Friday 22 February 2008

Oh The Joys Of Life With 4 Kids...

Lucky me.

My kids have had this entire past week off school. We had 2 days of Teacher's Convention and 2 "In Lieu" days and 1 why-the-heck-don't-we-just-give-them-this-day-off-too day off.
I gotta say...... I didn't think I'd be one of those parents that ends up not liking their kids home on holidays, but having my kids all home is hard!!!! They bicker, they argue, they yell, they fight.... And this is all before Sesame Street is on at 8 am. *sigh*
So I managed to kick them out to go play at the park behind our house today. The littlest one was asleep (praise Jesus) so I had 1 hour of peace and quiet. (Of course, I cleaned up the mess they made while making Jello and Trail Mix Cookies) It was blissful.

Other than that, nothing's really shaking 'round here. It's been wonderfully nice outside with the weather lately. At the bottom of our driveway is a massive puddle that I can just tell is going to turn into Tait Lake in the real springtime. Boy oh boy.... my kids are going to like that. (Okay, me too.... But I think I need a pair of galoshes)

I've really come to a place where I don't honestly KNOW what God wants me to do (remember He kept on bringing up grace to me?). I really don't It's like God is staying silent on it.... But I am being obedient and am submitting to His will for me. (I hate blindly submitting - I always want to know the reasons behind it all) But I feel a great measure of peace in regards to the submission thing. I just wish I knew what the heck it is/was that God is doing in me.
I figure that I'll figure it out sooner or later.

It's interesting, though. Hubby had lunch today with someone we know from our church, and (bear in mind that I've only talked with Hubby for 5 minutes today on the phone all day (and it's almost 11 at night right now)) Hubby kind of TOLD me that we are resuming our normal activities in regards to the church. There is a part of me that just rankles when I am told what to do. (Just had to be honest and uncensored...) Is there anyone who gleefully skips around saying "Whee!!! Yippee! You're going to tell me what to do, and I get to blindly obey it! Oh, happy day!".
Honestly, I don't think so. I think most people cop an attitude, get a massive chip on their shoulders and say in their heads "Who the hell do you think YOU are telling ME what to do?". (Right??? Please tell me I'm not alone in this observation......!)
Granted, I've gotten LOTS better than I used to be. I used to be Miss Independent (which is funny, because just before I got married, I had Carpal Tunnel and I couldn't even brush my teeth normally, or open doorknobs, or butter my toast or cut up my meat. I even had to get Then-Boyfriend to button up my jeans for me! Thank goodness he married me! That would have been awkward to explain to Future Hubby!). I thought that I had improved in the attitude of my heart in that (not so small) matter of submission.Apparently I still have a ways to go yet.
But, on the plus side - at least I don't throw up in my mouth anymore when I say "submission"!

I'm not too sure about how I feel just jumping right back into the church that we were going to..... At the end of the day, I am not following the pastors, I am following the Lord. Sometimes, they are one and the same, and other times they are football fields apart...... Part of me wants to ease back in, ever-so-gently.... ever-so-slowly so I don't create so much as a ripple. And yet, part of me thinks my Hubby is going to cannonball into the deep end. (And in doing so, drags me in with him)

I guess what I'm sort of struggling with, is the person whom I've come to notice some undesirable character traits in, is apparently taking over the Children's Church once a month. I have 4 kids in that. If he feels no hesitation in displaying these character traits in front of adults - what is it going to look like in front of children???? I know, to the very core of my being, that I am responsible, before God as to what I allow my children to be influenced by in their formative years.
Does this mean that I look like a complete and utter jackass and say "When he is in Children's Church, my kids are not allowed under his sphere of influence?" (Because that just looks like I have a giant grudge! Which I don't. I'm assuming the worst behavior out of him, and I hope to God that he proves me wrong) I guess I just am not sure as to what to do about this.
Hubby doesn't feel the same way as I do about it..... which is fine. I understand that he's different than I am, and he sees things different ways.
Normally, he is a black and white kind of guy, and I am all about the grey areas... But in this, I see only black and white. No inbetween-y bits.

