~FrIdAy FiVe~

Happy Friday!! Hey! I'm ahead, well actually it's past midnight on the east coast, so there!!LOL
What’s your favorite goody at your favorite bakery?
Oh yum, everything!!LOL I guess a chocolate Eclair or cinnamon buns smothered in cream cheese icing

Someone’s visiting from out of town and craves something sweet: Where do you take him or her for an experience he or she can’t get at home?
Well, that's easy, off to Tim Hortons we go. We will enjoy one of their special donuts and of course some Timbits!!

What’s your favorite order at your favorite ice creamery?
At Dairy Queen and it's got to be a Hot Fudge Brownie Delight, YUMMY!!!!

Oh no! You forgot to save room for dessert! What dessert item on the menu will you order anyway, because you can’t resist?
Let's see, most likely a piece of Flapper Pie or Chocolate Cake, or a hot fudge sundae

You’ve got a craving for sweets, but it’s so late at night that only the corner convenience store is open. What do you get?
Hostess twinkies or a JosLouis

Now that I am starving for some kind of coma inducing sugar high treat!!LOL I'm so terrible when it comes to sweets, I'm a cake and pie kind of gal. I never used to be a chocolate fanatic except during pregnancy. However, ever since my pregnancy with Matthew, it hasn't left!!LOL I love cookies and cakes as well as cream cheese coated stuff and I have been known on numerous occasions to devour an entire 1 litre container of Cool Whip and no, I wasn't pregnant!!LOL

I can't believe it's Friday already, seems to be a common theme lately around here! My Gypsy Mama wrap arrived and I'm in love with it too. I wore it to the doctors office with Matthew and Mariah on Tuesday. I sure got some strange looks....or maybe it was my shirt?!?!?!(I was wearing the one that says "I make milk, what's your superpower" At any rate, people were sure ogling me!! Mariah was such a trouble maker. I cannot believe how she behaved. She screamed and yelled at the doctor. I have no idea how much she weighs or how tall she is because of how upset she got at the nurse. At least her eyes, ears and throat all look good. Matthew of course was a happy little man as usual, smiling at everyone. Although he wasn't to thrilled about her checking his eyes!!LOL

I can hardly wait for my Baby ball overalls to come and my Sachi and of course my Girasol!!LOL I also ordered some new cloth diapers, I haven't done that forever. But it was a catch. either spend an outrageus amount on disposables AND pollute the environment. Or just spend the money once on diapers and not worry about it again!! For the first time ever I'm going with chinese prefolds and Bummi super whisper wraps. It should be somewhat entertaining watching me try to get the fold right, but they assure that it is easy once you get the hang of it. I ordered everything from this cool Little place called The Baby Market PLace They're close and have a special where they don't charge any shipping on orders over $75. I was originally going to get the cotton diaper kit by Bummis, but the store that sells them here was out of stock. I am thankful now, because I am much happier with what I got.

Well, time to finish up around here and tuck myself into bed!! Have a blessed night!!
~Penny

Spinning around

That is exactly what I feel like I've doing the last few days, I've been so busy. Today will be no exception! A few people dropping by to pick up stuff either through Freecycle or buying, a person is coming from a hauling company to take away some garbage from the backyard, I have to take Mariah and Matthew to a checkup, zip home and throw some dinner together and THEN go grocery shopping with my mom! I think I will be wiped come tonight!!LOL

I was going to do school with the kids this morning, but usually when we have that many disruptions it becomes an uphill battle, so I won't even go there!! Their doing really good anyways, everyone is just finishing up their last modules and I am going through and picking out a few things that they need to do out of other units that may be left. Robbie could easily be done, but I will keep him doing little bits each day until our official LAST DAY!!! Then HELLOOOOOO summer holidays..ahhhhhh days at the lake, going for walks hitting the library. Maybe I'll be brave and hit the zoo!! We'll see about that one.

