Catching up

pure happy

Life seems so busy that I just don't have the time to keep up. Since April's election business things haven't really slowed down. I started a new job because I just can't wait to start something new. This can really be a big problem for me as I often regret not being more patient and thinking a little bit more about what extra busyness will come with each new thing. I started working in labor and delivery at the Red Deer hospital, which is an area I have wanted to work in for a number of years and this seemed like as good a time as any to start...boy was I wrong. I miss my kids, I miss being there for all their moments that won't happen again. There are so many people who don't get the opportunity to be there for their kids childhood moments and I have been fortunate enough to be there for most. Since Kate is our last baby I realize more and more that as all my kids grow, I don't get that opportunity again to enjoy all my kids when they are young and still learning everything. So the time is soon coming to make the hard decision of letting go of one thing I have started to really enjoy to be there for the harder job, but the one I can not redo whenever I want. It is not really a hard decision, but hard to let others down, knowing their expectations.


Some reasons to be happy:

     

       

Election days

Cub Car champion (and manager)

Alli's outfit for the day, and Laurel open for a pass

The provincial election was finally called for April 23 so Nathan is now on the campaign trail full time, and then some. The kids like to play their version of where's Waldo (or dad) when we drive around Red Deer as they see Nathan's signs all over, its pretty funny. I am at home with the kids all the time which is challenging at times, getting everyone in the van to go anywhere seems to take an eternity. Alli, Mike and Kate all play together during the day, we go to the library, the pool, etc. The kids are really into dress up these days, and I think Alli is still the craziest. To her it is not dress up its just her clothes for the day. Laurel just finished basketball which she really had fun with, and William won his first cub car rally! He didn't even watch his final heat where he won it all, he had lost interest by then but was super excited to get his trophy and ribbon. Here is a look at our life lately:

Putting up signs for the election. Kate's first day of potty training that lasted two hours, then mom lost interest.

winter fun

The winter has been pretty mild this year and we have been able to have lots of snow fun outside because of it. Our best snow play day this winter has been at 'grandpa's park' here in Red Deer. The weather was warm (for winter) and there was lots of snow that was just right for building and digging. Aunt Jennie was smart to bring some food coloring in water and some paint brushes, to paint our snow creations. And of course we played at the awesome park too.

The kids tackling the mountain of snow

Emma's snowdog , and Kate balancing at the park.

Red Deer

So our family has moved to Red Deer. Nathan is running in the next provincial election for the Wildrose Party. The move has gone quite smoothly, the kids are loving their school, they are getting involved in skating and school activities. The twins and Kate and I are all hanging out and finding things to do in Red Deer. I haven't really had much time to meet new friends as I am with the kids all the time, so for me its been lonely. A good friend from Okotoks wrote me to say she missed having our family there and I had to cry (just for a bit). Change is hard but it can be a good thing too.

Christmas

This year we celebrated Christmas at our home in Okotoks. It was great, although it seemed to come and go so fast as we were packing and moving before and after Christmas. All in all everything went well. William woke up about 5:30, then the rest followed at about 6. Way too early! Their collective noise then woke up Kate at 6:30 and that was it. Christmas morning began. After much present opening and gleeful surprised faces, my living room looked like it exploded and the kids were busy playing. I liked going to church later in the morning as it made Christmas day feel more special. It was our last day in our ward in Okotoks, we will all miss it there. I am grateful for the blessings of the gospel, and grateful for my knowledge and testimony of the Savior's life and atoning sacrifice. Merry Christmas to all....

Our Christmas Eve nativity with the kids

more building fun

So Nathan became the candidate for the Wildrose Party in the next provincial election...a candidate for Red Deer that is! So that meant we were going to be relocating. After looking for rentals in Red Deer we decided to buy instead. The house we found is great but is a little smaller in the dining area and so Nathan and I figured we needed to use a bench for one side of our table to provide seating without using up as much space as the chairs (and it seats more kids). So I spent an afternoon building this bench for my table, and a couple nights to paint and stain. Did I mention I love building.

Halloween

This year was a fun trick or treat night and the kids were of course very excited too. After carving their pumpkins (which we grew in our garden) we were ready for a night of non stop candy collection! I love how the twins and eventually Kate too think halloween is so great because most days when you ask for candy, you don't get it. But this night you walk up to almost any adult, ask for candy, and they give it to you! How completely exciting. I remember one year when William was little, put his costume on again a week after halloween and tried to go out asking for more candy, too young to understand this is a once a year gig.