Wii

Well I am thinking I have become a gamer, in the last week I have logged a few hours a day playing Wii with Avery. From singing to dancing I am an expert. I have bought Hannah Montana lots of new outfits and unlocked clothes, and stages for High School Musical, all in all Avery and Mom rock on the Wii. I am thinking maybe it is time we look for Super Mario Brothers, we need a challenge.
What will tomorrow hold for the Wii and me?

Family Fun Run

Okay, Thomson Family I have a challenge for all who would like to participate. I am wanting to do the Raymond July Road Race, I have looked on the website and as of yet they don't have it posted for distances or times but I will keep you all posted. I know that the 5km would be a good one to start with, but it anybody would like to do more just let me know. I also think that they have a kids race, so if any little Thomson's would like to participate we can make that happen. I am giving you all this much notice so that I don't have to hear the excuses that you didn't have time to train.
I have been running for over a year now and never thought that I would like it but I love it. Aspen has picked up the bug and runs with me(only outside, she dislikes the treadmill), but she can keep up and loves it when I challenge her to go a little bit further. She has finished 5km in 32Min's, and that was her 4 time out. I would love her to kick my butt with coming in under 25Min's, she is younger and with her body type she is built for speed.(my best 5km is 25Min's 46secs) So you all have this challenge. I would like as many of us to participate. We are Thomson's and with that comes the determination of a good fight, so lets go for it and have fun! Some great help is at http://www.runnersworld.com/
Let me know if you have any ideas, or give me some feed back.
If you want to come run with me in Banff I am doing the "Melissa's Road Race" again, you can't beat running in the mountains (Rain, Snow or Sun) it is absolutely gorgeous and a very fun weekend.
Happy trails to you. . .

Christmas Day

We have had a Great day, thus far. We wish all our Family and Friends a wonderful Christmas, & Happy New Years.

Dad & Mom I am trying to get the videos to load but they won't I will have to try something else.

Love Ya all!

Christmas Baking

Today was a great day to do some Christmas Baking. With the weather at a calm -20, I got in the mood to get cracking on my Christmas goods. I made Pecan Tarts, Pumpkin Tarts, and Peanut Butter Blossoms. The tarts all have homemade crusts, and cream cheese icing, Yum!! I can't wait too try them tomorrow. I was not the taster today, Tod, O A & A, all had there share of treats and the smiles on their faces was enough to let me know that they were great. I still need to do Butter Tarts and Sugar Cookies.
Our Winter hit on Friday morning and has come quickly. We are in the -20 and -30 and with the wind chill it is getting to darn cold. Maybe it is time to start thinking about Mexico, (I just used up my Vanilla, I really need more). The cats want to go out so badly, but their poor paws can't handle it, so they just whine at the door.
Yesterday, we were out at a Snow Day Party. It was so much fun! We took our quads out and the sleds. The food, fire, friends, snow and smiles on all the kids faces made the afternoon, worth the chill. Thanks K & A Aberdeen for all the Snow Fun!!
19 days until Christmas.

November come and almost gone

We have been a very busy family as usual!
With Hockey and Dance 4 - 6 times a week, we are always on the run.
Oakly has been doing great at Hockey and meshing with his new team. He has some great new friends that he has started hanging out with. It is good to see that he is not so reserved.
Aspen is becoming a great popper and locker. She loves Hip-Hop! Her control over her arms and legs is getting much better, when you grow so fast you tend to have no coordination, but she is doing Awesome. Aspen is know as tall as I am and still growing, we can no longer share shoes(not good for me, or for my bank account) it is hard to keep up with her feet. We can by her new shoes every month.
Avery is our little "Pink Hockey Girl" she LOVES it! We are on a search for as much pink gear as we can possibly find. Her team is doing so good, Tod loves coaching them. Avery just smiles on or off the ice, when she is out on her line she gives it her all. We are thinking she will be doing Hockey for a while.
We have a few additions to our house again this year, Fluffy had her 3rd batch of kittens last Saturday, 5 this time. We have 1 black, 2 orange, & 2 gray stripped ones. They are so cute! I think I have homes for 3 and it won't take me long too find 2 more homes.
Well that's our month almost gone by, with no snow and still wearing hoodies we are not looking forward to what mother nature has in store for us. Yikes!! Oakly is wearing shorts, and we are still wearing slip-ons and hoodies it has been a fabulous fall.

Our Halloween Party, it was a BLAST!!

carving pumpkins

AUSTYN'SASPEN'S

AVERY'S

squishing pumpkin guts

Tod cut the lids

A, A, & A all carved pumpkins last night for tonight's big party at the Rempels. The girls had a lot of FUN! When they are lit they are very cool.

i was played

I was played by my 11 year old Wednesday Night after school. I usually run Monday & Wednesday's, sometimes Aspen comes with me. This night she was in a particular hurry to get out the door, usually i ma the one prodding her to hurry up. We were running our usual circuit when I saw up ahead a flock of boys, as we got closer these boys were in her grade. J was having a birthday party, playing touch football. We had to run by and she new they were there. They were yelling and whistling at her as we went by. She managed to run the whole route with out a stop and when we got home I looked at her, smiled and said "I was just played by my 11 year old." She got all embarrassed. It was kind of cute. If this helps her to go out and run with me i am good with this. She could be a great track & field participant, maybe this is something we could encourage her to do. She is definitely built for it.

Running

I love this Quote. . .

Nonrunners cannot see how they can

afford the time to run every day.

But runners cannot imagine getting

through a single day without it.

the last week

I am doing catch up from the last week.
Oakly had 2 games last week, they won one and lost another.
He had another game on Monday night I didn't go because it was to late for the girls, but I heard it was Oakly's best game ever.
Tuesday brought on the whole schedule of overlapping hockey, much to my surprise Oakly was not feeling good, he CHOOSE to stay home. Tod had a long day of teaching and so I was off to the rink to help coach Avery's Hockey. It was so stinking cold in the rink, I fell asleep that night with socks on. I just could not get warm.
Wednesday was an off day for us, except I had my once a month meeting for TEPA. As Vice Pres. I could not bow out. It was budget month so it that meant a very late night. Oh ya, Oakly went to school for half the day and then came to my school looking a little too white.
Yay it is Thursday! Today Oakly stayed home and the head ache is now turning into the cough, with the whole H1N1 on the loose, he has to stay home. So the rest of us were off to work and school. By the time my afternoon class was done tonight so was I. We had a little boy at school that should not have been their. I spent so much time wiping his nose and washing his hands and mine that my hands are truly raw. Avery had a game to night and they won 10 -3. I watched for a period, and then I was off to Aspen's Hip Hop Class. Now I have returned to do my catch up blog, and go to bed.