I think I've narrowed down my wrap/carriers loves, I really love my Ellaroo wrap, I thing it's 3.6m and I totally love the fringe on the ends!! It seems to be a little more narrower than others and I can throw Matthew into all kind of carrys with it. I'm trading my BabyHawk for a Baby Ball Overalls which I am so excited about because he carriers will be so much better for as they have the wrap like straps. I also have a nother carrier on it's way to me, but I'm beginnning to think it will give the same grief as the BabyHawk, and I'm waiting on two wraps. One is another super long one called Girasol. I decided to snag another long one to keep on hand for the winter, for the cross carrys (back and front). Plus, Girasols are like flannel and sooooo soft and snuggly, even more than Lars!! Then last but not least is my Gypsy Mama wrap on it's way, this one is light and airy and long too. I decided to get something for the spring/summer that I can do all the carrys with, but that is light and breathable. This one is called Freya and has beautiful Dragon Flies printed all over hit, it's a nice light greeny colour. Then if I sell my other carrier that has the narrow straps (it's called a Sachi) I think I will get one more Ball Baby Overalls or maybe a Napsack (another carrier with wide straps, but only on the part that goes over your shoulders)

I'm selling my Mountain Equipment CO-OP back carrier (GASP! I've never parted with that since we bought it when Alex was a baby!!!) and My other Snugli carrier (not my corduroy one, I'll never part with that!!!) It has been a total PITA selling stuff, the silly questions people ask..grrrrr....I've no problem answering peoples questions if they're serious, but these random ones...ugh! I don't have time to answer a million little nonsense questions!!LOL Oh well, I'm trying to raise funds to buy a new set of cloth diapers to beef up my supply, I only have about 9 that I can sort of use on Matthew and that is just not enough right now. I ordered some nice hemp liners and some more fleece liners from Amy and I ordered 1 of each of these other liners to try, to see which one I like best.

Well, I've chatted enough, time to get moving and get going on the day!!
Have a blessed Tuesday!!
~Penny

~Friday 5~

A little late, really late for my eastern friends, since it is past midnight there!!LOL~

What was the last item you returned to a store?
Alex's shoes that I had got him. He needed a bigger size!!LOL

What do you currently have in your possession that you need to return to its owner?
Amy's BaraBarn wrap!!

What’s something you lent to someone that you’d really like back now?
the few maternity shirts that my sister has!!!

Where’s a place you hope never to see again?
the bathroom on the highway coming back from Kelowna. Kids, diarrhea, need I say more?!?!LOL

What’s your explanation for those wild stories about dogs and cats who get separated from their owners for years and finally make their way home, even at times finding their owners when the families have moved a long way away?
Animals have a distinct and unique love for their human friends. I believe that because of this and because they have such a strong sense of smell, they're able to locate their lost human families!! Kind of like how a Mama can pick out her own baby just by scent!


Have a blessed Friday!!(or Saturday!!LOL)
~Penny

HaPpY bIrThDaY MaRiAh!!!

My baby girl turned 3 today!! My goodness has time flown by! She is probably my most spirited girl out of the three. She is always into something and doing something. It's hard to believe that three years ago I brought home my tinest baby at just 6lbs 9ozs. I remember she kept me up for almost three straight nights after I brought her home, wanting to nurse constantly. She was also my most difficult baby to nurse. By the end of her first week, I was cracked and bleeding. But, we persevered against what the nurses suggested. They suggested we give her a bottle of formula so as I could heal, but I couldn't do it. We worked non stop that weekend at different positions and getting a good latch and the rest was history. She was also my longest nursed baby as well!!LOL She is still a teeny little thing!! The nurses always suggested we supplement due to her size, but I trusted my Mama intuition and always knew she was getting enough, she was just meant to be a little petite girl.
We had a birthday party for her on Sunday. Both my mom and my grandma were able to come. It was so nice to see my grandma and how well she is doing. There will be a ton of pics in the flickr as soon as I am done here.

Today we had a vaccination appointment for Matthew. I wore my breastfeeding advocacy shirt, which the nurses loved!! Matthew did really well and weighed in at just under 18lbs and was just under 27in long...big boy!!! The nurse asked what kind of milk I make!!!LOL

I've been busy on the babywearers site...Lars will be on his way to his new home tomorrow! I wasn't going to put my babyhawk up for sale, but then I decided to. It just doesn't fit proper on my shoulders when I carry Matthew on my back. Hopefully that will sell and I can try out a different MeiTai. I think I've narrowed down my wish list. There are MeiTais that have straps like a wrap and I'm thinking that will be easier for me. I'm just so picky with designs though, so it could take awhile for me to find the 'perfect' one. If Matthew was a girl, it would be a cinch!!LOL So many pretty pink ones. I'm hoping to come across another camo one, and maybe one with some nice geometric shapes. The other wraps I'm lusting after is a Girasol wrap or another Didy, just a different type....I really love the old Tobias. We shall see what I can find!!!

