At our house

Creative Cave

2010-09-17T06:08:00.000-07:00

I read a post today that kind of felt like it was fanning the ember's in my heart. You know like when a fire is low but the ember's are still there ready to light up nice and bright all it news is a little fuel and little fanning. Well Jen Lemen has a post up today about what her creative cave looks like and I love it! I don't really have one set mode I go into but I'm going to think about this today and see what I com up with. Maybe I do... but either way I think now is the time to bring about change in a creative way. Time to honor and listen to the gentle and not so gentle nudging of my heart. I wonder what it's saying? I can wait to hear what others creative caves look like.

Thinking out loud

2010-09-16T11:20:00.000-07:00

Today I'm going to pretend that it's only me that reads this and leak out a deeper irrational part of me. The reason that at times I "hold my cards close to the chest". Cause you never know who's peeking over your shoulder, right? kidding;-P

Sometimes I find people listen too closely to what I say. For a moment taking it all in. Wondering how I work, like they are trying to figure me out. Then there's always that moment when the vale lifts and the judgements start. It's inevitable I realize. Part of human nature. But I don't like feeling exposed to that. Making it hard for me to open up and work through my thoughts and feelings. Sometimes I wish people would remember what I've said as 'white noise' as they would be less inclined to remember me as the blathering, erratic, crazy woman who makes them want to shake their head.

I remember when I was younger, I said I wanted to be that eccentric lady old lady who lived at the top of the hill. The one whom people think is just a little off but when it's important they always go to her to work things through. She's the secrets keeper. The safe place to unload. The unconditional love place to be heard, uplifted, work through or just recharge. And I tell ya nothing makes me feel better than being that person... but... sometimes the secrets keeper needs a secrets keeper, kwim? A leaning post. A place that when her heart feels heavy she can just open up. Sift through the crap, weather it real or imagined.

Sometimes it's lonely being the secrets keeper. It makes my heart hurt sometime, both physically and figuratively. Don't get me wrong I'm not wishing I was other than what I am. It is my souls path and it's where I feel like I'm the truest me.

I just wanted to remind people to think about it. Find you secrets keeper and give them a gentle hug, look into the souls of there eyes and smile your acceptance. No words are necessary between souls. Intent will hold that link open and the meaning behind it will flow through.

If you ARE a secrets keeper...

This is my hands gently cupping your face looking passed the outer you the rest of the world sees. Looking deep into you. Acknowledging the Namaste that occurs.

This is me drawing you closer into an embrace. The kind that makes you put your head down on their shoulder and cry if you need to. Because unconditional love is there. You need not be other than what you are. A safe place to just be... right here... right now... just be. Exactly as you are.

This is me whispering in you ear. "It's alright. We are all fallible and sometimes the heart overfloweth... with heart ache. Let it go. I'm here and it's safe. Let it go. Now feel your heart overfloweth... with acceptance, guidance, strength and humility. Love who you are. Because I certainly LOVE who you are"

This is me letting you go to put your hand to my heart and my hand to yours. Be you. It's what the world is waiting for.

Sometimes there needs to be a moment of silence so you can hear what your soul is telling you... what is your soul telling you?

This weeks intentions...

2010-08-30T13:06:00.000-07:00

My goals this week are the same as last week... and that's OK.

-Keep the flylady routines going.

-Make at least two sweaters by Saturday for my etsy shop. I fixed my serger... had to call in re-enforcements though. My mom came and saved the day, AGAIN! Oh right, and again and again! It's been a week of learning for me. Breath in... breath out... relax. That was my mantra last week. I think I could probably build my own serger if I needed to now. Probably even out of tooth picks! AND IT WOULD ROCK, I TELL YOU! Oh wait, sorry, breath in... breath out... relax. Ahhhhhhh, sorry about that. Must still have some residual frustration ;-P

-Surround myself with inspiring words. To help keep the flow going.

-My treat to myself (after I have finished the 2 sweaters) is continue painting my dream board.

-And most of all I need to remember... I am exactly where I'm suppose to be, in a place of "concentrated effort".
My newest creation:-D I'm surprised it finally came together after the Great Serger War;-P

Here is a started collection for my next baby. The picture doesn't do it justice. That variegated purple has some yummy silver-ish yarn in it I can't wait to use it.

And yes that is a Storm Trooper laser gun. It's on lone to me by my 4 year old. Because I have heard from very reliable resources that the rebel alliance is gathering troops and could attack at any moment. It pays to be prepared people, safety first.

And here it is the beginning of my dream board painting. See I wasn't fibbing. I started and everything. This is also a small peek into my art room. Yes, I know it's a mess but I prefer to call it creative genius at work ;-)

This week

2010-08-24T22:45:00.000-07:00

I'm taking an e-course with Lisa at visionary moms and one of the things we are to do was to post what we were doing this week to work towards our dream because as she said A little public accountability goes a long way... Hmmm, so here I am throwing this out there. I know I already kind of wrote this but this is my ACTUAL "to do" list. And I know this doesn't sound like much but trust me when you have 7 children at home with you (summer holidays) "me" time is limited.

This week...

-Keep the flylady routines going. Doing so makes room for so much more in my life. Not just physically but mentally to.

-Make at least two sweaters by Saturday for my etsy shop. This maybe a bigger challenge than first thought as my serger is attempting to commit mutiny... this could get ugly folks. You may want to shield your eyes for this one.

-Surround myself with inspiring words. To help keep the flow going. (In case you didn't know this, Jen Lemen is blogging again! Yes, all is right in the world again!!!!!!!)

-My treat to myself (after I have finished the 2 sweaters) is start painting my dream board. I've already sketched it out and I love it. I hope I can paint what my heart is whispering in my ear. I'm thinking of that TED talk that Elizabeth Gilbert. You know... showing up for the moment anyways. What comes through, comes through... but at least I present and prepared to give it my best.

Remember...
“Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake.” Henry David Thoreau

Being in to moment

2010-08-22T23:00:00.000-07:00

See this picture? This is my 4 year old making a dirt angel. This is what the moment called him to do and it was perfect. I laughed at the silliness of it at first but now that I've had some time to reflect upon it it brings up some surprising things for me.

Why don't I do more of that? No not dirt angels;-P but allowing myself to be swept away in the moment. This next week I am opening myself up to esty and seeing what comes of it, take some time to think on the many insightful this from Jen Lemen, focus on my visionary mom list, do my flylady missions , but most importantly... be in the moment! Let the creative energy flow through me and enjoy where it leads me.

I've stated my intentions, I'm committing to them, now lets see what the universe has in store for me:-D

Todays Inspiration

2010-08-16T12:17:00.000-07:00

What do you do when you find beautiful art? What do you do when your house is full of it and yet you can't stop creating it or collecting it? There is so much out there it's crazy. This afternoon over a cup of tea I found some more I love it and had to share some. I'm new to Monica's blog but I can already tell I'll be there more often. I like finding new pieces (new to me anyways) to look at. It helps to inspire me. What things are inspiring you today?

The story

2010-08-14T20:24:00.000-07:00

Now here's the story that goes with this painting.

The picture is like most pictures from that time, not much expression from the subjects. The small canvas represents looking closer at it as does the writing. You have to look closer to read it. Many things upon closer inspection aren't what the seem. As with this.

These are my great grand parents. My ggma had a rough time before she met my ggpa. She was shuffled around between foster homes. Foster homes at that time weren't what they are today. They were basically work houses for children. The kind of life were my ggma used to wrap her feet in newspaper to work in the fields because she didn't have shoes. (until the day she died if she wasn't in bed she had her shoes on, and NEVER took them off). She didn't see any of her siblings once in those many years. It was a very lonely 9 years. But then she met my ggpa and life got better in so many ways. Even though they were raising their children through the depression, any given night of the week they had 11 or more extra people at there dinner table. They may not have been rich but they were more than willing to share what they had.

They were completely and totally in love and others were drawn to them. But then my ggpa died and without going into specifics life got incredibly difficult again without him. A beautiful story with heartache, bliss and heartbreak.

When I was little I couldn't say great grandma, so I called her "Grandma the Great" And it suck. Everyone called her that, even the ones she wasn't related to. She was such a sweet lady. I miss her a lot. It was nice to do this painting of them and revisit these feelings.

Visionary Mom Habit

2010-08-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

(Jacob making a dirt angel. Sometimes life inspires you to do crazy things. Do it anyways you'll be happier for it:)

My visionarymom habit... to stick to my flylady daily flylist. I don't know why I ever stopped doing it. Life was so much simpler. It didn't just leave me with a cleaner house through out the day (instead of just after 8pm). It left me with more tangible blocks of time. Not just a few minutes here and there riddled with guilt that I should be doing something else. But one of the things I cherished that it offered me was more pondering time. I'm a thinker and LOVE uninterrupted "pondering" time.I don't have to repeatedly think about what's coming next. In turn that makes more room for creative thinking, my most sot after thing. There seemed to be so much more room in my life for fun things. I like fun who doesn't want more of that:-)

My new baby

2010-08-11T20:37:00.001-07:00

Here is my newest piece. It's on a 6x6 canvas, very small. I think that's why I found this picture tricky to take. It say

Too bad
I didn't
know you sooner
Too bad
we weren't there
for each other later.

