Today is a chemo day for Brady. Its one of the big ones. A double whammy.
Every two weeks, he goes for treatment. We say chemo, but its actually technically immunotherapy. But once every six weeks, he takes a cytotoxin alongside the immunotherapy. That pill is the actual chemo part. And that is the HARD part.
And that day is today.
Today, the IV would not cooperate on his left side like usual, so his treatment is pouring in on the right. It feels appropriate 💜
This is his promise, and mine, to God Himself.
We’ll be off to the lake once Brady is home from treatment 💜 Lord protect us.
I promised. So here’s the story of how my family was asked to leave Value Village last week. I won’t lie – it left a really bad taste in my mouth, and I was rattled for a couple of days over it, just because of how strange it felt. I tried to type it out the next day, but we got a new baby and that beat out the weird VV experience. Anyway. I’m here now.
July 2nd, while Wavys birthday, was actually an incredibly challenging, disjointed day. Lots of things didn’t quite go as planned. It wasn’t all bad things, per se, but just unpredictable and lots of need to pivot and redirect. It wasn’t fun, but we rolled with it.
We had a longer stretch of time in the city that was unexpected and welcomed. I have quite a list of things I have my eye out for an Value Village, but the trips in are always rushed. That day, we had time! Wavy was with Cher, and Dekker is at camp, so I took the six in. Rowan had a cart with Spoons, and Solly pushed a cart with LD and Peanut.
If you’ve been out with us in public, you know I am very aware of my kids. I know kids get into mischief, and while some people love to say “let them be kids” and not teach them what is and isn’t socially acceptable, that is not how we do over here. As we walked down aisles, I was reminding kids not to touch everything they saw, to stay to one side when people came around, and to stay close. We went through the kitchen section, which I can really drag out. I picked up some pottery, and an electric frying pan for making roll kuchen. Decor is in the same area. Left most of that behind…
*ironic foreshadowing*
We made our way over to books, which we scoured through until we had read every title in the youth/childrens chapter books. I think we picked up 10ish books. We moved into blankets and toys, where we scope for specific things every time we go, and then over to shoes, where a couple of the kids eagerly looked for sandals. Rowan is fairly opinionated with shoes, so Value Village is great because there is always a wide variety. We finally found a pair he really liked that fit well, and they weren’t even crazy expensive. So into the cart they went!
As we went along, multiple people stopped us to engage with and compliment the kids and how well behaved they were. And I felt really proud of them, because I totally agreed! I kept them focused, but had to correct them very little. It was going smoother than usual.
At that point, I decided there was enough time left for us to head over to the activewear section so I could finally try to grab a few tank tops for the summer. I’ve tried a handful of times to no avail, because as you know, moms come last. But we had time this time!! So I walked over there. We went down the centre aisle through the clothing section, all the while reminding kids to stay close, please.
So here’s where it happened.
As I ushered the kids and carts into the aisle with me, an employee was part of the train of kids. She said something about driving, and my assumption was that she was referencing the kids being helpful, because that really seemed to be the theme that day. But when she repeated herself, she was loud and condescending, and said children were not permitted to push cart. She loudly, slowly said “YOU NEED TO BE DRIVING, MOM.”
I was quite surprised. I said to her “This is a policy? I have never heard of such a thing here, or anywhere else.”
“Yes, thats our policy” she barked back.
“Well. I have three babies, and your carts can only sit one. Can a person with three babies just not shop here?”
“Maybe!” she responded.
I was completely shocked. I looked at my kids, whose eyes were welling up out of total confusion, and I looked back at her. I said to her again “I have never heard of such a policy. We’ve never had a problem.”
And she raised her voice and waved her hand at us, loudly demanding we “take it to the front then!”
Looking at the kids, I knew there was no way I could make a scene with them. So I looked at our cart, and looked at the kids, and said “Well. I guess we have to leave then.”
“Great!” the cranky lady said, and promptly walked away from us.
Now, let’s pause for a second here.
I recognize that all parents think their kids are perfect, even when they’re being jerks.
