The Daily Hailey

After a FULL nights sleep (Thanks Rowan!!!) we were all feeling fresh and good as we headed to the city for our big holiday shop. We were as organized as we could possibly be, which was probably about 80% of where I would have preferred to be. But 80% is good! So we rolled with it.

We had gone to Walmart yesterday and had little success, but I ducked back in to grab some picnic blankets. They have these 4’x6′ blankets that are fuzzy on one side, with a waterproof underside, and they were just $15. I grabbed two. We hit Dollarama for sand toys and a couple flashlights, just for the kids, that we thought they might like to play with at the lake.

The kids were pretty much at the end of their proverbial ropes, but we decided to power through Superstore before lunch. They actually did awesome, and were patient while we fussed through aisle after aisle, trying to get just the right things without getting too many things. The cookies at the end were a good payoff, because they were starving, and they were cookies, but thankfully everyone was still plenty hungry for lunch.

After lunch, we quickly ducked back into another Walmart location in search of the things we couldn’t seem to find at Superstore this time. There are so weirdly elusive groceries today! We could NOT find shell noodles to save out lives, and we could only find a few tiny little containers of strawberries. So silly.

After looking in way too many places, we FINALLY found a floaty thing to put Rowan in at the lake! I called to get it on hold, and we had to cross the city, but we got one! Just watch now, he won’t buy it and it’ll just sit unused. Oh well. Options are good. But it seems like we’re late to the summer game. Almost all of the summer goodies have been bought up and restocked with school supplies or Halloween stuff. INSANE!!

A quick stop at Costco and we were finally on our way home. Sadly, both Dekker and Laela have been in pretty rough shape the last few hours, and went down right away. Lots and lots of tears. But now the work begins! We have to get as organized as possible, and then practice our music for tomorrow, because we’re up to lead music and this week has just gotten away on us! But such is summer, am I right? We have all of tomorrow evening to get ready, and evening Monday morning, since the place we’re staying has a decently late check-in time. So I’m not worried about getting things in suitcases yet, but I’d love to have some lists put together so we don’t have to feel like we’re scrambling.

All in all, I enjoyed the feeling of today, getting ready to go on a holiday, all five of us. Lake life, here we come!

Brady doesn’t often book holidays off. Last summer, I finally took the kids and my mom and we went to the lake for a few days. While he was in full support of it, I think it bugged him that he missed it, and it motivated him to book an actual week off this summer. Conveniently, he was able to get this Friday off as well, and this was before we realized that August 3rd was also a stat! So we accidentally have a week and a half together! Woot!

Needless to say, we took our time getting up this morning. It wasn’t the smoothest night for us. Dekker and Laela are both rocking colds, and Rowans is still pretty fresh, so he’s all nice and stuffed up. Laela just has the occasional drippy nose but she’s on the mend. Dekker hasn’t gotten sick yet but the likelihood of it coming is high. Anyway, we’re rolling with the punches.

We spent the morning with the kids, and planned to put them down for an early nap. Dekker wasn’t thrilled with the idea, and asked why he needed a nap. I told him it was because we had some plans later in the day and we wanted him to be all fresh and happy. He seemed to actually comprehend it very well. He said “ok” and put up no fight whatsoever. In looking through the monitor, it took a little while for him to actually fall asleep, but he lay still and calm until he did finally drift off. When everyone woke up, we were actually running a bit behind, so we speed dressed the kids and got out the door.

Thankfully, we made it to our chiropractors office on time! They have a whole new setup over there, and instead of just going in when a room is open, we were moved to the slightly more elitist waiting room, where Dr. Mike came to retrieve us when it was our turn. You guys know I always like Dr. Mike. He didn’t even hesitate, and grabbed Rowans car seat and carried him in for us. We were overdue for treatments and I’m confident we’ll feel quite a bit better now.

We grabbed the kids some supper and headed over to Jerilee’s place. She’s moving out, and Brady and I offered to come go a few loads with the van. Its so nice that he’s so willing to flex his muscles for our friends 😉 I sat on the couch with the kids while they had their food and watched Cars on the laptop. Jerilee pulled out a bowl of yogurt raisins, which they promptly devoured, and then Jerilee’s mom brought them the ultimate treat. Dekker and Laela had their first Fudgsicles today, and they were big fans. It was cute to see them running around the living room with chocolate beards, and chocolate dripping down their bellies. Good thing we scrapped their shirts before they begun!

