Three job offers in one week

Well as they say when it rains it pours. This week I had three job offers. I successfully passed the interview last week which I am thankful for after hearing that over 30 of the 40 interviewed didn't pass! As I was waiting this week to hear back about the jobs, I also spoke to Catholic Family Services which is where I did my social work practicum. I had called to tell them that if they ever needed some to facilitate some evening groups I might be interested as it would look good on my resume for next year when I hope to apply to some schools. Anyway as it turns out they have a full time counsellor position open in January and the director asked if I would take it. While considering this offer I also heard back from work and was offered my choice of two positions at work. In the end I choose to take the Resource Development Trainer position at work. In this job I will make my own hours and be the main trainer of the 300 existing foster parents. I am hoping that this will allow a bit of flexibility for our family in that I can work an evening and a weekend afternoon and then have a day off in the middle of the week if I need to.

Not sure when I start exactly but I think this will be a good move for all of us. I'll keep you posted as how things go.

The Crack of Dawn

They say some people are morning people.....

and some people aren't !

Can you guess which one is not in our household? The girls wake up and could be ready to go in 10 minutes. Ethan has the least to do and is always the last one ready. Likely in 10 years he will be waiting on his sisters but for now he's our little sleeper-inner

All About Ethan

Well three years ago I woke up at 6:40 am thinking it would be just another day. As I rolled over and my water broke I realized that today was about to become an important day. As Trevor showered and had breakfast the contractions started fast and furious. By 7:15 mom was at our house to stay with Sarah and I was counting the minutes until we reached the hospital and I could ask for the epidural (even though I had thought I would do this all natural this time). To my dismay when we got to the hospital at 7:30 I was 9 centimeters dilated and the epidural was not an option. All that was left was hard work and at 8:01am the intern announced "It's a boy"

Ethan Trevor Black

Born September 21, 2004

Weight at Birth: 7lbs 6 1/2 ounces

Weight at 3: 34 pounds

Height at birth:20 1/2 inches

Eye Color: Beautiful grey/blue eyes with a hint of hazel in the center.

Hair Color: Dark brown- thick and only curly if it gets too long.

Shoe size now: 8

Clothing size: Well poor Ethan was blessed with the Black family body- long torso, short legs! He can fit a 4 for the shirts but size 3 is definitely long for him in pants. I finally just put away all his size 2's! He does seem to be in a bit of a growth spurt right now though- getting taller all the time!

Nicknames: Well the funny thing about nicknames for Ethan is that we really don't have any. When we try and call him a nickname he says " I'm not Tiger I'm Ethan!!!" For some reason no nicknames have stuck with him. He is happy to be Ethan and so I guess we will stick with that.

Favorite Foods: These days he has discovered the thrill of candy so is asking for it everyday. Unfortunately for him he doesn't get it very often so he has to keep asking. He does eat just about anything one day and then refuses to eat anything the next. He likes oatmeal, toast with peanut butter (that he spreads with the knife he picks), or cereal with yogurt for breakfast. For lunch he likes soup and when he picks where we eat out it is always at the sub place. He also likes steak, tacos (soft only), lasagna, spaghetti bake and almost all vegetables and fruit. Of late he is eating carrots at every meal and if there is dip available he will eat just about anything.

Personality : Ethan is our cuddler. He loves to snuggle, gives hugs and kisses and sits on our lap. He will comfort you if you look sad has a cute way of shrugging his shoulders, tilting his head and smiling that melts your heart. He can also be a daredevil, jumping onto or off of anything. He is sometimes over affectionate with Megan and definitely is a bit rougher than Sarah ever was. He is very proud of late when he can do things on his own - open a door, carry his plate, set the table. The other morning he came down stairs completely dressed. I asked who dressed him and he said himself. It was only later that we found out he was going "commando"!

He loves many things but especially loves animals of any kind. He is a big fan of Diego, the animal rescuer on TV. He likes to play rescue heroes and just got a new pirate ship that he now enjoys. Just this week he has been announcing that he loves boys stuff! He is becoming adamant that he wants nothing to do with girl things (until that is the only thing Sarah will play and then he jumps right back into Polly world!)

