I was very rattled yesterday. In all honesty, I still am. My skin is still crawling. But Wavy let us sleep better than she has been recently, so that helped. Here are some slightly clearer thoughts about what went on at the beach.
I want to believe that the woman taking pictures and interacting with my kids meant no harm. I don’t want to write these people off as predators. I, too, have been in situations where my kids are interacting with strangers kids. But I look for the parents. If I can catch their eye, I make sure I smile or wave or somehow make contact. There’s just some safety there. When I approached the group on the beach, I was far from menacing. I believe I had a smile on my face, and I was just casually wandering over. I was anticipating a short conversation about how cute all of our kids are. But, nope. Their whole group instantly got up and left. Why?! Why, if not for guilt?? They looked and acted guilty.
I struggled through the evening really hard. I was just emotionally drained. I cried a lot, on and off. I was SO disappointed. I LOVE Waskesiu, and this lake day was already such a stretch, and I cannot believe it ended the way it did. Just SO discouraging.
The win from the day? I was talking to Laela about everything that had happened, and I told her that the most important thing was keeping her and the other kids safe. She corrected me and said that the most important thing is “not to run from God.” Her words, not mine. She knows what true safety feels like, and where it comes from. And that is AWESOME!
We went to the lake today. We don’t have too many more chances before summer actually starts. We battled whether or not to go today, but decided it would be good to break up the weekend, even if our group was truly exhausted and struggling. Its not been an easy go of it around here as of late. But we’re plodding on, and the lake was going to be a much needed pick me up.
We got to the beach at 11:30, and the kids attacked the playground.
There were just a couple of other people around, but not many. There was a woman (maybe two of them? I don’t remember for sure) running around with a little boy, and two big burly men sitting on a bench nearby. They looked a bit out of place, not at all dressed for the beach, but they had a baby with them, and seemed to be along with the woman and little boy.
At Waskesiu, there are two play areas on the beach. They’re very close to each other – think a five second run – but they’re separate. Brady and I watched the kids migrate from the bigger playground to the one more geared towards younger kids. So began their instant friendship with the little boy we had seen. He was stoked to have all these new friends, and our kids chased him up and down the ramps, played tag with him, and seemed to have a hoot. It was cute to watch.
Brady and I were keeping an eye out, always counting heads, but we were hanging out on a nearby bench, playing with Wavy and watching over out stroller full of rejected hoodies, shoes, and water bottles. I noticed that woman I assumed to be the little boys mom had gone over to join the fun. She seemed pretty smitten with the fact that her super cute kid had all these new friends!
And then she started taking pictures of them. As in, posing them together on a bench, motioning to make sure all of our kids were in it.
Huh.
I said to Brady “Is she taking pictures of them?” and he almost sighed, and confirmed that she was. “Well, thats not ok.”
I don’t have to tell you guys that a red flag went up. Truthfully, it was already up. Those men sitting on that bench hadn’t budged, and they weren’t interacting with the woman we thought they were with. So we were already on alert. And then this. I do NOT like to assume the worst in people, but it felt like an appropriate time to go join the group. It was lunch time anyway.
AS SOON AS I WALKED OVER TO THE KIDS, SHE LEFT. QUICKLY.
SO DID THE MEN ON THE BENCH.
We got the hell out of there.
We were there for less than 40 minutes.
I admit, I was completely shaken. We loaded the kids up into the van, and they cried and complained as we buckled them in. We had promised them a long time of play on the beach, and then a picnic. And we were not making good on that promise. We drove to find a spot to park that wasn’t at the beach, and started serving out the makings of our picnic in the van.
I flip flopped hard on what to say to the kids. I didn’t know how to talk to them about what happened without scaring the pants off of them. But if I’m being honest, losing a child is easily my biggest fear. When I see those terrifying stories of people having their children abducted, I have to look away or I’ll never sleep again. But I couldn’t be ignorant today.
So I got everyone’s attention and we discussed what had happened at the playground. How they were having so much fun, and that maybe that little boys mom was just so happy he had friends. BUT, she should not be taking their picture without asking for a parents permission. And she, as an adult, knows that. We talked about how probably she meant no harm and probably everything was totally safe. BUT, we need to be so careful, and always abide by safety rules. We talked about NEVER going anywhere with a stranger, even a really, really friendly one. We were able to reiterate a big one that we talk about a lot around here. Screaming. In our house, screaming is for emergencies only. So we said, if a stranger ever took their hand and tried to lead them away, SCREAM! As LOUD as you can, SCREAM! That is the right time!
