Memere's Visit

While we were camping, it was decided that Ray's mom would come out for a visit. It was a pretty impromptu visit, because we had no clue what we were doing for our holidays this summer and we did not want to miss her. So she decided she would arrive on the Tuesday.

Meanwhile, we were having such a good time camping, that we decided to not leave the campground until the bitter-end - the day she was to arrive. So I got home about 11:00 am and she arrived at 3:00 pm. Boy, am I learning to do things on quick speed! *laugh*

It was the first time she had seen the girls and so it was really neat for them, especially since their understanding of English is so good now.


We also decided to celebrate Colt's graduation that particular week because it was a wonderful chance with his Memere being in town. So we all went out for dinner and had a wonderful time.

As Dane Calls Him: Brad Pit Jr.

Graduating Boy and His Memere

The children (and us) so enjoyed Memere's visit. She is a lot of fun and a great sport. And Austin appreciated her very much, as she helped him with his kitchen chores! We were sorry to see her go and hope she can come back again sooner!
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Dane's Mural

I am most impressed with my son. He created his own Aviation course for 4 credits at school this semester. One of the things he said he would do was to paint a mural. He took a picture of a scene from World War II (he main interest) and had to scale it to the wall size. The picture was 3 inches by 5 inches, and he had to turn it into a 3 foot by 5 foot painting.

Dane has never painted before, never done a wall drawing, and never used scale on such a large proportion. As I watched him working day by day, an hour here or an hour there, I was not disappointed. I am sure he was delving into something that he was not that comfortable in, and I am pretty sure that he will not do a painting again, but I think he did a fabulous job for someone that does not like art.

And the irony of that statement is, the boy is an artist! He is a born illustrator. He has always had his own style, going back to birthday cards that he has always made, since he was very small. Dane has illustrated two short stories that he and his brother wrote. And when his principal of his distance education school saw his illustrations, she said that his pictures were like that of book illustrations. I told Dane that See! I was right. I had always told him that he could illustrate for books, but he is not interested. I have also told him that I am going to try and see if I can find somewhere to send his World War II fiction short story, complete with illustrations, because I believe it is well worth sending to a publisher. But first I have to find someone.

Now painting is not pencil work, so the style is nowhere near his pencil drawings, so sometime I will upload his pencil work, so you can see his finite detail. In the meantime, here is his mural.
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Last Days of Camping

Austin certainly enjoyed fishing and became quite the pro. Cassidy says that his nice rod has a too complicated reel, where Austin's has a nice simple push button cast thingy. Who knows what he means, but we might have to get Cassidy an easier rod.

So Austin went fishing with Cassidy on the second to last day. They headed out early and Austin left his rod sitting on the dock. He used a piece of bacon as bait. Great bait! He left the dock to go and get something from the trailer. It wasn't long before Cassidy was yelling from the dock. Something about the rod.

I headed down to see what it was all about and he showed me Austin's rod in the water. He said he was sitting there when the rod suddenly went shooting into the water. I could see the rod on the bottom of the lake and figured Cassidy had better go swimming to get it. Instead, he grabbed a log to try to pull it up. I am guessing he did not want to get wet so early. *smile*


This nice man came over and helped Cassidy retrieve the pole.


A little while later, Austin arrives at the door with this...


I had no clue the fish was still on the rod! He had caught a squaw fish. Apparently, they aren't nice to eat, so he let it go. But he was thrilled to bits with how large it was!

That night, Cassidy and Austin stayed out catched trout in a net and putting them in a bucket, til nearly dark. Finally, at 10:00 pm I called them in to bed. I had to give them the sad news that they would not be able to keep their trout as pets. They were hoping to set up a pond at home. I explained that we didn't have the environment, plus it was probably against the law as the fish were so small and meant for fishing and not netting! They sadly let them go.

That same afternoon, a storm blew up and it was wet. It was a good time to pull up stakes. Ray was not coming until the following morning, so the kids came into the trailer and got out games and played until bedtime.

Removing Sister's Beads

I worked on Colt's graduation video all night... til 2:30 in the morning. But it was done in time for his graduation.

Last Breakfast in the Trailer

Heading Home for the Next Adventure

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Road Trip 2009

Sadly, my Road Trip 2009 got kind of obliterated due to the Recession. I had great plans to go in a loop to see all the old friends of the girls, but finances got in the way. As time grew closer and closer for my trip, I got more and more nervous about the fact that we were spending so much money for this trip (gas mainly), while things were so tight.

