"Stand Back!"

We've been having more snot rockets... the most embarrassing one being in the middle of church when I was on my last kleenex and the boy had to hold his hands to his face and walk past everyone to go to the restroom to get cleaned up.

In searching for fun books to read during winter break, I came across this one - thinking of the boy and his issues. Let me tell you, it is a very fun read and such a hilarious story. The writing is wonderful and the pictures will make you laugh out loud and tell the story themselves. I definitely recommend checking out this book: "Stand Back," Said the Elephant, "I'm Going to Sneeze!"

'Twas

'Twas another memorable Christmas... one filled with family and wonderful traditions - not to mention good food.

'Twas another Sunday where I did sharing time and reinforced our 2008 theme: "I am a Child of God" one more time. I love my calling. I never thought I would say that.

'Twas another afternoon enjoying writing journals, thank you notes and talking about goals for the New Year.

Of course I'm also pondering the blogosphere and have decided to become more private. 'Twas inevitable... and thus the shortness of the season's events.

I do want to share this incredible story that filled me up and gave me warm fuzzies realizing the caring spirit of humankind that not only 'twas, but 'tis... enjoy.

Beautiful Birthday Girl; Beautiful Day

Presents
Bowling
Good Friends

Baptism

Lots of Family

= a memorable day for all of us

Beauty is a Beast

I was busy holding her hand when the big crocodile tears came down... but all in all she is happy with her honkin' huge diamond earrings! I fear we will be in trouble with all the "bling" that may be expected in her future! But she's happy and she sure looks pretty too!

Week... end!

Parties and more parties! It always seems like you hit a certain date in December where suddenly there is no turning back and so many events to attend. I wish they could be more spread out... but it is also kind of fun. Today at church the boys were planning yet another party with some of their friends and apparently Mr. T offered to bring the popcorn because, "Popcorn makes the party" - didn't you know!

We were all pretty happy this weekend. We mixed in some service with some fun though it was busy busy busy, the kids were happy to finally see Santa and I was happy to finally see "Twilight".

Sneaking some illegal mall santa pics - they wanted me to pay $17 for this horrible shot! Little E asked for another baby brother. We're not letting them watch "Miracle of 34th Street" again!

This santa was a bit too touchy feely. Later he was rubbing Baby J's leg and telling him how pretty he was - just like his Mommy - when he started rubbing my leg I nearly kicked his hand and we got up. If you look closely at this picture he's staring over at me instead of listening intently to my daughter's wishes. Mrs. Claus needs to accompany him on more business trips I think.

Mr. T's awesome physical therapist at the clinic's annual Snowflake Festival... seriously the best Christmas party around. Every year my kids think it's hilarious that she forgets to get dressed the day of the party!

He won a prize doing the "cake walk" (sans cake) game. This is seriously his new best friend.

Little E's amazing speech therapist and my good friend. Aren't they both adorable?!

SOOO ready to see "Twilight" - and yes, that's a nice new jacket (though not the best picture of it).

I loved this - five boys, 2 controlers, 1 star wars video game. We were having a math lesson!

Our graham cracker gingerbread houses from playgroup. I only burned myself twice this year - though I still have another twenty to make for school next week!

Bell ringing in the warm mall. Our friends stopped by and this is the first picture we have of us doing this - though it is our fourth or fifth year (I can't recall). We were stationed right across from Claires so Miss J could watch all the Christmas shoppers getting their ears pierced -something that will be happening for her this week!

And I didn't even bring my camera to EVERYTHING we did. I'm sure you all know what I mean. Next weekend brings with it even more festivities and also lots of family coming... so this may be it for a while. A girl can only put off cleaning her bathroom for so long :)

Merry Christmas.

Missing in Action

In the midst of all the falalalala I’ve been trying to update or apply for all that comes with belonging to this country. Passports, drivers license, social security… except each place takes certain documents that others require the original for and vice versa, so that there is a very delicate order in which to do all of these fantastic form-filling flings. Thankfully I speak English rather well, and so I’m at a bit of an advantage… but still… “expect delays” is my new mantra when entering a government building with several children following suit.

And, should all the stars align and my computer co-operate (ie – not crash), I should be able to complete our family gift in time for Christmas mailing – or am I already too late… oh, that means entering another government-run building doesn’t it. Anyways, I really think that homemade gifts can be wonderfully meaningful, but gosh darn it aren’t they so time consuming? Time is love, right? Is that why my kids aren’t feeling it lately? I was also working making some money for the first time in years, but geeze, that’s time consuming too. I want more time for Christmas… and I’d love to get that gift early.

Miss J told us about a nightmare she had the other night where she died. It was so real that she was crying. She said Mr. Man and I went into her bedroom to mourn her loss when all of a sudden we saw her tsi tsi (nickname for her blankie) and her cat floating off into the sky… since her “invisible” spirit came back for her comfort objects. We had to do a bit of explaining about not bringing our “things” with us… but we did promise to bury them in her coffin with her and she seemed okay with that. She is getting ready to be baptized next week and said the other day that she can’t believe how fast this time has come, that she feels like she should have another year before she’s eight. Oh, hunny… I know!

Mr. T is spending hours outside in the cold – whether or not there is snow – he loves the cold. He is also up early early every morning trying to find where our elf, Snowflake, has situated himself for the day. Our schooling has gotten a little bit more laid back as we enjoy making homemade gifts for siblings and cousins, but there is lots to learn about snowflakes, penguins and gingerbread boys, right?! And he is reading... yeah! A whole new world has opened up.

