A Poetry Pickle

These past few weeks have been tricky. The chicken pox has been cycling through the family- one child at a time for the past three weeks. Jason is busy with marking for the next batch of report cards at work...and I am trying to keep up with it all and stay sane. Admittedly at times I have come up short. I know that my three munchkins don't mean to be troublesome, but being so active and imaginative sometimes just leads down that road. I try and remind myself that they have a very different perspective than me. Which is why coming across this poem that I wrote awhile ago made me smile.

Grumpy Mum

Oh grumpy Mum, my grumpy Mum,
A grumpy mum is never fun.
Whenever my mum's on the grumpy side
It's a good idea to run and hide!

I do not see her cause to shout,
Why should I not keep my toys out?
I did not want to give her grief
And so I kept my shouting brief.

I went and made myself a snack
But how could I put all that stuff back?
I thought I'd help out in the yard,
(I did not mean to pull so hard).

I really am not being bad
So how come Mum is just so mad?
I put my brother in timeout,
But now my Mum can't get him out!

Oh grumpy Mum, my grumpy Mum,
When she's like this she's never fun.
And though I've tried, as hard as can be...
I can't see why she's mad at me.

Adventures in Yarnland

One great advantage of the recent cold weather is that it's prime knitting weather-because who doesn't need a few extra warm duds when the wind chill is at -35C? One recent project that I just love is seen above (points for anyone who can guess what these fish actually are).
After snorkeling in Hawaii and our trip to the aquarium this summer I have become quite fascinated by aquatic life, so when I stumbled upon this pattern, it was only a matter of (brief) time before I knit one... or two. Nothing beats the grey winter blahs like some vibrant fishies!

Trick or Treat

We had a fun, if somewhat frenzied, Halloween this year. On the Saturday Ben attended no less then three parties (a friend's birthday, his own, plus the branch Halloween one). We now have candy out the whazoo, and I am plotting how to relieve some from my children.
I'm also happy to report that the homemade costumes for all three boys proved to be quite easy and economical-partly thanks to our local Salvation Army.


Briggy made a great ghost, Liam was a certain hero from Hyrule, while Ben made a terrific viking.

And for those of you who asked, here's a picture of the creepcakes from mt last post.

Cake Catastrophes, Or Why I Love Cupcakes

Sorry everybody! It's been ages since I blogged. But things are beginning to fall into a semblance of a routine now, so hopefully that will now include regular posts.
So today I was doing prep work for Ben's birthday party which is tomorrow, and I decorated a bunch of cupcakes to look like monsters (which falls in with the whole monster theme). Now first let me be clear: when it comes to baking I'm pretty good, but when it comes to decorating said confection...Well, let's just say that the cake still tastes good okay?
Hence my current love for cupcakes. They're cute already, so it's hard-even for someone like me-to make them look bad. In fact, just minimal effort is required for them to look awesome. Take the "creepcakes" currently hidden somewhere in my kitchen; I slapped on some icing, then some candy and marshmellows to create monster faces on them, and voila! We now have a toothsome treat that actually looks good too. For once the aesthetics are in harmony with my baking skill.
Now all I have to do is guard creepcakes like a dragon so that they actually survive until the party...

The New Addition

Shortly after he was born.


Liam and his VERY proud Papa.


Our darling little one.


Being adorable is hard work, but I'm a natural!


Niam is cute! And soft." -Brigham


Ben likes to sing to his baby brother.

Okay, this post is long over due I know. For those of you who haven't heard, our third little boy, Liam James Thompson was born at 2:31 am on September 11. What an adventure it has been thus far!
First there was the drive through the rain on the highway to St.Albert. When I wasn't having a contraction, I was terrified that we'd either hit a moose or get pulled over for speeding. Then there was the little fact that by the time we reached the hospital, it was too late for me to have an epidural... That's right folks, this was a natural delivery (I do not recommend this if there are other options). But our little baby is definently worth it all.
We're now all at home, easing into the semblance of a routine, but still trying to keep it simple. Ben and Brigham adore their baby brother, and in a gesture of true affection, have both loaned Liam their own beloved blankies to keep him warm.

