A hiking they will go

Yep, that's right, the Court boys went on another hike.  Spencer's brother Cam loves to hike as much as Spencer does so they are eager to get out in the great outdoors and do manly wilderness stuff.  The boys  - Nolan, Jarom, Ethan and Hyden are  eager tag alongs.  Even Jarom has been converted, there wasn't any protesting this time when his dad told him about the hike. Although, I do agree with Jarom when he said to his dad, "I like the overall experience, just not the walking part".  (I'm thinking Spencer may have changed the wording a bit as overall isn't a word Jarom would normally use) 

  Crandell Lake was their destination of choice this time around.   There is a lake to throw rocks in, there are rocks to climb on, in, around and up, really what more do boys need?  They saw a moose, they sat around the fire, then all took turns peeing on it to put it out for the night. Good Times.

Now I know you are all sitting there thinking, what could Angela possibly have done with yet another week-end to herself.  It has come to my attention that some of my readers think I have too much childless time on my hands and although it has gone unsaid, I think they think I sit on the couch watching soaps and eatting chocolate all day.  I would NEVER point this person out, but the first letter of his name is a D and it ends in ALE. 

So this is what I did, I got to spend Friday night with my totally fun, cute nephews while their parents went to the temple.  Then today, I went and watched Conference with my 90 year old grandma, had lunch at the Lodge with her and her friends, then I got to spend some time showing her tendering loving care.  It was great.

THE REWARDS OF BEING THE MOM.

Spencer and the boys arrived home about 15 minutes before me.  I came in the house, put away my belonging, and waiting for my kids to attack me with hugs and kisses since they missed me so much they could hardly stand it.  Jarom sought me out, hugged me, kissed me, and informed me that Nolan was laying in his bed because he was sick.

I went to check on my Nolan and as soon as he saw me he started to cry uncontrollably.  I picked him up, loved him, dosed him up with some Tylenol and tucked him into my bed.  

I bet you're all thinking, "Why is this a reward for being a mom"?  I'll tell you.  There is something about seeing your child cry when they see you because you are their safe person, you are the person they want, that makes all the other drudgery of motherhood disappear.  I, as Nolan's mom can kiss away the pain and make his world right.  

I know it's not going to last much longer, so I'll enjoy it while it does.

Week-End Wanderings

This is my super cute niece Meg.  She got baptized on Saturday.  We were there.  It was awesome.

Thursday night our family plus my parents eagerly loaded in the van to begin the trip to Utah.

  

It was a long and quick trip, but there were many high lights along the way.  I love that we have these little opportunities to spend time with our family.  The kids loved seeing their cousins. I loved seeing my brother and his family almost as much I loved shopping at Target 

I got to visit with my friend Sam.  It's been too long since we last saw each other!  We went to a fun little restaurant and chit chatted away while we ate pretty much the yummiest breakfast ever.  

I was disappointed there wasn't time to take the kids to see temple square and all the site, but we are already planning another trip!

The good life

Not only did we not have to pack our belongings in Winnipeg, worry about getting them out here, unload the truck, put together the furniture or dispose of the boxes, today I got this beautiful bouquet of flowers from the moving company.

Cut flowers are my favorite.

WARNING - SOME READERS MAY FIND THE FOLLOWING STORY OFFENSIVE

This week I had the opportunity to attend field trips with both Nolan and Jarom.  Monday afternoon Nolan's class went to the cemetery.  I'm not quite sure what the point of the trip was, I'm thinking something to do with history.  Anyhow, it was actually quite fascinating.  A tour guide came from the local museum and sent us on a scavenger hunt to discover different stories about people from their headstones.  

As we were walking among the headstone I was reminder of a previous visit to a cemetery with Nolan.

On one of our trips home from Winnipeg (I think Nolan was around 4) we were visiting with Spencer's grandpa and he mentioned he hadn't seen his wife gravestone in awhile so we took him to see it.  It was actually the first time Spence and I had seen it.  We shared stories about grandma as we cleaned up the area around her headstone, pulled the long grass, that sort of thing.  Then we were all thoughtfully gazing down at her headstone thinking about grandma and how much we loved her and Nolan turns to me and says, "Sooo, did, someone, um, shoot her"?

It's Gone !!!

I cut off my hair. 

 I feel happy. I feel free.  I feel younger.  I love the new cut.  

Best part is, there was enough hair cut off that I was able to donate to Locks of Loves.

Jarom was the photographer.  This was the best picture out of the bunch.

Which one are you?

Take the Quiz here!

This really came as no surprise to me as Sense and Sensibility is my favorite Jane Austen movie and Elinor is my favorite character.  

(make sure to let me know your results!)

I thought I was moving to Zion

Two interesting things happened today.

