There are few things more humbling than getting naked in a public change room....

There are few things more humbling than getting naked in a public change room..... hey, here`s one of those things.....
We like to take our whole herd of kiddlings to the YMCA on Friday nights. (Well `like` is a strong word, we have determined to take them each week might better describe our intention) As much as we`d love to have an out-of-this-world adventure with our little ones each time we pile into two separate vehicles to go anywhere fun, outings like this are never what you imagine them to be and fun isn`t really the word I would choose to label it. Before we even leave the house the tension level is high....and climbing.
"Do you have your bathing suits and towels? Leave your brother alone! Did you remember your swipy card thingy? Don't forget a hair brush girls, oh and  pony tails to pull your hair back. Did you get The Baby's towel while you were getting yours? Stop hitting your brother! Do you boys have deodorant in your gym bags? Clean underwear! Don't forget clean underwear! I said STOP hitting your brother! Where's your father anyway? Why do you still have wet clothes in your bag from last week? Nicholas! Remember to bring your ear plugs honey. Oh dear Lord, did I forget to shave again!?! If I have to tell you to leave your brother alone again you're not coming! Don't forget your locks, let's go, Dad is waiting in the driveway. Does everyone have their gym bags? Are we ready? lets go!"
{Divide seven children and all their gym bags & swim gear up between two vehicles. The boys ride with Dad in the Jeep of course....way cooler than the mini van}
The lady behind the desk at the YMCA pasted on her best "Welcome to the Y" smile as she saw the herd approaching....but you could see the fear in her eyes. "I get to swipe my card first!" whines one,  No I do!" shouts another. "Mine doesn't work!" cries a boy...or is that a girl? "Turn it around" corrects Dad. "No fair! He swiped his card two times, I only got to do it once, I want to do it again!" says the short blonde haired boy. "Give. me. those . cards,  I'll  . do  .  it!"  I hiss through gritted teeth. "Whose bright idea was this anyway?" I think to myself as I swipe each child's membership card through the card reader.
The kind lady behind the desk continues to smile (perhaps it's a grimace) as we gather the children and head toward the change rooms. Dad takes the boys and Mom takes the girls, although they have a "family change room" we couldn't handle it...... someone would get hurt.
"Okay hon, I'll see you in the pool in a while, you can handle the kids can't you? I want to get my work out in first" I add quickly as I disappear through the doorway into the ladies locker room.  Once the girls are changed into their swim suits and showered I usher them toward the swimming pool to find Dad and make a hasty retreat to the gym. "Ahhhh, peace and quiet." Well if you consider a couple dozen sweaty, grunting people huffing and puffing their way through their personal workout programs solitude.... I do. I no longer have the energy to chase my wild 4 year old through the house when she's on a terrorist mission but I can kick butt on the elliptical for 30 minutes with a smile on my face.
And before you know it my work out is done and I have to wander back to the swimming pool area to join my Husband and children. What's this? The kiddlings are toweling off and heading to the change rooms. "Oh dear, that workout took a little longer than I expected." I coyly whined to my husband, "I'm sorry I couldn't join you guys....did you have fun swimming?" The "are you kidding me" look he shot back spoke volumes. "Come on girls, let's go shower and change" I said brightly as I redirected the girls to the locker room.

The Teenager, Little Susan and Latoya can take care of themselves in the change room. The Baby on the other hand requires hands-on supervision at all times to restrain her from climbing under bathroom stall doors or bursting through plastic shower curtains scaring unsuspecting ladies in mid-shower. So into the shower we go. Together. She is mildly entertained by the water rushing down the drain and the shampoo bubbles splattering on the floor. When she looks up and takes a step back with a wide grin on her face I know I'm in for some pre schooler scrutiny. "I see your bum." she says matter of factly. "It looks funny." "Thanks Baby," I reply "I grew it myself." She laughs at me as she inches closer with the loofa sponge. "I'm gonna wash you" she says with a smile. "No thanks hon, I got this" I inform her as I grab the loofa and put shampoo in her hair.... that will keep her busy. Minutes later in the locker room we are drying off and trying to wiggle our still damp bodies into our clothes when I notice Latoya watching me dress with an odd expression on her face. I turned my back to her and continued to manipulate myself into my clothes. I was having difficulty with my bra when I noticed her staring again. "Latoya, don't stare, it's rude!" I chastened. "Mama, can I ask you something?" she said in a somewhat embarrassed but awe filled voice. "Sure honey, what is it?" I casually replied, still fussing with my undergarment. "Are they supposed to do that? she said in wonder.
I readjusted myself and looked at her and realized she was staring in horror at my bra."Are what supposed to do what?" I inquired. Cautiously she said "Are they supposed to fold back up like that when you put your bra on?
Well..... what can you say to that?

~Here's a Few Funnies From our House to ours~

Shane approached me in the kitchen and said "Mom, my glasses feel really soft (light." "What do you mean Buddy?" I replied. "I can't even feel them on." he said excitedly. "You don't have them on....." I informed him. "Oh." he said as he reached up to feel for them and noticed they weren't there.

The Baby announced loudly "I got cheese in my butt and I'm gonna fart!" Little Susan clarified it for the onlookers by explaining that the Baby had too much cheese the night before.

The Baby was laying in her bed looking at books during "quiet time" (her alternative to nap time). Suddenly I heard her belting out "I'm sexy and I know it...." in her loudest singing voice. {Where do they come up with this stuff?!?}

~Subscribers Stories~
Do you have a funny or cute story to share? Want to have it included in our Subscribers Stories section of our Fish Bowl? Just email me your story and I'll have it included in a future edition of The Fish Bowl. Please include your name and email address with all submissions.

Too funny.... The doctor just told gabby she wanted to check her nerve so gabby says "what's a nerve? Is that the thing inside you that gets you angry?"
I think she has heard me say you are getting on my nerves a few to many times.
Submitted by Veronica A from Windsor

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Lovin' the sunshine today, be blessed!
Lucy

You Know it's Love "Wen"....

