Bits From The Boldt

Summer is Gone

2010-08-27T13:53:00.000-07:00

Summer has flown by. We had a great time this year. Very busy and at parts very stressful but lots of fun.

In June we discovered that Kyrra had a tumor in her belly. After a month of stress and tests we were happy to discover that it is benign and should not cause her any problems later in life.

July brought Auntie's wedding. What a beautiful day. The kids did great as ring bearer and flower girls. They partied until 2 am at the reception too!

August we managed to head to the cabin for a weekend. It was so fun to watch the kids just run and be free. Abby actually swam in the lake. They are so nervous in a swimming pool but put them in the lake and they just blossom.

They had a blast at Vacation Bible school and Daddy brought them to camp a few times.

Now it's Jeff last day at Summer Fun Camp and only three days until the first day of school. Time really does fly when you are having fun.

What a great couple of days.

2010-05-13T13:04:00.000-07:00

Well mostly...The weather is finally warming up and the rain/snow seems to be over with for now. I was starting to think that we'd never bring the summer wear out for the kids. Yesterday I walked down to the school to pick up the Ladies, we headed downtown to check the mail for Daddy and they wanted to go for a few visits. We stopped at Nutter's and saw Nana Deb and then to the Wilkommen centre to say hi to Aunty. I was so nice to be out and about with out the van.

Today I decided to surprise the girls. Ainsley and I packed up a picnic lunch and we headed out to the park next to city hall from the school. They enjoyed sitting at the picnic table munching their lunches. We had to cut the lunch short for a potty break. We ran over to the library. Every one got new book, even found some for myself (Yay).

The walk home was a little hairy at times. Ainsley got spooked by a bug and then again by the dandylion she picked. (That girl does not like things that grow from the ground). The girls were getting tired and it was warming up quite a bit. Enough whining to make me grit my teeth but we survived. Now we have the AC blowing, and are finshing off our lunch while watching some Lunar Jim.

The not so great part was everyone seems to have a mild tummy bug. Poor Jeff was off for two days because he was ill, (when he gets sick he goes all out) and one day for my turn. The kids seem to be handling it okay. Dylan has had a few mishaps at school but is not unwell enough to stay home.

Now I'm going to stretch out and cool off.

Announcement.

2010-05-02T09:52:00.000-07:00

After approximatly 2638 consecutive days of diapering my children we are officially done. Ainsley has not worn a diaper since Monday. She refuses to wear one to bed and doesn't need to. I realize just how exciting this would be. For three of those 7 years I diapers up to four kids at a time. We tried all kinds of cloth diapers many brands of disposables. I wasn't even planning on starting potty learning until June but Ainsley did it all on her own time of course. I just wish I didn't just buy a huge case of diapers that we didn't need. I think I'll donate them, there are many good organizations out there that could use them.

I'm just so proud of my tiny little girl. Thank you Ernie for being her inspiration.

Thank god this time has come.

2010-04-07T21:33:00.000-07:00

So tonight is my last night as a “single parent”. Jeff is done school tomorrow with the exception of two finals. I think this time has taught me a lot. Number one is that is sucked big time, but wasn’t too bad at the same time. Things seemed to run smoothly when it was only me. I wasn’t expecting that. My kids can sleep like crap and I hated that. I didn’t anticipate being so dog assed tired. Five kids need a lot, they all want to be heard, usually at the same time. They want to be your one and only even for just that moment. It leaves you feeling very stretched and pulled in different directions. I could never be a full time single parent. I just couldn’t do it. Without Jeff’s help and support while he was gone and his absolute wonderfulness while he was home I would’ve lost my mind.

Today for example, Ainsley follows me around the playground for about five minutes. Mom….Mommy…MOMMMY. Whining, yelling repeating constantly. All the while I’m saying, “just a minute sweetheart.”, “I need to help Dylan right now.” “Kye’s hurt himself hold on.” “Kyrra has to go potty I’ll be right there”. Finally I can focus on her and say ok what do you need. Her answer…..Noffin. I thought it was adorable but at the same time the men with the nice padded room would have to take me away if I had no relief from that kind of thing.

I learnt that I am a good mom. I know I have faults. I yell, I hate yelling but it just seems to come flying out. I can worry too much, but honestly what parent doesn’t. I enjoy the mundane moments with my kids. A snuggle, playing in the sand, laughing. If I could just be like Jeff and go with the flow more things would be gravy. I think that’s part of why I need him. He helps me flow. Gets the stick out…I won’t say from where, I’m sure there are opinions on that. LOL.

The biggest lesson I learnt is that I need my husband around. I want him to be around. I still love him as much as I did the day I knew he was mine. He is my other half. There is no me without him. We are a unit. I love my unit, the seven of us are a wonderful little team. I hope we can stay that way for a long time.

Friday, I just want to spend the day playing with my kids and my husband. Celebrating the fact that he won’t have to leave us again, until next year…hopefully. And then not for so much.

I can’t wait until 3:30 (if you’re speeding, which you had better not) – 4 o’clock DD!

Time for an update

2010-03-14T09:42:00.000-07:00

Time is sure zipping by. We are well into March already. Lots has been happening but nothing at the same time.

Kye turned seven. He had his first sleepover and has had a few more since. We decided to move his bedtime an hour later than his sisters. it's a blessing and curse. He's two years older and handles the later bedtime well. It gives him a sense of pride that he's bigger so he gets different things. Some nights I just want all the kids to go to bed at the same time a give me some peace. He generally amuses himself with his computer time or reading. There are times he wants to play and I just don't have anymore play in me. I try but there are nights I just.can't.do.it.

Jeff's classes are going well. The extended communting is really wearing on me this term. It's Wednesday that gets to me. It doesn't make sense for him to use the gas to come home just to drive back for one class on Thursday. I have a hard time picturing him in my head doing nothing that day. I know logically that Jeff's working on projects and homework but it still just gets to me. In my mind it's similar to a husband who works outside of the home and assumes his wife, a stay at home mother, relaxes her day away.

My mother and I have instigated Wednesday movie nights. It gives me something else to focus on for the day. I'm finding it's working for the most part.

The girls are doing great. They are planning their spring activities. Two want to play T-ball and one chooses soccer. They have moved out of their toddler beds and are temporaily sharing a double bed. They love it. It's a slumber party everynight. They have stopped running around their room at bed time to go visiting. It gives them more space to play and no under the beds that have to be dug out.

Miss Ainsley is talking, singing and dancing up a storm. She's smart as a whip that one. She has a new habit of asking to play with her but she doesn't know how to beyond that. It's cute and aggravating at the same time. You can't tell her that you'll play later because she'll just keep at you. She has seen the specialist for her wandering eyes. They are doing patch therapy to strengthen the left eye (it was the worst). I am noticing that it's staying in alignment more but not the right eye is wandering more. She's just too darned cute and makes me laugh everyday.

As for me. I've joined a scrapbooking group and am loving it. I'm getting lots of pages done. I finished up to Ainsley's 1st birthday so now I'm only one year behind. I'm going to take photos soon and post them.

10 years

2009-12-31T08:25:00.000-08:00

I "borrowed" this from someone's facebook status. I honestly didn't realize that it had been 10 years since the new milleneum.

Ten years ago I was sitting in this exact same house, but it wasn't my house, it was Jeff's parent's house (technically it still is but they don't live in it). We were watching new years celebrations all around the world. There probably was some very tasty food to eat. Jeff's Granny was worried about Y2K. We were not married yet, no kids. I was in school for Massage Therapy, Jeff was working as a massage therapist. The future I envisioned was very different from what was in store for us.

Five years ago I had an almost two year old, we'd been married for just over 1.5 years and hoping for a baby girl some day. Little did we know our wishes/prayers were about to be answered 3 times over. Massage therapy was out for both of us, too variable of an income. I was working my last job outside of the home for many years to come. Jeff was happily working at the "Dub". In a about 2 months we'd be recieving life changing news.

Now we are getting ready to ring in the first decade. Five kids, one cat and a career in the making. The kids are getting ready to go to Nana and Papa for the afternoon. Jeff and I are planning a date before he heads back to the city for school. We'll spend a nice evening at the farm and quietly ring in the new year.

Ten years from now...who knows what the future has instore. We'll be in our 40's (OMG), we'll have an almost 17 year old, three 14 year olds and a 12 year old, who I'm sure will be still playing catch up with her older sisters. I can't predict the future and I'm happy for it. These past ten years have been full of many wonderful things, there's been many trials along the way but the good far outweighs the bad. Here's to great things to come.

Ten years

A wonderful Christmas

2009-12-29T08:38:00.000-08:00

Has come and gone. We had a great day, still recovering from the loss of sleep. Poor Kye couldn't sleep so was up most of the night, vibrating. We got up nice and early and opened our gifts. The kids really seemed to enjoy what they got. My parents came by with their gifts and then it was off to the farm. Jeff and I are struggling to find homes for all of our new stuff, and we did a big toy purge in November too make room.

I think the coolest gifts the kids got were their personalized items. They got towels and lunch boxes and Ainsley got a nightgown that says Beanie on it. I don't think the kids could pick a favorite this year. They got so much cool stuff. My personal favorite was the family ring and Bon Jovi tickets. I am pretty excited about my new bakeware and crockpot too. Jeff got a super cool telescope and he no longer has I Pod envy.

I feel like we are a truly blessed family to have so many people who care about us.

Miss Ainsley is Two!! and other stuff

2009-12-21T16:56:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe it but my little Beanie is two. She seems so much older in some ways but definitely has the temperment. Her birthday was a little hit and miss. She doesn't like large crowds and gets shy and clingy. We only had a few people over to the farm but it still seems too much. She relaxed after an hour or so and had fun with her presents. I made her a Toodles cake which turned out awesome.

We finished off our Christmas presents today. Jeff and I buillt the dollhouse for the girls. Even he was a little excited to play with it. I'm not sure where we'll put it yet but as soon as we can move our bed it will be great. I have visions of getting a second house someday but that will be in a few years.

School is out for the holidays. Today was a great first day off. Jeff took the kids outside to play while he did some tidying up in the yard. We managed to go skating on Saturday. Ainsley tried but isn't quite ready yet. I was very proud of Abby for giving it a shot. She can be so brave sometimes. I hope to go skating a few more times and get in some other fun activities before everyone goes back to school.

Abby had her dentist appointment this month and did excellent. No cavities!!! Her front tooth is discoloured and possibly damaged but that's what happens when you fall and smack your face twice in a week I guess.

I am looking forward to the new year. There are a few things I would like to work on personally. I need to get fit and healthy, and be a better parent. Do more activites with the kids like baking, outtings and crafts. My goal is to keep the house better too. I think I'll pick a room a day and whip it into shape. It will make the day to day maintenance easier. I would also like to work on breaking through my shell a bit more. Getting out and interacting with people.

My girls are all grown up.

2009-12-03T05:53:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was a big day for my Ladies. They met with Dr. Wonko, their neonatologist, for the last time. They have no concerns about their growth and development. I knew, of course, that they were doing wonderfully but it's nice to hear it. We are certainly lucky to have such healthy and lovely children. Like a saying I've read on a wall hanging, when I count my blessings I count my children twice. It really does feel like the end of an era, almost like a milestone they reached. I don't really think about their prematurity anymore, except for these appointments so it's like we can just leave that fact behind now.

I was impressed by their sizes as well. They were in the 38-39 lb range and 41 3/4, 42 & 42 1/2 inches for height. They've come full circle, at least in my funny mind, with their height. They started in the 42 centimeter range and now reached it in the inches.

They also talked with Dr. Wonko. They interacted with him. I am so proud at how they've blossomed out of their shells in this past year.

So even though it's a little sad that they are growing up, I'll be very happy never to see "the big playroom" (peds department) again.