I recognize that lots of parents are inattentive these days, and that lots of kids do come in and destroy stores. They make huge messes sometimes.
I recognize that people don’t always celebrate when a mom and 6-8 children enter a store.
I recognize that when you see enough bad, you stop seeing the good, and assume everyone sucks.
The thing is – my kids were not being jerks. They were not making a mess. They were not whipping around the aisles, riding carts, or pulling things off shelves and hangers. They weren’t being loud or disruptive. They were honestly just doing so unbelievably well, and I was watching it, SO impressed.
And then this lady came and just knocked them right down.
So I walked out of Value Village with my kids, tears streaming down most of their faces. We got to the van and everyone burst out crying. They were so upset. They couldn’t understand why this woman had been so mean and so mad at us. They were so obedient and somehow, still got punished.
They had their cry, and then I said it was time to call the manager. The kids were quiet instantly and waited eagerly. The store did not want to put me through to a manager, but they did it anyway. I spoke confidently and explained what had happened, and the managed was aghast. She was outwardly upset, and SO apologetic. She wanted to know what the employee looked like and what we remembered about her. I told her the section we had been in, and that it was literally within the last five minutes. I asked her directly if there was ANY policy about children pushing carts, and she said absolutely NOT. Not. At. All. She said never has anything resembling this issue come up, and it would not again. She promised me she was going to figure out who they were as soon as we were off the phone. She apologized again, and we hung up.
But then the kids remembered the stuff. Rowan wanted those sandals. And we had picked out awesome books. It was such a good haul to leave behind.
So I locked the van up with the AC on, and I went in. Our cart wasn’t cleaned up yet, so I grabbed it and zipped it through self check out. I didn’t look around. I just paid, packed, and left.
I got back in the van and the kids thanked me for going back for their things. We sat quiet for a minute, and I said I figured we should get lunch. Rowan sniffled from his spot and said “I’m feelin’ fries and shakes.” So thats what we did. McFlurry for me.
It was a VERY odd experience. I felt upset about this woman coming at us for literally no reason at all. But more than that, I felt SO protective of my children, and watching their confusion and hurt was devastating. Even once it was all resolved, Laela cried, and asked why this woman would say these things and want us to leave. She felt insulted, and it was so hard to watch.
Anyway. I hated it. I haven’t gone back. But its only been a week. I’m sure I’ll go back at some point. But it really rattled me, and its taken a little bit of time to come back from. I don’t think it will ever happen again, but I don’t desire to see that lady ever again either 😬 Was not our best day.
Luckily, its long gone already. But! Now you know!
I had a few less children today. Rowan and Solomon are at camp, and two babies went to visits. We were down to only FOUR!!! HALF of our group!!
Todays baby visits were double the length of standard visits. Usually they’re two hours long, but today, both babies have four hour visits that overlapped!!! That NEVER happens!!! Normally, with a longer visit like that, we’d go home in the middle. But today, with the way timing worked out, once babies were dropped at visits, rather than going home, we decided to zip across the river and see if I could make it to Bradys oncologist appointment. And it worked!! He had even picked up iced coffee for us!
The appointment was really good, actually. I feel hopeful that Bradys next cycle of chemo (starting this Friday) will be better than the last one. We will pray, and do whatever we can to prepare on our end of things.
After Bradys appointment, he headed back to work, and I took the kids to Tims for a quick lunch. And then we went to the south Value Village. I still have a bad taste in my mouth about the last time we got kicked out of the north one. 🙄
Wait. Did I even post about that yet?!?! Oh my gosh. We’ll go there soon, guys. Not today.
We thrifted for a nice stretch. I got a cute mug (as I do) and a few other small things. Books. And I finally made time to look at tank tops, and found some for me for the upcoming summer. Left a few things behind…
We made our way back to the visiting areas, making one or two more stops along the way. More books at another thrift store. It was so smooth and simple with fewer kids, hahaha! Don’t get me wrong. I actually love going places with my kids! But some places are easier than others, and some days, it is easier than others, also. And this was a nice stretch of time where we could mosey a little in the city with almost no complaints. I liked it.
