Miss Baby Head over here has found her voice, and let me tell you. She LOVES to scream. Screaming is a HARD part of kids for me. I think some of it comes into play from Dekker being so fearful when he was younger. For one reason or another, he hated baths. Some of you who have been here for the long haul might remember this. Dekker was terrified of baths. We. Tried. Everything. And every single bath, he would scream like he was being skinned alive. It was unreal, and a HUGE source of anxiety for myself, and obviously for him. From there, he went on to have a brutally persistent yeast infection on his bum for the better part of a YEAR. Again, we tried everything. We were at the doctors constantly. It was SO difficult. If you’ve ever had a kid with yeast spots on their bum, you know how painful that is. Dekker survived a lot of pain in that stretch of time. But WOW did he scream. It was a really hard part of my beautiful first little baby boy, and I think it plays a role in my extra-low tolerance for screaming today.

As all babies do, Waverly has found her voice, and she is a big fan. And a loud fan. And while its cute and funny and important and communication and all that good stuff, I haaaaate it!! Gah! Stop screaming, baby!!

Now, when Wavy wakes up, she screams. She doesn’t even cry necessarily, but she screams! No tears, or even frustration necessarily. But SCREAMING!! Does anyone else feel this way with me? I know its just a stage, and at least she’s learning some basic words and communication skills that will soon make her “need” to scream a little less. Don’t tell me I’ll miss it when its gone. I will not. Not this stage. Nope nope nope.

Yesterday, I foolishly had a snack. Who did I think I was? It was just a handful of swiss cheese crackers. As you can imagine, the little Miss stood beside me and screamed blood murder. And like, you have to picture it. She just stood there, totally calm, clear face, screaming at the top of her lungs, as high as she could, staring at my crackers. Conveniently, I had the bottom of the bag in my little bowl, so I gave her the little shreds while I ate the bigger pieces.

But. Try and convince a one year old that the crackers are legitimately gone at the end. Talk to a wall. I said and signed “all done” and knew she’d be ticked for a minute there, but she just stood in front of me, stared at my face, and screamed looooong drawn out screams, over and over, as though I was lying to her. She was not convinced.

And she would not be convinced. There was only reprieve by her siblings entering the room and inviting her to join their game. She spent over an hour in the boys bedroom while they “built forts” (played with blankets) and built duplo. There was MUCH laughter and very few tears. She is SO happy to play with her siblings.

And I am SO happy when she’s not screaming!

I’m quite determined to enjoy winter this year rather than just suffer through it. Remind me of this when I kick and scream about it, ok? 😉

Trust me, I know its not winter yet. Its technically not even fall. Yet, its clear that the warm weather is gone. So I’m a little early on the subject but thats ok, too.

Already on my calendar, in the coming months, I have so many fun things to look forward to. Lots of visits with friends. Leading worship at church. Rowan starting preschool. Getting my hair redone. Taking family pictures. Finally renting a movie I’ve been aching to see since spring. Another coffeehouse gig. Kids club starting. A road trip with a friend. Halloween. The local Christmas marketplace. The gift exchange I’m organizing. A craft retreat. Another coffeehouse gig. The list goes on and on! And that list doesn’t include the non-calendar things like hot chocolate. Mukluks. Knitting and crocheting. Soup. Christmas shopping. Christmas lights and music. Warm air coming through the vents. Hot baths. Fleece kids jammies. Blankets.

All kinds of cozy reasons to love winter, right? I’m weirdly ready for it.

It’s raining. *takes deeeeep breath in* I love the rain.

I’ve been working at my attitude about winter recently, and have been working to think about ways to enjoy winter. And I’m feeling optimistic about it. But I’m SO thankful there is still rain to enjoy before the snow falls! 🌧️☺️🌧️

I sent the kids to walk to school. I felt kind of cruel for a minute there, but I walked to school in the rain plenty of times. The kids don’t mind the rain at all, and they’re bundled up and warm. They’re fine. Do you know they keep them in for recess at school now if its raining? Why do I even buy them rain stuff? Sometimes I roll my eyes at things like that, because as kids, we went out in everything. We went outside for recess unless it was -45C. Then we’d stay inside. The kids now stay in for recess around -28C. And if its raining! I have these moments where I think they should just suck it up like I did and go outside in the crappy weather. Yet, true story, I hated it SO much. Not the rain, but the brutally cold winters. So maybe its actually great that they stay inside when its so cold outside. Just because I grew up with things one way doesn’t have to mean thats the way.

I’m happy our kids are allowed to be a bit more comfortable in winter…

…she said from her spot on the recliner in her warm house, wrapped in a blanket.

It was SO nice to have Brady home for the day. He was going to work a short day today, but rather, he crushed it on Saturday and didn’t have to! He lovingly got up with the kids, got them fed, backpacks packed, and got them out the door so I could rest a little extra.