Avery

Today was Avery's 1st Hockey game. she was up with the birds and read to go. I on the other hand was asking Tod what we were doing letting our youngest play hockey. We are back to the early Saturday mornings and now the late Saturday nights with Oakly. We will also do a repeat of that on a few Sunday's.
Avery was so excited, but at the same time nervous. She told me that this morning she didn't fell good but she wasn't going to throw up, her tummy just felt funny, it was just butterfly's, like going on a roller coaster. She did awesome, when she was on the ice she was smiling and when she got knocked down she got up and smiled. Her team won 9 - 7. Her BFF Austyn got her 1st goal! It was a great COLD, SNOWY, Saturday morning thank heavens for Hot Chocolate!

not sure

I am really not sure if I am ready for this season they call . . .FALL/HOCKEY/SPRING ! If I had to think about it I am sure that I am not ready, since there is no time to think I guess it is out the door and don't look back.

Ya for the Seasons that blend together!

I spy . . .

"Summer" grand baby #7

"Keri" child #1

Okay as I am putting pictures through the scanner and uploading I am trying to not double up, but when I saw these two pictures it hit me. . . I have to get my hands on this sweater maybe it can tell me stories, some I am not sure I want to know but others that would be great. :)

I am sure that if this sweater is still in the closet, between Keri & Shawna it might just disappear in one of Carols cleaning sprees. Girls this just might be the best costume yet?

pictures, pictures, pictures

All I see around me are pictures and they aren't even of my own family. I am in a deep pile of "Rempel's". The family has asked me to make a book for their dad who is turning 60 on October 30th. It will be my biggest book ever. I have so many ideas and many pictures to go with them all now if I can just find an extra 6 hours to my day for the the next week I would get done sooner. I would even take the next week off of work to get it done, but I am thinking Tod might not like that. When I get on a roll I like to keep rolling. The Rempel kids have been awesome, they are so willing to get me pictures and help upload them to my website, I appreciate all the help I can get. Thanks guys:)
If I can figure out how to upload somem pages as they get done I will do that, I may have to enlist in the help of Oakly & Aspen. I am so excited to get this one done.
Happy Fall y'All :}

quote

"Have a dream, make a plan, go for it. You'll get their one day. I promise"

I am doing this. . .

weekend update

Night after the run.

Night after the run. Tanis & Pam

Morning of the run. Tina & Tanya

Morning of the run. Pam

So the Oakly Hockey sage went all weekend until the last possible hour. He made the team and now it is off to Leduc a few times a week for practices and traveling around Edmonton and area for games. Way to go Oakly we are proud of your efforts and all your hard work.

It was all so my big weekend, I was off to Banff for my 10km Road Race. I left on Friday with Tanya, Tina, Wendy and Pam all ready to run and have fun. Tanya and Tina ran in the 22km race, while the rest of us did the 10km. We all finished with great times! It was awesome and now I know that I am more than ready to challenge myself to the 22km. Thanks to Tina who got us all on the run for fun and a good time. It was a race but just knowing that I could finish it was a win for me.

I am so lucky to have friends that want to try new things and put us up to the challenge. . . I am a better person for it.

hockey update

So sorry to leave you all hanging. . .

Last nights skate for Okaly has left us all hanging, we are still waiting for the posting and if his name is on the roster for Saturday's game he has to play the game, other wise he still has to be present for the game and we are assuming he will just warm the bench. This may be good and at the same time this may be bad. When I find out all the ins and outs I keep you all posted.



Tommorow I leave for Banff, and my journey to the finish line of my 10k run. I am both excited and a little nervous!!!

fight club

I am putting this out there. . .
UFC has taken on a new roll in our schools "Fight Club". It has been around in neighboring communities and now it has hit ours. Having a son in the Jr/Sr High school this effects us. Theses kids get together and just fight, they think it is fun and when that fight is done they challenge, taunt, and encourage other kids to fight. There have been a few incidents in other communities that are now involving lawyers and sentences. Scary!! As a mom I am terrified, I trust my son but at the same time I really do not want to be naive. Why didn't each child come with their own manual?

MIDDLE OF SEPTEMBER

Well we are on the count down for Hockey cuts and i am sitting at home waiting for Tod and Okaly to return from tonight's tryout and not sure if I feel all that good. . . Whatever happens it happens for a reason, as long as he knows he gave it his all.
Avery started Hockey last week and loves it. The beginning of this week she had 2 practices and they divided the players into 2 teams. She is on the "B Team" which to her means yay!!! I get to play Hockey. That is all she wants to do when she gets home from school she is waiting to go ti the rink.
Well today I got a phone call and Aspen's Hip Hop starts on October 8, (which is a Thursday). Oh boy do I hear a conflict about to happen, and we still don't know about Okaly. Avery's hockey game nights are on Thursday at the same time Aspen's Hip Hop is, problem they are in 2 different towns, at some point we have to add Okaly's schedule into it and. . .WOW! we will be very busy parents.

My hockey life begins

Well I am on the phone talking too my sister, and blogging'. Have to go to work in 2 Min's, but just having a breather before the rush begins of our hockey conditioning camp for the next week. Avery starts at 4:15 - 5:15 and Oakly is at 8:15 - 9:15. In between that we have to organize Aspen's extra curricular activities and clean the post office. Have a great week :)

We made it home. . .

We made it home from B.C. and we all enjoyed our trip. There was a lot of water skiing, wake boarding, knee boarding, tubing, sun and sand to keep us all busy. Tod and I both tried to wake board. . . Tod through out his back and had to go to a chiropractor, and as for myself I succeeded for 2 days until on the second day I hit the wake, with a minor concussion and a very sore shoulder I am living through the pain. The girls both got up on water ski's and loved it, Aspen took it a step further and tried out the knee board and loved it. Jason & Autum's wedding was a great party and they looked so happy. . . congrats guys! :) We will definitely be back for more fun, Tod has plans for a seadoo in the trailer, if the quads can fit he is sure a seadoo can too!
As for my Okaly he skated his butt of for 7 days and at the end of the first cuts last night, he was cut. He new it was coming but he was still hurt, he just can't compete with the size of the other kids, you are looking at a kid who is 5' - 85lbs (soaking wet) compared to boys 5'11" - 130lbs. You just can't compare and well basically it is genetics and he is just going to have to blame his parents for this one. It was a great learning experience for him and he is really in the swing of Hockey now. We are counting down our free weekends. . .and going to enjoy everyone of them.
Well I got my call back for work and it was earlier than I had expected, but I am very glad! I started today, so far I am .5 (every morning) in the Early Entry Program, it will be a little bit of a challenge, but what the heck I am up for a challenge and at least I am working, that's the bonus.