It's about this time of year my husband and I begin to prepare our annual "marriage enrichment classes" for church. We've used the same material for more than five years now and felt it was time for something fresh so we browsed a ton of "marriage books" and finally came across a faith-based "small group" type of study we felt spoke to REAL couples living out this thing called marriage in 2013.{ REAL Marriage, The truth about sex, friendship, and life together by Mark & Grace Driscoll.} It's also about this time of year that we tend to get (feisty, cranky, self righteous) on each other's nerves a little quicker, have a little less patience with one another, and seem to disagree a little more often.... maybe it's just me, or maybe it's the content of the marriage books that bring out "the good, the bad, and the ugly" in both of us. Nothing's more humbling (or annoying) than realizing "you're not all that" and that you may have a few flaws to work through :) Regardless of the perilous preparation, we love presenting the marriage classes to couples at church and not just for their benefit... it helps us remain connected and keeps us teachable. We are real people working through a real marriage (yes sometimes it IS work) and these annual marriage classes are just the thing to keep us from becoming self-centered Divas while we learn to minister to our spouse and honor Christ throughout our marital journey. Does it really work??? Of course it does..... One night after the herd was all tucked into their beds and Grandma had retired to her room for the evening, we were laying in bed

together.... well, I was sprawled across the end of the bed playing candy crush on the tablet and he was tucked under the covers watching television through one eye (the other one was ""resting")...anyway, an infomercial came on for the 'WEN healthy hair care system'. I watched the infomercial for a bit and commented out loud that "I had always wanted to try that stuff to see if it really did all it claimed to do...." a few minutes later my husband slid out of bed and left the room, returning a moment later with the telephone in one hand and his credit card in the other. I stopped him as he began dialing the phone. "Who are you calling?" I asked (my heart swelling with love for this man who constantly surprises me in so many ways) "I'm calling to get you the hair stuff you always wanted...." he replied as he continued to dial. 'No, no, stop...I don't want it." I stammered as he looked at me bewildered (he looks at me like that often) "I thought you said you wanted it?" he offered. "No, I don't need it...it was just something I wondered about and thought I might like, I really don't need it....thank you though - that's very thoughtful" He hung up the phone, shrugged and put his credit card back in his wallet and slid back under the covers..... "good night hon, I love you" he said. And I knew he did (love me) because he HEARD me..... I can't tell you how wonderfully loved that made me feel. That one incident spoke volumes to me.  He HEARD me, he really heard me - and he wanted to do something about it.... I LOVE that guy :)

~ Here's A Few Funnies From Our House To Yours ~

*The Baby noticed my heart tattoo on my chest when my shirt shifted to one side. She was very intrigued and asked if she could have it. I tried to explain to her that it was in my skin and couldn't come off. I could tell that she obviously didn't understand what I was saying to her because she excitedly shot back "Mama, you can take it off with scissors!"

* At 6 am I heard her (The Baby) calling so I stumbled out of bed and opened the door to her room. "I called you and you comed" she said incredulously "You love me!" hahaha

* Laying in bed with a cool cloth on her head, The Baby called to me. "Can you take my TENT A PUR?" she asked. (temperature)

* Latoya was busy playing a game on the tablet with her siblings hovering around watching when she announced "I really don't like people crowding around when I am trying to do something. That's how I get EXTRACTED." (distracted)

* On the way home from church I had to stop at the store for a few things. As I pulled out onto the road and began driving home I opened a flavoured water and set it in the cup holder. I noticed the quiet hush settle over the van and looked in the rear view mirror to see what the girls were up too. I noticed them staring at me with an odd look of concern in their eyes. Latoya and Little Susan were sitting close to each other whispering. As I contemplated their weird behaviour I grabbed the bottle of water and took a drink. Someone gasped! "Mommy, are you allowed to do that" Latoya asked sheepishly. "Do what?" I replied. "Drink and drive?" she questioned. "What???" I stammered. "What did Justin Bieber go to jail for? wasn't it drinking and driving?" she questioned me further. "Yes Latoya, but that was for drinking ALCOHOL and then driving. You can't drink alcohol and then drive." I quickly explained trying to hide my grin.  "Oh" She said with noticeable relief. "So it's okay to drink water, and milk, and pop, and juice while you drive but not AKAHUL." She summarized.

~ Subscribers Stories ~

Do you have a funny or cute story to share? Want to have it included in the "Subscribers Stories" section of our Fish Bowl? Just email me your story and I' ll include it in a future edition of The Fish Bowl. Please include your name and email address with all submissions.

*. I was showing Gabby my abs and asked if she could see the definition line starting (hopeful thinking on my part ) and she pointed to a stretch mark and said " No Mom, but I see this one real good".
Submitted by Veronica A. from Windsor

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Make the best of this cool weather and enjoy cuddling with the one you love!
Blessings,
Lucy

Baby Jesus in the Cheese Grater.

The holidays are upon us. I don't even know where the past two months went. The last thing I remember was preparing for the harvest Party at church at the end of October and suddenly Christmas is here and the New Year is right behind it. Where does the time go?!?!? I want to take the opportunity to wish all my Fish Bowl readers a very Merry Christmas season. I pray an abundance of blessings, wisdom, health and happiness for you all in the New Year.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Having seven kiddlings, I need to be very organized and extra stealthy at this time of year. Every present brought into the house must be wrapped and gift tagged immediately then hidden away from little prying eyes. I thought this year was going to be the very best yet as I finally had a CLOSET, not just any closet but a SUPER CLOSET! When we had the addition built we had a large closet put in along the length of one wall to house all our clothing, especially all my Diva's (Oops, I mean my husband's) clothes, and to provide a little more storage space.

This would be the perfect place to hide the little darlings Christmas gifts....or so I thought! I was amazed at how much stuff I was able to neatly stack in the closet. The shelf is wide and long....so much room! But during lunch one afternoon Grandma and I sat in the kitchen chatting over a sandwich when suddenly...CRASH!!!! "What the heck was that?!" We both hollered as we ran toward the bedrooms. She darted to her room and I investigated mine. I threw open the closet door to find...... a mess!
I am not sure if it was contractor error, organizer error, or a combination of the two but I was not thrilled with having to re wrap and re organize my stash of gifts.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I woke up at 5:45 am one morning to an odd sound in the distance. "Clink, clink, clink, clink." It was a soft metallic type of sound and I couldn't quite figure out what it was. I slipped out of bed and quietly crept down the hall toward the source of the sound. My heart sunk when I noticed the Baby's bedroom door was ajar. The gate was still locked but she was not in her room. Someone had forgotten to chain her door at bedtime and she had climbed the gate and escaped. I ran for the source of the noise knowing whatever it was, she would be the cause of it. As I rounded the corner into the kitchen I saw her. Sitting on the floor in the dim light of the early morning, her back against the cupboards, and the bottom drawer pulled all the way out.

