two long legs...

FLORIDA!

2007-02-08T22:46:00.000-06:00

Pool Time!

Beach Time...love that tasty sand!

Florida Trip

2007-02-08T22:18:00.000-06:00

We started this year off in the warm humidity of Florida. Ahhh...I need a moment to just remember and smile. My parents took the entire family as a Christmas treat and it definately was a good time. We spent much of our time at the pool, a day at Busch Gardens, an afternoon at the beach, many meals eating out (which is always a treat for me...and I still can't get over the ribs I had at some mermaid restaurant--FALL OFF THE BONE!!)

Anyway, just wanted to share some pictures of our little girl who is walking now! (She took her first step before Christmas--just before 9 months--and then decided that she would start slowly...and now she's walking more than she is crawling. So exciting!)

Yeah, yeah, yeah

2006-10-18T22:38:00.000-05:00

Siena has enjoyed many new favorite toys since the last post...I must apologize once again for the sporadic pictures and stories.
Alas, I will not be playing catch up, but I will share some beautiful pictures that my brother-in-law Todd took this past weekend in Regina.

Favorite new toy

2006-08-10T12:58:00.000-05:00

Smiles and toes

2006-08-10T12:34:00.000-05:00

We are so blessed with such a happy girl...

Just hangin' out...

2006-07-27T13:26:00.000-05:00

First foods...

2006-07-27T12:50:00.000-05:00

She's so interested in food that we just had to let her try some. She loved it.

Our little girl...

2006-07-12T16:22:00.000-05:00

So uncle Malcolm asked daddy last week if I was the kind of cute that made you want to bite me. You decide...

Discovering...

2006-07-05T10:19:00.000-05:00

So sweet baby has recognized herself in the mirror. Check it out...
Discovering

Tonight

2006-07-02T18:14:00.000-05:00

It's date night in this house. I think we're going to watch, "How to lose a guy in 10 days." It's on TV. For those of you who know us, that's funny. :D

Giggles

2006-07-02T18:09:00.000-05:00

A hug for mommy

2006-07-02T18:05:00.000-05:00

With daddy and great grandpa

2006-07-02T18:02:00.000-05:00

Apparently my priorities have changed...

2006-07-02T16:09:00.000-05:00

I humbly come from the playmat to say hello. Things around here have definately been manageable, but moving. There's always something going on and I rarely think...wow, I'm so bored, I should really blog! Also, when you spend much of your time cooing at an infant, you start to believe that's the only language you speak! Alas, I'm here to say hello. :D

Last weekend was the annual Minneapolis trip with friends. Too much fun shopping and riding rollarcoasters. It's always the fastest weekend of the year. Siena did really well. She's the lucky kid that got to come along this year (it's generally a kidless event...unless you've got the nursing excuse). Spending so much time with daddy and her extra aunties was a real treat for her.

On to this weekend...Last night was Stewy's Wilco concert. For those who know the band, you apparently missed an incredible concert. S2 even bought our little girl a Wilco onesie. Who knew they made those? My goodness! Siena and I spent the time with auntie T and auntie Jen. We went in on Friday and I got my Christmas present haircut. Yup, it's short. I always promised myself I wouldn't do the old, "Get married, cut your hair off" or "Have a baby, cut your hair short." Apparently I wasn't thinking straight because I didn't even think twice about it! I like it, but it's a big change. Must tell my MIL before she sees me. She needs a warning about these things! :D

The little girl is smiling like crazy and even laughing in between. It's a heart-melting moment, let me assure you! She has learned to roll over (very fun and yet inconvenient for mom!) and is babbling like crazy. She has a very intense gaze. If you have her attention, you know it! I would just love to know what she's thinking as she stares into your eyes. It's almost as though she's going to jump into the conversation.

Must find some more pictures...

She's Here!

2006-05-12T13:57:00.000-05:00

She's FINALLY here! Ok, ok. No, it didn't take THIS long. She arrived March 23 at 2:53 am. She was two full weeks after her due date and she was definately worth the wait!

Her name is Siena Katherine and she weighed 8lbs 4 oz. She's growing so fast. The first pic was taken on March 23rd in the evening with Nanny. Looks like she knows the value of prayer already! The other two pictures were taken last week. She's cooing and smiling and just generally a very content baby. She has her moments where she reminds us that she has some of her mommy's personality, but mostly she's pretty laid back like her daddy.

I've been tagged...

2006-03-16T10:09:00.000-06:00

FOUR JOBS I HAVE HAD
1. Book binder
2. Ice cream cone maker at The Hut
3. Warehouse order filler for stationary
4. Teacher

FOUR MOVIES I COULD WATCH OVER AND OVER
1. Sweet Home Alabama
2. Anne of Green Gables
3. Pretty Woman
4. Mad Love

FOUR PLACES I HAVE LIVED
1. Altona, MB
2. Otterburne, MB
3. Warmen, SK
4. Brandon, MB

FOUR TV SHOWS I LIKE TO WATCH
1. Wheel of Fortune & Jeopardy (S2 got me into Jeopardy...I'm not very good though)
2. Days of our Lives...although I've been home 2.5 weeks and probably only seen 2 full episodes
3. Everybody Loves Raymond
4. MASH

FOUR PLACES I HAVE GONE ON VACATION
1. Belize
2. South Carolina & Florida
3. Los Angeles on our honeymoon! :D
4. Wolf Lake, MN every summer growing up

FOUR FAVOURITE DISHES
1. pork chops and potato packs on the BBQ
2. mashed potatoes
3. spinach salad
4. sundried tomato chicken

FOUR WEBSITES I VISIT DAILY
1. Hotmail
2. blogs
3. ovusoft
4. mls

FOUR BLOGGERS TAGGED
1. cousin Heather...to help Bonnie help you get blogging again!
2. S2--you haven't blogged since Fall
3. Harmony
4. YKHerd...who I heard was stalking me waiting for baby! :D Bonnie will post when baby arrives! :D

Just thought I'd update!

2006-03-15T13:27:00.000-06:00

So today I'm 41 weeks pregnant...no baby. Well, yes there's a baby, but it's still so cozy and I'm the only one who gets to hold it! I'm starting to feel a little impatient, but also to remember that it could easily be another week yet. I've been off for 2.5 weeks from work...which has been great...but I'm starting to miss my kiddos. I talked to another teacher and she said they were doing fine. I still miss them.

Today my midwife is coming over for an appointment and hopefully she'll tell me what we'll do if things don't get started soon. Tomorrow I have a fetal assessment...just to make sure everything's still ok in there. I'm hoping not to make it to that appointment, but given how good I feel, I'm guessing that I'll be there and feeling great!

My sister's coming to the birth and she's been so funny lately. She writes me an email every morning to tell me where she'll be during the day and to remind me that she has her cell phone with her at all times...as though we're going to forget to call her! She bought labor snacks the other day and has made arrangements for her kids for any circumstance! I'm so excited that she's so excited! And Stewy, well I think he's doing great, but he did admit to someone yesterday that he knows he'll be nervous once I ask him to start timing or when we get into the car to go to the hospital. Right now I don't think it feels real enough to either of us to be nervous about it. I keep thinking it's going to be a great experience and I'm just excited to get the show on the road! I'll maybe need to get someone to remind me of that when the pain is really bad!

To keep our minds off of things...well, at least to attempt to do that...we've been watching curling. The Brier is on now and we figure we've got a tournament straight through labor and delivery, when we first get home, and after Stewy goes back to work given that the women's Worlds are next week. The men are a few days after that, but I think we can make it through the gap...pathetic, hey?

