Baby Bear

So, Hubby is off and away again. This time on course in Ontario. We all were able to drive him to the airport and see him off on Monday, for which I'm grateful. The kids enjoy getting those last hugs before seeing him go off into the building.

Monday morning was nice and slow. Didn't have to drop anyone off at school, no rushing around anywhere. We were able to drink our coffee together, sort through what might be missing from his bags , and have some low key time.

Monkey was worried that her daddy would be lonely. She has these two bears. One is smaller than the other, but their colouring is very similar, so she calls them mommy bear and baby bear. She walked very sombrely up to Hubby as he was zippering up his back pack that last time with baby bear in her hands.

"Daddy, baby bear is worried you might need company. You can take him with you if you want." (Imagine those big blue eyes...)

"But won't you miss baby bear, Buddy? Maybe baby bear wants to stay with you."

"Dad, it's okay. You take him with you. So you won't be lonely."

So Hubby tucks the bear into his bag, asks if that was okay with Monkey, and then we all went off.

For our countdown this time away we have four little jars, filled with Hershey's hugs, with a label on each written "A hug from Dad for ___" and that first night they were so excited to get their hugs from Dad.

The next morning the first thing Monkey asked was "Mommy, I wonder how baby bear is doing?" So I texted that to Hubby along with a picture of Monkey and mommy bear. They first words Girlie said were "When can we set up the Christmas tree?" but that got other thoughts of mine going. Where will we put it, how will we move things to make space for it, things like that.

But, back to the bears, Hubby brought the little guy with him to the course. He took a picture and sent it so she could see him keeping her company. And today the little guy was all over the place! Nearly eaten by another hungry padre! All cuddled up with another. There are some chaplains from a European country there with our Canadian ones for the course and some of them took pictures of the wee bear and sent them back to their homes far far away! It looks and sounds as though baby bear is having quite the adventures!

Remembrance Day

Lest we forget

Yesterday was difficult for me. Remembrance Day usually is. I have always felt immense pride and gratitude for the service of our military, and Remembrance Day is an amazing way to stop and reflect on the sacrifices that have been made and are daily made.

Wednesday evening, Hubby got out his black kit and rag. We sat in the kitchen, him on the stool with a shoe in one hand and a soft rag in the other, I sat on a kitchen chair, and we talked as the reflection in the black began to shine. The motions of the rag rubbing and polishing and the smell of the polish itself is so familiar. Talking about the household, the kids, the outcome of the election we witnessed to the south of us, plans for the week and the school services the next day.

I can remember in snippets and images seeing my father do the same when he was in the service. Seeing the blackened soft rag amongst his shoes in the closet when my sisters and I would go through and try mom's shoes on (didn't last too many years for me as my feet are nearly twice her size now). I recall wanting to wear his hat too, and smile every time our crazy crew gets Daddy's hat from him to carry into the house and they wear it and grin.

Last week when we went to visit family I learned some really neat and interesting things as my parents and I went through tons of old pictures. I knew some of the history about when my grandfathers served in the second world war. I knew that my mom's dad was Canadian and fought with the Allies. I knew that my dad's father was in Latvia and fought over there. How it was originally explained to me, eons ago, was that they fought for whichever side served their country's interest. So I knew that the Russians and the Germans both occupied that country and that some likely fought on both sides. My grandfather fought under German command. And did what he needed to do. My father said that his dad never spoke of what happened, didn't keep pictures of that time, and let it lay buried deep. You do what you have to do.

In a world where there is the talk of black and white, and "bad guys vs good guys" it's incredibly important to remember the grey. After getting back from the service yesterday I spoke with the kids about what they saw and heard, what they know, and what is important to remember. They have their father, who proudly wears a uniform. Many good friends who wear a uniform, and not only military. We've seen a lot of the red serge of the RCMP this week, including some very close friends. I reminded them that one of their grandfathers used to be a serving member. That all four of their great grandfathers were in the service during WW2, three for the Allies, one for the Reich. Then I had to answer questions from the four year old about why one of her great grandfathers was one of the "bad guys".

