Funny Question

So we needed a new mouse . . . you know for our computer.

I'm in Walmart, and remember that I saw some in the flyer that were on sale. So I walk over to electronics and ask where to find them. Now let me ask you. How would you phrase the question???? "Um excuse me, I was just wondering if you could show me where the mouses are that were on sale?" or maybe, " Hi, where could I find the mice that were on the front page of the flyer?" So what's the right way - there has to be a plural for this electronic gadget!??? I was glad I had a picture to point to, b/c somehow the question struck me as rather funny. Not funny Ha Ha. Just funny.

Perhaps I need a vacation:)

P.S. Don't buy the one on the front page of the flyer. It doesn't work - or it didn't for me anyway.

P.P.S. Kade got his cast off! (and they put a new one right back on - his old one was pretty mushy and not at all solid anymore, but we did get to see his arm for a bit, and there was some pretty nice dark bruising going on in there) So we'll see if we can make this one last through the duration of the cottage.

Kade "Uh" - O!

Last Thursday Kade finally lost his first tooth - during his soccer game. It was momentous. It had been hanging by what seemed like a thread for about a week - enduring through apples, corn on the cob and much wiggling. But it came out during the game - and of course Kade had to run it over to me on the sidelines, show everyone on his team and his coaches - at least three times! and just wear this goofy grin.

Then Friday Kevin and Kade were playing soccer (highly usual) and Kevin was the shooter and Kade was the goalie (also highly usual) and Kevin took a hard shot which Kade stopped with his hands, but which snapped his wrist back with some force. He cried immediately - loud and long. It swelled and stayed swelled, and he wouldn't use that hand AT ALL for anything, so I took him in on Saturday afternoon and he came back with this rather inconvenient white thing:(

He's ready for it to come off, though he is already rather adept at dealing with it and its discomforts. He took a paintbrush (one of those long skinny ones) to bed with him last night, so he could itch inside the cast when necessary. They are saying four weeks, but I'm waiting for a call from London where we need to do follow up. I'm hoping its off before we leave for the cottage on Saturday (but I think that's rather wishful thinking!) We are thankful though that he does not seem to be in any pain right now and that he is dealing with it very gracefully so far (hopefully that continues!)

Kevin's Golden Birthday

Warning: This post gets kind of long. The pictures and the words.
On August the ninth, our Kevin turned nine. Nine short years ago we were here:

Your first teeth . . .

ONE YEAR OLDTWO YEARS OLDTHREE YEARS OLDFOUR YEARS OLDFIVE YEARS OLDSIX YEARS OLDYour 7th birthday. We never got around to doing a professional picture this year b/c your teeth were rather awkward. So we waitedand waited . . . . . .and waited . . .and finally they were lovely again:)Just in time for your

EIGHT YEARS OLD picture NINE YEARS OLD (haven't made it to the studio yet due to Kylie's hair incident)

HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY KEVIN!!!

Dear Kevin,
Your golden birthday has come and gone. Again you got to spend it at camp, and again it passed by with very little fanfare – no cake, no singing, no special birthday supper. But you remain content with the fact that you celebrate your birthday at camp – one of the funnest places in the world. So balloons, and a few gifts are overshadowed by the cousins, family, opa and oma, the beach, the park, the campsite, the campfire and the camaraderie. Makes a pretty good birthday. I’ve never heard you complain:).
Kevin, you have taught me so many things over the years. You taught me so many things about being a mom. You taught me love, you taught me patience, you taught me to relax, you taught me to take time for the important things. And you keep teaching me things every day. The other day, I asked you if you had done your devotions. You said, “Yes, but it was kind of a funny story. It was about the linen shorts. The man put them between a rock and they rotted.” I was baffled. I began wondering just what you were reading for devotions, but you showed me and sure enough, there it was – based on Jeremiah 13-1-11 and 15-16. I do not recall ever reading that prophecy, though I’m sure I have. So again, Kevin, you sent me to the Bible to learn more. I thought that was special.
You’ve been chatting with me lately about growing up too. You tell me that you want to be just like Dad. People tell you that that is who you look like, and even though you don’t like your chicken legs, they become okay, because Dad had/has them too. This week you answered the phone and it was London Hydro and they were looking for Dad. You gave them his cell phone number and when they called Daddy, they told him that you made their day. You told me that they thought you were Dad when you answered the phone . . . probably not, but hey:). Keep imitating your dad Kevin. He’s a good and godly man. But even more so, keep imitating your heavenly Father because that is what we are called to do each and every day.
I thought of these verses:
“My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands . . . . Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths . . .Do not be wise in your own eyes: Fear the Lord and depart from evil. . . . My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction. For whom the Lord loves, He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights . . . “ Proverbs 3
Remember these words, Kev. It’s easy to think we know it all. It’s easy to think we are pretty good. It’s easy to think we were in the right and the other person was most definitely wrong. It’s easy to think that that wasn’t really so bad. It’s easy to be deceived. Listen to your conscience. Use what you have learned to lead and guide you. As we were driving to camp, you told me that you remember a lie you told a long time ago. You still remember and think about it. I asked you if you had asked for forgiveness. You quickly informed me, ”Yah, I already repented of it.” Cute.
You are soon headed off to a different life than the one you are used to. I pray that you will be a kind, compassionate, and loving friend to all. I pray that you will be a good example. I pray that it will go well for you and that you will love it. You are a bit unsure of the unknown. But you will be fine. God goes with you each and every moment.
Kevin – keep being the boy you are. Work hard, play hard, and keep reading God’s word. We are very proud of you. We love you very much. We pray that God will bless this year ahead and continue to lead and guide you every step you take.

