Just the two of us!

The Brentnall household is a busy place. Most days I run out of hours. I have a big home and although I have help with the cleaning, there are always things that have to be done. Everyone has the same things, floors, bathrooms, laundry, errands, ect. I find it takes longer to get all that needs to be done in a day, now that "dewie" has joined our family. 

Jane is as busy as a bee and as bright as a button.

Our day together starts when daddy leaves for work and the boys leave for school. Typically, she waves and kisses everyone out the door and we head upstairs. Here, she decides her clothes and we begin to read. This is not my choice. The minute she reaches her room she goes to her bookshelf. Every morning, it is a battle to change and dress her first.

 She is very determined little girl. I think that will serve her well! After she is dressed and we have read, we go back downstairs to clean up the mess that breakfast has left. She loves to help throw things in the garbage and help with the dishwasher! Such a helper!!

With the help of toys, Dora and Kai Lan I can usually get through downstairs, then it is back upstairs or errands. Somedays, the beds and laundry just have to wait!

I am such a ham! It really takes mommy all day to get through this!

See!...she still isn't showered or dressed. That usually happens while I nap!

I don't really care if it all gets done. You have to seize every day. You can't let all that must be done get to the point of overwhelming you but you can let some things slide to allow youself to enjoy a moment Stop... do itsy bitsy spider, sit on the floor with the toys or read a book. Afterall, if someone comes to your door and you table isn't cleaned or there are toys on the floor or the worst thing of all, pee in the toilet!! Who really cares! I have little kids and I am going to feel their hugs, listen to their words, see them when I look at them and live in every moment. This is a daily challenge, as I do like a tidy clean house but I also want to enjoy my children.

Traditional Dress

This pretty little dress was bought on the silk factory tour while we were in Beijing. She is posing now when I say cheese!!

Can I go out now?

What is all this stuff in here?

Was this all supposed to be for Easter? Hmm!

Was that snow or sand outside?

Omg!

I am lovin' every minute! So much fun!

I think I like yellow better! Also, I need a diaper change !

But Jane yellow is my favorite color!

Now, that's better. Pink for you, yellow for me!

We had a lovely day. I hope you did too!

Spring has Sprung....well....Not!

Jane just loves to go in the stroller.Problem is, winter is still here, even though today is the first day of spring. Here we are on our afternoon walk.

Lovin' Panda!

Just before supper Jacob John and Jack wanted to bring her out again. Josh, home sick with bronchitis.

Stomp away the snow baby

How cute is this!

Jack is so ready for spring!

Glimpses!

John can't wait to get the basketball net out.

Again, again!! 1 2 3...wee! The boys swing her between them. She loves it!

Cassie Came!!

When we lived in Illinois, we were fortunate enough to have great neighbours. First they we just neighbours, then they became friends forever. Pat, Jane and Cassie watched Josh, Jacob and John run around in the back yard, splash in the pool and settled into life in the states. Cassie was 9 or 10 when we moved next door. She was like a daughter to us. She came with us on outings, trips and was a mainstay at our house. We joked that she was our adopted daughter.

Well, Cassie has grown up! This is her third visit to Newfoundland to see us. She came to spend spring break with us! She is doing nursing at Columbia. I don't know who could have influenced her there??? She is 23 now and a beautiful young woman. We love you Cass!

Top of the Mornin' to you!

I love St. Patrick's Day.

 Growing up an Irish catholic all I heard was traditional Irish music and Newfoundland music. It is in me to the core and I love it! Here is a little photo shoot of my little leprechaun.

Daddy's Lucky Charm just loves this "Where is Maisy's Panda" book. She now hugs and kisses her plush panda bear because she loves this book so much. In fact she loves, loves books but not just any book,only lift the flap and those touch and feel type books. Our Pat the Bunny survived 4 boys, now...we need a new one!!

Our little shamrock!

Goin' Green!

Jane and I bought this book at a bookstore in Changsha China. No lift the flaps but she likes this one. My Irish Princess!

Peek a Boo

I see U

Happy Paddy's Day!

P.S-My teeth are still hangin' in!

Please let me keep my 2 little Front Teeth

Well, Jane is now running. She trips up in herself . Sunday afternoon at the cabin she tripped up in her feet. Her two front teeth came crashing onto the coffee table. OMG! I thought I was going to throw up. The crack was audible! There was so much blood! The former ER nurse in me kicked in. I flipped her over, had a look and took the two teeth and pushed them right back to where they should have been. OMG! That must have hurt so much! She was beside herself in pain. She was covered in blood. The boys were beside themselves. It took at long time to settle her. Here she is with Josh, who is trying to get her mind off the pain. She cried for about an hour ...me..not that long.

That night was a rough one. Her front tooth on the right was so loose I was afraid she may choke on it during the night as she sucks on her finger and that could knock it loose. Dave thought I was being paranoid.She spent the night with mommy and daddy.Jane was awake most of the night despite the pain meds. Poor baby. The next day I had her assessed at pediatric dentistry at the Janeway Childrens Hospital, she had seen this dentist before at her initial cleft lip and palate visit. He said "You did absolutely the right thing", meaning pushing the teeth back in place but went on to say that only time will tell if they stay. The front right...I hold little hope.

Bad Luck!

Feb 23 we were also in an automobile accident. I was stopped at a stop sign and was hit from behind. I had Josh, John and Jane with me. We got little damage but quite a jolt. Jane was up and down for the next two nights, Josh complains of his upper back, John complains of his back and I am a bit of a mess. I have a significant whiplash. I am going to massage and physio twice a week. Not nice but we are all alive. We could have been pushed out into four lanes of traffic!

My "Little House" girlie!

Isn't this the sweetest little outfit. Mrs. Cooper, a patient of Dave's made this for Jane! Can you believe that! So sweet! The only problem, my little girlie is a big girlie. This will not fit her much longer. Too bad because it is super cute. It reminds me of the outfits from the TV series Little House on the Prairie.