Pre-Blog Post Comment:
I have been quiet on my blog, not because things have been going bad, but because they've been going very well. I have leveled out and been stable for almost 2 months now. I have been productive, motivated and happy. It's been great, but I've been using that toward things like housework, journalling, university (yep, you heard me right) and such.
***
I've had lots of people ask me about what a bullet journal is and what do I use it for. I actually am working out of 4 of them right now. I know it sounds ridiculous, ha ha. Here's what they are:
1) My current general bullet journal that will be full at the end of the month
2) The general bullet journal I'm preparing to move to in May
3) My bullet journal that is strictly for tracking university stuff
4) My mental health journal
So I decided to share on here how I use each of them. First up is my mental health journal. I use a monthly overview to track physical symptoms (appetite, tiredness, cramps, etc), behaviours and habits (taking meds, eating meals, amount of recreational technology use, etc) and my moods throughout each day. I also write a little daily summary for each day about my mental health that day. Now that I have graduated from counselling, it is especially important for me to keep track of things so that I can easily see if I need extra help again down the road.
Next is my university journal. I recently registered for my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. I may go for my Masters in Counselling after that, I'm not sure yet. I am taking 1 course over the summer. I can't submit anything for an official grade until June 1, but because I already have access, I started doing the work this past Monday. Here are the things I track in my school journal:
-Tuition Payment Tracking (both of my parents are helping, as well as John and I, so this keeps everything straight)
-Courses Tracking (course code, start date, end date and final grade)
-Daily Schedule (how I'm staying on track with school, housework and life)
-Semester Overview (an at-a-glance spread where I can track important dates like exams)
-Course Information pages (name of course, grades for assignments and exams, unit topics)
-Test Prep Tips (I get exam anxiety, so this is a big thing for me)
-Week at a Glance (planned work for each day, appointments, meals I ate each day and daily hydration trackers)
-Dailies (log of how I spent my time and daily tasks for school work)
(I use an app called ATracker on my iPhone to keep track of how I spend my time)
Last is my general bullet journal, which is my most used and most loved. Here's what I put in it:
-Annual Calendar
-Calendex (future planning using a calendar/index hybrid, I LOVE IT)
-Prayer Log of people I'm praying for
-Annual Goals and Steps of How I Plan to Achieve Them
-Financial Trackers
-Books to Read & Ones I Finished
-Weight Loss Tracker
-Planned Outfits (This is my motivation to not wear PJs 24/7)
-Self Care Ideas
-Boys' Cleaning Trackers (They have to do 30 days to earn a reward)
-Stationary Wish List (right now I'm working on Tombow Dual Brush Markers)
-Presents to Buy for People (birthdays, Christmas, etc)
-When Did We Last? (change toothbrushes, oil, furnace filter, backup laptop, etc)
-Birthdays
-Ink Tests and Swatches
-Packing Lists for Travelling
-InCoWriMo 2019 Plans
-Monthly
-Level 10 Life Assessment
-Affirmations
-Climate Tracker (high, low, pop, air pressure and quality, etc)
-Gratitude (1 or more things each day)
-Mood Tracker (I use this super cute mandala thing that I love)
-Journalling Challenge (I am doing Boho Berry Challenge)
-Days and Tasks to Keep in Mind
-Health Tracker
-Habit Tracker
-Week at a Glance
-Appointments and Events (taken from my Calendex)
-Tasks
-Suppers
-Chores
-Exercise Plans
-Contact People Plans (so I don't forget)
-Future Appointments (referenced into Calendex)
-School Council Notes and Tasks (I'm secretary)
-Dailies
-Expected Weather
-Planned Schedule of Day
-Tasks to Complete that Day
-Appointments, Events or Birthdays that Day
-A small write-up about things that happened that day
The goings on of our geeky little family and the musings and soapbox moments of the lone female in the group.
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
February 2018
So I've found that now that I'm bullet journalling it's easier to remember what to blog about. I have all of my events and appointments in one place, and each month has a page specifically for me to write what I want to blog about from that month.
Early in February we got to watch the 2 episodes of Family Feud that our friend, Heidi, was on. We enjoyed getting to see it and hearing about how hot her husband is (ha ha).
Caleb went to a gun show with his uncle and cousin. He bought himself a hunting journal and a set of throwing knives. He is so excited to be old enough to start hunting this fall. Where has the time gone?
I bought a kitchen table for $10 that I'm going to refinish this spring. I'm really excited about this project.
We brought my drafting desk in to the house and it sits right in front of our big living room window. I love having something of mine in here.
Things got pretty rough for Caleb for a while. His anxiety and depression reared their ugly heads. We stayed right on top of it. His psychiatrist put him on an antidepressant, we met with the teachers at the school about it and he will start counselling next month as well. We can already see the medication making a big difference for him and are so glad we dealt with things immediately. We are also blessed with him having such a wonderful pediatric psychiatrist.
We had a nasty cold go through our house this month. It started with Brettley having croup and ending up in the ER one night. I joked that it's not winter until one of our kids goes to the ER with severe croup. It spread to his chest and from there we all took turns being sick. I'm still fighting mine off.
Ty sang the US and Canadian national anthems at the Hurricanes game with the school choir this month. They did very well, and he loved it.
John and I managed to find time to have a lunch date at Tony Roma's this month. We also played my original D&D campaign for the first time in years. I loved it.
