How was YOUR day?!

I feel I should start this post by saying you can't make this stuff up.... Ever had one of "those" days?...Today would definitely qualify. So as a public service I thought I share the lessons I have learned today:

1. Never ever use anything but dishwasher soap in the dishwasher... laundry soup as a substitute is a bad idea...

2.If your kids break a picture frame by "accidentally " knocking it of the wall...they will "accidentally" break its replacement in less than 24 hours, if it is hung in the same spot.

3.My 10 year old has the strength of Superman.and the ability to break a brass door knob in half..."I swear I wasn't swinging on the door Mom,I barely touched it"...

4.An air valve from a soccer ball can indeed get stuck on your Jack Russell's canine tooth...it takes three sets of hands, a large blanket & needle-nose pliers to fix the above mentioned problem.

5.Taking a picture of the dog with a soccer ball air valve stuck on its tooth is a bad idea...Cameras battery covers will break even if dropped on carpet...

And I wonder why we can't have nice stuff... first day of summer vacation...only 69 more to go...sure hope the kids, I mean the house survives :)

Dad of the Century!

Grant has always been a checked in dad. Changing diapers, doing killer ponytails, cooking dinner(the kids do say "Don't ever die Mom, 'cause all we'd ever eat is Kraft Dinner and spaghetti), reading all the Twilight books with the girls(I am surprised he doesn't sparkle.)Endless bike rides, video games, and lego building sessions....Grant is a keeper.

Last night while Grant & I we were out for dinner he became Dad of the century. After ordering, he reached across the table to hold my hand (Awww, I know what a great husband, besides the point though). I then noticed what was written on his hand...

[Grant writes notes on his hand at work all the time and because he works at the worlds largest retailer, the kids or I phone him to bring home whatever we have ran out of, yesterday one of the girls had phoned Grant]

One my sweat heart's hand, written in back felt:... pads....tampons...#60 black ink cartridge....

Grant I love you more every day! You are the Dad and Husband of the century...well most of the time :)

Shopping for Bathing Suits...Bring Advil

We've got away without buying new bathing suits for the last couple of years, thanks to hand-me-downs and Grandma (honestly I can remember the last time ALL of the girls needed new bathing suits at the same time).If you ask the kids they'll tell you I'm cheap, I prefer the term resourceful :). This year our luck ran out. Bailey, Madison & Alex have all grown between 4 and six inches each since last July and even Holly gained enough height that she couldn't stretch a third season out of her current suit.





Last night our mission? Find four one-piece "modest" bathing suits in about an hour. How hard could it be? Right?.... I took Alex to the kids section while I let the rest loose in ladies wear. Of the suits in Alex's size, most resembled water balloon sling-shots,doll clothes or something that would grace the cover of Sports Illustrated. I own dish towels with more material. After several tries, success at least for Alex.



Now for the the older ones...Bailey's first try would have been perfect...if she were running in slow motion on Baywatch....after 5 or 6 rounds we finally found one that was high enough, low enough and long enough.Hallelujah! By now I'm questioning my sanity and searching for Advil. Holly tried on everything in the store, except what I suggested (apparently I have all the fashion sense of an 85 year old) with no success. Store # 2....even less options...and now I am explaining that shoulder straps, indeed are required...no success. Store #3...two possibilities. Once on they defined the fashion faux pas... the plunging neck-line that ended closer to your navel than your neck . Failure. Holly & Madison will have to try another day. Once my headache has worn off . Do the Amish sell bathing suits?? I guess I could learn to sew but I haven't heard,has Hell frozen over yet?

Sister H from Korea & Sister P from California - Kye Bay

Sister P holding a crab that is very much alive.

Kye Bay from above.

Sister P, Me, & Sister H- Nymph Falls, Puntledge River

It was P day for the Sister Missionaries in our ward and Grant had the day off, so we played tour guides and showed them some of the natural wonders around Courtenay. We started off at Kye Bay where we looked at tide pools, learned the consequences of tides coming in faster than the charts said it would :) and had a picnic lunch, sandwiches & sand mmmmm. We then went to Nymph Falls Provincial Park on Puntledge river . A swift current river surrounded by second growth forest. It was an excellent day and even the weather cooperated...

