Blessing

I had the first night in eons tonight to finally just sit and relax during the kids' regular bath time. It was an absolute dream come true! And, the icing on the cake--the living room was tidied up for me while I ran out to the grocery store to pick up hamburger buns so I could make supper for all of us!

No, my husband didn't do it.

My person- sweet, incredible, so-blessed-to-know SISTER did it for me. 

I've told her a couple times already tonight a sincere, heartfelt thank you, but I don't think she fully understands just how sincere and heartfelt my thank you's are! I mean it from the bottom of my {broken and exhausted} little heart.

It was a GREAT day for me today!

Its reveal day over at Lets Capture Our Memories, so I've got a new sketch and layout to share with you. But, since I still haven't figured out how to copy and paste the sketch into a blog post yet, you'll have to navigate yourself over to their blog to see for yourself- and in the process, check out everyone else's awesome takes on it. Pure genius, every single one of them!

This has got to be one of my most favourite sketches to date to work with. It came together remarkably quickly, and its so versatile and easy to manipulate. There's tons of room for creativity with this one- and if you like lots of white space in your projects, then this is the sketch for you!

On this particular layout, I used the script cuttlebug embossing folder to spruce up my orange piece of card stock- and for an even bigger bang, I lightly inked the raised portions using a sponge dauber. (I used Stampin' Up's More Mustard for the inking).

I also wanted a little bit of sparkle on this layout. I took another Cuttlebug embossing folder (one of the mini's that came along with the package when I bought it), and coloured the negative space in with my Stampin' Up water colour pencils (in red). Then I blended it in using the blender pen. The raised portions I filled in with my Martha Stewart glitter glue, then sprinkled my Martha Stewart Crystal Fine glitter powder onto. Let it dry, and you've got an adorable, glittery postage stamp that helps reinforce your title work- the girls love their horsey rides! I also glittered up the title work using the same glitter mentioned above.

The arrow is K&Co, and the 'washi tape' I created myself, using regular tape (not scotch, but the other kind- sorry brain fart) and Cherry Cobbler (SU) ink to paint it; then, I went back over it using Whisper White ink (SU) with a lined, miscellaneous stamp I've had around for ages. It didn't quite work to my liking, but I wound up loving its effect, anyways! Its obvious that it's lined, but with varying shades of red.

Lastly, just because I couldn't refuse, I added some pearl rhinestones for a little bit of glam.

So, there you have it- sketch 146 from LCOM! Hope you like it, and if you do use the sketch, don't forget to link up your project to Lets Capture Our Memories' blog post- we'd love to see how it inspires you, too!

~a

the Big 3-0

Just a quickie for you tonight. I'll be sharing a card with you, rather than a layout.

I'm not sure that I mentioned we'll be heading into Edmonton again this weekend. If I hadn't, we are {grin}. We are heading up there so that we (Kyle and I) can enjoy a date! I hope the weather holds off- we are going to Monster Jam on Saturday night down at Castrol Raceway, but I saw on the Weather Network that thunderstorms are forecasted for Saturday evening. Hopefully it hits after all the festivities are over! Given Marens dislike of loud noises, we opted to leave the kids at their grandparents' place (this time Kyle's dad and step-moms; they haven't gotten to see the kids in such a long time, I thought it would be a nice treat!), so they'll have a wild and terrific weekend, too! We are also celebrating my sisters' 30th birthday, which happens to be today! (I never thought, in a million years, that either of us would reach 30- or have kids, for that matter! Cuh-razy!!)

I made this card in honour of her 30th birthday. I used Got Sketch #147 again (you can see the other card I made using this sketch over here. We are planning to take her to the IHOP for breakfast on Sunday morning. Should be a good time! Too bad there's only one in Edmonton!

I hope you all enjoy your weekend! Stay safe and cool and I'll catch up with y'all again on Monday!

Gone Fishin'

Today was finally reveal day over at Miracles' Momma's Designs, which means I can finally share with you the latest project I did using her sketch! Yay!

So, its a few weeks late, but good things come to those that wait. Ha. Its all about Mothers' Day, and how I spent it:

Before Heather posted the sketch this is based on, I had been thinking how nice it would be to create a layout with the thought bubble design. But, I had no idea what the subject would be for something so fabulous! And then...ta da! It becomes our assignment. I couldn't have been happier, or more excited!