Commence Countdown

2009-12-02T05:33:00.000-08:00

The countdown to Christmas is on. The kids are very excited this year. Well Ainsley knows that her siblings are excited for something so she is too. December is a busy month so far so hopefully it will pass quickly. Yesterday I found an adorable "advent"/ Christmas countdown tree. It's plush felt and you hand numbered decorations on it each day. I really wanted something that didn't involve candy and was reusuable. They are very good about taking turns so far.

Today we are off to the city to meet with the Ladies Neonatologist for their annual follow up appointment. I'm excited to tell him how far they have come since last year. Hopefully he also notices the changes. Last year they were so shy/anxious he had a hard time getting a proper assessment. Nana is coming along so we'll most likely do some shopping as well.

After today Jeff has his final exam on Monday and then he is done until January 4. I am thankful that the weather has been nice enough not to cause troubles in his weekly commute. It will be nice to have him home for a while before the big kids are off for their break. I plan on taking Ainsley to Parent/Tot swimming and skating if we can arrange it.

Friday this week we are taking Ainsley to get her eyes checked. She seems to have a lazy eye. I'm not sure if they can do anything for it at her age but at least we'll know for sure.

Time for breakfat.

Busy Busy

2009-11-27T12:57:00.000-08:00

Things have been or seemed crazy this week. Great football on Sunday, shopping marathon on Monday, 3 hours of walking Wednesday, playroom rearranging Thursday.

I started and finsihed Jeff`s presents on Monday. I was hoping to stay away from my usual comic books and movies. I managed but found it difficult not to simply head for what was easy. While there we stopped at Addition Elle so I could find something to spend my birthday gift card on. What a disaster.

I know that I`ve put on weight but it was the kick in the pants I really needed. Jeff and I have started operation downsize. We need to get healthier for us and our kids. Right now our focus is on breaking our bad habits like snacking in the evenings, huge portions and little exercise. We`ve started walking more to conserve gas but it has it`s bonuses. I plan on working 30 minutes of exercise a day. I`d love to go lane swimming but it`s difficult to do when you need someone to watch the kids.

This weekend Jeff`s dad is supposed to come and fix the ceiling/roof in the broken room. With done we can have a bedroom back and put the tree up. We rearranged the playroom with the more space in mind. I'm loving the new set up and will be loving it a whole bunch more once the king sized bed is gone.

Yesterday our new family addition arrived. Sassy is here. She seems to be adjusting well, we've been giving her space to relax. The girls are doing fairly well. They are trying to tell us that they are scared but mostly it's to avoid doing a job. She's currently curled up sleeping on my bed. It's rather lovely.

Shopping Local.

2009-11-21T08:25:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Moonlight Madness in Humboldt. It was nice to see so many stores participating. The mall was open, Home Hardware had live music and hors d'oeurvres and down town was bustling. We found some good deals on gifts. It was nice to browse without children getting into things. It seems we've been having many outing without the kids lately which is certainly odd for us.

I think that shopping local is important. The lure of the city is strong with all of the variety it offers. We try to pick up as much as we can in town. Obviously we can't get everything here. Keeping our local economy strong is just good sense.

It's my birthday!

2009-11-19T19:15:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful day! I got lots of love from my family. Ainsley's been walking around saying Happy Birfday!!! Jeff got me some very thoughtful gifts. I got two new colouring books, a barbie and a set of willow tree figures call Three Blessings (Joy, Love and Peace). The first two things may seem strange for a 31 year old but I love to colour with my kids and I prefer the higher bond paper to the newsprint kids of books. The pages are also perforated so they can be copied with our printer. Since the girls got their Barbies they have been wanting me to play with them but I never had one to play with. Now I do. Their Barbies are currently borrowing her princess dress and crown while my Barbie borrows Ken's outfit...lol.

From my mom I got a cookbook called "9X13 The Pan That Can" It had recipes from breakfast right through til dessert. I can't wait to try some of them out. Beanie was have a good read of it too.

For my birthday supper I decided to try French Onion Soup. Can I just say Blech...that was not a good experiment. The Ladies were asking why I had no birthday cake so I called my mom and she brought a black forest cake over. It was very yummy. We read 3 stories for bedtime. My brother called and seemed shocked that we weren't doing anything special. It may not be much but enjoying my day with my little family is the best gift of all.

A fun little update.

2009-11-19T05:29:00.000-08:00

The other day we decided we needed to get the Ladies weights. I knew that their last doctors visit they were close to the 40 pound mark. We were adjusting the shoulder heights on one of their carseats and realized if someone was over the 40 pound mark we'd have to take the safe stop strap off. Little Miss Ainsley wanted to get in on the fun too. We weighed them on our Wii Fit which I find to be fairly accurate.

Abby was the middle girl at 37
Kyrra came out on top at 37.5
Dylan was 36.5

I know when they were sick a few weeks back they most likely lost some weight because they hardly ate for two weeks. It's pretty crazy, however, that since they turned two they've only put on 6.5 to 7.5 pounds. We didn't get a height measurement this time. They go to see their neonatologist on December 2 so we'll get an accurate height then.

Little Ainsley is still a tiny girl. She weighed 23.5 pounds when we put on the Wii Fit by herself and it weighed her closer to 25 when I was holding her. I think the 23.5 is closer to her true size. We also had to measure her length. She was 32 inches or 2 feet 8 inches. She has grown 2.5 inches since February.

Last week we had to check on how tall Kye was so his Nana could size him up for a bike. I knew he was tall but he is growing like such a weed. He was 51 inches tall or 4 feet 3 inches. He grew 2.25 inches since February. I have a feeling he may end up taller than his daddy.

Jeff and I weighed ourselves but I won't be sharing those numbers. We are planning on shedding some of our excess weight.

Carnival.

2009-11-17T16:49:00.000-08:00

Here is my entry for Miriam's, a wonderful mom of triplets, cooking carnival. We made these for Thanksgiving brunch (we're Canadian so we had our turkey day a month ago). This is my workhorse muffin recipe I use many different fruits.

2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salk
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter (we subsitute apple sauce)
2 eggs beaten
2 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
Pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon to taste

Preheat oven to 325
In a large bowl combine flour, baking soda, salt and spice
In a separate bowl cream butter (apple sauce) and brown sugar
Stir in eggs and pumpkin until well blended
Stir pumpkin mixture into flour mixture just to moisten
Fill muffin cups
Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar (if desired)
Bake for 25 minutes

*To make into a loaf heat oven to 350 and bake for 60-65 minutes.

It's very yummy warm with peanut butter.

Well rested

2009-11-17T13:08:00.000-08:00

I managed to sleep 11 hours last night. I fell asleep at 9:30. This meant of course that things were rushed this morning. I am going to try and go to bed at the same time tonight. I need to invest in a new alarm clock. I cannot stand the harsh wake up of a traditional alarm. It just sets off my day in a negative way. Since it's dark until almost 8 right now I tend to oversleep.

Jeff and I have seen an alarm clock that wakes you gradually by mimicking sunrise. It starts about 30 minutes before your desired wake time with a low light that gets brighter. It's supposed to wake you gently. It also has a traditional alarm as well. I am not a morning person so a gentle waking should help with that.

More sleep was nice but more is certainly needed I think. It should help with my motivation.

All is well.

2009-11-15T22:40:00.000-08:00

The sleepover went great. Ainsley slept wonderfully in her pod. Abby and Kyrra shared a bed, which surprised me because they normally do not enjoy sleeping with someone else. Dylan bunked with Papa and KyeZ curled up with Auntie and Jason. There were no fits, just a fair share of wet beds and someone pee'd on the floor when the cat scared them on a middle of the night bathroom trip. They were a little worried about the wet beds but everyone was cool about it so that was nice. It really wasn't their faults they didn't get to bed until almost 11 so their poor little brains and bodies were just too tired to wake them.

KyeZ had a semi rough night. He's a really warm person naturally and Auntie is not. He got so hot in the night he woke up crying. Poor guy. He's the kind of kid who just wears a sweater when it's -20 degrees Celcius outside and is plenty warm.

Everyone had a great time at the hockey game. I was amazed they made it that late. There was some grumpy moments this afternoon but there doesn't seem to be any lasting effects on the missing sleep. I'm going to try to get bedtime going a little early for the rest of the week to see if I can't clear up their sleep bank debt for them.

On another very bright note Nana called tonight and harvest is done, well the crop is all off. The machine needs it's maintenance before storage but no more combining. I truly hope next year is a much better season.

Date night

2009-11-15T08:10:00.001-08:00

Yesterday Jeff and I went into Saskatoon for a date night. Two nights out in a row...wow. We had a great time except I forgot to leave the keys to our van for Nana. There was some stressing on how she would take the kids to their promised hockey game. Thanks to Jason the needed seats were moved and off they went. I haven't seen my kids yet today so I hope their night was a good one.

Ainsley slept over too which gave me much worry. She can be a tough one with sleep. We packed her little travel bed and she really enjoys sleeping in that. We got no late night phone call that she wasn't doing well so I am pretty sure she is fine.

Now I am off to see my babies!

What a night

2009-11-13T21:53:00.000-08:00

Jeff and I went to a fundraiser for the Oncology Department of the new hospital. Great live music, pink drinks that Jeff said were tasty and great photos. A local photographer (Allison from Imagin) scheduled photo sessions for a $250 donation and for that you received at 20x24 framed print of the photo of your choice. She displayed the photos at the fundraiser tonight. Jeff and I even bid on a few things in the live auction (with a real auctioneer), we didn't win any though.

It was a great time. Now I'm looking forward to our other prints we ordered from the session and our christmas cards.

Abby's Day Out.

2009-11-12T20:40:00.000-08:00

Today was Abby's day out with mommy and daddy. She chose to go swimming "in the night". I packed her swim bag last night. I used one of the tote bags I had picked up at Build A Bear. When she saw it her jaw dropped and her eyes shone. She thought it was the coolest bag ever.

She was so excited today. Once we started eating supper is was all she could talk about. We headed out just after 6:30 which is normally the start of bedtime. She hugged her sisters and brother. She helped Dylan get up on the counter to brush her teeth and off we went. Nana was working the front desk tonight so it was a double bonus. She ran in and was just talking away so loudly. She was almost vibrating with excitment. We mostly stuck to the shallow "beach" pool but she did decide to venture into the deep end as long as we held her with two hands. She carried around a purple flutter board all night because it matched her bathing suit. It was definitely weird for Jeff and I to be in the pool with only one kid. Abby tried many new things like going under the waterfall, putting Daddy's goggles on and looking under the water, she even went for a short boat ride. We spent about 10 minutes in the hot tub which was heavenly.

At 8 we decided it was time to go. She got herself dried off and put on her pjs. She's so independent now. It's hard to notice all that she does for herself when you are chasing after Kyrra the dreamer and Dylan the procrastinator. I was so impressed. We chatted with Nana a bit more and headed off to DQ. She and I beat Daddy to the van and I told her we should just walk to the ice cream store. She decided that was a good idea. We loaded our bags into the van and Abby and I walked. Jeff stayed close with the van so we could hop in if she got cold but she didn't. She just talked and talked the whole way there.

We ate our treats and impressively she didn't spill one drop of her dipped cone. We headed home and she pretty much crawled right into bed.

This was our second round of Kids Day Out. Last month was Kye's turn and we took him to see Toy Story 1 and 2 in 3D. Next month will be Kyrra's turn. The way it works is we go through the big kids (as Ainsley gets lots and lots of mommy/daddy time) and they will go out with either mommy or daddy for an hour or so. Each time through the rotation is someone's big day out with both mommy and daddy. We do something a little bigger. Here's the schedule for the rest of this round up to Kyrra's Big day: I use Saturday but it's really any day that we are free.

