Mari has been busy

It has been a pretty busy week for us. Mari has had a bunch of introductions to family.

First Aunt Mary and Uncle Bill (my side) came and met her. Then she got to meet Uncle Tom, Auntie Pam and Jared, Josh & Kennedy. She was particularly taken with Jared.

We then raced home and he got to meet hid Daddy's Auntie Sandra and his Cousin Lyle, Jaelyn and their new baby Kaden. Kaden is younger than Mari but bigger. He is very very cute.

So - lots of meet and greets this week.

Rememberance Day

I always think a lot about my Grandfathers on Remembrance Day.

My dad's dad was in the Welsh Guards before the war and was among the first recalled into service during the war. He spent several years in a German prison war camp and was released before the war was over. He left a wife with two very small children during that time.

Dad's dad, my Granddad Watts was a very tall man, with pure white hair, who had a lovely Welsh accent. I remember sitting in their garden in Africa as a teenager and listening to him tell me stories of his youth and the war. He would sit there slowly smoking a cigar (he had to smoke them outside as Grandma didn't approve of the habit) and in his soft musical voice he'd walk me through parts of his world. It was amazing. I felt so blessed to have spent that time with him. I learned later that he told me stories that even my dad didn't know. I guess age had lessened the pain of the memories and he could retell them with greater ease.

My mom's dad was on the other side of the spectrum. He was short, stout and had an almost gruff yet powerful voice. He didn't serve in the war. He was willing to serve in a non-combative role, as he was appalled by Hitler and his directives. It was his religious beliefs that kept him from enlisting as a soldier. This was not an easy choice. He was harassed for this choice and yet his convictions kept him strong.

I remember sitting at the dining room table with Grandpa Bailey as he told stories of his youth. He was an amazing story teller. He didn't care if there was mustard on his chin or bread crumbs on his tie. He was engrossed in the story and so was his audience. He had large chubby fingers that he would cross together on the table or gesture to aid in the story. I spent a lot of time with my Grandparents when I was in University so I heard many of his stories - several times!

Do I think that one of my Grandfathers made a wiser choice than the other? No. I wouldn't make that judgment. What I do know is that I was immensely proud of both of them. They were both men of conviction, honestly and honour. They did what they believed was right even when the cost was personally very high. They were like this always - not just during the war.

They are to me the standard of manhood. I feel honoured to say they are my Grandpas.

Granddad Watts and Grandpa Bailey - I miss you both!

All three kids are sleeping

WOW! I need to get Wes to pick up a lotto ticket!

Gavin would normally be on his way to preschool but he has actually been pretty sick since Wednesday afternoon. When I got him home from school on Wednesday I could tell he really wasn't himself. By Thursday morning he had a bad fever and it has only today started to subside.

Bronwyn is also sick, a bad chest cough. Which is always a bit off-putting as her colour goes a bit off when she has a cold. Makes sense, her oxygen levels decrease so her colour goes off. But, we just keep an eye on her.

Mari is fine (thankfully) - and well awake now - that was short lived! So I am off.

A minute or two of rest

The girls are both asleep and Gavin is at playschool. I have to rouse everyone in about 15 minutes to go pick Gavin up - but for now ahhh...

Mari is doing well. She hasn't gained weight as fast as I would have liked and that is why I think she isn't sleeping so well yet. I am sure once she gets a bit of pudge on her she'll be the sleeper we were hoping for. If she isn't? Well, she'll have to start sleeping at some point - they always do.

I have been a bit, dare I say, grumpy today. Not really, but the kids have all had head colds and it snowed (wet drippy snow), and Gavin didn't want to go to preschool and was dragging his feet, and they all fell asleep in the car, and the van got all muddy in the parking lot at the preschool, and ... well for now I am making the most of my down time to improve my attitude. Breath, one two three - isn't that how it goes.

Actually, I am surprise at how few rushed and upset times I have with the kids. We made a snowman this morning - I tried to help but Mari was in the snugly and would protest every time I bent over.