BC and Hockey collide

Tomorrow we are on our way to Oyama BC, for a wedding. Along with emotions over Buddy we have been trying to figure out our sons hockey life. He is going into Bantam this year and Thorsby doesn't have enough kids for a team so we have been released to go to Calmar or Leduc. We got him registered for the Tryouts for the "AAA" Oil Kings, on August 29, and then had the scary thought that he wouldn't be on the ice to brake in his new equipment before the tryout.
As a mom you never want to leave behind your kids but when you know that this could be a great stepping stone in his life and an opportunity that not everybody gets to take you make it happen. Oakly will be staying home with G & G P. G will take him to skate next week until the tryouts on Saturday, and we will be home for that. I can't believe that my baby boy is getting to the age of a young adult, and all these decisions that are facing him and us. We are so proud of you Oakly and all the choices you are making, and what sacrifices you are making. Always follow your dreams even when you think they are small, in the end they are bigger than you could have imagined. I love you Oakly! XOXOXO

Good Bye "Buddy"

Today is Wednesday in our house and we are trying to get in the swing of life. Monday was the beginning of a "good bye" that nobody was ready to say. Buddy has not been walking very well, but Monday morning we took him into the vet, only for them to say that they won't even look at his legs until they fix his teeth and do some tests and possible surgery's on his heart. It might grant us 1 month and if we were lucky, 6 months. Tod brought Buddy home and we made the decision to put him down. It was scheduled for Tuesday, and nobody was jumping on the task of taking Buddy in. I knew I could do it, and still hold my composer. Tuesday came and with the help of Ross, Denice, and Keri we all took Buddy in. He fell asleep so peacefully and then I brought him to a new resting place in G & G's yard. G & G left Keri and myself after the vet office, and the hole way home I was preparing myself for what I had taken on for my family. I kept thinking about my cat I had as a little girl, she was a white cat, but her tail had a kink in it, so I named her "Candy Cane". I left for school one morning and when I returned home, she had passed away. My parents took me to my girl friends house and we buried "Candy Cane". I know without the help of Keri, I am not sure I would have gotten through it.

I thank my parents for giving me the blessings to see the gift of life and death. I do know that it helped me through the process yesterday. I still get tears in my eyes when I think about him and all the little things that remind me of him.

"Buddy" would have been 13 on September 6. We got him when he was 2, but had known him since a puppy. When Aspen and Avery were babies Buddy would sleep under there beds and let me know if their was something wrong. He would also keep me safe at night when Tod was at work, I think he slept with one ear listening to the house while I slept and when he would start pacing I new something was up. He was very small but when he had to bark he always sounded bigger. He was always left behind when we took him places because he was so quite. A few times we would get a phone call asking if we forgot something and we always new it was Buddy.

We love you Buddy and will miss you! XOXOXO

YAY! They all passed swimming Lessons. . .

It has been a long 2 weeks of early mornings and lots of laps. Everybody was into the swimming thing for the last 2 weeks and we all did amazing. Avery entered as a first timer in Swimkids 1 and was rewarded today with a pass to Swimkids 2. Aspen was entered into Swimkids 6, and with a lot of hard work and a fun attitude passed to Swimkids 8. That's 2 levels. . .I am so Happy for her and she has what it takes to keep going hard and get started on the life guarding thing. Okaly was placed into Swimkids 8 and also passed. He has 2 more levels to finish and he can start on the lifeguard thing as well. We are really trying to push them into getting there lifeguard so they can get some fun summer jobs. The talk for Oakly is that it will be a great chick magnet and for Aspen she can see some cute guys. While the kids were in there lessons I took to the water and swam laps, some days were hard than others especially if I had run that morning, but it feels good to know I can still do it.
The plan would be to put the kids in lessons at the beginning of September, before Hockey starts so they can get a jump on their next levels. I am very proud of all of you. Great hard work and I know it sucked to get up and out of the house by 8:20am, especially on your summer holidays.

August Camping

We went to our favorite bush camp spot with our favorite things to keep us busy for the weekend, Saunders Creek. It is located between Rocky Mountain House and Nordeg. We have experienced every type of weather possible in a typical Alberta day. This weekend was no different. We had rain, wind and amazing sunshine. It would rain at night and then during the day be absolutely gorgeous. We played in the North Saskatchewan River, swam, built sand castles, and a little fishing. What we didn't expect was a swimming Dean and Quad. Yup that's right, Dean took his quad for a little dip, the only problem was that everybody had left and he was alone. The quad up sided on him, he did get it out to the shore and much to his disappointment he realized nobody was coming for him or waiting for him so he was left to walk the 3km's back to camp wet and angry. I don't blame him. I have never witnessed this side of Dean before and I am sure that many others would say the same. Later Tod and Dean went to tow the quad back to camp, Dean had to empty all the fluids and in the process lost an important plug. Avery's quad was out of service so they took her little plug and it fit Dean's quad. Know she is holding him up to payment of $300.00 for the part. WOW!! You would think she did the labour and install herself. That's my business girl. It was no until the next day that we experienced and rain fall that was a bit nerving. It started with a sheet lightning show, it was spectacular, and then the wind came we were putting things away very quickly. Tod came in when the rain started to fall, but then the thunder got louder and the rain fell harder. We observed under the awning and realized we had a river running through our camp. Between the 2 of us we started throwing things in the trailer to Okaly to put away or stack up. The helmets are always put under the tables under the awning and so we had to get them to dry ground, and cover the containers of various other things. By the time we were all done and back in the trailer, the girls were awake and we opened all the windows to watch the lightening show and listen to the rain fall. Monday morning was a muddy pack up day, but the weekend was fun!