For the lines connecting each of the thought bubbles, I didn't want to stitch, or create faux stitching. It was too time consuming, and I've never liked the way it looked any other time I did it on a layout. So instead, I used pearl bling to make the connections. I love how it looks! Still kinda time consuming, but with a much prettier effect! (Kudo's to those of you that can stitch and faux stitch- you make it look so beautiful! Not in my case...so, I'll leave it up to you!!)

Some of the pictures here are from quite a while ago (like this past winter), but they were the only ones of the subjects I wanted to include (ie. sister and brother in law). Every other picture of them is goofy, or they aren't together, and because space was limited, I tried finding one of them together that's semi perfect!

181* finally a good day (for the three of us girls)
182* an exceptionally beautiful morning (until the wind picked up again)
183* the surprise dr. Pepper husband brought home (I'm trying to cut back a bit)
184* a well deserved massage to look forward to
185* that Ogre (affectionately known as) is willing to watch my kiddo's
186* even though Addison is in love with him!!

oh my word, you have to see, its the cutest thing on the face of the planet! She flutters her eye lashes at him, smiles at him, says hi to him (whenever he is over), and is just generally enthralled with him! My two year old has her first crush!! hmm...maybe a future layout? LOL


187* tomorrow's
188* the chance to try again
189* "fishing"

hmmmm...the picture isn't showing up in my photo library, so I don't know where it is! I took a picture of Addison 'fishing' with a tree branch this morning, while we were playing outside. This picture is going to make her grandparents *swoon*!!!!! When I find it, I'll upload it


190* upcoming weddings!

So, are you ready for the teaser I mentioned yesterday before signing off? This was a fun one to make, too, and I'm quite thrilled with the way it turned out!

Addison told us that the fifth wheel was her first home. I mentioned that in this post. And, she's absolutely right. What she doesn't know, is that it was her mama and daddy's first home, too! Its been with us through a lot, and it was pure divine intervention that this should be scrapped! I'm so happy I had the chance to! (Its actually inspiring me to scrap a bit more from our past, too, on the days that I don't take pictures for Project 365). So, for instance, an lo of my Oma will be coming up and our loved (and lost) Sarah, and Maren's first (not-so-first-but-that's-what-we're-going-with) hair cut. That's it for now, but that list will probably be added to in the following days...

This particular layout is based on the April sketch over at Canadian Scrapbooker, the only difference is that the sketch is for only one page. I expanded it to make a two pager!

And, to quote my journalling, here's the story: We are currently trying to sell the trailer, but you floored us, Addison, when you said this was your first home. You were absolutely right- more than you know! Daddy had been living in it for a few years before he met me; all in various places around Alberta. He was living in a campground outside Edmonton when we met. After we had dated a couple months, Daddy moved the trailer to Camrose, and I followed after some previous obligations were fulfilled {I was house sitting for my parents, who were on a missions trip to South Korea at the time}. We continued living in it after we moved to Saskatchewan, until we bought our hose in Manor, in October of 2008. After we came back to Alberta, Daddy stayed in the trailer again {in another campground, but this time on the outskirts of Whitecourt} and we three stayed with uncle and auntie. That didn't last long! I hated commuting {because every couple of days we would drive out here to spend time with him} so we all stayed in the trailer. A lot of memories were made here, and we will miss it, but this is how it came to be our first home!


Like how I filled in some of the blanks with the regular type font? Sometimes I get a little irked with the info that gets left out of the journalling, which I feel should be in it. Oh well. I guess it just gives the kids opportunities to ask questions. Right? The other thing I didn't mention, is that the picture with my sister in it, and the one with the tiny little rat dog running on the couch with Kyle (who is my sisters'), is from a trip out she had made to visit us after moving to Saskatchewan. She was also living in Sask at the time, but commuting back to Alberta to work (she was employed as a medic in the oilfield at the time). Her little hometown when that picture was taken is called Nokomis. (She was still living there when the twins were born--she is my person. Got one of those?? She's my person because she helped my husband and I bring the twinlets into the world...I'll be forever grateful to her for that!)

191* having a person

The close ups--I cut all the letters and grass and clouds and the tree and the circle matted behind the pictures with my cricut. A camping theme is perfect- right- because essentially that's how we lived for a number of years...The clouds are scraps from another project.