Bronwyn is talking more and more but she is economical in her word usage. She has certain words that have multiple meanings - you just have to figure out which meaning. For example, the other night she confounded her dad in the middle of the night. She had called out for him and when he went to check on her she asked for yogurt. He was confused and asked her what she wanted. She repeated - yogurt. He couldn't figure out why she wanted yogurt in the middle of the night. Just when it was about to become an issue I yelled from the other room - she wants water Wes. Yes, she calls water - yogurt, unless of course she actually wants yogurt - that is yogurt too. There are several words that are like this - confusing?? A bit.

Well, it is time now to go get the boy! Must run.

Halloween and birthday bashes

Wow - what a crazy couple of days. The kids are just in the bath now with Daddy (well the kids are in the bath - Daddy is just on the sidelines). Mari is sleeping - why not its early!

We had a preschool costume party for Gavin yesterday - and I brought cupcakes because it was his birthday too. In the evening, Wes and Matt took the kids out trick or treating. Wes had a hat on with a knife across the hat - but he had to run back and drop it off as it was upsetting Isaac. We didn't plan this at all but our two kids were dinosaurs and so was Max. Isaac was a lobster - trust me he was so cute.

Wes had to bring Bronwyn home early as she faded sooner than the boys. Little maniacs!

Today we had the big man's birthday party. Of course, we had to spend the morning cleaning our house - I tell ya, if we didn't occasionally have company my house would never get cleaned.

Needless to say I am seriously tired. But I did manage to get the house back in order pretty quickly and restore it to its post party glory. It is so funny, you clean like crazy before a birthday party then the kids play like crazy and it is usually worse than before you started cleaning. I wouldn't change it though, the kids had such a great time and they all played very well.

No photos - just an update

I have been having connectivity issues! My stupid *&%^&$@$^ computer!! I know I'm not supposed to say stupid - my son reminds me of that fact fairly often. Who knew how often I said stupid - trust me, it is way more than I thought.

That isn't the only negative thing my kids have learned from me. They both frequently say - "Zip it!" Well, I guess they live what they learn.

I am at Mom and Dad's and just wanted to update and let you all know we are alive and well - just not connected to Internet thanks to Norton Antivirus.

As soon as I get that figured out I'll post some more pictures. Gavin is turning 4 tomorrow! Yowsers - a four year old. Bronwyn is doing great - they are booking her for her cardiac cath early in the new year. That is the first step in prepping for the third surgery - which will likely be in the spring. She is doing so great! Lately she has been our good sleeper - how odd is that.

Mari is doing well too - she is not, as we had hoped, our good sleeper. Right now she is just crying and screaming for her grandpa. I better go rescue him.

So - that is a very rushed (everything I do these days is rushed) update.

Settling in

So life continues. Today was my first day without Wes home. So far so good. Mari doesn't appear to be our sleeper - but I am still holding out hope.

Actually today has been a pretty good day. As long as they all realize that they may have to be a bit patient with Mom then we'll all get along just fine. Mari has trouble with this so far - but she is allowed - she's not even a week old yet.

Mari update

We are doing well. Our little girl seems to love the night life - but well she's only been here a few days and I am sure she wants to experience as much as she can. She is overall a really great little baby - I am still hopeful that she will be our good sleeper!

Her older brother and sister really enjoy her. We have to watch because Gavin wants to carry her around and pick her up. Bronwyn also does but can't reach as high as Gavin so she's less of a threat.

We are also working at getting Bronwyn to say Mari. She decided even before the baby was born that her name would be Olla. We are trying to convince her that it isn't Olla but Mari. Wish us luck with that!

We had a visit from her new best friend Kalia and older sister Cadence this morning. Mel and I did a great job of timing that!

We are all doing well - our schedules are all off and the kids are overtired and a bit grumpy - but other than that we are all great. Wes has been home for the week which has made it feel a bit like holidays. I am not looking forward to having him return to work and managing on my own but I think we'll do fine.

Thanks for all the well wishes and offers of congratulations we truly appreciate the love and support of all our friends and family.