1.  When we lived in Winnipeg we lived in the hood.  The funny thing was that our street address was actually Houde Dr.  Our little house was a huge blessing,  our mortgage was next to nothing, which helped ease the financial burden one encounters when going to school and interning for 13 years.

Along with this cheap mortgage came less than desirable neighbors.  As a result I sent my kids to a school that was not in our catchment and strongly discourage them from forming any friendship with the locals.  I was vigilant in safeguarding my kids from the evils of the world (Okay I am maybe playing this up a bit, I just wanted to build it up a bit before I share my news).

Since moving to these little communities I've noticed that parents are more relaxed. Little kids walk home from school ALONE.  They play at the park ALONE.  Nolan also noticed this fact.  He has been struggling for independence and I've been fighting it.  I finally relented and have allowed him to ride his bike home alone from school.  

This morning as we are leaving for school, walking out the door in fact, Nolan casually mentions that the other day on his way home from school some kids offered him weed.  I was a little alarmed, but I always try not to let my body tighten up and my voice go up a couple of octave when such information is shared - it would be worse if he choose not to share the information because his mom was a freaker.  

I was a little taken off guard.  I didn't really think that sort of  thing would happen here.  If anyone has a good FHE on teaching your kids about drugs I love to hear about it.

2.  We are riding our bikes to school this morning when all of a sudden I heard a big crash, LOTS of screaming and saw Jarom's bike in 2 pieces.  The front section of the bike totally separated from the back portion.  I'm a little surprised you hadn't heard this news as Jarom screamed so loud for so long that half the neighborhood came out to see what could be the cause of such commotion at 8 in the morning.  

Aside from a scraped knee Jarom is doing alright.

 

"Your mom is a bad parent"

Today Nolan was very stand offish with me.  I could tell he was upset with me and it became very clear that he had negative feelings towards me when he refused to ride his bike beside me at lunch -he didn't want to talk to me.  I let it go, but all afternoon I felt upset.  

Nolan came home from school today and as he was eating his snack he said, "Kerin thinks you are a bad parent.  He doesn't think I should have to do my homework or a job every day.  He told me how I could sneak out of the house".

One of my greatest fears as a parent is that I will raise kids who are unable to do for themselves.  Who reach the age of 18 and don't know how to clean a bathroom, wash their clothes, make and follow a budget or understand that getting what you want means hard work and sacrifice. 

Because I stay at home, I have a tendency to think - well, I'm home, I can do everything.  Not to mention that is it 10 times easier to do it myself then to get a 5 yr. old to make his bed, pick up shoes and hang up his coat and to sit patiently as my 8yr. old trashes about because he has to write a book report using correct punctuation, capital letters and coherent sentences.

Spence and I took a parenting class at church and one of the quote given to us said, "The definition of a lazy parent is a parent who does for their children what they can do for themselves".  I've tried to implement this philosophy.

I feel defeated tonight, but I think I'll choose to wear this little criticism as a badge of honor. 

I'm trying my best to raise competent young men who will someday be good missionaries, husband, fathers and priesthood holders; if that makes me a bad mom, so be it!

I received a fun package in the mail today! 

Thanks Tricia

It been too long

I am back dear friends.  My computer savvy husband has figured out a way for me to get onto my blog from our computer; so I should be back to somewhat regular blogging.  

I've been writing posts daily in my head - Things I love about my new home/neighborhood, the hassles of moving from one province to another and so many others, but I'll start with a little adventure the boys went on this week-end.

One of the nice things about being back in Alberta is family.  We have been without family for the last 10 years.  Although I can't let it go unsaid, that I feel like we were very blessed with people in our lives who became our family; now we have an abundance of the "real" thing. All of Spencer family lives within with close proximity and now my family is all within 12 hours of each other. It's a nice feeling to be able to enjoy and participate in family gatherings.  

Spencer's brother Cam suggested a hiking trip for the boys last week-end and as you can imagine since it meant time to myself I was totally on board. I wanted to go spend some sister time with Rachel is Calgary, but since she had tickets to see Elton John, sister time was out. Instead I hung out with my mom doing all sorts of fun crafty thing.

The boys hiked into Bertha Bay and camped for the night. The boys had so much fun playing around on Waterton lake. They skipped rocks, tried to sink a ship - known to the rest of us as a log, jumped on the dock, had a sing along and the list goes on.  It poured rain on them all night, but thanks to a waterproof tent and warm sleeping bags the kids slept through the storm.   

Jarom is a bit of a reluctant hiker.  He doesn't enjoy so much the hiking, but loves the over all experience.  Nolan is like his dad and the mountains are a part of him.  Everyone came home happy and full of stories to share.  I was so glad they had this time with their cousins.

