Some of you may know, and some of you may not, but Dekker has been working towards a goal for almost a year. He LOVED his little kayak, and it became clear early on that he needed to size up. So he has been collecting bottles and cans for months in order to earn money to buy his own kayak! All summer, he would go around the campground once a weekend, wagon in tow, to collect bottles from his regulars. His friends tipped off their families, and certain groups would save for him. One of our friends even brought ALL of his bottles and cans from home to give to Dekker!

My mom was a real asset in this area, taking Dekker to Sarcan multiple times, as well as taking him out for drives to look for recyclables that had been discarded in ditches or out in the country. I really appreciate that, mom. And to our friends who have saved for him and dropped them off to us one way or another, we are SO grateful. A couple of months ago, a loving family member sent Dekker a cheque “in place” of the recyclables they had saved for him, and it officially pushed him over the edge into kayak purchasing territory!

Brady began checking our Zak’s online stock, and finally, kayaks showed up! Dekker had a budget, and he was not buckling on his few stipulations, which I actually think was awesome! He did NOT want to just jump at the first thing he could afford. He was intentional 🙂

Dekker wanted an adult sized kayak. Somewhere in the 10-12′ range. He wanted to like the colour, lol! Something darker, he figured. Blue, maybe. He wanted compartments to bring things along with him. And he wanted it to be a sit-in kayak rather than a sit-on kayak.

And the right thing finally showed up 💜

Dekker is the proud owner of a 10′ Pelican blue/green sit-in kayak! And he is THRILLED!

Yes, its wrapped in a bag. And it still is, haha! So there isn’t a better picture of the kayak itself, but Dekkers face is really all you need to see here! He is SO HAPPY.

He loved going to pick it up at Brady’s work. It seemed like everyone knew it was happening, and they were all SO excited for him. They beamed almost as brightly as he was. He was so proud to hand over his wad of cash to the cashier, and she chatted him up, saying she had seen his kayak in the back earlier and was excited for him to be able to bring it home. He was a star!

All of this being said, its not quite over! Dekker has a bit of money left over, and he’s still saving for a bit longer. Not a single one of us thought about a paddle 😅 So we laughed about that, haha! They’re not super expensive. He’ll get one soon!

Beyond that, his plan has always been to get set up with a kayak, and then a music player. He wants to go for kayak adventures and listen to music. Which I can completely get behind! We found an awesome little device called a Mighty, which is basically an iPod shuffle, but for Spotify users, which we are. Its meant for kids, can hold a bunch of songs, and doesn’t need an actual device alongside it to make it play. No wifi or bluetooth necessary. Just a battery. Its perfect for what he is looking for! So he still has some saving up to do, but this was the BIG part, and he is SUCH a happy guy!!!

I thank you again, friends, for putting into him and his excitement this way! He is learning a lot about money and working and responsibility. He’s thinking smart, and making good choices, and I am SO proud of him. And he couldn’t have been this successful without everyone’s help 💜 So thank you. Very much.

Its been about a month since the kids got their glasses! Rowan went for his checkup early because he got his contact a couple of weeks after the fact. Solly and Laela had their checkup yesterday after school. I loaded up all the kids and took everyone along. Luckily, our eye place welcomed us with open arms 💜 As they always do. We didn’t wait long before we were called back to do the initial tests, to the back waiting room, and finally into the exam room!

Solomon went first. He was super cooperative and did a super good job. Our eye doctor told me his prescription had changed. Not specifically that his eyes had changed, but since he was familiar with the process now, he handled it better and she could get a more accurate answer. She told me we could’ve gotten that answer the first time around if she had done drops, but vastly preferred it this way where no one is traumatized. I loved that 💜

The plan for Solly is to order new lenses, and because its within the appropriate window of time, its free of charge! Woot!

Laela was next, and she was jazzed, as she is. She loves having glasses. Unfortunately, her glasses aren’t doing all our eye doctor had hoped. Her eyes are quite different from one another, and like Rowan, her brain hasn’t been using one of her eyes. Her prescription isn’t as high as Rowan’s, so we were hoping the glasses would do the trick, but they haven’t. So, yet another new development!