Other interests include "fiderman" however I don't really think he knows much about him. Funny he doesn't pronounce the sp very well and neither did SArah at this age. Guess there is no need to worry that he will got to school calling smarties -farties as Sarah grew out of it.

His closest friend is Drew from across the street. She is the older women by about 3 months. They love to play together and often dance and sing around the fire hydrant out front. We'll see how this relationship progresses this week as he is quite clear that he just plays boys things now. I think Drew can convince him to come around although the last time she tried to get him to play house he said " no how about I shoot you and you die" instead. Great- I wish he would stick to girl play!!

Welcome to Kindergarten Liturgy

Today the parents were invited to attend Sarah's school for a welcome to kindergarten liturgy in the gym. Not being Catholic I wasn't sure what to expect but it turned out to be a simple little service welcoming each child to the school. Again, slightly teary, I watched as Sarah was presented a t-shirt and got a welcome hand shake from the principal. The kids sang Jesus loves the little children and we all listened to a short story about Jesus and his love for kids. It was funny to watch all the kindergartens at the front. At one point the principal asked who the kids thought loved them. Most kids yelled out their mom. When the principal mentioned their dads one little boy yelled out his whole life story about how his dad didn't live with his mom anymore. Poor mom - she was mortified as the rest of us giggled. Sarah sat fairly well next to one of her new little friends Lauren however I did have to laugh when I looked over and they were making funny faces at one another. Then they were motioning to each other to zip their lips and be quiet all the while wiggling around and drawing a bit of attention to themselves !! Hee hee- it was kinda funny although it took all my will power not to try and signal her to sit still and be quiet. Luckily she figured that out on her own (and with the help of the Grade 5 student helper sitting behind her) and all was good!



After the little program we were invited back to the class to watch them have circle time. Wow- what fun and all I can say is their teacher is awesome. She was so calm and relaxed, spoke in a soft tone and dealt well with the kids behaviors in front of 40 on looking parents. The whole circle time was in French but Sarah appeared to understand it all. I couldn't help leaving there wishing I could come every day. I might even be able to pick up the language too! I am so happy that Sarah loves Kindergarten. I hope this love for learning will only continue to grow.

A Roaring Success!

Sunday night after a busy day at Lily's birthday party, we finally had Ethan's party. Just being back to work threw a wrench into party plans I was terribly unprepared. Alas we managed to throw together a Dinosaur party for him but kept it very very small so I didn't have to stress too much over it.

Lily with a butterfly painted on her face from her party this morning

Drew - always happy to stop and smile for my pictures

Andrew - who had to be woken up from a nap to come to the party. He soon woke up and had a blast.

For months Ethan has been telling people that he was having a Dinosaur party so there wasn't much decision to be made in regards to a theme. What to do was a different story. After his three little buddies arrived we had a quick supper of dino nuggets, sweet potato and regular french fries, veggies, dip and juice. The "dino nuggets" actually turned out to be zoo animals when I took them out of the freezer but the kids were non the wiser until Sarah pointed out to them that we were really eating giraffes and not long necks! Thanks Sarah - always knew you were astute! While dining a hungry T-Rex showed up and tried to eat the kids supper. While the boys were thrilled by his arrival, Lily and Drew may still be having nightmares about it. I would be scared too and so might anyone reading this as the pictures are frightening on their own! (but oh so good for blackmail or a good laugh!)

(The T-Rex is available for any of your parties - book in advance as he is very popular --and he's cheap cheap cheap!)

After supper we went outside and dug for dinosaurs in the sandbox, then played pin the horn on the triceratops and danced like dinosaurs downstairs(what is an Ethan party without a little dancing?).

Finally it was cake time! My throw together dinoland cake complete with volcano turned out not too bad. The kids liked it so that was all that mattered.

