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It. Was. Awesome.

You’re probably tired of hearing about it, but this is the last time! Until next time…

We had SO MUCH FUN at the coffeehouse last night! It felt like we waited for the day to actually arrive for so long, and then suddenly it was like, the very next day. I don’t think any of us were very nervous, though. Most of my “nerves” were based on the fact that I didn’t know where we’d set up and what was expected of us that way. But seriously, it was so casual. When we arrived, we were directed to an area that was mostly couches and softer chairs, and were told to move stuff around however we wanted. That was it!

The first people to come for the music were my mom and Jerilee. Actually, my mom beat us there! I loved that so much. ❤️ Nothing beats the support of your mom, and I’m so fortunate to have it. Not long after we began our set, a whole slew of people we knew poured in! It was SO exciting to see so many familiar faces, and to know people made a special effort to come on the day we were playing. I know it was only really a fifteen minute drive and a cup of coffee, but it felt pretty honouring to have the chance to play a coffeehouse and to have so much support behind us.

Thanks, Joyce, for the picture!!

We stopped for our own coffee break about 45 minutes in, and we got a little chance to chat with our friends who had come. It was nice to be able to actually thank people for coming. Since it was a super informal “show,” there wasn’t much interaction. Like, we were glorified background music. But still, I was so appreciative of everyone who made the trip out.

We finished our set off around 7:20 with “I’m Gonna Be” by The Proclaimers. It was the biggest gong show, with the most mistakes, and possibly the most fun song we did 🙂 The perfect way to end, if you ask me!

Once we were done, we just sat back and enjoyed the end of our coffees and chatted for a bit. We ended up visiting a little with one of the girls on staff. She didn’t normally work evenings, but apparently there were WAY more people there than average, and the usual evening staff called her for extra help. That felt so exciting, and humbling, and just so awesome.

I don’t know how their musical evenings usually look, but we had a ton of fun being part of it! For future reference, Clearcut Coffeehouse in Martensville try to have live music every Thursday evening. I hope we get the chance to come back for another round sometime down the road! Who wants to join uuuuus??? 🎶

Coffeehouse Day!

If I don’t look out the window, it won’t be snowing, right? Right. Yay! Denial works!

Today is the big day!! Brady and I, along with our friend, Carrie, have a real live gig! Its going to be pretty chill, at a coffee house just one town over, but I think I can safely say that we are all SO EXCITED!! We’ve been practicing some fun songs for weeks, and have officially surpassed stress and are at the point of having a lot of fun with it all 🙂 I think thats a good sign that we’re ready!

If you haven’t noticed, the three of us really enjoy doing music together! We’re a worship team at our church, where we lead once a month, and we’ve done music at our local car show for the last two years. We have SO much fun with it, but we were itching for more opportunities to play together! We reached out to Clearcut Coffeehouse after they put out a call for live music. We sent them some clips and they invited us to play! YES!

So here we are! It all comes down to today! Of course, Brady got sick this week and his voice is gone completely 🙁 SO disappointing for all of us. While I know he’s bummed too, he’s being a good sport about it and saying, this way, he can focus on his guitar a bit more. So if you come see us at 6:00pm today, you won’t get the three part harmony we usually try to offer, but hopefully two parts will work for ya!

This is the part where I should share a picture of us, but we don’t have one. We never think of it, ever! Maybe one day, lol! (Guys, we need to take a selfie!)

Seriously though, come see us! Clearcut Coffeehouse in Martensville makes super yummy coffee, and some background noise wouldn’t hurt, right?? We start at 6:00! I hope we see you there!

Helping Each Other Out

I have pretty helpful, loving children. I’m very fortunate that way. This morning hasn’t been altogether smooth, but it had a very sweet moment that I want to remember.

I’ll preface the story by saying our night was quite broken up. Rowan has been giving us a run for our money recently, and was up harassing everyone WAY later than he should’ve been. He did finally give in to sleep, but Wavy was up a couple of times in the night, as well. She’s working on teeth, and added a cold on top of everything just overnight. This morning, shortly after Brady left for work, she woke up very sad. 5:30am ish. I got her a bottle, but she was so stuffed up, she couldn’t drink very well. I got some of it into her, and put her back to bed. She was SO trashed. She talked in her bed and scratched at the sides of it for a bit before falling back to sleep. It was well after 6:00am at that point but I was SO tired, I figured I’d try for just a few minutes more of sleep.