We moved until they wanted to be done for the day, and then took the kids to Walmart. I’m in the process of putting together a list of things we need for the lake, and while its still pretty disorganized, we figured we’d give it a try. We came out probably an hour later with almost nothing :/ It wasn’t our best haul, thats for sure, but no joke, they had hardly any summer stuff left!!! I’m completely amazed at how little there is! We still have a solid month of hot weather left! *knocks on wood* Hopefully I’ll get a bit more organized tonight and tomorrows shop will be more successful. Then we lead music in church Sunday morning, pack in the evening, and we’re off to the lake on Monday!!! I’m SO looking forward to our trip 🙂 Cute kids in their bathing suits eating fruit and cinnamon buns and ice cream for three days. My utopia.

Today was the third annual Daytona Homes golf day. Each year, the rent out a ton of the space for all of their trades, suppliers, realtors, mortgage brokers, and office staff to play 18 holes of golf. Then, there is a banquet room for everyone with a delicious steak dinner. Each business owner is invited to bring a plus one, usually their right hand man. Brady is the only guy who works for himself, so he likes to bring me 🙂 I couldn’t make it to the actual golf game this time around, but I got to attend the dinner. As with each year, I felt incredibly included and like, even though we all know I don’t actually work for Born Contracting, I fit in. Its a very welcoming bunch.

The food was good, the company was lovely, and Brady even won a door prize of some Daytona swag that mostly actually caters to me. Win!! We had a really nice time with his work friends, but everyone tends to head out pretty quick after supper, so we did the same.

The only bummer in the whole situation was that we had to drive separately, since we arrived at different times. I would so much rather drive together, but such is life, and it happens as often as it can. Before we went to pick the kids up from my parents, we ran a few errands. We picked up Dekkers birthday gift, which I’m super excited about! I’m not sure I’ve talked about what it is on here, but if I haven’t, I won’t, to save the surprise. I’m pretty sure he’ll be thrilled.

We also ducked in at a friends house and snagged their park pass for our holidays next week. I put out the request on Facebook a few days back, and a friend from back in high school offered hers up! We’ve talked so little in the last nine (gulp!) years, but I love getting back in touch with people I used to know.

Lastly, we got our water jugs refilled, since we are STILL on a water advisory out here, and then headed to retrieve our kids. It is SUCH a special feeling to enter a house that is already bursting with excitement over spending time with grandma and grandpa, and then to have the excitement shift, and have your kids be so happy to see you. They were all fading a little bit, but were very positive. We got them all dressed an diapered for bed, so we could put them straight to bed upon arriving home. Dekker was insistent on helping carry my bag that I had brought my dress and makeup in all the way to the van. They were all incredibly chipper and friendly. Laela’s cold seems better, and her mild bum rash is pretty much gone. Some grandparent time did them well.

The big ones fell asleep pretty much upon arrival home, and the little one soon after. Now, the real work begins, of getting our house back in usable order. It was SO empty today in order for pictures to look perfect, but that meant we needed to get some of our necessary stuff back. Like Rowans cradle, some electronics, and the few things that live on our counter, like the can of formula.

Thats all done now, and the bath is running. Yes, its late for a bath, but Bradys legs are achy from the day, and I don’t function without one, haha! Its just always the perfect way to end the day. And that includes today.

This morning, the kids Grandma Willa came for a visit. She came bearing toys, and clothes for everyone. Dekker and Rowan both got Lightening McQueen shirts, and Laela got a couple little dresses. Everything was the perfect size, which is always a big win. The toy she brought was for outside, so she hauled all of our kids outside to play and shooed me inside to get some much-needed hands free time. Our new realtor was coming in the evening to sort of “ok” the house before pictures happen in tomorrow morning. Believe it or not, its hard to maintain a flawlessly staged house with three children, even when they’re fairly docile and respectful. While they played, I tidied our bedroom, finished up the kitchen, and wiped every surface.

