So, at school today, in Industrial Arts, we were making gum ball machines! Weird ones! Our teacher said we could bring them home today!
Here’s how it works: you put the gum balls in the compartment. (picture 1) How do you do that? The small hole in the top! (picture 2) Then there is a dowel that they fall onto. (picture 1) The dowel has an indent, which means a gum ball can fit in it. Then you turn the dowel so the gum ball rolls through a little hole – I call a mouse hole – to the main area. (picture 1) Then in the bottom, instead of wood, we cut out the bottom, so it is just fabric. (picture 2) The gum ball rolls onto the fabric, and you hit it with your mallet! (picture 2) You’re probably wondering why the string is there. Instead of having plain wood walls, you probably want to see the whole process happen, right?🤨 Well, look no further! I have made string walls!😄 I threaded the string in and out through the holes in the top and bottom. (picture1 & 2) The string is tight, so gum balls won’t fall through! Here’s an end picture, and hope you like it!😏
I feel sicky icky today. Just the beginnings of a cold, I believe, but these body aches are not gentle! Yikes!
I had a crummy encounter with the visiting apartment that we take our kids to see their families. I got a call that I missed a visit today, which I did not. I struggle to find the balance between being rude and being a pushover. Today, I firmly asked them to look back at our text communication. When they did, they seemed frazzled and said something along the lines of “Never mind.” To this, I responded, again, politely but firmly, “Was this my error or yours?” They admitted it was theirs, and I asked that they please let the visiting family member know. I wouldn’t have been so forward, however, this is not the first time this place has rocked horrible communication.
Shortly thereafter, I received another call from them, but this time from the woman who runs the bookings. She started off by apologizing to me. She told me upon looking back, she could see my request to not visit today, but next week. I had even confirmed and specified the date and time. She said clearly that it had been her error, and that she had owned her mistake completely when speaking to the person who had arrived for the visit. She spoke humbly and said “Usually we are on the same page, and Hailey is not one to just miss visits.” I loved that. I appreciated it SO much.
I still feel crappy. But it sure helped to know I had someone stand up for me, even in the midst of owning their own problem. It was SO much easier to let this all roll off because of this persons genuine apology. More people need to know this. A REAL apology diffuses SO many bad feelings, or even potential discomfort.
What was a frustrating situation turned into some reassurance from the visiting suites, as well as some connection between me and the person who came for the visit. We were able to text after and commiserate a little bit. No bad blood.
I am relieved. And also totally relieved that the day is wrapping up! Cheese buns and chicken soup for this sicky pants!
Today was Monday. Very Monday. Not in a “all Mondays suck” kind of way, but definitely, definitely Monday.
I tried to organize my thoughts. Make some lists. I sat on the floor a lot. When I wasn’t on the floor, I had all three babies stacked on top of me. More than usual. The renovation moved forward. Its looks great! I took a bunch of screenshots of emails and school notifications that I need to put on the calendar. I did not put them on the calendar. The after school hustle and bustle of getting the girls to and from ballet. Easy supper for the kids, because Monday. Adults eat after bedtime. Kids wind down and tuck in. Evening routine is wrapped. Supper time for Brady and Hailey.
We made it to church today! 💪 Got all the babies bathed this morning, even. Thats saying something, especially since one who was pro bath as changed their stance to anti. But we made it through and got there with time to spare! Two Sundays in a row of NOT being late! Heyooo!
I thought this was cute. Rowan fills in a sheet every Sunday and then gets a treat in our mailbox in the weeks following. He didn’t have a clipboard this week, but Brady handed him the garment guard from his wheelchair. Smart, hey?? Who would’ve thought that thing would double as a table?!
Also a fun thing! Got a really hard puzzle done! ✅
And then we even punched out a new one! Only 500 pieces, but still counts! This picture is more about the dorks, though.
Speaking of dorks…
They come by it honestly.
Well. We’re weirdos but we’re also pretty comfortable with that. Its nice to be able to be strange and not have to really apologize for it 🤣
Eating a meal with ten people is never quiet. It is always at least somewhat rowdy, which I’m sure is unsurprising to most. As the noise level rose and all the action continued, there was a consistent “Mom! Mom! Mom!” in the background that, I’ll admit, did not register for a while. I wasn’t ignoring anyone on purpose. I just hear it so often, I didn’t really hear hear it, you know?