I feel like I had just dozed off when I woke up to my en suite door squeaking. It would not be the norm for a kid to be using my bathroom before I’m up for the day. Going with our usual theme these days, I immediately assumed who it was.

“Rowan, please go back to bed.”

“Well… its Dekker, mom.”

Sure enough, my oldest son was coming out of my bathroom. I asked him what he was doing in my bathroom, and he had been looking for me. Apparently I was well tucked in and he couldn’t see me in my bed.

“Mom, Rowan peed on the floor.”

*Sigh*

In my sleepy stupor, I asked what he needed from me.

“Nothing,” he replied. “I just thought you’d need to know.”

I thanked him and said I’d clean it up later 🙈 I have NEVER left pee on the floor (at least not pee I’m aware of!) so I was clearly in a daze. Dekker left.

I lay in bed, feeling sorry for myself for being woken up when I was still so tired, but the longer I lay there, the more clear the situation became. There was pee on my floor. Somewhere. And a wet kid in my house. Somewhere. Clearly this couldn’t just wait while I dozed in bed for another half hour or so. So I got up.

I made my way down to the bathroom to see the damage done, and lo and behold –

There were my three oldest kids. On the floor, a pee soaked towel nearby, wiping the floor with Lysol wipes.

❤️

My heart, you guys. MY HEART!

They saw me coming, and smiled up at me. They reassured me that they had it all taken care of. I gathered up the towel to put it in the laundry, but that was all they wanted from me.

“Are you sure?” I asked. “This is a pretty grown up job. I can help you!”

But they insisted. They told me to go rest for a little bit longer. I reminded them to wash their hands once they were done their job, and they promised they would. So up to my room I went!

I admit, I didn’t rest anymore. I creepily watched them out the crack of my door. I couldn’t see them directly for most of it, but I listened to them work together and encourage each other. I was able to see some of their efforts, as they carried the garbage can back into the kitchen and put the wipes container away.

It is SO important for me to record these little anecdotes. I find them so heart warming, but also reassuring that the lessons I’m teaching my little people are sinking in, ever so slowly. I feel like, lately, I’m working hard to drill into my kids the importance of showing love to each other and treating their siblings how they want to be treated. Sometimes it feels like an uphill battle, like many other lessons we teach. But that one time that it happens so beautifully and seamlessly proves to me that its working! Its in there! They do know the lesson! It just takes practice, and reminding, and consistency on my part. It encourages me and my heart that my efforts are paying off.

I’m not a mean mom, but a very intentional one. We’re all allowed to be intentional about different things, with kids or totally unrelated things, and I think we can all understand the victory in seeing something we’ve worked hard for pan out!!

So THANK YOU, my big kids, for jumping in and helping Rowan clean up a dirty, embarrassing mess. You were not responsible for it, but you took initiative and helped him anyway. That is AWESOME! What amazing people you are!

This Wind Tho

I had high hopes for this week to be spent outside in the sun, biking, playing in the yard, on the deck, getting dirty, and enjoying Spring. I believe I even said something about feeling the wind in our hair, in reference to the fresh air. I did NOT account for these bizarre winds, though!! The forecast is promising wind gusting up in the 60s today!!!

So rather than playing outside, things have looked more like this so far.

LOTS of reading. LOTS of coloring. These lovely children of mine are moving in groups, so they almost always choose the same activity and set up together. It sometimes means more scrapping, but it also lowers the noise, with them all being within earshot of each other. If Solly drops a pencil on the floor, someone grabs it for them. If Rowan wants an outline drawn so he can color it in, Laela is on it. If Dekker ducks off to the couch to read a story, they aaaaall follow. Which drives him crazy and makes him feel very important all at the same time. Its awesome 🙂

Shameless plug time! We’ve been listening to music just about constantly these last few days in preparation for our little coffeehouse gig on Thursday. We’re super excited for it! You can check out our little teaser on Facebook, and watch for a few more to come 🙂

How Cute is Solly?!

