What a week!

Last week started off with learning something new at work...
kinda fun

Watched our youngest walk across the stage at Graduation...
a tad bit emotional

Learned a few things about H1N1 I never knew...
very interesting

Celebrated a sweet baby girl turning two...
definitely a highlight

Attended a funeral of a young husband, father and grandfather...
so sad for the family

Spent an evening with 100+ others at a picnic...
back to fun



And this week?

Starting off on a great note - it's our 29th Anniversary today
and...we have an invite for supper!

Gotta go...no pictures today...sorry
I seem to have very few pics of hubby and me!

Our last Graduate...

I'm really at a loss for words right now...
Can't believe all the years our kids have been schooling have come and gone...
23 years to be exact (almost 1/4 of a century!)

It JUST can't be!

And of course, any mother would say...
it just seems like yesterday...


First day of school...Proud as can be

Oh, this day is bittersweet for sure.

Though I'm so disappointed that my camera
decided to act up,
and I don't have much for pictures to show for the
excitement of the day
I'm so proud of our boy...ooops...young man!!

Can't believe our "baby" *shhhh* just graduated!

I need to go cry now.

Prayers

Just wanted to ask for prayer for two families, though there are certainly more I could include, as each of you would be able to as well...this just hits home for people who are dear to me.

My sis-in-law's brother was in a very serious transport accident and his life is hanging in the balance. He has six young children. They would covet your prayers.

Another sister-in-law's brother died very suddenly during the night. Without any details, I ask if you would please uphold this family in prayer as well.

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18

There's always someone somewhere who could use our intercessory prayer. May we, in the busyness of our day, never forgot to lift one another up in prayer.

Sweet Little Reunion

Well, after two long weeks, the little family is back home together.

I got to pick the two youngsters up at a half-way meeting point.

Little miss "Messy Molly",
appropriately tagged by her other Nana & Papa,
was all smiles.



as was this sweet boy...
did I mention, he gives the most wonderful, long hugs?


After some lunch together with both Nanas, great-grandma and Auntie Stacey,
it was time to head for home.

(saying 'bye' and "thanks for taking such good care of me"
to auntie Stacey)
(For some reason I did not manage to get
Nana Friesen in the picture!)



They slept the whole way back,
then about a mile from home the little man woke,
looked around groggily and said, "I'm almost home!"

Papa was home when we arrived, and settled in
for his...



while "Miss Molly" went straight for this...



Then....she recognized something
in the yard she liked to play in...
the garden!

After munching on a few gooseberries, we managed
to walk her out of the garden so she could stay clean
until Mommy & Daddy arrived.


Auntie showed up at the right time
for them to check out how much the littlest missy
had grown while they were away.



And then...

sweet smiles and long hugs were plentiful
when their much anticipated parents walked in the door...
it was so precious!

("You missed me, Daddy!")


And...
one more picture...

We celebrated Father's Day a week early on hubby's side.
This photo was not staged....the little cousins
were all sitting beside each other on the steps.
Miss Molly crouched down one step as I snapped this picture.

My heart overflows with joy and many prayers
for these...God's precious ones!

Glory Celebration!

Today was to be a very special day...
actually... it still is.

It's a day we were anticipating with many others, near and dear.
Celebrating you, Dad...and 80 years!

Can't believe five months have passed.. since...
how is it possible?
When some days drag on and on... thinking of you.

We miss you Dad,
but wouldn't dream of taking you away
from the celebration you're having (well, maybe a wee bit) ...
one that none of us could conjure up!

Dad offering his signature "see you later" wave

Focusing...

Where have we been???

Got the garden in, transplanted plants and shrubs that haven't quite found their 'home' yet, took care of some that were no longer welcome (besides weeds), helped clean out a basement, helped move some friends, re-planted plants that froze! Is this really June?

Regarding the move...what could be more fun than a being with a bunch of ladies donning buckets & Norwex cloths? Ok, don't answer that! Actually, it was fun ...but how cute it was to glance out the window just as the men drove by... standing on the back of the flatbed trailer filled with furniture (they only moved one street over). By the time I got my camera in hand they were too far for a good shot... but they certainly looked like they were enjoying themselves.

What's that they're standing on? Smart thinking..
anyone need a trampoline?

I don't think my friend realized how much stuff she had in her little house. We were all surprised to see that much bigger house get filled up! Got me to thinking... maybe I should plan a "mock move" myself. Couldn't hurt!

