"Cancer is Evil"

... as said best by my son.

Yesterday was a very sad day at the Thompson house. Our first baby, Mikha has been diagnosed with a very aggressive bone cancer. Yes, Mikha is a dog - but Mikha was really our first child! I know some people don't 'get it', but others will. He is a member of our family. Period.

Last week, we noticed that his ankle was swollen. We took him to the vet, she felt his bones - said nothing was broken and assumed it was likely arthritis. Thursday before we left, his entire lower leg was swollen a great deal! It was painful and he was putting no pressure on it. We put him on pain killers and had him looked after with special care while we were gone. It had gotten worse over the weekend, so we took him back to the vet yesterday. She X-rayed him and found this:

Cancer has eaten right through the bones in his ankle. We can have his leg amputated and he will have a month to live. We can amputate and treat with chemotherapy and he will have 3 months to live. We only have a few days left before this cancer will spread to his organs. (There is some thought that it has already made it's way to his lymph nodes.)

For now, he is on pain meds and happy as can be. A couple days of lots of hugs, photos and goodbyes. This morning, he managed to make his way down 2 flights of stairs to find me in the office, so he could lie at my feet. Still loyal as ever - so I let him eat cat food! :)

Mikha is an extremely unique dog and I wanted to do a full post on how amazing he is, but I shed enough tears yesterday that it will have to wait.

Muffin was hysterical when she found out and Mister curled up on a stool and claimed he was never going to get off. He has been their playmate, best friend, defender, protector and babysitter since the day they both were born.

You Americans....

Are so devoted and dedicated to your Thanksgiving celebrations and I find it very admirable! I mean seriously, our Canadian Thanksgiving doesn't begin to hold a candle to yours! What began as a harvest celebration has turned into a very large affair... one dedicated to giving thanks to all the great things in your life! Your Thanksgiving is our Christmas.

In the last 3 weeks, I have probably gotten a thousand hits from Americans googling "Giving Thanks". I did a post a month ago during our Thanksgiving... and now I would like to apologize to all 1000 of you that it wasn't a great, long, in depth post. Nope... it was just a short post to acknowledge some things I am thankful for. See the difference here? Many of you give thanks for every single day in November leading up to Thanksgiving, while I list a few at dinner.

I'm in awe of you all!

Now let's not forget... it appears that Thanksgiving would not be complete without black Friday. It seems that this is just as much as a holiday tradition as the turkey? And now I learn of cyber Monday too! Well... I'm just gonna jump on that commercialization... and join you all for my first black Friday. That's right... the hubby and I, along with a few friends are going to grab our coffee mugs, slide across the border and head out for midnight shopping! I hope it's wild and crazy. I'm not necessarily going to shop... I just want to people watch and take note how this goes down. Of course, I'm hoping for some screaming deals... but better than that would be to watch 8 screaming women fighting over one bra... or something like that... LOL! Seriously... does that happen, or is it just in the movies!?

Here's hoping my BOGS are on sale... ;)

Please share any tips or insider info with me... Where should I go first!?

A tip for you Diva's...

Yucky yes... but a topic worth touching upon. Some important information here ladies. Please watch this.



In addition, you can find many articles on his website about this. (He is a fantastic source of information for many things!)

Years ago, hubby and I saw a documentary about the 'sludge'... end product of sewage waste treatment - used to fertilize crops in China. (Well if that isn't one great reason not to purchase food from China!!) The pictures were horrendous... thankfully that it wasn't 'smellovision'! Basically, it was brown sludge with tampons and condoms spread all over the place. Gross. We are literally littering our planet with these things. Now... we can't do without condoms, those will have to stay in the landfill - but there is something you can do about the tampons!

So now we know that it is better for you, and better for the environment... your solution - is a Diva Cup. Here's to never running out of tampons, and never paying a dime more. I know... there is a gross factor... but honestly, you get over it. I think all Mom's out there can stomach this just fine!

Add caption

Diva Cup Website

AND - I literally whipped this post up so you can take advantage of today's offer on www.babysteals.com ! They are on for $17!!... they are minimum $30 here, so a great deal! Go now...!

I forgot where it goes...

Mister man... always makes me laugh. He caught me off guard in this video with his 'little scare'... but he was able to laugh about it afterwards. He certainly is keeping that tooth fairy busy!!



PS... this is my imovie debut. Just downloaded the app... worth the money! Very easy to edit short movies!

My wish list... (Bogs Riders)

Christmas that is. (Honey your off the hook - I'm not publishing the 'honey do' wishlist. ;)

I have told you how gifting has changed in my house, and I think this list will hopefully follow suit. (Especially since I only have one item on my list!!)