Nov. 21 Kyrra with Daddy
Nov. 28 Dylan with Daddy (we are doubling up because we switched days last round)
December 5 Kye with Mommy
December 12 Abby with Mommy
December 19 Kyrra with Mommy and Daddy

It's turning out to be something the the kids really look forward too and Jeff and I enjoy way more than expected.

Beanie

2009-11-11T20:50:00.000-08:00

Little Miss Ainsley has us so tightly wrapped around her little fingers I don't think we'll ever get free. It's amazing how someone so tiny can be so fiesty and sweet at the same time. She's not spoiled in the traditional sense. We don't lavish her with gifts but cannot resist her endearing charms. She wants to be close to us which I think it the product of the strong bond we worked to form with her. She was worn or carried every where we went until she was 21 months old. Now that she is older her favorite thing is to go to bed with Mommy and Daddy. She even will go and get her blankie and bring it to our bed at bed time.

It does have it's dark side too. She's extremely jealous of any attention we give to the other children or each other. She also is not accustomed to being left behind. I'm thinking that these things will clear up with age. She's not two yet so the universe revolves around her in her eyes.

Tonight she nestled herself between Jeff and I. She was taking turns hugging us. I asked her if this was her favorite place to be. Of course she said yes. I showed her her little pinky fingers and told her one was daddy's and one was mommy's. She held up her feet and told us whose foot was whose. I find that everyday her sweet nature can make anything seem better, easier and brighter.

Now her little snores are telling me that I should be sleeping too. She's going to play at Bramma's tomorrow. A fact which she has reminded us of frequently.

I love my small town life

2009-11-10T14:05:00.000-08:00

Today I had one of the bonuses of living in a small center. I was walking the girls home from Pre-K and I hear a Honk. Next thing I now the courier is calling my name. She tells me she has a package for me but it's large. If I wanted to sign for it now she's drop it off at my house. I was still 4 blocks from home so it was great.

Most people know who we are, know my kids, now my family. It's nice to have a place to fit in.

I'm also loving my supper plans for tonight. We are having pork tenderloin cooked in the slow cooker with BBQ sauce. Rice, corn and mini cornmeal muffins. Poor Jeff has to go to KISS tonight and miss it. I made him his own cornmeal cake. Just cuz I love him. awwwww

Back in the saddle.

2009-11-09T19:07:00.000-08:00

Today was back to school day for everyone. Kye missed Thursday and Friday and the girls missed a week and a bit. It was definitely time to go back. They were getting cabin fever.

It was a slow motion comotion this morning. They were not in the groove of getting ready to go anymore. When they came home they were full of excitment. They were happy to see everyon e again. They even got to play outside.

I started bedtime a little early tonight and there was a small fiasco with some seemingly rude song being sung that no one would admit to singing or what the words really were. Those girls really have each others backs. They would be good in the mafia or at poker. For not coming clean they lost their story time privledge. I expected quite a uprising but they were all asleep within minutes. Ainsley included.

Kye got a few extra chapters in his Bakugan book and some sneegles. All in all it was a good first day back in the world.

The SuperBurger

2009-11-08T12:14:00.000-08:00

The Hannigan's SuperBurger is my husbands favorite food in all the world. It 's not only tasty but brings back happy childhood memories for him.

As a young lad Fridays were supper with Dad nights. Jeff and his sister could convince their dad to pick up Hannigans on occasion. Jeff always got the SuperBurger and Juice had the chicken. Hannigans the restaurant closed in Humboldt many years ago.

Recently, a new catering company has taken over the Hannigans name. They now put on SuperBurger days twice a year. Everyone in Humboldt flocks to Hannigans to get a taste. Their first time putting it on they ran out of product on the first day of the weekend. As someone who didn't grow up here I was curious what all the fuss was about. I was thourougly impressed. I now perfer the mushroom burger and their chicken is awesome but nothing beats the look in my husbands eye when he learns that SuperBurger days have come around once again.

This weekend at the trade show Hannigan's was one of the food vendors and had their popular SuperBurger for sale. Jeff was happier than a kid in a toy store with unlimited funds.

Now Jeff is not a fan of messy food. He avoids it as much as possible with this one execption.

The SuperBurger

"It's meaty and sweet. That's part of the draw to it. It's such a filling burger. It's such a cornerstone of my childhood. When Hannigans closed down I didn't have my own money to stock up before they were gone. Now when they bring them back for SuperBurger days it's a trip down memory lane. The taste is exactly the same. It's a simple reminder of the good things in life."

As burgers go their isn't much to it. Two patties, a slice of tomato, a couple of pickles and most important the sauce. The sauce makes the burger. Tangy, sweet and very very messy. Eating it is an experience...
that will require lots of napkins.

I hope you enjoyed your trip back in time my love. I'm glad I can take it with you.

Humboldt Trade Show.

2009-11-07T17:42:00.000-08:00

I took in the trade show with my mom this afternoon. It was one of the best trade shows I've been to. They had lots of new booths and lots of booths that were selling product. I got some scrapbooking supplies by Creative Memories as a birthday present from my mom. They had a big diplay of Melissa and Doug toys so I bought some colouring books. I got to see some of our pictures we had done for an oncology fundraiser. They had some cool necklaces made of hazeltree wood. It's supposed to have similar properties to amber necklaces. I picked one up for Ainsley. To make Jeff's day Hannigans had their super burgers for sale. We of course brought him home one. My mom even offered to watch the kids so we could go back and have another one tomorrow. It was a much better day out than yesterday.

A note on Bits From the Boldt

2009-11-06T07:19:00.000-08:00

Most of you know that The Boldt is Humboldt where we live. Now Bits From The Boldt is something a little different as well. It's my husbands new book. He self published a book of his favorite poetry. Now poetry is not my thing at all but even I enjoy most of it. I'm just proud that he took the initiative to do something that he always wanted to do. His book is available on two sites. Amazon.com and Lulu.com.

http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/bits-from-the-boldt/5950745

I'm not posting this as a plug for his book. I thought it might be important to clarify why my blog and his book have the same name. You know just in case he becomes world famous. :)

I <3 you DD.

Thankful Thursday

2009-11-05T13:58:00.000-08:00

There are many things in my life that I am thankful for. Here's my list for today.

~ Kids that are healthy enough to be getting into things today and making me crazy.
~A husband that lets me pamper him in my own way.
~A house to clean, clothes to wash and fold and food to cook.
~Kleenex. Today is a very good day to have kleenex.

Getting better

2009-11-04T14:21:00.000-08:00

The girls are getting better, slowly but surely. Abby is using her arm without complaint today. The whining is minimal and energy is returning. There have been no fevers in two days and only the daily dose of puffers for three days. They still will randomly fall asleep in the day and tire easily. It confirms that they were better off staying home from Pre-K this week.

I've managed to get the playroom sorted and cleaned. The kitchen and dining room is done and the girls even cleaned their room today. I've figured out the method for that. If I take them into their room one at a time it's easier to motivate them and keep them on task. There was no yelling, no tears today. I still need to vaccum their floor and dust but that can wait until tomorrow.

Jeff has been a life saver this week. He stayed home on Monday and Tuesday to help with the sicklies. I sure appreciated everything he does for me and for his kids.

Book Fair Day.

2009-11-03T14:11:00.000-08:00

I love book fair days. I remember being a kid so excited for when the book fair would come to school. Mom would always send along some money for me to pick something out. I bought some of my favorite books at the book fair. It was one of the things I looked forward having my own kids in school.

We went with the first grade class to pick out books. It was great to see so many kids excited for book fair. Lots of other parents came out as well. They had lots of great books to choose from, even a decent parents section. All five kids picked something out.

Kye got five books. They had four different Bakugan books. Two were chapter books but he's feels ready to tackle them. One was a Bakugan guide with game rules. I think Jeff and I got that one more for us to learn about his latest obsession. He picked out the Bakugan easy reader and a Ben 10 one as well.

Dylan picked a value pack. It had two books in it for five dollars. One was Strawberry Shortcake paper doll set. One was a book about all the strawberry shortcake characters. This was their first exposure to Strawberry Shortcake. They seem interested. I loved Strawberry as a child.

Abby and Kyrra each got Littlest Pet Shop books. Abby got Rapunzel which features a monkey of course. Kyrra picked Sleeping Beauty. Today she is sleeping beauty.

Ainsley picked out a book called. Please Say Please Grumpy Bunny. I thought the Grumpy Bunny part was fitting for her these days. She needs no help in the manners department however.

They still are mentioning their arms hurt but no other adverse reactions to the flu shot.

Just another manic Monday.

2009-11-02T15:09:00.000-08:00

Most Mondays are busy for me. Jeff leaves in the afternoon, it's a school day for the kids who are still in weekend mode. Today was in a category all it's own though. Jeff and I were up late worried about the girls who are sick and have no appetite. They ate breakfast yesterday and not enough of anything else to amount to even a snack for the rest of the day. They drank well but it's not very nice to see your kids not eating.

Ainsley woke this morning and had a slight fever. She's got what her older sisters have now. She's developed and aversion to liquid medicine now too so won't take tylenol. I ended up just giving her a chewable pill instead since it is the same dosage as a dropper of the liquid. I'm glad I stocked up on it on Saturday. I now have two bottles of liquid tylenol that I can't use either. I'm sure I can find someone.

There was the H1N1 flu shot clinic today as well. We loaded up the girls and took them down there. I was pleasantly surprised that we only had to wait about 20 minutes to get the shots and were only there for about 40 minutes total. The vaccine stings a lot more then the seasonal flu shot so the girls were quite upset by the whole experience. Poor Abby had to stand and watch her three other sisters get it before her so she was upset before she even had her turn. Kyrra cried for 30 minutes after their shot.

My mom was nice enought to drop off a new movie for them to watch today. She picked up Disney's Little Einsteins. We watched them for the first time on Thursday at the farmhouse and the kids really enjoyed it. It's nice to have something new in the house for a while. Abby and Dylan are up and playing more today. Dylan is still very whiney but that's kind of par for course with her. She's definitely has the youngest child mentality from their little unit.

Kyrra seemed to be doing well yesterday but is down today. I decided to keep them out of school for this week and let them recover. I don't want any setbacks and want them to rest as mush as possible. Their teacher agreed and said that eight children were missing today.

I've started the second toy purge of the year. We always do one in August before the triplets birthday and then before Christmas. We managed to empty two shelves worth of toys and have one drawer empty. Some things we are taking to my inlaws at the farmhouse, some toys they simply outgrew. It was sad getting rid of some of the baby toys that we've had since Kye was small. I'm trying to look ahead to the cool new things and not focus on Ainsley being our last baby. She's growing far too quickly though.

Tomorrow is the book fair at the school. It's one of my favorite events. I will be bringing the tripets for that. I'll post tomorrow with all our great finds.

Let's start again.

2009-11-01T15:06:00.000-08:00

Since it's NaBloPoMo time again I figure this is a good time to restart the blog. It really doesn't seem like a year since I last posted. Time just races by.

I have been keeping busy with the kids and running the show on my own two days a week. Jeff is now taking his classes at the UofS in Saskatoon. He leaves late Monday afternoon and returns at about 11 p.m. Wednesday night. (At least until the snow gets worse/term two begins). The change is not easy to adjust to. The kids miss him when he is gone, I miss him. Five against one is not really fair odds either. We've been managing though. It's taught us a lot.

Everyone is doing well in school. Kye is in Grade One now and loves it. He has a wonderful teacher and has adjusted to full time school quite well. The triplets are in their second year of pre-K. They still mostly keep to themselves but really have opened up and aren't scared of everything. It's a scary time of year right now with all the colds and flus going around. They get sick so easily but we are also getting better and knowing when to up their asthma medication and when to get additional help from the doctors.

