Our first Family Home Evening

I have been on a bit of a spiritual quest lately ( the better part of a year ). I was baptized Anglican, brought up in the Catholic school system, found a place for me in my local Anglican Church youth group in high school. My family never went to church, but I would go, but I am not one for sitting by myself. Thankfully, I had a good friend who sat with me instead of his family. I even "taught" Sunday school ( ages 2-4). I have a relationship with God, but am looking for ways to strengthen that and also make sure my children know God. There have also been issues at my church that have led me to question things.

One religion that has been fascinating me is the Church of Latter Day Saints. Yes, Mormons. I know a lot of people will be rolling their eyes, but I have been talking with folks and reading some blogs and doing general research on their beliefs. I have lots to learn, and will continue to research and ask questions.

One aspect of the LDS faith that I love is the focus and emphasis on family. They encourage Family Home Evening where families make an effort to connect and study scripture together and, basically, enjoy each other. No matter the outcome of my spiritual quest, I live this idea.

We started this tonight. I knew I had a Children's Bible in a box for a future gift, so I dug it out and we began at the beginning. Only Madelyn was really interested, the other two had trouble sitting still. It didn't go exactly as envisioned, but Madelyn and I were able to have a conversation and it sparked her curiosity as she asked for another story. We also didn't have a planned activity, but we had fun running around and doing some trust exercises....we apparently need to learn to trust each other more, lol. We will definitely do this again, but with more thought I my part ahead of time.

Swim Class

Yesterday was a good day. So good it deserves to be blogged.

First we got up and actually got dressed. Most of our days off we are wearing Jammie's and comfy clothes, but not for today. Our first stop was the Ontario Early Years Centre. We used to go at least once a week, but since Madelyn started school, I guess you could say we have been busy! But we went and it was so fun! People marvelled at how big Myles has gotten and he really enjoyed playing with new toys and new kids. Especially loved the Cozy Coupe. I may take just him back so he can ride again! One mom and I discussed Myles' amber teething necklace and extended breast feeding. Nothing like bonding over mutual crunchiness.

The girls made new friends and it was fun for me to see them interact with other kids. Their social skills have really improved since the fall. At one point, Madelyn found a ball that she really liked and I guess she set it down and another boy picked it up and wouldn't let it go. She came over to me crying and as I tried to console her and reaffirm that the toys were for everyone, not just get, I saw Meredith get up and sit beside this little boy and talk to him. She didn't look angry while talking, but she got up and kinds stomped back to her toy while muttering. When I asked her what happened, "that boy's not listening to me!" She must have asked the boy to give the ball to her sister and he must have said no. Regardless of the ball, it was neat to see the girls sticking up for each other like that.

The kids also enjoyed circle time. And it reminded me of easy games we can play at home.

After our EYC adventure, we picked up lunch (McDonald's for the kids and Wendy's for me... A little in moderation can't hurt, right) and headed home. Myles fell asleep in the car, so his nap was short, but he handled it pretty well, all things considered.

We normally do some sort if art at the EYC, but we did mostly gross motor skills this day, so we did a craft of sorts at home. Just traced our handprints and coloured them into some animals. So easy, yet the girls had a blast! Myles, however, had an epic fit when I tried to trace his hand. Not sure why. I guess he just wanted to do it himself.

Then we had a quick supper and it was off to the girls' very first swim class! So hard letting someone else be on charge of them! I an glad they had each other totals to during downtime, but it sort of seemed like they were goofing off at one point! Although, I did see Madelyn put Meredith's hand back to the side of the pool, guiding her to do the right thing. They did very well and were the only two in their five person class that wanted to go down the slide! I have two fishes-- three if the way Myles loves his bath are any indication!

The Playroom

I already know I am going to have a love/hate relationship with this room. Love having a place to store the toys and play with the toys, a room just for the kids! Hate because I know the room will ALWAYS be messy and the toys will not just magically stay in this room. In fact, five minutes after the girls came home today, toys were already being scattered about.

