Packing - A Pain in the Neck!

I will survive. Deep down I know this is true. But right now in the midst of the mess of packing and moving and three kids, I lose sight of this. Often.

I know it WILL get done (because it has to), but I really know not HOW. Somehow we will drag all of our stuff the whole 5 blocks we are moving AND manage to leave this place looking somewhat clean and cared for. But most of my days and nights are filled with doubt as I look around me and wander aimlessly from pile to pile. I really am NOT good at packing!

Heeellllp!

To top off the stress of this whole move thing, I pulled my neck yesterday morning while cuddling in the bed with my three. One minute, fine. Next minute, stiffness and pain. Grrrr! And it is very hard to pack (or wash your hair, or shoulder check while driving, or fold laundry, or carry your 22 pound child, etc.) when your neck is in pain and only turns one way. Andy said maybe it was meant to slow me down a bit and make me relax. Sure, sounds good. I like to relax! But if I thought the situation was hopeless before, this sure doesn't help!

Thankfully, I was able to get in to see the chiropractor yesterday and again this afternoon. (LOVE that man! Could just about kiss him!) The adjustments, combined with some ice, and I am beginning to feel much better. Not any further in the packing department, but at least I am able to turn my neck towards a calling child!

Tomorrow we head out for our annual family holidays with the Mansfield clan. Tulameen, here we come! So excited (other than the additional packing involved)! It will be so good to get out of this chaotic, partially packed house and make some great family memories on Otter Lake! Look forward to lots of fun-in-the-sun pictures when we get back.

Speaking of when we get back, we have two weeks once we get home from the Interior to pack up and get out. We get possession on the 25th of July, and we have a 24 period before we have to hand over the keys to our townhouse. Now those are going to be some of the busiest 24 hours ever, but I really can't wait to get to that point as it will mean we made it. Yes, there will be lots of craziness after that (new carpet installed, unpacking, and Andy away in Florida for a week), but at least we will be in our new house!

Whew, you survived my vent. Now, to post some pictures I have been wanting to share for a few weeks.

Wednesdays is our "long" day. Andy is gone from morning (weekly staff meeting) to night (the Flux, College and Career night) and we are on our own during those 13 + hours. Thankfully, my sister is also on her own that evening, so we have made it a weekly get-together out at the Oldhams' in Ladner. It is affectionately known as Waffle Wednesday, as Juli makes us some wonderful, healthy waffles, which we top with peanut butter, a little syrup and some strawberries. Yum! Plus it is so nice to enjoy a dinner without complaint, where all four kids eat heartily and with enthusiasm!

These first pictures were taken a few weeks ago, before Janaya arrived.

Jorja has not yet tried the waffles, though I'm sure that milestone won't be too far away. Here she is enjoying here sippy cup. I think we even put a little juice in there for her normal water cup, so she is really into it.

Waffles with strawberries - food even a Kenna can love!

All gone!

The Frews

The Oldhams

Kaleb and Mikah were having fun posing for the camera that night! I love these pictures of the two of them hanging out and enjoying each other's company!

My fave!

Two ducks decided they really wanted to be in the backyard. The boys had a grand time chasing them away. And doing a few kung fu/dance moves as well.

Mikah is SO much a mini Jayson here! Andy pointed it out and I laugh now every time I see this picture.

The next bunch of pictures were taken last Wednesday. Not your average Waffle Wednesday, as we decided to meet at a splash park in Surrey (Juli was there to show off her baby to her grade 6 class). The kids all had a great time, playing and getting wet!

Jorja got to meet Janaya for the first time. They'd been together before, but not officially introduced. So of course we had to take pictures of the occasion. Jorja was quite intrigued.

Snuggling together! SO cute!

Janaya tells Jorja a story.

The boys ready to splash!

Not sure what she is saying her, but she is waving her snack and band-aided figure around at me!

Little Raffi-loving Lukas!

My newest niece! Isn't she perfect?

Nothing like a stroller nap while kids play and scream around you!

So, the next time you hear from me it will be sometime next week, once we have set foot back in civilization and the land of internet. It will probably be short, as the packing crunch, and countdown to new house, will be on!

Well, the ice pack is no longer cold, so I'd better go and pack for holidays. Seriously, once I unpack at my new house, I might never want to pack up and leave ever again!