according.to.kim

Back yard photo 6

It was a very busy week and I forgot to take my weekly backyard photo at the usual time. I took the picture today instead and there's no difference from yesterday anyway. We actually accomplished a few things in the yard since last week, though you can't really tell from the picture. One of the things we did was add a little sandpit for the girls to play in. We had a small pvc pond sitting in our garage from several years ago, so Neil dug it part way into the ground to the left of the circle and filled it with sand. The girls love it!

It's been really cold out all week. The temperature today was around zero--15 degrees lower than normal. Great weather for early March; not so great for late April! There was a sciff of snow on the ground this morning and a few times this week.

Wedding dress pics

I've uploaded a few pictures from the historical wedding dress fashion show in Avonlea last weekend. They're in an album called Wedding Dresses. I really wish I'd taken more pictures, especially of the older dresses.

The other half

As I contemplate my previous griping, I recognize that another reason (besides the lack of farm income) it's so difficult for me to welcome seeding time is that Neil has been doing so much around here. He really does a lot and I appreciate it so much! For example, Neil does ALL of our laundry. He's also been doing almost all of the cooking and a good percentage of the dishes for the past few months. What a life saver! He does many other things around the house too and has been doing most of the grocery shopping and errands. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Neil! Last, but not least, Neil does his share of parenting too (except perhaps in the bathroom department!)

So you can see why I find the farming months difficult. Neil said to me in reference to the weeks he'll be away, "Just get all of the laundry gathered and sorted before Saturday night and I'll get it all done before Monday." Well that's nice, but I don't think it's really fair (or the least bit fun) to jam a week's worth of laundry and shopping (because I find it very unproductive to go shopping on my own with both girls) into one day. Not to mention all of the other yard work, etc., that I won't have time to do during the week, or can't do by myself (with two kids around).

Well, enough whining. I can just hear the FlyLady saying, "No whining allowed!" Instead, I should be saying, "I can do this!"

Spring seeding

We're on the verge of seeding--perhaps early next week (flurries are forecast for later this week). Some farmers have already started; my Dad began seeding on Saturday. I heard the first crop report this morning. One percent of crops in Saskatchewan are planted.

Ahhh, spring seeding. It sounds kind of nice, doesn't it? A new beginning. New growth. Hope for the future. Hope for profitability.

No, not for me. I can say those words, but I don't feel them. What I feel is my chest tightening, my jaw clenching, and my entire body stiffening at the thought of it. I dread spring seeding, and I don't even do the actual work of it.

To me, spring seeding means being a single parent for six days a week (for probably six weeks now and then again for two months in the fall). It means losing money, losing my spare time, and losing my sanity. I'm sorry I can't be more supportive to my husband's career choice. Perhaps I'd be more positive if I thought it would be worth it--that we'd have something to show for it in the end. But I don't. I don't expect to see one cent from it.

Oh dear, I sound awfully bitter. I just had to get that off my chest though.

Pages 20 and 21

I love the pictures of us with our cousins. Though I don't actually remember this particular time, I bet we had a lot of fun together! I do remember other times when Heather, Heidi, and Jennifer came to Saskatchewan to visit and those were great times! We always looked forward to their visits so much.

I think the snowbank on the second page was formed along the creek at our farm, not far from our house. I'm glad Mom took a picture of it. Great sledding!

Lots of stuff

A bunch of stuff has happened over the past week that I haven't mentioned here, so I'm just going to rattle things off as I think of them... (in hopes I won't be typing for two hours!)

Madeline is speaking so well. Here are two sentences from today: "Bopie coloured my picture" and in tears, "Daddy take my earrings away." She is also more enthralled with public washrooms than with our own, which I guess is why she successfully used the toilet at the mall on Friday and twice today in a restaurant! She hasn't been quite as successful at home this past week, but I know she's getting the hang of it. I'm sure most mothers feel this way at some point, but I feel like I spend more time in the washroom than anywhere else these days!

