And....Yet Again...

Happy Birthday to a wonderful son
now also..
a proud daddy

Stop by SD and wish him a Happy 26!!

Birthday time again!!

Our early Christmas present 21 years ago is so much more
than just part of the family feet!

She's a daughter, big sister, little sister, sister-in-law, friend, niece, auntie, wife,
daughter-in-law, mother, and granddaughter!
Oh yea, I missed....Math whiz!

Happy Birthday "Smiley"

We Love You Heather ~ ~ Hope you enjoy your day!!

and baby makes three...

Well it was hard waiting to post this but I needed to let her daddy have first rights here :)

Alas, we welcome the latest little family member....

Jillian Mae

made her way into the world yesterday, Dec 18th, in the wee morning hours, weighing 6 lbs 13 oz. She's just perfect with all her little fingers and toes and, lots of dark hair! She now shares a birthday with her great Uncle Glen.

I don't have a picture to post since my camera is still on it's way back to me...but you can check out this little miracle here.

We thank God for answered prayer!!

those heartstrings...

The other day the little man was over for the evening as his mommy & daddy were out with the Youth. It's always a time we look forward to. He and I have this little game we've been playing for a while... I sit next to him on the LR rug, he tackles me and then I grab him on my way down and we roll (like play-wrestling) with him in my arms. He loves it and screams in delight. Well, about a month ago he motioned to me that he was about to start "our game" when I had to stop him and explain that Nana wouldn't be able to play this time because she had a very sore back. He seemed concerned and content to play other things that night.

Anyway, back to our last visit. We were in the LR reading together when all of a sudden he got up, stood facing me with his hands on my shoulders and said, "How's your back Nana?" Oh my goodness...I melted!! The little rascal was checking to see how I was before 'tackling' me to the floor. Of course he got my praises....then I grabbed him and started rolling. What a sweet, sensitive little man - but then he's got a great example to follow - his daddy.
We played an extra long game that night, til Nana was plum tuckered out!

A few more days...

I have this uncomfortable feeling in the pit of my stomach - has to do with the days going by too quickly and this sense that I won't be ready for Christmas.
What does being ready mean anyway? I'm sure for most it means making a list, braving the crowds rushing around spending what most of us don't have, and preparing more food than any of us should feel good about eating. Hmmm, wait a minute! I do love many things about the Christmas season - baking, decorating, the lights and happy faces....but more than that I want Christmas to be a special time together with my family and friends, laughing and making new memories. Each year I have these great intentions for making the holiday time 'more' special, but when all is said and done, I often feel like I just manage to 'get it done'...never mind all the extras. Actually, I really am ok with just being together and keeping things simple!!
Of course the one thing at the forefront of my thoughts these days is the anticipated arrival of W&L's little muffin. I think my mind is preoccupied to the point of sabotaging my own productivity. I can't seem to focus on the shopping & baking - simply 'waiting' for this little package to make it's way into our world. Nothing can compare to the wonder of a new baby, and I'm/we're so thankful for how God has protected this baby and how well he/she is doing.

So, I guess what I'm trying to say is somehow in the midst of my busyness I want to take time to reflect on what really matters most...valuing people and remembering God's love for us. It really is OK if the baking doesn't get done. I'm rambling on now, but hopefully this post has got you thinking about the things you're thankful for.
I can't help but wonder how Mary felt as she anticipated the birth of her child. Did she realize all her son would mean to us? One of my favorite songs during the Christmas season is "Mary Did You Know?" I remember so vividly when Stacey sang this with the Jazz Choir - I literally had goosebumps...

Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?

Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters.
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new,
this child that you delivered will soon deliver you.
Mary did you know that your baby boy, will give sight to a blind man.
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm the storm with his hand.
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angles trod?
When you kiss your little baby, you've kissed the face of God!
Oh, Mary did you know?
The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak the praises of the lamb.
Mary did you know that your baby boy is lord of all creation.
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations.
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven’s perfect lamb?
This sleeping child you’re holding is the great I AM”

One thing I do know is that I'm so thankful for that Child, who came to bring a gift the world so desperately needed. I hope I'll be still long enough to truly appreciate what that means. He should be the only reason we celebrate. He's what we need to be ready for. Thank goodness Jesus wasn't too busy to do the job He set out to do!!

Now, I can't wait for the get-togethers. Are you ready?

Birthday wishes...

Happy Birthday to a very special someone who makes another
very special someone
VERY happy!!
Liane, we love you and wish God's blessings & JOY overflowing
May your day be filled with beautiful smiles and good memories!

Head on over to the Thiessen's blog and wish Liane a Happy Birthday... You can leave some wishes here too if you like ... we'll make sure she gets them :)