Summer Lovin'

I'm not a summer lover...but this year I've been really enjoying it, crazy I know.  We've had great weather, with some great storms mixed in with it all, love me a good storm (minus the wind).  We haven't camped a ton, but we did a good stretch in June, and here and there in in July, and the long weekend in August was a blast.  We have a few more trips planned coming up including a couple nights for our Anniversary (which is 16 yrs this month).  I told someone that we were going without the kids, and I mentioned that I thought it was going to be, I don't know, weird.  And she laughed and said "Ro man tic??".  I laughed!

Well, our son started Football this year, his first year at it and he's starting out in Pee Wee, rather than Atom because of his weight.  Atom is where he should be, because of his age, but, his weight made him go up a level.  Praying he does well as he is playing with some kids who've been doing it for 3+ yrs.  There are 3 or 4 others on his team who are playing for the first time this year as well, including 1 girl. So I do feel a little better that he's not the only one.

I am always on the wrong computer for uploading pictures...argh!  I have a really good one of him...lets see if I can find it on my twitter.  Here is a link to a picture, I hope it works.

VBS week here at our house, busy times, up and out the door by 7:35 because I am helping with childcare!!  I also have my nieces here this week, as well as my sister is here with 2 of her 3 kids.  It's a really long morning, but it's fun, and if I take have my coffee, and vitamins in the morning, it's all good!!  :) If I survive the week, maybe I will get around to blogging again...haha   

Saddened, but understanding

Today, I had to return an item to Wal-Mart that I bought yesterday because last night I realised I over spent, and ironically, our account was going to go over drawn if I didn't return these two items that I didn't really NEED.  So I get to customer service after receiving a return item sticker upon entering Wal-Mart.  There were two ladies ahead of me, with two babies, and I heard the tail end of the conversation, something about them (meaning walmart) not being able to accept returnable items without the sticker you get when you come into the store (which I got) with an item to return.  The ladies proceeded to complain a little, and leave.  Whatever right, never gave it a thought till I left, and saw these two ladies walking to their vehicle....carrying only the babies...no item.  The item they tried to return wasn`t in their possession, which made me come to realise, they tried to return and item they didn`t even buy.  I`ve heard it happen before, but this was the first time I had actually seen it happen.  Truly sad...but I totally understand.....money is everything a family needs to get by, and at times, around here at my house, things have been tight, and on occasion, our account has had to go over drawn, just to get by, but thankfully not by much!!  God provides for all our needs, and we are very blessed with the job my hubby has, and very thankful for EVERYTHING, including over drawn bank accounts....a bible verse I read today via my twitter account -"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs with no fear of the future" Proverbs 31:25 credit from (in)courage.  I wanna be the `she` mentioned in this verse!!  Without God in our lives I`d surely be a wreck!  (and I am a tad bit uncomfortable sharing these parts of my life, but sometimes need to realise that others who may be in a similar situation, need to know its not just them, I know that it helps encourage me to know others have similar struggles, and could use prayer)

Trailer

A Little Tour of our Trailer. 

This is what we woke up to the first night we had it home, April 15th, we slept in it that night and woke up to this!  Which is actually a dream of mine, to wake up to a little layer of snow, didn't think it would happen the first night we had it home, in April. 

The front area, the bed lifts up for more storage.  We have since added some memory foam to make a more comfy sleep.

The view you see from the door as you walk into the trailer. That cupboard is my little pantry.

The U shaped dinette, we bought a high stool from IKEA for the end so we all fit! (my lovely model, Breanna, who you will see in a few pictures)

The view from the front bed into the back, there are 3 bunks back there, two width wise and 1 on the other side of the fridge going the length of the trailer.  The bottom bunk lifts up and there is a door back there on the "driver" side to bring along bikes if we wanted to. Or it could be used as an escape if trying to get away from a big brother, and not realizing both doors are locked, and locking the keys inside the trailer. (cause that happened) 

The view from the back into the front.  The door to the left is the small bathroom.  And of course the main reason to getting the new trailer is there on the right, the BIG fridge!!  :)



Very small bathroom.  That alarm clock isn't there anymore, just for the first night.  Breanna had a bath in it while we were camping the May long weekend.  It was cute, but I can't see us doing that very often, it was fun though, and I sure wish I had this trailer when we started camping 7+ years ago.  Breanna was 1 and slept in the playpen in our tent.  It was fun though, and we have lots of memories from that trip!





