Skating in Victoria Park

So the holidays are behind us. They were fantastic. Wonderful family filled memorable holidays. During the holidays, we enjoyed several family outings, one of them being an afternoon of outdoor skating in Victoria Park, London. The kids LOVED it and we are hoping to go several more times before winter's end.

That time of year again....

Time is flying by and it was time to once again pick out our Christmas tree. The three oldest kids took turns cutting it down, while Henry and I took turns chasing after Reeve. She was much more interested in the cold puddles than cutting down any tree :o) We managed to stuff the tree inside the van this year, saving Henry a lot of grief trying to secure it on top. The kids were preoccupied with their candy canes, so they didn't mind the cramped quarters on the way home

Not Me Monday... on Monday :o)

I did NOT have a wonderful Sunday in Chatham yesterday. I do NOT enjoy seeing my family and I most certainly did NOT enjoy listening to Dr. Murray. I did NOT find his accent charming at all.

I did NOT just finish an enormous pile of dishes. I NEVER complain about the fact that I do not own a dishwasher. I NEVER mumble under my breathe while forcefully jamming my dishcloth into a glass. I have NEVER brought up the fact that I've spent countless hours over the last ten years washing dishes by hand. I NEVER flip a coin with my husband to see who does the dishes vs who baths Reeve. I NEVER demand a "re-flip" when it does not land on heads.

I have NOT started Weight Watchers over and over and over again. I have NEVER fallen off the diet "wagon". I most certainly have NEVER started a diet Monday morning and fallen off that wagon by Monday lunchtime. I am NEVER frustrated with this aspect of my life and hope I NEVER develop diet discipline.

I did NOT wear pajamas to bring the kids to school this morning. I did NOT trip on my way back into the house, resulting in a face plant. I was NOT embarrassed that the neighbor was outside having a cigarette at the time and saw the whole thing. I did NOT slam the door with the "I meant to do that" look on my face. I did NOT forget in my embarrassment that Reeve was still in the van. I did NOT have to swallow my pride and open my door and go get her out. I did NOT wave fake politely at the neighbor on my way back in...with Reeve.

I did NOT have 3 cups of tea for breakfast this morning. I do NOT have a tea drinking problem.

I am NOT ending this post to NOT go look for sock pairs.

Not me Monday on Wednesday

Here's my attempt at a NOT ME MONDAY... on a Wednesday.

I am NEVER annoyed that socks are never in the wash together. I do NOT spend precious time looking high and low for missing socks. In fact, I joyfully allot a half hour a day to searching under beds, in toy bins, and in bathroom corners for these missing socks. I DO NOT complain about serving my family in this way.

I am NEVER at a loss at what to put in my kids' lunches. I DO NOT wake up each day and dread making lunches. I most certainly am NEVER caught at Shoppers at 11:45pm buying NON sugary, cheap, nutrition packed snacks.

When I am NOT caught at Shopper's Drug Mart at 11:45, I NEVER have on clothes that are Henry's, or my son's shoes that have a Buzz Lightyear jibbet. NEVER. And, if I see someone I know in the cashline, I NEVER duck into the card aisle to avoid them seeing my attire. Not Me.

I have NEVER worn maternity underw*ar, 18 months after my last baby was born. I have NEVER snuck them back into my drawer after my husband has repeatedly asked me to THROW THEM OUT!!! I DO NOT think they are comfortable and will obey and throw them out after I am done with this post.

I am NOT frustrated with my insurance company. I am certainly NOT upset that they are not giving me enough to replace my van with another one which is comparable. I am NOT at all worried about having to get a loan right before my husband looses his job. In fact, maybe I'll get a big loan and buy everyone of my friends a vehicle. I am NOT worried that much!! I am NOT annoyed that the 19 year old who hit us, hasn't reported the accident yet and I am certainly NOT upset about the fact that my rental vehicle is not covered because of this. I am NOT going to begrudgingly pay Enterprise Rent-A-Car. I am NOT going to waste anymore time thinking or stewing about this.

For the record, I do NOT think this post was fun. I did NOT write this post because of the influence of others. I am NEVER influenced by the actions of others. I NEVER care what others think of me and DO NOT care if anyone reads this and applauds my efforts.

Blessings

Four of our most cherished blessings.

Scarecrow Festival

Well, it's that time of year again. Time to head to the old pumpkin patch, eat octoberfest sausages, and take a wagon ride. We headed out to Ferguson's to enjoy a family day. It was fantastic. Weather was beautiful and we enjoyed ourselves immensely!! We are so thankful for the many many blessings in our lives and hope you all have a wonderful thanksgiving weekend!



Not the best picture of us, but I think Reeve ripping the hat off Logan's head really captures what goes on in our house. So typical!!!!





Tanner holding the "monster" pumpkin

SHE'S ONE!!!!

Wow, the baby is one! Amazing how time flies.
We woke her up this morning by all of us going in her room and saying "Happy Birthday!" I don't think a day has gone by when she has not felt incredibly loved by all of us. She has the best personality and is such a blast. We are all looking forward to seeing her reach more great milestones... walking, her first word, etc... I have to give credit to our friend Lisa, for so beautifully capturing this special time in her life for us - thank you so much Lisa!
What a blessing Reeve is to our family!