What!?!?

Lyla took her first step today.  She's been standing by herself for five seconds or so for a few days...but this is just crazy.  Now to see if it was a fluke (she "walked" from the playpen to the couch) or if it's actually the start of walking.

Just a bit young methinks.

Counting the Days

Shaun returns home on Friday, which I'm (needless to say) very excited about.  The kids have been quite good, but once or twice I have found myself exasperated at the day's end.  And I'm sure they can hear it in my voice.

Seth has taken his role of being man of the house very seriously, sometimes trying a little too hard to "order" Hazel around.  And he says things exactly how we do....so I know he DOES hear us after all.  Lorene was in our driveway last week to pick something up and Seth was outside playing hockey and they got to talking about how Lorene was staying at her mom's house (instead of in the basement suite).  Lorene told me about this later but apparently Seth turned to her and asked her, "Don't you know that my mom needs company?"

Hazel finally got two of her "two-year-molars" right under the wire before her third birthday.  She also has had a bad cold and ended up with an eye infection, poor girl.  However, because of these things, she has napped probably 6 of the last 9 days.  She hasn't napped for three months, so it has been a nice little break in my day.  And maybe because of that, she hasn't been too grumpy with all those issues going on at the same time.  However, holding her down while putting in eye drops has been an adventure.  It's amazing how squirmy a 26-pound little two-year-old can be.  And then this morning Seth thought it would be funny to jump on me and tickle me while I attempted this.....

Lyla has woken up at around midnight every night but last since Shaun's been gone to say "Hi" to her mommy, which I deeply appreciate.  Yesterday she finally broke a tooth and then last night she slept so I'm hopeful that that's the end of it...although I see the second of the pair coming down now!  And she looks like she's been punched in the eyes, as Hazel's eye infection spread to her now.

Of course, when people ask how the kids are doing, this is the list I come up with, but it really has been great for the most part.  They have become more well-behaved as the week progressed...hopefully that's not because my expectations have fallen drastically...ha ha.

Anyways, I gave Shaun a big list of items to price check in Recife to compare shipping costs to buying costs.  I think shipping stuff from up here is winning out, if we can split a container with someone.

People keep asking when we're going and if we're excited, etc. etc.  Right now we are hoping before next summer.  And yes, we are excited.  I think I'm a bit more hesitant than Shaun thinking about being away from my family and being a bit sad that all the little cousins will be apart for a few years.  Also I don't think I worry about the kids moving there (maybe Seth a little bit) but more for moving back.  But the people of Brazil are so welcoming that I know with a little effort we will enjoy being a part of a vibrant church community.  And like everyone keeps saying to me, "Kids are resilient!"

Shaun and Randy are off to Fortaleza for 2 nights tomorrow and then HOME!!!  It's at a time that the kids and I can pick them up, so perfect!  And now it's off to bed for me.  With Lorene being back here I'm finding it a bit easier to fall asleep early at night :)  Well, that and my glass of wine is helping!

Have a good night everyone!
Brenda

The Prayer

When Shaun took Seth skating two weekends ago, I had Hazel and Lyla to myself.  It's interesting what you learn about your second oldest when your oldest starts to do things like go to school and hang out with his dad on a Friday night....

Anyways, she insisted on doing the bed-time prayer herself.  And then I ran and got my camera and hid it behind my back and asked her to do it again.  I know, I know, not the most respectful way to pray, but I thought in 15 or 20 years, it will be so cute to remember her squeaky little voice doing her night time prayer.  So here it is, I hope I'm not the only one who understands what she's saying!

A New Job

I had my first Usborne book party a few weeks ago and somehow got "suckered" into becoming a consultant.  It could have been the 236$ worth of free books and the $100 worth of books for $40 and the 5 books that I could buy at 1/2 price because I obviously need to upgrade my kit....

Anyways, the books are so beautiful that I thought I would take a picture and show them to you.  I'm trying to aim for books that will be useful for the next few years, with needing to teach my children English as well as topics that I think would be interesting to have for them.  Books in Brazil are crazy expensive.  I'm not planning to actually throw parties (well maybe one next March when I'm off my maternity leave and allowed to "make" money..besides that's around the time I'm sure I will want to collect a few more books for our potential move) but in the meantime I can buy one of all their new releases and reprints and customer specials at 1/2 off! If I have enough interest, I may just put in orders for these for other people, but of course it would be a first come, first serve basis, as I can buy only one copy at the reduced rate.

Anyways, here's the picture:  I tried to combine volumes of books as that seems to be the best value...and I'm sure the best for packing.  So many of the books are 4, 6, or even more books in one - such as the Big Machines, Complete Book of Drawing, World Wars, Better English, The Complete Book of Farmyard Tales, and Fat Cat on a Mat and other Tales.  Doesn't this picture make you drool?  My new obsession: children's books.