I also did some cleaning and baking on Monday and today Stewy's home so we did some of the things that we've been procrastinating. The house looks fantastic and I think everything's pretty much ready to go. The car seat still needs to be put into the car, but that's the plan for later. Oh, and the music room still needs attention, but that's an ongoing saga at our house!

Ok, I've rambled long enough. Must finish making lunch. Please continue to pray for us...for a healthy baby and that I won't become too impatient. Yesterday was pretty tough...but today is better again, so I won't vent!

39 Weeks, 1 Day

2006-03-03T11:24:00.000-06:00

Check it out--we have curtains now! Thanks Scoob! And the belly's not bad, either! No stretch marks yet!

SAHM

2006-02-24T17:58:00.000-06:00

So I am now officially a Stay at Home Mom...well, technically so far I'm only a Stay at Home Pregnant Woman with Pelvic Pain....but I didn't think any of you would understand that acronym! Sorry if that was too much info for you!

My last day of work was Thursday and I spent yesterday recuperating from a bad night of little sleep and a very busy day on Thursday. Thursday was a fantastic day at school though. I got everything I wanted to get done, finished and organized....and my kids had a party for me. My class with special needs had cake and milk with me in the morning as well as the other resource teacher and the teaching assistants. It was a fun time to sit around and visit. Then, for the last two classes, my grade 8s had prepared a party with a TONNE of food! I think each one of them brought something to eat. There were two tables full of food and they sent much of the leftovers home with me. Treats for Stewy! (well, and me...but I'm trying to keep control!) They also bought me a lamp for the baby's room and a stuffed lamb that is super-soft. It was really special to see how excited they were to treat me so royally. What a great group of kids. We played a game together and then they all helped clean up and bring stuff out to my car. I'm really going to miss them! *tears*

Stewy and I went on a date in the evening. We went furniture shopping and then out for dinner. It was definately a day to celebrate! We're so excited about this new stage of our lives that is looking like it's right around the corner! No labor pains or signs yet, but with my due date in a little over a week (it was changed to the 8th...but the ticker is still from the original date which was the 5th), we know that baby will definately be here within the month! Crazy exciting! Now we're doing some things around the house that we've (ok, I've) been wanting done--like putting the living room curtains up and re-attaching the headboard on our bed. That's right...still hasn't been reattached since our flood last summer. We couldn't find the bolts until today! Good thing Stewy's been home today...what a treat to spend the day together.

Well, I keep thinking I need to post a belly shot. I'll have to see if I can manage that some time in the next few days. I don't have any taken or I'd make that happen!

Back to the Olympics! So proud of Canada!

Tapioca Pudding

2006-02-04T14:36:00.000-06:00

Christmas time, grandma's house. The family begins to arrive and slowly everyone makes their way towards the kitchen. Some are looking to answer the question, "Is it turkey or ham this year?" Most are looking to make sure grandma has made her famous tapioca pudding for dessert. The meat doesn't matter as long as the meal will end with our favorite comfort food.
I attempted making some today. Yummy...but I don't have grandma's touch yet! I'm certianly going to keep trying..I must make sure my kids get to experience this tradition, too!

Gone Home...

2006-01-26T16:47:00.000-06:00

This has always been one of my favorite pictures from our wedding day. Partly because I know how much my grandma was excited to be there and see me get married...and partly because she was feeling so sick that day. Her determination was much greater though and she made it through the entire day. I love my grandma and the special times we've shared.

Yesterday, she went Home. I miss you, grandma...but I'm so glad that you could go be with Jesus, grandpa, your little baby Johnnie, and baby Matty. You are now in Jesus' home and we are cheering because you are in a better place!

The weekend

2006-01-23T09:46:00.000-06:00

Well, it was another full weekend that left me wanting more down time on Sunday night! I love my job, but there certainly wasn't enough relaxation in this weekend.

Friday we stopped in Winkler on the way to Altona to see some friends we hadn't seen in awhile. It was very good to visit with them again and see how much their son has grown and developed in the past few months. I used help them with respite for him and it was a treat to see his development.

We arrived in Altona late Friday night and went to stop at the hospital. Grandma's eyes were glazed over and I don't think she noticed we were talking to her. It was quite a change in 5 days. During the day, there had been a few times where she'd breathe and then not breathe for 15-25 seconds and then breathe again. I felt like it was 'goodbye' when we left the hospital Friday night.

But, Saturday morning came and I went to say hello. She looked right at me and nodded when I said her name. It was obvious that she knew me. She didn't say anything, but when my aunt Agatha said something about our baby coming, she said 'baby' and something else that we couldn't understand. She was definately in tune with what was going on around her. Her pastor came in to read some scripture which brought out a huge smile. She listened very carefully to some of her favorite verses in Psalm 121. It was a special time to see her grasp onto God's promises. I sat together with her and several of my aunts for most of the morning. It was great to visit with them and I was again reminded of how wonderful my family is. While this has been a really stressful time for the family, it's been a great excuse to spend more time together.

Grandma has been breathing 4-6 breaths per minute since Saturday. Normal is 20 breaths per minute. They also have doubled her pain medication since Saturday morning.

Saturday afternoon was spent napping and visiting with my grandma Fehr and aunt Elma from South Carolina! What a treat! I didn't know she was coming to visit, so it was a great surprise! There was also the most beautiful snow all day Saturday. It made everything fresh and new again!

In the evening, it was back to Winkler to celebrate Christmas with the company Stewy works for. There was a banquet, games, prizes, and tonnes of food. We all stayed in a hotel for the night and then enjoyed breakfast in the morning. We had a really good time and it was great to get away from the stress of Altona.

On Sunday we met a friend for lunch and also ran into a few others I used to know. It was neat to see how their lives are now. We sped back to Brandon to catch the Women's curling final as Tanya's team was playing. They couldn't pull off a win, but it certainly was close. We chatted a bit with her and saw her beautiful ring. She was heading to Altona and then to Thompson for curling provincials on Tuesday.

We spent the evening on the couch 'watching' football. I watched with my eyes closed from about 7:00 on. Stewy kept talking to me and I informed him that I would try to grunt at the appropriate times, but really I was already sleeping! We relocated to our bed at 10 and I think I only woke up briefly twice before morning. What a great sleep! I was pretty hungry by this morning though considering I didn't eat supper.

So now we need a few days off to recuperate as usual. I am counting down the weeks until mat leave. I have 5 working weeks left and 6.5 weeks until my due date! Baby is wreaking havoc on my body, but I must say that 12 straight hours laying down gave my muscles a great break. For the first time in weeks, I woke up with no pain this morning. I think I may try to take it a little easier to see if maybe I'm overdoing it a bit. This week should be fairly low key, but there are some baby things to get ready/buy and I'm guessing that we'll be heading to Altona sometime late this week or early next week.

I'm excited to get things more prepared for baby. With all the movement I've been feeling lately, I am convinced more than ever that there actually is a baby inside me and it's ours! It's too surreal most of the time, but so exciting! We've started to do some extra cleaning around the house. I'm really hoping to get the guest bedroom closet all set to go sometime this week. Then, Stewy needs to do the music room and I think I'll do the kitchen. Then, because our house is cozy, I think that we'd be done! Things are so much easier when you have a small house.

Anyway, I've been blabbing long enough. Hope you all are enjoying your Monday!

