Regarding my previous post in request for Donations to the Orphanage (THIS POST) - I'm sending out one last call. I'll be shipping a box of goodies along with a cash donation to my friend Leslie (next week) for when she travels to Vietnam to pick up her precious baby girl, Meg.
If you are interested in donating, PLEASE have it to me no later than Sunday, April 6th.
Check out Leslie's post Reaching Out and Donations to the Orphanage from her blogs. She is just a concerned mom to a baby girl that she has yet to hold (who also happens to be in the hospital right now recovering from pneumonia). She wants to do right by her daughter, the only home her daughter has ever known and her daughter's birth country.
Won't you find it in your heart to help. Click on the donate button (top right corner of the page) and follow the instructions (note: you do NOT need to have an account with pay pal to use this method).
Thanks again!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Happy Birthday to our sponsor child
Our sponsor child, Claudia, has a birthday coming up on April 11 (the same day as my nephew). Considering her family lives in such poverty....I like to spoil her with enough goodies to share for all. I am a little late shipping (considering I also shipped ground) so it will most likely be late arrive - but I guess better late than never.
We started sponsoring her last July so this is her first birthday gift from us. I bought her a cute little spring dress and LOTS of goodies from the dollar store that she can easily share with her family. I only pray she receives the package considering 1. we never did hear if she received her Christmas gift and 2. the package was quite a bit larger than is allowed. (*fingers & toes crossed*)
For any of you with sponsor children through World Vision, please let me know if your kids have received their gifts.
We started sponsoring her last July so this is her first birthday gift from us. I bought her a cute little spring dress and LOTS of goodies from the dollar store that she can easily share with her family. I only pray she receives the package considering 1. we never did hear if she received her Christmas gift and 2. the package was quite a bit larger than is allowed. (*fingers & toes crossed*)
For any of you with sponsor children through World Vision, please let me know if your kids have received their gifts.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Natural Consequences
You gotta love when natural consequences happen that completely TEACH lessons better than you could ever come close to trying to teach!
Here's what happened:
Noah plays with the only little boy on our street. "L" is 2 years older than he is and is into much more mischief than I have grown used to with Noah. We've been allowing them to play, but it has been monitored very closely over the winter and it is going pretty good (in comparison to last summer). I 'trust' (and I use that word lightly when I am talking about 2 BOYS) them to play together - but just have to keep gently reminding the both of them about what IS expected.
Now that some of the snow is melted and it was nice weather this week, they have been playing outside a lot and this has been a great treat! They have also started riding their bikes up to the school's parking lot. This parking lot is "across the road" from our house but is separated by 2 sports fields (a soccer field & baseball diamond). NOW, this is a little out of my comfort zone but Jacques assures me that Noah is old enough to go this far. Considering I have proven to be a little over bearing with Noah, I am working on this and have been allowing him to go.
Yesterday, Noah came in the door yelling "MOM, I NEED A BAND-AID". As usual, I did not jump because usually any "teeny-tiny-insy-weensy" scratch requires a BAND-AID in his world! But this time was different, when I saw his finger I realized that there was blood (slightly) dripping off of a couple of his fingers yet he was rather calm (considering the amount of blood). When he explained what happened, the conversation went like this:
So as you see, these 'natural consequences' are the BEST lessons! His finger is okay - nothing more than a little scratch that happened to bleed a lot.
Now, today when "L" came to play - I had a good little chat with the 2 of them about TELLING THE TRUTH. Hopefully, this will continue!
Here's what happened:
Noah plays with the only little boy on our street. "L" is 2 years older than he is and is into much more mischief than I have grown used to with Noah. We've been allowing them to play, but it has been monitored very closely over the winter and it is going pretty good (in comparison to last summer). I 'trust' (and I use that word lightly when I am talking about 2 BOYS) them to play together - but just have to keep gently reminding the both of them about what IS expected.
Now that some of the snow is melted and it was nice weather this week, they have been playing outside a lot and this has been a great treat! They have also started riding their bikes up to the school's parking lot. This parking lot is "across the road" from our house but is separated by 2 sports fields (a soccer field & baseball diamond). NOW, this is a little out of my comfort zone but Jacques assures me that Noah is old enough to go this far. Considering I have proven to be a little over bearing with Noah, I am working on this and have been allowing him to go.
Yesterday, Noah came in the door yelling "MOM, I NEED A BAND-AID". As usual, I did not jump because usually any "teeny-tiny-insy-weensy" scratch requires a BAND-AID in his world! But this time was different, when I saw his finger I realized that there was blood (slightly) dripping off of a couple of his fingers yet he was rather calm (considering the amount of blood). When he explained what happened, the conversation went like this:
N: "L" found an empty beer bottle in the parking lot and he was throwing it trying to break it. I told him not to do that because we would get in trouble. But then I thought it looked cool, so I threw it too and I cut my finger on the bottle.
