Jack had his soccer lesson again this morning.  He likes being able to run but isn't too interested in the drills because he's three and a half.  It does him good to run though and to learn how to listen to other adults and to take turns while playing.  The soccer coaches are saints because it's like herding cats dealing with eight young kids.

Toilet training is coming along well with stickers and kinder surprise eggs for every five stickers.  There were two poops in the toilet this morning with the requisite poop inspection and a high five.  The trick with Jack has been to leave him naked from the waste down.  He won't pee or poop except in a diaper or the toilet, so take away the diaper and he choses the toilet.  Now we just have to work on underwear:)

There is very little going on.  Halloween is almost here and tonight we're taking Jack to see a haunted house in the neighborhood after supper.  Yesterday we took Jack for his flu shot and he did well.  Cried for maybe ten seconds.  I would like him to get a covid shot but Gracie doesn't want him to.  Lori has gone to Singapore for ten days and when she gets back we're having a guardian meeting to decide what will happen going forward, and also if we should go ahead with a covid shot for Jack.

My daughter in law became homeless last week and has left to stay with her mother in Medicine Hat for a few weeks until she is paid the money she is owed by the government and her employer.  On the upside, my son can't physically harass her while she is so far away, just by phone.  I'm trying to stay out of it but it's hard.

This meme reminded me of Mr. Pudding, thought he might enjoy it and might even try it out.

Gratuitous shot of Heidi relaxing because she makes me happy.  She is such a sweet dog; she and Jack are best of friends.
 

I'm feeling a little meh.  We spent about an hour and a half with Gracie this morning.  She wanted to watch Jack play soccer and when she arrived he started acting up.  He said he missed her and I'm sure he does but he also checked with poppa, "I go home with you and Nana?".  I invited her to McDonald's with us post soccer and she came for a bit before leaving.  It fills me with dread having to deal with her and I worry about Jack.  I know he loves his mama and that she loves him but it's not enough.  She can't even take care of herself, not to mention a kid.  

I feel torn.  I was a single mum and I know it's hard but I wasn't an alcoholic or a drug addict.  I put myself through nursing school, with my mum and dad's help.  I was thinking about how much they did for me when my son was young and I was in school.  I couldn't have done it without them and I don't think I ever thanked them properly for all that help.  At least the sun is shining today.