Wednesday, June 30, 2010

This is the type of thing...

that happens when I go do the laundry...


I come up to this one standing on top of the buffet.  Would you like a closer look at those cupcakes?



Now, not all of them had icing on top, but those that did...well, you see the result. 

I left Declan in the capable hands of his Daddy and big brother.  Daddy fell asleep, and Khai was too engrossed in his DS to do anything except say ,"Mum, look at Declan!", as I came up the stairs. 

I was only downstairs for 5 minutes.

***Edited***
As I was showing this to Khai and Declan this morning, Khai informed me that not only did Declan lick most of the icing off of the cupcakes, but Khai also helped.  He pointed to the cupcake that he removed the icing from. Apparently he was not as engrossed in his DS as I thought.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Brett.

On June 29th, 1997, Brett Gordon Helmut Schuster was born.
I was not there.  I did not give birth to him.  I am not his mother.  But he has my heart as though I were there.  As though I did give birth to him.  As though I were his mother. 

I am in the interesting position of being his step-mother.  I care about his welfare, I want the best for him, I laugh with him, I discipline him when necessary and I do his laundry.  I pick up after him, I make him meals, I help him with homework (when he has it) and I pray for him.  But, I'm not his mother. 

So, today, I am writing about a 13 year old boy (young man) who I have no biological claim over.  But, my heart doesn't know that. 

Brett, you are amazing.  You make me laugh and you can bring me to tears with your thoughtfulness.  You make my heart swell with pride and hurt when you say something mean.  You are a funny, easy to like kid, and my life is blessed because I have you in it.  You have made my days brighter and I love you.

I love coming to watch you play hockey or lacrosse or volleyball or basketball.  I love playing Killer Bunnies with you.  I love taking you to the Winkler Water Park (actually, I like taking you anywhere that you enjoy!).  I love talking to you and hearing your ideas on things.  I love answering your questions, and I love that you ask me questions even more.   I love everything about you.

Here, in my heart, you will always be my son.  And you will always be loved.

Love,
Nicole

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Khai.


Today, Khai Landon John Schuster, turned 6 years old. 

I can hardly believe you are 6 already.  It seems like only yesterday that I was in the hospital, scared and lonely, giving birth to you.   You, Khai, changed my life.  You are the one who I "grew up" with.  You are the reason I realized I needed more in my life than what I had. 

I love you.  I love playing SkipBo with you.  I love watching you play soccer, skate and swim.  I love talking to you, listening to you tell me about your dreams (as odd as they are sometimes!!) .  I love helping you with piano.  I love everything about you.  

Me and Daddy are both so proud of you.  We hope you had a great day!

Love Always,

Mummy and Daddy

(P.S. we celebrated Brett's birthday today too, but as today is not his birthday, I will do a birthday post for him on Tuesday!)

Friday, June 25, 2010

A little bit of "around here"...

I cut my hair.  Before we left for Toronto, I got it done.  I went to my sister's hairdresser as I couldn't get into mine in time (I always try to make my appointments the day before I want it done...I have to break that habit!)

It's one of my favourite haircuts to date.  It's fun and I can wear it a few different ways, which is not something I've been able to do with a haircut before.



This is how Declan likes to fall asleep.  Behind the door, with his towel (and his brother's towel) wrapped around him. I'm thinking I should probably make him a blanket!



My Spider-sense is tingling.  Teletoon Retro (and thereby Spiderman, Batman and Super Friends) have become favourites in this house! When my sister took Khai to Ace Burpee's family fun day (she works at HOT103) he got his face painted like Spiderman.  This was all over the sheets the next day, because Daddy decided not to wipe it off before bedtime (I was out at the time....clearly!)

Things to be thankful for - June 7th, 2010

I figured I'd do a quick couple of days of things I'm thankful for as I still really want to get them all up here.

I'm thankful for getting to experience something new with Helmut. We went to Niagara Falls today, somewhere he's never been before. It's really nice that we get to do "new" things together, as they are few and far between.




I'm thankful that it was a lazy type of day today. We were able to take it easy and wander through Niagara on the Lake.  It was so much fun.


I'm thankful for a husband who is thinking of me.  He bought me the most beautiful bracelet today and I LOVE it!  Thanks baby!

Monday, June 21, 2010

Piano Forte

(Nothing like an Italian oxy moron to start off a blog post! )

Yesterday was Khai's piano recital. He did an AMAZING job and we are so proud of him. It still blows my mind that my 5 (almost 6) year old, can play hands together! Of course, he can't read a note to save his life...hopefully that will come soon.

Next year, he will be advancing into JMC3 (as they call it at the Yamaha School of Music). This year was challenging (and I have confirmed that teaching my own children piano would not have been a good choice for me!) and at the same time rewarding. Khai has worked hard, and is doing well . He has natural rythym and an affinity for music in general.

Khai, we are so proud of you!



Did I mention that he insisted on wearing his suit to his recital? Mostly so that he could wear his tie...his new favourite accessory. He keeps trying to wear it with plaid collared, button down shirts to school. Hmmm...he didn't get his fashion sense from me!

Sunday, June 20, 2010

I did it.

Well, my "30 days of thankful" was over on the 18th of this month.  I have faithfully recorded three things per day that I am thankful for.  I still have to post June 7th - 18th, and I will get to that some time this week.
It was an excellent little "experiment" in gratitude, and I must say I benefitted from it.  I think in a years time, it will be great to go back over it and read all of the things I was thankful for during this 30 day period.

