Crazy days

Well now that we are settled into our new place we are starting to notice that we have some guests that are staying with us but aren't paying any rent! We have a bit of an ant and "wood" bug problem. The wood bugs hang out in the bathroom or anywhere where there is moisture and the ants, well...they just go wherever they please. So today I came up with a "natural" ant killer consisting of cayenne pepper, baking soda, and vinegar. I made it in a spray bottle and spray them whenever I see them. It kills them instantly. We have notified our landlord so hopefully soon the exterminator will be popping by to do some serious killing of the bugs. Other then that problem we are enjoying our new home. And I am kinda surprised how much I enjoy this area of Edmonton. It is an older area but on the most well-kept and we are really close to shops, parks, and schools.Sam is really starting to catch onto things. Yesterday he was watching "CBC Kids" in the morning. He likes this one show they play called "Poko". Anyways, once Poko was finished there was a skit done by one of the hosts of CBC Kids. She was doing a magic trick with a hat and her hands while saying, "hokus-pokus, out of focus!" By the time I realized it was on, it was too late. Then moments later Sam was saying and doing exactly that, what he saw on tv moments before. Now I don't believe in magic and think it crosses over way too many "lines" that we try to stay far away from.(if you know what I mean?!) Anyways it was a clear reminder to me how impressionable my little Samwise is. His first five years are apparently the most important years of his life. During that time is when his foundation is being built. Now with the Lord's help, close family and friends and loving parent's help, I hope his foundation will be strong and secure. Justin and I can only do so much, prayerfully, but what an opportunity and responsibility. Man this parent thing is the hardest job I have ever had and ever will have. I just want to do it right!

Our two beautiful boys

Our little trooper

Mattias had his first set of shots today at 8:50am in Sherwood Park. That ment an early morning rise at 6am for the boys and I as we had to drive Justin to work in order to have the van. After an hours drive we stopped at McDonald's for some breakfast and a much needed coffee for myself. (Yes, I will admit it;I drank the coffee purely for the stimulating benefits. Drug, no?) After a rude encounter with an elderly lady volunteer and a bit of a wait, they made me hold him down while they inflicted pain on him. I think the whole experience is always harder on me then the boys. He
cried for a few minutes and that was the end of that. He was more concerned with his 9am feed then anything else. After a good bottle in the waiting room at the clinic we were off to the Sherwood Park Wal-Mart for some miscellaneous items. Then we picked Papa up some lunch, drove it to him at his work and then arrived home in time for Mattias' next feed at noon. Sam and I had lunch and snuggled and watched a little tube while Mattias rested. The day started a bit busy but is ending up being quite relaxing. Yesterday our picnic was a great success at the park near our home. And to our surprise there was also a pool sort of thing there for kiddies to play in. Sam acquired a yellow, Leon's furniture, "hot wheels" type, moving truck. We had some ant visitors during the picnic and a spider that thought he was welcome to climb on my arm. I think my sudden flick ended his short little life here in Edmonton. The last of the deep cleaning of our new suite and unpacking is almost near. We have just the living room to complete, pictures on the walls, and the "fun" decorating left to do. As of the last couple of weeks, Justin has been working really long days. He leaves before the boys and I are awake and gets home pretty much as Sam is going to bed for the night. But as we often hear, "make hay while the sunshines." But in Justin's case it's, "sell concrete while the sunshines!" It is taking some getting used to not having my sweetie around but we see light at the end of the summer tunnel. For now it's up to me to "keep my cool" with the constant care of our two boys. The pressure's on for me being a "single mom" for the time being. Not to discredit Justin's efforts once he does finally arrive home in the late evening but there are 24 hours in a day. And sometimes it's a LONG day. All in all filled with many joys and I wouldn't trade it for any job in the world.