Our kids listened intently and responded to what I was saying all along the way. They had questions, and I answered truthfully. It got into very raw territory, talking about how there are people out there who take kids, and hurt kids, and how this lady probably wasn’t one of those, BUT there are rules we have to follow. We don’t need to be afraid of everybody, but we need to be careful.
They understood, and I died on the inside. HOW is the world like this?!?! HOW do I even have to have this conversation with them??
After some thought and prayer, we hit the RCMP station, but the officer on duty was out patrolling. So we called 911 and they helped us get connected to the officer we needed. Thank you, Brady, for making that awful call.
He stepped out of the van to give the officer a breakdown of what had happened. We had seen them loading into their vehicle and Brady was with it enough to grab the plate number and make and model of the vehicle. The officer was attentive and recounted the story back to Brady to make sure he hadn’t missed anything. He said he’d do some laps around town, and go ask at a few business near where their vehicle was parked, but beyond that, a file was opened.
While Brady was on the phone with the RCMP officer, the kids told me that the lady on the beach had initiated all the pictures, and was asking their ages.
There wasn’t much more that could be done. But that was all we needed. Reassurance that they were recorded, in case anyone else reports the same thing of the same people. He’ll call if anything comes of it.
Our kids, while very understanding of the situation, were very disappointed to leave so soon. I was too. I LOVE Waskesiu, but today, I was more than happy to see it go. I was SO shaken. Still am.
We promised our sad little troop some ice cream, so we did that on our way home.
A yummy supper is in the oven already, and we have high hopes of some outside play and music videos before bed. We all wanted a fun, relaxing day and rather, we’re all kind of emotionally exhausted and rattled.
So. All that said. What is a person to do in a situation, like at a big playground, when you can headcount to your hearts content but it is physically impossible to keep an eye on every child every second? Help me, friends. I’ve thought about a buddy system, but does that put too much responsibility one the older “buddy?”
My heart is shaky. I’m rattled. I don’t know what I’d do. The “what ifs” are useless and also rampant.
Yesterday, the kids school threw its annual family appreciation barbecue. Its always fun.
The kids eat lots and we all schmooze a little, and then the kids run off their sugar rushes (freezies!) on the walk home.
We got home right around bedtime, and I took Waverly upstairs to give her a bottle while Brady got the other kids settled into bed. Right as everyone should’ve been laying down for night, there was whooping and celebrating. Laela ran upstairs with something exciting to show me!
HER FIRST TOOTH CAME OUT! We celebrated and oohed and aahed at it for a bit. She was SO excited. Her bottom two teeth have been hanging by a thread for a while now, and upon looking into her mouth, we could see one adult tooth coming through behind already! Brady and I talked to her a bit about the other tooth, but she would not have it pulled. Understandably. I didn’t find the removing of teeth thing enjoyable either. She was open to trying to pull it herself, though! It barely took anything and that sucker was out!
Her first TWO TEETH came out!!!!
She was SO excited, and SO proud of herself! We’re pretty proud of her, too.
Laela and I have had our differences and stages together, and there were times when her days home from school were hard. In the last few weeks, maybe a month, there’s been a big change in her. I can’t quite nail it down, but others have noticed it too. She has hit her stride, somehow. It’s AWESOME.
Yesterday was a home day for her, and she was just the sweetest, softest little girly, all day long. She was my little sidekick. My tagalong. In the very best way.
Not only did she jump up for everything, but when she wasn’t helping or working or reading to the boys, she was snuggled on my lap.
She thought Woody’s holster was “a coffee cup on his little jeans.” It was SO cute how she said it! Maybe you had to be there.
We had the sweetest little day together yesterday. We sat together for probably a couple of hours in the afternoon, pouring over some craft stuff, patterns, designs, etc. I could see her brain ticking away as she watched what I was doing, and we planned and chatted about what she could do. She was so graceful about it all.
I miss her a bit extra today, to be honest.
Quick throwback to her baby stage, thanks to Facebook!
She actually looks a bit like Waverly here! Crazy stuff!
Don’t ask me why, but I was completely trashed by the end of the day yesterday!
I make the “mom life” joke a lot. When things get difficult, or messy, or catch me by surprise – boom! “Mom life, am I right?” But guys, this is true mom life! I wouldn’t trade it for anything! All of those other things are part of being a mom, but this is mom life! Wavy playing on the floor. Laela reading a book way out of her league to her little bros. Dekker reading nearby, pretending not to be listening to Laela 😉 Brady nearby, taking pictures, and me, tucked underneath their little bodies, half asleep from the days events. This is what my dreams are made of.