Yup. Laela will now be patching with Rowan!! No contact for her, though. Just her glasses and a patch when she’s at home. I was SO impressed with her response to learning this plan, though. She was optimistic and totally 100% accepting! She smiled and nodded eagerly! Not that she was thrilled, but she was down for whatever needed doing. This will be a HUGE asset to Rowan, who has been struggling lately with being the only one who needs to patch 💜 This shift has removed the “Its not fair” option, and I’m pretty stoked about it! I know they will lean on each other when they’re feeling overwhelmed and uncomfortable. We often call them the twins, and this only really solidifies that.

Our eye doctor was also able to get a clearer reading on Laela’s prescription, and she too is getting fresh lenses!

So the current plan is this – a followup appointment in three months for the three middles, and in the meantime, we wait for new lenses for Laela and Solly, and a fresh box of contacts for Rowan.

I won’t lie. Its a lot. But when I think about me a year ago, I NEVER could’ve handled this. No. Way. I am so incredibly grateful for how far God has brought me, and that I can add to my life. I feel more normal. Whatever that means. But I think we’re on our way. Praise God!

Lately, these mornings have been BRIGHT and awesome, but glaring! We end up closing the front curtains during breakfast because the sun is right at that point where it is in everyone’s eyes. You know what I mean in terms of driving, I bet. Well, this morning, I expected to close the curtains, but its surprisingly overcast this morning!

Yet, as I sit in my living room and observe the sky, and the roads, and the general greyscale, it feels like spring is on the horizon.

Don’t worry. I know where I live. I know there is more winter to come. But I looked at the 14 day trend on the Weather Network, and the next two weeks look SO nice. Warmer temperatures help SO MUCH. Even when I’m out and about running errands, being bundled up versus running in somewhere in a hoodie makes a world of a difference to me. And the next two weeks are looking beautiful for the appointments and busyness we have on the books.

This overcast weather feels like rainy season. I know that rain right now would be bad. But I do anticipate the rains that will come when its appropriate and won’t freeze and ruin everything.

But first – more winter.

Yesterday, Brady and I worked on our course until about 4:00, and then I completed some laundry. It even got put away.

Today, we’re up for church early (which rarely happens) and the kids are occupied. Solly is reading. Laela is doing sudoku. Dekker is doing a word search. Wavy just finished getting dressed and is helping Rowan do dishes. Brady is doing some research on booster seats, and I’m working on the blog and occasionally helping Laela with her puzzle. She’s in expert level, and she is awesome at it, but something she gets stuck. I felt energy to make granola bars this morning before church, but with dishes still going, I think it would be unnecessarily busy in the kitchen. So it’ll wait. But I can’t tell you the last time I felt motivated to work before church. So I’m loving that.

The day is fairly planned already. Church, then coop for toilet paper (because we’re super out,) and then home for rest time and Cher visiting, and the oatmeal for supper.

This coming week holds a few meetings, an appointment or two, and lots of school practices. And more, but those are off the top of my head. I’m feeling a little overgrown, but I think this next week, I’m going to schedule a hair appointment as well as a leg wax. The hair appointment at least will be a ways off, but as long as its on the books, I’ll feel like some refreshment is coming. I’m also feeling purgy these days, so I may spend some time this coming week getting rid of clutter. I have a couple of boxes in the transit already to donate somewhere, so I’m thinking I’ll add to it and drop it off somewhere later this week.

I don’t know, guys. I feel more capable these days, and I like it. And when I feel less capable, I have the resources I need to manage that. I’m learning where to give myself grace but not feel selfish. I’m learning how to manage the symptoms I have that make me feel anxious. For instance, when I was in the pit of despair (like the albino in The Princess Bride) I would be freezing at the beginning of an anxiety attack. So now, when I’m cold, I get nervous. But I have a heated sweater, and a weighted heating pad for when I take a break. I have cozy warm nordic socks. I have an understanding, loving supportive family. I have implemented a routine that we all manage well, and I think I manage my priorities well, knowing where to cut and where to add. I have a craft I LOVE that helps keep my hands busy when I feel picky. I have what I need, and I’m feeling capable.