There was a fundraising event for the rink in Avonlea last evening. Part of the ladies' night event was a fashion show of wedding dresses from the past century. Laurel modeled her Mom's wedding dress from 1967, and I modeled Neil's Grandma Louise's wedding dress from 1941. That was pretty cool! I just barely fit into the dress, so it was lucky I could even do this. (I'll post some pictures soon.)

Neil's sister, Shauna, and her baby, Cole, were here (at the farm mainly) for a week. They flew home to Edmonton Saturday afternoon. Cole is almost 10 months old now and he's crawling and pulling himself up to standing. Wow, time flies. It was great to see them!

Laurel and Bronwyn came home from Toronto on Monday evening. We went over to visit on Tuesday. My girls were very excited to see Bronwyn and I know she was eager to see them too. They have so much fun together! I was told that when Bronwyn was at the farm Saturday morning, she kept looking out the window as she waited for Sophia to get there. Sophia too was very anxious to be at the farm with Bronwyn. She often asks excitedly, "Is Bronwyn going to be there?!" Well, they got to spend most of Saturday together. Neil said they jumped on the trampoline for an hour straight.

We got some yard work done this weekend too. I wish we could've done more, but there were other chores to be tackled as well. Also, I'm on a bit of a mission to find the right table and chairs for the patio. I've looked at Home Depot, Rona, Canadian Tire, Sears, Superstore, Costco, Home Outfitters, Linens & Things, Zellers, Walmart, and even Safeway. I'm a little undecided right now because my requirements and even my taste have changed as I've looked at more and more sets. I think it's an investment, so I don't want to get something I won't like in a couple of years or that won't stand up.

I stayed home from work on Monday because I had a terrible sinus headache and I was thinking it could be an infection. Then Monday night, Madeline had an awful cough (I thought it sounded like croup), so I stayed home with her on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Neil stayed home for half of the morning, then Shauna and Laurel had her over at Laurel's house for the rest of the day. It was strange--she really didn't cough again after Monday night, but she's had a very runny nose all week. She's been fairly happy anyway. We actually had a very nice day together on Tuesday because she wasn't cranky or clingy at all. It was wonderful too that I was able to get a bunch of little things done around the house that I never seem to get to.

I've been having sinus headaches all week, but they didn't stop me from doing anything after Monday. Annoying though. I'd sure like it to stop, but I haven't done anything about it except take 'cold & sinus' medication occasionally.

Pages 18 and 19

I'm so happy to have this picture of my Grandpa Byrns and me. (My Aunt Chris lent it to me to copy--many thanks!) I think it's special for a couple of reasons. My Grandpa didn't like having his picture taken, so there aren't very many photos of him. I can only think of one other picture that we're both in. Most importantly, it reminds me that I was lucky enough to spend some time with my Grandpa before he died in 1986. Most of my cousins were too young to remember Grandpa Byrns; in fact, many were born after he died. My brother and I and our cousin Nate would remember him best, and I do have many great memories of Grandpa.

Back yard photo 5

Another Thursday, another photo. Not much change from last week. The weeds are just a little bigger and last week's strong wind blew the pool over to the dry creek bed. You'd think I could manage to at least move the upside down wagon! Well, maybe this week I'll get out there and tidy up. The yard really needs some work--these pictures don't show 80% of the mess.

Speaking of the back yard... my children apparently think it's a good idea to strip down to nothing and run around the back yard when it's only 16 degrees out with a cool brisk wind. That happened today after work. And just for the record, I don't think it's a good idea even when it's hot out!

Pages 16 and 17

Oops, it's getting late! Must get to bed.

Fun for Sophia

On Friday morning, the preschool went on a field trip to the Mackenzie Art Gallery. I happened to be the parent helper that day, so I got to go too. It was great! Sophia really enjoyed it and so did I. Before going into the gallery, we made a painting of our hands--the gallery facilitator told me to put my hands on it too. I had forgotten how much fun it was to paint!

