Simple Woman #4

Our kids fall asleep in the cutest positions. Sam and Andrew spooning on the chair one afternoon last week after playing in the sunshine all day.

FOR TODAY June 30, 2009

Outside my window...

it's cool, cloudy and a bit dreary this morning, only 11 degrees but it's supposed to get sunny and be +25 later.

I am thinking...

that I have the best husband in the world! First he let me go for a run this morning while he dealt with all three kids when they woke up, now he's getting groceries and when he gets back he is taking Andrew and Samuel to Grandma and Grandpa's house to get sort/pile some firewood in one of Dad's barns.

I am thankful for...

three healthly beautiful boys that keep me busy from sun up till sun down. I couldn't imagine wanting to spend life any other way!

From the kitchen...

Tonight is BBQ'd pork chops, potato salad and frozen veggies

I am wearing...

plaid shorts, a green tank top and a green hoodie (Brrrr it's chilly this morning)

I am going...

out for lunch today with Ken's mom, it's part of my birthday present. This is the first time we've done this and I'm so excited. Again, my darling husband will watch the boys while I'm out. And tonight Ken's mom and sisters and I will go out for dessert somewhere. His sister Denise is down from Edmonton for the week so we thought we would get together.

I am reading...

Dare to Discipline by Dr. James Dobson.

I am hoping...

Firstly that The Poppe's (our minister and his family) get to Austrailia safely. They left last night from Calgary with six kids ranging from ages 10months old to 10 years old to visit family for 5 weeks. It would be quite an undertaking travelling with that many kids for such a long period of time. Makes the trip to N.S. seem so easy.

Also that the boys are all good for Grandma and Grandpa and Auntie Ang and Uncle Pete this week. Some sleepovers have been arranged while Ken and I head to the cabin for a few days to celebrate our five year anniversary that's coming up July 17.

I am hearing...

CBC kids on the tv, Sam and Luke playing in the basement and baby potatoes boiling on the stove for my potato salad.

Around the house...
lots of packing and organizing will be taking place today. Hope to mow the lawn and whipper snip as well.

One of my favorite things...

the smell of freshly cut grass

fresh pineapple (my newest addiction)

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Heading to the cabin tomorrow around noon. Ken's got big plans for us to hike a mountain that you can see outside their cabin window. He figures it will take 8-9 hours. I'm quite nervous b/c of bears but he has been researching bear attacks and we plan to make lots of noise and carry Bear spray. He told me last night as we were going to bed what to do if a bear attacks: play dead or fight back depending on the situation. I asked him politely not to talk to me about bear attacks before I go to sleep ever again! We also have a big road ride planned to do on our bikes and we hope to check out Bovie Lake to go swimming and hiking. We have lots of yummy food on the meal plan. We are really excited to get away. I'm wondering how I will do with NO kids for 3 days but I guess we will find out. We are so blessed with family that allows us to get away once and awhile. I know that three boys under 4 is a lot of work so for family to offer to take them when they are busy with their own kids and responsibilities is quite something. Do you ever feel like you just can't express enough how grateful you are? I feel that way alot and for a lot of things. I have a wonderful life filled with wonderful friends and family!

When we arrive back on Saturday morning we will pick up the boys and head to the Annual church picnic for great food and fun games!

Happy birthday Dad! Friday June 26!

Happy Birthday to a wonderful Dad, Father in law and Papa from all of us in AB!

Dearest Dad,
I really miss being able to celebrate your birthday with you as well as Father's Day. June was always such an exciting month for our family: school year finishing, my birthday, your birthday, Father's Day, Nannie's birthday. The celebrations were never ending and I loved it.
Now we are both still being spoiled and spending the day with family and loved ones, just not each other. I know it doesn't mean we aren't thinking of each other or wishing the distance wasn't so great.

We love your visits and phone calls and cherish each and everyone of them. We are counting down the days until you and Denise come for a visit again.

