Boys and Dirty Feet

My children bath. I promise they do. Actually, in the summer time they bath every day, and when they come in and go upstairs for quiet time, they stop and wash their feet in the downstairs shower.

And to top this off, they don't even go around the yard in barefeet. I would love them to do this, but I really don't like to *scrub* feet - add it up, I would be scrubbing 10 little feet!!! So they wear crocs. But crocs let in dirt. So their feet get dirty.

And you know, noone is looking at their toes when they are hiding in crocs, so when their toe nails begin to look a little grubby, it can slip by me. Especially, when we have been camping and I haven't been diligent about their toenails.

But still, I say, I *do* scrub their feet.

You wouldn't think it by the pictures I am about to show you!

Tonight, I was busy and I had told the kids to get ready for bed. The boys ran through the shower base and 'washed' their feet. I went upstairs and brushed their teeth. I was just leaning down to kiss Briton and tuck him into bed, when Cooper's feet walked by the end of the mattress.

ACK!!!

"You can't go to gymnastics with feet like that!!" I burst out.

"You mean I can't go to gymnastics!" His eyes filled with big alligator tears and spilled down his cheeks. Cooper is my puppy dog eyes little boy. Big topaz coloured eyes, freckles, and copper coloured hair. So adorable!

"No! It means we will have to *scrub* them. Go get the toe nail clippers, the scrub brush and go get in the shower. Sit down and scrub!"

Off he went to do as he was told. A little while later, he arrived back to me with the toe nails looking just about as bad. His big brother showed up at the same time, so I decided to enlist his help.

"Dane can you scrub this boy's toe nail?" Dane did not look impressed, but he knew I had leverage because he wanted to use his computer games that night, therefore he willingly went.

Moments later, they both arrived back with Cooper grinning and showing me his spotless toenails. Dane laughed as he told me that instead of using the nail brush to scrub his brother's feet, he had used the harsh scrubbing brush. Well, it did the trick.

A Little Red From the Scrubbing

And then I looked down at *AUSTIN'S* feet!!! YIKES!!!!!! Now THAT child I *d0 not* scrub, and yes, they are usually clean when he goes to bed, but as I said, tonight I was busy.


Time to enlist Dane again!

Beginning the Process on Austin's Feet

Cooper's comment when it was all done?

"My toes look like girl's toes, they're so clean!" *grin* Boys! Gotta love 'em!
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Update on Colt

The morning after Colt left we texted back and forth a few times and he let me know how things were going. He had decided to take a night in a town about 4 hours from us. He had arrived early in the morning and spent the day finding a campsite, checking out the town, and simply enjoying being on the road. I had offered him one night in a hotel, in case he was tired and wanted a good rest before tackling the rest of his journey (remember the most he had ever driven before was 1 hour and that was on an automatic car, not a standard as he just bought). His reply was - thanks, but no thanks, I want to sleep in my car. *smile*

Here are parts of a couple of his messages:

Hey Mum, I drove to just outside of R., after I had a little nap in S. I found a campground that was free to stay at for the night. It's really nice and it's by a little creek.... Tomorrow I'm going to sleep in and just take my time and then I'll head to Banff in the afternoon. I love you. Have a good night and please don't be worried about me. I'll be fine.

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My night was better than I thought it would be. I wasn't that cold at all, and I only used one of my blankets. I slept in til ten thirty cuz it was so quiet. I was the only one there. Then I listened to music and watched the T.V. I had a good time.

(I had sent my little dvd player along with him and he watched an old series of Hawaii 5-0, as that was the only series I could spare him. *grin*)

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I have been very good about not calling him. *smile* I will not call for a while. I want him to have the freedom to feel his independence. At the same time, I am so thankful to have texting! We communicated in the morning, when he was arriving after the first four hour drive, and then the following night.

He had told me he would be arriving in Banff yesterday, and he should have been there by about 5:00 pm, and I had not heard from him by 8:30 and I was mildly concerned. Very mildly, because I feel so sure that this is a trip that he is meant to take and I know that God's hand is upon him. But, every so often I would think, "Where is that boy?" *smile*

I have to tell you, it was sweet that the first thing my hubby asked when he arrived home from work was, "So, did Colt get to Banff?" Usually, he is not the big checker-upper on children. *smile* Then, throughout last evening from 7:00 - 8:30, Dane would ask me if I had heard from Colt. You could see the whole family was feeling like we had sent Christopher Columbus out into the big wide ocean. *grin* Truly!

