The Mohnster Madness

One year later - Time Flies!!

2010-07-07T19:53:00.000-07:00

Summer 2010

Wow, time flies. In April we brought the kids home from school for homeschooling. Life is too busy, and we thought we'd give it a try. It was a great 3 months. We travelled, went to a musical, explored the science center, and found more time for each other and our hobbies. The school was the easy part. Overall, it was successful and I wouldn't ever change the time we shared.

This coming year, they will head back to school, as I plan to work more so we can save to send the kids to Kingsway College. As a wife and mother, it's exhausting, but somehow the tired wrinkles come and go, and I find new waves of energy to plan new events.

Here are a few pictures of the year that I haven't shared, and who knows, maybe this year I'll be able to stay on top like my sister Stacey, she's amazing.

Here's some photos of us. Cherished moments.

Rusty, only four months here, has been a lot of fun to have. He has eaten many shoes, train blocks, Dora dolls, lego, and a few Barbies, but we're still patient as that's our fault. Overall, a good boy, and the kids have all been sharing their duties well.

First day of school 2010

Kianna - grade 5

Cassia - grade 3

Caleb - grade 2

Kalyssa - SK

Cadence - snuggling with MOM

Kalyssa turned five in the Fall and here she stands with Cadence after making masks. Fun party!

Winter months were treasured as my parents bought property on Lake Scugog. It's perfect and just so close. Adam made an outdoor rink and we often had friends join us when Damon brought his ice-fishing gear. And yes, Rusty has grown and loved the snow!

Caleb joined our school hockey and when they played at the Oshawa Generals for a half time show, he scored the only goal on Deke. Just a few CHEERS from our section.

Last summer we had family photos taken, and this was the shot that made a half page ad in a Christian Magazine. Many others were taken as well and they're throughout our home.

For our March break we visited Niagara. What a great trip. We hit the Niagara Escarpment, Butterfly Conservatory and found a Totem Pole park.

Then we ventured to TN...

Easter was our Highlight as we travelled the hills to TN to visit Ben, Aunt Stacey and Uncle T. We laughed, fished, played in a creek and watched a re-enactment of "The Last Supper." We can't wait to go again. Miss you BEN!

April started our school at home, and we looked forward to planting a garden. So to get some knowledge we visited my Aunt Anu in Newcastle for a potatoe/bean lesson. Great ideas, and the kids look forward to going back to see how it has grown.

This is the third year we've been taking lessons from Mrs. Bussey for piano. The girls have progressed well and have just started to play duets. This is from their recital.

Shaun & Holly July 25th

We enjoyed showering them with gifts and seeing cousin Melanie. The evening was beautiful with gowns around the room. The girls sang a song with Shaun, I'll try to post it next time.

KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION 2010

Kalyssa, Luke, Macy & Landon all together!

SUMMER MEMORIES AT THE LAKE

Looking for worms, camping in our trailer, fishin' the lake, and singin' around the campfire with smores!

Musical Mohnsters

2009-07-23T19:31:00.001-07:00

I wish I had three arms for thsi musical recital - so I dobn't have video, just still moments of my girls on the keyboard. We're very happy they have a special teacher to continue the love of music with formal training. This was Cassia's first piano recital and Kianna's third. Awsome girls, no jutters and no mistakes.

We're proud of you.

Guess what...We have a four-legged friend with a tail!

2009-06-26T19:38:00.001-07:00

Yes, we have added to our organized chaos and extended our love and patience to an Airedale. He was very hard to choose from the litter as they were all so cute. There were two litters this spring and he was the runt from the first litter and they wanted him to grow. His two-week younger siblings looked very different as they had lots of Teddy hair, so I had an extremely hard time choosing as I went alone. We should have got a sitter and both went, but that would have been too smart! Anyway, home from Woodstock I brought him. He's very mild tempered and the first few days were lots of fun. The kids still have bundles of excitement and each day he does something new, they help out all day long as we got him the day after school ended - I kind of call it Father's Day for Adam. What a gift! Initially I wanted a Lakeland, and probably still do as I love his stage and sixze right now, but Adam really wanted the larger version adn that led us to "Rusty". It's so cute to hear Cadence say it. She's actually been quite rough with him, and today I ehard his first growl. But he's a great sleeper and very mild temperment, so we're lucky. Oh yes, would you like to see some photos?

Footy Mad!