Willa couldn’t stay long, so when she left, I took the kids downstairs and gave them lunch. They were worn right now, and took a load off while they ate. I warned them that nap time was approaching, and Dekker was so sad. He usually is, but as I thought more about it, I figured that it might be better to have them in bed sooner in the night rather than they struggle to get to sleep when we have company over. So I asked Dekker if he could wear his happytude all afternoon and evening for me, even if he didn’t have a nap, and he was SO thrilled!

Best of all, he did! He maintained his good attitude until it was actually bedtime, but thats not uncommon. The kids were asleep within minutes, just shortly after 7:00. Brady and I then dug into our house and cleaned the heck out of it. When Jenn arrived around 8:30, we mostly had things under control.

I won’t go into super detail about everything, but she is fabulous! She made Brady and I both feel so at ease. Her personality matches mine very well, so that is always a treat. What I am the most impressed with is her ability to bring me back to earth. There are a few things she wants done on the house still. Not before pictures or anything, but soon. They are things I dread doing. Big jobs that I don’t want to do. I don’t want to put any more effort into this house. But the way she talked to us made those jobs seem easy. Not ominous at all! In fact, I’m not overwhelmed, and I’m excited to get those things done so we have the absolute best shot at selling this place! She was a giant help in setting up some of the rooms differently and making them work more fluidly, and I can really say this is the first time since deciding to list our house that we’ve felt so cared for, and like she really desires to sell our house in good time. She WANTS to help us. We can tell. And it feels good. We love you, Jenn!

On that note, we’re going to soak in the tub with some Baileys and coffee, and watch The Office. Because we deserve it. Its been a big day, but a good day. We’re on our way!!!

Jerilee came over today for our weekly viewing of The Bachelorette. She was a little bit late, but since we’re both gone next week over my birthday, she said she was going to grab my gift from her place on her way over.

Upon arrival, she hauled in a beautiful jewelry stand/cabinet thing/I dont know what else to call it! Maybe I’ll take a picture and post it on here soon, but its too late for tonight. I found it when we were out garage sale shopping in May, and fell in love with it, but couldn’t justify its purchase. So Jerilee, always loving and thoughtful, picked it up once we had parted ways for the day and has been hiding it from me ever since. I’m SO excited to dress it up and use it in my pretty little beauty corner in my room. After showing my my gift, I went out to help her get a few other things out of her car, which randomly included a birthday cake!!! She brought a BEAUTIFUL white and purple ice cream cake from Dairy Queen for us to share in celebration of my birthday. Once again, SO thoughtful!!

I know I’m young enough that I shouldn’t be worried about my age, but as I’m passing my mid-twenties and honing in on my late twenties, I’ve started to feel apprehensive about telling people my age. I’m not sure how to explain it. I’m not embarrassed, but I’m certainly not proud. However, I’m happy to say that while its not even my birthday yet, this evening has already made this one great, and less painful than I thought it would be. Its possible that will end with my sugar rush, but I’m going to keep the good feeling going 🙂

On that positive note, I think its time to sleep. I got a whopping 2.5 hours of sleep last night, and my body is asking not so politely for my compassion.

Granted.

Thank you, Jerilee <3 Love you so much!

We’re feeling a bit discouraged today out here. As Christians, we try desperately to live by faith, but as humans, we ache for tangible comfort. It seems that, these days, anything materialistic that could possibly make us feel better is well outside of our grasp.

Therefore, today is not a day for blogging. Today is a day for figuring a few things out to keep this home running smoothly. I just feel weak. Pray for us, if you think of us <3

My siblings and their kidlets leave tomorrow. The kids were sad when we left this evening. They did so great! Dekker is definitely still shy, but waaay less! He only got upset a few times, and he warmed up very well to his aunt and uncle. Even when he was choosing not to play with everyone, he was always inquiring where each person was so they wouldn’t be missing out. It was pretty much adorable. Laela, on the other hand, was in there like a dirty shirt. Her latest toy of choice in the Tupperware shape sorter. She can do it all by herself, which I count as an accomplishment. Of course, as an adult, the shape sorter is not big deal, but I’m pretty impressed that she has the patience to even sit that long, but then get each and every one in where it belongs! Go Laela go! Rowan slept most of the day, which was a treat. Not that we don’t like having him around, but he ate better today that he did yesterday, and I think the sleeping has something to do with it. Big wins all around!

