Smoothies

I love summer, smoothies and farmers markets. Apparently, so do the girls!

Grandpa

We had a lovely visit with mom and dad last weekend... here are a couple of snapshots of our time. They came, set up a tire swing, ate pizza, read books and headed home. We had a wonderful time, and the girls have talked all about grandma and grandpa all week long. Sometimes 5 hrs away seems just too far :)

(mom was behind her camera most of the time... thus, no pictures :( Next time!

In an instant

Sunday afternoon. Around 4pm. 4 minutes of high winds. And then it was over. There wasn't time to sound the tornado sirens, or grab the girls, or realize what was happening. I ran to the office to shut the windows because the rain was coming, and by the time I got to the other side of the house, the tree was already on the house, resting on top of the room where all three girls were sleeping. While the attic was pierced, there was no structural damage, no branches through the windows, and Emma slept on. In 4 minutes, around 30 trees across the street were uprooted from Palmer Park, a garage roof was thrown into the neighbours house, and almost 100 trees in the area are torn down.

I was reminded again that God is the Father and Protector of my girls, and while they are entrusted to me, they are not mine. God can take them home whenever He chooses. I praise God that we were protected from harm. My prayer is that, like Emma, I can rest in peace, despite the storms of this world, trusting that God will guard and protect our lives. And so, we sleep, trusting that he who does not slumber nor sleep, will watch over those who do.

Funny story...

So, Francis is gone this week. He's serving the church by attending the General Assembly of the OPC, with delegates from across North America and overseas. They began on Wednesday, and hope to wrap up by next Wednesday. I can't wait to hear how God is growing his church when he gets back!
That's the exciting news. The unexciting news is that I'm single parenting.
Unfortunately, it's a hot, hot week.
With children who can't sleep because of the heat. Awake 32/48 hrs.
And chickens who were violently murdered. Two.
And a daughter who has the remnants of the stomach bug. Two loads of laundry.
And grapes were on sale. Jessie doesn't like grapes. No naps. very fussy. 86 grapes.
And no keys to the van. One back up set. Yes...
and this is where the story gets exciting!

Well to beat the heat and the grumps, we're going to go shopping and garage saling. And maybe even to a pet store to LOOK at the critters. I find the keys in the van's ignition, with a very dead battery. Great. For emergencies, I like to have a working vehicle, but the neighbours aren't home. I really, really want to get the van boosted before dark falls, and the vd's have an extra vehicle in the driveway, and they leave the keys in it, so I figure I'll just go do it myself. Got the booster cables - check. Got the google'd directions - check. Jessies safe - check. Okay, the girls are coming with me (remember the not sleeping?). We walk over, pick up the van and I hop out to get the girls out so they can watch from the front porch. Run around to their door, and it's locked. Wierd. Sammi's looking scared. "Sammi, hit the button again." click. lock. "again, Sammi, the other way." click, click, click. "Sammi, hit the button." "This one?" points to a freckle on the dash. "No, the door one." "This one?" hits a stain on the seat. . Okay, don't panic. There's always 911. "Sammi, hit the window button!" rolls window down. "sorry, mom!" I unlock the door, they watch from the porch, I successfully boost the car. The chickens are locked up. The kids are sleeping. Thunderstorms cooled things off. Two days down, five to go. Things are looking up!

Now, the only question is... icecream or schmirnoff?

Feeding chicks

Twin tackles

I love these giggles. And no, this is not exceptional. This is daily. Random times, random places. Sometimes prefaced with a "Emma, stand there, I'll tackle you" and sometimes initiated with an arm around the neck and a surprise body slam. Yes, they are bruised, and their legs look like a wreck beneath their skirts and shorts, but they love each other, and also respect when it's gone too far, or someone gets hurt. It normally ends with a quick kiss and a 'Sorry, Sammi... love you!'.

ps. no children were injured in the making of this video. All 'tackling' sessions are carefully monitored for safe, fair practices, and to ensure both parties are enjoying :)

Samantha

Oh, our dear bossy eldest daughter :) 29 lbs of intense, emotional feelings! Our sweet Sammi is very careful and gentle with Jessie, loving to follow the older girls, and nurture the younger ones. She loves her 'teachers', loves to do things right, and loves things clean. She's figured out how to get Emma in trouble, and observes and analyzes new situations before jumping in. She's a little slower to speak, but more deliberate with her word choices. Always the first one to grab Emma by the neck and take her down. We love our stubborn, serious, sensitive Sammi.

Overheard from Sammi this week:

• When I get bigger, my nose will get bigger, and fit glasses!
• Emma, you sit here, right now.... right NOW Emma, or you will get a spanking!
• 'My do it'
• Nice van! (yes, that would be ours)
• Oh, Jessie... go to sleep, little one! You need to grow bigger...
• Emma.... stay there... I'm tackle you! Stay THERE... Don't run, Emma...

Emma

Overheard from Emma just this week:

• "Sammi. You need to share right now. If you don't share, mommy will take it away! Give it to me right now!"


• "Mom, I want a babysitter" . "Oh yeah? Who do you want to babysit?" "Emily." Sorry, hun, you're stuck with us today.
  
• "My turn to be the hippo!"


• "Uh, oh, Sammi's in trouble now!"


• "I don't need sleep. Only Sammi needs sleep."


• "Sammi, cough into your elbow!"

Emma is a joy and a delight, weighing in at 28 lbs and 32 months of pure imp. She is a fearless climber, from the heights of her playground to her dresser. She loves to read, is quick to giggle, talks a ton, is first infront of the camera and initiates daily 'tackle' sessions. She's her own pied piper, not needing to hang out with the crowd, but okay with doing her own thing. She loves Sammi and Jessie to bits, and always makes sure things are fair. I love her independent, feisty spirit, contagious giggle and loving little hands!