Do I dare talk about gardening? Anyone else patiently waiting for *shhh* global warming? We certainly felt a little silly going out in the dark, after hearing it may freeze and double-checking the forecast... scampering around with blankets, sheets, boxes... whatever we could find to cover the small-fortune-worth of bedding plants we put out the week prior. We even made a fire and let it burn, hoping to ward off the frost-bites. Actually I thought it was kinda romantic trying to save the little plants, and if it hadn't been so late, and COLD, we would have sat and enjoyed the fire for a bit. Was a little disheartening to find some of the tomatoes still succumbed even after all our efforts.

So, off to the greenhouse once again the next morning, along with many others. Got smarter this time... bought a healthy, already blooming, tomato plant in a pot that can be quickly whisked inside should old Jack come calling again! This will be the last time!!

We're certainly missing two little red-heads who are off visiting their other Nana & Papa (wonder if that's what they call them?) while mommy & daddy are taking a road trip. Oh the adventures they'll have to treasure and talk about! :)

Oh yes, and our summer plans may change... got a phone call yesterday... more about that later!

I know the spring and summer seasons can be a busy time for people, especially those of us waiting to step out of the freezer. Let's not forget to pause and reflect on how truly blessed we are... to thank the One who is so gracious to us! I don't do that enough. There are people all around us who are going through hard times right now... maybe someone out there needs your touch or a listening ear.

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love
and good deeds,
not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some,
but encouraging one another, and all the more
as you see the Day drawing near."
Heb 10:24, 25

Have a great week!

You know you're getting older when...

I've never had to worry about bushy eyebrows, in fact, haven't had to pluck many over the years. On this particular morning, I glanced in the mirror and decided it was time to take care of a few fine stray eyebrow hair. I got out my tweezers and began to carefully pluck... carefully I say... as one false move and I won't have eyebrows left! I move in for a little closer look as the one fine, stubborn hair seems to slip from my grasp each time. I give it one more try, pulling the skin taught...only to realize... instead of a fine hair out of place...it's a fine line (aka wrinkle)!

Guess these old eyes aren't what they used to be either!

After a quick chuckle (yes, I did laugh at myself)...I wondered...

"Hmmm, hubby's eyes are worse than mine...and... he still calls me beautiful!"

According to one little "Man"

So...to set the scene...I come out of the bedroom and make my way to the kitchen. As I'm approaching I notice the front door is open just a crack. I stop to ponder how I managed that since I had been out back. I look down and see a little pair of dawgs (shoes) and I think, "Oh, the kids are here!"

"Hello there!" I call, thinking they've gone downstairs to play.

Next thing I see something move...it's a little "man" crouched up against the cupboards next to the door.

The little heart-breaker jumps up and says, "I came to visit you, Nana!"

As Nana smiles with delight and reaches for an extra long, can-never-get-enough-of wonderful hug, she realizes the little man is alone. "Is Mommy coming too?"

"No, she's at home. I'll go home at supper time."

"Oh, I love it when you come visit, but did you ask Mommy... does she know you're here?"

He nods as if to say, "Of course she knows I'm here, where else would I go?"

"Do you think we should call her and let her know you're here safe?" I ask.

"No, she's busy making lunch, and she knows I'm a strong man!"

I manage to convince him that we should call, and show him how to dial the number... all the while feeling a little like a traitor, knowing what will ensue.

When Mommy answers, he happily announces, "Hi mommy, I'm at Nana's...SAFE...I'll come home at suppertime!"

He listens for a while and then his voice begins to quiver as he pleads, "Then how about I come home at lunch?"

He hands the phone to me... I reassure mommy that I will walk him home right away.

A moment later grandpa walks in the door...."Hey grampa, can you quickly play hide-and-seek with me?" They get in one round and then it's time to go.

We get outside and Nana is hoping for a nice slow walk back home, just breathing in our time together. What does he do? He joyfully hops on his bike and races down the sidewalk towards home...

"I can ride so fast, Nana!"

*sigh*

About being strong

Looking through a stack of papers, I came across this poem I received from one of the docs I work for... couldn't help but share it.

A Woman of Strength

A strong woman works out every day
to keep her body in shape...
But a woman of strength kneels in prayer
to keep her soul in shape.

A strong woman isn't afraid of anything...
But a woman of strength shows courage
in the midst of her fear.

A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her...
But a woman of strength gives the best
of herself to everyone.

A strong woman makes mistakes and
avoids the same in the future...
A woman of strength realizes life's mistakes
can also be God's blessings and capitalizes on them.

A strong woman walks sure-footedly...
But a woman of strength knows God will
catch her when she falls.

A strong woman wears the look of
confidence on her face...
But a woman of strength wears grace.

A strong woman has faith that she is
strong enough for the journey...
But a woman of strength has faith that it is
in the journey that she will become strong.

Author Unknown

I got explaining to do! *Updated*

I know, I know...haven't been very consistent with this blogging thing.