But today we want to wish you a VERY happy birthday and we are sending our love and hugs and kisses right across Canada to you and thinking of you lots on your special day!

Love Shelley, Ken and the boys

Father's Day BBQ!

Last night we hosted a Father's Day BBQ at our house. The menu was made up of Mom's delicious homemade burgers, Ang's Broccoli and Grape salad, My Potato Salad and Caesar Salad and a Strawberry cheesecake for dessert. As if we weren't full enough we roasted some marshmellows as well. I think the sugar high really impacted the kids. Andrew and Sam were up till 10pm.

Birthday Celebration with the Sisters.

What a life! Floating around in the pool all afternoon with two of my wonderful sisters! We missed you Denise and Trixie!

Birthday Celebration with the kids!

Cousin Simone happy as can be in the pool.

Aunite Mel and Simone.

Cupcake time! Luke didn't waste anytime getting that cupcake in his mouth. He put out the candle with his hand while reaching for it and shoved the candle and all into his mouth at once. There wasn't a whole lot of time for pictures.

It has been a very busy week celebrating birthdays and Father's Day with friends and family. On Luke's and my birthday we went to Auntie Ang's house with auntie Mel and Simone and Grandma to eat cupcakes and to swim in her pool. We had a great time.

8km Ladiesfest 2009

A week ago Mel and I ran in the 2009 Ladiesfest 8km run and had a blast. I didn't quite reach my goal due to a random side cramp but I'm still happy with my results and Mel kicked butt.

My goal was to run it in 40 minutes and I ran it in 42:37. In my age category I was 7/71 women and overall 40/673 women. Thanks to everyone for the encouragement and support!

Father's Day.

This is how mine and Andrew's conversation went this morning:
Shelley: Do you love your Daddy?
Andrew: yah
Shelley: What do you like doing with your Daddy?
Andrew: playing
Shelley: Playing with what?
Andrew: with Daddy. pause. I like playing hockey lots
Shelley: Do you like visiting Daddy at school?
Andrew: yes
Shelley: Why?
Andrew: cause...cause I like to
Shelley: What does Daddy like to do?
Andrew: I think he likes to play hockey too.
Shelley: What else does Daddy like to do?
Andrew: He likes playing outside all day
Shelley: What does he do outside?
Andrew: Plays soccer
Shelley: What does Daddy like to eat?
Andrew: supper
Shelley: What's his favorite food?
Andrew: Supper.
Shelley: Do you love your Daddy?
Andrew: I do love my Daddy
Shelley: How much?
Andrew: lots.

Thanks for being such a great Daddy Ken to our three little boys. We all love you so much and Thank God for you everyday!

Splish Splash, Having a Blast!

Pool party at Auntie Mel's house and we were all invited! We had so much fun playing at Auntie Mel's yesterday. Anything to cool off all six of us!

Simple Woman #3

A picture thought to share: At 1:10pm exactly a year ago today we were blessed with Baby Luke who has grown up so much in one year and is such a ray of sunshine in our lives. We love you Little Luke and are so thankful for you not just today but each and every day. Happy Birthday!

FOR TODAY June 17

...Outside my window

shingles flying and landing in a big truck, forklift lifting shingles to the roof, sunshine, lots of men busy working on the roof. Funny the boys are sitting on the top bunk in their bunkbeds watching the men work out their bedroom window. In awe watching for almost an hour now.

...I am thinking

that I am so spoiled with love and kind words from family and friends on my birthday: emails, phone calls, mail etc.

...I am thankful for

believe it or not facebook and email, I definately hear from more people from all over the place on my birthday. Technology has it's benefits that's for sure.

...From the kitchen

tonight is leftover spagetti and meatballs and garlic bread/buns. Very easy for my birthday.

...I am wearing

jean shorts and a red tank top and flip flops

...I am going

to Ang's around 11ish with Mel and Simone. We will have lunch there and swim in her pool ALL afternoon while Simone and Luke nap. Horray for sunshine, and horray for sister in laws, and Horray for sister in laws with pools!