Ainsley is a very busy almost two year old. She's started potty learning already on her own accord. She is in a hurry to be like her YaYa (Kyrra). I can see a big difference in her disposition from when she was a baby. She much happier being independent and doing things on her own.

Now here comes the big challenge of keeping this up for the month and hopefully beyond.

Food and sparkly people.

2008-12-07T14:34:00.000-08:00

So Nablopomo did not happen. I just ran out of time and stuff to type about. My day today isn't interesting enough to type something everyday. My birthday rocked. Glow bowling was wicked fun and my fondue party was delicious.

Christmas preparations are in full swing. Yesterday was St. Nikolaus Tag and we took the kids to get a treat from St. Nikolaus and then we put up the tree and they got their ornaments. The Ladies were so funny. They get the same precious moments ornaments (original I know) but they each were a different person. Abby thought her's was Cinderella, Dylan's was Belle and Kyrra's was a princess. Ainsley didn't throw her ornament and break it so that was a bonus. Kye got Megatron this year. He really loves the decepticons. I don't know what his affinity for bad guys is but he sure has it.

This year we decided to do a giant dinner instead of turkey for Christmas. For giant dinner we are getting cornish hens, baby potatoes, mini loaves of bread and all things in tiny form. Then we pretend that we are giants eating tiny food. It's just a silly excuse to eat mini chickens I guess...lol. I need to find a good bread recipie to make my mini loaves with. I think I am going to stock up on tart shells and make a bunch of different tarts. Some traditional like mincemeat but some others like banana cream, peach, apple and maybe pumpkin since Beanie loves it.

Before Christmas though is Beanie's first birthday. I can hardly believe my little controller is going to be one already. We are planning a bean themed birthday with lots of tasty bean containing treats.

Boy I am talking food a lot. I guess skipping lunch in order to sew was a bad idea.

I'm currently reading the Twilight series. I've heard so much about it I couldn't resist checking it out. I can see how people are obsessed with it. It is a very easy story to get into. It's a quick and easy read, very enjoyable when you don't have a lot of spare time to read. My mom is picking me up Eclipse today and I am very excited for her to bring it too me. I am trying to draw this one out so that I don't have a big lull between it and the last book.

Once I am done this series sadly I'll have nothing to read again. Jeffrey says he ordered Brisinger from his book club but that could take a while. I really must look at the library in earnest to find something. Reading is something I enjoy so much but never seem to do. Recommendations would be great.

Glow bowling

2008-11-15T07:25:00.000-08:00

Today we are going glow bowling. That is my big event for my birthday. My kids are super excited to go, which makes me super excited to go. I have to find them some white stuff to wear.

In other news...my Kindercoat has arrived. I love it. I can wear one of the big girls on the back or Ainsley where ever.

I've gotten lots of compliments on it. Most people think it's a super cool idea for a coat. It's totally practical since I don't have a stroller for Ainsley and don't plan on ever getting one.

I've figured out how to get my webcam to focus . Now I can make some movies to show off my cuties.

I joined a new online mom's forum. It seems to be a good fit for me. I just have to stop being so damned shy and get into posting. On one thread everyone lists their gratefuls. I think that's a wonderful way to remember the good things in life.

My gratefuls

-Five great kids even if one woke me up last night.
-A wonderful husband who normally gets up at night so I don't have too. Ainsley was having 10 fits so I'm sure the neighbors woke up last night.
-A full pantry and freezer
-My great long distance plan so I can talk it up with my cousin/bff for 1.5 hours and it'll only cost me $3.

What a great day.

2008-11-11T15:25:00.001-08:00

I made it over to my mom's house. I got a lot accomplished today too. I made Kye his pants and the bedding for the dolly beds. I also figured out that I have enough material and don't have to buy anymore which is a bonus. I think I'll buy some fleece or something soft to line the Ladies housecoats with though. I also have to make Ainsley her birthday dress so I'll have to add that stuff to the list. I feel so much less stressed now that I managed to get so much done. Mom and I also made Kye a new toque and cowl/scarf from maple leaf fleece remenants that I found in my fabric bin. He's on a big Canada kick right now so he's super happy with it. It matches the mittens I bought him at the craft show.

Not doing do well here.

2008-11-11T09:15:00.000-08:00

I am trying for this 30 posts in 30 days thing here. I just don't lead that interesting of a life so I run out of things to say. I also have a memory like swiss cheese and forget.

Right now I am totally avoiding getting stuff done. I am stressing big time over my homemade Christmas projects. I plan on going to my mom's to sew today but I need to get my own sewing area at home I think. I have to make:

3 housecoats
pj pants for Kye - done
Pj's for Ainsley jelly bean material
jelly bean blanket
jelly bean lovie
Ainsley's birthday dress/bib set.
3 waldorf dolls
3 doll outfits minimum
bedding for the dolly beds - done
pj pants for me (yes I am making my own christmas present)

I hope I can get it all done. Next year I really need to plan earlier and get going sooner. If I have time I'd like to make the girls and Kye some doll size mei teis.

My house seems to be yelling at me for attention but between the kids and my lack of energy I am making very slow progress. But progress is progress.

Eight more days until my birthday. I already have or know of most of my presents but I am hoping to be surprised by what Jeff has planned. I am looking forward to our fondue night.

Humanity has returned.

2008-11-07T13:18:00.000-08:00

I woke up today and actually feel like a person. The body aches and swimming head have disappeared. I hope they stay away. I have to thank my wonderful husband for the care and attention. Without it I'd still be laid out I'm sure. He bought be non-drowsy flu medication that knocked my out for 4 hours. He took care of the kids and cooked. It was great.

I am looking forward to these up coming days. The girls don't have school until Wednesday and Kye until Thursday. Hopefully it will give me some time to get my house in order and feeling 100% again.

I am currently trying to organize my scrapbooking stuff and get some page ideas going. I haven't touched it since April so I am getting pretty behind. I am planning a scrapbooking day in the city so I should be able to get Ainsley caught up and the family album started.

Just plodding along.

2008-11-06T04:45:00.000-08:00

Being sick totally sucks. Jeff and I felt to terrible yesterday that we actually kept the girls home from Pre-K. I know it sounds counter-intuitive but it was much easier to just let them play then spend the 45 minutes to 1 hour getting them ready and then having to pick them up in 2.5 hours. After the initial fit they didn't seem to mind staying home. We also noticed that bedtime was actually pleasant. Usually they are so tired they can't keep it together through supper, bath and jammies. They are like little crying zombies. Last night was smooth, no tears and we even had to go in there and tell them to stay in bed and go to sleep. We are going to keep an eye on this and see if it becomes a factor again. It's really stressful when you can't hardly look at them and they cry because they are so tired.

I really wish there was a way Jeff and I could "call in sick" to our lives. With my mom and his mom both being sick we have absolutely no support system. We've been fighting more and are trying really hard to talk instead of assuming the other has ESP. We've decided that Kyrra and Abby won't be continuing their respective swimming lessons. They are too sick right now and they haven't enjoyed their last few classes. This is a load of our plates too. I know that next time we are planning lessons for them we are planning to do private ones. Not only is it cheaper because we have a group but they won't be afraid of the other kids.

Okay off to the grind for yet another day.

Book Fair Fun.

2008-11-04T15:01:00.000-08:00

Today is the Scholastic Book Fair at school. We took the girls after class and they had a great time picking out a book each. Dylan picked a super cute book about a kitten's bad day. Kyrra picked a how to tie your laces book. This is perfect since Kye is really really trying to tie his shoes. Abby picked a Pet Shop easy reader. Kye might even be able to read it to them which they all love. Jeff says "Oh OH the Pet Shop obsession is starting" I'm a little excited to have some thing that they all like and can share. Pet Shop is cute and you can get animals for super cheap.

I took Kye after school and he wanted almost the whole book fair. I made him stick fairly close to the budget. He got a DC SuperFriends double book and Just One Goal by Robert Munsch. We also chose a Panda book for Rowie since she's super into Panda's right now and a $5 value pack that had $13 of books in it.

I still remember book fairs when I was in elementary school. I loved them and am so happy my kids love books too. We had lots of fun reading our new books today.

In other news I have found the perfect winter coat for me. It's a 3-in-1 with some very special features. It has special "vents" for babywearing. I can wear Ainsley in one of my many carriers for her and we'll be very cozy in our coat. I can wear her on my back, front or side. She has her own little hoods and drawstrings to keep her cozy. I can wear her with the coat in any of the three ways. This will make cold weather outings much nicer for both of us. Last year I had to only half zip my winter coat and deal with the wind and snow getting into my coat. Since I really need a new winter coat this is perfect timing. Go to http://www.suseskinder.com/ and check them out.

I also have discovered super cool teether/baby entertainers. They are baby wearing necklaces. They look like real stone necklaces but are made out of silicone. None of the crap that comes in some plastics either. Baby can chew and play while mama still looks pretty. Maybe I'll actually wear jewlery again. http://www.askmissmommy.com/2008/10/teething-bling.html this blog has a great review on them plus I just learnt they make bracelets too.

Some mommy shopping may be happening in the near future!

Ugh yesterday.

2008-11-04T14:43:00.000-08:00

Seriously why do hospitals do this to people. It's almost worse than air travel. Dylan had to get ear tubes put in so we had to be at the hospital at 6:30 a.m. Once I got there and paid for parking we sat and waited in admitting for 15 minutes then upstairs we went. It was 7 by that time, good news says the nurse, Dylan is first at 8 am. It was more like 8:20 by the time they got to it. I wouldn't mind so much if I didn't have to drive 1.5 hours to get there. I could be worse, I must remember, Kyrra wasn't until 10:30 and Abby was 9:45.

The surgery itself went really well. You would've never guessed she even had it. She was up and ready to play right out of recovery. I made her eat some toast first. She literally skipped right out 45 minutes after she went in for surgery. Abby was much for out of it for the rest of the day. Kyrra being a whole year younger was fairly quite. I just hope I am done with ear stuff for a while.

Right after we left hospital 1 (St. Paul's) we zoomed over to hospital 2 (city) for Ainsley's appointment. We actually got there before Jeff and the other kids did. Ainsley had to see the eye specialist, well at least the resident for her continuing eye infection. They took a swab gave me antibiotic number 5 and told me to call in 3 days if I hadn't heard from them. The new antibiotic seems to be working so far but I am not holding my breath. They all start out good. This is one resistant infection. It does bother me that they don't seem concerned about it. It won't damage her vision and has little chance of spreading but Mama doesn't like it. Hopefully at a year she can get her tear ducts probed and have no more problems.

From the eye clinic we raced over to the ENT clinic to get Dylan fitted for her custom ear plugs. If anyone is having to get ear plugs for their kids get the custom plugs. They are so worth the money. Easy in, easy out no fuss, no fight. I do recommend the ear band or a swim cap for at the pool. A little boy in Dylan's swim class lost his in the deep end. The instructor was nice enough for some deep diving.

We went to lunch and did a little shopping. Jeff and I got some clothes for ourselves. Whoo hoo Gap clearance sale. Once we got home Kye headed to bowling and the we made the executive decision to pick up supper. Right before supper I got slammed with a killer headache. Jeff and to come home from school, which actually suited him fine he was too tired to think.

Ainsley is back to not sleeping so Jeff is super tired. I feel so badly for him. I talked with our awesome public health nurse who had some suggestions and a video to borrow. Videos are much easier than books right now.

Today has been much less hectic but very ver lazy. I really need some motivation...but the couch is much to comfy.

Craft Show

2008-11-02T14:26:00.000-08:00

Today was the annual Kinette Craft Show. They didn't have near as many tables as previous years and some of my old favorites were missing but it was a good time. Nana watched the big kids at the pool (she was working they were playing not swimming). Jeff and I got to browse without herding kids, trying to prevent them from breaking anything. It was very nice. I went looking with Christmas presents in mind. Mostly little things for Ainsley. We ended up buying a bunch of toques and mittens for now. Downstairs they had the trade show which is always interesting to look at. You could get perogies, chilli, soup and a assortment of baking. Lunch was a tasty buffet since Jeff and I got a little of everything to share. He got a taco bag which was cool. A bag of doritoes with ground beef, lettuce, salsa, cheese and sour cream. It was a really neat idea.