Ever feel like Eeyore??...Read this :)

Do you ever feel like "Eeyore"?
[You know, the down-trodden donkey,(I think he's a donkey) from Winnie the Pooh]

"It's snowing still," said Eeyore gloomily.
"So it is."
"And freezing."
"Is it?"
"Yes," said Eeyore. "However," he said, brightening up a little, "we haven't had an earthquake lately."

Well, I do. Yes even this Krazy Kramer feels discouraged at times. I know I have a good life, full of great things. Grant and I are truly blessed people. But there are times when the demands of a large family, busy church callings, living within our means and making ends meet feels overwhelming. Sometimes keeping all the "plates twirling" at the same time feels like an impossible balancing act. But I think it at times of discouragement and trials we can more distinctly see His " tender mercies" in our lives. We all have a Heavenly Father who loves us and wants us to succeed and will provide a way for us to do so.

I came across an article, this morning, from a Nov. 1999 Ensign (LDS Church magazine for adults) that truly touched my heart and was exactly what I need to read at that moment...my tender mercy.

Jeffery R Holland, "An High Priest of Good Things to Come"...."Don't give up...Don't you quit. You keep walking. You keep trying. There is happiness ahead-a lot of it."

To read the full article click on the link below:


LDS.org - Ensign Article - “An High Priest of Good Things to Come”

A Negative + A Negative = A Positive

Its no secret to anyone that neither Grant nor I were stellar students. If there had been awards handed out for mediocre,well then, we might have been contenders. I think both of us did as little as possible to get by. A fact, I have to admit, I regret. The fact that I was raised by two High School Teachers, one with a Master's in Music Education, leaves me with no room for excuses... So it is to our amazement that our kids not only love school, but actually excel at it.

Last night was Mark R. Isfeld Secondary Annual Awards Night...Holly and Madison were both invited to attend. Madison was excited, Holly not so much. Grant & I were happy for the acknowledgement of the kids achievement. But, the thought of sitting for two hours, packed in a hot gym, on a beautiful sunny evening was less than inviting. At least I was excited to see tables of free cookies and juice as we walked in the door (small things amuse me). The evening was as exciting as any awards night could be. If it weren't for the MC's jokes introducing each category, (What did sushi A say to sushi B?...WASABI!, introduced the baking category, yes there were awards in baking ;)) and the running commentary from the peanut gallery(thanks Grant), I might have fallen asleep.

The highlights of the evening were when Holly was presented a plaque for the top student in Marine Biology and Madison received a medal for Silver Honour Roll. Very proud Momma and Pappa. Proof that two negatives can, in fact equal a positive. Way to go guys!

CRAZY?

It wasn't far into their "tween" years that my children started to believe that their mother is crazy, well at least slightly crazy.

"Holly, I mean Bailey, no Madison, you know which one I mean..." OK, so I can never call them by the right name, even when they're are right in front of me.

"I thought I told you to feed the dog?"..."Mom, you told Alex, not me."Or which one I told to do what.

"It's time for dinner, where's Dallyn?"" Mom he's at a birthday party, remember?" Or who is where, when.

Today, Holly was in the same room as me, which I didn't notice, when I yelled for her to come help with dinner. "MOM!?, I am right here, you didn't have to yell." to which I responded....

"When you have kids, you'll understand why I am CRAZY!" :)

Sea Life- Kye Bay

Shells & Barnacles

Star Fish

Sun Fish- Belly up, they feed that way

Got Crabs?

Herring

Beach Bums

Kye Bay Beach- Holly, Dallyn, Bailey, Alex, Madison

Holly and the baby star fish

Kramer kids are SUPER HEROS!

Largest star fish we have ever seen!

Dallyn

I think if our family could, we would be professional beach bums. We love the beach. Exploring tide pools, walking barefoot in the sand, watching the eagles and herring soar, the inevitable water fights and sand wrestling it is my favourite way to waste away an afternoon. We live in the perfect location, dozens of beaches within a 30 minute drive. I remind the kids all the time that people spend a lot of money to vacation in our "back yard." My hope is that none of us ever take it for granted. We are very blessed beach bums.

The Birds & The Bees....Don't Laugh!

Holly & Alex Summer 2008

From the time I can remember, I have had a hard time keeping a straight face. I laugh in inappropriate situations all the time. Church, performances, reprimanding my kids, even a few funerals, the more serious it seems, the more funny I find it. I think it might be genetic, thanks to my Merrill side.

