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A Challenge…
Here’s the thing… as parents we want the best for our kids. We want them to be happy,well rounded, and carefree. We want their childhoods to be simple, safe and special. We want them to have friends. We want them to have memories of secrets with their buddies, sleepovers and share great times.
What about the child that does not have this? I have heard this week alone, of parents that told their child not to be friends with so and so. Not of any reason then what is made up in their heads.
Josh has already come home saying that this kid doesn’t like so and so… and this is from the parents.
In JK they are learning already to be exclusive and intolerant.
What happens to a child that suffers this loneliness all throughout school? That sucks!
In 8th grade, when they graduate, do you think that they are leaving their childhood behind with warm fuzzy feelings?
It makes me sad. I wonder how adults can live with that. It is something that we know is wrong.
I try so hard to teach my children that when someone is odd, different, hard to understand, many times, it isn’t their fault. We live in an age where there are some many diagnosis’, where many can fall under a wide spectrum of various issues. This is a child that needs to be included… even if it is hard.
Do you really think that someone wants to be different, difficult and friendless?
I hate when parents instruct the child to not play with someone. I hate when someone puts themselves better than another.
I am really struggling with this. I struggle with this as an adult. Just because there are hard people, needy people, that may annoy or suffocate… these are folks that Jesus would love. These are people that Jesus would choose to hang out with. To share a cup of tea with someone, to give a half an hour of your time… you’d be amazed how good you feel not to mention what a gift you just gave someone else.
I realize that maybe I am rambling… and I am sorry. I just have this thought and am not sure how to express it. I think that if we each just loved those that are hard to love… it may be surprising what comes out of that.
Here’s my challenge…. This week, include one person, that we may not normally chose to hang out with… spend a half an hour… and then share that experience… let’s see what happens.
Thoughts… don’t worry about what to chat about, they usually will talk… just ask a couple of questions…
“How was your weekend?” or “How was your day off with the kiddies?”
Are you in?
Hockey, Brothers, Boys!
I am home from hockey, finally. I have half an hour of my friday night left.
My broken bum is extremely sore.
I am tired.
I had a good day, though. Josh and I went to visit two friends of his and the bonus is that their moms are my friends too.
We came home and since Sanj was off pretty much within half an hour of getting home, supper was a simple affair for the boys and I.
I had the funniest evening with the boys. Sammy went with Sanj to help coach. The other boys were laughing so loud. I could hear Max talking on the phone. Weird. I thought this could only be trouble.
Sammy had downloaded his contacts from his phone on the computer. Sammy’s younger brothers were up to no good. They were calling girls from his contact. They were saying that they were Sammy’s brother, Cornelius and Alfred.
Then they had these conversations with the girls. It was so funny. Some of the girls added them as their friend on Facebook.
It was that typical little brothers bugging the older brother’s friend. Except they were brave because Sammy wasn’t home! lol
I saw it as the start of all that is coming. Little brothers snooping on big brothers zone.
I warned both of them, they have younger brothers to do the same to them!
Oh the fun!
Did you see the cutie pie picture of the little boy in my previous blog? I realized something about me…
I really do not have a desire to adopt a girl. The whole girl thing… maybe I just wanted a mini me. (Guess the good Lord knew better and spared me!)
Yet if we were to adopt, I think my pick would be a boy. If I win the lotto… yes, I do play occasional…
It’s kind of my vice. I know you aren’t judging, right, as we will have some?
My point is if I came into money… the extra kind… I would bring home a bunch of kids. I would need help, of course, but money wouldn’t be an issue. So I would just have to love them and mother them.
It breaks my heart to think of some so many kids with no love and no hugs from a mom and dad.
This has always been a dream of mine. Apparently it still is.
Posted in love
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It’s Friday Night!
It is Friday evening! Yah! I love being home. I love the quietness that usually comes with everyone home from a busy week, tired and doing this or that. I love being in bed with a kid or two, snuggling, reading or watching a movie.
It’s Friday night. To be exact, it is 6:18 p.m. and I am home. My broken butt is yearning for my bed and my book. Is that going to happen? NO!
Why? I’ll tell you why. My sweet, ever loving, hockey freak husband realized that he needs to be in Warsaw (40+ minutes away) to coach a select team that NONE of our children are even on because there is apparently no one else.
Here’s the thing… It’s Friday night!!! He may choose to do this…. I am cool with that. Forget about him being GONE all week. Forget that he can’t say NO to folks. Forget that it’s Friday night!
Not only is it Friday night but because he is gone and he didn’t realize Max has a game tonight too at 7:30 p.m.. Jordan has a game at 8:30 p.m.. He will make it back for Jordan’s game but I will have to go back out, risk injuring other body parts, get Jordan’s skates sharpened, take Max to his game, zoom Jordan over to his arena and then run over to Max’s to pick him up.
Did I mention it is Friday night?
I love hockey! Yeah Hockey!
Give me a H!
Give me a O!
Give me a C!
Give me a K!
Give me a E!
Give me a Y!
What does is spell? *&(**&%%^$^$#%$!!!
Hum… maybe I should go get some firewood too while I am out!
Did I tell you Friday Nights are my favorite nights?
