A Second Honeymoon?

I suppose we can call it that. What we originally thought was going to be a couple of days of sitting has turned into 3 days of visiting with family, friends and touring Nova Scotia. I'll admit that I was hoping to do something special for our 10th Anniversary this year. I never imagined that we'd be doing this and actually didn't really want to go once I heard that we weren't going to be needed for the custody hearing. "T" and "K" were able to settle the custody issue out of court on Friday. We never imagined that they would do that and it still seems kind of unreal. Things are still not ideal, but at least "T" will have them for 10 days each month and it is enforced, rather than left up to "K's" whims.

It turns out that "T" will not be flying back with us and she is waiting until Thursday to go because her time with the kids starts Friday. So, we were left with a lot of decisions to make last minute when we thought it was all settled. Thankfully Scott's 2nd cousins offered us a place to stay for all 3 nights and the use of their second vehicle for the first 2 days. The third one we'll rent a car and visit a friend of Scott's and do a bit of sightseeing away from Halifax. We never would have gone on this trip without this happening, so we're at least considering the possibility that God wants us there for another reason. Being open to the idea that he has something for us to learn and that a quieter environment might be the best way to do that. I have to admit that I won't mind having Scott to myself for a couple days:). Yes, I'll still need to share with Addie, but she's pretty good at sharing:). I've gone back and forth struggling with wrapping my mind around all the changes, but the Lord's giving me peace about it and I pray that we can really enjoy the time away instead of being focused on how much I miss the kids.

I snuggled each of them, except Garrison, extra last night. He's kind of hard to snuggle because he's on the top bunk, but I'll make sure that I get lots of extra hugs this morning. I think they will have a wonderful time with Nana and Grandad and might actually wish that we would stay away longer when we do get back. Nana has a way of making the ordinary into something extraordinary, so I won't worry about them being bored. Praying they will be good and kind while we're away. They are little kids, after all, and still have those childish tendencies. We might have to send Nana and Grandad on a vacation when we get back:).

Well, there's still quite a bit to get done before we head to church this morning, so I'd better head out.

Til Next Time....

Our week in pictures

Delicious Homemade Ice Cream made with the new Kitchen Aid attachment we got for Christmas. We made Vanilla and used Real vanilla beans from Madagascar. Thank you Nana, Grandad and Preston for making this treat possible:).

Working diligently on her Reading Comprehension course for Grade 3. Only one more workbook to go!

Our first time to buy a coconut. Scott opened it carpenter style. He drilled two holes in it and poured out the liquid, then he hit it with a hammer to split it open:). The kids were especially excited to see inside. Not so thrilled with the taste, but that's okay.

Garrison amusing himself:)

Addie was a little impatient when it came to waiting for me to cut the pineapple up for her. She really seemed to enjoy gnawing on this piece. Who knows! Maybe it gave her some relief from the 4 molars that are taking so long to break through.

The kids history lesson the other night was about Japan. One of the activities was a sumo wrestling match. If it didn't take so long I'd upload the video of the kids. It was hilarious. Instead I posted the picture above because it makes me laugh every time I look at it. Kiersten looks like an oompa loompa!

A friend gave me a new recipe for bread and homemade yogurt this week. The bread is so delicious that two loaves are almost completely gone by the end of the day. Tonight I used the same recipe to make pizza crust. I should have taken a picture. It makes 2 GINORMOUS Deep Dish Pizza Crusts. I had a hard time finishing my second piece and it worked out perfectly that tonight was ice skating night. I think that I worked off at least one piece:). The kids weren't sure about the yogurt at first, but now 3 out of 5 really like it. Some more tweaking and some more fruit might convince the other 2. Scott's baking his sourdough bread tomorrow, so we might just have to schedule in an extra skating time;).

Only 3 more sleeps til our plane leaves for Nova Scotia. I think it's been about 5 years since I flew last. I used to love flying, but we'll see how it goes. Praying that Addie will sleep through the flight.

Anyway, I'd better head to bed now. One last day of school and a bunch of assignments to write for next week, plus some packing, then I think I can relax a bit:). I really want to enjoy the next couple days, because I'm going to miss these little munchkins. They can be frustrating at times, but there truly isn't any job in the world better than that of being a mother. So thankful that the Lord gave me my dream job:). Some of my friends may remember be always giving that as my answer in teen class when the teacher asked what we wanted to do after high school. So many adventures in such a short time = Motherhood! Truly priceless! Thank you Lord!

Mama's Day Out...

This morning I had a rare treat, one that I really don't desire to have very often, but realize can be good for all of us. I had a morning in town without the children. The drive is sooooo quiet without those cheery bickering voices in the backseat:). I had a quick stop for a couple groceries that aren't on my main list for Monday's big grocery day and then went to my hair appointment. It was my first one in about 4 months and I was really overdue for it. It now feels healthier and a bit lighter. After that I had lunch with a friend before heading home. I truly do feel refreshed and was super happy to be greeted by the sight of Scott and Addie waving excitedly at me from the window:).

This morning Kiersten and I taught Addie to do "Ring Around The Rosies". Those two also like the exercise time we have each morning with Scott. It's super cute to see them doing their best to "streeetch" and hop around for the jumping jacks.

It was warmer today and Scott had the afternoon in town. An all around great day!