It's like GOLD to a Canadian shopper! Have you ever heard about Ebates? When I first heard about it I thought it was too good to be true. Do they really give you cash back on purchases? Is it a scam? Surely there's a catch…but no. No catch. I have received cheques from Ebates and they are real.
Start earning cash in just 4 easy steps:
1. Open an account with Ebates.
2. Every time you shop online, sign into Ebates first.
3. Choose the store you want to shop at from the Ebates site and they will redirect you.
4. Shop as normal.
As you shop, Ebates earns a commission. They share that commission with you. You will receive a cheque every 3 months for the amount of cash back you have accumulated. Go check it out and let me know what you think.
ATTENTION CANADIAN ONLINE SHOPPERS:
In The Trenches?
Today is Kobe's birthday party. Five years old! This is the life. Somedays feel long, they feel like I argue, prod, clean up, fix, get frustrated...all day long. It feels like I'm in the trenches. And then I stop and think. I think of these four little boys who need me and who love me and who are not 'getting in the way' of what I need to get done. They ARE what I need to get done. Even as I am going through this time period, I know, I just know that I will look back someday and long for these days. I will long for the days of my boys being litte, being boisterous, of crying for a kiss on their owie, of hearing the words 'Mom, _____ just hit me!' I KNOW I will miss this. So why do I complain about it? Why do I feel like some days will never end? Why do I get so frustrated? Why can't I just relax and ENJOY it?
Lord, please help me to live life now. Please help me to be content and to be thankful in every circumstance. Not a guilty I-need-to-be-thankful thankful, but a truly heartfelt thankful. Lord, please change my heart, please help me parent in view of your eternity. Help me to savour every minute of what you've given me. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
My Little Zane is Finally Talking!
I had two active, active boys before I had Zane. At least I thought they were active. Now I realize the word 'active' is a relative term.
Zane entered our world like a tornado.
My pregnancy with Zane was placenta previa. That means that the doctors needed to take him early by c-section. It was a difficult delivery. Zane was wedged sideways and they had a hard time getting him out. I vomited throughout the entire procedure and I lost a third of my blood. Zane came out not breathing. When they tried to start his breathing, they were too aggressive and collapsed a lung. I saw him as they whisked him past my face - between heaves - and then didn't see him again for about 5 hours. For the next couple of days, he was in ICU and I wasn't able to hold him because any handling made him cry and slowed the healing of his lung.
The whole situation was horrible. I was used to long labours and deliveries and then holding and nursing my babies right away. This time, I still felt like I was pregnant after I had him. I didn't have any attachment as I was looking at this baby that could have been anybody's.
I didn't feel the attachment until one night I went into his private ICU room, held him to my naked chest, pulled a blanket over us and fell asleep...for hours. All of a sudden, it all felt right. He was mine.
As a young baby, he wasn't exactly fussy, he just wasn't very happy either. This continued into his toddler years. Never completely happy. Around the time I expected him to start talking, he was just cooing. As he was getting older, he would hum everything. Same tone, same inflections that we used, but no words.
A speech therapist (Zoe) starting coming to our home about once a month and an infant development specialist (Lotte) came once a week. It was clear that Zane understood absolutely everything and was very bright, but still no words. Zoe was increasingly thinking that Zane was struggling with the fine motor skills in his mouth area and just couldn't seem to get that area to work the way he wanted it to. When he would try to copy things that I was saying, his face and mouth would look awkward. Some words seemed to come from his nose, rather than his mouth. We played games like blowing bubbles and sticking his tongue out to lick something from my finger to sharpen his fine motor skills.
During this time, Zane was developing some amazing skills in expression. His face can tell a story. His eyes and face seem to light up when he's on a roll. His eyebrows do great things. He will look at you out of the corner of his eye in a way that makes you just wanna grab him, squeeze him and cuddle him for all his cuteness.
But, the older Zane was getting, the more frustrated he was and the more behaviour issues he had. Imagine - having things to say, things to ask for and not being able to get people to understand. I'd be melting down, too!
Seemingly overnight, things began to change. Within a month's time, Zane went from saying a handful of words to speaking full sentences. Full, complete sentences. Truly.
It has been a privilege to see Zane blossom during this time. He is expressive. He is talkative. He is happier. He is fun. He's also an almost 3-year-old who knows exactly what he wants - or doesn't want - and now has the vocal skills to let you know. Ha!
During his frustrating time of no speech, I kept saying, "Zane...when you learn to talk, we are going to have a PARTY! I will be so excited for you! Things will be so much easier for you."