After our activities in the Learning Centre, we went up to the gallery to see the Mary Longman exhibit. I found it very interesting, especially because we had a tour guide telling us more about the art. Mary Longman is a First Nations woman from Saskatchewan and while her sculptures and drawings certainly have a Native tone, they also reminded me of Frida Kahlo's artwork.

Friday afternoon, we went to the farm to make deer sausage. Here's a picture of Sophia enjoying squishing the raw meat with her hands. I must say that after processing over 100 lbs of meat, I had seen and handled more than enough raw meat for one day.

Today, Neil (unfortunately) saw a little garter snake at the farm. I got Sophia out of the van quickly so she could see it too. She was so excited! After she lost track of it, she was really upset that she couldn't find the snake again. So Neil's Mom took her out to where most of the snake sitings are (between the house and the garden) and they saw five more. They slither around the grass there and go down into very discreet holes in the ground where Donna says there's some buried concrete from the old ice house. Sophia loved it! I told her she's a very special person who loves snakes, because there aren't too many people like her--especially on the Stang farm!

Hooray for Madeline!

Absolutely 100% for sure Madeline peed on the toilet this afternoon! I'm so pleased! Sophia had told me a few times before that Madeline peed on the potty, and then yesterday, Neil's Mom thought she had too, but I hadn't been there to witness it for myself.

Sophia's claims were always questionable because she had an ulterior motive--she would say excitedly, "Madeline peed on the potty, so now we can have a party! We need to have cake!" She said that to Neil's Mom yesterday and when Donna replied that she didn't have any cake, Sophia said, "Well, we can make a cake!"

Added 8:56 pm: This evening too, Madeline took off her Pull-Up in the kitchen, then ran to the bathroom and peed on the floor. At least her timing is much improved! The past few days she's been running to the bathroom immediately after peeing in her Pull-Up.

Perhaps I seem a bit anxious for Madeline to be potty trained; after all, she is only two plus three months. Sophia was six months older when she became interested and started using the potty. But... Madeline has been interested for eight months now (see August 14)! In fact, the last time I saw her pee on the potty was August 26, and I have helped her get onto the potty seat hundreds of times since then! Oy.

Home-grown humour

Wearing just a Pull-Up, Madeline fell down onto her bum. Then she walked over to me, pulled down her Pull-Up, turned around sticking her bum out slightly, and said "Kiss my bum." I love it!

And so a new category is born--Madelisms. (A natural addition since I categorize Sophia's amusing statements as 'Sophisms'.)

Speaking of Sophisms...
Earlier today, after a dispute over whether to make a long or a short tunnel in the living room at the farm, Sophia said to Madeline, "What on earth were you thinking? You need to think about your attitude."

Back yard photo 4

It sure doesn't take long for the weeds to start coming up! (If you're interested, see last week.)

I let the girls play in the yard yesterday and today after work, and they're loving the swingset. Looks like we'll get lots of use out of it this year! I'll get my exercise this summer running back and forth from the house to give Madeline a push in the baby swing (because I try to do the dishes or get supper ready while they're playing). Thankfully, Sophia can swing very well on her own.

Although 20 degrees out today, it was awfully windy, so not that pleasant.

Just a few things

I hope Sophia doesn't get the idea that it's fun to be sick! I didn't take her to Sharon's yesterday or today because she developed a cough Sunday night. She seems quite fine otherwise. So yesterday, Neil took her to the farm and she got to bake a cake with her Grandma, and today, she stayed home with Neil and got to plant marigold seeds in a pot and go to the dump! She sure is having a lot of fun being "sick." I'm planning to take her to Sharon's tomorrow because she only coughs about twice a day and has no other symptoms.