She was dropping plastic nativity scene figures, piece by piece into the cheese grater. "Clink, clink, clink...." The rhythmic sound of the plastic hitting the metal of the grater was soothing to her and held her attention. In her left hand she held a small wax birthday cake (that's been in the family since I was little). When she looked up and noticed me she held the wax cake out as if offering it to me. "I bit it" she said "here, smell my breath."  I giggled to myself and breathed a sigh of relief. She could have wandered anywhere in the house getting into all sorts of trouble as we slept but instead here she was safe and sound in the kitchen playing with baby Jesus in the cheese grater.
I felt very grateful (no pun intended). That seems to be the theme for me this year... gratefulness. For all the things I have AND for all the things I don't have, I am grateful.
I'm sure I am not alone in my mindset this time of year. This is the season to look back and reminisce and then to look ahead and dream. At least it is for me :)
In my reminiscing I went back throughout the past two years in my blog posts and spent a lot of time laughing out loud over the memories stored there. I thought it would be fun for my Fish Bowl readers to "go back" there too and share a few laughs with me so I designed another cool CONTEST!!!! Yes, you heard it right... the final Fish Bowl CONTEST of 2012. Win a Napoleon Dynamite DVD!!!!!

Here are the details:
* The contest will run from now (Monday December 31, 2012) through midnight of Sunday January 6th, 2013.
* The contest winner will be notified of their win and will receive their prize immediately. Their identity will be published in the next Fish Bowl blog post.
* Listed below are ten phrases. Each phrase can be found in one of the previously archived Fish Bowl Blog posts. The archived listing of posts can be found on the right hand side of the page under "Archives".
* Search the past Fish Bowl posts to find the 10 phrases listed and let us know where you found them (either the title of the post or the date the post was published). Example: 1. "Shuffle, shuffle, shuffle, Across the carpet. BANG." your answer would be #1. December 6, 2012.
* Post your answers in the comment section below or email them to me. Be sure to include your name and email address.
* To win, you must find all 10 phrases and their correct locations All correct entries received by the deadline will be entered into a draw for the Prize (a Napoleon Dynamite DVD). The draw will take place on January 6th, 2013 at midnight.

Phrases to Find

1. "Mom, come quick!  Susan and Latoya have their pants off and they're pooping in the snow!"

2. "Mom did it .... I saw her." Shouted a little one. "Daddy's gonna be maaaaaad."

3. I didn't even say those bad words that pop into your head and out of your mouth before you can hold them back in situations such as this.

4. A "pack of children" is much like a pack of wild dogs. They move as one. When one of them gets a bright idea, they all move together to carry it out.

5. It was the same kind of look in his eyes that he had the morning after his "big operation" when he bent down to clean himself and realized "something wasn't quite right."....

6. "Ewww, that's so gross! They're spreading germs!" and another screams "Look - he's eating her face!"

7. "....I wouldn't have changed a thing about how I became their mom, I am just so thankful that I am."

8. What I really would have preferred was a quiet sunrise in a dew covered duck blind cuddled up next to My Hunter waiting with great anticipation....

9. then he'll scream like a girl when he pulls the visor down and the pixie falls on to his lap.

10. My husband drew closer to me and with a hint of sarcasm in his voice said "Hey Babe, I have an idea, let's have seven kids!" Then he rolled over and pulled the covers over his head. 

*Here's a Few Funnies From Our House to Yours*

* Teenager: Baby, you need to eat your food! Hurry up!

   The Baby: (sticks pointer finger at the Teenager) Don't you get lippy with me lady!

   Teenager: Eat your food Baby!

   The Baby: Don't raise your voice at me Teenager!

*The Baby comes home from school and announces to everyone that she likes to play the P-NANO now. (piano)

*The Baby likes to cuddle with Daddy. One day as she sits on his lap gazing into his eyes she points to a small skin tag on his eye lid. "It's a nipple!" she squeals with glee.

* Our dogs were recently breeding and the Baby happened to catch a view of the action. She got very excited and cheered them on. "Good girl Emma! You're doing it! Look it! Good boy Buzzy!  He's helping her get the babies out." she explained

*The Baby noticed that a light bulb had burnt out in the kitchen. :Mommy, the batteries runned out!" she exclaimed.

*The baby was sitting with Daddy. She reached over and patted his belly. "You've got a big belly Daddy." "Yup." he said flatly. "You gonna have a baby?" she inquired innocently. 

*As we wandered down the produce aisle I pointed out several fruits and veggies to the Baby. "Do you know what this is?" I asked as she shook her head no. "It's a zucchini" I informed her. "I have a zucchini" she said with animation "it's my bathing suit."

*The Baby was talking to Grandma while eating. She began pointing and giggling. "Grandma you have crumpled faces" she said as she pointed to the wrinkles around Grandma's lips. 

Subscribers Stories

Introducing a new area of the tank.... Subscribers Stories! Do you have a funny or or cute story to share? Want to have it included in the "Subscribers Stories" section of The Fish Bowl? Just email me your story and I 'll include it in a future edition of The Fish Bowl. Please include your name and email address with all submissions.

* We were in line at Shoppers and Gabby decides to run to the front of the store and redecorate their tree and "fix" the tree skirt. Of course I'm telling her to leave it alone and get back in line and she says "What are they thinking, they can't expect Santa to come unless the tree is perfect." (This is my niece and I had to share with all my co-workers)

Submitted by Corrine S, Windsor, Ontario

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ~ Be Blessed,

Lucy

I move around with great stealth, like a ninja in my own home - trying not to be seen

I stretch and yawn and roll over in my bed still warm  and groggy from a cozy night's sleep. I slide out from under the covers and let my feet dangle over the side of the bed letting my eyes adjust to the darkness as I search for my well-worn wool slippers. I slip out of the bedroom soundlessly taking care not to awaken my husband. I NEED to stop in to the bathroom for a nature call, it IS first thing in the morning after all but how to do it without waking HER? 'Shuffle, shuffle, shuffle' across the carpet 'BANG' I hit the edge of the doorway with my knee! "Ooooooh" I moan inwardly as I feel my way along the wall, across the counter and sink and finally over to the toilet. I move around with great stealth, like a ninja in my own home - trying not to be seen.  "This would be so much easier to do with the lights on" I reason with myself. As I settle down onto the seat I peer out the bathroom blinds anxiously I can feel that familiar anxiety crawling up my spine. Listening so intently I wash my hands and creep out of the dark bathroom toward the kitchen. "BANG!" Stupid chair...who left that out? As I quietly creep toward the kitchen (rubbing my shin) I avoid walking past the windows. Ever so quietly I reach for the dimmer switch and pause. "I can't turn it on...she'll see it. But I need to be able to see to get the coffee going and the kids lunches made...." I compromise with myself and turn the light on 'just a little bit.' I listen intently and breathe a sigh of relief.... "Phew, nothing....." I'm feeling a little daring so I turn the light switch up a little more basking the room in a faint but warm glow. Just as I pull my hand away from the switch THERE IT IS! That noise that send shivers down my spine and wakes up every nerve in my body. From outside in the darkness the beast is stirring, the sound of nails on a chalk board might be more desirous than this.