Little E loves all the commercial cheese that comes with Christmas, and in a way its enjoyable. Personally, I like classic decorations, and could never imagine putting coloured lights on my tree or a blown-up santa, reindeer or penguin on my front lawn. But Little E is delirious over these decorations. He spots them as we drive around and is always the first to exclaim, “Look at those decorations! Ooooh, I love that. We need to get that decoration. It’s beautiful!” And really, it is fun isn’t it. So I pulled out the santa towels I’ve had for years but never been able to swallow and actually hang… and it’s not so bad. In fact, I watched Mr. T comb Santa’s beard along with his own hair this morning. So I’m trying to enjoy the childlike pleasures. The other day in the car I spotted the “beautiful decorations” first and excitedly told Little E. I definitely thought I was scoring points until he replied, “I know Mom, I see those every day.” So I still have a bit to learn.
Baby J needs a new name on my blog… he is no longer a baby. He is starting to babble constantly and imitate many many words he hears us say. He is fluent in his own language, and we’re hoping he picks up on more of ours as well. “Dora” and “Elmo” – pronounced “Melmo” are big time favourites, and every santa and snowman are affectionately pointed at and called “Melmo” as well. He is sure going to be aware of what goes on this Christmas. While definitely a trouble-maker (I know, it’s the age) he is also so very loving and has such a sweet demeanor, that you can’t help but be captivated by his flirtatious smile.

So, don’t stop checking My Many Coloured Days… we are well, but we are busy… and besides, there are big flakes coming down as I write that will need to be enjoyed, or at least gazed at from inside while sipping hot chocolate!

Partners

Our family has a soft spot for ambulances, ever since my brother’s life was so carefully and quickly cared for within one. Just moments ago, while driving, we pulled over so that one could race through a red light. The boys also offered a quick prayer for the person whose life must be in jeopardy, as I too offered a prayer in my heart. Immediately afterwards the following conversation ensued:

Mr. T: “That’s what I want to be when I grow up.”
Me (touched): “An ambulance driver? That’s really special.”
Mr. T: “No. A police officer. I want to race through red lights, have my lights flashing, and you know what the best part is?”
Me: “What?”
Mr. T: “You get to carry a real gun.”
Little E: “Yeah. After I’m a Jedi Knight, I’m going to be a police officer too.”
Mr. T: “You’re going to have to be careful with your gun. You can only use it if there are bad guys that are going to kill someone good.”
Little E: “Yeah. But sometimes little kids are bad and you have to shoot them too.”
Mr. T: “I think you better stick with me and we’ll be partners. We can work together and drive in our police car.”
Little E: “I want to drive.”
Mr. T: “Well, you can’t. I’m older.”
Little E: “You’ll always be older than me. But someday I’ll be bigger. I’ll be bigger than you and then I’ll make you let me drive.”
Mr. T: “Don’t you want to be a cowboy? Cowboys are cool. They get to carry a gun and a whip – just like Indiana Jones.”

I love the older brother manipulation here! Also, it was only the other night that Mr. Man stated that he hoped none of our kids would ever be police officers. Sorry Mr. Man. Although, you may end up with a cowboy too.

Sleepless Thoughts

I believe in life after death; sincerely and with an immense amount of gratitude for Him whose season we celebrate. I love that our Savior loves us so much to allow us to love forever. While I do not pretend to know or understand all that our afterlife will be, I do wonder about it from time to time, and I definitely know that it exists.

As someone who loves to sleep as a hobby, I have often contemplated whether or not that hobby will move with my spirit. This was just one of the many thoughts that rolled through my exhausted mind last night while I succored my poor, sick with the chicken pox, baby and then suffered from insomnia in between his un-restful moments. How can a parent sleep when there are children with needs to be met, lessons to be taught, and love to be tendered? As I rocked (either my child or myself to sleep) I pondered the needs and trials of many people in our family, church and community. My heart ached and my mind contemplated and many prayers were offered. And I realized, our Father must get much less sleep than I did last night. He who has so many children with so many needs, He who has so much to give, teach and offer. How He must ache to have rocked his infant Son, and how He must ache when we don’t allow Him to comfort us in our daily grievances. He must smile from above when He sees one of his children stop their selfish cares and truly care for another one of His children; just as I beam when one of my children takes a moment to make the other sincerely laugh and smile.

And I feel blessed. All of my children are birthed. We have been fortunate enough to be spared the death of a new baby; the horrors of having to bury such a small infant are beyond me. There are so many who are not spared this experience. Sickness, real sickness, is another that is so far beyond the small annoyances we have been dealt. As I spoke with a young father whose baby, just a couple of months younger than my own, has recently been diagnosed with leukemia and is sentenced to at least a year in hospital with a 50/50 chance of survival, I feel heartache mixed with relief. As I listened to his testimony of how they are going to survive this devastating challenge, I again felt certain that there is life after death, love beyond this earth and ultimately incredible love in this life. I hope that we will all allow the joy of the season, the season of giving, the season of Christ to enter into our hearts and our homes. May we love and live so that our love blesses the lives of all of God’s children. Because, as a parent, I know that it takes more than just me to raise a child.