This post is for alice930

2010-08-06T15:21:00.000-07:00

I know the pictures are a little mickey mouse-ish but bare with me;-) I think this is what you where asking. I hope it helps.

Measure where you want to add material to. Say it was 30 inches around. Now divide that by 2 because that's what you're going to use at the top of the vertical stripes. 30/2=15 Now you know how many stripes you will have, 15.

So with sweater you will have 15 vertical stripes on the skirt, right?
I use 2 inches at the top of the stripe , 5 at the bottom
Remember to add seem allowances so it will be 2 1/2inches at the top and 5 1/2 at the bottom when you cut it out. And maybe 15 inches long.
So the waist will be 30 inches but the flare at the bottom will be 75 inches. Don't be afraid to play with the numbers at the bottom. the higher the number the bigger the flare.
I like the look of the horizontal stripe at the bottom of that. It's also a nice way to add extra length.
Note: - heavier materials can be MUCH harder to work with if you're using a serger.

- make sure you double check your measurements.

I hope that helps :-)

Squish him or bite him?

2010-08-04T16:28:00.000-07:00

Sometimes our children's cuteness sneaks up on us. There I am minding my own business (probably pondering my next attack on the laundry monster or my fear of being one day washed away in our endless sea of shoes) when, bam! Jacob eyes me from down the beach taking pictures and pointedly wanders over and says all shy, "Mama, can I have a kiss?"

Are you kidding me? I wasn't sure weather to squish him or bite him. So I took a picture of us together. Looking at this I think I must have been leaning more towards squish in that moment.

I love how my children can pull me away from a far away brooding place and pull me into a very precious moment. Yesterday was a beautiful day. Thank you Jacob.

Intentions

2010-07-28T08:24:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I swim in the Sea of Tranquility... and other times... the sea, she's a little stormy. So today I thought I'd write down my intentions and hopefully that helps me to stay focused on them.

My intentions for today are:

To sit and reflect for a moment.

Rest in the Now.

Feel gratitude seep through my bones.

Allow my inner calm to flow through me and spillith over.

Remember that I always have a choice when I comes to how I feel about things around me. So keep that in check, making sure they match my intentions.

And lastly but MOST importantly. Use my powers for good and not evil;-)

I got picked again:-)

2010-07-23T08:45:00.000-07:00

YAHOO! I'm on another treasury! Seriously this is turning out to be a marvelous day:-)

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c493200b0706d91d5eafd8e/bring-on-the-apocalypse?index=0

Yesterday I expose myself!

2010-07-23T08:17:00.000-07:00

(my latest painting)
OK, You naughty readers I don't mean literally I mean figuratively. I outed myself on facebook. Sharing with some of the people I know some of the things I dream about. I am REALLY uncomfortable with doing things like that. I don't like people knowing my inner heart. It makes me feel vulnerable. Did I mention I don't like that? I was going to share it here but then thought I could bring it to more peoples attention there. Now that I've done that and realized that the world didn't stop turning while everyone points at me and laughs. I thought I'd share it here to.

Anyone else heard of www.visionarymom.com ? OK, she is doing something really cool right now but you have to put in an application to get picked. So this was mine:

I want to be on a team because I find it hard to stay on task and silence the self negative mind chatter. And having others encouraging me without looking a...t me weird for having "Lofty" dreams. "Our truest life is when we are in our dreams awake" by Henry David Thoreau. I intend to explore and embrace this statement... and see what happens. My dreams are to write a novel, become a yoga master, paint inspirational and emotion provoking art, as well as learn to sing well and play guitar. See, lofty I tell ya, considering I'm starting at square one with each of these;-) But I encourage and comfort myself knowing these are all possible things. And I'm thankful that I don't dream about colonizing Mars... That would be so much more work;-)

What do ya think? Damit, I knew I should have put in "Hurricane chaser!" Come on, who wouldn't want me on there team then. I would have been in for sure then;-)
I forgot to add my BIGGEST dream of all financial freedom so I can travel all over WITHOUT guilt! I even had a dream about it last night and had to rush off an email to to add it.

So there you have it. If any of you mama's haven't checked out Visionary Mom yet DO IT! You'll be thankful you did.

The day of a content soul

2010-07-19T08:47:00.000-07:00

When paddles abandon you what else is a person to do?

My littlest boys... it's hard to get enough of them:-) The water was so nice and warm even I spent most of the time in it.

Pure contentment. Sun, warmth, a sandy beach, many friends... and a yummy carrot. Bliss.

After some time at the lake with friends we went to a bbq with my mom and family. Laughed lots and ate WAY too much. Came home, cleaned up and snuggled into bed very happy with sun kissed skin, full bellies and content souls. These are the days memories are made from.

In a rushed life sometimes it's hard to switch gears and slow down. But when I make my feet still for a moment, close my eyes and take that deep breath, I am always thankful I did so when I open my eyes again.

Me on Etsy!

2010-07-16T08:17:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it! I only just opened my etsy shop yesterday afternoon and by the evening I was already featured on a treasury. Go me! lol. I'm loving this new experience and can't wait to see where this adventure leads me.

I've finally found an outlet where I can share my creations with others. (trust me I'm doing a happy dance here:-)
Here's the description I put with it.

Description

This beautiful sweater is wearable art. It's warm, functional and totally inspiring. Like wearing a gypsy blanket.It's made from upcycled sweaters which I carefully reconstruct into these tantalizing Gypsy Travellers Coats.

It fits medium to large with a deep elvish hood. Just begging to be unleashed into the world and to follow you on many an adventure.

Many blessing to you in your life and travels,
Michelle

Well there you have it. Let the creations begging to flow:-)

Visionary Mom

2010-07-13T08:39:00.000-07:00

Ok here I come Visionary Mom. I maybe a tough nut to crack with doubt and self loathing my companions. But come hell or high water, I'm here and present... Lets do this!

Now what dream do I want to work on? So many choices... I think I'll have to think about it for a moment.

Haiti

2010-01-14T10:41:00.000-08:00

Haiti has had my heart for a long time. I am heart broken with what has happen. As if they need one more thing to make life ruff for them. But this earth quake is over the top. I urge EVERYONE to do something! Anything! If you can't donate money then your time. If you can't donate time the thought and prayers. See there is room for EVERYONE to do something every a small something. It all adds up.

Here are some ideas: Red Cross, Doctors without Borders, and one dear to me Answered Prayers. Answered Prayers is a non profit organization. They help run 3 orphanages. Answered Prayers is run by a Board of Directors and they are all volunteers so 98-100% of the donations go directly towards projects in Haiti.

Remember to take a moment to think about if that was your family there. Your mother, your father, your best friend your children. There's not much you wouldn't do to help them, right.

A bucket full of cuteness

2009-11-17T11:16:00.000-08:00

I think I woke up one morning recently and thought to myself, "You know what I want more than anything in the whole world?... I want to clean up more poop! Yup nothing would make me happier." And so I acted on that thought and got us 2 new kitties.

So now we have "Mama Mia" our Australian Sheppard. The best dog ever made. Nope, your wrong! I have the best dog ever;-P Then there's "Naughty Nelly" her 9 week old puppy. She's CUTE with a capital "C". And our kitties Sosha and Genvieve "Genny".

So there you have it, a bucket full of cuteness and a truck load of poop;-)
But in my defense I was just fresh over being sick with a nasty flu bug (as where 7 of the 9 of us in this house) and may possibly still have been delirious;-)

Funny thing a few of the kids said to me "I didn't realize how much I missed having a cat around until now."And Kevin is always happy when there's a cat around, lol.

So life is good and as loud and busy as ever.

Graditude Journal #1

2009-10-20T22:22:00.000-07:00

I am thankful for all the beauty around me that helps to inspire me and to lift me up when I'm feeling overwhelmed.

I am thankful for my new runners that help me run more safely and more comfortably.

I am thankful for my new sports bra. It rocks!

I am thankful for my new running pants and socks. They help me feel like a real runner;-)

And when I put on My Blue MEC jacket, my thin grey shirt, my new sports bra, my new running pants, new running socks, and my new runners, it's like putting on a uniform. It makes me feel more serious. I like it. It's a great motivator when you feel like you you great:-) And for that I am VERY thankful.

I am thankful for coolrunning.com for helping take this new adventure one bite size piece at a time.

I am thankful for fatfreevegan.com for teaching me these health changes can be easy, simple steps on at a time. one meal at a time.

I am thankful for my amazing husband who "unknowingly" encouraged me to "just do it".

I am thankful for Jen Lemen and the inspiring way she lives her life.

I am thankful for being inspired to "do something hard every now and then".

I am thankful for my brother Patrick for being a great example... by simple being himself.