...I am reading

nothing, it's sad but true. If these blog posts have taught me anything it's that I need to read more. How do I find the time?

...I am hoping

to get groceries sometime in the next few days.

...I am hearing

lots of banging on the roof. And the telephone just rang, it was Step brother Jamie calling to wish me a Happy Birthday. He is very thoughtful and always seems to get in touch on my birthday. Everytime I am surprised again and again and very happy to hear from him.

...Around the house

need to bake some chocolate chip cookies for the men working on the roof and for some snacks this afternoon at Ang's. I'm actually on the ball this week, lawns mowed and whippersnipped, flowers and shrubs watered, laundry all done and put away, washrooms clean, beds made. It's a great day to celebrate my birthday.

...One of my favorite things

is icecream cake on my birthday. Mom always used to get me a cake from DQ because that's what I requested. My brother would always ask for chocolate cake with boiled frosting on top. She would also often make our favorite meal for us on our birthdays. I can't even remember what my favorite was. Probably pizza, Kevins was always shepards pie. Can you believe it?

...A few plans for the rest of the week

scrapbooking class tonight, groceries, Luke's needles tomorrow afternoon, playdate with Tracy Friday morning, Friday night having some friends over for a fire and for cake and Sunday church and then a big family get together for Father's Day, Burgers and salads and cake to celebrate mine and Luke's b'days as well as Father's Day.

Simple Woman #2

Here is a picture thought I am sharing: Andrew and Morgan (see notes below), I will be happy when Andrew starts to smile normal again!

FOR TODAY June 9. 2009

...Outside my window

Cloud's, clouds and clouds. This weather is not very appealing lately. What happened to sunny southern AB? +14 as a high today. Oh well the forecast for the rest of the week looks promising.

...I am thinking

that I have amazing sister in law's that I really connect with. I just got off the phone with Trix, it is pretty neat how we can talk and take care of six little ones between us at the same time. We can change diapers, sort out fights, push kids on the swings, wipe bums, do dishes and even vaccum while talking. Trixie actually vaccummed while we were talking today.

...I am thankful

for my friend Tracy's phone calls everyday, usually in the morning we call each other and discuss our plans for the day. It's great to know that someone cares and wants to hear about some of the mundane tasks we have before us. Laundry, cleaning windows, gardening etc. It also helps motivate me to get going in the day

...From the kitchen

tonight will be tuna melts, homemade bread and a spinich salad. something a little lighter because Ken and I will head out for a big run together later.

....I am wearing

black capri's, a white tank top and a short sleeved grey hoodie and flip flops

...I am creating

this morning we made sock puppets with buttons and yarn for hair. Andrew named his Morgan and Sam's is Tom We even took Morgan for a big bike ride this morning to show the sheep and ponies

...I am going

to make a meal plan for the rest of the month in a bit.It really helps on the budget and keeps me less frazzled around 4pm if I know what I'm making for supper.

...I am reading

lots of kids books lately, trying to help Sam learn to say words better A good one that we took out of the library last week is called "The Elephant that sneezed." It was really fun to read to the kids.

...I am hoping

that Dad and Denise can come out to visit in July. I really miss them and always have lots of fun with them when they are here.

that Mel has a great pregnancy. She is 13 weeks. Horray!

that I can reach my goal in my 8km race this Saturday.

...I am hearing

my bread machine mixing up the dough, Luke clapping his hands and Andrew and Sam playing with their toys.

...Around the house

need to vaccum and wash all the bedding, just waiting for a good day to hang it on the line.

...One of my favorite things

is listening to Luke try to talk lately. There are lots of different sounds coming out of him.

...A few plans for the rest of the week

enjoy the sunshine as much as possible, Sports Day on Friday, race Saturday and not much else is planned yet.