I’ve had some cute pictures of Solly to share for a couple of days, and this morning seems like the right time. He’s been so sweet and fun to be around, and I want to remember little mornings like these 🙂

About an hour ago, I was settling down in the living room, when I slammed my elbow on a side table. I must’ve let out a sound, and I leaned over and closed my eyes, waiting for the pain to stop. I heard Solly’s signature flat-footed elephant stomp as he made his way over to me.

Are you ok, mommy?
Yes, I’m ok. Thank you, Solly.
You’re serious, mommy?

Haha! This is one of the things I’ve been saying more often recently. Solly will flip through our books and speculate how the characters are feeling by looking at their expressions. Any character that isn’t smiling, he figures is mad. I often tell him I think they’re just serious. Apparently he’s listening.

I reassured him that I was truly ok, and sat back up and got myself together. But the look of concern didn’t leave his face.

Need a hug, mommy? A squeeze?
I would love that, Solly.
Ok. And a smooch? A kiss?
Definitely yes!
Ok mommy!

I got my hugs and kisses and he took off to do his own thing once again.

He is SO funny these days. This pictures is taken after Brady found him licking rocks out of the gutter 🤦‍♀️😂 Note the mud all down his hoodie, and his wind-swept hair under his helmet. Who doesn’t need a helmet for rock hunting? Or maybe its for his own pinwheel safety. 😉 His shoes are on the wrong feet, too. And he’s happy as a clam! There aren’t too many sweeter than this kid.

I’ve seen the little ages and stages a few times, and they’ve been different for each kid. I can’t speak for whats coming, but he has been the most charming two year old!!! Always pleasant and friendly. I can’t wait to see him grow and change as age three approaches! May isn’t all that far away…

Easter Sunday 2019

We did not end up going to church this Sunday. We love Easter Sunday but it just didn’t pan out. Our kids were struggling hard yesterday. Baths weren’t happening, and good attitudes were nowhere to be found. We had to make the decision between rest and church, and we chose rest. It helped that we had gone on Good Friday, at least.

Our nights haven’t been gentle, with Wavy teething hard and Rowan feeling the need to inform us every time he has the urge to pee. I was up for at least an hour in the middle of the night, and then Wavy had us up at 6:00am. That is SO early for our house! Oy!

We did the morning all together, coloring, reading, playing, and putting away yesterday’s laundry. Kids got baths and took naps. Then we headed to spend the rest of the day at my moms with my brother and his family. It was lovely and rowdy and fun to bring everyone together again. We ate really simple, delicious food that the kids didn’t fight, and hunted for Easter bunnies. FaceTimed with those who couldn’t be with us. It was a good day!

Tomorrow should be a day off, but Brady is off to work for a HUGE week. That tends to be how it goes for him, though. I think its three years now that the weeks the kids are off are Brady’s busiest weeks. Merp. No day trip to the lake for us this week, I suppose! I’m sure we’ll get there eventually 🙂

Happy Easter, my friends. I hope you truly felt the love of God in your home. His grace has saved us!

Biking and Crocus Hunting

Yesterday morning was church! The kids did SO well! There was no childrens church, but the kids were entertained and happy through the entire service. Wavy missed the whole thing 😴

Yesterday afternoon was spent with more playing and biking outside!

And our evening was spent hunting for crocuses with my mom! I have a strong loyalty to my mom. Anyone who knows me knows this. But even if I didn’t know her personally, I would tell you she takes the best crocus pictures I’ve ever seen. She is passionate about them! The season for crocuses is so small, and she hasn’t gotten to see them as much as she normally tries to. We gave it one last go yesterday, and I’m glad we did. While the crocuses were pretty much “done,” it was still a lovely time spent together.

I’m no photographer with my phone, lol, but here are a few pretty bundles I liked.

My fave

All in all, yesterday was fun and relaxed and a solid day all together. Today holds grocery shopping, errand running, and laundry. Also good, but not quite as much fun 😉 Lucky for me, our kids love errand days!

Exciting Milestones for Laela!

We spent our morning at church, leading our two local churches in worship for Good Friday. It was a good service, but the drive home had all of us excited for the afternoon. The weather was beautiful, and everyone is just itching to play outside.

Yesterday afternoon, I opted to walk to pick the kids up from school, just to get my butt outside. I texted Brady while we walked home and told him it was gorgeous out, and maybe we should all get outside for a bit. He responded with “I’m getting the little boys dressed right now.”