The outing wrapped up hard, but thats foster care for you. Home we went, and all the fun new things were dispersed into their new spots.
“Imagine you’re drowning, and someone hands you a baby.”
The days are pretty gutless when we have a new baby. Likely any new placement would stir things up as we learn them and they start to learn us. Sugar beet is much the same. Baby is not a great napper, though a pretty good nighttime sleeper, which I’d definitely prefer if given the choice. Daytime productivity is off the books for the moment, as it seems, and thats ok. Mostly. Its hard when there is so much to do. It feels like I’m only hands-free when I’m driving, in which case, I am driving, so…..
Getting supper on the table was a fun challenge today. Dekker paced with Sugar beet for a while, but seemingly god bored (?) and set baby down, so naturally, baby cried. And Dekker didn’t seem put off by that 😅 It’s ok. We got through it, and everyone did eat. For the first time in the day, Sugar beet actually slept soundly for a time without being held.
Except. Baby is currently sleeping on my cozy chair.
*sigh*
So I can’t even sit comfy for the moments that I’m baby free!! Feels intentional. Punk baby.
I tease. I love Sugar beet. I miss crocheting a little bit 🤏 but I’ll get that in on the drive to camp. Baby obviously comes first 💜 No question.
Today was an incredibly quiet day. That doesn’t mean it was an altogether easy, nothing day, but it was quiet.
Laela took off in the morning to go have a date with Cher 💜 They went to the university, took some pictures for her grade six graduation, got a treat or two, and read outside together. It certainly seemed like a magical day for Laela. She was SO excited when she left, and still SO excited when she came back. What a precious gift.
Wavy played really well throughout the morning, and then got invited out to a friends house in the afternoon. Their play date extended into the evening, through supper, and they even went for a dip in the pool at a friends acreage. Lucky girl!
Dekker was home, but he had the run of the house for the most part. The few jobs I asked of him, he crushed first thing, and then he had the day to play. He biked around town all he wanted, worked on his bike and went back out, and he got some quiet reading time as well.
Spoons and LD slept in like crazy, but were still very ready and eager for their nap time after lunch, so they were a quieter group today as well.
Our latest addition, who will henceforth be known as Sugar beet, doesn’t have an awesome routine as of yet, which makes sense considering the early age. So while I didn’t get to be especially productive, Sugar beet did leave room for me to sit in a rocking chair for quite a stretch today, which was both annoying (if we’re being totally honest) and peaceful. It was a good day for it.
I did a HUGE amount of emailing/texting/research/correspondence in general today, so I suppose I can feel some level of accomplishment. And I snuggled a baby who just really needed to be held, which is also productive 💜 It just looks different than what is pictured as the norm for a successful day.
But nothing over here is normal, anyway 😅 So who cares. Not I.
After writing this out, I can say with more confidence that perhaps a quieter day in itself is an accomplishment. I am very grateful. For today, and the life we’ve been given, I praise the Lord 💜
We are officially into summer camps!! Oh boy, at first I typed “supper camp.” I’d go there. Anyway. Summer camp. Or, as my kids call it, overnight camp.
This week, we are short a couple. I was not organized enough to take a picture of the cute group of them who stayed at Kinasao this week, but I can show you who I’m keeping this week!
Master Dekker.
He is back from his week at the Redberry Rise program, which he LOVED. Much to his chagrin, he is back home 😆 I’m confident he’ll be back there before long. Not sure how that all works just yet. But he is eager to get back there and keep serving in a new way! I couldn’t be prouder of him.
Darling Laela.
She had some great water time today, where she shivered like crazy, but still avoided coming to shore. Very Laela. Her camp week with Avery will come soon enough, but not yet! It’s all good, though. She’ll go on a date with Auntie Cher tomorrow! Lucky lady always has something to look forward to.
And Miss Wave.