Right Now, this room is under utilized, as the girls don't like being downstairs by themselves, and I am always finding things I need to do upstairs. One day, the kids will be down here all the time and will probably not want us around!

The adjoining tv room us a favourite place, but again very under used. Matt usually makes it down here at nighttime, he and Myles fall asleep in the couch together. But by the time the kids are all in bed, I am ready for bed myself. I did get to enjoy some wine, cake and Les Miz here not too long ago! It was awesome.

Cleaning and Organizing...Shiny

Yesterday I cleaned out our basement bathroom.  I know, we just moved in, how dirty could it be?  Especially since we haven't really used it.  It was so gross, there was regular mud and dirt and drywall mud all in the shower.  Not really sure how that happens in an enclosed shower, but it was there.  And now it is all clean and looking pretty.  Not as pretty as my upstairs bathroom, but nice.  I need to put some pictures or decor of some sort...feel free to leave me some ideas!!

The finished look!

We still need a mirror, but I LOVE these cabinets!  Very rustic without being too country.

Shiny shower

I want some pretty stuff for these shelves, instead of toilet paper.

I think these pictures of my kids are perfect for this bathroom

Sign my aunt gave me

Of course, while I spent my time cleaning the bathroom, this is what my little girls were up to.  This will be today's project!

Sleepy Sunday

Had a rough night in the MacDougall home last night. Kids were up and no one got much sleep. I am betting Myles is the only one who naps today, though.

Quiet, lazy, Saturday

We had a quiet day today.  All five of us at home with no where to go. It was awesome.  This morning, after we had been up for a little while, Madelyn says "Let's have a family cuddle."  So we did.  I have to remind myself that these days with the kids wanting our attention, our time, our cuddles aren't going to last forever.  I just have to hope that we are building relationships now, that will keep them coming to us.  Wanting to talk to us.  Wanting to spend time with us.  

We also made cookies!  Cause an ordinary, nothing much to do day needs cookies

Madelyn loves to help

A little sampling...

This one is for Daddy.

Merebear likes to sample.

Decorating.

The finished product was yummy!

New Year. New Home, New Blog.

I have done a horrible job of updating the blog. I know.  I am going to blame it on the fact that I have three kids.  I don't often use them as a scapegoat, but today I am going to.  It was them, and the fact we were living in my parents basement and my computer time was scarce.  So, new year, new home, new blog.  One of my resolutions this year will be to blog at least once per week.   I should be able to keep up with that.  What am I going to blog about?  Well, mostly my kids, I am sure.  How we are turning our new house into a home.  Plus, I am trying to be a better me, so I will want to write about that too.
Here is my New Year Resolution List.....I never do resolutions, but here we go!

1) Write in my blog once a week

2) Be more present and more intentional in my children's lives

3) Simplify our lives by getting rid of clutter and reducing our waste and eating more naturally

4) Become a better wife and mother by keeping a better home clean, focusing on my family and feeding them right

5)  Do some DIY projects

6) Be nicer.  I am a fairly nice person, but I can be nicer.  Compliment more, be more genuine and less judge, stop gossiping, random acts of kindness.  I think I will do one kind thing a day.  Set a reminder on my phone so I actually do it.

7) Make this house into our home.  We will be here forever.  We have put our bodies here, now I want to put our hearts here

8)  Read more.  The most exciting thing about going back to work in February is that I get two half hour breaks a day, where I can sit uninterrupted (usually) and just read

9)  Plant a vegetable garden.  The girls want to do this.  It will get us outside.  It will be beneficial to us all (except Matt who only eats corn)

10)  Be happy.  I believe happiness is a choice and I am choosing to be happy.  Meredith does this sometimes.  She will be crying and then all of a sudden will stop and look at me and say I'm happy now.  Just like that.  It is that simple.

10 goals for 2013.  I think I can do that!  What about you?