In the afternoon, My mom, Grace, and I rushed into the city for a quick shop while the boys and Laela hit up the playground for a bit. They ran themselves fairly ragged (in a very good way) while we enjoyed our shop, even though we didn’t come out with any purchases. Upon arriving home, we put together a delicious supper of burgers, potato salad, and chips, and then played like crazy until it was home time.

Our kids are CASHED OUT. Dekker fell asleep in the van, which isn’t ideal since it was so close to bedtime, but neither he or Laela has made much sound at all since we put them down a half hour ago. Rowan is drinking like he’s never tasted milk, so hopefully he has a good stretch of sleep as well. And as for Brady and I, we’re feeling nice and tired as well, but if you know anything about us, the tub comes first. A bath it is! And then bed, like everyone else in this house. Perfect.

Last night, I had trouble falling asleep and didn’t get there until maybe 2:30. It was a short night when Rowan woke up for the day at 6:00am. However, I was so thrilled with our kids today. Dekker and Laela ate well and were excited to get on the road to see some family, and Rowan napped while we got organized and dressed and ready for the day. We were out the door at a decent time and made it to my parents place in time for brunch.

Not only have the kids not spent time at my parents place in weeks while they were on vacation, but my brother and sister in law are out visiting with their two boys, so it was a full house. Our kids don’t always rock that scene, but they warmed up faster than I expected. Thankfully, Dekker is getting a bit older, and he’s able to remember better. We saw this chunk of our family a month or so back, and he remembered well! The kids did awesome together, and ate a big brunch of hashbrown casserole, fruit, and these delicious ham and egg things my mom makes in muffin tins. Delicious. Rowan was a bit of a punk and barely drank anything all day, so that could make for an interesting night. Another interesting night… sigh…

As the afternoon came, Laela and Rowan were starting to drag. We had plans to all venture into the city for a quick shop, but I knew the kids weren’t going to have it. Since the bulk of our trip was based around fabric shopping, Brady generously offered that I could go and he would stay back with the kids. We decided I’d bring Dekker tho, since he was in good shape, and the other older boys were going. I piled my parents and Dekker into my van, and we drove in convoy.

We had a surprisingly successful shop and were back home before we knew it. Brady had taken a nap as well, and the house was very quiet. Not for long! We brought the action back, and soon, it was bursting at the seams with little ones. We had homemade pizza for supper, with caesar salad and chips. It was delicious, and my kids ate a ton. Then they all went to play outside with my mom and I did dishes. Their dishwasher broke just before they left on their trip, so thats a bummer, but we worked it out.

Going home was sad, and while our kids waved goodbye so nicely and were so friendly, they were incredibly upset upon arriving home. Bedtime was something of a bloodbath, but I’m so ready for sleep. I feel almost as tho I slept very very little last night…

*** Quick thing! Random idea of the day is that I really want Laela to have a maxi skirt! Through all of my Etsy searching, I see lots of adorable ones that are going to set me back too much! Like $25 at least!!! No good! Does anyone have an idea, or the desire to whip one up for me? I love the idea of a high waisted one. How cute would that be on her little baby girl self??? SO CUTE!

Today, all of my plans worked out, and it was such a good day! Hailey brought her daycare kids over for the morning/afternoon, and she brought coffee. All treats 🙂 I don’t know the kids parents, so I wont break any rules by putting their faces on the internet without permission, but they were SO CUTE! Upon arrival, they pulled out Laela’s little hair kit and sat around her. She sat still while they fussed over her hair, pretending to straighten and blow dry it. They brushed it out all beautifully before passing her a mirror and telling her that her hair was done 🙂 It was SO sweet!!

Dekker had a pretty rough morning, which was sad. However, I KNEW he had it under control when I told him that he might need a time out, and he said yes, he did. I put himself in time out twice today. Some people might think its weird, but I think its awesome. Way to know your limits, Dekker!

After lunch, everyone felt better, and Dekker actually talked to the kids a bit. But it was soon time that I needed to head into the city for my leg wax. I got out the door a little late but made it to my appointment on time, and genuinely enjoyed my time there. I really like my waxing girl, and I love having fresh arms and legs, and I LOVE having perfect eyebrows!! I know thats weird, but its refreshing for me.