It doesn't matter how quiet I am, how long I creep around in the dark (in my own home) and avoid turning on the lights or how still and away from the windows I stand, she always hears it and at about 6:30 am every morning she lets out those terrifying sounds guaranteed to send the wild coyotes running for cover. She's smart....she can tell time by watching the sun rise.... the slightest sound or movement from inside the house sends her into a frenzied fit of braying certain to wake up all the neighbours within a five mile radius.  I am hoping to catch my neighbours grand kids visiting across the road this weekend. I want to offer them some pony rides and "make friends" just to stay on their good side and head off any noise complaints. In any case, I will make a point of introducing them to Jenny, our beautiful miniature donkey in hopes that they will come to love her as much as we do and just perhaps politely tolerate her early morning wake up calls :)
I may hold off on letting them know that Jenny is pregnant and that sometime in July we expect another pretty little "noise maker" to join our family!

*Here's a Few Funnies From Our House to Yours*

* The Teenager recently had knee surgery. I had an audience of kiddlings while I changed her bandages one afternoon.  They ooohed and ahhed and gagged a bit here and there. When I was finished I overheard Little Susan saying to the Teenager "I miss your regular knee."

* The Baby was trying to befriend Buzzy, our young Shih Tzu pup. I scratched his chest and said "here honey, pet him like this..." and modeled how she should gently scratch him on the chest. She caught on quickly and was delighted that Buzzy sat still to receive her affection. "Look Mama, I'm rubbing his nipple" she said gleefully as she patted his pointy sternum bone on his chest.

Who taught her these words? Why can't she just KNOW them? Why does she have to USE them? I guess I am the guilty party. I believe in truth. Now don't shoot me...but none of my children believe in Santa either. I never could see the point of trying to convince my sweet innocent toddlers to sit on the lap of a fat old guy for the promise of gifts or candy... I mean we teach them NOT to sit on stranger's laps and NOT to take candy from strangers don't we? I guess I just figured I'd have a harder time convincing them that God is real if I lied to them about Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, etc.... So I guess you could say I am big on truth. I always taught my kiddos the "real" names for body parts instead of sugar coating it and making up fake names for "uncomfortable  appendages." Who wants their kid going to school and during health class innocently mislabeling their body parts "the flower", "the secret place" , or "the birdies nest"? I don't want my kiddlings to sound uneducated and I certainly don't want them being teased  for using odd names for body parts. So I choose to use proper names for body parts as soon as they start asking that all important question..."whats that?" But sometimes that "truth" backfires and causes embarrassment .... like the day we were having lunch at Montanna's in Windsor. The Baby overheard Uncle Tom talking to Daddy about "China." Well she got a funny look on her face and she started questioning rather loudly in a crowded restaurant "Why was Uncle Tom talkin' 'bout ginas?" She is persistent and we tried to ignore her but she wouldn't have it. She needed to know... "Gina? Gina? Why is he talkin' 'bout ginas?" Over and over again she questioned. Needless to say Uncle Tom hasn't invited us out to lunch since then.

* Little Susan and the Baby were playing with their chapsticks one day. I guess they were sharing with each other. "Mommy, our chapsticks are the same appetite (flavour) said Little Susan.

* I overheard Little Susan explaining an important life lesson to the Baby. "The Barn cat had kittens," she said. "The mama cat laid eggs and the kittens came out."

* Little Susan came home and told me about having her teeth checked at school.  "Mommy my teeth are good, they said I have no calories!" she proudly exclaimed.

* The Baby likes the smell of my "doty-rint" (deodorant)

Subscribers Stories

Introducing a new area of the tank.... Subscribers Stories! Do you have a funny or or cute story to share? Want to have it included in the "Subscribers Stories" section of The Fish Bowl? Just email me your story and I 'll include it in a future edition of The Fish Bowl. Please include your name and email address with all submissions.

*I'm sitting at swimming lessons when I went to smell the tube of hand cream that Hannah left in my bag and accidentally shot some up my nose. I don't know if everyone else is just being polite or no one noticed. Either way, i'm lol ing Good thing it smells good.

Submitted by Grace R

*Well I just discovered (a little too late, I might add) that one if my little angels covered the entire toilet seat with... Toothpaste!?!? As I went to investigate farther, I found that the other toilet seat was also a target, leading me to believe that this could have been a team effort. Unfortunately, my main suspect is in lala land already, so I shall take my minty fresh butt to bed so I can be all energized to deal with this in the morning. Regardless, they're all in for a good hand scrubbing before breakfast!

Submitted by Grace R

*The awkward moment when you take out the graham cracker crumbs that have been in the cupboard for over a year & you tell your teen daughter to 'put out your hand' and proceed dump some into her palm then say now 'taste it with your tongue'..... And she touches her tongue to it, just barely and then says with fright 'WHAT'S THAT.... Bug!!' and I haven't been able to stop laughing or crying since!!! Priceless!!! (don't worry family, the desserts made last week were from a NEW package. Tonight I was just trying to use up the old stuff.) this is a moment neither of us will ever forget!!! For completely opposite reasons... But that doesn't matter :)

Submitted By Kimberly L, LaSalle

Blowing Bubbles About....

This week we're blowing bubbles about Grocery Shopping 4 You.

Located in Chatham, Ontario. Owned and operated by Kirk Dawes. 

Providing personalized grocery shopping and delivery from your favourite stores. We shop....so you don't have to! Serving the Chatham, Blenheim, Dresden, Ridgetown, Tilbury, Wallaceburg areas.

You can also check them out on Face Book.

Join our mailing list

Join our mailing list and receive regular updates as soon as we post a new entry. Just add your name and email address in the "join the mailing list" section on the right hand side. Regular updates will be delivered right to your email inbox.

Don't keep this to yourself....share this blog with your family and friends or post it to your Face Book profile (just click the Face Book button on the right hand side.)