M: Oh, honey are you okay? We have to go wash it off.
N: No, Mom it's going to hurt.
M: Well, Noah if you don't wash it off and there is glass in there it could get infected and get much worse.
N: Are you mad at me?
M: No.
N: But I thought you would be mad at me for throwing beer bottles.
M: No Noah, Mommy is very proud of you for telling me the truth and I am so glad you are okay.
N: "L" told me NOT to tell you the truth because he thought we'd get in WAY too much trouble. I told him NO WAY, I HAVE to tell my Mom the truth because if my Mom finds out I lied then I'll be in WAY MORE trouble. Are you sure you're not mad at me?
M: Honey, I am sure. I am just SO proud of you for telling me the truth and I am so happy that you are okay because it could have been MUCH worse. But tell me something, are you going to throw beer bottles to try and break them again?
N: NO WAY.
M: That's exactly what I wanted to hear.
So as you see, these 'natural consequences' are the BEST lessons! His finger is okay - nothing more than a little scratch that happened to bleed a lot.
Now, today when "L" came to play - I had a good little chat with the 2 of them about TELLING THE TRUTH. Hopefully, this will continue!
March Fun
I haven't written much this month....so I am summarizing our month (photos, video's and stories).
Noah's been in piano lessons now for 3 months....I can't believe how much he has improved! Last week he started a new chapter - the one that you start to read 'REAL' music. His homework this week was just reviewing any of the songs he had already practiced - talk about some simple stuff from the very beginning!
This video was taken about 2 or 3 weeks ago...
Two weeks ago, Noah had a play date - with Brittany from his class! What a pleasure to have a little girl in the house!!! She was so soft spoken, polite and helpful! Noah finally had someone to play the High School Musical DVD game with (poor guy is ALWAYS bugging Jacques and I to play - when we do play, it's NEVER long enough)!!!
We are DEFINITELY not getting sick of snow mobiling any time soon! As often as he can, Jacques takes off. Last Sunday afternoon Noah was at a friends house, so Jacques & I took a couple hour ride in and around where Jacques grew up. Of course, I brought my little camera in case I saw any views I couldn't refuse and there were lots. The ever so popular train bridges!
We had some company the other weekend and Noah gets the best bed in the house - he LOVES sleeping on the air mattress in his sleep bag at the end of our bed. When we peeked into check on him, this is where he was sleeping - and he actually looked comfortable!
Lastly, we went on a really nice horse drawn sleigh ride with our church last weekend. The horses were HUGE and very smelly. I think they ate beans for supper. We were sitting at the back of the sleigh and we were still getting 'puffs & wiffs' of BAD air!!! LOL
Noah's been in piano lessons now for 3 months....I can't believe how much he has improved! Last week he started a new chapter - the one that you start to read 'REAL' music. His homework this week was just reviewing any of the songs he had already practiced - talk about some simple stuff from the very beginning!
This video was taken about 2 or 3 weeks ago...
Two weeks ago, Noah had a play date - with Brittany from his class! What a pleasure to have a little girl in the house!!! She was so soft spoken, polite and helpful! Noah finally had someone to play the High School Musical DVD game with (poor guy is ALWAYS bugging Jacques and I to play - when we do play, it's NEVER long enough)!!!
We are DEFINITELY not getting sick of snow mobiling any time soon! As often as he can, Jacques takes off. Last Sunday afternoon Noah was at a friends house, so Jacques & I took a couple hour ride in and around where Jacques grew up. Of course, I brought my little camera in case I saw any views I couldn't refuse and there were lots. The ever so popular train bridges!
We had some company the other weekend and Noah gets the best bed in the house - he LOVES sleeping on the air mattress in his sleep bag at the end of our bed. When we peeked into check on him, this is where he was sleeping - and he actually looked comfortable!
Lastly, we went on a really nice horse drawn sleigh ride with our church last weekend. The horses were HUGE and very smelly. I think they ate beans for supper. We were sitting at the back of the sleigh and we were still getting 'puffs & wiffs' of BAD air!!! LOL
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Something happened...
Not sure what happened....but as I was working on changing my layout, I lost my 'layout' tab and can not continue editing?
Hmmm....I've looked for a solution, but haven't been lucky so far. I am POOPED and think I'm going to bed....so it'll have to wait!
Hope you like the changes so far!
Hmmm....I've looked for a solution, but haven't been lucky so far. I am POOPED and think I'm going to bed....so it'll have to wait!
Hope you like the changes so far!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Changes are here.....YEAH!
WOW....3 days later and changes are already here. So here is my story about what happened since we decided that changes were coming!
In light of our family being directly affected by the recession, I decided that I would begin to look for a very specific job in our area. In order for this job to 'fit' my needs (and as a first attempt before having to cut out some extras from our budget to save money), this job would HAVE to have the following specifics: very flexible hours (so it would fit our main objective - that Noah would NOT have to go in day care), no more than 10-15 hours (TOPS) per week (but preferably closer to 10 hrs per week) and require only English speaking (HA! Good luck finding this in a bilingual, but very French community).