I am thankful for my beautiful little children for cheering my on like I'm a super hero. I love you guys:-)

These are just some of the things I am thankful for this evening.

Come and take a look see

2009-09-27T21:56:00.000-07:00

If you guys will take a moment and look to your left hand side of the screen you'll noticed I've changed some of the blogs I read some of them are pretty amazing like Katie and Maggie. And then there's the ever cool Rae. Shutter Sisters and Stephanie Roberts need no introduction their conection with Jen Lemen makes sense. Hope you guys enjoy these.

I am so weak!

2009-09-27T21:29:00.000-07:00

All right, I give in to the sage advice from "Legs". I'm not going to give up coffee. I'm going to embrace it. Especially after trying this Vanilla Coffee creamer recipe from Alicia.
Yumm! But now what? This whole peaceful existing, inner calm, living the zen life is out the window. Unless there is some trick someone can teach me to doing my yoga while being all cracked out on caffeine. I am finding many of the poses challenging now. The crane pose when your all jittery is a nose bleed waiting to happen. hmmm... maybe coffee isn't my best friend...
coffee... yoga... coffee... yoga... hmm...
Vinyasa shm-inyasa! Aw screw it give me my frigin crack... um I mean coffee;-P

Ramblings from the coffee deprived...

2009-09-23T21:36:00.000-07:00

Anyone miss summer as much as I do? I am one of these strange people who LOVES rainy days, but come on enough already. Just give me a few nice ones in a row. Ahhh gad!

Any coffee freaks out there? Ya you know who I'm talking to. You know when you wake up in the morning, your fumbling around with the coffee pot and cursing your self for not getting it ready the night before. Come on I can't be the only one who does that. You then shuffle over the the sink to get the water and proceed to some how get water up you sleeve (still not sure how that happened) Nothing like cold water in the morning to put a skip in your step... or maybe naughty words in you mouth;-) Shuffle back to the coffee pot and spill water from that stupid dribbly pot on to the bills and cookies beside it. Cause that's how you like your important papers and yummy cookies...water logged. You pause and take a deep breath. Mumble something incoherent because really that's all that comes out before that first cup of the day. Then you go and sit in your favourite chair waiting with that some glazed over look until you notice that's not the coffee a brewin' you smell but... ... no... your kidding right? Come on Universe are you kidding me?... Great!... That is the smell of dog poop. Good morning world. ARG!

Calm now, you tell yourself, be calm. You clean up said mess and and relax for a moment. Then you notice something else. Mmmm, it's ready. You rap your hands around that cup and feel the warmth travel up your hands almost like a big cuddly hug. You take in a deep breath and think to yourself, "yup I think this is probably what it smells like in heaven" There may have been angels singing I can't be certain though;-) Perfection in a cup. mmmmmm

Now considering how beautifully that trying morning went, why am I trying to give up coffee. Crazy talk I tell you.

War has broken out at crazy acres!

2009-08-29T12:51:00.000-07:00

There are casualty Jacob was one of the first.

But Seth is holding his ground.

No worries. Blake will save the wounded... or at least Beau awyways. Then he'll have to rest his acking back, lol.

Big brothers are awesome and the y make games so much more fun:-)

Tap, tap, tap... is this thing on?

2009-08-28T13:41:00.000-07:00

Been gone for a lone time. Did ya miss me? I know, I know life just wasn't the same without my incoherent babbling. Well I'll try harder to at least keep the blathering to a consistent basis;-)
Here are some of the things going on around here.
this kids trying to crack the code on Dad's brief case too bad they don't know that there's no candy in there only beer and wine making books.

See the resemblance? I'm not sure why the picture has blue ear lobes though. Must be some sort of artistic interpretation;-)

Here they are working on Dad's Happy Birthday picture.

Here's me pretending to be a gardener. and Liam is looking at Kevin saying,"This is good dirt Dad. You should try some."

And a little bit of random cuteness Jacob and E the inseparable pair.

cookies...mmmmmm

2009-01-29T11:55:00.000-08:00

Is anyone going through Christmas cookie withdrawals or is it just me? I will be strong, I will be strong I will be strong... crap. I can feel my new years resolution crumbling. Lucky for me I'm feeling lazy today and don't have the energy to make some;-) I guess I'm safe... for now.

Guitar Hero

2008-12-30T13:48:00.000-08:00

Here's to rockin' it out old school... or is that new school? Last night we had a guitar hero throw down. It was alot of fun and even dh got into it.Showing those young bucks how it's done (aka the teenage boys of the house and some of their friends). ROFL! She he did, lol. It was quite the sight. Thanks Uncle Pat for the great gifts:-)

Next Generation Cookie Slaves

2008-12-29T09:27:00.000-08:00

Here are some older pictures from our x-mas baking DAYS! Yes that's right I said 'days'. we're are still enjoying the fruits of our labour.
Did your mom ever enlist you to be one of her cookie slaves at Christmas? Well this year I enlisted the help of the grand-pumba of cookie slave managers... My mom. Strangely enough my children never say no to her. She can say, " Go out to the garden and dig a trench, dump the compost in it, cover it up, pat your head and rub your tummy, turn in a clockwise circle three times and then do the hokey-pokey." Their answer is always "Yes Nana". Can you believe that? Secretly I think shes a voodoo priestess and has a spell on them. I know, I know, I was thinking the same thing. It's the only logical explanation.
Poor boy. He seems to think the cookie marathon is fun. don't worry J we'll get you help;-)

Be and J making candy cane cookies... mmmmm.

Nana N and J making Mocha smartie cookies. Notice the ingredients on every counter? Hurricane Nana. Thanks for the help with the baking mom and with your mind control. Don't worry I won't judge you for it. Whatever works, I always say;-)

Why I just love 4 year olds

2008-12-28T21:39:00.000-08:00

4 year olds say the funniest things. We were listening to some music and N said to me "Mama doesn't this music just make your face want to groove?"
Indeed it does N, indeed it does, lol.

My mommy is the bestest

2008-12-05T23:37:00.000-08:00

See what my mom helped me make? I love it! I've never made a wreath before and this is what she through together for me after a little persuading... as only an annoying child can do.

Me: "Please, moooooommmmmmm? Come on. Please? Please?Please

Mom: Oh for the love of god, HERE!

she rocks... even when I annoy her into it;-P

She had surgery done on her hand and had to take some time off work and got roped into showing me her Christmas secrets... I mean, doing some bonding time while doing some Christmas baking;-)

Bloggers

2008-11-11T21:09:00.000-08:00

I love finding out what some of my favorite bloggers are reading so in that spirit I'll share a few of my recent obsessions... um, I mean favorites;-)

Jen Lemen She inspires me with every post. Some people were just born to write.

Chris the always funny.

Dawn the blog everyone is already reading. There's always something funny going on there.

Mary She's a well traveled adoptive mom to many that I just plain old enjoy.

So there's some of them, what are you reading?

Got Him!!!!!

2008-11-06T15:00:00.000-08:00

Let's take a moment of silents for Bob the mouse... This afternoon I was walking down the hallway and saw the little bugger sneaking back into my room. Since there is no food in there what the heck keeps drawing him in there... an escape root! So I guess I must have had the trap in the wrong place because after moving it, I checked it one hour later and guess who was there. Now before we all rejoice at my prowess my mouse expert informed me that where there's one there's usually more. So wish my luck as I hold my breath and hope it's all over now. Crap, I'm already getting lightheaded, I'll just 'hope' for the best then;-)

BOO!!

2008-11-04T21:53:00.000-08:00

Ya, I know I'm a little late on the draw but better late than never right? So here they are all ready to go out into the cold rainy night. That actually turned out not too bad. It was warmer than I thought it was going to be and we went to a friends place to watch fireworks afterwards.

Witch (Taiya), Darth Vader (Seth), Shorter Darth Vader 'wanta be', who was suppose to be a VERY cute Winny the pooh but refused about 5 minutes before it was time to go out (Jacob the stubborn), Fairy Princess (Namastae), Dad dressed warmly (Kevin), Mickey Mouse (Liam).
Funny thing about Liam's costume, Blake, Beau, Seth and Jacob all wore it their first Halloweens.

And these are their works of art.

Zombie (Beau). He scared a lot of little kids with this one... even our dog was scared of him, lol.

And the one I'm most proud of...not. The crack addict (Blake). You can't tell in this picture but he has a fare bit of make-up on his face.

Day one

2008-11-04T10:40:00.000-08:00

In the pursuit for "good health for the lazy person" I have borrowed my mom's juicer(...2 weeks ago,lol) and this morning decided to give it a try. So this is the first day on the way to a healthier me. Here is what I through together:
2 carrots
2 stalks of celery
1 apple
1 tsp lemon juice
1 piece ginger (about one inch square)
and a hand full of spinach
I was surprisingly delicious and fresh tasting ,lol. Next on my list... the mastery of only eating ONE donut;-P

Hmm interesting...

2008-10-28T23:13:00.000-07:00

Remember I was just talking about the universe putting certain motivational things in my path right now? Just guess what post was up on Jen's blog today?
What is the universe putting in your path?