I have too many excuses...and often can't think what to blog about.

But I ask you... If you had so many little happy feet living close by...
how much blogging would you get done...or anything else for that matter!

For instance...

This little sweetheart got to sleep over at Nana & Papa's
while mommy & daddy
were away "bringing home a little sister"
This is how she wakes up...if that isn't worth some squeezin'
I just don't know...


Oh yes, she also likes to get dressed "by self gamma!"


AND...this little girl

She comes by her beautiful red hair honestly

She is the funniest, sweetest little thing
with one pair of very 'swift' feet...
"are you watching Papa?"

This was her reaction when we looked at her in
disbelief after she scooted quickly onto a bar stool.

It reminded me of her mama (at age 2 1/2)
scooting up a ladder so fast it took my breath away...
don't want to think about it!


Then...there's...

"Muffin"
as mommy & daddy used to refer to her

She just keeps coming up with
more and more things on her list of things to
accomplish before the age of... one-and-a-half! :)

Oh yes, she knows what she wants...
Did I mention... adorable??


AND...even more reasons..

At only 2 days old here, this little girlie
has stolen a few hearts already, especially that of her "big" cousin.
He has learned to evade the camera lens,
but didn't seem to mind posing next to her!

He loves to come visit us, and each time
is a new chance for some fun and excitement
(and some pretty funny stories to boot!)

He races cars and plays some mean drums, but
also has a real soft heart when it comes
to all his "little sisters" as he likes to think of them :)

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

So...hope you'll keep checking here every once in a while.

The dust bunnies may be getting their way for now,
but we're busy with more important things!

No More Waiting

The sun is finally shining warm and bright
and it feels so good to see the snow disappear!

We couldn't wish for a sweeter day to finally meet
this little one...


~ Keziah Nicole ~

She was born late last night
and after tossing and turning because we couldn't wait,
morning came and we could finally hold her.

Of course, her "big" sister is smitten with her
and Keziah graciously accepted the
abundance of kisses... so sweet!

And...her amazing mama, looking fabulous
just a little more than two hours
before Keziah arrived! She almost had us fooled!

Thank you, thank you, Lord!

A Better Way

About 10 years ago the group Downhere were just starting out and did a concert at our church. We were able to open our home to a couple of them and gave our youngest the choice whom he would have come stay at our house. At his young age he had quite an attraction to music and was already playing some guitar, so we were sure he'd ask the "guitar guys" to come. We were somewhat surprised when he said, "the drummer". But then again, he was born after a concert and I believe he was imitating kicking the drum pedal when he broke my water!

It was a pleasure to have Jeremy Thiessen (the drummer) and Cory Doak (guitarist, now on his own), come for night. We got to know a little about them, but one little boy truly took to heart a new love for drumming (he played on anything that he could find).

(Cory, Dustin, Jeremy)

But, this post is really about Downhere, a very... no very talented and sincere group of guys who spread God's love through their music. One of their songs, written by Jason Germaine, that has become another favourite of mine is called "A Better Way". So, if you get a chance to hear them, don't pass it up (though they live in Nashville now and unfortunately don't get to Canada often enough). Listen to the words...just beautiful. Oh, and notice how Jeremy improvises here in the studio.




With Easter upon us...I hope you know how much God loves you. I hope you realize what was sacrificed on your/our behalf. Truly, there could be no better way than what Christ did for us on Calvary's cross...he paid it all!

"Because You redeem, I know what's to come
Everything I could lose here, You've already won
So You have my surrender, with passion obey
"I love you" could not be said
A better way" (final verse)

GIVING HONOUR

Wanting somehow to express my love for my mom on this special day, a Mom who was always giving... I started writing a poem, but soon realized...I'm not a poet (at least not without spending a ridiculous amount of time trying :)

So...I called my sister who seems to be able to do so with little effort. I read to her the few words that I came up with and literally within one minute she put these words together...

Today is to honour A Lady of Faith
our Mother, Caregiver, and Hostess with grace

Your arms always wide open and not only for us,
but all those who came knocking in need of your touch

Whether a cup of coffee or a place to lay their head
no one was ever turned away from your homestead

You're the most generous person we all know
time has not changed you as the years did unfold

Today is your birthday to this we attest
With God as your stronghold, may you be richly blessed

Thanks for not giving up when the hard times did come
Your more than a number (79) You are the best MOM!

So, thanks Susanne for helping me with my thoughts. I know these few words hardly do justice to the woman who did the best she could with a family of 12... and then a few more...

Hope you have a precious birthday, Mom...and though Dad can't be here to celebrate with us, he's got the angels singing for you today!!

We love you,

Just when...

We're hanging on...

with the promise of spring,

almost beyond our imagination at this point.