Thursday I emailed a resume & Friday I emailed another resume. Two resumes in two days, man, I was feeling pretty lucky that jobs matching my criteria even existed!!! I honestly thought that at this rate, possibly it would only take me a few months to find something!!! And this I was SO happy with.....
To my pleasant surprise, Monday I got an email (from the resume I emailed on Friday) askine me to call them considering I had typed the wrong phone number on my resume (DAH, I just CAN'T believe I did - how embarassing)!!! I called, had a very lengthy discussion about what the job was with a Recruiting Coordinator which included the set up of a phone interview on Tuesday. I had my 40 minute phone interview Tuesday morning. The interviewer told me I 'basically' had the position and that he would call me later on in the day to make an 'official' offer. Tuesday evening, he called and made me an offer. THIS job is PERFECT for both my 'needs and wants' for a part time position. It meets all the criteria and then some! I am BEYOND excited knowing that whether Jacques hours go back up next month or the month after, I will keep this position considering the flexibility I have with it!
With this position, I will still be able to be home when Noah gets home from school AS WELL as volunteer in Noah's class at least 1-2 times per week (rather than 3)! I thought for sure I was going to have to give up one of these 2 things when taking a part time job - but now I don't. How perfect!!!
My position is a Merchandising Rep (for Kraft) with Mosaic Sales Solutions. (Check out the site and if you think you'd be interested to do something like this - let me know and I can refer you and possibly get a referal bonus). I am beginning training next week - ALL at home, online which means I can still volunteer in Noah's class next week and still go on the Field Trip to a Sugar Camp with Noah's class!!! As well next week, the company will be shipping me a hand held 'computer/device', then April 8 or 9 I have a teleconference to attend with some more information as well as instructions on how to set up the hand held, then I begin in the field on April 13th.
I'll tell you a little about what my responsibilities will be, just so you get the full understanding of HOW perfect this is for my needs. My work week is between 8-16 hours and I schedule when I work. I'll give you a brief overview of how this position works. A Kraft Sales Rep will send (upload from his computer then sycronize with my hand held device) me a request advising that (for an example) a Crystal Lite display needs set up at the Walmart in Grand Falls or a Peanut Butter 'end cap' (or the end of a grocery isle display) needs to be replenished at the Superstore in Edmundston along with the approximate length of time it will take and a deadline (that will be a minumum of 48 hours notice or for an example) by next Friday. Once I receive the request, I decide when I will go in to complete it. So (for an example) I can go in tomorrow when I drop Noah off at school, or I can go Friday afternoon after I finish my volunteering in Noah's class but before he gets off school, etc. I will then head over to the grocery/retail store, check in with the store manager, find out where the product is, create the display or replenish the 'end cap', complete the request, report through my hand held unit that it is complete and my day is done! My territory includes (mostly between Edmundston and Grand Falls - no more than a 1 hour radius and I get paid for mileage I drive)! How easy is that for a Stay at Home Mom AND it's very decent money for a part time role!!!
I can't imagine just how lucky I am to have found something SO suited for my needs and SO quickly. I feel very blessed right now knowing that someone is really watching out for me, I am certainly thanking God tonight for answered prayers!
And that was my BIG news!!!
In light of our family being directly affected by the recession, I decided that I would begin to look for a very specific job in our area. In order for this job to 'fit' my needs (and as a first attempt before having to cut out some extras from our budget to save money), this job would HAVE to have the following specifics: very flexible hours (so it would fit our main objective - that Noah would NOT have to go in day care), no more than 10-15 hours (TOPS) per week (but preferably closer to 10 hrs per week) and require only English speaking (HA! Good luck finding this in a bilingual, but very French community).
Thursday I emailed a resume & Friday I emailed another resume. Two resumes in two days, man, I was feeling pretty lucky that jobs matching my criteria even existed!!! I honestly thought that at this rate, possibly it would only take me a few months to find something!!! And this I was SO happy with.....
To my pleasant surprise, Monday I got an email (from the resume I emailed on Friday) askine me to call them considering I had typed the wrong phone number on my resume (DAH, I just CAN'T believe I did - how embarassing)!!! I called, had a very lengthy discussion about what the job was with a Recruiting Coordinator which included the set up of a phone interview on Tuesday. I had my 40 minute phone interview Tuesday morning. The interviewer told me I 'basically' had the position and that he would call me later on in the day to make an 'official' offer. Tuesday evening, he called and made me an offer. THIS job is PERFECT for both my 'needs and wants' for a part time position. It meets all the criteria and then some! I am BEYOND excited knowing that whether Jacques hours go back up next month or the month after, I will keep this position considering the flexibility I have with it!
