Diamonds and Carolers

Eric and I went to see Blood Diamond last Thursday night after a work Christmas Dinner. I am familiar with the smuggling of diamonds from Sierra Leone to Liberia by the rebels. In 2000 I attended a lecture organized by the Cdn Institute of Int'l Affairs about this subject. The author had written a report on the effect of diamond smuggling on the war in Sierra Leone. After watching the movie, I felt stupid that I hadn't abandoned everyday life and become involved in helping those who have suffered in some way. But, I suppose that if these victims had the chance to raise little ones in peace, they would leap. Anyhow - the movie. Well, I'm not sure whether I can recommend everyone go to see 'Blood Diamond'. I was sobbing through parts of the movie. I have seen documentaries and movies about genocide - seen terrible things, but I felt that if people are enduring these things, I should be able to witness what is happening. If everyone turns their head, it will never end. Maybe I was emotional because I am a mother now and view the world a little differently. The use of child soldiers was the most troubling part for me, I think. These kids grow into adults and will remain broken forever. One interesting point in the movie was when the rebel commander begged for 'the' way to get out of the country - that he had already been in hell long enough. Even the perpetrators were sick of their existence. Bottom-line - the movie was good and worth seeing if it prompts one to be more aware.

On a much lighter note - We had bathed and dressed the kids for bed when a mass of 40 people carrying lanterns came to our door. No, they weren't coming to chase us out of the neighbourhood - they were ... carolers! It was amazing. They filled our driveway and the road.
This picture isn't that great but it was amazing. Lots of fun and Christmas spirit.





Here's also another photo of our nightly routine. I tuck Konrad into his bed and as soon as we're out of sight he sneaks into our bed. Problem is, he doesn't come alone. He brings his bear, puppy, baby, teletubbie, drink, books to read, pillow. He sets himself up completely. So, everyone night I come to bed and find a sweaty little body in it. We move everything back to his bed and repeat the entire procedure the next night. He's so cute when he's sleeping, though, isn't he?

Parties Galore!

Before I get into the parties for little ones, here's a phot of the Jakob family at the Nativity Pageant. That's Konrad on a real live donkey. Both he and Anders loved the sheep, goats and other animals. That's why I go out in the cold to watch the Nativity - the animals!


The first party (for kids) - As payback to Angelina for hanging out with my Konrad so much, I invited she and kids over for dinner. It was a nice evening. Dinner, stories, and dancing! The Putamayo African Playground album is great for some true dancing. Good times.




Second party (for kids) was Konrad's Christmas Party for little boys today. We had a great lunch, watched the Polar Express and made Christmas cards. Our Christmas miracle was - no fights. Five children and no fighting or yelling. Lots of fun playing. Can you imagine? They all sat on the same couch without incident. Miracles.

Damon and Konrad were MIA so I went up to the bedrooms to look for them. They had turned off the light in Anders room (dark, dark room), were both underneath Anders bed and were playing with a flashlight.

Surprise!!! Wicked photos!!!

Thanks Cairine for the great photos. I didn't want to leave anyone out so I've posted a ton of photos. Enjoy!!!

Of Toilets and Popcorn

Firstly - I don't think I'm going to get any Wicked pictures, so - here's the rundown. We all had a great time watching the fabulous show, then we ate great thai food (a first for Lisa). It was great to see family and friends and I think we may do this more often (not difficult since this was the first time). J LW had to hobble around a bit and I'm sure the car ride back to Ottawa was not easy but we made it.

Once back home, I woke up Thursday morning to a blocked-up toilet. Eric was on his way out for a trade show in Montreal lasting until Sunday night so he was not very helpful. I didn't even bother calling in a plumber because I wasn't home during for any length of time (We do have 2 other toilets in the house). Days go by, Eric comes back - we decide to call a plumber. He comes in and spends an hour trying to clear the toilet, takes the toilet off, shakes it around - everything. He tells us we'll have to get a new toilet. Who knew? He came back a day later to install the the new toilet. He smashed the old one to see what the stubborn block was and it was.... a cap for a baby bottle. It was never budging. I wouldn't have believed that one would have to buy new toilets because kids stick things in them but now I know. Now I know that kids have hidden costs.