PRAISE GOD!

Church is still an hour away and everyone is content and doing well. I know every day won’t feel smooth, but I am grateful for my morning feeling under control and peaceful thus far.

Brady and I spent the bulk of the day doing a course online. We tucked up in our room and video chatted from 9:00am until about 4:00pm. We got out a little early, which was a pleasant surprise for both us and our brains. Whew! What a full day!

I found this mug at Value Village the other day. It gives me summertime vibes. I want to take it to the camper to be a camp mug, but it also makes me happy and I want it to live here! Either way, I’m happy with it 🙂 It added some nice summer feelskies to my morning.

But then there is Laela…

She’s a Christmas elf. So. Thats happening, apparently. But I can forgive it, because she’s so cute.

And because there is still snow on the ground. One day, there won’t be. Until there is again, hahaha! But truly, I can’t wait for spring, if you hadn’t noticed. I want to walk the kids to school again. I want to have coffee on the deck in the morning. I want evening walks as a family. I want all the fun things in the works to come to fruition. So much on the go, and so much to look forward to 💜

Thank you Cher, Rae, and Tom for being with our kids today so we could be present online. We couldn’t have done this day without you and your willing hearts 💜

Happy Saturday, friends. Enjoy your weekend.

While there are parts of our life that are really busy these days, a few nice simple pleasures have surfaced that are worthy of remembering.

During Covid, two different people gave us a bag of dress-up clothes. What immense gifts! Our kids made great use of them, and they resurface from time to time. One of those times is now. Waverly is regularly in costume. Its her first move once breakfast is over. And if you know her at all, or have even regularly observed here through the blog, you know this girl has presence!

Oh ya. She owns the room, and she knows it.

Another real win is crafts. I am not awesome at crafting with the kids, but they have a ton of craft stuff and go through stages of what they like to work on. While most are working on leprechaun traps, Dekker snagged the colouring book I bought at Value Village recently that depicts intricate food pictures. In true Dekker fashion, he chose the “Just roll with it” picture that he could twist into a wheelchair joke, lol!

He’s a weird dude but I like him a lot.

I know it’s Friday, but it doesn’t necessarily feel as such. Tomorrow is a VERY full day, but I’m thankful for all the opportunities on our plate right now, and our ability to address each one, manage the time and energy, and come out well. That is ALL God, and we are overwhelmed with gratefulness!

I thought February was loaded with appointments, but March is proving to be wildly busy as well. Possibly busier than previous month, even. That being said, this level of busyness won’t last forever, and its a season we’re excited to be in.

It honestly feels really good to be able to add things into our life, and manage the extra activity. The kids are also falling into it beautifully, and they pitch in when asked. Some of them are extra observant, and offer to help without being asked! I SO appreciate our willing, hard working children 💜

As I type this, I have a kid reading to be, and two kids doing dishes. One kid looking at books, and one kid at Frozen Jr practice. And the big kid is at work, but still nearby 😘

Its one day at a time over here, but God’s hand is in our life and it is evident in every step we take. I will say it again – glory strength! Strength that comes from GOD, not ourselves, is the strength to pull us through big things!

I took Rowan to the eye doctor on Monday for a check-up to see how he is doing with his contacts, as well as how the patching is going. We got to go just the two of us, which was nice. We got there in good time and only waited a few minutes before we got to head back for the initial tests.

Rowan knows the ropes pretty well already. He cooperated really well with the tests, and sat still while his eyes were scanned. Then we waited in a second waiting room for a little while, and practiced reading new words on the tv that promotes glasses brands. Riveting entertainment, lol! At one point, someone came to retrieve some other patients, and it happened to be the doctor we had seen the day we got Rowan’s contact fitted. Our usual eye doctor had to call in sick that day, so we were paired off with someone else that time, and he immediately recognized us and asked how Rowan was doing with his contact. I appreciated that he cared enough to even inquire. Shortly after he left with his patient, our eye doctor showed up and brought us back with her.

Vision lesson alert! 🚨

You know how people say vision should be 20/20? Do you know what that means? I didn’t, but I do now, so now you can know, too!