Meet Baby Davis #3

Finally... Mari Sarah Davis has joined our family. After going to see my doctor 11 days overdue, she called the hospital and had me sent over immediately to start helping things move along. I went home to start labour and was back at the hospital with in hours.

Mari was born at 9:10 pm last night and is lovely. She was 7lbs 7 ounces and just under 21 inches long.

We are thrilled to have her at home now. She preformed so well overnight - peeing and pooing that they let us go home just after noon - although it took a while for my husband to come get us.

Our neighbor Natasha was so excited by the news that she ran out and got supplies to deck out our house - how sweet was that! I got a good laugh as we drove up. Try not to notice the front steps they were covered with a rug that ripped, so for safety's sake I had to have Wes remove it - they look awful but no one will trip and fall now. Sorry for the vain comment but our house is a work in progress.

Thanks for all your prayers. We are happy to now be a family of five - and I'm not grumpy any more!!!!!

Happy thanksgiving

...and anniversary to my wonderful husband. Hopefully I'll have some news for all of you later. We will see I suppose.

I was going to write a mushy note about my wonderful husband but I am just not feeling particularly mushy right now! Besides - he doesn't read this any how.

So here's to 7 years of marriage and what should have been 3 kids, but is 2 kids and one long pregnancy! I need to remember today that I have wonderful blessings in my life and I need to be thankful for all that God has given me.

I pray that your homes are similarly blessed and that you enjoy a day of Thanksgiving.

Surprise...

Sorry no baby yet. I know that was mean.

No baby yet

Grrrrrr

Baby log October 5th...

No baby yet. Lots of contractions - but apparently they are just for fun.

Due date

Well, no baby - just in case you were wondering!

Tears, fears and false labour

It has been a bit of a crazy weekend. We went for a long walk in the park with our neighbors (Max and family) Saturday morning and had the most wonderful time. Later that night I started to have labour pains, not strong ones but enough to cause me to pack a bag for me and the kids. Sunday we proceeded as normal and the labour pains subsided.

We learned Sunday afternoon that little Drew Clark passed away. Our hearts were very heavy for the Clarks and all their family. That is where the tears come in.

Again last night I had false labour - again mild but enough for us to get the bassinet in place and the room sorted out. The baby will be in our room at first.

Thank goodness for false alarms or we'd have nothing done when this baby comes.

I am fairly nervous about this delivery - I don't know why. I guess after going through what we went through with Bronwyn you realize just how much can go wrong. The false labour also has me a bit freaked. I am so worried about not having enough notice to get to the hospital (which is 5 minutes away) and make adequate plans for the kids. Really it is silly - I know Matt and Natasha (best neighbors ever) would help us out at any time day or night. Maybe it is just the hormones.

On the lighter side. Gavin and Bronwyn are doing well. Gavin has taken to walking around the house saying "For Pete's sake child." I have no idea where he heard that (I think I mentioned in a previous post how short tempered I am). He also has been saying - mostly to Mommy - "Zip it!" Again - NO idea where he learned that!

Bronwyn has been doing really well sleeping in her big girl bed - well in fact so has Gavin - he sleeps at one end of the bed and she sleeps at the other. She has been coming to bed with us only occasionally now. I am sooooo happy about this. They are both just growing and changing so much. We are so thankful for our two little happy children and are praying that number three arrives safely and without complications.

Finally, I ask that if you can pray for the Clarks and the Staples families.

Wager a guess

So my doctor doesn't think I'll make it to my due date - but I think that is because she starts holidays on that day and wants things finished up before she goes. I don't think I'll have the baby until a couple days after my due date. My husband keeps saying he's hoping for a couple more months (to finish more of the house stuff) - WHATEVER!

So - take a guess - when is this baby coming? And is it going to be a girl or a boy? If I can think of a prize for the winner I'll do that - but right now my mind is blank.

For me right now the big issue is seeing that my existing kids make it through the next week. Wow am I short tempered right now!

