Fall 2009

I have not been diligent, at all, this fall with posting our activities very often. So, once again, I am posting a group of pictures- this time from October/ November. I was away a lot for work, so it feels like the last 2 months have literally flown by. Now, here it is, less than a month from Christmas, and there are lots of things going on between now and then. I will try to keep you up to date a bit better... Here are a few pictures...

We all enjoyed the visit from Dovie in November. Although, I missed out this time, as I was away with work for quite a few days of her visit. I know the kids had a lot of fun while she was here. Shaun was quite excited to make playdoh with Grandma!
Andrew and Shaun made a huge bubble bath in Baddeck, NS on our road trip!

Ahhh Fall colors.... Actually, I have very few pictures this year. I was so busy with work, that by the time I finally got to the park to take some pictures, 95% of the leaves had fallen.... I was quite disappointed, as this is my favorite time of year.

Alexa was sleeping, but I was able to get a few pictures of Shaun throwing a few leaves anyway... better time next year!

Alexa : a crazy girl running around with a build a bear shirt on her head! She is still always so entertaining! Picking apples (of which I still have some in the fridge... waiting to be made into applesauce... hmmm maybe tonight??) I've said that for about 2 weeks straight now!!

Eileen was here just before my birthday, so Andrew had a little celebration with her. It was a lot of fun, and I was happy to have her here for the lobster and ice cream cake... good combo!

Actually, going through the pictures, I realize how many things I have to tell you about that we have been busy doing this month... stay tuned, more to come!

Wow...

There are many people I have seen in conferences/ guest speakers who have truly been inspiring.

This is the newest video I have recently seen, and I think he makes a very powerful point. Let me know what you think!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqI_U0hDtao&feature=related

H1N1

I have to write something about this... Over time I may not remember what it was like to live through a pandemic (just thinking ahead to when I am old and grey and the kids ask... mom, what was it like.... !!)

I am not going to get into all the controversy. It is mind boggling, that this is really pitting people against each other, whether to get the vaccination or not, or how the government has said that everyone must get vaccinated, yet they do not have enough supply to do so. It is unfortunate that it is causing such social unrest. The media does seem to be too involved at this point- causing frenzy that may not be necessary. People are afraid. Yet they may not know ALL the facts. Everywhere you go, people are talking about it. I am being very careful as I have seen general conversations turn down right mean. I could actually continue with this, but I better stop here. There are so many issues that are involved at this point!

I am seeing the impact of this illness everyday right now. My clients at work are unwell and it is affecting their ability to otherwise return to work. Shaun has several classmates out of school. And we wait... hoping that we are not too harshly affected. It seems to vary so widely... I know of one boy, who was really sick for a day, and others who can't seem to shake it, and of course many others who have died from it.

I have done a bit of research on world wide epidemics.... they have occurred many times throughout history, affecting millions of people. If anything, the thought of a virus looming out there has reminded me to hold our children and Andrew a lot more often and to never leave without that extra kiss and hug. I am so thankful for all the people in my life.

Life can be too short, and although at this point there are many odds against us, I am reminded to trust in God's plan for all of us, to live for today and to love always.

Halloween 2009

I do realize that I am very late in sharing these with you... but, as always, I have excuses! I have been very busy with work, out of town, and Andrew's mom is currently visiting! But, here is a run down of our Halloween this year. I may have to recreate the holiday, as I now know that the pictures I took are blurry :( Better luck next year?

Savannah joined us for some early trick or treating :)

Alexa apparently wanted to pose for her picture!!

Shaun the transformer...

When everything was said and done, we did have some left overs, but could not find them, anywhere... after a lot of searching, we learned that Alexa hid them.... in their boots... and then under the shelf on the table.... crafty little girl!! ... guilty as charged Alexa!

Although I think the pumpkin carving is a dieing tradition out here, we carved them anyway. The boys were quite excited about their creations. The girl team didn't have a chance this year, our pumpkin was rotten before we even had a chance... but watch out next year!

The final products... T-rex and stegasaurus! Shaun carved his whole pumpkin and created the design himself !