Working for Kids in Kenya

Ken's in charge of a fundraiser at the school right now where the students raise money for kids in Kenya. They are asked to do chores or tasks for people to earn money then they get to pick what to buy for the kids in Kenya with the money they earn. They can buy medical supplies, farm animals like chickens and school uniforms and education for kids. We have kept the kids busy at Grandma and Grandpa's helping clean out the garden and picking up sticks on the lawn. We also got them to clean the garage out this weekend.

It's actually been a lot of fun and they are so excited when they put money in the jar from their hard work. Anyone have some jobs for them?

A Thousand Gifts

Wow I have really procrastinated on keeping a list of blessings in my life. I started this list back in June and just came across my journal the other day. I have some listed from back in June but then had a bit of a break until yesterday. Just re-reading my list made me smile and remember. Keep in mind #21-44 happened in June.

21. watching the two oldest boys play with Ken's hair while we all lay in bed one morning.

22. having a body that is healthy and strong.

23. powerful thunder and lightening storms.

24. little Sam mowing with his pushmower beside me while I cut grass.

25. double date night with Ang and Pete.

26. Grandma coming to see Andrew play soccer and seeing his excitement to see her there watching.

27. sunshine.

28. Sunday soup.

29. Andrew coming to me for cuddles on the couch.

30. playdates.

31. green grass.

32. a house full of boys doing boy stuff.

33. boys biking through puddles and laughing and me relaxing enough to let them do it.

34. running race results

35. a husband who loves me despite my many flaws.

36. fresh oatmeal chocolate chip cookies

37. laundry folded and put away.

38. Proverbs 31 helping me focus.

39. phone calls to Nannie.

40. parcel in the mail.

41. Birthday celebration plans.

42. a clean fridge.

43. a sandbox that keeps boys entertained for hours.

44. flowers blooming despite lack of sunshine.

October 14

45. watching Andrew learn to read. He sounds the words out on his own instead of guessing based on the picture.

46. watching Andrew practice his spelling words on the chalkboard.

47. Andrew's excitement when he got off the bus that he got 100% on his spelling test..."I just know Dad's gonna be so proud of me."

48. honey crisp apples

49. cheering for Sam at his first hockey game as he stands in his gear amongst giants skating around him.

50. date night with hubby. Steak dinner once kids are in bed.

Mug shots

This is my Alberta family. Big eh?
Me and my sisters.

Attempt at a family shot. I think this was the best one.

I had to include this one. Check out Sam, immediately after he got in trouble for not smiling nice. In almost every picture one of the three oldest was acting goofy. I guess it's okay to share their personalities.

Grandma and Grandpa with all their grand kids. 19 in total with #20 on the way.

It is so awesome seeing these kids bond and play together. Age range 4 months to 18 and they all love each other so much!

Thankful for October blessings

On Thanksgiving Monday we actually had a wiener roast and marshmallows.
Andrew and Sam started hockey this week. This was the night before as Daddy tried everything on and made sure they were set for the morning. They play every Thursday morning before school from 7am to 8am which means we get up at 6am.

Guess who?

Sam getting geared up. He was so excited to play with big brother Andrew and to use his new stick. He didn't quite know what to think of the cup in his hockey shorts. "What is in there? There's something in my shorts."

Mommy and Andrew doing homework in the background. Sam with his mean face on!

So cute of this stinker. We got this chest protector at the thrift store and Luke claims it's his hockey stuff. Okay picture this...hockey morning 6:20am and Andrew and Sam are quietly eating their breakfast so they don't wake up their brothers. I hear whimpering at the top of the stairs and turn the corner to see Luke standing in his pj's holding his blankie in one hand and his chest protector in the other saying "I go to hockey?" I did cave and packed up Luke and Isaac and went to watch at 7am. Luke wore this chest protector everywhere for the next two days, including riding his bike.

Grandpa is busy hauling sugar beets and took the boys for a ride in his sweet truck. They were so thrilled and apparently talked his ear off.

Driving to the scale.

Fun Fall Afternoon

Wouldn't it be nice to have this landscape as our backyard? Well pretty close...we took a trip out to Grandma and Grandpa's Saturday afternoon and enjoyed the fresh Fall air. There is nothing like escaping the townlife to the country (10km away) and relaxing.

Apron Making

This is an apron I just finished for my niece for her birthday. It's the third apron I've made on my new machine. My sister in law Mel taught me how to make them and gave me a pattern. It's so neat searching out the "just perfect" fabric for special someone's out there. There's two picture's because it is reversible. Can't wait to make more.

Ta Da!!

Bought these at the thrift store for $3.99 a piece a few weeks ago....

Sam's on the left and Andrew's on the right.

I picked up some primer spray paint and covered them, then I let the kids paint away. The frames I covered with primer paint then painted white with a foam brush. Super easy and fun. I have them hanging in my kitchen right now. I was hoping to put them in the boys room but the white frames aren't enough of a contrast with the cream colored walls. I'm sure they will get moved around over time just like everything in our house.