2009-06-15T18:48:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have to admit I love their accents, and I'm positive Uncle Paul laughs at mine. I always try to repeat what he says and I wreck it. Every Tuesday we play ball with the little tots, but the dads all started one for themselves on Sunday mornings last year. We enjoyed watching Uncle Pauls "Magic Feet" this past Sunday. Here are a few moments of the big boys and some video as well.

The entire two weeks Caleb played ball with Uncle Paul as much as he could and will always remember his teachings and technique. Thanks Uncle for always being ready to play. We miss you! You had lots of patience for our noisy group and we think you're AWSOME! See you next summer...

Mmmmm...Carrot Cake...

2009-06-15T18:01:00.000-07:00

Amy turned 32 this past weekend and we were fortunate enough to spend it all together at the Lake. It was a beautiful day with lots of yummy food.

Cousins Devin and Logan came too with lots of family and friends. Happy Birthday Aunt Amy!

Cassia and Kianna love taking pics now, so here's a few shots of Cassia's... Yes they are of hers and very good might I add. She took a bunch and now is requesting a camera for her 8th birthday. I can't believe she'll be 6 this month. Great job Cassia.

Loveable and Cuddly!

Cousin Lilah with Corinne.

Grampa's twin, Aunt Wendy.

Crazy Cousin Devin - 4 years old

Little Logan - who just turned one.

Thanks everyone for coming. Too bad we didn't get a family or group photo.

Cousin Lilah & Madalayne

2009-06-15T14:16:00.000-07:00

The summer began early for us as Family arrived from England. We have been anticipating it for a while now and it has been wonderful! We were able to see our new cousin Lilah that was born at Christmas time.

Adam and I have still been keeping busy with our mini soccer league adn has grown to about 30 regular kids. Our family enjoys it as our crazy daddy always starts us off with funny drills.

We'll keep you posted with our fantastic fireworks for July 1st!

It's Fire!

2009-06-15T11:08:00.001-07:00

Shortly after the Aerials reunion was Victoria's holiday. Fireworks with cousins is always fun. This year we did it again at Uncle Damon's and Auntie Bev & Uncle Johns house.

It was a cold night, so we were looking forward to warmer weather, which has now finally arrived.

MAY/JUNE BLUR

2009-06-14T19:25:00.000-07:00

I call this a blur because I can't imagine time going by faster than this. There are so many places to be, dinners to make, parties to bake for, and on and on. I love life, and wish that most dayas I pause longer to just ponder our many blessings. The children are happy right now and we look forward to a summer of fond memories. I'm trying to plan how I will balance the FUN with the things I think I need to get done. Wish me luck.

Spring Concert News!
Can you Blast Off and use you Imagination? That's what our spring concert was about. They did a fantastic job, and we have it on tape, but here's some moments.

We have loved our year at College Park Elementary! The kids this month were fortunate enough to be a part of the ACROKIDS, which is a program facilitated by the highschool gymnastics team. They loved it, everyone but Cadence participated, here are some candid moments of their performance day!

The funniest for us was watching Kalyssa's painful sommersaults. Watch this...

Shortly after that program, there was Kingsway College's 25th reunion of Aerials. It was nice to see so many supporters with fond memories. Adam, Ryan and Tyler were all a part of this during their Kinsway years. Adam joined the reunion show and only moaned in pain for a week after! We stayed to watch the show and it ended at 12:00 AM - yes, I told my kids to say Happy New Year, as thats the latest they ever stayed up, and yes, we did pay for it the next day!

We loved our Aerials reunion because it brought the perkins family from the South up to see us. We love visiting with them, especially Luke )same age as Caleb) and Eden (same age as Cadence). I loved the time and wish it lasted longer. Can't wait to see you soon!

Life Is Good

2009-05-05T19:11:00.000-07:00

We are a very blessed family and I am so thankful for our health and for the opportunity to be at home with the kids. Each year Adam and I wonder what our next adventure will be but we are thankful for each other and for family and friends. Enjoy the moments, every one of them.

"Worry looks around, Faith looks up." ~ unknown

Kianna - soon to be 10 years old.

Cadence 2yrs(left) Kalyssa 4yrs(right)

Caleb 5 yrs with me at a Hockey practice

Crazy Cadence on a bike in the snow!

Cassia's "All About Me" poster (8yrs soon)

Spring Break Tour - Yes, almost 2 months late

2009-05-05T18:32:00.000-07:00

Spring Break crept up on us quickly but as a family we made plans to enjoy the local life.

