A thought

I am having one of those days where I feel like I haven't gotten anything done and it's already lunchtime. I was being really hard on myself about it and felt as though I was being really lazy.  I was sitting on the couch, watching Benson watch a movie and thinking, "what have I done today?"

I thought came to me then. I should focus on the things that I have done, not the things I have not!

I was up early this morning, said my prayers, got four children ready for school in Halloween costumes - with hair appropriate for their costume.  Said family prayer, packed up lunches and got three of the kids to school.  

I hadn't found a Halloween costume for Kaia and she had to be at school at 7:30 today, so I went to my moms to gather one up for her, bring it over to her school and get her ready for Halloween. It made her day. I then raced back home, taught piano for an hour and a half.  Nursed the baby for over an hour while I sat down on the couch and had a little chill time. That's where I was when I started having these thoughts.  I was looking around at all that I needed to do and focusing on all that I hadn't done.  

I truly think that this is a mom's worst inner demon.  We focus so much on all that's left to do, so we get discouraged and feel useless.  It is so important that we realize that we are doing so much with the little things that we are doing. I hope I can keep that mentality for the rest of the day while I am getting things done so that I can realize that I am actually making a difference!

Hmmm

I put on Saryn's new headband to get the hair out of my face - and then forgot it was in.  A couple hours later, Kienna told me that she liked my headband because it "suited my personality".  Not sure what to think about that one...

She said it's just because I have a colourful personality.  That girl makes me laugh!

Being Benson

This morning Benson comes downstairs after sleeping in (in my bed because he crawled in with us at around 5:30). 

"Hey Bens, you're awake!"

"Yep, with the rooster!"

"You had a rooster wake you up?"

"Yep and the sun came up as it was AWEsome!"  (He does something along the lines of this pose)

He's also been cracking me up with saying, "come on mom!" in a whiny voice whenever I ask him to do something or say he needs to wait for something etc.  I have no idea where he picked it up, but it's hilarious!

My Little Addict

Benson wakes up this morning.

"Mom, can I play on your phone?"

"Um, don't you want breakfast?"

"NO!! I just want to play on your phone!"

My apologies... 

Never Wake a Sleeping Baby

I've heard this advice my whole life.  I've also heard "Let sleeping dogs lie" etc. and it makes perfect sense.  I'm tempted to ignore it today though.  Lanaya has been sleeping for 11 and a half hours and I just can't believe it.  Maybe I'll let her get to 12?  I think we have a growing girl on our hands...

Gratitude

Dinner was a hit tonight.  Last night, only a hit for some.  I was feeling frustrated because I had worked hard to make a decent meal and it wasn't appreciated.  

This morning, I checked my email and had received an email from Kienna.  The conversation went something like this.

"Thank you for your dinner!!! I'm so grateful that I have such an amazing MOM."

"You're pretty amazing yourself!"

"U are welcome!  And though sometimes I feel so frustrated with u,  I do have an AMAZING mom.😍I know I am blessed to have a great mom like you.😃"

Some days it's all worth it!

Bragging Rights

After studying hard for a test all about geography in Canada, Kienna got "39%"!  Apparently that's the funny way of saying 100% (39/39).

Also found a note to Jaymeson from his teacher.

Jaymeson was beaming when he read this.  He is so excited for reading!

A Benson and Mommy Picnic

Benson and I went for a picnic for lunch today.  We walked all the way to the designated spot (family room) while holding our popcorn and smoothies.  We settled in right next to the river (carpet) by some cool rocks (fireplace) so that we could throw the rocks into the river.  Benson totally had the biggest splash (and biggest imagination).  We sure had fun picnicking!  We even were able to do it all while Lanaya napped!

Perspective

I just got this adorable picture of my new niece, Cayley, texted to me.

I showed Benson and his response was the completely appropriate one.  "Awww, the Teddy Bear is holding her!"

"Yeah, it's cute isn't it?"

"No, it's just kind of weird..."

Kaia

Due to various reasons, multiple debates and a school counsel, Kaia skipped Grade 6 this year and went into Grade 7.  Along with switching peers, she has also changed schools and moved into Jr High.  She has, because of being isolated from her siblings, received a cell phone.  This decision was made to simplify my life so that I can correspond with her during school hours and let her know where to go after school and who she will be going with. Although I still feel that these are valid reasons, I have wondered if it's really worth the expense etc.

Today, Kaia called me from school at lunch time.  She's worried about a girl in her class who is acting up.  She's being unkind to her fellow students, and doing other inappropriate things.  Kaia wasn't sure what the appropriate response is.  She wanted to know the best way to help this girl.  She had decided to talk to the  guidance counsellor, but wanted to see if I had any other suggestions or ideas.  I was proud of her for being concerned... And also happy that she cares enough to do something about it.

I'm also really glad she has her phone because I have learned a whole new purpose for it.  She is able to make me a part of her more difficult social decisions - as long as she thinks to call.  I sure appreciate that she cares enough and trusts me enough to do so.  Let's just pray that we can keep this relationship going through all her teenage years!

Tender Mercies

Had a few days recently where I was feeling simply overwhelmed.  One such day, I had a friend call Benson over for a playdate (which ended up being a great conversation for me as well).  I also had another friend text me a "just thinking about you" kind of text.
As I went to go pick up the kids from school, I also realized that that grass seed that I had put down had grown.
Although seemingly small things, I felt so strongly of my Heavenly Father's love and reassurance that he is watching over me.

Conference Saturday

Session one ended like this

My kids were little angels.  It was fantastic! 

During the break, they were assigned to clean their room.  After I took everything out of the older girls closet, we brought everything upstairs and we are sorting!  

You get the idea... Here's to a productive second session!

Sleeping Beauty

Look at this sweet little face that I get to see every morning as I roll over in bed.

Makes me feel so blessed!

This morning, I had two little boys come snuggle me too!  So glad I could take the time to actually snuggle them instead of kicking them out to get them dressed for school.  Love Saturdays!

Alberta Fall

Yesterday was a "shorts" day.  So naturally the kids come downstairs in shorts today.  "You guys, it's below zero outside and there's frost on the ground!" "So what?  I wore shorts yesterday and didn't freeze."

"Please wear pants you guys."

Soon I look over and see Saryn putting on her winter parka.

"Okay, just because it's not shorts weather outside, doesn't make it the dead of winter."

Only two seasons here... You can see their confusion.