Merry Christmas ~ Be Blessed,

Lucy

You Have to Walk Over Poop to be a Man

Ring ring, ring ring....."Hello?" "Hello Madame, can I take a moment of your time to ask you a few questions for our environmental survey? As our way of saying "Thank You" your name will be entered into a draw for some exciting prizes including a trip!"...... (I should have said "No, I don't believe in surveys, or sorry, it's against my religion" but I didn't.) And sure enough a week later I had WON a super prize! A fabulous three day two night vacation for two at a five star resort somewhere in North America! "When is a good time for a representative to stop by and deliver your prize package Madame?" the overly enthusiastic woman chirped on the telephone. "Tomorrow morning at 11:30 is perfect! Oh, by the way.... Our representative will be bringing by one of our products to show you...just to get your opinion on...we're not trying to sell you anything, we just want your honest opinion on this product. So if it's okay with you, our representative will stop by at 11:30 to bring you your fabulous prize package?" (Why didn't I just lock the door, close the blinds and pretend no one was home?) Knock, knock, knock, knock.  "Hello my name is Scott from blah blah blah...." he began as soon as I inched the screen door open. He spoke so quickly I had a difficult time understanding him. He began unloading his large suitcases of equipment into the living room as I stood aside holding the door and silently wondering what I'd gotten myself into. He did all the right things. Complimented my home and it's cleanliness, pretended to adore children as my three year old proudly displayed each dolly she owned and asked him to play, feigned interest in my mother's health and the health of our children in order to win me over. He had a magic suitcase and from it he pulled out a machine that oddly resembled R2D2 from Star Wars. The machine was called "The Defender" (Try it again, in a loud, booming deep voice....THE DEFENDERRRR) This man's enthusiasm for this product was over the top. The more he talked about it the quicker he talked and the more animated he became. I half expected some furry circus animals to jump out of that magic suitcase and perform for us. The Defender is a "room air cleaner" that is recognized by the FDA as a class II medical device.... now that last part is very very important because being recognized by the FDA as a class II medical device means.....it costs about as much as a new mammogram machine!

It was about that time that my husband came in from work on his lunch break.  The salesman, obviously pleased to see my husband, went to work on charming the wallet out of his pocket. When my husband mentioned that he was only home briefly and couldn't stay long, the Salesman turned to him and in a serious tone of voice spoke to him man to man... "Oh certainly, I understand you have to go, but do you mind if I ask... is this the type of financial decision your wife can make on her own?" {WHAT?!?!? Did he just say what I think he just said?!?! I sat across from him with my mouth gaping wide open, looking like I just witnessed the rapture and got left behind.} My darling husband, noticing the insulted and dumbfounded look on my face immediately shot back "NO! She is not allowed to make financial decisions." The Salesman stammered and made excuses to cover up his rudeness and quickly went on with his presentation. My husband opted to stick around for a while instead of leaving me alone ....in case I needed his support in making a financial decision perhaps? Hahaha.
My husband reiterated that we were not interested in purchasing anything at this time, and that the woman on the phone who called about the prize we'd won, said that we were not obligated to buy anything they merely wanted our opinion on the product. "Yes of course, but I think you'll agree that anyone who is concerned about their health or the health of their loved ones, anyone who cares about their children and their future, should own the Defender, or perhaps even two of them depending on the size of their home." he went on and on working us from every angle. Guilt, Pride, Medical necessity, an on and on.... He wanted to demonstrate the machine so we showed him to one of the girl's rooms. "Can you smell that?!?" he began. {"Oh God! Smell WHAT??? What did the Baby do now?" I panicked by myself in my head} "That's the smell of stale air most rooms have when the windows are closed tight..... blah, blah, blah," he droned on. He turned the machine on in one of the bedrooms and walked out to the living room to continue with his presentation. Knowing he was not making any headway with us in the sale of the Defender he went back to his magic suitcase and reached inside. A moment later he was fishing out another large piece of machinery that slightly resembled the first one.
"Hey, that's a Filter Queen...... HEY! He's a vacuum cleaner  salesman!" I thought accusingly to myself. His magic suitcase contained a dozen  or so parts and hoses and gizmos that attached to the Filter Queen Vacuum. "Good Lord! He's trying to sell us a flipping vacuum!" my mind screamed within me. My husband who had been pleasant and patient up until now turned to me and rolled his eyes. "I've got to get going" he mouthed silently to me while the Salesman fitted this new machine with some filters and hoses. My eyes grew wide and I sent him my own "unspoken" message "don't you dare leave me alone with this shark!" I said telepathically. He sighed and slumped down into the couch to watch the performance. "Blah, blah, blah ..... suction power vs air flow, blah, blah, blah, washable parts and changeable filters, blah, blah, blah...." and on and on he crooned. After looking over our vacuum and showing us all the bad points about it and telling us how ineffective and inefficient it was, he said to my husband "What would you do if I threw a handful of dirt in your baby's face?" to which my husband raised his eyebrows and slowly replied "I would show you the door." The salesman then countered with "Well that's exactly what this old vacuum of yours does every time your wife turns it on. So what should we do with it? {'Show it to the door' was the response the salesman was fishing for.} As time wore on and my husband grew more and more impatient for this "demonstration" to be over. He was already late in returning to work and would soon be late for a scheduled appointment. "Let's cut to the chase here Mr. Salesman, what is the bottom line? How much are you asking for this pair of modern must-have machines?" he queried. "Well Sir, what value would you place on your home appliances? If you had to replace them today what would you expect to pay...blah, blah, blah..." on and on with the reasoning, guilt and pressure.... when that wasn't working he got more direct and pushy I guess you could say. It turns out, after several calls to his "manager at head office" (any of you who have been in this situation before knows how ridiculous this all really is) and the already fabulous price of $2400.00 could be reduced to $1900.00 if we provided a large food donation to their food drive, traded in our old vacuum (since it was a piece of garbage compared to this miracle machine) and also supplied the salesman with the name and contact info for at least three "friends" (who are home owners and have a full time job) who might be interested in watching the same grueling three hour demonstration we just lived through. We (or should I say My Husband, firmly told him "NO, We are not interested in purchasing anything...." but before he could finish, the well seasoned salesman cut in with ANOTHER free gift offer! He pulled out a shiny sauce pan and lid and began telling us all the benefits of cooking with the complete twelve piece cookware set that we could receive FREE when we "referred three friends" who would watch his demonstration. The Salesman opened his mouth to speak and stuck his foot in it. "Come on, you're a pastor...you know many people. I am sure there are some older people in your church that could benefit from these great products...." My Husband spoke firmly "First of all, I will NOT give out anyone's contact information to you - that's just not right. Secondly, I don't know anyone who could afford to pay $2000.00 for a vacuum/Air cleaner combo." When he wouldn't take no for an answer my husband had enough. He thanked him for his time and the "free gift" (which would likely cost us a considerable amount to actually use) and began to "help" him tidy up all his supplies. While the Salesman took his time washing out his vacuum, my now heated hubby shoved all the little parts and doodads back into the mans magic suitcase. As the man started trying to strike up another conversation (sales pitch) my husband carried his suitcase to the door and ushered the man out.
We watched the man load up his car and sit in the driveway on his cell phone....likely calling his "manager at the head office" to look for direction. The next time someone calls you to say "You've Won!" BEWARE..... nothing in life is truly FREE now is it?

*Here's a Few Funnies From Our House to Yours*

*The Baby said, " I saw a little bug named 'BeeBeeTots', it peed and pooped on the table. Then it fell and got hurt. It was a boy 'cuz it had a 'peenus' when it peed."