We're down to the last few weeks of school! I can't believe how quickly this year went by. The kids are getting antsy, it always happens this time of year!!

Have a blessed day!!
~Penny

Friday 5 and Being Bitten by Grumpy Bugs

~*FrIdAy FiVe*~
At this moment, how many rolls of toilet paper are there in your house?
3 packages of the double rolls, 12 pack

At this moment, how many working flashlights are there in your house?
hmm, thats a good question. We have one lantern style that is LED and is really bright and I think one smaller one.

Do you know where some candles and matches are?
Yup, I always keep a box of tealights/votives in a box with a waterproof container and waterproof matches.(waterproof matches are REALLY easy to make, great homeschool project!!)

If the power were to go out right now, how long could you probably get by on the food in your house?
So so, not much longer than a day or maybe two. Only because of the size of our family. I REALLY should be properly stocked for each family member with regards to water, powdered/canned milk. Got tons of canned veggies/fruit though!!

It’s someone’s birthday, and you’ve GOT to come up with something to give him or her RIGHT NOW! What have you got?
I have a basket in my master bathroom loaded with bathstuff and samples and some candles. I would grab one of my baskets (I keep 'em all!!) add some pretty paper and then add some bathstuff and wrap up a couple of candles in saranwrap and tie a pretty bow!! Although if your a guy, you're outta luck...sorry!!LOL I also no longer have any toys in stock for that purpose either...hmmmmm good reminder!!


That was a good reminder!! I remember when there was a fear of Y2K, I wasn't taking any chances. I stocked up for 5mos..LOL!! The way I look at it is it will all get used eventually and if I'm not going to use something in a timely manner, I will donate it.

Well, I've made a decision. I'm to put Lars up for adoption. I'm sad because even though I've only had him a few weeks and I really love him, I need to keep the cycle going. He is so soft and floppy, but not really what I will use for the summer. At least I know that the Mama will love him as he deserves. He's just finishing drying from his natural bath in my bathroom.(the only place I could hang him since he's so long!!LOL) Then I will give him one last snuggle and love and then pack him up....unless I get cold feet while snuggling him!!!LOL

Well today the kids are still in foul moods. the grumpy bugs seem to have made a home in everybody. Alex and Mariah have been at each other, Robbie has been sassy with me, Alyssa is having problems with Kayla. Kayla and Mariah have been having a screaming match with each other. This has been non-stop since 6:20am when Mariah came screaming into my room about her shirt. Oh how I love to be woken up like that!!....NOT!!!! And so it continues as the day goes on. Perhaps it's the weather, or maybe they're fighting off something, maybe it's because it's almost the end of the school year.....so many possibilities!!

Things on my to do list, phone and order Mariah's cake, do some laundry and clean my kitchen. I don't how on earth it got so out of hand in there, but my oh my!! The basement is in dire need of attention too. Ah, yes I'm sure issuing cleaning orders will go over very well around here today!!

Have a blessed Friday!!
Penny

6 Months Old

Where has the time gone? I cannot believe you are 6 mos old!! That's half a year!
You are still such a joy,always so happy and peaceful. This is your favourite chew toy and you get so excited when you see it coming, barely able to contain yourself as your fingers clasp around it. You will chew on it and drool all over and yell and talk wildly while it's in your grip. When you get really going with the chewing, your gums squeak as you chew on it.





You also love to suck and chew on your fingers, especially these three. When you suck on them you make this loud suckling noise!! When you're sucking on these as opposed to your thumb (which means you are tired and ready for bed) you are generally in a happy talkative mood. Which you are most of the time anyways!!





One of your many 'funny faces'. When you do this one, you make a blowing out sound and hum at the same time...you get really loud sometimes, but I guess you have to be when there are 5 others above you making noise too.





