End of the month tag

What books and/or magazines did I read this month?    I read 'Driftwood Lane' and then started reading 'The Blue Bistro'.....two Summery romances based in Nantucket :)  Magazine wise I read my Artful Blogging/ Journaling mags with Christy. Melody etc in them....  Bliss :)

What movies, television shows, plays, etc. did I watch this month?  Well we don't have tv any more, but we did have tv while on holidy in Canmore - I didn't watch it but the kids did :)  We did have a movie night one night which was great fun :)  Other than that I haven't watched any movies or tv this month.  :)

What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends?  Oh wow!!  It's been an amazing month!  Our Canmore trip :)  Going to the Winterburn Waterslides,  Discovery Canyon too!  Lindbrook Pool!  Going to see Michael Buble in concert, Rosie at the dogwash!!  Telus World of Science!  The Fringe Festival, Calaway Park, Summer camps, the rodeo, movie in the park, helping JoAnne move house, farmers markets, park fun days, 

What gifts did I give and/ or receive?   Ki gave me a beautiful pot from her trip to Mexico.  She also kindly picked up a few things for me while she was shopping in Michaels..stamps to use in my Smash book, and something with my initial on it :)  Love you Ki :)  

Sam and Abby took the time to tape together a vase/ pot that I had dropped because I was in a rush getting ready to go out and knocked it from the window ledge with my bag.  They did a great job :)  It was a very kind gift.  

I gave a few gifts that will hopefully have lasting effects....I'm not going to go into details here, but I am very happy with what I chose to do.  

There were some other simple little gifts I gave throughout the month to friends....in passing, things I saw that made me think of them etc....oh and a housewarming gift for JoAnne for her new home :)  


I also started buying Christmas gifts this month.  I have a few now put away - just little things...but it will be here before we know it and I want to be prepared.  

What special or unusual purchases did I make?     I booked the children into their Fall classes.  I took us to Canmore for our week long holiday that we take every Summer. As always it was wonderful and relaxing.  Rosie came with us and was an absolute angel.  She is sooo well behaved.  You really can take her anywhere and she just behaves so well.  You would think she had been trained really well by someone but she is just really shy and nervous after last year and without Amber too.  She never leaves our side when we are out.  She is such a good girl on and off leash :)  

What illnesses or health concerns did I have?  None that I can think of.  I had an upset stomach one morning on holiday - which was puzzling as I hadn't eaten the day before. But by lunchtime I was fine and we headed out for the day as planned.  Apart from that I can't remember any health issues in August.

What were my accomplishments this month?  I have accomplished almost all of the things I wanted to accomplish this Summer - not all - there are a few things we didn't do, but we will add them to the list for next year....but those aside, we crammed in a LOT to this Summer and we can go in to Fall knowing we made the most of the whole Summer holiday :)  I have planned and prepped for the new homeschool year.  I have all the curriculum I need, I know what our plans are - I have us signed up for classes and I have my diary planned out for the next few months at least - classes up until Christmas :)  

I have decluttered closets, drawers, boxes, entire rooms....the children moved into their new bedrooms and we decluttered as we went.  We added new storage to help contain any clutter kept.  

So I feel like as well as having our holiday and making the most of the nice weather, I have accomplished a lot at home too!

What were my disappointments this month?  Having to finally admit defeat and put Abigail on medication.  I never wanted to have to use medication but she is struggling with her Tourettes and it isn't fair on her siblings - or on her - or me - or anyone around her - when she is out of control, so we need to find a medication that works to help her stay balanced.

So far this one isn't working.  She is having several melt downs a day.  Often in public and over the most minimal thing.  Her obsessions are also out of control and she is finding it impossible to stop clapping/ patting songs/ rhythms....often on her legs until it hurts.  A few other new tics/ obsessions that i cant think of right now but that are new this last week or so.  

Anything else noteworthy to include? The older children go back to school in two days.  The summer holidays have gone REALLY fast.  I am sad that Summer is over, and I will be sad for them to head back to school, but I AM looking forward to a new homeschool year, getting back to routine, cooler days, slower days, more time at home......just slow, quiet HOME!!!!!  Summer was fun, but boy was it BUSY!!!!!  Yes, I am ready for Fall and for the new homeschool year to begin :)