Today I watched a blog begun by a friends' daughter. A beautiful, strong woman who has put her foot down in the battle with food and decided that enough is enough. Oddly, I have been considering the same point as well, and her honest and revealing sharing brought me to tears. I weigh 250lbs. A quarter of a tonne. I know this, and I am ashamed of it, but seem incapable of any motivation to do anything about it. I now have four amazing children who depend on me to be there and healthy. Why can I not do it?
I plan to pray every day, every hour, every weak moment; for the motivation, courage, intelligence...whatever I am lacking to get my monstrous butt in gear. I want to join your journey, Kailee. You inspire me. I want to keep up with you. I want to challenge you. I want to celebrate the success you have already enjoyed! I want to do it for you. I want to do it for my children. I want to do it for me.
Okay, Kailee. I'm in. I don't yet know how but I am going to join you. Tomorrow. Right now. We haven't yet met, but your openheartedness may be what saves my life.
It's on...
Thursday 18 August 2011
Friday 6 May 2011
Atticus
Atticus = Fatherly
Atticus Barry Shane was born at home on June 17th, 2009. He is the spitting image of the father he never had the chance to meet. His personality, also, reflects his Adda; he is a serious, thoughtful boy whos' steady demeanour shows humour and intelligence.
Atticus was allowed to start ballet and jazz at only a year old because this boy is all business. He listens carefully and does whatever is asked of him. He has been given the go ahead to even start tap class next year at only two years old!
He already has his own horse, Twinkie, but both need to grow a little more!
Atticus is affectionate and obsessed with Buzz Lightyear, MegaMind and Mr.Grue from Despicable Me. Pretty impressive for a little guy who hardly gets to watch t.v!
A true boy, Atticus would rather play outside than do arts and crafts, but enjoys our many animals, especially the kitties, Marie, Yzma and Lumos.
Next to Buzz, Atticus is most enamoured with babies! He asks me for a baby all the time and is gentle and loving with those he meets.
We love you, Attipus!
Atticus Barry Shane was born at home on June 17th, 2009. He is the spitting image of the father he never had the chance to meet. His personality, also, reflects his Adda; he is a serious, thoughtful boy whos' steady demeanour shows humour and intelligence.
Atticus was allowed to start ballet and jazz at only a year old because this boy is all business. He listens carefully and does whatever is asked of him. He has been given the go ahead to even start tap class next year at only two years old!
Atticus is affectionate and obsessed with Buzz Lightyear, MegaMind and Mr.Grue from Despicable Me. Pretty impressive for a little guy who hardly gets to watch t.v!
A true boy, Atticus would rather play outside than do arts and crafts, but enjoys our many animals, especially the kitties, Marie, Yzma and Lumos.
Next to Buzz, Atticus is most enamoured with babies! He asks me for a baby all the time and is gentle and loving with those he meets.
We love you, Attipus!
Eowynn
Eowynn = Queen
Eowynn Vivian Shyler was born September 5th, 2007. Our blonde haired, green eyed queen was the picture of calm from day one. She is extremely empathetic, affectionate and kind-hearted. And off the charts for smarts!
Eowynn is enjoying dance classes where she is learning ballet, tap and jazz and she also rides weekly on her own horse; Sam.
Eowynn is fearless almost to the point of reckless but is an obedient little girl, so that keeps her out of trouble. She is rather tomboyish and often more at ease playing with little boys than girls, willing to get dirty and play hard! Eowynn loves animals, especially bugs and often brings beetles, worms and slugs to show me.
Our little Eowynn is also the most selfless child I have ever known, gladly sharing even her favorite toys with anyone. She loves to laugh and has the brightest, most fun personality!
We love our little Eeyore!
Eowynn Vivian Shyler was born September 5th, 2007. Our blonde haired, green eyed queen was the picture of calm from day one. She is extremely empathetic, affectionate and kind-hearted. And off the charts for smarts!
Eowynn is enjoying dance classes where she is learning ballet, tap and jazz and she also rides weekly on her own horse; Sam.
Eowynn is fearless almost to the point of reckless but is an obedient little girl, so that keeps her out of trouble. She is rather tomboyish and often more at ease playing with little boys than girls, willing to get dirty and play hard! Eowynn loves animals, especially bugs and often brings beetles, worms and slugs to show me.