Finally, when the phone rang at 8:35, I called for Cassidy to bring the phone, because I was reading to the small children. Cassidy said that Austin was already on it. *smile* They all were anxious to see what Colt had to say on his newest text, and ran to listen.

Hey Mum, sorry it took me so long to text. It took me forever to find a campsite, but the only one I could find cost me $10 a night. But there's also showers. The driving from Revelstoke to Banff was very scenic but the drive seemed to take so much longer than yesterday. Tomorrow morning after I get a good rest I'm going to head up to the hotel and talk to them about getting the job. Pray that everything works out and I get the job. I love you and I hope everything's going alright at home. I'll try and call you sometime tomorrow. Most likely after I talk to the hotel. I better go now cuz I'm really tired and I want to get up early. So have a good night, Mum. Bye

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As I hear updates from Colt, I will post some of them here, as I have people asking me what is happening with him. I am very excited for him and pray that the desires of his heart are met. I have a feeling that the employment office will not be open until Monday, which means we may not hear anything more job-wise until then. Please be praying for God to show His will for Colt. We are also praying that he can find a good church in Banff, as that is one of his desires. A church where he can join a youth group and meet some friends.
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In the Cradle of God's Hand

I serve an amazing God. His heart of compassion is outstanding. The night that Colt was to leave was difficult. I knew that once he was gone it would be easier, but it was the buildup to his leaving that was so hard.

While waiting for the final hours to pass I had friends praying for me and Colt. I have heard the expression, "I could feel your prayers."

I have never been able to say that before. I can now.

My heart just settled into a place of peace that evening, and when Colt came home with his brothers about 9:30 pm (before he took off for his road trip), I was settled. For the next four hours, and then in the night when I got up to see him off, I had no tears. And I am so very thankful for that. I really did not want Colt to be sent off with me looking sad. I wanted him to know that I celebrated his new place in life. And I do!

It was quite funny actually, because at about 10:30 pm when Colt was packing up the last of his things, he said he was under such pressure. "I have so much to do! I have to clean this room. I have to get everything packed. I can't forget anything. And then I have to deal with all of you feeling so bad about me going."

To his last statement, I laughed. It was so sweet to see his concern for everyone's sadness. I was able to say that, "Don't worry about that! We are all fine!" I know this reassured him. He asked me if I wanted to say goodbye now, or if I would be okay in the middle of the night. I told him I would be fine in the early AM. I wouldn't break into tears. *smile*

I knew my friends prayers had worked. I felt so at peace with my boy going.

Now to show you further how good God is: Colt and I had talked about ordering Caller ID for his cell phone, so that he would know if I had called, and then he could call back. I knew that I had to call the cell company, but I was busy and I knew it would be a few days before I got around to it.

The evening following Colt's early morning departure, Ray came into the kitchen and told me I would be getting a text message any time. He said this with a smile on his face. I was curious what he was talking about. He told me that our cell phone company had called a few minutes ago, and offered us Voice Mail, Caller ID, and Unlimited Texting.

I was surprised. I had never heard the phone ring, and I have never had the company call in the ten years we have dealt with them!!!!

And to top it off, we got our phones (Colt and I) in March, and Ray knew that I rarely used my phone, so it was a bit of a waste of money. He didn't complain, but he knew it was costing us about $35 a month, simply for me to have it when I went out a few times a month. And then not that long ago, I added Canada Wide long distance to it, so that the five friends on my plan can have free phone calls from anywhere in Canada. Well, that added to the bill, so honestly, for someone that rarely uses their cell phone, it can seem a bit of a waste of money.

So you can see why I was so pleasantly surprised to find my husband had so sweetly put on these extra options, so that my son would not be too far from home. And I could see his pleasure in doing this for me.

And I see the hand of God in the fact that our cell phone company has *never* called and offered us any kind of change in programming in ten years! Not only that, but they called the day Colt left, before I even had a chance to deal with the job myself.

God is so compassionate!

And to top all this off, I had a friend call me and ask me if I wanted to go see a movie on Friday night. This was the day after Colt left. I have only gone to the movie with her one other time, and it wasn't until this writing of this blog that I realized the timing of her invite. It was just the right movie to make me laugh! It was a wonderful movie: Julie and Julia.

After the show, as I was driving to pick up Cassidy from Cadets, I saw a sign posted on the big billboard out front of the Cadet hall. I have seen messages there before, but they have never spoken to my heart. Today's message did. It was a message just for me. *smile*

The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart.