Stuff about Grandma E

2006-01-18T11:26:00.000-06:00

No, it hasn't been long since I last wrote about my grandma, but the circumstances have certainly changed. She went into the hospital last Thursday (12th) after a very disoriented day at home. She has very quickly lost the independence she was hanging onto in the past week. The doctors discovered cancer in her kidneys now and with the major increase in medication she is very seldom awake and clear. Tana, the kiddos, and I went to see her this past weekend and there were moments where she knew us and moments where she just smiled and asked who we were. The doctor has given her a couple of days to maybe a week to live.

She has had a good life. She lived with a very special husband who was a great match for her until he died 6 years ago. Together they had 7 kids, losing one in his first year, and raising the rest with caring and generosity. The youngest is newly engaged to a wonderful girl named Tanya. We love her and her infectious smile! They'll have great looking babies!
Grandma and Grandpa always had time for the grandkids. Since we were some of the first to arrive, we got to have special sleepovers at G&G's and they always included singing, stories, and praying before bed.
One special memory I have of grandma was the days I spent with her between the death and funeral of my grandpa. She was filled with mixed emotions...of being excited to let grandpa go enjoy heaven, of missing him terribly, of wanting to keep her independance, of being unsure of the future, and of being ticked at grandpa for leaving her behind. We spent many moments crying together and kneeling beside her bed praying together.
Grandma was always a great gardener and housekeeper. She also helped grandpa with the family business and still had time for visiting with friends and singing in the choir. One querky thing she did was when she visited the family...or every once in awhile when you went to visit her...she would take pictures of you in front of the house. Either your house or her own house. Grandma was about the pictures. This week, as I was plugging through our storage room, I found a card she'd sent with pictures she'd taken of stuff we'd done together throughout the summer. My favorite grandma pic of all time is still the one of her and I at our wedding. She was sick that day, but VERY determined to still be there.

So my prayer for grandma now is for her to release her determined spirit into God's control and rest in the peace that will give her. Good night, grandma. I love you.

Odds and ends...

2006-01-10T15:18:00.000-06:00

First, I'd like to highlight the comments that have come to my blog recently. It seems there are people in the world that are much more disgruntled than I...and I actually find that somewhat amusing. I don't think I was very anti-American in my previous posts...but I do admit to expressing some frustration with one store. Oh well, the 'woman' out there who was offended should maybe just overlook my annoyance and not let it wreck her day!

Oh, and thank you to the lovely American who offered to buy the pants and let me pay her back. I have an idea of who you are and even though we haven't met, that was very gracious of you! I enjoy the family we share!

Christmas was a mixed bag of emotions. It was so good to see our families and spend time with them:
We got to spend Christmas weekend at my parent's house and we both thoroughly enjoyed the down time. It's so relaxing there even with the boys wanting to play. I suppose most of my relaxation comes with the familiarity of knowing my family so well. One down side was my grandmother's illness became more clear. She is suffering from a rare form of cancer that seems to be slowly disintegrating her digestive system. It's very painful and hard for her to deal with. She is still so independant even though we wish she would accept more help. It's so difficult to live in pain...but I think the doctors have come a long ways in that area in the past two weeks. She spent a week in the hospital over the holidays, so while it wasn't what was planned, it was nice to be able to go visit her and have some time where there were few people around. We also got to visit with friends of mine from high school and their significant others. It was a great time of reconnecting and for Stewy to get to know them better.

Regina was our next stop. We arrived on Wednesday evening to 'The Schedule'. :) Stewy's dad was so excited to have everyone home and he's bright enough to know that if you want to get everything in, you have to be organized. So, we had a fun three days that were packed fuller than I'd expected...but were a great chance to get to know my in-laws better. Everyone was home together and we enjoyed a sleigh ride and many games together. Some of us even got some shopping in which was a great time to spend with Tammy and Todd. There were many babies which gave us the chance to get excited and nervous all over again! It'll be so different next time when we also have our own! Our time in Regina also had some mixed feelings attached to it, however. Stewy's grandparents from Montana were in a great transition time of their lives and it was obvious that our thoughts and prayers were just as much in Montana as they were in Regina. Things are pretty stable there and grandma seems to be doing well in the new care facility. I think the biggest change will be for grandpa who has been taking care of her so many years. It's amazing the ministry he's had to her. I have never met either of them, but I see the legacy of servanthood in my husband and in his family. I hope I get the chance to meet them soon.

On to other things. This morning I was listening to good ol' Crowder. You see, if you've never taken the time to enjoy him, you need to make that a priority. I was enjoying the sunrise as I often do on the way to work...and the following song began:

Stars (David Crowder Band)

you should see the stars tonight
how they shimmer shine so bright
against the black they look so white
comin down from such a height
to reach me now, reach me now

you should see the moon in the flight
cuttin cross the misty night
softly dancin in sunshine
reflections of this light
reach me now, you reach me now

and how could such a thing
shine its light on me
and make everything beautiful again

and you should feel the sun in the spring
comin out after a rain
suddenly all is green
sunshine on everything
i can feel it now, i feel you now

and how could such a thing
shine its light on me
and make everything beautiful

and you should hear the angels sing
all gathered round their king
more beautiful than you could dream
i've been quietly listening
you can hear 'em now, i hear em now

and how could such a king
shine His light on me
and make everything beautiful

and i wanna shine
i wanna be light
i wanna tell you it'll be alright
and i wanna shine and i wanna fly
just to tell you now
it'll be alright, it'll be alright
it'll be alright.

cus i got nothing of my own to give to you
but this light that shines on me shines on you
and makes everything beautiful, again.
it'll be alright, it'll be alright.

I've been so discouraged by things that have been happening in our spiritual community lately and they've been a distraction to me from the beauty and love of God. I know that's not an excuse as God never changes, but it's so hard to see past His followers sometimes. I've always found encouragement in God's creation and this song just reminded me that I need to rest in Him and He will deal with the things I feel are unjust. He reaches down to us...such a King has time and love and friendship for US!! I admit it, there was a tear...or two.

And now to baby news: My last day of work at school is going to be February 24. It's crazy to think that's only 7 weeks away. I'm still in disbelief most days even though I can feel more and more of the baby's parts. We were so excited to be feeling bones and limbs on Sunday night. You should have seen how proud and excited daddy was! Stewy's going to make such a great dad. I'm so anxious to see him with baby. He's still convinced that baby is a girl...and while it's taken me until now to believe that could be true, I'm starting to swing my vote! I guess we'll just have to keep waiting to know for sure! It's possible that Grandpa McMillan is that last 'boy' voter....besides part of me. :)

Anyway...enough odds and ends for one day. My prep here is over. Thank you to those who have stopped by to comment...even "American Woman". :)

Little joys...

2005-11-29T14:54:00.000-06:00

I have to admit, excitement comes with watching Stewart buy cds. It's always a treat to see him so excited. Last night, he told me about these two cds he found as he was checking out CD Plus.com yesterday afternoon. When I asked him what he wanted to do for the evening, he said he didn't care but if we could go buy one of the cds, he'd really like that. I just laughed at him. Then, about 8:45, he mentioned it again...I was like, "Good grief, just go buy it already!" He jumped up like a 4 year old and said, "Really??!!!???" It's not that he needs my permission, but I think he wanted my blessing. I laughed so hard. He just ran around the house grabbing his jacket and quickly calling the store to make sure they were open until 9...and that he'd be right there. Too funny! Then today, I get an email thanking me for letting him buy the cd. Can you tell who keeps track of the finances in our home??? I'll have to make sure he knows he's allowed to buy stuff. :D

We're in the double digits! I can't believe the ticker today says 96 days! I know that's still 3 months, but I'm almost to the third trimester! Apparently that's when things start to get uncomfortable. Hmmm...I guess these last months were supposed to be bliss then?? I didn't get the memo. Well actually, it hasn't been that bad, but I haven't been sleeping well which makes everything else in life more difficult to handle. I have to pee and then I can't find a comfortable position to sleep in so I toss and turn. I suppose I wouldn't notice it so much except that before pregnancy, I was one of those 'hit the pillow and completely gone until the alarm clock' sleepers so this is very different! I know, I know...it's preparation for when the baby comes! I'm excited to take care of the baby...even knowing that it will mean sleepless nights! I keep thinking (and maybe this is naive!) that once the baby is here, I can also have a nap when baby naps....which I think will help. Anyway...enough blabbing about that!