For the first time since last May, I dyed my hair. It is a really fun shade of red and I am loving it. I really needed a pick-me-up, and it helped a lot.
Ty and Brettley started basketball camp on Saturdays at the school. They aren't terribly coordinated, but they had fun. I also registered Brettley for soccer starting in late April. He is super excited about it.
This evening we got to go to the grade 1 project-based learning showcase at the school. Brettley showed us a bunch of stuff about animals he did. He was so proud of himself.
Also, I am currently going through a change with my meds. While we got my anxiety mostly under control, my depression was/is still extremely bad. So the psychiatrist lowered my Seroquel from 75 mg back down to 50 mg, because I'm tired all of the time. I have now started taking Cipralex (an antidepressant) in addition to that. Hopefully we will figure out what will work best for me. For now, I'm just taking things 1 day at a time, sometimes 1 hour at a time. My bullet journal gives me something to focus on that helps me find a bit of happiness, so I'm really grateful that I took a chance and tried it out.
Early in February we got to watch the 2 episodes of Family Feud that our friend, Heidi, was on. We enjoyed getting to see it and hearing about how hot her husband is (ha ha).
Caleb went to a gun show with his uncle and cousin. He bought himself a hunting journal and a set of throwing knives. He is so excited to be old enough to start hunting this fall. Where has the time gone?
I bought a kitchen table for $10 that I'm going to refinish this spring. I'm really excited about this project.
We brought my drafting desk in to the house and it sits right in front of our big living room window. I love having something of mine in here.
Things got pretty rough for Caleb for a while. His anxiety and depression reared their ugly heads. We stayed right on top of it. His psychiatrist put him on an antidepressant, we met with the teachers at the school about it and he will start counselling next month as well. We can already see the medication making a big difference for him and are so glad we dealt with things immediately. We are also blessed with him having such a wonderful pediatric psychiatrist.
We had a nasty cold go through our house this month. It started with Brettley having croup and ending up in the ER one night. I joked that it's not winter until one of our kids goes to the ER with severe croup. It spread to his chest and from there we all took turns being sick. I'm still fighting mine off.
Ty sang the US and Canadian national anthems at the Hurricanes game with the school choir this month. They did very well, and he loved it.
John and I managed to find time to have a lunch date at Tony Roma's this month. We also played my original D&D campaign for the first time in years. I loved it.
For the first time since last May, I dyed my hair. It is a really fun shade of red and I am loving it. I really needed a pick-me-up, and it helped a lot.
Ty and Brettley started basketball camp on Saturdays at the school. They aren't terribly coordinated, but they had fun. I also registered Brettley for soccer starting in late April. He is super excited about it.
This evening we got to go to the grade 1 project-based learning showcase at the school. Brettley showed us a bunch of stuff about animals he did. He was so proud of himself.
Also, I am currently going through a change with my meds. While we got my anxiety mostly under control, my depression was/is still extremely bad. So the psychiatrist lowered my Seroquel from 75 mg back down to 50 mg, because I'm tired all of the time. I have now started taking Cipralex (an antidepressant) in addition to that. Hopefully we will figure out what will work best for me. For now, I'm just taking things 1 day at a time, sometimes 1 hour at a time. My bullet journal gives me something to focus on that helps me find a bit of happiness, so I'm really grateful that I took a chance and tried it out.
Thursday, February 1, 2018
January 2018
January began with the passing of the prophet, President Thomas S Monson. I loved hearing him talk and tell stories in his comforting grandfather voice. He was a shining example of humble service. He will be greatly missed. My boys were very sad. Caleb was only a toddler when President Hinckley passed away, so this is the first time he has gone through this, really. It was so comforting to know that the Lord already had a plan in place for who would next lead the church, under His direction. I could see in the past couple of years how President Nelson was being prepared to take up the task, and grew in my love for him and his devotion to doing the work of the Lord.
I started reading again this past month, which was a big deal. I had stopped reading when I got really sick last year, so it's nice to be enjoying something that has been a lifelong hobby for me. Brettley also hit a reading milestone and is officially reading grade 2 level books now. I suspect he'll get to grade 3 books before the end of the year. Caleb is now reading high school level books, and apparently asking college level questions in science class. Ty has grown to love reading so much this year, which is such a joy to see.
I began my calling in nursery and was surprised by how quickly I fell in love with it. I had been in nursery when we left Edmonton and it had never been a happy place for me there, but here I instantly felt connected to these young ones and love their sweet little spirits. They are truly a joy to be around.
I discovered bullet journaling this month. It's a system that was made for me, I'm sure. I love lists, calendars, being organized, office supplies, and this combines them all. I've been loving it!
I finally got around to making a large wall calendar project that I'd been wanting to make for the past several years. John was a big help with it.
I got to see C, L's mom, when we were out shopping one day, which was a wonderful experience.
I have started walking more, outside and doing steps inside when it's too cold or icy. I found this really cool thing where it tells you the distances between locations from Middle Earth (Tolkien's world), so I'm using that to set goals for myself.
Last weekend I attended our Stake Relief Society Conference, which was amazing. I attended 2 classes. The first was 'The Courage to be Imperfect' which referenced Elder Holland's October 2017 talk quite a bit. The second class I went to was 'Don't Look Around, Look Up' where we talked a lot about the need to look to the Lord instead of comparing ourselves to others. We all got to listen to Dr Wayne Burton talk as well as play and sing for us. There was a wonderful luncheon afterward. I'm so glad I got to have that uplifting experience.