Now, you may be wondering how it was possible to live in a trailer with two babies, a cat and two adults. And, you're probably wondering how big it is. It was large enough- at the beginning (LOL), but quickly got too cramped and small for all four of us. (Its a 32 footer). We took out the captains chairs that were in the living room, and put the kids' playpens in there, to act as their cribs. They did wonderfully with it- there were no issues at all! They were such troopers! (There are pictures of the kids sleeping in their playpens in the bottom right of the second page). To bathe them, I got creative, and used a giant rubbermaid container. I filled it with water from the shower (telephone shower head) and soap, and VOILA! make shift bath tub!! The tough part came when they wanted to play outside. I wouldn't let them. There was no grass in our camp site, just mud, and with vehicles coming and going constantly, I didn't feel it was safe. Their saving grace was that there is a petting zoo and small playground there, so we would spend a lot of time there. Eventually, we bought a picnic tent, and put the kids toys in there to let them play- until they figured out how to get out. Oi. I'm glad those days are over!

Anyways, so in a nutshell, thats the story of us, and now an lo that documents it!

And, for another sneak peek:

Colors

89* STAR air ambulance in places that need it!!

I've learned, through FB (though I rarely use it anymore), that our old home just got STARS service, and a helicopter, as well. What a blessing for them! The accidents that occur over the winter months make it possible to get patients to Regina, or further, quickly and efficiently. Yay for SE Saskatchewan!!

90* listening to the rain falling
91* naps when they're needed (and sincerely desired)
92* hot water
93* hot showers
94* lotion to repair dry and cracked skin (and it smells pretty, to boot!!)
95* bath and body works
96* costco (for some of the kids' clothes)
97* CARTERS department stores (for what I *can't* find at Costco for the kids!!)

(who else loves Carters' brand of children's' clothing???) eeeek! they've got to be my favourite store to shop at for the kids!


98* a break from the hot weather we've been having the last couple of days
99* knitted slippers (especially since they're either Oma's or grandma's)
100* encouragement- through word and/or deed

I just realized that the girls are both in 'their' colours in these pictures. LOL. When they were born, we put Addison in purple (winter coats, gave her purple sucky's, etc.) and Maren wore pink. (There's a good clue for you to figure out who is who!!!) Neato. Now we don't even think about who wears those colours anymore. Now its just natural to us, I guess!!

Don't you just love the goofy, *&%^$-eating grins that are on Miss Addisons' face??! It kills me, and I just want to pinch those adorable little cheeks of hers!!!

I'm so in love with some of these pics, I've got to scrap them!

Look at that, I've made it to 100! Woohoo! That one hundred went ridiculously quickly! Here's to the next 100!

I've mentioned it before, but failed in my attempt to do it, so I'm trying all over again. A dear friend of mine started it. I am not sure where she came across this, but I'm happy it inspired her to try it out herself. Its now inspired me to do it myself.

The goal is to record 1000 things you are thankful for.

She reached her goal, and has surpassed it! And, I love reading her posts, and about her life, and about what things in her life she's thankful for. I am way too often pessimistic and negative, so this is a fantastic way for me to try and break that habit. Maybe in the process, I'll become more optimistic and positive.

I also think incorporating my 'thankfuls' into my scrapbooking projects will help me stay on the creative side (and think-outside-of-the-boxiness) of compiling that list.

Who knows, maybe when I reach that goal, I'll continue on, like K has done!!

Maybe, next year, instead of doing project 365 as project 365, I'll make it project thankful, or some variation along those lines. Or, I'll stick with the 'pay it forward' idea I've been toying with.

And, to kick off the next one hundred, here's 101...

101* the great idea he had, that I hope he carries out! (Its helpful in more ways than one!!)

Back Then...

How was your Mothers' Day?

Ours was great. The weather was beautiful, we had good visiting over at my parents place, and the food was fantastic!

The kids played outside all day long. Literally. No naps, not a lot of fussing, lots of laughs and giggling and squealing...and for mama, a quick solo trip to Michaels for some retail therapy. You know, the upside to Michaels selling off all their brand name stock is that its all massively marked down!!! I bagged a lot of goodies- including a really great sheet of rooster paper and a rooster stamp for an upcoming lo i'm doing about my other obsession: roosters! Unfortunately, a lot of goodies were still left behind. Hmm...I foresee another trip in the near future!!