I got to check out the local cloth diaper retailer. She sells other natural baby products as well. I feel the call of cloth now and again but Jeff is dead set no. He is right, we don't have a lot of time and it's a lot to squeeze in. Ainsley has 1.5 years of diapering left to do so it might be something to visit again in a few months.

I finally got my webcam to focus. I've had it for over a year and just now figured it out. Hopefully I'll be able to put it to good use.

I got an early birthday present from my dad yesterday. I got a blue ipod nano. It's an 8 gig one. I'll be able to fill it up will all my Bon Jovi and still have some space to spare. Now Jeff doesn't have to share his with me.

NaBloPoMo - It's worth a shot.

2008-11-01T16:45:00.000-07:00

I've read in many places that it's National Blog Posting Month. I figure hey why not try. I really intend to blog a lot more but I am either to tired to think or holding a sleeping baby and I hate typing one handed.

So since September I have been using my vacuum and still loving it. The kids are enjoying school (finally) and everything seems to be falling into a routine. A very hectic and crazy busy routine. I have tried making a schedule to make things go a bit smoother. In one way it's very nice to have an idea of what should be happening at a certain time. It really keeps me motivated and going. In another way I find that life with five young children is very unpredictable and easily derailed from any schedule. It's a work in progress.

Ainsley is turning into a much happier baby now that she is able to crawl around the house at will. I really have to keep up on maintaining the cleanliness of the floors which is quickly undone by the triplet tornadoes. She has been going through a terrible sleep period though. We can't figure out if it's her teeth coming in or some other issue. She has been waking up every two hours like clockwork. Poor Jeff has been getting only about four hours of sleep a night. She seems to only want to sleep on his chest or in his arms. This totally sucks since he and I sleep on our couch. The other night I heard her breathing and she sounded very congested. I had the idea to raise one end of her mattress. It seems to be working. Two nights now she has slept from 12ish to 7 ish. I really hope I don't jinx it for him.

The Ladies are getting into school. There have been road blocks. Dylan now enjoys going and doesn't beg me to stay or decide to stay home. We've noticed some improvement in their shyness and speech. Abby smiled at a little girl today but ran away when the girl took a step toward her. But she smiled and made some eye contact. They still don't speak up when they don't like something. Dylan had to get a fingerprick test at the doctor's on Thursday. She let the tech do the test and didn't move or make a sound. As soon as the door closed when the tech left she had big tears rolling down her cheek and said "That really hurt". It was hard to see for two reasons a) It hurt my baby b) she let it happen to her without fighting it or saying anything. Now from the tech's/test being done perspective that's great it was easy. But someone's inflicting pain on her and scarring her and she too shy/scared to speak up and defend herself. That can be hard to watch. It does make me worry about the future, I don't want them to be so submissive/scared/ shy that they let whatever happen because they can/will not stop it.

I've noticed some negative changes in them as well. This was to be expected. Before school it was simply "Time to go lets put on shoes and coats" We had them out and ready or they happily obliged and went to get them. Now since seeing other children ignore, fight or play the run around game they've started this. Jeff and I are very no nonsense about it though, you need your shoes and coats on or you simply don't go. Kye has negative behaviours he's picked up from school. Backtalking, mimicking and teasing/taunting (nanana boo boo type thing) has come home. We tell him in no uncertain terms that it will not be tolerated in this house and everyone deserves to be treated with respect.

Jeff has been doing well with his studies and seems to be greatly enjoying his classes this term. We are trying to get daily homework time to make sure he has enough time to get things done. Homework is too easily pushed to the side until later because it's not visible like the mess on the floor or the crazy kids running around.

November is also my birthday month. In 18 days I'll be a 30-year-old woman. I'm actually excited to turn 30. It's funny, I dreaded it and hated it the closer I got until I turned 29 then suddenly I was all cool with it and looked forward to it. I think because it means a new chapter in my life is opening. I have all the children I am going to have (as much as that kills me some days) I love them all deeply and now get to enjoy raising them into wonderful adults. I'm going to try to focus just a little bit more on myself. I find this very hard. I have tremendous guilt if I do, which really I shouldn't, I'm important, I'm human and I have needs too. My hope is as my children get more independent and rely on mom less and less I can find more and more of myself again. So that once they are grown I am not a lost empty shell now unfulfilled not knowing how to be just myself for me anymore. It will be a slow process but I'm ready for it. Plus I get to comfort myself in the fact that my oldest is only five, my babies will need me for a long time.

A new toy for Mommy!

2008-09-17T13:15:00.000-07:00

I am a very happy mama today! I got myself a new toy to play with. Kye was even mad I wouldn't share with him. I got a Dyson Stowaway vacuum. I did the playroom, which was done yesterday, and the kitchen, also done yesterday, and I had to empty the dust bin. I am so excited to have a vacuum that works the way it's supposed to and that I can quickly switch from carpet to bare floor. I was tempted to cheap out and just get a regular canister vacuum but seeing the great features really excited me. It gets really compact to store which is very important when you live in a trailer. Here's some pics. Maybe I'll have to get action shots...lol

A little boy with a heart of gold.

2008-09-16T19:28:00.000-07:00

Kye is truly special child. I have never met someone so sweet. He's got such a loving personality.
Today I told him to have a wonderful day at school and he said

"Mom you have a wonderful day at home with Daddy. I'll miss you and I love you"

There are days he tests my last nerve but that makes up for it all.

Random stuff.

2008-09-14T21:41:00.001-07:00

By accident the Ladies have discovered that their My Little Ponies are magnetic. My fridge was a plastic pony pasture for a few days after that.

One of the joys of having little girls is the clothes. One of the joys of having triplet girls is lots of clothes. I saw these pettiskirts online and fell in love. The price was crazy high so when co-op came up to buy them I jumped on the chance. The girls love to wear them. They look like little princesses. They were not in the mood to model on the day I got them so Ainsley got the job. I just might have to get her one too.

Muenster Home Coming.

2008-09-14T21:37:00.000-07:00

I found these on Jeff's computer. I had forgotten about them. It's annoying that the SD card slot on my computer died. It and three of four USB ports can R.I.P. Muenster was celebrating 100 years of it's church founding I believe. They had a big homecoming day. There was a parade, that Kye and Jeff were in, food and lots of people. We got five ziploc sandwich bags full of candy from the parade. The girls got two suckers out of the whole lot. I took all the rainblow gum and the rest was donated to the kids camp. I wouldn't let them go onto the road to collect the candy so Nana and Bramma did it. I wish I got pictures of that.

The little pink placemat thing Ainsley is sitting on is the greatest. It's plastic and suctions on to the table. It's great for restaurants because they always have a clean place to eat at. It has a catch tray and then rolls up to go into the diaper bag. I just wash it up with the dishes and hang it to dry with the bibs.

Beanie

2008-09-14T21:24:00.000-07:00

Beanie is quite the little creature. I feel like a first time parent with her sometimes. Her personality is so different from her older siblings. She's very particular and can be very grumpy but she's so sweet she could melt the coldest heart. Besides her eye infection and some digestive issues which daily prunes and oatmeal are taking care of she is doing wonderfully. She is still tiny but definitely growing well. Jeff weighed her using the Wii fit the other day and she was 18.1 pounds. I am not sure if they'll weigh her at the doctors but I think it's fairly accurate.

She started crawling about a weekish ago. She seems to be happier to have the ability to go where she wants to on her own. She really just wants to play with her brother and sisters. The pure joy on her face when one of them plays with her or she feels like one of the crowd brightens my darkest day. We were at the farm on Thursday. Nana has been collecting ride on toys and stuff for outside from garage sales and the good neighbour store. I brought out a couple I had picked up that day. The kids were tooling around after picking some fresh veggies from the garden so I decided the plunk Ainsley on a ride on and drive her around a bit. She was so happy to be doing what the big kids do.

If you set her down in the kitchen she makes a bee line for the hall and her sisters room. It's funny how at almost 9 months old she just wants to be one of the crowd.

She's also turning into a jumbo ham. She loves the camera. The baby carrier pictures are of the Babyhawk I picked up with her baptism gifts. It was worth every penny. I figure since we don't own a stroller for her I may as well have a super comfy carrier for her and I. She is modeling her new favorite way to ride. She prefers to have her legs tucked in when facing out. She's a weirdo I tells ya but my little weirdo she is.

Ladies First Day of School.

2008-09-14T21:07:00.000-07:00

School is so great for them They have such a wonderful time. I only had to stay in class with them for two days. The second day was more for my own benefit I think. The teachers are very welcoming and just wonderful with the girls. They have a library day, a music room day, gym time, free play, crafts and outside playtime. It's a jam packed two hours. I am so glad they are in this program. They are interacting with their teachers and the other two girls in their class. They had sharing day last Thursday. It was semi Abby's idea because she had wanted to bring a monkey to school so I asked the teachers about show and tell. They were very proud to show off their animals.

Sorry about the red eye in the photos. I'm too lazy to fix it. My children aren't demon spawn or anything I promise..lol. Also check out the funky hair do's. I got those ideas from the girly do's blog. It's not often they'll let me do anything too their hair.

This picture melts my heart. I was taking one of them walking down the street but Kyrra turned because she wanted my hand. She's such a sweet little thing.

Favorite things

2008-09-14T20:58:00.000-07:00

When the Ladies Pre-K teachers came to the house to meet them they had posters they made of their favorite things. They asked the Ladies to make up these posters so they could hang them up in class. It seemed like a great get to know you project. We got going on it right away. I asked each of the girls what their favorite things were. Kyrra's list was the best: Tay, my souce, me and my bed. I took pictures and found stickers and other things for them to make their posters. I wish I took pictures of their posters but I have the pictures of their favorite things from around the house.

Kyrra is the one with all the teddy bears, Abby with all the monkeys and Dylan with the assortement of animals.

Out of the mouths of babes

2008-09-14T20:51:00.000-07:00

Me: Kyrra what was your favorite thing about your birthday?
Kyrra: SnowWhite dress
Me: Oh yeah? Why?
Kyrra: It has a super cape. But snow white no fly.

Me: Abby did you like school today?
Abby: Not
Me: Oh you didn't like it? Do you want to go back?
Abby: Me go back everyday. Me love it.

Dylan: *super annoying noise*
Me: Dylan is that your new noise?
Dylan: Yes...Me love it and me love the sound!!!!!

Dylan: Brampa Kevin comes to Pumpkin Festival. Brampa Kevin looovvveees me!

Kye: I love Bramma's vacuum. It has an rejectable cord.

Abby: Mama I love you!!
Me: Oh I love you Abby.
Abby: Yeah and me peed on the floor.

Abby: (after getting much soap rinsed off from playing in the shampoo, very traumatizing) You would need to hug me. Yeah you like that.

All the Ladies new favorite: Whats you doing Mama...you need my help.

My kids crack me up all day. I wish I could remember all their funnies.

Catch up.

2008-09-14T20:18:00.000-07:00

Hot dog it's been a while. I certainly have a lot to blog about. Mostly photos but it sure has been busy lately. Having five children all in activities really makes for one frazzled mama. School is well underway and going well. The girls love Pre-K and all my worries were totally unfounded. Kye wishes he could go to school everyday. Jeff is getting back into the grind of University. We also have Kye in bowling and swimming lessons. The Ladies are in Kindermusik, a month trial of dancing and Dylan in Swimming lessons. Ainsley is in Kindermusik as well. It makes for a busy week. Mix all that with seemingly endless trips to the city for Doctors appointments and other necessities I don't know which way is up. I am off to the city tomorrow after Ainsley's Kindermusik and school for the Ladies, but I must be back before dancing at 6 so Jeffrey can go to class for 7. Thankfully, he can take Kye to bowling at 4 with the Ladies.