Ultrasound, Take 2

Now thirty-eight weeks along in my pregnancy (but who's counting?) this past weekend my doctor squeezed us in for one last ultrasound to verify my due date. Much to my relief, I'm still due early September, and not mid-September!
Baby seems to be doing fine-and big. Yet despite the best attempts of the technician, we were unable to get a full shot at Liam's head. He stubbornly kept his arms up over his face, complete with little scowl identical to his older brothers'. Enjoy the pictures we did manage to get of him.

One is Never Enough...

Let it be known that I have at least one squirrel-like tendency. But while a squirrel hoards nuts, I hoard books. Lately I've been horading so many that I suspect that I will be so well stocked with such literary treasures that they will tide me over into next summer, let alone through the winter.
Coming home from work at the library last night-with yet another armload of books-I couldn't help but smile. This summer job of mine is much more fun than I'd anticipated when I realized that a summer job would be necessary. Not only do I get to work with awesome people, but I am literally surrounded by books. Or in my case, surrounded by temptation.
For me, books are like chocolate: extremely addictive and impossible to stop at just one. Regardless of the many books I'll already have at home to read, not a shift goes by when I don't invariably find just one more that I have to take home with me. As such, no matter how big of an armload of books I waddle over there with, I always waddle home with a few more. Mind you, with my due date fast approaching I don't seem to have energy for much else besides reading, so this works at present!

A Jolly Holiday

Building sandcastles with Nana and Grandpa.



Brigham with what he called "girl ears".



Playing on the hammock.



The birthday boy and Auntie Janine at the Pirate Party. "ARRRRRRRR!"



Blowing out the candles. Who's more excited: Brigham or Ivy?



Off for an explore on the lake.



Together: our favourite place to be.



"Look Mom! Fish!"



Outside the aquarium.

We just got back from B.C yesterday after a grueling eighteen hours in the car (hooray for Jason who drove all the way!). Favourite moments include:

1. Ben and Brigham's giddy excitement to see EVERYTHING at the Vancouver Aquarium.
2. Watching Jason play with the boys at the spray park at Stanley Park.
3. Shooting pirate cannons at the Science Center.
4. Celebrating Brigham's third birthday with the family in Osoyoos.
5. Watching all the kids whack the heck out of the pinata.
6. Going for a canoe ride with Dad, Ben, Brigham and Isaac.
7. Reading in the hammock.
8. Laughing over Jason, Neen, Elena, and Pete's swan dives off the dock.
9. The fresh cherries and peaches.
10.Catching up with our friends the Harris', particularly my old classmate Brooke.
11.Grandpa teaching Ben to swim in the lake.
12.Enjoying time both as a nuclear and extended family.

Tomorrow is a big day: we venture out on our very first, official family vacation! As sad as this might sound, especially after nearly six years of marriage, we are all pretty excited (although not for the fourteen hour drive it will take for us to get there). Usually when we have time off these days, living up in the isolated North we take the opportunity to go visit friends and family*. Also, during past summers Jason has worked slavish hours in landscaping, so that any vacations were usually taken by just me and the kids.
The fact that we all get to go on a vacation together is thrilling. I think that Ben and Brigham are starting to grasp the idea; yesterday they played "Going on Vacation" several times. After meticulously packing my old recorder case full of essentials (aka toys) they would embark for such exotic locales as San Francisco, or even to a different library!
Our trip to B.C should be an adventure. Stayed tuned.

*Please note that you are all welcome to make the trip in the opposite direction and pay us a visit as well.

Belated Tribute to Dads

To all the Dads in my life, you rock!

Stumped

The intent of this blog is to actually pick your brains. You are all such creative people, I am sure you can help me come up with some interesting results should you tickle a dragon who has a bad case of the flu.
Let me explain: the story I'm currently working on, my fairy Abby runs a bakery with her pet dragon. When he gets sick and he can't blow fire anymore all these specialists come up with ways to ignite it again. One way I thought of was to tickle him, but I just can't seem to think of a really good disasterous result of such an action. I'd like to hear your ideas on this one.
So...what could happen when you tickle a sick dragon?