Sunday - started with us hanging out with the neighbourhood kids in the yard. Great times and it always creates lasting memories. Then of course a family bike ride.

Monday - began with cold winds and we joined the community for entertainment at the Ontario Hydro plant. There we had a hay ride, hot chocolate, popcorn, and egg hunt and a bird feeder craft. The kids loved it and we were joined by Damon, Liam and Landon.

Tuesday - was supposed to rain as well, so we started the morning at the hockey rink for a Free skate. We love the free events. And we finished the day at the local pool, not to forget mommy and daddy screaming as they went down the slide.

Wednesday - we headed for ROM, Royal Ontario Museum. Awsome, no other word. They put on a fantastic program through Spring Break and we entered the corridor with Pterodactyl bones flying above, one of the largest Diamond exhibits to our left, real Medieval Knights in Costume and the Earth Rangers in a theatre where a Bald Eagles ropes from his talons brushed my hair. Definitely deserves a return next year! The kids and Adam also had their first Train ride home from the city with Subway cars and all. I took the younger two home fro a snooze in the van.

Thursday - Looked bright so we headed to the zoo with Grama and Grampa. We're looking forward to the Kid Zoo opening, but we loved and needed the fresh air.

Pics taken by Cassia and Kianna included!

Friday - ended our busy week at Purple Woods for the Maple Syrup Festival. Nana joined us as we licked our Maple Suckers and learned about the woods through story tellers and guides. There was a game in the woods, Pioneers there to help us twist and make 2ft of rope, and more bird feeders to make. We left with Maple popcorn and fresh syrup to mix with Aunt Heathers homemade pancakes. Yum!

Sabbath - definitely love that day, and then we drove to Keaton and Ryleas to visit and snuggle 4wk old lab pups. Great memories.

Yes, this post was outdated, but was too cute not to share. Thanks for reading!

February/March Madness

2009-05-05T17:42:00.000-07:00

Back in February we had an "American Girl Mystery" party which ended up being a huge success. Kianna & Cassia invited friends and all came to read their scripts with huge intent to solve the mystery of the missing locket and their dear orphan friend Violet. Yes, the plot did thicken, it's a very cute game with scripts and puzzles. The girls loved it, here's a peek.

Here's the whole gang,

Even Kalyssa and Macy were "kitty" pets. Look at Macy's cute tail.

Oh, and if you're wondering where Caleb and Daddy were? Here's a clue. The same place they usually go and hide when the girls invade!

More Snow Fun!

2009-02-25T10:27:00.001-08:00

We've been enjoying cousin Ben's collages and videos so much. Ben, we LOVE watching you - thanks Aunt Stacey! So we thought we'd share some of our star moments your way. We've had so much snow this winter. Lots of memories that came with cold wind. Here's the gang in our snow banks. Good times!

The school also had a Talent Show night. Cassia was very ill during the try outs, but Kianna and her friends ended up being "The Grand Finale," and of course were tickled pink with that title. They did really well and we caught a little on tape before my battery died, but it's too large to post -oops.

January Fun - Cousin Landon's Party!

2009-02-25T10:22:00.000-08:00

This was a fun day - the kids called it one of the Best Parties Ever - definitely because it was a perfect winter day. What fun - good times and good memories.

Snowman Blues

2009-01-19T18:12:00.000-08:00

I realize it's now January, but late fall we had some photos taken by a friend, and this is definitely my favourite. Here they are all doing something different, as they're all unique. And I'm so lucky, 'cause they're mine. I love you...

Every winter seems longer than before, except this one. It's the first winter I haven't had such a headache getting the children ready and dressed to go in the car. They are finally reaching that ... "I can do it myself," or "let me try!" stage. I like it. However, our family has grown with four new dolls, and it seems they too have to be buckled up in the car. Fun!

Christmas, well, how do I write about it when time has already flown and it's almost February. For more info on our holiday, look at photos on cousin Ben's blog. We had a great xmas, and are still enjoying the snow. It's always a pain to shovel, but I enjoy the smiles and giggles, followed by the requests for hot chocolate. I'm also enjoying having the two little girls during the day. They're both growing up so fast. Kalyssa's hair is also just seeming to sprout. Cadence has changed alot over the past few weeks. Her sentence structure and interests are improving. However, so is her strong will and temper...10 minute screems are all I can handle.

Well, the evening is disapearing and Cassia and Caleb are sick. Check back soon for snowman pictures. We now have in some places, 2-3 feet of snow. However the banks by the driveway are surely 6 feet high. Happy Snow!