Our House

I am suffering from Internet Addiction Disorder- I'm going through withdrawal and its not pretty. When we hooked up our computer after the move it is not working. It has some sort of virus that allows me onto most Internet sites except for my blog and hotmail. This means I can not update my blog or look at anyone elses. I don't know what to do. I have horrible nightmares and wake up in a cold sweat, it's horrible, I can barely function. I almost went and bought a new computer so that I could see what was going on in the cyber world; the only thing stopping me was having the answer to Spencer. I would have bought a lap top and hidden it under my bed or some other place he would have never found it; but I am so computer illiterate I would need him to set it all up for me. Actually it's not that bad, but I have felt slightly cut off from my blog buddies.

On to better things!

We are in our new house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I realized that I don't have any pictures of it to share with you, I thought I did, but in my eagerness to get out to my parents and onto their internet I forgot to take pictures, or rather I thought I had.

Anyhow, we love our little house. The kids have their own room, but more importantly I have my very own bathroom. Now anyone who has had to share a bathroom with little boys knows how truly exciting this is. I have threatened them with their life if they even think of crossing the threshold that is my bathroom; but since there are two other bathrooms in the house and they would have to walk right by one to use mine, I think they will be okay. Nolan tried to band me from "his" bathroom, but really I have no intention of EVER using it, so its all good.

Now I know you would like to listen to me go on and on about my lavatory - did I mention it has a soaker tub? but I'll move on. We have lots of windows and after living in our tiny old house that felt dark and cramped this is all so fun.

I'll post pictures of our house as soon as I'm able to get back on to my blog.

Silence

Normally at this time of year I would be lamenting the fact that my kids are headed off to school; especially since Jarom started kindergarten this year. But with the move, new house and crazy busy summer I was a little preoccupied to fully mourn/rejoice the fact that my kids are in school. It'll come and it may not be pretty.

This year was a little different as my kids started class not knowing anyone. Nolan was very nervous, but I was impressed with how well he dealt with the change.

To mark the going back to school the kids each got to pick their favorite supper. Nolan choose Sushi and since he his dad is the sushi chef around here Spencer made a beautiful plate of sushi that we all gobbled down.

Jarom was in such a frenzie about staring school this is about the only picture I have of him. I have lots of half his face, his chest, his shoes. Due to the staggered entry for kindergarten Jarom only went Thursday afternoon, he did great and loved his teacher. Their new school seems to have more of an open door policy then Nolan's school in Winnipeg. In Winnipeg all the kids lined up outside the door and a teacher would let them in. The parents remained outside. This school the parents are not only permitted into the school, but in the classroom as well; parents are even encouraged to drop in.

For Jarom's first day of school supper he choose chicken nugget, fries and corn on the cob. We were so fortunate to be joined by my Parents, Uncle Mel (Jarom's UNO rival and Nolan's fishing companion) and my grandma Blumel. It's so much fun to have family around to share all these moments in our lives.

Jarom is in love with his new school shoes. He put them on and proclaimed, "these runners are so fast I can even catch Nolan".

I made these cupcakes. They were so cute and fun to make. I'd like to take credit for the idea, but the idea came from family fun - every mother's best friend.

The Taylors

Even though Anne and I don't look like we are having a good time in this photo we really are. It must have been the lull in the day (or Anne is on the downside of her caffeine induced party mode, but I'm posting it because it is the only picture I have of the two of us.

The Taylors came for a visit pretty much the day we got our new house. As Spencer was cleaning the carpets and I was scrubbing down the kitchen we heard a knock on the door and there they were; some peeking through the kitchen windows, some looking through the living room window and some knocking on the door, waving and smiling at us. I wouldn't of had it any other way. We love the Taylors and any chance we get to see them is to be taken! Plus Anne got to spend a whole next day unpacking box after box and putting all my stuff away. Thanks Anne!!!

It was a super busy visit as the Taylors had family events to attend, so while they were gone I unpacked and organized and got ready for the party when they returned.

Anne and Dale have 3 daughters. Aphra -13, Kezia -3 and Terzia - 1 and apparently I don't know how to spell her name. Anyhow I had loads of fun doing girl things with the girls. Aphra and I went shopping and instead of hitting the weapons section of the store we browsed through the craft and girly sections. Then I painted Kezia nails. I long ago decided that Aphie was my daughter too and I can't wait until she comes to visit me alone and I get to spend lots and lots and lots of time doing girl activities with her.

When Spencer finally had a day off work, we went to Writing on Stone where our families had so much fun playing amongst the Hoodoos (not really sure if they are actually called that or if I spelled it correctly, but since I thought it was called Riding on Stone, we'll just leave it as is) and in the Milk River.

It was sad when we had to say good-bye to the Taylors, but knowing we are only 13 hrs apart makes it a little easier.

Today we take possession of

our new house!!!

Two is Better than One

I've been re-reading The Secret Life of Bees. I love this book and am so glad I ran out of books to read and choose to re-read this one. I find this book full of great little lines that make me stop and think. Here is a passage I recently read and have been pondering.