The screen door we use at night if we I want to read before bed.

Tight fit in the front driveway, but there is still room to park on the other side and lots of room in front of the hitch. 

I can see us using this well after the kids have grown as well, the bunk area I already have an idea to change that into a couch or a lounging area...bet you didn't even notice it doesn't have a couch!?!  Ok, maybe you did...we sacrificed a little.  But I don't care, we spend the majority of our time out doors anyways.  Anyone wanna go camping with us??? It's ok if you don't, we will still go ;) 

10 Years

Saturday night had hubby and I sitting back, relaxing and chatting after the kids went to bed.  It was nice, since he's been on call this past week and has been busy, many very EARLY morning calls.  We were talking and the conversation lead to the future, and where we might be in 5 or 10 years.  And then I sat there and thought, 10 years...TEN YEARS...from now, my oldest, Emmalee, will be 23, Noah will be 21, Alexa will be 20, and Breanna will be 18!!!!!???!?!  WHAT???  Oh my word.  Really?? Ten years ago, I had a 3 yr old, a 1 yr old and a new born.  It is amazing how these past 10 years went by so fast, and as much as I am looking forward to this next season in my life, all my kids becoming teens, and then adults, it scares me a LOT!!  I cried Saturday night.  Tears of fear mostly, there are many reasons I am fearful.  What will I do after they all leave home?  What will I DO?  Where will we be?  What will the kids become?  Will they be married?  When I was 23 I had 3 kids...I can't see Emmalee having 3 kids in 10 years. But you never know right? She might just surprise me.  Only God knows.  My precious little ones are growing up, and fast I might add.  I love them to bits, and can't imagine my life without them.  God gave me each and everyone of these geeks!  :) And I think I will keep them, they are my favourites!

Explosion



The house on the right was the house fire the night before the explosion



What a week we have had.  As many of you already know, if there is anyone out there who reads my blog, that there was an explosion in Regina, in the south end of the city, on my street, 3 doors down from my house.  Yup...It is a morning I don't want to re-live EVER again, but seem to be doing just that on a daily basis in my brain. 

It all started at 5:30am, Sunday, April 10th.  There were sirens, lots of fire engine sirens, 6 to be exact.  And there was a fire at a house kinda kiddy corner from us, we could throw a rock and hit it, but we wouldn't do that.  It seemed like they had the fire under control, and no one knew what caused it, it was still under investigation.  Some might have assumed it was a pot house and they had a grow op in the basement, but you know what happens when you assume....The fire investigators came and went, and the day went on. 

Monday morning comes around, a day we were supposed to be getting ready to go to my nanny's memorial in Yorkton, she passed away April 7th. We were to have showers, do our hair, get dressed up, but not really dressed up...4:30am, my husband is up, calling out my name, later to find out he heard a loud bang, and thought something was going on outside.  I thought he was having a nightmare, then I heard him lose it.  "ARA, Oh MY GOSH, A HOUSE EXPLODED"  In a tone of voice that sends shivers through me as I type this.  I opened my eyes to realize it wasn't our house, thank God.  Then I thought it was the house that had the fire the night before, you know, maybe trying to get rid of evidence of a grow op!??  Just kidding.  I also still thought he was having a nightmare as I was coming out to the kitchen.  He was dialing 911 and FREAKING out, and I was trying to tell him he was having a nightmare (which he never does, so I don't know why I thought that) until he went outside....then I saw it...The house beside the one on fire the night before, was engulfed in flames!!!  I have a video, that was later aired on CTV news Regina. 

My husband proceeded to get dressed (which means threw pants & a jacket on) and run over to see if there was anything he could do, and I stayed at home, in and out of the house, consoling Noah, who was also awaken by his daddy's screaming.  The fire trucks got to the scene finally, about 4-5 minutes after the explosion happened.  We watched, and I got dressed (which means threw pants & a jacket on) and walked down periodically too, also trying to comfort Noah who was inside the house.  Convinced Noah to go back to sleep, and went back outside to talk with neighbours and my hubby.  About 5:30am, a guy came running out of his house, about 3 doors down the other way, to say his house was on fire as well.  Then, the fire crew decided it was best if we ALL got out of our houses, NOW.  Went back in, and woke all the kids up, told them to get shoes on, and grab jackets, we needed to GET OUT NOW.  So scary!!! I still had my cell phone, thank goodness, was able to call family later in the morning. We ran down the street, away from the fires, away from the comfort of our warm home, wondering if we were ever going to get back to it, wondering if what was going on was going to affect our home. 

