My Sour Patch Kid and Other News…

Can I just start by commenting on how amazing the weather has been this summer!? After the longest winter that I can remember, I was welcoming the warmer days with open arms. I’m not one to complain about the heat anyways- unless I’m pregnant and our central air breaks down (yep, that happened during the ONE super hot week) but I have been LOVING the 20 degree days. Today, Scott and I sat on the porch for over an hour with Addy while we watched the older kids play and ride bikes. Amazingly enough (they are my children) we only had one accident when Lily was running full speed down the sidewalk, tripped over her own feet, and skinned a knee.

 

Speaking of Lily hurting herself (this child is accident-prone) she was riding her Little People school bus through the living room like a skate board and I said, “Hun, please be careful. You could fall and bump your head.” She came right back with, “Don’t worry. I won’t hurt my head. I’m wearing my pretend helmet!” She has also started referring to Scott as “Hun” now when she wants to argue her point. I have no idea where she got that from!

Not the best picture- but Justus was trying to lay on her lap and she found it hilarious! This was after he had joined her for a timeout!

The last few weeks I’ve been taking two kids with me when I go grocery shopping. Well, three including Addy! Usually the boys aren’t really interested, but they both wanted to come with me last week. I’m kind of convinced now that it was all a big rouse to get me to buy more junk food… Taking the two boys is definitely different than taking two girls. The boys turn everything into a race or competition.

Who can find the fruit mom just named first!?

Who can throw the bagels into the cart from the farthest away?

Let’s race down the empty aisle while hip-checking each other into shelves!

Yes… this is what mom had in mind when she asked who wanted to come and HELP with the grocery shopping.

They made it entertaining at least. They were also more than willing to lift all the heavy items and help as soon as I needed it. So I got them pickles… and Peanut Butter Cheerios? Blah! But they were happy. I love my boys.

Teaching Ella how to play chess.

This wrap has been such a HUGE help so far. I started looking into them when I was pregnant, but had a hard time with the cost of a new one. I found several pins where people had made their own, but I couldn’t find fabric for much less than what I would pay for the wrap anyways. Then during a middle of the night nursing session it dawned on me that I had seen jersey/knit sheet sets on sale at Target. Jersey-knit would work perfectly! So for $20 I got a fitted sheet, a pillow case, a homemade wrap (using material from the flat sheet), and some leftover fabric for … I’m not sure yet. :) Plus, I was able to get a cute grey and white striped material that I really like! Addy has spent hours in the wrap already and it is pretty much a miracle how quickly it puts her to sleep.

We took the kids to the beach last week and had the most relaxing day in a long time. We wanted to get there early when the beach is empty, but it was pretty chilly in the morning. I joked with the kids that they were doing a polar bear swim! Thankfully it got warmer in the early afternoon. Nothing quite like building sand castles while listening to the waves and then driving home with the windows down.

I am so thankful for pretty well-behaved kids. Yes, they have their moments… but we got up and out to the beach and spent the day there with 9 kids and get this… it was relaxing! Other than when we found out the bathrooms were all closed for reno’s and we had to drive around looking for an outhouse… But seriously, children are a blessing. My children are a blessing to me.

The girls were talking about how many kids they were each going to have and someone told Charity that she would probably have more than me. She said, “No… I don’t think I have the patience for that many kids!”

I said, “I didn’t think I had the patience for 9 kids either.”

To which she replied, “Yeah, you don’t.”

She claims that she was just kidding, but I’m not so sure.

The girls and I have also started working out together. After the first day of our plank and squat challenge, Charity decided that she was never working out with me again. Ha! Her core muscles were aching. I tried to tell her that it was a “good ache”- she wasn’t impressed.

Keona and I went out for breakfast on the morning of her 14th birthday. We went to Timmy’s and then sat in the car at the park with Addy. She had been saving up her money for a while and finally decided to buy herself an iPod touch on her birthday. So now my daughter has Instagram. That still seems weird to me…

Our annual selfie picture on Keona’s birthday.

And last but definitely not least… It seems as though Lily finally has this potty training thing down. We’ve gone two weeks now without any daytime accidents! We even ventured out a couple of times without remembering to put her in a pull-up and she was fine! I am always incredibly relieved when they get it. My 8th kid and I still feel like I’m winging it with the whole potty training thing. Every one is so different…

We like to refer to Lily as our “Sour Patch Kid”.

