The Harold Family Blog

I'm not an architect.

2011-03-31T15:53:00.001-03:00

This is the best I can do. It should help somewhat. If you double click on the photo it will enlarge and you can see what little detail there is.

And this is just the downstairs.

2011-03-31T15:35:00.002-03:00

My camera ran out of batteries before I started taking pictures upstais. The upstairs is just as crannied and in need of work as the downstairs, but can wait. When I get out there again and with fresh batteries, I will post the upstairs. If you read the posts in order - from #1 to #6, the layout will be clearer in your mind.

Post #6 master bedroom (someday), and looking out...

2011-03-31T14:49:00.005-03:00

This room is about 16 feet by 12 feet. Notice the nice use of an extension cord to wire the ceiling lights.

The third picture shouldn't be with this post, but I don't know how to get rid of it. It is of the room just out side the bedroom door...hopefully part of a living room soon.

Post #5 transition area.

2011-03-31T14:38:00.005-03:00

This is looking out from inside the bathroom. I don't know why it is shaped like this. Behind the old white wooden door with the latch is a 'closet', and the duct work for the cold air return. I am not sure what the intended purpose of this room was, but I really want to get the wall taken out as soon as possible!! The chimney will stay, but we need the space for the living room area.

The regular white door is going into, what we hope will be, our master bedroom.

Post #4 Hallway to the bathroom and what will be the other part of our living room AND it also leads to the 'master bedroom'.

2011-03-31T14:32:00.005-03:00

The hallway is only 26 inches wide - another good reason to knock the wall out in the living room. The bathroom is bigger than the one we have now, but in great need of fixing up. Probably the first room we will have to tackle.

the living room...for now... Post #3

2011-03-31T14:09:00.003-03:00

This is the only new window in the house, and the only one low enough for Conner and Jack to see out of. The brown display cabinet on the wall is coming out along with the entire wall. The plan is to make it one big room that will be a dining/living room. There is not enough room in the kitchen for our kitchen table. The little jog in the right corner has a brick chimney behind it and a cold air return.

The stairs were blocked in by the bank because there were no rails on them and they were trying to make them safe. Jeff says the room will seem a lot bigger once we go rid of the cow stall.

mudroom Post #2

2011-03-31T13:58:00.003-03:00

Yes, that light spot is the outside. It is very drafty right there. This area definitely needs a new floor. AND I want to move the washer and dryer to the same wall. That will require moving the plumbing. Is that possible??

Our new to us house!! Post #1

2011-03-31T13:18:00.006-03:00

OK. The pictures posted in reverse to how I put them here, but I don't know how to fix it. These are all of the kitchen and the "mudroom". I will post each area in a separate post to try and keep it all somewhat clear.

Chewing ice

2010-08-18T12:21:00.002-03:00

Do you ever chew ice? I know it's bad for your teeth, but something about the texture of it is so great. It's one of those things that you were told as a child NOT to do, but you can get away with it as an adult. A very small guilty pleasure as I listen to children cruelly tease each other, be selfish with their toys and time, and generally don't want to do what they are supposed to do. They are just like me.

There's a new man in the family.

2010-08-15T23:18:00.005-03:00

Maxwell Gregor Van Anderson

It's been so long....

2010-08-15T22:47:00.002-03:00

I can hardly believe my last post was a year and a half ago. Life moves along without you. Jack is coming incredibly close to three, Conner is gone to camp for two entire nights (!!!!) and I feel like we have time warped into having "older" kids. My hair is longer, the days seem shorter and I feel like I don't know if my efforts are very misdirected. Children whine, accusations are made, daily chores are forgotten, and school is like a giant's shadow blocking out the sun right now.

Picture posting.

2009-01-23T22:04:00.004-04:00

This was taken Christmas day. I think Mackenzie thinks she is winning. My brother Scott, and his wife Denise.

A blessing in the fall. People from our church came and reshingled our roof (in November). I got to go up and shingle some of it myself.

In my opinion, it's never too late in the year to go to the beach. This is at Lawrencetown beach on November 6th, 2008.

Everyone was happy to be there!

Pictures

2008-06-16T17:38:00.003-03:00

This first picture was looking down my driveway as we were about to pull out.
This next picture was on th eway out of the minihome park. This is the Mineville Clinic, that is about 50 metres from our church.
This is from the overpass.

Home again, home again; jiggity jig!