Things over here have been quite emotional.  After the trip to Toronto, everything seems so much more real here.  Every little thing that happens (or doesn't happen) makes me worry that it might be the last.  It's good in the sense that it has made me much more deliberate, and has made me less....stressed...about the little things...either that, or I'm just becoming numb to pain.

On a Father's Day note, today was a busy one.  We had church this morning, Brett had a lacrosse game at noon, Khai had a piano recital at 3, and then we all went to Helmut's parents for a BBQ.  I wish Helmut had actually had time to relax, but even now that we're home (and he could be relaxing) he isn't.  He's downstairs tinkering with something or other. 

We celebrated Father's Day with my dad yesterday out in Carman, and it was an enjoyable, relaxing time.

I'm hoping to be back this week with pictures from our time in Toronto, more of my "Things to be thankful for" and some general musings.  Happy Father's Day everyone! 

Friday, June 11, 2010

Things to be thankful for - June 6th, 2010

I'm thankful for grandparents who keep "tokens of affection" - things that we made for them over the years.

I'm thankful that marriage can last 68 years and still be strong.  I hope mine will be that strong in even 50 years.

I'm thankful for photo albums.  it was great to see old pictures of Mum.  I loved it.

Things to be thankful for - June 5th, 2010

I'm thankful for a husband who is faithful to me.

I'm thankful for ROTI!! Yummmmmm.  One of my favourite foods ever.

I'm thankful for the opportunity to spend time with Uncle Ralph.  It's neat getting to know him - I'm grateful for the chance.

Things to be thankful for - June 4th, 2010

I'm thankful for acra for breakfast.

I'm thankful for the occasional time away from my children.   Helmut and I were able to walk around Oakville today with Mum, Grandma, Auntie Linda, Uncle Brian, Uncle Derek and Uncle Ralph; while Michelle and Dad stayed at Auntie Carole's with the boys.  It was so nice to spend some adult time together.

I'm thankful for SkipBo.  I love playing with my grandparents.  It's hilarious.

Things to be thankful for - June 3rd, 2010

I'm thankful that I don't have to go on a plane again for 5 days.

I'm thatnkful that my husband is a temperate man.

I'm thankful to e in the same city as Uncle Derek (right now).  I've missed him and I appreciate his sense of humor.  (HIGH FIVE!)

Things to be thankful for - June 2nd, 2010

I'm thankful for Faith.  It was great to see her tonight and just reaffirmed how much I miss her.

I'm thankful for the trip we are going to go on tomorrow.  I am both excited and sad to go. 

I'm thankful that I'm not going on this trip by myself.  I don't think I could do it alone.

Things to be thankful for - June 1st, 2010

I'm thankful that I have friends who I can ask to pray for things.  I'm thankful that when I do ask, I know they actually do pray.

I'm thankful that I have brick breaker on my phone to distract me.

I'm thankful for eternal life.  I'm thankful that it is given so freely to all who accept Jesus as Lord.

Things to be thankful for - May 31st, 2010

I'm thankful for the rain.  I love it.  I'm thankful that our home was unaffected by it.

I'm thankful for  "early-to-bed" nights :)

I'm thankful for Mondays.  I enjoy being back in routine.

Things to be thankful for May 30th, 2010

I'm thankful for a husband who is concerned about the spiritual lives of our children.  He is the one who has been pushing for the older 3 to attend church with us and I appreciate how much he cares, and that he cares enough to push.

I'm thankful for how much Helmut gives of himself to me.  One of the first things I loved (and still love and appreciate) is how giving he is.  He has sacrificed so much for me and I love how much he's done.

I'm thankful for our Bible study group.  I appreciate their insight and opinions.

Things to be thankful for - May 29th, 2010

I'm thankful for Maia.  She's always so willing to watch the boys and they just love her.

I'm thankful for Michelle.  It suddenly hit me today as I was talking to her in Toronto that I miss her.   I like having her in the city and just a quick drive away.

I'm thankful for our PVR.  Magda always calls it "magic T.V." and she's right! It's GREAT!!

Things to be thankful for May 28th, 2010

I'm thankful for Elijah.  He is a good friend to Khai and I really enjoy watching them play together.

I'm thankful for Abby.  She has not only filled Hilda and Chris and Elijah's hearts, but she has blessed all who know her as well.

I'm thankful for rediscovering my love of salad!

Things to be thankful for - May 27th, 2010

I'm thankful that Kelsey will be able to spend the night in her own bed, instead of a hospital.  I'm thankful for her peace of mind.  I'm thankful for the power of prayer.

I'm thankful for Bronwyn.  We've been spendin lots of time together and not only do I really enjoy her company, but the boys love playing together.

I'm thankful for time alone with my husband.  I miss it and cherish the time we do get to spend together.

Things to be thankful for - May 26th, 2010

I'm thankful for Brett. Today especially.  I can't explain it, but I'm so grateful that I get to take care of him, spend time with him, care ABOUT him and be touched by his sweet spirit.

I'm thankful for a husband who is fiercely defensive of our children.  He is always ready to jump on or jump down anyone's throat who says anything or does anything to the kids.  Even when I have to rein him in, I know his loyalty to them is his first instinct. 

I'm thankful for lists.  Enough said.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Tomorrow...

Well, tomorrow we leave for Toronto.  We're going to visit my grandparents, and my mum's whole family.  My Mum's family haven't all been under the same roof for almost 45 years, and we're all going there to hang out!

I have been writing all of my things I'm thankful for in my little book, I have just been so busy packing that I haven't put them online. I'll do that when I get home, or if I have time, while I'm there...