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Too Much… Too Little…
Do you ever get tired of the rush? I am tired of the rush. It is that time where we should be getting into the van to be on-time for school. Yet then I will be yelling and yapping that endless sing song I do ever morning that really has no impact.
I can’t wait for break. Any kind of break. No alarm clock, which is actually pretty useless since I just shut it off and sleep another hour!
Oh well… this is the kind of life we live … it comes with the perks of education, the luxuries of food, money and comforts. I am not in the midst of rubble, wondering if it is worth it…. wondering where I will find water… Can you imagine 4500 children will die in one day from water related issues?
As Josh was brushing his teeth, wondering around, waiting for his toothbrush to say, “Good Job,” the sink has water running non stop.
Last night as I got home, reminded the kids for the umpteen time to take in their backpack, mitts, hats… another sing song that means nothing… I went to the back of the vehicle to grab a handfull of bags.
It was one of those moments that happened in slow motion in my head. Yet before I could even utter a four letter word, I felt my feet give way and I found myself doing a major butt plant on the ice.
OK… it was a hard fall. I was pretty sure I broke my butt. I couldn’t move. I wasn’t sure if I was even alive. The boys come rushing out… Mommy!!! Some go into the house, “Daddy!!! Mommy fell!”
After 6 kids, you know what happens to your bladder when you laugh or go on the trampoline? Well then, you can imagine what the force of my not so light frame did to my bladder. Sanj thought it was snow. Nope.
Yet as I hobbled up the stairs to change and take inventory of my body parts, I couldn’t help think of the little ones pulled out of the rubble, with no where to go.
Yes, it is a rushed, fast pace busy life. Yet, how can I complain? I can’t.
I can only be grateful. I have so much that makes my life full.
We have too much at times.
Then they have too little.
What is there to complain about?
How I could just bring this little boy home! He looks like a perfect fit add to the craziness of my boys!
The Bestest Day!
Today was the bestest day I had in a while.
(Really, bestest should be a word!)
The people of Haiti have been on my heart.
Yet, I didn’t have much to donate.
God reminded me that if everyone thought that way, no one would help.
Thus came about Hot Lunch for Haiti.
A $3 minimum donation for a bowl of spaghetti for lunch for the kids at school.
Mr. Bouzinelos, from The Pizza Factory,
not only donated all the food but prepared it.
There was no worry for a messed up sauce!
I forgot how much I love this kind of thing.
I forgot how doing for others is medicine for the soul.
I forgot how being part of Good Neighbor makes me feel.
Then you add being in one of my favorite places,
and working along side the most lovely ladies.
I have to admit it really was too much fun to be called work.
OK… and then you have to add the money.
(I always have a goal… mine was $1000 yet I was too embarrassed to say it out loud, thinking just be grateful for whatever comes in).
Yet God knows me.
He is SO GOOD!
We made $1010.91
I loved that the children brought their change from their piggy banks.
I love that it isn’t stopping here.
As it ended, someone said, what else are we going to do?
Don’t you love it?
Popcorn… next week.
It is about every little bit counts. It is about doing for others.
It is about Loving Our Neighbor.
It’s about Being A Good Neighbor.
So… I am challenging you…
Yeah, YOU!
What are you going to do?
I dare you… match us or beat us
and let us know!
If you want to match our funds…
give me a shout!
Where is our money going?
Check out this site:
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Me…
It’s supper time… Tyler has a couple of friends over for supper and then they will head off to Youth Group. Sanj is on his way home… he is picking up take out for me for supper from one of our favourite Indian restaurants. Jordan is away with is class till Friday.
Our house feels different with one gone. Sammy is off somewhere napping. It is what he does a lot. Josh is walking around with his wet pants because he couldn’t bother getting up and going to the bathroom.
I wanted to clarify something, since I have been asked a few times about it. Please know when I write about my sweet, wonderful, dearly loved husband, it is with his full consent. It is usually in jest and fun. He usually laughs and supports my blogs.
I also want to say that I am fine even when I am venting about the woes of my children or life in general… I am just writing and sharing my journey. It is what I do. I really hope that I am not coming off as whining. That would be bad. I am blogging life as I live it. I love all your comments and thoughts and prayers. The good Lord knows I need all the help I can get.
That said, I had a day that was spent with ladies. Friends. Girl friends. One of my friends told me to lean on my girl friends. I realize that this is probably where I do lack. One of the things I really struggle with as a mom of all boys is related to interests.
Here’s what I mean… I have already said many a time, I am not athletic. It is not an interest or passion. Yet I have 6 (soon to be 7) males that love the sports. As I go to games, I see these moms there, they never miss a game. They don’t want to miss a game. They bring all their kids, not matter what hour, to the games. They love it.
Me, if the truth be told, I really don’t love it. I barely like it. I do love watching the boys play on occasion. I love the tournaments. I love the finals. It’s like the NHL or NFL… I hate the games all season. But I will pick a team at playoff and cheer them on. I can handle it in bits.
At the boys hockey games, I do love watching them play. They are really good players in their various areas. I really don’t care to watch the whole game… kids I really don’t know… and I usually take a book. I have my system. I know who to sit by. I know which parent coaches the kids through the glass and doesn’t seem to realize they can’t hear. So I know when my kid is on, I’ll hear them coaching them.
