Mother-in-Laws

When one thinks of Mother-in-laws they are not always thought of with kind thoughts. There are many horrible jokes, stories, and even movies about them. The stereotype of monster-in-law is one that I am sure was come by honestly for some, but there are also those that are nothing like that name would suggest.

I am luck enough to have a wonderful Mother-in-law. She is an amazing woman who is such a blessing to me, my husband, our boys and everyone she meets. She has a heart of gold. I thoroughly enjoy the time I get to spend with her. I aspire to be like her. I am humbled by her faith in the God she loves and whom I know loves her.

I am inspired by her creativity, her ability to sew (i have some wonderful clothing she has made me), knit (each of our boys have adorable baby outfits she lovingly made for them), cook and bake (you always know you are in for a great meal when feasting at my In-Laws home..YUMMY), and to get a stain out of anything (she has saved many an item for us:)) These are only a few of her many abilities.

I am blessed to have a Mother-in-law that I can truly talk to. I can share my heart openly with her without fear of judgement, ridicule or embarrassment. She listens with amazing love, honesty and a gentle way of leading you back Christ for everything you need. I have had the joy of having her with my husband and I at the birth of each of our 3 boys. It was awesome to have her nursing knowledge, calming nature, and her love for us and that precious baby being born.

She is one of the most amazing women I know. I cherish her, and am privileged to call her Mom. It is with much love and admiration that I wish her a wonderful birthday today, and may we celebrate many, many more together.

Love you Mom

March Break

So how was your March Break?

Mine was good. Actually better than I had expected it to be. Having Gabe and Zach home together all week was not something I was really looking forward to. Don't get me wrong, I love my kids, and love being with them, but they can get on each other's nerves which in turn REALLY gets on Mommy's nerves. I was not sure how the week would go.

But....

I was pleasantly surprised. The boys did really well together. They played, they ran, they yelled, they laughed, they snacked, they really had a good time. We had a couple of bonuses during the week too. My sister came out to spend a day with us, Gord actually got to take his day off, and Gabe had two afternoons where he got to get out without the rest of us.

His wonderful bus driver Lea plans several events during the week of March Break for her bus kids. Did I mention she is AWESOME!! She took more than 40 kids to Laser Quest on the Wednesday, and to bowling on Thursday. Gabe got to attend both. He was totally excited, and had a fabulous time at both. It also gave Mommy a break too.

We spent some time at a couple libraries, played video games, read stories, and thanks to the beautiful weather, got to spend a good couple of days outside in the fresh air.

All in all, a really good week.

Bring on Spring

I am SOOOOOO ready for Spring. The cold and snow are not my favourite things. I am looking forward to seeing the first signs of spring. The new life emerging and bringing with it a sense of hope and renewal.

The boys and I are ready to get outside and start some planting. We are hoping to make some nice flower beds, as well as hopefully a small vegetable garden. Now, since neither the boys nor I have ever tried to do such things, it could be quite the chore. But, hopefully enjoyable and worth it.

Being that we moved out here late in the year, we haven't had alot of time to get out and explore our new area. We have lots of yard, trees and fields. I'm sure I will be treated to bugs, lots of dirt and every manner of found treasure.

There is a tree house. We will have to see how safe it is, and I'm not sure I want the kids going up there being they are still only 6 and 3, but we will see. A tire swing somewhere would be cool too.


There are lots of adventures to be had, but hopefully, even though I have energetic little boys, some quiet enjoyment of laying on the grass looking up at the clouds in the sky will make it into our days as well.

Gabe and School

This would NOT be my Gabe.

Gabe likes to go to school.

Gabe LOVES to take the bus to school.

Gabe does NOT like to do his work at school.

I asked him one day why it takes him so long to do his work.

His simple reply was that he wants to do what he wants to do, not what the teacher wants him to do.

OOY!!

How do you get your kid to want to do the work, to want to learn and get better at things?

I want him to do well. I want him to enjoy school. I don't want to always be harping at him either.

Any ideas?

Who are you?

How do you describe yourself? Do you focus on the negative? Do you only tell the good parts? Are you honest?

The other day I began thinking about all these things. Who am I? What do I like about myself? What do I not like? What would I prefer to change? So, I decide that this is what today's post is going to be about. Just me. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.....or maybe how about the Great, the Good, the Not So Bad, the Definitely Bad, and the OH MY Heavens!

This is me. Well, not this picture, but this is some of how I see myself (in no particular order)

I am a mom of three small boys.

I am not the best mom.

I yell too much.

I am not as creative or organized or patient as I would like to be.

I imagine sometimes what life would be like without them.

I am so thankful that God blessed us with them.

I LOVE them with every part of me.

I am a wife, a lover, a confidant.

I love my husband.

I don't like my body (thankfully he does)

I'm finally doing something about that.

I want to be more active with him and the boys.

I am a believer.

I know Jesus loves me.

I don't always feel He does.

I don't read my bible enough.

I have faith.

I have hope.

I have been blessed!

I struggle with feelings of inadequacy.

I worry about being judged by others.

I am a sister and sister-in-law.

I am a daughter, a step- daughter, a daughter-in-law, grand-daughter, a neice and an aunt.

I love my family.

I wish we could visit more.

I don't like to clean

I am not as organized as I want to be.

I like to drive.

I miss photography.

I have very few friends.

I would love to travel.

I enjoy time with family and friends

I worry about my kids in so many ways.

My to do list is horrendously long.

I love food.

I don't have a favourite colour or number.

I enjoy music and movies.

I would love to read more.

.........................and so on..........

Who are you?