With this position, I will still be able to be home when Noah gets home from school AS WELL as volunteer in Noah's class at least 1-2 times per week (rather than 3)! I thought for sure I was going to have to give up one of these 2 things when taking a part time job - but now I don't. How perfect!!!
My position is a Merchandising Rep (for Kraft) with Mosaic Sales Solutions. (Check out the site and if you think you'd be interested to do something like this - let me know and I can refer you and possibly get a referal bonus). I am beginning training next week - ALL at home, online which means I can still volunteer in Noah's class next week and still go on the Field Trip to a Sugar Camp with Noah's class!!! As well next week, the company will be shipping me a hand held 'computer/device', then April 8 or 9 I have a teleconference to attend with some more information as well as instructions on how to set up the hand held, then I begin in the field on April 13th.
I'll tell you a little about what my responsibilities will be, just so you get the full understanding of HOW perfect this is for my needs. My work week is between 8-16 hours and I schedule when I work. I'll give you a brief overview of how this position works. A Kraft Sales Rep will send (upload from his computer then sycronize with my hand held device) me a request advising that (for an example) a Crystal Lite display needs set up at the Walmart in Grand Falls or a Peanut Butter 'end cap' (or the end of a grocery isle display) needs to be replenished at the Superstore in Edmundston along with the approximate length of time it will take and a deadline (that will be a minumum of 48 hours notice or for an example) by next Friday. Once I receive the request, I decide when I will go in to complete it. So (for an example) I can go in tomorrow when I drop Noah off at school, or I can go Friday afternoon after I finish my volunteering in Noah's class but before he gets off school, etc. I will then head over to the grocery/retail store, check in with the store manager, find out where the product is, create the display or replenish the 'end cap', complete the request, report through my hand held unit that it is complete and my day is done! My territory includes (mostly between Edmundston and Grand Falls - no more than a 1 hour radius and I get paid for mileage I drive)! How easy is that for a Stay at Home Mom AND it's very decent money for a part time role!!!
I can't imagine just how lucky I am to have found something SO suited for my needs and SO quickly. I feel very blessed right now knowing that someone is really watching out for me, I am certainly thanking God tonight for answered prayers!
And that was my BIG news!!!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Changes are coming...
I haven't been much in the mood for writing these days. I can't narrow it down other than I've been feeling a little 'funky' these days - lots of stuff on my mind!
Since January, I have been volunteering in Noah's class 3 days a week (sometimes up to 4 or 5 times). It has been wonderful to be around children, gaining some 'hands on/resume worthy' experience with children and especially a thrill to have the opportunity to spend the time with Noah in a class room setting witnessing young minds being formed! Last week, Noah's teacher only needed me on Friday. During the week, I had lots of time to clean, think, cook, clean, think, clean, think, cook....etc. (I think you get my point) It also made me think that possibly I was beginning to go a little stir crazy. I think I am in need of something, possibly the spring, sun or something more?
As well - just as one of my friends (Christa) wrote on her blog here "The Simple Life" about their family directly affected by the recession - SO HAS OURS. Since February, Jacques company has cut all employees hours in an effort to be responsible and as a proactive measure during these unstable economic times. Though Jacques still works pretty much the same hours (with the occasional Friday afternoon off - which IS very nice) his pay has still dropped. I haven't shared this because it did not really have an impact on us, considering it was only supposed to last for 2 months. Just last week we found out that these changes will remain until further notice (they will be reviewed month by month). Considering Jacques' income is our ONLY income, these changes (in time) will begin to affect our budgeting efforts and has made us begin thinking much more closely about how & where we spend our money. We have realized that due to these changes, our reaction must be one of 2 things; either we cut out some of our extras from our budget or I begin to work a little compensate where Jacques pay has dropped.
Though this is really not that big of deal - it is still a change (and has been weighing on my mind) and if you know me, my biggest fear is the unknown. These times are definitely the unknown!
All in all, I truly believe these changes are a really great thing, bearing in mind how 'stir crazy' I've been feeling lately and I KNOW it is a blessing in disguise. We have been VERY blessed with a comfortable life and with lots of extras. It won't hurt cutting some of these extras out, that's for sure! It will however be a great lesson of living a more simple life and I am SO okay with that!!!
In the coming weeks, I will begin thinking about ways I can make a little bit of money from home or look for a part time job that will give me around 10 'flexible' hours per week so that I can work within school hours. Our main objective is that Noah will NOT have to attend day care. If this will have to happen, then we will gladly cut our budget.
Until then, I will continue thinking creatively and if you have any ideas, please feel free to share!
Since January, I have been volunteering in Noah's class 3 days a week (sometimes up to 4 or 5 times). It has been wonderful to be around children, gaining some 'hands on/resume worthy' experience with children and especially a thrill to have the opportunity to spend the time with Noah in a class room setting witnessing young minds being formed! Last week, Noah's teacher only needed me on Friday. During the week, I had lots of time to clean, think, cook, clean, think, clean, think, cook....etc. (I think you get my point) It also made me think that possibly I was beginning to go a little stir crazy. I think I am in need of something, possibly the spring, sun or something more?