August Days

2008-11-01T18:31:00.000-07:00

We have had a great summer. This year we have organized a soccer/baseball program with friends. Good times...

Caleb is a broken record asking "When is Tuesday? How many more sleeps?" He really lives for the sporty moments and loves Daddy's new drills. We are definitely blessed with wonderful friends and family to share our days with.

The summer led to a visit at the Perkins Home in Bracebridge. Each summer we make memories there and this year Kalyssa caught the first fish ( a tiny perch). We decided to pitch tent for the night, which was a terrible night with Cadence. She cried for two hours in the night, so I decided to join her for two more inside the van which totalled 4. Obviously, we didn't venture to camp for the remainder of the summer.

Caleb and Luke (Seth's little one) definitely hit it off. They ran and played ball the whole time. It was a highlight to hear them say, "We're best buds, just like our dads!" Below are some shots showing Seth's artistic side. Good times.

This one below is of Luke, Seth and Luenda's son.

Can't wait for next summer!!

Because we had such a rough night in the tent and couldn't camp anymore, the kids decided to camp in the tent for a night before we put it away for the season...so cute!

And, Trevor even came fore a visit...

Fall Festivities

2008-11-01T18:09:00.000-07:00

The days are flying by and I try to keep up and enjoy them at the same time. Since September, our family seems to be hoppin'. But lately, I've been trying to discover the days and organize them so our kids can be kids. Early in the fall, we went Apple picking, we LOVE Honey Crisp apples. We also made it to the pumpkin patch with his Gr. 1 class.

Below are a few updates on the kids, as it is our real first update for a blog. We'll see if I can actually keep it up though. We have many exciting moments, I just don't know whether I'll remember to blog them all or not.

Caleb is always a happy boy, but definitely likes to know what the day's plan is, and when he can play sports. That and having food in his hand - he's definitely growing.

Cadence is now two ( I haven't even thought of updating birthday parties...). Anyway, Cadence is a ball of joy, and I'm trying to soak up her childish looks and gibberish thoughts. She brightens each room and now that the other kids are older, they sometimes squabble on who gets to peek in her door first each morning as she gives the best bear hugs with wrap around legs.

The older girls have discovered an enjoyment of American Girl dolls and novels. They have used their piggy banks to purchase clothes and have many imagination moments discussing their dolls' adventures. Kianna with Jennifer, Cassia with Courtney and Kalyssa with newest birthday doll Mia.

This year Kianna is in Grade 4 and loving her piano classes. She's an excellent student and we think a positive leader at school. Cassia has now been without her two front teeth for 2 months. I'll miss her smile when they grow in. She's thoughtful and loving to kids on the playground and is showing eagerness in developing her reading abilities. Kalyssa is staying at home and likes to be the big sister. She adores Macy and Elena and loves to sing and dance. Lately though I can see her enjoying Cadence as a playmate. I have been workign a fair bit lately, so she's also growing an attachmetn to my Dad, Papa.

Adam and I have been too busy this Fall. Busy, but still a good busy. Late in the summer we began serious job hunting. Currently Adam only has half time work, so the both of us have been busy seeking supply work. We continue to pray for a permanent position and have faith that what's meant to be will happen and that God is leading. We have so many blessings and can't stress about the job, for it would definitely affect our home. We try to stay focussed on our many blessings, one being the health and happiness of our chidlren, and know that the reat is in His hands.

As I write, I'm enjoying the quiet moment of sitting still. In our home there aren't too many of these moments, as each child likes to be heard in their own way, so I often seek solitude of my own, but then realize if it's too quiet, something is usually wrong.

Today we had an enjoyable Sabbath. Church, lunch with Russell, Kelly, Keaton and Rylea, a hike at Enniskillen with church families ,and ending with fruit, popcorn and worship at Dana and Jim's. I could repeat today any time. Hope all of you had a wonderful weekend.

Oh, Caleb had his first hockey moment this past week. Now he repeats..."How many more sleeps to Friday Hockey?" We're thankful that the school has a program that Caleb can be involved in. He really enjoys it.

July Jingles

2008-07-25T18:57:00.000-07:00

Hatteras Happenings...

To begin our summer holidays, we set sail for an insane drive to Cape Hatteras, NC. It is a memorable vacation place for me, and I was thrilled at the idea of developing a love for the shore with my kids.

Long story short, AWSOME, AMAZING, MUST GO AGAIN!!

Here are a few peeks of our holiday...