10 (guilty, guilty) things...

(I'm looking at you, Adeena.)

I was tagged! Quite deviously, I might add. ;) 

Here goes...

1. Describe yourself in seven words.

Remembering Yesterday, waiting for Tomorrow, living Today.

2. What keeps you up at night?

I like what Adeena said - just one more page, either reading or writing.
Most of the time, though, it's usually thinking that keeps me up. 

 
3. Whom would you like to be?

I guess if anything I'd like to be myself, only more compassionate, more patient, and more loving. 

4. What are you wearing now?

My comfy pajama bottoms and a generic top. 

5. What scares you?

Snakes, small spaces, lost children, the illusions invented by my own half-asleep mind. 

6. What are the best and worst things about blogging?

The best would probably be the interaction, making someone think or blessing them with something I've written. I like to get my thoughts out, and it's a bonus for me if they're actually coherent. ;) I also like reading thoughts from other people, or seeing their beautiful photographs.

Worst things: Ohh, the guilt! I get writer's block sometimes, and when long periods go by without a new post, I feel as though I should bury my blog under heaps of shame, disappear into some area where the internet is not, and never try writing anything ever again. I am better about that than I used to be. Mainly, I suppose, because I'm posting more than I used to be. I think. 

7. What was the last website you looked at?

My sister's blog. :) 

8. If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?

I'm not sure. Every change brings its own set of problems. ;) I guess I would not second-guess myself so often. 

9. Slankets – yes or no?

I'm pretty sure that's the blanket with sleeves. Um...I guess? I mean, if someone bought me one for my birthday I would be thankful. I probably wouldn't go out of my way to buy one. 

10. Tell us something about the person who tagged you.

Well, what can I say? Adeena is one of my heroes (although she does guilt me into things). She's funny and generous, and she's extremely talented, and she's the Garcia of the family. 

Whom are you going to tag to join the quiz?

Mom, (because she will do it)
Tiana, (because mwahaha)
Sarah, (because Christmas is over!)
Dan (so he will have something to post! :D )

My Perpetual Kitten, Murdock

He is the silliest of cats.

His colouring is black, white, and devious. (There he is in  the photo with the nicest of cats, the great big ball of adorableness, Sifto.)

He sits on my shoulder because he thinks he's a parrot. I have to remind him that parrots don't purr like he does. And they're not quite so utterly pleased with themselves all the time.

He climbs things and looks to see how I react.

His big green eyes can be so evil, or so cute, depending on what he wants.

He mews like a wee bitty kitty when he doesn't want to exert energy. He sits at my feet with sad eyes until I pick him up. When I give in, his tail twitches because he is so delighted that he got his own way.

He loves to fight, and sometimes gets a bit carried away, as the scars on my hands and forearms will attest.

He always acts like he's starving, and then eats half of what I give to him, just so that he looks superior.


He's a superhero and a supervillain. He plays in boxes and loves to be cuddled. He likes jumping onto the piano as I'm practicing just to mess me up.

Sometimes he ignores me when I first arrive home after being away, but as the evening prolongs he cannot help himself, and has to come and say hello and lick my hand. Or my toe, which he knows I hate, but it's his way of showing he loves me.

I love him too.

A Letter to Someone I Barely Began to Know

I don't know why I'm writing this now. It's been so long since you passed away. I guess it's because of the sunrise this morning. It reminded me of my painting that you so delighted in. The sky was a soft pink and nearly transparent yellow, and the trees were dark and silhouetted against the rising sun. I tried to capture that in paint, and you adored it so much that it became yours right at that instant.

When I gave it to you, you were so thankful and delighted that it floored me. I'll never forget that. Your delight was a gift that I will always cherish.

I remember when I visited you on my own. We sat in your simple yet refined, cozy little living room, and you told me stories of your younger days, days when you endured war and trouble, days and years when you went without eating an egg, finally eating one after three years, only to wake up with a full body rash that burned and itched unbearably. I'll never forget the way your eyes twinkled as you told it. It made me wish I had been there with you. It made me wish I had known you all your life.

