The Daily Hailey

Dekker: If mermaids are girls, then shouldn’t guys me merbutlers? Because, like, maids and butlers?

A thinker, this one ☝️

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.

The hunt for the perfect next vehicle continues 😅

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!

10/10

There is something super special about a kid when they know they look great, and you can just tell in their walk, or how they carry themselves. Now don’t get me wrong. Looks are not the most important. I’m ALL for inner beauty, believe me. Yet still, I love when the kids feel good in all kinds of ways. Of course I want them to be happy if they can be!!

Lately, Solly has started tying his hair back in the ponytail. He tried it over Christmas and has done it every day since. Which I have LOVED. He just feels so fly, and it really shows 💜

This weekend, we were gifted some boxes of boys clothes, and let me tell you. Sol Bond was unlocked.

Solly is absolutely feeling himself in this moment, and does it ever show!!! 😍 This little heartbreaker spent most of this mornings church service snuggled into me and looking up waiting for me to give him a kiss. Didn’t hurt to be all tucked in next to him! He was SUCH a cute confident little man!

I hope you ALWAYS feel this good, Solomon. I am SO proud of you EVERY day, but that strut today was so fun to watch, and I hope I get to see a lot more of it 💜

More change is afoot. More than I am grateful for and also apprehensive about. More elimination. Which I asked for. It was me. Because its important. But its also hard!

So today, you will get a picture of my supper, and that is all.

Penne. Beef. Salt, pepper, and garlic. Plain tomato sauce. Tomatoes and mushrooms. Alfredo after taking out a scoop or two.

And carrots. Butter, salt and pepper after scooping some out.

And water.

Allergen free for the one who needs it.

Its gonna be a challenging few weeks over here! Wish us luuuuuck! 😅😬

Last year, Dekker had to get some work done at the doctors. I don’t want to blow all of his details, but I do have his permission to share the story, because its a zinger 🤣 So I’ll be a little vague, but I’m sure many will follow. 

So Dekker went in twice for some simple procedures. They weren’t fun procedures, but they were common enough. He had a great doctor who we could joke with, who was super soft, and who just so happened to also be connected to Kinasao! All around a really wonderful person to be connected to! 

At these appointments, there was some cauterizing. Quite a bit, actually. As I’m sure you can imagine, the smell was pretty strong by the end of it. You probably know the smell I mean. That burning flesh smell 😬 It was not a nice smell. 

And out of nowhere, Dekker commented “Mmmmm! Smells like popcorn twists in here!” 

Our doctor was floored!!!
“Dekker!!!! You just ruined popcorn twists!!!” 

MAN did we ever laugh!!! 

🤣

Come Christmas time, I was setting up gift ideas, including our doctor, and I suggested we give a Christmas card to the doctor who helped him out this year as well. And then it struck us. 

We should give her popcorn twists. 😳

We bought a big bag and Dekker wrote a note that went something like this:

“Remember that time you burned me and it smelled like popcorn twists? Thanks for that.”

We felt pretty good about that message, haha! 

And thankfully, so did the doctor. She texted me mid-Christmas break and said she laughed SO hard, hahahaha! 

What a win 😅 Goodness. Its nice to have a funny memory tied to a tricky time such as that. I think all of us got a good laugh out it. 

Dekker, you are a great sport 💜 Thank you for being exactly who you are! And for letting me post this. 

Welp. Tis the season for grocery delivery people to start taking back alleys again.

🤦‍♀️

Don’t ask me why. I even have it typed in ALL CAPS in my instructions NOT to take the alley! I say YOU WILL GET STUCK!!! But apparently uber maps things thats the ideal way to our home. Try as I might, they still occasionally make the trek back there. Its been a good stretch since the last guy tried. Last winter.

Today was the second time they texted asking for help digging out their vehicle. I wanted to be kind, and since supper was not quite yet on the table, I figured I could run out for a couple of minutes and if it was a quick fix, I could help. I ran back there and… no vehicle. Nope. None.

I texted the guy back and he was in a different alley of a different street! He tried to reassure me that it was just one street over, and asked if I could help. I said I was sorry, but I had eight children all to myself at that point, and I couldn’t.

Now, unlike the last guy who was suuuuuper bitter that we couldn’t help him, this guy was incredibly gracious, got his car out after a little shovelling, apologized for the delay, and told me he totally understood why I couldn’t help. SO kind.

And now, because he did bring our groceries, I have enough enormous flat box for the kids to stack into and yell for pictures to be taken of them. Notice I did not specifically say the babies. There were absolutely big kids involved each time. I’d show a picture or twelve, but of course, I cannot :/ Merp. Take my word for it, though. “Mom! CHEEEEESE!” Aaaaaall evening. A very cute problem to have. This particular box also doubles as a stage, if you were wondering. Or a soapbox, perhaps.

It’s been a cute evening. I am SO tired. And I’m going to eat lasagna in bed later. So the day should wrap up pretty nicely 💜

Spoons and LD have had a tricky time adjusting back to the regular routine of school. They have become so well conditioned to having everyone home, rowdy, and at their disposal for the last few weeks. So naturally, they are pretty attention seeking and extra needy.

And I have had the pleasure of sitting on the floor and reading with them more these days. Without all the action of the holidays, with everyone home, and with Cher jumping back into working here in full swing, I have been able to spend more time just playing with the babies. If ONLY I could post pictures. Ugh.

A fun shift has been reading books. Neither of the two have ever really had the interest or attention span to sit and little to a book. Even a little board book. But that changed over Christmas! They would sit for book after book after book! They will both stack onto my lap, each with a book in hand, I’ll read both, and they’ll get up for more. Its FUN!

They also got some Little People that they LOVE, and they will eagerly exclaim “Guys!!” when they go for them. We can sit and read and stack “guys” into little random homes throughout the living room. We can stick Squigz to the floor, or wrap ourselves in blankets and take funny selfies. It has been a true treat to help them through this transition time by being a bit more playfully attentive while they adjust.

While its overwhelming sometimes, I wouldn’t trade having all three little ones stacked on my lap for anything.

I am SO fortunate to have them here to love, and to be loved by them, also! And! To be so well supported by our loved ones so we can take this time to slow down a little when the babes need it.

What a precious gift for our family 💜

Yesterday being the first day of school back from the new year, I asked the elementary school kids to take notice of a couple of things. I know that January brings skating and curling, and each kid has different days for different activities. I knew the teachers would be getting in touch, but I asked the kids to keep an ear out for the information on their own and try to lock it in. I asked them to tell me when they got home if they remembered. Low pressure. Nothing crazy at all.

When Solly came home, he stood in front of me with a sheet of paper and told me exactly what day his curling was on, what day his skating was on, what their starting dates were, and what was required to participate.

He was SO thorough!! I thanked him for relaying the information to me so quickly. I assumed he was reading notes his teacher had everyone copy down, but when I asked, he casually said “No, no one made me write it down, I just took a couple of notes.”

😳

This 🙌 is NOT like Solly.

I stood and stared at him with my hands out in total, utter shock. PLEASED! But SHOCKED!

And the little monkey reached out, and shook my hand that was outstretched in total astonishment.

🤣🤣🤣

Is that not completely hilarious?!?!?! MAN did I laugh!!!

Anyway. I was SO impressed with Solly taking initiative the way he did. He went over and above to write everything down for me, and bring it to me right away upon getting home. He is a forgetful one, and less attentive to most details, but he nailed it yesterday 💜 Man. SO impressed.