*Daniel: Teenager "I am sorry for my behavior and for lying to you."
 Teenager: "Good, now don't let it happen again!"
 Daniel: (looking upset and disappointed) "I'll try but I always end up doing it again!"

*The Baby: "I am!" (in a snotty voice)
 Grandma: "You owe your mother an apology for talking to her like that!"
 The Baby: "I'm sorry mommy"
 Me: "Thank you" I replied
 The Baby: "You have an apology for me?" she asked in return.

*The Baby: "Mom, what's wrong with your mouth?"
 Me: "What do you mean? There's nothing wrong with my mouth."
 The Baby: "You have words in your mouth!"

*The Baby was looking at a book and commented on the dog's fur in the book. She called it 'feathers.' "Do dogs have feathers?" I asked. "No" she replied. "Do goats have feathers?" I quizzed. "No" she giggled. "Do horses have feathers?" I challenged. "No." She asserted. "Do the chickens have feathers?" I teased. "No." She stated matter of factly. "Well who has feathers then?" I wondered aloud. "Little Susan has feathers! A big one." She answered excited. (Susan had found a sea gull feather and was keeping it in her bedroom)

*While walking through the barn Shane stopped to look at the goats. At that moment Annie brought up some food and started re chewing it (chewing cud). "Eww, she's chewing her CRUD!" "What?" I asked (thinking I didn't hear him correctly) "The goat just puked in her mouth and now she's chewing her CRUD!" Hahahahaha

* Little Susan likes to help with the animals in the barn. She especially likes to clean the germs off her hands with "handitizer" afterward.

* "Is 'contemplated' when you eat too much cheese and can't poo?" asks Shane.

* Daddy's voice was a little deeper and husky one morning because he had a sore throat. "Good morning." He said as he entered the kitchen. I jokingly said "Daddy's going through puberty right now." "What's that?" Shane queried. "It happens when your growing up," I answered "Your voice changes, your body grows hair, your body makes new smells...." Little Susan piped up "Eww, I don't want to catch THAT!"

* Grandma was scolding the Baby for causing mischief and tattling on one of her sister. "Mind your own business!" Grandma firmly told her. "I have a business?!?" the Baby inquired excitedly.

* Daniel told us that he and his brothers had made a boy's and girl's club. "The girl's club is for girls and the boy's club is for boys. But you have to walk through the poop first." (manure pile) he informed. "As kind of an initiation?" I asked. "No, to be a man." he replied. "You have to walk over poop to be a man."

* While driving home from shopping we always pass a few cows in the field. One day I teased the Baby as we drove past the beefy girls and said "Mmmmm, they look tasty, we should eat them" I taunted. "No!" she cried "that will hurt their feelings!"

Subscribers Stories
Introducing a new area of the tank.... Subscribers Stories! Do you have a funny or or cute story to share? Want to have it included in the "Subscribers Stories" section of The Fish Bowl? Just email me your story and I 'll include it in a future edition of The Fish Bowl. Please include your name and email address with all submissions.

Gabby: "Mom is there another way to get a baby besides getting married, Can you buy one?"
Me: "You can adopt one but I doubt they would let me without being married."
Gabby: "Can't you just lie and say your husband works alot?"
Submitted by Veronica A. from Windsor

Gabby found a dog treat so I told her to give it to her teacher in case he has one. "o, he's not married" I told her you don't have to be married to have a dog and how do you know he is not married?" "Have you seen how skinny he is mom, he's not married!"
Submitted by Veronica A. from Windsor

Gabby: "Here Nick have this piece of candy" a few minutes later "taste it."
Nick: "What did she say?"
I responded "She said eat it, it's good!"
Gabby pipes up "I NEVER SAID IT WAS GOOD" LOL
Submitted by Veronica A. from Windsor

Blowing Bubbles About....
This week we're blowing bubbles about The Little Pig Farm Ontario
Located in Woodstock, Ontario. Owned and operated by Sarah Canfield and Maegan Spina. You can also check them out on Face Book. Many Thanks to Sarah and Maegan.... Our little Gracie was a recent resident at The Little Pig Farm :)

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Happy Harvest Season ~ Be Blessed,
Lucy

"Bad words are in my mouth" says the Baby

Summer flew by so fast! You could imagine the chaos and craziness around here over the past few months with having all seven kiddlings home plus running our Summer Kamp program.... it feels like this is the first time I've had a chance to sit down and catch my breath...wait a minute, it IS. The children have been in school for about a month now and I am still working my way through my "To Do" List that just seems to grow longer each day. Recently one afternoon I decided to tackle the cupboard under the sink. Yes THAT one, the one that holds the garbage bin. In the back of the cupboard I store my flower vases so they're out of reach and won't get broken by clumsy little hands. When I pulled out the tall, oval shaped, burnt orange vase I was shocked and amused to see two tiny field mice in the bottom of it. Upon seeing me they frantically jumped up and down trying to escape. But the edge of the vase was too high to reach. The Baby was colouring at the table at the time and halted her creativity to come over and have a peek. "Awwwww! He's so cute!" She squealed with delight staring at the rodent's big round ears and tiny black eyes. She giggled wildly as she watched them bounce up and down over and over again, trying to find a way out. We were having a problem with mice coming into the house and have set many traps to get the problem under control. I have had to deal with disposing of dead mice caught in the traps but haven't come across this situation yet.... what shall I do with live mice? I couldn't just let them go - they'd be right back in the house in no time, ripping into another box of cereal or bag of rice.  I couldn't stomp on them .... I just couldn't. So I called my husband and asked his advice. "Just dump some water in the vase and set it in the garage - they'll drown and you can get rid of them after that." Okay that sounds quick and easy enough. I apologized profusely to the tiny rodents as I poured a pitcher of water into the vase and set it in the garage. I left immediately, not having the stomach to witness their final few minutes.  The Baby and I worked on a few crafts and did a little more cleaning. About thirty minutes passed by before I remembered the little rodents in the garage. "I'd better dispose of them now, before the kiddlings come home I thought as I headed to the door.

Upon opening the garage door my heart broke. On the counter where the vase was I could see the little mice STILL SWIMMING for their lives! But more terrible than that was another little mouse who apparently had come to their aid, jumping frantically up and down at the side of the glass vase, trying in vain to find a way to rescue the poor mice from their fate. The rescue mouse saw me and quickly scampered away leaving the two mice in their perilous situation. A tear slid down my cheek as I reached for my cell phone and called my husband. I explained the situation to which he replied "Stop it, you're breaking my heart! What are you going to do?" he asked. I told him I had no choice, I had to release the tiny mice from their watery tomb and set them free. You know the old stories about prisoners on death row, how if the execution fails the prisoners are set free. Well I carried the vase out to the back lawn and gingerly poured it out onto the grass. The little mice fell out and lay there breathing rapidly, exhausted with no fight left in them. I carefully picked them up and placed them under the edge of an overhanging garden plant to shade them from the sun. Burning to a crisp while trying to dry out would be an even more terrible death don't you think? I left them to dry and went back to my house work. When I returned a while later they were gone. Hopefully they fled in the opposite direction and won't get caught in a mouse trap of ours. I'm certain I'd be able to recognize them if I ever saw them up close again (dead or alive, in a trap or running free.)
When my husband came home that afternoon he asked me what I did with the little mice. As my eyes filled with tears I told him that I let them go, that I HAD to. He said he understood.... but asked me to please not tell the neighbours about this...... they already think we're weird.