Mother Teresa

2008-10-28T23:02:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite pictures of her. I love how she is cradling this baby.
If I could live my life with even half of the passion and conviction she did hers I'd be at peace with my life. The way she lived her life with no excuses. She knows what the right thing to do was and she did it. NO excuses. Talk about living with integrity. She is one of many people I look up to and strive to live with as much commitment to my beliefs as she did hers.
My favorite poem is "Anyways" by Kent M. Keith. It is my compass and reminds me of where peace is... for me.

Mother Teresa's Anyway Poem

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered;

Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;

Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;

Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;

Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;

Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;

Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;

Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;

Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God;

It was never between you and them anyway.

[Reportedly inscribed on the wall of Mother Teresa's children's home in Calcutta, and attributed to her. However, an article in the New York Times has since reported (March 8, 2002) that the original version of this poem was written by Kent M. Keith.]

The Power of Believing

2008-10-28T21:46:00.000-07:00

Ok I stole the picture from Amazon so ignore the "Click to look inside" part.

I have to share an epiphany I just had after reading some more from Jenny McCarthy's "Mother Warriors" book. In Chapter 20 She talks about "the power of believing" and making "the decision" to do biomedical treatments with her son. This chapter really speaks to me right now (metaphorically speaking). I really want to make some changes in my life and I've wanted to make them for a long time but I waver and don't always stick to my choices. But right now I really feel is the time to move forward. It's like the universe keeps putting thing's like this chapter in my path to help keep me motivated.

Chapter 20

"...if you are determined to heal your child and all of your focus is toward that goal, then your path will be with those who have recovered their children. Nowhere else. There is no second-guessing in this direction. There is no trying the diet halfway in this direction. There are NO excuses in this direction. I've seen families with six children incorporate the diet into their lifestyle. There is only focus, determination, faith, and a clear vision of the best possible outcome for the child.

The time is now to help our kids. Now. ...."

This reminds me that where there's a will there's a way and if they can commit to making these huge challenging changes in there lives, then for crying out loud why am I sitting here whining. I guess I have my wish bone where my back bone should be. (Yup, I read "Eat, Pray, Love". Good book)

She then goes on to talking about visualization and the Law of attraction.

"So take a look at your thoughts now. Are they negative? Are you second-guessing the possibilities? Or do you have that surge of hope and faith that your child, too, can be healed and get better? That's where you need to stay. That's where you need to keep that dial pointed, in this direction. Because the universe has no other choice than to make that your reality."

Like Gandhi says, "Be the change you wish to see in the world".

I'm ready to take the leap into the unknown. Wish me luck guys cause here I go...

A shout out to all my homies

2008-10-27T00:17:00.000-07:00

I love finding out where my readers are from and here is some
Belgium (Lochristi, Oost-Vlaanderen)
Finland (Oulu)
Australia
United Kingdom
ALL over the US and Canada (too many to name)
Hope you've enjoyed your visit here?

It's go time BOB!!! You're little mouse days are numbered!!

2008-10-26T23:34:00.000-07:00

Ya scared yet Bob? Ya see that picture? Those are mouse ka'bob's. That's what's going to happen to you if you don't stay away from my dh! There are certain lines you don't cross and sneaking around in my bed with my husband is one of them.

Kevin was having a nap and I thought I'd sneak in and grab my sweater and who do you think I saw...? That's right my NEMESIS...Bob! That big fat mouse ran out from under my bed and into our bathroom. Did you hear what I just said?!? MY FREAKING BED!!!

me: "AAAHHH!"
Kevin: "What ? what's going on?" he asks all slow and groggy from sleep.
me: "That's mouse just ran out from under our bed. But he got away."
Kevin: "Hmm... do you want me to get a gun?" he asks me with one eye open.
me: "Very funny, babe. It may come to that though."

I thought I'd fix this and bring in my Big cat. You know to get all crazy and chew up the mouse. But did that happen? oh no. He comes in, goes exactly to where the mouse was, sniffs around and casualy looks up at me as if to say, "Yup you're right. There was a mouse in here. I think I'll go take a nap." and walks off.

Ok so now the mouse and my dh are laughing at me and my reactions and my cat couldn't care less. That's it Bob you're turning my family against me. The gloves are coming off, It's go time!

Got to act fast!

2008-10-23T12:00:00.001-07:00

Before this happens! And I end up with even more mice laughing at me.

I have a new nemisis.

2008-10-23T10:16:00.000-07:00

OK, a couple of days ago I'm on the phone with my friend (who shall not be named as I'm not the kind of person who goes around slandering others;-) and she's telling me about this horrible mouse problem she's having. Being the good friend that I am I say, "Don't worry about it. You'll get the problem under control before you know it. Relax, it's no biggy..." Blah, blah, blah. You get what I mean. Then I go on to say, "we've been luck and haven't had any problems with them..."

Well low and behold, in the mids of said conversation, I get my first introduction to my new Nemesis we'll call him Bob. (since all arch enemy's need a name, right?) A Mouse! A freaking Mouse! Can you believe that?

"That's it 'friend' I'm not taking to you anymore! You're bringing me bad luck!" Ok maybe she didn't give me bad luck but come on, that was a little weird don't you think? ...Maybe mice are contagious, you know like a cold or flu. Yup, that's what I thought no matter how Bob got here it's my friend's fault. I won't hold it against her though and damaging her good name by pointing fingers *cough, cough, Sarah*

So under my kitchen table Bob slowly saunters across to floor. No kidding the jerk sauntered!! Not a fearful bone in his little body. So now I'm thinking he either he has rabies or he knows the truth about me. I'm a wimpy, mouse fearing, coward, who might actually throw up if forced to do something that involves getting too close. Dead or alive it makes no difference, he still yields such power over me... please be rabies, please be rabies, please be rabies. Ugh, no such luck. Someone told him the truth and now he is wandering my house proud as can be. Giving me a snooty snub every once in a while. I'm pretty sure he looks at me an says, "Whatever." and struts off.

You know the worst part? I think my big brave tom cat is his partner. (we've been keeping him outside). KC probably caught him one night and said, "Here's the deal, you go in there, run around for a bit. They'll be begging to have me back in there and I'll let you live.". You're a clever one KC.

So contrary to my sage advice a give to my friend, I am freaking out. And now prone to out bursts."I HATE YOU BOB!!" I shout at him shaking my fist, "One day soon I'm going to get a backbone and get you where you sleep! ...or under my table... or in my bowl of Captain Crunch! whatever you know what I'm trying to say! Just watch your back!"

I think the children I starting to worry about me.

Wet

2008-10-22T07:45:00.000-07:00

I't raining, it's poring the old man is... hoping the neighbours come and resuce him with a boot before he gets washed away in the newly formed river flowing river down his driveway and into the lake that was once his backyard.

Gees, I'd hate to be that old man...oh wait I am;-P It's crazy wet here this morning. If the mood strikes you, please think "dry" thoughts for me... because I think I'm sprouting mold;-)

A great idea

2008-10-21T13:45:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite bloggers Jen has encouraged others to write 6 impossible things that we are practicing believing so here are some of my. maybe I should put these on a dream board:-)

1. I can write a book. (Sorry for stealing that one Jen but it's a great idea)
2. I can clear out my internal and external clutter as peace seems easier you I'm not standing in my own way .
3. I can fallow to lessons of Flylady and stick with them.
4. I can be the person that inspires thought and internal reflection in others. (or if nothing else a good laugh;-)
5. I can create a peaceful, healthy, happy, home my family and friends love to be in.
6. I can see the greatness in others and remember that they are a reflection of myself.

Taking the leap...

2008-10-20T22:01:00.000-07:00

OK I finally did it... I am on the verge of something that takes alot of courage... I buy some cloth diapers and await them to magically appear in my mail box. Crazy talk I know, because I don't have enough things demanding my time. I thought I'd a one more thing to the list,lol. My poor little Liam has a sensitive bottom and I need to make this change... Pray for me. jk

I often wonder how women did things way back when and realize how spoiled we are and how whinny I am. Can you imagine what it must have been like, no dishwasher, no washing machine, no drive thru's. Chop you're own wood, grow and can most of the food your family eats. No running out to the corner store because you forgot something or just don't have the energy to plan and cook a meal from scratch. Oh, come on you know we all have days like that.
Anyways, it gets a person thinking... other persons, not me though;-) Like on days that ya got the sniffles and just didn't get a great sleep the night before, it's rainy outside and you'd love nothing more than snuggling up in bed with a good book, and a cup of hot chocolate and order "delivery". Can you imagine that not even being an option?

