I just returned from the grocery store and said that perhaps I can finally put away the winter jackets. I'm hopeful. We may have seen snow this last week of April but May is almost here.
I'm pretty sure I have had sick children home some days of every week since March Break. Lily-Anna was home all this past week with a cold. Kohen was just home Monday to Wednesday.
Covid finally caught up with us this month. Kohen had been feeling unwell for a couple of days but when I felt the first throat tickle I decided to do a test. It was the first time I had seen two lines show up on the test. Lily-Anna was next followed by Isaac and Graham a few days later. Thankfully our symptoms were mild, though Graham and I still feel extra tired. I'm very thankful for the vaccines.
This meant we had to reschedule our first trip to Great Wolf Lodge. We had planned to go on what would have been Josiah's 10th birthday, and also as part of a Christmas gift. The kids took the news well and I think it worked out best that we were here and could focus on our memories of Josiah.
The hardest part of Josiah's birthday for me is picking out a cake. I usually make a cake or cupcakes for the kids on their birthdays but I buy one on Josiah's birthday. I look at all the cakes and wonder which one he would want. A mom should know which cake her son would love. I usually hold it together but this time I quietly cried and just pointed to the cake I wanted. I wrote down "orange icing" for the lettering as I couldn't speak. I welcome tears as they have been few and far between.
Choosing ice cream was also a challenge ... until I saw 'Heavenly Hash'. That made me smile. God has a sense of humor. We ate McDonalds take-out for supper as it reminds us of the incredible blessing of Ronald McDonald House where we stayed in Toronto and Hamilton when Josiah was in the hospital. We took flowers to Josiah's grave.
As Graham and Isaac were still getting over Covid, we celebrated Easter alone. I'm so thankful we serve the risen Jesus.
Isaac submitted two pre-recorded piano pieces for the KW-ORMTA (Ontario Registered Music Teachers Association) competition. Last weekend he had his online adjudication. He will be quick to tell you that there were only two people competing in his category but he played very well and received first place and his first monetary reward.
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| One stylin' outfit for peeling carrots |
I was excited to sign up the two youngest for swimming lessons starting in May but decided to cancel them the other day as the kids keep getting sick and I don't want to waste our money. I hope they'll be able to do lessons in the summer. Due to Covid, an adult has to be with Kohen and Lily-Anna so it depends on four people being healthy for us all to go.
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| Lily-Anna made this house today |
I saw the tent that I've been eyeing since last year on sale for 40% off. Graham and I chatted a few times and decided to get it with some gift money we had saved. We'll start by trying it out at the two grandparents' homes (in nicer weather) and see where we go from there as we don't know how to camp for real yet. This tent fits three queen air-mattresses and Graham can stand up inside so it at least has enough space.
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| This rabbit visits our backyard |
I recently read Everything Sad Is Untrue, an autobiographical novel by Daniel Nayeri, an Iranian refugee in the United States. It's considered a teen book and is written from the author's perspective in fifth grade. A fascinating read that I found inspiring, heartbreaking, challenging, and enlightening.
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| Graham's last visit at the UW Library |
Graham started his new job this month. He had one week of onboarding to learn about the company and another week of onboarding with his team. He mainly works from home and is really enjoying this new challenge.
Most sadly, we learned today that Graham's Aunt Linda passed away this morning. She was a wonderful aunt and woman of God and she will be greatly missed.
Until next month, I'm signing off.
Blessings,
Elizabeth
Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one to save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing.
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| Hoppy's birthday gift |