Lots and lots of feels. Watching some amazing advertisements that highlight the service and unlimited liability that comes with it. There's a Guinness commercial that brings out the all the emotions (here it is). Hubby showed it to my dad when we were there and they shared a moment.

As we started during our Halifax posting, Hubby and I went out with another service couple (RCMP) last night. Lots of fun, some serious conversation, some light hearted, very needed. Our server was an American, was in the Marines for four years and came up to Canada for school and her husband. Really neat to hear her experience and the mutual respect among uniformed members across borders.

On the edge of our table we had a drink for those who have fallen. In loving memory of the sacrifices made and are daily made, of every day putting that uniform on and feeling the weight of the past generations, the weight both supporting and guiding. We will remember them

another little trip

This week last week was a really good one. We had Halloween (and I totally didn't take any pictures!! So sorry for anyone who was looking for some), Smarty had his last French cooking class (chocolate mousse. YUMMY), Monkey had her first preschool field trip (to the public library), and we took the kids out of school the last two days of the week to go visit family down in the southern part of the province. My maternal grandmother has been having some health issues and we wanted to go visit. 

As we were planning out the time we'd be away, I realised that we could either postpone our trip to Peru for next week, or we could take my parents to South America with us. I am glad we went ahead and did our kitchen travels! Since Hubby has been to Peru, he helped Monkey make the choice for the meal and he prepared it. I made the dessert. We had Lomo Saltado, a beef stir fry served with rice and french fries.  Dessert was Turron de chocolate (it was a toss up between that and Tres Leches). Big hit, both of them.

Work and school again tomorrow, though. And Hubby leaves again for a few weeks starting next Monday. This week we prepare for Remembrance Day. Sergeant is so excited. He came home from school one day and was talking about how his class was in charge of doing the Remembrance Day assembly at school and he hoped he would be chosen to MC because he volunteered for it. Then he brought home, a couple days later, a copy of the Act of Remembrance that he will be saying part of during the program. He's been practising, Daddy is going to be there and speak for a few minutes to the students, and possibly later in Smarty's class as well. 

As part of a tradition we started in Halifax, the evening of the 11th is a date night. We have a sitter booked, we'll be going out with another service couple (he's RCMP). And, of course, we will attend a service during the day. Hubby is leading one in the city and we will be there.

Tunisia and India

We have been to North Africa. And that was a very fun culinary experience for me! Sergeant was looking at Tunisia in school, so that was where he wanted to go next. We looked at recipes, i found something I thought the children would enjoy, and he found a dessert he wanted to taste. So I made pasta and chicken bharat for supper last Friday. I really, really enjoyed combining the spices and following the recipe, smells of cinnamon and turmeric filled the house. I really enjoyed it, the kids didn't really care for it. It wasn't a vehement disgust, just... meh.

However, the dessert was WOW! I did them on Sunday, because of timing and plans, and they were a big hit. A pastry called "Yo-yos". They are a yeast doughnut with orange juice and zest dipped into a lemon honey for a glaze.  I'll definitely make them smaller next time, but there will be a next time! 

They were so so good! Definitely an unexpected flavour with all the citrus, as a friend or two pointed out when I shared the goods. And super duper sticky.

Last night we went to India for our weekly trip. Girly's choice. So the idea was to have chicken korma (which everyone loved!!) and tapioca pudding. Was going to make kheer, but I'll likely make that today or tomorrow instead. Mmmmmm.  Rice pudding....

And next week (might end up being the week after)Monkey wants to go to Peru. Hubby has made a few suggestions that he recalls having when he went there way back when, so that might mean that he and Monkey do that one.  We'll see how that goes.

Halloween costuming is well under way, Hubby has returned home from the field safely, crafting is continuing. I have added crochet to my list of things I've learned and developed in the last year, and I'm debating the idea of getting at table at the middle school's fundraising event and selling some things. Not sure if I'll have sufficient stock by the time it's on, but we'll see.

So things are moving along and everyone is staying busy. It is fantastic having Hubby back for a few weeks, and Monkey and I enjoyed a nice day yesterday with him being off work. Very surprised that there is no more white frozen stuff on the ground. That first weekend Hubby was away we had snow and ice and everything, but it's all gone now. Yay! We might not have to have snow suits under costumes on Monday!