Hunting for that Perfect Summer Job

In my continuing quest to gain those 600 hours of employment to qualify for EI benefits come September I have had to search farther afield. With the school year quickly coming to a close, and still over a hundred hours short, my subbing will not-as I'd originally hoped-meet the mark. Thus I began the depressing ordeal of hunting for a summer job. I hated doing this when I was in school, but it was doubly daunting this time around.
When you live in a small town you know jobs will be scarce, nor will employers be in a rush to hire a six month pregnant woman. I just tried to remind myself it didn't matter what the job was as long as it got me to my goal-although it was hard to summon up any enthusiasm for something that might include flipping burgers.
Hurrah for the library! After going there every week for two years, they know me pretty well by now, and I was upfront saying I just needed the work for the hours, not the money. I was pretty thrilled when they said yes, they would hire me. I am now faced with the wonderful prospect of working there four days a week! My first day was Thursday, and so far I love it. Advantages of the job include:
-getting to sit down lots as I'm at the circulation desk a great deal of the time
-not worrying about a babysitter as I work evenings and Saturdays, so the boys stay home with Jason
-librarians are some of the nicest, and coolest people on the planet
-I walk to work
-I can talk books obsessively and no one thinks I'm weird
-air conditioning
-being surrounded, everywhere you look, by BOOKS!

This just might be my best summer job ever.

And the Baby is....

Introducing the newest addition to the Thompson clan! After two hours of my tummy being prodded by two tech students (all the while with a full bladder) we were finally granted the first peek at our new baby. Not wanting to be decisive, they told us that they believe our little jellybean to be a boy, but they showed us his legs where we spied what looks like an appendage, so we're pretty sure about it. Apparantly another reason that it took so long was that he was so busy turning cartwheels and dancing the tarantella that they had a hard time spying things. A boy does seem to follow the current trend we've been having in the family now doesn't it?
We're all really excited about our little guy, although on arriving at the ultrasound Ben and Brigham did have their hopes that the doctors were going to help the baby come out instead of just giving us a peek. His name is Liam James Thompson.
Looks like we'll be raising three little amigos around here. We'd better start saving money now for the grocery bills when they all reach adolescents.

The List of Awesome

So reading my friend Jacky's blog (Our Little Life), she had written up a list of things that she found awesome in her life right now, and since then I've felt the urge to write my own. Here we go, my own list of awesomeness...
1.Sunflowers
2.Playdates at the park
3.Seeing Jason wrestling with the boys
4.The colour green
5.Lemon cupcakes
6.Strawberries
7.Feeling the baby kick
8.Unexected phone calls from family or friends
9.Ben belting out "Follow the Prophet"
10.Brigham's maniacial giggle
11.Blossoms on the crabapple tree
12.Discovering a fabulous new book
13.Knitting intarsia without the yarn tangling
14.Going away for the long weekend
15.Thai food for supper
16.Hearing people say that I'm doing a good job as Primary president
17.Kisses
18.My latest story
19.Pineapple scented candles
20.Jason's corny jokes

A Highly Anticipated Event

In the field behind our house is the field to the school where Jason teaches. About this time last year, Ben was very intrigued by large groups of kids around his age showing up there twice a week to kick a ball around. He'd often plead to go play with them, and we would have to then explain-yet again-that he could not as he was neither signed up for the activity nor old enough to do so (sign up I mean).
Great was his excitement last night then, when we took him to the field itself to participate in his very first soccer game! I'm not sure what he loved more; running around, playing with the other kids, or his bright blue uniform. Already this morning he has pleaded several time to be allowed to wear his uniform, and announced his intention to go play soccer out in the yard (thankfully, we do have a ball of our own).
Anyways, here's a few pictures of the great even that he's been looking forward to for over a year.

Book of the Week

I was going to burble about garden books today, but I'll save that for later. First I must share these other wonderful reads with you all.

