this lasts for a lifetime.
12/26/2007
One of these things...
is not like the other, one of these things just isn't the same....
These pictures were taken yesterday. I'd have to say they turned out very well. Who knows, maybe our parents might end up with copies of these for mother's/father's day this year.
It's not very often where my siblings and I are all together. The first picture is of myself and my sister Tammy. The second one is of my brothers, Jay and Matthew.
Would you believe we're all siblings? We don't all look alike.
12/25/2007
Merry Christmas!
I'd have to say that I think both of my children are pleased with what they received as gifts this year from us.
Kianna was wanting a kitchen set for Christmas so it worked out well that we were able to get her one even before she had suggested it. The picture of her standing there looking at the kitchen was her first look at it. What a look of pleasure. The toque on her head was in her stocking. She obviously loves it. As of right now, she still hasn't taken it off.
It was nice to see the kids pretending to cook together. Hopefully this sharing attitude will last between the two of them for a long time to come.
Spencer quite likes his rocking cow. Yes, I said cow.
I got Lyndon a poker set. He didn't see it coming. He likes it alot.
I got a digital camera from Lyndon (his parents went in on it too). I quite like it. I needed a new one seeing as how the screen on my other was stomped on last christmas.
I know that Christmas is more than a bunch of presents. But I must say that I got so much joy out of watching my kids and their reactions to what we gave them. It's wonderful to see the thrill on their faces (as you can see Kianna's look in the above photo).
Merry Christmas everyone.
12/20/2007
Wedding Memories....
My sister is getting married in just a couple of weeks. It's a very exciting time for her. This picture is of her singing at my own wedding over 6 years ago. It'll be neat to see her as the bride this time around. And no, I'm not singing at her wedding. I'm nowhere near as talented as her in that department.
Congratulations Tammy and Drew. I hope for all the best for you.
12/17/2007
The Next Generation....
I was looking through my photos and found these.
The newer one was taken in early January 2004. It was only 2 weeks after Kianna was born. There are 5 generations of women here.
Of course, Kianna is the baby in this photo. My great-grandma is holding her. I'm standing behind them. Standing next to me is my mom. Sitting in front of my mom is my grandma.
The older one was taken in 1982 with 5 generations of women (all of whom are the oldest in each generation). Of course in this one, I'm the baby.
My mom sitting in this one and holding me. My grandma is standing behind my mom. Standing beside my grandma is my great-grandma and sitting beside my mom is my great-great-grandma.
I just thought it was really neat that I had a piece of history such as this. I believe this to be a rare item to possess.
The newer one was taken in early January 2004. It was only 2 weeks after Kianna was born. There are 5 generations of women here.
Of course, Kianna is the baby in this photo. My great-grandma is holding her. I'm standing behind them. Standing next to me is my mom. Sitting in front of my mom is my grandma.
The older one was taken in 1982 with 5 generations of women (all of whom are the oldest in each generation). Of course in this one, I'm the baby.
My mom sitting in this one and holding me. My grandma is standing behind my mom. Standing beside my grandma is my great-grandma and sitting beside my mom is my great-great-grandma.
I just thought it was really neat that I had a piece of history such as this. I believe this to be a rare item to possess.
12/14/2007
It's almost here...
and I'm not ready.
I am feeling more and more that Christmas has become too commercialized and full of empty traditions.
Why do we have to buy a gift for everyone?
Why do we have to eat a big meal that only ends up being more work than it's worth after it's gobbled down in less than 15 minutes? It only leaves a whole lot more dishes to clean up after supper than it would on any other given day.
Why is it so much more important to get together with family at this time of year than it is at any other time of year?
I guess you could say I'm a little like scrooge this year. I'm just so overwhelmed with all of the things I'm expected to do that I don't have any joy in this season.
Everyone has their own expectations of what Christmas should be like and is about.
My expectations just don't exist anymore as I strive to (for some crazy reason) fulfill all of the things expected of me by others.
This year a good Christmas present for me would be to have no Christmas.
Christmas equals stress, disappointing at least one family member (although it could be a different person every year), making a big meal that no one really appreciates in the long run so it's just more work, and buying meaningless gifts for people that they don't really need.
So that's my rant.
Who knows, I may feel different about things in years to come, but for now...let's just get Christmas done and over with.
I am feeling more and more that Christmas has become too commercialized and full of empty traditions.
Why do we have to buy a gift for everyone?
Why do we have to eat a big meal that only ends up being more work than it's worth after it's gobbled down in less than 15 minutes? It only leaves a whole lot more dishes to clean up after supper than it would on any other given day.
Why is it so much more important to get together with family at this time of year than it is at any other time of year?
I guess you could say I'm a little like scrooge this year. I'm just so overwhelmed with all of the things I'm expected to do that I don't have any joy in this season.
Everyone has their own expectations of what Christmas should be like and is about.
My expectations just don't exist anymore as I strive to (for some crazy reason) fulfill all of the things expected of me by others.
This year a good Christmas present for me would be to have no Christmas.
Christmas equals stress, disappointing at least one family member (although it could be a different person every year), making a big meal that no one really appreciates in the long run so it's just more work, and buying meaningless gifts for people that they don't really need.
So that's my rant.
Who knows, I may feel different about things in years to come, but for now...let's just get Christmas done and over with.
12/11/2007
How to wear a child stylishly
This is similar to what I look like when I'm wearing a child on my hip. But this is just a much better looking picture, and without the lack of winter wear, it almost looks like it's a breeze to wear the child there.
So....picture me wearing a child in a snowsuit in noe of these things on my hip. I'm also pushing a stroller with one hand because my other arm still has to support the other kid. Then add a 3 year old to that who I insist holds onto the stroller.
This is what I look like 2 days a week.
This is why it's exhausting.
We set it up
Our christmas tree is officially set up for another year. It will be up for a record of 2 weeks this year. It will be coming down on the 27th as has become tradition so that we can celebrate Kianna's birthday with a little more room in the house and make it feel like her birthday as well.
We usually have the tree up about the first weekend of December, but the time just wasn't available. Also, the thought of telling 3 pairs of hands to stop touching the tree didn't thrill me either.
The tree has only been set up for less than 24 hours and I'm already ready to take it down.
It's going to be a long December.....
We usually have the tree up about the first weekend of December, but the time just wasn't available. Also, the thought of telling 3 pairs of hands to stop touching the tree didn't thrill me either.
The tree has only been set up for less than 24 hours and I'm already ready to take it down.
It's going to be a long December.....
12/06/2007
A New Addition......
It's been a challenging couple of weeks.
Last week I started babysitting a friend's little guy full time. He has just turned one so now I have my nearly 4 year old, my 19 month old, and now another one year old. It's a full and busy house!
It didn't help that me and the the rest of my family have been sick as well as our new addition. So that's been something to get through. Most of us are feeling better. Kianna had to miss preschool on Tuesday because she had been throwing up but she seems to be okay now.
There have also been many new adjustments made around our home with the presence of this third child. I think that time is the biggest factor. It takes longer to eat meals, clean up messes, and getting them all down for nap time after lunch.
Kianna has preschool 2 times a week in the mornings. I tried a different way of transporting all of the kids to school today. Kianna can walk of course, but the other two can't handle that walk. I put Spencer in the stroller and I put Liam in the borrowed wrap that I acquired. I still have to get used to tying the wrap just right and Liam has to adjust to being in it. He wasn't crazy about the idea of being so close to me.
I think I'd have to laugh if I saw myself walking down the street with these 3 kids. One walking and holding onto the stroller, the second one in the stroller, and the third one slung onto my hip.
These walks to school and back are quite the workout!
Anyway, it's a new way of life around our household. We're still getting used to it but I'm sure that once we've all adjusted to this new routine, life will be a little less chaotic.
And less chaos means I'll be able to start thinking a little more clearly instead of just trying to make it from day to day.
Last week I started babysitting a friend's little guy full time. He has just turned one so now I have my nearly 4 year old, my 19 month old, and now another one year old. It's a full and busy house!
It didn't help that me and the the rest of my family have been sick as well as our new addition. So that's been something to get through. Most of us are feeling better. Kianna had to miss preschool on Tuesday because she had been throwing up but she seems to be okay now.
There have also been many new adjustments made around our home with the presence of this third child. I think that time is the biggest factor. It takes longer to eat meals, clean up messes, and getting them all down for nap time after lunch.
Kianna has preschool 2 times a week in the mornings. I tried a different way of transporting all of the kids to school today. Kianna can walk of course, but the other two can't handle that walk. I put Spencer in the stroller and I put Liam in the borrowed wrap that I acquired. I still have to get used to tying the wrap just right and Liam has to adjust to being in it. He wasn't crazy about the idea of being so close to me.