Actually, I have always been pretty good about not wanting exessive or overly expensive things. I have always loved clothing, appliances and other household useful stuff for gifts. I know some people believe that you should never receive clothing, or a pot etc. for Christmas. I know people who would never buy my children clothing as a gift because they didn't feel that was right. (Pfft... my kids love clothing gifts!)

But if we were to analyze this a little closer... why the heck not? 2 years ago, my Christmas gift was a knife. Yes, a knife. May seem strange to some of you... but this is not something I would have ever normally purchase because it was too expensive. This was a $150 Wusthof Classic Cook's Knife, 8-inch . And I LOVE THIS KNIFE! I am so glad I decided to get it. (I choose my Christmas gifts out and sometimes just purchase them myself.) Slicing and dicing has never been so easy and enjoyable with this knife! (Seriously!)

Last year, my dryer conveniently pooched out 2 weeks before Christmas. So guess what I got for Christmas?! A Santa Red (or so I call it!) Samsung front loader washer and dryer! I was in laundry heaven! This gift has allowed me to compress my laundry time. I can now fit in 2.5 standard loads into one load! Seriously, what could make a Mom more happy?

Four years ago, I got a pair of Pajar boots. I had a hard time swallowing the $220 price tag, but they were made in Canada with a durable suede and soft, fuzzy wool lining with a promise to keep my feet warm. Feet that have never been warm in any boot. This boot more than fulfilled it's promised! My feet are always toasty now. (If anyone knows how to make a warm boot - it would be Canada!!) Well, I am now a firm believer in 'You pay for what you get!' I am on the 5th winter with this boot, and when I asked my local shoe store when they would be getting in more Pajar boots, I was told only every 4 years or so because they just last too long that they don't need replacing! I suspect that doesn't make for very good business in a small town, so I doubt I will see them here again.

As I mentioned... this is my 5th winter now in my Pajar boots. They are still in great condition... and I really feel guilty about this - but I am ready for a new boot. Styles have changed and I would like a change... Here is my christmas wish list for this year, and I think you will agree that it is a modest request.

I am dreaming of a pair of Bogs Rider Boots.

They would be very suitable for our winters. Living on a mountain, at times we have up to 4 feet of snow in our back yard, while down town has just a bit of slush. What better of a boot to handle wet slush and deep snow!? This is my justification anyway... as my pajars will get wet (suede only resists moisture, but eventually succumb to it!) after a period of time.

I tried a pair on in the store yesterday and fell in love. People... try them on! Just try them on! SO COMFY and SO WARM! AND, the nice thing is - this year they have many more fashionable options! These are the ones I want... They are very cute on!! (Not to mention good to -40 C/F !!!)

The unfortunate thing is that they didn't have my size. :( Which means that my only hope is that they are able to get more in, or I order online (which is not very easy in Canada) or I go shopping across the border.

Perhaps Santa will hear my pleas and drop a pair down my chimney? Surely those elves know how to make them, or have 'connections'!

Fostering...

Why not?

The AFABC 'adoption' magazine (Oct/Nov), reports that there is a chronic shortage of foster parents and respite families in BC.

We have an active homestudy (that we paid a lot of money for!)... we may as well put it to use!

Treading lightly, and keeping our adoption journey as our priority, we are going to look into emergency, short term foster care.

The call has been placed. We are just waiting on receiving the application in the mail and then we will meet with the local SW to get some more info!

If you would like more information on fostering in BC, call 1-800-663-9999 or www.bcfosterparents.ca

Smile...

... this Otter is showing off her baby to you!

Overrated Turkey. (the bird, not the country)

7 yrs ago (almost to the day), I sat miserably, very sick with the flu in a small family room adjacent to the Special Care Unit where my newborn baby boy was being looked after. This is a whole other story. One that I should really document before the memories escape me... but the short of it is that he had a bad case of jaundice and an infection. While I had been discharged, he had to stay to recieve around the clock light therapy for a week.

Despite being plagued by a terrible flu, I had insisted that he room in with me as I was really struggling to nurse him because the nurses kept shoving bottles in him. On top of that, I had my 17 month old baby at home an hour away. I had never spent a single night away from her before. I missed her terribly and cried when she wouldn't even so much as look at me when they came to visit. (She was so mad at me!) Although we had family that offered to help look after Muffin here and there, my poor husband was left to try and hold everything together and having to balance his work, with looking after Muffin and his sick wife and newborn that were an hour away. It was not a good time for any of us.