All in all a great day! Can't wait til next year. (actually who needs to wait til next year - Sarah is a few weeks away - better get on that one now)

Ethan's Birthday

Well the day finally came- Ethan's 3rd birthday. He was super excited to say the least. In the morning he had preschool so we made some cupcakes the night before to take along and share with the kids. After school he picked a Quiznos sub lunch for his birthday treat. While Marnel watched the kids I ran and picked up lunch. Drew, Sarah and Ethan all had a yummy lunch and cookies for dessert. Since the party was scheduled for a few days later we just enjoyed left over cupcakes that night with supper as we celebrated with Trevor. In the afternoon while he was supposed to be napping he snuck into Sarah's room (who also was supposed to be napping) and found his present in Sarah's closet. He is a big Diego fan so we had picked him up a Diego Animal rescue center which is basically a tree house with little animals, a helicopter, a zip cord and a car to play with. We felt it was time to start balancing out the boy toys since he has been coerced lately by his older sister to play Polly Pockets. Now Polly and Diego can get dressed in fancy clothes and rescue some animals together! Needless to say he was thrilled. He came downstairs where I was rocking with Megan and in a hyperventilating sort of way told me that there was a Diego present upstairs for him. He showed everyone who came by that night and I think if we had let him he would have invited strangers in to see it too. Glad we found something he liked.

What else would a birthday boy pick but peanut butter toast for breakfast. As important as the peanut butter is how it is spread on the bread. This day it could only be done by Ethan- no one else. He is three now- he feels he is ready to start fending for on his own. Good thing he didn't want eggs and bacon!

Man my mom is always taking pictures - even when we are eating. Don't we ever get a break.

Two of a Kind

Go Fish!

I thought it was time to teach Ethan how to play cards so I got him some Diego Go Fish cards. I thought it might be a tad bit of a challenge to teach him but didn't realize it would be this funny. This is a snippet of the conversation:


Ethan lays out his three cards so that I can help him learn the game. He has a turtle, Diego and a baby jaguar.


Me: Okay Ethan- you have to ask mommy if I have one of your cards. If I do I will give it to you and you will get a pair.

Ethan: Okay mom....

Me: Okay so say ' mommy do you have a turtle?'

Ethan throwing his arms up : yes I do!

Me : no you ask mommy 'mommy do you have a turtle"

Ethan: "Yes I do have a turtle - yeah"

Me: no no - you pick one of your cards and then say to mommy " mommy do you have a Diego"
Ethan: Yeah I have Diego too!



Hmmm- it's harder than I thought to teach this game to him. Perhaps real fishing might be easier. Throw out the line, reel it in - pretty straight forward. Except... I'd have to bait the hook and who wants to do that. Guess I will stick to cards.



(after a few more tries and some help from Daddy he finally caught on and is playing like a true Go Fish pro)

A Round of Applause Please

Well much to my despair Thursday snuck up way to quickly and it was time for my interview at work. They have created some new positions that I am hoping might be less stressful than protection so I thought I would give it a try. Of course what soon became apparent as I began to study for it was that I have misplaced a large portion of my brain cells since I worked 14 months ago. They must be lost somewhere with the 15 single socks I have in the laundry room. I was looking at all the material, and barely remembering any of it. Of course it wasn't helpful that my damn eyes preferred the closed position- made reading difficult! Anyway after a half-assed attempt at studying I submitted my self to possible failure and embarrassment and attended the interview Thursday at 8:15am (I know - two weeks ago I wasn't even out of my PJ's by 8:15 today I had to be somewhere, no wrinkles, make-up on and hair done- I should have gotten a standing ovation just for that!)

Luckily I knew two of the four interviewers, the third lady (HR rep)was having her 3rd baby so she had great sympathy for me and the fourth lady was very nice. I started the interview noting there were 11 questions on the page and I thought okay I can do this. I muddled my way through the first 10 and on number 11 was faced with a theory question where I had to give examples of questions I would use with clients using the theory. Ahh - it appeared as kind of an ugly question (although none were particularly pretty). I sat back for a moment, thought about it and then gave my answer. Well the HR rep stopped me after this and announced " this is terribly inappropriate but I think she deserves a round of applause for that answer. It is the best one we have had in four days of interviews!" Yeah me! I thought "I am ending it on a great note ."

After the brief boost to my ego they all turned over the page. DUh me. I thought I was done and there were 10 more questions on the other side! Of course these were even harder questions and so again I answered as best I could. On question 15 I was answering(bullshitting) my way through and I made the comment that I wasn't answering this one very well. The nice HR rep said I was "doing fine but I certainly wouldn't be getting any round of applause for it"!