Lord, give me wisdom. Give me knowledge. Give me understanding. Tell me what's going on! Direct my paths.... and please make them straight. Dear Lord, make them straight. I can't handle anymore curves or hairpin turns.
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord. Open my ears to hear you. Rain your Holy Spirit down upon me..... Refresh me. Water my spirit. Create in me a clean heart, Oh Lord. And renew a right spirit within me.
Amen.

C.

Wednesday 20 February 2008

Target.....

I love Target. It has got to be the BEST store in the world (right after Old Navy, of course).
So.......

We made it to Kimberley BC on our road trip. Have I ever said how much I HATE road trips??? They always start out with Hubby yelling at me, and it's just no fun.
This one was worse than......
getting your wisdom teeth taken out (at least then you get drugs!)
or shopping for bathing suits.

Here's the low down.....
Trip to Kimberley

Just click on that and read the first post. It was horrific. Why did I think that 6 people, 4 of them being under 9, all being confined in a minivan for 12 SOLID HOURS was a good idea???????

Ugh. *slams head onto computer desk*

The few good things about us going on a road trip is that Kimberley is closer to the Idaho border than we are here in Okotoks - in fact, it's a leisurely 3 hour drive to Coeur d'Alene and only 3 1/2 hours to the lovely metropolis of Spokane Washington!!!!! Woo, hoo!!!!
So, Hubby and I went to IHOP for breakfast (yummy. If anyone has a copy of a good recipe for cornmeal pancakes, I'll TOTALLY take it!), then drove to Spokane. We shopped at Old Navy (where I got some lovely new shirts!), then all around the Spokane Valley Mall (it had a Bath & Body Works! I was soooooooooo happy!!!). Then we went to TGI Fridays (really good food - we don't have it in Canada), drove back to Cd'A and then hit a Target and a Starbucks (y'all have NO clue how to make a vanilla venti Earl Grey tea misto, did you know that??).
Then, back over the border we went! Thank GOD that we didn't get dinged for duty - we were in the US for less than 12 hours and were bringing back over $200 worth of stuff.... The Canadian border guy just let us pass right on thru. Woot woot for being a naive, nice Canadian!!! :D

But of course, now that we are home, the kids are missing the snow, and Nana, and are "so bored!!!". Oddly enough, I get called Nana quite a bit - when they are looking RIGHT AT ME!!! I like to think that it's genetic! (I do it to them all the time!)

OH, and does anyone know where I can find Instant Tea Crystals (without the sugar??)
http://www.nestea.com/productsInstant.jsp?loc=3
We cannot get it up here in Canada, and I'd really like to have some..... (I'd like to make this drink called Russian Tea)

Have a great night! Off to go grocery shopping!
C.

Thursday 14 February 2008

Happy Valentime's Day!

My girls are so funny..... We got into an argument this morning over the fact that I said that it was pronounced "Valentine's" while they swear up, down and sideways that it's Valentime's. So whatever..... I'll just laugh about this when they are 15..... :D

I'm going to unabashedly steal something.... *evil grin*
I read Dawn's blog called Because I Said So!, and she had posted this neat-o list, so I decided to use the wonderful functions of copy & paste and voila!

60 Things You Possibly Didn't Know About Me

1. What is in the back seat of your car right now?
My recycling bins (Hubby doesn't know, but will know soon when the car detailer gets done with detailing the minivan!)

2. When was the last time you threw up
Ummmmm..... September 2007, I think.

3. What's your favorite curse word?
I use the f-bomb...... I know. I DID used to use "Shit!" until Liam started saying "Chit, Mama! Chit!". I stopped that in a hurry.... But I only say it in my head. Out loud I say "Jingers!" which makes my hubby think I'm a moron.

4. Name 3 people who made you smile today?
Michael, Bridget, Natalie, Liam, Katy & Tyrone.

5. What were you doing at 8 am this morning?
Doing Bridget's hair in Minnie Mouse buns (that's what she calls them)

6. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?
washing dishes

7. What will you be doing 3 hours from now?
Hopefully eating dinner! LOL

8. Have you ever been to a strip club?
Nope - no real desire to.

9. What is the last thing you said aloud?
Be quiet!

10. What is the best ice cream flavor?
Anything chocolate...... Or cheesecake. Or chocolate and cheesecake TOGETHER!!!! MMMMmmmmmm....

