September Update

Its been a Little while since we have updated.
Nothing new and exciting really.

We moved the boy's bedroom to the basement where they have a much bigger space. They love having their own floor.

School is going well for both of them. Liam joined the track and field team. I have to talk to Mrs. White about them going away for their events ( Liam said they are competing in Almonte).

Aidan is riding his bike almost daily and getting lots of exercise and etc. We had to take away his DS for a while. He only gets it on bad weather days now if he can't make other plans. He has to make the effort to do something before he gets the chance to play it.

Helyn is adapting well to school so far. She is exhausted when she comes home, but overall is getting along with the other kids and doing her work. She points out letters that she recognizes in signs and spells her name with no hesitation. She had a great birthday. We had a slumber party theme party with the slumbering. The kids all wore PJS and we did make up, hair and nails. It was very cute. I will post pics later on.

Work is going well. I am able to do things second nature now and don't have to ask nearly as many questions. The Midwives are friendly and helpful and Janet ( the administrator )gives me lots of feedback and things to do. I started running with my neighbour Elizabeth this week. We are at 10 minutes walking fast and 1 minute running for week 1... next week we will walk for 9 run for 2.. etc.

Glen is doing ok with work. It slowed a bit, as work usually does in his business around this time, but we are hopeful it will pick up again.

I am loving the fallness around us. It is gorgeous weather mid day and cooler at night. It makes me pretty happy. I am going to get out with the kids today and get some pics of the beautiful leaves.

Hope all is well... keep in touch.

Time to update

The kids started school today.
Liam is in grade 4 in Mrs Coleman's class, Aidan is in Mrs. Pentz's grade 2 class and Helyn in Mr Patterson's kindergarten class.

They all had a great first day. They are tired, but good. Hopefully they will be in bed early enough. I took them to the park after dinner.. then its clean up time and bed.

The Crampton Crew this morning before school.



On the way.

Where did August go?

Its already the 19th??!! Seriously?? When did that happen?

Its been a busy month. The kids have had playdates, sleepovers and lots of outside time ( up until last week at least with the heat).

Liam has been flipping through the Christmas wishbook lately and pointing out all that he wants... its too early for Christmas! He has been enjoying his bigger boy freedom. We let him go around the block to his friend's houses and to the park by himself even though I still have a hard time letting him go. He is 9 1/2 and I should let him have more freedom.. but its still hard. He is also talking about when he turns 10 next year and how he will be able to stay home by himself after school until I get home. Why does he want to grow up so fast?

Aidan is doing well. He taught himself to ride a 2 wheeler a few weeks back and is now riding like he has been doing it forever. Me thinks the scooter he got a few months back helped him find his balance.

Helyn has been talking up a storm. She really is coming out of her shell and starting to look, sound and act more like a 4 year old. She is always asking for help and now trying to recruit the boys into it. She calls them that... not her brothers but " My boys." "Mommy, where are my boys?"
Its so cute.

Work is settling in now. Things are getting easier. I am getting to know all the midwives and how they are.. its getting there.

Glen is doing ok with work. He is staying busy and I guess that is what counts.

Long over due post

Hi.. Its me.
Life is so busy with me working now.
The job is going well. I think I am finally finding my niche and getting comfortable now. The midwives are really helpful and understanding with my questions and yea.. Its good.

The kids are adjusting well too. They really don't seem to notice that I am gone during the day. LOL. They are happy to say " Bye Mom, see you later" and just as happy to greet me when I come home. Its good.

Becky came up last weekend to watch the kids while we went camping. It was great to see her and Ben. Ben gave me the best snuggles ever. Love him so much.

Camping was great. Very relaxing and the weather couldn't have been more perfect.

Glen's business is doing well. Its tough getting used to the lesser amount of a paycheck, but we are making due. We still have the house and the bills are getting paid.

Um... what else can I say?? Nothing much. I will try and get on at least once a week to update. If there is anything I haven't touched on, comment and ask and I will answer.

Going to Belleville this weekend with my friend Tanya for some time away. It will be fun.

On to new things.

I can't believe that the time has come already.

Next Monday, in 5 days, I will be working outside of the home.For the first time in 7.5 years, I will not be home all day with my kids.

For the first time in 7.5 years, I will have to leave the house on a regular basis and leave my kids in the hands of another person.

For the first time in 7.5 years, I will be Christine, not Mommy, for 8 hours a day.

I knew I wanted to work outside of the home again. I knew that it was time to go onto that second stage of my life, our family's life, but it doesn't make it any easier.

The kids will be fine.

I will be fine.

Our family will be fine.

We will go on and we will succeed.

I will just miss the all day interactions with my kids, friends and family.

The times they are a changin.

Its been a crazy week this week and I am thankful that it is coming to an end.

Lots has happened this week.

First of all, the kids finished school. The boys did wonderful on their report cards. They improved on almost all of their subjects ( even just from a b to a b + or a b- to a b+). We were very proud. We let them pick out something at walmart to reward them. Aidan picked a bakugon and Liam a pack of hockey cards. They are good boys.

All of the kids are out of school now. Yesterday at one point, there were 15 of them around. Not all of them were with me.. but it was crazy nonetheless.
Today is quieter and the next couple weeks will be even more so.

And as most of you know, I have accepted a new job as receptionist for the Ottawa Valley Midwives here in town. Its 4 days a week, with benefits and in a place where I really want to be. I have accepted the fact that I may not be able to be a midwife myself but I still would like to pursue being a doula once the kids are old enough ( a few more years). We need a steady income with benefits. Glen's business is doing well but he is self employed and we need those benefits for the kids.

Its a big transition. I love being home with my kids and I have great kids who are in my care, that is why this is so hard to move on. The families took it well and are happy for my future but we are both sad that we are losing each other. I lose Waylon and Emma after next week for certain and Emily and Jorian's parents are looking for someone.. it could be anywhere between next week and the week after.

I will keep this updated with the changes and everything. I still have nights and weekends to update the blog. LOL

Hope all is great out there in blog land. Everyone have a great weekend.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's day!

This is Glen's 10th Father's day. The kids made him some great gifts at school. Aidan made him an Inuk Shuk that says Dad Rocks. ( very cute) and Liam made him a health kit with different items in it to help him along in life ( like marbles in case he has lost some and a piece of rope if he is at the end of it).
Helyn and I made him breakfast this morning with what we had on hand as we didn't get groceries until this morning. French Toast, fried Bologna and scrambled eggs it was. LOL.

I tried calling my daddy today to tell him I loved him and to chat, but haven't heard from him yet.. so Happy Father's day Dad. I love you.

Last night we were at my friend Aimee's for poker. I had never played Texas Hold em. It was pretty fun. Thanks Aimee for having us and Thanks Kirsten for bringing the wine. It was great to be out of the house.

Next week I am going to see Chicago the Musical with Sandra. Its going to be fun. I can't wait to see it.