The weekday mornings are sooooo chill over here. I imagine there will be days where I’ll do more work around here. I have some goals for this season of life, but I’m not even thinking of them until October, so we can talk more about those later. For now, we are enjoying our very relaxed hours.
So far, Wavy plays lego, and I crochet.
For the most part, Wavy plays with the lego guys and decides who is who. Today she chose for me to be a pink princess while she opted to be a villain. I secretly loved that, hahaha!
Today also held some gems from Waverly. My favorite was “This yego guy has some smoke coming out of his butt cheeks! Like a hot toot.” 💨
Meanwhile, I try to get the blog up in the morning. I have good music going. And for the most part, I crochet. I’ve been having a LOT of fun with a new method of crochet that produces the most beautiful items. Blankets don’t stretch in a huge way or have big holes for your toes to stick through. But they’re time consuming and tedious. Yet I LOVE them.
A question I have for you:
If you were to purchase a blanket made with Hudsons Bay colors, would you want the white to be stark white or off white?
In my research, it is originally bright white, but does anyone actually want to temp fate and use a WHITE blanket?! I’ve seen some people changed it to ivory, but it almost cheapens the look. Thoughts? I’d welcome your input!
I know we’ve talked about all of this before. Like a number of times. I’ll be brief.
As the season changes, its hard to ignore the fact that our life in winter would be SO much easier in a different house. A garage that was long enough that Brady could park the van in it and still open the back and get his chair out. A mudroom where wheels could drip and clean and change. A concrete driveway that was there from the start.
Regardless of the season, there would also be the added bonuses of everything being within reach. A microwave on the counter. A different island height. Main floor laundry. Bigger bathrooms. An accessible shower. A permanent stair lift to the basement. Barrier free, wide doorways. It would just be SO much easier.
Remember what stood in our way last time? It was income. Lol! Don’t get me wrong, I do understand that. People need money to buy a house. I get that. But now we have that. So we could get a mortgage. Plus, Brady’s job would open the door for us to actually get some of the materials at a discounted rate, which could make building a beautifully accessible house possible!
But the whole point of building a new home would be to make it fit a wheelchair appropriately.
Meaning a wider floor plan.
And NO LOTS in town are wide enough!! ACK!!! It is SO maddening how skinny the new lots have been developed!
We did speak to Northridge about getting two lots for one house, and they were willing to discuss it.
Would there be any discount with buying two at once? NOPE.
So that leaves us being on the hook for about 200K JUST for property.
*sigh*
Forgive my rant. I know we are very fortunate to have the home we have. It has been perfect for us for a long time, and we have been so grateful for it 💜 But man. Winter is so much harder now. And I wish we had a better set up.
It was kind of a strange weekend in some ways. Don’t get me wrong, it was beautiful. It was flawlessly calm and peaceful, and oddly quiet for the last long weekend of the summer. And it was a HOT one!! Where was everyone??
Don’t worry, I am NOT complaining. It was incredible!
We did unfortunately have our first sting of the season at the beach today. Poor Dekker :/ But he recovered after a little while and totally asked me to harass him, so I did.
But as we sat on the beach today, playing in the sand, swimming, playing frisbee, paddling and kayaking, we witnessed SO MANY of our regulars come down to the water and retrieve their boats, canoes, and other items. They all seemed to come down to the water for what seemed like one last deep breath, and then they said goodbye for the season. It was so strange. So final for so many.
Lucky for us, we have intentions to still go back a time or two, weather permitting.
I’ll also feel a lot more at peace when some of the people are caught who have been causing so much heartache and pain in our surrounding area. Our lake felt a little close to the crime spree than I would have preferred, but we were fortunate enough to stay safe all weekend.
Everyone bawled when we left the beach today. They were tired. No joke.
We continue to be SO grateful for our home away from home. I am absolutely looking forward to some things simplifying once camp is packed up, but I am also sad to think it will end for the season. I’m ready and not ready. You get it.
It has been a while since we’ve shared a good old fashioned smorning with all the kids. Today, we had the pleasure of feeding s’mores to all nine of us! Our kids, and the Dahlsjo’s. Because they’re our family too.
Usually a kid or two offer to roast their own marshmallow in an effort to speed up the process. This morning, I suggested that anyone who wanted to roast could roast a full roaster worth. And they did!!
Why haven’t we done this all summer?? It was SUCH a cushy gig!!
The day warmed up fast, the fire was put out and the bathing suits were on!!
It is one of the last weekends at the lake. Not quite the last. But close.
It is that beautiful time of year where the days are HOT but the nights cool way off. It’s almost perfect.
After a relatively peaceful night, we had bfast around the fire and headed to the beach. It was shady and chilly, but knowing the impending heat warning of the afternoon, we soaked the cool air in.
But the afternoon has not left us disappointed. It’s 30C and rising. The beach is littered with children, and the water is full of floaties and kayaks.