I love when they score a goal. I feel their delight. I feel their frustration when they miss. I feel the game for them. Do I love it? Um, honestly, no. Sigh. I wish I could love sports. I really do.
Take golf, I find putting and hitting a ball into a hole that one can’t even see, pointless. Yet, I love driving the cart and putting on the cute outfits. I love that the boys have a passion for a sport that will serve them well in the real world, someday.
So, I struggle with being thrilled that my boys love hockey, golf, basketball, etc yet feeling guilty that I am not one of those moms that can really be called a true hockey mom. For me, there really is such a thing as TOO MUCH HOCKEY.
I feel bad for not sharing the passion that they do. I can only handle it in small dosages.
So, I realize that so often, living with 7 males, as much as I love and adore them, I lose myself. Would I pick Indiana Jones? No, I’d rather watch Pretty Woman again. Would I like a meal of ribs and steak? No, I would prefer a wrap. Do I want to wrestle till someone is hurt? No, I’d rather cuddle. Yup, I said it, cuddle!
I love doing many things that they will never have a interest in. I am thankful that they like to shop, especially when it is all about them. I have some that like scrap-booking, when we find that time to do so. I have some that love to cuddle and watch a movie.
I guess what I am saying is sometimes the girlie me gets lost. I forget about her. I guess that is where the advice of hanging on to my girlfriends comes up… I need to make time to allow that girl in me to breath… with out the smell of hockey equipment suffocating me.
So on this note… I am off to work on plans for a Women’s Retreat with the ladies at our school. (March 26-28th… mark your calenders)!
Posted in Boys
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It’s Going To Be A Good Day!
Today is a morning that my babes are tired. My eyes are burning from waking up too early! I would be tempted to let them sleep in and go to school later if Jordan wasn’t leaving on a class trip this morning.
Last night while I took Sammy and Tyler to their hockey game, I went and indulged in a Baskins & Robbin’s mint chocolate chip sundae with hot fudge, whipping cream and pecans. Yum! A fix for the blues I was feeling! You can see why I am a diabetic, eh?
Today is going to be a better day. First of all, Sanj comes home. That alone makes it all better!
Second, I know what we will have for supper tonight, so that is a check of the list. Salmon with Caesar Salad. Now, if only I could fit a nap in there, it would be perfect! lol
Last night at hockey, I heard another story of a mom that up and left her kids. She just left them… there is not a father in the picture either. People from church took the children in and are raising them. How does that happen?
I guess if a mom (or parent in general) can walk away like that, the child is better off without them. Maybe.
Tomorrow we are having a Hot Lunch for Haiti at the boys school. It is a simple way to allow everyone to help. The food is being donated by Mr. Bouzelos from The Pizza Factory. Such generosity! If you need a day off from cooking please check The Pizza Factory out! So tomorrow, for a minimum donation of $3 the kiddies get a bowl of spaghetti and a roll and parents get the day off making a lunch!
It is all good. Life is good. Today is going to be a good day!
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Not Qualified!
I am feeling really sad right now. In the 2 hours in which I picked up my oldest, I feel I have aged 10 years. I feel wrinkles and a tumor coming on.
I went on my Facebook page and there were these moms writing about the gratitude of their children and how wonderful they are. I am not feeling this.
Food is a constant factor. From the moment I pick Sammy up, he is hungry. Fine, I get that. What he fails to mention is that he wants a 2 Cheeseburger Combo from McD EVERY DAY. Another other snack, he turns down. Then the attitude begins.
Today it was ugly. Ugly words were said. I said some back. I am so angry. I do not like this child of mine. How could such a selfish being come from me? I am hurt. I am so tired of his view that sees only how things are not about him. He never seems to see the zillion and one things that we do or buy or provide for him.
My oldest and my youngest are 100% certified spoiled brats. I am obviously so not cut out to do this job.
Where can I turn in my resignation?
Sometime in the couple of weeks, I saw a mom I knew years ago. She had twins and a couple of kids. Apparently she decided one day that she did not want to be a mom. She left. Wow… was that an option?
Sometimes, like today, I wonder if they would not be better without me?
I suck at parenting. I am so reactionary. I REACT immediately. I am so emotional. If I could count to 10 before I react… it may be more effective. I usually say something, yes, that I mean at that moment, and then the situation explodes.
Sammy got food into him and then calmed down. I said something and he responds, “I am trying to be nice now.”
What he doesn’t understand is that while the pasta defused his raging teen hormones, I am still fuming. I am hurt. I am not quite as quick about pulling my emotions together.
Who is this child? Where is that boy that I knew? Unfortunately for me, Sammy has always been an emotional roller-coaster.
Maybe I need counseling. Maybe there is a pill that I can pop. Maybe there is the option of just running away. Maybe I need to just quit being mom!
Being a mom was something I always felt I was cut out to be. It is so disheartening to find that it is not in my qualifications.
Maybe I should give knitting another go… I am so discouraged today. In the midst of other people being delighted about the kids God has blessed them with, how can I voice my truth?
What is the truth? I am qualified to raise amazing spoiled brats.
In case you doubt it, I do love them. Don’t they say there is a fine line between love….
Father, God, Jesus…. Please help me. Help me help them. Please.
