Thursday, March 24, 2016

Thankful Thursday



This week I am thankful for:



1.  Safe travels to and from Green Lake.  Yay for cousin time on the frozen lake!


2.  A visit to the zoo with four out of four kids HAPPY!! That is a first.  Each outing usually has at least one kid that is a bit "off."  PS Every morning Nya asks what team we are for the day.  This day we were Team Silly Purple Pants.


3.  A dentist open on Saturday.  We were home for one day between trips and on that day, Koen announced that his tooth was very sore.  Koen doesn't really notice injuries or pain so if he said it was sore, this meant that it was really sore. I didn't want to have to worry about an infection on Vancouver Island so we got him into Clayburn Dental and they were amazing with him!  There was a cavity and it was infected and so they were able to extract it right then and there.  He is on antibiotics and was rewarded with a moose stuffy for his bravery.


4.  Seeing my oma.  One benefit of going to the island in March each year is that we get to see my oma on/near her birthday!  Here's my favourite 93-year-old! I asked her how she felt and she said "Old."  This is my mom's mom so it's always special spending time with her.


5.  Koen.  This kid is a roller coaster of emotions which I guess is just like his mama.  Tonight while I tucked him into bed, we talked about our highlights from the day.  His highlight?  Snuggling with me.  PS This road is about 20 minutes from Nanaimo and we always mean to take a picture and we finally did.  Next up, Chapman Rd.


6.  Our Little One being okay on our trips.  It's not "just" taking four kids on two family vacations, it's taking four kids where one is a little more work (mostly mental work for us!) There were many highlights (like falling in love with shells and holding them all day long, seeing boats, being on a boat, holding a crab, running in the waves, throwing rocks in the ocean, hugging every dog we met...) that did surpass the hard parts (less sleep and more whining.) 


7.  Nya's blankie finding it's way to Ucluelet!  We realized at 7:30 pm on the first night that we had left her blankie (Bubi) behind.  Nya has never slept without it and gets more comfort from Bubi than from me!   My sister Maria went to our house to pick it up and delivered it to our friends who were headed to Tofino the next day.  Less than 24 hours later, we had her Bubi.  


8.  A sunny day.  Most of the days in Ucluelet and Tofino were raining but Tuesday was perfect!  This trip was awesome and we can't wait to explore more next year!


9. Kai Bear.  Parenting a nine-year-old is easy but...hard. We're navigating some behaviour and feelings that likely go with the preteen stage.  It often reminds me of 12-year-old Louise (YIKES!)  The hard part is that he's such a mini adult and responsible in so many ways so we do expect a lot from him.  It's hard to know what is realistic to expect of a child this age in regards to their behaviour and responsibilities...thankful that we have the energy to work through this each and every day!


10. Foster families.  We have made a huge difference in this Little One's life.  The changes are wild (I know I've said this before.) Every day, Gary and I look at each other with disbelief over LO's development.  We're not special, you could do it too.  It's one of the biggest leaps we have taken and it is not easy at all but it's worth it and it's needed.  Just think about it ;)


Well, that's my week!  I think next week I will definitely be thankful that we are back into the routine of school again because mama needs a break!   What are you thankful for today?

Love, 
Louise

9 comments:

  1. Anonymous7:09 AM

    It's so nice to see your little one on your adventures. The first 5 years of life are the most important for brain development and the difference you have made with your little one will be a lifetime legacy for him. You have a beautiful family that has so much to give to a child on need!

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    1. Thank you!! I have seen now, more than ever, how important those early years are for brain development. I just wish we had gotten our Little One sooner but it has shown me what a difference even now. Thank you!

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  2. Anonymous7:41 AM

    So glad you got to see your Oma!
    And, those are some pretty funky pants Louise! :)
    Lyn

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  3. Great list again this week! Happy Easter to you and your family!

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    1. Thank you! And Happy Easter to you too!

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  4. The pink/purple/grey pants? They are athletic leggings :)

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  5. Anonymous2:26 PM

    One on the back and one on your shoulders WHILE hiking!! Talk about super mom!! Very impressive :) I would definitely fall over attempting that.

    Brianne

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  6. So special that you can still visit with your mom's mom! Love all the pictures from your trip. I want to go there some day!

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