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!