Thanks to all my customers who made this moment possible!

Shaun's Report

Shaun left for Brazil yesterday at 4 in the morning.  It's the first time I've actually been alone since we've been married.  Once I went for a week to Smithers (when we had Seth and Hazel), but that was with my mom and dad, so I wasn't really by myself.  And another time when we just had Seth, Shaun went to Ontario for 4 days, but I think I stayed with my mom and dad then too, because I worked all 4 evenings so I needed to put him to bed somewhere.  So here I am, by myself.  I haven't had any major breakdowns yet, but we're only on day 2 here.  And I kept thinking it was only 10 days, but Seth and I marked it off on the calendar and it's actually on the ELEVENTH day he comes home.

Anyways, I just talked to him on skype and tried to convince him to write an update on here, but he said he only had one cool thing to report, and I could do it.  Randy and him went for a walk in the back of the ATC, and they saw TWO SLOTHS in the trees.  Unfortunately, they only had a camera phone with them.  When I get a copy of it, I will attach it to this post, unless it's such a horribly blurry picture that you can't even make out the sloths on it.

Anyways, they stopped by the ATC (where one of the missionary's families live and where the church has many training days and combined services), and then drove right on down to Sao Jose, where they are staying in a beautiful pousada.  It is spring in Brazil, so it looks like highs of low thirties, but they had rain all day today.  The rest of the week looks promising.

So there you have it, an update on Shaun.  I have another photo I want to put up on here too, so you may get two posts in one day!

Talk to you soon,

Brenda

Seth's First Ice Skate

Seth's school was scheduled to go skating for 3 Mondays in a row, starting November 1, so Shaun took Seth skating for the first time on October 29.  He's gone 3 times since then and is loving it.  I was thinking of putting him in a little Learn-to-Skate program so he would have some idea of skating before we leave (if we leave) but it was wait-listed, so maybe we'll see in January.  He is Canadian, after all....he must learn skating :)

I do have some more things to report, but it will have to wait until tomorrow, because I need to go to bed now!  Ta ta for now,

Brenda

My Day in Status Updates

Shaun was telling me tonight that he noticed I still get a fair number of hits on the old blog here, so for my faithful followers, I thought I'd oblige with an entry.  

Does anyone else have the problem that throughout the day they think in potential status updates?  Usually though by the time I have time to write them down I have decided they are too long to put on facebook, and who wants to be the lame person with long status updates seven times a day?  I admit it, I am in the category of "lurker" usually,  (click here to see what I mean) but I have become more and more involved in facebook since being in Brazil, almost to the point of obsession.  Okay, you are now officially allowed to call me a geek the next time you see me.  

Anyways, here is the "newsfeed" of the day in the life of Brenda....the funny thing is I actually did TWO status updates today....oh wait that was yesterday and today, but today I did share an article.  I think I am officially blossoming out of being called a lurker.  Another site I saw would now consider my official facebook personality "the Late Bloomer."

This could be my current status update:   

A few seconds ago - Time for bed!!!

34 minutes ago - Please put this on your status if you know someone or are related to someone who suffers from stupidity. People need to understand that stupidity is VERY real & should be taken seriously. You could be sitting next to a sufferer right now. There is still no known cure for stupidity and sympathy does not help, neither does awareness. 93% won't copy and paste this because they don't know how to copy and paste. 

(In all honesty this is in response to those feelings of guilt that I feel like I shouldn't have to feel for being the "97%" or so of people that don't repost in response to everything from having a great sister, having someone who has passed away, knowing someone with some chronic illness or disability, being a nurse or knowing a nurse that has been puked on, etc. etc.)  

37 minutes ago - so when I look at my house at the end of the day and wonder how I was busy all day doing apparently nothing...I can re-read this and know I did something. Even if that something isn't evident for another 15-20 years. 

2 hours ago - is wondering if my kids will ever fall asleep so I can enjoy my glass of wine in peace.

about 5 hours ago - Supper time...oh wait, let's make popcorn instead and watch a movie with our kids...yes we are GREAT parents.  At least our kids think so.

7 hours ago - "Seth, do you realize that your snake is somewhere lost in the house?"  "Don't worry about it mom, Uncle Aaron can find me a new one."

9 hours ago - Going to church to celebrate our Pastor's 40th birthday!  Happy Birthday!

11 hours ago - I wonder what I can find to buy on craigslist today...I am only technically allowed to look for summer clothing for size 3-4 girls and size 6-7 boys.  Maybe I need to sort through my bins of old kids clothing first (insert this status every day for the last month or so).

12 hours ago - Thanks for making me breakfast Shaun....I have the best husband in the world...bacon, eggs and toast...wait, is he trying to kill me with cholesterol?

13 hourse ago - Ok fine, I'll get up...you watched TV and ate froot loops long enough.