There is one occurrence that I know I am doomed before I start....the dreaded "birds and the bees" talk, both getting it and giving it. I remember my Mom sitting my sister and I down for the "talk" and giving up because I was laughing too hard to breathe much less listen. Fast forward a few decades...The first "birds and bees talk" in the Kramer house has become down right legendary, poor Holly. We, yes Grant & I, he knows me too well, decided to talk to Holly together. It all started with good intentions, but I don't remember getting more than a sentence out before my smile turned into a smirk, which tuned into hysterics in no time. The talk continued with Grant filling in the basic details while I nodded in agreement with tears streaming down my face. Holly in all her nine-year-old wisdom said,"Mom can't you take anything seriously!" Apparently not.

The rest of the "talks" haven't gone much better. Good thing the older girls have warned their younger sister. Alex came home from school today, tossed a folded piece of paper in my lap, &quickly exited the room. I unfolded the newsletter "The Always Changing Program...The grade 5 classes are about to study an important lesson on the early stages of puberty..." I didn't think my snickering was audible until I hear Alex from the other room "Mom please stop!, Its not funny" Sorry kids,I hope I haven't scared you for life.

Holly & Bailey's Special Day

Willow Point Beach- Campbell River- Bailey & Holly

Today was a special day for Holly and Bailey, they both received their patriarchal blessings.

(Patriarchal blessings are given to worthy members of the Church by ordained patriarchs. Patriarchal blessings include a declaration of a person's lineage in the house of Israel and contain personal counsel from the Lord. As a person studies his or her patriarchal blessing and follows the counsel it contains, it will provide guidance, comfort, and protection.)

We drove to Patriarch Mason's home in Campbell River. It was a beautiful & humbling experience. My hope is that Holly & Bailey will find strength and comfort in their blessings the same way I have found courage and guidance in mine. I can't believe how fast my girls are growing up. I am so proud of them. I look forward with admiration to see the kind of women they become. I am so lucky to be there mom. I love you Holly & Bailey....you rock:)

This one time, at the Band Concert ;)

Madison -on French Horn

Holly- on Alto Sax

Two of our kids are total BAND GEEKS. Well maybe not total. Holly has played the Alto Sax for 5 years and Madison has played the trumpet for 3 and just started the French Horn in September. Wednesday was their final concert of the year.If the weather had cooperated it would have been a concert in the park, but they had to settle for the school Gym. It was a beach theme with everyone in shorts and t-shirt, I quite enjoyed the relaxed feel. The kids sounded great. I usually think once you heard one school band concert you've them all but these guys were truly impressive. Way to go!

A little local R&R

Miracle Beach- Me & Tater

Miracle Beach - Grant

Brooklyn Creek Nature Walk

Picking Fresh Salmon Berries

Watching Eagles - Point Holmes Beach

Grant actually had three days off in a row and with the kids in school,we jumped at the chance to spend some quality time together. There is so much to do within 20 minutes of our door step.....Between yesterday & today we went to: Brooklyn Nature Walk, Point Holmes Beach, Miracle Beach, Kye Bay Beach....

its super stormy today, which if you ask me is the best time to go to the beach. The water is usually calm on the Straight of Georgia with very little wave action, but add the wind & rain and its a different story. I love storm watching. We brought Tater (Our Jack Russell) along to chase the ball, but decided to keep him close on Kye Bay Beach when the Eagles would not stop circling over head. We sure needed the R&R.....

Grant had an incident stemming from work hit a little too close to home....

Courtenay man facing charges following stabbing
Comox Valley Record

Published: June 02, 2010 9:00 AM Updated: June 02, 2010 9:23 AM
A 37-year-old Courtenay man is in police custody and facing charges after a stabbing that occurred Monday on Back Road.
William Peter Alderson is charged with aggravated assault and assault with a weapon when at approximately 6 p.m., he stabbed a 25-year-old Courtenay man 27 times.
The victim was initially transported to St. Joseph's Hospital, and then airlifted to Victoria General Hospital and is in stable condition with non-life threatening injuries.
The two are known to each other and the stabbing appears to have been unprovoked.
The incident is under investigation with the assistance of the Comox Valley General Investigation Section and Forensic Identification.
— Comox Valley RCMP

Grant, was involved in firing the perpetrator two weeks ago, he worked with both men when he was still on nights....the incident happened just blocks from where we live...very unnerving. Just grateful the victim is recovering & the perpetrator is in custody....Why can't our lives be boring???