2008-06-15T21:44:00.003-03:00

Yay! We are back home! A hot bath and a razor, and everything seems normal. The Red Cross and the Salvation Army personnel were magnificent! They were coming at us all the time trying to meet any needs we had. They fed us, gave us baby food, diapers, flannels, stuffed animals for the kids, chocolate, games, books, and the list goes on. They were so well organized; it was easy to tell they had (unfortunately), a lot of experience at this sort of thing. One kind lady who lived in Dartmouth and was just hanging around to help, gave me a Pack 'N Play for Jack to sleep in. That was fabulous, since Jack had slept on the floor in a closet the night before, because we had no place else for him. I am joyfully anticipating getting into my bed very soon. Thanks to all who prayed for us.

Tomorrow I will post the pictures that I took, as we were leaving our home on Friday.

update

2008-06-15T15:39:00.002-03:00

OK. So we are still put out from our home, but the fire is under control and receding. It is a possiblility that they may let us in tonight. They are having another information session at 5pm that is solely for the residents of Mountainview park. It will be a long time getting home though, because they will be checking I.D.'s on everyone as they pass through a checkpoint. They have had problems already with looters, and made arrests.

Friends of ours came very close to totally losing their home, but it is fire damaged and it will be a long time before they can go home. Police are taking residents with fire-damaged homes, through on a bus, so they can see the state of their places. God has been very gracious.

Update on the fire.

2008-06-14T22:22:00.002-03:00

We were at the information session tonight at 7pm, and they told us they are water bombing around the minihome park to keep the fire from burning any closer to our homes. The disconcerting news - they stopped water bombing at 9pm, and will resume in the morning. Yikes! Next information session is at 9am. Hopefully our house is still standing then.

Fire!!!

2008-06-14T15:43:00.002-03:00

OK. We are all safe, but we have been evacuated from our home. It is slightly possble that we could lose our home. We are staying at my brother and his wife's house in Dartmouth. I cannot access my email at this time, so if you want to contact me, you will have to do so through my blog in the comments section. I brought my scrapbooks with me and the clothes on my back. Oh yeah. The kids too. :)

A camping we will go...I mean, 'have gone'.

2008-05-20T19:47:00.004-03:00

Yes, it was another wet and rainy long weekend in May, in which we decided to go camping. Hard to believe we did this again after last years debacle (that MAY be too strong of a word), but those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Yup. That's us. I am going to post this years picture, and see if I can dig through the archives and come up with an identical one from last year. Pretty sure I can. Come back if the picture is not here. I have children out of bed, baby food that needs to be frozen, a few dishes to finish, laundry that is on my bed, and another episode of LOST that I want to watch. I'll get these pics up ASAP.

I've got nothing.

2008-04-21T15:32:00.003-03:00

Sorry. Nothing to write or read, depending on which side of the computer you are on. I honestly can't think of a thing to write. The most notable occurances are that Ethan has just a box of Lego in his room and NO other toys that belong to him (don't feel sorry for him), Jack rolled from his back to his stomach on Saturday and is at it constantly now (Mom will tell you that he did it first at HER house on HER bed a couple of weeks ago), and this morning Jeff got hit with the gate at the bridge tolls while he was ON HIS MOTORCYCLE!!! Ouch.

Life is hectic around here, and I am not sure I am keeping up with it very well. I am looking forward to the end of school and lots of beach days. It is the only place to go in the early summer where there are no blackflies.

Hmmm...like I said, I've got nothing.

Shopping with your kids

2008-03-15T22:51:00.002-03:00

So we were in Frenchy's today looking for a Hawaiian shirt for my oldest, when my two year old announced loudly (like they always do) "I have to go poopoo!" So we hustle to their one tiny bathroom, which is even smaller when you crowd one adult, one two year old, and a baby in the stroller inside. The older ones are waiting outside together, but I don't have good access to the door because of the crowding issue, so while he is trying to do his business, I keep saying 'hurry up', and 'are you almost done?' This leads to a progress report by him.
C. There is a big poop.
C. That was gas.
C. That was gas some more....(BIG sigh)...my bum is ruined.

I know people outside were wondering what kind of entertainment is in that bathroom now.

