Thankful Thursday (on a Friday)

Welcome back to Thankful Thursday, a feature started by Louise at Talk Nerdy to Me, where we look back over our week to remember our blessings.  It is so good to see the good things that have happened, especially if you have had a particularly tough week. Being grateful is good for the soul. Here are just a few things that I am thankful for...

1. A Baby Born in Blefleham

On the last day of school, Rhys' Kindergarten class had a party and the kids all sang a few song for us parents. These were songs they performed at Grandparents' Day (not for the Christmas concert, but for the visiting grandparents) Oh goodness, could they be any cuter?

I am in love with this boy.  I love that he enthusiastically sings and does the actions and signs, and I love that he pronounces it "Blef-le-hem".  

2. Not Mono and Good friends

Abi was diagnosed with strep throat (yes, again!) and was told that she couldn't go back to school, which meant that she missed all of the last week. It was disappointing for her. She wasn't too sick, but she was bored at home. I am so thankful that the test came back negative for mono though. We thought that was a possibilty, more so than strep, but thankfully it was "just plain ol' strep" for her. I am also thankful for antibiotics!

On the last day, I went in to see her teacher and drop off his Christmas gift from us, and a friend of Abi's gave me a gift to give to her.  I thought it was a sweet guesture. Her friend, Hannah, had all of their group of friends sign a Get Well/Merry Christmas card for her, and she included a few small gifts.

She has good friends and that makes me happy.  I am thankful for them, and for making her year a bit better.

3. Teacher's Gifts

I managed to get all of the Teacher's Gifts done and ready in time to give them away on the last day of school!  I ended up putting together 4 gift bags: two for Rhys' class (for Mrs E and Mrs. V, the EA) and two for Kai's class (for Ms. S and Ms. S, the EA). I didn't end up giving one to Bryn's teacher (although she is wonderful), but that is because two other Moms were collecting money for a joint gift. (which they completely spoiled her with; wow, I was impressed!)  Abi's teacher is a man, so these gifts wouldn't have worked for him as much (maybe his wife?... who coincidentally taught my sister and our friends in high school!); I had to go a bit more "boring" and picked him up a gift card to Chapters. Doesn't every teacher love books and want to buy more though? I know I do, and I'm not a teacher! 

I ended up making a lilac sugar scrub (I found the tutorial HERE) and a peppermint foot soak (see tutorial HERE).  I had pinned the tutorials on Pinterest a while ago.  I just put them in these cute spice jars I picked up at the Dollorama (3 for $2.50) and added a cute ribbon and label: so easy! (I just had to triple the recipes to fit the jar sizes, which wasn't hard) I figure that teachers need to relax a bit too! I hope they liked them.  I am thankful for the love, care and interest they have put into my kids' lives. I am thankful that this year is going along well so far; I feel that we are working together as a team for the kids, and I appreciate them.

4. Gifts

Sometimes it can feel a bit stressful for gift buying. There is the cost, the time and the actual shopping.... We get our kids to pick names for sibling gifts and then we take them out and let them pick out what they want to buy. For the most part, they do choose good gifts for each other; only a small few times have we had to steer them from an idea that may not have gone well! 

I love seeing their creativity in gift choices, and their excitement in wrapping and anticipation for giving.  There is something fun and wonderful about giving a gift to someone else.

5. Movie nights at home

We don't watch a lot of Christmas movies, but we managed to all snuggle up together downstairs and watch a few as a family one night. We watched the original Frosty the Snowman. It was an interesting movie. I hadn't seen it before. I know! My Hunny had grown up watching it. (the kids and I watched Frosty Returns on Netflix one night a few weeks ago...that was lame. I don't recommend it!)  Then there was a short cartoon called The Boy With The Magic Skates, a Canadian show, on after that we watched. (Don Cherry played the voice of the hockey coach) That one we liked!

I love moments where we all sit together and spend evenings as a family. I am thankful for memories like that.

6.  Sunbeams 

I managed to snap a picture of the beautiful sky as we were driving in to see my parents. This was over in the Abbotsford flat lands. The sunbeams breaking through the clouds was just so peaceful to see.

I am thankful for a visual reminder of how His love shines down on us.

7. Christmas display

This is actually from my parents' house, but it makes me very happy.  (**I must've taken the picture at a slight angle. The shelf really is on straight!)