So............we had a party. Complete with carrot cake and cream cheese icing, a present and a family game of limbo. He was the star of the party! He ate up all that attention and went to bed beaming. When you ask him why we had a party, his eyes get big, his face lights up and he says, "Cuz I'm talkin'!"
Thank you, Lord, for Zane and for the blessings he brings to our family. You sure knew what you were doing when you gave him to us. I am forever thankful!
I have been thinking about my grandparents. I have all of my grandparents and was able to know 3 of my great-grandmas, as well.
You know, when I was a child, I loved spending time with my grandparents. I feel like we nearly grew up at Grandpa Norman's and Grandma Lee's house. We were there all the time and I feel like some of my most treasured memories were there.
I remember going straight to the cupboard where Grandpa kept my scribbler. I would bring it to him and he would write out math problems for me - I know...nerdy! I would disappear up to the landing of the stairs, finish the problems as fast as I could and bring them back to him for marking. He would write out another set and off I'd disappear again.
I remember Grandpa's favourite chair. It was an armchair and everybody knew that it was Grandpa's spot. He would sit in it and smoke his pipe while visiting with my parents. I remember us children teasing him by running to that chair, laughing and giggling and holding on tightly with both hands on the armrests. He would pretend that he was going to sit on us or pry us off and we just giggled away.
I also remember Grandpa's spot at the dining room table. He always had the chair on the end with the armrests. Grandma always sat on his left and the grandchildren always fought over who got to sit on his right. Grandma would put plastic place mats at each spot and she always had a smaller plate than everyone else.
I remember Grandma used to sit on the couch - it was brown - on the left-hand side. She would have her ashtray on the table beside her and on the edge of her ashtray she always had a Beachnut cough drop balancing. You know, the ones that come in the green package. That is where she would visit and crotchet while talking. In my mind's eye, I can see her sitting there under that big long mirror.
(That is the very living room where Dwayne and I shared our first kiss.)
I have fond memories of Grandpa Mick's house too. For many years, I would spend part of the summer out on his and Uncle Don's ranch. We would start our morning with a coffee - yes, even as a child! Grandpa liked his coffee with cream and sugar...enough sugar to nearly make a syrup. ::gag::
Some part of every day would be spent on "Buddy" the horse. He was grey and had to be nearly beaten to get to move anywhere. Grandpa cut me a switch and told me to give him a little flick with it if he wouldn't move. I'm not sure children should be given switches. I'm surprised that poor horse never threw me off!
I remember one cattle drive that I was all excited to partake in. We all started out with our horses, leading those cattle along the road. I fought with Buddy and I never did figure out where they all took the cattle to. I was still within sight of the house when they were coming home a couple of hours later. As soon as I turned that horse around, he jumped into gear and we made it home in no time. Stubborn ol' mule!
As far back as I can remember, Grandpa was always ready to pull somebody's leg. Every Christmas, he would phone and tell of how he'd sicked the dog on Santa and his reindeer. Every Easter, he would say the same for the Easter Bunny. And I distinctly remember an old baseball cap that he had that said 'Having sex after 60 is like trying to play pool with a rope.' I remember just how funny he thought that had was. ::roll eyes & grin::
Grandpa has always been feisty and has had awesome reflexes. Even now, at almost 80, he is the only Grandpa I know that goes to the bar, stays out later than my friends and I, and gets in a bar brawl every now and then.
With all these treasured memories floating around in my mind, I have been curious about all of them when they were little, while they were growing up, how they fell in love and all those things that a child is too self-centred to think to ask. I have phoned all of my grandparents and have asked them to either write or record 'their story'. I am thankful to have the opportunity to ask them for this while they are still with us because some of my friends can only wish that they still had that chance. It is my hope that they do give me their stories and that my children, my grandchildren and myself will have a treasure to cherish forever.
It's Friday! This week has been a whirlwind.
Esther left on Tuesday night. She spent the night at Amanda's and then the two of them drove. Her flight was to leave at 7am yesterday. She took too long getting ready in the morning and missed her flight. It cost her 50 bucks and 3 hours to get a new one. What a nut!
Tuesday is our busiest days of the week right now. Kobe and I go to a Ready, Set, Learn program at the elementary school. It is a pre-literacy program and I enjoy the one-on-one time with him. After lunch, Barb has a childrens' crafts program at O 'n E. What a great program! They do many different crafts and artsy things. It is well organized and absolutely free. Barb is one of the most community-minded and generous people I know. This week, they were sewing buttons, sketching with chalk, and making a swirly ribbon thing to use in the Fall Fair parade. Soccer started this Tuesday, right after crafts. The children had a great time last year, so I thought we'd give it a go again. Kobe especially likes it and is very coordinated. He was showing me how he could use his foot to make the ball 'jump' when he kicked it.