Love Mom and Dad

Family Camping

Our annual Port Burwell vacation has come and gone. We faced and embraced this year with a bit of fear and trepidation after last year's soggy experience . . . but the weather forecast was looking pretty good as we packed and set out. But the sunshine did NOT last. As I was setting up the tent trailer, I heard rumblings though the skies were still blue and sunny. Well, mid tent set up for Ken and Beth, and as MaryBeth and Carrie pulled in with their loads, it let loose. It poured. Lovely. I left to go pick up Jonathan and take Kade to soccer so I missed out on most of it, but they got to finish setting up (waiting for puddles to dry) and got to prepare supper in that fantastic start to the camping adventure.

Here is Kylie and Summer braving the rain beneath the umbrella.

The night cleared up nicely and we really didn't get much rain the rest of the weekend (two short showers which were followed by sunshine quickly, and a big downpour throughout the night on our last night) So, not bad. We got three full beachdays. It was great.

Kylie was having a "moment" and had to spend sometime in the trailer. She decided she might as well do her makeup while she passed the time.

This is Summer and Kylie at the park - yes at the park. Not at the beach. Don't ask. Let's just say they love changing . . . and bathing suits were a favourite to wear.
This is after one of those changes. They spent a fair amount of time in our trailer going through the clothes and finding new things to wear. Goofy girls.
Relaxing at Mom and Dad's campsite.
This little girl probably has callouses on her knees after this weekend. She never seemed to flinch, just crawled across sand, gravel, road . . . whatever she came across - though you will notice that she at least put her croc on her hand to help her cause:)
Ella Bella. What an easy child. She is just pure pleasure. She always has a smile (despite the mosquito attacks) and just rolls with whatever is tossed her way. (brother included)
Bubbles!! The kids had lots of fun blowing and popping bubbles.

Saige hanging out in the stroller.

Meika is a big help with the younger kids - occupying them and taking them for rides.

Tim digging in the dirt.

Jeremy, Kade and Kylie.

Meika taking Kade for a ride on her bike.

This picture cracks me up, but I think it is so cute. What a goofy little girl:) She enjoyed the beach and sand and even the water.

The boys rented a seadoo for the day - we actually ended up getting it for 4 hours on Friday and 4 hours on Saturday, since it got pretty choppy out on Friday. What a lot of fun!

Opa taking Kade for a ride.

Kade loved it. Kevin did not so much. But Kevin rode with Jonathan - and I think I may not have liked it so much then either;) Both MaryBeth and Beth went for rides with their hubbies and could hardly breathe b/c of the riding style they got to enjoy. So maybe Kevin does have an excuse:)

The boys did some water skiing as well when it was calm enough.

I'm pretty sure this is me on my turn (Kade in front, Jonathan behind). I kept control of the controls except when Kade butted in.

We also got towed behind the seadoo on this thing. Here is Kevin and Kade taking a turn.

MaryBeth and I took a turn as well with Richard as the driver. His mentality is "it's no fun if you don't fall off", so yes we fell off. And yes it was a blast - though the ride was a bit long (our hands got sore from hanging on for dear life for most of the ride . . .and you do bounce around quite a bit). But it was a blast!
Landon, Kylie and Summer enjoying the water.

Mare and Hunter catching some sun.

Landon and Hunter throwing sand into the lake . . .over and over and over and laughing every time. Cute.

Enjoying apples.

. . . and posing for pictures.

Hunter and his "cow" giraffe. He played so nicely with it.

This came in on the waves - actually Jonathan had to swim out for it, but it was a good bonus for Kevin's birthday.

Chillin' at the beach.

Kevin getting ready to jump waves.

Kade and Kev having fun with their floaties in the waves.

Ken made the kids crowns which they wore so proudly!

Kade was definitely the CHIEF!

Bouncing on the tube.

The guys went down to the beach three evenings and had some serious (or not so serious;)volleyball games.

It was a great vacation. Things went well. Kids were excellent for the most part - and as a result there is talk that we will have to make it a little longer next year - a full week???!!!!

We are thankful for our family and the blessing they are. It is a real privilege to spend times like this all together. And now we get ready for the next/last one. Bittersweet:)