My Dad made the shelf and handpainted the sign, and my Mom decorated the dresser top. The pine tree was given to them from Bryn when he was in Kindergarten! That's impressive; I kill every plant they give to me! *blush*  The chalkboard clipboard was also made by my Dad, and my Mom wrote Ere Zij God on it. (which means Glory To God in Dutch. It's a Christmas carol that my Mom grew up singing.)

8.  Advent

I am thankful for a few quiet evenings where the family was able to remember what we are waiting for (Christ' return one day) and what we are celebrating (Jesus' birth that fulfills a promise God made) and what a marvelous gift that is.

9. Date Nights

Yes, it may only have happened because we had to go out and get some of our Christmas shopping done, but it was so nice to be able to walk around with my Hunny and spend time together. We walked through the mall (a place we rarely ever go) and we held hands, and we took our time, and we had fun conspiring and planning and buying for our children. And it was so nice. We don't do that often enough!


 10. Blessings

I am thankful for the many gifts that He has given me, and for the many opportunities He has given me to see them.

This is just a brief glimpse of my list this week. What are you thankful for?

Thankful Thursday

Welcome back to Thankful Thursday, a feature started by Louise at Talk Nerdy to Me, where we look back over our week to remember our blessings.  It is so good to see the good things that have happened, especially if you have had a particularly tough week. Being grateful is good for the soul. Here are just a few things that I am thankful for...


1. 6S Caroling

Kai's class went caroling at the IGA store near the school this week. They sang for a good two hours for a fundraiser to raise money to put in a playground at the sister school in Gondo, Africa.

We teased him that we'd go a throw tomatoes at him, or that we'd make up signs that say "We love Kai!" or we'd cheer loudly ...basically anything to embarrass the poor boy!  Because we are that kind of family.

2. Nebulizer treatments

Abi has had a rough Autumn, and now she's caught another virus of some sort. This one unfortunately has been effecting her breathing, causing a few asthma attacks. I am so thankful that we have a nebulizer so that we can give the kids breathing treatments and avoid a trip to the hospital. 


3. Work Christmas Party

This year, my husband's work party was held at the Hard Rock Casino in Coquitlam. Not at Granville Island. We were sad about that. I loved Granville Island, and I loved that it was an overnight event (without kids!) and that it was more than just a dinner, but I guess the Boss wanted to try something new this year. The thing is that we don't go to casinos, so we weren't too sure what to expect.  In the end, it was a good evening. It always turns out that way, doesn't it? 

We enjoyed the dinner and had fun with co-workers. I was thankful that his Boss has a Christmas dinner where spouses are invited, where everything is covered (food and all drinks), and that we take home a gift as well. He really is treated well at his work this time of year.


4.  Christmas tree and decorations

I am so happy and thankful that we finally were able to get our tree and have it up. It looks more festive in our house!

5. Boy's Afternoon Out

My Husband's Uncle invited all of the boys over for a "guy's day" to his warehouse. There were 14 there, and lots of street hockey, model trains, snacks, and playing with relatives that we don't get to see too often. The boys had fun and came home with their own model toy cars. (Rhys had to take his to school to show to his class the next day!)

6.  Grandparent's Day

The Elementary school had their Grandparent's Day event this week. I am so thankful that both sides live closeby and are involved in my kids' lives and they all took time out of their day to visit Bryn and Rhys in their classrooms. They loved showing off everything they are learning and doing to them, and our parents enjoyed being a part of it too.

7.  Music Program

The Middle School had their Christmas program this week, but with Abi being sick she missed out, so I went with Kai. I was so surprised at how packed the school gymnasium was; some people had to stand at the sides! I don't think I've seen it that busy before! Each grade did their own group of songs; Kai played recorder. I remember playing that in school too. I don't recall ever really liking it. It is a screechy-sounding instrument! But if we were able to play the different types of recorder, that may've been different! Were you aware there is the alto, the sopranino, the soprano (which is the one you always see and hear in schools), and tenor? And these kids all learn to play them, and they sound so beautiful together!

I leave the school after their music events feeling so uplifted and impressed! I love hearing these kids play!

8. Pom Poms

 I have seen them before and it looked easy, but this was my first attempt at making pompoms!  Haha. Yes, I was feeling pretty pleased with myself!

 It kept me occupied while Eden coughed all night long and when I had to listen to the crazy wind storms we had this week.  I have a few ideas on how to use these for a Christmas gift, and I'm excited about that!

9. Healing

I am so thankful that my friend is on the mending side of pneumonia. She had a really really rough time (I won't go into details) so it was so nice to see her again and starting to feel more strength and energy.