Wednesday brought our first 'scrub baseball' day. This winter Dylan asked me if I would organize a baseball time for children. I thought about helping with the childrens' ball league, but things seem to be so political and nit-picky. In talking to other parents, I found that they were feeling the same way. There are also children who didn't start in the childrens' ball league when they were little, so felt as if they don't know how to play well enough to start now. They didn't want to feel stupid or be made fun of. The solution? I started a 'scrub' day where children (of all ages) and their parents can play together. We are casual enough to not be competitive, but serious enough to learn some baseball rules. We pull out the T for the smallest children and there are no strikeouts for anybody. This children had a blast on Wednesday and one little girl said, "I really like this. It's better than the league because it feels like a family thing." Amen.
Yesterday was soccer again.
During this whole week, we did a small amount of school in the morning - usually Bible - and some playtime/outside time together. When Zane went for his nap in the afternoon, we finished off school and got ready for our outings. I still have a scheduling struggle, but that is for writing about on another day.
Yesterday was Dylan's first day working with horses at Tom's house. He has talked about horses here and there and gets excited about the colts - who doesn't think they're too sweet? - when we drive by. We were at Bud and Irene's the other day and Irene mentioned that maybe Dylan would like to work with horses with her. It planted a seed in my mind.
As I was pondering, I thought...Tom. Of course! In the past, I have been careful about my children's exposure to Tom. Mostly it's the bad language and the drinking that I haven't liked. This is no secret to Tom and he has often offered to take Dylan for short periods, only to receive a flat-out 'No way!' from me.
Something about him and the horses clicked in my mind, though. Dylan is growing into this superb little boy. He knows right from wrong. He knows how I feel about Tom. He is wise beyond his years. Tom knows how I feel, as well, and because of that, I expect that this time with Dylan will be cherished and respected. They both keep telling me how excited they are.
Dylan started at 7:30 am yesterday. They work for about an hour and a half. He's back there today - right now, in fact. He will mostly go Monday, Wednesday and Friday. When Dylan came back from there yesterday, he was pumped! He worked with Blue and did some leading with a halter. He told me excitedly that he left slack in the rope and Blue still just did whatever he wanted. He rode Blue and Tom had him not hold on and close his eyes. This is going to be a real growing experience for Dylan.
I have thought about pursuing guitar or piano lessons or, or, or. Nothing really seemed to fit. I'm glad that Irene planted the seed. The lessons that Dylan will learn with Tom will be top-notch, are usually incredibly expensive and quite hard to come by. I'm thankful to have such a great opportunity and an uncle that is most excited about it too!
More Than Necessary
We had some friends over for lunch today. One of our guests was 'Pizza Bob'. Bob is openly thankful to the Lord for whatever is coming across his mind at any particular moment.
While we were eating lunch, Bob mentioned how thankful he is that God gave food taste. He could have made food simply for nutrition, but He didn't. He put extra effort into making food enjoyable for us.
That comment kept coming back to me throughout the remainder of the day. It made me think of the times that I get lazy and only do what is absolutely necessary. Imagine how different the world would be if we were to follow the Lord's example and put in the extra effort - not to simply settle for the bare minimum.
Phone Innocence
"Boston Pizza..."
::Click.::
Dylan (7): "Mom, I think I called the wrong number!"
Me: "Honey, you can't just hang up. If you have the wrong number, you just say, 'I'm sorry, I have the wrong number.'"
::Dial again::
"Burger King..."
Dylan (7): "Excuse me, I don't know if there is something wrong with my phone, but I'm trying to call my Granny..."
Here's my take on things - I have a sweet, polite son and a pain in the neck brother.
Thankful For Mom & Dad?
Life has been busy.
I've posted very little since Chance was born.
I used to post first thing in the morning, before the chaos started. Now, I sleep every moment I can squeeze in. These middle-of-the-night-feedings will kick a mama's butt!
So, until I find great wads of spare time - we know that won't be happening - I'll keep posting just a tidbit here and there.
Today's tidbit is about Kobe's Sunday School lesson:
Kobe came home from Sunday School with a sheet of paper that said...
"I am thankful for my mom because...she makes baby brothers and lets me play Mario.
I am thankful for my dad because...he works real hard and takes care of me and gives me cake."