On the way home from my all-day meeting today, one of the rear tires on the van went flat. I was on the ring road during rush hour when it happened. I pulled off the road on the side of an exit ramp, but it was still really busy. I called Neil and he and Sophia were able to come and help (and yes, I suppose I should be able to change the tire myself, but... no thanks; I've changed plenty of flat tires in my life). Unfortunately, my meeting was at the north end of the city and I was just about as far from our house as you can get. While I waited for them, I was able to check my email from my cell phone, and I actually received a comment while I was doing that. (Thanks Misty!) Yay for technology!

After we all arrived home finally, I had to run out again and get a couple of things for supper. When I was out, Madeline went and pooped on the toilet! Neil was out lighting the barbeque, so Sophia helped her! Pretty cool. Madeline has successfully used the toilet three times in the past couple of weeks, but only when I saw that she was about to have a BM and rushed her to the bathroom just in time.

Also this evening, Laurel and Bronwyn called from Toronto. Sophia and Bronwyn had a really long conversation on the phone. It was really cute! Sophia can really talk on the phone now. It's so funny listening to Sophia's end of the conversation. She basically talks about anything and everything that pops into her head.

Pages 14 and 15

This is the first real two-page layout I've made for this album. It's a little more contemporary than the other pages. I was the same age in these pictures as Madeline is now (two years and three months). Neil asked jokingly, "Is that Madeline?"

The weekend

Immunization
Sophia had her four-year immunization shot on Friday afternoon. When I told her about it just an hour before her appointment, she started crying and was very worried about getting a needle. Fortunately, we were able to calm her down before we got to Public Health. Neil and I took her out for lunch first (a cheeseburger "with pickles and mustard and ketchup"--Sophia's favourite) and just kept telling her to focus on going shopping and having ice cream afterwards. That worked. When the time came, Sophia just cried out for a second immediately after the shot and then was fine. Her arm ached that day, but that was it.

While at Public Health, we also had Sophia weighed and measured and her hearing checked. Her hearing is fine, and she weighs 44.75 pounds and is 42 inches tall.

Volleyball
My volleyball playoffs were on Friday evening and Saturday. We were knocked out after only three matches, so it was very disappointing. I really wanted to play more because that was the end of the season and I'll miss playing volleyball! All three matches went to three games though, so we really played quite a bit between 9:30 Friday evening and Saturday at 2:00 p.m. All of our games were good and challenging too. In both of the matches we lost, we lost by only two points in the third game. Luckily, the playoff tournament doesn't mean anything. The standings after league play determine placement the following year, so we'll be moving back up to the A-side as we were in second place at the end of the regular season.

Neil, Sophia, and Madeline came to watch our first game on Saturday morning. While we were warming up, Madeline started crying for mommy and was rather inconsolable. Neil had to take her outside because she was still wailing when it was time to start the game. I sure didn't expect that to happen! Meanwhile, Sophia sat on our bench between two of my teammates and was as good as gold! Go figure. I was a little worried that she'd want to run around the gym. Apparently, I have no clue what my children will do in a new situation! I think Sophia really enjoyed the new experience and watching the game. I wonder what she was thinking. She didn't really say much about the game but she was very excited to wear her new "bolleyball" t-shirt to mommy's "bolleyball" game. (We bought her a cute t-shirt on Friday with the word "Volleyball" and an embroidered ball on it.)

Birthday party
Though it was a bummer to lose so early in the tournament on Saturday, it was really nice for me to finish early. After Madeline's nap, we headed to Yellow Grass for my niece Jordyn's 2nd birthday celebration (otherwise, Neil would have taken the girls down without me and I would have joined them when we finished playing--it's an hour long drive, so going together was much better). We had a nice visit with Rob and Robyn and Mom and Dad. The kids have so much fun together too! It's great to see.

Do you Google?

I think it's interesting that three times in the past three days, I've heard the word "Google" used as a verb in the media, as in "just Google it to learn more". All three references were different--the Gomery inquiry, the new James Bond (Daniel Craig), and the RSO. I have heard this word used as a verb before but not for quite awhile, so I took particular notice when I heard it so frequently this week. Just goes to show how successful Google is and how common it is to search for something on the internet. I'm sure "Google" will be added to the dictionary soon--as a verb, not just a proper noun!