Then last week, while I was figuring about how to do the Road Trip as cheaply as possible, and how to pull the loop tighter, my good friend, Corrie, sent me an email suggesting we go to West Edmonton Mall that weekend. We are talking about her sending me an email on Tuesday or Wednesday! And she wanted me to pick up and go on Friday or Saturday!! *laugh* Okay, so I am spontaneous. But this was *very* spontaneous. I still had my mil visiting, and she would leave on Friday, leaving me one day to pull the packing together and prepare for a week long trip with seven kids.

I wrapped my mind around this idea and talked to Ray and decided that I could take this Road Trip and break it into two manageable pieces, and do it that way.

Once convinced, I called Sharla, another good adoptive friend on my loop, and we quickly arranged that we would all camp in Sharla's basement. Crazy girl, huh!! *laugh* The next day Corrie sadly informed me that she couldn't go.

So, by this time, there was no backing out for me. I had my mind out the door on another adventure. There was no way I could stay home now! *grin* But these days I can only handle one thing at a time, so I did not even begin thinking of packing until my mil had left. She left Friday, we cleaned on Saturday, and I packed the bags on Sunday.

We left at 6:30 am on Monday morning and headed out. The drive was great because my children are great *smile*. I had packed some new Adventures in Odyssey audio tapes and they were very exciting and made the miles fly by.

Our first stop was to see my friend, Erin. Erin and I met about 18 months ago and found we were both interested in adoption. That became a connector to our friendship and we quickly became good friends. Sadly, last November she and her husband made the decision to move to Alberta and that put many hours between our houses. But, me being the traveller that I am, said that that would not stop our visits.

The children had a wonderful time playing and reconnecting, and Erin and I got three hours of talk, talk, talk done. It was fantastic. The little ones enjoyed running around the farm and seeing the horses.


Cassidy and Dane were fortunate to be invited to go gopher shooting on the range, as Erin's family owns a cattle ranch and there are always gophers to dispose of.

After this, we had a wonderful barbeque dinner that was kindly put on by her parents. We couldn't stay much longer as we had to get to Sharla's house before too late, and it was already after 7:00 pm. So off we went again.


When we got to Sharla's the little ones were all in bed and ours quickly followed. The four little ones were marvellous. I put Briton in my bed, Cooper on the floor, and the girls on the other side of the bed on the floor (all on airmattresses) and not a peep was heard, and those wonderful little people quietly and obediently went to sleep. What a joy for a mother!

But the big boys weren't heading to bed til later. They picked up where they had left off a year ago. They were fast friends and began figuring their plans for the next day. An airsoft game was quickly organized with a wonderful empty forest across the road.

The following day, Sharla and I spent gabbing all day and the five older boys were noticeably absent as they spent the day in the forest having a grand old time! They dug trenches and built bunkers and had some real guy time together.

Later that night, we took the boys and girls all to see Jonah in his homeschool play. It was a remarkable performance. It was written by a boy with special needs. Instead of language arts, his mother lets him write a play. He dictates it to her and she writes it down.


I spent the whole play marvelling over the intricate, enjoyable, and lively script that this child had written. It was unbelieveable. That is truly the best example of a mother following her child's interests and teaching to *his* abilities! And Jonah made a wonderful Friar Tuck. Unfortunately my picture of him did not come out.

It was quite funny because between my family and Sharla's family and extended family, we made up about one third of the audience!

After the play the children all spent an enjoyable hour in the vast playground.


The next day, (today) we had plans to take the children to West Edmonton Mall's water park. That was a blast for the older boys.



We are missing three children from this picture. Last year we took the same picture and had two less children. Next year, we will have Sharla's new boy and girl in the picture. Hard to believe all these children (plus three more) belong to just two mums!! HAHA! Remember God says children are a blessing. So I hope you are counting *your* blessings!! *smile*


We took the younger children to meet Erin at the kids playground and spent a few hours there, continuing our conversations of the days previous, plus having Erin and Sharla get to know each other. They are fortunate in that they live one hour from each other! I am a tad jealous!


You should have seen the looks and the counting eyes as we three mums traipsed by with our fifteen children! *grin*

Tomorrow, we are having dinner with a few adoptive mum's, including a family that has girls and a boy that our girls know from Ethiopia. When I told Raine about this, she was pleased and then she burst out, "I want to see FIKRU. He's my GOOD friend!"

