Mondays...err...a Wednesday with Heidi

Monday came & went & I completely forgot to write…so here I amJ

I'm thankful for…the fact that Benjamin is super close to being done grade 2!!! He finishes his last math lesson this week…next week spelling is done…then it’s just a few odds & ends to wrap up. I’m also very thankful at how well Benjamin responded when we told him he’s going to school for grade 3 (more on that in a separate blog).

I'm listening to…quiet! Just the hum of the computer & my typing. The kids are having a blast outside enjoying spring!

What's for supper tonight…I don’t know…I had to plan supper 4 times last night…after all that frustration I’m not ready to think about it yet!

Highlights from last week…The kids are enjoying swimming lessons & soccer. Kirby really wishes he could be playing soccer too, but it helped last week that Ben came to practice & kicked a ball with Kirby while we watched. I got my haircut last week which was interesting. I’ve had some bad experiences with hair dressers so I decided to try someone new. My issue with hairdressers has always been when they try to push me to change my hair drastically when it’s just not “me”…either that or I ask for a trim & they take 4 inches. Anyways, this time I had it in my head I was going to let her change it, I wanted something new & fresh…it has been a year & a half since I had it cut so it was long overdue & in dire need of a cut. So I got there & told her generally what I was looking for, but that I was leaving it up to her. It’s the first time in my life that I’ve had a hairdresser take off less than I wanted! She very much kept it “me” which I appreciated. At first I was disappointed that it wasn’t new or different, but I quickly decided I couldn’t complain…it will be easy to get a bit more taken off next time! We had a great supper with Jonny for his birthday & a fun trip to the library. Friday was a busy day…I went to Red Deer with the kids to do my shopping, but didn’t leave till 2:00 so it was rushed & late. Saturday we went out west for the first time this year!!! It felt sooooo good to get out there. The best part though was that we got to take James, Cheri, & Max along. It’s been so good to have them home, but we really haven’t spent that much time with them. It was great to catch up a bit & just hang out together. On Sunday we enjoyed going for lunch with some people from church & then I had a very needed, long nap!

What's happening this week…Swimming lessons & soccer…and not a whole lot else…hopefully that means a chance to catch up on overdue projects! On either Friday or Saturday Andrew & some friends are coming to do yard work for Mayqueen. I’m very excited to get the yard cleaned up & bark mulch spread! Sunday is Mother’s Day…which I’ve had planned since SeptemberJ…I don’t usually do that…but one of the things I did with Benjamin for school this year is “Beethoven Lives Upstairs”…it’s a CD that using a partially fictional story to tell the story of Beethoven’s life…all with his music. Anyways, shortly after I decided to do that I found out that “Beethoven Lives Upstairs” is being done by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra on (you guessed it) Mother’s Day. So…we’re going to head to Calgary all together…Ben will hang out with the younger 2 while Benjamin & I go to the orchestra & then we’ll do something together for Mother’s Day (that part I haven’t plannedJ).

I am missing…having enough work lined up so that it’s not a constant worry. Not that I should be worrying anyways…more of a test of faith…and we are being tested.

Bowling & ice cream

If you’re wondering what I’m talking about when I keep saying “special night”, check out this blog http://bhwerdalfamily.blogspot.com/2009/04/popcorn-hot-carrots.html where I explained it.