I think I'd have to laugh if I saw myself walking down the street with these 3 kids. One walking and holding onto the stroller, the second one in the stroller, and the third one slung onto my hip.
These walks to school and back are quite the workout!
Anyway, it's a new way of life around our household. We're still getting used to it but I'm sure that once we've all adjusted to this new routine, life will be a little less chaotic.
And less chaos means I'll be able to start thinking a little more clearly instead of just trying to make it from day to day.
12/02/2007
Team Hoyt - Redeemer
I was inspired by this today.
Just watch and reflect on the love God has for us just as this father cares and loves his own son.
11/28/2007
Well,
It's official.
Me and the other 3 people in my immediate family are all sick with colds. It's sure not fun having to be the caretaker and be fighting off a minor fever at the same time. UGH!
But, as a parent, you do what you have to, and maybe even suffer later because of that. For example....it'll probably take me longer to get over this silly cold.
It doesn't help that life seems to be picking up speed with the fast approach of the Christmas season. Concerts, parties, and other commitments seem to be filling up our calendar with record speed this year.
I just hope I can keep up.
Me and the other 3 people in my immediate family are all sick with colds. It's sure not fun having to be the caretaker and be fighting off a minor fever at the same time. UGH!
But, as a parent, you do what you have to, and maybe even suffer later because of that. For example....it'll probably take me longer to get over this silly cold.
It doesn't help that life seems to be picking up speed with the fast approach of the Christmas season. Concerts, parties, and other commitments seem to be filling up our calendar with record speed this year.
I just hope I can keep up.
11/26/2007
11/25/2007
11/21/2007
The Blanket
I sit here looking outside at the freshly fallen snow. As much as I appreciate the beauty of this image, I can't help but feel a little frustrated by the appearance of this crystallized water. It only serves to make life a little more difficult as I try to accomplish my daily tasks. Driving on the icy roads, pushing a stroller down the icy sidewalk, walking so carefully so that I don't take a fall. All of these things contribute to my dislike of winter.
However, I like that the snow covers up the ugly browns of late fall. It's fresh and appealing. It's similar to how God's love and forgiveness can cover up the ugliness of my heart. It still doesn't mean things will be easy but they will have improved. Just as there is beauty in the midst of a fresh snowfall, there can be beauty within if only we allow the one who created us to cover us with his blanket of white.
11/17/2007
What do I care?
It seems that in this world, every single person I know has their own battle to fight.
Some are deeply hurting due to choices they've made. Others are suffering as a result of another's actions.
It's guaranteed that people are going to experience pain in this life. Grief over losing a loved one. Heartache over the break up of a family. Frustration and an urge to fix things as we watch others make bad choices who then continue on to suffer the consequences of those choices.
I'm trying to discipline myself to go beyond the cursory "how are you" as I talk with others. I really do care about what's happening in their lives but even I am prone to ask the age old question only expecting the usual answer of "fine."
I am sometimes surprised by what people have to say if their answer isn't "fine."
I asked someone that today. He first said "it could be better, but do you really wanna know?" Of course I wanted to know so I encouraged him to share. This guy and 4 of his buddies had flown here to Saskatchewan from Maine for a hunting trip. The only luggage that arrived with them 2 days ago were their rifles. The other 8 bags of luggage between them had not yet made it to Saskatoon. They arrived at the airport with no luggage and then proceeded to the budget booth where they had booked a vehicle over 6 months ago. Budget did not have the promised vehicle so this group of guys wound up having to pay another 1100 dollars in order to get 2 smaller vehicles than the original larger one that was requested. As a result of having to wait for their luggage, these guys have had to book motel rooms for 2 or 3 nights which was yet another unexpected cost to them. Then, one of their vehicles got a flat tire. They drove all over Saskatoon looking for a place who would be willing to fix their tire. They went to 5 or 6 places and finally came to my place of work. We were able to do this for them. I'm sure they'll never come to Saskatchewan again after this terrible start to their hunting trip. I felt terrible for them.
The whole point of me explaining this is that it really does matter when you ask someone how they are doing. These guys weren't having a very good go of it but they were glad to have someone to vent to a little bit. I sure didn't mind listening. I know that sharing things can help relieve the frustration levels, even if it's just a little bit.
Here's a few questions for you to think about:
Have we become blind to what's happening in the lives of those around us?
Would we rather be ignorant to the needs of others so that we don't feel the pressure to care?
Are we so wrapped up in ourselves that we have lost all desire to focus on anyone else?
Are we scared that people might ask us how we are truly doing and we would prefer to keep that secret?
Do we know how to respond to someone who doesn't answer "fine"?
Where are you at?
Think about it.
Some are deeply hurting due to choices they've made. Others are suffering as a result of another's actions.
It's guaranteed that people are going to experience pain in this life. Grief over losing a loved one. Heartache over the break up of a family. Frustration and an urge to fix things as we watch others make bad choices who then continue on to suffer the consequences of those choices.
I'm trying to discipline myself to go beyond the cursory "how are you" as I talk with others. I really do care about what's happening in their lives but even I am prone to ask the age old question only expecting the usual answer of "fine."
I am sometimes surprised by what people have to say if their answer isn't "fine."
I asked someone that today. He first said "it could be better, but do you really wanna know?" Of course I wanted to know so I encouraged him to share. This guy and 4 of his buddies had flown here to Saskatchewan from Maine for a hunting trip. The only luggage that arrived with them 2 days ago were their rifles. The other 8 bags of luggage between them had not yet made it to Saskatoon. They arrived at the airport with no luggage and then proceeded to the budget booth where they had booked a vehicle over 6 months ago. Budget did not have the promised vehicle so this group of guys wound up having to pay another 1100 dollars in order to get 2 smaller vehicles than the original larger one that was requested. As a result of having to wait for their luggage, these guys have had to book motel rooms for 2 or 3 nights which was yet another unexpected cost to them. Then, one of their vehicles got a flat tire. They drove all over Saskatoon looking for a place who would be willing to fix their tire. They went to 5 or 6 places and finally came to my place of work. We were able to do this for them. I'm sure they'll never come to Saskatchewan again after this terrible start to their hunting trip. I felt terrible for them.
The whole point of me explaining this is that it really does matter when you ask someone how they are doing. These guys weren't having a very good go of it but they were glad to have someone to vent to a little bit. I sure didn't mind listening. I know that sharing things can help relieve the frustration levels, even if it's just a little bit.
Here's a few questions for you to think about:
Have we become blind to what's happening in the lives of those around us?
Would we rather be ignorant to the needs of others so that we don't feel the pressure to care?
Are we so wrapped up in ourselves that we have lost all desire to focus on anyone else?
Are we scared that people might ask us how we are truly doing and we would prefer to keep that secret?
Do we know how to respond to someone who doesn't answer "fine"?
Where are you at?
Think about it.
11/16/2007
I'll be back......Soon
So, here's the verdict. My computer had to be completely wiped and I'm having to start over from scratch. I'll be getting my computer back on the 23rd of the month so I'll have regular internet access again after that. I've been going through withdrawel by not having my internet.
I hope to be back blogging on a regular basis sooner than later I hope.
I hope to be back blogging on a regular basis sooner than later I hope.
11/07/2007
Viruses
I am sorry to report that my computer contracted a virus and has subsequentally stopped allowing me to even access the desktop on my computer. I'm assuming that this will be my last post here for awhile.
I hope to still be around and check things out as I find internet access at other people's houses.
I will be bringing my computer in to the "Doctor" soon and I will hopefully have this situation resolved within the next few weeks.
Someday I'll have a computer that works properly.....
So long for now everyone.....
I hope to still be around and check things out as I find internet access at other people's houses.
I will be bringing my computer in to the "Doctor" soon and I will hopefully have this situation resolved within the next few weeks.
Someday I'll have a computer that works properly.....
So long for now everyone.....
11/06/2007
Unloved
Without love, no one gets hurt
Hearts aren't broken
Lives aren't shattered
Without Love, being alone is okay
No yearning for what once was
No yearning for what will never be
Without Love, people can't get hurt
There is no room for disappointment
Tears aren't shed for another's actions
Without Love, there is no void needing fulfillment
No emptyness to cope with
No longings for more
Without Love, there is no need for others
It's all about self-sufficiency
The strongest will survive
Without Love, there is no life.
What's the point in living a life devoid of love?