A week ago, Eric and I went out to dinner and a movie with some friends. Eric was in Montreal but he sat down just in time to eat the steak medallions I'd ordered for him. Nice dinner, other than my friend, AR coughing up a fish bone. Eric got me a big popcorn at the movies (actually, it was a medium but it really was rather large). I enjoyed it for awhile then passed it to Eric or put it down - I can't remember. Later, I looked around for the popcorn to munch on it and it was gone. Not a trace. Someone took my popcorn and ate it. They must have. We looked in the entiresection - no big bag of popcorn. I thought this was pretty funny. Someone wanted popcorn so bad that they snatched it - ok with me because I had eaten my fill and there was LOTS left.

A week has passed since then but I honestly don't remember anything happening. We got cold weather finally. A little severe on Friday. The wind was crazy. We brought the kids to see the Nativity pageant with live animals and a creche display. Very nice. Christmas is around the corner!!!

Mime in training

Hi there, everyone. Last week I had a fabulous time going to see Wicked and eating great Thai food BUT I am waiting for photos to do a proper posting. Send me the photos!!! In the meantime, another photo of my kids. Sorry, can't help it. I see them every day, all day - and kids are funny.

A week and a bit ago, we went to the Museum of Nature with Bev and Adam Collins. Great British folk recently moved here to Ottawa.
The boys dressed up as animals. I think Konrad's a wolf (he ran around yowling for 5 minutes) and Adam is a... deer maybe. Anders didn't quite get the dress-up thing, but he is pretty cute.

Otherwise, the past week was crazy. Christmas crafts with lots of ladies, hanging with the boys, loss of patience once in a while. That's okay, though because I know that I've got company. Nina, Angelina - they can relate at least. I know there's more moms out there with their husbands MIW (not quite MIA because we know where they are - they're just always working away from home). A couple days with Eric around is a mental relief for me. I was born at 11:58 a.m. thirty years ago - today's the big 3-0 (Yee-haw). Last week was the real party (details yet to come), but today was nice. Had meetings, lunch, and a suspiciously quiet Anders in the living room. When I walked in to check on him, this is what I found.
Yes, there's a mime in our house. He got into the Penaten and decided it was better on his face than his behind. Gotta love him. This afternoon, Konrad 'secretly' went to the local gas station to find me a gift. Apparently his first choice was a box of condoms but Eric convinced him that maybe something else would be better. I received a chocolate bar and chapstick from Konrad. I was supposed to be resting in my room for a bit while Konrad and Anders helped Eric make a fabulous cake. It really was fabulous - angel food cake with coconut pudding, whip topping and berries of all sorts. Lovely. Thirty doesn't feel too old yet, unless I've been up with the kids all night. (Warning - kids can temporarily age you. I think it all works out though, since kids generally have a mellowing effect eventually. We give up on all sorts of stuff we thought was important - but isn't.) I just have to remind myself to embrace each stage of life because before we know it, we'll be on to something else. Oh - and I finally got the red ipod. Even if I am thirty, I can still be trendy.

This and That

So, it's been a few days again. I nearly forgot I had a blog. A few thoughts after my super-relaxing yoga class (the lady beside me was snoring for 10 minutes during the relaxation period). I was thinking about old friends and remembering the reunion from September. It prompted me to begin contacting some neglected friends from the past. I called an old friend in Ottawa whom I hadn't spoken to for ..hmm.. 3-4 years. Anyhow, Garry had kidney failure a year and a half ago and does dialysis at home every night until he can get a transplant. That was a shocker.