Accountant mishap

Well I can honestly say it has happened. Shawna had an accounting emergency today. I got a phone call just before 11:00 this morning from one of Shawna’s clients. She explained that there had been an accident but not to worry because the ambulance was on its way. Shawna had been hit in the eye with something. I immediately headed for Warburg to see what is going on. As I pull up and go in everyone there looks almost sick to their stomachs. I am starting to think the worst by now. As I round the corner I see Shawna, she is being helped out by 2 other women. I couldn't help but to laugh because It looked pretty funny. I had a look at it and suggested that I would grab some gloves from my truck and remove the object but was quickly shot down by the weak stomached. The ambulance showed up and took her in to the ambulance and we were on our way to Leduc. The ambulance stopped on the outskirts of town and was going to help make things more comfortable for her when it just popped out on its own. We turned down the ambulance ride and I took her in myself and we are happy to report only a couple of scratches on her eye and a bit of bruising in her eyelid. She came out very lucky. I am attaching a picture and yes it is what you think it is …. A true accounting emergency. I didn't think anyone would ever believe me so I took a picture of it with my cell phone. It is a hanging file folder, the metal hook is luckily lodged between her eyelid and eyeball.

By Shane

I never thought that bad lucky really existed but for Shawna it haunts her, actually laughs in her face and finds her around every corner, but with that being said she always has a smile on her face and laughs at all the little mishaps.

You make me smile Shawna ;)

40th party

Dean is 40! Dean turned 40 on the 15th of July but because we were all camping the big party was on Saturday night. The yard was prepped, the food was cut and layed out to perfection, (way to go Carol) company from all over arrived and trailers were set up in the back yard. It was in the high 20's and only a chance of a thunder storm to blow through. The horseshoe tourney was on, the kids were running crazy all over the yards, and the black clouds started to roll in. Nobody thought twice about it, but then the wind picked up. . . and the chairs stared to blow around and the rain came and then the hail, and then the power was GONE. . . It all ended by 10pm. The black clouds stayed around and the power stayed off. What do we do. . .fire up the generator, plug in the stereo, and the blender for drinks and we were back in business. The black out didn't stop the kids, they thought it was great they played flash light games all night, and the candles all over Keri's house was rather cool, she has some amazing little nooks to hold the tea lights and we were good to go until dawn. We danced all night, Tod and I danced ourselves out the door just after 3. The beeping started at 4:11am and the light was trickling through the door, the power came back on! I got up to see how many lights were on and the house was lit up like a Christmas Tree. I had to wonder around shutting off lights and then back to bed. Sunday morning came quick, we made a big breakfast with all the campers and spent a couple of hours cleaning Keri's house from all the mud tracked in, but all in all it was contained to the main floor. It was a great party, next to come are Tod and Keri. Just wait you 2 it will be just as crazy as Deans.

ol' Macdonalds Camping

We were at Ol' Macdonald's Camp Ground out by Stettler, and had a great time. G Pharis booked the family in last year for the trip and with golfing a lake and one of the sandest beaches in Alberta we had enough sun to get us well on our way to some great tans for the rest of the summer. We left on Sunday and returned on the Friday. G & G Pharis, Gary, Cathy & Kids, some of Tod's relatives and there grandkids, and then of course Dean & Keri and Family, we all ate until we couldn't eat any more, played in the sand, drove the go carts, played card games "The Mormon Game" (ya Amberly the game you taught us, it has now been named, and played numerous times) and Keri and I even woke up early to go for runs through the camp ground. All in all we had a blast and G Pharis booked us all in again for next year. . .

gone for 9 days

We were on the road to Grandma & Grandpa Thomson's house in Raymond, for 9 days. Saturday June 27 we rolled off in the truck with the trailer in tow. It was going to be an exciting week with the cousins and G & G. Sunday was spent figuring out the menu for the week, and so Monday morning we were off to Lethbridge. The dads , boys and Am went to the matinee of "Transformers", while the moms and little girls went to "Imagine That". After we were full of popcorn, candy and slush we swapped the kids with the dads and the 4 moms went on an extreme grocery extravaganza. Who new how much food wed could pack into 2 vehicles for 20 people and 7 days. I must say all my sister in-laws are packing divas such as myself, and no more O.C.D. than myself, I think i am normal. We arrived home Monday night with supper in tow and needing the men to do some Bar B Qing.

Tuesday was a very busy day with Waterton all planned out. we were up and out of the house in record time, with a picnic packed, swimming gear for Red Rock, and extra clothes. We got to Waterton, first stop was hiking Bears Hump, amazing we almost all made it up, Grama puttered out, and Robbie and Jackson turned around 3/4 the ways up. Jackson was super exhausted and cried the whole time. We did the traditional feed the squirrels, take family portraits and down we went to move on to LUNCH. After this hike we were all ready for some grub. Up to "Red Rock Canyon" for a picnic and a hike up the falls to find the natural water slide. Lunch was delicious, a sandwich, few different salads and fruit was like heaven when you were so starving. We all cleaned up in a hurry in anticipation of the trek up the falls to find the slides. I am thinking that we made it 3/4 of the way there when the moms decided to call it. It was getting a bit extreme for the little ones and considering we had from 1 1/2 years to 17 years in age difference it was time to go back and just play in the low pools. The 4 older kids carried on and made it and of course reported that it was extreme fun. The little kids have no idea what they were missing out on and so maybe next time we will make it all the way, but in the mean time the low pools were fabulous. When all was said and done it was down to the Town site to go for the biggest ice cream you can believe. While eating our ice cream along the shore line of the lake were deer, not just adults but a fawn too. We were within 10 feet of them and wow it was amazing. The kids were in shock to see the fawn up close and personal we had to prod them to leave. On our way home we had a very tired full truck, everybody slept except for Tod. more to come later. . .

emergency dentist for ASPEN :(

Well today was spent finding a Dentist for Aspen to go to because ours was full. Last night Aspen was laughing and some how hit her head on the weight lifting bench and chipped her 2 front permanent teeth :( . Tod and I were up by 8am phone for an appointment and finally I got her one for 3:15pm with a total stranger. she got the one tooth fixed because it was exposed but the other one we just left. She will have to get the other one looked at at her regular appointment. It was an hour long appointment, with a new tooth and a half smile with the freezing still in. The dentist we saw was very nice and fortunately for us he new what he was doing I was a bit scared, and Aspen was freaked out. The needle left no damage to her but it left damage to my left hand from her squeezing so tight. Through her tears she made it.

the weekend came to an end

This past weekend was a big weekend for the Pharis family. We were all involved in our own events at the same time, and yet at different locations.