11. What was the last thing you had to drink?
Good question - I don't remember!

12. What are you wearing right now?
Attractive slippers, some cords and a pink tee shirt

13. What was the last thing you ate?
An Asian pear.... Yum.

14. Have you bought any new clothing items this week?
No. I haven't bought new clothes so far this year!

15. When was the last time you ran?
Before baby #4 when I was insanely exercising everyday....

16. What's the last sporting event you watched?
Sports? I know not of this sports thing you mention.....

18. Who is the last person you emailed?
My hubby....

19. Ever go camping?
Yes, and that's why it's now against my religion, same as ironing!

20. Do you have a tan?
LOL!!! You know I"m Canadian, right??? I could give Dita Von Teese a run for her money for "Whitest Whitey in the World"

24. Do you drink your soda from a straw?
Nope....

25. What did your last IM say?
Bye!

26. Are you someone's best friend?
I hope so

27. What are you doing tomorrow?
Getting ready to go to Kimberley BC on a road trip....

28. Where is your mom right now?
Haven't the foggiest idea.... She's a big girl now, and can do all sorts of stuff by herself!

29. Look to your left, what do you see?
A wall with a calendar on it - there's pink fishies this month kissing.....

30. What color is your watch?
When I do wear a watch, it's a red one that I got free with some hand cream.

31. What do you think of when you think of Australia ?
My friends Darren & Cherise.

32. Would you consider plastic surgery?

Not too sure.... I might if I would end up with no scars...

33. What is your birthstone?
emerald.

34. Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit thedrive thru?
Neither - I'm too cheap, I just eat at home.

35.How many kids do you want?
Some days, none. Other days, 4.

36. Do you have a dog?
Yes - her name is Katy and she is a Gordon Setter....

37. Last person you talked to on the phone?
Angela.

38. Have you met anyone famous?
It depends - I've met some cool people in the Church, but as for really famous people - no. I once saw Lee & Sandy Paley at the mall though.....

39. Any plans today?
I am gearing up to make a nice Valentine's Day dinner - roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, veggies, cake and cookies.

40. How many states have you lived in?
None. Well, if I'm going to be a brat, I have breathed, slept and eaten in 9, but the longest I've stayed in any state is 2 weeks. (Good old Hawaii!)

41. Ever go to college?
Not really - I went to Ministry School.

42. Where are you right now?
Uhhhh, at home?

43. Biggest annoyance in your life right now?
Other than my 2 year old throwing tantrums and/or licking me on the face, a dog who doesn't listen to a word I say, laundry that piles up and dishes that seem to get themselves dirty 24/7? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.... I live a peaceful existence.... (hysterical laughter...)

44. Last song listened to?
The last track off of Delirious' album "Mission Bell"

46. Are you allergic to anything?
Ironing, camping.

47. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time?
My slippers.

48. Are you jealous of anyone?
Not that I know of....

50. Is anyone jealous of you?
Oh dear God! I hope not!

51. What time is it?
3:31 pm.

52. Do any of your friends have children?
Yes....

53. Do you eat healthy?
Unfortunately, yes. Bleah.

54. What do you usually do during the day?
Run a 3 ring circus.

55. Do you hate anyone right now?
None that spring to mind....

56. Do you use the word 'hello' daily?
Yes. *ring, ring* "Hello?"

58. How old will you be turning on your next birthday?
Too old.

59. Have you ever been to Six Flags?
No. Is that like the United Nations theme park for kids?

60. How did you get one of your scars?
I nearly sliced off the side of my finger while cutting grapes off the stem (I was pregnant, of course). Looking back, I SHOULD have gotten stitches, but I was in such an exhausted fog that I didn't even think.

Enjoy your day!
C.

Saturday 9 February 2008

Irony At It's Best....

So, a little background to set this one up.......

