Grateful

This Christmas I can't help, but sit back and be grateful for all we have. We are so blessed to have 2 healthy children. I remarked to Dana the other day that we have yet to endure illness with Ava (knock on wood), and Kynan seems to be handling his asthma very well with diet control and environmental control. He too has not endured any major illnesses or injuries as of yet (again knock on wood). This Christmas I thought we would be alone, :(, but my parents came out to spend the holidays with us :) It has been so nice having them here, relaxing, playing cards, playing with the kids and sharing in common Christmas traditions. Of course we miss the rest of our family, but we are grateful that they are seemingly happy and healthy and had a good Christmas. We are grateful to be in a family that enjoys giving and we were very blessed with what we recieved this year. The kids are now dressed for the year and have enough toys and blankets to last them longer. The amazement and wonder that I saw in both my babes this year was also a truly wonderful gift in itself. I have to admit that one of my favorite gifts this year was the red vines I got from Grandma Hoblak or Carleen (can't remember) and the 'Chiroman Name tag' I got from Mike (pics to come). As overwhelming and chaotic as Christmas was, it was still a very special day and we stopped to honor the true meaning of Christmas by talking to Kynan about Jesus and reminding him why we celebrate. Anyway, thank you to all of you who made our Christmas extra special by your thoughtful gifts and wonderful warm wishes. We are so grateful for you and love you emensley. Merry Christmas!

An update on us, Christmas time is in full swing. The tree and decorations are up (have been since the end of November), the smell of baking is in the air, the turkey is in the freezer, and excitement is starting to plague Dana and I to the point where it is harder to sleep every night. We are big kids. Kynan is learning all about Jesus at Sunday School, and the other day we drove by a Nativity scene in town and he shouted "Look, Mary, Joseph and Jesus". Does that not make you proud? Kynan is getting to be so smart. And his imagination is amazing. He plays with his cars for hours, making sound effects and talking for his 'characters'. We were driving this morning and he said he was catching cars with his big rope like Diego. So creative. Ava is a rolli poli. She is trying to crawl, so she gets up on her knees and starts rocking. When she gets sick of that she just rolls to where she wants to go. And did I mention she loves blowing raspberries? We were at a church meeting last night, and the elders were talking about financial stuff. It was getting a little 'stiff', and then all of a sudden Ava started blowing her raspberries. Everyone started laughing because it was as if she was saying 'enough of this'! Speaking of last night, it was really exciting talking about our church's growth and plans for development and actually being a part of it. They have some really exciting plans that are very innovative and unique. And even Dana got excited, which is so nice to see.

That is about all that is new with us. Kynan's buddy is here now so I have to toodle. Have a happy 18th.

A Little Bit of Bliss

I know when most mom's write about bliss it is about something their darling babies wrote about or maybe some romantic gesture their husband gave, but I want to tell you about my meeting with Pastor Rob from my church. You see ever since we moved here, I have had this feeling that God is almost ready to unveil something great. Like we are 'standing on the edge of greatness' while God prepares our hearts before we are able to leap in. I have been contemplating whether or not I should pursue a lifelong dream of mine, motivational speaking, but with kids and a husband in the mix I have always tended to put their dreams before my own. But then the other day, Dana told me why can't I do both? I thought about it, and thought, why can't I do both? So, I made a meeting with our pastor because I have been having this 'feeling' that we should meet and just talk. I was thinking of volunteering with the youth group, maybe starting a girls program through the church. While meeting with him, he said he was excited that I would be willing to do some administrative duties and/or PR stuff, he said he was excited that I was wanting to start a program for young girls, but the one that got my blood pumping is that he was excited that I was willing to do some public speaking. What? Did he just say public speaking? COuld God be answering a prayer? Or maybe even just setting me on the right path? Now I don't want to get overly excited, it could just be coiencidence, but I deffinately feel God working in our lives, especially mine and I can't help but be excited. So if you believe in the power of prayer, please pray for me and my dream. Thanks

And just to add something about the kids for good measure. While we were meeting with Rob, Kynan looked up at him and said 'I love Jesus'. It brought tears to my eyes. Then right after he said 'Jesus is my homeboy'. Can you guess where he got that one from? ***cough** Dana **

Signs of Christmas

Dana's Christmas Lights that he worked so hard on.

We both realised these were the first Christmas lights that Dana put up all by himself.

Oh Christmas Tree!

Starlight, Starbright

Dana's 1st Christmas Decoration. Note the year.

Kynan's 1st Christmas ornament (haven't found the 'perfect' one for Ava yet)

An ugly 'Dana childhood' ornament that makes it onto our tree every year.

It just isn't Christmas without it.

Kynan's favorite ornament on our tree. He is always taking it off and hiding it somewhere.

Don't ask me why we have a 'boot' ornament. Only Carleen knows.

