Did you know?..

I had only heard part of this story previously - it's even more amazing to me now!



I can't imagine that praising would be the first thing I would have done!? My trials in this life are minor in comparison and I too easily complain.

Hope this inspires you and helps you face whatever it is you are facing today.

Dancing with God...

My friend Rhonda sent me this in an email and I couldn't help but post it...worth reading on...



When I meditated on the word Guidance, I kept seeing 'dance' at the end of the word. I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing. When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn't flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky. When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music. One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing Lightly in one direction or another. It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully. The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other. My eyes drew back to the word Guidance. When I saw 'G': I thought of God, followed by 'u' and 'I'. God, 'u' and 'i' dance.' God, you, and I dance! As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get guidance about my life. Once again, I became willing to let God lead. My prayer for you today is that God's blessings and mercies are upon you on this day and everyday. May you abide in God, as God abides in you. Dance together with God, trusting God to lead and to guide you through each season of your life. This prayer is powerful and there is nothing attached. If God has done anything for you in your life, please share this message with someone else. There is no cost but a lot of rewards; so let's continue to pray for one another. And I Hope You Dance ! ~author unknown

Sharing recipes

I just LOVE cookbooks and finding new recipes, sooo.....here's what I'm going to do. I've started a new feature on my blog and that is, sharing some of my favorite recipes with you.
Until I figure out some other way of doing this, you can check out recipes on the sidebar...just a click away :) Only one there so far, but it was a requested recipe, so thought I better get on that!
Enjoy!

This....That...and PRAISES?!!

Let's see... still fighting this 'bug' or whatever it is that's been dragging me down - I know I'm not alone in this. This week was really miserable, but yesterday I finally started feeling better than I have for a while, so that's definitely a praise! Let's hope we're done with this soon :)
The sun was finally shining today after several dreary days - praise #2! I think the whole neighbourhood was outside - felt so good to be able to work in the yard! Didn't get a thing done inside though, but I think we'll survive :)
I've felt lost lately without my camera - it too is suffering from something and hasn't been working for a few weeks. Warren took it in to the city for me and I was quite relieved when he told me there had been a recall on the camera for exactly that problem and it will be fixed for FREE!! It wasn't a cheap camera and I was dreading what it might cost to fix. So, praise #3!
Thanksgiving... can't believe how quickly it came and went. We're actually celebrating with our kids tomorrow since last weekend was rather "full" (hehe). We got together with both sides of the family which was very nice and although a few people were missing from my side, it was great visiting with those who could be there.
I really want to focus on being more thankful - yes, even though things don't always go as I wish they would and I'm tempted to grumble, I am so blessed. I am truly thankful to know a gracious God who loves me for who I am. I don't know why I don't get that the way I should - I don't have to try to be like someone who looks like they have it all together (generally speaking - no one in particular) - I'm not perfect (far from it) and HE LOVES ME!! I'm so verrrry thankful for that and for a husband who tries his best to relay that to me time and time again. I really owe so much! More praises!!!
This is BY NO MEANS the end of my list...really only the beginning - but somehow it got late and I need to get some sleep now. What's at the top of your "thankful" list?

This says it all...

I know...I know... I've been silent for a while....sorry, just too much happening I guess to take time to blog about it. Been a little under the weather as well.
Came across this today and it sure made me laugh, pretty much sums up motherhood. ENJOY!!

BLOGGER PRAYER-CHAIN REQUEST

I'm posting this at the request of Heather, a fellow blogger whom I have recently met.
She's asking for prayer for a young girl who, at the age of 16 finds herself two months pregnant. This girl is seriously thinking of ending her pregnancy, because she doesn't think she could give it up once it was born.
So, if you're reading this, please take some time to stop right now and pray. Let's, as many of us as possible, do our part in bringing this before God.
Sara

Almost Forgot!

Ok...so Stacey is doing a little giveaway over on her blog. Now, obviously I don't need this but it sure is a great idea and wish I would have had one when I was nursing. The safety pin on the outside of my sweater was always a dead giveaway! Ok...so I didnt' actually pin it to the outside of my shirt, but how awkward it was!! Anyway, it will make a nice little gift to give someone. Stop by Amy May's to check out some of her other great ideas!!

VeggieTales and Apple Pie......