Another thing I noted today was how sophisticated and popular online video games have become. Actually, I know nothing about it, but it was a topic of conversation at work during coffee break this morning. This interests me only because I wrote my thesis on the subject of online video games and consumer behaviour 11 years ago. It was called "Profiling Potential Teen Users of Online Video Games" and when I did my research in 1994, I was just introducing the concept to my survey participants. Online video games were not yet a reality, except perhaps in a trial being conducted by Sega somewhere. Boy, things have changed! (In case anyone is interested, or has trouble sleeping, a PDF of my thesis can be downloaded from the home page of my other website.)

Back yard photo 3

Well, spring has sprung! Just look at the difference from last week! The temp hit 22 in Regina today and the forecast is for 25 tomorrow, which would break the record for April 8.

I enjoyed the outdoors this morning with a brisk walk for my morning coffee break. After work, Sophia and I (and then Neil) spent a few minutes outside making snowballs (and smashing them on the sidewalk) with the last bit of snow in our front yard. Our hands were cold, so I got out a couple of pairs of dish-washing gloves for the task. The girls spent plenty of time outside today with Sharon as well.

Drumheller weekend

We had a nice weekend in Alberta. The highlights were seeing the badlands, visiting the Dinosaur Provincial Park (the Flash intro on this site is cool!), World's Largest Dinosaur, Royal Tyrell Museum, and Reptile World (especially because Sophia held a Boa Constrictor!). Many of the details are in this Drumheller Trip photo album, so I won't repeat them here, but here are a few things not included with the photos...

We left the city at 5:30 a.m. on Friday morning. We were hoping the girls would go back to sleep once we were on the road but they didn't. It was dark out when we left, and Sophia asked, "Did you phone the dinosaur museum to see if they're open in the night?"

I think Sophia liked our hotel room in Drumheller (or perhaps its proximity to the swimming pool) because she frequently asked, "When are we going back to our new home?" I'm glad she wasn't too upset when I explained we had to go back to our house in Regina.

I was disappointed with the pool and waterslide at our hotel. The main pool was too cold and deep for Madeline (too cold for me too), and the hot tub was too hot for her as well. The waterslide wasn't suitable for Sophia either--not even to go on it with Neil. Nevertheless, Sophia enjoyed splashing around the steps of the main pool and walking on her tip toes in the metre-deep water. Madeline liked sitting on the edge of the pool with her feet on the first step.

Neil's cousin, Rhonda, drove from Calgary to Drumheller to visit us on Saturday. It was sweet of her to drive all that way--she must have been on the road as much as she was in Drumheller! She came to Reptile World with us and out for supper at Bernie & the Boys--a fun little local restaurant.

Madeline was quite a chatterbox on our trip. She must have said "I do it!" a hundred times. She was also forming many sentences, such as "I need crackers, Mommy!"

P.S. My thumb doesn't hurt anymore! Amazing. I was really worried.

1st Anniversary

This is the one-year anniversary of my blog! My goodness, a year goes by so quickly now!

I have lots to say about the weekend too, but I can't type very well--and probably shouldn't be typing at all--because I sprained my right thumb playing volleyball tonight. It hurts quite a bit. Yes, just in time for our playoffs this weekend. :-(

Okay, I have ice on it now and I'm typing with just my left hand. Work will be interesting...all I do is type and mouse with my right hand--all day, everyday.

I have pictures to show too! Who wants to see Sophia holding a Boa Constrictor?! I'm sorry, you'll have to wait a bit...

Update 9:45 pm: Writing is much more painful and difficult than typing. Have I ever mentioned how extremely right-hand dominant I am? My left hand is practically useless--except to hold a baby (2-year old) while I do things using my right hand. This is not good.