Isn't it amazing how God works. Her very best friend was placed in the home of *my* very good friend! How cool is that! (Of course, I reassured her that she would be seeing him later this summer on Road Trip part 2 *smile*)

This Road Trip part 1 will only be very short. We will be gone only til Friday and then we will be heading home. But we have more adventures planned for our summer after that. I couldn't *bear* to sit home.

I had no idea that I was getting 'known' for my ways *grin*, but about a month ago, a homeschool mum asked one of my boys, "Has your mum gone on her road trip yet?" (I had not told anyone I was going) When Colt told her that I hadn't, but was going on one soon, she responded, "I know she usually gets restless around this time of year." *laugh* I had no clue I was creating a track record, but there you go!!

Water Fight!

A new delightful something was discovered today. Our girls and boys are on an equal playing field when it comes to water fights! No tears. No upsets. Simply joyful, squeals of laughter and soaking wet children.

Except for one.

He Didn't Choose to Join the Fight

He was happy to observe. As I looked outside and saw the three of them literally dumping buckets of water over each other's heads, I said, "Just don't get Briton wet." I knew that that particular child would not appreciate a drop of water. So he happily sat and watched the escapades - from a safe, dry distance.

It was so cool to see our girls and Cooper pouring these buckets over each other, as never before has the girls water exposure been so drastic.



Up to now they have used the sprinkler a few times, splashed on the beach side, used the water guns - but I had no clue how they would react to someone dumping water over them.



I don't know who started it, but it is so nice to have three that can play as triplets. *smile*

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How Old Is She?

Sometimes I wonder exactly how old Raine is! Is she an old soul? Is she five years old? Hmmm.

Tonight, I was having a discussion with the two girls at bedtime regarding behaviours - in this case, specifically sneakiness and disobedience. I asked Raine if a mummy was good if she gave consequences for bad choices?

Yes, she said.

Next, I went on to ask if God was good or mean if He gave consequences. Savannah decided that God was good.

"Yes, God is good," I told them, "and He so loves you, that He does not want you to find it easy to sneak." Therefore, He seems to allow me to catch a certain someone when she is practicing this not so nice behaviour.

And at this point, Raine interrupted and as I turned to her to see what she wanted to say, she politely said, "I'll wait til after." (meaning after I was done). I told her it was okay for her to share what she was wanting to say.

She leaned towards her sister, who was sharing the same bed this week, (at a friend's) and said, "He loves you so much that He took your consequence by dying on the cross for you."

I looked at her in a bit of surprise and said, "Where'd you learn that?" I have taught them this, but goodness! Easter was only once since she has been here and we have not focussed on this point. We have missed more Sundays at Church than I would like and so...

She looks at me and laughs and says, "You! In Bible time." Well! Our Bible time is not as consistent as it should be, and so I am amazed that she has retained this important point! Quite pleased to say the least!

We then begin talking again. and at one time I talk about the point that God wants Savannah to be a good person. Raine jumps in and laughs and says, "And wife."

Boy, did we have a giggle at that! I said to her, "How old are you? Twelve?" *laugh*

She laughs at me and says, "Five."

"Are you sure? How old do you really think you are?" I am constantly questioning if the girl is a short fifteen! *grin* With the wisdom, maturity, and carriage of this child, I seriously wonder.

And she looks thoughtful and then says, "Six."

*smile*
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Small Blessings

Raine has continued with her reading lessons. Today, she read the word "colgate". I removed the 'e' and then had her read 'col gat' and then I explained about the Magic E and what it did to make a long "e" sound. She then read the word "sunspun" from my salsa container. Perhaps by the end of summer she will be reading easy readers!


Briton decided he liked Didi's hat. Didi means 'girl' to Briton.



This kind lady that runs the resort we are at has given each of the children rides on her golf cart.


She had the children come up to the house for a Sunday tradition. She gives the kids either a candy bag (jelly beans) or an icecream! The kids thought that was wonderful.


Then after that, Dave came and gave Briton a ride on his ATV. They say they are really enjoying the children. They can't believe how much they smile and how happy they always are.


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The Fisher King - Austin

"That little guy has quite the cast!" called out the manager of the resort we are at. He had seen Austin bring in his second fish and was most impressed. He was the second guy to say this!