As well - just as one of my friends (Christa) wrote on her blog here "The Simple Life" about their family directly affected by the recession - SO HAS OURS. Since February, Jacques company has cut all employees hours in an effort to be responsible and as a proactive measure during these unstable economic times. Though Jacques still works pretty much the same hours (with the occasional Friday afternoon off - which IS very nice) his pay has still dropped. I haven't shared this because it did not really have an impact on us, considering it was only supposed to last for 2 months. Just last week we found out that these changes will remain until further notice (they will be reviewed month by month). Considering Jacques' income is our ONLY income, these changes (in time) will begin to affect our budgeting efforts and has made us begin thinking much more closely about how & where we spend our money. We have realized that due to these changes, our reaction must be one of 2 things; either we cut out some of our extras from our budget or I begin to work a little compensate where Jacques pay has dropped.
Though this is really not that big of deal - it is still a change (and has been weighing on my mind) and if you know me, my biggest fear is the unknown. These times are definitely the unknown!
All in all, I truly believe these changes are a really great thing, bearing in mind how 'stir crazy' I've been feeling lately and I KNOW it is a blessing in disguise. We have been VERY blessed with a comfortable life and with lots of extras. It won't hurt cutting some of these extras out, that's for sure! It will however be a great lesson of living a more simple life and I am SO okay with that!!!
In the coming weeks, I will begin thinking about ways I can make a little bit of money from home or look for a part time job that will give me around 10 'flexible' hours per week so that I can work within school hours. Our main objective is that Noah will NOT have to attend day care. If this will have to happen, then we will gladly cut our budget.
Until then, I will continue thinking creatively and if you have any ideas, please feel free to share!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
What Noah really thinks of me?
This is a fun thing to do (thanks Wendi for posting it on your blog).
Noah's responses at 7 years old (1 month before his 8th birthday)!
Tag me back with your kid's answers
1. What is something mom says a lot to you?
Go to your bedroom.
2. What makes mom happy?
When I do stuff when it's not expected.
3. What makes mom sad?
When I don't listen.
4. How does your mom make you laugh?
You don't even make me laugh - ha! ha!
5. What was your mom like as a child?
When you took a picture in preschool - she looked funny. She had a funny look on her face.
6. How old is your mom?
100
7. How tall is your mom?
1000 feet
8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Do crafts and scrap booking
9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Clean the house and do grocery shopping
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
You would be a very famous artist or a famous scrap booker
11. What is your mom really good at?
Doing scrap booking
12. What is your mom not very good at?
Playing hockey & basketball
13. What does your mom do for her job?
Nothing
14. What is your mom's favorite food?
Steak
15. What makes you proud of your mom?
When I make him breakfast
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
You'd be on a show called Super Mom -
17. What do you and your mom do together?
Crafts
18. How are you and your mommy the same?
We both like crafts
19. How are you and your mom different?
I like sports and you don't
20. How do you know your mom loves you?
When I do stuff that are about to be dangerous and you tell me not to do it.
21. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
Into my school
TAG - you're it!!!
Noah's responses at 7 years old (1 month before his 8th birthday)!
Tag me back with your kid's answers
1. What is something mom says a lot to you?
Go to your bedroom.
2. What makes mom happy?
When I do stuff when it's not expected.
3. What makes mom sad?
When I don't listen.
4. How does your mom make you laugh?
You don't even make me laugh - ha! ha!
5. What was your mom like as a child?
When you took a picture in preschool - she looked funny. She had a funny look on her face.
6. How old is your mom?
100
7. How tall is your mom?
1000 feet
8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Do crafts and scrap booking
9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Clean the house and do grocery shopping
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
You would be a very famous artist or a famous scrap booker
11. What is your mom really good at?
Doing scrap booking
12. What is your mom not very good at?
Playing hockey & basketball
13. What does your mom do for her job?
Nothing
14. What is your mom's favorite food?
Steak
15. What makes you proud of your mom?
When I make him breakfast
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
You'd be on a show called Super Mom -
17. What do you and your mom do together?
Crafts
18. How are you and your mommy the same?
We both like crafts
19. How are you and your mom different?
I like sports and you don't
20. How do you know your mom loves you?
When I do stuff that are about to be dangerous and you tell me not to do it.
21. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
Into my school
TAG - you're it!!!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Won't you please....HELP?
My dear friend Leslie is adopting from Vietnam. They recently received their referral (finally - after a long 22 months of waiting) of 'their' baby girl, Meg and she is a little beauty! They should be traveling by May or June and have asked for support. On her blog, she asked her blog buddies for some help with Donations to the Orphanage.