14 hours ago - Here, let me get you some froot loops and see what movie you can watch.

16 hours ago - I believe I am sleeping despite the fact that I am feeding Lyla, changing her diaper, and putting her back to bed.

18 hours ago - Okay, come cuddle with us in bed.

20 hours ago - No, this is mommy and daddy's bed, you have your own bed.

21 hours ago - Time to go to bed...Why do we always go to bed SO LATE!!!!  We are going to start going to bed at 10:00 EVERY night (another status we can put insert every day, but this one probably for the last five years).

22 hours ago - One more glass.

23 hours ago - Lets just lurk around facebook one more time.

24 hours ago -  Time to go to bed!

Have a great sleep everyone, and a great Sunday tomorrow!

Settling In

I guess I should report that we are home, for those who do not live near.  The plane ride went great, and Lyla almost immediately turned her days and nights to normal, so I did not have the anticipated 2 weeks of re-adjusting.  Seth and Hazel did wonderfully while we were gone.  I half-expected them to be a little testy and moody with us on our return, or clingy, or something, but it was like we were never gone.  And I am so happy to be with them again.  No trips for me for a LONG time...or at least 6 months or so?

Shaun may have to go away for a week or so to go back to Brazil to sort some things out for our potential move within the next two or three months.  He has to do some testing of this or that and send it out to Europe and then if they are happy with the results then off we go!  Shaun thinks latest March, I think that's the earliest.  I'm just more skeptical of the time it takes to apply for visas and all those things related to the paperwork of setting up a business.  We don't know what to do with our "stuff" because even though it isn't all very nice "stuff," to replace it in Brazil will be pricey.  Clothes, furniture including but not limited to bunkbeds and our bedroom set, cutlery/dishes/bakeware/cookware, sheets, towels, books, toys, the list goes on.  But shipping it is super pricey as well.  I have decided until our plans are more firm I will not worry about it, except to avoid buying things that we can't take if we decide not to ship everything.

So there you have it, our somewhat uninteresting update.  It may be quiet here in the next few months with the lack of travel plans.  And what a glorious few months it will be!  I pray that everyone has a wonderful Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend!  I think of my wonderful husband and children and all the opportunities we've been blessed with this past year, and thank God for all of this, as well as travelling mercies and even all the day to day moments that may sometimes seem mundane.  May you all experience God's love and faithfulness no matter what plans He has.  I have to remind myself when I pray that I am praying for His will to be done in our lives, not necessarily that what we want to happen occurs.  Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow!

The Post in Which My Foot Gets Run Over

I am not lying about it, it happened today in Amsterdam.  It so far just looks a little bruised, which is crazy.  I just can't believe my foot went under a tire, and it isn't broken.  Anyways, here's a few posts from our last days here!  And tomorrow, homeward bound! 

 A Dutch Firetruck

 Elka, Lucas, Lyla and I went on a Spido harbour tour in Rotterdam Harbour yesterday while Shaun and Tony had a meeting in the morning and while they met together for the last time.

 You may be able to tell that I have a little boy who I believe would be interested in these pictures of the machines and boats, etc.

 Police boat from Customs

 Another police boat

Where Tony and Shaun were when we got off the boat

 The first time on the train.  We took it from Rotterdam to our hotel in Amsterdam Zaandam.

 We took the train into Amsterdam this morning and went on Mike's Bike Countryside Tour.  It was highly enjoyable!

 Lyla was great, even falling asleep while we biked.

 The second place we stopped was a touristic windmill.  Very nice photo opportunity.  Here we learned about how originally Holland was peat, then the peat was harvested so much that the land became lakes and swamps, and then the Dutch figured out how to take back the land.  I thought it was fascinating, and at one point in the tour we were five metres below sea level.

 We went to a klompen factory, where this fellow was burning on the designs.  He had bags of klompen behind him and Shaun and I were silly enough to ask him if he got them from a factory.  I think he was a bit insulted, so he directed us into the next room where we could see them made.

After the tour we walked to the Anne Frank House and the Wester Kerk, where you can go up to the top of the bell tower, but the Anne Frank House had a line outside of it, and the Kerk only let 6 people up at a time, and all the tours remaining had 5 people in them.  So instead of waiting, we walked along the street and went out for supper.  Then we took the tram back to Centraal station and off we went, back to the hotel on the train.

 Still smiley after a long day. 

, 

And here`s our hotel.  We have a nice room up on the 10th floor.

And here we are, the last night of our European adventure.  See you all tomorrow(ish)!