You are starting to be able to sit up, although you still resemble a weeble wobble and have done a couple of small little face plants. Mama has to give your a shirt a tug every once in awhile to help ease your staggered-ness. You also have mastered rolling in both directions, although you do still get 'stuck' on your tummy and will call for help. If only that arm would listen to you!!!





This is one of my most treasured pics of you. This one captured exactly who you are. This is how you greet me in the morning. It's how you look at your brothers and sisters when they do goofy things. You are such a loving little guy and full of joy. I can't believe how quickly time goes, before I know it you will be in motion. As of right now, you have no mobility plans. We've just embarked on solids in the form of pablum and some fruits. So far your favourites are applesauce, pears, squash, and banana's. Oh and the macaroni noodle your sister fed you the other day! You really love to eat, you get so excited when I either bring you to the boob or you see me mixing up your oatmeal in your Baby Einstein bowl. You can drink breastmilk from a cup, no problem and even enjoyed a little bit of sterilized water the other day. You do not like things cold to eat, we learned that when Mama mistakenly made the water a little too cool for you!! You have also started serious teething, and you also have discovered that biting Mama is fun! Oh how she yelps and frets....teehee you think to yourself I am sure. You give a smirk that I believe tells me to just wait until your razor sharp teeth are in. But alas, you don't scare me, there have been five other nurslings before you, and the nips have survived. I also love how you get so happy when I sing my little 'mama-made' song to you, it's your special song and you know it. It elicits HUGE grins everytime...perhaps it may even do so when you're 16!!(hehehe)

You are such a gift, hence your name, and I am so very thankful the Lord chose me to your Mama. I thank the Lord every day for blessing me as He has with you and your precious siblings.(even if some days I fear I may go grey in the blink of an eye...read:the post below)
Happy 6 month birthday!!!!

Blessings,
Penny

What a day

I am posting this today, even though it was yesterday. Which will be why if you checked yesterday and didn't see anything new!!LOL

The kids were a wreck, they were grumpy with me, grumpy with each other. It was the first time in awhile that I could not wait for the day to end. Both Kayla and Mariah would not stop arguing with each other and screaming at each other. Alex has been getting a bit worse with his tics and they get especially bad when he's excited or really mad. Even Alyssa was bit by the grumpy bug and Robbie was just as grumpy. School was a mess, everybody needed my utmost attention and even Matthew was 'clingy' (my oh my am I glad for the wraps, he spent the majority of the day on me). We managed to get at least a bit of school done, but I think pulling teeth would've gone much easier.

Everyone was put to bed VERY early, except for Mariah, who doesn't seem to think she needs to go to sleep before 11pm. She is the child God gave me so as I would shutup about how easily and wonderfully my children sleep. By that time she is so foul, I find myself praying that she will just FALL.ASLEEP. It's at these times I wish she would've continued with breastfeeding, I'm sure on these nights that would be the perfect answer to get her to fall asleep. She then was up every couple of hours after she finally did fall asleep. Take your pick of troubles, need a drink, have to pee, bad dreams, can't find my blankie....*sigh*.

But like always, these days pass. Thank you Lord!

Well, it's Miss Mariah's 3rd birthday this weekend, which also happens to be a Canadian long weekend. I can't believe she's turning THREE!! She is still a teenie weenie and I am sure that Matthew will surpass her in weight before he turns one!!LOL (ok, maybe 18mos) We are having a quiet birthday for her, I was going to make her a cake, but decided I will just order it. She wants a Boobah cake, or a Blue's Clues cake...but I think we may end up with a Dora cake. I don't think the grocery store makes Boobah cakes, but for the sake of my Boobah loving daughter, I will make a dork of myself and ask the baker if he/she will make a colorful Boobah on my daughters cake.

To end this post I need to ask for prayer for Kandie. She discovered yesterday(Wednesday, May 16th) after beginning to bleed heavily, that she has suffered a miscarriage. They did a D&C at the hospital yesterday. She's doing okay physically, but she is emotionally devastated, and rightly so. We all are. It's very difficult trying to explain to the children how/why a miscarriage happens. (I had never told them about my last two, because I hadn't even told them about my being pregnant)Her and Brad have also called it quits, so prayer is needed. I'm at a loss for words, because we all know that there is nothing you can say at a time like this. May her little angel rest easy with our heavenly Father and may He grant her strength both physically and mentally as she heals from this loss. May she feel His love for her, as He holds her in His easy yoke. Her little angel was just about 11wks.