I still have the letter you sent me. I read it every once in a while, and regret that I had not known you longer. I regret that my shyness prevented me from asking 50,000 questions. I think you would have answered them all. We adopted you as our honourary grandma, and you rose to the challenge. You had spunk.

I'm thankful for the time I had to know you. I do miss you.

We're Drawing Close to the Finish Line, or What Has Been Taking Up My Time Lately

I always seem to have an excuse for not blogging regularly. This time it is a solid excuse.

I have been very busy. Too busy to think many thoughts. Except this one: how can I most efficiently destroy those who used my honey (that I needed for my tea) on their PANCAKES this morning? This is the question that is running through my mind.

However, that can be pondered for about two weeks. I give myself these lengths so I can go over every scenario at my leisure.

Our living room is all painted, and the furniture is brought back in. It's been a wild time of renovation and painting. I have new painting clothes: scrubs. They're comfortable. And green.

I think someday I will be adept at this mudding and painting business. Maybe by the time I get my own house I'll be a pro. Ha! I doubt that'll happen. Maybe I'll *hire* a pro to clean up after me.

It's raining right now, which makes it a good t.v.-watching day. We watched soccer after the living room was finished, and now apparently we're going to watch the Lord of the Rings, after I make rice.

Off to make rice I go.

Just For You, Heather, Because I Lub You :D

Moms

Does anyone ever have enough to say about their Mother? 

I think too often they're taken for granted. Of course everyone knows mothers are needed; everyone knows mothers are loved. Well, maybe everyone but the mothers. 

I guess it's probably often a thankless task. 

Why is it that on one single day out of the whole year, we recognize women who work twenty four hours of every day, seven days of every week, fifty two weeks of every year? They work all the time, and they get one day? One day of everyone who's ever taken them for granted finally turning around to say "Oh, by the way, thanks for taking care of me for my entire life." 

Mother's day should be every day, or we're a bunch of rotters. Rotters, I say! 

To all the Moms out there: THANK YOU. You are far more important than the world realizes. The world was raised by you, generation by smelly, gurgling generation. You're awesome. Your patience is astounding. 

To my Mommy: you're the bestest Mom out there. You know the real me, and you love me anyway. You've taught me about God's astounding, immeasurable grace in the sinner's life.

You've been there for me, are there for me, and probably will be there for me for as long as it takes, because you're my Mom. And that's not me taking you for granted - that's me realizing that no matter what I do, you're my Mom. You love me. I can picture in some tiny measure the love of God because I understand the love of Mom. *smile* 

So, happy Mother's day. On this day, I say thank you. I'm sorry I don't say it more often. You're a wonderful Mom. 

I love you. 

Hmmm...

My NEW POST about hope is down at December 28th for some very strange reason. 

This is a test post. 

Hey All Four of My Fans,

You're probably wondering what happened to my scathing wit and wisdom. Where'd it go? Why is Linda not showering her sense all over us, you ask? Well, it is because of a word that I have come to know quite personally: renovations. (The horror! Ack! *Sounds of howling, and all those other scary and obvious things that go on in a horror movie*.) 

Why should renovations stop my posts? Well, because. 

You know the feeling you get when you're driving someone else's car? Especially if that car is a super-sweet, your-absolute-favourite car? In the perfect colour, with not a scratch on it's surface? No rust? (Get the picture? I'll move on.) 

You don't want to see any harm come to it. You drive two kilometers (or miles...) under the speed limit, just in case. And you breath a huge sigh of relief when it's off your hands, and your conscience. Even though it was fun to drive, you felt a surface-level of panic the entire time. 

I'm feeling a fraction of that right now. BECAUSE, my computer is not hooked up to the internet. (A twenty year old who is not connected to the internet? THAT is a horror-story in itself. I should write a horror-autobiography. With some hyperbole, of course. Everyone loves hyperbole.) 