Ainsley has an eye infection. We've been on four rounds of antibiotics for it. Three different ones. Nothing seems to work. I think the biggest problem was that we just assumed that it was a plugged tear duct since it's been this way since birth. I have a feeling that she'll need a fairly long course of medication to get rid of it. That's what tomorrow's trip is all about.

I may as well get things caught up in an orderly fashion. I do like order. I find that since I live in chaos my preference for order and organization has increased 10 fold. I feel at peace when everything is neat, tidy and in it's place. I don't get a lot of peace these days...LOL.

First up is the Ladies third birthday party. We had this for the family and friends on August 30th. We took the kids to the park for a while and then came back for snacks and cupcake decorating. Everyone visited and played. It was by far one of the best birthday parties I've ever been at. We had a great turn out too. I was worried because we hosted it at our house but the weather was perfect to be outside.

The slideshow is in no particular order. Just random how the photos uploaded. You'll see that the Ladies got princess dresses. They love to dress up. What I love best is you'll see them in their princess gear with a hard hat, supercape and pirate patch on. Abby would wear her Cinderella dress everywhere if she could.

Too make is slightly easier to know who's who. Abby is in the Cinderella dress, Kyrra in Snow White and Dylan is Tinkerbell.

Kye's First Day.

2008-08-29T07:00:00.001-07:00

Kye had his first day and can't wait to go back. I truly hope his love for learning stays with him throughout his life. I do worry that he'll feel he can no longer do some of the things he is able to because they don't do it in school. I plan to continue with working with him on his reading, he has a math workbook and a Grade one computer program. I also hope the teacher is willing to work with him in the areas he's advanced in.

He was the classroom leader and got to hold the flag while they sung Oh Canada. He got to be on the leader board which tells all about him. He seems pretty happy about that. He's very private with things so we have to figure stuff out by things he mentions. He won't tell us specifics about his day just that is was good. It's a little frustrating to work it out like that but we can't change the way he is, just how we get the info..lol

He was annoyed with all the photos but hid it well. He's not used to such a fuss being made.

Tomorrow's the big day!

2008-08-27T20:57:00.000-07:00

Kye starts school tomorrow. He'll officially be a Kindergartener. I asked him if it was okay for us to walk him to school. He agreed that we could but it seemed like it was more for my benefit then his own...lol. I think going to school has him a little nervous. He'll never admit it but he's been much more clingy and huggy lately. I'm so excited for him but soo nervous at the same time. Stupid thoughts run through my head, like: What if he doesn't fit it, What if the teacher hates him, What if he gets hurt or needs his mommy. I certainly still need him. I can still remember when he was Ainsley's size. It seems like mere months ago.

Think of us tomorrow as I let my first baby go out into the big world of school. Prepare for a lot of pictures.

Birthday Party Slideshow

2008-08-26T07:35:00.000-07:00

Build-A-Bear was awesome. They had such a good time. It was totally worth every penny. They got three autograph bears to keep, a photo and great animals. I know they can't wait to go back and get some more clothes for their creatures. They feel they need coats and hats...lol.

They had their 3 year check-up on Monday. They are healthy and doing well.

Abby is the biggest (which seems to be the trend now) at 98cm/38.5 inches and 16.1 kg/35.5lb
Kyrra is 96 cm/38 inches and 15.8kg/34.8lb
Dylan is surprisingly the smallest at 96cm/38 inches and 14.6kg/32 lb

At two they were 30 pounds so they haven't gained a lot of weight in the year but they have sure grown taller.

They have their family party on Saturday and then first day of Pre-K on Tuesday.

Kye starts kindergarten on Thursday. Only two more days until my baby is in school. I can hardly believe it.

Three Cubed

2008-08-23T21:54:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe it. My three little ladies are three. It seems like just yesterday that I was waiting and praying that they would be born healthy. What a blessing that they were. Today you'd never guess that they were born 8 weeks early. They are big, strong and active girls. The mischief they get into is crazy. Last week was a very difficult time for me. They are into everything lately.

There was the underwear incident where Abby saw Dylan's underwear and decided she would rather wear them then her own. She tried to remove Dylan's underwear by force. This led to the personal space, your body is your body, we don't take off other people's underwear talk. It seems to have sunk in on some level since they have been putting clothes on and declaring that they clothes are on their bodies.

Then there was the shampoo incident. I jinxed myself on this one by commenting on how I have never had a child that goes into the bathroom and dumps out shampoos or lotions. Now I have three. They were supposed to be napping the other day. I didn't put the gate up because I figured they are big girls and can handle it without...WRONG. Kyrra comes down the hallway crying she hurts. I figure they were fighting over a toy again. NOT. Kyrra is coated head to toe in shampoo and conditioner. I run to the bathroom and there Abby and Dylan are covered in it. Dylan was white from conditioner. I had to shower them off with their clothes on, which they hated and screamed about. Afterwards Kyrra and Abby's were very red and painful. A phone call to poison control later has me rinsing their eyes with clean running water for 15 minutes. I was smart and called Jeff home to help with Ainsley and to keep Dylan occupied. I put the girls' swim caps on to protect their ears (tubes) and got to dumping pails of water on them. It was very heartbreaking to have to do that while they cried. They told me they would never play with the shampoo again. Jeff and I made sure of it by buying a thing that goes over the showerhead to hold the soaps.

They are also very organized in their mischief. On Friday they were fighting over the two pairs of binoculars that Nana had bought at the zoo. I told them I would go to the van to get the third pair. They had found the cookies Nana bought but I told them they had to wait until after lunch. I go outside, get the binoculars and am turning to come back in. I hear the door open and shut. I hussle in to find them trying to stuff the cookies back into the bags. Kyrra was on look out from the window and Dylan was manning the door.

I will definitely have my work cut out for me with these three.

Kyrra is in the habit of calling Ainsley her little beanie. She is always kissing her and playing with her. It is very sweet. Today we went for a family bike ride. It was Ainsley's first ride in the bike trailer. Kyrra was so proud to be able to sit with Ainsley and watch out for her.

They start Pre-K on the 2nd of September. I find the closer it gets the more I dread it. I know I can go with them but I also know how shy they are. They really don't play with other kids and I don't want it forced on them at all. I tried to talk to their teacher but she gave the impression I was exaggerating. I guess she'll find out when she meets them. I don't know if she even went over their paper work from the child psychologist.

I can't wait to post pictures of their Build-A-Bear birthday party. They are very excited!

2008-07-23T20:37:00.000-07:00

Photos Galore!

2008-07-23T20:20:00.000-07:00

Ainsley being cute!

The Ladies at Kinsmen Park. They've been asking to go lately. We were more than happy to oblige. They finally communicated a desire!

The cameraman and his assistant

This is the crazy storm we drove past on the highway. Thankfully not through it.

My kids playing in the puddle at the mall. At least I got the van all cleaned out. Thank goodness for lots of extra clothes.

Beanie and her mesh feeder. That thing is handy but such a PITA to clean!

I'll have to ask Jeff if he has any camp pictures of Kye.

So much has happened.

2008-07-23T20:05:00.000-07:00

Lots has been happening lately. I feel badly for ignoring my blog. I just haven't felt into it.

KyeZ had his first week of camp. He loved it! Mom made him a Cars lunch bag and cloth napkins. My goal is to have garbageless lunches for camp and school. He has a Foogo drink container that keep drinks cold for 12 hours and a foogo food container that keeps hot hot for 5 hours or cold food cold for 7.

I am slowly getting school supplies together. I still am in shock that I'll have 4 kids starting school at the same time. Maybe it's like a band-aid and it's better to get it over with quickly.

Kye has started reading. He seems to be picking it up quite quickly. I think he's had the ability in there for a while but has been waiting for the perfect moment to start using it. It brings me such joy to hear him reading.

My ladies seem to be getting into the "terrible two" stage lately. Whining is at an all time high. So is refusing to share and fights over toys. They have however started drink from a cup instead of a sippy which is nice. Now I just have to get them off the sippy's overnight. I don't know if I have that much fight in me. It'll be practice for the soucies they are still addicted too. Their potty training has improved in leaps and bounds lately. Much less clean ups.

Ainsley has starting sitting and rolling. She seems to enjoy her new found freedom and is more content overall. She is in this habit of only eating half bottles and fights sleep like crazy. She maybe naps an hour a day.

I'm going to do a whole picture post just to show off my littles a little.

Big things for a little lady.

2008-07-03T14:29:00.000-07:00

Ainsley's had quite a time lately. Her baptism on the 29th went well and she
finally fits into her Marathon. I'm just glad we hung on to our bucket seats and did just decide to put her in the Marathon from the beginning. She's much happier in the roomier seat.

July 1st was Canada Day. I took the kids to the park to celebrate. Jeff was there running games. The kids had fun playing egg and spoon race, three legged race and potatoe sack races. Me of course forgot the camera. Nana and Auntie were selling burgers and hot dogs. The kids ate a whole burger and hot dog each! There was a clown and local entertainment. The night was capped off with a beautiful fireworks display. Only Abby and Kye managed to stay awake during that. I even enjoyed them with a migraine. Ainsley, however did not have such a good day. She refused to eat the whole time we were there. She didn't eat for 8 hours. She just slept in the sling or looked around. Once we got home she gobbled her bottle up and fell fast asleep. She really seems to prefer eating in our little spot in thr family room.

I'll post baptism pics as soon as I get some.

I'm going bananas!

2008-06-26T23:28:00.000-07:00

I bought a big box of ripe-overripe bananas for five dollars yesterday. It was so heavy I could barely lift it into my cart. My challenge now is to bake with/store all of them before they go bad. Thankfully my kids LOVE bananas. My girls had their own whole banana for the first time in their lives yesterday.

I made super tasty banana bread. It turned out great! (Thank you All Recipies.com) I also made these super healthy breakfast muffins that have banana in them. Some other recipe ideas I got was for banana cake that's light and fluffy like cake not heavy like banana bread. There was a recipe for banana jam but Jeff doesn't seem to keen on trying it. I plan to make a few more loaves of bread to freeze, more muffins and then just pureeing the rest of the banana and freezing it in 2 cup portions. My Mother-In-Law gave me that wonderful idea. It's much nicer then just freezing a bunch of whole bananas.

I think Saturday I'm going to try some smoothies or maybe banana waffles.

I hope this post makes sense as it's 12:30 a.m. and I am wiped. We are off to the zoo tomorrow!

I did it!

2008-06-23T22:50:00.001-07:00

Today was a proud day for me. I did something I rarely do. I single handedly took all five kids to the city. I guess it's not really a big deal but I'm pretty proud. Everything went super smoothly. Ainsley's six month check-up was a little crowded. The staff at the photo center in Wal Mart were so awesome. They let the big kids colour and played some games with them while Ainsley had her pictures taken. My biggest mistake was walking across the mall and then out to Toys R Us and back. I didn't want to put Ainsley in the van to have her fall asleep so we all walked the equivalent of 3 blocks each way but in heavy traffic and high heat it was pretty trying.

Cute story of today:

The girls were chatting with each other in the van. Somehow it came to how old they were.

Abby: Me seven
Me: No Abby your two.
Dylan: Abby's two??? Like me???
Me: Yep like you. Kyrra's two too.
Dylan: Kyrra's two too. Like me?? Like Abby??

She was just in shock. It's the first time they've realized they are the same age. It was very funny.

Ahh wireless internet.

2008-06-21T19:47:00.000-07:00

I've been on a blogging roll lately. Lots to say I guess.