Hearts aren't broken
Lives aren't shattered
Without Love, being alone is okay
No yearning for what once was
No yearning for what will never be
Without Love, people can't get hurt
There is no room for disappointment
Tears aren't shed for another's actions
Without Love, there is no void needing fulfillment
No emptyness to cope with
No longings for more
Without Love, there is no need for others
It's all about self-sufficiency
The strongest will survive
Without Love, there is no life.
What's the point in living a life devoid of love?
11/03/2007
You want me to do what????
What does it mean to love unconditionally?
The group I was discussing this with the other night came to a consensus.
To love a person unconditionally, one would be willing to die for someone else.
To love a person unconditionally, one would have the ability to forgive after being wronged in the worst way imaginable.
We were imagining what it would be like to be the parents of a murdered child and being able to forgive the murderer and even love them. As a parent to two young children myself, the thought of being in that kind of situation absolutely terrifies me.
Would I have the capacity to love and forgive on such a drastic scale?
We then changed the names of the people in that particular situation.
Murdered child- Jesus
Parent of the murdered child- God
Murderer- all of humanity
John 3:16- For God so loved the world (unconditionally), that He gave his one and only son. That whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.
Jesus gave His life that we might live.
Could I sacrifice my life for someone who I knew would not fully appreciate what I'd done for them?
Are we as mankind even able to embrace what it truly means to love unconditionally?
Now that I'm a parent, I believe I'm a little bit closer to grasping this concept.
However, I know that I am no where near comprehending the fullness of it nor am I sure that I am even capable of it.
After all, I'm human.
The group I was discussing this with the other night came to a consensus.
To love a person unconditionally, one would be willing to die for someone else.
To love a person unconditionally, one would have the ability to forgive after being wronged in the worst way imaginable.
We were imagining what it would be like to be the parents of a murdered child and being able to forgive the murderer and even love them. As a parent to two young children myself, the thought of being in that kind of situation absolutely terrifies me.
Would I have the capacity to love and forgive on such a drastic scale?
We then changed the names of the people in that particular situation.
Murdered child- Jesus
Parent of the murdered child- God
Murderer- all of humanity
John 3:16- For God so loved the world (unconditionally), that He gave his one and only son. That whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.
Jesus gave His life that we might live.
Could I sacrifice my life for someone who I knew would not fully appreciate what I'd done for them?
Are we as mankind even able to embrace what it truly means to love unconditionally?
Now that I'm a parent, I believe I'm a little bit closer to grasping this concept.
However, I know that I am no where near comprehending the fullness of it nor am I sure that I am even capable of it.
After all, I'm human.
11/02/2007
This was running through my head today....
I CAN ONLY IMAGINE
Artist: MercyMe
I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By Your side
I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When Your face
Is before me
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
[Chorus]:
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for You Jesus or in awe of You be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
When that day comes
When I find myself
Standing in the Son
I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for You Jesus or in awe of You be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine, yeahh
I can only imagine, yeaahhh
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for You Jesus or in awe of You be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine, yeahhh
I can only imagine, yeah
I can only imagine, yeah
I can only imagine
I can only imagine, yeahh
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
When all i will do
Is forever
Forever worship you
I can only imagine...
There's lots of hidden meaning to this song. I've been to 2 funerals in the past few years of people who were my age. This song was performed at both. Both of those people were Christians, so I know that they are no longer imagining things...they know....
Artist: MercyMe
I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By Your side
I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When Your face
Is before me
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
[Chorus]:
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for You Jesus or in awe of You be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
When that day comes
When I find myself
Standing in the Son
I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for You Jesus or in awe of You be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine, yeahh
I can only imagine, yeaahhh
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for You Jesus or in awe of You be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine, yeahhh
I can only imagine, yeah
I can only imagine, yeah
I can only imagine
I can only imagine, yeahh
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
When all i will do
Is forever
Forever worship you
I can only imagine...
There's lots of hidden meaning to this song. I've been to 2 funerals in the past few years of people who were my age. This song was performed at both. Both of those people were Christians, so I know that they are no longer imagining things...they know....
11/01/2007
Here's something to make you think
"If you were arrested for being a Christian, would they find enough evidence to prove you guilty of being one?"
Think about it.
Think about it.
10/31/2007
To Trick or Treat?
With today being halloween, I have resigned myself to the fact that my doorbell will be ringing as princesses and ninja turtles walk up and down the sidewalk seeking out some candy.
I'm ok with that.
I won't be home!
We will be taking our kids out and about to get their own share of the candy available to them. Kianna will be all dressed up as a dalmation and Spencer will be a very cute bunny rabbit. If he was any older he wouldn't be able to get away with wearing this costume, but I love it!
I know that many people, especially Christians have a problem with allowing their kids to be involved in the activities associated with halloween. I, myself, have no problem with allowing my kids to go from door to door, under parental supervision of course, to say the practiced "trick or treat" to the person who answers the knock.
It's been fun being able to look forward to going out tonight with the kids. Kianna can't wait and this will be Spencer's first time actually trick or treating. Of course we have to make the traditional stop at grandma's house so that she can see what her darlings have dressed up as this year but other than that, we'll be out and about knocking on other peoples doors.
For our family, halloween is all about the fun of dressing up and of course going out to get some much wanted candy. What kid wouldn't want that?
I'm ok with that.
I won't be home!
We will be taking our kids out and about to get their own share of the candy available to them. Kianna will be all dressed up as a dalmation and Spencer will be a very cute bunny rabbit. If he was any older he wouldn't be able to get away with wearing this costume, but I love it!
I know that many people, especially Christians have a problem with allowing their kids to be involved in the activities associated with halloween. I, myself, have no problem with allowing my kids to go from door to door, under parental supervision of course, to say the practiced "trick or treat" to the person who answers the knock.
It's been fun being able to look forward to going out tonight with the kids. Kianna can't wait and this will be Spencer's first time actually trick or treating. Of course we have to make the traditional stop at grandma's house so that she can see what her darlings have dressed up as this year but other than that, we'll be out and about knocking on other peoples doors.
For our family, halloween is all about the fun of dressing up and of course going out to get some much wanted candy. What kid wouldn't want that?
10/29/2007
I like this song....
Lots of meaning to this one.
Cry Out To Jesus
Artist: Third Day
To everyone who's lost someone they love long before it was their time
You feel like the days you had were not enough when you said goodbye
And to all of the people with burdens and pains keeping you back from your life
You believe that there's nothing and there is no one who can make it right
There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary
Love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, cry out to Jesus
For the marriage that's struggling just to hang on
They've lost all of their faith in love
And they've done all they can to make it right again
Still, it's not enough
For the ones who can't break the addictions and chains
You try to give up, but you come back again
Just remember that you're not alone in your shame and your suffering
When you're lonely, and it feels like the whole world is falling on you
You just reach out, you just cry out to Jesus, cry out to Jesus
To the widow who suffers from being alone, wiping the tears from her eyes
For the children around the world without a home
Say a prayer tonight
Cry Out To Jesus
Artist: Third Day
To everyone who's lost someone they love long before it was their time
You feel like the days you had were not enough when you said goodbye
And to all of the people with burdens and pains keeping you back from your life
You believe that there's nothing and there is no one who can make it right
There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary
Love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, cry out to Jesus
For the marriage that's struggling just to hang on
They've lost all of their faith in love
And they've done all they can to make it right again
Still, it's not enough
For the ones who can't break the addictions and chains
You try to give up, but you come back again
Just remember that you're not alone in your shame and your suffering
When you're lonely, and it feels like the whole world is falling on you
You just reach out, you just cry out to Jesus, cry out to Jesus
To the widow who suffers from being alone, wiping the tears from her eyes
For the children around the world without a home
Say a prayer tonight
10/27/2007
Evolution can be a good thing.....
I've been sitting here for awhile trying to figure out what to write. There has been much that has been happening lately but it's quite difficult to describe.
My ways of thinking and viewing things are being challenged and it's been a mind- bending journey thus far.
It's hard for me to comprehend all that's happening around me. I observe the way those around me live, interact with each other, and use what they are good at to bless and challenge others. Life evolves before my very eyes and I don't mean in the Darwinian sense of the word. People are constantly changing. There is no plateau onto which people are cast.
I make choices all the time. These choices affect who I am as well as display to others what might possibly be buried deep beneath my skin. How I treat others and respond to their needs screams of what's deep down inside of me. Do I really care? or am I just trying to go through the motions because I have more important things on my mind and better things to do?
I know that I have been evolving.
My ways of thinking and viewing things are being challenged and it's been a mind- bending journey thus far.