Finally it was done and I left far more relaxed than I had arrived. All in all it went well and I will hear more next week. Considering that one of my references was one of the interviewers I think I am safe to say that I did alright. I'll just wait and see how seniority falls and I will let you know what happens. Keep your fingers crossed!

I admit it -I'm addicted

I have to say it out loud - I have a new addiction. For this month we have the Food Channel which we have never had before but man I love it. I am totally addicted to the show Iron Chef America. Many of you may have seen it but the basic premise is two chefs who make 5 dishes in 1 hour. The catch is that they don't know the "secret ingredient" they have to bake with until the minute before they start. I find this highly suspect however as with one minutes notice they create five culinary dishes. I know all day that I will need to make supper and it still turns out like slop! I am sure Trevor hopes that some of their expertise might rub off but frankly I sometimes can't even pronounce the names of the ingredients they use and sure as hell wouldn't know where to find them!

Anyway every night I have been staying up from 10-11 to watch which is really starting to cause havoc in my life. For one, now that I am back to work I need to be getting into bed earlier than that. The other problem is that after each show I am STARVING!! Not only are you watching them create great food but ALL the commercials are for food. Just now I saw one for pancakes, popcorn and Red Lobster. While I couldn't go for the pancakes, a big bag of popcorn with butter or a Red Lobster biscuit would taste awesome right now. I better get to bed before I consume everything in my cupboards!

Good thing we don't have this channel forever or I may end up 30 pounds heavier!
Better go and see if I can make it through the kitchen without stuffing something into my mouth. Night All!

Sarah's thoughts on Suppertime

Tonight my mom emailed me a little note to tell me what a great day she had with the kids yesterday and to inform me of a conversation she had with Sarah. Doesn't it always make you nervous as a parent when someone says " I have got to tell you what your kid said to me...". Never know what to expect.

Apparently last night at supper Ethan was still sleeping so mom asked Sarah if they should wait or go ahead and eat without him. Without stopping to think Sarah replied that it would be nice to have a quiet supper "without her mom talking the whole time" . When my mom questioned her further on this she told her that" my mom just talks all the time, I wish she'd be quiet and just eat!" What can I say to that-- apparently nothing would be best!

I Thought the Weekend was for Resting!

While I would have loved to relax this weekend it didn't seem to be in the cards- and that was okay. Saturday Trevor and I got up early and with some friends drove to Watrous. Many of you who read this regularly will remember our friends Brad and Tracy whom we had the jumpathon for. Brad is still courageously battling the cancer while Tracy is courageously trying to plan for her future. She and the boys wanted to live back in Watrous where they had been for the past three years until April when they had moved for Brad to take a job in Unity. After life threw them this unfair and unexpected curve ball, and Brad was unable to work it made sense for them to move back to the community that will be able to support them once Brad is gone.

Anyway Tracy found a new house but it needed lots of work. A single lady has lived in it since her husband built in decades ago. If you didn't know better you would have sworn that the house was just built and they had just chosen a 70's theme. Everything was immaculate. It was too bad but it all had to go. So crews of friends helped prime, paint, sand, lay laminate, hang closet doors etc. Anything that needed fixin' was done. Another weekend of the same and they should be ready to move in on the 27th. This will be nice as then Brad can stay there with them until his health is such that he needs more support than what he can get at home. While there was a feeling of sadness when you thought of why we were doing everything it did feel good to be able to help them out. We will continue to pray for courage and strength for the whole family.

Today the kids were anxiously awaiting the arrival of Grandma and Papa who were on their way back from visiting Karri, Rob and Baby Dylann. I was feeling the worst I have felt all week so after helping Trevor with the shed door I had to go back to bed. So I guess I did get to relax except that when I woke up a few hours later, I still had the house to clean, laundry to put away, dishes to do etc etc . I know that all that could wait however something always comes up and so Trevor may leave me if i keep putting it off too long! And although my mom won't believe me, I can't stand the mess either.

Grandma and Papa finally arrived and we enjoyed a nice but loud supper with them. Three kids with lots to say makes for a competition for attention at dinner. And while Megan can't talk she sure knows how to garner attention these days. I think you may have heard her screaming up in Dawson Creek Auntie Karri!

