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Monday, September 24, 2007

Hey Ho Away We Go, Donkey Riding...

Our church hosted a community block party over the weekend, complete with a petting zoo and pony rides. So, little Miss Ellie experienced her first horsie ride, and loved it! Hippotherapy, here we come!






Face Painting









Sick In Bed

This time, it was just a bit of a stuffy nose, but I think we'd all agree that she's a pretty stinkin' cute sickee, huh?



Yes, we need to start on the "this is how you cover your mouth when you cough" lesson...

Day At The Park







Monday, September 3, 2007

Tupperware-ing

I love it when Ellie does "typical toddler" things. It warms my heart and encourages me that she'll continue to do typical age-appropriate stuff as she grows older. I know that there are many moms out there who get ticked off at the messes their toddlers make, especially in cupboards, but I scream from the rooftops when Ellie tears through the Tupperware cabinet!




Where's Ellie?!

Sunday Best

All dressed up for church!




Yeah, maybe not the appropriate pose for CHURCH, but it's cute nonetheless...

Movement Centre

(Why do I still find it difficult to spell centre with an "re" instead of an "er"? )

The Movement Centre is where Ellie goes to receive weekly conductive education therapy. CE is essentially like physical therapy, with a focus on intensity (ideally, they'd love every child to come five days/week) and life skills (learning how to live independently). It's FAB, FAB, FAB. I am still in awe of God's goodness, by stirring someone's heart to start a conductive education centre here in Winnipeg. There are only 3 centres in Canada, and one happens to be in the middle of the relatively unpopulated prairies. Rock on for Ellie!

The Movement Centre works on a school schedule (conducting month-long camps in the summer), so we've had the past three months off. Although I'm not looking forward to the 45-minute one-way drive at 7:30am (especially in the winter, argh), I am definitely excited about getting back into the swing of things and watching Ellie progress and be pushed in ways I can't fathom. Ellie is enrolled in "group therapy" (why does the image of three two-year olds sitting in a psychiatrist's office make me laugh?). Tyler and Jackson spend all of Tuesday morning fighting for Ellie's attention and love. It's GREAT. Plus, it means that I get to spend the morning with moms who "get it".

For those of you who care, here is Ellie's progress report from MC. The first column lists the goals for our last semester, the second column details if these goals were met, and the third column reveals the goals for the upcoming semester. I would like you all to note that one of the upcoming goals is TOILET TRAINING. Oh my goodness. Could it be so?





Saturday, September 1, 2007

Friends are Friends Forever....

...(ha ha! Now I've got that song in your head!!)

Today, one of my dearest friends is moving to Minneapolis. It's not *too* far, and not *too* different, but it's still a major move, and the beginning of a new phase in her life.

Peitricia Mae (for those who don't know, this is NOT her real name. I'd hate for her parents to come upon my blog and be horrified that the rest of the world---because ALL the world reads my blog--is assuming they have bad taste) has been one of my BFF's since eighth grade. Eighteen years! (How did I get to be OLD?) She is a ROCK, and a constant inspiration.

We, of course, are used to cultivating a long distance friendship, since we've only lived in the same country for one year out of the last nine. This fact lightens my heart today; it makes me realize that she will continue to be a BFF in Minneapolis, and that a few hundred miles will not effect the lurve I have for my PM.

I know, PM, that you are a bit nervous about living in the oh-so-scary land of America, so (since I am a list Nazi), here is my Top Ten list for you today, as you make your way down to the Twin Cities to start your new life:

Ten Reasons Why Living in the USA rocks:

1) Cheesecake Factory (more specifically, avocado egg rolls).

2) No fiddling around the car or pockets for loonies and toonies. I MUCH prefer paper money!

3) The weather. Okay, I realize you're moving to Minneapolis, and the average American would list Minnesota as one of the worst states to live in as far as weather is concerned, but IT'S ALL RELATIVE! Minneapolis should be, on average, 20 degrees f (get used to Fahrenheit!) warmer in winter!

4) Old Navy's with WAY more selection.

5) Thanksgiving. There's nothing better than a five day weekend!

6) Speedy health care. Since I know you have good insurance, you will come to love how fast you can make appointments with pediatricians and family doctors down in the States! None of this waiting in the walk-in for 2 hours on a Friday morning.

7) Interstates (at least those with sound bridges and overpasses).

8) TARGET!

9) Airline options. You will now be able to fly to Europe or New York City or... DIRECT! (Granted, I realize this is more of a "living in a big city" perk, but Minneapolis DOES have a rock star airport with a plethora of flight options.)

10) People will think you're cool cuz you're Canadian!

Today, my sweet friend, I am praying for you, for your babies, and for your partner in crime. May you feel God's warmth on your heart as you get through this next crazy month and adjust to a new (and great!) life. I LOVE YOU!