Snail mail

2008-03-15T22:27:00.002-03:00

I love getting mail. You know...personal mail. There is no comparison to getting letters in the mail, to bills and advertisements for your local funeral home or roof reshingler. I forgot how much I enjoy it, until I received a wonderful note card in the mail from my good friend Jane in Ontario. What a breath of fresh air. Life was a little brighter this week.

Email isn't as exciting. Just very convenient.

Nehemiah

2008-03-01T09:26:00.002-04:00

The Bible is always relevant. I always think it is so cool when you are in a conversation and some scripture that you have been reading becomes part of the conversation. A group of us were talking about how God uses us and keeps his promises, and I couldn't help but think of Nehemiah's prayer in chapter 1, where he recounted God's promise to return His people to "the place that I [God] have chosen to set my name there." That was IF they turned to Him. God uses us where we are as long as we have a repentant heart and are willing to be obedient.

That was a short review, but I don't really like typing. If I get the urge, I'll add more later.

Shannon will have more reviews to read if you check her out. http://bookreviewfriday.blogspot.com/

One thing leads to another.

2008-02-28T12:52:00.003-04:00

So after I fed the baby this morning, I headed in to take a shower. When I got there, I realized that the two year old waited a little too long to go to the bathroom, and didn't quite make it. I went to get cleaning supplies and noticed I first needed to throw the bathmat into the washing machine. When I tried to do that, I found the washing machine still had clothes in it. When I went to transfer the clothes into the washer, I found the dryer full of clothes. When I took them out of the dryer to put them on my bed to fold and put away, I realized I hadn't made my bed yet. Soooo....after I made my bed, I got the clothes out of the dryer and onto the bed, then I transferred the clothes from the washer to the dryer, then I put the wet bathmat in the washing machine and started a load of laundry; then I went into the bathroom and cleaned the floor, and when I had done all that, I finally got in the shower. Ahhh. Relaxing. Until the washer finished it's wash cycle and started rinsing.

In sickness and in health.

2008-02-17T12:54:00.002-04:00

It hasn't been pretty. I haven't been pretty. It certainly hasn't been romantic. Valentine's Day saw me vomiting, and today, on our 18th wedding anniversary, I have a cold, a breastfeeding related infection, and ANOTHER flu - different than the one I had three days ago. This morning around 4 am I felt like I was going to spontaneously combust, I was so hot (103.7 to be exact). Jeff, sweet man that he is, has been totally worried about me, plying me with orange juice and acetiminophen. Maybe when everyone is feeling better - that means everyone at the same time - we'll go out for supper to celebrate our anniversary. I expect that will be in about two more weeks after this has passed through the entire family.

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T16:44:00.003-04:00

I think we may be done with the flu. I am the last, as of 5:30am. Good thing we got the cookies made yesterday. (The kids handled /made them - not me.)

Not everyone avoids you when you are throwing up...

2008-02-14T16:42:00.003-04:00

Defining moments.

2008-02-03T18:14:00.000-04:00

Think back...everyone has them. I have a few that changed my life and way of thinking. You can almost always answer the question, "Where were you when...?"

-I was four or five at church when they were passing out communion, and I asked Mom if I could take communion. She told me I was too young still and that I didn't understand. I didn't argue too much, but I knew I was a Christian and totally got the significance of communion. The "D" moment was realizing that I could be sure of some things even if other people didn't believe me (it wasn't her fault; what adult is going to believe a four or five year old when they tell you they understand what communion is all about?)

-I was in my first year of Bible school and was in Mr. Hoag's class, and he told us that our purpose in life was to (drumroll.....) bring glory to God. I was SO excited to hear that, because while I had been wondering for some time (even as a Christian), I hadn't asked anyone.

-Big defining moment - I realized that Jeff was the one for me, and how in the world could I have thought I wouldn't know. You just know.

-Life is short. Live with no regrets. I learned that when my Dad died, and with each funeral I have attended.

-I am so needy of God's intervention in my life. I had that moment just in the last seven years.

So many more, but who wants to read them? I know them, and that is what matters.

Christmas pictures

2008-01-15T15:35:00.000-04:00

To me, Christmas is about a six week span, depending on when Christmasy activities begin (usually November), and ending at some undertermined point after New Year. This is from a few days after Christmas day. We went to my brother and sister in law's house and had a grand ole time! We pulled taffy, played a couple of games and ate turducken. Yummy!! (Aparently it was a well kept secret by two people, that the taffy fell on the floor where the dog had been sitting, and the rest of us ate it.) ahhh. memories.