Anyway. I finally heard heard it, and leaned to look over at LD in their high chair. I waved and said hello, and baby excitedly lifted up their feet, pointed, and exclaimed “FEET!”
🤣
I wowed and commented something along the lines up “Yup, those are your feet, great find” as you do. But man. Somehow that just got me in the heart today.
I had only been on the road for a couple of minutes when I realized something was wrong with the bus. Even though Cher had lovingly started my vehicle for me ahead of time, the whole thing was completely frosted over. I soaked the windshield with washer fluid to clear it off and hit the road. But only a couple of minutes in, I reached out to feel the air blowing, curious why it wasn’t keeping my windows clear. And the air was ice cold. I checked my gauges and the engine was indeed warmed up, right in the middle where you want it. So shouldn’t I have warm air going??
I had the thought that maybe something was just a little stuck, so I turned my air on full blast cold, and then back to hot, thinking maybe I’d jiggle something loose. But nope. Nothing doing. In my head, I figured I’d take this kid to their visit, and call Brady on the drive back, seeing if he had any ideas.
Aaaaand then everything started dinging.
Alerts. Overheating engine. Stop now.
My heat gauge was a lot closer to the top.
So I pulled over as fast as I could, threw on my hazards, and turned the van off. Called Brady. We sat for a couple of minutes on the phone before I turned it all back on and started to drive again. I was good for maybe 30 seconds before the engine heat started climbing. Probably not even that long before I had to stop and turn it all off again.
*sigh*
So while I waited for the engine to cool again, I did all my texting. Told Cher I was coming back home, since she was there with the babies. Texted Brady back, as he had already contacted our mechanic. And texted the visiting apartment that their babe would not be in attendance after all.
And then I drove those five minutes home for about twenty minutes 🤣 stopping and starting like a fool. Once I was closer to town, and the speeds were lower, I coasted a lot more, which seemed to help the engine chill out a little (literally) because it didn’t have to work as hard, I think. Thank goodness I wasn’t holding up any other vehicles. The only one who was trapped behind me was a dear friend of mine who saw me stopped at the side of the road and came to pull in and check on me 💜 Trapped willingly, I suppose.
Thankfully, we weren’t too far away. Thankfully, we made it home. Thankfully, our mechanic and his wife are amazing and will help us out, and even come pick up the van. Thankfully, our little one is too young to realize they missed a visit. Thankfully, we are all safe.
Today, I find myself really extra grateful for the health benefits our family receives through work. We were self employed for so long, and paid for everything out of pocket. That being said, times were simpler and there was a lot less to pay for 😂
Yesterday, Laelas glasses broke. The nose pad came off. But like, OFF off. The little arm that held it on there and everything. Gone.
Laela isn’t especially rough on her stuff. I feel like kids glasses aren’t really made to last especially long, and we hadn’t gotten her new glasses last time around because hers were still holding up and her prescription hadn’t changed. But the suckers finally gave in yesterday.
I called about an appointment, and her yearly check up that is covered by Sask Health isn’t due for another sixish weeks or so. However. We have insurance!!! So we booked in and I took her this afternoon.
How bonkers is that?!
The day after her glasses broke, she had a new pair on order. And you know how much insurance didn’t cover? $16. We went $16 over. I didn’t have to think about the brand, the coatings, etc. She could choose what she wanted, and we could order it, walk out FORGETTING to pay 😳 and to find out after the fact that we were literally COVERED. It was incredible.
I am so incredibly grateful for Bradys work, and how good they have been to us. When Brady was promoted to management, the idea of better benefits never had crossed our minds. Out of nowhere, he was given an updated card, and BOOM. Our family is completely and utterly taken care of. It doesn’t hurt that we have beautiful connections in so many other places either, such as our eye care place 💜
Thank you, Lord, for providing for us constantly, so often through those around us. We are never not taken care of, and we see that every single day.
It’s advent time again and this year Hailey really stepped it up. It’s not beer this year, it’s…. Whiskey!!!! What an absolute treat! I’m so excited!
A Whiskey Tour Around The World – 2nd Edition.