Tod and I did the MS Bike Tour. It its a 2 day event, with a total of 183km of biking. I finished the tour with a glorious bike time of 5hours & 17Min's. I am very proud of myself and have no pain in fact I went for my 6km run this morning and feel great. Tod finished the first day and with his back that was all he could do, I am very proud that he did that and maybe next year he can cross the finish line with me.

Oakly, Aspen, and Avery were all in their own Soccer Tourney. Their teams made it to the final games and the kids all walked away with something. Oakly's team got Gold, Aspen's team got a Silver with a double overtime and a shoot out, it was very nerve racking. Avery's team also got a Silver in an overtime, it was horrible for me to watch, because Avery was the goalie.

Sunday was a long day for our family. I got done my ride before noon, went home for a quick shower and then off to millet to watch all the kids in their games. Aspen's was the latest so we didn't arrive home until 9:30pm. It was rather late, they were all tiered from camping all weekend and the sun was amazingly hot, (not complaining) but it takes its toll when you are in it for 3 days straight. All in all the Pharis Family all had an amazing weekend doing our various activities.

My weekend was a worry free weekend knowing that the kids were all very well taken care of. S. M. took Okaly, and S. O. took the kids (plus her 3) all camping by herself. We are so blessed to have wonderful friends that love to help out and love our kids. Thanks everybody without you Tod and I couldn't have done it! :)

we made it through

Dance is done and the girls did a great job. After their performance yesterday we went to the Village at Pigeon Lake. They have a few great restaurants and I wanted the kids to experience something different so we went to check it out. We tried Buffalo burgers, Italian Soda (Coconut lime Mmmmm), and few kinds of desserts. It was a great way to spend the rest of our afternoon.
Today is Monday and although I am a regular at work I took the day off to just be alone without running the kids around. Tod took the day off also. We have yard work to catch up on and a neglected house to do some major tossing, putting away and cleaning in, as I type this all I am thinking is that I needed to take the week off. Oh well one day is better than none.
Happy Monday and June 1st (19 days of school left) we are all on the count down. Yippee!!

catch up

Okay Gail this is for you.
We are crazy busy. Life with 3 active kids is great, but always keeps us on our toes. While the month of May brings on Soccer, Dance is still in full swing and so that brings us to over lapping activities. An average week in our house hold looks like this:
Monday: Oakly soccer
Aspen soccer
Avery goes with mom or dad, whichever field has the best playground
Dad & Mom chauffeur & post office cleaning
Tuesday: Oakly post office cleaning
Aspen Jazz
Avery Hip Hop
Mom chauffeur, post office cleaning
Dad post office cleaning
Wednesday: Oakly soccer
Aspen soccer
Avery (same as on Monday)
Dad & Mom (same as on Monday)
Thursday: Oakly post office cleaning
Aspen Hip Hop
Avery post office cleaning
Mom, Aspen's chauffeur
Dad post office cleaning
Friday: Okaly
Aspen
Avery
Dad & Mom
Everybody does the post office cleaning.
I know this night looks boring. but we love boring!!
Saturday: Oakly
Aspen
Avery soccer
Dad & Mom try to catch up on all the good things we have neglected during the week.
Sunday: Not sure if this day exists it flies by so fast.
This is the average week in our house, but this week we are adding on Dress-rehearsals for the girls, Monday, Tuesday & Thursday. Starting on Friday night Aspen has her first recital, Saturday she has another Recital, as well the kids have soccer pictures through out the day. On Sunday both Girls have their Recital. So in a nut shell we are stinking busy and frankly I am excited for May to be over with.


The kids have all participated in Track meet this month. Aspen & Avery got First over all for their age categories, and Aspen is going on to Regional's June 2. Oakly did well at his Track meet and went to Regional's today, we are not sure how he did, the bus was ready to leave so they didn't get to stay for the last standings, we will find out tomorrow. I am so very glad my kids are active and like to be, maybe they will be up and running with me in the mornings. HA HA HA

Tod & I went out on a date last Friday. It was very quite and relaxing. We had Supper at the Keg (how can you go wrong), off to a movie ( Angels & Demons), and then we had time to go to Canadian Tire and buy my bedding plants. Now I just need to find a day to plant them. . .

Maylong Weekend

Camping on May long Weekend always proves to be interesting. When I pack the trailer I pack for Rain, Sun and Snow. The trailer is filled to capacity with clothes and food, you never now what you are going to encounter. We had a ton of fun, and the kids had so many things to do. When I have more time I will put more details in. The snow was great on monday morning. . .

High Gold

Aspen danced today and her group got High Gold!! It was AWESOME! They really did a great job.

On Saturday Tod and I went with a few other Bikers on a 33km ride it was a sunny calm day and some of us got sunburns. Today Tod and I went out for a 15km ride in the wind. It was rather tough but all in all we managed to do it in 36min's. YAY! for us we are getting faster and did I mention that it was really windy, it was. Tomorrow I am going for my 5km run. Rain, Snow, or Wind I have to get out. It has been 2 weeks, because of weather and I won't let it hold me back any longer.

my hair really is this long

I got my hair cut, colored and straightened. Yes straight, now the bad part is that it took over an hour to get it like this and by 6:30am tomorrow it will be all curly again. Tod will be happy, he dislikes my straight hair and loves the curls. I just can't get over how long it is, and how short it will be when curly. All afternoon I was Avery's show and share. She can't get over how different I look. The Kindergarten kids also were in a bit of shock, I got called "Hannah Montana", they really like me, how cute is that!

found it

I found the picture frame that completed my wall sticker. Now I have to get my pictures put in it. Althought the girl in it is pretty, my family will look better hanging on my wall.

Soccer in the snow

Oakly & Aspen played their 1st Soccer Games tonight in the sun, rain, & snow. You know you live in Canada in the Great White North when 3 of the 4 seasons all happen within 40min's. The kids both won their games. Who has hot chocolate and cuddles by the fireplace after a soccer game? I know it is crazy, maybe on Wednesday nights games we can play in the sun! Hopefully when Avery starts soccer on Saturday she has nice weather.
Happy 4 seasons. . .I wonder what it will be in the morning. . .Rain, Sun, Wind or Snow?
Good Night

Dance

Aspen had competition today in Airdrie. We were up and out of the house by 7am. She had to be at the Dance Hall for 10am. They got Gold, and Best Choreography. We are all on pins and needles waiting for the phone call by 10:30 tonight to see if we have to go back tomorrow for the final dance off. Here group really rocked and they had FUN!! Way to go Appy!