Pie Anyone?
While perusing the shelfves of a bookstore in LAX an hour before my flight to Honolulu, desperate for something to read, I little expected to discover such a treasure- but that is exactly what "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" by Mary Ann Schaffer and Annie Barrows is. I lucked out. The title tickled me, surely the book of such a title would be tolerable for the journey ahead? But I was in for a wonderful treat. This novel exceeds my expectations of favourite books of all time:
1.It makes me both laugh and cry.
2.No sooner do I finish reading the book then I want to read it again. Immediately.
3.After reading it, I'm at a loss, for what book could possibly fill the void that this one has created since I'm now done it?
4.Brilliant characters and plot.
Bonus:It's written as an epistolatory novel- my very favourite.
So by now I'm sure you're all screaming at me "So what is the book actually ABOUT Katey?!" Well, I'll tell you. When writer Juliet Ashton receives a letter in 1946 from a stranger from the island of Guernsey about a book, the story begins. As the story of the Literary Society unfolds of how they survived the German occupation with their love of books and the friendships that developed, Juliet finds herself drawn into the story as it continues on into her present.
Humour, heroism, history and a bit of romance. Do yourselfves a favour and read this one right away.

More Dragons
I still love the song "Puff the Magic Dragon", and to this day it still makes me cry. This book, with the same title as the song, is every bit as beautiful. The song's composer (Peter Yarrow) teamed up with artist Eric Puybaret to create something really special. Puybaret's painting eloquently capture the song's text- and much to my surprise and delight, he manages to create a happy ending without changing the lyrics. This book is a perrenial family favourite.

Happy Reading everybody!

Top Ten Signs You Love Your library

You know that you're a library junkie when...

1.All the librarians know your name.
2.And you know theirs.
3.They also know the names of your children.
4.They even know the name of your spouse (although they have never met him.)
5.You are never asked for your library card anymore when signing out books.
6.If you don't go for a week, the staff wonders what happened to you.
7.You find yourself recommending titles to other random patrons.
8.You bring a huge pile of books home every single week.
9.You wish that you could somehow collect Air Miles from going to the library.
10.You daily check your library account online to see if any of your holds are in.
Bonus: Should you be moving to a small town, the most pressing question you have is "Do they have a library?"

And yes, for those of you wondering, I do have all of these symptoms!

Aloha!

Well, Jason and I are now back from our little jaunt over to Oahu. We had a splendid time, and I even got everything crossed off my trip wishlist too!
1.Bask in the warm sun and green of it all. Check.
2.Devour as much pineapple as my tongue would possibly allow. Check
3.Go snorkelling among the fishies. Check.
4.Find and eat at a shrimp truck. Twice.
5.Play in the surf. Check.
6.Wear a real flower lei. Hve decided that they're my favourite fashion accessory.
7.Wake up in the morning to some sound other than the alarm clock, or worse, the snooze button. Check.
8.Watch a Hawaiian sunset. Check.
9.Get some serious bech time. Definently.
10.Savour the feel of warm sand between my toes. Check.

Book of the Week

These days Winter seems determined to linger-despite Spring making repeated attempts to boot it out. Here's a few good finds to read while you're waiting for Spring to finally arrive.

Traditionally Built with a Tricky Trade:
I love The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith. They are a delicious read, soothing yet intriguing in a way that always keeps me turning the pages. When Precious Ramotswe of Botswana opens her detective agency she gets confronted by all sorts of interesting troubles. The story always unfolds in a winding and leisurely manner yet never loses your interest, all thanks to the marvelous characters within the pages. First there's Maa Ramotswe herself, traditionally built (aka larger) with her moral standards yet sympathetic understanding of people's foibles, Grace Makutski with her 97% from the Secretarial College, J.L.B Matekoni mechanic extrodinaire, Maa Potokwane the relentless orphanage mother who makes delicious fruitcake and many more. These books always make me want to curl up with a cup of Maa Ramotswe's favourite bush tea, and smile through the pages of the latest in the series.

Dealings with Dragons:
My finding of this next one was purely coincidental. I plcked up on a whim admist the piles of books at a library book sale, unknowingly having found a treasure. I originally got "The Dragons Are Singing Tonight" by Jack Prelutsky because I like some of his other poetry books for kids, plus Ben and Brigham are really into dragons lately. After reading it though, I found that I loved this one. It's even illustrated by Peter Sis, a favourite of mine, and the combination of fun poems with his great pictures is a fabulous one. There's some that'll tickle your funny bone, or just fun to read or dream about. Here's a sampling:
"My dragon's been disconsolate
And cannot help but pout,
Since he defied a thunderstorm
That put his fire out."