(Side note about kayaks!! Dekker has been saving cans all summer to be able to buy a full sized kayak! Anyone who wants to donate to her m, please let me know and I’d be happy to orchestrate him coming and picking up your recycling!)
In other news that doesn’t even need to be voiced…
I will REALLY miss this place when the season is over 💜 This is such an oasis for me and my family. We praise God for it absolutely all the time.
Dekker was very happy with his teacher, and the friends he has in his class! He is missing one of his closest friends, which is disappointing to both of them, but he is still a very happy camper in the class he ended up in. His single beef is that he is not allowed to put a lock on his locker. He maintains the grade six kids were allowed to lock their lockers last year, and he’s disappointed that he isn’t allowed. I don’t know one way or another confidently, but I imagine it may happen later in the year, and maybe just not on the first day. We’ll see.
Laela was VERY happy to be back at school. She was excited to have been picked to pass out papers to everyone and be helpful. Her current desk clump is full of people she really likes, and she was excited about the new kids, too. Her class is even taking some time today to enjoy the spray park before it closes for the season. Lots of wins for that girl yesterday.
Rowan was so happy to see his friends again. That was his biggest win, for sure. He is a very social guy, so he was super happy to be back in the group of kids, as well as playing on the saucer swings. He LOVES the saucer swings. He didn’t talk too much about class itself, but he did say he is going to get to use the computer lab this year, which he is really, really excited about!
Solomon loves his teacher, and so do I! I admit, his teacher is the only one I actually really know know. Solly is our third child that she’s taught. ALL the boys. And she is incredible. Solly felt super comfortable and happy at school, but didn’t have much to say about his first day. I’m not too surprised. Those first days are whirlwinds, and I imagine a handful of things went over his head, haha! Still, it was a success, and I have zero worries for Sol in his class.
Everyone came home with mountains of paperwork that I needed to complete, requests for different things they need, and homework (already!) that they needed my help with! Ack! I did everything they brought to me, and when Brady got home, I took a break upstairs. Because that was a LOT. But its done now! Win!
It was a totally successful day 💜 I’m very happy with how the day went and I know the kids are, too. I hope today is just as good for them!
Yes, folks! You have likely picked up on the fact that school is back in session! Today is the first day of having FOUR kids in FULL TIME school!!! ACK! Wavy will join in part-time preschool in a few weeks. Though she could not be left out of this post, of course.
So, in order of who was ready for school first, here are my beautiful students!
Solomon is first! Going into grade one! He tends to feel about school however those around him feel 😂 Today he seemed neutral about getting back into school but he was excited at all the excitement, hahaha!
Rowan is next! Grade two! He is nervous about school. He struggles with change, and while he’s been doing pretty well with his temper and behaviour in the recent past, I think he is nervous to adapt to a new routine. But he was upbeat and positive and ready to go without issue!
Dekkers up third! Grade SIX!!! He’s gotten a bit grumpy over this summer, so he was not looking forward to school starting at all. Yet, he is an incredibly delightful, respectful, obedient boy, and it is NOT a struggle to get him to go to school. I am very fortunate in that way. He is a very good sport.
Wavy made it out the door next! She is not starting school yet, but she is absolutely part of the kids, and needed to be included!
Laela was the last one out the door today, brushing her teeth and getting the bathroom last! She is entering grade four! She is AMPED for school! My little keener who cannot get enough of school! She is a very happy camper this morning, and thats a good thing, because her backpack is bigger than ANYONES!
Ugh. I cannot believe so many of them are in school. I LOVE these kids! I am terribly excited for routine, but a large part of me will really miss having these little ones home more 💜💜💜💜💜
We found everyone’s doors and classrooms, and dropped them all off on time! Each child goes through a different door 😅 But we got them there!
Brady was able to go into work a couple of hours later today so he could join us. Leaving the house, he looked like a schoolboy as well, so we went with it, hahaha!
Aaaaand that leaves me and Waverly at home to our own devices! Today, that means puzzles, the Encanto soundtrack, and crocheting.
I won’t lie. My anxiety is higher than average these days. There is a LOT to mentally sort out with school and the lake and trying to fit in absolutely every little thing. Brady moved to full time the moment it was September, so he is working his first Friday tomorrow. Lots and lots of adapting these days, but I will continue to do my very best to stay afloat! I imagine once it all settles in, I will LOVE the days and fill them with beautiful things where I feel fulfilled and rested and productive. Thats the goal, anyway.
But today is the first day of the new season! And that is an exciting thing! I’m looking forward to learning what God has in store! 💜
Tomorrow is the first day of school for FOUR of the kids! Ack! Its such a bizarre season of life. Foolishly, I didn’t picture having so many kids in school so soon with only one left at home. Brady and I have talked about this season for years. Its an odd time. With school also comes Brady moving to full time work, and Cher heading back to university.