Since my computer is "offline", I am forced to check my email/surf the 'net on other people's comps. Namely, Dad's and Daniel's. They are the only ones connected. (Although, Pat hooked his up today. I'm coming for you, Patrick. Watch your back....so I can go on your computer while you strain your neck.) 

All this to say, my computer is my thinking place. When I write a blog, it's on my own computer because I know where all of my references are, where that specific quote I saved is hiding...I can't do that on Daniel's computer. All I can do is tell you that my regular posts will return as soon as my computer is back...until then, it'll be mostly Songs of The Week. Which, in retrospect, are probably equally entertaining. At least, they sound better. 

I've Been Tagged

Apparently there is a game of tag going on in the blogger world. Who knew? I didn't, until about...5 seconds ago! 

So, what are the rules? I've forgotten. Drat! Now I have to open a new window, go back to Mom's spot, find the rules, and post them here! How much work is that? Especially for someone who would rather be sleeping. 

Le Rules:

1. Link to the person who tagged you. Check. 

2. Post the rules on your blog. Check.

3. Write six random things about yourself. Not done yet, but I will.

4. Tag sixish people at the end of your post. I can't. Everyone I know has been tagged already.

5. Let each person know he or she has been tagged. ....

6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up. I'm a rebel. Mom will find out through Feedblitz. :P

Le Randomness:

1. I want to learn Gaelic and go to Scotland. (2 in one! What a rebel!) 

2. I won a beginner game in Minesweeper in 3 seconds once. 

3. I used to be addicted to Minesweeper. Heh heh. 

4. Hot foods are my favourite foods. 

5. I actually want to learn pretty much every language out there. (German, Adeena? Come on. I am so there.)

6. I love tea. 

There. The six (or seven...counting the two in one...) things are written. 

Now, this is the part where people usually tag other people. I'll do my best, but I'm not on my own computer...there's no familiar ground. All the things I have in my favourites are not here. They're all Daniel's favourites. Sigh...

(Adeena, Mom, Sarah, consider yourselves tagged. And Heather and Rachel, when you FINALLY join blogdom, consider yourselves tagged. It will give you your first post. Instead of having to think and think and think about what you're going to write. Unless that is just the type of thing I do. Oh, one more...YOU, right there, yes you. You're tagged.)

I have to put up another song of the week! It's been ages! :0

Oh my oh my

I honestly do not know how to explain. Words are not enough. Well, I guess they are. But just imagine that everything I say has about 50,000 times more meaning than usual. 

We got some horses. 

One, named Pax, is Heather's. He's a beautiful guy, inside and out. 

The other, a mare, is mine, and I named her Kara. (Side note: Mom just reminded me that she's not *just* mine, she's everyone's. I know. But she's mine. You know what I mean? Heather knows what I mean. :)) Her name means "beloved", and she certainly is. Only, I don't know if she knows that yet. But she will. She also is beautiful. They both have such kind eyes. You know what I mean by kind eyes? Where it seems like their soul is peeking out, saying "it's okay. I'm gentle, and beautiful." 

Yesterday was the day we got them. It was a many hours-long drive, and my knees are sore today, but it was so worth it. We got Pax first, then Kara. Trailering them was stressful, but we got home safe and sound. 

Today was workout day number one. Heather came over and we haltered them (have you ever experienced a horse who will put his nose into the halter? A horse you don't have to fight? My goodness! That was a surprise!), then we brushed them and picked their hooves. 

I still have to get used to the fact that they're easy going Standardbreds, not hot, fiery Arabians. Wrap your brain around that, Linda. You can in fact walk between their two bums without worrying they might kick you. For the most part. 

After that, we put the saddle on Kara (she's been a month under the saddle - Pax has not been ridden at all), and hooked her up to the lunge line. She is so gorgeous when she's pacing. Just so's you know. 