It's hard for me to comprehend all that's happening around me. I observe the way those around me live, interact with each other, and use what they are good at to bless and challenge others. Life evolves before my very eyes and I don't mean in the Darwinian sense of the word. People are constantly changing. There is no plateau onto which people are cast.
I make choices all the time. These choices affect who I am as well as display to others what might possibly be buried deep beneath my skin. How I treat others and respond to their needs screams of what's deep down inside of me. Do I really care? or am I just trying to go through the motions because I have more important things on my mind and better things to do?
I know that I have been evolving.
10/22/2007
Transparency
I've been learning recently what it means to be authentic with others. It's been a challenging lesson so far.
Why is it that people fear authenticity with others?
There are many reasons as to why people keep from showing their true emotion. The fear of rejection, fears of being vulnerable and hurt, the fear of admitting one is not as put together as others might think. These are all fears which I have.
I've been very good at pretending that I've had things well put together my whole life. Very few people have seen past that and know without a doubt that I am not as put together as I claim I am.
I've learned,rather painfully, what happens to a person who is not truly authentic with others.
I recently learned what it's like to put aside those fears and just allow others to see directly into my heart.
I'm not saying that you should unload all your deepest and darkest secrets to a person you just barely met. For me it was a group of people whom I already knew cared about me. The security and trust was already built. Keeping things bottled up inside allows things to brew and expand so that it's nearly impossible not to explode at one point. Opening up to others doesn't mean that things are better, but now I have the support of close friends who can come alongside me and be there when I need it the most.
Despite the fears I had, none of them were realized. I was accepted, encouraged and shown much love by those whom I opened up to.
It's nice to know that there are those who care so much about me that they won't leave me where I am at.
Why is it that people fear authenticity with others?
There are many reasons as to why people keep from showing their true emotion. The fear of rejection, fears of being vulnerable and hurt, the fear of admitting one is not as put together as others might think. These are all fears which I have.
I've been very good at pretending that I've had things well put together my whole life. Very few people have seen past that and know without a doubt that I am not as put together as I claim I am.
I've learned,rather painfully, what happens to a person who is not truly authentic with others.
I recently learned what it's like to put aside those fears and just allow others to see directly into my heart.
I'm not saying that you should unload all your deepest and darkest secrets to a person you just barely met. For me it was a group of people whom I already knew cared about me. The security and trust was already built. Keeping things bottled up inside allows things to brew and expand so that it's nearly impossible not to explode at one point. Opening up to others doesn't mean that things are better, but now I have the support of close friends who can come alongside me and be there when I need it the most.
Despite the fears I had, none of them were realized. I was accepted, encouraged and shown much love by those whom I opened up to.
It's nice to know that there are those who care so much about me that they won't leave me where I am at.
10/18/2007
Does anyone know how....
to make a little girl stop tattling on her little brother?
I've had it!
Any suggestions?
I've had it!
Any suggestions?
10/16/2007
"Hello, is....
C. (insert last name here) there?"
I have a feeling that most people are like me and absolutely detest these kind of phone calls. I have call display and I miss most of them by just the simple fact of ignoring anything that shows up with an 800 number on the phone.
Today I got one such call.
I answered that yes, I was who they were looking for. (I'm too polite to hang up right away...it's one of my downfalls sometimes)
They immediately started off on the expected "you have been pre-approved for this credit card" speil.
I've gotten better at politely cutting them off and stating that I'm not interested in what they are going to say.
"I'm not interested in getting another credit card."
The problem is, some of these telemarketers JUST DON'T GET IT!!!!
"But ma'am, with the interest rate...."
"I said I'm not interested!"
I wound up hanging up on this person today after stating at least 3 times that I wasn't interested.
The last words to leave my mouth were "have a nice day!."
I just get so frustrated that these people keep calling and I say no every time.
They call a few times a month and more if we don't answer the phone. I just see the numbers on my phone.
I know these people are just doing their job, but when can they start to understand that no really does mean no?
It's just like telling a one year old to stop touching what he can't have. They just keep doing it!!!!!
I have a feeling that most people are like me and absolutely detest these kind of phone calls. I have call display and I miss most of them by just the simple fact of ignoring anything that shows up with an 800 number on the phone.
Today I got one such call.
I answered that yes, I was who they were looking for. (I'm too polite to hang up right away...it's one of my downfalls sometimes)
They immediately started off on the expected "you have been pre-approved for this credit card" speil.
I've gotten better at politely cutting them off and stating that I'm not interested in what they are going to say.
"I'm not interested in getting another credit card."
The problem is, some of these telemarketers JUST DON'T GET IT!!!!
"But ma'am, with the interest rate...."
"I said I'm not interested!"
I wound up hanging up on this person today after stating at least 3 times that I wasn't interested.
The last words to leave my mouth were "have a nice day!."
I just get so frustrated that these people keep calling and I say no every time.
They call a few times a month and more if we don't answer the phone. I just see the numbers on my phone.
I know these people are just doing their job, but when can they start to understand that no really does mean no?
It's just like telling a one year old to stop touching what he can't have. They just keep doing it!!!!!
10/13/2007
Unexpected Brightness
I had to work today, which was fine by me because it's a chance to get out of the house and do grownup things and talk to actual grownup people.
Part of my job is to answer the phones. I don't mind it at all. Actually, I quite enjoy it.
This afternoon I answered the phone as usual with the automatic greeting departing from my lips. On the other end was a lady who, by the extra noise I could hear in the background, was a passenger in her vehicle as her husband was driving.
In uptight tones from what I could hear, he was relaying his comments through his wife to me. They had a flat tire in need of repair and were wondering if they could come in to get it fixed. So I told them it would be okay to come in.
They arrived shortly after that but by then I had moved onto other things and had quickly forgotten our brief exchange of words.
This couple entered the shop. He headed straight for the order desk and she came and spoke to me. This time with her own words and not those of a frustrated husband.
"Thank you for your patience on the phone."
That's all she said.
I was amazed at how something so small could be a bright spot in my day. Here I was, just doing my job, and someone really appreciated it even though, in my mind anyway, it was something quite small.
What if we were to pass on our appreciation to the unsuspecting in our lives? One never knows when their kind words, even about the most minor of things, might brighten up someone else's day.
Try it.
You may just surprise yourself....and them!
Part of my job is to answer the phones. I don't mind it at all. Actually, I quite enjoy it.
This afternoon I answered the phone as usual with the automatic greeting departing from my lips. On the other end was a lady who, by the extra noise I could hear in the background, was a passenger in her vehicle as her husband was driving.
In uptight tones from what I could hear, he was relaying his comments through his wife to me. They had a flat tire in need of repair and were wondering if they could come in to get it fixed. So I told them it would be okay to come in.
They arrived shortly after that but by then I had moved onto other things and had quickly forgotten our brief exchange of words.
This couple entered the shop. He headed straight for the order desk and she came and spoke to me. This time with her own words and not those of a frustrated husband.
"Thank you for your patience on the phone."
That's all she said.
I was amazed at how something so small could be a bright spot in my day. Here I was, just doing my job, and someone really appreciated it even though, in my mind anyway, it was something quite small.
What if we were to pass on our appreciation to the unsuspecting in our lives? One never knows when their kind words, even about the most minor of things, might brighten up someone else's day.
Try it.
You may just surprise yourself....and them!
10/06/2007
Casting Cares......
Something struck me the other day as I was starting to get stressed out over something that was going on. I am the type of person who takes too much on and I feel that I need to fix everything and if I can't fix it then I end up internalizing it and that's not good for a person, it's not good for me. The verse "Cast all your cares upon Him (God) because He cares for you" started to repeat itself again and again and again in my mind. A simple statement loaded with purpose and meaning.
What does it really mean to cast my cares? What is it that I need to do in order to follow the direction given in that verse? Webster's dictionary states that cast can mean "to throw or fling;to throw off or shed." Better yet, here's what the thesaurus says. "Cast"-abandon, chuck, discard, dispense with, ditch, dump, drop, get rid of, leave behind, reject, scrap, shed, throw out, toss out, and unload." It's clear here that we are to leave, abandon, and unload our cares onto the one who made us. You would think that something stated so simply would be a simple thing to accomplish, but it's not. People, by nature, like to hold onto things whether it be out of fear, pride, uncertainty or a whole bunch of other reasons. I am not immune to this. I am just as human as everyone else. I struggle with the act of discarding, unloading, or tossing my cares onto anyone. I'm the type of person who struggles to let go of things. I like to think that I can handle it and that I can fix it myself. I tend to believe that I need to be the strong one and that I can't display my weaknesses to others for fear of rejection or coming across as a failure. I've been learning, rather painfully, the consquences of holding onto that. It almost seems like it's way too easy to do that, to give everything to Him and then that's the end of it.