Little musical clip

Here is a little video clip of the kids singing one of Gavin's new favourite songs. Blue skies and rainbows. I have a new little camera that I am just adjusting too - it has a time limit on video clips - it cut off right before Gavin's theology lesson. Trust me it was interesting if not all comprehensible.

We continue to dwell in the land of dinasours - I am just hoping to make it through this phase - try as I might I really don't have a lot of interest in dinasours - but that doesn't stop me from trying to cook T-Rex noodles for supper (chicken in disguise). Of course, calling it T-Rex doesn't mean that Gavin believes me - he said to me - Mommy I know this is chicken. All right - nice try eh?

Out of the mouth of babes

Just after I wrote the previous post I sat down with the kids over our breakfast and Gavin pulled out a book for me to read. It isn't a book we normally read (I don't like the illustrations). It is about Noah's ark. He brought it to me and said don't read these parts, I just want you to read this part - which was a little box on each page with a scripture in it.

Here is what we read (one per page) -

God said, "Don't be afraid. I am with you." Isaiah 43:5
"Give your worries to the Lord. He will take care of you." Psalm 55:22
God said, "You will come to me and pray to me. And I will listen to you." Jeremiah 29:12
"Don't be sad. The joy of the Lord will make you strong." Nehemiah 8:10
God said, "You are precious to me... and I love you." Isaiah 43:4

Wow.

I'm so sad

We are witnessing a family that we love struggle with one of the worst trials life can bring. Our little friend Drew Clark is not doing well and the doctors have not given him much hope at this point.

I would ask those of you who pray to pray now for this family. Pray for a miracle! Pray for healing. Pray for support. Pray for courage. Pray for peacefulness. Pray for no suffering. Just pray what you can pray. I beg you to be like King David who prayed for his child until there was no more hope. At this point, pray and pray until such time as there is no longer hope.

I don't know what more to say my heart is breaking as are the hearts of hundreds and likely thousands of others who want this to be so different for the Clarks.

It seems quite surreal to be carrying on our little lives here with the knowledge that such a great struggle is happening in the lives of others - it is all very sobering.

Wow - where did that week go

You know it is crazy.

I remember when I was pregnant with Gavin I finished work about 3 weeks before my due date. Once at home I rested and prepared and went out for lunch and generally filled my days. Three weeks before I had Bronwyn I was already finished work and I was packing up house and preparing to relocate to Edmonton for as long as we had too. I was chasing after Gavin and having frequent appointments and echos.

My due date is in now in three weeks again. I still have one lingering work project that has yet to wrap up. I'm not preparing for Bronwyn's next surgery (yet - thankfully) but I still have lots of appointments. I am still chasing after Gavin - well, and Bronwyn too. Gavin has preschool and we seem to be busy all the time. Just when I think I'm going to have a quiet day at home with the kids our plans change and we end up running.

Maybe its a good thing - I haven't had time to think about the next phase I'm just too busy for the moment. I just cannot believe the time has flown so fast. Crazy stuff!

Today the kids were up pretty early, so we spontaneously decided to go to Drumheller, to the dinosaur museum there. It was Wes' idea. Gavin has been in a dinosaur phase. Really, this has been such a bummer for me. Seriously, if you want to feel like a first grader again who is trying to learn how to read and being scolded by your bag of a teacher and made to feel stupid because you are stumbling over the letters (sorry childhood baggage); then pick up a book about dinosaurs and try to pronounce the names of these beasts. For heavens sake, why couldn't they use more simple names? Why is it that all our modern animals have names like - horse, dog, cat, cow - but dinosaurs have these horrible icantpronouncesaurus names?

Gavin loved it. Although I had to explain and explain and explain why he can't just go dig bones. He is just so sure that there is somewhere in Drumheller where he can go and dig dinosaur bones. I said, he had to be with a special team and have special permission and that it was a protected area. He told me that he could go with his Daddy because he was special. I said - Yes, Dad is special but he isn't exactly a paleontologist.

We did have a couple treats this week. I got to go out - by myself - and visit with my dear friend Katherine - that was super lovely. And we also got to meet the brand new baby Kalia (Mel and Scott's new girl).