*Here's a few funnies from Our House to Yours *

* "Mom, Can I have a drink?" Shane asks as he hands me his cup. "What's in your cup?" I inquire because I can hear something tumbling about in there. "A cock" he casually replies. "A WHAT?!" I further question. "A cock" he says plainly. "WHAT?!" I demand in a shrill voice as I grab the cup from his hand to see what's inside.... it's a CORK, from a wine bottle. (Shane has a bit of a speech issue and mom has an overactive imagination :))
* Nicholas came home from school and told me all about his day. The highlight of his day was "Making a CHEMICAL ERECTION" in science class. (Chemical reaction)
* The Baby was going for a play date with her friend Ella. "I want to make a name for Ella's grandma." she stated. (which translates to "I want to know her name") "Her name is Mrs. Green" I reveal. "Oh, I LOVE Mrs. Green" says the Baby "And her grandpa (husband) is Mr. Green right Mama?" says Little Susan looking for confirmation. "Yes" I reply. "I love Mr. Green" Little Susan says again. "He's so cute!"
* "Bad words are in my mouth" says the Baby "We should wash them out." I reply teasingly. "With my tooth brush, Ya!" she says excitedly.
* After brushing her teeth one morning the Baby comes to me with her mouth wide open to examine her work. "Look at my teeth Mama, are they dusty?" she inquires.

Subscriber's Stories

Introducing another area of the tank.... Subscribers Stories! Do you have a funny or cute story to share? Want to have it included in the "Subscribers Stories" section of The Fish Bowl? Just email me your story and I'll include it in a future edition of the Fish Bowl. Please include your name and email address with all submissions.

* Sunday afternoon Wendy and I were on the swing watching Wayne do some car stuff.  Zion (8) and Haylee (6) were on the swing.  Zion yell's out "Mom Mom Haylee says we gotta get married "  Once we stopped our giggles she asked  "why?"  Zion replied " well she says we touched knee's now we have to get married " (well at least he was smiling) Wendy said "well don't worry it doesn't have to be this week” ....and we both burst out laughing ..
Thanks to Phyllis L from Chatham for that submission

* Kendal: "mommy i can see the sun through my eye skin"
Me: "those are called your eye lids"
Kendal:"why are they called eye LIDs?"
Me: "I'm not sure... Why is anything called anything?"
Kendal: "well cows are called cows because they moo"
Hahaha I love her! :-)
Thanks to Amie Stoffyn for that submission

* In the words of Abby "Grammie did you know my mommy has a baby in her tummy!!!!!! She growed it with food!"  Thanks to Marissa Smolders for that submission

* Me: " Gabby you have been having much better days at school and have done great on your school work. Do u find your meds helping more?" 
Gabby says: "No Mom I`m just doing it for the stickers. The medicine doesn't work at all."

* It was fireworks night and I told Gabby she couldn't stay up to watch them because she had school the next day. She had late night the night before and I had to work early the next morning so she says "Your the meanest Mom ever. I have been waiting my whole life to see fireworks." and she proceeded to stomp her way to her room. Must have been rough waiting those 8 whole years. ;)
Thanks to Veronica Anger from Windsor for those submissions

* WHO: Arden and Angela 
WHAT: Getting money out of the ATM
WHERE: Crowded Mall
WHEN: This afternoon
WHY: Why you should have your children close their eyes as you type in your bank card pass number
"MOMMY...you pressed ****!!! You use that number on ALL your cards...."
Thanks to Angela Pestowka for that submission

Blowing Bubbles About....

This week we're blowing bubbles about Kamp Koppes. Kamp Koppes is a unique family owned hobby farm in southwestern Ontario. Located in the Chatham-Kent area this family farm offers a variety of child friendly activities including Summer Camp, Toddler Days, Day Camps, Pony rentals & petting zoo critters for birthday parties, and more!  With a steady supply of bunnies for sale, farm fresh eggs and the occasional barn kitten looking for a loving home,  Kamp Koppes has a little something for everyone.

Visit us on the web at www.kampkoppes.com or look us up on Face Book.

"Kamp Koppes.... Where the most unlikely friendships are formed."

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Blessings to you - from my Fish Bowl to yours :)
Lucy

"Mama, her HINEY is pushing out again."

I just came in from a long morning of running errands in preparation for Easter dinner. I had just steped in the door when my husband called out "DON'T GO DOWN STAIRS!" Was that panic I heard in his tone or was it nervousness? I ventured down the stairs to see what was troubling him. Sometimes I just don't listen so well. 

Suddenly the basement fire alarms came to life with piercing wails. I rounded the corner and was overcome with disbelief. The cloud of dust instantly choked me and irritated my eyes. My eyes were drawn to the gaping hole in the wall where my kiddling's toy shelves once stood, cluttered with too many transformers and zhu zhu pets. Sunlight filtered through thick gray dust poured into the basement family room. So did the bitter cold breeze on that crisp April morning.I looked around in amazement. Dust covered everything.  I stood transfixed at the sight of the young man cutting away another piece of my wall with a large noisy saw....making more and more dust. My husband looked at me helplessly, trying to read my expression as he grabbed for the edge of the blue tarp on the floor to try to block some of the dust that continued to stream into the house getting into every crevice. I slowly scanned the room with my eyes, taking in every incredible sight. The television on the wall hastily covered with a blue plastic tarp.