Post-waxing, we got some supper (fish taco!) and picked up a couple of new hoodies for the kids. Then coffee and home. It was all eventful in a very good way. I caught Dekker falling asleep on the drive home, but it was SO close to bedtime so I woke him up and coaxed him into car dancing with me. Or I guess it was van dancing. Vancing. Anyway, it worked, and it was hilarious.

Now that the big ones are tucked away and Brady is feeding Rowan, I do want to give a brief heads up to people who drive on the highway, like me.

On my way to the city, I had a vehicle drive up behind me really quick and sit on my tail. The driver began blinking his brights at me. It was broad daylight, and I wouldn’t have noticed if he hadn’t come up so quickly. I know this can sometimes bean alert that something is wrong with your vehicle, so I checked mine over while driving. In the mirrors, I could see that nothing was smoking. I knew my gas cap wasn’t open, and turning down my music, there was no awful sound or indication that a door wasn’t closed properly. I was just about to enter a chunk on the highway that goes down to 90 kms. I considered that I had passed a police car moments ago, and figured that I’d slow down a bit early in case this guy wanted to pull up beside me and actually indicate to me what was wrong. He didn’t. He turned his brights off, and stayed right on my tail. Right on my tail. I drove through the 90 km zone, right at 90 kms. I figured maybe the guy was giving me a heads up about the police car so close behind, as I was confidently driving 122 kms. For those who never drive on the highway, this is a VERY common speed. If you’re not going 120 km, you’re almost a traffic hazard on the highway. So I stayed AT 90 kms until the 110 kms sign, where I kicked it back up to 120 or so. And this guy kept my speed, and once we reached my cruising speed, he chucked his brights on AGAIN. This time, he didn’t flash them, but he just left them on. I didn’t even flinch. I did not like this situation. I had not come in contact with him earlier, so there was no way I accidentally cut him off, or had done anything of the sort that could have possibly upset him. What was he trying to prove?! I kept driving, and he started to come up beside me. I waited to see if he was going to try to communicate something with me. Well that angry faced man kept his scowl to the road, whipped past me, and wailed down the road.

So. I’m not sure if he was just not paying attention, or he was waiting for me to pull over. But seriously, take care out there. People are creepers sometimes. Thats the moral of the story, I suppose.

The end. Bath time!

I had an evening out planned. I spent the better part of the day doing laundry and dishes, but was sort of itching for the kids to go down for their nap so I could get ready. I loaded on the orange blush with the intention to rock my awesome orange Mac lipstick. But then I realized that I was going out with Kim. Kim has never been out with me before. If you’ve been out with me before, you know that people stare. I’m not offended or even particularly surprised by it, because I have a blue fohawk and thats already not especially socially acceptable, and then I add orange lipstick. Not wanting to frighten Kim away from going on a girl date with me, I opted for a much more subtle, lip purple lip color. Of course, then I was wearing orange blush and purple lips. But I was pretty over it at that point, and decided it didn’t matter.

Brady got home from work, we basically high fived, and I was out the door. I listened to some new music on my way to my parents place, where I dropped off a few things, picked a few things up, and saw some of the beautiful pictures that my mom had taken on their holiday recently. It was such a nice little pop in visit! But just as quick as I arrived, I left and headed to Kims. Funny how close they live to each other!

You guys are probably going to laugh at our evening out. We snagged her baby boy to accompany us, and drove to the city. Kim picked up something from her parents place, and we dropped into the nearby mall for one more pick up, and then Starbucks. Also, a fish taco from Taco Time. My life will never be the same. Fish Taco. FISH TACO!!!

From there, we headed to the main event. Value Village!!!! Tis true, folks. I have found a friend who appreciates some good thrift store shopping, and my heart is happy. We did pretty good, I’d say. Her baby boy wasn’t particularly thrilled here and there, but we shopped well! I spent around $75, which seems like a lot, I know, but I brought home five shirts for Rowan, six shirts for me, a blazer, a purse, and a couple of other little things. I’d say thats a pretty good haul. Thankfully, Brady agrees. Whew!

We drove back to Kims place in the rain, and took a few more lame selfies before saying goodbye.

More new music on the drive home, where I was greeted by a fresh smelling house, and nachos waiting to be melted. Those nachos are still waiting, so I’m going to go out them out of their misery.

I had SO much fun tonight. I’m thrilled that this plan didn’t fall through 🙂 Thanks for the night out, friend!!