My favourite picture of the day?...

...is this!!:

Isn't he cute???!


He asked mom if there was anything he could do to help her get supper ready, so she sent him to the barbecue to grill the delicious turkey burgers she'd made for us. Yum! She also dressed him up in Oma's {my Oma--the kids' great Oma} old apron. So, in a way, she was celebrating with us, too, though she wasn't there with us in person. And, on a side note, mom says she's doing good. She went to visit her the other day, and she was quite chipper and talkative- repeatedly mentioning something about flowers. Mom's not sure if she has a bunch of flowers in her room at Miller, or if she's in another place and time in her memories. She said she was sitting at the table in the dining room, which is really great news.

(And, for those that don't know, my Oma is going to be 93 on the 24th. She's suffering from dementia and lives in a long term care facility. Its actually the same place Grandma Murray lived- and on the same floor, even!!- before she passed away a couple of years ago).

And, its another painful reminder that I've got to get over to Miller and visit Oma...She's only seen the kids a couple of times. The last time we saw her, she asked me when I'd gotten so big. LOL. Apparently she remembers me as a little street urchin. And, she wondered who the little kids belonged to. Me, of course, but to her it didn't make sense :)

I have a lot more pictures to share- that my beloved sister took- but I don't have them to the computer yet. I'll get them up here sooner or later!! (The batteries to the camera died after a few pictures were taken, so the rest were taken with our iPhones, and the shots sister got were while I was gallivanting around Michaels').

It was a long day- but a good day!- and we got home about 10 o'clock last night. It was about 11:30 when the kids finally settled and fell asleep. Oi! Kyle and I were beat when we got home! We thought the kids would crash, because they'd gone nonstop all day long, but that wasn't the case. They still wanted to play outside- at 11 o'clock at night!! Maren kept saying while the sun set, 'mama, its dark!', and I kept telling her that it was getting to be mommy and daddy's bed time; when it gets dark like that everyone goes to sleep. She mustn't have believed me!

Hope you all had a fabulous Mothers Day, and I'd love to hear in which ways you got spoiled!

My own mama spoiled me with a beautiful hanging basket. I can hardly wait to get it hung up!!

78* solo anything
79* massive savings when shopping
80* good food
81* hot weather
82* memories


Ohhhhhh memories!

The picture I really wanted to use I can't find, so these will have to suffice. THese are from our move back to Alberta from Saskatchewan. The kids were still babies in these pictures! I can't believe how much growing and maturing they've done in the last year. It totally blows me away! The kids were 14 months old when we made the trek up here, and now they are just over two.

I couldn't help but reminisce while I was sitting in moms' back yard yesterday, thinking about when we had just moved here. Addison hadn't learned to crawl yet, she was still very clingy and sensitive. Maren had mastered crawling not long before we moved, and it wasn't long before she began walking on her own. They were just beginning to talk- at least Maren was. Addison was still fairly behind, and we were concerned about her development. Looking back now, I realize we had nothing to worry about. She just did things in her own time; when she was ready for it. Its amazing how quickly she's catching up to her sister!

Now, Addison is as talkative, busy, goofy, mobile, accident prone, stubborn, cuddly, sensitive and outgoing as her sister.

And Maren, well, when she discovered her legs, and she began kicking them, there was no stopping her. There's still no stopping her!

83* flowers
84* neatness and organization

...but, more on that later :)

Dear Maren

So tonight, Miss Maren, I broke into the archives, and began putting together layouts of your first days. I don't really know why I've been holding out; in some ways its hard looking back at you when you were that little, and in other ways, its so rewarding. The first one I did was a 'then and now' kind of layout, and the changes in you are astonishing- and that's just saying the least.

But, as I flipped through old pictures, the one thing I couldn't get over is there's no mistaking you, either. Your lips, your eyes, the expression on your face- there's all kinds of clues and markers that just shout Maren to me. So, in other ways, you haven't changed much at all. Tonights layout was about just that- unforgettable you. I even titled it that. Because, honey, you are unforgettable.

Unfortunately, there is no album to put your scrapbook pages into just yet. One day there will be one, just not right now. They are in their page protectors, though, and they are being filed in a safe spot until the day they can be lovingly put into your very own scrapbook.