I got to be exhausted yesterday, but my big kids were exhausted this morning. When I went in to get everyone for breakfast, both big kids were still completely cashed out!
It almost never happens thats its just me and the middles! I was thrilled, to be honest! It was the best morning for this to happen because today isn’t a school day for Laela, so she could sleep in as long as she wanted, and when Dekker goes on his own, he can bike, so could afford to sleep in a bit, too.
The middles and I enjoyed breakfast together for a good while before someone zombie walked out of their room… 😂
It was 8:00. He took a second, but soon enough he was eating breakfast at a decent clip. Laela was another 15-20 minutes behind him.
Dekker has since gone to school, and Laela finished her breakfast. And now, we’re just hanging in the living room together, listening to Laela read stories while I sip coffee. Everything else can wait.
I have lots of cute to share about today 🙂 But in the spirit of including everyone, I’ll get Brady and I out of the way first. Our tidbits are considerably less adorable.
Brady. Brady overslept this morning and got to work to hours late. Good thing he works for himself and can make the time up another time.
Hailey. I have zits on my neck that look like nipples. Fuuuuun.
In order of events…
Laela. Laela slept IN this morning. Like, WAY too late. I woke her finally around 8:00. They usually leave around 8:20. I dressed her zombie self in some long shorts and a tshirt she loves, and plunked her at the table. She obediently ate her breakfast as fast as she could, but I ended up shovelling the end of it into her mouth. If you know Laela, you know she’s independent, almost to a fault, but she was SO zonked this morning. I brushed her teeth and hair, and she had a few minutes to spare to get her backpack together. Except.
Dekker. Dekker had packed her backpack for her. He had stuffed her lunch kit while I prepared their food, which I already thought was nice of him. I had no idea he was still doing work for her. He put her library books and green bag into her backpack, along with her lunch, and carried it down to the entrance for her. He responsible oldest son.
Rowan. Rowan surprised me this morning. I had gone upstairs to pee (every mom’s mistake) and upon coming back down, found Solly had spilled his milk. And Rowan was on his hands and knees, paper towel in hand, cleaning up. He was FULL of smiles, seeming so happy to do something nice for me. I came to help him, obviously, and mopped up a weeping Solly while Rowan dried the floor. He told me “I’m trying to be nicer today.” I thought that was awesome 🙂
Solly. Solly loves Wavy so much these days. As I slipped her into her high chair, he shuffled over to be next to her. He greeted her warmly and told her she was so cute. I put some Cheerios on her tray and he excitedly announced “Cheerios! Eat those! Eat those!” He talks to her in this squeaky baby voice. Seeing him rock his role as a big brother is pretty wonderful. I’ll throw a video on Insta 😉
Waverly. Wavy learned how to blow kisses. Its INSANELY cute! She’s been making a kiss noise for a couple of days now, but last night, she started doing it way more, when we asked. This morning, she would only do it for Solly 😉 So thats saying something.
We’re wrapping up the long weekend at home. You guys, too?
We had this beautiful peaceful morning. I almost made a quick video of it, just panning around the room, but for fear of jinxing it, I decided to just revel in it quietly. This morning, we all existed in the same space, effortlessly. Brady put some song sheets together on the laptop. I worked on a craft project. Dekker looked at a book with Solly on the couch. Laela and Rowan played with a busy book on the island. Wavy slept and slept. It. Was. Magical.
The kids ate lunch, and nap time is on the go. Rowan and Solly are sleeping. Dekker and Laela are playing Lego. Wavy is – you guessed it! – napping. Brady is building some Ikea furniture for my mom. I’ve since finished my project and am dreaming up the next one.
I hope very much to spend the remainder of the day outside, biking and swinging and the like. And once the kids are in bed, band practice begins!
School and work kick off again tomorrow. That, plus a few little things here and there, will fill the week up quickly.
We spent all day yesterday at my mom’s house, and we had SO much fun! The kids played hard, and the nappers napped long. So long, in fact, that we ended up keeping them up way past their bedtimes. It benefitted them because they could spend more time at grandma’s, and it benefitted us because we were able to get a ton of stuff done all together! A very successful day!
We decided to stay home from church today, and have a solid day of relaxation. Yesterday was honestly SO FUN, but a home day is always good, too. The first chunk of the morning was super chill, as everyone woke up slowly.
Can you tell Wavy had pigtails in yesterday?
😂 Its a look.
Brady and I sat and enjoyed a cup of coffee together while the kids played, but it wasn’t long before they wanted to go out!