After about an hour and a half of standing on the street, seemed like forever, about a block from our house, a city bus came to our rescue, for warmth. 

Then about a half hour later, the salvation Army bus came with coffee, juice, hot chocolate, crackers and cheese, fruit-os for the kids, soup and sandwiches if we wanted.

We still had to get ready for a funeral, and we weren't too sure how that was going to happen.  We were evacuated from our house with no sign of returning.  They wanted to make sure that our houses were clear of natural gas, which is what they figured out was the problem.  As the time ticked by, and Radio stations, and news stations came and interviewed us, and we saw that the fires were under control, I went and begged a police officer to let us get in and get ready so we could leave to the funeral.  We didn't want to go to it in our PJ's.  After a few minutes of checking with the firemen, he said we could go in, we had 5 minutes to get dressed, and grab what we needed to be on our way.  He asked what house, I said 915, and he said, "oh ya, I was just in that house".  Um, ok.

The day went on, we were able to get going on our way to Yorkton.  Gave our cell #'s to our neighbour, and a house key so he could lock up when they were all done checking for natural gas leaks.  Throughout the day we got a few calls from him with updates, and he mentioned we'd be able to go back in around 6pm, with a uniformed officer.  Thank goodness we were away, not sure what we would have done, in our pj's on the street all day.  We got home at 6pm, but our neighbour had already gone through our house with a uniformed officer and it was cleared, and we were able to go home when we got back to the city.  A few of our neighbours never had heat turned on until nearly midnight.  Thanks to some of our church neighbours who offered us to hang out if we needed to, and who let us use their bathroom, and thanks to those who prayed, and offered to help in anyway.  We could use prayers still, as a few of our children are afraid to go downstairs, and they've all been sleeping in one room, upstairs.  My husband is having trouble sleeping as well, every time he tries to close his eyes, the whole scene plays out in his mind. 

We later found out that the people (in their 70's) escaped, and that the woman was BLOWN out of her house and was able to go across the street to a neighbours house.  She is currently in an induced coma, due to pain.  The man was treated and released.

I also had a birthday last week, I was spoiled with love that day in so many ways by my family.  More on that another post.

My nanny, in her healthier years.

She was stricken with Alzheimer's disease about the time her first grand baby was born, which is so sad, she loved babies and kids, she worked in a Nursery at a hospital in her younger years.  She passed away on what would have been her husbands 83rd birthday, and about 3 hours after her baby (youngest son) came to say goodbye (which he wasn't going to do).  She is no longer in pain, and no longer suffering!     

Some signs of spring

There all around us, puddles, ruts, streams, dirty cars! And I love it! Well, mostly! I bought myself some rubber boots this year. I found them back in Feb, and wanted them then, but at the time, we just couldn't do it. So, last week it was time...well, I check the one store where I first saw them, 2 pairs, size 7, I wanted 9. So I ask my sister to check the north store, 2 pairs, no 9's. So, off to the east store we go, 3 pairs, two 7's and one 9!!!!! YAY for me!! Here they are, super cute!!

Some signs of spring, and the power of flowing water!!

More signs of spring, jumping on the trampoline at neighbours!!

And the last sign of spring, our naked front lawn, where our tent trailer was. It is current in the RV dealers shop getting a look over before the new owners take possession. Hopefully SOON!!

I love making cards!!!

These are some cards I made at a friends pre-buy class! I came home with that CUUUTE cupcake punch and these 4 cards!!

I came down to my stamp room to tidy it up, which I did, yay me, and made these two cards.

This one, I've been trying to use more pattern paper on 1 single card, not so good at it, it turned out ok.

This one I used my silhouette cutting machine and have been wanting to make a 9 x 4 card for a long time. I like how this turned out a lot!!

And this is for my daughters friends 8th birthday that she made, and I helped a little!! So cute!!

What's going on? What's going on?

Lots! I've sat here a few times over the past 2 weeks, with different ideas to blog about, but just never get the guts to type it up and then put it out there. Some of the topics were blah days, children misbehaving, laziness, wanting a maid and of course the weather. But I seem to always talk about the weather.