My God is an awesome God. He knows my heart. He knows my love of my son. And He knows that I released him to do great things. But He also knows that it was hard for me and because of this, He reached down and cradled me in His hand.

He heals the brokenhearted. Psalm 147: 3a
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted. Isaiah 61:1

Thank you, Lord.
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July 1st

The kids had a blast at the July 1^st celebration.

There was water fights with soggy balls of wool.

And then the older boys got into the horse and rider egg fight. One rider would ride a horse and the horse would have an egg tied to his forehead. The opposite rider’s job was to whack the egg with a foam noodle and crack the egg.

It was hilarious when Austin rode Cassidy because of his size. He was the only rider that was actually thrown from his horse, simply because he was too small to handle his mount. *smile*

At one point, while we were watching the boys have their egg fight the younger ones got into a rolling good time. They started wrestling Austin for his shoe. I think they had as much fun on that activity as some of the planned games!

Isn't There Something Else We Can Do?

Now This is More Fun!

I've Got Austin's Shoe!

Okay, Enough With the Shoe Fight!

Run Cooper!

And then there was the wall.

Austin was so light that when he threw himself at the Stickie Wall he kept falling off.

Cassidy, on the other hand, was heavy enough that he stuck perfectly and had a hard time peeling himself down! It reminded me of a fly getting stuck on fly paper.

When I gave the kids each a cotton candy it was interesting to see that the girls did not like theirs and the boys did. Perhaps it is the lack of candy in their diet while growing up? Our boys don’t get a lot of candy, but they will take any that is being offered!

Over all a good time was had by every one.

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The Hardest Thing

This last week has been the toughest one in my parenting life. I knew this day was coming. I have known it for the last few years. Actually, I suppose I have known it since he was born.

But really, it was not until this last year that it has been creeping up on me in such a way that I knew I couldn't get away from it.

My firstborn son is leaving.

My heart is breaking.

When he went to Vernon last summer for six weeks, it caused me to cry at the airport. Me, who rarely ever shows emotion. I was surprised at myself. I think I knew our time together was getting short. Then this summer, he went to Ontario for five weeks. I knew that the end was near, but this time I held strong. While he was gone, I loved our chats on the phone, and it was fine. Fine, because I knew he was coming home again.

But when he came home from Ontario, I began getting emotional. It didn't take much. Just thinking of him leaving the nest was enough to draw tears. Then thankfully, he began working for his dad again, and for the last four weeks he has been hanging out, and I took it for granted he would be here for a while.

Then boom! The news dropped.

Last week, he told me he would be leaving for Vancouver, this Thursday (tomorrow). But worse than just leaving, he was planning on enlisting in the army. I know I said I was strong for this and trusting the Lord, but wait til it actually happens. I still trust the Lord, but it doesn't make it very much easier to say goodbye!

Your firstborn baby boy tells you he is leaving home. It is not as simple as thinking of all the good things he is about to do, and that you have prepared him for this day. It is so much more.

It is about all the things you think about: no more cooking him dinner, no more seeing him popping into the house, no more being there for him on a daily basis, no more spontaneous chats. Wishing I had spent more time sitting around gabbing with him about things that mattered to him. Knowing I had wasted so much time, being busy.

Now it is about seeing him when he wants to come home - if he can come home. This might seem trite, but trust me, until you have been here, you will *not* understand. I thought it would be fine. Easy shmeasy. Hey, it's all part of growing up right? Right. Wrong! It is hard. So hard.

This last few days I have dissolved into tears so many times. At the drop of a hat. At the thought of his last meal. Seeing him do laundry and knowing it wouldn't happen anymore. Watching him pack his car.

His Loaded Car

I cannot believe the weeping mess I have been.

But I love my son. He is an amazing young man. He has overcome so many hurdles in life. Each challenge he has turned into a triumph and I am so proud of him.

He is now the baby bird perched on the edge of the nest, and yes, he is about to raise up his strong young wings, and then plunge from the nest and soar out there into the world. And he will do well. He is prepared for this. This is something that I have been preparing him for for the last eighteen years.

And the 'sick' irony of it is what I have passed on to him! *weak smile*

I had/have a heart for adventure. I have raised my boys hearing me rave about my wonderful adventures backpacking solo around Europe and Mexico, and working in Banff, Alberta, for a year. Plus, of course, my exciting Road Trips!