First she’s sour. Then she’s sweet!

Couldn’t be a more accurate description of her personality…

The Countdown is On…

And I’m actually blogging…

I really do miss journaling. It’s just that every time I go to blog, something else seems more inviting. Usually it involves sleeping. Or food…

We’re still waiting on an exact due date (the upside to having a scheduled c-section) but baby will be here in less than 30 days! It could be more like 20- but we’ll see. Have I mentioned how much I love the surprise of not knowing if the baby is a boy or girl!? The kids have tried to convince me to find out – but I held strong! I even turned my head several times during ultrasounds to make sure that I didn’t accidentally see something. :)

I feel like I’m finally ready for the baby to arrive. I just finished my last session and we finished school two weeks ago. Well, everyone except Ella… but she just needs some extra reading practice over the summer. Crib and car seat are ready to go. I just gave 7 kids summer haircuts today! (Keona got hers about a month ago) Lily got about an inch taken off to even out the ends. I don’t think I’ve ever cut one of my girls’ hair at the age of 2…

Some major house projects are finished…

Ella and Lily’s room got a makeover.

(Yep… the room was completely trashed for the before picture. That’s reality for ya…)

Dining room chairs were finished in time for Ella’s 6th birthday party!

She had to invite Oma- seeing as it was a tea party and all!

Ella can be quite the little princess. Generally sweet- she is very easy to spoil. She had to be reminded after all of the birthday celebrations that everything she had been given was a gift and a blessing. A quick talk (and a little reminder not to be selfish) and she was back to her normal sharing ways.

I love the way she loves her little sister.

Even though Lily calls Ella her “baby sister”… She also calls Eve “Mommy Jr.” and me her “hunny”.

 

Our backyard still needs work… I was working out there with the kids one day last week and decided that the lawn needed to be cut. Like, right away. Scott was on his way to work, but I figured I could handle it so I asked Elijah to bring the lawnmower around back. I’ve never actually used said lawnmower, but how hard can it be? When I went to turn on the lawnmower, I realized that I didn’t know how to start it. I knew it had something to do with the cable, but could not remember what. I pulled that thing as hard as I could a good 10-15 times. If there were any neighbours watching out your back windows… You’re welcome for the laugh. Finally I gave in and decided to call Scott to ask how to start it. I didn’t really want to call him, because I knew he wouldn’t be happy that I was mowing the lawn. Or that I was using his lawnmower… We had a very quick conversation, in which he tried to convince me to wait and let him do it tomorrow and then refused to tell me how to start it. I got off the phone frustrated, but determined to cut the grass which was beginning to look like a jungle to my overly-hormonal and nesting self. As I stood there googling how to start the lawnmower- Jeddy came over and said, “I’m pretty sure you just hold this handle and pull the string, Mom…” Sure enough, the lawnmower started! No googling necessary and I could look out the back windows without cringing.

 

We have a lot planned for the next three weeks to keep me busy. (And away from Scott’s power tools!) Today, I booked eye appointments for 7 kids. That should be a fun morning. We have trips to Mississauga and Hamilton planned. We have a trip to Wonderland booked and a recital for the four oldest girls the next day. A wedding. Weekly visits to my doctor… There are so many events that the kids are looking forward to that I’m sure the next few weeks are going to fly by! I am so thankful for this sweet and unexpected blessing. I thank God all the time while I lie in bed at night feeling the baby kick for this little one that we truly didn’t even dream of having.

Looking forward to all the fun we have planned over the next couple of weeks, and then… a baby!

“Best Birthday Ever!”

 

About a month ago, we had a bin dropped off in our driveway to get rid of all the junk taking up our basement. I couldn’t get over the number of toys we either threw out, or put in a pile for Goodwill. Our kids have such an abundance of things. Such an abundance of unnecessary, unused, forgotten-about stuff. Since completing the purge, I decided to take more time, throw away less money, and so something more memorable for birthdays.

I was stuck when Jeddy’s started approaching. It would be so easy to buy him a new toy airplane, or truck, or train. I fought the urge to give-in and prayed that God would help me find something to make his birthday special and memorable. That weekend, we drove by the Buttonville airport and for the first time I noticed a sign advertising “Sight-Seeing Flights”. Thank you, Lord! I knew it was the perfect gift. Jeddy has loved airplanes since he was a toddler. He has wanted to be a pilot for as long as he’s been able to speak. See here and here… So on Monday morning, I called and booked the flight for his birthday. Grandma and great-grandpa pitched in, and we spent less than I would have on toys that would soon be forgotten.