I was supposed to do Kirby’s special night on Saturday, but I was really having a hard time figuring out what the 2 of us could do that would be special for him. It’s not that he’s picky…probably just the opposite. He’d have been happy to take Fudge for a walk…but we didn’t want him to feel like we did something less special for him (the other 2 had a couple of hours with Mommy to themselves). After some brainstorming, Ben came up with bowling. The kids love bowling, but it’s always a bit of a challenge to go as a family because they’re in very different categories. We decided it would be a great thing to do with just Kirby & I. We headed off to Olds after supper. Kirby was sooooo excited! We got our shoes & a bottle of juice (which Kirby loves & is a real treat for him) & got ready to bowl! We were only there for a ½ hour or 45 minutes…doesn’t take very long to do a game with only 2 people…but we had a blastJ. I must say that Kirby didn’t do too bad either (either that or I did really badJ) with a final score of 82-106. I was a little concerned that Kirby would fall apart when it was time to leave, but he was just fine with it. “Where are we going now?” “To get ice cream.” We arrived at DQ & he decided he wanted a regular cone (not chocolate dipped). We sat down to eat & within a few minutes he was complaining that it was taking too long. I kept assuring him that we weren’t in a hurry, but he kept talking about it because he had wanted to eat in the van while we were driving (nope sorry, don’t want ice cream cone in the vanJ). I couldn’t figure out why he was so concerned about this till we were leaving. As we were walking to the van he asked, “Where are we going now?”. I thought I had warned him that we were going home after ice cream, but either I forgot or it didn’t click. He was quite disappointed, but by the time we got driving he was over it & enjoyed getting to pick which CD story to listen to (& not having 2 older siblings trying to talk him into a different oneJ).

Well, special nights for the month of May are done. I’ve had the opportunity to do one with each of the kids now & thoroughly enjoyed itJ. I look forward to many more of our “special nights” & the opportunities to get to know our kids a little bit better & make sure they know how much I love them! Ben will do special nights with the kids in June…I’m excited to see the fun they have with him!

Mondays with Heidi...except today is Tuesday:)

I had full intention of writing yesterday, but it completely slipped my mind at the end of the day…so this week it’s Tuesday with HeidiJ

I'm thankful for…a healthy family. We’ve been praying this week for Ben’s 5 year old cousin Hannah who has serious heart problems. It has been a big reminder to not take our health for granted. Please pray with us as Hannah goes into surgery around noon today (MST).

I'm listening to…Manda coloring, Kirby picking up game pieces he just dropped all over the floor, Benjamin helping Kirby because some of the pieces fell in the “vent” (register) & he’s concerned about it starting a fire.

What's for supper tonight…Muffin meatloaves (I made these about a week ago…sooooo good!!! I don’t usually like meatloaf, but I could eat these a lotJ), potatoes of some sort, corn, salad…maybe even dessert. We’re having one of our employees/friends over to celebrate his birthday!

Highlights from last week…The kids started swimming lessons last Monday. It’s been ages since they swam so it’s taken them, mostly the younger too, to gain confidence again, but they’re thoroughly enjoying it. Benjamin & Manda both started soccer last week too. Since there was snow on the ground(L!), Benjamin was in the gym on Wednesday (which was no big deal). On Thursday Manda was in the arena…I thought about bringing jackets, but decided against it thinking surely it wouldn’t be as cold as when there’s ice in it! I was wrong!! We froze! Sure hoping it’s nicer this week! On Thursday I had a meeting with Pastor Kent to make some decisions about what’s going to happen with Kid Connection this fall. We made a couple of decisions…feels good to have an idea of what to plan for. Friday we went to homeschool day at the zoo. Benjamin went to a class about Peru while Manda, Kirby & I saw a few animals. I enjoyed experimenting with my camera & taking some really cool (I thinkJ) close ups of some animals. Unfortunately I didn’t realize my battery was almost dead…I wouldn’t have taken all the animal pictures…I have a couple of pictures of Manda & Kirby, but by the time Benjamin got out of his class the battery was deadL. I don’t like doing things like that with no pictures to back it up…just bugs me…oh well, I guess we’ll just have to go againJ. On Saturday I took pictures for the 90^th birthday of a lady in our church & then headed out to take Kirby for his special night (more on that in a separate blog). My sister Trina overnighted here Saturday night because the rest of my family was gone. On Sunday after church we dropped her off at home. As we were driving away from their house, Manda said, “Mommy, where’s Grandma?” “She’s in Lethbridge.” “Cause I miss her! I want to give her a hug!” We had a relaxing afternoon…I even got a nap in! Then we watched Mary Poppins with the kids. I don’t know if I ever saw that movie as a kid…I know I knew the story & had read about it, but I don’t think I ever saw the movie…even if I did, it was fun to watch it with themJ.