When I emailed her the other day to see how I could help, this is the response I received from her (of course, she did not know that I would be posting the response on my blog!!!):
When I emailed her the other day to see how I could help, this is the response I received from her (of course, she did not know that I would be posting the response on my blog!!!):
Tara, this orphanage is so sad. there is VERY little to feed and care for the kids. I have heard from a few different families that finally were able to go pick up their children and they were extremely malnourished (11lbs at 1 yr old). Meg should be fine because our agency has a fierce and passionate woman (our agency director) that advocates for their care. The rest of the children are not faring as well :( it breaks my heart.
Now after reading this email and chatting with her on the phone about the state of the orphanage that their daughter has called home since she was born, I felt compelled to do something. Anything to try and help. I feel SO completely comfortable helping her because I KNOW (and have her guarantee) that 100% of what I send/donate will go directly to those sweet innocent babies in Meg's orphanage.
She also told me that when she is in Vietnam she will be buying items that are not easily transported (most importantly - FORMULA and food for the children of the orphanage).
NOW......she has told me that she does not feel right asking for a monetary donation and I can completely understand because I wouldn't feel right either. HOWEVER, I don't have any issues asking for her:
Crayons, toothbrushes, medicines for scabies, Tylenol for young babies, stimulating baby toys like link chains that are non fabric (because of scabies), coloring books, mild soaps.
So that's where I am asking you for your help - would you consider donating some items or possibly a small cash donation?
I will be sending a care package with a cash donation from our family at the beginning of April, so please have your items to me by April 6.
Email me for more information: tara.morin@hotmail.com
THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart (and the bottom of those poor baby's bellies)!!!
PS: A 'DONATE' button will be set up on the top corner of my blog. Click to donate and follow the directions to complete transaction.
She also told me that when she is in Vietnam she will be buying items that are not easily transported (most importantly - FORMULA and food for the children of the orphanage).
NOW......she has told me that she does not feel right asking for a monetary donation and I can completely understand because I wouldn't feel right either. HOWEVER, I don't have any issues asking for her:
- Would you consider donating a few bucks to such a worthy cause, as well as her daughter's only home she's ever known and the country of her birth. Skip your coffee for a few days and donate even just $5.00 every little bit will help buy formula & food to feed those innocent babies.
Crayons, toothbrushes, medicines for scabies, Tylenol for young babies, stimulating baby toys like link chains that are non fabric (because of scabies), coloring books, mild soaps.
So that's where I am asking you for your help - would you consider donating some items or possibly a small cash donation?
I will be sending a care package with a cash donation from our family at the beginning of April, so please have your items to me by April 6.
Email me for more information: tara.morin@hotmail.com
THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart (and the bottom of those poor baby's bellies)!!!
PS: A 'DONATE' button will be set up on the top corner of my blog. Click to donate and follow the directions to complete transaction.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Monopoly LOSER extraordinaire!!!
Yup, that's what happened AGAIN. My child is a Monopoly super star. A few weeks ago, I introduced Noah to Monopoly (a great game for practicing math skills). I had grown tired of Monopoly Junior!!!
Since then, we have played Monopoly (I think) 5 or 6 times and the little bugger has not lost - not even ONCE. Every game, he ends up purchasing Boardwalk & Park Place and loading them with houses and hotels!!! It's kinda scary to see his strategy - spend everything and pray someone lands on his spot. The funny thing is, EVERY single time someone DOES land on his real estate and owes him a WAD of money. Eventually, he ends up taking the game. I just said to Jacques last night that it scares me the way he approaches the game with blind faith - but then again, maybe I should learn a thing or two from him!!!
While on our March Break get-a-way, we took a trip to Toy's R Us. This was a MAJOR treat for those of us with no toy shopping in our home towns other than Walmart, the Superstore and 1 isle of toys at the Canadian Tire. If you ask Noah, THIS was one of his favourite things about our trip (that and the swimming).
As we wondered the toy store (a small Toy's R Us but HUGE in our eyes), we stood admiring the WALL of games - all the games & toys that we couldn't get around here! At the end of the day, I decided that we would get a game - a 'family' gift - to come home with. Well....it was SO hard to choose from the WALL of games that we ended up coming home with not just one, but two games: Connect 4 (the new pop out version) and Monopoly STAR WARS Clone Wars.
Naturally, when we got home we had to play both games. While playing, it was NO different. Noah ended up purchasing the 'royal blue' and stole the game from these spots being filled with 'settlements & cities' (Monopoly Star Wars' version of houses & hotels).
So much fun....but I MUST and I WILL win once, just once - that's my goal!!! To date (in over 10 years of owning our 1st Monopoly board), I have only EVER beat Jacques one time. I SWEAR, I do not 'let' him win - obviously I don't have the best strategy. It's hilarious and it's SO funny - but it's true! Now, Noah is taking over.