My tummy is growing bigger and Shantel thinks I'm cute so I'm happy about that! Baby sometimes kicks up a storm and the next time it's all quiet in there. Those times freak me out, but then I just picture baby sleeping peacefully. We're still talking about names. We have names for both boys and girls that we like, but we're always coming up with new ideas to see if we like them better. So far, we're still pretty hung up on the originals we chose. We still have lots of times to change our minds though! Naming a new person is such a tricky job. You want something that you'll personally like, but also that others will like...and then hopefully the kid will like it, too! So much pressure! I've officially axed Loretta and Virginia from the options. No, they were never official options, but Stewy seems to think they are beautiful names. We don't always agree, that Stewy and I! So, no offense to you Lorettas and Virginia's out there, but I'm thinking those names had their moments in a different era!

I'm also joyful about Christmas! I love celebrating Christ's coming to earth and I love the opportunity that it brings to have family get together. All of Stewy's family is planning to congregate in Regina and I'm really looking forward to experiencing that! I'm also very excited to spend a few days with my whole family together. It's always such a treat...and this year, my mom's extended family is getting together twice, so that's even better! Just gotta get some shopping done now!

Well, this has been a little rambling session....nothing deep here! Thanks for stopping by!

I've got seven minutes...

2005-11-17T16:01:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to send a quick update:

I'm still alive, still pregnant and getting bigger--can you believe it's only 108 days left!!!!, still teaching and loving it...man, I'm going to miss these kids, still serving in church although in a much different capacity that maybe someday I'll share (loving it by the way!), still married to a most wonderful man and he keeps getting better, too, still remembering that today is a tough day for some people in Altona as it's the anniversary of a murder that took place when I was in grade 9. But, God is good and so many good things have come from the situation that I remember and praise at the same time!

Hope this brief update finds you all well...those of you that are left anyway...and that you are anticipating celebrating Christ's birth as I am! I think we'll put up the tree next week! I've already started to plan my baking!

Happy birthday to Shantel and Alwin today!

Pumpkin Pie Preparing Party

2005-10-12T09:04:00.000-05:00

So last night was it! We had our 'Pumpkin Pie Preparing Party'. It was perfect! We produced a pair of pies from a real pumpkin and pastry made from scratch! While it was a prolonged process, the taste precisely fit our purpose.

I'm dreaming....

2005-10-05T14:44:00.000-05:00

of a White Thanksgiving.

Oops, wrong song. God, what's up with this?

First day...

2005-10-05T14:33:00.000-05:00

in maternity pants. I know, I'm not THAT big yet, but I am just so uncomfortable in my regular pants, I had to do something! I'm also very excited to go shopping (maybe next weekend) and get more clothes that will be comfortable. These are a little big still, but so much better to be a little big than too tight! I've settled on allowing Tall Girl and their iffy fashion sense to outfit me during this time. It's too much of a hassle to order from the states and I'm fed up with the snootiness that I'm feeling from that country. So, I've decided and I'm happy with my decision!

Our midwife appointment is tonight. I'm very excited to hear the heartbeat again as it's such a reassuring sound. I've prepared a list of questions this time so I don't forget anything I've been wondering about. I'm also looking forward to her explaining to me exactly what baby movement feels like so that I know if I've had any. :) I keep thinking...'Was that something?' 'What about that?' Crazy girl. Crazy mom to be! :D

Community

2005-09-29T08:53:00.000-05:00

I think I see examples of it...
When we arrived at Tana and Alwin's yesterday, Anita was there watching Tom, doing the dishes, and answering Tana's phone...the phone that had rung regularly all day from people calling to say hello and remember together. Friends that had moved away. Friends that were still nearby. Family that called to encourage. Offers of spending time and helping.

September 28

2005-09-28T11:56:00.000-05:00

Tonight we're heading out to Tana and Alwin's. It's three years today since precious baby Matty (right) went to Jesus' home. Sam still talks about Jesus' home and tells us that even though it's a great place, when you go there, you don't come back.
It's such a hard day for Tana especially. She's such a brave woman who trusts God wholeheartedly, but this anniversary and his birthday are still particularly hard. I can't help but wonder why God wouldn't want them to have three beautiful boys. Why would God take away a child from parents who serve Him and who raise their children to know and love Him? I know, God doesn't play by our rules and ideas...and I know that He can take care of baby Matt better than we could...but it still doesn't make sense. I know, it's not supposed to. That's where the trust comes in.
Three years ago today, we snuggled Matty and sang him songs as his heartbeat got weaker and weaker. I'm still so thankful that I got to be there...and still so thankful for the people that were such a support to our family during that time. Stewart wasn't a part of our family officially then, but he contributed to the funeral service in a way that will always be remembered. What a special guy! So glad we can officially call him our own now!
And maybe an advantage to Tom being a twin instead of a single pregnancy is that he is just the snuggliest kid now...and boy, does auntie ever love that!

That cold bug...

2005-09-28T11:49:00.000-05:00

I know from experience already that September means sickness...so I was stuffing my body full of the vitamins, but it seems that sleeping with someone who has a cold is just too close. In hindsight, I might have considered the spare bedroom, but all is infected now so I'll stay cozy.

School is going well...other than the germs. Slowly more and more students are finding out our news...and I'm met with hugs and excitement. I love that. Those girls are just such a treat...just as they were three years ago in my grade 8 class. Yesterday one former student even outlined that she'd now known me during singleness, dating, engagment, marriage, and now pregnancy. I think she was pretty impressed...however I did move through some of those stages fairly quickly!

About those long legs...

2005-09-27T10:39:00.000-05:00

So my latest frustration with pregnancy has been the arduous task of finding maternity pants that are long enough. I have one pair...which I'm not wearing yet as I refuse to ditch the clothes that still sort of fit because I don't want to be COMPLETELY sick of the pants by Christmas...from Tall Girl, but the other options there are just nasty. Now, I admit, I could buy the other color of the pants that I bought and like, but that just isn't my style either. So, I suppose that's the inevitable...I must toss 'my style' for this period of time. I have friends that keep oooing and ahhhhing over their 'oh so cute pregnant friends' and I so badly want to be somewhat attractive even during this time. The frustration comes with experiences like...I found some pants on gap.com which will probably be long enough...however, they are only available online, and they are only available for residents of the US. GRRRR!! I found a parcel service whose address I could use to order the items, but alas, I can't order them because my billing information for my credit card is in Canada. What is with the closed-mindedness of people down there??? I just don't understand why they wouldn't at least let you pay from Canada even if they don't want to ship here. Good grief. So, I continue my search...and continue feeling like I'm going to have to sacrifice a couple of pairs of pants that I love and paid dearly for...to try to sew my own maternity pants. That just sounds like a disaster to me. I think I will seek help!
Alright, my rant is over...and if you have some advice, I'll take it!