It was during this week that I was notified that we were to host Dan's family Christmas. It was all I could do to muster the strength to get myself dressed and fed after taking care of a newborn who required feedings on the dot at every third hour, followed by 45 minutes of pumping - all while being so sick. Unfortunately, I didn't get any nursing care at this time, or food. No catering to the Mom, I was a guest. Pout. :'( I had no help, and I have to admit ... I only ate what Dan brought me from the cafeteria every night. He would bring me extra stuff that would keep with no refrigeration and I would nibble on it during the day. (Literally because I was just too sick to seek out the cafeteria on my own!) I was forced to eat cheese by the slice for breakfast (and I do not like cheese on it's own!), and lunch was usually a granola bar and a apple sauce. Just  writing this is bringing back all the emotion. *Sniff. I was a sad state. ( I would never have admitted it to anyone though - but it was a low for sure.)...

Wow, to get back on track - SO, as I was saying - It was all I could do to look after myself and the baby, let alone conceive of hosting a dinner for 16. I think I cried for most of the day when I was told this. I was lacking strength, sleep, and sanity to even imagine how I would pull off a turkey dinner for that many people in our small 1200 sq. foot condo, with a table that sat 6, dinnerware for 8, a frequent nursing newborn and a 17 month tugging at me.

Looking back on it, springing this news on a 3 day postpartum Mom who's baby is sick in the hospital was probably not the best idea. I likely would have been better to digest it, had it been at least 2 weeks postpartum. Looking back on it, I should have stood up for myself and just said no. But I didn't... and the worry and the anxiety stayed with me for quite awhile.

As I was crying the blues to my old boss a couple weeks later, her sister had overheard. Her sister was a caterer. She offered to cook the dinner for me at cost of the price of the turkey. She was my Christmas Angel that year. I eagerly accepted and tossed out any and all concern I had about how well my turkey secret would be recieved by the family. This was really the best that I could do with what I had... and this was the only way turkey would get to any plate.

Luckily, we had found out that a party room was available for rent in our condo complex and it was complete with a kitchen! All I had to do was set the table, prepare the mashed potatoes, and a veggie side dish, (as 2 others were being brought in by the family)... and that was it.

Let me tell you, this was the best Christmas ever. I was able to sit and relax, look after my babies and just take it all in. It was so nice to actually be 'present' for the games, and the gift openings instead of running all over to check the turkey, make gravy etc.

I have played the turkey rigamarole for 5 years straight now, and it always follows a Christmas Eve where my apron does not come off - sitting is not an option, as I pull one appetizer after another out of the oven - from noon to 10 pm. Needless to say, I'm a bit pooped by Christmas morning... and I always struggle to get back into my apron and do it all over again.

This year... we are doing something different. I don't know what, but I have promised myself a year off. No turkey. I will do the Christmas Eve appies, as it has become a tradition and I do enjoy it... but I am taking Christmas day off to spend with my children. Yay! That feels so good. I want to be able to wake up to my Coffee con Baileys (or Baileys con Coffee... ha!), watch the kids open their presents, and then I am not going to stuff no bird. No sir. I am going to help my kids put together their new toys, try out their new sleds etc and build a huge snowman. Then, I'm going to make some hot chocolate... sit by the fire and snuggle up with my family.

I don't care if someone chooses to take over the Turkey Chef role, if it is catered, if we order pizza or if we heat up one of these:

I really don't care. Turkey is so overrated. You spend 6 hours cooking and slaving over the stove and at least an hour cleaning, all for 20 minutes of eating. The benefits just do not support the effort required. In my mind anyway!

To all those Mom's out there who are captives to their stoves on Christmas day... I urge you to abolish Turkey slaving for one year! Just one year. Take it off. Enjoy yourself. Enjoy your family. Enjoy your children.

Heavy Heart

Yesterday I re-visited the movie `Child of Rage` on Youtube.



I then watched the documentary and chilling interviews with Beth Thomas. (the `child`of rage).



I then learned that a local little girl would soon be set free to fly with the Angels. Anaya is a 2 yr old who was diagnosed with Infantile Krabbe Leukodystrophy, a terminal brain disease.



She is currently in a Vancouver hospital on breathing support... waiting for her Daddy to arrive so he can `Goodbye` to his sweet baby. You can read her blog here, or check out her FB page here.

And if that wasn`t enough... I went to bed and read Street Children of Kenya.

Needless to say, I didn`t sleep all that well.

Today...

I made a small donation to Anaya`s family.

I learned that Beth Thomas has healed from RAD and is no longer a `Child of Rage`, but a nurse and an amazing speaker on attachment. She has created a DVD set - More Than a Thread of Hope

And today, I said a prayer for Anaya and her family, children of RAD, and the street children of Kenya.