My hubby was on call for his job this past week, and it was his second time doing it since he started there last March. I am so thankful, for 1, that he has a job, 2 that he has this opportunity to bring in some extra income so that I don't have to go out and get a job, which is another 'hot' topic I've been contemplating. But boy, this being on call thing is stressing him out. It is sooo different that his previous employment, here is he dealing with emergencies, real LIFE emergencies. Before he was dealing with minor things, like non LIFE threatening things. His stress is well managed, but I can see it in his body, in his eyes. But, being a former cheerleader, not, I am good at cheering him up and being a glass half full person for him, who I think sometimes is a glass half empty person. That is my job after all!

Spring CAN'T come soon enough, speaking of the weather!! Wow, we've had some AWFUL days. The next few days, however, are going to spoil us a little. As long as the wind doesn't ruin it all!!

I have a quick recipe to share with you. I've been on the hunt for good homemade salad dressings, and I've tried a few, but haven't found one that I've liked, until Tuesday!! Here it is:

1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2-3/4 tsp dried mustard
1/2-3/4 tsp sugar
1-2 cloves of crushed garlic
1-2 tbsp red wine vinegar
6-8 tbsp olive oil

stir or shake it up and use as much or as little as you want and store the rest in the fridge!! So easy and simple (although my mom said "You have those ingredients in your house?") Super Delish!! ENJOY!

Lots of things to look forward to over the next few months!!

NOTICE ------------------------------------>

I have a new link, where you can click and follow my blog. I've had it here since the beginning the week and am feeling kind of depressed (not really tho) that is says "There are no followers yet" :-( o So, all you readers out there....all you stalkers ;-) click and follow me :) ----->
(once this post gets down further on the page, you will have to scroll up to the top to see this link)

On another note it is frigid out there today, -40 this morning out where my brother lives, he even took a pic of the vehicle temperature gage. I clicked on the weather link this morning around 11am and it said -36 with a windchill feels more like -48!!!!!!!!! COLD!!!! And tomorrow is supposed to be -3 or something!?! On Sunday I read on another website, that it is supposed to be ZERO!!?! WHAT?!?! Crazy weather!! We are staying inside today and going NO WHERE!!

Here are some of my favourite pictures over Christmas:

Pre Christmas Baking :-)

My First Bird

Recipes close by ;-)

Our Buffet Feeding Trough

The Tables

Our Christmas Tree (fake this yr)

At the farm

"My Very First Rider Shirt!"

I love this picture, and I love that my hubby's mom has her very first rider shirt, and I love that we got it for her!!

Go Riders!!!

It's a New Day, it's a New Dawn, it's a New Life for Me

Not really, but it is however a new year. I'm still sick, been for over a month now, but I do feel like there is an end. Hallelujah.

Christmas was good, insanely busy, but good. This year I cooked my first Christmas supper. WOW, how do people do it??!! I only had 9 people here, I can't imagine cooking for 20+ like my mom. I have a new respect for her now as well, and all women who have to cook for large amounts. AND I'm glad that it is just once a year. All of December was busy busy busy, every day, every weekend, and it JUST ended this past Monday, Jauary 10th. And I have to tell you, I am so glad the busy is over. For a little while anyways.

Our oldest daughter turned 13 on New Years Eve!! It was a great day, I was sooo excited for her, 13 is big. Officially a TEENager!!! She had 3 different cakes, 2 parties and lots of fun!! I wanted to make it as special as possible, and had family members write up a little card for her to keep and look back upon. Every single one that we received was special and am so thankful for everyone who wrote something for her!! Made my day too!! We have a few things to look forward to this yr, 5 more birthdays coming up in our little family, and one big birthday, hubby. He's turning the big 40 in May!! There will be no surprise party for him, I did that when he turned 30, and planning surprise parties are hard, especially when that person shares the financial roll in the family, and knows where every penny is spent. So, if there is a party, it will be planned and he will know about it! ;) So there....

We have been invited to 2 weddings for this year so far, 1 is already past and was fun! We got to hang out with the happily married couple and their kids a few days after the wedding at a hotel here in Regina, and that was fun. Another wedding is in Canmore in May, looking forward to traveling there, I LOVE TO TRAVEL!!! We might take the new trailer with, to save money, but hubby is concerned about snow...we'll see.

We/I can't stop thinking about the trailer and camping and all that fun stuff!! We are hoping to be camping on hubby's 40th. Not sure where yet. We could go to Willow View Campground aka Grandmas house, or Maple View Resort Campground aka my folks place. It will be fun no matter where we go!!

So there is a little of life in a nut shell!!