Styles and smiles

Well Sam's luscious curls came to an end on Saturday afternoon. We have never had his hair cut short simply for the fact that we didn't want him to look like every other boy and we loved his "orange" curls. But Sam has MY thick hair and with the summer heat it was starting to get a bit annoying. In the morning he would awake with a sweaty neck from his hair. Plus we were flying through the tearless shampoo because of how much we were having to use to clean ALL of his hair. The other day when Sam and I were at Save On Foods an elderly lady came over to Sam and said, "my, my what beautiful red hair you have!" Sam responded, "no red hair lady, ORANGE hair!" Then she said,"wow you sure are pretty!" Sam forcefully said, "me not pretty! Me a cute boy!" It was so hilarious. Mattias on the other hand looks to be inheriting Justin's hair. Or lack there of I should say. You can tell by his hairline and forehead. Just as cute as his papa none the less. Today we are off to the park near our new home to have a picnic lunch with Sam, Mattias, and myself. Sam loves going for picnic's. As do I because there aren't many dishes to clean up and it is such a relaxing time for me. Mattias usually sleeps the entire time in the stroller and Sam plays in the sand. (There is always sand at the playground instead of gravel or bark mulch) I bring a blanket, Justin's shower radio, and a good book and kick back on the lawn while Sam plays in front of me. It is relaxing and a nice way to spend an afternoon. Usually not much reading gets done because I usually end up chatting with other mom's and watching Sam closely!

Our new "love shack"

Our new kitchen

Mattias' new room

Sam's new room

Organic meat

The other day I broke down and finally bought organic meat. I got a chicken breast and some ground beef. For starters they looked totally different then normal meat. And taste....well, they were both so full of flavor and little fat. The skin on the breast was actually hard to remove because it was so tightly fitted to the flesh. I have put off buying organic meat only for the cost. It is double and sometimes three times the cost of regular meat. But the more and more I learn what feed these animals are being fed and the conditions they live in makes me see why we are all dying of cancer and other such deseases and all in all not healthy. I have been trying to buy only the purest, most natural ingredients while still staying within our monthly food budget. Not an easy task when the most popular items are those that are often on sale consisting of white bread, white pasta, processed canned vegetables and so on. So in order to be able to eat the entire month, we will be having alot more vegetarian dishes and organic meat and fish less. I want what foods build my children's body's to be contributing to their well-being and overall health. Not having negative effects that last them the rest of their lives. And Justin and I too want that for our "aging" bodies. If anyone has any suggestions on how to eat the best foods at the best cost, I am all ears. Any recipes anyone has my boys and I would greatly appriciate as well.
Now so many other issues are wandering my mind these days; what is the cost of saving a few minutes by using the microwave? would cloth diapers really be that much more of a hassle? what are the lasting effects of having a scum-free shower cleaned with ingredients that are known to cause cancer? It seems so often that I keep hearing that someone else has cancer or a form of alzeimers (sp?) or arthritis or MS or any other number of diseases. What really is the cost of convinence? I am not writing this to push my thoughts on anyone. This is just one of those random blogs that is just purely my mind in motion. Opinions are greatly wanted.

My boys

Sam once again has been testing us (me mostly) from the moment he awakes til the moment his head hits his pillow. And even then there is a constant battle of wills. And for whatever reason I have been inconsistant when it comes to threats. These days time-outs are useless. He knows the drill and then continues on doing what he wants. I think the mix of moving, Justin working long hours, settling into a new home, Mattias taking up alot of my time, and Sam just being 32 months old is all contributing to this annoying stage/behaviour. But I think today we are coming out of the annoyance. Sam has been really kissy, huggy, giggly, and has wanted to partake in what I am doing. He normally loves helping out and dancing and drawing and playing with me. Lately if he doesn't initiate it or if he's not in charge of it he doesn't want to have anything to do with it. And what is with toddlers being so fussy when it comes to food? Sam has always eaten any and everything that was put in front of him. Now he changes his mind constantly what he likes and doesn't like. He likes cheese pizza and toast but doesn't like in his sandwich. Hmmm....? I guess he's just trying to have some control in his life.
Mattias on the other hand seems to keep getting easier and easier. He just goes with the flow and LOVES to sleep. I now know for sure that the Lord answered my prayer for a good sleeper! Mattias is also starting to giggle and talks pretty much the entire time he's awake. He loves to eat and is really starting to love the water. He kicks and splashes the whole time. He's also a HUGE fan of Sam's. Everytime I change Mattias' diaper on the change table Sam comes over and kisses him and talks to him. Mattias just stares right at him and smiles. And me being an only child has had to get used to saying, "watch out for your BROTHER!" and other comments refering to Mattias as Sam's BROTHER. Last night Mattias was crying for his last feed before bed and Sam was in and out of his bed well after his bedtime. Justin and I were feeling a little flustered and I looked at him and said, "I think two is plenty!" We just laughed.