Happy Reading everybody!

The End of an Era

Often nostalgia will hit me whenever my kids develop past a certain stage. Mostly because I find the stage so cute in it's own way, that I grieve knowing that my Ben or Brigham will never be like that again. Oh there's excitement for the next phase, but still nostalgia for what will now be no more. But I said OFTEN.
Such is not the case with Brigham this week: he is finally, and completely potty trained! I'm over the moon about this new development. It's hard to wax nostalgic about dirty diapers, particularly as a few months ago Brigham decided that Mummy was the only one allowed to change him (I still suspect that Jason got him to develop such a decided preference in his favour).
Just over a week ago I decided it was high time to bite the bullet and begin his potty training in earnest. After my experience with Ben, I was bracing for the long haul; bribery, and fortitude over a period of a few months. But wonder of wonders, and miracle of miracles, within a week Brigs had got it! Now he just announces when he has to go and if he needs help. One of my favourite moments was one evening when he raced into the livingroom saying "I went potty Daddy! You're so proud of me!" Well, yes Brigham, we are. Brigham just seems to love being such a big boy and wearing underwear too.
After four straight years of doing diapers, it is a glorious feeling to be done them. At least until September, when we get to start all over again...

Book of the Week

One of the great advantages of feeling so sick lately has been the comfort of good books. As Dad says, you can always tell whenever I'm really sick, because then I even refuse to read! Luckily, such has not been the case with these pregnancy symptoms. Admittedly, the floor may go unwashed and we will eat far more cold cereal than is normal, but at least I can still curl up with a good read. Check these ones out.

A Portrait of a Young Girl:
I love history, but not of the grand historical figures, not the pomp and grandeur of the mighty and great, of the leaders. They are all too well documented. What fascinates me is the lives of the ordinary souls- what of their story? Take the holocaust for example. We all know the horrifying numbers of the victims, but often the faces and personalities fade behind the staggering tragedy of it all.
That's why I love "Hana's Suitcase" by (forget her first name) Levine. There are few books that make me cry, but this one did and it is beautiful. It is the slow unraveling of a mystery, a telling of two stories that are intertwined. It begins at the Holocaust Museum in Japan. The curator has on display several items donated from Europe, but what garners the most attention and curiosity is a child's suitcase with a name painted on it:Hana Brody. After countless question about her, the curator begins a quest to uncover the truth about Hana; who she was and what happened to her?
The other half of the book is the story of Hana herself, and the two stories go back and forth leaving you cheering for them both, anxiously reading to know what will happen next. A beautiful story full of sadness and ultimately, hope.

Tub Trouble:
Now here is one that I would never have found one my own. Thankfully, I did due to a treasury of beloved picturebooks compiled into one that we got for Ben's first Christmas. We all love "The Tub People" by Pam Conrad in our family. It is a great peek at what just what it might be like for the toys living near you. The tub people are a little family who lead a happy lie lined up along the tub and filled with fun whenever bathtime comes along. But when tragedy strikes and one of them gets sucked down the drain, how can there possibly be a happily ever after? Naturally there is, and the end is so very satisfying that I never tire of reading this wonderful tale anytime my munchkins clamour to hear it yet again.

The Little Events in Between

Well, Valentine's has come and gone yet again, and it's started me thinking. As Jason can attest to, I love an excuse to celebrate, and almost anything will do. I find these little events be it Groundhog's Day, Valentine's or whatever help to perk up the usual path of life. It adds a splash of colour to what otherwise might have been just a gray expanse of weeks going by.
After some years of my little "events" I have come to notice something: I am more fond of the little events I have created myself or with my family than some of the bona fide holidays scattered across my calender. Here's my top three:

1. Pi Day-more commonly known as March 14 (get it? It's 3.14). Celebrate by eating an abundance of pie.

2.The Frances Picnic- First, read all the Frances books by Russell Hoban to appreciate these great picturebooks. Then once it's warm enough in the spring, this marks the first real picnic of the year, with some of the delicious food mentioned in the Frances books of course. We like including fried chicken in ours.

