Treat Thiefs

We have a space set aside in the basement for food storage and this happens to be the spot I put the lunch snacks.  It's in the basement for one reason, I have snack thief's!  When I first started putting them downstairs in September not a soul would enter the dark and scary place except me.  Amazingly the snacks lasted longer and I was only having to buy them once a month or when I was even stocking up on the expensive treats when they went on sale.


The thief's are back.  :(


Some how the dark and scary place became worth the stress of racing as quickly as possible to get the goods.  So far they have been busted frequently as I can hear their feet scrambling on the stairs coming up.  You see once they pull the light chain the basement becomes dark and heaven forbid they be down in the basement in.the.dark!


Now where to find a new hiding place...sigh.

Doors and Windows

Our little family has seen some major changes the past few weeks.  It wasn't too long ago that my husband and I talked a lot about our future and what kind of changes we needed to undergo to ensure our family will be taken care of.  You know, retirement stuff.  9 years ago after the twins were born we decided that my dear husband would work two jobs in order to have me stay at home.  It was cost effective at the time as my job didn't pay a salary worth putting two kids into daycare.  Fast forward 9 years and 2 more kids, things are starting to look a little different.  My husband is tired of working two jobs.  I am tired of parenting by myself.  So after much prayer I applied for a job that seemed perfect on paper.  I have written a 5 hour profiling exam, given an 1.5 hour panel interview, spent 1 week in classroom training, had 3 shift shadows, and now I am done.  I am now an Emergency Communications Officer. 
I have always loved my job as a mom, I was born to be a mother.  It was all I ever wanted.  I still would love to be able to stay home full time but the times are a changing, so I will change.  One day, my husband will retire and I will have to be the major bread winner for the family.  This job will allow me to do that.  There are many opportunities, doors and windows that will allow the Lord to continue to bless us. My heart is full, I am blessed, opportunities are opening. 

Remembering & Hoping

Growing up as a young girl I remember an uncle coming and visiting us often.  He was my Father's youngest brother and its quite amazing to me how I still remember the silliest things.  His dog, this facial hair, his kind smile, and how he always smelled of cigarettes.  I remember the drive to and from Montreal to my Grandfathers funeral.  He would buy me treats in the gas stations if I didn't tattle on him to my Dad for smoking in the car while my Dad slept.  As I grew older I started to understand that he was a troubled soul who fought many demons.  He would come to my Dad in times of desperation and in times where he needed someone to lean on.  He floated in and out of our lives, always leaving fond memories for me.
As a girl of 12-14 years old, he came back.  This time he wasn't alone and came with a woman who had two young girls.  He had changed, he was in love.  The two girls filled a major part of his heart and their Mother was good for him.  They were married and my parents put on a small little reception for them.  It didn't seem to be too long before he was to become a father for the first time.  A little boy was born and again, he seemed to change.  We all were happy that he had finally been able to stay "clean" and that life was good for him. 

Then it all fell apart. 

His demons returned and his new wife, the two girls, and his pride and joy left his life.  My Dad helped him for a while with the supervised visitation that he had with his son.  My Dad got him yet another job.  Everyone prayed that somehow he would be able to fight and overcome the drugs.  It didn't happen for him and he died a few years back. 

Alone. 

 His body layed alone in his apartment before someone even noticed he wasn't around.  To this day it breaks my heart to think of him, and his son. 
I wonder if my cousin knows just how much his Dad loved him.  Was he old enough to remember the silly things like me?  Does he still see his smile when he closes his eyes?  I have often wanted to contact him, I see his profile on Facebook.  Would it be beneficial to him?  To me?  He was and is still loved by his Dad.  I hope he knows that, I hope his Mother told him. 

Is there an end?

When I tucked Daniel into bed tonight I told him to sleep right away and not to play.  He asked why and I told him we were doing something fun in the morning, to which he replied "are we going to the beach?"  Oh boy Daniel how I wished we could go to the beach.  It has been darn cold here and I am going a little crazy with feeling cold all.the.time.  I have even dreamed of packing my family up and moving to a tropical island and living in a tent just to escape all of this. 

One day spring will come, then summer and I will then take my little boy to the beach.  Apparently he's a good-er surfer.  I heart you Daniel.