This make me wonder what life would be like if I gave in and threw away those cares, let them pass from my mind. What would it be like if I allowed myself to follow that suggestion? I know it would be different. How different? I think I'm scared to see because as painful as things happen to be right now, at least I'm familiar with it. The unknown is a terrifying thing.
"Because He cares for (me)." Who am I that the God of all creation should want to take on my burdens, my pain, my longings and desires? Who am I that He should show me any consideration at all? I am a sinner. I am human. I am weak and full of pride. What would life be like if I truly believed that with all of my being? I can only hope to find out someday. The "Sunday-school" answer would be that yeah, life would be great! However, knowing something in my head and really believing it in my heart are two very different things.
"Cast all your cares upon Him because He cares for you."
Simply stated, powerful design.
Sometimes it's the simplest of things that are the most difficult to acheive.
What does it really mean to cast my cares? What is it that I need to do in order to follow the direction given in that verse? Webster's dictionary states that cast can mean "to throw or fling;to throw off or shed." Better yet, here's what the thesaurus says. "Cast"-abandon, chuck, discard, dispense with, ditch, dump, drop, get rid of, leave behind, reject, scrap, shed, throw out, toss out, and unload." It's clear here that we are to leave, abandon, and unload our cares onto the one who made us. You would think that something stated so simply would be a simple thing to accomplish, but it's not. People, by nature, like to hold onto things whether it be out of fear, pride, uncertainty or a whole bunch of other reasons. I am not immune to this. I am just as human as everyone else. I struggle with the act of discarding, unloading, or tossing my cares onto anyone. I'm the type of person who struggles to let go of things. I like to think that I can handle it and that I can fix it myself. I tend to believe that I need to be the strong one and that I can't display my weaknesses to others for fear of rejection or coming across as a failure. I've been learning, rather painfully, the consquences of holding onto that. It almost seems like it's way too easy to do that, to give everything to Him and then that's the end of it.
This make me wonder what life would be like if I gave in and threw away those cares, let them pass from my mind. What would it be like if I allowed myself to follow that suggestion? I know it would be different. How different? I think I'm scared to see because as painful as things happen to be right now, at least I'm familiar with it. The unknown is a terrifying thing.
"Because He cares for (me)." Who am I that the God of all creation should want to take on my burdens, my pain, my longings and desires? Who am I that He should show me any consideration at all? I am a sinner. I am human. I am weak and full of pride. What would life be like if I truly believed that with all of my being? I can only hope to find out someday. The "Sunday-school" answer would be that yeah, life would be great! However, knowing something in my head and really believing it in my heart are two very different things.
"Cast all your cares upon Him because He cares for you."
Simply stated, powerful design.
Sometimes it's the simplest of things that are the most difficult to acheive.
9/29/2007
Update
This is for the people who think that it's time for me to post here again....
Life has been hectic now with the beginning of autumn. I have been working a little bit more, which is nice because it gets me out of the house. I've filled in a little bit more than I expected to because now there have been 2 fulltime girls who have been hired since I stopped being fulltime and both of them have quit. Hopefully the third time's a charm. I've been filling in between all of these girls quitting and beginning and who knows where we're going anymore.
Kianna started preschool this fall and she's absolutely loving it! She's always ready for it to be a preschool day. She goes 2 mornings a week. Next year she'll be in kindergarten....WOW! My little girl is growing up so fast! She talks about her teachers, and what they did today, and her friends. She has no separation anxiety whatsoever, although, she never has had any to begin with. She likes her independence.
Spencer is growing fast too. He's walking and running and climbing and getting into everything! He follows his big sis around and copies what she does...good or bad. He's alot of fun right now and easy to please.
It's also busier around our home with different things starting up. Youth group a couple nights a week and small group another night. It's alot of fun! We really enjoy what we're doing.
My sister just got engaged so we are starting to prepare for her wedding. Kianna will be flowergirl for her. The wedding is Janurary 5, 2008...so not that far away. Today I am going wedding dress shopping with her and my mom in Edmonton. It should be a blast. Then later we are going to Ikea...which is just as good.
For those of you who try to read my blog regularly, it may be another long stretch before I post again...lol....
Life has been hectic now with the beginning of autumn. I have been working a little bit more, which is nice because it gets me out of the house. I've filled in a little bit more than I expected to because now there have been 2 fulltime girls who have been hired since I stopped being fulltime and both of them have quit. Hopefully the third time's a charm. I've been filling in between all of these girls quitting and beginning and who knows where we're going anymore.
Kianna started preschool this fall and she's absolutely loving it! She's always ready for it to be a preschool day. She goes 2 mornings a week. Next year she'll be in kindergarten....WOW! My little girl is growing up so fast! She talks about her teachers, and what they did today, and her friends. She has no separation anxiety whatsoever, although, she never has had any to begin with. She likes her independence.
Spencer is growing fast too. He's walking and running and climbing and getting into everything! He follows his big sis around and copies what she does...good or bad. He's alot of fun right now and easy to please.
It's also busier around our home with different things starting up. Youth group a couple nights a week and small group another night. It's alot of fun! We really enjoy what we're doing.
My sister just got engaged so we are starting to prepare for her wedding. Kianna will be flowergirl for her. The wedding is Janurary 5, 2008...so not that far away. Today I am going wedding dress shopping with her and my mom in Edmonton. It should be a blast. Then later we are going to Ikea...which is just as good.
For those of you who try to read my blog regularly, it may be another long stretch before I post again...lol....
8/15/2007
No More Work...
I am no longer working fulltime. It turned out to be just too much to do with 2 little ones at home. It was a struggle to find childcare and have both of us working. It also just didn't make sense financially either. If 70% of my check was going to go towards childcare then what's the point of working fulltime when I could work part time, be at home, and bring home the same amount of money.
Kianna is starting preschool this September. I really wanted to be home and do the mom thing for that. I didn't want to miss out. She's growing up so fast. We also got her hair cut this week. We took at least 6 inches off. Instead of her hair going almost to her bum when wet, it now goes till just below the top of her shoulders. She looks so much older!
Spencer has now learned to climb up on furniture. You can see his satisfaction with this new skill every time he manages to climb on the couch, or me, or whatever else is climbable. He's growing fast too!
I'm just so glad to be home now!
Kianna is starting preschool this September. I really wanted to be home and do the mom thing for that. I didn't want to miss out. She's growing up so fast. We also got her hair cut this week. We took at least 6 inches off. Instead of her hair going almost to her bum when wet, it now goes till just below the top of her shoulders. She looks so much older!
Spencer has now learned to climb up on furniture. You can see his satisfaction with this new skill every time he manages to climb on the couch, or me, or whatever else is climbable. He's growing fast too!
I'm just so glad to be home now!
7/26/2007
Life in the Fast Lane
I've been officially working for 2 whole weeks now. Life's been a whole lot busier than normal with this job. It looks like I won't be staying on full-time at that company for long though. It's just not working out. That's the decision that both me and my employer have come to. I will however, continue to work Saturdays for them. This way I can still have the experience to post on my resume and have a great job reference as well. Jumping into things so quick with having 2 little ones at home has been harder than I thought it would be. I'm still needed at home. I can't let them be raised by others at this stage in their lives. I still have a week or 2 left before I'm finished my full-time work and that means I still need childcare for those weeks. There's no point in searching for a daycare now because I won't need it for long. I also get to take my daughter to preschool. I was quite upset on missing out on that opportunity, so maybe things are as they should be after all.
7/10/2007
Travels
We are currently visiting some friends in Manitoba. On the way here we learned some valuable things. 1) Deer will cross the road despite your desperate attempts to avoid them. 2) Babies get tired of their carseats after 5 hours of driving and 3) Books and toys are sufficient for traveling with young children. The kids did so well on the road. Kianna looked at her books and Spencer just sat there watching out the window. They were quite content with the activities we had brought for them. Plus a stop at the Golden Arches for lunch in Yorkton always seems to help things. Kianna had a chance to run around in the play area for a bit and Spencer was just as happy to be out of his carseat. I just hope that the kids will travel as well when we head home on Thursday.
On a side note....We are desperately looking for childcare for both children for next week starting Monday. If you know of anyone who might be available just to do it for next week please let me know. Like I said.....WE ARE DESPERATE!!!!