Yesterday was Bell Let's Talk, which I actively participated in to help fundraise, but also to bring awareness about the need that still exists for more education for the general public, more research and better access to supports. Obviously, this is something that is very near and dear to my heart. Caleb had a psychiatrist appointment yesterday and he gets to come off of his last medication. It was a very happy victory to see him have come this far from where we were even 2 years ago. He is such a brave little fighter.
I started reading again this past month, which was a big deal. I had stopped reading when I got really sick last year, so it's nice to be enjoying something that has been a lifelong hobby for me. Brettley also hit a reading milestone and is officially reading grade 2 level books now. I suspect he'll get to grade 3 books before the end of the year. Caleb is now reading high school level books, and apparently asking college level questions in science class. Ty has grown to love reading so much this year, which is such a joy to see.
I began my calling in nursery and was surprised by how quickly I fell in love with it. I had been in nursery when we left Edmonton and it had never been a happy place for me there, but here I instantly felt connected to these young ones and love their sweet little spirits. They are truly a joy to be around.
I discovered bullet journaling this month. It's a system that was made for me, I'm sure. I love lists, calendars, being organized, office supplies, and this combines them all. I've been loving it!
I finally got around to making a large wall calendar project that I'd been wanting to make for the past several years. John was a big help with it.
I got to see C, L's mom, when we were out shopping one day, which was a wonderful experience.
I have started walking more, outside and doing steps inside when it's too cold or icy. I found this really cool thing where it tells you the distances between locations from Middle Earth (Tolkien's world), so I'm using that to set goals for myself.
Last weekend I attended our Stake Relief Society Conference, which was amazing. I attended 2 classes. The first was 'The Courage to be Imperfect' which referenced Elder Holland's October 2017 talk quite a bit. The second class I went to was 'Don't Look Around, Look Up' where we talked a lot about the need to look to the Lord instead of comparing ourselves to others. We all got to listen to Dr Wayne Burton talk as well as play and sing for us. There was a wonderful luncheon afterward. I'm so glad I got to have that uplifting experience.
Yesterday was Bell Let's Talk, which I actively participated in to help fundraise, but also to bring awareness about the need that still exists for more education for the general public, more research and better access to supports. Obviously, this is something that is very near and dear to my heart. Caleb had a psychiatrist appointment yesterday and he gets to come off of his last medication. It was a very happy victory to see him have come this far from where we were even 2 years ago. He is such a brave little fighter.
Sunday, January 14, 2018
(Very Late) 2017 Q&A
What can I say? I'm a few weeks behind, ha ha.
1) What did you do in 2017 that you'd never done before?
Made a move across the province based totally on faith, joined a school council, see Queen + Adam Lambert in concert, canning vegetables.
2) Did you keep your new year's resolutions and will you make more for next year?
To play more games with my kids, yes. To be healthier, not so much.
3) Did anyone close to you give birth?
Nope.
4) Did anyone close to you die?
Yes, my brother-in-law
5) What countries did you visit?
As usual, we didn't even leave our province.
6) What would you like to have in 2018 that you lacked in 2017?
Better anxiety management.
7) What dates from 2017 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
November 7th, for sure, the night that my brother-in-law's mortal journey came to a quick and unexpected end. Also, June 16th because it was the day we finally moved to Magrath. July 4th, for the concert, as well.
8) What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Honestly, getting through it was my biggest achievement. I was battling some extremely big trials.
9) What was your biggest failure?
I don't know that I'd call anything a failure, they were all learning experiences. (exactly what I said last year, but it still holds)
10) Did you or someone close suffer illness or injury?
Brettley's ear was sliced open really bad in November.
11) What was the best thing you bought?
The concert tickets!
12) Where did most of your money go?
A lot went toward moving, and we had to put quite a bit in to our van as well.
13) What song will always remind you of 2017?
Believer by Imagine Dragons
14) Compared the this time last year are you more happy or more sad?
I think (?) I'm happier. I was struggling a lot with anxiety at this time last year. I'm getting a good handle on my life the past couple of weeks and I feel positive about the future, so I'm definitely improving.
15) What do you wish you'd done more of?
Learning how to manage my anxiety better. That is probably my biggest goal for this year.
16) What do you wish you'd done less of?
Being depressed (?). Not a lot I could do about it, but I wish I hadn't needed to go through it.
17) How did you spend Christmas?
We did Christmas morning in our house (our nephew was here as well). Then we hosted a movie day in our garage for our most of our nieces and nephews, had supper with everyone (lasagna, garlic bread and Caesar salad) and then played Dungeons and Dragons with several of our nieces and nephews.
18) What was your favourite TV program?
Gilmore Girls (rewatching the series for the 5th time right now) and I got in to watching The Good Doctor.
19) What were your favourite books of the year?
All of the James L Ferrell books I read. They were all amazing.
20) What were your favourite treats/food in 2017?
Miss Vickie's Sea Salt and Malt Vinegar Chips (as always), SASH pizza and bacon.
21) What were your favourite movies of the year?
Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them. And Moana.
22) What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?
I turned 33. My dad was here that week, my brother came for a visit and I had very bad brain fog adjusting to a new dosage of my meds. Oh, I also had a few appointments that day.
23) What one thing would have made your year measurably more satisfying?
Not struggling with severe anxiety and depression.
24) How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2017?