Off and Away!

He's off and away, just pulled out of the driveway with coffee in hand. Last night we had conversation at the dinner table checking in with the kids, seeing how they were doing, reminding them that Hubby was going to be leaving in the morning and wouldn't be home for a couple weeks. Monkey was given her family "homework" yesterday afternoon and wanted to do that with Dad, so they had that special time together.

I have emergency numbers in case I need to get a hold of people, I have a fantastic little community of people I can access to ensure I don't isolate myself. Life continues as normal, just a bit more lonely. It's only a couple of weeks.

We had parent teacher meetings for all the school aged children last week and Hubby was able to make all of those. It is always enlightening to hear about the way they interact outside of the home when we aren't present. No concerns for any of them academically, little social concern if any. We are blessed to have these amazing sponges of knowledge in our lives!

Sergeant has been taking "Who Would Win?" books out from the library and, even though he has read just about every single one, I had to read the two he brought home to the crew before bed last night. Polar bear vs Grizzly bear: Who would win? It was hilarious to read! Urusus maritimus (translation being: bear water) and Urusus arctos horibilis (translation being: bear bear really scary), which led to a language discussion on scientific naming. The word Antarctic: no bear. The word Arctic: Bear! There were so many giggles!

Today will be a hugs and cuddles kind of day for everyone. More slowing down and hugging, trying to be more patient as children sort through their feelings. I'm not going to cook supper (tons of leftovers in the fridge from the last couple evenings) so Smarty and I will do a bit of baking, rake up the yard before the forecast snow arrives tomorrow, and simply be. I have my list of what I would like to accomplish while Hubby is away. It's actually the same list I have had to do for the last few weeks, but I have given myself a hard deadline now, so that'll get done.

Girly got a new beanie boo. Little colourful stuffed animal that have invaded our house over the last few years. She raced through her "popcorn words" (sight words for class) so she got to pick a prize. Because she picked this little fuzz ball, the others dug theirs all out and we have been overrun again.
There are, apparently, a mommy, a daddy, assorted brothers and sisters, cousins, and babies. Sigh.  At least they are softer on the feet than cars or Lego.

Part of Smarty's academic goals was to look into different parts of the world and try other foods, so when I was doing up the week's meal plan the kids decided that we should "visit" Australia. So, since I am not going to order crocodile for us to prepare and eat, I have decided that we will have "snags and tomato sauce". That's all I'm telling the kids. But they will enjoy it. Hard to go wrong with ketchup and sausages. I'm having Smarty look up and research Australian cuisine and he'll tell his siblings what he finds tomorrow night when we take our little "trip". I'm excited for this exploration.

September!

There have been times in the last month that have been more difficult. All the balls up in the air, trying to remember which ones to catch when, looking at other balls thinking "I need to pick that one up" then forgetting about it until right before the deadline is, making appointments, keeping appointments, rescheduling appointments, thinking about the future and shifting towards it.

I went on a school field trip with Smarty a couple weeks ago to a program called "City Slicker". The classes go to a local farm, learn about the growing of food both meat and vegetation, and then we went to the pavilion in Stony Plain where they talked more about safety and grains and animals. The children all had fun and I was so glad I was able to go with them. 

Miss Girlie has lost so many teeth recently I think the tooth fairy may need to take out a loan to pay for all the fruit she's getting! And tonight she had her first filling for a small cavity. Brave girl giggled most of the way through the procedure and the dentist said she's never had the pleasure of working on such a relaxed child in that chair. :) 

Sergeant is adjusting very well. At the end of each week the teacher gets them to write a little blurb to their caregivers about their weeks and signs off using the nickname I've given him here on the blog! He loves the affection of the name and is such a caring, smart child. After school yesterday he ran up to me all excited telling me about a new child just moving into their class, So friendly!