My Battery Is Running Low

Shaun and I finally have unlimited internet access and now my laptop's battery is almost dead :(  We are staying at a nice hotel on the outskirts of Amsterdam and it is beautiful.  However it doesn't serve breakfast, which irked me.  But we had many pieces of luggage and a car seat and we were on the train, so we found a hotel close to the train station.  It happens to be brand new and glorious, and we are here for two nights.  Another reason we picked it was because it has a direct train line to Amsterdam Centraal and Amsterdam Schiphol (the airport).  So tomorrow I have wonderful plans to go into Amsterdam and tour all day, but I am feeling a little guilty.  Lyla has been so patient with us dragging her everywhere but I feel like I see it in her eyes, "Why are you taking me out when all I want is a good nap?"  Anyways, just two more days, and I think this may be the last time for a long time that I get to see Amsterdam, so just hold on Lyla!  Most nights she has been up for a couple hours, but now we have moved the couple hours into the late evening the last 2 days, so now she is just going to bed the same time as us.  So it took her a week to adjust, and now when we go home it will be hopefully quicker, as her bedtime here works out to, oh, 3 in the afternoon.  And then her wake up time works out to 1 in the morning.  Ah well, what's another week of no sleep for a mama?!  

Anyways I'm off to sleep now, and then tomorrow I hope to go on a bike tour of Amsterdam.  And then from there, we see how tired we are I guess!  Have a good night everyone!

The Castle in Gent and The Canal in Brugge

Here are some more pictures, especially for Seth and Hazel!  I am starting to look forward to going back, especially to see them.  It has been hard to get a hold of them as most of our day they are sleeping (or at least I hope they are!).  So there are some to catch up from our Paris trip, and then some from the beautiful town of Gent, in Belgium.  We went there on Tuesday evening after Shaun and Tony had a day of meeting together for discussions.  On Monday they went to Rotterdam to meet with a company there as well.  Elka and I stayed home with our two youngen to give them some rest.  Lyla is now feeling a bit better.  Anyways,  the meetings have been very productive and they are excited about all the possibilities.  Tonight we are in Rotterdam, as the two men have another meeting in the morning.  We stopped by another beautiful Belgian city called Brugge on our way here, and of course we had to try a Belgian waffle and some Belgian beer!  I am hoping Elka and I take a harbor tour while they are meeting tomorrow morning, and then we will say a very sad goodbye to Tony and Elka.  They will head home to Wetteren, and we will head to Amsterdam.

At the top of the Eiffel.  We couldn't believe Vancouver didn't make it.

I know you can google for a million pictures from the top, but this was with MY camera!

A month apart - Lyla and Lucas

Seth wanted to see a picture of a castle, so here we are!

The canal at Brugge

Our first sighting of a coffee shop - in Rotterdam

Our last supper with the Alcantaras in Rotterdam

Family Picture

Hi Seth and Hazel!  We took you to the Eiffel Tower with us.  We even went all the way up the Tower to the very top!  I have a picture of our family there too.  I will try put more pictures on the computer later.  The view from the top is amazing, but we had to wait a very long time!  Lyla is doing great, but misses her brother and sister, and her own time zone.  She was up until 5 in the morning last night.  She was very tired but has a very bad cough and red cheeks.  Teething plus a very bad cold I think.  I have the same one, and it involves a lot of coughing and a very sore throat.  Poor Lyla.  But she just keeps smiling when you drag her all over Europe!  Today we stay home (and go to church) so maybe she will feel better having some good naps.

We love you Seth and Hazel! From Mom and Dad and Lyla!

Goodnight From Paris

At the airport.  Seth and Hazel acted like they didn't care, but I know they were crying deep inside...

Seth and Hazel are touring Europe with us.  Our lovely "neighbour" Ina took this picture for us on the plane.

Do you see the "Welcome to Amsterdam" sign?

Tony and Shaun, deep in discussion the first night in town.  We are staying in a little town called Wetteren, in Belgium, around 30 minutes from Brussels.

Tony and Elka's apartment in Wetteren

On the road to Paris.  We saw these windmills on the way from Amsterdam to Wetteren, and all the way to Paris as well.

Churches in every village you see, very elaborate and huge.

We are in Gaul!

Next time...the kids are a bit young yet.

The first thing we saw upon entering Paris.

French Ambulance.  We thought Seth might care :)

Gas pumps on the sidewalk.  Seems very convenient!

French Firetruck

French Street Cleaner

The view from our hotel on the 5th floor.  See the Eiffel Tower?  It IS real.

We walked up (ok fine we took a little cable car) to the hill where Sacre Coeur is located, a huge Roman church.  This is the view of Paris.

The family picture in front of Sacre Coeur.  Lyla is sleeping on Shaun's back.

Our wonderful hosts!

Sacre Coeur

The Eiffel Tower light show.

Out for supper

It was Tony's birthday today so he had the Happy Birthday song sung to him in the restaurant.

And that is it for now.  Tomorrow we hope to go up the Eiffel Tower after Tony and Shaun have a meeting in the morning.  Have a good night everyone! Love from Shaun and Brenda and Lyla.