If it fits and it's comfy then we're good, ha ha. (same as last year)
25) What kept you sane?
John, my niece (Charli), Aunt Christine, Alicia, Gilmore Girls and Dr Pepper
26) What was a valuable life lesson you learned in 2017?
Trusting in Heavenly Father and acting upon that trust, even when you can't see how things can possibly work out, will result in blessings that you can't even imagine at the time.
Also, don't try to fight your battles alone. Ask for help when you need it!
Finally, that severe depressive cycles won't last forever. YAY!
1) What did you do in 2017 that you'd never done before?
Made a move across the province based totally on faith, joined a school council, see Queen + Adam Lambert in concert, canning vegetables.
2) Did you keep your new year's resolutions and will you make more for next year?
To play more games with my kids, yes. To be healthier, not so much.
3) Did anyone close to you give birth?
Nope.
4) Did anyone close to you die?
Yes, my brother-in-law
5) What countries did you visit?
As usual, we didn't even leave our province.
6) What would you like to have in 2018 that you lacked in 2017?
Better anxiety management.
7) What dates from 2017 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
November 7th, for sure, the night that my brother-in-law's mortal journey came to a quick and unexpected end. Also, June 16th because it was the day we finally moved to Magrath. July 4th, for the concert, as well.
8) What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Honestly, getting through it was my biggest achievement. I was battling some extremely big trials.
9) What was your biggest failure?
I don't know that I'd call anything a failure, they were all learning experiences. (exactly what I said last year, but it still holds)
10) Did you or someone close suffer illness or injury?
Brettley's ear was sliced open really bad in November.
11) What was the best thing you bought?
The concert tickets!
12) Where did most of your money go?
A lot went toward moving, and we had to put quite a bit in to our van as well.
13) What song will always remind you of 2017?
Believer by Imagine Dragons
14) Compared the this time last year are you more happy or more sad?
I think (?) I'm happier. I was struggling a lot with anxiety at this time last year. I'm getting a good handle on my life the past couple of weeks and I feel positive about the future, so I'm definitely improving.
15) What do you wish you'd done more of?
Learning how to manage my anxiety better. That is probably my biggest goal for this year.
16) What do you wish you'd done less of?
Being depressed (?). Not a lot I could do about it, but I wish I hadn't needed to go through it.
17) How did you spend Christmas?
We did Christmas morning in our house (our nephew was here as well). Then we hosted a movie day in our garage for our most of our nieces and nephews, had supper with everyone (lasagna, garlic bread and Caesar salad) and then played Dungeons and Dragons with several of our nieces and nephews.
18) What was your favourite TV program?
Gilmore Girls (rewatching the series for the 5th time right now) and I got in to watching The Good Doctor.
19) What were your favourite books of the year?
All of the James L Ferrell books I read. They were all amazing.
20) What were your favourite treats/food in 2017?
Miss Vickie's Sea Salt and Malt Vinegar Chips (as always), SASH pizza and bacon.
21) What were your favourite movies of the year?
Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them. And Moana.
22) What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?
I turned 33. My dad was here that week, my brother came for a visit and I had very bad brain fog adjusting to a new dosage of my meds. Oh, I also had a few appointments that day.
23) What one thing would have made your year measurably more satisfying?
Not struggling with severe anxiety and depression.
24) How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2017?
If it fits and it's comfy then we're good, ha ha. (same as last year)
25) What kept you sane?
John, my niece (Charli), Aunt Christine, Alicia, Gilmore Girls and Dr Pepper
26) What was a valuable life lesson you learned in 2017?
Trusting in Heavenly Father and acting upon that trust, even when you can't see how things can possibly work out, will result in blessings that you can't even imagine at the time.
Also, don't try to fight your battles alone. Ask for help when you need it!
Finally, that severe depressive cycles won't last forever. YAY!
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Our 2017 in Review aka My Version of a Christmas Letter
Our 2017
January
Caleb went to visit Grandma and Grandpa. He caught a fish and named it Phil. Ty started helping with supper occassionaly so he can learn how to cook. Brettley had his third eye surgery for his strabismus. He was all smiles until after the surgery. He was then miserable until the nurse gave him a magical popsicle and they told us we could go home. He just wanted some comfort of familiarity. I actively participated in #BellLetsTalk day, opening up publicly about my personal struggles with mental illness.
February
Brettley turned 6 and had his birthday outing with his grandparents at West Edmonton Mall. Our oldest nephew came home from his mission, so we travelled for his homecoming talk. It was a trip that would change our lives forever. That was the weekend we realized that it was finally time to move down to Magrath. We also got to have our niece stay with us for a week. She was the first person to know we were considering moving. Caleb and I started decluttering our house in hopes of moving.
March
We had a family fun day at the Telus World of Science, courtesy of my sister and her boyfriend. The boys loved the Angry Birds exhibit. We also finished our homeschool year in mid-March. It worked out well for us that we finished then so that we could focus on getting ready for our big move, which we still hadn’t announced yet. Also, for the first time in Caleb’s life the Oilers went to the playoffs, which was a very big deal in our house. We had our annual birthday dessert on John’s dad’s birthday to remember and celebrate him.
April
The kids and I spent a week in Magrath visiting their aunt, uncle and cousins. Also, we officially announced our move at the end of April. John still had no job down here, but we knew it was the right thing and made the decision on faith.