Also, we’re still rocking camp on the weekends! So while I was stuffing backpacks with an unbelievable amount of school supplies this afternoon, I was also making shopping lists for the weekend and packing kids clothes.
My brain is in every direction. But thats ok. We will absolutely come through it on top! Good thing I have a couple of old men to help me!
Tomorrow is school. Friday morning, Cher is coming before school so I can drive Brady to work. Then school, and packing the van, prepping, etc. And then driving to pick Brady up after work. And to the lake.
What. A. Season!
Have a great last day of summer holidays, those of you who got them 💜 I feel very fortunate to have lived the summer I have. Thank you, Lord.
Admit it. You read “computer” first, didn’t you? Well. I did, and I’m the one who wrote “commuter.”
Anyway.
Brady is in search of a vehicle to take him to and from work! He’s been using our bus, which has worked great, but also has left me vehicle-free. Up to this point, that’s been fine, but it won’t be forever. It leaves me unable to get anything done out of the house during regular work hours. It leaves me unable to drive kids to school if weather isn’t favourable. It leaves me in a bind in case of an emergency. Meanwhile, it costs a lot more in gas than your average vehicle, and while Brady’s work is not too terribly far from home, it could cost less to drive.
Brady is in the market for something specific. Ish. There is play in his plan, but here’s what we’ve got so far.
We are looking for a minivan. Our ideal is something along the lines of your standard Dodge caravan. The key features are the dual sliding doors and the stow-and-go seating. This would mean he could open his driver’s side door, have the sliding door open on his side, and he could pull out his fully assembled wheelchair out from right behind his seat. Does that make sense? He wouldn’t have to venture around to the back of the vehicle, nor would he have to collapse his chair every single day.
This would REALLY help in winter, getting in and out of the van, into work, on the ice. While you and I can step gingerly and anticipate ice underneath, he cannot. If Brady could get this type of vehicle, he could literally have his chair in front of him without his feet having touched the ground. It would easily be the safest option for him.
On top of the purchase of this vehicle, we need to have hand controls installed. That alone costs about 2K.
Brady was able to sell his work van in August. We were SO grateful!!! We didn’t get a lot from the sale, but he made a few grand to put towards something new to us 🙂
For those who might wonder, who might have a lead on something for us, we are ideally looking for something in the 5-6K range. I know thats not a lot, but it doesn’t have to be fancy either. It just needs to drive to Warman and back one million times.
So there you go. Our eyes are open for our latest need, and we’re asking around to see if anyone knows anyone who is selling or thinking about selling their van!
Thank you, all, for keeping your eyes peeled for us! 💜
After Telemiracle happened, Brady was contacted by a local production company. They wanted to discuss featuring Brady and our family on an episode of one of their shows. We hemmed and hawed, but not for too terribly long, because we all feel like Brady’s paraplegia is an opportunity to encourage positive change and give hope. We both felt compelled to take this offer, so he said yes!
A couple of weeks ago, the camera people met Brady at his work, and shot some footage of him there, doing his thing, in his element. It was pretty quick and seamless. Today was a bigger undertaking, for sure, but I’m happy and relieved to say that I think it went well!
We had their crew in our home from 9:30 until about 1:30 ish. We played outside for a good while all together, biking in the street. When we came inside, they set up all their cameras and lights, and the kids and I skedaddled downstairs and talked in whispers for the next hour while Brady was interviewed. Then, we switched spots and he came down to oversee everyone while I had a shorty interview, too. It was fun and easy. And the kids were SO GOOD. They were calm and quiet, and with just a little bit of reminding!
We finished up the interviews, and then everyone came downstairs just to gather some footage of the family playing in the basement. Everyone built or puzzled or snuggled. It was a lot of fun, and the basement was trash after, hahaha! But it was worth it.
Brady and I put together bacon grilled cheese buns and cucumber salad for lunch, and everyone sat to eat. The camera crew ducked out and ate for a few minutes, but came in to get a few shots of us all eating.
Once all of that was over, they wanted a few minutes of Brady and I just being us. So he noodled on the guitar while I crocheted beside him. It was really, really nice. We could’ve done that all day.
There were other things. They got a TON of footage and we covered a million and a half topics of conversation. It was a FULL few hours, but it wasn’t hard. The kids were amazingly patient and cooperative. The crew of people were lovely, funny, and easy to have around. I didn’t feel judged or examined. It was very comfortable.
All of that to say, as soon as they left, we tucked into bed and rested for an hour or so. Because goodness, being ON that way is kind of exhausting! Hahaha!
It was a lovely day, all things considered 💜 Both Brady and I are excited to be part of beautiful things, and this is one of those things! What an opportunity to spread hope in the midst of trial! We love it!
The day will wrap up with pizza with our closest people! What a treat! Another thing to be grateful for!
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I’ll let you know when the show airs. It feels silly to even say that. But I will. It streams online, so anyone can watch 🙂