Have a blessed Thursday (even though this was written on Thursday, the 17th)

Happy Belated Mother's Day!!!

Hope all you Mama's had a great day yesterday! Mine was nice, we didn't do anything and that is fine by me! Today was busy, busy! We started the day off by being slow moving in our morning chores, then my groceries arrived right at 9:30am (usually they're later when I order a big load) then it took me a couple of ours to get it all put away and organized (the result of someone else packing my groceries!!LOL). The next thing I knew it was time for lunch! Then Amy came over with her two little ones and gave me a lesson on how to wrap! Particularly the back carry! Now I know what I was doing wrong!! I wasn't matching up my 'rails' the right way AND I was wrapping it UNDER his legs when it should've gone OVER his legs first! Now that I figured that out, I'm set! Thankyou Amy!!! She also loaned one of her shorties, it's the one I am wearing in the pic:





This is a BaraBarn, 'Grapes' I think is the name.

I have two new shirts!! I ordered some fabric transfers off Ebay, here's one:





I also have another one that I'll post pics of later. I'm sure they may strike up a conversation or two!!LOL

Right now, we're sitting in the living room watching Kids By the Dozen, tonight it's the Heppners! We missed the first part of Jon and Kate plus 8, gotta try to catch that at 10pm! Hmmmmm, what else is new and exciting???? Nothing else that I can think of!!LOL On the schedule this week, I think a girls night out tomorrow night with Kerri,a nd then on Thursday, our homeschool teacher is coming to see us. We missed out the first time because we were having a tummy bug and then last week she was tied up, so this week is the new date!!LOL

Well, apparently Matthew is done playing on the floor (he can roll BOTH ways now!!) and I need to finish up getting everyone ready for bed and tucked in!
Have a blessed evening!
~Penny

~HaPpY sAtUrDaY~

My favorite day of the week!! It's deep cleaning day around here, and 'linen laundry' day. The kids are going downstairs and I just got Matthew settled down for a nap (while having my tea and Saturday morning fix of Clean Sweep for motivation)

Last night was great, Happy Feet is a good movie. It had me a little worried in the very beginning when the penguins were singing and the songs they were singing.....but overall it's good. Some minor scary parts for Mariah and she was fixated on the fact that one penguin has a plastic thingy around his neck and was very worried about it, especially when he starts to choke. I was happy to see that they stayed true to what the animals are like in real life (well minus the singing and talking!!!LOL) and was very impressed by the graphics (are the people real??).
Pizza was yummy, as usual! We ordered this time, but next weekend, it's homemade!

I won't be able to actually go and get groceries this week, so I ordered them to come Monday morning. I hope they arrive fairly early, it makes putting them all away much easier. If I have time, I might post the list in the food blog. I cannot believe how much food prices have gone up. Of course ordering them is going to cost me a bit more, but even when I go to Superstore, it's been more expensive. The produce is getting up there too. But, I guess it's just a reflection of the world's economy and rising costs everywhere, eventually it all filters down to us the consumers. *sigh* I used to laugh when my Dad used to tell me how it used to cost him a nickel for a bottle of Coke and now I find myself telling MY kids the very same stuff!! I guess it's just a parent's right of passage!!LOL

Well, Mariah has my Swiffer duster and is tormenting the big kids with it...guess that's my cue to get my rear-end in full gear!!
Have a blessed Saturday!!
Penny

Friday 5!!!

Well, happy Friday!!! Here's my Five!!


We’re buying you a lifetime subscription to any magazine or periodical journal you want! What’ll it be?
A:There is so many, I guess one that is pro-AP, and doesn't only pretend to be while being funded or sponsored by a formula company. Maybe Mothering or New Beginnings would be good. I love my Above Rubies mag, so maybe a nice good donation to them would be great!!