Posted in Parenting
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The Baby Syndrome
I am in Sanj’s office… did a bit of work, trying to ignore the craziness that happens when he is not here. I was sitting at lunch with a friend and had the realization that my babes are growing up. (Insert here a panic attack).
Tyler is finishing his last year at Rhema and then off to the big world of high school. How will be sweet child do? Fine, of course. Yet there will be all the moments of unknowns that he will have to get through. His class has really come together and seems to be enjoying each other very much. While I wouldn’t say he has a very close buddy, he does have a lot of good friends. I enjoyed watching Sammy and Tyler sitting side by side going over the class schedule. Again, it is those moments… you know?
Jordan is off with his class to a winter campsight. Each of my boys have really enjoyed this trip. They do lots of winter activities and this allows them to bond as a class. Next year, Jordan will be in grade 7. (Insert panic here). Somehow while they are in grade 5 and under it seems to be all under control. Yet then after that it seems to go by real fast.
Max… he still seems like a younger one, yet when I watched him fight it out on the ice for the puck or defend his team’s net, he didn’t seem so little anymore. He has a speech to do in the coming weeks. His topic is about “Have you ever been left behind?” Poor baby! He knows about this topic a little too well! I suppose it is a good thing he can laugh at it.
Zachary.. this sweet child gets so tired of being called everyone else’s name except his own. He is the kind of kid that does not miss a beat. Sanj was looking for his keys. Zach said, “Look in your coat pocket.” Sanj… “Where’s my coat?” Zach…”On the hand chair in the hall.”
Sure enough, it was there. We laughed. “Zach, how did you know?”
Zach just replied, “I saw him put it in there.
The next day, we were getting into the car and I reminded the boys that they had guitar.
“Where’s my book, mom, do you know?” asked Jordan.
“In Daddy’s office.” I replied.
“Where in Daddy’s office,” Jordan asked.
I was about to get annoyed and give him a sarcastic answer when Zachary answers without missing a beat… “It’s on his bookshelf.”
We started laughing. He just is that observant, I suppose. He is constantly struggling with being big and yet being little. It is a battle he deals with minute by minute.
Then there is Josh… (insert a sigh and hopeless eye rolling). He is four and a half. He is finally at that point where he is officially a spoiled brat.
I suppose it comes with the territory of being the youngest. He is so full of confidence. He is full of life being all about him. He KNOWS that life is about him.
I am not sure what to do with this. I keep pointing out to the boys that you can’t just give in to his whining … because he has learned that if he cries then Sammy will give him his cell phone.
If he teases Tyler enough, that Tyler will let him watch his show. If you bugs Jordan enough, then he will give him his toys. If he hangs on to Max, that Max will finally give up the computer and let him do his games.
Josh knows that Mommy and Daddy are tired and don’t have the energy to fight the tantrum and so he gets his way.
Sad. As I watched Josh work his magic… I realized that he is good! We have been taken. I have been suckered!
How do I stop it? Can it be stopped? My youngest brother got away with SO MUCH then I would ever have thought to.
The youngest… Is that a syndrome? Yikes!
I have never had a youngest because there was always a baby on the way. That is over. I have a child that is the youngest of our tribe. He is a hard one. How did I get taken?
Wait, if you want to see taken… you have to just watch Josh with Sanj. Oh Boy! Talk about sucker!!! Boy that boy can see his daddy anything! I watch Josh convince Sanj that he needed candy for breakfast! lol Yup! He is that good!
This takes me back to my panic attack… my boys are growing up. I feel like I just figured out a stage and then bam! They are off to another one that I am not familiar with. You’d think that as Sammy hits the stage, I’d be prepared for Tyler as he takes off where Sammy leaves. Yet they are so different! It is as if I am starting from scratch. Tyler has a totally new take on it.
I miss them all in diapers, dumping out toy bins and spitting up.
Most people say, “that went fast.” I wouldn’t say it went fast but it was good.
Now the new part of teenagers, girls, moods, eating, sleeping, girls, moods, eating, sleeping, girls, moods, eating, sleeping, girls, moods, eating, sleeping, girls, moods, eating, sleeping.
I take comfort in believing that God would not put on my shoulders things that I could not handle. I have lived through hard and harder of times. So He has faith that I can survive and raise beautiful boys. 6 of them!
Posted in Boys
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The Enforcer!
My alarm is set to beep at six every morning. Every morning I hit the button to shut it up. Every morning we are running late.
Sanj is away for a few nights in Toronto doing a course. When he is home, the boys know not to bother coming in our bed. He will shoo them out. Of course, Josh is immune to his threats. On occasion, Zach will come in the middle of the night. I woke up to 4 bodies smothering me! My legs are cramped from not stretching. My eyes are burning… from the lack of a good sleep. My husband’s presence makes him the enforcer! Obviously me… I am a push over!
We did go to bed early. I was asleep just after nine. It was a busy evening. Note to self: Don’t do everyone’s haircuts on a school night by myself.
Today is a busy one too. The older boys have hockey at 8:15 tonight. Tyler has a high school open house before that. Max has his speech rough draft due this week. Zach will have reading and spelling words. Tyler has a project he needs to complete. Sammy has exams next week. Did I mention Sanj is gone?
Aw… it is all good. My sweet dear enforcer will be home in one more sleep!