We had a little breakfast and shortly thereafter, we headed to Saskatoon for a few errands. We hit Lawson for a thing or two, and then Walmart, where we looked for a handful of little groceries that we keep not buying and genuinely need. Its about time! And then a quick, fruitless stop at Home Depot before heading home. We just had the three kids along with us, and they’re pretty easy, so it was a fairly smooth, seamless trip in.

We came, home, put groceries away, and put the kids down for naps. And then we ate lunch upstairs in bed while watching some Netflix. It was just SO relaxed and SO nice. We rarely get days like this, and they are such treats!!

Now the kids have just gotten home and there is SO much to talk about, haha! So off I go – to read, listen, sign stuff, snuggle, eat, maybe knit, walk, tuck in, aaaaand then to wash toys at the preschool! Never a shortage!

Our church kicked off a new season of Sunday School this morning. I haven’t prioritized Sunday School before, because it means we have to have our ducks in a row a full hour earlier, get to church on time, and then hope everyone goes willingly, without meltdowns or tantrums. It always has felt like too big an undertaking. And its easier and easier to justify our absence based on numbers alone! Yet I don’t want my childrens faith to falter simply because I’m too lazy to get them up a bit earlier in the morning.

So, we decided to give it a go this morning! Our kids love church. They love their friends, the stories, the music, etc. So when we broached the subject of Sunday School, they were completely on board.

The single flaw in the system is that there is no Sunday School for infant. For obvious reasons, lol! But with that being the case, Brady took the four older ones to church, and stayed for one of the adult classes of Sunday School himself. I stayed home with Waverly, who slept in anyway, and once she was up and ready to go, I plopped her in the stroller and we started our walk. We spontaneously ran into Carrie and her youngest son, and we continued on our walk until we arrived at church. We had SO much fun, I think we might try and arrange something like that for group of us that don’t really fit in a class currently 🙂 It may not be a time of biblical study, but you can’t tell me it isn’t fellowship!

The kids had had a really nice time at Sunday School. I had heard that Solomon was a bit hesitant, and he didn’t want to sit with Rowan, hahaha! He was content to sit beside the teacher, though, so he settled in. And then they all got a cookie, so, win. And Dekker and Laela had NO issues. They fit in like dirty shirts. No problems there. Brady had also really enjoyed his class, and says he’s really looking forward to following it through the season. My whole family truly enjoyed the morning, myself included.

After church, in celebration of the kick off Sunday, we all had a pizza lunch together. I’ll admit, the meals they occasionally serve after church are often a pretty big stretch for our family, and we rarely go. But we’re trying to stretch. Trying to let our kids be tired, and to be ok with them fussing a bit. Trying to let other people love us when we’re imperfect. Trying to prioritize our church a little bit more. We’re far from perfect, but I’m really glad we pushed, because it really was a blast today.

We got home from church around 2:40. Thats late. But it was awesome.

The kids napped hard, and we had a light faspa supper of sandwiches and potato salad. Then a quick lap around the pond and even snagged Rae and her mom in her yard for a quick visit. But soon, it was time for bed, and everyone was ready. Myself included.

A bubble bath is running, and I’m ready for some dessert. Brady worked his tail off yesterday, and is home tomorrow! ❤️ That always makes for such a happy day.

Have a wonderful wrap-up of a weekend, friends.

WOW! Guys. My house is filled with fighting today! Anyone else?

Its a not-so-glamorous part of getting back into the swing of school, I suppose, but I’m already exhausted and its not even lunch. Not even close. It doesn’t help that Brady is working today. Merp.

I had to shut down fort building, which is everyone’s current favorite activity. Which was disappointing for everyone. They love building forts in the bedroom, and I like the quiet in the rest of the house, and the laughter I hear through the door. But today, there was nothing but fighting, so away it went. Booooo.

I have, however, washed my hair and done dishes this morning, so that counts for something, right?? I’ll hopefully make granola bars while the kids eat lunch, and I think Brady should be home shortly after that. Cher is coming over this afternoon, and Jerilee is coming for the evening. Those girls make my day better every single time 💕 Its shaping up to be a pretty great day! When I look past all the fighting, I see Laela and Solomon tucked behind a chair, hiding in their “secret base.” I see Rowan holding Waverly’s hands, walking her through the house. I see Dekker singing to himself while he builds duplo. I do hear laughter, and I do see friendships flourishing amongst my kids. Sometimes I just need to take a step back.

And then there’s me, drinking chocolate milk, in a recliner, letting my hair dry, while I blog on my laptop. Surrounded by beautiful people.

I’m so glad I wrote this out today. I was feeling pretty frustrated when I started this one, and now I can see again how fortunate I am. My life is RICH in LOVE.

Sometimes I feel like Rowan gets lost in the shuffle of life. He’s our middlest kid, and I think sometimes he feels that harder than I realize. He is SO close with Laela, but she is one of the “big” kids. Ro and Solly are very close in age, but Solly is one of the “little” kids. I think sometimes Rowan has trouble figuring out where he fits, and I don’t blame him.