As busy as we are - we haven't lost interest all the happenings in the world that are affecting people we love. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and folks in Texas and other hurricane hit areas. We are also anxiously following the recent developments in Zimbabwe and praying for a resolution that truly helps. We also have been praying for the families who have been struggling with illness and medical problems.

I wanted to mention this because I want those we love to be assured that we think of them often and that we care deeply about your struggles.

First day of preschool

Oh my goodness, my baby is growing up. I had no idea how hard it would be for me. I am not a sentimental person. If I were doing a personality test and the choices were - a. uncomfortable with emotion, b. not overly sympathetic, c. too blunt and pragmatic, d. all the above - I'd circle D. So imagine my surprise as I was fighting back tears trying not to let my son see me almost falling apart. I wanted him to have a fun, carefree time and I didn't want him to read any anxiety in my actions. Wow! Who knew I was such a softy.

Well, he went and he enjoyed it. He was very tired after school and in fact is now flaked out on the couch - so tonight could be interesting!!

I took the kids outside before we left so I could get some first day of school picts. I had him put his backpack on, and of course Bronwyn needed hers too - even though she stayed home with Grandma today. Speaking of Mom, she has saved my bacon this week. I have been doing a fair bit of work this week and needed to go to the office several times - she has looked after the kids and been just so wonderfully supportive.

Anyhow - here are some pictures from today.

Stinking car

Well van actually, and no I'm not just mad at the vehicle. It actually does stink. I don't know why! We went to the bug house the other day (Gavin calls Chinook mall the bug house). We parked in the parkade, when we were done we returned to our vehicle, opened the doors and went - pewwh! What is that smell?

Wes accused me of leaving a dirty diaper laying about in the van - well I'd actually have to take one out there and put it in the van!! I don't change diapers in the van.

We have looked MANY times in every nook and cranny. I had Mom and Dad look in every nook and cranny too. Still nothing, no rotting apples or anything. Wes thought maybe it is a dead animal in the engine - but we can't find anything and well I hope our neighbors cat is accounted for...

I decided that some punk kids put something on our car to make it stink. Wes thinks I'm paranoid but - well it smelled fine before we got to the mall and by the time we left it stunk - coincidence?? According to my husband my thinking is as stinky as our van.

So we have a mystery, and a stinky van!

Jelly beans and things

I picked up some jelly beans last night because Bronwyn was asking for them. I had picked a few beans from our garden patch that morning and thought she was asking for those. She would walk up and say - beans beans. So I'd pull them out and she'd put her hand up to me and shake it and say - no no. Then she started saying - Daddy... beans... box. Oh, Daddy has beans in a box?? Yeah. Oh, well - maybe she means jelly beans. Long story short I bought a few just for a treat.

This morning, Natasha and I took the kids to the park. I took along some jelly beans as a treat. You know a pre-lunch healthy snack! At one point the boys were dumping juice on the ground. We both told them not to do that. Gavin explained to us - we put one of the jelly beans here in this hole and we are pouring the juice on so it will grow into a big jelly bean tree.

Makes sense I guess.

Fall is definitely here - even though it isn't official. It has been cool and there are already some leaves in our backyard. While I am sad to see summer go I am also excited about everything that is coming up. I love Fall! And this year we have so many new exciting things.

My son and God

Part of educating our children is instilling in them a sense of values and morals. For us that involves sharing our faith with our children. We try, when we remember (bad Mommy), to have bible story time after supper. This form of education will mean different things in different families depending on their belief system - but regardless I think Gavin's interpretation of things will amuse most people.

Several months ago my son declared over lunch with Pops and Grandma that - "God lives in here," (pointing to his chest). I was so pleased, I figured - wow, something is sinking in - great.

The following day he repeated this statement, and then after a bit of a pause added, as he stroked his forearm - "and there are a bunch of other gods that live in here."

Several weeks ago after our supper bible story time, Gavin said his favourite story was the Good Samaritan. Well, this has also been one of my favourites for a very long time and again I was pleased with the fact that he was learning some spiritual lessons. So I asked him what part he liked best. He responded - "The part where he gets beat up." Well...