Today Rowan and I sat and watched "Lyle the Kindly Viking", the VeggieTales video about sharing. I actually needed to get lunch started and thought maybe he wouldn't mind sitting and watching this one by himself...but, it's what we do now...he suggests a movie and we get to watch together cuddled up on the couch under the same blanket...so I embraced the idea once more :) It was fun watching with him and wondering what his little mind was thinking as the story played on. Was he catching on to this 'sharing' idea?
Then my thoughts turned to myself/my life and I had to ask solemnly, in what ways do I share (quietly of course, wouldn't want to startle Rowan). Do I look for opportunities in my day to 'share' something with someone...my time, resources/blessings, a cup of tea, a quiet moment? Maybe they don't have physical needs, but they're lonely or had a hard day. How often don't I carry on my daily routine as usual, just to bring me to the end of yet one more day without a lot of thought as to how I can make someone else's day better?!! Of course as moms/wives we're always thinking about our own family...but how about someone else, someone "outside the box"? This led me to the next thought, which the video brought out (by now you're thinking you should watch the video...good idea...or watch it again if haven't recently)....do I share only when I have an abundance or even just enough? Am I able to think of others more highly than myself and actually give sacrificially? It sure feels great to be the recipient of such a selfless act; gotta remember to pass it on!
Who says VeggieTales are for kids? Bring on the movies Rowan!! :)
Oh...by the way, I read the back of the video....it says, "sharing gets us more of what we really want - friends!" Fancy that!

Thanks so much for the apples AF!!
These will be a blessing to share!

Down for the count...

....but hopefully not for long.
Les has been suffering from terrible back pain & other symptoms since Sunday AM. After three days of being unable to do anything but lie in bed (well by Tuesday he could get up by himself) He did manage to go to work yesterday but had to come home for a nap in between.
I, on the other hand, thought I was better off with just a sore stiff neck since Sunday, but have been sooooo tired the last couple of days. Yesterday I could barely keep my head up at work and by evening added a sore throat to my neck issues. So, I don't know who/or what 'tagged' us, but we'll hopefully be back to normal before too long - the weekend is coming!!!

Lost in the Excitement!!

Got to drive my niece to the airport yesterday. Was hoping to take someone along for the ride and of course to take in a little shopping since I had a few "needs" to tend to as well - it's always more fun to shop with a friend! (actually for me it's more the visiting than shopping) But, gone are the days when I could just call someone on a whim and she'd be available to go. So, yes, I went alone and told myself it was (?) OK - now I could take all the time I needed to browse, try on a gazillion (that's how it feels - I really don't enjoy it) shoes or other 'things', etc., and not worry about being home by a certain time. This was going to be a 'ME' day!
Well, I hadn't been at the Mall long when I happened upon the scene....now you gotta picture it....several ladies all crowding around a clothing rack in a kids store, grabbing and throwing (yes, literally) piles of clothes into their shopping bags like price wasn't an issue.
Turns out it wasn't - the store had just decided only minutes before to clear out all their summer wear at ridiculously cheap prices!!! It was crazy - there were boxes stacked in the store and people began rummaging through them as well, which apparently was OK with the clerks. Well, I couldn't resist joining in ...like the rush when a garage sale 'opens for business' and 15 people dash to get in the door for that one special 'treasure' ...like a kid in a candy store ...like a bag sale at MCC, only everything was new and cute to boot! I could hardly decide which colours, sizes, styles, etc. to pick. It was SO MUCH FUN because I didn't get there after everything was picked through....yippee!! I know a few mommies who'll be glad I happened to be in the right place at the right time.
Hmmm, now I'm not going to mention how much of my time this bargain took up - only that I guess I'll have to go again since I didn't get any of the "me" things done! Anyone interested in going for a ride??

What to do?

So I'm sitting here this morning wondering which of the many projects staring at me I should tackle on this 'labour' day. We've rarely done anything holiday-ish on this day - mostly looked at it as an opportunity to get more done! I'm feeling kinda sad about that. I'd love to just go for a drive and relax....yes, really ....I love to just drive, and of course talk with my hubby while we're cruisin'.
So, here are the options for today....
~ bake (it's been a while since I've made homemade bread) ~ 9-grain or flax? OR...uhmmm cinnamon buns would be 'sweet'
~ make pizza sauce (I possibly have enough ripe tomatoes for one recipe)
~ yard/garden work
~ finish up the arbour bench (the top boards need to go on to complete the arbour part)
~ start on that garden path I'd like (actually there are still tomatoes and peppers in the way of where it's supposed to go, so nay on that)
~ get my house organized. Feels so disjointed right now with many things out of place with the renos started-but-stalled-for-now!
~ I'm sure there's something else calling...
So, what do you think?
Oh I should say we will be going to the valley for a little hiking later on today - after I/we get something accomplished ;) Les is at the church at this very moment doing hopefully the last coat of plastering in the new washrooms - doesn't take him as long to get his day going....hehe. I guess that also means I get to paint soon - anyone interested in lending a helping hand with that?