After that, I climbed up on her back!!! :D :D :D 

She spooked a teeny, tiiiiiny bit when I got up - Heather and I think it's because I'm miles taller than the girl who used to ride her. A little more up there, so I guess a bit of a surprise. 

We walked. I talked. She listened. The day was beautiful. 

She even trotted a little bit. As I was walking, I'd turn her and she'd take these massive sideways steps - she's used to having a cart behind her. She'll get over that. 

By the time we were nearly done our pleasant walk, she was already responding to leg aids quite well. She's a natural. We'll have Christopher up on her in no time! (And then maybe all the nephews and nieces....by the way, we want Pax and Kara to some day have a cart to pull. Would that not be the most coolest thing ever?? A matched bay pair???? Come on. Tell me you're not getting excited.)

Anyway, I am exhausted. Today was a busy day, especially after 6 hours of painful sleep (a mixture of aching knees and worrying about the two beautiful horses in the barn.)

Did I mention they were beautiful? 

See for yourself:

Heather does most of the work:

And began Kara's workout. 

I was watching...

And I DID lunge her, and here's the picture of us walking back to the fence:

Kara foreground, Pax background. His halter says "I love my horse". :D Too cute.

See what I mean about their kind eyes? I mean, look! 

You agree they're beautiful, no? :D 

Two Camps

I'll start with the first camp (starting at the first is usually a good idea): Rockwood Acres. 

What that actually starts with is Vicky asking me a few months ago if I'd like to go to a C&C Retreat with her. Since it was her, naturally I said yes. :) 

So, Labour Day weekend came and off we went! It was a fun trip with the Matthews family, and we arrived at the camp not dead. And that, my friends, is always good. Being alive has always been a big thing for me. 

Everyone there was very nice, and they tried to welcome me into their circle - which was pretty tight considering they had all known each other for years and years. However, they were all quite gracious and there were some very cool people there. 

It was an excellent weekend of rest, fun, food (delicious food), and fellowship. We were coaxed more than once - well, not coaxed, but reminded that we could hypothetically do something illegal, since we were all adults. I don't think anyone did, though we heard stories of what people had done in the past. Tsk tsk. I STILL want to go back. :D (I was asked if I would go back, even if I had to pay $100 dollars and there was something else bad thrown in but I forget. I said yes, because I'm crazy like that. But it was really, really fun, so what can I say?) 

So all in all, Rockwood Acres was fun. I think we should go to family camp next time it comes. :D 

Second camp: Creekside. 

We made the long trip home from Rockwood Acres to Jim and Vic's house, where I played a game of Perudo (fun)  and ate some curry (yummo), and then hopped into the car and drove home, had a shower, packed new clothes, grabbed stuff that was forgotten, petted the dogs and reassured them that they were not abandoned, checked the chickens, and then hopped back into the car to drive up to Jeff and Adeena's, where everyone was camping. 

Creekside is the most restful camp, because it's home. (I mean, not specifically, but you know what I mean. It's home-ish enough that it's home.)

I showed off the bruise I received at Rockwood Acres, playing soccer. It's still there, though faded. It is a marvellous trophy, or, a reminder that I should stop playing soccer. Either I injure someone else or myself. Maybe if I played goalie...my team would lose. 

I guess to summarize I have to say that I had an amazingly fun week, at both camps. One was new and exciting and welcoming and different, the other was homey and relaxing and familiar. Both good. It's like the feeling you get when you can put marshmallows in your hot chocolate for the very first time. 

Boy do I want a hot chocolate right now.  

Yes....I know what day it is!

Happy Happy Birthday, Adeena-Donna-Doo!
We wish it was our Birthday, so we could party too!
Happy Happy Birthday, with many years to go,
I posted on your Birthday, so I could tell you so!

:D

Happy Birthday Adeena!

