Birthday treats !!!

For some time now Ana has had a plan to go over to Mrs. Tonkin's house to decorate cakes.  Once Mrs. Tonkin was given the heads up to this plan of hers...a date was set !!  They decided that Keisha & Anthony's birthday would be a great reason.  So I whipped up some lovely lemon cupcakes and Ana packed up her supplies and waited & waited for what seemed like a life time for Mrs. Tonkin to finish work !  Finally it was time & off she went......

She had a great time and has been invited back, which is lovely !!  Keish & Anthony were really thankful and LOVED her work !!!  This year we've celebrated their birthday twice.  Once with Grandma Chris & the Aunties down in Victoria.....

where we had a special lunch at Montana's with cake & crazy horn hats !  Then off to the cinema to see the latest Harry Potter.

 And then again to day.  It just so happened that their birthday landed on the busiest night of the week for us. So today we've had birthday breakfast, birthday treat with their classes, after school birthday cupcakes, birthday roast beast dinner and finally last but not least more birthday cupcakes ! 

It's been a lovely day even if it's been a bit hurried.  Happy Birthday my Loves !!!

Some quiet Sunday moments.....

Playing, baking, learning, laughing, puppy loving....

.........all before 10 am !

Playin in the rain.

( Stories Beach, Port Hardy B.C.)

We remember.......

Winds blow, poppies grow, in November we remember long ago and far away many died to keep us free from wars fought so distructively. Now we wear poppies for all to see.

                                                                                                           - author Kristen Quigley

To say I'm annoyed would be an understatement !!!

I AM SO TIRED OF ADULTS ACTING BADLY !!!!!

Typically I'm the kind of person who tries her best to give people the benefit of the doubt.  To try and see both sides of the situation.  To a fault at times!

It seems lately that everywhere I turn I'm either witnessing or hearing about yet another incident of people who work with children acting VERY poorly.  Then it's topped off by everyone involved trying to shift responsibility by sticking their heads in the sand or trying to shift the blame/responsibility onto someone else.

I'm so tired of keeping my opinion to myself, towing the line and making excuses.  I am in no way perfect.  I have made decisions that I regret.  I have made mistakes that I have needed to apologize and take responsibility for.

I have been told several time that my expectations are too high for people to reach.  You know what, after years of questioning whether this is true...I've decided that I don't care.  I want people that choose to work with others, who choose to be responsible for other and those people who are responsible for them to buck up and get control of themselves.  Stopped screaming at children !  Start following the rules of conduct you signed up for ! Think before you speak and remember that you are a role model whether you like it or not !!

Lots of munching & Penquins marching

After a really smooth day we've decided to end it with a family movie, our blankies & some homemade snacks.  My big boy headed off into the night on his own to Junior Rangers.  It's hard to believe he's almost 13 !!!

The way to his heart and ever lasting loyalty.......

( yesterdays crisp with vanilla yogurt)

I Love the feeling of being productive !!

( Chocolate Chip Flax Cookies)

( Pumpkin Bread  & Oatmeal Wholewheat Blueberry Flax Muffins )

( Apple Raspberry Blueberry Crisp )

( Pumpkin Muffins)

( Lasagna )

I sure do.......

- like feeling like I'm getting closer to being emotionally healed.

- feel secure when my fridge, freezer's & cupboards are full

- like having no debt.

- like feeling like we have roots in our new community.

- LOVE this boy.....Anthony's best bud is a perfect addition to our family !

- dislike adults acting badly around my kids.

- like knowing I have the freedom of choice.

- feel supported.

- like reminiscing with my kids over " Bill Nye the Science Guy" DVD's.

- miss spending more time with my niece & nephew's.

- enjoy watching my little boy push his boundaries.....

- miss my sister's.

- am looking forward to catching up with friends & family in Victoria soon.

- am thankful it hasn't snowed yet.....

- Love that I started this online journal !!

Up & Down, Up & Down

Well, today's the first home day in several weeks.  Over the last week & a half we've made two trips down island for dental appointments.  Ana still has one more to go in a few weeks.  Ana like many little ones I know with poor prenatal care, has very weak enamel on her baby teeth.  Despite eating really well, brushing her teeth & on going dental care..her poor little teeth just rot !  In the last week & a half she has had three of her upper teeth removed & several fillings.  Her next appointment she will be having an upper spacing appliance installed.  She was so brave and with the help of a little sedation she did amazingly well !!

While my girl & I were in Nanaimo the rest of the clan was hanging with the amazing Nana Val in Comox. On this last trip I had planned a little fun family time.  After dropping Piper off at the kennel & checking into our motel we heading to Shamrock Farm's to stock up on sweet pumpkins.

This morning I started on my Christmas baking.  I have stacks of recipies ready to go and really not a lot of time to get it started.  I'm a little worried that maybe I've over committed myself.....oh well !  If need be I'll modify my plans as I go if necessary.  Today it's....snowballs & some of the cookie doughs that require being chilled & are happy to sit in the fridge until I can get to them !!!

Things are.....

 .....improving day by day...met with our new ped. psychiatrist yesterday.  Prior to meeting her I had only received glowing recommendations....which I can now see why.  At the end of our 2 hours session, she informed me that she feels that I have a very impressive handle on all the ins & out of whats going on with my kids and that she feels no need to make any big recommendation with the exception of a small med tweeking for Ana.  She went on to applaud my plans to transition into our being a home school family. ( Which means that the kids entire medical team is backing my decision)  It's always nice to receive positive feedback from people in the know !!!

The cold that has been making it's way through the house seem to be finishing up.

I've am happy to report that the fire & I are now on friendly terms.....a huge improvement from last Fall !

I'm back in my school kitchen with all the kids at Cheslakeese.  The Kindie and I made applesauce yesterday.  Their so sweet and eager.  I just love it !

My Ana & I had a peaceful non-confrontational 40 minutes this morning making double chocolate chip cookies...actually our whole day was really peaceful !

So it appears that things are on an upswing finally...well until next week when Ana has her dental surgery...here's hoping everything goes smoothly and she's not to traumatized ....