I am currently sitting on my air mattress in my tent in the backyard. We are camping out.

The girls are asleep in their "room". Kye seems to be settling down. Ainsley is a little upset by the change in scenery and routine and I really hope she settles soon.

We went swimming this afternoon. Ainsley seemed to enjoy her first time in the pool. The water was cold today so she spent most of her time snuggled up on daddy. I managed the feat of taking all three girls down the waterslide at the same time. I kind of long for the time that they were scared of it. It's a lot of work climbing up those stairs for my fat ass. KyeZ and I got to spend some one on one time in the deep end. He's becoming quite the swimmer with his life jacket on. He can't float otherwise. We dove off the diving board and paddled around. The only suit I have is an old one of my moms. It's seem much better days and is practically a rag. I almost lost the top when I dove in the water. Good thing Jeff was the only one paying attention.

The dynamics of three.

2008-06-21T09:38:00.000-07:00

Lately Dylan and Abby have been very buddy buddy. They play together a lot and when we are out the choose each other as buddies when we are out. Jeff was worried a bit about Kyrra being left out. I think Kyrra is not joining in by choice. She seems to be just as happy doing her own thing and jumping in when the feeling moves her to. Yesterday for example I hade them out for doctors appointments and we were walking back to the van from the pharmacy. Since Ainsley was being fussy she wouldn't sit nicely in her sling anymore so I had to hold her. I asked Kyrra to hold Dylan's hand since mine were full. She out right refused. I think with having three there will always be some kind of unbalace. Most games are played much easier with two.

Right now the girls are sick again. I am slightly upset by it because the Flovent was supposed to prevent them from getting wheezy. I am assuming that if they weren't on it they would be much worse then they are now. I am just tired of them not being able to play, being tired and grumpy because they are sick. They've been sick every two weeks since March. Not always the same sickness but it's still very frusterating. Abby has her fourth ear infection since March and Kyrra's ear without the tube is infected. They have colds they got from their brother. I really wish their immune systems were stronger. I think right now my primary concern about sending them to Pre-K is their exposure to germs. I have a feeling we are going to be in for a rough ride.

Today we are planning to set up the pool outside. I need to manufacture some shade though.

She's halfway there.

2008-06-19T20:19:00.000-07:00

Beaner is six months old today. She's been grumpy lately poor thing. She seems constipated, perhaps teething. I've had to hold her pretty much all day today. Running the blowdryer seems to work to get her to sleep when she's fighting with all she's got.

I took her in for her vaccinations today. She did so well and gave the public health nurse a display of her "divaness" She's gained a kilo (just for you Marilyn)and is 14 lb 8 0z. She's also 24 inches which is an 6 inch growth.

And now what you've been waiting for:

Ainsley and Daddy taken by KyeZ

Pictures!

2008-06-19T20:03:00.000-07:00

This was mother's day. We had a picnic inside. The ladies had lemonade for the first time.

I hope to post more pictures on here. I love to share them.

Back on track

2008-06-17T08:14:00.000-07:00

I am finally feeling like I am getting back on track. It's amazing how much better I feel when my house is in the proper order. The girls have been giving me a hard time about picking up the playroom. When I ask for their help the only answer I was getting was "Not Me, Not me, Not me". So I decided that I would take everything out of the playroom except the books and kitchen center because I have not place to store it. They can ask for the toys from the back and they have to keep them clean. If they don't they go back into storage.

This worked well for Kye at this age. It seemed to help him appreciate what he had when he had nothing. It will also give Jeff and I a chance to see what they are interested in playing with and what could be passed on. So far they've asked for the puppets, the tunnel and the wooden blocks.

It's also nice to see how much fun they can have with little or no toys. Yesterday they were baking their Bramma cakes and "phoning" her with their hands. It kept them busy for a long time.

Today is supposed to be warm/hot I hope we can play outside for a bit. I hope I can build up my heat tolerance. I think it's the fear of overheating and fainting when I'm out with my kids that makes it seem worse. I might have my mom watch Ainsley though give me some time to play with the big kids.

WTH???!!

2008-06-11T16:47:00.000-07:00

It's not Monday today, but boy it sure feels like it. Everything started off wrong wrong wrong.

I had a crappy sleep because Jeffrey rented a scary movie and I couldn't get to sleep. I woke up late which always sets everything off wrong. Ainsley is going through a very attached to mommy phase and I can't really leave her site. I need to practice my babywearing skills to get her up on my back. Maybe that way I can get some stuff done. I've also decided that I need to what until Jeffrey gets home to get the housework done.

The ladies are having a terrible potty day. I know that they are pretty much trained because they can have so many dry days. Today, they have pee'd in their pants at least 3-4 times each. I don't know what to do with them. I gently remind them to use the potty, I ask them if the need to use it they just don't seem to get it today. I am wondering if it's that they are getting too comfortable with the potty idea and are holding it too long and don't make it. Kye went through that phase too but it's much more frusterating with three. That's a lot of pee to clean up. I've implemented that they have to help me clean it up. They don't mind doing it and they get the bonus of washing their hands which is their new favorite activity.

The weather is terrible today too. Super windy and not very warm. I think today would've been a prime day to go outside to play. They seem to be extra full of energy today which they burn off by running around and chasing each other which never leads to anything good. There's always someone crying at the end of it. I try to stop it as much as possible but today I just feel like the Gestapo or something. "Stop running...Don't touch that...get off her...please keep it down Ainsley is sleeping.

Thankfully I have a wonderful husband. He came home from work and started supper. He knows how bad of a day I've had so he's giving me a rest. I just need earplugs so I can't hear the chaos anymore..lol. I think I'm going to dress them up and let them out to play before supper. I hope tomorrow is going to be much smoother.

Odd thought for today: Should the New Kids On The Block really still call themselves that?

Right down the middle

2008-06-10T16:09:00.001-07:00

My ladies that is. They are perfectly average kids. This morning they had a learning/congitive assessment. I am very happy to learn that they are right where they are supposed to be. It's always a worry of mine because of their prematurity and the fact that I just don't have the one on one time I had with Kye. They really aren't a knowledge hungry like Kye was. Kye loved workbooks and flashcard at their age. They prefer just playing and reading stories with whomever is near.

I definitely noticed different aspects of their personalities while I was silently observing. Dylan really doesn't like to be singled out or directly questioned a lot. She really didn't enjoy that part of the testing process. Abby is so particular and likes everything just so and would tidy up the blocks or puzzles almost before the tester could see them. Kyrra is just so sweet and easy going.

We got some disappointing news about them going to Pre-K in the fall. They miss the cut off by three days. School starts on the 21st, a Thursday and they turn three on the Sunday. If school started on the Monday they'd be fine to go. Their assessor says she wants to fight it a little bit because they would benefit from the program. They would be eligible to go in January and therefore they would have three spots held for them until then. If they will be holding the three spots empty is seems silly to not let them attend. Jeff and I are thinking that if that's our only option we'll let the spots go to three other children who could benefit and work with the ladies on our own. There's always next year.

Schools are a funny thing. Things seems to be so based on age and birthdays and not so much on ability. It really seems to do so many children a disservice and overgeneralizes I think. Some kids would be very sucessfull starting school early and some would to better to wait until they are older than the norm. It's all about averages I guess. Majority rules and the majority do best in the middle of the road.

A quick update

2008-06-09T09:03:00.000-07:00

I think I am going to have to do a whole blog post of pictures soon. I finally figured out how to put them on the blog.

We had a crazy busy and fun day on Saturday. We went to the Children's Festival, a birthday party and a wedding reception. The kids did so great being out all day pull being up past their bedtimes.

It made me so glad I am a babywearing mama. We borrowed "our" double stroller from friends of our to use at the reception so Ainsley could have a place to lay down. It really made me realize how much I dislike lugging strollers around. When Miss A got sleepy I just put her in the Mei Tai and she drifted away, no fuss, no muss. Once she was out I laid her down easy peasy. I watched a few moms have to work to get their little ones to sleep. I was glad I could still move about and play with my kids/visit with others.

I have to admit I love my triple stroller. It makes going for walks with three, two year olds so easy. I'm just glad I don't have to take it anywhere in the van anymore. It's such a giant.

This week isn't so busy. We only have two appointments booked. The girls have a learning assessment to see where they are at. Kye says he wants one too. I think it might be a good idea for him as well because he seems to be ahead on a few things. Maybe it would help make sure he doesn't become bored with school.

Yesterday I learnt Kyrra's definition of a good day. We were getting ready for bed and I asked her if she had a good day. She said yes because she didn't spill. Spill is what they call throwing up. She threw up last week randomly and was pretty upset by it. If all it takes to have a good day is to not spill then I am on a run of great days...lol.

So very tired.

2008-06-03T14:41:00.000-07:00

Today I need a nap. Since my very active children do not nap this will not happen. We are finally getting our schedule more orderly and back to normal. I think my sleep bank is calling in it's debt though.

Today I made some awesome scores at the grocery store. I do find, however, that I feel more and more compelled to shop at the "cheaper" store in town. Right now we do 99% of our shopping at the Co-op. It's a nice clean store, they support lots of local things, their kids program is good and we build equity with our purchases of food and gas. The prices are higher on certain things and produce can be iffy at best.

The Extra Foods store is bigger, has more selection and also has the Presidents Choice organics line. I went in there today to pick up extra formula and zuchinni's were on sale. I noticed that their bananas were 13 cents cheaper per pound than Co-op. On our budget that's a lot. Their company leaves a lot to be desired though. They are known to do some less than stellar things like lay off employees right before their pay increase and benefits kick in or resticker meat so it seems fresher than it is. I'm not saying this local store does this but the parent company has the less than stellar reputation. Jeff and I had decided a long time ago to shop their as little as possible. We've really stuck to it but with rising prices it's getting harder and harder.

I think for now we'll keep shopping were the people are friendly and we feel we are supporting out community. I think that's worth a few extra dollars.

A great day.

2008-06-02T08:23:00.000-07:00

Sunday was such a great day. We went into the city for a babywearing walk hosted by the Attachment Parenting Association. Definitely a group of people that parent the way Jeff and I do. I learnt some neat things about wraps. I have a bunch of sarongs that I don't wear anymore but can use them to wear Ainsley. It's just too bad that they meet in the mornings. I've thought of starting a group here in town but am just too damn shy.

We met my dad for lunch/supper and he took Kye for his first ever motorcycle ride. I was so excited but scared for my little boy. He loved it though. Dad offered to take me back to Humboldt on the bike. I haven't ridden in years. My butt was soo sore but it was awesome. I hope these pictures work.

Dylan has figured out how to open her bedroom door. I was laying on the couch with Ainsley and I heard it open. I had to convince them it was not morning and they had to go back to bed. I forgot tell Jeff about it so he got quite the surprise this morning. I don't forsee too many problems with it but do expect to have to "herd" them back to bed.

On to another week. I'm hoping it's not near as crazy as last week. We are off to a playdate this afternoon.

Happy Caturday!!!

2008-05-31T09:51:00.000-07:00

Today is Caturday. It's one of my favorite days of the week. Now for the festivities:

more cat pictures

more cat pictures

more cat pictures

more cat pictures

An update on the sick children situation. They have a virus but not a bad one. I have finally be told that they have Asthma for sure. Now I have a treatment plan and know for sure what I am doing. I've discovered that I either need a nebulizer machine with three ports or two more machines. Giving "nebs" takes at least an hour and they get really bored. They are able to breath a lot better so at least they are up and playing again.

Tomorrow we are heading off to the city for the third annual babywearing walk in the park. It's put on by the Attachment Parenting Association. I just found out that such a group exists. It will be nice to meet some like minded people. I hope to post pictures soon. Jeff says he's figured out how.