Baby stuff

2005-09-27T08:33:00.000-05:00

So this will probably sound more journally than usual, but since mom and I are alone :), I thought I'd write down my real thoughts for today.

I'm getting anxious. I have this baby growing inside me and while I know this, I don't FEEL this. I'm such a feeling person and it's just not real yet. I read on message boards about these mothers-to-be (due the same time as me) that have registries complete and are collecting stuff for their babies. They are decorating, or at least planning, their nurseries. They are starting to feel the baby move...and posting pictures of significant bellies. I look down at my tummy and it looks like I've gotten a little chunky over the summer. I don't look pregnant...actually, I feel like I look LESS pregnant than I did last week! This is odd to me. Is God preparing me for taking this baby back at this stage...by not having me feel like this is real? Or would I be too overwhelmed at this point to truly understand how our lives are going to change...so He's just stalling the reality until I'm ready for it? My midwife had no trouble finding the heartbeat three weeks ago and said things were progressing well. She said as long as I was still having pregnant 'symptoms' I should just enjoy feeling good. I KNOW this, but it's so hard to rest in this. God has everything under control and I know His plan is always best. I'm thinking these feelings of unpreparedness and 'this just isn't really happening' are part of what people call 'pregnancy hormones', but they are certainly real feelings. I feel like I'm not going to be a good mom because I wasn't 'bonding' with this baby from the beginning. There are so many new moms around me who are so prepared and open about their feelings that I feel inadequate about where I'm at. We did however meet some friends we hadn't seen in awhile on Sunday and it was so exciting to hear their excitement about their new baby...and their reassurance that once the baby comes it's just too good to be true. That made me feel more excited.
Anyway, that's just where I'm at today. Someone tell me this is normal! Hope you have a good day!

Excerpts from "Things about me" projects...

2005-09-19T10:07:00.000-05:00

Grade 8s make me laugh...

"My special talent is to forget stuff...and not listening."

"One day when I was out golpher hunting..."

"The thing I like most about myself is my inner voice."

"Three words that describe who I really am are somewhat intelagent, hard working, and unorganized "

"What I like most about myself is my smarts "

"If I could change one thing bout myself, I would be more orginzed "

Hmmm...maybe we should try "be a better speller and use periods for sentences???"

Smiles from me...

2005-09-12T15:33:00.000-05:00

So I have new grade 8s this year. That's always hard for me since I spend so much time getting to know the kiddos each year...and then they continue on without me. I'm finding though, that this year promises unique personalities, many laughs, struggles and triumphs just like any other year. I'm so thankful that God is so creative.

So the new students in my 04 class...they make me smile. Some are lower functioning than what I'm used to, but in that is an innocence and eagerness that is often lost in high school students. It's refreshing...and challenging. Also, it brings with it the need to teach different material which excites me! Learning how to tell the time again...something we take so for granted...I'm not sure how to teach that!

And the students that remain in 04 from the past years...well, they make me smile, too. I told them today that I was expecting a baby in March and one of their responses was, "My dog had five puppies." Oh, so socially inappropriate and yet so exactly where they are at. I had to chuckle and say, more for my benefit than theirs, that I was only going to have one at a time.

Thank you, Lord, for a job that I love and these precious people you've entrusted to me every day. May they feel safe, important, and special in my room.

Changes

2005-09-09T15:39:00.000-05:00

Life is always full of them...and the past few months have been no exception.

First, we got new carpet in our bedroom. Thanks to a flood of sewage, we got rid of the diamonds we'd loathed for 1 year. God is so good...;)

We built a deck behind our house...and put in a garden door so that we can see it. It's been the home to many conversations and I anticipate even more next summer. I also anticipate actually going into our garden next summer...instead of just supervising it from the kitchen.

Stew's brother got a new heart. Exciting, scary, long rehab away from family. He's doing really well and we're looking forward to him being home with his family in a couple of weeks. His kids are really looking forward to it, too!

We're having a baby. At least we're 14 weeks on the road to that end! We're excited, nervous, scared, overwhelmed, giddy, in awe...and all those other things that come before such a huge life change. We heard the heartbeat on Wednesday for the first time. I'd like to say it was a sweet sound (and it was a very precious sound), but all it reminded me of was fat being slapped! What kind of mother will I be if I make everything into a joke? It was cool to hear the difference between blood flowing through the baby's heart and blood flowing through the umbilical cord. I'm impressed my midwife can tell so easily! Anyway, I'm sure there will be many more updates on this in the future.

Today my angels are coming over. I miss them. They haven't been over for so long...well, at least that's what it feels like! Looking forward to their hugs and kisses.

School has started and my kiddos are great. I'm so looking forward to getting to know them all. The resource part of my load is bigger than usual and I'm looking forward to when I have it 'under control'...as if that will ever fully happen!

Changes, changes...I'm hoping one of them will be writing more often...

I'm feeling obligated..

2005-07-22T23:22:00.000-05:00

Well, maybe not that bad...but I did promise I'd blog TODAY...and I never break a promise on purpose.

So here I am, exhausted, and it's 11:20 pm. So...my dear SIL...it will wait until tomorrow or Monday...but I haven't forgotten. Maybe between now and then, I can put out a plea for help.

I need a hobby. Any suggestions?

Night.

So I've been tagged...

2005-06-21T12:06:00.000-05:00

How many books do I own?
Oh, maybe 30 including textbooks....I'm not much of a reader which will come out in the next few paragraphs!

Last book I bought?
Hmmm...probably The Sacred Romance

Last book I read?
I honestly don't remember the last one I finished...but I did read excerpts from Blue Like Jazz somewhat recently.

5 Books that meant a lot to me?

1. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers - Well Bonnie, I'm with you on this one. This book had a profound impact on how I see God's gentleness and patience. I thoroughly enjoyed it and couldn't put it down...which is VERY rare for me!

2. The Sacred Romance--A group of girls and I read this book as a Bible study a few years back. What an enlightening new look at God wanting to be our lover.

3. Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller--Once again, a different perspective which I find so refreshing! Definately worth the read.

4. The Fresh-Brewed Life--:) All about coffee and life and God and relationships....written by someone who's a lot like me. Great read.

5. The next book I want to read--Reinventing Spiritual Formation (I think that's what it's called) by Doug ?. Stewy read this book several years ago. It's about a church that approaches spiritual formation differently...and this weekend we went to that church! It was interesting and encouraging...and refreshing! Looking forward to reading more about it!

So yeah, my mom made a deal with me many years ago that I must read as many minutes as I watched television...and that was the first time I appreciated reading at all. I've never been a huge reader as you can tell from the above, but I'm inspired to get cracking since this past weekend...and Stewy and I are going to read a book together soon, too.

Thanks for the survey, Bonnie! And for tagging me....Heather, Mom, and Stewy...consider yourselves tagged! (I'm trying to convince Stewart to blog considering he's so much smarter and well read than I am!)

My monthly entry!

2005-05-12T15:15:00.000-05:00

No, that doesn't guarantee significance or even excitement, but it does mean that I have not forgotten about this...and I'm still one step ahead of my mother-in-law and Heather who don't blog at all!!

So this is the season of pedicures and yard work. I think I've done 7 pedicures in the past 2 months..which I really enjoy...especially the 'before' and 'after' difference. I especially enjoy the servant aspect of it...and the joy it brings someone when they can confidently wear sandals. You see, I don't ever 'confidently' wear sandals because God made my feet to amuse people. Yes, that means they are uglier than yours! However, given that my second toe is 1 cm longer than my first toe, I figure it's obvious that God meant them for the enjoyment of others and I am required to wear sandals so they can fulfill their purpose! So thanks, Shantel and Jill, for returning the favor!