Since then, we have played Monopoly (I think) 5 or 6 times and the little bugger has not lost - not even ONCE. Every game, he ends up purchasing Boardwalk & Park Place and loading them with houses and hotels!!! It's kinda scary to see his strategy - spend everything and pray someone lands on his spot. The funny thing is, EVERY single time someone DOES land on his real estate and owes him a WAD of money. Eventually, he ends up taking the game. I just said to Jacques last night that it scares me the way he approaches the game with blind faith - but then again, maybe I should learn a thing or two from him!!!
While on our March Break get-a-way, we took a trip to Toy's R Us. This was a MAJOR treat for those of us with no toy shopping in our home towns other than Walmart, the Superstore and 1 isle of toys at the Canadian Tire. If you ask Noah, THIS was one of his favourite things about our trip (that and the swimming).
As we wondered the toy store (a small Toy's R Us but HUGE in our eyes), we stood admiring the WALL of games - all the games & toys that we couldn't get around here! At the end of the day, I decided that we would get a game - a 'family' gift - to come home with. Well....it was SO hard to choose from the WALL of games that we ended up coming home with not just one, but two games: Connect 4 (the new pop out version) and Monopoly STAR WARS Clone Wars.
Naturally, when we got home we had to play both games. While playing, it was NO different. Noah ended up purchasing the 'royal blue' and stole the game from these spots being filled with 'settlements & cities' (Monopoly Star Wars' version of houses & hotels).So much fun....but I MUST and I WILL win once, just once - that's my goal!!! To date (in over 10 years of owning our 1st Monopoly board), I have only EVER beat Jacques one time. I SWEAR, I do not 'let' him win - obviously I don't have the best strategy. It's hilarious and it's SO funny - but it's true! Now, Noah is taking over.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Last minute March Break fun...
Jacques got home from Toronto (business trip) and decided to do some snow mobiling on his day off. Noah wasn't that in to going ski dooing so, at the last minute Noah & I decided to take day long road trip (something Noah & I love to do together) for some March Break fun, which has now turned into a 2 day trip!
In the event we were tired or simply didn't feel like driving home, I packed an over night bag (planning to stay with my sister in law). When Noah saw the over night bag, he got extremely excited asking if we were staying at a hotel with or with out a pool (because he said 'I would really like if we could stay at a hotel with a pool'). I didn't have the heart to tell him that I had NOT planned on staying at a hotel. That was, until later when I decided 'why not'! So, at the end of our day - we checked into a hotel (something Noah LOVES - in fact, we probably could have got a hotel room at home and for him it would have still felt like a vacation)!!!
We arrived in Fredericton (2 hours from home) around lunch. We went for a (really) nice lunch with my sister-in-law & niece, then we spent almost 3 hours at Science East, we got checked into the hotel (& dropped our stuff off), went for supper with Danielle & Peter (my niece & her boyfriend), came back to the hotel, went for a swim, then just hung out!
Tomorrow, I am SO excited!!! CHAPTERS, here I come. So excited to actually LOOK at books, TOUCH the books before I decide if I will buy the book (versus buying all books online)!!! Noah is most excited about Toy's R Us (do I let him buy a toy or don't I, considering the rainbow of behaviour I've seen this week - hmmmmm?). Then we're going to find a boot store to get him some warmer boots for riding the ski doo (considering this is why I think he is 'not that into it' - because his feet are always cold)....then we'll head home!
I LOVE when Noah & I - 'get up and go'. I LOVE that we have this freedom and ability.
So, that's our last minute March Break fun!!!
In the event we were tired or simply didn't feel like driving home, I packed an over night bag (planning to stay with my sister in law). When Noah saw the over night bag, he got extremely excited asking if we were staying at a hotel with or with out a pool (because he said 'I would really like if we could stay at a hotel with a pool'). I didn't have the heart to tell him that I had NOT planned on staying at a hotel. That was, until later when I decided 'why not'! So, at the end of our day - we checked into a hotel (something Noah LOVES - in fact, we probably could have got a hotel room at home and for him it would have still felt like a vacation)!!!
We arrived in Fredericton (2 hours from home) around lunch. We went for a (really) nice lunch with my sister-in-law & niece, then we spent almost 3 hours at Science East, we got checked into the hotel (& dropped our stuff off), went for supper with Danielle & Peter (my niece & her boyfriend), came back to the hotel, went for a swim, then just hung out!
Tomorrow, I am SO excited!!! CHAPTERS, here I come. So excited to actually LOOK at books, TOUCH the books before I decide if I will buy the book (versus buying all books online)!!! Noah is most excited about Toy's R Us (do I let him buy a toy or don't I, considering the rainbow of behaviour I've seen this week - hmmmmm?). Then we're going to find a boot store to get him some warmer boots for riding the ski doo (considering this is why I think he is 'not that into it' - because his feet are always cold)....then we'll head home!