I love it when I get emails from my IP that tell me that my mailbox quota has been exceeded....
Like this.....

An e-mail sent to you by T on Sat Feb 9 20:22:02 2008

was not delivered because it exceeded your current mailbox quota.

* The incoming message has exceeded the maximum "total bytes" that your
mailbox can still allow.

* The maximum "total bytes" your mailbox can hold: 15729664
* The maximum "total bytes" your mailbox can still allow: 5996162

The following is some additional information about the bounced message

* Incoming Message Subject: Fwd: [WARNING - NOT VIRUS SCANNED] Sheep news
* Incoming Message Size (bytes): 9733599

To fix this problem, log into Webmail and delete your e-mails from the server. This will increase the maximum .total bytes. that you mailbox can still allow. Webmail can be accessed at <http://webmail.telus.net>

If the incoming message size is too large, contact the sender to resend the message after reducing the message size.

For e-mail tips, visit us online at <http://www.telus.net/emailtips.html>.

For more information or if you need assistance please visit <http://help.telus.net/email> or e-mail us at helpdesk@telus.net.

Thank you.

TELUS

Rolling on floor laughing!!!! I prolly would have had enough room if they hadn't have sent me the email!!! (Okay, I went back and did the math, and I didn't have enough room, but STILL!!!! Funny stuff!)

Just thought it was really funny..... Can you tell it's almost my bedtime?? :D

C.

Oh Lent......

Well. It's official. It's Lent, y'all. *sigh*
So, waaaaaaay back in January, I really felt convicted that the Lord wanted me to participate in Lent (which shows that God has a sense of humor - we're Pentecostal!). He also told me what I was supposed to give up. :sob:
He wanted me to give up sugar in my beloved tea.

Now, I realize that giving up sugar in my tea seems somewhat minor to some..... But do you KNOW how much tea I drink????? I counted 1 day and found out that I drink 8 cups of tea a day, easy. My fave right now is Vanilla Earl Grey from Tetley (quite possibly the yummiest tea ever. Period.). I drink tea like most people drink coffee..... It's like a part of me..... it's what I do. I drink tea.

And, to add insult to injury, He wanted me to give up snacking after dinner. (Which, okay, I needed to do it anyway.... But to have God tell you to give it up? OUCH.) And, yes, it took a few days to get the "after dinner munchies" under control, but I am so proud to say that I'm actually enjoying not eating after dinner. I sleep better, I'm actually HUNGRY at breakfast time, and I just feel not so sluggish in the morning. (Yay, God!)
But I do still miss my popcorn...... And that's all I have to say about that.

But back to the tea thing.... So I find that I'm not enjoying tea as much as I normally do (since, duh! Tea - sugar= not so yummy anymore :( ) As a result, it's AMAZING how much less tea I drink on a day-to-day basis! Like WOW!!!
I do miss it's yummy warmth though..... Herbal tea just isn't the same. *sigh*

I did join another Bible Study though..... Which is exciting! The previous one that I belonged to is on a bit of a "hiatus", and then they are jumping into a Joyce Meyer study that I just didn't feel led to. So, I was praying to God, and saying that I really enjoyed the homework from the Beth Moore studies (yes, I know I'm a nerd), and that I wanted homework. I wanted to learn, to go deeper with God.
So I really felt led to another Bible Study that happens in the morning.... which is great. AND, it has free child care! SCORE!!!!! (I think it's as close to a MDO that I'll ever get!) It's a great study, and I know God wants me there. (Which is neat.)
Somehow, I get the sense that God is trying to work on my obedience (which sucks because it implies to me that I've been DIS-obedient! LOL).

Lord, in this time of Lent, open my eyes to what You are doing, both in me, and in those that I love. Teach me not to kick against the goads that You've placed around me. Grant me peace, serenity, joy and love for those around me, Lord.
Lord, please give me wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and a keen set of ears and eyes to see what You are doing. Open the eyes of my heart, Lord. I want to see You. I want to see You in all your Glory - whether You are happy or sad, I want to see You.
Teach me, Lord.

C.