Our little Eowynn is also the most selfless child I have ever known, gladly sharing even her favorite toys with anyone. She loves to laugh and has the brightest, most fun personality!
We love our little Eeyore!
Cheridynn
Cheridynn = Beloved
Cheridynn Xenia Michele was born August 10th, 2005.
She is the eldest in our family and a very intelligent, very responsible little girl.
Her personality has always been fun loving but a careful thinker. She always looks before she leaps! Cher tends to the cautious side and can always be counted on as the voice of reason for her younger siblings.
Cheridynn is a true girly girl and prefers dresses and bling to go with her diva attitude! She is an animal lover and especially fond of horses, lady bugs and frogs.
Cher is in dance classes learning ballet, jazz and tap. She also takes riding lessons on her own mini, Dusty Rose.
She loves puzzles and excels at language arts in her schooling.
She's a great girl, our Cher bear!
Cheridynn Xenia Michele was born August 10th, 2005.
She is the eldest in our family and a very intelligent, very responsible little girl.
Her personality has always been fun loving but a careful thinker. She always looks before she leaps! Cher tends to the cautious side and can always be counted on as the voice of reason for her younger siblings.
Cheridynn is a true girly girl and prefers dresses and bling to go with her diva attitude! She is an animal lover and especially fond of horses, lady bugs and frogs.
Cher is in dance classes learning ballet, jazz and tap. She also takes riding lessons on her own mini, Dusty Rose.
She loves puzzles and excels at language arts in her schooling.
She's a great girl, our Cher bear!
Introducing...Us!
When Barry and Shantell wed in November of 2002, they planned a large family. This dream was cut short when Barry tragically passed away in January of 2009. His son was born months later, the youngest of three. Now, years later, we are making a good go of our family life. We live on a beautiful 10 acre piece of land in a brand new house. While I, Shantell, am a high school music teacher, I am, at present, self-employed as a photographer. I am setting up a studio in the four bedroom trailer that we used to live in, right beside the house.
The children are all in dance class and take horseback riding lessons. We tried for soccer but it was full and we are just starting with a community childrens' choir. We are home-schooling for kindergarten (why not, I am a teacher!) and all the children participate. We are therefore able to incorporate field trips and study projects outside every day. We have great fun and my three year is already starting to read!
We are all learning french together and I am starting the girls in music lessons. Schooling is their favourite thing to do!
My mom and stepdad live only a half hour away in Drayton Valley and my dad and stepmom are located in California. We love to visit there! We plan to take the kids to Disneyland this winter for the first time. They are VERY excited!
We have a great network of friends with wonderful children who come and play often (they love our place because it is so fun outside and we have the BEST playhouse!). This summer, we have money budgeted for a rocking playground and are looking forward to getting it set up!
We also spend alot of time in the summer outside. The television is packed away as soon as the snow melts and we are rarely indoors until fall. We plant our own garden (the kids already have our plants started indoors), and then make jam, baking and canning with our own delicious food. We can often be found at the Sangudo beach where mom, a former lifeguard, is teaching the kids to swim.
We are just a loving family loving life and dreaming of that sweet little one who may become part of our home and our hearts...
The children are all in dance class and take horseback riding lessons. We tried for soccer but it was full and we are just starting with a community childrens' choir. We are home-schooling for kindergarten (why not, I am a teacher!) and all the children participate. We are therefore able to incorporate field trips and study projects outside every day. We have great fun and my three year is already starting to read!
We are all learning french together and I am starting the girls in music lessons. Schooling is their favourite thing to do!
My mom and stepdad live only a half hour away in Drayton Valley and my dad and stepmom are located in California. We love to visit there! We plan to take the kids to Disneyland this winter for the first time. They are VERY excited!
We have a great network of friends with wonderful children who come and play often (they love our place because it is so fun outside and we have the BEST playhouse!). This summer, we have money budgeted for a rocking playground and are looking forward to getting it set up!
We also spend alot of time in the summer outside. The television is packed away as soon as the snow melts and we are rarely indoors until fall. We plant our own garden (the kids already have our plants started indoors), and then make jam, baking and canning with our own delicious food. We can often be found at the Sangudo beach where mom, a former lifeguard, is teaching the kids to swim.
We are just a loving family loving life and dreaming of that sweet little one who may become part of our home and our hearts...
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