I guess I'll try to remember that and keep complaining to a minimum. And you'll have to promise to try and ignore the crazy babbling lady in the corner... maybe half buried in laundry waiting to be folded;-)

Quality family time

2008-10-18T21:36:00.000-07:00

Kevin let me sleep in this morning and when I got up this is what I saw. My dh spending quality time with ALL his children. (You can't see them all in this picture but trust me they're there) I guess nothing brings us all together like watching Dad kick butt in the computer realm. Early morning gamers unite!-)

Liam

2008-10-18T21:28:00.000-07:00

Holy Cuteness Batman!! So sweet I could eat him up;-) Just me? I am I the only one that gobbles up cute children? Hmmm, maybe I shouldn't addmit to it then;-)

My newest book...

2008-10-14T21:42:00.000-07:00

"Mother Warriors" by Jenny McCarthy...
I have to say I'm really enjoying this book. Even though I don't have an Autistic child, this is a touching an inspiring book. I'm only about half way through it though.
So many good books so little time. Next I hope to finish "Einstein" by Walter Isaacson. Another interesting read. And then "Eating Alive II" by Dr. Matsen. But I have to say, "A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle has been my favourite read this year. Anyone have any must read's of or for this year?

Here he is!

2008-10-11T14:51:00.000-07:00

Liam Patrick

Sept. 3, 2008

7lb 12oz

20 1/2 inches

I know, I know a month late. But better late than never right?

Another insane labour, maybe I'll tell you about it one day, lol. The short version is it was one hour long from first contraction to birth, ugh! I don't recommend short labours, they suck.

All is well around here, getting back to normal. Another easy going baby. Yes, I know I'm very luck:-) Don't worry everybody we'll change all that. He'll be loud and rowdy like the rest of them in no time;-)

Prices

2008-10-09T12:29:00.000-07:00

Owlhaven put up a very interesting link up on her blog to ET at Titus 2:3-5. It was is interesting to hear what others are paying for gas and grocries so I thought I'd throw some numbers out there.

After going through some old receits I had I was surprized to see how much prices have gone up in the last few months. I don't have all the prices figured out but this is what I have so far.

So, in northern BC...

Gas - $1.269 per litre Canadian (or $4.19 per gallon US)

Milk: $4.19/ gallon (3.66 us)

Eggs -$2.49/ dozen (2.17 us)

10lbs potatoes -$3.99 (3.48us)

Apples -$1.29/lb (1.13 us)

Oranges–

Bananas- $.66/lb (.57 us)

12 oz salad greens- $3.48 (3.04 us)

Cucumber-3 for $3.98 (3.47 us)

Tomatoes-

Carrots- $3.49 for a 2lb bag (we buy organic baby carrots) (3.04 us)

Ground beef-

Chicken– boneless skinless - $4.49 lb (3.92 us)

Pork chops– $4.99lb (4.36 us)

Ham-

Roast beef- $2.99 lb (2.61 us)

Cheese-$9.97 for 907kg (2lb) of medium cheddar (8.70 us),

$4.48 for 400g (1lb)grated pizza mix cheese (3.92 us)

1 lb of butter- $3.45 (3.03 us)

box of mac and cheese like KD–

pkg of cookies like Oreos- maybe $4 (canadian)? I don't buy them very often.

can of beans

can of tomatoes–

pkg of pasta–

pkg of frozen veggies like peas or corn-$2.47 for 2 lb (2.16 us)

tin of coffee- $7.99 for 2 lb (6.97 us) not great coffee but not bad coffee

12 double roll toilet paper- $6.99 (6.10 us)

Some extras I thought I'd throw in here are...

Flour - 5kg (11 lb) $6.98 (6.09 us)

white sugar - 4kg (8.8 lb) $3.89(3.40 us)

Tuna - 170g (6oz) $1.49 (1.30 us)

The search for the perfect bug killer

2008-04-07T14:43:00.001-07:00

Is anyone as excited about spring as much as I am? Now If I could just do something about those flying wee beasties. Those blood thirst savages drive me to the brink of insanity. Their buzzing around my head after they have come into the house (uninvited I might add) at night pushes me over the edge.
And so on that note I begin my search for the ultimate killing machine begins. Feel free to add your two bits here.

Lost in Translation

2007-12-12T13:11:00.000-08:00

You know, any home with children in it can be noisy at times. Especially just before dinner time when someone is watching TV, and another 2 or 3 are chasing each other around, the dishwasher is on, etc., etc.
Well B came up to me last night and said, "I'm hungry mom. What's for dinner?"
"I'm making beef pot pie." I say.
Then from across the room S yells, "What's Butt Got Eye?"
"No Beef Pot Pie!" B and I yell back.
S looking confused said, "What's Butt Wrought Guy?"

B and I laughed for a really long time over that one.

But I'll miss you

2007-10-16T14:02:00.000-07:00

Poor S. He is having a hard time right now. He loved going to school and now it's become this big drama fest, crying, attaching himself to the fence along way, rapping his arms around me with a Vulcan death grip, all the while sobbing, "But I'll miss you, mom!" Talk about heart breaking. He's doing better today though. Only a few tears. Thankfully his teacher is great with him and is good at being gentle yet firm. That seems to be working... But I tell ya, I have yet to have gone through this until now. Bl, B and T all loved school from the very start so I kind of felt side-swiped by this. On a brighter when I pick him up at the end of the day all seems to be well so we'll keep plugging away at it I guess. Wish the poor guy luck:-)

Frogs don't say ribbit!

2007-10-13T14:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday N and I were painting a master piece. We were in silent concentration when N looked at her picture and said "Frig it!"
Surprised by her use of (or what I thought was) my carefully disguised swear word. I said, "Pardon me?"
"I'm drawing a frog." she says
"Hmm, I thought frogs say ribbit." Notice how I slyly try to get her to say something else?... no dice.
She rolled her eyes at me and said, "No, frogs say frigit!"
"Are you sure about that?" another masterful attempt at diversion.
Again with the eye roll thing. then she proceeds to say slowly as if she were talking to the village idiot, "No, Mama. Frogs say FRIGIT!"
I stand corrected by my 3 year old and in case all these years you were wrong to, Frogs don't say ribbit.

Someone is growing up

2007-10-11T22:26:00.000-07:00

Can you beleive Bl is almost 14? crikey Saying that makes me feel old,lol.
B after a crash on J's toy... Dad was racing him down the hall with it. Yup boys never grow up;-)
This picture speaks volumes about J. He's all about trucks and cars.
S you have the most infectious giggles around. Even when you've told us your joke for the 40th time we still can't help but laugh:-)

Sisters

2007-10-11T21:57:00.000-07:00

T-9, N-3. You know you've got a good sister when she'll carry you on her back just because you asked her to. These two are so completely different. T is tall for her age and N is very small for her age. N is brave and active, T is cautious and relaxed and they are the best of friends. I can't wait to see them as grown ups. Nothing warms a mama's heart like watching her children really enjoy each others company:-)

My boys!

2007-09-17T19:33:00.000-07:00

B and K.C.
S getting ready to go to school on his very first day of kindergarden.
S just can't stop smiling. It must be the thought of meeting all those new friends.
My baby J, what a cutie.
Bl cooking dinner for the family. Got to love that:-)

Some of the cute things found At our house

2007-09-17T19:24:00.000-07:00

T-9 and N-3

our new kitty K.C.

N, what a ham.

Bl the movie maker

2007-09-17T19:04:00.000-07:00

Bl put together this little video of him and some other Ju Jitsu students and yup that's my baby in the arm bar. make me a little sick watching that part but the rest is pretty good.

boo!

2007-09-17T18:23:00.000-07:00

Guess who? no it's me silly. Yes I know this blog has been feeling a little abandoned but here I am again with an update in the insanity which is my life;-) Well July was full of summer/busy/kids taxiing blah, blah, blah. August we moved into our rental so that month was full of unpacking (remember our stuff was in storage for 5 months at that point). It's been a little like Christmas for the kids, lol.
Quite an undertaking, I might add as this place is half the size of our old house so I quite literally have to get rid of half our stuff. At first the thrift store was happy to see the donations coming in but then they seemed to start looking at me odd. probably thinking "Geesh, where is the end of this ladies stuff? Either she's a a hoarder who has jumped on the Flylady band wagon or she's REALLY mad at her family." ...the could have been looking at me funny because I was arriving at the butt crack of dawn unloading the goods like I'm some thief in the night trying to get rid of the evidence... which might be partly true... what they don't notice won't hurt them much, right? oh don't scoff at me like you've never done it. And come on, how many old broken mcdonalds toys and hot wheels without any actual wheels does one sane family need... don't ask just trust me it was a lot of trips to the dump to.
On a brighter note, my life feels much lighter and we are all moved in...
On a darker note, I just heard from the owners that they are putting the place up for sale. One might think I raised my fist to the sky and shouted "FOR THE LOVE OF PETE! CAN'T YOU JUST THROW ME A FREAKIN' BONE HERE?" Well I didn't. I wished them success in this next part in their lives and not to worry about us as I'm sure something will work out.... then I hung up the phone and found a cold pack to put on the newly developed twitch in my eye.
Don't you wish you were me? No? not even a little? oh well, at least my life is always interesting;-P

On top of the world

2007-06-08T21:14:00.000-07:00

Yup there's my noble steed, A.K.A. the new shagin' wagin'. Our 2006 12 passenger clubwagon... isn't she beautiful? I just love it!