LOOK WHO'S 16!

DUSTIN

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUSTIN!!

You've brought so much joy and excitement into our lives, it would be hard to imagine it otherwise - you are so talented and funny to boot - the Lord can use all that in amazing ways so keep your eyes focused on Him and He will guide you.
We love you,
Mom & Dad

The 'BIG' Trip (**Correction - Lynn Canyon not Jessica Bay - read on )

Well, thought maybe it was time to post a little something about our trip, short as it was.
We left a few days later than planned since we weren't going to leave before Stacey had her baby, which we expected any day. It also meant we didn't travel together with Glen & Anna which would have been fun for the boys, but we had a good time anyway.

The drive to BC was good - only a couple of white-knuckled moments in the mountains when either a transport or one of the hundreds of massive campers veered slightly onto our side of the yellow line - YIKES! I could do without that, thanks anyway!

You know, God really does care about the little things because I still hadn't found an outfit for Nate & Kate's wedding before we left and my wonderful sister said to me, "Don't worry, I know just where to take you when you get here."...which she did, and we did - find something that is! We arrived at her home Thursday night, Friday we shopped, and Saturday morning was the wedding - how's that for nip 'n tuck? Thanks Susanne, and thanks for letting us crash at your place!! Sorry we didn't have a lot of time to visit - next time ok.

The wedding was beautiful as we knew it would be. If you want to check out some great pictures, Rosie (our niece) did a super job of capturing the day - check it out here.















The lovely Katie and Nathan - now one















Katie and bridesmaids - Kathryn (in the middle)
designed and sewed all the dresses, including the bridal gown!!
Got talent?!!!















One little boy patiently waiting for the reception,
which was a few hours after the wedding.















Darren & Chelsea - not sure what's up with the 'look' - Oh,
I know, he's missing his shades! :)

Sunday we spent at Hatzik Lake where the kids enjoyed cooling off in the water and shooting some pool in the cabin. We actually discovered a couple of the boys really had a nack for kneeboarding, while others had a nack for wiping out!!















Way to go Mattie!!!















Rosie contemplating tipping the guys out of the paddleboat!















Weren't we surprised to see this thing come cruisin' down the lane? I mean lake!!! How cool is that!


Bob topped off a great day by cooking up some pretty fantastic salmon over the fire (seasonings courtesy of Monika :) Thanks again guys!
We decided to stay an extra day and join the rest of the gang for a trip up to Grouse Mountain. Along the way we did a little hiking at Jessica Bay which was really beautiful - reminded me of some hiking Stacey and I did in Germany. You know I didn't realize I would get queezy walking across the suspension bridge, but Monika did her best to get it to sway just right :)
Things got a little tense for a bit when we couldn't find one of the boys - we were all a little shaken but so thankful God protected him - he had continued down the trail while the rest of us turned to go back.
















































I actually enjoyed the tram ride to the top of Grouse mountain - wasn't so sure when I saw how many people they packed into one trip, but we did ok! While up there we took in a logging show which was hilarious and I went on my first ever chair/ski lift, which again had me a little nervous - hey, no laughing! I did manage to get a nasty headache though, not sure if it was from the heat or the altitude (or combo) since I rarely get headaches. We decided to head back down then, but little did we know it would take us another hour - the lineup was CRAZY! At that point I could have cried - since my head hurt anyway - but, there are no other options for getting down the mountain unless you want to hike it!! Uhmmm, no thanks, I'll wait it out. Thankfully we met an interesting fellow in the lineup which not only helped to pass the time, but took my mind off the throbbing somewhat.















The cousins enjoying their ride. They didn't have to worry
about hanging onto their flip-flops.... as I did. Hehe.

From there it was on to Edmonton to spent a little time (very little sadly) with my family. We arrived there at 7:30 Tuesday evening, just in time to join in on the backyard surprise party the girls were having for my sister Betty's 50th. They went to a lot of trouble to make the evening special and even treated us all to a pedicure!! What a great way to end a day of driving. Thanks girls!!!



















Helen, Betty, Lori
and Lisa






















Betty getting some extra 'special' treatment - she couldn't stop giggling - wonder why??