As for yard work, I haven't done much yet because of a busy spring filled with meetings, family get-togethers, work, church, and PLAYOFF HOCKEY!!!! Scoob has spent a lot of time outside and I've spent a lot of time dreaming about and planning what we want to do outside...but our dreams are still in the works. We'd like to get some garden doors and build a deck after we take off that eye-sore of a 'back porch'. I'm sure it was a good idea when the original person built it, but I'd like to suggest that walking out the back door straight into your garden shed isn't really my flavor of hosting. We like to have people over and can't really do so outside without a better set-up. We also think the garden doors will add a lot of light to our kitchen and I'm all over that idea. I can't get it done soon enough! There are the long-term dreams, too...like landscaping the yard with a stone wall separating the two levels. On the shorter term though, we're going to plant a garden and see what happens. I'm sure God can grow one in spite of me!

Back to playoffs. We are thoroughly enjoying our Wheat King's road to the WHL championship. It is so fun to watch fiesty hockey well into May. Tomorrow night is the last game in Brandon, however. If we lose, the boys will stay here and begin golfing. If we win, they will head back to Kelowna for an up-hill fight. Just for the record, the refs lost the game for us last night. Absolutely pathetic!! Our boys played really well.

Marriage is still good. Always full of surprises and the odd annoyance. That's life. I'm often the annoyer.

My little angels are just so great. I phoned my sister the other day and we were in the middle of our conversation when she asked if I could hang on a minute...and there was Tommy. "Hey Auntie, how's it going?" in his gruff, low, almost three year old voice. He's just a doll. Then came Sam on the phone just checking in on me. Wanted to tell me he was going to preschool that day. The boys had just run to the phone when they heard it was me... They are such a precious gift from God. Every time we hang out with them, Stewart teases me that he thinks we're ready for kids. They are just that fun!

Anyway...it's time to go clean the house and do some laundry. My youngest sister is coming over tonight and staying until tomorrow evening.

Until June...

Homecoming

2005-04-11T15:44:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure what to say. If you've never experienced an entire weekend of knowing only about 3 people...who in turn all know each other...well then I'm not certain I could explain it to you! Don't get me wrong, the strangers were nice...but they were also plentiful!
It was a fun weekend of learning who my husband was when he was in high school...more of a jock than I've ever known...a little more popular than I would have guessed...but who were those ladies that he said 'no' to? Hmmm...I shall have to ask!
;)
I was so glad to be there with him and meet his past. It was an honor to call him my husband. And as an aside, even if it makes you gag (Deista), he really is a FANTASTIC husband! So, even though I know him differently, his character is consistant from when he was a freshman until now...and that speaks volumes about a person!
Thank you, God, for your special gift!

Real Estate

2005-04-11T15:42:00.000-05:00

Are there any other junkies out there that just can't drive down a street without looking for "The Signs"...and just can't make it through the day without your jaunt to the MLS site? I need to join a support group, so please come forward and identify yourselves!

Major (?) accomplishments of mine and others!

2005-04-11T15:30:00.000-05:00

Well, first I must update you about my Spider Solitaire career: I have found a way to win the two-suit version! I'm actually getting good enough to win about half the time. This has taken great patience and strategizing.

Also, I must inform all those that have not yet grasped the utter excitement of NASCAR, that Jeff Gordon came from 3 laps down yesterday to WIN the race!!! Congratulations to you, Jeff!

My mother-in-law (and I probably should have mentioned this first due to the magnitude of its significance) has successfully cleaned out her kitchen storage closet! Way to go, Mom! Let us know when you're painting that bedroom!

Stewart has not only purchased a pink shirt, but he has WORN it, too!

Please add your recent major (?) accomplishment in the comments so we can enjoy what is going on with you!

OK, OK!

2005-04-11T15:28:00.000-05:00

I know, I know. Nobody’s THAT busy. I suppose I just haven’t had much to say lately. Not that I do now.

Also, I’m feeling a little self-conscious. You see, I’ve discovered that people actually READ these things! Yes, it’s true. As a matter of fact, I read on my friend’s mom’s blog, that she reads mine and enjoys it. The crazy thing? We’ve never met! Hello to you, Terrin’s mom…and welcome to my life. Speaking of Terrin, she categorizes my blog as, “A blog of great interest.” Well Terrin, that's a little over the top, don't you think?

Then there are the lurkers…like my mother-in-law and Heather. No blog of their own, but extensive reminding that I haven’t written in awhile. Seems like a double standard to you, too?

I’ve identified that the most intimidating part of all this is that it’s my new husband’s family (immediate and extended) that follow it the most. That means I have to behave. Right now, they are somewhat disillusioned to who I am…or are they??

I was listening to a sermon this weekend at Stewy’s homecoming (more on that later). The speaker reminded us of who we are in Christ and while I didn’t necessarily agree with everything he said, it was a great reminder to me that I will be who I think I am. So often, I dwell on the evil parts of me, and spend time hoping and dreading when everyone else will see me for who I really am. I find myself wishing that others weren’t so perfect…so that I wouldn’t have the pressure to be so ‘perfect’, too. I know that everyone makes mistakes, but I find myself feeling relieved sometimes when I notice Stewy’s shortcomings. Not that I want him to mess up, but it relieves the guilt of my own mistakes. I recognize that I am my own worst critic…and that no one knows what’s in my head…but does that mean I should be less hard on myself, or does that encourage me to continue to strive to be the person I want myself to be? I think it’s healthy to learn about ourselves so that we can recognize what God wants us to work on, but on the other hand, I agree with the speaker in that we need to keep our failures in perspective: the amount of time that I spend ‘sinning’ is so desparately small in comparison to the amount I spend serving God. I have to remember that I’m serving and I’m praising, and I will make mistakes…but the focus for me should be less on the mistakes and more on increasing the praise.

Life busyness

2005-03-04T08:45:00.000-06:00

I know there's really no excuse to ignore this blog for so long, but life is just busy these days. When Stewy and I finally have a night together, we either go to a hockey game (Our Wheaties are presently in a 13 game winning streak) or we just hang out at home and get caught up on housework and sleep!
So, what's keeping us so busy? Well, at school...life is busy at school no matter what time of year, but right now seems to be heating up! Our school is hosting the JV girls basketball provincials next weekend and I'm in charge of decorations. I feel like I'm planning another wedding as there's a banquet and all. It's fun and I'm going to be letting my kids help next week. They'll love that. Posters and painting and very little time to do actual work...I can just see their excitement already!
At home, life is busy with church and Sunday morning planning and leadership team and music team and small group and meetings and...you get the picture. We bought a new computer for our home...it's SO exciting to be able to check our email at home. I thought it would mean that I'd blog more, but alas that isn't the case yet. I find Stewy is finding new music...which I was hoping would be a major use for the 'puter...and I'm playing lots of Spider solitaire. Does anybody have any hints on how to win the two-suit version? I've won the four-suit and can almost always win the one-suit, but the two-suit is eluding me. Hmmm.... Anyway, treats for us to be able to MSN again and check our favorite sites!
OK, enough update newsy stuff. We're very excited for summer. No plans, but I'm just excited about the hot weather that's coming...and the chance I'll have to be home more. Also, spring break is around the corner. Hooray! I love the kids at school....but a break will also be a good thing.
Have a good day!

