Sunday, April 26, 2009

Writer's Block

~10 FAVORITES~
1) Favorite Colors:it depends... to decorate with: peach, teal; to wear: browns, greens, earth tones

2) Favorite Food: just one?? ice-cream, seafood, chinese food

3) Favorite Musical Group: I don't listen to much music that isn't kids

4) Favorite Song right now: ? I can't pick just one

5) Favorite Movie: No Reservations, Top Gun, The Holiday, Fireproof

6) Favorite Sport: Wow, these questions are really making me think and realize how little me time I have. I haven't played any sports for a long time but I have always like volleyball, badminton, soccer. I really, really enjoy WATCHING figure skating but cannot do that myself.

7) Favorite Season: Fall with Spring a close second!

8) Favorite Day Of the Week: Saturday

9) Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: chocolate chip cookie dough

10) Favorite Time of Day: bedtime after a busy day

~9 CURRENTS~
1) Current Mood: Tired; I'm working my 2nd night shift and it is 2:12 in the morning

2) Current Taste: Raspberry flavored water

3) Current Clothes: Nursing Scrubs - solid cranberry colored pants and printed top with cats, dogs, hearts, and stethoscopes

4) Current Desktop: a pic of my 3 kids and their 2 cousins wearing there new PJ's from Grandma & Grandpa at Christmas

5) Current Music: none

6)Current Time: 2:14 am

7) Current Surroundings: I'm sitting at the nursing station with a darkened wing to either side

8) Current Thoughts: I really should be doing something useful. I will have to start doing morning rounds soon.

9) Current Status: Married ha ha

~8 FIRSTS~
1) First Best Friend: A boy down the street named Desmond. When I was 4. We would regularly disappear together. I got a note from him asking me to marry him.

2) First Kiss: I can't really remember ... isn't that a shame?

3) First Screen Name: can't remember - Toad, I think

4) First Pet: a dog, Australian Terrier, named Jody

5) First Piercing: my ears

6) First Crush: Ummm.....? There were lots of "crushes" but none that turned into relationships

7) First Music: I can't remember, I assume this refers to professional but if not then I guess it would probably be lullabys from my mother and grandmother.

8) First Love: Cliff

~7 LASTS~
1) Last Cigarette: Never smoked and never will.

2) Last Drink: Wine hubby brought home on Valentine's day

3) Last Car Ride: I drove myself here to work yesterday evening

4) Last Kiss: Last night I kissed hubby as he came to see me at the end of his shift and the start of mine just before he left to go home to sleep in our comfy bed. I hope he's catching some Z's for me too.

5) Last Movie Seen: In the theater-Monsters Vs Aliens; On DVD-Bolt

6) Last Phone Call: My sister in law (who lives 2 hours out of the city) saying they were in Winnipeg and wondered if we'd meet them for supper and if they could sleep over at our house.

7) Last CD Played: Taylor Swift (requested by my niece and daughter) Last one I played for me was "Short Term Memories" by Chris Rice

~6 HAVE YOU EVERS~
1) Have You Ever Dated One Of Your Best Guy/Girl Friends: Yeah...and I married him. :)

2) Have You Ever Broken the Law: Not intentionally

3) Have You Ever Been Arrested: No, knock on wood. I guess there's always a first time but I sure hope I never am.

4) Have You Ever Skinny Dipped: Ya, every chance I get. Oh, ya!

5) Have You Ever Been on TV: NO!

6) Have You Ever Kissed Someone You Didn't Know: I don't think I have. I may need to put that on my list of things to do before I die. (hee-hee)

~5 THINGS~
1) 1 Thing You're Wearing: black underwear

2) 1 Thing You've Done Today: blog - now I'm pathetic

3) 1 Thing You're Listening To Right Now: the hum of my computer and the clacking of the keys on the keyboard as I henpeck this.

4) 1 Thing You Can't Live Without: my hubby & kids

5) 1 Thing You Do When You're Bored: Don't get bored too often, but I find it's mostly when I don't have something to keep my hands busy that that's when I bite my fingernails.

~4 PLACES YOU'VE BEEN TODAY or Yesterday as today hasn't officially stated for most people.
1. Boston Pizza
2. Dairy Queen (after supper at BP)
3. My yard
4. Work

~3 PEOPLE YOU CAN TELL ANYTHING TO~
1. Betty-Jo
2. My kids
3. Cliff, I like to think I can

~2 CHOICES~
1. Black or White: Black (for clothes) White (for decorating)
2. Hot or Cold: Hot

~1 THING YOU WANT TO DO~
1. Make it to heaven.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook (April 20th edition)



For Today...