We’re buying you any existing non-chain, one-location-only store and giving you an expert lifetime manager, so that all you have to do is make decisions and watch them succeed or fail! What will be the store, and what will be your first change?
A: Hmmm, I don't know many non-chain stores..I guess maybe Bareware *sorry Amy!!!* and I would revamp it back to the old days when she sold TONS of diapers and healthy all natural products. It was one of my favorite places to buy diapers/inserts, wipes, bfding supplies etc. She is still open but doesn't have as much as she used too(although she might in her actual store, which is located in BC).(but she does have gently used cloth diapers for sale and a ton of info on her site!!)

We’re buying you any house within a one-mile radius of your own! Which one do you want, and why?
A: One that is on the lake(just down my street!!). Oh how I would love to sit on my porch and look at the sun setting over the water, sipping my nice cup of tea, chatting with my hubby!!

We’re hiring someone to take care of any ONE specific household chore (except cooking) for the rest of your life! Which chore will he or she attend to?
A: Hmmm, I love all my household chores and I would NEVER let anyone take over the laundry (I'm slightly anal about my laundry!!LOL) I guess taking the garbage out and cleaning the yards up regularly would be the one

We’re providing the start-up capital for any crazy idea for a business, service, or product you can dream up, giving you total creative control while we finance your dream for five years, after which it must fail or succeed on its own merit! What will it be?
A: Being that this is the internet, I'm not going to post what my true idea is, because one day I will make it happen. However, I would LOVE to open a shop that has everything Mama minded in it, maternity/nursing, wraps and other carriers, bfding supplies and advocacy stuff promoting Attachment Parenting. All kinds of yummy cloth diapers and stuff to wash them in. Organic and hemp baby clothes. I guess it would be sort of along the lines as This store, they used to have a store at one of our malls about 8 years ago and then they disappeared. Mine would also have LLL ladies working there as well, and nice comfy chairs for nursing Mama's to sit on!! We would FULLY support and encourage our Mama's to nurse in public. We would also offer all the products necessary to facilitate homebirths and promote Doulas and Midwives.


Nothing much going on this morning. Alyssa did really good at her appointment yesterday. Although my hubby nearly gave me heartfailure. He calls me after she got all settled in at the dentist (she didn't want Bill to stay right in the room with her) and says,"So, they said if they had time after the fillings, they would put those cap things on" me:"WHAT!! No one said anything about CAPS! Are you kidding me?? There is no way she is getting those on her teeth! When did they decide this?" Bill: "Well, I think that's what they said they were doing" me:"You think?!?! Are you crazy?? Don't you know??" Bill: Well, I could've mistaken what they said" me:"Please go back in there and ask to clarify, I DO NOT want her having caps on her teeth!!" Bill:"Um, okay. Do you want me to call you afterwards?" me:"Um, YES!!!*smacks forehead* and if they want they can call ME and I will discuss it with them!" Bill:"Ok, will do" So then about 20 min later the phone rings, during which time I am freaking out. Almost ready to call them myself. Bill:"So, uh, I misunderstood. It's not caps they wanted to put on." me:"What? Well, what is it??" Bill:"Well, it's just that sealant stuff that's clear...thats all" I could've reached through the phone and whacked him! Me:"Are you kidding my? You just put me through 20min of torture because you weren't LISTENING???? Ugh!" Bill:"I'm sorry" me:"*shaking head*Nevermind"
It's a good thing I love him!!

Alex goes today, hopefully there'll be no confusion!

Have a blessed Friday!! It's Pizza and a movie night here tonight!! YUMMY!! We're ordering 'Happy Feet' for our movie. I hope it's good!
~Penny
OH!!!! If you like my Meez person along the side of my blog and want to get one yourself, go to Meez and when it asks who referred you, PLEASE put my name!! I am Mama26 there and I will earn 'coinz' and then I can 'buy' other stuff. I only really want a hockey jersey!!!
Have fun, they even have preggo ones!!!