And now I am ready for some lighthearted, uplifting activity. The sun is shining... and I am ready to embrace this day with family. ;)

My Laundry Secret - Green Series

I have always planned on making my own laundry detergent... but have found a much better alternative!

"Soap nuts are dried fruit berries that fall from the soapberry tree (Sapindus Mukorossi) found in Northern India and Nepal. Their outer shells contain saponin, which creates a natural soap when agitated in water - use them in place of traditional detergents and fabric softeners. They effectively clean, soften and remove odors from your laundry - naturally! They have been used for centuries as a natural way to clean laundry and much more!"


I know terrible video... but covers all the facts. ;)

If you keep an eye on any of the steal websites... you can get these for really cheap. (Like 20 cents a load!)
http://www.greenbabybargains.com/  is where I got mine from Yoreganics - for 50%, which turns out to be under 20 cents a load! I have heard that you can also purchase them on the Shopping Channel for under 10 cents a load!

1 kg bag would replace 9-32 load plastic bottles of detergent! If your still not convinced Read This:

The Benefits of Soap Nuts

If you're not yet convinced of their benefits or how to use soap nuts, the following information should answer some of your questions:

• Sustainable: It's a renewable resource, easily grown organically.
• All Natural: No funky or harmful ingredients.
• "Green": Less processing, less energy and less packaging.
• Affordable: They can replace multiple cleaners, and last longer.
• Reusable: Each berry can be used up to 6 times before it's spent.
• Hypoallergenic: No skin or respiratory irritation and non-toxic.
• Not Actually Nuts: They're totally safe for those with nut allergies.
• Simple: Throw them in your wash or make a simple liquid detergent.
• Odorless: But you can always add your own essential oils.
• Gentle: Their mild nature won't damage delicate clothing or surfaces.
• No Fabric Softener: They naturally soften your fabrics!
• Save Water: They rinse easier so require less water.
• Save Energy: You can use a shorter rinse cycle in your laundry, too.
• Front-loading Friendly: No suds are perfect for HE machines.
• Works in Any Temperature: Use them in cold, warm or hot water.
• Non-polluting: 100% biodegradable and safe for graywater systems.
• Compostable: Used shells can be thrown in your compost.
• Self-sufficient: You can even grow a soap nut tree yourself!
• Countless Uses: Look below for a few ideas on how to use soap nuts in your own home.

Remember - Foto Friday

Watercolour by 'Mister' - age 4

Disrupted Adoption - Infant Adoption

I have felt the urge to write about this a few times now... and have always decided not to - in a conscience effort to not judge others. Especially considering I am not even an adoptive parent. (yet!) However, after receiving 3 notices from a waiting child site about 3 separate instances of disrupted adoptions in the last 3 weeks... my tongue no longer has any fiber left to bite.

Below, is one of the listings that was sent to me. I don't know any details other than those provided in this excerpt.

* "Mark" is a 4 yr. old boy who was adopted in the U.S. at age 3 weeks. His adoption is disrupting and a new home must be found.  "Mark" was born drug and alcohol exposed and currently has some delays especially in expressive language.

A home is being sought for "Mark" where he is the youngest child.  'Mark''s adoptive parents gave birth to a son after they adopted "Mark", and "Mark" is too controlling and tends to bully his brother.  "Mark" is good with animals, likes water sports and picture books. Maybe you can be that family who can give "Mark" the home he needs.

One of the reasons I have to comment, is this is not an isolated incident. I have heard the exact same story happen to a little boy in Canada... and I'm sure there are many more out there.


Goodness gracious... this poor, poor child!!


Here is what I don't understand. How do you adopt an itty bitty little baby... feed, clothe, bathe, love, and parent a child for 4 yrs and then decide that it's not working out for you? How does this work...? I'm trying really hard to be understanding and consider there may have been many other issues going on.... But still, I come up empty handed with a reason of how on earth this is acceptable in the regards to a newborn adoption! In both the newborn adoption disruption cases I heard of, the adoption was followed by a pregnancy.


I understand that in the case of older adoptions, attachments aren't as easy and the bonding takes a very long time. But in the case of a 3 week old baby!? A baby that you spent endless nights rocking, while holding him close to your heart. A baby who's first smile made your day. The baby you read to and played endless games of 'smell the stinky feet' because it made him giggle so. The baby you celebrated the first steps of, the first birthday, first tooth and the first "Mama"! The toddler who's pitter patter footsteps filled your home with laughter. The toddler who cried on Santa's lap and sobbed for an hour while you consoled him with a candy cane. The toddler who gave you the mushiest, wettest kisses. The toddler who loved to curl up on your lap and fall asleep with his blanket, while sucking his thumb. The child you taught to ride a tricycle, and put on his own socks! The child who made you a homemade Mother's day card embossed with a stamp of his tiny hand print. The child you took to his first day of preschool... and he was so happy to see you and excited to take you by the hand and show you all the wonderful things he learned. HOW? How do you throw that all way and give him up?