May
My hair went teal for 3 weeks as part of my fundraiser for Relay for Life. We spent Mother’s Day in Wainwright with my mum because I avoid Mother’s Day like the plague. Rogue, our hamster, moved to her new home where she spent the last 6 months of her life. John and I went to Magrath for a long weekend to help get the house ready for our family. Brettley also learned to ride a 2 wheeler that weekend while the kids were staying with my dad. I did Relay for Life and walked 5 miles before I was ordered to sit the rest out, as I blistered up horribly. Still, I am so glad that I walked in memory of my father-in-law (pancreatic cancer) and in celebration of my mum (thyroid cancer survivor). Ty walked 6 miles and Caleb walked 6.4 miles that day. We never did figure out how much Brettley walked. They were amazing, though.
June
After 11 years in Edmonton, and 6 years in that home, we said goodbye. It was the longest I’d ever lived anywhere in my life. We moved in to John’s mom’s house, the house he grew up in. We also inherited a cat by moving in. Webster is adorable! John had to head back to Edmonton as he still didn’t have a job down here. The boys did some camping in the yard with their cousins. We also did daily gardening. We took the boys to the temple for a visit and they cleaned up the pieces of garbage they found on the temple grounds. They love the temple so much.
July
The boys spent time with their Grandma and Grandpa and I went to visit Edmonton. I got to go see the Queen + Adam Lambert concert with a good friend, which is a concert I’d wanted to see for years. They did not disappoint, it was amazing. I also spent a few days visiting my best friend before heading back to Magrath. Our niece came to spend most of the summer with me to help out with the kids. I could not have gotten through it without her. John came to stay for a week and I managed to sprain my ankle on his birthday, oops. The boys started swimming lessons, but Brettley only got to do a day or two before he ended up with croup and had to miss the rest of his lessons.
August
Caleb passed Swim Kids 4 and Ty passed Swim Kids 2. Caleb has asked to do 2 rounds of swimming next summer instead of just 1. He loves it. We started harvesting the garden. I got 16 pints of green beans and 20 pints of corn. John’s mom left for her mission. She is serving as an office specialist in the Canada Winnipeg Mission. We FINALLY got the news that John would be able to continue working for the Edmonton office out of the Lethbridge office. Many happy tears were cried the day we got the news. My niece and I took the boys to the corn maze, which they loved. Ty especially loved seeing the pigs that were there. John came home for good (YAY) and we got a barbeque. The boys got to take a tour of their new school.
September
The boys started school at their new school. Caleb went to grade 6, Tyrell to grade 4 and we opted to have Brettley repeat grade 1 so that he could learn how to handle a public school environment. Also, in the spirit of openness and honesty, this is the month where my mental illness just kept getting worse and worse, prompting me to seek help. I joined School Council, originally as Division 2 representative. Caleb turned 11 and received his Hogwarts Letter and an owl. Ty also started speech therapy, and has gotten so much better at both slowing down and pronouncing his r’s.
October
My dad came to visit for a week to help me out. We got snow, snow and more snow. The boys enjoyed their first official Snow Day. I baked cookies and even a Saskatoon berry pie. My brother came to visit me on birthday. What a wonderful surprise it was. John was called as the Young Men Secretary for our ward. Ty turned 9 and had his requested German Chocolate Cake for his birthday. For Halloween Caleb was a military pilot, Ty was Harry Potter and Brettley was Boba Fett. They went trick or treating with their cousins and had a blast.
November
I would really prefer to forget November happened, to be perfectly honest, as a very sad thing happened in our extended family. Brettley also sliced his ear very badly at school that month. He needed 5 stitches and glue for it. I eventually started decorating for Christmas. The lack of snow made it hard to feel festive, but it’s been fun having our geeky stockings up.
December
My mum came to stay with us for a week as I adjusted to a new medication dosage. It was wonderful and so much help having her here. Caleb took over Elf on a Shelf this year and has been doing great. We decorated our tree, which for the first time in our marriage is a real tree. Our brother-in-law next door cut it for us when he got theirs. We also have outdoor Christmas lights for the first time in our marriage, which are on our deck railing. They are beautiful and I love them. We also had our tankless water heater die on us and were without hot water for a week until the new tank got here. It was quite the interesting experience. My position on School Council changed and I am now the secretary. And…my good and okay days finally started outweighing my bad days! YAHOO!
Happy Christmas from Nikki, John, Caleb, Tyrell and Brettley
January
Caleb went to visit Grandma and Grandpa. He caught a fish and named it Phil. Ty started helping with supper occassionaly so he can learn how to cook. Brettley had his third eye surgery for his strabismus. He was all smiles until after the surgery. He was then miserable until the nurse gave him a magical popsicle and they told us we could go home. He just wanted some comfort of familiarity. I actively participated in #BellLetsTalk day, opening up publicly about my personal struggles with mental illness.
February
Brettley turned 6 and had his birthday outing with his grandparents at West Edmonton Mall. Our oldest nephew came home from his mission, so we travelled for his homecoming talk. It was a trip that would change our lives forever. That was the weekend we realized that it was finally time to move down to Magrath. We also got to have our niece stay with us for a week. She was the first person to know we were considering moving. Caleb and I started decluttering our house in hopes of moving.
March
We had a family fun day at the Telus World of Science, courtesy of my sister and her boyfriend. The boys loved the Angry Birds exhibit. We also finished our homeschool year in mid-March. It worked out well for us that we finished then so that we could focus on getting ready for our big move, which we still hadn’t announced yet. Also, for the first time in Caleb’s life the Oilers went to the playoffs, which was a very big deal in our house. We had our annual birthday dessert on John’s dad’s birthday to remember and celebrate him.