On a side note....We are desperately looking for childcare for both children for next week starting Monday. If you know of anyone who might be available just to do it for next week please let me know. Like I said.....WE ARE DESPERATE!!!!
7/06/2007
I've just had an experience today that I never would have dreamed of in a million years. I got a job and I did absolutely nothing to get it. It started off with a phonecall from a friend who knew of someone looking for a receptionist for his company. My friend thought of me right away and gave me a call. This was at about 1 pm today. He didn't have the number on him right then to pass on to me to call this company so he said that he would call me later with it. In the meantime, I get a phonecall from this company asking me if I'd come in for an interview today. By then it was about 2 pm. I arrived there in my not so stylish hot summer day kinda clothes (because she said not to worry about being fancy..thank goodness!) and proceed to get interviewed. The interview went well, she just asked me a few questions about my experience in the workworld and such. After all was said and done she said that she had to talk to the boss and that she hoped to get back to me before the day ended. I left and that was it. I was home by 3pm. At 3:45 I get a phonecall. "We'd like to you start on the 16th as we agreed." I've never had it so easy finding a job!
I'll be a receptionist at a wholesale tire company. I've always wanted this type of job. It's right up my alley. It's full-time Monday-Friday, 7:30-4:30. Lyndon's work hours are 8-4:30 so it works out perfect that he could drive me to work and pick me up everyday. The work attire is also very casual. Just jeans and a works shirt. I'm quite excited about this cause that means I don't have to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe to accomadate this job. Yay! The challenge now will be to find appropriate childcare. I'm sure we'll find something. With the ease of obtaining this job, I know that there will be something out there for us in terms of taking care of our kids. So if you know of anyone who can take care of 2 little ones, let me know.
I'll be a receptionist at a wholesale tire company. I've always wanted this type of job. It's right up my alley. It's full-time Monday-Friday, 7:30-4:30. Lyndon's work hours are 8-4:30 so it works out perfect that he could drive me to work and pick me up everyday. The work attire is also very casual. Just jeans and a works shirt. I'm quite excited about this cause that means I don't have to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe to accomadate this job. Yay! The challenge now will be to find appropriate childcare. I'm sure we'll find something. With the ease of obtaining this job, I know that there will be something out there for us in terms of taking care of our kids. So if you know of anyone who can take care of 2 little ones, let me know.
6/08/2007
Choices
Choices. We make them everyday. What should I wear? Should I shower? What to have for breakfast....we are always making choices.
There are some things that people don't realize are choices. One of these choices is choosing to listen for God's voice and direction. So many people don't realize that this is a choice. It's a choice to get up everyday and get into the word and spend time with God. It's a choice to actually listen to what He is telling you. It's another choice to respond and obey what he is telling you.
Many people base this on feeling. It's easy to say that "I feel like God has stopped talking to me" or "I don't feel like listening to Him anymore." If everything in our lives were based on feelings then we'd all be basket cases. These choices are important. We need to make that choice to keep listening to Him. We may not always like what He has to say but He is there speaking to us.
The next choice to make is how we respond to Him. Are we going to obey and do as He wishes? or are we going to ignore Him and continue on in our own way?
What are you going to choose?
There are some things that people don't realize are choices. One of these choices is choosing to listen for God's voice and direction. So many people don't realize that this is a choice. It's a choice to get up everyday and get into the word and spend time with God. It's a choice to actually listen to what He is telling you. It's another choice to respond and obey what he is telling you.
Many people base this on feeling. It's easy to say that "I feel like God has stopped talking to me" or "I don't feel like listening to Him anymore." If everything in our lives were based on feelings then we'd all be basket cases. These choices are important. We need to make that choice to keep listening to Him. We may not always like what He has to say but He is there speaking to us.
The next choice to make is how we respond to Him. Are we going to obey and do as He wishes? or are we going to ignore Him and continue on in our own way?
What are you going to choose?
6/02/2007
Hidden Treasures
Have I said just how much I love garage saling? Well, I love garage saling! Today is our neighborhood's community garage sale. I went out looking just to look and with no intentions of actually buying anything. At the second house I stopped at I found a couple of things worth buying. These are the only things I found today. I bought 2 booster seats that are exactly like the one we have. They were $2.00 a piece and I definitely could not pass that up. Brand new they are worth over $30 dollars each. It's always good to have something like that on hand for company or travelling. Can you tell I'm a mom? I'm excited over finding quality booster seats at a cheap price! Yay for garage saling!
5/31/2007
Red and Yellow, Black and White....
Here's one story I have from Mexico that may have impacted me the most.
We went to a work camp on the Tuesday night that we were there. The living conditions consisted of a couple of concrete buildings made into row housing. Every family got to claim a small dark room for themselves. This is in the desert so everything is brown, dusty, and dirty. Adults and children did not have much in terms of warm jackets or blankets. The children were dirty and could have desperately used a bath. Most of the kids were barefoot while alot of the adults had sandals on. It was a very cool night. I was freezing by the time we left.
As we were there I had the opportunity to hold a baby. This baby girl was no more than 2 months old, maybe even younger. She had a dirty, short-sleeved onesie on, an old crocheted toque, little blue mittens, and socks that the orphanage volunteers had brought. She was wrapped in a dirty, dirty blanket and a filthy pink bath towel. My heart just ached for this child and her mother. As a mom I couldn't imagine raising my own children in such poverty.
I realized that this mom and I had much in common. We both wanted what's best for our children. We both loved our children. We both would do anything to protect them. It didn't matter that I was Canadian and she was Mexican. It didn't matter that I spoke english and she spoke spanish. None of this mattered because the same God who created me and my children also created her and her children. That's what we had in common.
This makes me think of the children's song "Jesus Loves the Little Children." It goes like this...Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white, we are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.
There is so much truth to that children's song. He loves all of us despite our differences, our race, our language. It's incredible.
We went to a work camp on the Tuesday night that we were there. The living conditions consisted of a couple of concrete buildings made into row housing. Every family got to claim a small dark room for themselves. This is in the desert so everything is brown, dusty, and dirty. Adults and children did not have much in terms of warm jackets or blankets. The children were dirty and could have desperately used a bath. Most of the kids were barefoot while alot of the adults had sandals on. It was a very cool night. I was freezing by the time we left.
As we were there I had the opportunity to hold a baby. This baby girl was no more than 2 months old, maybe even younger. She had a dirty, short-sleeved onesie on, an old crocheted toque, little blue mittens, and socks that the orphanage volunteers had brought. She was wrapped in a dirty, dirty blanket and a filthy pink bath towel. My heart just ached for this child and her mother. As a mom I couldn't imagine raising my own children in such poverty.
I realized that this mom and I had much in common. We both wanted what's best for our children. We both loved our children. We both would do anything to protect them. It didn't matter that I was Canadian and she was Mexican. It didn't matter that I spoke english and she spoke spanish. None of this mattered because the same God who created me and my children also created her and her children. That's what we had in common.
This makes me think of the children's song "Jesus Loves the Little Children." It goes like this...Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white, we are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.
There is so much truth to that children's song. He loves all of us despite our differences, our race, our language. It's incredible.
5/29/2007
Back From Mexico....
I arrived back from Mexico on Saturday night. What an amazing week. Our team of 24 was able to serve at an orphanage in Vicente Guerrero, Mexico. Everybody learned a whole lot on this trip including me.
Prayer....it works. Everyone we spoke to at the orphanage had a story. It all began with a need, then they prayed for it and God responded and provided for that need. This is something that happens daily out there. It's incredible. It doesn't matter how big or how small the need is, God still hears and answers.
Love...everyone needs it. As we served out there we learned that it doesn't matter if you can speak in the same language or even come from similar backgrounds, as long as love is there you can communicate with anyone. The kids would wrap their arms around our necks and just be so thrilled to have someone to play with and love them.
One thing I learned to appreciate about Saskatchewan were our flat and straight highways. I struggled alot with being carsick on this trip and I also caught a cold. My supply of gravol was quickly depleted. I could never live in the mountains that's for sure. Thank goodness for a team of people who loved me enough to pray for me while I was sick.
That's all I have for now...there will be more stories to come...
Prayer....it works. Everyone we spoke to at the orphanage had a story. It all began with a need, then they prayed for it and God responded and provided for that need. This is something that happens daily out there. It's incredible. It doesn't matter how big or how small the need is, God still hears and answers.
Love...everyone needs it. As we served out there we learned that it doesn't matter if you can speak in the same language or even come from similar backgrounds, as long as love is there you can communicate with anyone. The kids would wrap their arms around our necks and just be so thrilled to have someone to play with and love them.