One thought that kept nagging at my brains is what a good baby you were. It was as though you knew; you knew that your sister was a handful for your mama (at the time), and she didn't know what was going on, or how to handle the situation. You would silently watch from your bouncer, then turn back to keep entertaining yourself. You never fussed much, you were always happy, and you quite often put smiles on me and daddy's faces. Baby, you still do. Probably more so now, with all the funny things you say and the way you say them, and the things you do. You're quite a blessing!!

I love you, baby. Of course, of course!!

Weird

It was a quiet, strange day around here! I've realized that when miss Addison isn't feeling well, she isn't making noise. And, its only HER that makes all the noise, apparently!

Yes, definitely strange.

Our day began quite late in the morning- 10 am- which hasn't happened in quite a while. And, the only reason we woke up was because the phone rang. NOne of us really ate lunch, and none of us (definitely not Addison) even snacked. She hardly even touched breakfast, actually. And, I worried just a little bit when I put her in bed for a time out (because of her constant screaming), and she pulled her quilt up over her head and shook her head no at me numerous times when I asked her if she was ready to come back out. Then, she went to sleep. And, slept another 2 hours. Hardly an hour and a half after waking up for the day.

But, baby girl, I seriously enjoyed sitting on the couch with you all day long, cuddling close to you, every once in a while resting my cheek on your forehead, just to make sure your fever wasn't getting worse- or better yet, to make sure it was going down. Unfortunately, it didn't until you got a good dose of Advil. Once that kicked in, you picked right up again.

Your fever was high enough (when we DID finally take your temp) that I was ready to bring you to the hospital, but in the end, we figured we'd just keep an eye on you for the night. The pharmacist told daddy to bring you to the hospital if your temp reached anything higher than 40 degrees. It was 39. Daddy saw the pharmacist because I told him to stop and buy a new thermometer; I don't know what happened to our old one. We had it before Christmas. Now, vamoose, its gone!!

That's ok, now we have a better one.

And, Miss Maren, you are UH-MAZING!!

You've got the same virus your sister had over Christmas- you look like you got into a pretty serious fight- with shiners under both of your eyes. Thankfully, your eyes didn't goop up like Addisons' did when she had it. Yet.

The words you are picking up just astonishes me, though! You said 'welcome' to me this morning when I said 'thank you' to you for giving me something I had asked for. You've been attempting to say Santa Claus, and you even tried singing the ABC song the other day. You had the tune right, but obviously didn't know the words. And, what else did you say tonight that finally clicked in my head; I finally understood what you were saying (you've said it often for quite a while, but I thought it was just baby babble), but it escapes me now.

All I can say is AMAZING!!

I've been neglecting blogging the last couple nights because I've been SO absorbed in scrapbooking. Aah! I'm having a riot and I can't get enough of it! The part of the day I just long for is night time so that I can sit down and get a couple pages done before going to bed. I have a stack of 160-odd pictures that I want put into an album, and I've been going strong!! I've even been thinking about attempting project 365. I'm not sure yet. I'm beginning (after reading a suggestion from the woman that created it in my scrapbooks etc. mag) to just try a week, first, and slowly break yourself into it. That's what I'm doing, and taking notes at the same time, so when I actually get to scrapping those pictures, I won't have forgotten what they were all about!!

(And, as a side note, I even got a mini album done for mom, as a result of asking me to email her some of my pictures from Christmas. I thought this was a better idea! She's also been hounding me for years to make her one, so I just killed two birds with one stone. Yeah!!)

Just Hope

Its easy to forget that you are gravely ill even though we can't see any outward symptoms anymore. Its easy to forget that you won't keep going strong until old age, and nobody knows what's wrong. Its easy to forget that the end could come all too soon, and there's no answers to the question 'why' and 'what do I do about it'? Its easy to forget that as I go about my own life, you're living with constant unknowns and whats going to happens every minute of every day of every month that passes until something concrete is established...

And, to add injury to insult, you've just found out that your hearts' deepest desire can't come true, unless major medical intervention occurs, but its easy to forget that won't happen unless your symptoms worsen again and everything starts to fail. Its easy to forget that likely will, in the very near future. (You can find a bit more about this here).