Note: I’m not against toys… He still used his birthday money from us and great-grandpa to buy a new Lego set and Keona bought him a few model airplanes from the prop shop at the airport. I am against buying stuff just because you feel obligated to buy something. My boys play with their Lego every single day. Jeddy also has a collection of airplanes that have come with him to hospital when having an asthma attack and he proudly displays them on his dresser most days.

We told him about two weeks prior, that we had a big surprise for him on his birthday! So the anticipation had been building for some time. The morning of his birthday, he requested “pancakes bigger than his head" for breakfast. I made him three. I think it was the first time I’ve seen him NOT be able to finish a meal. :) Then we headed out for the surprise.

Here was his reaction…

When he looks off to the side, he was looking at his brother and sisters to see if we were tricking him.

Here he is in the plane…

About halfway through the flight Scott texted me that he was sick. Haha. I’m sorry. I mean, poor Scott… :P The boys both had a blast and Scott felt sick for the rest of the day.

Jeddy declared it the “BEST BIRTHDAY EVER” several times and cannot wait until his 14th birthday when he can go get his student pilot license.

Just for memory-sake, I have to mention how much Jeddy adores his big brother. He was so excited that Elijah got to go with him. When I took him out shopping to get his Lego set he kept saying, “I can’t wait to get home and build this with Elijah!” I absolutely love their relationship. Well, except when they’re wrestling in my living room or trying out new karate moves on eachother…

Can’t believe my little monkey is 7!

The other day he came over and hugged me around the waist like he always does, looked up at me and said, “Mom, I just can’t stop lovin’ you. It’s impossible!”

Ella took this picture and I did not pose him in any way. He always asks me, “Mom, can you give me a kiss?”

Jeddy has such a sweet and giving spirit. He is a people person. He loves doing new things, meeting new people, eating new food, and finding unusual bugs and animals. I couldn’t adore him more.

Love you my little man.

Happy 7th Birthday!

Here We Go!

Today, my baby turned 13.

We officially have a teenager living in our house. I know this will sound cliché, and everyone says it… but seriously, where has the time gone!?!? It seems like just yesterday that Scott and I were sitting in Greenwood Park dreaming about what our kids would look like. Or chatting in the Scarborough Town Centre food court about who’s eyes she would have. My only request was that she DIDN’T get Scott’s toes. Sorry Keona…

I sat at the kitchen table tonight with Keona, my mom, and my little brother. We talked and laughed about all sorts of things. Somehow we got on the topic of how a little over a year ago, Keona went through a very moody phase. I was constantly telling her to “fix her face” and “cheer up!”

She said, “Oh yeah, that was annoying!”

I told her, “Your face was annoying!”

We both had a good laugh over that memory. I am ever so thankful that she passed through the I-just-want-to-be-by-myself-black-is-my-favourite-colour-leave-me-alone phase! Though her loud and hyper giddiness can be overwhelming and slightly irritating at times – I would gladly take it over mood swings any day!

Summer 2009

Since the day that we brought the triplets home from the hospital, she has been my little (now big) helper. Even with the mood swings here and there… :)

I think about my relationship with my mom, and how she will just drop by with a tea sometimes and we can sit and chat for hours… I look forward to having that relationship with my girls. I got to take Keona out shopping today. She bought jewellery, clothes (pinks and purples –not black!), and books. I do cherish my time alone with each of my kids – but I’m beginning to realize how fleeting it is. We only have four more years before she heads off to college or university. Four years…

Scott took her out for a lunch date and this is how he replied to my phone call… :P

My mom took her out shopping where she got more clothes, shoes, jewellery, lip gloss, perfume, and of course – more books! All of the typical teenage girly stuff. I am so proud of Keona already. I am glad that she is confident enough to stand up for herself, and others, when she feels someone is being wronged. Even if it means saving some frogs from boys who were killing them for fun, and then having to run to her Uncle Robbie when said boy threatens to punch her for releasing the frogs. (You go girl!) I have seen her mature a lot in the past year and a half. I am excited to watch her grow. Since she was born, we have been doing our very best to prepare her to leave. I’m continually challenged and encouraged by her heart for God, and above all else, I can’t wait to see where He leads her. I am so thankful that He chose me to be her Mom.