3. Talk Like A Pirate Day- celebrated on September 17 (which, coincidentally is my due date). It's where you get in touch with your inner pirate. You can talk like one, and the munchkins and I choose to dress like one too! Find a bunch of good pirate books to read from the library, hold the skull and crossbones high, eat a good piratey dinner (no cutlery allowed) and "ARRRRRRR!" to your heart's content.

Books on a Budget

Despite Jason's protestations to the contrary, we really do need another bookshelf in this house. I am not one of those practical souls who contents myself with the perusal pleasures that the library affords: there are certain books that are worth owning your own copy of. As such, each book on our tightly crammed bookshelf is one we love and not one I am likely to relanquish.
This is problematic as I have become quite adept at finding books on a budget (a necessity during our years as students). It's almost a sport really, how good of a deal can you find on a book you badly want? Here's my standard venues:

The Chains-naturally they are used, if only because I love ordering their books for cheaper online and receiving packages in the mail. It is the most expensive option though so I don't use them often, usually used just for acquiring anything hot off the press.

The Independents- while seldom cheap,everyone needs a favourite one of these. Not only is it important to encourage variety when it comes to shopping, but I've found my favourite independent will find what I want, even if it is not in their catalogue. They're more prone to specialize too.

The Second Hands- Here is book hunting at it finest, because you never know what treasures you might find every time you go! Possibility and delight may await you on each shelf. These are the ones where you don't go in with expectations of what you want, but can simply enjoy the fun of browsing.

The Libabry Sales- Go with a fellow bibliophile to aid and abet you (like I did last weekend-thanks Eva!) and make an outing out of these! It's unbelievable what you can uncover admist all the books the library is hoping to clear off their own shelfves in the hopes that you'll take some to your own. It's hard to beat books for a dollar that are still in good condition, just be prepared to hunt more here than in anywhere else. Still, you can usually find a few treasures hiding among the tripe.

See what I mean? Having just accquired no less than fifteen new titles from my foray to the later venue this past weekend, I am quite out of space on my shelf, yet badly need a home for the latest accquisitions! Although a new shelf would be rather empty at first, knowing me, it would not stay empty for long.

Cookie Fever: The Grand Finale

I know that this post is long over due, but I simply had to share these pictures form when we made our very own gingerbread house in December (see "Cookie Fever, Part Two).


Ben was pretty enthusiatic about his gingerbread house-it was like a candy explosion!

Brigham spent most of his time working on quality control and sampling the candy instead of festooning it on his house.All in all, we had a grand time, and the boys are already begging me to do it again next year.

Catching Up

Hello everyone! My blogging has lately been seized by sudden sluggishness of late, so it is time to start anew.Here's what's been happening for us...
For those wondering from my last blog entry, yes, the gingerbread houses actually turned out to be quite a success. Ben loved festooning treats on his cottage, while after applying a few gumdrops Brigham opted to just munch the plethora of candy before him instead. It seemed to make an impression-they're already talking to me about doing it again next year at the very latest. As for photos of the event? The moment that I either find or get a new cable for connecting the camera to the computer, you shall see pictures galore.
In other news, I got to ring in the new year with a new, challenging (sometimes overwhelming) calling: I'm the Primary president in our branch. I just love Primary, and I find that there is much to learn and do-truly a humbling experience! It helps remind me that, no, when all is said and done I do NOT know everything! Luckily for me, I have the world's best counsellors; they're enthusiastic, organized and love Primary too. Also, they're experience in serving in a Primary presidency is more extensive than mine, so I am blessed to have them!
Last of all in our news is something very exciting: come this fall we will be welcoming a new member into our family! I know, I spill the beans each time very early, but I'm quite atrocious when it comes to keeping happy news a secret. We're all pretty thrilled, and Brigham keeps asking me why he can't see the baby in my tummy. Soon enough kiddo, soon enough...