We decided not to go to the hospital this time...or the last time.

2008-01-14T20:32:00.000-04:00

Our yard is just like it should be - trampled to death by little feet, snow packed down in various areas and in various shapes. You know..snow forts, snowmen, sliding areas, snow board ramps over my garden bed (I pray for my tulip bulbs not to be traumatized by this). You get the picture. Well it's all good and well until it rains a little and then freezes a lot. Our various shapes and trampled flat areas are ice. It gives you lots of speed for sliding, but it sure does a number on your lips when you fall onto it. Our accident-prone-no-fear two year old tried to scale our small hill. Wow. I am always amazed at the amount of blood that can come from various parts of your body. He may or may not have needed a stitch. We decided a scar on the lip was not a big deal.

Now when he accidently bounced himself off of the top bunk (where he wasn't supposed to be), we thought for a short time he had a concussion. He was OK. Really. We do actually look after our children, but one of them looks a little beat up. When people stop him in the store to ask him about his "owie's", he doesn't always know which one they mean.

The smell of a little boy

2008-01-08T13:00:00.000-04:00

Did you ever notice the smell of your children? Not a smell, but their smell. (If you say , write or read that word too many times, it doesn't look like english anymore.) My two year old doesn't smell like my eight year old, and I'm sure the smell of a teenager is much different yet again.

Oh, but I love the smell of my two year old's hair, and putting my nose in his neck and sniffing - that is, when he stays still long enough. That is something I will always remember and will always miss when they get older.

Something I remember from my firstborn is when he started to crawl, and the feel of his soft hair as he brushed under my legs while exploring.
Moments. Life. God's blessings.

Funny.

2008-01-06T20:44:00.000-04:00

I just looked up the title (of the movie) from my last post, and it is about a woman in a mental institution. he he... They're coming to take me away, ha ha. To the funny farm, where things are beautiful all the time. And I'll be haapy to see those men in their clean white coats. They're coming to take me away HA HA! (Does anyone else know that song besides me?)

Girl interrupted...

2008-01-06T20:35:00.000-04:00

I think that is the name of a movie. I'm sure someone could make a movie of our lives here. Not sure what kind of review we would get, but it would definitely be a family movie.

I am the girl interrupted - interrupted by my oldest one. He is so enthusiastic about what he has to say that he rushes towards you spilling out his thoughts like an exploding bag of microwave popcorn. Mmm. Now I'm hungry again.

I am also interrupted by my youngest - many times in the night for feedings. Oh how I long for a sweet night of sleep. When we talked long ago about getting pregnant again, my husband said "you just want to have another baby." Believe me, that was not my goal. I love my children as soon as I get them (before I can even hold them in my arms), but the older they get, the more I enjoy them. And the more I enjoy a good night of sleep!

Sleeping companions.

2007-12-12T14:49:00.000-04:00

The cat has always been freaked out every time we brought home a new baby. Maybe he is getting used to them by now - maybe he is just getting old and doesn't care. The cat has an understanding though with all the kids - don't bother me and I won't bother you.

Miracles from God come in different ways

2007-11-26T16:27:00.000-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th6Njr-qkq0

Don't watch this without tissue.

Some pictures

2007-11-22T22:05:00.000-04:00

Birthdays

2007-11-22T21:56:00.000-04:00

I was worried that Jack's birth - day would mess with Mackenzie's birthday, if you know what I mean. Again God has provided, with enough energy to pull it off on a small scale. I am very glad this was a non-party year for Mackenzie. There were no expectations!

Works For Me Wednesday - getting rid of warts!

2007-11-21T10:38:00.000-04:00

I didn't believe it until we tried it, and I'm sorry I didn't take before and after pictures. My son has had warts on his finger for at least two years!! Someone from Saskatchewan (Thanks Bonnie!) told us if you use apple cider vinegar on them they will go away, and it works!! Soak a tiny square of fabric (or cotton ball) in apple cider vinegar and stick it over the wart with a band aid. His disappeared within two weeks, and we weren't totally vigilant about putting it on every night like you are supposed to. I am thrilled!! Check out http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/ for more great ideas.

The details...

2007-11-20T17:23:00.001-04:00

Jack William Harold arrived on Tuesday, November 13 th at 3:33pm. 8lbs, 10 oz, and 19 inches long. My smallest baby of them all! Everyone did well.