The evening was topped off with a great visit with our neighbours. The kids played, we drank tea and although we stayed too long it was a great night of visiting and conversation. I love our street (well the street is a little rutty but I love the people who live on it!)

We made it!

Well we survived week number one with only a few minor glitches. I continue to be feverish and sick (must be allergic to work!) and now Trevor is starting to come down with a cold. The kids have been troopers and although they are tired they managed as best as we can expect I think.

Friday Ethan got to go for his first full day of preschool and he did awesome. He had great fun playing with the tools and making a craft. He can't wait to go back next week, which will be his birthday so it should be extra fun. I suppose a good mom would bake a treat to send along ... hmm...At this point I might settle with being a mediocre mom and send something that Costco created. I better get thinking on that.

Tonight we are sleeping at my mom's as she is watching the kids for us tomorrow when we go to Watrous. I don't think she knows what she is getting into but if we tell her she might change her mind! We're leaving early enough that we should be able to sneak away before she figures it out!

And the Week goes On

Well we are now at the end of Day 4 this week and although I was to have tomorrow off I am working it in order to have Ethan's birthday off next week.

I'm happy to report that we are all surviving (as I knew we would). Megan has taken a liking to Mrs.B and although she still clings and screams when I leave she is happy soon after. Ethan is suffering the most as the early mornings are tough for him. Our little sleeper is not happy to be woken before he is ready. To say the least it is like waking a bear from hibernation in the middle of January- not good. Yesterday Mrs. B even found him sound asleep behind the living room chair when she called him for lunch. She said that he had likely been sleeping for 20 minutes. Not sure if I should feel bad for him or be concerned that no one missed him for that long. Mrs. B was making lunch and the other kids didn't tell her where Ethan was.

Sarah is still loving school and comes home knowing something new everyday. She has quickly learned how to count to 10 in French and I have to say she even pronounces most of the numbers right! I can't say that is so for the days of the week. I just kinda giggled when she sang the days of the week song like this:
lundi, mardsy, mecredi, coursty (or curdsy a few times). I suggested that perhaps it was lundi, mardi, mecredi and jeudi but she insists that it is definitely curdsy! whatever -- all I know is that I made it through "curdsy" and I only have one more day of work til the weekend. Have a good one everybody!

Return to Work-- Day 2

Lost : Patience

Last Seen: Tuesday afternoon at the office.

Lost Tuesday evening before, during, and after supper. Again during snack time, story time and many times during the bedtime routine!

If found please return to Susan and Trevor Black immediately.

Our kids thank you in advance!

And We're Off

Today marked my first day back to work in over 14 months. To say that it was a bit of a shock to the system is an understatement. Surprisingly we got the kids up and ready and were even 10 minutes early to the sitter so had to sit outside and wait (this will never happen in another million years I am sure). We got the kids settled although Megan was less than thrilled to stay. Trevor dropped me off and my day began.

It's hard to describe how I was feeling. I truly like the people I work with and so it was nice to be back in their company again. Much is the same and yet things have changed. I fought a terrible headache and flu like achy feeling all day so trying to read my files was pretty useless. I definitely have lost enthusiasm for the job but am sure it will all come back when the files feel like my own again.

I am happy to report I didn't cry at work although I teared up when I read some comments on the previous post. Funny though as we arrived home I was really anxious to see the kids and one look at Megan turned me into a fountain again! Luckily she had a better than expected kind of day and Ethan did awesome so I can't ask for much more than that. Sarah arrived safe to school and although the bus took her to our house after school they realized before getting her off that she was supposed to be at the sitter. Whew -- that was close.

After getting really really tired kids into bed I began the preparations for tomorrow. Here we go again! Let's hope tomorrow goes as good as today.

What a year we have had!

Wow just typing the title brings tears to my eyes. This may be harder to write than I thought. As I sit and write this it is the night before I return to work. I am officially done this maternity leave and as there are to be no more(for sure this time) I am struck with great sadness. When will I ever have times like this again. An uninterrupted year to spend with my kids. It truly has been the best time. When I think back to only a year ago Sarah was just turning 4. She was starting preschool 2 times a week, loved to dress up, was just starting to become a bit particular about her clothes and still napped in the afternoon. Ethan was just turning 2. We couldn't keep him off tables, counters or things in high places. He had long curly locks and was already showing signs of being a real charmer. Megan was new and yet it felt like she had always been a part of the family. We couldn't remember not having her around. Today I have a kindergartner, a preschooler and a toddler - I can't believe it.