The advent calendar. An elf leaves a note or a gift every night until Christmas eve. Kynan loves it and every morning says Santa has been here.

You are Welcome!

It just isn't Christmas without the unused decorative wax candles.

Nativity

Now some photos for good measure.... my new mural.

Ava's front tooth

A hunk of banana. Clearly not a favorite.

But loves those peas.

'Hand off my peas'

The Park

I have been wanting to write about this for quite some time. When we first moved here, I sunk into a little depression. I wanted to move home, I hated being here with the kids alone, this was not my home, I resented Dana for moving us here, I felt my world crashing in on me. It didn't help that whenever I called home, 'people' would tell me that I should move back. It's nice that they miss us, but didn't help me transition into our new life. I was sinking and sinking fast when an unexpected invitation came along. Jordan's mom, Wanda, invited us to her church for a pancake breakfast and service with a their hige fall fair to follow. More so to be poliet and to get the kids out of the house, I went and that is when I fell in love. With the people. The were so nice to us, welcoming, they listened, and they loved on our kids. I wasn't sure if I belonged so a few weeks later, I took Dana back to see a service. We have never been regular church goin' folk, but he said he really liked it too. So we go back every week. Some go to church out of obligation or guilt, but in all honesty I look forward to church. And MOPS (my church moms group). We are also joining a small couples group on Sunday nights too. It was Rosewood Park and its people that stopped me from sinking and lifted me out of my ruble. It is my safe haven. The place where I know that I can be myself and still be appreciated. A place where my kids are safe to play and where Dana and I can come together and get spiritually reacquainted. I now feel drawn there. Called to serve. I am looking into volunteering with their youth ministry and possibly even joining their worship team. I love to sing and maybe will get enough courage to sing in public. I am so thankful to God for placing this in our lives. It has made Regina more like a home to me. Still I miss my hometown and my family tremendously, but 'the park' has brought new friends into our lives and has helped us move our lives here. Who knows what the future holds. Maybe Sasketchewan will be the province our kids call home, maybe our destiny is to move back to BC, whatever it is I know God will guide us and in the meantime you can find me at 'the park'.

A Day of Birth

(Grandma having fun with Kynan at Dana's birthday dinner)

Just wanted to commemerate my Grandma's Birthday too. December is always a month of celebration for our family. This year it is a little different celebrating it all thousands of miles away ;( But all the same, we love you Grandma and wish we could be there to celebrate another year of your beautiful presence in our lives. You are another amazing woman who I admire and respect so much. Have an incredibly special day.

Just to add on to this post, because truly it is about family, I wanted to share how I felt yesterday and a little part of today. Obviously, we weren't there yesterday to help Kaili celebrate her special day and again with Grandma. This week would have been filled with family dinners if we were back in Summerland. Especially because on Dec 5th is my sister-in-law's birthday too. I can't help but be sad. Sad that we're not there. Sad that Kynan won't be able to sing them his version of 'Happy Birthday' in person, or that Ava won't see the wonder of all the balloons.... or Baba's special glass balls. I was thinking of all this. And when changing Ava, and noticing her chubby legs, her one toothy grin, and all her cooing noises... I realise that their missing out on that too. My parents have already been out to visit, which was fabulous, and their coming again in 2 1/2 weeks for Christmas so in a way it makes up for it as they get to celebrate one of Ava's first with us..... her first Christmas. But I can't help longing for Dana's family too. I really miss them. It just made me sad yesterday and May seems to far away..... So much will have happened by then. I hope that you know how much we love and miss you all, everyday. Today would had been one of those days I would have popped over to say hello because I just wanted to see you.

Happy Birthsary!

Today is my sister-in-law's, Kaili, birthday. She is an amazing mom... one who I truly admire. a loving sister, I see it whenever the siblings are together. And just an all around pretty amazing person. Kaili... I hope you had an amazing birthday and know that we wish we could have been there with you celebrating. We love you.

Also, my parents are celebrating another wedding anniversary. Now, I forget, but I think it is over 30 years and my mom told me that last night they experienced their very first flat tire together. I thought it was pretty romantic that even after 30 years they are still celebrating firsts. My mom and dad met on a blind date and within 6 weeks were married. Isn't that awesome. I love you mom and dad. Hope you had a great day of LOVE.

Having Fun

Last night we had Tiffany, Brian, Kelle and Mike over for desserties and kareoke. We had so much fun, especially laughing at Dana sining classics like 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun' and 'Wind Beneath My Wings'. We were picking each others songs. Which brings me to my next request from my readers ... how do you post a video to your blog? I would like to share what we all experienced last night but don't know how. Help!

One Strong Woman

The other day I was at MOPS talking to one girlfriend whom I have really come to admire. She is so caring, so open, so honest..... I really like her. This post may upset a few femenists that I have in my reading circle, but it really affected me so I wanted to post about it.