Wednesday we managed a little shopping at Ikea and then made our way to Ron & Betty's where we enjoyed a delicious steak & chicken BBQ - hats off to the cook(s)!!






John being goofy!
























Ryan stopped being goofy long enough to actually get 'snapped'!






So that's it - short, but sweet! It was really great seeing everyone - we saved a little for "next time"

THROWBACK THURSDAY - CAMPING MEMORIES! * added a picture*

I'm going to try doing a throwback post. I was inspired when I read fellow blogger Gina's post about camping.

We don't do a lot of camping, but in the past tried to go twice during the summer. When our kids were younger and doing paper routes, we used to go camping to Stanley Park, which is only about 15 miles (guessing) from us. Not too exotic I know, but it was good for us. We'd try to camp during the week so it would be quiet at Stanley, but also because we'd head back home in the morning to get the papers done, pick up some fresh food, grab a quick shower and be back camping by lunch - it was great!! Most times we'd be the only people in the park and had a blast hiking and having water fights by the pump (apparently that's not allowed any more).
One of the best memories we have of those 'good old days' was the fact that because we only had one vehicle and it was NOT a camper, the kids would all bike there, with their dad, and I'd get to drive the vehicle loaded down with all our tents and mega other gear. Occasionally Mike & Renee and their family would join us so their kids would bike as well. We'd have our own little tent village by the time all the tents and the dining shelter were set up - great memory-making stuff!!
The last time we camped together as a family, and with our friends, was two weeks before Stacey's wedding - I think we're due!!!
I had to scan these pictures since they're before our digital camera days...sadly I couldn't find a lot of our earlier pictures.

Stacey, Nat and Warren setting up one of the many tents.

Warren, Nat, Beth, Heather, Stacey & Tim at one of our earlier outings.

Renee finding a quick solution to 'bed head' :)

Hey, that is fun!!!

Dustin helping out with the breakfast cleanup

Heather always found innovative ways to do things!

Les decided he would supervise the cutting from the
comfy reclining chair

These two couldn't wait to give it a try

Stacey & Heather hauling in a BIG one by moonlight.
Go Girls!!!

Fetching some water for Mom - or is he?

What we were all waiting for - a drenching war...
this is where you learn to sprint!

Hmmm - not sure what to call this!

Just Havin' Fun :)

Sorry it's been a while for those of you who like to keep caught up with us on this blog. Got back from BC Friday afternoon and haven't really had time to post since. It was nice to spend a little time with family in both BC and Edmonton, but we sure missed those back home, especially three 'little' people :)
Will try to post some pictures soon...takin' in the Harvest Festival this weekend!
Sara

God Answered Our Prayers...Exciting News!!!

Our littlest granddaughter arrived this afternoon. Bria Marynn surprised us by coming quickly....her mommy was still visiting us at lunch!!! Here are just a few snapshots we managed to get. She was still a little upset about the whole ordeal when we got there....but she sure is a sweetheart!!

Mommy had the special touch

Only 1 1/2 hours old - don't they ALL look amazing!


Papa strikes the best pose w/ Bria!!

Nana enjoying both little bundles


Auntie Alyssa and Rowan got there as quickly as they could :)

Proud Daddy!!

Oh right, the rest of the story... Bria was 8 lbs 2 oz and was 23 inches long! She's almost caught up to her little cousin Selah. We pray you will always be close little buddies :) We love you soooo much!!!

Show Me Your Glory

I don't know why but the words to this song have been playing in my head all day today. So much so that I decided to change our blog title. I have no other words right now....

I caught a glimpse of Your splendor
In the corner of my eye
The most beautiful thing I've ever seen
And it was like a flash of lightning
Reflected off the sky
And I know I'll never be the same

Show me Your glory
Send down Your presence
I want to see Your face
Show me Your glory
Majesty shines about You
I can't go on without You, Lord

When I climb down the mountain
And get back to my life
I won't settle for ordinary things
I'm gonna follow You forever
And for all of my days
I won't rest 'til I see You again

Show me Your glory
Show me Your glory
I can't live without You

Lyrics and Music by Mark Lee, Marc Byrd, and Third Day
From the recording: Come Together, Track #3.

Celebrating the little men

Well we got to celebrate two little birthdays yesterday. Gideon turned one on the 14th and our little sunshine, Rowan, turns two today!! How time flies when you're havin' fun, right!!
Here are a few pics from the 'little' party.