I guess my beard wasn’t up to snuff when the first edition released but I am more than pleased to partake in this array of daily sippin’s. It promises a tour of 24 exciting whiskeys from around the world. And it comes with a book with descriptions, fun facts, and pictures about each whiskey as well as two glencairn whiskey glasses with which to partake. 🥂The bound books which hold each tiny bottle are pretty fun too. Lastly, the handmade wooden bookcase that holds all the books is beautifully crafted with wood joinery and the like! Incredible!
Now so I’ve just recently started enjoying finer whiskeys and the like. I have no idea what hints of this and essences of that to look for. It might be pretty whisky, but bear with me as I try.
1. Paul John – Single Malt Whisky- India – 46%abv – I enjoyed this as the kickoff. It’s very simple and delicious. I can taste some oakiness. Some sweetness. But not too strong any which way. It’s just a smooth flavourful whiskey. Yum! – 3/5
2. Flóki – Icelandic Single Malt Whisky – Iceland – 47%abv – Wow! Just wow! The first whiff gave a hint of earthiness. It smelled flavourful but less… robust. And gosh golly! The first sip did not disappoint!! Similar to the smell, it was earthy and full of flavour but I couldn’t tell you what those flavours are! A glacier? Maybe the green rolling hills of Iceland? I couldn’t say, but it was so complex and interesting. I LOVE this one! Ten outta ten baby! – 5/5
3. Scapegrace Anthem – Single Malt Whisky – New Zealand – 46%abv – Ooo! Smooth, a hint of apple sweetness, a little woodsy. With an “Oaky afterbirth”. Yeah you heard me. This was a smooth, simple one. It would probably pair great with your average meat and potatoes kinda meal. – 3/5
4. Clonakilty – Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey – Ireland – 46%abv – This Irish boy is a bit odd. Initial flavour is pretty typical. A hint of apple in the finish but the most notable part of this whiskey is the slightly oily film it leaves inside your mouth. Not terrible but also not pleasant. 🤷♂️ – 2/5
5. Uncle Nearest 1884 – Small Batch Whiskey – USA – 46.5abv – Smoooooth… ooo! So smooth. Carmelly, but not too sweet. No outstanding taste or texture. A delicate note of oak or something woodsy. Just good old fashioned whiskey. – 4.5/5
6. Isle of Raasay – The Draam – Single Malt Whiskey – Scotland- 46.4%abv – I don’t even know what a draam is but apparently this is THE draam. And I would agree. Lots of wood tones. You can really taste the aged casks. In a good way. And a soft but very dry finish which I thought was delightful. Though I felt it was lacking some flavour. – 3/5
7. Le Breuil – Sherry Cask Oloroso – Single Malt Whiskey – France – 46%abv – The fancy French boy here left something to be desired. Unsurprisingly, this WHISKEY was FRUITY. 🙄 It lacked that typical whiskey flavour. You know sweet, caramelly flavour? I don’t know, not my fave. – 2/5
8. Boann – Madeira Single Pot Still – Irish Whiskey – Ireland – 47%abv – Whiskey… yeah this was whiskey. But I think that’s all there is to say. Nothing really stood out about this one. It was … Irish? 🤷♂️ – 2.5/5
9. Indri Dru Cask-Strength – Single Malt Whisky – India – 57.2%abv – Oooo! Maybe I’m a fan of Indian whiskey! Nothing fancy or standouty with this one but not lacking either. Good caramelly flavour with a bit of a dry finish. Yum! – 4/5
10. Arran 10 Year Old Single Malt – Single Malt Scotch Whisky. – Scotland – 46%abv – Hints of fruit, hints of hairspray, hints of meh. It wasn’t offensive or very off putting but it had a few qualities that I would shy away from. Oh well. – 2/5
11. Don Michael Black Whisky Rye – Rye Whisky – Peru – 45%abv – Well this was a refreshing change of pace. No fruit! Just some good rye flavour. A little note of whatever mystery wood the barrels are made from. No odd texture. Just a simple rye whisky. Kudos! – 4/5
12. Filliers 10 Year Old Single Malt Whisky – Belgium – 43%abv – Yeah, this is one I’d drink again. Just the right mix of that aged-in-oak-barrels-iness, with a tiny fruity sweetness, and some kinda flavoury spice in the finish. Very nice! – 4.5/5
