised the need in the church bulletin and arranged people to pick up our kids from school, take them to track, take them to piano, take them to gymnastics. Then Carla wanted to help as well, so she organized a number of people to bring over meals so that I wouldn't have to worry about making supper when I got home. Then Gord offered to pick up the kids from their evening activities so that I wouldn't have to pack up the rest of my crew and venture out.
The support was overwhelming and beautifully humbling. People asked if I was doing alright and reminded me that if I needed anything they could help. There were evenings when I missed adult conversation and lo and behold, a friend would call to chat. Some days I was really tired and missed Carl but then over a bowl of soup or a double chocolate cookie that someone had lovingly made for us, my heart was blessed and encouraged. It feels good to be taken care of. Since it was Elena's birthday while Carl was gone, Kevin and Val invited us all over for supper and made dessert a bit more special for her by putting in a candle and singing to her.
I have the utmost respect for parents out there raising children on their own. The strength that is needed is out of this world. I also realize that it takes a community to raise a child and I'm so thankful for those that see the need and act on it.
My prayer and my commitment is to be more aware of the needs around me and bless those in my vicinity like my church family blessed me.
I was very excited that he had the chance to go, and I was almost completely not jealous that I couldn't go! The only thing was that with my job not being very flexible, we would need to arrange for someone to pick up the kids from school. Maybe even if they were generous to take them to their activities etc. That gave me mild anxiety on the best of days. I mentioned this to my friend Kim who scoffed at me when I told her I was looking into hiring someone while Carl was gone. "If Carl is going on behalf of the church, then the church can very well take care of his family while he's gone". I was so moved.
She organized a spreadsheet of our schedule, advertised the need in the church bulletin and arranged people to pick up our kids from school, take them to track, take them to piano, take them to gymnastics. Then Carla wanted to help as well, so she organized a number of people to bring over meals so that I wouldn't have to worry about making supper when I got home. Then Gord offered to pick up the kids from their evening activities so that I wouldn't have to pack up the rest of my crew and venture out.
The support was overwhelming and beautifully humbling. People asked if I was doing alright and reminded me that if I needed anything they could help. There were evenings when I missed adult conversation and lo and behold, a friend would call to chat. Some days I was really tired and missed Carl but then over a bowl of soup or a double chocolate cookie that someone had lovingly made for us, my heart was blessed and encouraged. It feels good to be taken care of. Since it was Elena's birthday while Carl was gone, Kevin and Val invited us all over for supper and made dessert a bit more special for her by putting in a candle and singing to her.
I have the utmost respect for parents out there raising children on their own. The strength that is needed is out of this world. I also realize that it takes a community to raise a child and I'm so thankful for those that see the need and act on it.
My prayer and my commitment is to be more aware of the needs around me and bless those in my vicinity like my church family blessed me.
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Another gymnastics Girl
You're probably thinking all I post about is my kids and their sports. Well, truth be told those activities take up a large part of our time. It's worth it though. According to research articles,
1. Children who play sports do better in school; exercise helps improve memory and concentration
2. Children who play sports learn teamwork and goal-setting skills
3. Children who play sports have lots of health benefits, like healthy hearts
4. Playing sports builds self-confidence
5. Getting exercise is a great stress reducer and mood lifter
Okay, well it's also about lots of fun and so we put our children into activities that they will enjoy (and aren't going to break the bank or the family time).
Last year Asha did a bit of dance and quite enjoyed it. She's definitely a mover! But she found the repetition in the class "boring". We have discovered as her parents this child needs to move, so we looked for other alternatives for exercise.
Surprise surprise, she asked to do gymnastics like her sister. It made sense and logistically it made life a lot easier for us to have kids do the same activity at the same location at roughly the same time. Well, she goes 9 hours a week and loves it. She's ridiculously strong and determined, mixed with quite the competitive nature.
Asha had her first gymnastics meet a few weeks ago and did quite well. Sure, she fell off the beam and the bars, but she got right back up there. Afterwards she told me she was mad at herself for falling and therefore not placing as high in the ranks as she hoped. I told her that it was a learning experience and next time she had the opportunity to change things. I was really proud of her.
So, I'm a gymnastics mama to two girls now...
1. Children who play sports do better in school; exercise helps improve memory and concentration
2. Children who play sports learn teamwork and goal-setting skills
3. Children who play sports have lots of health benefits, like healthy hearts
4. Playing sports builds self-confidence
5. Getting exercise is a great stress reducer and mood lifter
Okay, well it's also about lots of fun and so we put our children into activities that they will enjoy (and aren't going to break the bank or the family time).
Last year Asha did a bit of dance and quite enjoyed it. She's definitely a mover! But she found the repetition in the class "boring". We have discovered as her parents this child needs to move, so we looked for other alternatives for exercise.
Surprise surprise, she asked to do gymnastics like her sister. It made sense and logistically it made life a lot easier for us to have kids do the same activity at the same location at roughly the same time. Well, she goes 9 hours a week and loves it. She's ridiculously strong and determined, mixed with quite the competitive nature.
Asha had her first gymnastics meet a few weeks ago and did quite well. Sure, she fell off the beam and the bars, but she got right back up there. Afterwards she told me she was mad at herself for falling and therefore not placing as high in the ranks as she hoped. I told her that it was a learning experience and next time she had the opportunity to change things. I was really proud of her.
So, I'm a gymnastics mama to two girls now...
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Track Boy
Joel has had the opportunity to try soccer and football, but neither really appealed to him. This fall he asked if he could try track and since he was doing really well at school meets, we thought he might actually be good at it.