"Did this mean if I told May about T. Ray's mounds of grits, his dozens of small cruelties, about my killing my mother - that hearing it, she would feel everything I did? I wanted to know what happened when two people felt it. Would it divide the hurt in two, make it lighter to bear, the way feeling someone's joy seemed to double it?"

I feel I have always been fortunate to be blessed with people in my life who share my joys and sadness. Sharing does, for me, make the sorrows a little easier to bear and the joys that much better.

All About Me

So I saw this super cute idea on my friends Kristi's blog - even though I wasn't tagged I still thought it was way fun and wanted to do it too. The idea is to type in your answer into Google image and pick the best pictures that pops up. So this is me. ENJOY!

My First Name








My Last Name










Place I was Born










My favorite animal - this one I struggled with as I don't really like animals. Nolan informed me that I should do more research then I'd like animals way more. Who couldn't love a face like this.











Past Love - This one's for Spencer. Ha Ha!













My Favorite Object - or in this case object(s).













Favorite Food - I'm sure this came as no surprised as I am quite open about my love of brownies - notice the icing. So good.










Favorite Color










Bad Habit - watching, not actually putting of the skills into play and cooking gourmet meals for my family.











First Job - I'll let you use your imagination on this one, but I will say it was horrible.










Future Job













Place I want to Visit










My Age. or so I tell Nolan and his friends and anyone who asks.










Your Turn!

Wednesday August 13, 2008, Patrice (my youngest sister) went to the temple. It was a special occasion marked with tender moments and I was so glad I could be there to share this moment in Patrice's life.

Happy Day!

I bought myself one of these today. It's a labeler. Mock if you must, but I have wanted one forever and I now feel like my life is complete. I am able to organize as I never have before.

I'd be happy to come over and label for you.

Trip to Calgary Part 2: The Military Museum

After dropping Sheena and Michel off at their hotel, we spent the night at Rachel's. After we put the kids to bed we had sister time and ate lemon pie right out of the tin while watching a show about crazy parents who want their kids to be stars.

Nolan and Jarom have been enchanted by the Calgary Military Museum ever since we first drove by the tanks on a previous trip to Calgary. They begged and begged to go there, so after Rachel left for work the boys and I went to check it out.

There were lots of amazing exhibits to see and it was all very interesting. I would like to go back again as it was hard to fully take it all in. I also thought it put war into a whole new perspective for Nolan, who is used to seeing war in terms of television and video games.

This mural was amazing. It was all individual pictures making up a bigger picture. The mural was also on computer screens and when you touched one of the pictures a background on the person would pop up along with an explanation on their contribution to freedom.

As we were walking into the museum, I was busy tucking away my wallet and camera, not really paying attention to what Jarom was doing. He was so excited he went running right through a freshly poured side walk.

This isn't the real photograph, I felt to stupid to go back and take a picture just so I could blog it.

Ok, I have so much to blog, our Strate family reunion, Whitefish, The Northcotts, Our visit with Sheena, Patrice going to the temple, plus an update on our housing/move situation and then some as we are movers and shakers and the fun never ends. In all reality I realize you may not be as interested in our life as I am; but as previously mention this is for the most part my journal and I want to remember all these moments.

Where to begin... I guess I'll start with the latest event - Meeting Sheena and Michel in Calgary then work my way back.


Sheena and Michel flew all the way from their bit of paradise in France to come and see us again; well I think they may have actually come to see Sheena's family but we were included in the trip and felt lucky to see them. Our family has loved Sheena ever since we first introduced ourselves outside the RS room of the Dalhousie Chapel 8 yrs ago. Sheena is part of our family and when Michel snatched Sheena we claim him as well, plus he has earned himself the title of The Candy Man as he presents Nolan and Jarom with candy every visit.

Yesterday after an overly confusing ordeal of finding the bus station in Calagary we met up and then went to explore the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. I thought it would be a nice place for us to visit without having to contain the kids to much, this having the situation nice and relaxed. When we first arrived at the bird sanctuary we were a little disappointed as I was expecting something like Fort Whyte in Winnipeg and it was a hot dry field - even the lake had dried up, not to mention the only bird we spotted was a Magpie. Then as we were pulling away we noticed we had gone to the wrong place, once we arrived at the right place the Sanctuary turned out to be very beautiful. It was a hot hot hot day 37 degrees which is why everyone has pink cheeks.



We then visited the Calgary Tower. I thought this would be very cool as Flat Nolan made a trip there earlier this year and it would be very cool for the real Nolan to visit. Ok, the Calgary Tower is a scary place. I would not walk over the glass floor. Michel shared in my feelings, we remained at a comfortable distance while the other three dare devils took their life in their hands and ventured over the glass.
Jarom had absolutely no fear and would lay on the glass - CRAZY. But it was cool to see the city from so far up!