*Brief rant ahead*
I can’t wait until we have a yard :/ Its so hard not ever being able to let them out on their own. Not only are they young with age-appropriate judgement, but the alley behind our house is driven frequently (often carelessly) and people also use our street and area of town as an off-leash. They’re all TERRIFIED of dogs. Not saying danger will befall them, but it could. So if they go out, we go out, no matter what.
*Rant over*
Brady had some things to do outside on his work van and on our deck stairs, so he took the kids out with him to bike and play on the swings. I stayed in and worked on some projects while Waverly napped. It was so nice and restful.
Everyone came in for lunch, and the nappers went down for naps. The big kids played Lego, and Brady and I had a little lunch together. Nap time was cut a little short, and the rest of the afternoon was spent outside.
Our kids and their helmets 😆 I swear, they start with bikes and just leave those things on! We’re not a “put on your helmet before you go outside” family, lol!
I’ve never been more proud of a toque I made! Seriously, the cutest part of winter right here!
Supper was a bit of a battle, and the evening is spent on BATHS, because WOW those kids got dirty yesterday! And knowing they were going to spend the bulk of today outside, we saved baths for tonight. But seriously 😳 Them scalps are in rough shape!
Wish us luck for the remainder of the evening! Whats everyone doing tomorrow? Not sure whether to have another restful home day, or run errands, or hit up the lake real quick? Probably not the lake. It will be crazy this weekend. Plus, we have baaaaand practice tomorrow night!! Who’s coming to the car show??
So. This is awkward. I swear we’re in the first week of May. Like I’m SURE of it!!
Our towns annual celebration weekend is in two weeks. Thats HUGE! Coincidentally, our little bandy-band is playing some live music that weekend! Whooooo wants to come?! Assuming we’re ready for it in time. Good thing we did that coffee house!
Seriously though, I can’t believe how much this month has got away on me! Just over a month of school left before SUMMER BREAK! Aaaaahhh!!! True story – I’m so stoked 🙂 July holds so much fun for our family!
We’ve spent this morning at my moms place, doing some work, playing outside with the kids, and eating so much delicious food. I’ve currently ducked back home to nap the three littlest kids. Brady’s hung back to do some more work, and my mom is hanging with Dekker and Laela. Its a super lovely day for all of us, I can confidently say 🙂 We’ll head back there for the afternoon and stay into the evening! The kids are so jazzed about being at grandmas “aaaaall day!”
Now I should take more time to blog something specific, or something more important, buuuut I’m working on some fun projects that I’m not sharing with anyone yet, and I’m far too distracted by them sitting beside me. I don’t often get quiet hours to work on them, so thats where I’m going to spend this nap time. Don’t judge me! If you had all of your kids napping at once, you’d do the same! Or maybe you wouldn’t. But I would! And I’m gonna.
Have a LOVELY long weekend, my friends. Get some sun, or some family time in. However your days look, I hope you love them.
I was a touch nervous about today. Its like its built into our family that a day off SHOULD include Brady. He managed to take the stat Monday off after this weekend, but today left him at work. But I have to say, today turned out really cute.
Breakfast was smooth, and I didn’t have to pester anyone to rush. So that was awesome!
We spent the earlier morning hours doing dishes, coloring, reading, playing, and watching Wavy practice her CRAWLING! Its SO fun to watch her be so proud of herself, and even better to see her siblings encourage her and get so excited for her.
She’s just motoring around now 🙂 I drank a lot of coffee and watered my plants.
Cher came for a visit and managed to capture some of the MANY tough life moments, of which we seem to be having a lot.
We’re working hard at some shifts in parenting out here, and its paying off! But its a long, painful process. I’m glad we’re doing it.
Dekker and Laela played Lego during nap time, and once Wavy woke up, we played with her.
She wasn’t as into it as we were.
Some good laughs tho, haha!
After naps, we played some games with my Amazon Alexa. She’s kinda the worst, but we laughed A LOT. Brady was home around 4:30, and started up the BBQ for the first time this season. We had burgers and potato salad. It was delicious!
Once supper was over, Laela got a new bike! 🚴♀️ Of course I was WAY too excited to take pictures, but Jerilee tipped us off to a girl she knew who was offering a little girls bike for free in the exact size we wanted for Laela. She had been using a 12″ bike, and it was pretty small. Dekker’s old bike was 16″ and quite a bit too tall. This little free bike was 14″, cool colors, and just seemed like the perfect fit.
Laela approves this message
Laela was pretty stoked, and was VERY disappointed to go inside after a few rips up and down the road, but she’ll get plenty more chances soon enough!
Tomorrow is another day that will be full and great. This is shaping up to be a fantastic weekend 🙂 Have a wonderful long weekend, friends!