I am off to the races. I have been seriously neglecting my house lately and need to get it in order. Jeff works this afternoon so I am feeling the crunch.

Enjoy your Caturday!

What a week!

2008-05-28T21:35:00.001-07:00

My life has been crazy chaos lately and I am getting very tired. We are the proud owners of a "new" 2003 Chevy Venture. Now my kids all ride safely and legally with an extra seat to spare. Most of our weekend/week was spent figuring out all the details. Monday I scrubbed, polished and washed our old van to take it in for possible trade. Sadly, it's not worth anything anymore because of age, the unfavorable market for minivans and some mechanical issues. Tuesday was spent taking Dylan to the doctor, the hospital home and too the hospital again. We had no van on Tuesday so Jeffrey had to drive 2 of the kids and I had the ladies in my mom's car. It was a huge mess. Today was spent buying the new van, installing car seats and taking Abby to the doctor and hospital. Tomorrow I have to take Abby to Saskatoon to our family doctor and Kye has swimming at 5 p.m.

The girls have breathing issues. They are tight chested, wheezy and miserable. Kyrra is only snotty so far *knocks on wood*. I have a host of medications but am not 100% sure what is for what and really feel a lot better having them assessed because they can go downhill so fast. I am hoping to have them referred to the Pediatric Asthma specialist. It would be nice to have a set treatment plan. Everytime I take them to the clinic now they get something different and I get told something different. I need something more concrete. Example: I took Dylan in yesterday and they were ready to admit her to the hospital. Today I took Abby in saw a different Dr. and he says she's fine. I knew she wasn't and took her up to the hospital. She really wasn't that fine. Her heartrate was 157 and O2 sat was 95 but she was working really hard to do that. It's crazy how two different doctors will tell me two different things for the same issue. Very frustrating.

Jeff works Saturday night. I really don't know when I'll catch a breather but when I do I am going to cherish it. I think I am going to make a wish list of things I'd like to do.

1. scrapbook
2. read a book
3. take a bath uninterupted
4. relish in a day of nothing

Who'd of thunk it.

2008-05-25T22:59:00.000-07:00

I've been married for six years today. It has been a crazy, wonderful and scary ride. The road has been rough and it's had it's share of potholes. I feel a little like reminising today. Remembering the good, the bad, the horrible and the great.

I still remember the point I knew that Jeff was the one for me. I am not sure if I realized it immediately but there was a definite moment. I had been visiting at his apartment with some friends. I was trying out hugging everyone. It seemed to be all the rage at the time. I hugged him goodbye and didn't want to let go. It felt safe, warm and perfect. I was at perfect peace. We didn't officially date for another 6-8 months but I think in the back of my mind I knew.

Being so in love you want to scream, shout from the rooftops. I can remember how happy we were. We are still very happy now but in a different way.

Our wedding day was great. We had found out we were pregnant with KyeZ the day before. The reception was a blast, all of our friends and family there. When it was all done we went to the hotel and slept in separate beds. I had no clothes other than my wedding dress to wear the next day. We were so disorganized.

Today we took Kye to see Walking with Dinosaurs (http://www.dinosaurlive.com/.) It was amazing. We were four rows up from the floor. You could almost touch them. It was right up our alley. It's too bad the my ladies would've been scared out of their wits and had to stay home or it would've been the perfect day but it was pretty damn good. I survived leaving Ainsley for the first time. Let's hope she's not 14 the next time I leave her...lol.

These are the words to Green Apples by Chantal Kreviazuk. They are how I feel about my beautiful husband.

You're toast and jam
And you're cotton candy
You're double rainbows
Beside a setting sun
You're wood burnin' outside
There's a fire growin'

You're sweet as green apples
You must be the one

You bring me to the heart of a golden man
You bring me to the natural truth
You take me to a solid hollow
And keep me sailing this ocean of youth

So take me to an altar of diamonds
And run with me through sheets of jungle rain
Show me all your manly mystery
And let me heal your beautiful pain

Be my island In crowds of faces
My oasis Be there Lead me to the holy water
Introduce me to the place you are from
Wherever you go you know i will follow
So take me there and i will come

What a day!

2008-05-24T23:51:00.000-07:00

Today was such a great and busy day. Jeff, the kids and I walked up to the mini-golf course. It was the first time golfing for the ladies. They had a blast. I really wish I could figure out how to put pictures on here because they are really cute. Kyrra decided to use her hand instead of the club. Dylan just liked dropping the ball in the hole. Abby was the only one who tried to use her club most of the time. Kye is quite the skilled mini-golfer, we really need to make more of an effort to take him. He loves it so much.

We stopped in at Johnny's Bistro for lunch. They were tired and hungery so it was a little trying until the food showed up.

On the way home we stopped at the car dealership to check out vans. I think we found one! Yay! I'll feel so much better to have a van that is safe for my kids. It is too bad that we can't get the tether bolts put in our current van but alas it's too old. It also has rear air/heat so no more baked kiddos in the summer time.

It took me almost two hours to switch all the car seats over to make sure they fit and were secure. I really admire Jeff for all the times he's done it.

Tomorrow is my sixth wedding anniversary. It's also our 10th year together. We are taking Kye to see Walking with Dinosaurs. I am really looking forward too it. I am, however, having much anxiety over leaving my beanie for the first time. No one has watched her for more than an hour yet. Jeff says he'll drag me out kicking and screaming if he has too. I wish I could smuggle her in my pocket or something.

Ainsley is a "high" needs baby. Some people have said that Jeff and I made her that way but it's truly how she came out. No one knows her cues as well as we do or her moods. It's hard to leave her with someone else who may become frusterated, especially with 3, two-year olds to deal with on top of it.

The girls are on a big do it myself kick. Many times I find them in the bathroom, washing their hands, water everywhere. Using the clean hand towel to wipe up after lunch or using half a roll of t.p. to clean up. It's frusterating because of the mess but there are big advantages too. Dylan put her own shirt on today, Abby got herself completely undressed for her bath. They can put their own sandals on or take their runners off.

I guess I had better head to bed. I have lots to do in the morning. I want Auntie's job to be as easy as possible tomorrow. I don't know if she knows what she's in for.

Yadda..yadda...yadda.

2008-05-22T22:36:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling backed into a corner these days. I think I mistakenly came out fighting at the wrong person. Jeff and I came to an agreement we can both live with and that makes me happy. Talking can make a world of difference. I think Jeff and I talk all the time but we don't always say anything. Getting and staying on the same page is impossible with out talking.

Talking is one of the easiest ways of communicating but sometimes can be so hard. I am amazed these days on how much my ladies are beginning to communicate. More with words now and less with crying, whining and yelling. They seem to be on a massive explosion of language and communication skills.

Dylan is the youngest triplet but it seems that she'll never let her self be last again. Today for the first time she told me she was sad. Never before has any of them done this. They've expressed that they were sad by crying, pouting or fussing. To hear the words "Mom..I'm sad" was amazing. Such big progress.

Funny thing is she is also the most volatile and easily upset. Many times a day I have to remind her not to scream, not to throw a fit just too use her words.

I love that I can have little conversations with my girls. They are certainly growing into quite the little girls.

KyeZ asked me today how I talked to Ainsley. How she talked with me. She is a very expressive baby. Her eyes speak volumes, her gestures tell me stories. Talking isn't all about words but certainly showed me how important it is today.

Too Grown Up.

2008-05-22T11:23:00.000-07:00

My son is the oldest five year old I know. It's easy to forget he's only five. Currently, he is running his daily swimming lessons. It's the new favorite game amongst the big kids. He does a really good job. First he discusses the safety issues at the pool. Then it's off the the "showers" and time for games. What time is it Mr. Timer (wolf or shark are too scary for the girls he says) and fishy in the middle. Next is floats on the floor. He keeps them on task and they seem to love the attention.

I've said many times that he's definitely been here before. You can see it in his eyes, he's not brand new. He's got an old soul. He's also the most unique child I've met to date. He father's his sisters like crazy. He often volunteers to help them potty, make their meals or tend their owies. None of which I expect but surely appreciate. His newest habit is laundry. He does his own with minimal help. This with his insistance that he vacuum the playroom will soon leave me with nothing to do.

I love him to pieces, my KyeZ, but sometimes he is just too grown up.

No Room at the Inn.

2008-05-22T11:06:00.001-07:00

Or the motor lodge, the hotels, the B&Bs. Saskatoon is booked solid. June the 7th is shaping up to be quite the busy day for my little family. A birthday party, a wedding reception and I just learned that the Children's Festival is on. The issue lies with space. Saskatoon has none. There is a multitude of events and conferences that weekend. Which means no place to lay our heads.

Now comes the debate. Go or not. The daytime activities are geared towards the children and the evening activities are a family affair. Driving in for the day then back to bring the children home and in again for the party is not an option since gas costs more than food these days. Leaving the children home excludes them from the fun things we'd like to share with them and makes me sad. I hate leaving my kids behind. Not going at all just sucks.

Some people say just leave them and they'll be fine. I know that they will but I won't. They are small for such a small period of time. I hate to miss any of it. They are my joy and my life. Jeff warned me the other day of people who loose their identity. Their lives are only for their kids. I am afraid I am already there. I live for them, all I do is for them. This I feel I cannot change. Too soon they'll be independent from me and I'll find myself again. I see glimpses and am glad to know she's still there waiting.

So we will go. Hope for the best and I am pretty sure it will be a blast.

The sweetest thing. Overheard today

2008-05-21T20:00:00.000-07:00

Today my poor Abby missed hugging her daddy before he went to work. This sent her into a spiral of tears and proclamations that she was forgotten. She was unconsolable. Dylan who had been sleeping woke up. I was in the family room feeding Ainsley and overheard their conversation.

D - What's wrong Abby?
A - Me no hug Daddy!! Daddy gone!!
D - Ooohh Me hug you?? Me hug you okay?

Surprisingly this seemed to work and really shows how much they really do care for each other.

This is my first time...be gentle

2008-05-21T19:35:00.000-07:00

I've often enjoyed reading other peoples blogs. Their lives always seem so facsinating too me. I can also see how a blog can be useful to get my thoughts out of my head. Maybe it will calm the roar that is often going on in there. My life may seem boring and dull to some but I wouldn't have it any other way.

I stay at home with my five children. My oldest is five and my youngest is 5 months old. The other three are 2 3/4 years old. A lot of people ask me how I do it. The honest answer is I don't know. I just do what I can do and hope for the best. I always feel there is room for improvement in many areas but these things take time.

Recently, my husband, Jeff started his summer work. He currently is working for his dad on the farm. It has been quite the adjustment for everyone going from his university class schedule to working full time. I find it hard to do all that I could when he was in school and it's very discouraging somedays. Chin Up and all that is the mindset I try to keep.

A typical day in my house starts between 8-9 for me. Jeff usually gets up earlier with the kids but I am not a morning person so I am thankful for this extra time. Mornings are crazy with everyone waking, demands for breakfast, potty usage and the general out of sorts that morning can bring. Once everyone is fed it's off to the playroom for some playtime. During this time I try to get housework done. Somedays very little progress is made between refereeing fights, mediating trade agreements and entertaining my wee babe. Other days just seem to fall into place and are like a dream.

Lunch time can be quite the challenge. Who get which plate is very important these days. Once that's done it's quiet time. Just that little bit more tidy time for mommy. Now we can play together, have craft time or coowraft as my ladies say it, or an outing.

Hopefully, I can keep my eye on the time and get supper going before the growly gremlins appear. Then it's eat up and off to bed for my ladies. Kye get an hours reprieve to him self then it's hit the hay time. Once the "big" kids are in bed it's usually just veg because moving requires too much effort. If it's a lucky day Daddy will be home but seeding is a tricky time.

I really look forward to this experience in the blogging world. I hope I can learn a thing or two looking back on my bits from the Boldt.