I am here.

Yep. My life is boring some days, crazy some days and not exactly how I pictured it. Who knew I'd have four children? Not me. And I love it. My life is full. There are dirty diapers, scrapes, bruises and messes like you wouldn't believe. There are also dogpiles with me on the bottom, hugs, kisses and so much laughter. I'm not sure I'm winning the war I've been having with the pile of laundry. My hands are dry from doing sinks full of dishes. Yet somehow, I am happy. At least I think I am. One thing I have learned through having a family is that it's not about me. It's about us. I am happy when they are happy. Really. I've wondered at times if in all the craziness of motherhood I've lost sight of me in there somewhere. Not really. I am here. Somewhere between the mom, wife, friend & such there is just me. The girl who used to walk Yonge street from Finch to the harbourfront. Who danced at Depeche Mode concerts & cried when she found out that Serena & James were going out again. My rollerskates became rollerblades. I found Vern. I had children. I grew up. (That's a bit debatable some days, I'm told.) But it's still me.

A new one of B

Here's a new shot of B that he approves of. Or at least he gave me permission to share it. This was on his birthday. I got some good ones that day, before we headed to the pool to celebrate.

Okay, I had to add another one. (Shhhhh... I didn't ask permission.) So I guess that's actually another two of B.

Eight

Kirsten turned eight yesterday! Isn't she beautiful?
She's still working on earning her own bedroom here. (The pink room is still basically empty - my scrap stuff is in there but could easily moved if she'd just keep her shared room clean for a week or so.) I asked what she'd want for her birthday if she could have anything, and she said $100 or the pink room. At least one of those two things is possible. If only she didn't hate to pick up after herself so much.

fourteen

Brandon is 14 today.

I had the opportunity to tell him my 3 guidelines for my teeneaged children.

1. I trust you.

2. You can tell me anything.

3. I love you unconditionally, thus will forgive you and love you no matter what.

I'm a worrywart type mom. It was important for me to say those things to him this week. He's been off having fun getting to know his biological dad. I have been a bundle of nerves. It's going really well though.
Brandon is such an awesome person. I'm so proud of him for who he is, and how he handles himself. He amazes me on a regular basis. I love you B! Happy birthday!

Sorry for the picture repeat. Brandon does not love having his picture taken, and is very picky about which ones I can share. I'll have to see if I can get a good one of him today. :)

33

While we were packing & without the internet I had a birthday. Yay me! I'm older. Well, it was a good one. Lunch out, Hires for dinner. (Mmmmmmmm...) Getting Lauren soaked on the bumper boats at Boondocks. Then Vern came home with this for me...

I hadn't meant to hint that I wanted a Calla Lily plant when I'd eyed them at Lowes, but I'm thrilled that he picked me up one anyway. My favorite. Maybe I can even keep it alive for awhile. We shall see.
After boondocks, even though I was wet and had stuck my hair in pigtails to get it off my neck I let Brandon take a picture of me. Oh my, I saw these shots & was ickified. It's okay that I look my age, but since when is it okay to have crinkly eyes & break out at the same time? (Yes people, they are crinkles, not wrinkles. I am still in denial.) I looked at these and felt positively pooky. The only way I'm even sharing is by messing with one enough that it is no longer an actual picture of me, just a sort of representation. Of me. Age 33.

Just like I said.

There's this old house we're settling into...

with a worn wood facade

a big yard

a great back door

and great light outside the front door.

There's a big window in the front room.

Big kids will have their own rooms.

I have my own little corner.

There are some cool little details

and other important things
...like ceiling fans

and a much-anticipated feature.


Yeah, like I said. This place will work just fine. I love the downstairs family room. The kids have a play room. Brandon loves his room. Kirsten is still earning the pink bedroom. (She's excited to finally have her own room hopefully! That girl needs to learn to clean up after herself.) I like some of the details. Like the doorknobs upstairs. (See the detail picture.) And the cool paneled old back door. There's great light for photography in many rooms (I have been playing...) The 1/3 of an acre or so with fruit trees will be nice. And oh my... a couple of ceiling fans (one above my bed!) and the much-loved-by-all swamp cooler. I wish we were finished with the unpacking so I could show more. (Pictures of rooms full of boxes are not all that exciting.) I'm starting to like it. It kind of feels a little like
home.

This is a test. This is only a test.

If this were a real entry I would be prepared with pictures & such.

As for now, I am just checking in.

What a crazy week it has been. We're still unpacking here and have to make one last trip to clean at the old house. Our new home will be wonderful - the kids are adjusting well & I'm thinking I will really like it here.

To see this house from the street I'd say it's not-so-pretty. It has an old, worn wood facade. Not a style I'd choose, but that's okay. There are lots of things I do like about this place. Hey, we are no longer melting! In fact, we froze the first night here. We're adjusting. We're happy. When I can find my card reader for my computer I'll post some of the pictures I've taken and you'll see. For now you'll just have to trust me.

Well, I should unpack.
There will be an actual entry soon.