The concept of 20/20 means that your eye can see something 20 feet away, healthily, the way that other people with strong vision can from the same distance. That feels a little jumbled, I know, so I’ll make it more personal.

At Rowan’s initial eye appointment, his left eye was at 20/200. 200!!! So that means that things people should be able to see from 200ft away, Rowan can only see at 20ft away. Does that make sense?

Also, for information’s sake, if your vision can not be corrected to better than 20/200, you would be considered legally blind! Ack!

With glasses, the best our eye doctor could get Rowan seeing was 20/70, which is a HUGE improvement over 20/200 but not as close as we’d all like to 20/20. Hence the patching and regular checkups.

Does that all make sense? Whew!

Ok, back to Monday!

I hadn’t been in Rowan’s initial eye appointment, but Brady had. Our doctor showed me the sizes of letters that Rowan could read the first time around, and then she began testing him to see how he was doing since everything began. And I do mean everything. Multiple appointments. Glasses. Two different types of patches. Contacts. Drops. And all the fuss that came with it. Dizziness. Headaches. Irritation. Disorientation. The list really goes on. He has handled these adjustments like a ROCKSTAR.

Finally our eye doctor turned to me with literal tears in her eyes, and she told me, while wearing a contact, his left eye could see 20/40!! 40!!!! Not 200, and not 70, but 40!!! That is SO much better!!! To refresh you, what healthy vision can see in 20ft, he can see in 40ft. And we started at 200!!

And would you believe me if I told you that wasn’t even the best news??

The first little test where they scanned Rowans eyes showed that he is using them EQUALLY!!! This is YUGE!!!! 🙌 It was one month ago that his brain did not ask his left eye to work. He never ever ever used it. And because of Rowan’s hard work, our determination, and the power of God, he is using BOTH of us eyes the SAME!!! It was a teary exam room 💜

What a victory. Praise the Lord!

We’ll be back in a month to keep watching his progress, but back before then to pick up six months worth of contacts. And back next week for Laela and Solly. Whew!! Lots of catching up to do around here!

My goodness, guys! The day has wailed by!!! I cannot believe its already 3:00!! I won’t go into every detail but I can tell you the day has been an absolute whirlwind and I am POOPED! But in a good way, I promise. Nothing bad. Just busy. And I’m not afraid of busy.

A few small but cute wins!

Solly lost yet another front tooth last night!!! Forgive his bloody, messy mouth, but he was stoked!

This morning, I found Wavy cleaning excess toothpaste out of the sink long after teeth had been brushed, rather than just leaving it there to solidify!

Aaaaand I discovered Rowan’s bed fully made, without any prompting from me, or even acknowledgement, as I didn’t notice at the time. He just did it on his own.

They may be small things, but they count and are worth celebrating!! Good job, little ones!

Now if you’ll excuse me, the kids will be home shortly and there are things to dooooo! Where has the day gone?!

Today is a different kind of day! There is no school, but it was still an earlier-than-the-weekend kind of start, because its a Frozen kind of day!!!

Laela’s schedule is full of Frozen these days, but Dekker only just received his official part in the play! He is part of a group of seven kids who make up the stage crew!! I’ll be honest and tell you he is a little disappointed in his role. He really wanted to be part of the lighting crew. He did the spotlight for the Christmas concert, so we all kind of thought he’d be an obvious choice for more lighting, and for some reason, he didn’t get it. He’s bummed, for sure, and I kind of am, too. That being said, he is ready and willing to do his part as the stage crew, and I think he will do a really good job of it! He is very responsible, almost to a fault sometimes, so I know he will work hard to get the job done 💜

Today is the first day they are BOTH going to rehearsal! They are SUCH a good pair, and they do really well together as friends when they spend this kind of time together.

This is from earlier this season, but it definitely still needs to be shared 💜 Thanks, Cher, for taking it.

I am really really glad they get this opportunity to do something special together!

This morning, the entire company will be together for the first time! Ack! I wish I could be a fly on the wall for it! 😍

Today also holds a progress check for Rowan, to see how his vision is doing with all the changes.

I will update everyone on those details tomorrow as I can. But we are eager to know, and hopeful for positive change!