GiST: DAY 22

1. Shopping at Bulk Barn for a few birthday supplies for Pooky Bear's party. I seriously love that store.

2. My girls getting their pajamas on by themselves. It is nice to relax and not have to worry about getting the kids changed for bed. My job now is to help brush their teeth, read bedtime stories, say prayers, tuck them in and smother each of them with hugs and kisses while reminding them how special they are and that I love them. Oh and activate Pooky's dream catcher and start Care Bear stare.

3. Story time with my girls. They each pick a story to read at bed time. Little Monkey has her select favourites she will have me read over and over, however, Pooky Bear enjoys selecting books we have not read in a while. I can't wait to find out what they will pick tonight. My guess is:
Little Monkey - Robert Munsch's, "Look at Me"
Pooky Bear - "Giggle, Giggle, Quack" by Doreen Cronin.
We will see.

4. Being wrong about what books my children chose for bed time. Pooky bear chose a Berenstain Bear book, "On the Moon". We definitely have not read that one in a while. Little Monkey chose Mo Willems', "The pigeon wants a puppy". They were fabulous.

5. A quiet night at home. Need I say more?

GiST: DAY 21

1. Pooky Bear. For the last 6 years and 9 months, I have been very thankful for her. I feel truly blessed to have her in my life. I remind her of that every day. One of these days she is going to look at me and say, "MOM, I know, do you have to tell me everyday?". My answer will simply be, "yes".

2. Bowling with good friends. After church, yesterday, we went bowling then had cake with friends and family after. It was a blast bowling with little children. Especially when the bumpers are up. No gutter balls for me!

3. Having a quiet house this afternoon. Pooky bear is back at school, little monkey and Chad both had naps, it was nice.

4. My cat for sitting on my lap this afternoon. She is not particularly the cuddliest cat, but when she feels like it, I appreciate it that much more.

5. Taking my girls to the dollar store to pick up supplies for Pooky bear' kid birthday this Saturday. They are a hoot to take shopping.

Happy 6th Birthday Pooky Bear!

It is very hard to believe I am the mother of a 6 year old. 6 years ago today I:

- said the phrase, "No more kids after this". Repeatedly
- ate more jello then humanly possible.
- lost all sense of modesty
- despised my husband for not being able to experience the pain I was going through.
- loved my husband for not leaving my side.
- learnt epidurals only work on 90% off patients and I am the lucky 10% it does not work on.
- Heard Dr's ask too many questions. Don't ask, just DO it!
- Realized it is possible to tear and have an epesiotomy(unsure of spelling)
- Discovered there is such a thing as 4th degree tear requiring a surgical consult.
- Was scared I was going to poop while I was pushing.
- Heard my oldest daughters cry and thought it was wonderful. The one and only time it was.
- Cried of joy when I held her for the first time.
- Was thankful to God for my little girl.
- Realized I would be able to have another child. Just not for at least 2 years.

GiST Day 20

1. Surviving 2 children's birthday parties in one afternoon. Pooky bear had fun bowling for her friend's birthday, while Little monkey enjoyed her friend's "Dora on the farm" party. I hope Pooky Bear will not be bored of bowling considering we are going bowling with my family for her birthday tomorrow.

2. Holding my friend's babies. I had a chance to hold two babies today. It was awesome! Especially when I discovered one of the babies is super ticklish by his rib cage.

3. Sending babies back to their parents after you realize they messed their diapers. No more diapers for ME!

4. My little monkey, for sleeping with no diapers at night. We were finding she was having more accidents as long as she had the diaper on at night. Now she is dry at night, and only has a minor accident in the morning when she wakes up and can't take her panties off properly. Now if only we could convince her to go on the potty when we want her to instead of when she wants to. She will get very upset if you ask her to go potty before she actually has to go. Oh well, baby steps...or should I say toddler steps.

5. Planning a supper menu for my family for the next 12 days. I enjoy cooking better when I plan ahead like this. It takes the guess work out of "what's for supper?".

GiST: Day 19 ...a few days late

1. Wireless internet. I was having problems with my wireless connection for a while. It was hard to go downstairs to use the internet. I am SO lazy!

2. Finishing Pooky Bear's invitations for her 6th birthday party. We bought them today and I already filled the information in and sealed the envelopes. Normally I leave something like this to the last moment, who knew I could be productive!

3. Buying birthday presents for 3 birthday parties 3 days in advance. This is a new concept for me. I am accustomed to purchasing presents on the day of the parties. This time I have the gifts all ready. I have even wrapped a box in wrapping paper and brown craft paper to put one of the presents in. Again, who knew I could be productive!

4. Rock Band. It has occupied many hours of free time. We just bought one of the expansions for Rock Band and I have already completed it on medium level, in one night. This was done after I completed Pooky's invitations and wrapped the box. I deemed it was my reward for working so hard. I can't wait to see Chad's reaction when he realizes how far I have gotten in the game.

5. Finding good deals at stores. Today, I found numerous deals at various stores. Saving money makes me very happy. Unfortunately, it also has the tendency to trick me into spending more because I am saving SO much.