Outside my window...the snow is all gone and has left behind lots of sand all over the streets, yards and sidewalks. Time to get those street sweepers going. Haven't seen one yet but hope to soon.

I am thinking...I need to go to the bank and cash our income tax returns and pay off some bills.

I am thankful for...the flood waters going down and no more adjustments to the flood forecast

From the kitchen...Shrimp Taco Dip that I'm making for home group tomorrow as well as some Sesame Street and Winnie the Pooh character shaped Jello jigglers for the kids.

I am wearing... black jeans, a pink hooded top with faux white camisole attached.

I am reading...The Bible, I've never read the entire book but I think I've finally found a plan for reading the Bible in 1 year that works for me.

I am hoping...every time I get the mail out of my mailbox there will be a letter or card (ie "real mail") addressed to me.

I am creating...a busy and exciting calendar for the next couple of months.

I am praying...for God's wisdom and he will help me to parent my children.

Around the house...I started putting away winter boots, scarves, hats, and mitts a week ago, now to finish washing and putting away the rest of the winter clothes and getting out the spring shoes & clothing.

One of my favorite things...watching the new growth emerge from the ground that has been long since hibernating for the past season.

A few plans for the rest of the week... life-group, YWCA swim lessons, taking my daughter to watch the Western Rhythmic Gymnastic Meet at the university, and working night shifts this weekend.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

To read more Simple Woman Daybook Entries like this one go here.

Monday, April 13, 2009

The Jelly Bean Prayer

Along with Easter chocolate treats, my mother also gave the kids something else in their bag. Remember the jelly bean post I posted on Easter well this was a little different and I really liked the book that came with the card too. Have you seen this version:





















Here is the book:







Easter Egg Hunt

This Easter my mom was babysitting the kids as both my husband and I had to work. Since there was still alot of snow outside and the grass you could see was very soggy, my mom decided we just wouldn't have an Easter egg hunt this year. "The kids won't mind will they?!"....my first thought was, "Like Yeah...what a rip!" so I decided to make up an Easter egg scavenger hunt of sorts they could do inside. I then read an idea where you could also incorporate scripture verses and the Easter story into it, I thought this was awesome and this is what I came up with. Once hubby & I got off work and to my Mom's house we hid the eggs with the clues & scriptures and the kids loved it. Before we started I explained that in each egg would be a scripture on colored paper and we'd read that first before the next clue and on and on. I used the Message Bible to write the scripture verses:

Egg#1 (I gave this egg to the kids to start things off)
-Clue: Happy Easter. This is clue #1, sending you on your way
At this treasure hunts end you will find
An Easter treat made with you in mind
Under the table where you eat your food
You will find clue number two.

Egg#2 (under the kitchen table)
-Scripture: John 1:1-3 The Word was first, the Word present to God, God present to the Word. The Word was God, in readiness for God from day one. Everything was created through him; nothing-not one thing!-came into being without him.
-Clue: Well done you found the second clue
Is the next one far?
Perhaps you might try looking on the one you call Grandma

Egg#3 (in Grandma's pocket)
-Scripture: John 3:16 This is how much God loved the world: He gave His only son, his one and only son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.
-Clue: To check her mail, Grandma must go to her front door
Hiding in her mailbox is clue number four.

Egg#4 (in the mailbox)
-Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30 Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me-watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely.
-Clue: You will get your treat yet
Is there one by the tv set?
This guy is green and groovy
Your clue is by Grandma's favorite Christmas movie

Egg#5 (beside The Grinch movie)
-Scripture: John 8:12 Jesus once again addressed them, "I am the world's light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in."
-Clue: Look around the livingroom and find a pooh Bear
Do yu think you might find another clue there?

Egg#6 (on Pooh Bear)
-Scripture: Mark 8:35-36 You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for?
-Clue: You scraped you knee and said "boo-hoo"
Where the bandaids are, you'll find clue #7 too.

Egg#7 (inside the medicine cabinet)
-Scripture: Mathew16:16 And Simon Peter said, "You're the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God."
-Clue: You are getting close to finding your treat
Look for a clue by Grandpa's seat

Egg#8 (in Grandpa's chair)
-Scripture: John 14:6 Jesus said, "I an the Road, also the Truth, also the Life. No one gets to the Father apart from me."
-Clue: Scrape the scraps off all the plates
When this machine works, it cleans them just great.