10.  An "early" night

Hunny has been working late for two weeks now, sometimes doing 12 hours days, just to get these projects done and shipped out, so we haven't seen him much. He is a Machinist, and his company is always in rush-mode at this time of year, just to get those machines out  to other companies. I am used to it, but it sure gets tiring and we miss him. Having him come home "early" was nice this week. And when I say "early", I mean "on time"! He got to sit and eat dinner with us and it was nice.


That's my week at a glance. What are some things you are thankful for?

Thankful Thursday

Welcome back to Thankful Thursday, a feature started by Louise at Talk Nerdy to Me, where we look back over our week to remember our blessings.  It is so good to see the good things that have happened, especially if you have had a particularly tough week. Being grateful is good for the soul. Here are just a few things that I am thankful for...

1. flowers and starbucks

I love it when my Hunny brings home Starbucks to surprise me. It was even nicer when he got me flowers too! I have had a rough three weeks (dumb thyroid) and he's been cranky and stressed with end-of-the-year work projects, so this was to make up for it.

2. my little pioneer

Bryn had to bring in a 3D model of a planet he was studying, so we made a paper mache of Neptune to finish off that Unit in Theme. The same day, his class started a new theme: Pioneers! They went for a field trip to Lochiel School, a historic schoolhouse built in 1924. The grade three classes go there for the day to see what life would've been like back then. The school teacher is strict and even gives a child the strap (in the hallway...no one actually gets it for real, but they make the sound of it and the kids all jump!) and makes one wear a Dunce cap! What a bully! :)  They write on slates and stand and sing God Save the King. It's fun!

3. santa party

We had a fun time at the Santa party held by the Elks last weekend. It was a fun afternoon!

4. farewell to Mike

Okay, so I'm not very thankful that we had a send off for our Youth Pastor and his family this past weekend at church, but I am so thankful that he has found a good church where he can work full time (we aren't very big yet at Jericho so many of our positions are only part time, which isn't a lot for a young growing family) Mostly I am thankful for the huge role that he played in our church in the 3 years as our Youth leader. He grew the youth in numbers and in closeness to eachother and in their relationship with God, and that means so much to me.

We are going to miss Pastor Mike and his family!


5. matching pjs

I am thankful that I get to babysit these cuties every now and then. And how can you not be thankful for matching pjs? So cute!

6. pj and hot lunch day

I am always thankful for hot lunch day!  And every kid loves pj day at school! What's not to like about this day?
7. coffee with Nat

I am so thankful for my friend, Nat. Our sons were in preschool together and we've grown our friendship as well. I just love the simplicity of her, and her honesty and her strength. I find myself optimistic and energized after I see her!

8. paper mache

Somehow I missed the childhood wonder that is paper mache, but my husband didn't, so when Bryn had to make a 3D project of planet Neptune, he pulled out that trick. Rhys graciously let us use his basketball (my kids don't really play with sports balls anyways) and the boys covered that up one evening!  

Paper mache is messy business! (silly me, I forgot to take a picture of the after project!  You can sort of see it in #2 posting, but that's as good as it gets!)

9. perfect teeth

Abi had a teeth cleaning this week with a different dentist (ours wasn't in, I guess.) and not only does she not have any cavities (yay!) but it was also mentioned that her teeth are perfect! People pay lots of money to have teeth as neat and evenly spaced as hers! 

I am thankful that she has good oral hygeniene. And maybe it isn't that big of a deal, but I have a mouth full of crazy teeth and it's always bothered me, so hearing this makes me pleased. And relieved! And thankful!

10. Friendships

This past weekend was a busy one. Abi had a birthday party to go to, and Rhys had another one. It took some juggling with rides, since these were conveniently planned at the same time as other events, but they worked out. I am thankful that they have friends to celebrate with, and that they feel included and loved. I am also thankful for family who are able to step in a help with pick ups and such!


So that was my week. How was yours? I would encourage you to start up your own lists, they really are a good way to look back over your week. Especially if it's been a hard one. It's so good for your soul to see the good in things and be thankful.

santa party

This past weekend, my mother-in-law signed up the kids for a Christmas party with Santa that was put on by the Elks Club in Langley. I thought it was going to be like the other Christmas parties that she has taken them to for her work, which would give my Hunny and I a good two hours to ourselves. But not so much. Apparently this was a parent-participatory thing!

Abi volunteered to help run a table as well as my mother-in-law. (it was an event for kids up to age 10, but by volunteering, Abi and Kai got to join in as well) They put Abi in charge of the Face Painting. I always thought she'd be good at that!