Easy Survey

2005-03-04T08:43:00.000-06:00

What's your favorite kid's book...both when you were young and now? And...why do you love it so much?

Jubilation and Celebration...4 days later

2005-02-24T14:56:00.000-06:00

I can't believe it's taken until now to proclaim that MY FAVORITE driver won the Daytona 500 on Sunday! It was incredible. It took talent. It took guts. It was risky. It took experience.
Congratulations to you, Mr. Gordon. :D

Church Research

2005-02-24T14:35:00.000-06:00

Our church is going through the process of revisiting our vision for ministry and preparing a "Roles and Responsibilities" document for our pastor at the request of our pastor. I realize that each congregation has their own focus for ministry, however I was wondering if any of your churches have a R&R document for your pastor (ok, that's a funny acronym)?

I guess I'm wondering:

what we need to include (e.g. a specific list of administrative duties or just a comment that says "Fulfill administrative needs of the church")
what types of things are biblically pastoral roles
what are NOT pastoral obligations (in a church of 60 people)
ideas as to what are realistic expectations and unrealistic expectations for a full time pastor of a small congregation

I don't know what else to ask. I know that many of you that drop in from time to time are involved in ministry either in a pastoral role or in other leadership roles. I'm very interested in how you would respond to the above as well as what else I should be asking about!

Please either respond here or email me (since most of you are family). If your church has a document like this that isn't confidential, I would be most interested in reading an example.

Thanks! I'm looking forward to your ideas!

Smiles for you...

2005-02-24T14:13:00.000-06:00

So I found out today that my friend Terrin has added a link from her blog to mine titled, "The Superior Posterior." Please don't check next time you see me. :)

Perfect Husband

2005-02-15T09:06:00.000-06:00

Ok, so "perfect" might be a misleading word...but he's perfect for me! He's just so giving and loving and understanding...
I would say we had one of the most perfect evenings yet...
After school, I went to wash the car and pick up a treat for him...and then to pick him up. We're a one-car family right now (which really appeals to the Hippie in him and the budget-crazed inner me) so we have to do the taxi thing. Anyway, washing the car makes me feel like a queen because there's just nothing like a shiny piece of metal. Anyway, he was impressed that I'd spent my time that way, and I felt productive before I even got home!
When we finally did get home, we started supper together and opted for one of those meals that has 10 minutes of prep and an hour of baking time. With supper in the oven and Stewy in the shower, I quickly prepared the only thing I could think of that would be a new and hopefully exciting treat for him. I got the foot bath ready and put in the new Ani DeFranco CD I'd just bought him (which deems me the "perfect wife") and waited for his shower to be over. He's often watched me give one of my girlfriends a pedicure and remarked later that it looks like it feels good...so I gave him one. He wasn't disappointed. He has nice feet...much nicer than mine. I hope when we have kids, they have his feet and he hopes they have my chin! Silly boy.
We followed that with a wonderful supper...which he cleaned up because he argues that I did most of the cooking and we have the "I cook you clean up" rule at our house. Cooking was a team effort, but I let him clear the table.
His treat for me followed. We got into the car and he turned to me and proclaimed that we were going to buy me perfume, but that my best friend Jen hadn't been enough help and now we'd have to pick it out together. :D Oh, darn. So, another fun activity with my Scooby.
We ended up at my brother-in-law's volleyball game and played with my two angels...and then back home to watch the taped version of 'The Bachelorette'.
A fun, relaxed, thoughtful time with the person I love. Happy Valentine's to us!

Valentine's Day

2005-02-14T13:59:00.000-06:00

I used to call it "Black Monday" or whatever day of the week it fell on that year. Of course my favorite was, "Black Sabbath". Those were special years.
Anyway...this is Stewart and my first Valentine's together. I'm assuming it will be much like the last 27 V-days as our plans are to eat supper and watch tv or something. We're pretty low-key people if you haven't already figured that out...and we love to just hang out with each other. I think the plan is to make our wedding meal for supper...and then watch The Bachelorette. I know it's pathetic, but when you're as tired as we are today, it's just the perfect thing!
Life's too busy. Any hints as to how to slow down and enjoy more of it???? I'm learning to say no, but how do you decide what to say no to?

Family

2005-02-07T14:30:00.000-06:00

So I love my family. The immediate and the extended and even the new family I married into. They're just neat people and I love getting to know new people with new and refreshing gifts. :)

So my Enns family is to me what the McMillans are to Stewy. It's not that they're perfect, but they all have incredibly special things about them that just don't allow you to ignore them.

This weekend, two sets of aunt and uncles came to Brandon with my grandma. They came to see my uncle Steve and their two nieces/granddaughters. It was a special time because my grandma is sick. She's really sick and the more time I spend with her, the more real it is that it's a gift that she's still with us. Seeing her this weekend was exciting as we actually got to visit for a bit, but it was also scary as I can see how much more frail she is now compared to at Christmas time. I can't even type this without the tears welling up. She's been without my grandpa for almost 6 years. She misses him so much and as she talks about her illness, she always starts with, "I've had many good years." Her first diagnosis of cancer was almost 18 years ago...we've been so blessed. It's still not any easier to prepare to say goodbye to someone so special. My mom told me at the beginning of last summer that I should prepare myself that grandma may not make it until our wedding. I thought she was crazy and continued believing she would be there. That morning, she was so ill, that they had a plan in place of who would take her to the hospital in case things got worse during the wedding. She was so determined to be there and we have the most wonderful picture of the two of us that day! I'm so fortunate to have a family that supports each other the way mine does...and now I'm a part of another family like that. I don't deserve this!

So back to this weekend, we went swimming at the hotel and then for dinner...then we played Kenasta (sp?) with 8 people! It was a great time and such a great opportunity to connect with and learn more about these wonderful people that God's put in my life. To those of you who are aunties and uncles, it's SO WORTH YOUR EFFORT to invest in the lives of your nieces and nephews...as kids and well into their adult lives. And for those of you who do this, thank you from someone who appreciates the time you took and continue to take. I hope I can be that kind of Auntie.

Wow, this seems pretty disjointed and for that I apologize. Just wanted to document the good times as life isn't always this encouraging.

Dates for almost nothing...

2005-02-04T13:40:00.000-06:00

Ok, some of these may be dorky for some of you, but they're things we really enjoy and most promote great conversation:

1) Play games, just the two of you, or invite a couple over to play The Farming Game. In addition to TFG, we love the Settlers of Catan. If you don't like board games...grab a deck of cards, put on some coffee, make some nachos. Yummy.

2) Go for a walk, find a spot on the river bank, pretend you're still dating. Or, go for a hike in a nearby park. Take a picnic lunch and enjoy the outdoors. Bring a camera if you can...

3) Rent a movie and make some popcorn.

4) Bake or clean together. It's so much more fun when you aren't by yourself.

5) Go shopping and just dream...no buying, just dreaming.

6) Trade massages.

7) Read a book out loud together.

8) Play 20 questions.

9) Take a drive and explore a new part of the country or city.

10) Wrestle. (Stewy won't wrestle with me, so this is just a dream so far...) :(

OK, that's all for today...I'll try to think of a few more...man, we haven't done some of these in a long time. Oh, we also really like dreaming about home renovations together...but that can get costly!

I need your help...

2005-02-04T10:34:00.000-06:00

How do I create links to other blogs, Bonnie?

What goes around, comes around

2005-02-04T10:26:00.000-06:00

So my sister in law blogs. She's the reason I blog. When she doesn't blog for awhile, I get antsy...what really is going on in her life? How are we supposed to keep up when she's so quiet?? So this morning...well, here I am.