Just decide already.....honestly speaking

That was me talking to myself yesterday. There were two awesome wraps up for grabs on TBW and I couldn't decide on which one. They were both in the colors that I love, they were both shorties (thinking this may help my Rucksack carry) Did I mention they were both in the colors I love?!?! Warm stripes, I don't know what it is with the warm stripes (I will own an Olaf or a Martin Didy...one day!!) I love the Earthy Rainbows too.*sigh* So, I did what any rational wrap obsessed mama would do...I got BOTH of them. The Mama gave me an awesome deal. This way I'll try them out and see which one works the best and then sell the other (well, that's what I'm telling myself anyways!!LOL) I think I'm leaning towards getting a Kozy Carrier for my next and last Mei Tai for awhile. As tempted as I am to get the Quantico, I think I am leaning towards the Stoney Creek. But, that is a bit of time ahead and who knows what will pop up on TBW!!LOL BTW, I'm putting a permanent link to her site over in the Babywearing section, go check it out!!!

Well, Alyssa has her dentist appointment today. Her appointment is going to be about an hour and half, she needs to get a few fillings. Her teeth are so huge and crammed in there, it's virtually impossible to floss them correctly. She must get her Gargantua teeth from her Mama, I've been told that from every dentist I've ever seen. She's pretty nervous about her appointment as she's never had a filling before. She's pretty worried about the freezing again.
Alex goes tomorrow, although he's excited about his. He loves getting his teeth cleaned. Then I have to get Kayla and Robbie and Mariah in for a checkup. I'm really pleased with our new dentist, she's really nice.

Also on the agenda for today, a homeschool visit. Time for the kids to hand in their completed work!! Only less than a month left, I'm aiming for a completion date near the 15th or 18th of June, which is really not that far off!!

Oh, I added two pics to the flickr so you can see my Mei Tai and my Didy and of course Matthew all snuggled in them!

Well, time to go and change Matthew, who sounds as though he's left a present for me. I'm so sad, he's too big for the majority of my cloth diapers now..... They don't go around his chubby thighs all that well and leave red marks....they're alright for during the day when I can change him frequently, but not for over night or if I'm going out.

Have a blessed day!!
~Penny

Happy Hump Day!!!

Well it's Wednesday..in case you didn't know!!LOL Not much on the go yet this morning, we seem to be moving slow so far today (alright I guess it's not that bad, I'm only about 15min behind, but sometimes that can mean a world of difference) Matthew decided he really needed an extra long feed this morning...so I can't complain that it wasn't time well spent!!*grin*
Now the kids are just finishing up eating a snack and then time to hit the books. It gets hard to keep them focused when it gets to this time of the year, all they can think about is summer holidays and all I can think about is "GET IT DONE"

I'm hoping that later today I can get some pics posted in the flickr, it's been awhile and I really want to show you my new wrap and my new Mei Tai. I've decided I want to get one more MeiTai and one more wrap, I think one that is a size smaller. I'm finding with the long tails that I get with my size 6, it's not helping my back carries. The MeiTais are really cool, I'm thinking of maybe a freehand one next time, but I'm not sure!!LOL It's so easy to stare all glassy eyed at the FSOT board on The Baby wearer!!LOL

I'm trying to figure out what to plant in my front yard. It gets basically no sun, maybe for about 30-60min in the early afternoon and the dirt is filled with those darn shale rocks that are the nasty orange variety. Personally I hate that garden(can I call it that?) but when you're renting, beggars can't be choosy. Although it grows weeds beautifully!!LOL Any ideas on plants/flowers that are shade loving and aren't too picky about the type of dirt? I'm not much of a greenthumb type of person, although I do love to garden...I just have a terrible habit of killing anything that needs chlorophyll to live. EXCEPT My bamboo plant, now that I have managed to keep happy and healthy for over a year now!! Maybe it's because all he needs is fresh water every few days and doesn't live in any dirt?!?!

Well, now I am 30min behind!!LOL Time to go switich the load of laundry, make another cup of coffee (wishing it was a Vanilla Latte from Starbucks!!LOL) and get some school work done!!(OI, but first I will need to vacuum the mess of goldfish crackers Mariah smushed........*groan*Actually, I will get HER to vacuum it up!!)
Have a blessed day!!
~Penny

The Tooth fairy is one busy lady!!!

