How do you spell Christmas?

Hey there...a friend of mine posted this little video on facebook and I wanted to share it too.

I don't normally listen to Go Fish as I think they mostly do children's music ministry...but this is pretty cool, and catchy too!!



Oh, and sorry about removing the video from my previous post..
thought it was sweet...it was meant for lucky me :)

Just picture a little girl ... early morning stillness
bright little eyes....
with a special message for her Nana.

I'm playing it over and over on my nifty little birthday present - it still brings a big smile to my face :)

Oh, and I've got a zebra cake in the oven...curious? I'll let you know how it turns out.

Now if only I knew what to make for supper...ideas anyone?

Have a wonderful weekend all.

Getting in 'Touch' *(updated)

Look what I got today!

This Nana is excited!!

Wait...it gets better....

Look what greeted me first thing this morning... (VIDEO REMOVED..SORRY)
One little munschkin was up bright 'n early and sang for me.

Then two more dropped in for a "wee" bit to bring greetings.

What a way to start the day!!

Blessings indeed - thank you God!

I'm giddy in anticipation of seeing them ALL, hopefully today!!

A Little Perspective!

In all my 20 plus years of experience, I've NEVER had this happen before...

Went to get some pizza sauce from the pantry only to discover some of the jars had unsealed. So, out they went since I had no idea how long they were that way.

Went down a little later that day and what'd ya know... more unsealed jars. WHAT?!
By the next morning, I had thrown out 15 jars *ouch*!

There was no more deciding what to do with the ripe tomatoes sitting on my counter.


Fast forward a few days - Les and I were out late last Saturday afternoon trying to finish up some errands when my phone rang...

"Hey Mom, I don't want to alarm you but..."

Now, what thoughts go through your head when you hear that? I'll tell you, I had several racing simultaneously.

I took a deep breath and calmly asked, "What's wrong?"

"I think our freezer just died, everything inside is melted....kaput!"

Needless to say we raced back home, errands un-accomplished, and began the laborious task of cleaning out all the dripping, messy things that come out of freezers that are left open!



Apparently, while attempting to fetch a frozen treat, an entire pail of mushy, watery ice cream came jumping out and of course burst open as it hit the floor. It took our "ice-cream lovin'" son a while to scoop it all up off the rug!

Though it wasn't exactly what I had planned for that day...I have to say several good things came out of that messy inconvenience..

~ meat was already partially thawed for the next few meals
~ I started a LARGE stock pot of sommer borscht since there was meat, sorrel and onion greens "ready and waiting"
~ we had a variety of yummy things we cooked up for supper (california chicken and rhubarb pie for starters) Oh yum.
~ cooked up some raspberry sauce so that's ready for the next time someone needs a treat
~ I didn't have any worries about what I'd serve for Sunday lunch
~ my freezer got defrosted and organized (a job I had been putting off), and of course, it's emptier.


And.. a little more perspective..
~ I STILL have food!
~ I STILL HAVE my home and I'm not worried when the next typhoon or tsunami will hit!
~ I'm NOT the mom who didn't get a chance to say goodbye to her teenage son before he was tragically gone!
~ I'm NOT the dad who has to tell his kids mommy's not coming home!
~ I DIDN'T have to hear the tragic news from my doc today (working in a clinic setting you become painfully aware of those who do)

PRAY for those to whom this is a reality...pray tho you know no names or faces...

Don't sweat the small stuff but rather GIVE THANKS to the Lord, for He is good!

I'm off to work today.

Nice surprises

I got a call at work almost at the end of my day...
The "caller" on the other end asked what I thought of his menu idea for supper,
which included some, "fried green tomatoes and onions".


"Don't make too many," I said, thinking I didn't remember if I liked them or not.
My mom used to make them, which I never tried...
and I made them once upon special request
early on in our married life.

The aroma upon entering the door was amazing! I could hardly wait
to chow down!

I asked what he had done...."just added a little basil."

I have to tell you - they were delicious
...so I will share his recipe.

Not the best picture... I almost forgot to take one
before most of them were devoured!



Fried Green Tomatoes & Onions

1 large onion, halved and sliced semi-thickly
2 large green tomatoes, sliced and quartered
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp basil (that may be a bit much - he just sprinkled some in)
A little salt to taste (very little)

Fry the onions and green tomatoes slowly in the butter and olive oil in a non-stick pan. Turn frequently until they are nicely brown and beginning to caramelize. About half way through the cooking process, add the basil and continue until they are deliciously golden.

Enjoy!

Oh, and the other surprise was these...



...anonymously sent to my office..."just because"
Oh the glances I got :)

P.S. you'll have to imagine the beautiful orange lily
which had to be removed becuse it made my eyes burn...

how could anonymous know?

God is Sovereign

Please say a prayer for our kids today.

Warren & Liane received some sad news yesterday, a day that started out with much anticipation and excitement.

But we know God is sovereign and we rest in that.

Their little one is with Him now, safe...running and playing with siblings and
a little cousin who arrived not so long ago.

I'm picturing my dad with his arms full...
oh how he loveds little ones

It's a beautiful picture when you ponder...

There's a song our kids have often done during worship -
it's become one of my favourites and comes
to mind again (thinking of the first few words)

My Saviour My God
I am not skilled to understand
What God has willed, what God has planned
I only know at His right hand
Stands one who is my Saviour

I take Him at His word and deed
Christ died to save me; this I read
And in my heart I find a need
Of Him to be my savior

That He would leave His place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I
Before I knew my Saviour

Chorus
My Saviour loves, My Saviour lives
My Saviour's always there for me
My God: He was, my God; He is
My God is always gonna be

Yes, living, dying, let me bring
My strength, my solace from this spring;
That He who lives to be my King
Once died to be my Saviour

That He would leave His place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I
Before I knew my Saviour!

... remembering all our little ones

~ Nana

End of an "age"

Wow...once again
it's been forever since I posted...

there's been so much to celebrate, and so little time to blog.

BUT...today is a very important day in the life of one young man,
who happens to be our baby youngest.

A day I've pondered longer than I care to admit...



so here I am..

excited to say...

HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY, Dustin!!



How can it be this day is already upon me us?
Where did that little boy go who loved to borrow kitchen gadgets
and ice cream pails?

Dustin, you are without a doubt
one very mysterious kid young man...
you've always managed to keep us guessing as to what you'd come up with
next....
and as always, with great determination!


Life has been far from boring
since the very day God chose to give you to us.



You no longer seek out the ice cream pails...

and...we do recognize what you're playing these days,

while other things still remain a mystery...

Dustin...when did you decide ...oh, nevermind!

It's been fun watching you grow to be a man,

and we look forward to seeing where God will lead you
these next few years.

We love you,
Mom & Dad

Home sweet home

After our little whirlwind trip out west...we're back home.

Just on time to rescue the garden from towering weeds, and enjoy fresh strawberries...
but more importantly, back to the faces that bring us so much joy :)

We decided not to stop on the last leg of our trip and made it home at about 2 a.m....
figuring no one would be expecting us home until later the next day, we'd have a good chance to sleep in, nice and cozy in our own bed!

Well, we didn't really sleep in much as we heard little voices on the front porch.
Grampa got up and ran to the door to swing it open...me following as quickly as I could so as not to miss out on the happy squealing and little bear hugs! What a way to wake up!!

Anyway, hopefully I can report more on the highlights, but for now...it's time to get some work done...much to do!

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!