A "long" weekend

Thursday we packed up our old home and came to our new one. We delivered the boys to our friend Kendra's parents house to be watched while the loading and unloading of the UHAUL took place. We picked up the boys around 10:30pm and did some last minute cleaning at the old place in the "Park". As I was cleaning the windows, I realized I had over done it and could no longer move my neck and my lower back was bothering me so much. So as we left there, Justin suggested that he take me to the hospital because I was hurting bad! We arrived at the hospital only to see a full parking lot. I went into the emergency room to see what kind of wait it would be and saw a packed waiting room. I stood in line and soon left because there was a woman puking constantly. I was in pain but soon I was going to be puking if I stayed. So we stopped by a gas station that was actually open at 1am and bought some advil. We came to our new home found some sheets and crashed. I awoke to no pain and alot of work ahead of me. Justin stayed home from work to get the rest of our stuff and give our previous landlord our keys. We spent the rest of the weekend unpacking and trying to reastablish some normality and make our new house a home. We had intended on taking in some Canada day festivities but ended up leaving the house at 10pm just in time to catch the capital city fireworks. I would have to say they ranked up there with the "Symphony of Fire". They were the best Canada Day fireworks I had ever seen. Sam watched them from atop Justin's shoulders and I fed Mattias his 11 o'clock feed while watching the fireworks from the ground. It wasn't the most eventful weekend ever but it was nice to spend some quality time together and it was nice for Justy and I to spend some good time catching up.

Wirlwind weekend

The days leading up to last Thursday were spent packing, organizing our belongings and taking care of moving duties before the arrival of our dear sister Jerine. She arrived Thursday afternoon and flew back home bright and early this morning. Thursday evening we did some shopping at Superstore and then stopped by a garage sale and bought some Veggie Tale movies, a dresser, and a few other goodies. Friday morning I was up bright and early to drive Justin to work so Jerine, the boys, and I would have the van for the day. Once the boys were fed and dressed we were off to West Edmonton Mall. There we took a train ride through the amuzement park in the mall, had lunch, and did some shopping and walking. From there we were off to get Justin from work to pick him up. We then headed back to the mall for dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory. Thanks Jerine what a treat! Then we again walked some more of the mall and did some shopping
.
Saturday we got ready and drove about an hour west of here to a lake called "Alberta Beach". Jerine, Justin, and Sam walked way out and swam while I fed Mattias on the beach and aquired burned shoulders and neck.

The drive home proved too tiring for the boys and Jerine so they napped while Justin and I just enjoyed talking with eachother without any interuptions. Soon after arriving home Justin and I were out the door for a much needed date alone to the home opener of the 2005 Grey cup champions, the Edmonton Eskimos. Auntie Jerine was pushed to her "auntie" limits dealing with a ten week old who was away from his mama for the first time and Sam who was too excited to sleep.
Sunday morning we all awoke to the time of 10:00am and too late for church. So we packed up again and drove down the "famous" Whyte Avenue. (that's where the partying happened throughout the Oiler's playoffs) We parked and walked and did some window shopping. And patient Justin waited outside the stores with the boys in the stroller while Jerine and I browsed. From there we drove into the downtown core of Edmonton and splashed around at the Legislature building in the capital city.

We thought of dinner at IKEA so we drove there only to arrive to it closing in 15 minutes. So we stopped by Old Navy and bought Sam some needed T's and sandals. Then it was off to Montana's for dinner. On the way home we stopped by Peter and Kendra Kamp's home for a much needed visit and chat. Being attacked by mesquito's and teary eyes from yawns left us heading home for some last minute pictures and chat's into the wee hours of monday morning. It was a funfilled weekend with some much needed sister/auntie time that was way over due. Thanks Jerine for your time spent with us loving and living with us. We miss you already and can't wait until our next visit!