Egg#9 (in the dishwasher)
-Scripture: Luke 23:46 Jesus called loudly, "Father, I place my life in your hands; Then he breathed his last breath.
-Clue: Go where sleepy dogs, teddys, and dolls lay their heads at night
And find clue number ten you just might.

Egg#10 (under doll's pillow in doll crib)
*EGG EMPTY* - Give scripture and clue to kids and after reading the scripture explain that the egg was empty just like Jesus' tomb.
-Scripture: Mark 16:4-6 Then they looked up, saw that it had been rolled back- it was a huge stone- and walked right in. They saw a young man sitting on the side, all dressed in white. They were completely taken back, astonished. He said, "Don't be afraid. I know you were looking for Jesus the Nazerene, the one they nailed on the cross. He's been raised up; he's here no longer. You can see for yourselves that the place is empty.
-Clue: It's almost suppertime and the table needs to bet set
In a white kitchen drawer
You'll find knives, forks and spoons
Look inside and you may find something more.

Egg#11 (in cutlery drawer)
-Scripture: Luke 24: 36-40 While they were saying all this, Jesus appeared to them and said, "Peace be with you." They thought they were seeing a ghost and were scared half to death. He continued with them. "Don't be upset, and don't let all these doubting questions take over. Look at my hands; look at my feet- it's really me. Touch me. Look me over from head to toe. A ghost doesn't have muscle and bone like this." And as he said this, he showed them his hands and feet.
-Clue: The Easter gifts are near now
On this I'd like to bet
The next place that they're hiding in
You get clean and they might get wet.

3 Easter gift bags one with each kid's name on it (in the bathtub)
In the bags I got them a 1LB chocolate bunny, an umbrella (Cars-Liam;, Hannah Montana-Autumn; Bakugan-Wynn) and a streamer/ribbon( like what you use in gymnastics) on a stick. The kids had a great time and it was even raining so when we went home they got to try out their new umbrellas.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Happy Easter







Even Jelly Beans can be used to share the good news message of Easter -
I got this in my email an want to share it with you:

Jelly Bean Prayer

Red is for the blood He gave,

Green is for the grass He made,

Yellow is for the sun so bright,

Orange is for the edge of night.

Black is for the sins that were made,

White is for the grace He gave.

Purple is for the hour of sorrow,

Pink is for the new tomorrow.

A bag full of jelly beans,

Colorful and sweet,

Is a Prayer...is a Promise... Is an Easter treat!

HAPPY EASTER!!

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Trip to the Museum

One of Wynn's friend's wasn't able to make it to his party so we invited him over on Spring Break. On Wynn's birthday proper we all went to the Museum. Carter is a friend that Wynn met in kindergarten.

I have no idea what this thing is but assume it is some part if the projector for the images onto the planetarium walls.






The show we went to see was To Worlds Beyond and was narrated by Patrick Stewart. Needless to say, DH was syked to see it.





The kids in the planetarium before the show started.












Dinosaur Dynasty an exhibit from China











The kids being paleontologist looking for dinosaur fossils in the sand.






















the replica of a dinosaur egg (top) and a real artifact (bottom)


























Standing in line waiting to board the Ship the Nonsuch











Inside the cabin












Snake pit like the one in Narcisse, MB....EWWW!














