My pirate name is:

Mad Anne Flint

Every pirate is a little bit crazy. You, though, are more than just a little bit. Like the rock flint, you're hard and sharp. But, also like flint, you're easily chipped, and sparky. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from fidius.org.

Happy Birthday, MOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!


It was a great weekend back at the old homestead. Eating and talking and laughing and happy kids running around everywhere. Good stuff!!
The downstairs is all fixed up with new wood floors and freshly painted walls and matching bed clothes for the new futons. VERY comfy sleeping down there!
I, of course, ate and drank WAY too many calories, so I'm back on the wagon today. Ugh.

Twice, over the course of the weekend, me and Jack and Q all piled onto the Gator and took a chilly ride down to the Stream to hunt for cool rocks. We encountered zillions of adorable, frolicking, week-old calves along the way and were fortunate enough to sight a gorgeous red fox, skimming across the field. And of course, the rock selection at the creek never fails to disappoint.
After supper, I took Jack down to my old workshop and fired up some of my lapidary equipment. We cut open and ground and buffed a few rocks, before the cold just got to be too much for my poor, unseasoned hands. We both enjoyed it, though. I was SO wishing that someone would sneak in and take a picture of him, all hunched over the equipment, intense expession on his face, way-too-big protective goggles strapped over his eyes. Very cute!!

W's still talking up a storm and stealing the show


Q relaxing at the Stream


Jack with one of his many new-found treasures

Just a few snow pics

Gosh, I'm busy

It's a good thing. I'm not complaining.

Every day has been filled to the brim with computer work and and printing and trimming and stuffing albums, etc. And then there are consultations and calls and emails and my Little Buddy to deal with, too.

Little Buddy Update:
I brought her a copy of The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe and she agreed to read at least the first chapter and we'll talk about it next week. I took my wedding albums in last week for her to look at and she definitley enjoyed the attention that it drew from the other kids. I guess that's something? She has also broguht up the fact that next year would be her last year to be eligible for the Buddy program. I can tell that it worries her to think about that. She's also mentioned that she would really like for me to take her skating or to Putt-Putt (no out of school contact is allowed in the Buddy program). It's making me consider the possibility of eventually becoming a full fledged Big Sister. It's just a thought, at this point. Gonna need some prayer on that one. It's a huge committment and I see things in this little girl that really worry me---bad attitude, unhealthy craving for attention (bad or good), poor social skills and a number of other things. I feel like I need to talk to a professional counsellor, myself, just to know how best to deal with her! Oh, well, I guess I'll just keep praying and keep showing up for our Buddy time, for now. I can't possibly make things any worse for her, anyway.

In Other News:
Little Hilda is recovering nicely from her operation--stitches come out on Monday.
There's a whopper of a snowstorm headed our way, here, for the weekend. I'm hoping to maybe get in a little sledding and take some purty pictures. We'll see.

I haven't even started on my floors, yet. I just can't find the time.UGH!!