I just wanted to show everyone the we and our stuff will be fine as we are on top of the world there. the water reaching us is extremely unlikely. so there you have it, our temporary abode. no you don't new a new address to send me letters, just send it to the old one I have everything being sent to a post office box until we get our house.

down the road

2007-06-07T12:09:00.000-07:00

I took these pictures of this is a house just down the road from me. Heart breaking, eh? If you want to see what it really looks like around here go to www.cftktv.com

Whattheheck?!?

2007-06-07T12:05:00.000-07:00

I don't know what's going on, lol. I've kind of learned to just roll with it when it comes to my life ;-)
We have an apt. in Queensway and that's under "evacuation notice" not "evacuation order". Which means we don't have to leave yet but be ready to leave within a 1 hour notice when given. And I am definitely ready. I'm spending the night at my mom's and spending the days at the apt. but my cell phone is always with me so that is the best way to get ahold of me... or leave a message with my mom.
It's a little nutty around here with the roads all cut off. I went shopping yesterday and saw a woman with 8 gallons of milk (i happened to know who she is... she has a small family) what the heck is she thinking? then right after that I saw someone else with two carts of bread!!!!! come on buy a bag of flour. there is almost nowhere to buy water. again people use your head we can always boil and filter our water if it ever came to that (like Vancouver was doing) People are acting as if we will be cut off from the rest of the world for months. when it is likely only a few days to a week. but even if it goes a bit longer, if no one panics then we'll be fine... but you know how mob mentality works.
As for us we are fine, enjoying some family time and fun distractions like playing at Nana's, going to the swimming pool and other things.
There was an active logging road that people where using for emergencies (not me thank you. it's one lane logging road with logging trucks using it and I don't have a radio thingy in my van to know who's coming or going- silly me;-)
The water won't get to where we are staying but if it gets any higher we won't be able to go anywhere as the two road in and out of Queensway are close to the river my become impassable. Hence why I'm staying at my mom's at night.

Fludd ;-)

2007-06-07T11:44:00.001-07:00

the first picture was taken at fishermans park on Kalum river, june 5 the second picture was taken june 6 not 24 hours later the third picture is taken from on the other side of the river. obviously that side was not faring as well. the forth picture was taken at the entrance and I laughed my butt off.

About freakin time!!!

2007-06-07T11:29:00.000-07:00

Holly super security batman! I finally figured out what my ultra top secret password was. whew! The fate of the world hung in the balance for a moment there.
Lots has happened since I last posted and I don't really have time to fill in the gaps at the moment. I know, I know the suspense is killing you but your just going to have to wait, lol. I have been getting a lot of people asking how things are going around here with the floods, road closures and all round basic insanity. Well... I'll let you know with the next post ;-P

Hits?!?!

2007-01-20T22:15:00.000-08:00

I have had the most unusual hits on my site from United Arabian Empire, Egypt, Australia, Sweden, England.... WHY do I have so may lurkers???? not that I have a problem with that *twitch, twitch* it's very interesting to me that there are so many people out there like me that have a daily ritual of checking their "sites", and they look but don't touch... I mean comment. Why are they so many jerks out there... like me, lol. Joking, I comment... once in a while;-P

Quick, push him over!!!

2007-01-17T22:21:00.000-08:00

We can't have him growing up too fast now can we. Bl and B are helping J walk back and forth between them. Everyone was laughing, clapping, cheering so much I am surprised any walking got done at all. J just loved all the help in aquiring this new skill.
His first steps where taking December 8th. The day he turned 9 months old. One really cool thing about it was that my Dad and his girlfriend where hear for a sort visit and got to witness the great event:-)
...and now he his 10 months old and tring to wobbly run anywhere he can. Not always having any real destination just enjoying the run. Way too cute:-)

Christmas Mountain!

2007-01-17T22:12:00.000-08:00

Yup this was Christmas at our house... Before Santa came to town. We almost had to call out the search party when little ones where out of sight for too long.
I found this pic and just had to share it with you.

Saftey first!!!

2007-01-12T21:19:00.000-08:00

"Hey Michelle guess what we did at work today"

Ugh! Don't worry that's not Kevin's truck going flying into the "pit of terror"! ... I mean little gully.
Kevin wanted to take my camara to work with him to show us what he does all day long... oh wait, I changed my mind I think I don't want to know;-P
You know ,I was so sure that those 14 hours day he was at the salon painting his nails. Oh, no ,wait. That's me. rofl
Oh man, that was a good one... hmm, maybe you have to be a mom oh many to find that funny;-)

Hi-ya Ju Jitsu chop!

2006-12-20T13:34:00.000-08:00

If anyone got that text message on their cell phone that would be my silly husband. He sent it to some poor soul by accident. They were probably wondering who this lunatic message was from.

Well, Bl and B had their Ju Jitsu tournament at the end of November but I just never got around to sharing about it.
Bl looking all sweaty after a great match. Bl did really well in this tournament. One of his shining moments was he used a sub-mission and the person tapped out. Which means automatic win and everyone clapped and cheered... but did his mother see it?!? NO, for crying out loud!!! I had taken the little guys home early as being at the gym all day was a bit much, they were tired and I was trying to avert disaster. Well that's the last time I do that;-)
B finally looking my direction so I can get a picture that I can actually see him in. for some reason most of the ones we took of him are all action ones. Great pictures but unless you were there it's hard to tell who is who. He didn't a great job this tournament, it's a shame he didn't get more metals to prove it but it was really neat to watch it all coming together for him (learning sub-mission hold and trying to us them)
They had quite the cheering section Nana, Grandma, Auntie N, Uncle M, and their two cousins. All in all it was a good time had by everyone... But next time I'm bringing slippers no matter how silly I look.

Kissing cousins!?!

2006-12-20T13:25:00.000-08:00

Well, ok, maybe they aren't cousins but something tells me this is alittle too much curiousity for this cat. This picture was taken about 45mins from wear I live. Is it just me or is there so strange things going on with our local wildlife.

Having fun the bear way:-)

2006-12-20T13:17:00.000-08:00

Can you believe this picture? This was taken near where I live. There are 4 bears on the this playgroud set, a mama and three cubs. The owner had just finished putting it together and the next morning they looked out their window to see this!!!! We'll I guess you know you've done a good job when you when even the local wild life just can resist.

Merry Christmas

2006-12-19T14:14:00.000-08:00

Here they all are! I can't believe I rangled them together. It was a loosing battle to get everyone to smile, look at me, stop with the silly faces, get back here... The funniest part was that we had planned to take this picture on this day at this time, blah, blah, blah. So you would have thought that it might have gone more smoothly but nope!!!! I can take pictures of them at any old time and they seem to turn out beautifully but try to plan "picture time"... I guess spontanious thing work out better for us.

Baby stories gone wrong

2006-11-13T20:22:00.000-08:00

When B was a baby and having a hard time going to sleep Kevin would bounce him on him knee and the gentle rocking would put him to sleep every time.

Well, we were talking about stories of when they children were younger, you know funny and cute stories... WELLLLLLL B thought he'd jump in and say, "Hey Dad! Remember when you used to shake me to make me go to sleep?"

Kevin and I looked at each other and cracked up laughing. I sure hope that we are the only people he shared his version of events with;-P

Jacob's new name

2006-11-11T09:32:00.001-08:00

Sorry I just can't get enough of this cutie:-) When Kevin and I aren't prying his little "Heman" grip fingers out of our hair or trying not to cry from having him trying to bite pieces out of our flesh with his brand new teeth, we are smitten with his cutest, chubbiest little thighs. So hence from this day forth he shall now be known as 'Chub-Chub Ruffhauser'. lol;-)

Testosterone

2006-10-14T17:43:00.000-07:00

A day in the life of "the lazy 's' ranch". We only encourage intellectual pursuit (had to get help spelling thart werd with brother-in-laws help, lol) like... arm wrestling;-) Kevin imparting his wisdom of life upon Beau...poor boy;-)

A day in the life at our house.

2006-10-07T19:28:00.000-07:00

Hey is what some of them look like today... I know I know, I'm amazing, lol. How on earth did I round them up in the same please and get them to look in the same direction and look the they are all reasonably happy. Like I said I'm amazing;-) Where is Blake? I don't know probably grinding rails, or eating nails or shooting snails or whatever they call it when they ride around on those "poor boys' hot rod"... aka skate boards.

No Moose :-(

2006-10-01T18:54:00.000-07:00

Here is Kevin out hunting with Roger. "Remember Roger, that X on my back isn't a target." lol. They didn't come back with anything which was to bad. It's OK though because Kevin sure had a nice time with lots of hiking around and Roger took some great pictures.