My friend was talking about her brother-in-law and how he did an amazing thing for his wife. I guess one of his wife's professors belittled her for insufficient answer in front of her entire lecture peers. According to my friend, the prof was really unneccessarily harsh. Her brother-in-law went into the school and defended his bride. Not in a mean way, but pretty much just explained that there is a better way to give critisism. I guess he even quoted scripture. I thought this was not only brave, but pretty darn amazing. I have always loved that song...'I'll be the man who will fight for your honor...' If you know it, I really like it. I thought about Dana, and I totally think he is amazing and he has stood up for me a few times, but in all honesty not very much. What my friend said next totally blew me out of the water. She said that most women today don't allow their husbands to their 'heros' or their 'warriors'. That we are too caught up in being 'equal' or 'strong', that we don't want to appear weak, and we want to set a good 'female example' for our kids. The problem with this is that men are hardwired to be heros and warriors and if we keep pushing them back they will never rise up when they need to. I am a firm believer in serving your spouse, your husband. Not to be walked all over, but to uplift them, give them strength by allowing them to be strong. So of course, I went home and asked Dana if he felt like I respected him and allowed him to be my hero. Without hesitation, he said no. That is really hard for me to share, but it's the truth. He said that he knows I love immensley and that I would do anything for me, but he hasn't 'earned' my respect. (which is nonsense- this man does more for me then anyone else has done for anyone).

I have always considered myself to be a strong woman. I work hard, I have strong opinions and believes, I love wholeheartedly, and (honestly) expect the best out of everyone- especially Dana. That can sometimes come across 'disrespectful', 'egotistical', 'arrogant', but I have never apologized for being strong. I was raised like that and believe that women can be tender and strong all at the same time.


After hearing Dana's answer it dawned on me that something has to change. He has to know that he is my warrior. My hero. So I asked him what I could do on a daily basis that would make him feel more respected. And his answer will surprise you ladies:

1. Greet him at the door with a hug and kiss when he returns from being out.
2. Get up and have breakfast with him.
3. Include him on parenting decisions, and allow him to make decisions too. Then support those decisions.
4. Listen to him, without freaking out.

Wow, that's all. Haven't I been doing that. Then I thought about it, and I really haven't been. I'm usually wrapped up with the kids when he gets home. Sleeping when he gets up (and too tired to move). I disagree with him alot over what to do with this kids, and when he shares how he feels about something I have been known to jump all over him about how he has no right to feel that way. I'm awful aren't I? No, because I had the courage to ask him what I could change and I am willing to change it. I want Dana to feel completely loved and respected. I want him to be my hero.

Off the Wagon so soon...

Recently I have been trying weight watchers to lose some of my maternity weight.... well.... my everything weight. As long as I can remember I have been self conscience about my body image. I have always been a bigger girl. Bigger thighs, bigger hips, bigger boobs.... bigger everything. It's not like I didn't work out in high school. I was on 3 soccer teams in the spring, summer and fall. And curled in the winter. Not to mention was always doing something on my feet. I have always huvered around 120 lbs. Then I went away one summer to a leadership came for 4 weeks. in that 4 weeks I gained 20 lbs. So now I am in grade 11 at 140 lbs. with most of my friends being 115 lbs. Not fun. Then after high school I got a desk job and gained and gained. Got pregnant and gained more... way more. I was well over the 200 lbs mark with both my pregnancy. Now I wish I weighed 160 lbs. Everyday, I am reminded of how over weight I am by my closet. The only thing to fit me is my maternity clothes. I tried squeezing into a pair of jeans that I wore when I was 4 months pregnant with Kynan..... still too tight. Jeans I wore just last year. Too tight. Pants from before Kynan... way too tight. All my shirts are either too tight, too stretched out, have stains from two babies who love to puke, or simply out of fashion. I have one sweater that fits and it is hidious. It is -26 degrees out right now and I still don't have a winter jacket that fits properly. I know this sounds depressing, but it is the pit of many of thoughts during the day. I beat myself up alot about it, but on the flip side- I have two beautiful babies who smile at me and love me unconditionally. I have a husband who seemingly doesn't notice I have gained over 100 lbs since we've met and only mentions it when I am complaining about it. I know one of these days I have to buckle down and deal with my weight, if not for myself then for those three important people. But someone please tell me how...... how do I face my inner demons. The inner food voices. The uncontrolable urges. I need to know your secrets.

Snow Day

While Ava was having a nap, Kynan and I bundled up and went to have some fun in the snow. Here are a few pictures from our adventure in the sub-zero temperatures. Pictures of our Christmas Tree Hunt are coming....

Today I Missed This...

This picture was taken a week after Ava was born at the research station in Summerland. I was taking pictures for the Summerland Royalty and got to snap this.... I love this photo.