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Just A Bunch of Stuff…
I have so much to say… and as my day goes along I think of things that I want to blog about yet I either forget or by the time I have time to write, it seems kind of petty especially with the events of the world.
Yet I miss writing when I don’t. So I will apologize for the little things that make up my day yet they make me who I am.
I have been dealing with my boys and their girl friends. I am learning how hard it is to be a bystander…
knowing in some things that they must find their way. One of my babes is friends with many a girl.
Yet, I think he has feelings for a friend (or two) in particular. Every time they make plans to hang out, she cancels. This has happened more than a few times. Friday night, he was to go over to her house… (that is another whole blog)… and her parents apparently knew and were cool with it. Then all of a sudden, she couldn’t because she was going to her grandparents house. This is about the 4th time she has cancelled or “stood him up.” My mom bear claws are coming out. If she can’t or doesn’t want to … tell him. I am all about honestly. It is better to be hurt by the truth then being hurt twice as much with dishonesty.
My son insists this is a friendship. They have hockey in common. He is in town watching one of her games. Zachary went with him. I love that he let Zachary go. Anyway, I am feeling unsure of how to deal with my babes getting hurt. I can’t put a bandaid on this one, can I? Yet he seems fine. Maybe I just know how I would feel.
Sanj is off for 3 days and 2 nights to Toronto for classes. Sigh. It is funny because despite the fact that I will have to find a way to get Sammy to classes on time (meaning we have to leave at least a half an hour before the boys normally do), besides knowing I have hockey, guitar and haircuts these days on my own with all of them… just knowing I am on my own makes me a little more organized.
Weird? I guess when there are two of you, the expectation is there for help and there is an assumption that it will be easier. Yet, when it is not easier, that is when annoyance sets in. Do you know what I mean?
It is all these pressures that I put on myself… such as a yummy, healthy, hot home cooked meal… when Sanj comes home. When he is gone, I have no trouble just whipping something up… and supper is done.
Friday night (it is always Friday nights), Sanj was behaving badly. I said, “Do you want a divorce?” Because I will give you one!” His reply was “No, then I’d have to have the kids every other weekend.”
lol I love this crazy husband of mine. He drives me nuts, yes.
Yet, I am sure I drive him even nuttier.
I am hoping to get some writing time in this week. I am not sure what to write. I have a book pretty much outlined that I wrote years ago. I would have to do a lot of tweaking and revamping but the shell is done. Is it what I want to write about now? I am not sure. It would be a book about life with my dad. It would be the story of living and surviving. I want this book to shout out to parents that are living with abuse thinking it is best to keep the family together. I want it to be a book that gives the child’s perspective of life in fear.
The other book idea is one of putting my blog into some form of a book.
Do you have thoughts on this?
I am stalling from getting the dishes done, laundry put away and supper.
Hope your week is a good one.
Posted in Boys
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Rock On!
It is 6:08 a.m. It is still dark outside. Actually it is still very dark. Yet in 52 minutes, my sweet Max will be playing in the Atom tournament for the championship game (in his division).
It is a huge deal… the Atom tournament, to any hockey playing boy ages 9-10 is a big weekend. 97 teams come from all over Ontario to play in this tournament. It is a bill of rights, sort to speak. They get to miss school for the game. (It is from Wednesday -Sunday).
Yesterday Max and his team (The Rock) played the first two games and won. The second game they lost bad. Then with a wildcard they had the chance to play the team that just beat them.
Funny, how games are. This time, we beat them bad. One of their coaches got kicked out for behaving badly. Another parent got kicked out too. How sad. Parents behaving badly. I am sure this effected their game. Their goalie got hurt or/and had a meltdown. With the score 9-2, they pulled out.
Of course I have plenty to say about parents and their behaviour…. but this is about Max and his game.
This is like being part of the Stanley Cup or something for 9-10 year olds.
When Sammy was in the Atom Tournament, I remember being so excited and getting all dolled up.
I had a team jersey, my face painted Sammy’s number and a very loud horn. I was all into it.
Sammy came up to me and said, “Can’t you just be like the other moms?”
I was so devastated. First, I am not like other moms. I have weird genes that just prevent this from occurring. Second, this is the only way to be part of the sport since I have no athletic abilities at all.
I took time to do my hair and makeup. Yet, all I was to him was embarrassing.
So as Max’s day approached, I was not really going to bother. It is a lot of work and energy to be weirder than you already are!
Yet he hinted that he wanted it! I loved it! So I had the hair (which I really wanted to dye red but just didn’t get to it), the jersey and horn! I am pretty sure it was the hair that was lucky. With it on, we won! LOL
What a great day! I am only able to handle hockey in small dosages but I loved this weekend. All the boys woke up at 6 am to be there for the game! (It probably had to do with going out to breakfast after, too).
Thank You, God, for hockey! Thank you for children with the passion and love for the game. Thank you for dedicated coaches and parents and all things hockey!
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Unfair
I have been needing to write and yet each time I begin, I delete what I wrote as I just can’t seem to get the feelings from my heart out.
Yet as I struggle to express the sadness and helplessness I feel, I realize that sometimes there are no words.
I realize that you feel it too. It is so hard to see devastation as in Haiti now and need yet feel helpless to do something.