Yard Chores

2006-09-25T21:52:00.000-07:00

Young Jacob is sporting his very manly hiking onsomble and is cute enough to make me want to bite him. No worries people I restrained myself... just barely;-)
Hmm now there a strange saying... Why is it seeing something thing cute makes you want to bite it a little... maybe a snack or a light dinner perhaps...hmm, strange topic maybe left unexplored.
Back on topic again, this is Jacob getting ready to help my rake the yard. Yes really! I know to some Michelle and yard work is an oxymoron but for real, I do go out there. Maybe to the untrained eye it might look playland gone bad but it's... it's... a cultivated look. Which takes much skill and talent....... Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Right?... Right?!?!

My Hero's

2006-09-25T20:55:00.000-07:00

Anyone who takes my place at the sink definitely gets a hero cookie as far as I'm concerned. I just had to take a picture of this momentous occasion. My big boys are growing up. *sniff, sniff* Their very first time doing dishes. Yes I know Blake is 12 (almost 13) and Beau is 10(almost 11)... we are just late bloomers in this house, lol. But there was hardly any complaining and that's what made this a special event... for me anyways;-)
And as you could see Blake is not wearing a shirt, well we wouldn't want to get dish water on his skater shirt, that would almost be blasphemous. And between you and me if I see his ginch hanging out like that one more time, it might lead to drastic measures... like maybe a serious wedgy.
If you know Blake even a little you'd know I'm joking because he's so demented that he'd probably laugh and say something like "Thanks mom, that feels so much better" and walk around like that just to drive me crazy. (he likes to get the last laugh... jerk;-)
A friend of mine once came to me all distrot, "Michelle, your not going to believe this. L came into the front room last night and started talking to her dad and I... out of her butt!!!! She's only three where on earth would she have learned such a thing"
All I could do was look at her and say" I am SOOO sorry ... Blake taught her that" and how did I know this you ask? Because he was doing it every chance he got (he was 6 at the time). I had thought I might get through this faze of his life with out public incident...no such luck...;-)
Then there was the time that I picked him up from singing lessons (he was five or six) and his teacher said quietly "Can I speak to you a moment?" Never a good sign. Turns out Blake mooned her and thought it was very funny. Thankfully she did to but thought better of telling him that and encouraging the insanity that is him. Again a moment I died a little of embarrassment, not because he did it but because I had to apologize by saying "I'm SOOO sorry. He thinks it's really funny because all the males in my family with there warped sense of humor think it's funny and wave theirs about with great pride. Ugh!
So there you have it, part of the essence that is Blake. And Beau is right there taking note and teaching his young padiwan(aka Seth) the proper way to execute the "fart in someone's face" punishment.
Ugh, boys'. Thankfully I have a couple of girls... oh wait I forgot the warpness must be genetic because they are showing signs of it to.

Good Morning

2006-09-09T20:47:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful thing to wake up to,cuteness abound. Seth in Batman in case you could tell and he's handsome not cute... (get it right mama geesh, lol);-) Taiya is one of the most beautiful sweet, patient and kindest big sister you can find. Nam and Seth(especially Seth) are completely in love with her. And then there is little Namastae I call her bunny because just like a baby bunny they are so cute and snuggly you can't help but pick her up give her a little tick, kiss and a snuggle.
I have many beautiful thing to look forward to when I get up in the morning and these are just a few of them.

Books

2006-09-09T20:30:00.000-07:00

I'm curious to here what you guys have been reading lately. Have you ever read a book that speaks to your heart? You know what I'm talking about, the kind that sucks you in, has you nodding your head and saying "wow, that makes complete sense". The kind of book that when you put it down you see things more clearly, feel humbled, feel inspired to do better, and have much to ponder. Well I have read many books like that but there is this one that I keep coming back to, "The Power of Intention" by Dr. Wayne Dyer. Have any of you guys read it? What did you think.
On a similar note I've been invited to watch a screening of "Conversations With God". Not sure when it's coming out but I definitely want to watch it. I haven't read the book... Yet! I'm waiting for it to come in any day now. Anyone else read it?
Anyways I'm always on the lookout for a good inspirational book any suggestions?

2006-09-02T15:57:00.000-07:00

Can you believe school is starting already? Here's Blake at the skate park with Kevin and the other kiddies. I was looking at these pictures from the summer and I can't help but notice how big he's getting... he's going into grade 7. Ugh, my heart is breaking. Next thing I know he'll be leaving my to travel the world,*sniffle,sniffle*

On the topic of traveling Blake has been invited to go down south and compete in a Ju Jitsu competition in the spring. I know, crazy hey. It'll be a lot of fun.... now Kevin and I were planning on moving...3 hours away Makes training of the competition a little unrealistic. So it sounds like we are going to stay put until after the spring and then we'll put the house back on the market and go from there. Oh the things we do for our children. Or at least that's the plan

So now you guys now know what are moving plans are... or aren't lol. SO STOP ASKING ALREADY!!!! lol.

Namastae and Blake at the skate park

2006-08-29T08:32:00.000-07:00

Can't get much cuter than this. A morning at the skate park all to themselves, no worries about being run over by the teenagers. Blake, Beau, Taiya, Seth and Nam, they had a great time with their Dad as you can tell:-)

Blogs

2006-08-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

I have to start off by saying I didn't realize that people where actually reading my blog and not only that but I've made it onto some really cool blog rolls. So I'd like to share with you SOME of my favorites. I say so because I wouldn't want you to knod off only to wake up with a key board imprint on your face and your 2 year old has made you a master piece with a shapie felt on your new kitchen table... What? No, of course that's never happened to me. I don't know where you would get such a silly idea.
First off I have to ask you to check out this one at Dad gone mad because I just found it and couldn't stop laughing. Nope I'm not going to tell you anymore, you'll have to look yourself. Notes fom the trenches is another one. I love her sense of humor and I find myself often saying "I can so see that happening in my house"
Owelhaven is my heroin, great advice on many topics that go beyond adoption and are just plain good parenting tips. And when I grow up I hope to one day be like her:-)
Heather and Avery have two great blogs about their adoption journey and hearing both their perspectives is real interesting.
I have many, many more I read daily but thins is a good start. Check them out and let me know what you think.

The big question

2006-08-11T08:15:00.000-07:00

There was a question posted by Adwina "Do they really want a big family?"... ummmm, yup! As young as I can remember I always wanted to be a mom of many. Whenever I would play dolls I could never leave anyone out all most of my dolls AND teddybears would be my children. Funny when I think about it now and how it would be a precursor to my life now,lol. The only thing different between now and then is that I never actually wanted to give birth to any, I wanted to adopt.
I think we can all say (or most anyways) that we love our families, but how many can say the are in love with their lives? Or that they are living their dreams? Well I can. Now my life is in now way perfect but there is plenty of perfection in it, and for this everyday I give thanks.

"Our greatest life is when we are in our dreams awake" (by unknown)

Jacob 4 months old

2006-08-02T22:41:00.000-07:00

July 2006, Jacob wearing Daddy's hat. Isn't he just too cute? I must admit I had to put down the camera, pick him up and kiss him. I just couldn't help it, lol. He is such a good baby, easy going, happy and very snuggly. Yup, I am truly blessed and thankful for it:-)

2006-08-01T20:58:00.000-07:00

Beau - 10, BLake 12, on the top of Maroon mt.(sp?)

Do you ever just glance over at you children and notice "holy crap, when did that happen?" They have grown about a foot, none of their clothes fit anymore and your not sure where you were when it happened?!?! It's usually about that time that I say sometime to them like "Who the heck told you you were allowed to grow-up? And what did you do with my baby?"

Jacob is only 4 months old and I never tire of holding him, snuggling him, kissing him and watching him because I know first hand how quickly time flies.

Sometime when I notice these things with my other children, I wish I could go back in time and hold them again, fall asleep with them in my arms wake up in the morning with them baby babbling at me as if they are telling me of a grand adventure they just had and they need tell me every detail. The way they look at you as if you are the wisest, kindest, most beautiful person god ever created. They way that when they are sad and only my hug and snuggles will do and a kiss can make any booboo go away......

I miss all that... I miss those moments... I miss them... My comfort is that they are growing into these really amazing people... I hope they never grow too old for mama's snuggles

"Babies Don't Keep"

Mother, of Mother, come shake out your cloth empty the dustpan, poison the moth,hang out the washing and butter the bread,sew on a button and make up a bed.
Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.
Oh, I've grown shiftless as Little Boy Blue(lullaby, rockabye, lullaby loo).Dishes are waiting and bills are past due(pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo).
The shopping's not done and there's nothing for stew and out in the yard there's a hullabaloobut I'm playing Kanga and this is my Roo.Look! Aren't her eyes the most wonderful hue?(lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).
The cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow,for children grow up, as I've learned to my sorrow. So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust go to sleep.I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.
-- Author Unknown

And then I blinked

2006-07-27T11:21:00.000-07:00

This is my big guy Blake... he's 12 now. Can you believe that? One day I'm laying in bed catching some morning time snuggles with my beautiful baby... and then I blink and he's turning into a young man and climbing mountains with his brother and his papa. Where does the time fly and how am I ever going to get over the fact that babies grow up? And to time I have 5 others to watch grow up...
I've learned that becomeing a parent is about letting go. They grown up and away from us into these amazing people. Some how, I'm not sure why, but somehow I was the one chosen the be his mother. Of all the other mothers and all the other families to choose from, I was the one that was chosen... ME! I'm not sure why I'm so lucky but to be the one who gets to help him along the way and watch him grow into this amazing person. It is truely a humbling expirience and everyday I say "thank you" to the powers that be, that I was the one to be given this gift.
With six children I am constantly mistified by how unique they each are and as much as I revole in their younger years, it just makes my heart swell as I watch the people they are becoming.
My children are as imperfect as everyone else's... but that's what makes the perfect to me... just the way they are.
My thought for the day is stand back and watch your loved ones. Don't judge them in what they are doing, just take a moment and watch them.... they're amazing and you to will be struck by the thought "how did I get so lucky?"