You are in the category of Awesome. (You have been for a while, but of course you knew that.)
Except now you're up a level of Awesome. You're like Awesome 2.0.

~~~

I will hopefully post again Monday or Tuesday, talking all about what fun I had at the C&C camp/conference thing that I'm leaving for.

I could not very well leave and not post a birthday post for Adeena! Gasp!

So till then, TTFN.

The Weekend!!

(Ha! Sarah, I was going to write a post anyway. :P)


It all began Friday. I was up early because I could not sleep. Excitement can sometimes be a nasty thing. Silly me, not sleeping until late and then getting up early. But it was worth it, let me tell you.

What? Oh, okay. I'll tell you now.

Mrs. Yuck and Mom had been planning a get-together as a surprise for my dear friend Bethany. It turned out that Bethany knew about it, but it had been planned as a surprise. :)

Apparently, they were even going to keep it from me!

So, Friday we left for the Destination Inn in Waterloo. We turned the wrong way. BUT, Mom turned around, and there we were!

We walked into the hotel, went up to the room, and knocked on the door. Let the super fun weekend begin!

We spent the first hour or so just sitting in the hotel room talking. There's nothing like catching up with friends you haven't seen for a while. Then we decided to go down to eat at a restaurant called Something I Forget. It's on Mom's blog. (I really should prepare before I begin writing...)
Anyway, it was all delicious and I had no problems from the food!

Then we browsed in a couple of stores. Throughout all of this we were talking and catching up more. After that, I think we went back to the hotel. We talked even more. :) You'll find we did a lot of talking - when you're comfortable talking with someone, you talk.

We talked about some things that I would even rant about on here - but I'm not going to. I may rant at my house. If you want to hear me rant, come over. (Ha! My devious ploy will someday work!)

The next day, Saturday, was Bethany's birthday. She is now 18. And two days! (And she is beautiful, and lovely, and sweet, and wise, and virtuous, and I am blessed to know her.)

We spent the day at the market, looking at everything. Then we went out to Kelsey's restaurant, and Bethany showed me a cool trick with the straw paper - want to see me make a worm? Bring me a straw.

Then we went to the antique store, which was a lot of fun. There were quite a few cool things in there - like an old army hat that had the man's name written in it, as well as his company and division. There were a lot of neat things in there. (I love antiques!)

After that I think we went back to the hotel. We played an extremely stressful and hilarious game of Pictionary. Seriously, it is the most intense game I have played for quite a while. And also one of the most fun. It was Bethany and myself against Mom and Mrs. Yuck. The Moms won the first game by a mile (I still say it's because we rolled ones and twos, and they rolled fives and sixes), but the second one was so stressful I think I lost five years of my life playing it.
Bethany and I were on the finishing box, and The Moms caught up. We were on the finishing box for about 15 turns before The Moms finally won. Close game.

Next time, Bethany, we will win. :D

Then we played Dutch Blitz. Bethany's the Champ. Mrs. Yuck informed us that she's the champ among their whole family, as well. It takes her, Oh, about thirty seconds to win.

Bethany is also brilliant at card tricks. (She showed me some. Let's see if I can remember!)

And THEN, we played some games that I USED to know. Unfortunately, having not played them for years made me forget. So, I could not figure them out. But eventually they were revealed. I did hate myself. I'm better now. (:D)

All in all, it was an awesome weekend. I was so blessed and so thankful to see my dear friend again, and I was blessed by all the talks that we all had together.

Since I met Bethany, I have seen her once every year! :D It would have been a shame to have stopped the tradition! (Unless, of course, the tradition was stopped by me seeing her MORE than once a year - that would be fine.)

So, thank you Mrs. Yuck, and Mom, for planning all of this out. It was a great blessing. And Happy Birthday to Bethany!

Check out Mom's blog for pictures! Unfortunately, we once more forgot to take a lot of pictures (aarg!), but Mom at least has one up both of Bethany and Mrs. Yuck. :)