One thing I learned to appreciate about Saskatchewan were our flat and straight highways. I struggled alot with being carsick on this trip and I also caught a cold. My supply of gravol was quickly depleted. I could never live in the mountains that's for sure. Thank goodness for a team of people who loved me enough to pray for me while I was sick.
That's all I have for now...there will be more stories to come...
5/11/2007
Ok, Ok, I know it's been forever....
There is much that has happened since my last post. We've just celebrated Spencer's first birthday and he is growing so fast. He took his first steps 2 days before his birthday. How exciting is that??!!! I was worried I might miss this first of his. I thought I might be in Mexico for it.
Speaking of Mexico...it's only a week away! AAAHH! I'm not ready...still so many little things to buy and prepare for. I'm sure I'll be ready by Saturday but getting there will be the challenge. We have to be at the airport by 4 am Saturday morning..yikes that's early! Oh well, we can sleep on the plane, right?
Lots of big things coming up for our family with the missions trip and some other stuff. Should make for an interesting few months.
Speaking of Mexico...it's only a week away! AAAHH! I'm not ready...still so many little things to buy and prepare for. I'm sure I'll be ready by Saturday but getting there will be the challenge. We have to be at the airport by 4 am Saturday morning..yikes that's early! Oh well, we can sleep on the plane, right?
Lots of big things coming up for our family with the missions trip and some other stuff. Should make for an interesting few months.
4/08/2007
My Little Man
It's almost been a year since this little person joined our family. Time sure flies fast. He's working at walking along the furniture, crawling anywhere he can squeeze his little body through, and smiling like crazy when either Lyndon, Kianna or myself are in his sight. You wouldn't know from this pic that he can put on quite the pouty face, which he is doing at this precise moment. Anyway, there's my little man.
Let's Play Ball
Kianna is growing up so fast. Today she got her very first glove, ball and bat. She was so excited. Daddy was out back teaching her all his tricks. I was pretending to try her glove on and she got quite possessive. "That's my glove mommy" she says. One of these days we are going to enroll her in something. I do know that whatever it is that we put her in, she's going to love it.
4/06/2007
Payback
I'm learning that there is truth to the old adage "what goes around comes around."As a parent of a 3 year old girl, I have been learning many, many things. One thing though, is that it doesn't take long for a child to display typical male/female attitudes. Here is why. I was busy on the computer and Kianna kept wanting to touch some buttons. I had said no a couple of times and finally I cupped her face in my hands, made her look me in the eyes, and told her to repeat after me "I will not touch the buttons anymore." Well, in true female form, she turned around, crossed her arms, and stuck out that bottom lip. I tried to get her to turn around and look at me again but she would not budge. So, as a result of a bad decision made on her part, she was sent to her room. She did not like that one bit.
She reminds me a lot of me when I was a kid. I could be, and still am, very stubborn. I wouldn't budge if my life depended on it! Well, God's giving me payback now with a daughter who is every bit as stubborn as I am. So, remember, what goes around really does come around!
She reminds me a lot of me when I was a kid. I could be, and still am, very stubborn. I wouldn't budge if my life depended on it! Well, God's giving me payback now with a daughter who is every bit as stubborn as I am. So, remember, what goes around really does come around!
4/04/2007
Unwanted Reactions
So, I thought I was okay after getting my shots. My arm was hurting a little bit like the nurse said it would but nothing to worry about. Well, being that I got a tetanus and twinrix, which both have fever listed in their reactions, I came down with a fever last night. I was supposed to go out last night and that sure didn't happen. It's been a long time since I've felt that way and I hope it's a long time before I feel that way again. Being cold is not one of my favorite things. I had 3 blankets wrapped around me at one point and I was still freezing. The only part of me that wasn't internally frozen was my face which was sooooo hot. What an icky feeling! This reaction was new for me. I've never reacted to anything like this before. Oh well, like I said in my last post, I'm a big girl, I'll get over it. I think I'm better today. We'll see as the day wears on. I hope so I don't want to miss 2 nights of activity in a row.
4/03/2007
I'm Stuck
I went to get my shots today. They really weren't that bad. Just a little prick in each arm. It's nothing like getting an epidural. That's probably because they weren't shoving a giant needle into my spine! Now, however, I have much more sympathy for my children when they have to get their shots. The arm I got the twinrix in is a little bit sore but I'm a big girl, I'll get over it. I also had to get my tetanus as well. It seem that I hadn't gotten that done since 1994 and you're supposed to get that one every 10 years. Well, now I'm good for another 10. That's great. I shouldn't need anymore vaccinations until then. Spencer's the next one who needs to get shots, that's for his one year shots. I'm sure he'll be fine. Then I won't have to bring him in for a while to get more. I think the one's they get after that is when they are 5 years old.
Anyway, I'm stuck and I survived. That's about it.
Anyway, I'm stuck and I survived. That's about it.
4/02/2007
Getting Stuck
Tomorrow I get to go get stuck. I need to get my hep A and hep B vaccinations before I go to Mexico on a missions trip. It's one thing for me to bring in my children to get their shots because I'm there to hold them still, it's completely different when it's my turn. Mind you, I usually just turn my head and don't look but it has been a while since I've had to be stuck with anything. The last time that happened I was in full-blown labour getting an epidural! I guess compared to that, these needles won't be so bad.
I have vivid memories of going to get my needles when I was 5. The health center was still at the cosmo civic center and we had to walk up a long ramp to get to the right floor. Then I was asked if I wanted to sit by myself or on mom's lap. Well, of course I chose mom's lap. It must have been a fairly traumatic experience for me to remember all of those details. Oddly enough, I'd like to be a nurse someday. I must have gotten over my fear of needles!
Oh well, I'll let you guys know how the needles went and if I passed out! The only thing is that I have to bring the kids along because there's nobody to babysit at that time of day so I'm hoping that they won't hinder the process at all. Kianna will be very curious about it and Spencer will just be wanting to move around. I guess I'll see how they do.
I have vivid memories of going to get my needles when I was 5. The health center was still at the cosmo civic center and we had to walk up a long ramp to get to the right floor. Then I was asked if I wanted to sit by myself or on mom's lap. Well, of course I chose mom's lap. It must have been a fairly traumatic experience for me to remember all of those details. Oddly enough, I'd like to be a nurse someday. I must have gotten over my fear of needles!
Oh well, I'll let you guys know how the needles went and if I passed out! The only thing is that I have to bring the kids along because there's nobody to babysit at that time of day so I'm hoping that they won't hinder the process at all. Kianna will be very curious about it and Spencer will just be wanting to move around. I guess I'll see how they do.
3/31/2007
Easter Eggs
Today Kianna got to make Easter eggs with her friend Jake. Of course, with Kianna being a girl, she was totally into it. She wore her apron proudly, sat at the table and proceeded to colour on the eggs with the white crayon she had been given. Then she would carefully dip the eggs in the coloured water so that it wouldn't splash everywhere. She was quite impressed with her eggs and wanted to show daddy as soon as we got home. Jake on the other hand did sit there but as soon as the last egg was coloured that apron came off and back he went to play elsewhere. I am starting to be able to tell more and more the difference between girls and boys. Kianna loves to help me bake, cook and clean. Her friend on the other hand doesn't have any interest in that kind of stuff at all. He's more into pretending and acting out different things that he has seen. Kianna will be a good mom when she's older but right now she has too much fun being mom to everyone else. In other words, she has too much fun bossing everyone around!
So, I think, that this was a good day.
So, I think, that this was a good day.
3/30/2007
All Growed Up
So today I registered Kianna for the preschool class of 2007. We went to check out the preschool and Kianna loved it. She almost wasn't registered because I had completely forgotten that today was registration day. It was by accident that I remembered because I was talking to someone about Kianna and how she would be in preschool this fall and then UH OH! I gotta go do this preschool thing TODAY!
As a result of my forgetfulness we missed the rush and arrived pretty much after everyone else had left. That was nice because there sure wasn't room for a whole lot of grown-ups in that classroom. We were fortunate enough to have gotten into the desired class of our choice. There are up to 16 kids in a class and Kianna was signed up as #14.
Kianna was allowed to check out some activities there and had a good time playing and colouring. She did that while I signed my life away in the cheque book. She didn't want to leave. She's already asked when she gets to go back to school. She's going to be asking me everyday until that happens and that's not happening until the beginning of September. AAAHHHH!!! She is more than ready to enter the world of academia.
My little girl is all growed up. She's big enough for school. I just can't believe it!