Well, wouldn't you know. I have inspired my son to do the same sort of thing! I should be pleased. And yes, honestly, I am very pleased. Gee, if I, a 19 year old girl, could take on the world, then I guess an 18 year old guy can do the same thing. I seriously don't know how my parents survived me doing it though! *smile*

Colt's plans are not exactly the kind that would make a mother feel reassured. *smile* What would I like? Well, I guess if he told me he was going to get a regular job or go to college, get an apartment and a car, then I would feel satisfied. It would feel safe. Right?

It didn't actually turn out that way and I am partly to blame. *grin* See, Colt has been such an exceptional young man his whole life. Even when he was six years old, I would say he was a man in a boy's body. He had such a mind for working like a man. And he had integrity, loyalty, honestly, responsibility - and many other excellent character traits. Yes, I will admit, he also tried me sorely. He is a born leader and that is why he makes such an amazing RSM at his cadet corp! School was always so hard for him, but he attacked it and graduated with an 81% average!

So, when he began talking of going into the army and taking his Bachelors Degree, I suggested he take a year off and have some fun. He has been working in construction part time, and in later years, full time, since he was twelve years old. I felt it was time he simply relaxed and had some fun, while learning to live on his own.

So my suggestion to him was to apply to the Banff Springs Hotel, the hotel I worked at when I was nineteen years old.

Me, as a Night Maid at the Banff Springs

He loved the idea. Dane and the little boys and I, stopped in at the hotel when we were travelling through the area last year. Dane thought it looked like a fabulous place to work.

But Colt did not put in his application weeks ago when he should have. He didn't put it in until two nights ago when he and I sat up til 12:30 am finishing his cover letter and resume and uploading it to the site. They say that you can expect to hear from them in 2-3 weeks. Well, that is a little late, since he is leaving for Banff tomorrow (3 days later!).

So where is he going? Well, he bought a new car. A cute little car. I would love to see him driving a safe tank, *grin*, but this little matchbox car is what he bought. And on top of that, he didn't even drive standard until this week, when he bought the car.


He is heading to Banff, with no job lined up, planning on having a road trip. Where you ask is he intending on sleeping? In his car. And no, his car is not very big. But hey, that is what makes it an adventure, doncha know?

Testing Out the Trunk Room

Note to self: lay off the exciting stories of my adventurous youth!! *grin*

Austin (10) is already talking about how excited he is about when he can leave for his 'adventure'. At least, Colt has chosen my youth of travelling and not partying, instead!!

Tomorrow morning at 3:00 am (he had to choose 3:00 am, just so I had one more thing to think about), he heads out on his first long road trip. Up to this time, he has only driven the most of an hour.

Repeat to Self: He will be fine. He will be fine.

My prayer is that God will show Colt favour, and he will get the job he has applied for in Banff and he does not have to sleep in his car for many days! He made a point of getting his hair cut yesterday, so he would look professional when he applied for work. I wonder if he has forgotten that you can't shower in a car? *grin*

I am truly excited for Colt and know that this is simply a transition that I have to go through. I *will* get through it. *smile* But my kids have lately had a real good lesson in showing your emotions!! They are not used to seeing me show tears of any sort, so it has been good for them to see that Mummies have feelings too!

We had lots of fun tonight with last minute preparations for Colt's departure. I made Colt lasagne as that is a dinner he really enjoys. The children made goodbye cards for him and prepared gift ideas. And then before dinner, we took a bunch of pictures of the kids together. They had a lot of fun and it was a nice, memorable, non-emotional way to send him off.

My Two Biggest Boys.... Now

... And Now

Biggest and Littlest Sons

My Boy

Do you think that Briton knows that he is an important member of the family? *grin* He is such a ham. While the other children were obediently getting ready for bed, or watching us take some last minute Mum, Dad, Colt pictures Briton kept us company. He knows he is the apple of Colt (and everyone else's) eye! Click on the picture to see his hammy face! :o)

Each of the children have had a chance to go for a drive in Colt's car this week. Colt came into the house tonight before dinner, and told me he would be taking Dane and Cassidy out to Tim Horton's this night, after they had dropped in at the Youth Group. He then went on to tell me that he had taken his brothers for donuts different times in the week when he was chauffering them around in his new car. He was quite pleased with himself, knowing that he had been such a good brother, making time for each child to have a ride in his car.

I then pointed silently at Austin, who was washing dishes. Because you see, Colt had missed one child. Colt laughed and shook his head, and then proceeded to ask Austin if he wanted to go to town to get a donut. Of course, Austin was thrilled.


Colt had bought his car just last week, and we had paid the insurance because he had not got enough money with him. He was going to pay us back, so it was a nice surprise tonight to find it written in his card that his car insurance bill was cancelled.