Again more tears are streaming down my face as I think of the things I am going to miss most by being back to work. I absolutely loved to sit with the kids in the morning and watch the neighbourhood gang get on the bus. This year we could have been watching Sarah. Along those lines, the returning of the school kids at the end of the day signalled play time outside. We would sit with a snack on the step and wait for the kids to descend the bus. As soon as backpacks were dumped in the yard, kids would gather and playtime would begin. Of course it was always nice for the parents as since we were out there watching the kids we got a chance to visit one another too. We are certainly blessed with a great street and awesome neighbours.

I also found the utmost joy in seeing the kids grow and bond with each other. Ethan is quite quick to defend his older sister if we are disciplining her and is super protective of Megan (although unfortunately his over zealousness in this area usually means that he ends up being the one to squish her or something all the while thinking he is such a help to her). Sarah as well has mothered Megan right from the start and while we finally have convinced her to put Megan down, Megan now goes to Sarah to be picked up. With Ethan Sarah is always there to give him a hug when he is sad and again be his defender if he is in trouble. The love that has grown between the three of them warms my heart every time I see it.

While I realize that I am making it sound like I am going off to the torture chambers I know that I am very lucky to have had the time that I did have. I got a few extra months and more time than most. They are going to be in excellent hands with our sitter Mrs. B, and we will now just have to work harder at making the most out of our time together each evening. I am keeping my fingers crossed about a part time job I applied for, and promise to have nothing but a positive attitude when I go to work tomorrow. As for tonight though -- I think I will continue to sit here and cry for a bit longer. I hope not to do it at work tomorrow so best get it all out tonight. Wish me luck!!

Rudolph is that You?

Today on the way home from Derek and Lisa's Megan took a tumble. Not thinking that it was anything more than her daily trip over her feet I scooped her up, gave her a kiss and we went on our way. Once at our destination however I noticed that the little fall had left her with a skid mark on her nose. As the day went on it became more pronounced and she soon looked like Rudolph. Poor Maggie - a tough week adjusting to the sitter and now this. Here's hoping next week goes better for her!

See my nose?!!

Hmm- I am going to have to work on my running- it didn't work out so great today.

Preschool Bound

With Sarah in school, Ethan knew his turn was next. Unfortunately for him he started a week later than Sarah and to an almost 3 year this appears to have been worse than waiting for Santa. Everyday Ethan would ask if today was the day he got to go to Mrs. Dueck's ( I think he has his first crush) and finally today I was able to say yes. After getting Sarah on the bus (and explaining to Ethan as I dragged him OFF her bus that I was going to get him to Mrs. Dueck's) we dropped Megan off at her friend Kiedis' house and we were on our way. Ethan walked in with an air of confidence and an attitude that seemed to say " I'm here -let's get this party started". Having been to the preschool twice a week for a year to drop off Sarah and pick her up, it was an understatement to say that he felt comfortable there. He seemed to feel like he was home! Along with his best buddie Drew and his rescue pack back pack he was set. Excited to show everyone how fast his new runners ran he took off for the gym and didn't look back. After a brief moment of distress for both he and I, when he wanted the "metercycle" even though another boy was on the motorcycle, Ethan quickly was diverted by all the other options before him. What did he choose? A hula hoop! I always knew that hip action we saw at his first birthday party would come in handy at a later date!

Not one to miss a beat, Ethan announced when school was done that he was ready to go to the sub place. Apparently because Sarah got to go to Quizno's for lunch after her first day he assumed that he got to too. How could I say no- he was so excited. So after we picked up Megan (who cried the hour we were gone- sorry L & D) we zoomed to the sub shop, picked up lunch and returned in time to be there when Sarah hoped off the bus from school. Another great morning !

I'm ready to go (too bad school didn't start for another hour)!

Aren't we just the two cutest kids ever !