People always told us, “Just wait until you have your own!”

Then it was, “Well, just wait until you have more than one!”

Next came, “Just wait until you have a boy!”

And now we hear, “Just wait until you have teenagers!”

Well… here we go!

Happy 10th Birthday!

 

This…

…seems like yesterday.

When I had three potty-training, VeggieTale-watching, pigtail-wearing, sippy cup-drinking toddlers on my hands.

 

Today, my beautiful triplet girls turn 10!

Charity, you remind me so much of your Dad and yet so much of myself at your age. I’m glad that you’re a Daddy’s girl. Never getting to experience that myself… It is a joy to my heart to watch. I love that you wear cleats with a skirt and throw a football better than your brother.

Eve, your gift of music makes me jealous. The fact that you can pick up almost any instrument and figure out how to play it- amazes me. I will gladly resign all piano playing to you in a few years time. Or sooner…

Prayer, you are my quirky girl. You have a goofy smile and infectious laugh that everyone loves. Since the time that you were two and drawing rainbow-coloured, fire-breathing dragons, when everyone else was drawing stick people- I knew you’d be my artist.

You are all such unique individuals, and yet you share such an amazing bond that I am so blessed to be able to see grow on a daily basis. You really do have built-in best friends.

I love each of you and I hope you have an amazing 10th birthday!

Love,

Mom

P.S. Can’t wait for your party next week!!!

Week 18

1. Ella, less then a minute old…

2. Ella, celebrating her 4th birthday with Papa!

3. My girl, is 4… No more naps!

4. I strung up my favourite photos of her from birth to now. I have a lot of photos of her…

 

Ella,

You are adorable, spicy, and sweet all mixed into one. You were exactly what I needed after having two boys.

I love that you wear a fancy dress but then throw on running shoes to play outside with the boys. That you ask for lip gloss, but then go get your hands dirty looking for worms. That you sit and read stories with Mom and cuddle to watch hockey with Dad. That you go from playing dolls to cars without thinking twice. That you draw me pictures every. single. day. That you can dance like a princess and wrestle with the best of them.

I love YOU.

Happy 4th Birthday baby girl!

Love,

Mom

My Birthday Boy

He doesn’t like having a birthday in winter because he can’t do anything outdoors for his party.

He rolls his eyes at me when I call him cutesy names and hates it when I grab his face and kiss his cheeks!

When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, his response is,

“I don’t know. I don’t have to think about that yet. I will decide in a little while.”

Sometimes, he is too witty for his own good.

He is always ready with a good comeback.

He is ultra competitive.

I can relate.

He has now had two asthma attacks in the last 3 weeks.

Last time he was at the hospital, he kindly told the nurse that he “wanted to go home soon. Please.”

Last night, he asked me to try not to wake him up when I gave him his puffer during the night. He just wanted to have a “good sleep.”

My poor guy has had such rough nights lately.

Trouble breathing… Up coughing… Being woken up to take medication…

Anyhow, we wanted to get him something special for his birthday this year and it just so happened to be on sale for boxing week! I wrapped it in paper, tied it up tight with string, wrapped it again around the string, wrapped it tight with saran wrap, wrapped it with paper again, and then covered it with tape. I have a video of him opening it, but I took it with Scott’s phone and can’t figure out how to get the sound to work on the blog. It went something like this…

“MORE paper??? Is this the last layer??? It’s something Nintendo!!! It’s a game!!! I think it’s a DS!”

“IT’S A NINTENDO 3DS!!!!!!! THANK YOU MOM! THANK YOU DAD!”

He hasn’t wanted to put it down since.

You have never been an easy child. From your emergency entrance into this world, to your bad temper as a toddler, and your mischievousness as a big and little brother… You are always one to shake things up when they get boring.

Happy 8th Birthday to my little sweetie-pie, hunny-bunch!

You know that I love you!

Can’t help my-self…

Ahem

He especially loves it when I sing to him…

Love ya, bud.

My Little Buddy

Jeddy, turned 5 last weekend.

He has been counting down the days, since there were over 90 to go.

