It's hard to believe it's the last day of February all ready! We're all ready, waiting, and hoping for spring to come in with March!!
We had a wonderful visit with Josh's sister last week - she was on 'reading break' from university and came out for the week. The kids loved seeing (and meeting, or at least "re-meeting") Auntie Kendle!
Levi naps at Grandma and Grandpa's

the kids with Auntie Kendle



just Levi

Other than visiting, we've just been busying getting to skating and getting ready for the Ice Show (tomorrow evening!). We started potty-training Levi last month, and he's been really doing great! After the ordeal we had with all of the older kids, it's been lovely to have an "easy" one to potty train! He's in underwear all the time now - even naps, nights, and when we go out - and only has an accident once in a while... and for some reason, only when we're at home!

Another post is sure to follow next week, with videos of the kids skating for the show!
Keep your fingers crossed for spring to come asap in March!

Levi and I made some decorations for Valentine's Day last week. If you notice, in my post on Elli's day, I made a bunting/banner for over the dining room window. There are a few more through the house, too.
I saw this craft on a blog I read sometimes, and thought it might be perfect for Levi - turns out I was right, he loved it! It's so simple: just a bunch of cut out hearts of varying sizes, and one big heart. Grab a glue stick and some wax paper and you're set!

He did so well with the glue stick, I couldn't believe it. Hardly any mess on the table to clean up at all.
I also couldn't believe how focused he was. He sat and worked on this steady, until he had every little heart glued on his paper. It must have taken a good half hour and then some, but he kept working at it until he had it all finished.
Now, at the end, the idea was to cut the large heart out so it was just that with the small hearts inside... but Levi decided the hearts belonged everywhere... and then "don't cut mine hearts, mommy!". So I didn't.
And I wanted to put it up in the window so light would shine through it, but he "meeds it on the wall". So on the wall it went.
At any rate, cut out or not, window or wall hung, he sure was proud of himself!

Elliana's day

One year ago, we said hello and goodbye to our littlest baby girl, Elliana Lucy.
Today, we celebrated her birthday with tulips and pink cupcakes - because, like Zech said this morning, "We all get cupcakes on our birthday". The kids sang "happy birthday" to her, even Levi. There were a few tears shed as we remembered our time with our special little girl.
It was a busy day, too, with school for the kids and work for Josh. Levi and I worked made Elli's cupcakes and worked on some valentine's decorations. Then the boys had a mini-sticks (hockey) game at the rink tonight.
But that was all okay. We have learned that life does go on, though sometimes it's hard, but we always remember Elliana even on the busy days.
I realized something the other day, too, as I thought about decorating a bit for valentine's - for Zech, we always wait until his birthday and party are done to decorate for halloween, then everything comes down and we wait for Ruth's birthday and party stuff to be finished before putting anything up for Christmas. But for Elli... well, pink and hearts and love... that's pretty perfect decorations for her day.

busy!

We have had a busy few weeks! My computer also needed some fixing, so it was in the shop for a couple weeks. Back now, fixed, and I'm back online.

A couple shots first, from the beginning of January...
love that the kids share our love of reading and books!

Levi says "cheese"

Josh's brother, Ben, and his wife, Crystal, came to visit for nearly 2 weeks - it was wonderful to see them and their kids (Malaki, Isaiah, and Naomi)! We haven't seen them in just over 3 years, and we'd never met the younger 2 kids until now. We had a lot of fun visiting and letting the kids play together - they jumped in like they'd always known each other, playing (and fighting!) like any ol' cousins.
Levi & Naomi reading together

Naomi reading - she loved Levi's little chair!

Malaki even got to help out and play with the boys in a hockey game while they were here! Silly me, no pictures of that though.
We made sure to get a group shot of all the kiddies after church one Sunday - thank goodness we did it that day because they left the following Friday and because of the cold our van didn't start and we didn't get to see them again! Hopefully next time they visit we won't have the same troubles.



And I have been busy making some things for Ruth's new doll (from Santa for Christmas). She now has...
a sleeping bag/bed

a nightie, robe, and slippers

a new outfit (Ruth still wants a headband and shoes to match, we'll get there!)

sweater, hat, scarf, mitts, and boots - you need to dress properly for winter here!

Christmas Concert

I know it's the new year, and a little late for Christmas Concert posting... but, hey, it's been a busy few weeks over here!
For now, pretend it's still Christmas and enjoy these videos of the kids from their concert - they all did a great job!