Its easy to forget how terrifying this is when every day life gets in the way. When you're not near enough to see and touch and hear every single day. When right now, you seem strong and healthy and vibrant.

We were reminded again this afternoon, and it brought up old fears (that are once again very real to me) and utter sadness and many, many tears.

We are reminded again how important family is- there's nobody more important. I am reminded again that every day is a gift, and the most needs to be made of it no matter what. We need to spend more time together, we need to talk more, your nieces need to know who their auntie is and what kind of woman she is. I don't want there to be an 'was' for a very, very long time.

The thought breaks my heart. More tears fall just thinking about it.

And, I don't want to lose you. You're my best friend, my sister, we've weathered thick and thin together, and doing that without you devastates me. You're my person. You celebrated with me when I got married; you drove all night and stayed up all day to help coach me through delivering my children- its your voice that I remember firmly and excitedly talking into my ear to push, push, push!!!; you allowed me the honour of being your person at your own wedding...you've stood up for me and protected me, and I've done the same for you.

That you can't have children is sad, and I know I don't completely understand what that's like, but I can empathize. I'd rather have that than a life without you. 


A friend said today that when you're faced with your own mortality, the news is a tough pill to swallow. But, she went on to say that 'when your mortality is in question you just have to live every day to the fullest!! Stay positive...which is hard to do some days!' What we have to do now is just that.


Stay positive.

I don't know what your plan is, but I know that in the days following, I will be trying to keep my head help up, my outlook positive, and hope against all odds...

just hope...

Bits and Pieces

Uuuhhh yeah, Maren got into my buttons Friday afternoon and threw them all over the office floor. Actually, they're still strewn all across the floor; we've been in Edmonton for the last 24 hours and rather than cleaning up (at the moment), I'm taking just a little bit more time for myself. Husband is working ridiculously late tonight (should hopefully be home shortly before or around midnight), and I'm waiting up for him. I have to keep busy or I will fall asleep. The kids had a terrible sleep last night, giving me only 4 hours of rest. Then, the kids slept a good portion of the day, so I kept them up a little later than usual; for once, it was me falling asleep on the couch in front of the tv; not husband or the kids!

I actually don't mind that she got into my buttons. It does bother me, however, that she used the black and yellow scissors you see in the top right corner of this picture, to cut a nice triangular hole in her shirt. The scissors are so sharp, even I have to be careful when I use them! I'm lucky I get away with it. Husband (and his mom, too, for that matter), have banned me from most sharp objects (I don't have the best luck with them...)

The other two pictures were just too cute to pass up. Maren, in the top picture, found a basket in my office and threw her sippy cup in it and took it for a walk. Then Addison got a hold of it and put it on her head (like her mama showed her) and wore it like a hat. I was trying to get a picture of her wearing it on her head, but once again, she was too quick for me. (She's the middle picture).

*****************************************************

~ 301 ~ A couple hours this morning to get some things done on my own while in Edmonton

~ 302 ~ finding the girls' birthday present (already!!)

~ 303 ~ Star.bucks.

~ 304 ~ Timmie's peach juice

~ 305 ~ and my new favourite- Timmie's candy cane chocolate donuts

~ 306 ~ SO thankful Maren didn't hurt herself with my scrapping scissors

~ 307 ~ spending a couple hours this afternoon catching up with a dear friend, while having our hair done at the salon

~ 308 ~ a safe drive home tonight (it was raining when we got home to Whitecourt. The driveway is a literal skating rink)

~ 309 ~ how cuddly Miss Addison has been over the last couple days

~ 310 ~ my own bed

~ 311 ~ my own pillow

~ 312 ~ my own house

~ 313 ~ my sister

******************************************************

My heart has been breaking over the last couple of days. First and foremost, for our old home- Saskatchewan. When we left, I honestly didn't think I would miss it, but I do. I miss the area, the people, the place where my children were born. For that reason alone, I miss Saskatchewan. Big things happened there for us, and my children aren't going to grow up knowing it. There'll be pictures of a house they spent their first year in, and they'll hear stories about the people their parents knew there, but there won't be any real emotional connection to that place for them. And, I am sad. When I talk with my friends there, it makes me sad its either through personal messages on Facebook or via text. Once again, it loses something in the connection. Part of me wishes we were still there.