What's happening this week…Swimming lessons, soccer, a dear friends birthday…wish I could be there to celebrate with herJ…supper with Jonny…trip to the library…Ben’s pouring a basement tomorrow…Saturday we’re going out west with James, Cheri, & Max (very excitedJ)…maybe out for lunch with friends on Sunday…most exciting for right now though is I’m getting my hair cut today! I had a couple of bad experiences with hair dressers & ended up deciding I wanted to try someone else…but there aren’t that many to choose from in Sundre…so I’ve procrastinated for a year & a half now! It’s really bad, I know…and I’m very excited to finally get it cut & get rid of the tangled mess of split ends. Whether I’ll like the new style…whatever that will be…is yet to be seen. The kids are super excited to go to my parents while I get my hair cut. We usually see my mom every couple of days…either dropping something off or stopping to say hi…but she’s been very busy trying to get things for the house they’re building in Lethbridge so we haven’t seen a lot of them. Manda especially is super excited to hug GrandmaJ. This week I’m also working on brainstorming…& picking other people’s brains…for name ideas for Kid Connection. Kid Connection is the name of the curriculum we used last year & because we’re not using it this year, we can’t use their name. I want to find a name that is fun & creative…something we can use for years to come…have some great ideas coming in so far!!

I am missing…Sheri’s birthday this week! Happy Birthday Sheri!!! I sooooo wish I could be there to take you out for teaJ. Love you my friend! I am also missing having enough work that we can have all our employees. It’s so hard in times like these having employees who are family. Even though I’m thrilled that we have some work again, it’s bittersweet because we don’t have enough work to bring Ben’s brothers (or my sister) back to work. Praying we can get that work soon…& that God will sustain their families in this time.

An Unexpected Joy

Yesterday was an interesting day. At first it seemed like it would be a good day, but by about 11:00 I was getting more & more frustrated because Benjamin wasn’t at all motivated to get his school done & it was looking like we’d be at it all day long…& I wanted to go outside & enjoy the sun! Anyways, when Ben called to say he was done pouring & that he might like to go to the Bass Pro Shop to see if they have a part for his gun, I brushed it off. I don’t mind going to hunting/camping/etc stores with him, but usually get tired of it long before he’s done. I did want to go to the Bass Pro Shop though…it’s a brand new store & supposed to be pretty amazing. I got thinking that with something like that for motivation maybe Benjamin would get his school done…and at least it would get us out of the house. I suggested to Ben that we all go & he agreed.

Well, Benjamin did get a move on his school which was nice. We headed out just before 4:00. I was still feeling down, but was glad to be out of the house & expecting my mood to change. We arrived at the Bass Pro Shop & I was excited to see what all the talk has been about. Even just on the outside of the building there was so much detail! Well, we walked in, & all I can say is WOW!!! My mood was completely flipped within 5 minutes of being in there. We spent 1 ½ hours walking around the store. It was phenomenal. The kids loved it. It was a science field trip/lesson that I’m sure will stick much longer than the writing lesson we were struggling with in the morning! It was so fun to just be together as a family (we’ve had a lot of that this winter, but this was somehow different), to marvel & dream together & to enjoy some of the amazing animals God has created! We didn’t spend a penny in there (at least not this timeJ)…but somehow that made it even better. I won’t even begin to try to describe the store…I could never do it justice. My favorite part though is how when you walk in the doors you can see all the different scenes & it feels like you’re looking at a portrait of the different parts of Alberta…yet when you start walking through the store, each of those parts on it’s own feels very different, like you’re there & a part of it.