13. Kyrö Malt – Rye Malt Whisky – Finland – 47.2%abv – My dude Kyrö may be from Finland but it tastes a lot like straight up Canadian rye whisky. Kinda carmelly, kinda spicy, kinda sweet, very yummy! I’d drink this again. – 4/5
14. Stork Club Straight Rye – Straight Rye Whisky – Germany – 45%abv – The title ‘Straight Rye Whisky’ is missing one word in this case, ‘UP’. Much like yesterday, this one is straight up rye whisky. Pretty standard flavour. A little vanilla, a little bready, all around decent. It doesn’t stand out but I’d drink it again. – 2.5/5
15. Hellyers Road Double Cask – Single Malt Whisky- Australia- 46.2%abv – huh. That’s weird. It’s starts off normal, and then it’s fruity, and then it’s oaky, and then it’s filmy. All in a matter of seconds. It’s a weird little guy. Would not recommend. – 1/5
16. New Riff – Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky – USA – 50%abv – Boyle says boom!! This is all I want whisky to be. Straight up Kentucky Bourbon. Oh that flavour!! Can’t beat it. A little sweet carmelouscity, a little oakiness, a little dry. No weird notes of anything. Just simple whisky. Best one yet! Yeah baby! – 5.5/5
17. Akashi – Sherry Cask Whisky – Blended Whisky- Japan – 40%abv – Hey Japan! Good job! This was a decent whisky. Nothing stands out but it had a little cask flavour, a little spicy. Just right. – 3.5/5
18. The English – The English Smokey – Single Malt Whiskey – England – 43%abv – Oh this is a good one! It lives up to its name. Smokey. I can taste the caskiness and the smokiness. It’s a little dry and just really yummy. Top notch ole’ chap! – 5/5
19. The Isle of Harris – The Hearach – Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Scotland – 46%abv – Is a pretty standard scotch. Dry but earthy, a touch of hairspray, a little sweet, and a little caskiness. Pretty good overall but nothing I’d write about. 😏 – 3.5/5
20. High Coast – Hav – Single Malt Whisky – Sweden – 48%abv – Hailey tried this one with me and put it perfectly, “It’s not too bad but it’s not my favourite.” Yeah, nailed it. Pretty standard except it starts a little fruity. 🤷♂️ Why the fruity? Don’t overcomplicate a good thing. 🙄 – 3/5
21. Starward – Nova – Single Malt Whisky – Australia – 41%abv – Oooo! Another good one! I was actually expecting less today. The write up said that this one was aged in red wine barrels. But I have to say, it’s not weird. It’s just flavourful. And a little dry. And soft. – 4/5
22. Kavalan – Lán – Single Malt Whisky – Taiwan – 43%abv – I was very apprehensive to try this one. The write up was all about the citrus and the fruit and even mentioned that there would be notes of (I kid you not) HONEYDEW MELON & FRUIT GUMMIES! AAAAHHH! Now I mean this in the most mean and degrading way possible… it did not disappoint. It started fruity and then it was a different kind of fruity and then it finished with the texture and taste of what I imagine an old railroad tie would taste like. You know the ones that are black and oily. ☹️ no. – 0.5/5
23. Westward – Original Whisky – Westward Whisky – USA – 45%abv- Now this is a whisky that I’d buy for realskies. Nothing adventurous, or bold, or daring. No reinventing. Single malt whisky from Merica! That’s all it needs to be. Solid! – 4.5/5
24. Einar’s – Limited Edition 5-Year-Old Single Malt – Denmark – 47%abv – I’m discovering that I’m moreso a fan of bourbon than scotch (I had to google the difference) but this was a scotch that was definitely worthy of the final day. It was described in the write up as “liquid gold” and I just really have to agree. It’s not bourbon but it is really delicious! What a closer! – 4.5/5
In the words of Laela, “BRUH” I thoroughly enjoyed this advent calendar. Bar none The best one I’ve ever enjoyed. Super enjoyed!
It has a handful of low moments but overall I would 100% ask for this one again. All the way yes. If you’re someone or know someone who enjoys whisky for more than cocktail mixers, this calendar will be a win for you!!
The low points for me were the fruity ones. I’m sure you could tell. Especially the one from France. The high points were simple. The Icelandic Flóki, Uncle Nearest 1884, and by a landslide, New Riff Kentucky Bourbon.
I told Hailey a few times throughout and I’ll tell you too. I think this might be my favorite Christmas present of all time!