As I dropped my children off, in their warm clothes, lunch box with food, and know their day will be one that is safe and spent with friends and teachers who love them, I realized that I hate the unfairness of it all.
This is why I choice to believe in a God and in heaven. How His heart must bleed for his children. Yes, I know there is the question from those that are peeking into the Christianity window asking why does He allow this?
Aw… it isn’t a simply answer, is it? It’s about love and freedom of choice. It is about sin and all the horrible repercussions. It is about looking ahead to the end and the beginning. Heaven… I have to believe that there is this place so wonderful and beautiful where there is no pain and injustice. It is a place where all is right.
I hate seeing children suffering. I hate those commercials of starving children with flies sitting on their beautiful faces. I feel so helpless as I hear the stories from Haiti. This place where life is so hard already for so many… why?
My brother was planning a trip there which has been postponed for a few weeks. Yet if you read his blog, you can see an easy and immediate way to help… if you are able to. This is just one option… we just need to help any way we can.
I guess this brings me back to my thoughts of the lady begging around the corner… the needs are here too, right in front of us.
We may have so many things we want, maybe even need. Yet if you have your babes, your loved ones home tonight, if you have food and a warm bed… we have a cup that is overflowing.
We must stop and give thanks… don’t you think?
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Do Unto Others….
I am, by nature, trusting and a believer in people.
We were grabbing the last of things needed on Christmas Eve.
As we are leaving the shopping area, there is a lady, standing in the cold.
She is holding a sign about needing food for 5 children, something about hydro, etc.
I have a van full of stuff. I know not to give cash… after many a lecture. I know it is OK to buy a meal.
We drive away. My stomach feels sick. What if there are 5 children with nothing on Christmas eve?
The boys and I drive to the grocery store for a gift certificate and to McD for a meal and coffee.
Here’s the thing, I realize that she may be scamming people. But I can’t imagine standing out in the cold begging unless you really needed to. Can you?
We go back… she is gone. She had a limp so we figured she couldn’t have gotten far. I prayed that if we are to help, then we will find her. We circled the block. As we were giving up, we see her with her husband. Apparently , the police kicked her out.
I gave her the grocery voucher. She started to cry. Abbie and Joe are their names. They moved here and his lost his license so that has left them in this situation, apparently.
I took their phone number. That was Christmas Eve. I haven’t been able to stop thinking of them.
The other day, I saw her in the same spot. My heart sunk. Why is she there again? Why isn’t she seeking the help that we have in place, especially in Canada?
I can’t stop thinking of them. I am scared to call. Though, I am not sure why.
Do some people just want to beg? It is so cold outside. She looks so sad. But I have to admit, she looked happier walking with her husband. It is almost as if she can turn it off and on.
Tell me your thoughts… What do I do?
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Thankful…
I just heard of the earthquake that devastated the island of Haiti. All I could think of was “Thank you, Jesus for keeping my brother safe!” My brother leaves 3 am tomorrow morning with 30 people on a mission trip to Haiti.
All I can think of is that one more day and I wouldn’t know if he was OK or not.
I can’t help but think of the people we know that have family there. (Praying for you, Kelly!)
I can’t even begin to think of the devastation of this disaster.
Makes me wish for heaven now!
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Recipe for Curry Lentil Soup
As asked by some of the readers:
Curry-Ginger Lentil Soup
1 Tbsp. olive oil
½ c. chopped onion
1 fresh jalapeno pepper (seeded and chopped finely)
1 tsp. grated ginger
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 14 oz. cans of vegetable broth (or 3 ½ cups)
2 cups cubed and peeled sweet potatoes
2 c. chopped tomatoes
1 c. water
1 cup brown lentils, rinsed and drained
1 Tbsp. curry powder
Dash of salt
Plain yogurt or sour cream (optional)
In a Dutch oven (4 quarts) heat oil. Add onions, chile pepper, ginger and garlic. Cook and stir over medium heat about 2 minutes or until tender. Add broth, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, water, lentils, curry powder and salt. Bring to boil; reduce heat; Simmer, covered for about 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender. If desired, top each serving with yogurt.
Taken from Better Homes and Gardens : Biggest Book of Soups and Stew (page 157)
Reema’s Tips: I added more ginger and garlic because we love them. I also bought the store bought sweet potatoes that are peeled and sliced for fries and added them in. Then to disguise all the lumps and bumps that would stress my babes out, I pureed the soup just enough to hide the sweet potatoes. I found the yogurt added nice flavor so I added yogurt to the pot of soup too. Enjoy!
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You Are What You Eat!
My Josh is the boy that I write about who eats in a way that I wish I could!!!
He LOVES his fruits and veggies.
Yes, that is him walking around eating a yellow pepper whole… seeds and all.
The boys are aghast. “What and why are you eating that?” they asked.
Crazy,eh? I have to put a limit on how many peppers, carrots, tomatoes the boy can it!
Oh why couldn’t I have an appetite like that?
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I Got Me A Wife!
I got a wife! Well, it is the closest thing that I will likely get to a wife. After being without a cleaning person for a month… nagging, delegating… melting down… this is a need and priority in our life.
(Don’t get me wrong… the boys have their chores and responsibilities and therefore nagging will still occur but… I have help again).