Ruth & Zech - Hand Bells

Zech's class - songs

Isaac's class - Reindeer songs

Isaac's class - Rudolph

Ruth - duet with Aaron

Zech's class - 12 Pains of Christmas

Isaac's class - songs

Zech's class - more songs

Zech's class play

Ruth's class - Nativity play

Merry Christmas

We had a really lovely Christmas. Grandma and Grandpa came out on Christmas Eve for our finger foods/picnic, and stayed overnight and through Christmas Day for presents, a great breakfast, and Christmas Dinner that night.

Just a small glimpse into our Christmas...
Opening one present for Christmas Eve

Christmas pj's and a book!
They were all so excited about their new books, we had total silence in the house for a good half hour while they read! Whoa!
the tree after Santa visited - and Grandma and Grandpa too!

Opening gifts!
Josh found a 'jaw harp' for Isaac - he's really wanted one since we saw Fred Penner!

Levi had a box of 'angry birds' stuff

Including a new touque!

Daddy and Levi both got new hats! (Zech and Isaac did, too... but I haven't got a photo of those yet, I guess!)

Santa brought Ruthie a 'Maplelea' doll - looks just like Ruth! "Taryn" helped Ruthie open all her gifts (need to get a better photo of them, too!)

On Sunday the 16th the older kids sang a few songs at church - we don't have a "real" Christmas Concert at church, but this was a nice surprise for everyone!
(Isaac in front row, Zech behind him, Ruth back row)
"It's Christmas"


"We Wish You a Merry Christmas"

Christmas Eve!!!

The kids are very excited today - only one more sleep! We've got a lazy day planned, sitting around playing and watching Christmas shows. Tonight we'll have lots of "finger foods", and we'll picnic in the living room! The hardest part is waiting for the yummy foods and treats!

We have had a very busy week leading up to break:
(not this week, but just levi - always blurry - he never stays still!)
The Saturday before last the kids stayed with Grandma and Grandpa while we did a big grocery shopping trip. They had more fun than us - they went skating at the oval in town!
Isaac & Levi

Zech & Levi

Zech

Levi

Isaac

Gwumpa (Grandpa) & Levi building a fire
Tuesday was the first day for skating lessons in town, and we had to work the canteen. Josh had an appt in town and Zech had karate, so they went there - but that left me working the canteen alone and still having to watch Levi, Ruth, and Isaac at the rink!
Wednesday evening was the colony concert. We were all invited to join Josh there, and Josh played his guitar for 2 songs with the choir.
Thursday was our concert here in town - the kids did great! They all knew all their lines and words to songs, and just did a great job. Among everything else they did, Ruth had wanted a choir this year and the music teacher agreed to lead one if someone organized it. So, Ruthie made a sign-up list and organized practices. Though a lot of kids signed up, when they realized they would have to practise at lunchtime once a week a lot dropped out... leaving only Ruth and one other boy! Then the music teacher was sick and missed a bunch of days in the last couple weeks of school, and they weren't sure they'd be able to sing at all at the concert. But they showed the principal they were ready, practising even with the teacher not there, and so they were allowed to sing their 2 songs! They did a wonderful job - and I've heard that Ruthie may be asked to sing "Oh Canada" at the Ice Show (for skating) this year!
Then Friday was, of course, the last day of school and thus everyone's Christmas parties! They all had a good day, lots of fun with their friends and classmates. Friday evening we had been invited to our friend's work party, so Grandma and Grandpa came to stay with the kids and we were able to go for a lovely dinner and dessert buffet, and watch a magic show! Nice to have a night out, just us!
Saturday we worked the rink canteen again for public skating in the afternoon, and Isaac lost his first tooth!


and "take a picture of me too Mom!"


oh. and then Levi got my camera. again.

Sunday was church and a few errands.
Now we're home... and not going anywhere for at least a few days!

(There are MANY videos to come from the concerts! I'll post those in another one, though!)

oldies

It's busy around here with Christmas shopping and getting ready for concerts and parties! I've got no new pictures to share, but here are some old ones that were on my camera, but never made it on the computer until now!
August - Mommy & Levi on the beach




What happens when the 2 year old gets hold of mommy's camera!
Zech

Levi

the downstairs bathroom??

Isaac


Snuggles with Daddy


Levi models Daddy's shirt


Levi blowing up balloons for Grandma's birthday


a certain 2 year old in Sissy's make-up!



Isaac picks the most interesting sitting spots to tie his shoes!

And now we're all caught up!