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Inside the bat cave



















From One Extreme ToThe Other

YAY!! My blogger is working, finally. I wanted to blog about the last couple of days but it wasn't possible due to technical difficulties. !@#$%^&*(?!@ Anyway, the things I wanted to blog about are......
Last week was Spring Break here. My in-laws came into the city Friday for something else. We would all be going back out to the country (Eriksdale) for the weekend to celebrate my niece's birthday as soon as Cliff was done his last evening shift Friday night. Which meant we'd probably go out early Saturday morning so the kids would be there in time for 12:30 when the "kid's party" was to start. Rather, my in-laws took our van and all three kids back with them on Friday. They left Friday am and my husband left for work around 2:30pm so from then on till he arrived home after midnight, I had the whole quiet house to myself. S-I-L-E-N-C-E!!!!! I was able to sit uninterrupted at my computer and watch old episodes of ER, surf the 'net, facebook, and I WOULD HAVE blogged had my computer let me (GRRR!!!). I ate supper when I wanted, didn't have to watch the clock so I put little ones to bed on time. AND, I almost forgot, Hubby asked me to go get his mother something for her birthday so I was able to go shopping myself and not have to do up and undo three other seat belts. And I was able to go into a clothing store and walk around "just looking" till I found the right one and bought Grandma an outfit for her birthday. Then when Hubby did come home at around 12:30am, we didn't have to rush off to bed but rather made a snack and finally went to bed around 2:00am. Needless to say we slept in without being woken up, jumped on and have to watch/listen to Treehouse tv. Best of all, since we weren't in a hurry to get the kids to their party (the "family party" was Sunday at 12:30) we didn't have to hurry off and get a quick bite to eat. Rather after we rose from our leisurely sleepin we went out for brunch together. Basically we went out for a date just the two of us. I think it was almost supper time by the time we finally arrived in Eriksdale. As nice it it was, a day without the kids , it was also nice to see them again........or so I thought. SILLY ME! The rest of the weekend wasn't bad as we were visiting family and there were lots of other kids around, but once Monday morning came and back to the ole drawing board....AAHHH!!!!! I'm surprised I still have hair on my head and didn't pull it all out! :) Cliff was gone for work at 6:30am and it started when I had to get the kids up for school and never stopped till Hubby came home from work. He was greeted by my kicking something the kids had left out across the hall. OOPS, Sorry! I'm not sure why but as much as my kids Love me, I know they don't respect me or atleast they don't act like it. I was to the point of tears several times. I set limits, consequences, am firm but they never pay attention to me until Daddy is brought in. As I've been told, I shouldn't have to raise my voice rather I should just have to give them "the look" and they listen. What am I doing wrong? I love my kids but honestly sometimes they drive me CRAZY!!

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Pictures From Wynn's Party

My boy is 8!

- Wynn's birthday cake that was actually cupcakes.










- make a wish Wynn!

- Wynn checking out his poster with ALL the Star Wars characters.

- The Gang after cake






- The Gang ready to watch the movie Monsters Vs. Aliens.

Rachael Needs...according to Google

Here is something you can do for fun some time and see what comes up. Enter in a Google search for "your name needs" and write down the first ten (or more) things that come up. So for example I searched "Rachael needs" and according to Google, Rachael needs...-
  • to learn to accept things even if she does not like them. - HMMM...ok....
  • a late night dessert snack. -Sounds yummy! Ice-cream or perhaps cheesecake?!
  • something to do. -I have lots to do but something fun....ok... like what?
  • a fantastic bag to really finish her outfit. - yes, I'm unlike most woman, I only have ONE purse I use all the time.
  • to start acting and dressing her age. - are you saying I act immature?
  • a vacation. - DEFINITELY...I'd like to be able to afford a trip somewhere with my family.
  • to get a life and there is nothing funny about her, she is just simply annoying and too loud. - :( BOOHOOHOO, I didn't realize I offended anyone quite that much.
  • money, right now. - you can say that again.
  • your numbers! :) - ;)
  • a second, third, fourth, and fifth opinion. - are you saying I can't make up my mind...you're quite right.
  • some buddies. - I'm so lonely at times. This beautiful country of ours is just so wide.
  • to come to the end of herself and surrender control to Him. - I'm trying every day.
  • to do something with her life. - I'm also trying to do that too.
  • to work on her perimeter shooting. - ???
  • a ride. - not so much now since I got my little car in January, I can't imagine how we ever functioned with just one vehicle.
  • love :D - always or I'll wilt.
  • prayers. - AMEN!
For fun I also searched "Rachael is"-
  • that you? - maybe :)
  • having a baby. - not unless it's by immaculate conception.
  • just barely showing a laugh line or two. - gee thanks.
  • an amazing cook. - now I REALLY know you must be talking about Rachael Ray!
  • the prettier version of Rachel - YUP! :D
  • a very nice name and I have nothing against it. - I love my name.
  • not only a teacher but also a leader. - who me???...I don't think so!
  • so underrated. - I don't know about that.
  • the first admit that she isn't an expert. - ain't that the truth!
  • the picture of health. - maybe at one time when my metabolism was a bit faster.
  • on Facebook. - yes, I am.
  • under 5'3" - more like under 5' !
  • perfect if you are just plain lazy. - :)
  • my go-to-girl. - ?
  • an Honors Chemistry Major at the University of P.E.I. - I liked chemistry but a Major, I don't even have a Major in my Nursing. However I'd love to go to P.E.I.
  • back!!! - did you miss me?!