Halloween was fun. Anders was an owl and Konrad was Curious George. As soon as Anders put on the owl costume, he started quacking or making noises like a bird. He can't talk but he does communicate. The candy was crazy, though. Too much for a 3 year old kid. The morning after Halloween, Konrad woke up at 5am, broke into the stash. For hours, he was Krazy-Konrad. That's when I decided to lock it up.

And yes, I am exercising 5 days a week. Training twice, yoga once, and cardio the rest. It's great - I'm stronger and I have more endurance, but the results have been slow in coming along. Two months into this and I'm sticking with it. I have to remind myself that regardless of the weight change, I need to keep improving my physical health.

Today we signed up with World Vision to sponsor a child. We don't have the details on the child yet, but we've been planning on doing this for awhile. Konrad likes to collect money in his piggy bank that Grandma Jakob gave him and we discussed what should be done with the money. We all decided that it was a good idea to help a child somewhere in the world who is not as blessed as our children are - and so we are. A small contribution to the worldwide problem of poverty, hunger, HIV/AIDS, terrible regimes taking power from the people.

Saturday is Remembrance Day and I hope everyone takes a couple moments to think about those who have and are serving others and sacrificing time with their families. Remembrance Day always makes me cry. I interviewed a WWII vet for an article I wrote a couple years ago. I love all of the stories. It's a time that changes one's perspective, I suppose. Anyhow, war is sad. It is always sad.

Children are a gold mine!

Here is a website that will bring you to tears. It'll make you laugh so hard you are crying. If not you'll cry when you realize its not a joke!

http://www.landoverbaptist.org/news0203/childpurchase.html

Their slogan.... "We buy children"

Here is a christian group that is supposed to be strengthening families and instead it is tearing them apart. It sounds like their motive is to help families in financial trouble.....wow! thats fantastic. But if so then why would they take the child after doing so? How could someones elses child be an asset to a stranger? Do they need labour in manufactory? Maybe someone to bail hay in the fields? No.... I would suggest that they are doing their duty to God by indoctrinating children. As they say "when your child arrives they get their own bed and a bible"

I have many thoughts on this.

1. They are taking the responsibility and the privelege of raising children properly, from the parents.

2. A childs worth to his parents is far greater than the worth of that same child to another. Therefore, it is as if I were to sell my contact lens to someone who wants to see better. It will never have more value for someone else since it is a different perscription.

3. Is this comparable to the church encouraging adoption for teen mothers giving birth? I don't think it is. Firstly the family has not yet grown together and fused together. The child has not learned to grow and trust the parents. Also, adoption would give the child another family, not "a crib and a bible".

4. ......I've just read more. I'm starting to think that this url isn't even worth mentioning. Its sick. They talk about how they have worked out the worth of children according to the scriptures. Girls and Boys are worth different amounts and "coloured" are worth MUCH LESS! Unbelievable! The reason for this is (as they say) because "some races and sexes are of lesser value to God"

The prices range from $1150 US to $18000.

5. They blame the hard economic times which will lead to such heavy decisions on the part of the parents on Bill Clinton. If this is some sort shameless public support for the Republicans it failed. Everything in the reading that follows this statement would make a level minded reader tend away from an administration with such supporters. Not to say that being a republican is wrong (although south of the boarder I find myself sympathizing with the left more than up here) since one cant always chose ones supporters.

I would hope that people could talk about this website as a farce, even though it is not. I would hope that people would hear about it as a farce, so they would never want anything to do with it. Am I wrong in this? perhaps I'm missing something, but I will tell you that my heart sunk when I read it. I also know that if someone wants to keep their kids in America they can. My mom's family had 16 kids with no money, isolated in a northern Ontario community, with fewer social assistance programs than there are now, and they made things work.

Thats it for now. Read the article.