Waverly got stung by a wasp today :/ She cried, and then she decided to put something cool on the spot. Naturally, our girl was wearing her Christmas dress, which is basically threadbare at this point, so she held a water bottle overtop of it and said it felt way better. It was virtually gone a couple of hours later, and she was completely over it. She might be our toughest cookie out of ALL the cookies we have over here.
So I’ll have just the three this week! Well and the babies. So six. Without Rowan and Solly, I anticipate some quieter moments 😅
My brain is pretty tired. This last week has been BURSTING with foster stuff. Visits booked and cancelling. Visits going forward. Visits happening that you wish didn’t. Tons and tons of information to process as well. A baby leaving. A baby coming. New meds, feeds, and overall systems to learn. My brain feels quite overloaded and like it needs a bit more processing time before it can really start making original thoughts again.
Today was able to be a pretty restful day, for which I am so grateful. We moved slowly. We enjoyed food and drink and downtime when we could get it. It was not a fast paced day, and that was alright with everyone.
I imagine my brain will catch up shortly, but I’ve felt stuck on repeat this weekend. Thankfully this coming week doesn’t look too crazy so far. Plus we’ll be down a couple of kids, as two will be at camp!! It changes the dynamic of our family so much when we’re missing one, so being without two will be a whole different vibe! But I’m hopeful we’ll have an awesome week, and that they can too at camp! I lived for camp as a kid, and I know they love it, too.
The last three days have been absolutely wild. Lots of foster visits, meetings, and information to process. My brain is mush. But, still, we made it to camp!! 🥳 We are short our Dekker and Laela for the night, though they will be back with the group tomorrow morning. Unpacking was different without their help, plus with the new babe making a bit of a scene.
Regardless 🙌 we’re here. Unloaded. Enjoyed a fire and some nice conversation. A beer. Nerf guns. New friends at the park. It is beautiful here. It always is. But I hope my brain settles down soon and decides it understands enough from the last few days to keep moving forward.
I was a few paragraphs into todays blog that, trust me, is going to be a doozy. However, the day got CRAZY when we learned that Peanut was going to move along and someone new was coming to join the crew.
It was a rushed trip into the city, and a quick goodbye, which felt wrong. But Peanut is able to move into the same home as sibling, which is AMAZING!! But there was some yummy bonding there that I will dearly miss. No one elses face lights up the same way when I kiss them. It was VERY precious.
But now, someone else needs a place, and the ministry was struggling to find placement. So here we are. Back to a family of ten, but with a shuffle. And I feel very optimistic with it. We have LOVED Peanut. And will continue to! But this will be lovely, too 💜
So the day ended up being incredibly scrambled, but it turned out nicely.
Tomorrow, it will be even more scrambled! 😅 Must meet entirely different needs for an entirely different person!!
Miss Waverly Violet turns SEVEN today! Can you believe the huge event that was her birth was that long ago already?!?! It feels like only yesterday!
But it wasn’t yesterday. It was seven entire years ago. This last year, she has GROWN!
Somehow, she has this perfect balance of being flawlessly beautiful and also a total dork. I LOVE this girl.
Wavy moves on up to grade two next year. She reads well, and runs like the wind. She does not focus on much of anything 😆 but she brings incredible joy to most everyone she meets.
This little girly had kept us on our toes, feeling deeply, but also being so silly and playful.
I am so excited to see what Waverly becomes as she grows up. This girl could do anything! She is a hard worker with a willing heart and seemingly bottomless energy.
Lord, you brought Wavy into our lives at exactly the right time. We were so sure there was one more babe to come, and as life would happen, she would be our final baby 💜 The most beautiful little finale there ever was. THANK YOU for knowing so much more than we do, and for bringing Wave to us so perfectly. She came with an amazing about of peace, as well as joy that just keeps on giving! We are so unbelievably grateful!
We love you, Waverly. You add aaaaall kinds of flavor to our family. We would not be who WE are without YOU!
SEVEN WHOLE YEARS!! Wow, Wave!!! Happy birthday, sweetie!!! 😘 I love you I love you I love you!!!