Now we know what's important to a three-year-old!
Not Chopped Liver, Totally Steak & Lobster
I need to address an anonymous comment left on my last post.
I was excited about Esther being here. I was relieved to have some long-term help. What I forgot to mention was that my sweet Mom took two weeks off work to help me when I got home with the baby.
When I blog, I leave out a great deal of important things that go on in my life. Mostly, it's because we have a busy, exciting life and I don't have all day to sit at the computer and chat about it. I pick snippets here and there. When I look back at my old posts, often I see huge gaps missing and I hope that when I read this when I'm old and grey, I don't think this was it.
Mom came to the rescue when I was recovering from a complicated c-section with Zane. She stayed with me for four whole weeks - helping with the children, doing laundry, cooking, scrubbing, you name it! This time - a much less complicated recovery - she stayed with me for two weeks. Both times were a large sacrifice to her...time off work and time away from Dad. But she's a trooper and we loved having her.
The reason I blogged about Esther and not her is because I didn't get that panicky feeling this time when Mom's departure was looming - I had a long-term helper coming. Also, with paid help, there is no guilt with asking for toilets to be scrubbed or making special requests. When someone is helping because they love you, you take what they're willing to give. when you're paying...well, it's just different.
So, I'm sorry to sound ungrateful. (Some people's children!) I'm totally not.
But...for the record, I've asked Mom to quit her job and be full-time Granny. She hasn't taken the bait quite yet. I guess we have to wait a little longer for steak & lobster!
I love you, Mom!
Pinch Me, 'Cause I MUST Be Dreaming
Dwayne has been trying to get me to find somebody to help me with my home and with the children.
For months.
Pride - I can do it myself, darn it - and finances have stopped me.
At the end of our first day home with all the children, Dwayne said it again. "I know you can do it yourself, but why? I want to come home to a relaxed wife, children that have had one-on-one time with their mom and a clean house that you haven't had to stress over."
I caved.
I made a call to Esther, an 18-year-old from Ontario that I had met last year. Would she be remotely interested?
Less than 2 weeks later, we picked her up at the airport.
Esther is just what I needed. She helps with my home and and helps with the children. She is chipper and cheerful. She fits right in with our family.
On Thursday, I went to a funeral and took the baby. I came home to happy children, three clean bathrooms and a delicious supper. Somebody pinch me...
And thank you, Dwayne, for being the most understanding and gracious husband ever.
Have You Been Pooped On or Puked On Lately?
We went to the city yesterday. Among our stops was an appointment with our accountant.
Yes, I know, I'm an accountant too. Sometimes, though, with the layerings of companies and tax-planning strategies for the next year, you've gotta pull out the big guns that specialize in the corporate stuff. Our 'big gun' - Ron - is a partner at a great accounting firm.
On the way there, Chance managed to poop and puke on me. For some reason, Dwayne found this hilarious.
"What're you laughing at?" I ask.
"I was just thinking of the days when you wanted to chase your career and now you're in the backseat of the truck, nursing a baby, getting pooped on and puked on."
"If you keep laughing, I'm going to ask Ron for a job and chase my career again!"
During our appointment with Ron, I brought this up.
His response? "Just stay where you are and keep doing what you're doing. We all get 'pooped on' and 'puked on' in our jobs - just in different ways."
I'll have to keep this in mind on those days when the grass is looking a little greener on the other side...
Our Baby Chance
The Waiting Game
I'm still alive, honest. I am in the 'city', playing the waiting game until this little baby boy decides to make an appearance. I have very limited internet and can not figure out how to post on my new BlackBerry...stupid technology!
I can receive your comments, but can't post. I wanted to at least let everyone know I'm still kickin'...and so is the baby!
No Snow, Not Yet!
I woke up yesterday to the children dancing around and singing something about it snowing. Indeed it was.
They were so excited!
I was not!
I always say that I wasn't meant to be born in this country. I tolerate the winters to 'get to the good stuff'.
Thankfully, the snow didn't last long enough to get to the ground. It's not here to stay yet, but here are some pictures of this summer to look back at wistfully while winter looms...
Kobe rode with my Dad all day - you just couldn't tear him away.
Aiy, aiy, aiy - I have a love-hate relationship with pregnancy pictures. I want to have them so I can remember, but it is painful looking at all that largeness!
I'm going to pretend I didn't hear Kobe say, "Let's go snowmobiling!" yesterday and enjoy the rest of Autumn before the white stuff comes to stay.
Little Forest Elves