I LOVE when Noah & I - 'get up and go'. I LOVE that we have this freedom and ability.
So, that's our last minute March Break fun!!!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Fun, fun, fun weekend
Oh how much fun we've been having these days with the new ski doo!!!
I got us all fitted with helmets - some entry level ones for now. When I got home, I made Noah try his helmet on. I 'thought' he would be so excited -but then again 'Drake & Josh' (his favourite show) was on. Check out how excited he looked....
Friday afternoon, Jacques & I had the chance to go do some ski dooing ALONE. It was great - perfect weather. We were gone about 45 minutes - and that was good enough for me! It was really cool riding on the trails - it's a whole new world.
Below is a photo of the machine that grooms the trail....we 'almost' both couldn't fit on the width of the trail.
Jacques is having so much fun, I am so happy for him. At our PRIDE training on Saturday, we had to draw something on our name plate that we were proud of. Of course all the women in the room, drew stick people representing their families - what do you think Jacques drew? LOL You got it, he drew 'his' ski-doo!!!
I will NEVER grow tired of the view of train bridges in Grand Falls. The trail leads us directly under one of these gigantic structures!
Like I said, the trails represent a whole different world equipped with stop signs, arrows indicating the trail veering left or right, trail # signs, signs indicating where rest, gas & food stops are, etc.
So, when we got home from our PRIDE training on Saturday night - look what awaited us when we got home. Nico & Amy watched Noah for us so they were at our house when we got home. When we came upstairs, Amy had this blanket on her but not draped. Couldn't figure out what it was - then I saw the blanket move. Out came COOKIE - their brand new Yorkshire Terrier that they JUST got on Saturday (when Noah was with them).
Also after PRIDE, Nico (with his new machine) and Jacques decided to go out ski dooing for several hours. If you could have seen Jacques!!! He was like a kid in a candy store - I was so excited for him. He has dreamed of this for so long! Off they went with a few other guys. I think they left around 10:00pm and didn't return home until around 2:00 am. He was jumping around the house when he got home. I LOVE that he has this new found (possibly an old hobby returned) hobby.
Then, this morning Jacques woke up at 8:00am and asked Noah if he wanted to go for a spin. So off they went around 8:30am. The took the trails to the Irving Big Stop, went for breakfast (totally BOYS style), tanked up then came home. They arrived home around 10:30 am and this time Noah was jumping for joy! Man, boys and their toys! I guess us women will never understand.
The one thing I DO understand is that my hubby is ONE happy man, possibly the most happy I have ever seen him. So I don't care if I understand - I just like!!!
I got us all fitted with helmets - some entry level ones for now. When I got home, I made Noah try his helmet on. I 'thought' he would be so excited -but then again 'Drake & Josh' (his favourite show) was on. Check out how excited he looked....
Friday afternoon, Jacques & I had the chance to go do some ski dooing ALONE. It was great - perfect weather. We were gone about 45 minutes - and that was good enough for me! It was really cool riding on the trails - it's a whole new world.
Below is a photo of the machine that grooms the trail....we 'almost' both couldn't fit on the width of the trail.
Jacques is having so much fun, I am so happy for him. At our PRIDE training on Saturday, we had to draw something on our name plate that we were proud of. Of course all the women in the room, drew stick people representing their families - what do you think Jacques drew? LOL You got it, he drew 'his' ski-doo!!!
I will NEVER grow tired of the view of train bridges in Grand Falls. The trail leads us directly under one of these gigantic structures!
Like I said, the trails represent a whole different world equipped with stop signs, arrows indicating the trail veering left or right, trail # signs, signs indicating where rest, gas & food stops are, etc.
So, when we got home from our PRIDE training on Saturday night - look what awaited us when we got home. Nico & Amy watched Noah for us so they were at our house when we got home. When we came upstairs, Amy had this blanket on her but not draped. Couldn't figure out what it was - then I saw the blanket move. Out came COOKIE - their brand new Yorkshire Terrier that they JUST got on Saturday (when Noah was with them).
Also after PRIDE, Nico (with his new machine) and Jacques decided to go out ski dooing for several hours. If you could have seen Jacques!!! He was like a kid in a candy store - I was so excited for him. He has dreamed of this for so long! Off they went with a few other guys. I think they left around 10:00pm and didn't return home until around 2:00 am. He was jumping around the house when he got home. I LOVE that he has this new found (possibly an old hobby returned) hobby.
Then, this morning Jacques woke up at 8:00am and asked Noah if he wanted to go for a spin. So off they went around 8:30am. The took the trails to the Irving Big Stop, went for breakfast (totally BOYS style), tanked up then came home. They arrived home around 10:30 am and this time Noah was jumping for joy! Man, boys and their toys! I guess us women will never understand.
The one thing I DO understand is that my hubby is ONE happy man, possibly the most happy I have ever seen him. So I don't care if I understand - I just like!!!
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