Josie's conversation with her brother at 36 weeks

Hey little brother.

How are you doing in there?
When are you coming out to play with me?

It's less than a month away from your due date!
What's your name anyway?

What will you be like?

I bet you'll be lots of fun!

I love you already!

Sweet visits

The Smiths came for the weekend. It's not everyday that your dear friends from China come for a weekend visit, but we had the joy of that over the past few days. As I'm typing this blog and looking through pictures (none of which I can take credit for- Kim took them), Josie is blowing kisses at the computer. She LOVED having Moyer and Keturah here. They are her very first friends. They were at the hospital waiting for her to come into the world and were among the first to see her out of the womb. Those are the special kind of friends!! We loved having them here, we wish they were still part of our everyday lives.

still going strong

2004 Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

2010 Vancouver, Canada

Married, a couple kids, a different life, living across the globe. Still friends:) Life is sweet.

Found art work. Theme: White.

Josie has really been into doing artwork lately. So, I guess she seizes every opportunity. Found sculpture seems to be today's theme... with a white color scheme. So, when I tried to take a 4 minute shower, I warded Josie away from throwing her wooden blocks into the shower and when I emerged, this is what I found.

And no, I don't normally post feminine products on my webpage, so just use your imagination and embrace the "white found art" theme.

And this is my busy morning. I have a class today! I'm leaving in 15 minutes. And I thought I'd leave with an orderly house. Ha.

Just when I thought she could clean...

I was so impressed this morning. Josie helped me empty the entire dishwasher spoon by spoon and even put things away (well, at least, put silverware in the right drawer). She disappeared as I was cleaning up the kitchen and I was making my way to clean the bedroom when I discovered this.

I guess we need to work on cleaning the bathroom next.

Classes begin today! It's officially fall. And I officially almost 35 weeks prego. 5 weeks and 2 days until D-day. I'm definitely feeling in the home stretch! I went for a swim this afternoon which was lovely. If I swam everyday I think that my back could endure the weight that continues to throw it out of whack.

Dave is going to be busy, that's for sure! When I think of having a newborn, a 16 month old who likes to "clean" bathrooms (and is into everything she can get her hands on!) and being home solo many days I tend to get a little worried. I know moms throughout all ages have done this an more. Much more. I have a cousin with 13 kids!!! I know in my mind I can take care of 2! I hear it's all about training. Something I need to get my mind around. I remember being completely overwhelmed my first year as an art teacher. I had no idea how to control my classroom and keep things in order. Either did the cleaning ladies that followed me around.

But then I was given a brilliant idea to inspire the kids to clean up after themselves with a little encouragement of getting a prize for the cleanest table.

I would sing and play the guitar and the room would become spotless no problem. I need to figure out a system like that for my own home! I know there are a lot of moms out there with secrets. Please, do tell!

Ok, time to plan meals out for the week. Yes, I am trying to be pro-active. Any favorites out there that you are cooking up this fall? Always looking for yummy veg recipes!

Just because

i love it when she smiles.

Vancouver Island

Had a great time the past couple days in Sooke, BC. This was the first time we've visited Vancouver Island since we've been here, and glad we could before classes begin again soon! Glad to spend time as a family in a little slice of paradise.

We stayed at a lovely home in Sooke, that was inland on a basin, but still salt water and sea creatures. Taking it easy was my theme. I'm definitely feeling in the home stretch of being pregnant even though the calendar says I have 6 weeks to go.
(my belly profile pic shadow)

But we certainly enjoyed the views, curling up in a chair by the bay windows to read, good food, a hot tub (body temp only!) and the beach. You absolutely cannot go wrong in a place with pristine oceans, blue skies, huge pine trees and lots and lots of fresh air!




It's nap time on the ferry trip home!

to the island

And we are off, in a hour perhaps. Though Josie just fell asleep for her morning nap... Today we are headed to Vancouver Island for a end of summer "break" before classes start up again on the 13th. I can't believe it's September already! The skies are blue here though, and there is promise of a gorgeous day in the making. Today we'll board the ferry for our island getaway, then pick up Dave's mom and brother and enjoy some new sights of this gorgeous place.

Feels like time is flying pretty fast. Less than 7 weeks until d-day. I will be thankful to say goodbye to the heartburn and leg cramps for sure. Not to mention back pain. I have a feeling though, that the sleepless nights are going to continue for some time! My sister in law Lisa is due 2 days ago for her second daughter. Pretty fun that we're having kids in tandem. This time though, I doubt that they will be 8 hours apart. At least I hope not!

Time to get those last minute details packed and put together, now that I have a sleeping baby.