Several days ago after playing in the yard with Max he ran out ahead of me as I went out to clean up the yard. He met me at the back door COVERED in sand. I mean it was everywhere. So I moved him to the edge of the deck and made him strip down. I dusted him off and told him to go in the house. He said no. I said, "Yes you go in the house, you can't play in the yard naked as a jaybird." He responded by saying - "God told me I could play naked in the yard." Again well... instead of arguing I ran and got my camera and took pictures of the naked child.

I don't know if there is a greater lessen in any of this but for now I'll just take it for what it is. A very curious and smart little boy who is pretty darn sure he knows more than his Mommy.

I can't see my toes

I am feeling very pregnant these days. My belly is big, my breath is short and my ankles are round. Great! I have also been very tired lately. I don't remember being this tired at this point in either of the other pregnancies but I think I was able to nap more often and probably slept better at night. Enough complaining!

Otherwise we are great. In fact, I am really lucky that I am doing so well - it has been really a pretty trouble free pregnancy.

We have had a pretty slow boring last week and a half. I think we were going so hard that I just couldn't keep it up any more and as a result the kids have been a bit bored with me. They'll survive!

I'd love to sit down and write a thought provoking blog - in fact I have had a fair bit on my mind lately and have several topics I'd write if I could. The problem is that I just don't have it in me. I am fighting the stupids these days. Really, I can't wait to be done with the pregnancy so I can get my mind back. Before I had Gavin I thought that baby brain was just a silly wives tale. I was wrong!

Well, I am off to bed. We are just so tired - the whole family! It is my wish that we all have a good night sleep. Good night to you and your house also.

Birthday weekend

Once again we had a really hectic weekend. Thankfully yesterday was more relaxed as I was completely out of energy.

Jared, Josh and Kennedy and Pam came down to visit so we came over and had a little birthday celebration for Bronwyn on her actual birthday (Friday). Kennedy made a birthday sign and blew up balloons. Very sweet! We had a very nice day returning early to start preparations for her birthday bash on Saturday.

We were able to have her party on our brand new deck. It isn't 100% done - but its only little cosmetic things left so we were able to use it. It is a great deck and fits lots of people. It even held the weight of two pregnant girls and my brother Jon!

The kids had a blast.

Sunday we came to Mom's house. She cooked lamb in honour of my birthday! Yeah! We enjoyed a quiet day - both kids were pretty sleepy. Today we are back out at Mom's as I have a work appointment. In fact, I better go rescue Grandma - they are unmaking her bed.

Bronwyn's check up

Our little girl did very well today at her cardio appointment. She didn't cry at all during her echo - which is the first time that has happen - well without sedation.

Dr. Harder was thrilled with how she is doing. Her sats were really high and her pulses were good... basically she is doing great. Whew!! The only downside to the appointment is that we began discussing the next surgery. I was hoping that wouldn't be brought up until her next six month appointment. In the next few months they will start the tests they need to prepare for the next surgery. For now they are loosely saying next spring.

Just wanted to give a quick update and throw a couple pictures of the kids up. The kids were helping Dad with the deck one evening. What a lucky guy to have such great help!

Checking in

It would see I have fallen off the blog wagon. It has been close to two weeks since checking in. We have been very busy, doing... well whatever it is that keeps us busy. Yesterday we had an enforced slow day. Mommy was TIRED. So the kids were forced to watch TV and movies and do low energy activities - whether they wanted to or not.

We seem to have had so many activities and things going on that every morning Gavin asks, "Where are we going today? Who is coming to see us?"

The kids and I and my friend Val and her daughter Megan went to Heritage Park last week. The kids enjoyed it and we even took a ride on an old train. Gavin loved that. Of course I didn't take my camera - too bad it was a fun time.

We have been having the war of the poop with Gavin. I thought we had crossed that bridge but... well he threw us a curve ball last week and we were back in the world of trying to get a 3 year old to poop. There are a few basic truths that I have learned in life. #1. Accept it - you will pay taxes, #2. The laundry will pile up again no matter how much you did last Saturday, #3. There is no way to make someone poop who doesn't want to poop.