I was driving to pick up a girlfriend today to go shopping with the kids, and the radio gave the report for the current weather. It was -18 degrees celcius...... -28 with the wind chill. Yikez! And Reginians say that this isn't even cold. January is their real winter. But they say today was a perfect day to get locked out of your car... or should I say van... and 'they' didn't say that, but that is what happened to me. Yup. I'm an idiot. Good thing Tiff was with me and was able to manage the kidlets while FREAKED out and got to call a tow truck. But I have to say that I am proud of myself. Not because I locked myself out of my van (did I mention I'm an idiot), but because despite that pretty stressful experience, I still came home and shovelled the walk for Dana. That's right folks.... I am woman of the year. Or at least half of the year because I got half way done before I felt like I was going to lose my hands to frost bite and went running inside... throwing the shovel in the nearest snowbank. But still, I bask in my glory!

Ladybug Haven

Do you remember this post? Well, I finally found the pictures to go with it. While nothing like winning the lotery came from this, we are settling into our new home and making lots of new friends. Maybe that was the hidden blessing.

Tagged

A friend of mine tagged me to do this challenge sorta speak so I thought I better do it seeming as she put a link on her blog to mine.... yikes. Here are the rules : Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog. Share 5 facts about yourself on your blog (some random, some weird). Tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs and then let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

5 Things You May Not Know About Me....

1. I LOVE Country music. I mean adore it... it is all I listen to. There is something about it that makes me focus on what is most important in life.

2. I really do care what other people think. I worry if I hurt peoples feelings, or get upset if I am not included in something. I am a people pleaser.

3. I would put my Christmas tree up in early November if I could. Dana has this tradition not to put any Xmas decorations up until after Dec 5th. I fond it so hard to follow because I LOVE Christmas and would start two months ahead if I could.

4. I get really frustrated when things are disorganized or a mess, even though I am not the best housekeeper. Seriously, I get very hard to live with if things are messy. Dana loves me dispite it.

5. I love to volunteer. I have always been involved as long as I could remember. I still remember in Grade 7 I asked the princable at my school if I could deliver a speech on citizenship at our year end closing ceremony. I am very much a goody tushoos.

Well, I guess that's it. I tag:

Jen, Christie, Trisha, Kelle, Wanda

She is 6 months!

I know I post alot about how fast Ava is growing, but it was 6 months yesterday and her babyhood thus far seems to be chasing by. In my mind, only yesterday I was on my balcony in Summerland saying a little prayer to the stars that this little bambino would hurry up and come. Little did I know that she was on her way. I was so excited to be experiencing birth naturally and with every contraction I got more and more excited. It was no where near as painful as Kynan, but equally magical. I still remember Carleen asking us if we wanted to know what it was. We were just so happy that she was here, we forgot to ask what the sex was. When she said it was a girl, I think I heard the angels sing. I had her in my arms. My beautiful Lily. Time chased away from that moments on and now she is singing her song in her exersaucer, laughing at Kynan and sucking her gums (her new trick). She fills my heart with joy everyday. I know that there is greatness in her. Some superior reason why she is here. I love her so incredibly much. It's hard to believe that I was scared I wouldn't love her as much as I love Kynan. Somehow your heart grows. Happy 6 month, Ava Lily. You are a great blessing.

Christmas Shopping

Please come take a look at my etsy shop. I have just listed lots of really special Christmas items. If you are interested in any of these.... email me smccallum21@gmail.com.

My Shop: Inspire2Create

Ava's Photo Shoot

Ava has this certain sweetness about her that takes my breathe away. As people lovingly adore her, she bats her beautiful lashes at them. She is calm admist the chaos and is always adoringly looking up to her brother. These photographs do not even capture a fraction of how utterly beautiful she is.

You are invited to stay in our newly designed guest bedroom. An oasis away from home. Am I luring any relatives out yet?!?!? (cough... Carleen)? Anywho, here are some long awaited before and after shots of the kids bedrooms, bathroom and of course the guest bedroom. More pics to come. The other rooms are not completely finished yet. Enjoy.





The Downstairs bedroom... after shot above.






This is Kynan's room before. You get a general idea of Ava's room too. Just picture blue shag in Kynans and orange shag in Avas.








The Bathroom... pretty drab.


















The bathroom after... pretty fab!














Kynan's room... can you tell by all the toys. Nice calming green with trucks on the wall and nice brown laminate.

Ava's pretty in pink. With butterflies that dance across her wall and butterfly curtains all done by me.

The kitchen doesn't have much further to go as well as the living room. And the basement is continous work in progress. More pictures to come as we complete. Now I ask, why wouldn't you come visit. Certainly it is not the decor, and the company is sure to take that Saskatchewan chill off.... so what are you waiting for???? LOL.