Source

I'm having a really tough time here, and I have revised this 5 times now. I don't want to come off as harsh... but honestly, this really upsets me. I feel as though this child's fate was sealed the minute his parents discovered they were pregnant. Perhaps they never thought they could ever get pregnant - and viewed adoption as a second choice instead of the best choice - I don't know. But somehow, somewhere... along the line, this poor baby became second best to a infant born from his Mother's womb. She didn't love him the same that the she loved her biological son. I don't know how or why... but it happened. If he had been born from her womb, he would have stood a chance. When he became jealous, bossy or aggressive with his younger sibling... she would have worked it out. After all, most all biological siblings go through this anyway! But for some reason, she always had the thought in the back of her mind that this child did not have a permanent place within the family... and was not as valued, therefore - he could be let go. Given up, so they could live in harmony with their biological baby without being overshadowed by a troubled child who required a little more love and attention.

I can't help but think what damage this is doing to this little boy.

I know there are certain extreme cases involving RAD, where parents don't have a choice and are forced to disrupt the adoption. These cases are fortunately rare. 


What we as adoptive parents have to understand is that it isn't going to be easy. The road is rocky and you will hit some serious ruts.  There is risk. Guaranteed, their ages will not be right. (The latest disrupted adoption was partially due to miscalculated ages.) And guaranteed - it is not going to be a walk in the park!

The wrong type of adoptive parent is the one who reads adoption fluff and has envisioned their adoption to be a little boy sliding down a rainbow with doves singing softly in the background. These are the parents that are completely caught off guard when in walks a troubled child with horns growing out of his head. A child who intentionally pees on the Persian rug, soils his pants, scribbles on your new duvet with your Dior lipstick, spits on you, steals food and splits his brother's lip open with his head because he took his toy. A boy who, suffering from trauma, is just trying to cope the best way he knows how. A boy who needs to be coaxed with lots of love and perseverance to break down his barriers...so he can learn to trust again.

This is exactly why I advocate for more truth on adoption blogs! Surprisingly, many people don't read books... and I have come across many adoptive parents who haven't read any adoption or attachment books. Most adoptive parents scour the internet however and read blogs. If more adoptive parents were bold, and honest... and spelled out the good with the bad, then more adoptive parents would be aware. The more aware they were of the potential problems, the better prepared they would be to handle it. The better prepared they would be, the less chance of their adoption failing. Don't you agree?

*(The name of the adoptive child has been changed. If you are interested in more information on this little boy, please email me on the right and I will steer you in the right direction!)

While You Were Sleeping

Mister

 

While You Were Sleeping

by Tara Simms

 

While you were sleeping, I sat by your bed. I watched you as you smiled through your dreams. I traced your perfect shell ear, Touched every curl On your little head. I tried to sleep But the sound of your breathing Drew me back to your room. I couldn't resist The magic which tugged At my heartstrings And brought me to your side. I settled on the floor Once again. Back against the wall, Holding your tiny hand in mine. While you were sleeping I fell in love with you all over again. Muffin From the time my children were infants, I loved watching them sleep. As I gaze into their little sleeping faces, it is easy for me to recall their infanthood, and note their innocence. There is something so amazing about a sleeping a child. (More than the fact that the house is quiet and serene! ;) A sleeping face reminds me how precious they are... and how lucky I am to have to have them in my life. This is how I found them, the other night. So cute, how they sleep exactly the same!

He's my Super Hero and I'm his Evil Witch...

Yes, I have a Caregiver for a husband. No, not on a professional level... just on a personal level.

He devotes himself to looking after others. No, there are no qualifications... you just need to come across his path!

He is the guy who will give the shirt off his back in a January snowstorm in the middle of the Arctic. (And honestly that is likely an understatement - he would probably take his pants off too...)

Obviously, this is one of the largest reasons I was attracted to him!

He is often described as the nicest person anyone knows. I don't think he has one enemy! You can't 'not like' this man! (like my double negative?)

The problem is...

Often, he doesn't take care of himself.

and

Often, he gets taken advantage of or used.

However - he is also the type of person who's glass is always full even when it clearly is half full ( or empty ) - that would NEVER acknowledge that this happens.

His motto is quite admirable in that, at the end of the day he wins - because helping others makes him happy and happiness is the most important thing. (But at what cost?)