As a result of my forgetfulness we missed the rush and arrived pretty much after everyone else had left. That was nice because there sure wasn't room for a whole lot of grown-ups in that classroom. We were fortunate enough to have gotten into the desired class of our choice. There are up to 16 kids in a class and Kianna was signed up as #14.
Kianna was allowed to check out some activities there and had a good time playing and colouring. She did that while I signed my life away in the cheque book. She didn't want to leave. She's already asked when she gets to go back to school. She's going to be asking me everyday until that happens and that's not happening until the beginning of September. AAAHHHH!!! She is more than ready to enter the world of academia.
My little girl is all growed up. She's big enough for school. I just can't believe it!
3/29/2007
Blood Stained
With Easter fast approaching I was thinking that I need to start remembering what Easter is really all about. It is so easy to get caught up in the chocolate mini eggs, fuzzy bunnies, and commercialism. This is a poem that I wrote in high school and that I want to share with you. When you are finished reading this, maybe sit back and take a minute to reflect on what Jesus has done for you.
Blood Stained
Trampled, he rose
Spat upon, he did not speak
Whipped, he did not cry
The jeering crowd pushed him on
The minutes turning into millenniums
He, an innocent man, was sent to die for doing miracles on the Sabbath
For healing people, for giving hope to the hopeless
He carried the cross, the shame, the humiliation upon his back
Sharp splinters tore through his skin like a knife
A crown of thorns caused blood
To trickle down his pain stricken face
Guards cast lots for his blood stained clothing-rags
A double-edged sword, shoved through his side
Blood and water freely flowed
Nails driven through his hands and feet
His cries of anguish made the strongest man shudder
Put up on a cross for all to see and mock
The power to cease the terror, the pain, only a faint whisper away
"It is finished"
The terror ended
The pain gone
He had fulfilled his purpose here on earth
The only sound left to be heard was the weeping of his mother
Blood Stained
Trampled, he rose
Spat upon, he did not speak
Whipped, he did not cry
The jeering crowd pushed him on
The minutes turning into millenniums
He, an innocent man, was sent to die for doing miracles on the Sabbath
For healing people, for giving hope to the hopeless
He carried the cross, the shame, the humiliation upon his back
Sharp splinters tore through his skin like a knife
A crown of thorns caused blood
To trickle down his pain stricken face
Guards cast lots for his blood stained clothing-rags
A double-edged sword, shoved through his side
Blood and water freely flowed
Nails driven through his hands and feet
His cries of anguish made the strongest man shudder
Put up on a cross for all to see and mock
The power to cease the terror, the pain, only a faint whisper away
"It is finished"
The terror ended
The pain gone
He had fulfilled his purpose here on earth
The only sound left to be heard was the weeping of his mother
3/28/2007
A Bump on the Head
In the last few days I've been noticing more and more how much Spencer will mimic what I say to him. Of course, me being his mom and all, I'm trying to get him to say mommy or mama or something along those lines. This morning I was saying "mama" and he would say something with the proper inflection but not the mmm part of the word. He's growing up so fast and the fact that he is working on his speech already just astounds me.
Spencer is also starting to walk along furniture. He just hangs on for dear life as he tries to step his way along the expanse of the couch. He still falls down and bumps his head. When that happens he cries, I pick him up to comfort him, and set him back down even though he doesn't like that I'm putting him down. He'll put up a bit of a fuss because the memory of falling is still fresh in his mind and then not minutes later, he's back to being the happy little boy that he is.
Now, compare this to how God feels about us as his children. We edge our way along life on unstable legs, and boom, we fall down and get hurt. We cry and God picks us up and comforts us. Then it's his turn to put us back down and say "it's ok, you can do it, try again." We may not like it at first because the memory of being hurt is still fresh in our minds but somehow we get past it and move on.
As a mom I am realizing more and more how God thinks of me as his child. He will always be there to pick me up and wipe away the tears. He will always be there to encourage me along the way. Of course, he will also always be there to discipline me when I deserve it. Lastly, He will always be there to love me no matter what I do.
Amazing.
Spencer is also starting to walk along furniture. He just hangs on for dear life as he tries to step his way along the expanse of the couch. He still falls down and bumps his head. When that happens he cries, I pick him up to comfort him, and set him back down even though he doesn't like that I'm putting him down. He'll put up a bit of a fuss because the memory of falling is still fresh in his mind and then not minutes later, he's back to being the happy little boy that he is.
Now, compare this to how God feels about us as his children. We edge our way along life on unstable legs, and boom, we fall down and get hurt. We cry and God picks us up and comforts us. Then it's his turn to put us back down and say "it's ok, you can do it, try again." We may not like it at first because the memory of being hurt is still fresh in our minds but somehow we get past it and move on.
As a mom I am realizing more and more how God thinks of me as his child. He will always be there to pick me up and wipe away the tears. He will always be there to encourage me along the way. Of course, he will also always be there to discipline me when I deserve it. Lastly, He will always be there to love me no matter what I do.
Amazing.
3/26/2007
If Mary was on Birth Control...
So a friend of mine and I were talking about birth control and how some religions don't agree with the use of it. There is one religion I heard about the other day where they don't believe in birth control because every child born could possibly be the messiah and you don't want to prevent the messiah from being born. These families in the religion are all large. There are maybe 15 kids in one family! That's insane. I have a hard enough time trying to handle two children. We eventually got to the point about how if Mary was on birth control, we'd all be hooped. Of course, as a Christian, I know that God can work around birth control and a friend of mine can agree with that. I also know that Mary had the best form of birth control and that was abstinence. But just imagine....
No you're Grammar
Ok, so the title was spelled wrong on purpose.
Apparently I know my grammer quite well. How do you fare?
Apparently I know my grammer quite well. How do you fare?
Your Language Arts Grade: 98%
Way to go! You know not to trust the MS Grammar Check and you know "no" from "know." Now, go forth and spread the good word (or at least, the proper use of apostrophes).
Are You Gooder at Grammar?
Make a Quiz
3/25/2007
Taco Lunch
Today was the taco lunch that the missions team, which I am a part of, put on for the church. This lunch was a huge fundraising event to build a rehab center in the part of Mexico we are going to. I'd have to say it was very successful. We raised a boatload of money.
My part in this event was what I would title "kitchen co-ordinator". I was making sure that all the food went out as it was supposed to, the tables were properly set, and that everything in general was taken care of. I discovered that despite my great dislike for the food service industry that I did okay today. I've never been in a position before where I was able to delegate responsibility to others. It was fantastic. It also helped that everyone worked as a team and that I never had to ask twice for anything to be accomplished. This was an awesome experience to have with this team. This is only a shadow of things to come as we work as a team in Mexico. If we can keep up this unity then we will surely be on our way to great things. Wow!
The only bad part about today is that my feet are sore and that I still have pink hairspray on my scalp. Oh yeah, we all spraypainted our hair once we reached the $2500 mark and so mine was a lovely hot pink. Needless to say that I showered as soon as I got home.
My part in this event was what I would title "kitchen co-ordinator". I was making sure that all the food went out as it was supposed to, the tables were properly set, and that everything in general was taken care of. I discovered that despite my great dislike for the food service industry that I did okay today. I've never been in a position before where I was able to delegate responsibility to others. It was fantastic. It also helped that everyone worked as a team and that I never had to ask twice for anything to be accomplished. This was an awesome experience to have with this team. This is only a shadow of things to come as we work as a team in Mexico. If we can keep up this unity then we will surely be on our way to great things. Wow!
The only bad part about today is that my feet are sore and that I still have pink hairspray on my scalp. Oh yeah, we all spraypainted our hair once we reached the $2500 mark and so mine was a lovely hot pink. Needless to say that I showered as soon as I got home.
3/24/2007
Spring Time Birthdays
I do truly enjoy spring. The snow is finally going away, the sun is shining and I can leave my curtains open a whole lot longer before the general public are given entrance into my living room. Kianna quite likes that the snow is going away. This is because I had told her several weeks ago that the snow had to go away and come back again before it would be her birthday. Her birthday isn't till the 27th of December. She's always asking if it's her birthday. Shortly after I had told her about the snow going away and coming back, old man winter decided to give us another layer of the white stuff. Kianna looked out the window that morning, saw the snow, and said "It's my birfday, the snow is coming back!!" Now try explaining the concept of time to a 3 year old. It's nearly impossible. So, whenever we have company or anyone else in our home, it's always bound to be somebody's birthday.
Welcome everyone
Welcome everyone to my very post on my very own blog. I am so excited to be able have a place where I can connect with people on a different level. I know that I may not know everyone who comes across this but I do hope this encourages you and brightens your day.
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