Sanj has been a gem and has been getting into the nitty gritty of it all. I love this man…. Yesterday while I was out getting groceries on the way home from hockey… Sanj told the boys to clean up their rooms etc.
I was feeling so good about fact that the task had been started. We were having family over for supper and that didn’t leave a lot of time.
At some point, I walked into the laundry room which is off our eat-in kitchen. I think I was having the beginnings of a heart attack. (Actually, as I am typing this out, my heart is racing). Really, only if I took a picture of the room (which I just can’t), would you get a little feel for the eruption that occurred in there.
There is a laundry shoot from the boys bathroom. Half the time, it isn’t used, as apparently, it is easier to just leave the clothes on the floor after a shower. But suddenly when they were to clean their room, they found use for the shoot.
Imagine how many pieces of clothing 6 boys can have then times that by 2. Now imagine all those clothes being shoved down the throat of the shoot…. with all that shoving… it throws up! My laundry room had so many clothes… clean and dirty… I could only stand there.
I stood there trying to breathe. I was having trouble. My eyes start to tear… my shoulders started to shake. I put my hands over my eyes and cry right there in front of all of them. They stare at me.
Josh is upset and hugs me. Sanj is looking at Sammy (who really didn’t care) and Tyler, who immediately puts a load in the wash.
That is one of the only things that gets a response out of them. I could feel my tears drying up, but I still wanted more of a reaction. I think of the laundry again, it will take me days to get it done. By then there will be more shoved down the shoot and floors and under the beds… and then that will take more days. Laundry!!! It always sends me over the edge. The tears started to come again.
Sanj reminds me that the cleaning lady will be coming tomorrow… and we will figure it out.
Ah yes, my wife …. there is hope.
This means cutting down on the eating out. I am good with that, though. I don’t think cooking in my clean kitchen is as burdensome as laundry and toilets.
Vows for My “Wife”…
Oh cleaning lady, who we so need…
Do you vow to take this house and keep it in top notch shape?
Do you vow to change sheets, wipe off pee off the floors and seats, wipe off crustacean off surfaces that should have none, dust, wipe finger prints off my fridge and stove, mop the footprints off the floor and mostly importantly, keep on top of the laundry?
Do you promise to love my house as your own, maybe a little more?
What will I do, you ask? All the other stuff! Maybe even get firewood! lol
Oh yah and be happier!
Thank you, Jesus, for people that love to clean. May you bless them with an extra blessing.
Amen
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The Kitchen Is Closed!
My cousin asked about food… what do the boys like? What do I cook? Company was coming over last night… what would I make?
With six boys, and a husband that is usually not eating carbs, this is usually a challenge.
I am forever wanting to make healthy meals and instil healthy eating habits so the boys will just grow up hopefully making healthy eating choices.
It’s hard. Actually it is very hard. Chips after school is the easiest snack that shuts up the whining and one that everyones likes. Of course the flavour ranges from salt and vinegar, ketchup, all-dress, Doritos Sweet Chilli Heat and finally Doritos Spicy.
That being said, not a good choice, I know.
Meltdown hour is as soon as the boys say bye to their friends and shut the door. “Mommy, I am hungry.”
They don’t eat their lunches… oh they pick, nibble but do not eat enough to fill their bellies. So they are starving. We eat dinner at 5:30 pm. The problem is if they snack then they won’t eat. Then when they don’t eat, they are hungry after dinner. The problem with that is that means the kitchen never closed and dishes are never done. (Yes, they know to wash up… but it isn’t tidy to my liking).
So there is the issue of a snack that they like and yet that will allow for supper. When I am on the ball and organized… (lol) I put out the veggie tray and then they get the veggies done with. But that of course is accompanied by grumbling, except Josh, of course.
Mornings when we aren’t rushing out the door, they love pancakes, hash brown, tator tots, eggs, fruit, orange juice… if we are at a breakfast buffet… oh my gosh, it is heaven for them!
Usually it is cereal and when lucky, eggs and toast. Many of my boys are not morning people so the rush of eating isn’t too appealing. They usually make a show of eating to keep me quiet.
The boys favourite meals are Indian food. Hands down. No complaints. They love both Grandmas visiting or going to her house. It is a disappointment when she makes anything other than Indian food.
They love chicken curry, Grandma’s biriyani, (a combination of curry and rice … a treat), fish curry (my mom’s is a favourite). They even love rice and dahl with pickle (a very hot mix of mango or lemon etc to be eaten as a condiment). They have true Indian taste in their bones.
I do cook Indian food but once a week, usually. It can be time consuming. I also have to take into account if I want to make two meals when Sanj isn’t eating rice.
During the week, I usually cook quick meals… such as chilli, stir fry, a form of taco salads that they will eat as a salad or make wraps. The boys really like fish so I try to make that once a week.
Do I like to cook? I would say no if you are asking about everyday. I hate planning what we are going to eat… yet if I ask for opinions, I am greeted with an “I don’t know.” What they do know is they don’t like what I have made.
Yet then again, I do like to cook. I like to cook leisurely, trying out new recipes and cooking for company. Sanj’s family was over for supper last night. I enjoy cooking for my mother-in-law. She is appreciative of any kind of food… and willing to try anything.