Eric

La Ferme Rouge

Lastnight, Eric and I went to a grand spectacle - La Ferme Rouge. We joined the Visser clan (nearly the entire clan, which is to say something). They specialize in steak and seafood. I ordered filet mignon and lobster tails. Deee-licious. Eric ordered filet mignon and snow crab. Yummy. Manny did the seafood buffet. Looked great. After dinner, the waiters and waitresses sang and danced. Dancefloor was a bit small but the place was jumpin'. Note to the population of dancers - please cover up unsightly flesh. It's never a good idea however attractively one might feel they are presenting themselves. The spectacle was something indeed - a nice piece of Canadiana. Actually, I've never been to a dinner theatre in Canada so it was a fun experience. The evening was topped off with a ferry ride across the Ottawa River at Masson Angers. Nice.

Catching Up...

I know. I haven't updated in a while. Ooops. In the meantime, Anders surfed for the first time during swimming lessons, Eric and I celebrated our 7th anniversary and the usual other stuff.

On Thursday, I tried to be the great and creative mom by having an 'art/creative' time with the kids. I gave Anders a bit of green finger paint to mess with while Konrad and I made snails. Unfortunately, Anders puts everything in his mouth - including cheap finger paint that I bought at the dollar store. I couldn't help but take a picture. While I was doing the photo shoot, Anders was gagging himself - and then we have the next picture. Not that you want to look terribly close, but Anders brought up his lunch (He's looking at it). So, the great mother moment took a turn for the worse when I continued to take photos instead of cleaning it up immediately. Then, for some reason, I decided it was time to trim Anders hair for the first time. Inexplicable. Anway, here's the result. A day in the life.

jakobjabber: She's okay.

jakobjabber: She's okay.

She's okay.

Yesterday, there was a big earthquake in Hawaii - and she's OK. I don't have her number memorized and I'm lazy like that, so I called the mom to see how things were in Hawaii. The earthquake was pretty scary, I hear. She was in bed when it happened. They felt the fist aftershock as well. E's on Oahu, though and the earthquake was on the Big Island. She still did not have power last night but things are ok.

I lost my kid.

Yup. I lost Anders yesterday. We were at the Museum of Science and Tech with some friends and Anders is super-fast on his feet. He doesn't care where he's going, he just wants to run. I was chasing him for a while, always picking him up and carrying him back to the group. I turned for a minute to check on Konrad and when I turned around, Anders was gone. The museum has twists and turns everywhere so you can't see 5 feet in front of you. Three of us searched the entire section and couldn't find him so we told the employees with walkie-talkies. After about one minute, I got a little concerned - imagining some weirdo picking up a cute little blond kid. Eeekk!!! But he was found. He was at the trains - not even near us. All in all, it was less than 5 minutes but it was horrible. When I met him at the trains, I saw the faces of the other women around - wondering, how did you lose your 1 year old? Honestly, the kid runs like a madman. It was a scary time but I'm glad that he was safe and sound.

Applefest Reunion

It has been 11 years and most of us were able to get together and see how our lives have changed since highschool... we're multiplying! Everyone either has a child or are with child and no one has really changed that much.

You guys all look fantastic and it seems as though we're all pretty happy with things in our lives. It was great to see everybody and I really hope that I'll be able to communicate more often (that won't be hard since it's been 11 years since I've spoken to most of you).

I have more photos that I am going to email to everyone since this site is taking way toooooo long to upload the photos. Please share the photos with those whom I don't have email addresses for - thanks!

Thanks Beth Ann for the organization and hosting and thanks to all who made it. I find it difficult to keep in touch with everyone so this event was great for me. I hope to see you sooner than the next 11 years.

My Helper

My son Konrad is growing up. Yesterday, he was very helpful. He helped carry laundry downstairs to the basement, carried bags in from the car, found wipes when I was changing Anders' diaper, guarded the attractively coloured buttons in the elevator when Anders was trying to push them. we were doing puzzles downstairs when Konrad took a break and started doing the downward dog and exercises. I asked him what he was doing and he replied ' I need to do exercises to get strong so I can carry boxes'. Very cute. He continued doing his exercises for awhile and then returned to finish the puzzle with me.

