An Update

 

I have since decided that I like my flush toilet.  I had to use some outhouses in the last little bit and they were GROSS!

 

Kristyn got her first real job.  She’s 9.  She is feeding the neighbor’s cat while they are away!

 

We went to the library and joined the summer reading program.  I think this is the link to the program they are using: http://tdsrc.torontopubliclibrary.ca/

 

We’ve finally had some warm enough days that the children have been in the pool.  And in the mix there have been some comfortable days where they have been all over the yard, in the trees, riding bikes and just enjoying being outdoors.  Today I was comfortable in a long sleeved shirt and jeans.  That’s my kind of day.

 

In the last couple of days, I have rid the house of about 6 large garbage bags of clothes and towels!  My house and heart feel lighter!  There is still a lot of STUFF around but I am slowly paring it down.

 

I’ve slowed down on my reading; I need to pick it up again. My plan is to take the kids to a park, then sit a read while they play.  I had to get some of the decluttering done first, and get the laundry caught up.  I am currently reading three books – 100 Thing Challenge; KaBoom!; and Fire Men.  I am enjoying them all.  100 Thing Challenge is the story of one man’s year living with only (often under) 100 personal items.  KaBoom! is about restoring play in the lives of children today by providing parks to areas in need.  Fire Men is the personal story of 3 generations of firefighters.

 

It feels so good to be caught up on the laundry.

 

Matty (11 months) isn’t walking quite yet, but getting closer everyday.  Rayna (2 years) is mostly toilet trained during the day.  She wants to go without a diaper at night too, but she’s not ready.  Wyatt (4 years) is all about cars – anything with wheels!  And jumping on the trampoline.  Marrissa (6 years) is learning to read and probably about to grow because she’s started napping about every other day again.  Cora (8 years) is settling into who she is.  She is helping teach a cooking class at the library with a friend of ours.  Kristyn (9 years) wants to be the best at everything, and to do everything everyone else is doing.  She is an “alpha-female”, leader of the pack; she just needs a willing pack.

 

Jason is starting a new job this fall.  He is leaving Scott Safety’s shop, but staying on their day-rater list.  He will be working at our local arena.  We are excited about this change, glad to have him closer to home, though he won’t be any less busy in the winter months.

 

Striving to learn and live God's purposes,