I have gone from doing a daily entry to hit or miss and for that I must apologize! I am hoping on more consistent updates now that the fog has lifted and I feel more awake during the afternoon and evening. Don’t get me wrong I still feel nausea like nobody’s business but at least I am able to be awake and aware at the same time… or is that a bad thing ??

Well, the majority of our week in review… Monday (which I forgot to go into detail on), was Zander’s yearly eye exam in regards to his lazy eye (that only appears when he is tired or over focusing). It was quite the appointment including the need to dilate his pupils. The doctor was very happy with the results, Zander’s eyes have improved and there is hope that they will continue to do so, though they want to see him each year until he is 7 or more. So same time next year I guess.

Tuesday went by with a lot of sleeping on my part… Wednesday was busier. We made our weekly trip to H&W where they actually had grapes on for 99 cents per pound. The boys convinced Ken to pick up a package of blackberries at a rather reasonable price as well. Sadly, by the time we got back from there I was done in for the afternoon. Of course with a sale on the junior roast-beef sandwiches at Arby’s there was a yummy and affordable special lunch for the whole family!

Lunch! (Zander red)

The boys have been working on creative endeavours of their own lately. Quiet time is still crucial for the younger two but the twins seem to be getting very bored during their appointed hour. So for now, until we have some new batteries for their little computer thing, they are working on their very own craft projects, The new little table has become a great place to enjoy the afternoon and get in some fun in the sunshine.

Crafting it Up! (Gavin yellow)

The twins each made a get well soon card for (he)Chris for his ankle. They keep telling Ken he should bring (he)Chris over next time… hard to explain to them that he is in no position to get down on the floor and play with them like they like. It was easy to get it to him as I headed over there to visit Thursday night. The guys always have their gaming night so it was nice to get out of the house again WITHOUT the kids.

Get Well Soon Cards!

Just a suggestion if you are a stitcher and looking for a way to donate to an organization sending relief to Haiti… a friend in an international cross stitching egroup sent out this link. Just click on the left side, make the pay pal donation and you receive (eventually) the two adorable mouse patterns.

Today was a busy one for us. We made the run out to a mall where we got the heads up on the PERFECT bike for Emanuel for his 4th birthday (the BIKE birthday according to the twins)… and luckily was able to meet up with Nathan and Ada after their ultra sound so not only did we make Emanuel blissfully happy (though he does not get the bike until his party) but got the first peek at the very first Perrin baby! Bonus!!

Lap Full! (Zander left)

So a busy week in many respects, a tiring week for me for sure! The boys have been working on winter ideas so hopefully this weekend we will have pom pom snowmen to share with everyone!

Aunty Esther has great taste in dresses!

On of the boys’ favourite “holidays” is Valentines Day. They absolutely love making cards and special gifts for people. So this year I have decided to go onto the Perler site and find a fun Valentines Day craft. The craft of choice this year – wall hangings. 3 pieces held together with ribbon, wire or pipe cleaners. Of course we have a surplus of foam Valentines stickers so they will have plenty of opportunity to make cards as well. My focus is not so much on the idea that once a year you tell people you care but more on the intent of giving. That we should make notes and gifts for people to show our love and appreciation ANY TIME we feel like it. This year Valentines Day falls on the same weekend as celebrating the Chinese New Year so I am working on coordinating something with the den Otter family and Nathan and Ada. The boys want to do “something like Kai Lan” so I am not sure what exactly will be planned.

The weekend zipped right by for us, though I spent most of it in a sleepy fog. Sunday was a bit of a wash since I was deemed not capable of being left home with the two little ones while the rest of the family headed to church. Instead there was the added excitement of putting together their very own paper clocks!

Finished Clocks! (Gavin middle)

And then a rather quick trip to Dollarama where the boys REALLY lucked out. For 1.50 a piece we were able to get each boy his very own little snow shovel. Talk about a treat. They have been asking for these since last year and at that price we just could not pass them by!

Shovels! (Zander blue)

Sewing has not been very productive this weekend BUT I have managed to get a bit done on the stocking AND Ken has gotten the pattern done and colours chosen for the last commission. So at least I have some direction for tomorrow!

Stocking to Date

Fabric and Colours

I am hoping to feel better soon but in the meantime am coming up with more ideas to keep the kids busy and learning. Just don’t ask me about banks… I am not happy with them today.

Miss Trinity

There are moments when I get this jolt of a realization that my baby boys are not so… baby any more. One of those moments was a day or so ago when Zander and Gavin and Emanuel were working on Emanuel’s new Lego set (the only toy that broke this year at Christmas was a Lego knock off car set – pieces broke and didn’t fit together so we replaced it). There the three of them are, instructions spread out… taking turns (!!!) putting pieces on with the common goal of helping Emanuel. Not only did they offer but they gently talked Emanuel through each step. Zander’s perfect enunciation asking if they were missing a floor piece is so amazing when you remember all the fuss and bother we went through about them even talking or talking properly years ago. Gone are the tiny babies we spent sleepless nights worrying about, the toddlers that refused to do simple things like talk or listen to us… and I have to admit a certain level of pride in how much I am involved in that growth. The independence, the kindness and their intelligence my boys are a great source of pride.

Working Together (Zander left)

My week has zipped right by. Another massive error by a bank that we are working double time to correct, warmer weather perfect for sledding… good and bad have simply blended together. BUT I had a GREAT time last night, I ducked out on the guys’ gaming night and headed over to Chris and Chris’ to commiserate with the currently grounded (he)Chris. Popcorn, chatting and much fun ensued as well as my first introduction to their menagerie. 2 cats, 2 ferrets, some fish and a lizard!

Physically I am still totally drained but keep working on getting that rest and eating when I can. The boys are working on learning about the planet earth and continents. It is so wonderful to have Youtube. Emanuel especially wanted to see “the city” and is quite quick to differentiate between OUR city and GRANDMA’S which of course is SMALLER. I am not sure how much is really sticking but they are having so much fun and at this age that is half the battle! The link for where we go the worksheets to make into a booklet has both Canadian and American settings.

Worksheets! (Zander left)

I am spending my evening re-watching the BBC made for tv movies for Discworld. I absolutely ADORE Terry Pratchett! I am debating using some of my left over Christmas money to buy a couple of his newer books.

Not much to report stitching wise. I have been working on Baby #5’s stocking a little while waiting on Ken to iron out the kinks on my last commission. I am hoping to drum up some new ones soon so if anyone is interested… contact me!!

Stocking So Far

And with that I am out of news… and ready to kick back and watch the rest of my movie.

2 Clips and She is All Grown Up!