"Oh beautiful mud, where have you been all my life?!?!"

2006-07-27T10:59:00.000-07:00

This is my dh nephew E. He is uber cute:-) And as you can tell by the outfit mommy is not around and dad was mistakenly left in charge, lol. He was the only child who probably shouldn't have been playing in the mud and yet the only one who couldn't stay away from it. Funny how that works. I just had to take a picture before the "fun police" (A.K.A. mom) arrived and busted him, lol.

Fire!

2006-06-09T14:48:00.000-07:00

Guess what the kids and I were doing at a little after 11pm last night? yup watching a forest fire about a five minute drive away from our house. No worries though it is on the other side of the river from us. But my heat sure goes out to those who have houses at the bottom of this mountain. As I write this at about 3pm the next day I can hear helicopters still working away at it. Strange that this forest fire is in exactly the same pace as it was about 2 or 3 years ago. That time it was started by lightening but this time I'm not sure what started it as there isn't a cloud inthe sky... it would be interesting to know what happened this time. I know not a great picture but for some reason I couldn't get a clear one. I tell ya the darker it got outside the more intense the fire seemed, a little unnerving.
This morning we woke up to a beautiful day all the windows and doors open to let in the fresh air as it was a hot one last night and today looks like it might turn out the same. I took the kids for a walk on ferry island to look at the faces in the trees, wish I would have brought the camera as they are really neat carvings. Had a good it Kevin's mom and sister(and her son) came with us. It was nice but I sure felt sorry for Kevin's sister, she is 32 weeks pregnant and has sciatica so going on a walk can be a bit much. but no complaints out of her, what a trooper. Jacob is only 3 months old so it is still fresh in my mind how it feels to be her. I don't miss the aches and pains, thank you very much;-)

Sunday

2006-06-04T12:33:00.000-07:00

Good morning Jacob:-) what a cutie. Well today's Sunday, a perfect day to do nothing. Like every other day I could follow a long list of things that I "should" be doing but forget it. It's beautiful outside and I'm loving this "no work on Sunday" thinking :-)
So how many of you have seen The DaVinci Code yet? I've read the book and loved it but I think I'll wait until it comes out on DVD to watch it. I'm sure it's going to cause an even bigger stir than the book did. It will be interesting to see. I've also read alittle over half of "The Holy Blood, Holy Grail" (which Dan Brown got alot of his ideas from) and although I found it to be a bit dry it has been a real eye opener of a book. Anyone else read that one?
On another note I would love to share with the world how much I love gall stones and how much fun I find gallbadder attacks can be. What do you mean you don't agree?! You mean to say you don't find being curled up in the fetal position and vomiting for two days party time. Hmm, I see we are very different people indeed ;-) Well I have to say to anyone trying to lose weight, have you tried gall stones yet? They work, trust me. I lost over 30 pounds in 2 months. Kevin said "Wow your going to turn into super bowflex lady". I'm like"Are you on crack? More like I'm turning into super sagy skin lady" The one people that are going to be interested in looking at me are the film crew from National Geographics". Oh well you know what they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder... maybe if the beholder has vision problems. Here's to hoping, lol.

2006-06-03T08:38:00.000-07:00

Here's Jacob our very first thumb sucker inthe family. Isn't he just too cute? He's almost 3 months old now. can you believe it? And I tell ya, I couldn't ask for a more easier going baby. He fits in beautifully to our family.
This was taken May 10th. as we had celebrate it a day late because we had to pick up Keving from camp on the 9th. What a nice birthday present for her,eh? My little girl is growing up too fast. can you believe she's 2 already? She was having fun until we started singing Happy Birthday to her and then she didn't know what to think of all the attention, and wasn't sure weather to cry or not. Poor thing, Thankfully as I have learned chocolate cake has a way of curing all kinds of sad faces, lol.

2006-06-03T08:19:00.000-07:00

Namastae's 2nd birthday

2006-06-03T08:18:00.000-07:00

NANA and Jacob(Jacob is two months old in this picture). Here he is, yes I know it's late but things have been nutty around here, I'll have to let you guys in on that later.
Well Jacob William was born March 8th after another insanely quick labour. I think it was about an hour and a half long thank goodness I was in the hospital where they indued me (for exactly that reason). But he's a easy going, beautiful baby and I can't imagine what life was like before him. It's like he has always been here:-)

Merry Christmas!

2006-01-20T20:51:00.000-08:00

It's always nice to have help with the decorating, especially when the help is this cute:-)
Sooooo, I guess you've noticed that I've been gone for awhile. Well the computer was moved downstairs and finding some extra time by myself, to go down there and even check mail was a challenge. But no worries all is well and it's back upstairs again and I'll try to keep you up to date:-)
I'm 32 and a half weeks now and feeling great (yup, weird, I know). Time seems to be speeding passed this time. And the answer to the number one asked question is, NO we don't know what we are having. I have had 3 ultra sounds already and still don't know what it is. Our best guess is it's a boy but we'll have to wait and see. I don't have any preferences to what it is just as long as it's healthy. BUT........ I will say this, as Murphy's Law say it will be a boy because I gave all my baby boy clothes to Kevin's sister who live in Ontario, lol. So now knowing that, what do you think I'm having;-)
Let's see what else have I miss on my months off... Blake and Beau had another Ju Jitsu competition in November and did not bad. it was really hard to tell what was going on as the judging was a little strange. There was new judges (teenagers doing for the first time), so there was a few frustrated kiddos when things didn't make much sense. Oh well it's ok everyone has to learn sometime and It was a good time to point out to the boys that it really doesn't matter where you place as long as "you" know that you did your best. Yup you guessed it that comment met with some eye rolling but I think they got my point, lol.
Blake and Beau started guitar lessons and Taiya started voice lessons. Which they all LOVE!!!! Which I'm not sure is a good thing because it's $80 per child per month and I'm wonder what they could be teaching my children that would earn them $20 per half hour.... perhaps they are learning to spin straw into gold, lol. On the upside they a really jazzed about it all which is really cute to see.
Well got to run me "Me Time" meter just ran out. Talk more at you later!

today

2005-08-13T11:59:00.000-07:00

Oh the wonderful things that you can find at garage sales, get mom to drag them home and heap on to the other "I can't live another moment without this!" garage sale finds.If you will notice in the background the chaos of summer Saturday behind them. They were having so much fun I just didn't have the heart to tell them that soon it's clean up time as company is coming over. Time to make us look like them normal clean folk, LOL.

Oh by the way if anyone has some clouds, rain or maybe even a cool breeze, could you please send it my way?!?!? Yesterday it was 32 degrees Celsius and the same for today. ARRRGH!!! I'm meltinggggggggggg........

# 6

2005-07-23T21:39:00.000-07:00

Well the secrets out, by around March 14, 2006 we will no longer be schaf5 anymore we'll be schaf6... hmmm, I wonder if that yahoo id is already taken, lol. Oh well I might have to come up with some other clever tag, like "brink-of-insanity" or maybe "crazey-acres" (sorry Marcy I couldn't resist;-) When I told Kevin he started laughing and said "I AM a god!" Silly guy. Yup we're pretty excited about it and so are the kids (of course, lol) But don't worry everyone I'm not trying to overpopulate the world, just out number the idiots;-)

Very cute

2005-07-23T21:30:00.001-07:00

So this was Nam's first hair cut and I have to say she did wonderfully... not that you can tell from the not so strait line. Oh well that's what happens when they look around, lol. I heard someone say resently, how even though they see their children everyday they don't notice how much or how quickly they've grown until they see pictures of them. Well this would be one of those times. She's just so darn cute I just wana kiss her :-)

2005-07-23T21:30:00.000-07:00

Nam's new hair cut

Lava Lake

2005-06-26T21:33:00.000-07:00

Here is the beginning of our beautiful afternoon up the Nass valley. This is Lava Lake, not a great picture but there weren't many safe places to pull over. It's a crazy stretch of road. The lake is a beautiful shade of green. Very clean looking, something you can't quite capture with a picture. The lakes in this area are amazing, the air is so fresh and very clean and quiet here. It is a good for the soul kind of place.