The rest of the furniture was NOT covered, well not with any type of material meant to protect it - it was all completely and shockingly covered with a thick layer of cement dust.  I stared at the mess before me and felt fat hot tears welling up in my eyes. I left the room and ran up the stairs as the tears threatened to spill over onto my cheeks. It's Easter weekend and I have company coming for dinner.... this unexpected mess is the last thing I need right now.  I need to keep reminding myself that home renovations sometimes lead to unforeseen "situations".  I went to the washroom to wash my face and compose myself.  When I returned to the basement to survey the scene with a better attitude I was surprised to see the hole in the wall had a board proped up against it. "Well that's very nice of them, keeping some of the cold out for us" I thought to myself.  I stepped around the large pile of rock and debris on my carpeted floor and soothed myself by reasoning that these guys must have a shop vac or something and certainly they will clean up after themselves. I wondered why they wouldn't have forewarned us about the dust and rocks so we could have covered up the furniture ahead of time? I sighed deeply and returned upstairs. It was very quiet..... too quiet. "Where did the workers go?" I asked the Teenager. "They left." She said matter of factly. "What? What do you mean they left? They can't leave they have a mess to clean up..... and there's a big hole in my wall with an ill-fitting board propped up against it!" I said in dismay. "I don't know Mom" she replied "They just left - maybe they're coming back?" she added. "Well they'd better be!" I ranted. I went off to the barn to find my husband. "Please tell me this is a cruel late April fool's joke!" I demanded. "What are you talking about?" he asked in confusion. "That big hole in our wall and that monstrous mess in the basement." I shot back "Tell me that's some sort of joke and someone's going to clean it up." "Of course they are." He said in reply to my drama. "Well when? They're gone. They just left." I countered. "They must  have had to go get something or are taking a break." He reasoned. "They wouldn't leave the place looking like this not to mention leaving a large gaping hole in the wall with only a board propped up against it. There's a six inch gap at the bottom of the door and about half an inch all around the sides - they MUST be coming back." he reassurred me. We walked across the yard to the "work in progress" and surveyed the scene. "It's much worse indoors." I said sullenly. "Let me call the contractor and find out what's happening," my husband calmly retorted as he dialed a number on his cell phone. I stood close by wringing my hands and sighing alot - not knowing what else to do about any of it. When he closed his phone and slid it back into his pocket I looked at him expectantly "Well?" I inquired impatiently.  "He's not sure. He is going to call the concrete guys and see what they say.... he'll call me right back." he informed as he went down the ladder to check out the "disaster" I complained about. As he moved the board from infront of the door way I could hear him gasp. The look on his face said it all. He grabbed the edge of the crumpled blue tarp and dragged it outdoors, carrying some of the rubble and dirt out with it. He hollered for one of the boys to bring him a broom and he began sweeping the pile of stones and garbage out the opening in the wall. "The MUST be coming back" he said breathlessly as he swept faster with determination "they WOULDN'T have left this huge mess if they were done for the day - it just doesn't make sense." He unconvincingly reasoned. Just then his cell phone rang. The broom slipped from his hand as he reached deep into his pocket and fished out the phone. I knew it was bad news from the way his face fell as he gripped the cell phone tighter. "I see." was the last thing I heard him utter before stomping away with the phone pressed to his ear. It seems the concrete guys WERE done for the day, for the whole long weekend to be exact. It was Easter weekend and they all had plans for the holiday too. They had no intentions of coming back to the work site until Tuesday or so, when the concrete would be poured for the floor. It seems they ordered the concrete but the truck couldn't come until next week - and only if it didn't rain.... if there was rain it would obviously take longer. So my question to whoever would bother to listen to me is "Why in the world would they cut a hole through my basement wall and leave it open exposed to the elements and to any critters that might feel like checking the place out?" This made no sense to me and I was angry. The basement was a mess and the hole wasn't even sealed up and NOW I am told they won't be back to do anything for four to five days....IF it doesn't rain.  I was overwhelmed and had no fight left in me.... so I just stood there and cried. My husband gave me a hug and told me to leave the mess to him and go upstairs. I didn't argue, I couldn't. So up the stairs I sulked to get myself cleaned up and ready for a class I had to attend that evening. I hoped that some time away would help put me in a better mood. When I returned home later that night I was surprised and relieved to see a cleaner basement. My hero, I mean husband..... had spent hours washing everything down and vaccuming and sweeping, and cleaning... and he even sealed up the hole in the wall inside and out so no creeping things would come into the house in the middle of the night. I LOVE this guy so much!!! And I am so blessed to have him :) 
I had hoped this would be the extent of our renovation disaster..... but the following week would prove that there was so much more to come.....

*Here's a few funnies from Our House to Yours *

- Our puppy Emma had a hernia and needed to have it surgically repaired. The day after her proceedure Little Susan was petting Emma and noticed the swelling at the incision site. "Mama, her HINEY is pushing out again." she informed me. (hernia)

- On the way to church the boys were having a conversation in Grandma's car about condensation. Daniel noticed the condensation on the windows and wanted to know if "it rained lastnight?" "No, it didn't rain" Grandma explained "That's condensation. That happens when the air gets cooler overnight. Sometimes you see it on the grass in the morning - that's called "morning dew" Grandma  concluded. Daniel looked thoughtful for a moment and asked "Well, what does it do (dew)?" to which Grandma replied "It waits for the sun to dry it up."

- While driving through town The Baby watched out the van window and said excitedly "Fries in der! I want Fries...." she shouted pointing to Wendys, Andys, McDonalds, etc "No, you can't have fries everytime we go out somewhere." Her face fell and she looked at me through the rearview mirror and very seriously said "but it makes my (me) happy!"

- One morning at the breakfast table I watched the kiddlings having a conversation. "This is longitude." informed Nicholas, making an up and down motion with his arm. "And this is latitude" he explained while making a side to side motion with his arm. "Is that how you say it in french? asked Latoya. "No, that's how you say it in Social Studies." smartly replied Nicholas.

Subscriber's Stories

Introducing another area of the tank.... Subscribers Stories! Do you have a funny or cute story to share? Want to have it included in the "Subscribers Stories" section of The Fish Bowl? Just email me your story and I'll include it in a future edition of the Fish Bowl. Please include your name and email address with all submissions.

Haylee showed me her under arm deodorant that I got her at the dollar store. For some reason it was in my room and she said “Hey! How come you have my under arm air freshener?”

Submitted by Phyllis L. of Chatham, Ontario

me: mom look at that mailbox it has a sheep on it they must be sheepers
Mom: oh kassie they r called shepard's
Me: no sheepers

Submitted by Kassundra B. of Woodstock, Ontario

Blowing Bubbles About....

This week we're blowing bubbles about Great Lakes Stables.

Great Lakes Stables is a family owned and operated business located in Thamesville, Ontario. They offer Horseback Riding Lessons, Summer Camps, Clinics and More!

They teach all levels... from beginner to advanced and specialize in teaching first time riders, beginners and improvers. They follow the Equine Canada Rider Level instruction guidelines and the C.H.A. (Association for Horsemanship Safety and Education) prerequisites. Great Lakes Stables offer Hunter, Dressage and Western lessons for children and adults on a weekly basis. They also provide lessons geared towards showing and E.C. rider level testing English and Western. For more information visit their website or stop by their FaceBook page.

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Blessings to you - from my Fish Bowl to yours :)

Lucy