Jerine

Well, Jeine has been here since Thursday afternoon. It has been a wonderful time! Our weekend has been the fullest weekend we've had in a long time! Jen & I got to go on a date last night to the Eskimos game. See the photos & the story HERE.
Sam has loved having Jerine out here too! He says her name so cute!
More later.

We're almost packed

When we went and looked at our new suite, there was a boy who was currently living there that Sam made friends with. Later I was explaining to Sam that once again we were going to be moving and that the suite we went and looked at was going to be our new home. He now is under the impression that we are moving to that "boy's home". Sam thinks that the boy will still be living there and all of the boy's Thomas toys will be there too. You see, the boy had Thomas bedding and any Thomas toy you could imagine all in his room that now will be Sam's room. Sam is soooo excited but I keep telling him that the boy is moving and he won't be living with us. So we'll have to see how Sam reacts when he gets there to see an empty room. Sam has packed all of his toys and other things from his room in boxes. Then he gets a pen and "writes" on the box. He has been quite the little helper to Justin and me.
Mattias is becoming more and more a baby with some personality and some chub on him. I have to clean between the roles around his neck and on his legs and lube him up with lotion. The best way to describe his wrists is that they look like there are tight elastics around them with his skin/fat bulging over. It is so cute! He is cooing and giggling all of the time. And diaper changes have gone from Mattias screaming and holding his breath to constant smiles and "agoo's"! If he is fussy, we take him upstairs and take off his diaper and out come the grins. Last night when I was on my way to bed I stopped in Sam's room and Mattias' room for one last look until morning and couldn't help but smile with tears in my eyes. They each are so cute and bring us and all who come in contact with them such great JOY! I am so thankful for my two beautiful boys that God has blessed me (us) with. Just looking at them sure makes this "mother" thing a whole lot easier. It reminds me to not sweat the small stuff. Like Sam wanting to help me make lunch. He opened the fridge and grabbed a bowl of pudding but dropped it and splattered pudding all over himself, the wall and the fridge and floor I just cleaned. I have to remind myself that he was just trying to help!

Storm

We had 35 mm of rain in 1 hour yesterday! Our forcast has changed rapidly! It was supposed to be sunny and now its going to rain! Tomorrow was supposed to be sunny and warm and now its supposed to be warm and raining.

"Some kind of zombie"

Yesterday evening I had to make a trip to the nearest walk-in clinic. I have lost my voice for the third time in six weeks. The doctor said it is a viral infection. I just have to wait it out. Anyways, as I was sitting in the overstuffed waiting room, I looked around at all of the people sitting in their overused chairs staring aimlessly at the tv that was situated above my head. I couldn't help but picture how weird it would look if there was no tv there and all of these people were just staring at the wall. Their eyes were glazed over and their mouths were sort of open. The shows that were playing on "family channel" were anything but family friendly. Constant phrases that were being said by this cartoon for children included "shut-up you idiot", "you're such a geek", "if you weren't so stupid" and more and more insulting comments. The fact that adults and children were just sitting there watching the tube just because it was on was very alarming to me. I can't help but think that if there had been a program of talking shoe laces and racing soup ladles who spoke chinese, that everyone would still be staring aimlessly at it. They would rather spend their time filling their minds with hopelessness and negativity then something more educating and productive. I am curious why we have lowered our guard and our standards when it comes to what's acceptable in the entertainment field. Why have we said it's okay to watch two people kissing or more on screen, who are not married and who might even be married to other people? As far as I know that would be considered adultry! In church we may learn about that and how it's wrong, yet in the same sermon they will show a clip from a movie that COMPLETELY contradicts what we just learned and were reminded of. I am so sick of going to church on Sunday and being forced into this RELIGIOUS routine and expectations of what is acceptable and then once stepping out of church all of those standards and so on are left there in the building for another week. How are we to show people Jesus if we are not striving to be anything like him? Why would anyone want what I have if I am just like them? We have swung so far the other way in "evangelism" to "reach out", that we have made ourselves like them.