~

On Sunday after we said goodbye (Waaa) to Bethany and Mrs. Yuck, we went over to Vicky's house to get Elena, Tiana, and Christopher, who had been there since Wednesday. We stayed there for lunch, and had a great time fellowshipping with Vicky, Jim, Mr. and Mrs. Matthews, Matt and Joanna, and all the kids that come with. :D Vicky is another dear friend, and it's always fun visiting with her.

I decided that it was time for a new post, but I don't really know exactly what to write about. There seem to be a lot of things vying for attention, calling "write of me! Write of me! Come on!"

For instance, I went camping for a week with (most of) my family, and it was an absolute blast. There really is nothing like camping out with family, vegging and visiting with siblings around the fire, watching the children play, playing with them when they asked me - cuddling with the younger ones who are still young enough to want a cuddle. It's sad in a way when they get "too old" for that kind of thing - but at least they hug and kiss you and smile, even if it is all in a more grown up way. By the way, how did the older ones get so old? Justin, Trenton, Quinlan, come on! Stay young! Nooo! You are cute, though. Keep the cuteness.

And then of course there are the more rant-able issues, such as the state of Canada, the politics within, and the danger the next generation of Christians faces if things continue the way they're going.

But, right now I'm just listening to "Our Great God" by Todd Agnew, and thinking that yes, God is great. And nothing at all can change that. Ever.

Eternal God, unchanging
Mysterious and unknown
Your boundless love, unfailing
In grace and mercy shown

Bright seraphim in ceaseless flight around Your glorious throne
They raise their voices day and night in praise to You alone

Hallelujah, Glory be to our Great God

Lord, we are weak and frail
Helpless in the storm
Surround us with Your angels
Hold us in Your arms

Our cold and ruthless enemy, his pleasure is our harm
Rise up, O Lord, and he will flee before our sovereign God

Hallelujah, Glory be to our Great God

Let every creature in the sea and every flying bird
Let every mountain, every field and valley of the earth

Let all the moons and all the stars in all the universe
Sing praises to the living God who rules them by His word

Hallelujah, Glory be to our Great God

Happy Canada Day!

Every year, no matter what, Mom and Dad make sure we keep up the tradition that's been kept since before I was born (right?). We pile into the van and head on down to Goderich, to the beach, to enjoy the fireworks show there.

We meet a whole bunch of our family. I think we take up as much space as twenty other families combined. (Maybe that's an exaggeration, but who really knows?)

It's so much fun to spend a day at the beach with the people you generally have the most fun with. Playing with siblings, talking, watching the little kids and making sure they do not get too close to the water as it gets darker...and watching them with their glow sticks, playing a sword-fighting game, rolling and diving and running in the sand.

This year, too, instead of driving home in the wee hours of the night and flopping into our beds, we drove the much shorter distance to Adeena's and Jeff's, to enjoy a camp sleepover! Creekside was as fun as ever. We sat around the campfire with the torches (we never did decide who was voted off the island...) just chatting. I love to just chat. Scratch that, I love to just chat with people I like. :D

One of the best parts about camping was being in the country, away from all lights, so that we could see the night sky. You would not believe how beautiful it was unless you had been there to see, or you have seen something as beautiful yourself. The stars absolutely lit the sky up with their glimmering brilliance. They really were twinkling at us. We could see the Milky Way! And it was just chilly enough that the birds and the bugs were silent. It's really enchanting, almost too gorgeous to be a part of this world. It's almost like a glimpse into what it's going to be like.

Happy Canada Day, all.

Medieval Times!!

"Okay now, POSE! Perfect! Except you, Linda. You're a dork."

I went with Mom, Heather, and Steve to Medieval Times on my birthday, which was four days ago. (I had to download pictures, switch them from Mom's computer to mine, fix them up a little...so it took a while. I know, I know...bad excuse.)

