Just a Few Little Tweaks

 There was a project brewing this winter ... opening up the back of the house to bring the dining room into the space we use.

 Here it goes....not long until was fabulous.

 

End of Season

It was a strange end to the season this year. But luckily there were some highlights along the way.

It was fun times when the boys got to play together, and some times when the moms got to play together.

 

There were also some great times when the family got to play together.

Christmas Flurry....of Pictures

Here Comes Christmas

I'd like to think that those years of homeschooling together will stick with them as they get older and pursue their own interests.

Sometimes now they still choose to work at the same table and ask each other questions...love it.

This guy passed his test and earned Bronze Medallion, Emergency First Aid and CPR.

Future Lifeguard?

And this guy....is in Bermuda.

Have fun. Bring back some warmth, it's freaking cold here.

Take Grade9s to Work Day

This is how the day ended....with A in the mayor's chair. 

Thanks Grandad for lunch. 

These two spent the day working for Building Services. Great experience. 

Long Time No Post

The last project for the year.

What a difference, eh?

And, just some super cute photos of people in my life. 💓

What's Been Up

These guys built a shed. 

(Thanks for the help UncleJ.)

I meal prepped for the week. 

Homework was completed. 

A race was run. 

Ouch

Every once in a while my guy has a day when his back pain drops to the level of 'nagging discomfort' (let's say a 3 on the pain scale).
It doesn't usually last very long and we've never been able to accurately pinpoint the magical combination of factors that bring it about. But when it happens, he's goofy, relaxed and less guarded.
It highlights for me how affected he is all those other days when he's operating from 4-10 on the pain scale. It means he doesn't often sleep well so he's tired and things he 'has' to do, like drive and work, are consistently uncomfortable and require constant changes in position. And, he's always trying to judge how far he can push himself without making it worse. For example, can he take E driving after dinner, or, did he use his driving time going to work and back? Things he wants to do are often out of the question (hikes, yardwork, travel, skating, or just sitting through a movie).
I'm not trying to be a party pooper here, just reflecting on how hard he works trying to reduce how much it affects our family. I forget sometimes that he's smiling through the pain, and then when I see a genuine almost pain free moment I can see the difference again.

PS. Please for the love of all that is good do not send us advice on fixing back pain. I'm pretty gosh darn sure you haven't thought of something he isn't currently doing or hasn't tried and rejected. If you do feel you must, please check against the list below before forwarding. Cold packs, heat pads, back supports and/or pillows, massage, osteo, chiro, physio, vitamin b, fish oil, inversion tables, orthotics, yoga, weight training, anti-inflammatory meds and pain pills.

Homework

I got to help this guy with his homework for the first time. 

Well, homework that wasn't assigned by me.

There's been a major reno job going on around here. 

It's not quite finished but ... almost.