And, now my heart breaks for sister. Mom told me that sister and her husband are going to an informational session about adoption. Because of my sisters' particular health problems, she either won't be able to conceive, or even if she wants to, she probably shouldn't. I am deeply sad for her that she won't be able to bear children of her own, though because we are both adopted ourselves, doing the same thing is a no brainer. I think she's suspected for some time that may be the case, so I think she's embraced adoption. I just ache for her; life has always been hard, and now her health has become a burden. She's talked to me a lot over the last 5 months about adoption, and that they want to adopt from overseas, but I never understood why she was even thinking about it. Which, in itself isn't a bad thing, don't misunderstand me. I honestly thought it was admirable. She told me that they might try and have their own after adopting, but it was something they really felt they needed to do. They might feel that regardless of my sisters' health. And, that's COOL!

******************************************************

~ 314 ~ my B-I-L; he is just what sister needs

Simple Pleasures

Each day my children find something new to delight in and it makes me marvel at their careless abandon for simple joys. It's inspired me, as has a friends blog (you can find her over at kimscorner1.blogspot.com), although my reason for remembering these moments might be different than hers.

~1~ riding in the grocery cart, which always makes her erupt into squeals and giggles
~2~ the way she holds my face in her soft, warm hands and looks unabashedly in my eyes
~3~ oh how my heart melts when she does it!
~4~ pleasant surprises and the blessings that accompany them
~5~ a pending visit from a missed, dear friend later this summer
~6~ the way they both go nuts over their bath times
~7~ how she says "cookie", "no" and "peeka" in that sweet, angelic voice of hers
~8~ listening to her talk in her crib at bed time. The happiness and contentment she exudes in those moments make me so proud!
~9~ finally having some common ground with a relative and *finally* getting over my inferiority complex around her
~10~ warm, sunny days

Tomorrow we are leaving for the weekend; I am looking forward to the annual family camping trip. It was something I dearly missed when we moved to Saskatchewan! I'll post how things went when we return.

Happy long weekend everyone!

Two Extremes

These days have been bittersweet since I posted last.

My household is coming along- my children are happier and daily I see more and more progress in the right direction, especially for sweet little Addison. There are still concerns with her overactive reflex in one knee and lack thereof in the other. The questionnaire the specialist sent has been put in the mail, and now we continue the waiting game.

Since her tummy has stopped hurting, she's begun blossoming in new ways. She is still the most relaxed and happiest during her bath times (and active, I should add), but she's becoming braver as the day goes on, as well. She can turn herself on her bum (in a sitting position) 90 degrees at a time and she's begun bouncing- slightly- in the jolly jumper. She's sitting up more and she's staying happy for longer periods of time; for example, we just spent the last hour and a half hanging out in the dining room while mama scrapbooked and the twinlets played. When she got tired of the exersaucer, I put her on the floor with some toys, and she continued playing there until nap time.

IMPRESSIVE!

Maren is much happier now that she is mobile and can get around on her own. She explores the house daily: yesterday she discovered magnets on the fridge, and commenced taking them off and playing with them. Then she discovered her diaper bag by the back door this afternoon- with toys in it- BONUS!!- and played there for a while. When she gets tired of that, she tours around the kitchen and dining room, playing under the swing, trying to pull the leaves off mama's plant by the patio door, plays with some boxes that I've got stored in the opposite corner of the dining room for 'Maren-proofing items', or the highchairs which are stored in front of the china cabinet.

When the house is quiet, I begin wondering what's going on. (Usually they are zoned out in front of the tv, though there have been times where Maren's been where she shouldn't be- like playing with the garbage can in our bathroom...)

WHile my heart is brimming with pride and happiness that my girls are finally regaining some of their long-lost happiness, my heart is hurting for my dear sister. My heart is consumed with worry for her over her failing health, wondering what the future is going to hold for her. Last time we talked, the doctors had a general idea of what they think is going on, but it isn't definite. The prognosis isn't definite as a result, as well.

I am prepared for the scariest possible scenario, though I am hoping that doesn't come about. I am worried that because its taking so long for the doctors to find out what's going on, her liver is going to suffer permanent, irreparable damage (it already is...), meaning surgery, liver transplant or worse. There's nothing like hearing the words, 'your liver is starting to fail.'

I suspected it, but wasn't prepared to actually hear it.