Monkey has had a rough couple weeks, even more rough few days more recently. A few weeks into her routine of preschool and chief errand runner with me has resulted in a few extra hugs and some bedtime regression. Added to that is the fact we decided that the time for her to have her num was done. So as of Sunday she hasn't had a soother. Leading up to the first night was rough, but the actual bedtime was fine. Monday was okay at naptime and fine at bedtime. Naptime Tuesday was the screaming fit from hell that lasted nearly an hour. Again, bedtime was okay. Today she fell asleep in the van and yelled for a little bit when I moved her, and bedtime was good. I hope the naptime yelling stops soon... I suppose if I don't put her down for a nap she can't throw a fit, but then it's not as pleasant an afternoon...

Pumpkin cinnamon buns with salted caramel frosting. I will copy the recipe and post it, but I made two double batches a couple weeks ago. The first round I accidentally forgot egg and sugar in the dough so I obviously HAD to make them again paying closer attention to the ingredients. WOW, is all I'll say. I've made them before, but I don't remember them being quite this amazing!! 

Also, I knit now. I decided to learn while we were crossing the country this summer (can't recall if I mentioned this before). But, I completed a scarf by the time we left Winnipeg, and I started a surprise for Hubby almost a month after we got here when I came across cadpat yarn. That is to say, yarn int the colour scheme of the cammo our Canadian troops wear. I worked on it during bedtimes he was away and at odd times of the day, and completed it his morning and gifted it to him when Monkey and I went out to the MFRC at the base this morning. I am so incredibly pleased with it and he has received many comments on it already. I wanted it done before he left for a few weeks and am thrilled that I met that goal :) Woot Woot!

A week and a half in

A week and a half into the school year. A week and a half into the school year and we have already lost and found a laptop. A week and a half into the school year and we have already lost a tooth.  A week and a half into the school year and we haven't been late for the bus even once. A week and a half into the school year and we haven't been late getting to the school for drop off or pick up.

We have been able to get to sleep early enough that emotions aren't too difficult to handle the next day. We have had snacks, lunches, and water bottles packed each and every day. We have had wardrobe changes and fights over weather appropriate garb. There have been heels dug in over suppers made and (shock horror) absolutely having to finish what is put in front of you.  There have been discussions over the best flavours in the world and why every opinion not agreed upon by the speaker is just plain wrong.

There have been after dinner walks to the park, after school bike rides, and sharing meals that were made abundantly. There have been busy filled weekends with good friends and family members not seen in too long. A road trip to see dinosaurs and climb steppes. Time travelling into the past of Edmonton. Impromptu suppers, snacks, and general play dates.

There have been a couple really rough nights for a couple of children and trying to find ways to adjust to make fewer of those. There have been awesome long talks after bedtime between the parents about all sorts of things. There has been a blossoming of household work that is being completed with slightly less complaint by children. There has been an uptick of physical activity by all members of the family.

A week and a half into the school year and some friends have been made by all children, and talk about missing old friends. There has been a saying goodbye to a five year old as she transitioned to the age of six. There was some soothing of fears over that shift in age as she was in tears the night before because she didn't want to get bigger. Which in turn brought me back to my thirteen year old self crying over the exact same thing. Growing up is hard sometimes...

There have been rainy days and sunny days. There have been days where I have changed clothes three times because it starts off cold, warms up nicely, then cools right off again. There has been laundry done, put off, and done. There has been a culling of clothing in the children's wardrobes and an increasing need to go through the winter gear.

And in the next two weeks of school there will be preschool FINALLY starting, the first of the field trips, back to school BBQs, and picture days. There will be more notices about classroom blogs, hot lunches, and reminders about book orders. There will be the shift to warmer gear needing to be worn to school and an increased need for meal planning.  There will be doctors appointments gone to, eye and dentist appointments made, and (hopefully) routine firmly established.

There will be the start of Halloween costume prep, a narrowing down of what each person wants to be, and shopping for supplies for this year's projects. There will be knitting and sewing, baking and cooking, and planning an evening out for myself for socialization while Hubby goes away for a few weeks in October. There will be a meet and greet for the chaplain team and spouses here, and a date night thrown in too for good measure.

September is only started and it's filling up fast!