The weekend with Jen was fabulous. She's the bestest friend and person anyone could ask to know! She's just so real and honest. Honesty's probably the thing I like most about her. She's not afraid to tell me when I'm out of line...and she says it in a way that doesn't make you feel like an idiot, but that you made a mistake and it's ok to make mistakes. She also doesn't hold the mistake over your head for more than a minute or two...and then all is restored. (It really is just the perfect amount of time to feel guilt and reflect on how I could have handled the situation better without replaying things over and over...)

I sometimes wonder why I accept admonition from her so well. Maybe it's because she's the only one who seriously gives it to me and I know there's no grudge in the future. Maybe it's because she makes mistakes, too and doesn't hide them. Maybe it's because we've established such a trust in our friendship that I know in 10 years, we'll still be getting together. Maybe it's because she knows I have pride issues and only mentions the things that she knows will make me a better person; she doesn't admonish to make herself look better. That's probably it. She's genuine. She's generous. She's thoughtful. She makes an effort to know and love. I often say, everyone deserves a friend like my Jen. Lord, help me to be a friend like that.

The rest of the weekend was also wonderful. I got new shoes. Cute white and green ones. :) We went out for supper with Jen's parents. Always a treat. Got a great Bran muffin recipe. Had lunch with my mother in law on Sunday. Had a great time with her. Went to see Sam and Tom in the evening. I miss those angels. Their hugs and kisses and stories are sometimes the exact medicine this auntie needs! I love that Stewart knows I need to see them more. He's making a real effort to do that and it's SO appreciated!

Speaking of Stewart, :) I like talking about him. He's such a treat. We had a date on Tuesday. He made me supper and then he'd arranged to go look at houses with our real estate agent. Yes, we have a house...but I just love that kind of thing and she's been bored lately, so we went on an adventure. There was actually one house that had a garage (which is a real perk in Brandon and we'd love for our next home to have one), but we just didn't like the house as much as we like our house. Our house is great. It's small, but it's homey and I don't have to spend forever cleaning! Anyway...back to the date...after house dreaming, we came home and sat on the couch and talked for almost two hours. It was nice to talk about future things. It was interesting to talk about past vacations. The rule for the date was that it had to be under $10.

I think we've decided in our DINK time, to learn to live on only one salary so that it's not a shock when we do have kids. Also, we are anxious to pay off all our student loans and such before kids. So yes, that means we have a bit of a wait....but if the grandparents are anxious for more grandchildren, they know they can make a donation!

Back to the date under $10...we're going to keep trying it and maybe write a book or magazine article (radically different undertakings!!!) to encourage quality time for couples without the burden of expense! Who knows better how to write them than someone who's experienced!

Sorry this has been rambling about non-related items...but at least I've given a little update for the both of you! :)

Because I'm a teacher...

2005-01-28T15:06:00.000-06:00

I get to experience honest moments like these:

D: Mrs. M., is Valentine's Day on the 14th of February?
Mrs. M.: You bet. I think it's a Monday this year.
D: Do we have school that day?
M: *Snickers* and tries hard to hide the amusement. Doesn't work.

When asked why she was doodling instead of doing her math, J pauses for a few moments and says, "Just trying to pass the time."

burning question

2005-01-28T13:26:00.000-06:00

are you a redneck if you buy furniture at superstore?

Rude Awakening

2005-01-28T13:22:00.000-06:00

I'm already feeling sorry for my husband as he's the subject of so many of my ramblings. I admitted to him yesterday that I'd joined the blog world. There was a brief glimmer of fear in his eyes...and there should be.

So while I said yesterday that he wasn't "Split your gut every day" funny, he began to prove me wrong this morning.

Setting
Place:McMillan residence, basement suite, mother-in-law sleeping peacefully upstairs
Time: 7:32 a.m.

TL gets out of the shower and quietly steps down the stairs as to not disturb the slumber of her guest or husband who so fortunately finally has a day off. She's half way down the stairs when she hears a loud gasp, the blanket thrown across the room, and sees her husband dash around the corner while he exclaims, "Is THAT the real time???!!!" She quietly stands there trying to control her laughter at the sight of such morning drama as he stands frozen and staring from the clock to her face and back. In that disbelieving moment she must decide if she will continue to get thrills out of this or if she should relieve his panic. She decides it's just too much fun and watches him slowly clue in and collapse back onto the bed. Besides, now that he's awake, he'll make her morning coffee! He begins to mutter about how he should have heard the test alarm he'd set on his brand new watch...and how the manufacturers just make them too quiet these days. Her mouth begins to water as she anticipates the upcoming mocha.

Guests

2005-01-27T17:29:00.000-06:00

Welcome to you both! :D

Now that I have guests I feel like I should say something intelligent. Hmm...nope, nothing.

Which brings me to a thought that keeps coming up. I'm not funny anymore. I'm not sure if it's a lack of time spent with my funny friends and I never was funny on my own--I just stole their wit, or if I'm lacking in true joy and creativity for some reason. Maybe it's living with Mr. Serious and deep-thinker. He says he likes it when I'm goofy, but I never quite know if he's for real or really scared of what old age will turn me into! Don't get me wrong, Stewy's not boring, but he's not "splits your gut laughing every day" funny. He's amusing. He does things that I just can't help but smile at because he's so sweet...but he's not helping me be funnier. Well, I'm hanging out with Jen this weekend and maybe I can stock up for awhile. This is getting a little distressing for me. I like to make people smile.

My grade 8s think I'm funny. Mostly because I make faces at them...and say things other teachers maybe wouldn't...like this morning...I was trying to help them remember how to spell psychology for their spelling test....so I told them how I remember it, "Piss Y Chol Oh Guy (with no 'u' in 'guy'). For some reason they thought it was funny. I thought it was functional. And sometimes I sing...well, maybe it's what I sing, maybe it's that I'm singing.

Anyway, I don't need to have a side job as a stand-up...

Hope you all (both) have a good day and smile once just to humor me...

Hippie marries Mennonite--will they make it?

2005-01-27T15:10:00.000-06:00

So the latest in the saga...

We did decide on how to paint the music room! It's going to dub as an office so that we can see each other more. Not that he plays guitar all the time...I did expect that would happen, but it hasn't...I miss listening to him play. I love him...

I suppose the pressure of getting company tonight and having a computer desk in the living room prompted me to put the pressure on and we started painting last night! It's beautiful! It's Northampton Putty on three walls (green) and the fourth wall is Bittersweet Chocolate (really dark brown), Rusty Nails (self-explanatory), Greensboro Gold (darker green in the same family) and Muslin (beige) STRIPES! Yes, you read it correctly, STRIPES!!! It's much like a bar code considering the stripes are different widths. It's very fun....and, of course, Stewy's idea from his new job. The stripes are horizontal and just perfect. Taping was an issue, but it looks better than we'd expected.

Pictures to follow...maybe...wait, we don't have a camera. No pictures to follow...:)

baby blogger

2005-01-21T11:25:00.000-06:00

OK, Bonnie. You win. I'll try it. But you may need to prompt me for ideas of what to write.

I'm not a journaler. (is that a word?) I do think and I do talk, but sometimes not at the same time...which could mean this will prove to be amusing, offensive, or boring at times. You've been warned and I make no apologies. My biggest fear is that I will sound stupid or be misunderstood. But then again...maybe this isn't so much for you, the reader, as for me--to document what I'm thinking about and communicate what's happening. I'll try. I really will. But I make no promises.