I will say that we seem to be coming through the other side of the battle - scarred but still standing.

Bronwyn hasn't been giving us much trouble - she really is a model child - well as long as she gets whatever she wants, when she wants it. The only real issue is that she has definite preferences for certain colours but calls them all yellow. So she will have a fit because I have given her a yellow spoon. She'll cry, "yellow, yellow." Finally I'll dig out a pink spoon and she'll nod and move on like the world is now in perfect harmony again. Keeps Mom guessing!

She is also having her first official swim lessons. They split the time between the large pool and the small teach pool. The large pool is very cold and she spends the entire time climbing up my neck trying to keep her body as far out of the water as possible. As soon as we go in the warm shallow kiddie pool she starts playing and frolicking. It really is funny.

Wes is doing well too - he has been so busy. He has been working almost every night on the deck or the basement. We just have so much work to do before baby #3. Not only has he been working like a slave he has also been very tolerant of his occasionally emotional, cranky and somewhat hormonal wife. I think he may deserve a medal! Well, he gets my vote for best husband.

Bronwyn has her bi-yearly check up with her Cardiologist on Thursday. I am anxious to see how things are going. She seems so good, but there is always a little fear lurking - wondering what they will find when they do the echo. She can seem great on the surface but we don't really know what is going on inside. So hopefully all will be great.

The little miss turns two on Friday. Crazy business how quickly time passes.

Well - I best go read a book with missy. The little man is in bed reading books with Daddy right now. I should be doing the same with Bronwyn.

Another nice summer week

Life seems to be just plugging along nicely for us these days. What a blessing! The kids are doing well - both Wes and I have had head colds but that isn't major.

We have had a fun week. The kids have had visits with Robbie and Carissa, Cadence and family, Max (of course), Madeline, and Grandma and Pops. I had a play date with Warren yesterday too - just kidding I had a work meeting - but I think it sounds more fun if I call it a play date.

I'd like to ask that you all keep in mind some little friends of ours. Our little Internet heart buddy Gavin is going in for a heart cath. Can you please pray for him and his family? Also, I'd ask continued prayers of support for Drew Clark and his family. I am still praying that God's hand will be seen in his life in an amazing and miraculous way. Finally, I also want you to remember Quinn in your prayers, he has made some good progress in the last couple weeks and I'd like to pray that the momentum continues. Normally I check with the families before soliciting prayer requests - but I didn't this time. So I hope these requests aren't presumptuous.

We hope that you are all enjoying summer (except my family overseas - who have their "winter" or dry season right now.)

Just in: Gavin cried oohhh - Mommy Bronwyn just hit me. I said - Bronwyn don't hit your brother (this what I call parenting from the other room). He explained - I hit her first but then she hit me. So I said - Well, don't hit her first, seem a good idea? He nodded and agreed.

Camping

The kids and I have just returned from a very nice camping trip with my Mom and Dad. We didn't go far from town, which was good since I had to come in yesterday for a doctor's appointment. It was super nice. Gavin has been asking his Daddy and Grandpa to take him fishing forever. So finally Pops took him fishing. Gavin was very excited by it and taken with it - even if his actual fishing time was minimal. Bronwyn went hunting for different flora and fauna with Grandma while the boys fished.

I had expected pretty ugly weather for the whole trip but other than Wednesday night we had beautiful weather. Pops made the kids a fire last night and they tried roasting marshmallows. Bronwyn didn't really enjoy that activity so much - I think she can't see the sense in wrecking a perfectly good marshmallow by cooking it.

The whole experience was great fun and the kids are just exhausted tonight - even after a nap on the way home.

I feel tired but very refreshed. The kids napped yesterday afternoon and Mom and I sat outside and chewed the fat. It was truly relaxing. My only regret is that Wes wasn't able to come as someone has to worry about feeding the family and paying the bills. Next time we will make sure Daddy comes too.