Thanksgiving Dinner There

Here is a picture of my parents' home in Codrington. It's the bungalow with the coniferous tree out front. They've lived there longer than I've been alive. A long, long, long time. Their offer on another home on Manitoulin Island has been tentatively accepted so they'll be leaving their home and moving on to the farmhouse in the other photo. They're very excited about this move - they have exciting plans and they will be living near friends. Yay!!

We went to my parents home for Thanksgiving Dinner after visiting the others. Ken and Wendy made it, as well as Chris and her friend Betty Lou. Oh - there's also Molly. Dinner was lovely, of course. My mom went contrary to tradition and cooked a stuffed pork loin. Very nice. And of course the pies were there again. This time lemon, pumpkin and apple. Perfect. We discovered during this visit that a friend is actually growing kiwis outside of his home - here in Ontario. Crazy. We all wanted to see this marvel vut we couldn't make it over. Perhaps one day Eric will be successful in his attempt to try all fruits from bushes/plants. This takes some explanation, I suppose. While travelling, Eric will pick fruit off of any tree and try it - eat it. While walking down the boulevard in Monaco, he tried to pull the oranges and lemons off of the trees. While walking through a neighbourhood in Marseilles, he plucked some kind of berry off of someone's tree. This berry stained everything so there was no way Eric could proclaim innocence if a mad Frenchman ran out of his house shaking his hand or a stick at Eric. Yes, if there is any fruit of good report, he seeks after these fruits - including kiwis.

Thanksgiving Dinners Here and There

Yo. Yesterday was the Jakob Family Feast. Eric's mom has been cooking and baking all week in preparation for the event. Six pies, squash, turnip, stuffing, 2 turkeys, potatoes, carrots. I fared well until the pies came out later in the evening. They were YUMMY!!! Pumpkin, apple and berry. No one could resist. It was a good time - we got to see Jason and Julie and the kids. We all went to see 'Open Season' with the kids. I have never seen so many trailers before a movie - there were 7 at least.

Crazy Boat Rides

Yesterday we made the trek to Barrie. The kids surprised me - Anders sat in his seat for 6 hours straight without a break. I didn't get out to pee for 6 hours straight, either. Quite a feat - I think that's a first for me.

We went out on a boat to visit someone's cottage on Georgian Bay lastnight. The day was not ideal. There was a pretty big rainstorm going through the region and it was very windy therefore the waves were very choppy. The waters were very rough for about half an hour. I'm not accustomed to boats so I was a little nervous at times - the kids looked kinda green. It was fun, though. A little cold, but fun. I have no particular rants today. I'm sure Eric would. Something about getting up in the morning with the kids or something like it - not that he actually got up. He just dislikes the thought.

Can house be organised with 2 young boys

Okay I think the short answer to this is yes. However, this is somewhat of an ignorant answer or at least in our case, not the best answer.

I was at Denny's last night (the post Gen. conference priesthood session ritual) with the boys and I put this question out to the gents. A member of the stake presidency started to say that it happened for them when his wife decided to stay home from work. I responded that Jenn has been home for a year and a half. Dont worry, I was sure to add that she is not the problem since it wouldn't be fair to expect the responsibility to be souly hers. I continued that she cleans and I clean often when I'm at home but that our house still looks like a disaster. He then admitted that he didn't have 2 boys so close together and offered that as the answer to our problem. I have to agree with him.

When I asked the question, I was looking for solutions to the problem rather than excuses to have a messy home but unless our efforts start producing some positive results, I'm going to have to believe its just not meant to be. Not meant to be that is unless we were to give up some of the peripheral responsibilities such as home teaching, preparing things for our callings at church, being diligent with employment responsibilities, forfeiting some of my leisure activities (this would be harder for Jenn since her leisure time seems to be even more limited) and above all, we would have to give up just spending good clean wrestling and gardening time with the kids.

So the long answer, I think is "sometimes" and would be qualified by adding that sometimes it is possible to keep a clean house with 2 little hellians running around but most of the time the cost is too great.