Last night I got a phone call from Shawna at 11pm, knowing something was up cuz she phoned so late. She need someone to watch the boys while Shane took her to the Hospital, she said she was have contraction like pains and we all know she is not pregnant. Earlier yesterday she took some bowl prep stuff to clear her out well, it did that and then some. She has appendicitis. She is in surgery right now getting her appendix out! OUCH!! Her neighbor took the boys for the night, because I had to be up and gone so early, but when we got home tonight I went and picked them up for a sleepover and who knows what tomorrow will bring. They are such good little boys and get along with the kids so well its lick having my 6 kids that I thought I always wanted, so glad I didn't have naturally. Thank Heavens for friends with great kids. Wish you all the best in recovery Shawna, you know I have your back. :) & your kids.

Easter 2009

We had a full 4 day weekend, that has ended me with a head cold.

Friday morning Tod & I started our day off with a 5km run, it was refreshing, in the rain. We then headed for the Post Office for a top to bottom cleaning, including the waxing of the floor. We did what we could for the day & went to Grandma & Grandpa Pharis' for a different kind of Easter Supper. We had home made Fried Chicken & Biscuits.

Latter that night Tod & I had a Surprise Birthday Party for Tina. It was a Blast! Oakly & Aspen babysat Avery, Pacey, Ansen & Keegan @ the Ofstie's & did great, despite the rain storm that rolled through. When we got home everybody was sound asleep.

Saturday came quickly with a full day of me on the computer trying to get the Elementary Year Book completed before my deadline. Tod & the kids spent the day doing garage, bottle & a little bit of yard clean up. When they took the bottles in they got just over $200 that's 3 house holds of bottles. That is going to buy us alot of pop for camping.

Sunday brought on the Rempel Farm Easter. We have been going to the Farm for 3 years. We color eggs and do an Egg Hunt. We always have an amazing amount of Fun, and the kids smiles are worth the panic for the egg hunt. I was in charge of Dessert and tried my hand at cupcake cakes, they turned out alright and tasted Mmm. .. ..

No Easter would be complete without a ride on the horse's. If we would let Aspen she would of had supper on the horse and done the egg hunt with the Horse. She didn't want to get off.

March catch up

Well on March 11 I took the girls to the Musical "Annie" we were in the balcony, it was great. It was also Shawna's Birthday so we went for supper at Red Lobster. The night was a great success. I am now on the count down for "The Lion King" musical which starts on July 3rd it will be an amazing show.

March 21st came and Aspen had a HIP-HOP competition at the Jubilee, as well as Oakly had Hockey Provincials. Tod and Oakly went on thier way to Hardesty on Thursday night, and it was just the girls and I. After school on Friday we packed up after school and headed into Edmonton to stay at Aunty Tanis' (Pam's sister) she has adopted the girls and they love her, we all love her. We had a girls night at her place. She took us out to supper at "Montana's", the ribs were fabulous. It was straight home to bed after that because 5:30am was going to come early.
Yes . . .it was early! The girls did amazing Aspen had to be at the Jubilee for 7:00am and ready to dance for 8 sharp. The competition was delayed for about 20 min's due to problems with the sound system. Aspen's group was 2nd and they were outstanding. . . The gold at the end of the adjudication was a real treat for their first Competition. They were also given' the "Under Dog" award, meaning that they will be great with more practice. Way to go my Hip-Hop Queen!!
For the rest of the afternoon we went shopping and had fun. My birthday was the next day so of course I needed Birthday shoes and found 3 pairs what a find. That night we had a girls party. Everybody gathered with food and drinks of their liking and we had Chantelle come do manicures and pedicures. It was so much FUN and we didn't have to leave Thorsby.
Oakly and Tod were away with hockey and they thought they were in for the finals and Sunday mornings game proved to take them over. They were beat and that knocked them out of the final game. So Provincials were over for this year, but the team still had League Play Offs. In the end we were beat out by the Forestburg Lightening Stars. The Team put up a good fight. Maybe next year Okaly!!!

AMAZING

Aspen & Sadie

Yes they found my tickle. . .

We really do clean up good.

My little princess

How old is she. . .16? NO only just 11.

These are from our photo shoot at aneca photography. http://anecaphotography.blogspot.com/ TJ did an amazing job, and these are only a few of the pictures I can't wait to see the rest. Thanks TJ ;)

still have snow

It is Sunday and we still have snow, wind, and cold. Little blizzards make their way through and then they are gone.
Tod took the O & AK to the Oil kings Game tonight in Edmonton and it took him over an hour too get their. They had a great time. AK got the tickets given to her from school. She does an AMA safety program after school and 10 kids got 2 tickets each to the game. O went and they just bought him a ticket their.
Avery & I made cards all afternoon. It was fun but she got way more done than I did. Some how that doesn't help me out, when I am running low on my cards & I spent more time cutting paper for her & telling her "Yes, that matches." or 'Yes It is very cute." We worked hard and she kept me buisy. We talked to Grandma Thomson on the Webcam, Avery loved it. She missed out last night when we were all on, that didn't make her to happy, but to have Grandma all to herself was great.
Good Night!!!

This is for Emma

My sticker

I have found a new way to decorate and love it. This is my first 1 up. I haven't gotten my pictures to go with it yet. I will get to them soon enough. This is on my stairway.

I just need to share

Well as most of you know I hate shopping @ the stores. I would rather do all my shopping on line. My sister knows this very well and in the past few days she has sent me 2 great sites and I know I will be placeing an order for some Francie Pants for the girls I love them and so do they. Thanks Tonya you just spent more of my money, I love you!
http://francie-pants.com/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=96 {Francie Pants}
http://www.shopittome.com/?refID=salemail {Shop It To Me}
Happy Shopping, if you need more sites I can set you up.
$$$$$

Snow Day Fun

Today was a SNOW DAY. . . SICK DAY!!