On Friday, I took him out for his birthday treat. Usually, the kids go out for breakfast with Dad for their birthdays- but Jed insisted on going out with Mom. For ice cream. So, off to Baskin Robins we went! He ordered his own cone of cotton candy flavoured ice cream, and decided that we should sit at one of the tables to eat. He sat there almost silently the entire time, just enjoying his treat. (A very different experience from taking one of the girls out!)

We went to Walmart and he helped me lift the cat litter into the cart. When we got up to the checkout, he walked right up to the cashier, and said, “Can you just scan this so my mom doesn’t have to lift it again, please?” Completely unprompted. I don’t know how he even knew to ask for something to be “scanned.”

He still helps me cook every chance he gets. He holds the doors open for me and his sisters. He loves light sabers and toads. His favourite food is pasta- but NOT lasagna. He likes building lego ships with his big brother, and he dances with his little sister. He even “dips” her…

He asks me atleast once a day, “Can I help you with somethin’ Mom?”

He’s five- and no longer in my toddler class at church…

 

A little birthday party at Nana and Papa’s on Sunday…

 

I could not be more proud of my little, Jedidiah.

Happy Birthday, bud!

I love you.

 

Yes, I also had a birthday last week- I’m waiting until after this Friday when my hubby and I go out for my birthday date to post pics! I’ll have to squeeze a very overdue belly one in there… :) 10 weeks to go!!!

Baseball, Boxes, and Benches!

Last Friday, Keona turned 11. Hard to believe my baby is getting so close to her teen years! She spent the day at a St. John’s ambulance course, and became certified to babysit. She has a little card for her wallet and everything! Not that I’ll be leaving her at home with all of her siblings any time soon… But I will feel more confident about it when the time comes.

While she was out for the day, Robbie and I went out to pick up her present. It was an amazing find on kijiji, and she was more than a little surprised when she walked into the livingroom to find it sitting there waiting for her!

Scott told me to take it for a spin when Robbie and I arrived home with it- I declined.

On Saturday, we took Keona, the triplets, Elijah, Robbie, and the girls’ friends Somiya and Aislinn, to a Blue Jays game. I didn’t realize that we wouldn’t be able to see the jumbotron from our seats. The upside- we were in the shade, and a ‘no alcohol’ section! Elijah paid attention through the whole game and learned alot about baseball. The girls on the other hand, when asked if they enjoyed the game- replied, “We enjoy the food!”…

 

Speaking of baseball, the kids have wanted to play it every time we go outside! Except Keona, she’s busy riding her new bike… Anyhow, tonight I told Elijah and Jed that I would play with them after dinner. After pitching a few to Jeddy, Elijah wanted to try and pitch to him. He threw one underhand, and Jed just missed it. He threw one overhand, and Jed got it right in the mouth. Did I mention that we were practicing with a softball because Elijah is going to play a game with one this weekend? Ugh… Bad idea, Mom! It bled. He decided to ride his bike after that…

 

Can you guess what time of year it is???

That’s right, preparing for back to school time! I think that we had a package arrive almost everyday last week, full of curriculum. There were still 3 more boxes to come after I took this picture. BUT… we’re almost set! I’m still on the look out for a good wall map of Canada, and possibly one of the world as well. I’ll need to pick up some binders, pencils, erasers, etc... But the big stuff, is taken care of! What a relief. Especially since I made alot of changes to our curriculum this year. I’m looking forward to sharing our Literature books in a post soon. :)

Last but not least, this table was an $8.99 Value Village find. This same table that we found both of our cats locked in one morning. BOTH cats, locked in the table, with a handful of food… And of course, no one did it! We eventually found out that our first guess, was correct. Our little animal lover, thought that it would make a good cage for the cats. Atleast he remembered to give them some food!

Ok.. back to my before picture. Yes, before! I just refinished this table, and am so pleased with the results! Now, I just need to paint over the hideous colour currently in my livingroom, and it will look right at home!

BTW- both of our cats are fine… :)

Oh, and as for the “benches” part- the bench with all of the boxes sitting on it, is my next refinishing project. Is it too early to be nesting?

 

124 days to go until baby!

Jeddy wanted a number…

Back to Normal

If you call dancing on the counter with silly bands around your ankle normal…

Or how about a Christmas necklace, zebra print underwear, your big sister’s skirt, and a baby-sized shirt that you wear inside out?

