Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Surprise Visits

I always hope that I am the type of person who can not expect a visitor but not feel ashamed to let one in if they surprise me with a visit. To be honest, I LOVE surprise visits. If someone is in the area and comes to my place it means they thought of us as they were passing through. I see it as a beautiful compliment.

Sometimes I look at my house, though, and wonder how I would feel if someone showed up and came inside. Would I be embarrassed by the mess... would I wish to keep them outside for a visit... would I be hoping they weren't in my home judging me...(excuse the elipses, I use them since my question mark doesnt work)

Today I was tested. Believe it or not, I didn't even know it until the visit was done. My Father in law stopped in for a visit. He was in the area doing some work and thought he would join us for a little while in between jobs. I LOVED it! Dave had to leave for work and it was just me, the boys and my father in law. We chatted, played with the boys and had a lovely time. While he was visiting we did talk about visits and anxiety one might feel while (or before) hosting a guest but it didnt connect that that was what I was doing.

Once he left I walked back inside feeling really happy. I love visits. I love that he thought to stop in and play with the boys. I looked around and saw my very real house. Toys strewn all around the place; dirt from shoes since there was a move today and with all the ins and outs (into damp dirt) it was silly to remove shoes; dirty lunch dishes in the kitchen left while waiting for a stubborn boy to finish up... I think the list could go on. I  didn't feel shame or embarrassment. I didn't feel like I was judged  or that my house was even thought about. I knew he was there for us and us alone. As I said, I was happy.

There have been times where I have apologized for the state of my house- usually around new people- but only for the mess. I know my house isn't dirty and smelly! I also know my intentions and what occurs at the end and middle of the day (vigorous straightening). Knowing what I and my family need seems to be enough for me.

So, if you are ever in the area and have some time to kill, know that you are so welcome to drop in. I can't tell you that you will be entering the most tidy home around but I can guarantee you will be met with a smile.

Thank you, Dad, for your visit today. 

Monday, August 13, 2012

The Dreaded Change

As you know, I was diagnosed with a chronic skin disorder that simply means for some strange reason my skin gets itchy.  Without allergy medication my skin breaks out into hives and I itch from head to toe. Since I was told the news I simply accepted my lot and take Reactin whenever I can't handle the itch any longer.

I was prepared to live it out and watch and see. Maybe it would go away after a few years and that would be the end.

Then I learned some news that gave me a glimmer of hope! Someone I know described almost the exact same problem and discovered, after seeing a naturopath, that by eliminating a few things the itch might disappear.

Guys, I have become gluten and dairy free! Am I excited... nope! I LOVE BREAD!

I am willing, however, to give it a chance! It isn't as difficult as I thought but it is more expensive. Did anyone know just how much dairy and gluten is in our food... It is insane.

One good thing about it is that I am loosing weight while I get more pregnant. I have never seen the numbers on the scale drop at all while I have a baby growing inside. Who knows ho much will come off but it's a perk.

I am only in my third week of the diet, have discovered that I have still been eating things with gluten in it (caramel colour, spices, dextrose, msg...) and am still learning new names for hidden dairy and gluten. I actually carry a list of words in my purse so I can read labels (so lame). I'm still itchy but am watching the frequency of the pills to see if it changes at all. I'll keep you posted. Wouldnt it be great if this worked!

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Where Has the Year Gone



 12 Months have come and gone. Our baby is now one year old. I find it so hard to believe that this time has already flown past us.


His "big" gift was this wooden ride on dog that he quickly started using to move about. He didn't need much help figuring it out at all. He just moved those legs and got scooting about.


His party was combined with 4 other family members since we have a lot of birthdays so close together. It made it even more festive that way.

And, he is my earliest walked. Mr. Ewan started to walk 2 weeks before his first birthday. Today it is his primary source of transport which it was not 2 weeks ago. He is very proud of himself as you can see.

We are so in love with this little man. I can't believe that his turn as baby is almost up. He'll make a great big brother though!

Happy birthday little man.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Meal Time

 Meal times around this house are a nightmare. Very rarely do my children meet their plate with enthusiasm and a kind word. Most of the time, without tasting it, Matty will tell me hr doesn't like it and Levi will just play with his food.

The other day, however, lunch was such a treat. Each little one gave me their beautiful smiles, handsome faces and actually... ATE!!!



When a meal is actually eaten without a complaint it makes my day so much better.

Monday, August 6, 2012

12 Weeks Old



We are expecting him or her Feb. 17th but knowing how all my babies are, this one wont show their face until at least a week later. Who knows though. Fourth times a charm! 
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