Walk in human, realist me (witch)...  and everything has a value. Yes, happiness is the greatest thing of all! However, other things do need looking after as well... or they will start to overflow in your cup of happiness and turn it rancid. I'm sorry... but that's just reality. There needs to be a healthy balance.

Sometimes, we (being me and the children)... catch a bit of rancid dribble overflow. Over the years, we have learned to support him and are so lenient that we can do double back bends... BUT... still, every now and then - I have to be the reality check (aka Witch). It's not a nice job... in fact it probably doesn't do anything for my positive thinking program, as I feel like I have to do all the negative thinking. With a cackle and a point of a finger... I am the bubble burster!

FACT - If this man of mine had no wife or children - he would spend the rest of his life serving others. He wouldn't need anything to call his own - and what he did have, he would give away. And when that ran out - I could even go as far to say that he would go into debt to give more. Why that sounds almost like a Munk... okay, so yes... my man would be a Munk... a  Super Hero Munk.

Over the years, I have seen some pretty wild and crazy things that my man has done for others... sometime at the expense of himself in more ways than one.

When I met him... he was spending 50% of his free time doing 'honey do' lists  and favors for others. Why? Ummm... not because they couldn't do it themselves, or afford to hire someone - simply, because they asked. Unfortunately though - these were not one time favors - they were numerous and frequent. They obviously manifested from a one time favor to a full fledged small book of favors. Sometimes, he would even have to travel quite a long way to complete these 'honey do's and sometimes, one task could take all day and cost him out of pocket expenses. But, he can't say no - it's just not his nature.

Now if it were me, I'd be like - "Excuse me? You want me to unplug your crap filled toilet...?! (..And you are completely capable!?) Seriously?! Are you flippin nuts!? Umm... I think I will let you unplug your own toilet... thanks for the offer though!"  or... "Perhaps I can recommend a good plumber...?" No, I don't think that makes me a Witch! - I think that makes him too nice! Is there such a thing though? No. (Yes!)
(Yes, this is a true story! He has done this - and on more than one occasion. A testament to his undying service as a Super Hero.)

Everyone thinks my man is rich. Why? Because he spends it (on others) like he gots it! (like my bad grammar?) He's not only at your service - but he will foot the bill too! It doesn't mean that he can afford it. It simply means that he doesn't want to ask you for it. He's being nice.

My man has, no doubt built an entire house in favors, from landscaping, to tiling the bathroom floors, to installing the toilets, to hanging the screen doors and picture frames! However, he has never lived in a house that is complete. By complete, I mean all the painting done, lights installed, and baseboard applied etc... This is a 2 part equation - partly because he is always busy helping everyone else with their projects, and partly because he will not ask anyone for help. Ever.

The sad thing is that really, he shouldn't need to ask them for help... they should be at our door offering! (Quiet.. lil Witch..;-)

We have learned - okay I have learned - (the children grew up with it) to just accept it and roll with it.

This is a daily thing for him... not just a weekly thing - daily.

Let me just summarize one of his days. Saturday. We have an appointment to drive to a town that is just over an hour away to pick up a hospital bed for his Father. However, this is also the only day that anything is ever open here - so we also have to get all household chores and errands on this day as well.

 Let me back up by saying that our dogs and cats have also been without food for a week. Our pet store here closes at 5:30 every day - and typically I get it, however - Dan, being the nice guy he is - has lent his company vehicle to a staff member who doesn't have a vehicle. (See a trend here?) So now he has to drive my vehicle. This then forced him to have to pick up a can of pet food every night... thinking that he would have time the following day to buy the food.

Okay - so Saturday am, he takes Mister to hockey first thing in the am. He comes home and quickly tells me that he is going to go help the Boy Scouts clean up the hall as they will certainly need his truck to go to the dump. (Parents are supposed to rotate their volunteering support - but this is the 3rd Saturday in a row that he has been the main volunteering presence there. He is the one that gets things done. He knows it, and therefore feels more obligated to go.)

Okay, I thought... as I recall that I was unable to walk down the steps in my garage for all the bags of recycling and garbage that have built up.

 I let him know he has to be back at 1, so we can go get his Dad's bed. 1 oclock, he arrives back and we quickly run to make our 3pm pickup. We get back in town around 4:30 and he calls one of his employees to ask him if he would like a ride home. Confused, I ask him if we are not supposed to be delivering and installing this bed. Yes, but his employee needs a ride. This is where I have to put my Witch hat on and explain to him that we cannot always drop everything for everybody. This employee is older than me. He is paid very well. He has choices. He can buy a vehicle, he can walk, or he can call a cab on his cell phone. AND on top of that all... he was hired with the promise that he would be able to get to and from the jobsite on his own. But - Dan has already offered. So, I request to be dropped off at his parents so I can at least get started as we are coming up to dinner time - and there is not a lot of room in the truck for an extra person anyway. 30+ minutes later, Dan arrives. It is now after 5pm and he realizes that he missed the petstore - again.

