Catching Up

It never ceases to amaze me just how much can happen in a week or so!


Since my last post, we've had two birthdays, two birthday parties, been to Cardston, visited family in Glenwood, babysat lots of babies, you get the idea... It's been super busy here at our house!

We had fun at T's birthday party. He didn't have as many friends come as he had hoped - but they were very well behaved and he really enjoyed himself. Dad took him shopping at a pawn shop with his birthday money. I know, I know! But it was what T requested.

My birthday was a little more low key. D took four of us to the Olive Garden for dinner. :) We don't get up there much because it is so far away - but we do love the food. T was more than a little upset that we made him order from the "10 and under menu" - because he was just hours older than ten. With his special condition, sometimes it's hard for him to understand that not everything is about him or what he sees/wants/feels, etc. I was glad he was there with us though. V, on the other hand, tried all kinds of new foods there and said it was now his favourite new restaurant. I had a great evening and I was certainly glad that I had worn my stretchy pants!

I also had two very good friends who helped me celebrate. Shelley took me out for lunch and Cori brought me a bag of wonderful gifts and a beautiful note. I am very blessed indeed.

The other part of my birthday present was that Drew and I went to the Cardston Temple together for the first time in months on Saturday. The whole day was really nice - except for the little bit of blizzard that we drove through on the way home. We even stopped to visit my uncle and aunt in Glenwood. We always enjoy visiting with them - they are just so wonderful!

There was a big surprise waiting for me yesterday. Remember when I mentioned that I'd been duped on EBay? The package SHOWED UP!! I was stunned! The thing had come from Singapore - but it was here! D and I were both stoked! Good thing we had waited and not bid on another one...

Finally, we're now into Halloween mode here. We will have D's kids here for the weekend and he's not taken them out for Halloween since he split from his ex... um... wife... (almost said something nasty there!) When the kids ask what I'm dressing up as, the answer will have to be "the mom who stays home to give out candy". I'm kind of looking forward to that!

D found these glasses at the local dollar store. Check out the package for them. I think I'll submit this to engrish.com.

They are hilarious!

Even the dog gets in on disguises for Halloween!

Three Things I'm Grateful For

1.  I got to hold Rebecca's baby yesterday! He was born on my birthday so not even a week old. Very cute!
2. My EBay package really did come! I still can't believe that after all the fuss that EBay and PayPal made about it. But I am glad it's here!
3. I'm another year older - and wiser. I have truly been blessed with so much in my life and now I have so many to share it with.

Overheard from the TV Room

I overheard this conversation tonight coming from the TV room. Picture the setting...

Four of the kids (ages 9, 10 and 11) are watching "Castaway". They are at the part of the movie where Tom Hanks is riding the raft and a whale is swimming beside him...

V: There is a whale following him.
I: There is?!
V: Yes - but it doesn't hurt him.
E: Wait - doesn't he get inside the whale?
T: No! That's Noah!!
I: No - Jonah gets swallowed by the whale! Noah got eaten by Moby Dick!

Apparently, we have a little educating to dole out here.

Duped on EBay!

I didn't think it would happen to me! I've been so careful! I've had dozens of successful transactions!! But this week, I got a note from EBay stating that the last purchase I made was with a seller of questionable repute... or something to that effect.

What a pain in the butt! I had to lodge a complaint with PayPal to get my money back. I also had to make a claim file with EBay, but by then, the "seller" had been removed. I'm hoping that I have provided enough evidence to get my money back, but in the meantime, I wait.

The guy I spoke to at EBay suggested that I be more careful when dealing with some (not ALL) overseas sellers. You can bet I'll be watching for that very closely in the future...

Three things I am grateful for -

1. I didn't get ripped of hundreds of dollars. Double checking that all my info is still secure. Whew!
2. The stinkin' snow has stopped for now! If snow were warm I wouldn't care - but snow is cold and I don't like it.
3. We had a chance to look after the most adorable baby girl this past week - and we fell in love with her! It was great to have a baby in the house for a few days - especially a baby GIRL! I want one...
   

Birthday Month Has Commenced

October is the month of the year where we have the most birthdays in our family.

We start early off with Mr. V. This year, we had to host a birthday party a day early, because our church General Conference was being held on the actual birthday. Actually, I don't really mind the 2 hour birthday party after school. Most of the time the kids come here, eat, play and leave and I can have almost everything cleaned up by the time everyone else gets home. It's just easier this way.

Here are a couple of photos of the birthday boy and his buddies...

See the wad of cash he got? I know it doesn't show here but he was just beside himself! He kept repeating that he'd never had that much money in his whole life - and that was probably true. Didn't matter... he spent it all before the weekend was done.

Now, brace yourself for what you are about to see... This is a creation that can only happen when one is rushed for time, and attempts to ice a "too warm" cake with "too much sugar" icing. This, my friends, is my creation worthy of a mention on Cake Wrecks!

You don't have to tell me! I already know!! The worst cake in the history of me making cakes! I had to entice the kids to eat it by putting mini chocolate bars all over it!! It did taste way better than it looks though... :( If that means anything at all.

I may just buy a cake for the next birthday this month...

Three Things I'm Grateful For:

1. 
   
   That I'm able to stay home to care for my family. This has made a world of difference for the children - and me. I know way more about what happens here and can keep better tabs on their needs (and behaviour!)
   
   
   
2. 
   
   My health is good. After watching my little sister go through what she did last month, I'm even more grateful for this blessing!
   
   
   
3. 
   
   My testimony. I always feel this growing when I watch General Conference. It is just so neat to be able to sit in my own home and listen to our Prophet and the other leaders share their wisdom, insight and guidance with us. It was a really nice weekend.