Gideon seemed content to just sit in his wagon
until auntie had to snap this picture! Sorry buddy - you're just too cute!!

Rowan had a blast on this tire swing.
Papa first tried to put him on the traditional swing but he wanted
nothing to do with it (inside story here)
Then papa put him in the old tire swing and
he couldn't get enough, "High!"


Madeline just giggled with delight when it was her turn
on the swing and Mac sure seemed to enjoy being able to give her under ducks
I'm not sure who was more excited!


And cake too!!??
This was just the best day, huh Rowan?
Here's wishin' you many many more happy happy days :)

JUST FLYIN' BY....

Does anyone else feel summer's just cruisin' by?!! Makes me sad because it's always WAY too short and I don't feel we've been able to just relax and enjoy it yet. Les took a week of his holidays to work on the church reno project and has spent several evenings there as well. I know he enjoys it and is glad to do the work, but my selfish nature too often kicks in and I must confess I haven't always been a happy camper while he's been away....nope....I've been feeling sorry for myself and haven't always responded the way I should have, especially when I look at our 'not going anywhere' projects. If I could just clone my man!! Ok...I think it's just time for a little R&R.
This weekend was Sonshine Festival in Willmar, Minnesota, which we were so hoping to go to again this year. It's just a great weekend of kickin' back in your lawn chair and listening to as many great christian concerts as you want to take in. The lineup of bands was amazing!! But, with everything going on....yard work....church renos....family visiting....Dad sick....BIL sick...there was just no getting away :( I guess it was good we were home though since the raspberries were ready - I absolutely LOVE raspberries and have so many yummy recipes I can't wait to make. This last year we ran out of raspberry jam and frozen raspberries (for smoothies, etc.) WAY too quickly! So, thank you God for blessing us with a good crop of berries!!!
Dad is in the hospital and is doing better - he's actually glad to be there and isn't demanding to go back home (yet ;) His pain is getting under control now. They didn't cast his leg as it would make caring for him so much more difficult that it already is. The fracture is healing well though and as long as he doesn't try anything silly, should be ok. He was real excited when my sister delivered a new scooter for him to try out while in the hospital. The scooter he has now is just too dangerous and was the cause of his fall and fracture to begin with! (long story)
I finally found some time today to go for a much needed haircut, which I had to reschedule twice already. Came home to find some old friends had dropped by so we spent the next few hours just visiting and catching up on family news. I liked the fact that they felt free to just drop in. We used to do that much more with family and friends, but somehow now we feel like we have to wait for an invitation. Bring back the good times!!!
Ok...quickly....little Selah is two weeks old already and is doing so well....Rowan is going to be turning two this week and my dearest is turning 49 (can't believe that) on Monday!!! So, all those of you who are waiting for an invitation to come by for some cake....DON'T....just stop by if you like :P
Late again! Time for bed.

Broken and Bruised....

Sure would appreciate some prayer for my dad. He hasn't been well for a number of years, struggling with different health issues, I think the most difficult being his diabetes and how it's affecting his legs and feet. Many would find themselves feeling queezy if they had to do his daily dressing changes, as my mom has done for a couple of years (hats off to her!)!! Thankfully he now has a home-care aide who comes and does this every day. Besides the open ulcers on the bottoms of his feet that just don't want to heal, although they have improved greatly from where they were, his legs are swollen and purple and, well, I don't know if I can adequately describe how they look.
We also just found out he has a broken fibula (from when he fell two weeks ago!!) They did take x-rays the morning he fell but for some reason no one was informed (and I'm guessing not even the doc who was attending him). Bad case of falling between the cracks?!!
He also has difficulty breathing with all the heat and humidity and has little strength to cough up all the phlegm that doesn't ease up. Two weeks ago he had some type of episode which we strongly suspect was a mild stroke. Whatever it was he felt it coming on but refused to let us take him back to the hospital. He's just so tired (literally he's exhausted) of being poked and prodded and in pain.
It's sad to watch your parents aging - to see a once-strong-once-proud man reduced to sitting all day in a motorized chair - it's sad when reality says things probably aren't going to get any better - it's sad when unnecessary pain is added to an already hard life - when dignity plays second fiddle to everyday functions - it's sad when our health care system seems insufficient (or maybe inefficient) to help those who find it difficult to help themselves - it's just plain sad!!
So, please pray for this man - for my dad. He'll always be my dad. And definitely add my mom to those prayers as this isn't easy for her to watch and deal with either. She's a much stronger woman than I think I will ever be.

Sara