We disassemble his Dad's old bed and put the new one together. We finish, make the bed, help his Mom get dressed and haul the old bed out at 7pm.

Our tummies are now gurgling and demanding food. We go home and decide that it is too late to cook something, so we order food. Dan for some oddball reason, does not like delivery - he prefers to pick it up himself. So off he goes to not only pick up our food, but food for the animals as well.

 45 minutes later, he comes flying through the door... puts the food down and tells me that he has to run. There are two young girls who are broken down and need rad fluid. (Don't ask me how... him to a 'problem' is like a fly to shit - he'll find it anywhere. Ha! I think I should sew him a Super Hero outfit so he can do a quick change in the vehicle!) Of course, this does not surprise us at all.. no questions asked. So the kids and I eat. I quickly take note of our begging dogs and think to myself that my man has likely forgotten the dog food.

I give him a call on his cell phone to remind him... but no answer. 30 minutes later, (his food cold now) he arrives back home, kicks off his shoes and comes upstairs. All 3 of us at the same time say "You forgot the dog food..."

Back out he goes for a run to the corner store.

Later that night, he was telling me how many loads to the dump he had done. I quietly say, without even looking his way... "How much did that cost you?" and he then launches into the usual defensive pose... "Well, it was much less than I expected... the fridge didn't weigh that much...." etc, etc... (What I forgot to ask him was - how much the rad fluid cost! ;)

As much as it can get so aggravating... I know that I wouldn't love him as dearly if he wasn't this way. Over the years, I have found it much less stressful to just let him do his thing. It does get very hard however when I see it starting to take a toll on him. And I do have to put my foot down (and don the witch hat!) when I notice other's taking advantage of him on a consistent basis or when it is having a negative effect on him or our family.

What he doesn't understand is that in his service to others, he is unable to cap it or control it. Soon it starts to consume him and then he goes from feeling great for helping someone out to being run down and stressed because he can't do it all, and he doesn't know how to stop it, how to say no or how to reprogram others in his life.

He can't be everything for everybody... but yet he will insist he can. He is the caretaker to his employees, (*to most everyone he deals with on a daily basis), and to his family... so I guess it's my place to be his caretaker - put on my 'Witch' hat and ensure he is getting looking after somewhere in the mix!

The Super Hero Husband has read and approved of this post, with the exception of specific references of people to whom I've had to re categorize *

His comment was simply a laugh... the laugh that means he thinks my delusional thoughts are funny - because this simply is not a true recollection of reality. (His anyway...;) This is my Tuesday Truth... as I see it. ;)
Linking up with:

November - National Adoption Month

And in celebration... I have posted a few videos...

A comical approach...



A biblical approach...



A 'special' approach...

Great things are meant to be shared...

And this is one of them!

Africam is live safari cams. So you can feel like your right there in Africa! One of the greatest things about these cameras is there is audio too... so you can hear all the amazing birds!

Last night we watched a herd of Zebras come down to the watering hole. Very cool! There are a few different cameras to chose from, all from different locations. You can also find a great deal of info, blogs, forums, maps and favorite clips. AND... if you 'like' them on FB, or register on the main site, they will notify you when there is animal action! My kids love this!! I love this!! Check it out...

My favorite child gift idea!

If you asked me what one single gift my children have cherished the most - hands down, it would be a ZOOBIE!

I bought these for the kids 5 yrs ago when they were 3 and 2. Meet Muffin's blanket stuffy...

Hada the Hippo

She's a stuffy by day...

... and a pillow or a blanket by night!

 Meet Mister's stuffy...

Kojo the Croc... who also transforms to pillow and blanket. 

My kids affectionately call them simply "Zoobie". There has not been one road trip or vacation where they have not dragged their Zoobies along. They have been their stand in for a stuffy to sleep with, a soft place to lay their heads on in uncomfortable airport chairs and a blanket to sleep under on the airplane or in the car. We have used them in the rain forest, at hotels, on the beach... just about everywhere! 

The great thing is that their heads are big enough to be cuddled or used as a pillow, while they are using the blanket. The blankets are so soft (as is the Zoobie itself!)... even after a zillion washes! They are also big enough for me to use. In fact, I've been known to steal a bit of Zoobie love here and there. I keep saying I'm going to get myself one, one of these years.