April
The kids and I spent a week in Magrath visiting their aunt, uncle and cousins. Also, we officially announced our move at the end of April. John still had no job down here, but we knew it was the right thing and made the decision on faith.
May
My hair went teal for 3 weeks as part of my fundraiser for Relay for Life. We spent Mother’s Day in Wainwright with my mum because I avoid Mother’s Day like the plague. Rogue, our hamster, moved to her new home where she spent the last 6 months of her life. John and I went to Magrath for a long weekend to help get the house ready for our family. Brettley also learned to ride a 2 wheeler that weekend while the kids were staying with my dad. I did Relay for Life and walked 5 miles before I was ordered to sit the rest out, as I blistered up horribly. Still, I am so glad that I walked in memory of my father-in-law (pancreatic cancer) and in celebration of my mum (thyroid cancer survivor). Ty walked 6 miles and Caleb walked 6.4 miles that day. We never did figure out how much Brettley walked. They were amazing, though.
June
After 11 years in Edmonton, and 6 years in that home, we said goodbye. It was the longest I’d ever lived anywhere in my life. We moved in to John’s mom’s house, the house he grew up in. We also inherited a cat by moving in. Webster is adorable! John had to head back to Edmonton as he still didn’t have a job down here. The boys did some camping in the yard with their cousins. We also did daily gardening. We took the boys to the temple for a visit and they cleaned up the pieces of garbage they found on the temple grounds. They love the temple so much.
July
The boys spent time with their Grandma and Grandpa and I went to visit Edmonton. I got to go see the Queen + Adam Lambert concert with a good friend, which is a concert I’d wanted to see for years. They did not disappoint, it was amazing. I also spent a few days visiting my best friend before heading back to Magrath. Our niece came to spend most of the summer with me to help out with the kids. I could not have gotten through it without her. John came to stay for a week and I managed to sprain my ankle on his birthday, oops. The boys started swimming lessons, but Brettley only got to do a day or two before he ended up with croup and had to miss the rest of his lessons.
August
Caleb passed Swim Kids 4 and Ty passed Swim Kids 2. Caleb has asked to do 2 rounds of swimming next summer instead of just 1. He loves it. We started harvesting the garden. I got 16 pints of green beans and 20 pints of corn. John’s mom left for her mission. She is serving as an office specialist in the Canada Winnipeg Mission. We FINALLY got the news that John would be able to continue working for the Edmonton office out of the Lethbridge office. Many happy tears were cried the day we got the news. My niece and I took the boys to the corn maze, which they loved. Ty especially loved seeing the pigs that were there. John came home for good (YAY) and we got a barbeque. The boys got to take a tour of their new school.
September
The boys started school at their new school. Caleb went to grade 6, Tyrell to grade 4 and we opted to have Brettley repeat grade 1 so that he could learn how to handle a public school environment. Also, in the spirit of openness and honesty, this is the month where my mental illness just kept getting worse and worse, prompting me to seek help. I joined School Council, originally as Division 2 representative. Caleb turned 11 and received his Hogwarts Letter and an owl. Ty also started speech therapy, and has gotten so much better at both slowing down and pronouncing his r’s.
October
My dad came to visit for a week to help me out. We got snow, snow and more snow. The boys enjoyed their first official Snow Day. I baked cookies and even a Saskatoon berry pie. My brother came to visit me on birthday. What a wonderful surprise it was. John was called as the Young Men Secretary for our ward. Ty turned 9 and had his requested German Chocolate Cake for his birthday. For Halloween Caleb was a military pilot, Ty was Harry Potter and Brettley was Boba Fett. They went trick or treating with their cousins and had a blast.
November
I would really prefer to forget November happened, to be perfectly honest, as a very sad thing happened in our extended family. Brettley also sliced his ear very badly at school that month. He needed 5 stitches and glue for it. I eventually started decorating for Christmas. The lack of snow made it hard to feel festive, but it’s been fun having our geeky stockings up.
December
My mum came to stay with us for a week as I adjusted to a new medication dosage. It was wonderful and so much help having her here. Caleb took over Elf on a Shelf this year and has been doing great. We decorated our tree, which for the first time in our marriage is a real tree. Our brother-in-law next door cut it for us when he got theirs. We also have outdoor Christmas lights for the first time in our marriage, which are on our deck railing. They are beautiful and I love them. We also had our tankless water heater die on us and were without hot water for a week until the new tank got here. It was quite the interesting experience. My position on School Council changed and I am now the secretary. And…my good and okay days finally started outweighing my bad days! YAHOO!
Happy Christmas from Nikki, John, Caleb, Tyrell and Brettley
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
November 2017, Part 1
We have had cold after cold pass through our house the past few weeks. I guess that's the hazard of having the kids back in public school. I think John's the only one who really hasn't been hit by it.
Brettley asked one day if I could make him play dough. I got more creative than usual and made him chocolate play dough. He loves it!
We got the kids' school photos back and they look awesome!