Eric

Yard Sales

I like yard sales. Today we went to a couple yard sales nearby. Sometimes you can find great stuff. Today I scored some Tupperware, a bathroom mat, some plastic thing Anders can ride on the driveway, placemats and some puzzles for the kids. Sometimes the stuff is mostly junk that should be recycled or incinerated. My pet peeve about some yard sales is when people charge a lot of money for their junk. $7 for a cassette tape, $100 for a kid's plastic bed, $50 for an exosaucer. When I do a yard sale, I have no intention of bringing the items back into my house. We'll give it away to unsuspecting kids, drop it off at Goodwill - anything but bring it back into my house.

Random Photo

THis is me on the day of Anders reck'nin

(Eric wrote that.) I found this entry that Eric had drafted. Here's Anders and I on the day of his birth. He's such a wee guy there. He was born July 18, 2005 at about 4:30 a.m. 9lb 12oz and 22 inches long. He has grown to a little boy by now. Running around, squealing. This is the only photo we have of Anders when he was born because Eric lost his 'cool' phone/computer a few days later. Bummer.
















Jenn on B day





















This is dad and K
















Konrad and guitar

Road Trip

The road trip begins with a stop at Katherine and John Burns' home to visit with Leah and 'Mr. Snake'. Apparently this snake only comes out of his hole when Konrad is around. Snakes are supposed to have great smell so perhaps my son has a very distinctive and strong scent. Good times, anyhow. Good times.








Second stop was the Chaggares' new home in Newmarket. It was wonderful to visit with Rob and Jen - and the kids played really well together. The ice cream truck hit the jackpot when it found this street!









This is the mid-point in the ice-cream eating/body painting. Noah and Anders have only begun.











Anders is diving for more.













I think he's done for. Can he get up? I'm sure the ice cream was worth every stomach cramp.

So, that's it for now. Our road trip did not end here but I haven't anymore photos. We did go to Hamilton to visit Lisa and Ken's new home. There was a sizeable gathering of McCartney folk there for a bbq - the Laughlin clan, Ken and Wendy, myself and the kids were all there.





Then on to T.O. where I hooked up with Morticia and Chris for lunch. I'm cheating - this picture was not taken on the road trip. This is a picture from Peter Mills' wedding. That was the first time I had met Chris. The road trip was the second time I met Chris. Unfortunately, I could not attend their wedding as I was about to birth a boy named Anders.

We also had a nice visit with Cairine. We hung out in her hot apartment, went for walks in the rain and had fabulous sushi around the corner from her home. After all that visiting, we hung out with the grandparents for a day, headed back to Rob and Jen's for another night. Jen and I tried to go yard-saling in Newmarket but apparently no one in Newmarket wants to sell junk. The entire city was devoid of yard sales. Sad. Then, I trudged onward to ... my parents house maybe. Honestly, I can't remember if I did. I probably did - just to give the kids a break from the car. Eventually, we came home after a crazy week. Upon my arrival, Laura was in the driveway waiting for me to come home so she could stay for a couple days. I love summer.

Peck Family Visits Ottawa!

Why am I posting this now? I just downloaded my photos. The Pecks came to town and we were busy, busy, busy. We went to the park, the Farm, Children's Museum and Upper Canada Village. Verrry busy. The kids were all very tired at the end of the day. The kids are all chasing some piggies on the loose here. Run, piggies, run!!! Run for your lives! You don't know what these kids are capable of doing!

Here, the Peck family minus Ken are mauling a calf.






Konrad is chasing down a tasty morsel for lunch. Here piggy, piggy, piggy.








Kristen enjoying the theatre at the Children's Museum.

Our Wanderings into Cyberspace

I've succombed to the trend. I love reading everyone else's blog so I've decided that our family ought to have one as well. I imagine that I'll be the primary contributor, though. So, bookmark this page and I'll be posting photos and general rants, 'jabber', or updates.