The week started off great, until Tuesday morning hit. Tod and I booth woke up with a soar throat. We sucked it up and both went to work for the day, but that night wasn't so great. Tod showed up with NyQuil, Neo Citron, & DayQuil, if anything we were sleeping for sure. Wednesday was another day, but not only did we still have sore throats the girls had the same thing. Again we sucked it up and went to school and work. During the day the girls would come to my room for Halls, when we got home that night I decided that we were all staying home for Thursday. Thursday morning came and Tod was up to do the shovelling, when I looked out the window and the Snow & Wind had taken over. I knew that the blizzard had started late Wednesday night, but had no idea what it would bring for the morning. The Buses weren't running for school and with the wind howling, not a ton of community kids would be showing up for school either. It should have been a great Snow Day, but we were ALL SICK! This is the first time I can remember that we were all home. . . sick! What a lazy day it was. Hopefully with all this laying around we will feel better soon.
Happy S. . .ick, S. . . now Day ;(

Fluffy + 3 = 4

Saturday morning started off earlier than we all anticipated. Fluffy was in - in bed with Aspen when she gave birth to the first kitten.  Aspen paged me on the phone to lewt me know what was going on. I went and got Avery out of bed and we both headed to Aspen's room.  Fluffy had 3 kittens, one every hour, unitl 8:30. We stripped Aspen's bed and put everybody on a clean blanket and then Fluffy moved her new family to the closet, where they are still. They are very cute and cuddly.

Later that morning Aspen had Hip-Hop for 2 hours and then we were off to Spruce Grove for a photo shoot with Nerissa Christenson and her daughter Sadie. We spent 2 1/2 hours playing dress up and looking amazing for the camera. I can't wait to see the pictures. The photographer TJ Aneca is very fun, spontaneous and made the girls feel like they were super models.

That night we went to a House party for Okaly's Hockey team. We all had a great time. Avery was ready to come home by 10:00 and didn't even make it to the house before she crashed. Tod, Okaly and Aspen got home just before 12:00. They were earlier than others. 

Sunday morning Oakly had a Hockey game and they won 13 - 8. We return to Stettler this Saturday for another game and then if we win this we are on to the playoffs for the league.

it is friday night

It is Friday Night & although it is 8o'clock we just finished having our miss mash supper, and now we are gearing up for a movie. Tod is preparing to snuggle with me & watch "P. S. I Love You". I went to the theater to watch this with the girls, we cried & are all agree that we need to go to Ireland. . . You need to watch the movie to see why & maybe you will be on the next train with us.
Happy Weekend !!

catch up

We are on the count down for Fluffy's babies. It is any day now and the house is buzzing with anticipation. Avery is so worried that she is going to miss it all she is constantly asking if the babies are here. . . .We will keep you posted.
Last Friday I had a home party with 3 parties in one, it was great! I had Silpada (Jewelry) http://www.silpada.com, Uppercase living (wall stickers) http://www.uppercaseliving.com/, and Two peas in a Pod (wood crafts). We had so much Fun the party lasted until just after 10:00pm. Thanks girls for all coming it was nice to relax and not talk work or Hockey! All though I have acquired a new sign from Two peas in a Pod which reads: There are four Seasons . . . Spring, Summer, Fall and Hockey! Goes with our life so well, don't you think.
It is getting close to March and the bike is itching to come off the wall. I have to train for the MS Tour and then get on my runners, I had a lack of oxygen this morning when I agreed to participate in a run called Melissa's Run. It is a race held in Banff and although 2 of my friends signed up for the 22km run I opted to take the challenge of the 10km run. I am sure I can do the 10km, but not so sure about the 22km, maybe I can work up to that the following year. I am looking forward to doing it and challenging myself.
tonight was a bitter sweet night . . . Keri had a last supper for her Nanny Riza. Riza is leaving the neighborhood. Yes she was the Waters' Nanny, but she was every bodies cook when spring and summer hit, it was nice to know that Riza had everything under control, and the food was fabulous. She also did some baby sitting for myself when I started going back to work. We will miss her, but are so excited for Dean & Keri to take a new step in their life and one that will have them on their toes for a while. I am always here for you Keri. . . The supper tonight was awesome, home made Spring rolls, Borscht, Potatoes and gravy & Pork kabobs, with a chocolate cake to top it off. What a great supper. . . You will be missed Riza thank you for everything you did for the neighborhood!
Hope you all appreciate the little things in life because you never know when they are going to be gone. Good Night!

Procrastination

P R O C R A S T I N A T I O N. . . what a big heavy word! I have done it and regret it. I was the step in secretary for our T.E.P.A. Board, which really I am the Vice President and have the cushiest job ever. Non the less I was in charge of the Min's from the last meeting and now tonight I remembered that I haven't typed up the Min's. Yikes I got it done but what a pain in the butt and I am so not good with my words. Thank heavens for the President, Shawna you are awesome. Well my big long word is not one that I like to use often or at all, but it came into play tonight and I didn't much like it.

Family Day

Today was our province wide Family Day. Yes you are supposed to spend time with your Family having fun. Well my day started off early, I had to go shovel the walk @ the post office by 7:30am. I got home & was freezing, the house was still quite with no sound of anybody stirring, so I ate breakfast in the quite & crawled back into my nice warm bed. Tod then woke up by9:30 & the rest of the house was starting to get restless. He got out of bed & began the breakfast duty. I could hear him unloading the dishwasher & loading it back up again, & washing some dishes by hand. Next thing I new he was vacuuming the upstairs and came in to the room to say Hi! & ask me how my morning was going. Well as you can tell from the first part it was great. It was already 11:00am & I had done nothing, except shovel early this morning, I was just lying in bed looking out the window @ the beautiful sun wishing for the warmth, but knowing that as soon as I stuck my nose out the door the -15 was going to hit me hard. Avery came & crawled in with me & together we finished all her reading books.
Well since it was time for lunch I figured I would hit the shower & get ready to go to the complex. Yes we are their a lot but today was different. They had games, free bowling and free skating all after noon. Avery was dying to go skating so off we went. We got their & to our surprise it was busy. We ended up on the ice for a good hour & a half and then an hour of crafts and games and it was time to come home. We all had a good time and I think Tod has convinced me to let the girls play Hockey next year. . .YIKES!! It's not that I don't want them to play it is just a bigger amount of time we get to spend in the rink. Well on the positive side if I know what they are doing and have to be their for them to do it they can't get into to much trouble. The girls have been begging to play for a while and they can both skate like the wind now we just have to work on that stick and puck coordination, good thing we have a few months to figure this all out. The Pharis Family had a great Family Day. . . hope the rest of you did too. . .
Happy Family Day

she is 11. . .