Ummm, yup she sure is! The kids went to the dentist yesterday (Alex wasn't supposed to go, but my sweet dentist called and said she would take him right after Alyssa's appt to make things easier) Alex has a spacer put in where they pulled his molar the other week and Alyssa had to have a molar pulled as well. It actually fell apart while they were taking it out (ewwwwww!!!). Now, they both have to go back this week again...Alex to have his teeth cleaned on Friday and Alyssa to get some fillings on Thursday! Whew, glad Bill's been taking them!

Today, should be a normal day, whatever that may be. I can't believe we're almost done the school year! I also can't believe that Alex will be in grade six next year!!!Um wasn't he just in diapers?!?!!? Wasn't I agonizing over weaning him from breastfeeding?Wasn't I praying that he would get over the terrible twos (threes, fours) faster than he was? I will tell you one thing is for sure, when Mariah is driving me batty with her 2 almost 3 yrs old stuff, I remind myself that this stage will be over much too soon and she will be a 10yo in no time. Before I know it, this season of life will be over. My mom says that I will NOT miss the mess or the noise, but I beg to differ....I really think I will...I LOVE my life and I enjoy every part of it....guess I'll just have to be the annoying mother who keeps begging her children for grandchildren!!LOL I'm really excited about that stage of life as well, oh to be a Nana!!

But for now, I will be the crazy Mama and soon to be Auntie!! Mariah is proving to be the most 'interesting' 2yo I've had yet. I can't believe she's going to be 3 in just a few days (well, 14 sleeps to be exact) She is my most funniest little one and can make me smile/laugh/cry/rip-my-hair out all at the same time child.

Quick update on Matthew, he's doing really good and is such a happy boy, I can't get over what a happy, peaceful little baby he is. He basically never cries and greets each day with a smile. He's been a bit bear-ish with his teeth trying to come in, but even still, he's always got a big toothless, droll smile for his Mama and Daddy. I haven't got him to sleep in the crib yet, but I'm not rushing it, no need to. They all eventually migrate out of our room. Alex was my longest, he was almost 3, but he's proof that they do eventually wean from the breast and the family bed and diapers....all in their own time!!!

Have a blessed Tuesday!!!
~Penny

No Double Trouble. :o(

Kandie had her Ultrasound on Friday and they learned that only one little bean is growing, seems to be a case of 'vanishing twin' syndrome. But, praise the Lord, there is one healthy little bean in there, with a good strong heartbeat!!! They figure on a DueDate around Dec.13th or so. She will be having a scheduled c-section, so it will most likely be a bit earlier than that!

Well, ya'll could end up getting sick of me!!LOL We moved our computer out into the living room and now can have access to it whenever!! I fear my house shall never be cleaned again!!LOL It will be much better for school purposes though, they really need to use the Internet for searching and research.

OH!!! I am now the proud owner of a Mei Tai and my Didymos wrap!! I can't decide which one I like better!!LOL The wrap definitely has a learning curve to it, but it's pretty user friendly. I'm really struggling with the back wraps, I can't seem to get Matthew tight enough against my back, or so it feels like. I've got all the front carries down though. The Mei Tai is really cool, I can throw Matthew on my back just fine with that and of course on the front. Yesterday he fell asleep almost instantly as soon as I snuggled him into it!! He's teething right now and has been quite the bear off and on. Carrying him close like that seems to soothe him completely. I would HIGHLY urge anyone who's at their ropes end with a colicky baby to get one!!!! It seems so simple, doesn't it?!?!? I can't believe the generation of people who still believe in the fact that carrying and demand breastfeeding will spoil your baby!!! The funniest thing is when Matthew sees me getting the Mei Tai or the wrap ready, he starts kicking his legs and smiling.....he knows!!!LOL

Hmmmm, what else is new?? A busy month ahead, drs appts and dentist appts. Today Alyssa goes to the dentist and then on Wednesday Alex goes. Nothing on the agenda for Mothers Day, just a quiet(???) day at home. Then we have Matthews and Mariahs checkups coming up as well. I had decided earlier this year that I would take each of the kids in for a checkup this year (I don't do regular checkups unless necessary) just to make sure everyone is on the right track. Alyssa, is done. Then after Mariah it will be Robbie and I haven't decided who else....I do the appointments in twos!!LOL

Have a blessed Monday!!
~Penny