Welcoming Luke to the Sandbox!

So this is it. I now have three boys to shake sand off of every time they come in the house. I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later but Luke finally discovered how to get himself into the sandbox with his brothers and there is no keeping him out of it ever since. His world has just broadened so much. It was really neat to watch him play with the sand and let it sift through his tiny but chubby fingers.

An adventure to the Wetlands.

Ken's class went on a fieldtrip to the Wetlands to catch bugs and observe. We decided to bake some cookies for a class snack and tag along. We didn't last too long. Sam is not the most coordinated child at the best of times but add rubber boots to the mix and rugged terrian and you are asking for a disaster. We still had lots of fun.

One and then Two little cookie monsters!

Luke and Cousin Simone at the park. They are usually happy to just eat and look around.

Brothers and Best Friends...

These guys are so silly. It is impossible to get a really good picture of them both at the same time. I think these pics really capture their bond to one another. It is going to be neat to see where Luke fits into all of this.

Simple Woman

...a picture to share my thoughts on
This was taken almost exactly a year ago. I can't believe Luke is almost one. I was anxiously awaiting his arrival.



Thanks to my friend Mel's mom (Crystal) I'm going to try out this Simple Woman journal entry. I always love reading her blog and hearing what she's up to. Hopefully you will all enjoy hearing what I'm up and what is on my mind.

FOR TODAY: June 2, 2009

...Outside my window
The sun is shining, supposed to be + 20 today. I'm listening to the birds chirping and Sam and Andrew playing in the sandbox.

...I am thinking

that I have the best life ever being able to stay home with my kids and to not feel all the pressures that I used to feel at my management job. Usually my biggest decision of the day is what to make for supper...

...I am thankful for

our new play center. It keeps the boys entertained for hours.

...From the kitchen

Lunch for me and the boys.

Luke: bottle of milk, slice of bread, veggies and fresh fruit

Sam: cheese whiz bun, yogurt, fruit salad

Andrew: peanut butter/jam bun, yogurt, fruit salad

Me: roast beef bun, fruit salad

Dinner: BBq'd pork chops, pasta salad, garlic bread

...I am wearing

jean shorts, navy tank top and flip flops. I plan on being outside lots today.

..I am going

to take the kids for a walk/bike ride after lunch. We often go for a 3-4km walk and see horsey's and sheep along the way. Andrew rides his bike and Sam and Luke sit in the bike cart. We also pick up cans/bottles that we find in the ditch.

...I am reading

Feminine Appeal (7 virtues of a Godly wife and Mother) It's a book I'm studying with my great friend Amanda. Each chapter is a different virtue. There are questions at the end of each chapter that her and I answer on our own then we get together with our kids and discuss our answers. This book has been a great journey for me and helps me focus on taking care of my husband and kids. It is excellent and I highly recommend it to everyone!

...I am hoping

that I can go for a run tonight. I have a 8km race in less than two weeks. Ken has a meeting so I might just arrange a babysitter.

...I am hearing

Sam ask for cheerios for lunch. It is not going to happen...

...Around the house

just mowed the lawn and whippersnipped, laundry hung on the line, kitchen floor freshly washed.

...One of my favorite things

is tucking the kids in at night, reading to them, saying prayers and kissing them good night

...A few plans for the rest of the week

Tomorrow morning one of our neighbors Sandra and her son and daughter are coming over for a playdate, Thursday morning a playdate with Amanda and three of her boys while we discuss a chapter in our book, Thursday afternoon Ken's class is going on afieldtrip to his parents place where there is an irrigation lake. They are studying wetlands and are going to check things out. I'm taking the boys along with their rubber boots and I'll help Ken's mom serve juice and cookies to the students. Thursday night is Ken's and my datenight when we go for a run together and get a babysitter. Saturday evening we are hosting a year end BBQ for Ken's hockey team so tehre will be 20-30 people in our back yard eating and enjoying a fire in the firepit.