Aspen turned 11, ELEVEN, on Friday. WOW! I can't belive that she is that old yet. It was not to long ag I was still waking up in the night with her, feeding her, still allowed in the bathroom with her and new everything that was going on in school without asking 100 questions. She had 9 girls for a movie hotub party and they all had a blast. The last 2 went home at 11:00pm and 2 girls spent the night. They ended up staying up talking till 1am or so. It was a good party!
Aspen I can't believe I have an eleven year old daughter. It is amazing to me. . .

Las Vegas 2009

Photobucket Album

Snow Day Fun

These are pictures of our snow day Jan. 10/09. The first nice day to play outside without the wind or -40. We had a lot of FUN!

Avery trying to snowboard. . .

CHOICES & CONSEQUENCES. . .

As I said yesterday was haircut day . . . well we had a few lessons on choices & consequences. I was trying to talk to the girls about what they really wanted, with no help from G Pharis, she was all about the bangs & short hair. As the mom I thought okay well you make the choice & then maybe next time you will listen to your mother. Both are now wishing they would have listened to me before. Aspen wanted wispy bangs, so that's what she got, not 1/2 hour later she was crying because they were in her eyes. Avery got in the chair & begged for short hair like Brooke's(a little girl from hockey), well she got that & the bangs. She started crying after her shower, she couldn't part her hair down the middle like she likes, & it was over after that. The tears were free flowing for about an hour or more and let me tell you we had a good discussion about the choices they made & how mom tried to talk both of them out of it. It is only hair & it will grow back, but in the mean time I am thinking that they will learn to love what they have or we will have a few more tears in the mornings before school when we are trying to figure out what to do with bangs for the first time & no quick ponytails.
I got my hair layered & colored, it was my decision but I love it! :) no tears from the mom. I have already made my hair mistakes a few times, starting probably when I was about 10-11 (Aspen's age) when I would phone up Janelle VanOrman & beg her for a haircut. What happened was a really short do with a ton of curls. It looked like I had a ski jump on the top of my head. I lived with it & started growing it out on that day. But that didn't stop me I did more crazy hair things & now being 32 I am finally figuring it out. So I am sure you are thinking why did you let them do it. . . well it is only hair and eventually it will grow back, & while the girls don`t like it yet, they do look cute & they will get used to it soon . . . I hope!
(I will get pictures of the new hair soon)

Avery`s hair

Were are getting ready for LasVegas!!!

We are done school for the week & tomorrow is my day. I have a massage in the morning & then in the afternoon the girls & I are getting our hair done. I am so excited my hair is in need of a little TLC. Trying to get things together for the kids for the next week! I hope I don't forget anything.

longtime & i know all are waiting

Okay so it is the end of January and I have been slacking. It has been such a short month, and cold well we have had cold since December and I am not sure that Spring is just around the corner. . . but we are willing to wait.
Tod & I are leaving on Monday to go to Las Vegas with Dean & Keri & her parents. We already have tickets to the Blue Man group on Tuesday night & can't wait. We have never been to Vegas with friends so this should be a lot of FUN, not to mention it is everybody elses first time in Vegas, we are the veterans with all the good shopping spots and great places to eat.
The girls are staying with G & G Pharis, while Okaly is going to a friends house because of his hockey schedule. He is in playoffs for Provincials right now with the first series done they are working on the second one. G Pharis can take the girls to their dance classes with no problem they are in Thorsby, not much travelling. The girls are on a count down to stay at G & G's house.
Other news in our house, Fluffy(the cat) is pregnant again, this is batch #2. She should be having her babies the last week of February or first week of March. The kids are excited and talking about keeping them all, but knowing they will all be going to new homes.
We are still having Computer issues the one is still getting fixed, apparently the virus is bad and they have to delete the whole system and reboot it with the basics. The other one still has no sound and so it makes it hard to communicate with anybody through gmail or skype.
So to all my family and friends we are still here just not around the house much right now!
Till next time CHAO!!

What a great Laugh

This so true it made me laugh. . .
After Christmas
'Twas the week after Christmas, and all through the house, nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.
The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste, At the holiday parties had gone to my waist.
When I got on the scales, there arose such a number!When I walked to the store, 'twas less walk and more lumber.
I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared; the gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,
The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese, and the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."
As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt and prepared once again to do battle with dirt,
I said to myself ... as I only can..."You can't spend a winter disguised as a man!"
So away with the last of the sour cream dip, Get rid of the fruit cake,every cracker and chip
Every last bit of food that I like must be banished "Till all the additional ounces have vanished.
I won't have a cookie - not even a lick.I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick.
I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie, I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.
I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore But isn't that what January is for?
Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.
Happy New Year to all~~~ and to all a good diet !!!

Out of the mouths of Children

Well in doubt of what you don't know ask a child or better yet my niece Kenzy. . . "If you are thirsty, just swallow your spit." WOW! words to live by. She was making a comment about our water shortage. What a smart girl!
Well it was back to work and school today for the Pharis house hold and we were all ready to get in the shower at 7 for our 5min's of water consumption, and well it didn't happen the water wasn't turned on this morning and the tub full of water looked awfully chilly. Tod, Okaly and myself all dunked our heads and me twice (curly hair has it's pros and cons)it really does repel the water. We all survived a little chilly, but we all got out the door and too our various destinations.
Tonight after school the water was running and that meant scrubbing, laundry & dishes. The house is getting in tiptop shape & the laundry is down too 2 loads from 5. All in all we are adjusting to the water just fine and know how fortunate we are to have this novelty.
Happy first week of January!!

School is in a day!!!

School is on a day and that means work is in a day!! I am very excited, I know to go to work is not that exciting but their I will have running water. So washing hands and flushing toilets is a novelty I will enjoy participating in.
We have a count down until it is 7pm and the girls and I are ready to hit the showers. We have everything ready and waiting.
We also have our bags ready for tomorrow! Avery read all her school books, Aspen started packing her lunch and I have my work bag packed.
Tod and Oakly are at Hockey in Innisfall. They won't be home until after 7 and that is after last call for water. They will have to battle it out in the morning.
So it will be Monday and we are all in anticipation as to whether or not we will have water by the night. My list of things to do when we do have water is crazy. To start off the 4 loads of laundry are pilling higher than I want them too. The holding pots and sinks for our water are looking a little grubby, nothing some TLC can't fix and when we have water that is exactly what else is on my list, as well with scrubbing floors and washing dishes with the dishwasher.
The simple things in life that we all take for granted.

Christmas 2008