Dane then gave Colt $50 for a tank of gas - and Dane doesn't work that often, so that was a huge gesture on his part.



And Cassidy gave Colt a Tim Horton's card with $25 loaded on it, so he can have food when he gets hungry.


He also attached a picture of himself, Colt, and Dane from many years ago. They were covered in paint and acting like monkeys.

Just Like Boys

The littles all signed the cards and at the last minute ran and got photos to give Colt.


This was rather humourous because we had all put a photo of Colt in his cards. Austin walks in with three pictures of himself at various ages, so that Colt wouldn't forget him! *big grin*


Cooper was as pleased as punch at Colt's reaction to the picture he found to give Colt - a picture of Colt holding a great big toad! *grin* Colt had great memories of that frog incident!

Colt, Frog, Dane, Cassidy

As we ate Colt's favourite dinner (lasagne) each person prayed one thing for Colt's life while he was gone.


It was so sweet to hear the prayers that were laid at God's feet for Colt's care:

Austin - He wouldn't get in a car accident.
Raine - Thank you that Colt is here for dinner with us before he goes.
Cassidy - God would keep Colt safe.
Briton - Not to hit a guy's car.
Mum - That Colt would find favour and get the job he wants.
Cooper - That Colt would not get lost.
Dane - He would find a church and a youth group.
Ray - Colt would be safe, and no texting while driving.
Savannah - That he would not crash.



After dinner each person gave Colt a piece of advice:

Briton: Don't miss package time. (birthdays)
Ray: Save some gas money to come home for Christmas/ Don't sleep in your car.
(we all had a laugh at this one, since those are his plans.)
Dane: My advice is make friends while you're down there.
Cooper: Not to drink while you're driving or eat while you're driving. Don't drink alcohol. Don't start the habit.
Austin: Don't get the wrong group that starts you going to bars.
Mum: No cell phones while driving, and come home.
Raine: To go to Church on Sundays.
Savannah: Don't crash some peoples you're driving when you're not looking at somebody.
Cassidy: Listen to mum's advice.

At the end of the night, after dinner was done, gifting giving was finished, I realized that Briton had not had a ride in Colt's car. Colt buckled him in and took him for a spin around the block. He thought he was going for a 'done dut' (donut), but was quickly satisfied to discover that though he wasn't going with the big boys, he would be going for a ride. With a big grin he settled in as Colt buckled him in beside his big brother.


When they came back from their quick drive, he jumped out happily, and he and Cooper headed off to bed, while Dane, Colt, and Cassidy took off for a last few minutes together.




They stopped in at the Youth Group where Colt said his goodbyes and they prayed for him, and then the boys went out for a hot chocolate and some guy talk.

The night was not over when they came home, as Colt still had a room to finish packing and last minute things to prepare.

I have to say that things did improve for me, as the evening progressed. I text messaged a friend and told her I would not be coming to her house tonight for our Ladies Bible Study as it was Colt's last day. I asked her to pray for Colt, and also for me. I was so blessed by her text message response. Yes, it made me cry again, *smile*, but it was a beautiful message that I already *knew*, but it helped to be reminded!

Okay, he will be fine. God will be with him. :o) You will really start to appreciate them more when they just come home for visits! Trust me, I know! *lol* But I hear you. The first is hard, but this is what you trained him for... To fly. Now stand back and enjoy watching his solo flight. You should be proud. Some children never get their wings! You did a great job. Cheer as he takes off and flies. Your cheers help him lift off faster and higher.

And later that evening, I could tell my friends had prayed. My heart was at peace, even as my son came and went with last minute packing, and as we had our final chats, and as I gave him a hug goodnight. We both knew that I would probably wake in the morning to wave him off, but I could tell that my heart was at rest and that God had me covered.

Like the piece of a song I claimed at church on Sunday says: I will find my strength in the shadow of your wing.

Yes, God will take care of my son, and he will do fine things in this world, and I will recover *grin*. Thank goodness, I have all these precious children to love!! God is certainly very good to us in His blessing us with our family!

BTW, the children have also had a big of a hard time. There have been downcast faces and comments about missing Colt. Dane, tonight, said that he wasn't quite accepting that Colt was leaving yet, because he was okay with it, but he knew that he really cared. I told him I figured his heart was being protected from the pain, as those two boys are very close.

Dane Chatting With Colt One Last Time

I am certain that as Colt drives away to his Big Adventure that he will know that he is loved and has a family at home cheering him on!

3:30 am and On His Way

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