I did a bit of research, made some phone calls and did a cost analysis. Finally in mid-September Joel was out on the track 2-3 times a week. At first he was a bit overwhelmed by the fact that many of the athletes were older (only because the younger ones didn't come as often on the days Joel went), but soon made friends with some junior high girls, some high school boys and a few university students. I was proud that even though he was nervous, he introduced himself and connected with people.
By the end of October the training moved indoors and more runners his age came. Joel has two good friends that he trains with and is really enjoying track. Though he runs and runs and runs and does a million crunches during conditioning, he has a great time. I think the individual aspect works well for him as he competes against the clock.
On one of his first meets, he entered into a crazy long race and was so exhausted he thought he might cry or throw up. I was SO proud that he didn't give up. He decided after that to focus on his shorter running events! He also is awesome at long jump and is looking forward to being old enough to try discus, shot put and javelin. At his last meet, he did really well and what made me almost cry was after he ran the race and won, he turned to all the other athletes and they shook hands. Such sportsmanship displayed!
We are really proud of him. It's great exercise and Joel is having a fantastic time.
I did a bit of research, made some phone calls and did a cost analysis. Finally in mid-September Joel was out on the track 2-3 times a week. At first he was a bit overwhelmed by the fact that many of the athletes were older (only because the younger ones didn't come as often on the days Joel went), but soon made friends with some junior high girls, some high school boys and a few university students. I was proud that even though he was nervous, he introduced himself and connected with people.
By the end of October the training moved indoors and more runners his age came. Joel has two good friends that he trains with and is really enjoying track. Though he runs and runs and runs and does a million crunches during conditioning, he has a great time. I think the individual aspect works well for him as he competes against the clock.
On one of his first meets, he entered into a crazy long race and was so exhausted he thought he might cry or throw up. I was SO proud that he didn't give up. He decided after that to focus on his shorter running events! He also is awesome at long jump and is looking forward to being old enough to try discus, shot put and javelin. At his last meet, he did really well and what made me almost cry was after he ran the race and won, he turned to all the other athletes and they shook hands. Such sportsmanship displayed!
We are really proud of him. It's great exercise and Joel is having a fantastic time.
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Birthday Girl
I find it hard to believe that she's four already. The weeks coming up to her birthday, she kept announcing it was January, therefore her birthday. We also had a talk about "Colchi" her special blanket and how it may have to be packed away since four year olds don't suck their fingers. On her birthday she woke up and mumbled, "See, it's true that 4 year olds do suck their fingers."
Her birthday was stretched over two days since her dad was coming home from an international trip the day after. I baked some cupcakes with the kids, got a sitter the night before, and roamed Target all evening for birthday gifts and tried to make the day special. She was utterly thrilled with her dress and her new shoes, headbands, water bottles etc. And the best part was that she got a CD player and the soundtrack from her favourite movie. Now she can play music, dance and sing all day to her heart's content.
Elena is a very articulate little gal. Definitely knows what she wants and depending on the situation is either a Big Girl or Baby Girl. She's passionate and so thoughtful. At daycare she often is comforting the little ones if they are having a bad day or telling everyone she's their friend. And every once in a while there is a typical meltdown with wailing and tears. Yes, we have a four year old!
Her birthday was stretched over two days since her dad was coming home from an international trip the day after. I baked some cupcakes with the kids, got a sitter the night before, and roamed Target all evening for birthday gifts and tried to make the day special. She was utterly thrilled with her dress and her new shoes, headbands, water bottles etc. And the best part was that she got a CD player and the soundtrack from her favourite movie. Now she can play music, dance and sing all day to her heart's content.
Elena is a very articulate little gal. Definitely knows what she wants and depending on the situation is either a Big Girl or Baby Girl. She's passionate and so thoughtful. At daycare she often is comforting the little ones if they are having a bad day or telling everyone she's their friend. And every once in a while there is a typical meltdown with wailing and tears. Yes, we have a four year old!
Friday, January 16, 2015
First Time on Skates
She did alright. I think she thought that once we put on the 3 year old skates she would take off like she sees on t.v. Not quite, kiddo.....
We were impressed by her determination and had a great time on a balmy day in December.
Friday, January 9, 2015
Re-Cap on Christmas
It was a quiet Christmas. I wasn't feeling up to doing all the shopping, so Carl took on a majority of the gift buying. Maybe because I was still adjusting to my new job, that I only end at 5:00 and who has time to think about shopping after that? On the 20th I was driving home from work and the distinct thought came to my mind, "I don't really want to Christmas shop,". Gasp. I know that something isn't right if I can't find joy in shopping and then giving.
However, the next day I woke up and decided that I wanted to go shopping. It also had to do with me procrastinating and not wanting to study for my exam. I decided that I would take a list, but not feel obligated or stressed if the shopping malls were crazy and I needed to leave. Well, I arrived and had a good time. My arms were tired from all the gifts and my heart felt good buying things for the people I love.
Our Christmas was quiet, which was nice. Something that I needed. Our New Year's was more busy, filled with quite a bit of eating and staying up late. I was so thankful for the time off from work as the University was closed. It was life giving to spend time at home with the kids and with Carl.
However, the next day I woke up and decided that I wanted to go shopping. It also had to do with me procrastinating and not wanting to study for my exam. I decided that I would take a list, but not feel obligated or stressed if the shopping malls were crazy and I needed to leave. Well, I arrived and had a good time. My arms were tired from all the gifts and my heart felt good buying things for the people I love.
Our Christmas was quiet, which was nice. Something that I needed. Our New Year's was more busy, filled with quite a bit of eating and staying up late. I was so thankful for the time off from work as the University was closed. It was life giving to spend time at home with the kids and with Carl.
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