The snow is melting...
the garden is covered in water.

I'm enjoying looking out and seeing rain drops (can't believe I said that)
and on the radio I hear...

"Winter Storm Watch"...WHAT?!!!

Please tell me this is April 1st!

A sweet cup of tea

Not so long ago I received a little package.

It was from a very special someone who had
no idea I wasn't feeling up to par,
but she thought of me and sent this ... how sweet!


I don't know about you, but I don't usually get packages
in the mail....especially ones that I haven't ordered!

The last time we visited them (which isn't often enough
due to the distance between us)
she took note of the fact that we shared a love for good tea.
The day before we left she decided we
really should see one more little place, and
introduced me to ...
STEEPS

She especially noticed my fondness for Rooibos tea,
and this place is loaded with every kind you can imagine!
Apparently there are only 4 locations in Canada,
and she's lucky enough to live near one of them.

So, I get this package including one of my favourites,
"Strawberries and Cream"
and a new one to try - "Blueberry Blitz"
which may well become a new favourite!

She also noticed dh loves radishes
so she sent him two special seed packets for us
to plant in the spring...he smiled!

Would you just look at those ... radish watermelon?!
Very intriguing...now, won't those look pretty
in a salad!

And the last thing she included...
besides a good handful of chocolates (most of which
were gone before I snapped these pictures :)

... was this recipe for cookies she had brought
to share with us the last time they visited.
They were absolutely delicious and I consumed
wayyyy more than I should have.



Thank you, Lori, for your sweet thoughtfulness.
I really shouldn't have been surprised,
because you're always thinking of others!

We are blessed to have you in our family!

Anti-Aging program

(I just realized none of my subtitles showed up on the video...
but you get the idea.. did you notice you can hide under couch
pillows?)

Thursday evenings are play night at our house.

When the mommy and daddy go have fun with the Youth...

the munschkins come to play... and keep Nana and Papa young!

Hide 'n seek has been declared a favorite sport at our house now...
good thing we know all the hiding places!

I think g'pa has the most fun... but we all reap the benefits!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Motivated Monday?

Not sure where to start today...there's so much I'd like to do, and
since I don't have wheels yet and it's too cold to walk anywhere...
well, you get the picture.

Every year I declare March 1st the launch date for spring cleaning....
however, it doesn't always happen that way!

I don't know why it's so difficult to tackle certain projects. Problem
is.... when I'm motivated.... I usually come up with an unrealistic list
of things to do. Today I'd like to bake AND begin spring cleaning.
In reality, I should know that just tackling my (our) bedroom closet
could potentially take the entire day! Maybe it's my way of avoiding
the undesirable once again! (I actually took a picture of my closet
and found it sure doesn't look that bad on film... so, didn't post it.)

But...the sun is shining and I feel like giving it my best shot. I usually
don't wake up feeling rested so it takes me a while to get started in
my day...but I'm determined today.

So, if you're walkin' by and hear the walls rattling, don't worry....
I've got the music cranked up good and loud and ... stuff is gonna fly!

So, what's your secret to sticking to it 'til it's done?

New wheels and memories

It seems the time has finally come to say farewell to our minivan... it just up and quit on us...well, actually the transmission 'broke'...and it's getting too old for any more surgery! We had been thinking it was time for something more suitable since we usually aren't transporting a large family any more. I've enjoyed our old minivan...it was roomy and comfortable and got us (and others) to where we needed to go for the last 9 years, including a number of longer trips...not to mention being used as a 'cargo' van moving people, bikes (can't forget Howardville), sound systems, and drums hither and yon. It could always be counted on.

Howardville (click on picture for larger view)

We may have a little difficulty agreeing on what our next wheels should look like... I've quite enjoyed the higher ride and never worrying if there'd be enough room for passengers and 'stuff'. Hubby, on the other hand, is thinking he'd like to have a car. Oh no... Sonshine just came to mind... how could we possibly do Sonshine again without a van! We're tenters, people...that means hauling a lot of camping stuff! Then again, maybe we're getting too old for the whole tenting scene (sigh) - fun, but a lot of work!

So, any good suggestions out there for us? The scary thing is, we just licensed our old family car...I mean OLD... Pontiac Parisienne for our son to get around with. It left our driveway for a few years while our oldest enjoyed it...but somehow found it's way back to our yard when he needed something better :) It's banged up, rusty, and falling apart ...but loved (by some)! I, on the other hand, would rather not be seen in it, but for now we'll have to get around somehow whilst on our search.

So, if you see a BIG red boat sailing down the road with a little lady in it (seemingly little as she crouches down low - actually the seats are practically on the ground!)...be sure to wave! I'm just making a few more memories!!