But, now I can post, because I have pictures! I couldn't do it without pictures.

So we got there in plenty of time (Heather's an awesome driver, yes she is) and wandered around in the "Knight's Lounge", looking at the decorations they had there, and the things they were selling, little wooden swords and shields, and princess hats. There were all kinds of banners hanging from the ceiling, and all the "serfs" and "wenches" who worked there called us "my lord" or "my lady". It was rather entertaining.

So then we were herded through to the main room, where we were able to wait for the rest of the time until the show began. In there we were able to see the horses through little barred windows, the falcons, and the Dungeon Room (not pleasant, especially since each torture device was explained very well. I'm still shuddering over the Judas Cradle. You don't want to know. (Right Heather?))

In the middle of looking through the dungeon, I was called out and forced to undergo a torture of my own. I was called up on a platform in front of everyone who was there - lots of people - and made to kneel in front of the king while he made me a Dame of the Realm. Just call me "Lady Linda."

After a long time waiting until they called our colour (we were rooting for Green, and had green crowns and everything), we finally were herded like cattle into the arena, given our seats, and told not to clang the pots on the plates, because that would scare the horses.

The show was pretty cool. I can't really explain the whole thing very well, but the gist is that there was a tournament held in honour of the King's brother, the knights battled, there was a traitor, he was defeated, and the knight marries the princess. (Awww!)

That's a really quick description of the whole thing. It was a whole lot more than that, and a whole bunch of fun. Every second we were there I felt like jumping up and down and yelling or singing or just jumping up and down smiling the whole time. I kept it together, though. I'm a Lady, after all. I think my favourite parts were the demonstrations with the horses (how can a horse stay up on its hind legs and WALK across an arena??) and the falcon (awesome.)

I can't really explain how totally cool it all was. Heather and Steve spoiled me, and it was so much fun having them and Mom. All in all, a pretty awesome birthday, yes indeedy. :D

We wrapped it all up by having gluten-free pizza at Pizza Pizza! Hoo Yeah! (I don't have any pictures of the pizza - the people working there thought we were crazy enough, what with all of the cheering and clapping we were doing - except for Steve, who was cool and collected. He just doesn't understand. Pizza! REAL PIZZA! That we didn't cook ourselves! Haven't had that for seven years.

That about closes it. Here's some more pictures of Medieval Times:

All of us with the knight we were cheering for, Sir Don Temple.

Some of these guys didn't like each other very much.

Yes, it's true, I want one.

Mom and the King, Alfonso.

Yeah, they still didn't like each other.

Heather and I found a buddy. He was cool. Kind of quiet.

Cedric the scary Mage!!

The Warrior Priest. He was awesome.

This is the guy that Steve wanted to tackle. He was our enemy, because he was so arrogant! We were not too happy that he won the battle and the princess' hand. We were actually cheering for the real bad guy, hoping he would defeat Sir Blue Knight. Cheeky little guy he was.

So, yes, a lot of fun, and mostly just memories that are stored away and unsharable. If I go again, I am definitely going dressed up! With the accent and everything.

Thank you Steve, Heather, Mom, and Joel, for buying the tickets. Thank you, and good night!

Just One of Those...

Quiet evenings.

Today, I was home alone. Mom and the younger kids were away helping a friend/babysitting, and the older boys were working with Dad. So, I had the house to myself.

What did I do? I battled.

I donned the proper attire, took up my weapon, and attacked. I fought so ferociously that I was splattered head to toe...

...with paint.

Yes. Some people just paint normally. I attack. I do battle.

I think it's because I don't really enjoy painting to begin with - not that I hate it, it's just not something I consider "Easy Easy Fun Time." (Rebekah, you're so cute.) So I work very fast, and I think I get a perma-frown from concentrating so hard on getting the paint on the walls, instead of on me.