I won’t make you wait and guess. Laela learned to ride her two-wheeler yesterday!!!

You’ll have to forgive the poor picture. I have video after video of her working her way up to riding. Of us cheering for her. Of Dekker whooping “You’re doing great, Laela!” Of her shrieking and off-roading. But no pictures of her on her little bike. I’ll put one on Instagram tho 🙂

She began on a balance bike, and remembered how it felt. It seems like, in the very beginning, if she would actually balance, she would forget to steer. Like it had to be one or the other.

But with just a little practice, she was doing it ALL on her own!! Getting herself going, biking, turning around, and stopping with her brakes. It was AMAZING! We were SO proud of her, and she was squealing with delight, very proud of herself as well. As she should be.

The others were all in it, as well. Dekker on his bike, Rowan on his balance bike, and Solly mostly just sitting on his trike. Wavy joined us once she woke up from her nap, and happily watched from the stroller. The kids popped in to visit her regularly.

We had a few kids from down the street come join us, but I won’t post pictures of them, obviously. It was very cute, though. One of them was even from Laela’s kindergarten class.

I know Dekker isn’t in any of these pictures :/ He was WAY too fast and couldn’t be bothered to stop for pictures. He’s in the videos, but for the most part, he had carried over the Earth Day vibes from school, and spent much of his biking time in the lots beside our house, picking up garbage.

I really hope we can get the kids back out biking today! The more we can foster that, the better! Rowan is great on his balance bike, so I wonder how far away a two wheeler is for him. Meanwhile, Dekker needs to move up in bikes! His is too small for him, and while it doesn’t both him at all, I know he’d feel way better biking on something that he wasn’t so scrunched on. Hopefully garage sale day helps us out with that!!

Yesterday felt so good. It was awesome to see Laela so confident and to see her succeed. She took only one spill, and she was giggling within seconds, as I held her and Brady biked away on her teeny tiny Frozen bike. I only wish I had a picture of that! But it was less than a minute before she wiggled out of my grasp and chased her dad down the street. She is in it. When did she become a teenager?? I do not remember okaying that.

I am SO PROUD of you, Laela!!

The Last Day Before…

Easter break!!

Tomorrow begins the kids break from school! The kids are off in time for Good Friday, all next week, and go back the following Monday. Thats a LOVELY long stretch to have them home! I hope we get in tons of playing outside, walks, and that we kick this lazy cold sooner than later! Would be such a bummer to be sick the entire break.

Brady, Carrie, and I are leading music tomorrow at our local church’s morning service. (Still looking for an hour or so of childcare in the morning during practice, if anyone is available!) But after church, I’m hoping to go for a drive and take some pictures with my mom and see where we end up from there!

Thus begins a week off! Not for Brady, though. He’s back at work in a BIG way. I doubt we’ll see much of him at all. I know we’ll all miss him a lot.

That all being said, we have a double batch of our rocket fuel iced coffee in the fridge, and our awesome playground is just a couple blocks away! I hope we meet lots of you there over next week!

Next week, our little worship band has a real gig at a coffee house in Martensville! Its on Thursday! Who wants to come?? 🤗 We’re SO excited!!

A Frustrating Eye Appointment

Dekker saw his eye doctor a few months ago, and they said they were unsure if his glasses accommodated for his current prescription. That didn’t make a ton of sense to us, but they wouldn’t really expand on it. Rather, they said they’d want to double check his eyes sooner than they might usually. And that was today.

Brady took him in, and they went to orthoptics first, as usual, to do the bulk of the exercises/tests. Same as last time, they said something wasn’t quite right. He might need a new prescription. It was less about his glasses this time and more than maybe his prescription wasn’t accommodating for his astigmatism. So they put drops in and said to wait a half hour or so. So as has become their custom, Brady took Dekker down to the cafeteria for a treat.

They arrived back up at the eye care centre as Dekker’s name was being called. He cooperated well through his everything and wouldn’t you know it…

His eye doctor said she’d like to see him without the drops in, without his pupils dilated.

*rolls eyes*

Sooooo now we have to make another appointment in a couple weeks! Gah! Its looking like Dekker will need a new prescription, but we’ll know for sure within a month or so. Hey, at least we didn’t pay out the nose for the last glasses :/ Small victories!