Where Dane and Cassidy had both spoken of wanting to go fishing, but not having much luck, Austin had proven himself to be a true fisherman. It is often the way for younger brothers to get left in the dust, and it is no exception in our house. The big brothers left and little brother asked me if he could use 'my' fishing pole. I had received it for my birthday *grin* from Ray, but had yet to go and try it out. I said that he could.

This all began because he had come running with all the little ones in tow, because he had found himself a juicy long worm. He told me he could cut it up and make more bait. Me, being a squeamish person, simply said, "EEEww! That would hurt the worm!"

A few minutes later, Austin came back to me with the rod, and I suggested he take it over to this nice man that was living in a trailer a hundred feet from us. I had seen this grandfatherly gentleman get the kids to line up and race across the lawn, so I thought he would be the right one to ask.

When Austin didn't come back for a while, I figured he had been successful in his request for help. Sure enough, shortly after he came back and set to fishing off his boat. When that was not immediately successful, he came in and decided to try the end of the dock.


After a while the man came by and asked Austin if he had caught any fish yet. Austin said, "The fish keep taking my worm off the end of the hook."


The man went out to the dock to help Austin and inadvertently got his hook caught. He told Austin he would replace it. Austin said, "If I lose the hook I lose my last piece of worm." (Hear the word 'piece'? He did cut up the poor worm. *grin*)

The man said, "I can give you a new hook and a whirly, but I can't help you with the worm." *laugh*

I suggested that Austin go dig in the bushes on the edge of the lake. I figured there must be some soil, and where there is moist soil there might be a worm. Austin called out to the kids to bring him a bucket cause he had a great bug. He brought it to show me. What is it about kids that makes them think they have to show me all their bugs?! Ick!!! I know Renee, you would have your kids pull out the sketch books. Well, so would I. Another time. But pulleasee! Do *I* have to admire them as well as teach them a love of sketching nature! *grin*

I told that I didn't figure that bug would catch any fish. It wasn't a juicy worm, after all. But mind you, those flies in the kit I was given looked pretty much like that bug, and if he stuck that nasty hook through its poor hard shell, I am sure the fish couldn't bite it off. There might be hope for him after all. Ugh!

I put the kids to nap (gotta love it! I get two hours in the mid afternoon while all four little kids sleep!) and settled in to work on Colt's graduation movie and about an hour later, there was a light tap at the door. There was Austin, pleased as punch, holding a fish on the end of his line!


I had him run over to Jim, the kindly gentleman, and knock on his door. I figured he should know what Austin had done. Well, he was quite chuffed! I don't think he expected to see Austin with a fish that fast. He told Austin that he had caught a trout! Well done for his first try.

He then proceeded to show Austin how to cut off its head and slice it open and gut it. That little fisher-boy had no qualms about doing it. I figured if he was man enough to fish and actually catch one, then he was man enough to handle a man's knife. We had a special utility knife that he would love to play with and whittle with, but I have an aversion to cut off fingers, so I haven't handed it over. That and the whittled furniture that I had experienced through the other boys. *grin*


That afternoon, after the fish was cleaned and put in the fridge for his dinner *smile*, Austin got back to his reading. That boy could not stop grinning. He had a perma-grin etched on his face. He, the little brother, the one that couldn't use the rod because the big ones wouldn't let him, the one who was never taken seriously by anybody because of his silly, joking nature - He had caught a fish. He knew he wore the Fisher King crown and he well deserved it! He IS the Fisher King in our house. *smile*


That night, when Ray came, Austin was going to show him the fish when he made his dinner. At one time, I asked Austin if he wanted to show his dad the fish before dinner. He said in a little while. Shortly after, Austin came in and told his dad he had caught a fish. His dad was rightly impressed. Austin then asked if we wanted to see how he had cleaned the fish. I was a tad confused because I had already seen this, so I said fine.

Austin went outside and then came back in with my plastic juice jug. He tipped the jug over and showed me inside it. What? A fish? A dead fish in my *plastic juice jug*! Eeewwy

Austin beamed up at me and his dad and told us that he had caught another fish!!! That boy!

He was so proud. He then sat down on the grass and cut off the fishes head, with an enraptured and also, some not-so, audience. (click on Cooper's face for a good look at his expression)

Austin Discovered the Gutting Station

All Boy! Look

Mum! I have a fish head on my finger!

The next day, Austin fried up his bigger trout and had it for lunch, and the other one, he chopped up for more bait. The boy is a pro! *smile*


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