"I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. John 17:14-19

We have lowered our core standards and beliefs and desensitize ourselves all in the name of "entertainment"! We often say, "this movie isn't intended for children" but we, followers of Christ, are CHILDREN of God. If a child shouldn't be watching it then should we? I understand there is a level of maturity and a different level of understanding and determining truth from fiction. Just think what we are filling our minds with. Is it pleasing to God? Would Jesus watch it or do it? We need to stop going with the flow, turn around, and go against the flow. Don't just do and think what every other "Christian" is, think and KNOW for yourself. Knowing from the word of God and not just what is being said and done!

Two months ago...

Well Mattias is officially two months old today. As of last Thursday he weighs 11 pounds and is growing like a weed. The Doctor said everything looks good and his circumcision has heeled niceley. I told Justin when Sam was circumcised, that if we had anymore boys that he would have to go it alone. And I stood true to my word; Justin took Mattias to the hospital to get the "deed" done. For those of you who have experienced going through that, I am sure you can understand. Everyday I have to pack something of Mattias' away because he has grown out of it. I am trying to just live in the moment and enjoy every second of it but time is moving too quickly. Mattias has really started to "coo", giggle, and smile lots. He especially likes his big brother Sam. And Sam too likes being his brother....sometimes a little too much for their own good. Lately Sam really wants to get in there and help Mattias. Like smooshing the soother in Mattias' mouth; or rocking him so hard in his chair he might get sick; or trying to open Mattias' eyes so he can look at Sam doing something. But all in all, Sam is good with him. We just don't leave them alone together in case Sam is a little too "helpful"!
The packing has begun! We found a place in the big city that we are quite excited about. It is right accross from a leisure centre that has a gym and a pool. And there are three schools within walking distance and shops near by. All will be perfect for the boys and I during the day as I am mostly without the van. And we just bought a double stroller which makes the commute alot easier. Our new home is a basement suite with three bedrooms and lots of space and windows. It should only take Justin about 20 minutes to commute to his new work site as apose to 40 minutes if we were to stay here in Sherwood Park. I have enjoyed it here in the "Park" but I am excited about the big city. And with all of the Oiler excitement going on how could I not. Everywhere you go there are flags and jersey's and logo's on anything you can imagine. Go Oiler's Go! ( It is all good in the end because if Oiler's don't win our good friends brother, Cam Ward, wins a Stanley Cup in his first year in the NHL! It's a win win..sort of!)

ConGRADulations JERINE!

Congratulations Jerine on your graduation from University! Enjoy being a Registered Nurse!
Lots of Love from the Harnett Family!
Your brother, sister in law and two nephews.

New home!

Well we are officially moving to the big city. We want to move closer to Justin's new job site. Lafarge has built a new building, which from our current home will be about 40 minutes away. We are hoping to find a place that's 20 minutes or less away. We looked at an apartment and from the outside a basement suite. The apartment is for sure a no but the basement suite seems good. It is two bedrooms with a den for $600 including everything. We are hoping to spend the least amount of money on rent and utilities enabling us to persue other adventures.....details to follow. We will keep looking this week hopefully finding something soon.
Sam has been a challenge this past week. At every turn he was testing us but mostly me. I would tell him not to touch or not to do something. He would look right into my eyes and do it again. Then I would utter a threat like, "if you do that again you will be having a time-out" or "you won't be allowed to play with that for the rest of today" or "you will be getting a spanking if..."!
All of which he completely ignored me....and with sass. So I had to be on guard constantly and be willing to follow through with those threats. Consistancy is definately the key. It has been a daily battle this past week but I think our consistancy is paying off. He for sure knows that when I say something, I mean it and am going to follow through. We have been trying to teach him to say, "yes mama/papa". And now we are going to teach him to say, "yes mam/sir"! We want Sam and Mattias to understand the importance of respecting their elder's. Something that is definately not being taught these days. Most children we are around or see out and about are allowed to slap, hit, kick, yell at, demand things, scream at the top of their lungs, and pretty much do whatever they want to whoever they want and especially their parents. If we, as parent's, aren't teaching them what is right and wrong, what behavior is acceptable, then who is? I don't think it's right that my children have no limits, self-control, or respect for other's. And to be dreaded because of their totally poor behavior. Not being asked to play or to come for a visit. Because that's what happens when children are unruly!

Hallelujah

I am still at work...on the phone with Jen...just found out that we have our iMac! So when I get home we will get cracking on the website and such.