Last night I made soup… I love soup! Yum! Sanj, for reasons I am not sure of, is not a fan of soup. I would say it isn’t a hearty meal for him. Anyways, I made a curry lentil soup… it was delicious. I tripled the recipe and still the boys were looking for more. It has sweet potatoes in it that the boys did not detect…. you could also add carrots and it would be top secret too.
I put out a veggie tray for snacking, as the kids would pop in from skating. For supper, I made wraps, for the adults and these were easy to make vegetarian for my sister in law. I left out the pumpkin seeds for the men. Also made wraps with cream cheese, broccoli, red pepper and some cheese for the kids which everyone ate too. Dessert was ice cream sandwiches.
It was a little time consuming but I cooked with my sister-in-law so it was nice working side by side.
I guess cooking is one of those things, as long as you are doing it with someone or making it for someone who will appreciate it, it can be enjoyable.
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My Very Bad Day!!!
I had a very bad day. What made it bad? Not one thing that I could pinpoint. I was just in a funk, I suppose.
It started off with a meeting with my favourite committee… The Good Neighbour Committee from our school. I love this group. I love the things we do and stand for. I love the ladies that some and share their time, heart and energy. I love that at the end of a meeting, I hate leaving.
But leaving was soon inevitable. Josh and I headed to Zellers to do the kind of shop I hate. $200 later, I left with cleaning supplies, a new mop head, a bunch of new underwear, socks and undershirts for the boys. Nothing of fun was purchased. Josh came away with a GI Joe dude… and was happy but that was it.
Then I had to pick up my Uggs (Smile… had to exchange sizes)… that was fun. Then we had a quick lunch and then… grocery shopping. (You getting the idea of my bad mood developing?)
I didn’t really have a list… our fridge and pantry was empty soon I needed all the basics. Milk, eggs, bread, fruit, cereal, veggies… and to add to my frustration it is a bag your own stuff. By this point, Josh was acting up… not that I blamed him… if I could get away with acting up… I would have!
There was NO Parking…. so we slushed our way to the very back of the lot.
Then it was off to sharpen skates and get a birthday gift at the sports store. Just more of a 4 year old tired and bouncing balls instead of putting it away.
It was time to pick up Sammy… hush him up with a snack… and then pick up the other boys.
Sanj and Tyler had jujitsu … and we headed home.
I wasn’t home all day… so the mess that was left in the morning was what greeted me.
The boys fought the whole time it took for them to bring the groceries in…
I am very discombobulated. I had a headache pretty much all week. I am tired from not sleeping well last night… (I was so hot… very hot… but someone refused to let me open the window…)
Sanj comes home. I am not sure what he started off on but it set me off. He is so odd in his friendships and expectations that he has… really it is all obnoxious. I am not like him at all. Friendships and I are easy. I don’t understand his issues… well, I do but don’t agree with them. Really… he needs a pill!
At this point, I am loving him but really not liking him. He is adding to my discombobulation.
Then he really does it. He says… ” I wish we could make a fire.” There is no more fire wood within reach. Then he begins … but doesn’t finish… (but I will finish for him…) ” You are home during the day… couldn’t you get some….” (Of course he says he was going to say tell the boys to get some… NOT!)
Here is the thing. I am one that works on my marriage every day. I love this man. I want us to be together forever. I understand that it means work… changing… evolving. If Sanj tells me there is something that drives him nuts about me (hard to believe… I know!!!)… I really take that to heart.
I work on fixing it. Now he wants me to get firewood???
He is always complaining that I do not do outside work. He is right. I don’t. I am pretty sure if he listens to our vows… he will hear… I do not do gardens. I do not do outside work… Sorry I don’t. I do not get wood!!!
In all fairness… he doesn’t do laundry, cleaning bathrooms, changing sheets… and housework he does not do (except for the odd occasion… ). And… he knows I will likely reward that behaviour! 🙂
The wood pile is 200 feet or so in bumpy, icy snow and there is dog doo doo is to be avoided. It is dark and scary. Hello… I don’t even sleep without a light on near by.
But he wants a wife that gets firewood… (EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE 7 MEN IN THE HOUSE!!!)
Of course he back tracks… and says he is kidding… and insists that I not get firewood!
He is off to hockey with Jordan. Now the dilemma is there. I need firewood. I know I won’t be able to let this go.
I did go out… walked half way there… it is very cold… but more so it is scary and dark. 200 feet in the dark with coyotes not too far away… the boogey man just waiting for me… is a long ways!
I did go out… walked half way there… it is very cold… but more so it is scary and dark. 200 feet in the dark with coyotes not too far away… the boogey man just waiting for me… is a long ways!
I actually drove to the little town… in hopes of finding a bag of wood that I could pretend I got… roll it in snow a bit… and make he feel bad!!! Darn small towns… everything is closed before 8 pm!!!
I am back at the house. Now what? I really am to scared to go … I bribed the boys $5 … no go!
I then went higher… a checkered shirt for Tyler! Bingo.
I am off to the woods. If I don’t blog again… the coyotes got me.
But at least my husband would have gotten his FIREWOOD!!!
My day still has the dishes in front of me… and then hopefully my very bad day will be over.
But… I won! lol
See what this man lives with? Or rather… see what I live with? Really, I am deserving of a new laptop!
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