Our November 7 started and ended very sadly. In the morning, our former family pet (Rogue the hamster) passed away. Later that night, we were awoken by the kind of phone call that you never want to get. Our brother-in-law in Edmonton had been in a fatal car accident. He was up north by Grande Prairie for work and his vehicle hit a moose. We were in the same ward as them for over 11 years and it has been a heartbreaking couple of weeks. How blessed we have all been to have the knowledge that we are an eternal family. We have been asking our family and friends to please keep John's sister and six kids in their prayers at this time as they move forward from this. I shared some thoughts about Mike on Facebook that I'd like to put up here as well:
Brettley asked one day if I could make him play dough. I got more creative than usual and made him chocolate play dough. He loves it!
We got the kids' school photos back and they look awesome!
Our November 7 started and ended very sadly. In the morning, our former family pet (Rogue the hamster) passed away. Later that night, we were awoken by the kind of phone call that you never want to get. Our brother-in-law in Edmonton had been in a fatal car accident. He was up north by Grande Prairie for work and his vehicle hit a moose. We were in the same ward as them for over 11 years and it has been a heartbreaking couple of weeks. How blessed we have all been to have the knowledge that we are an eternal family. We have been asking our family and friends to please keep John's sister and six kids in their prayers at this time as they move forward from this. I shared some thoughts about Mike on Facebook that I'd like to put up here as well:
"I have had thoughts swim through my head over the past few days that I would really like to share about my brother-in-law. I first met Mike before John and I were even a couple. Mike had come to Grande Prairie to visit John for August long weekend. In the years after he always liked to tease me that he had known before John and I did that we would end up married.
Mike loved his family, his Heavenly Father and his Saviour above all else. He prioritized making memories with his wife and children. He was one of the most selfless people I've ever met. He was always willing to help anyone in need and served whole-heartedly and quietly in his callings. I remember seeing him carry a whole auxiliary on his shoulders without a single complaint. Mike was a shining example of self-reliance and humility.
Mike was and is family that I love and respect very much. He will be an asset to the spirit world in teaching souls there about the fullness of the gospel that he loved so dearly. I am so incredibly grateful at this time for the knowledge that the family is meant to be an eternal unit and to know that through temple marriages our family will remain family with Mike for eternity. We love Mike and pray for his work in the gospel to continue to be amazing on the other side of the veil."
So many things have been put in to perspective for us this month about what's truly important in life. The things I'm learning are:
1) Take more photos as a family and of our candid moments
2) Take videos of each other that include our voices
3) Focus more on making memories together as a family
4) Work on being more selfless and humble
5) Give your very best to each calling you hold
6) Love everyone in spite of and because of the differences between you
7) Learn to let the little things go
8) Keep in touch with friends and extended family better
Among others...
So many things have been put in to perspective for us this month about what's truly important in life. The things I'm learning are:
1) Take more photos as a family and of our candid moments
2) Take videos of each other that include our voices
3) Focus more on making memories together as a family
4) Work on being more selfless and humble
5) Give your very best to each calling you hold
6) Love everyone in spite of and because of the differences between you
7) Learn to let the little things go
8) Keep in touch with friends and extended family better
Among others...
Monday, November 6, 2017
Belated Birthday Post aka Nikki Turned 33
So I feel like I'm not blogging often enough. This is the only journal I keep for myself and our family, unless you include things like Facebook and Instagram. I realized that I did fact about Caleb and Ty for their birthdays, but I didn't do facts for me about mine (probably because I was in a medication fog at the time). So I'm doing them now. My belated 33 facts about myself for my 33rd birthday.
1) Growing up, my favourite colour was blue. In the past 10 years it changed to purple, as that's the colour for pancreatic cancer awareness. Plus, purple is awesome!
2) My state of mind is almost always directly related to how clean or organized my house is.
3) When I was upset about something as a teenager I would deep clean and rearrange my room.
4) I don't really like chocolate, never really have. Most of it gives me toothaches.
5) I have a slight obsession with Dr Pepper. Okay, I'll own it, it's more like an addiction.
6) I have acquired a cat since moving to Magrath. It was sort of a family cat before that occasionally showed up here, but now (especially since it's snowy and cold) he's over here hanging out more often than not. His name is Webster and I love him.
7) I am severely terrified of mice. Like, whenever we've had mice in the past (thanks, town homes) I left home until it was 'safe' to come back. This might be one of the reasons I love having Webbie around so much.
8) I joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when I was 19. I am deeply grateful for the perspective that being an adult convert gives me.
9) I am currently growing my hair out. It has been short for years, but it's too hard to maintain it as short as I like it and the wind down here demands the option of a ponytail.
10) I love sour or salty snacks. Miss Vickie's Sea Salt and Malt Vinegar chips are probably one of my favourite snacking foods of all time.
11) I reached a huge milestone this year. I have accepted and embraced my current weight and size. It has lifted a huge weight off of my shoulders and I wish I'd done it years ago. Nevertheless, I'm grateful to be at this point now.
12) I currently hold a position on my boys' school council.
13) This summer I went to my first concert ever with a good friend.
14) I have an incredibly diverse taste in music. My playlists include everything from classical to alternative, country to punk, gospel to metal, and several other genres.
15) I love baking, I just am not a fan of doing the dishes afterward.
16) I have made homemade perogies, pickled beets, nylysnyky, cabbage rolls, sausage and sauerkraut. I love my Ukrainian ancestry.
17) I find quads boring because I grew up driving a trike and I miss being able to steer that easily.
18) I have driven a combine and harvested canola before.
19) I have always be a pretty good shot with firearms. My uncle was so sad the day I declared I wouldn't hunt when I turned 12.