 

I don’t think I have to tell you that she dressed herself.

  Little Ella, has successfully kept herself dry during the day, for 4 days in a row! Woo hoo!

 

I couldn’t be more excited after having to potty train Jeddy- who still wears a pull up at night.

The current bribe incentive is; if he keeps his pull up dry for three nights in a row- I’ll take him to Starbucks for a hot chocolate. I’m really hoping he does, because Chai tea Lattes are half price from 2pm-5pm all next week, and I could use an excuse to go get one! :)

I didn’t use this one yesterday, but I love her scrunched-up-face smile.

 

My photo wall is filling up! I still have about 8 or 10 frames left from when I asked Scott to grab a few and he came home with 40…

 

And my little bum has told me that he doesn’t want any birthday pictures taken…

So, I figure that I’ll just post this one for now and leave you a little message, Elijah…

 

Please don’t try to trick your little brother into sharing his money.

Nana taught him what pennies are, and that is all he’s going to give you from now on.

Don’t try to tickle Ella until she pees. It really isn’t as funny as you think it is.

I’d also really appreciate it if you didn’t slam your pencil down every time you have to erase something in school. It makes me jump. Every. Single. Time.

And please, please, have a better attitude tomorrow so that you can stay up and beat that Donkey Kong game with me. Even if I won’t let you be Donkey Kong…

Oh, and no more inappropriate usernames.

 

But seriously, I love you, bud.

 

I can’t believe that you’ll be old enough to go to camp this year, for a whole week!

By yourself!

I can’t believe that you’re too old for kisses.

It seems like just yesterday, you would come running into my room every morning at 5am and cuddle up beside me in bed.

Or when you had an allergic reaction to baby food, and you gagged every time you saw a spoon for months.

Or when you cried because your sister beat you at…

Oh wait, that was just yesterday! :P

 

Happy 7th Birthday, Elijah!

 

Love,

Mom

 

P.S. Maybe if you’re in a better mood tomorrow- you’ll let me take some birthday pictures? :)

248/365

Happy 4th Birthday, Jeddy!

 

After making a roast beef dinner for a friend, making food for our ladies’ meeting, dropping off food, and going to the ladies’ meeting with the girls- we stopped at Walmart for an impromptu “Chocolate airplane cake” at Jed’s request. I did plan to make something extravagant for him- but time passed by too quickly. So we bought a $9.99 fudge cake and stuck a green model airplane that we bought for him on top. He was just as pleased with this as he would have been with my 8hr, marshmallow fondant, airplane cake. I realize that sometimes the things that I think are so important to do for my kids, are actually more for ME then for THEM… I’m learning. Although, I still owe him a giant chocolate chip cookie! ;)

 

He was given money from his great grandma and from his great grandpa, and now not only does he think that he is rich, he also expects to see money in every card that he opens…

What does he plan to spend all of this money on?

Three alarm clocks.

 

Happy 4th birthday to my adorably, dimpled, little, kindergarten buddy!

 

Did I mention how excited he was to start kindergarten?

Cause two days in, he declared that he doesn’t want to “do school” anymore. Ha…

Love you, Jeddy.

DOuble digits…

 

My baby, the one who kept me in labour for two days- she turned 10 today.

 

I always knew she was growing up. I always said that I was excited to see who she’d become. People always told me how quickly the time would go. I didn’t believe them. Those baby and toddler days seem so long. But I look back, and the years seem so short.

 

Keona has always been very opinionated. She was never afraid to tell someone how she felt, or that she thought they were wrong. I love that about her. She can be stubborn and bossy at times. I’m an oldest child too- so I get it.

 

She doesn’t like being corrected. Her eyes give her away. And yet, she is always humble enough to admit she was wrong. Though, it may take her a few minutes. I think Scott and I can both relate to that one.

 

She loves people. She respects them. Whether it be her friend, the slow old man walking in front of us, or the purple-haired employee at Old Navy. She “shows no favouritism”- as my kids like to say.

 

She loves God. Above all, I believe she wants to please Him. Whether she is a missionary, a teacher, or “just a Mom”… she is excited about figuring out what God’s will for her life is.

 

May she never lose that excitement.

 

Happy 10th Birthday!

P.S. You are definitely my favourite oldest daughter! ;)