One thing, however, that stands out big time about Rowan is his understanding of prayer. He has the tightest grasp on the fact that he can talk to Jesus about anything. Our kids always happily pray, its not some forced thing, but the kids prayers are very often standard “thank you for this food” kind of prayers. And those are good! I truly believe God hears those prayers! But my Rowan will thank God for all kinds of aspects of his day, share how he’s feeling, and never seems to be in a rush to end his prayer. Its SO cute, and I think he just gets it in a different way than other kids!

This morning, he asked to pray for breakfast. He thanked Jesus for the day, and for the food. He prayed that the kids would have a good day at school. And then he prayed that God would take the lactose intolerance away. He said “I want to have a better vibe in my body, but maybe I can’t.” And that was it! Amen, and we ate breakfast.

And I just LOVED that. Because Rowan’s lactose intolerance isn’t too big of a deal in our life. It doesn’t bother him much. He’s happy with his almond milk, he has no problem taking his lacteeze when he’s going to eat dairy, and he doesn’t have accidents when we occasionally forget his lacteeze. He rolls with it all pretty smoothly. But he still figured it was worth mentioning to God. And I think thats AWESOME. And I think God LISTENS.

I predict Rowan is going to be a force to be reckoned with in terms of his faith, and I think it’ll be sooner than later. Be on the lookout for that kid!

Ha! Not cocky at all!!

Seriously though, I couldn’t verbalize it before, but I was just so anticipating school starting. And I was hesitant to say anything because I don’t want to come across as someone who doesn’t LOVE summers with her kids! I DO! I LOVE my little people. But I knew they needed school, and for some reason, I needed school! And I get it now.

Somehow, for whatever reason, now that school has started, I feel more capable. Not based on anything, really. This post might not make sense, but I hope it can make some sense.

I just feel like my goals are the same, but they feel more doable. Less scary.

I have a few little projects I’m working on, some on my own, and some with other people, that I’m really excited about. I’ve made toques and neckwarmers for 2/5 kids, which just days ago felt like not enough, and now feels like an accomplishment! I think I’m really going to buy a table at our local Christmas marketplace, though that one still makes me pretty nervous. I’m in a good swing of things with school lunches and think I could very easily prep for a whole week in advance. Just need a few more containers. I’m feeling great about Brady being back at work. The basement isn’t any more done than the last time I talked about it, but we had overnight guests earlier this week and (drumroll please) they lived!! So clearly we’re on the right track with that too 🙂 The gift exchange group on Facebook is up and at least a chunk of people have confirmed their role in it. (If you haven’t read and acknowledged the top statement in the group, please go do it soon so I don’t have to hound anyone individually!) I’ve ordered my first Christmas gifts for the season just days ago.

For some reason, rather than seeing whats left to do, I’m currently able to see what I’ve done. And that feels awesome.

Not everything has come together, but we’re on day three of the school year and I already feel lighter. Meanwhile, the weather feels darker and cooler, and I’m weirdly up for that, too! Just feels like a positive season right now. There is PLENTY of struggle that I haven’t spoken about publicly, so be reassured not everything is coming up roses, but I’m going to roll with it. I won’t try to explain it when I don’t understand it myself, but I’m thankful for the way the days are going right now. Thank you Lord for helping me see the good above the bad most days. I am SO fortunate.

I walked with a friend to pick Dekker and Laela up from school yesterday. It was so much warmer than the morning had been, which was refreshing. We got there early, and chatted outside with a handful of other moms we know. But a few minutes before the bell, we all went inside and huddled around the door to retrieve our children.

I waited by Laela’s door, and that worked out because she was first in line, bursting out the door with a BIG smile on her face! She had gotten to be the helper on the first day of school, and she was STOKED. She told me had a really happy first day, but there weren’t too many details, and thats ok. It usually takes my kids a few weeks even to just settle into the swing of things and actually retain anything, lol! Anyone else’s kids like that?

Being that Dekker and Laela’s classrooms are so close together, we walked a whole five steps over to pick him up, too. He was just gathering his stuff, and I saw him hug his teacher goodbye. Love that. Once he spotted us, his eyes grew and he just shouted “We got bananas splits!” The chocolate smear on his face indicated this to be true. It was a cute effort that their teacher had made because they are the only split class int he whole school, and she was trying to sell it as extra special 😉 Well played. Well played.

The kids got their shoes on and sweated out the walk back home underneath their backpacks in the beautiful afternoon sun. I couldn’t weasel too many details out of them, as I mentioned before, but they were both just SO happy.

And that was proven again this morning. While Laela ate her breakfast at a snails pace, Dekker got himself fully ready, pulled the bikes out of the garage, and lined up their backpacks and shoes. He was READY. I loved that so much. Dekker has always been totally willing and happy to go to school, but given the choice, he’d always prefer to be home. But today, he was chomping at the bit to get moving. I loved that.

As they were getting themselves out the door, I heard them discussing where to meet at the end of the day. Boot room? Bike rack? I’m not sure they had settled on a location before they left, but they’re such smart, obedient kids, I know they’ll watch out for each other.

Safe to say, school is going well so far. First day was a total success.