To whoever designed the Bass Pro Shop & whoever made it become a reality…thank you…you made my day…and I will definitely be back to wander the aisles with the kids while Ben shopsJ. Lord thank you for the beautiful animals you created. Thank you for allowing us this opportunity to see some of them up close & see the details & intricacies that make it so obvious that You made each & every one. You are awesome God!! Thank you for using something so simple as a new store to speak to me yesterday.

Mondays with Heidi

I'm thankful for…work! Ben is hauling & standing forms today…feels really good after so long! We have also started to have other jobs trickle in…now we just need to get enough lined up so we can bring Ben’s brothers back to work.

I'm listening to…Kirby playing outside, Manda digging out a puzzle, Benjamin asking questions about school.

What's for supper tonight…waffles…breakfast for supper…as per Benjamin’s request. J

Highlights from last week…Monday, Tuesday were mostly just hanging around home & playing outside. Wednesday the kids had some friends over while their mom went to a couple of appointments. Thursday the kids & I did a little shopping in Olds & then headed to the Zion Evangelical Missionary Church in Didsbury. We had the opportunity to sit in on AWANA! In trying to prepare for Kid Connection this fall & get new ideas, Pastor Kent thought it would be a great opportunity to see what we could learn from someone else & it was well worth it! I was able to get some great ideas that I definitely plan to use this fall…and the kids had a blast! Benjamin was immediately asking if we could go back again. Friday I took the kids to Red Deer to do our shopping trip…and to go to Scott’s Parables to look at VBS curriculum & curriculum for Kid Connection. It was a long day, but went fairly smoothly. Especially exciting was buying Kirby’s booster seat! We no longer own any carseats!!! He was sooooo excited!J Saturday was our nephew Joey’s 3^rd birthday party…as always, I enjoyed capturing the event in picturesJ. That night my brother Andrew came to watch the kids while we went to couples night at the church. It was “Impress your Wife” nightJ. It was a lot of fun…lots of laughs…chance to visit with adults…the guys did all the cooking, serving & cleanup…especially thankful for my honey who made me feel really specialJ. Yesterday we had promised the kids we would ride bikes. We just bought Manda a new bike as she had outgrown her little one. Hers did not come with training wheels, but we decided not to buy any, but rather to take Benjamin’s off his bike & therefore force him to learn without. We’ve tried the last 2 summers to teach Benjamin without, but it just wasn’t working. We realized that when he always had the training wheels to fall back on there just wasn’t enough motivation. So yesterday Ben put the training wheels on Manda’s bike. Benjamin fell apart because he thought he wouldn’t have any fun, but rather spend the whole time trying to learn to ride. After a talk with Daddy about trying & Ben encouraging him that he COULD do it, he headed outside to try. Within15 minutes he had it down pat! He still struggles a little just when he slows down to stop, but he’s riding! So proud of himJ.

What I'm looking forward to…being debt free…someday…

What's happening this week…Today the kids start swimming lessons! It’s been a long time since we’ve been swimming because our pool pass expired in November & we haven’t been able to afford to renew it. They’re really excitedJ. Wednesday & Thursday Benjamin & Amanda start soccer. Benjamin is super excited because he remembers it from last year…but I think Manda is even more excited. Other than swimming lessons she’s never really done her own thing like this…I think it’ll be really good for her to be able to do her own thing separate from Benjamin & Kirby. Thursday I’ll also have a meeting with Pastor Kent to make a decision about Kid Connection for this fall. Friday we go to the zoo for homeschool dayJ. Saturday will be “date” time for Kirby & I…after I’m done taking pictures for a 90^th birthday party! Whew…sounds like a busy week…I’m looking forward to it though…it’s fun stuff!

I am missing…not much right now…still miss Elliotts, but that’ll be the case for the next 3 or 4 years, so you probably don’t want to hear it every weekJ. Otherwise though, I feel pretty content. God is good!