Here he is...

little smirker (notice the milk moustache :)

finally a little shut-eye after a long night

proud big sister

happy family

no words...

thankful hearts!

EXCITING NEWS!

What a great way to end the week...Praising God for a new life that this Nana's arms are just aching to hold some more :)

The little man came into the world at 2:30 this morning and we just couldn't wait to head to the city and meet him...

I know one little boy who will be so excited to have a boy cousin, though he's been very happy with all the cute little girls he lovingly calls his sisters :)

I'll let mommy and daddy post more along with pictures....coming soon!

You just never know

I love the sound of trickling water outside ...

mind you, not the ground-soaking, gutter-busting downpours

we've had the last couple of days!

I've been pondering how to incorporate some type

of water feature in the back yard

that would be safe for the little ones.. definitely NO ponds!

This past Mother's Day Les bought me a fountain...

which til now, has been sitting in the box.

"It's time", he said Wednesday night.

So, I assisted in the unpacking and sorting of pieces

and then ran off to pick up a few groceries.

When I returned... he had picked the perfect spot

and it was up and running! :)

(sorry about the quality, it was getting dark)

He built a little fire

and we sat and enjoyed the fruits of his hard work.

It was quiet and peaceful

and I took in as much of the "sounds" as possible

before we retired for the night.

Notice the moon peeking up over the trees?

That's something we haven't taken time for yet this spring...

duly noted!

**

This morning I took a quick peek out the back door to check how

the garden was fairing with all the rain.

I noticed the fountain didn't need a pump to make it overflow..

The downpours continued relentlessly and when the rains let up

for a wee bit I stepped outside for another peek....

I gasped when I saw this...

We just may have got the timing wrong after all!

Tho this does make me sad :(

I know others have had much more 'turmoil' with all this rain,

and I am so thankful we're still on dry, un-shifting ground,

the basement isn't wet,

and as far as I know...with the flying branches, falling trees,

etc.,

no one here.. in sunny Manitoba.. has been hurt!!

Pulling up roots..

I LOVE SPRING and the changes that come with it...

I love getting down and dirty in my garden, when my strength allows,

pulling out weeds and prettying things up...

I love anticipating how I'll move things around for a bit more enjoyment...

I love seeing the results of hard labour, when things are growing and blooming

as they were meant to.

The sad part though is ... when you think all is lovely ..

but then you get a closer look and see the weeds...UGLY weeds!

In order to save a remnant I'll have to uproot much of this plant!

I found them elsewhere too,

creeping in between every nook & cranny,

some safely tucked under rocks ...

some posing as part of a plant (the nerve!).

Some were easy to control - others required some major digging.

It's like they sprang up overnight, and yet, I know

that's not how it happens!

Life's a little like that isn't it...

The 'weeds' can come in oh so subtly... and, given the chance to flourish,

they'll choke out the beauty that God intended to be there.

We need to be constantly keeping things in check.

I know what I'm doing today... see you outside!

That is, after I spend a little time with my gardener :)

Oh, you might be wondering how I did with the spring cleaning...

let's just say it didn't go as planned,

the weather turned nice :)

All is good!

Spring Cleaning Anyone?

Desperately awaiting spring here as many of you are. At least it looks like we've got our sunshine back. Wasn't that fog unbelievable!

I've decided that today will mark the start of my spring cleaning...maybe that will help me feel that green grass and tulips are really just days away!

I'm going to start in our bedroom since that seems to be the place where things end up that don't have a place of their own. I'm telling you this year I really want to change that and keep my bedroom off limits to strays! And it's time to get rid of excess everywhere else too!

Our ladies group is making an annual event of a spring de-Clutter the Clutter auction which has been so much fun. I'm already thinking I'll have a few extra contributions this year.

So, here's hoping I stay on task! It's far too easy for me to think of other worthwhile things to do...like baking... Oh shoot, that is a pretty good option. Anyone want to come over and bake while I do some cleaning?

That reminds me....it's time for lunch :) Right after that though, I'm definitely turning up the tunes and diving in!!

Oh and I came across these pictures...you never know what you'll find in my house...sometimes there's some pretty fun stuff amongst the clutter!

Oh my...just looked at the time...better get started!

Have a great day all.

I'll take that!!

Seems like forever since I've been on here... life has definitely been busy, but I do want to share two huge praise items with you.

These last few weeks I've been quite busy with my mom attending various appointments with her doc and specialists due to some health issues. She has been "through the wringer" so to speak with numerous tests, etc., and we can thankfully say that our worst fears have been relieved, at least to the doctors' knowledge.

What they did find is treatable. We still need to get to the bottom of a couple of issues, but hopefully nothing else is going on that they aren't detecting.

I have to say we were quite worried, yet trying all the while not to be since we need to be trusting God in all things...especially times like these! I just wasn't prepared at all to lose her yet and the memories of what Mom T went through became all too fresh again.

Last week was especially difficult. On Wednesday, as we pulled into the hospital parking lot where Mom was scheduled for more tests, I asked her if she was nervous. She quickly replied, "Not at all". I admitted that I was and so we took a moment to pray together which was wonderfully calming for me. I'm grateful for the peace she displayed and oh so thankful for God's presence and that they didn't find what we were hoping they wouldn't find.

Still with me? Good...'cause the 2nd praise came only two days later and was the icing on the cake!


Emery Shae was born early Friday morning. The call requesting one of us to sprint down the street to watch over the slumbering came only 2 1/2 hours earlier. What a relief when things went quickly. As one who has been through this "process" on four separate occasions, I ALWAYS pray for a good positive birthing experience (you ladies know what I mean).

We've been praying daily that God would protect this little one (and mama) for this day. I added a little something to my prayer on Thursday night...you see, Friday would be my sister's birthday and she mentioned several times how she was hoping to for this bundle to arrive on her birthday...so I threw in an extra little request. What fun it was to be able to call her with the news - apparently she had prayed the same prayer!

We're so happy to finally be able to hold this little babe...and of course, her mama is feeling much more comfortable too!

So... my dreaded week ended up being more wonderful than I could have imagined - Isn't God amazing!!

And now...it's wayyyy past my bedtime...good night all!

Ready for What/Who Comes

Yes...it's finished!

Managed to sew and cut it in one day...
quite an accomplishment for me since I don't have
a designated sewing area...hoping that will change
one day :)

Projects often get started, and then get put away to finish
up another day... or *gasp* never!


I'm hoping the little munschkins enjoy using it
when they come for naps...


(B's idea of nap time)


Or to cuddle up for story time...


I love how soft it is.
I think I want one for me too!


Even g'pa can squeeze under...
that's the most fun of all!

We Remember..

It’s been a year now, our tears have dried

It’s been a year since our hearts have been denied

It’s been a year since we had to say goodbye

to you, DAD

It’s been a year reflecting on memories tucked away

It’s been a year of praying that all would be ok

It’s been a year of longing to have just one more day

with you, DAD

As we look to tomorrow and say goodbye to yesterday

We remember your heart's desire for your family, always

We will forever remember you DAD

There's a hole in our hearts that no one else can fill

...see you later!

~ Your Family ~

I'm up to something...

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