20) I am incredibly allergic to canola pollen. I have to take Benedryl every night and alternate between daytime allergy meds during the days to be able to function when it's in bloom.
21) I was a cheerleader in grade 12.
22) I don't eat anything that lived in water. Fish, shellfish, seaweed, any of it.
23) I am very sensitive to the smell of pineapple, particularly if it has been canned.
24) I started reading at the age of 4 and have loved reading ever since.
25) My favourite book, contrary to what most people think, is not a Harry Potter book. It's To Kill a Mockingbird.
26) My favourite movie is Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, Extended Edition.
27) I am not good at auditory learning. If I don't see it happen or read the words, I have a hard time retaining what was said to me. It cracks me up that I love music so much and am so good at understand the lyrics, because it totally goes against how this usually works for me.
28) My favourite food is bacon. I LOVE bacon!
29) I have 2 people from mine and John's first primary class that I still keep in touch with. They have become dear friends and like family to me. They are now 18 and have become amazing young adults.
30) I intentionally don't put my kids in activities outside of church ones because I hate the idea of being an over-scheduled family. Our lazy evenings and weekends are precious to me.
31) I love reading books that help me learn more about the gospel. This year I've really been enjoying the books written by James L. Ferrell.
32) I had a Cabbage Patch Doll while I was growing up. Her name was Winifred and I called her Winner. I saw a Cabbage Patch Doll identical to her on a TV show this past week and it made me super excited. I think John wasn't sure what to do with me.
33) I love playing Dungeons and Dragons. We had an amazing group we played with in Edmonton. We still play together online, but I sure miss gaming together in person and having yummy treats along with it.
1) Growing up, my favourite colour was blue. In the past 10 years it changed to purple, as that's the colour for pancreatic cancer awareness. Plus, purple is awesome!
2) My state of mind is almost always directly related to how clean or organized my house is.
3) When I was upset about something as a teenager I would deep clean and rearrange my room.
4) I don't really like chocolate, never really have. Most of it gives me toothaches.
5) I have a slight obsession with Dr Pepper. Okay, I'll own it, it's more like an addiction.
6) I have acquired a cat since moving to Magrath. It was sort of a family cat before that occasionally showed up here, but now (especially since it's snowy and cold) he's over here hanging out more often than not. His name is Webster and I love him.
7) I am severely terrified of mice. Like, whenever we've had mice in the past (thanks, town homes) I left home until it was 'safe' to come back. This might be one of the reasons I love having Webbie around so much.
8) I joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when I was 19. I am deeply grateful for the perspective that being an adult convert gives me.
9) I am currently growing my hair out. It has been short for years, but it's too hard to maintain it as short as I like it and the wind down here demands the option of a ponytail.
10) I love sour or salty snacks. Miss Vickie's Sea Salt and Malt Vinegar chips are probably one of my favourite snacking foods of all time.
11) I reached a huge milestone this year. I have accepted and embraced my current weight and size. It has lifted a huge weight off of my shoulders and I wish I'd done it years ago. Nevertheless, I'm grateful to be at this point now.
12) I currently hold a position on my boys' school council.
13) This summer I went to my first concert ever with a good friend.
14) I have an incredibly diverse taste in music. My playlists include everything from classical to alternative, country to punk, gospel to metal, and several other genres.
15) I love baking, I just am not a fan of doing the dishes afterward.
16) I have made homemade perogies, pickled beets, nylysnyky, cabbage rolls, sausage and sauerkraut. I love my Ukrainian ancestry.
17) I find quads boring because I grew up driving a trike and I miss being able to steer that easily.
18) I have driven a combine and harvested canola before.
19) I have always be a pretty good shot with firearms. My uncle was so sad the day I declared I wouldn't hunt when I turned 12.
20) I am incredibly allergic to canola pollen. I have to take Benedryl every night and alternate between daytime allergy meds during the days to be able to function when it's in bloom.
21) I was a cheerleader in grade 12.
22) I don't eat anything that lived in water. Fish, shellfish, seaweed, any of it.
23) I am very sensitive to the smell of pineapple, particularly if it has been canned.
24) I started reading at the age of 4 and have loved reading ever since.
25) My favourite book, contrary to what most people think, is not a Harry Potter book. It's To Kill a Mockingbird.
26) My favourite movie is Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, Extended Edition.
27) I am not good at auditory learning. If I don't see it happen or read the words, I have a hard time retaining what was said to me. It cracks me up that I love music so much and am so good at understand the lyrics, because it totally goes against how this usually works for me.
28) My favourite food is bacon. I LOVE bacon!
29) I have 2 people from mine and John's first primary class that I still keep in touch with. They have become dear friends and like family to me. They are now 18 and have become amazing young adults.
30) I intentionally don't put my kids in activities outside of church ones because I hate the idea of being an over-scheduled family. Our lazy evenings and weekends are precious to me.
31) I love reading books that help me learn more about the gospel. This year I've really been enjoying the books written by James L. Ferrell.
32) I had a Cabbage Patch Doll while I was growing up. Her name was Winifred and I called her Winner. I saw a Cabbage Patch Doll identical to her on a TV show this past week and it made me super excited. I think John wasn't sure what to do with me.
33) I love playing Dungeons and Dragons. We had an amazing group we played with in Edmonton. We still play together online, but I sure miss gaming together in person and having yummy treats along with it.
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