The funny thing is that when we arrived, my Hunny started to add a tree to Eden's face, and one of the organizers noticed so she called out loudly, "Oh, good, do you want to be my Face Painting Guy?" Hahaha. He was kind of cornered!  But he really did love it!

  this boy wanted to be Santa!

 he turned this girl into a green faced elf!

As I watched him decorate these kids faces I realized that his willingness to help is greater than his ability to face paint (hahaha) but to be honest, I really was struck at his kind heart. I love that it is in our family's nature to just pick up and help out.  We may not sign up for many volunteering activities, but put us into a position to be of service and we willingly help out.  I think that is such a great thing! I am now thinking that maybe in the new year, this is something that we need to do more as a family: volunteer our time and help for events.

The Christmas Santa party was fun. I thought it would be a drop in type of event, but it was an all-day one that started at 2pm and ended at 5:30pm! There were lots of craft tables with activities, and gingerbread men to decorate.

Rhys was at a classmate's birthday party until 3:30, but then he got to join in on the fun as well, which he enthusiastically did!

                                                          making crafty reindeer

                                                          adding glitter carefully


There was a magician to be tricked by, which is always fun and entertaining.

And, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived for the kids to visit and have photos with. I think that Eden and Rhys were the most excited to see them! They sat on Santa's knee and engaged with him and they were quite enthralled! We don't "do" Santa in our house. That is, we don't promote him, or talk too much about him. The kids know that he comes on Christmas Eve to bring gifts, and they have found some under the tree from him, but that's really as much as we do. They will see him in the mall and on tv and such, but we don't do the whole visiting of Santa or guiliting the kids into better behavoiur because of naughty/good lists.  I know that it is part of the whole Christmas Tradition for many families, and there's nothing wrong with that, it's just not something that I grew up with.  I do admit to feeling that magical Christmas spirit though when I see the kids' excitement over simple things like seeing Santa!

 

It was an enjoyable afternoon. But a long one. When we arrived home, it was already dark and 6pm, but it felt like 9pm to us adults!  I'm glad that we got to go. This is not something that Hunny and I would've signed up for on our own, so it's nice sometimes when a family member does that for you! Sometimes. :)

punchkins

I always seem to pull this out last-minute, but we did get it done again this year, and on time! That is, the night before Hallowe'en! I managed to find a night where we had nothing else on and we were all well enough to participate and snuck it in after dinner. That meant having to cancel a coffee date with a friend, but it's been so incredibly busy and stressful lately that I just needed a night in with family time. It also meant late bedtimes for the kids, but they didn't mind!

I was impressed with this year's creations.

First we had to remove the tops, then scoop out the guts. The kids didn't mind that part this time; they are growing up! 

  (shaking out all of the goo!)

 Then they made their designs with markers. The Youngers needed some help and encouragement with that, but they were all excited with their faces, especially since Kai drew for them!

 

 (Abi decided to go a more detailed route and drew a chibi Princess Anna!)

Then we got to carving!  The kids got these pumpkin kits as take-home gifts from their cousins' birthday party (which I thought was pretty clever), so they were excited to pull them out and use. 

 Even Eden had a go at her pumpkin with the serrated knife. Yes, I am a dangerous Mom!  (I hadn't been too bothered with the other kids using knives on their pumpkins before, as evidenced here, but for some reason this little girl made me nervous! eek!)

 After I finished our pumpkin, I mean *her* pumpkin, Eden wanted to add some more details to it. She would still be colouring it if I hadn't taken away the marker and put her into the bath! Those dry erase markers don't stay on pumpkins, but end up giving kids (and Moms) green hands!

 (Abi even helped out Rhys with his carving.  I love my kids and their willingness to help eachother out!)

The finished products:

 (Eden is quite excited about her moustachiod man!)

(Rhys and his ghosty guy!)

 (Bryn had fun with his uni-brow? cyclopes?)

(Kai and his sly-looking fellow! So cute!)

 (Abi's Princess Anna, from Frozen, turned out great!  too bad I couldn't get a good picture with her beside it!)

It's neat to see how their talents are growing in pumpkin carving! 

At school, Kai's grade 6 class held a fundraiser for their sister school in Gondo, Africa. You could decorate a pumpkin for just $5 during lunch recess, and the proceeds went to towards building a playground at the school.  Kai had fun with his! I love all of the toothpicks, and the moustache!

His impressed others too as he won first place (there were 5 winners) Not too bad!

It was a good day all around!

Have a fun and safe Hallowe'en, whatever you are doing!