These Zoobies are so much more than just a blanket, pillow or stuffy though. To my kids, they represent vacation, fun and excitement. You can literally 'feel' this when they pull their Zoobies out of the closet and give them a squeeze. I guarantee that they will continue to haul these Zoobies around for at least 10 more years or until they fall apart. (Which may be 40 years!) I know they will always invoke wonderful feelings and memories and therefor will always be treasured.

This is the one I would like to get Zahra...

Zulu the Zebra. 

I really cannot say enough great things about these! I think every child should have one... Funny thing is, when I bought them, they were around $60 and now they are only $35!

Do you have a favorite child gift idea? Something that your child cherishes or cannot live without? Please share...

Kenya Adoption - Calling all parents adopting from Kenya!

I know many of you lurk around in the shadows... but we need you to come out of hiding! The Kenya program is relatively new, always changing and we need each other's support. Please consider doing at least one of the following:

Join the Adopt Kenya 2011 Yahoo group - A new group started in May this year. Currently only has 18 members. A great place to get information, support, encouragement and resources. This group has a couple members whom are currently living in Nairobi... whom provide invaluable information for those of who are preparing to travel. This group is for all parents (from around the world!) adopting from Kenya. This is a private group, and not open to the public.

Email me - Please - 'Email Me' off to the right >>>>

Or at the very least - 'Join this site' (Follow my blog) on the bottom of the right sidebar.

We (members of the Kenya adoption community) are receiving different information about the match meetings (in addition to other things)... or are unable to get any information. The process in Kenya is the same for all of us not matter what country we are from... Canadian, American, Australian etc... It would be so helpful for us all to connect and compare notes, share information, help each other through this process and possibly connect on the other side (Kenya)!!!

I understand why many people choose not to blog about their adoption journeys, but if you are teetering on the fence... I would like to just give you a little nudge. You are here because you are looking for something. Information, inspiration etc... Please share the wealth and share what you have to offer to others who are also seeking. Your experience is priceless information to the next person down the line! The more people we can get the information to, the more orphans that will find a family. Remember - you can choose to go private at any time. ;)

Ta-da!!

Introducing the new format!

It only took me all day certainly was a time consuming feat!

I was striving for something clean and bright. No clutter, and I was really wanting a white background for the posts.

I'm happy to channel my inner pinkness and was able to incorporate a little bird!

I believe I lost some of the blog addresses that I kept on my sidebar. Some of which I do not officially 'follow' or some that are wordpress blogs. On the other hand, I think I likely gained some that I had not yet gotten around to posting.

Let me know if there was a specific blog that you would like to see back up, or if any of my links etc. are not working. I realize that some of my previous photos and videos that were posted are now too big for the post area... but so be it - I'm not about to go back and edit them! Ha!

Whad'ya think? ( I hope you all like it!! - Hubby just informed me that he preferred the brown, which is fine. I can't expect him to embrace the pink the way I do! Ha!)

Soon to be under construction

Well apparently my blogs over on the right there have gone missing. Which really sucks, as it has taken me years to compile!!

I have been wanting a make-over for a long time, but it is a lot of work. Since I am under the weather today, I make take advantage of my laziness and do something about this. I am not a computer whiz... so I can't guarantee anything! I may end up off line or all messed up for a short while... but I'll figure it out somehow. Hang in there with me...

Halloween in photo's (and a YUMMY recipe!)

Phew... It was a whirlwind Halloween, with Mister's birthday followed by a Halloween on a school day.
Here are some treats we made...

Rice Krispy squares with orange food colouring added to the marshmallow/butter mix.

These were Mister's birthday cupcakes. I didn't want to add a bunch of food colouring to the icing (many kids are sensitive to food colouring nowadays)... so I dipped them in coloured sugar. I first looked everywhere for coloured sugar. Could not find any in orange. Living in a small town requires you to get creative... So I bought professional grade food colouring and dyed the sugar! It surprising worked well! Just add sugar to a ziplock bag and spread some colouring gel on the inside of the bag and then massage it all in. Takes a little while... but so worth it!!

The cupcakes were pumpkin as requested from Mister. And let me tell you, they were most delicious pumpkin cake/cupcake recipe I have ever had!!! Yummo! You must try it! - Recipe is here... So light and fluffy. Since I have all the spices now, I'm going to make a cake this week. Amazingly enough - the kids also loved this recipe!!

This is a brain center piece I carved from a watermelon. Just peel it... and carve it up!

My Autumn Queen

The moth wings, I photo copied out of a magazine and then attached with white eyelash glue. The clear glue does not work - ever. Don't waste your money.

Mr Police Officer

I'm not sure what the hubby is... I saw the mustache and had to buy it. We thought initially a used car salesman, but he also reminded me of Tom Selleck. Ha!

The kids with Grandma and Grandpa.