Is hyperbolous a word? Because this is what that would be if it were. Slightly.

I had to mud the walls first, because they are very holey. As in full of holes and dents and canyons. So, when the mud was dry, I primed and then painted.

And it looks better. Way better than it has ever looked before. Y'all should see it. :)

As I was painting today, I thought to myself, "I wonder if there are any poems about painting walls."

Hehhehheh. Ask and ye shall receive.

How to Paint A Wall

While I went off to work one day,
She decided to paint the wall.
And when I came back home that night,
She was curled into a ball.

Her eyes were closed, she was breathing hard,
Her hair was very wet.
From her head to the tips of her pretty toes,
She was covered all in sweat.

She was wrapped in a jacket made of down,
With a fur coat on top of that.
The wall was glowing with new, fresh paint;
On the floor, the paint can sat.

"Sweetheart!" I cried, with a worried look,
"Are you all right, my dear?"
She lazily opened her lovely eyes,
And smiled from ear to ear.

"I knew I could do it," she said with a grin;
"I followed the paint can notes.
It clearly said 'For best results,
Be sure to put on two coats.'"

By Joanna Fuchs

We Got Through It!!!

Today was our recital. Piano recital, that is. Elena, Tiana and I were all quite excited and, I think, only a little bit nervous. It helped that we didn't have to go ABSOLUTELY first. I don't know how anyone does it. I suppose someone has to go first, don't they? Otherwise nothing would ever be done.

But anyway, we made it! I'm told we did well, which is always a good thing. My favourite (darn you, blogger, it's spelled favourite! Don't tell me it isn't! Humour me! My face is colouring red! :P I do so enjoy that) part was listening to the grade 8s and 9s play their pieces. It is so amazing what some people can do with the piano. Me and my little ol' self can jingle out a tune, but these people really made the piano sing. Maybe it's just because I love music so much, but I really, really enjoyed it.

If I were a good person, I would put up pictures. As it is, Mom will probably have some pictures up on her blog. :) You'll have to shimmy on over there.

Good night!

Oh, and by the way, on the drive home from the recital there was the most gorgeous sunset. I don't mean to set you up like this, but Mom will probably have them over on her blog...*nervous laughter, and a winning smile (complete with twinkly eyes.)*

Ava is One! And I'm on time this time!

I honestly can't believe it. Well, I mean, I can, if I try hard enough. But it seems like two weeks ago she was an adorable little newborn made up of angel kisses and eyelashes. Or something like that, you know.

But, she is one! And she is a little joker, let me tell you. She has a sense of humor just like her big brother Nathan. She looks at you with her face all scrunched up; yes, she gets the joke, let me tell you. She's often the one playing it.

And yet, she also has her soft side. The side that wants to cuddle just so, with her head resting on your shoulder. She'll cuddle like that for a long time, and when she feels you've been cuddled enough (she does it for us, you know) she sits up and flashes her newly-toothy grin, wrinkled nose, twinkling eyes and all. Yes. At one, she is one of the most beautiful little girls ever, and she has already made her mind up about most things in the world.



Happy Birthday, Ava Grace.

Love,
Your Auntie Linda

All the Birthdays I missed...

I feel so, so terrible.

In the month of May, I had every intention of mentioning these birthdays.

My nephew Quinlan's birthday, (he's eight) May 16th.
My sister Rachel's birthday, (she's old. ;P) May 12th.

Ah! I never got the chance to say happy birthday to either of them on this blog! And now it's late. But I will say it now: Very Happy Belated Birthday wishes to you both! :D :D Forgive me? In the future sometime? ...eventually?

And today it is my other nephew Michael Edward's birthday. He says he's four, but I don't believe him. It hasn't been that long since he was a baby. He has to be only two. Right, Michael? Yep. Only two.

Okay, okay. He's four. And solid as a cement block. Seriously. Watch out if he wants to tackle you.

So, Happy Birthday to you, Michael-man! Here's a cyber-hug-and-kiss from your Auntie, who is usually very bad at remembering birthdays. You have to forgive me, though. There's so many of you.

:)