We arrived at the hospital on Sunday morning for an induction, only it wasn't explained to me beforehand exactly how it would work. The Progesterone they gave me on that morning caused cramping, and mini contractions that were two minutes apart, but other than mildly uncomfortable, that was all that happened. "We'll try again tomorrow" they told me, but I got a room that was 'independant stay.'

Monday, they 'tried again'. Nothing started until the afternoon. Contractions three minutes apart that got stronger as the evening came. By 8 pm I had to breathe through some of them. At 11:25 pm my water broke, and the contractions...stopped. I went to bed (at the hospital.)

Tuesday, the phone in my room rang at 6:05am. "Come down to the birth unit; we need to get things started." I was hoping they meant for real this time. By 7:45am I was hooked up to Oxytocin and on the smallest dose. Just after lunch I was one dose away from the maximum, when my contractions suddenly started again with a vengeance. By 1:40pm I had reached my pain threshold and asked for an epidural. I was so scared of that procedure I immediately started to cry as soon as the anesthetist walked into the room, but he had it in by 2pm (after the third try), and within ten minutes I was feeling relief and even dozed off. I was very much awake at 2:46pm with the need to push, and by 3:33pm Jack was born. My doctor made it with seven or eight minutes to spare.

I sent Jeff off around 4pm to go sell the car and pick up our van. (You can tell this wasn't our first child), and then I spent the next couple hours vomiting (normal for me) until they gave me this wonderful drug called Zofran - it's a drug also used for cancer patients - the Gravol they gave me only made the nausea worse.

We were in until Friday because Jack had some jaundice, but we got home just after 5pm.
Jeff had to be at a meeting, and Ethan had Tae Kwon Do at 7pm, so I took him. The next morning Mackenzie had a little ballet recital at 10am, so we all trooped down to the community centre for that. Normally our lives are very sedentary around here, but everything happens at once sometimes. I only went to church in the morning on Sunday, and we have not gone anywhere since then. Ahhh.

Sorry this took so long to post. Down time is scarce these days, and naps are precious. Right now I am nursing on my left so I can type with my right. I will post some pictures as soon as I take them off the camera. I only have the other one because Shelby sent me ones in an email, that she took at the hospital.

He's arrived!!

2007-11-18T08:54:00.001-04:00

I don't have a lot of time to write, but all is well and we are off to church this morning. Arrived home on Friday night at supper time after dealing with a little bit of jaundice. I will definitely write more later. Thank you all for your prayers!

God is never late, but He never seems to be early.

2007-11-10T22:44:00.000-04:00

I cannot type all the details of what we went through the last day or two over our car and a van, but sufficive to say, I think we may have our vehicle. At least sure enough that Jeff is DROPPING ME OFF AT THE HOSPITAL TOMORROW MORNING to go look at a van. And yes, I told him he should do this. And yes, I am praying that nothing happens while he is test driving a vehicle, like say, missing the birth of his fourth child. I'll type more later, but this seems like a God-thing the way it has worked out.

I'll post more in a few days, but maybe Jeff will post baby pictures tomorrow!!

FYI

2007-11-08T17:17:00.000-04:00

Baby Harold is going to come (I hope) on Sunday. Induction starts at 9am!! Yay!! He tried to get me in on Saturday, but we had to settle for Sunday. Sounds good to me. It may yet turn to a section, but at least they are going to give it a try the natural (?) way. We'll post pictures ASAP after the happy event.

Asking for help.

2007-11-06T14:49:00.000-04:00

Why is it so hard to ask for help? It's hard for me. Maybe not too many other people have this problem. I think - "I should be able to do this by myself." Really, it's a pride issue. Well yesterday I swallowed my pride and asked a friend for help. Crissy has offered numerous times during the last couple months, to help me with anything I needed. With the impending birth (any day now, and at the most, within the next seven days) there were things that needed doing very quickly - especially if a c-section is in the mix. I am so grateful for what we were able to do, and I know I could not have done it without her. Here's the list:
-repainted the bottom half of the baby's room to get rid of the marks on the wall
-set up the crib
-finished the part of the wallpaper border on the wall that was missing
-moved all of youngest clothes to his new dresser
-moved all of baby's clothes to the closet and dresser in "his" room
-put away all the summer clothes, jackets and shoes into the shed
-got out all the winter boots, jackets and mittens, etc and hung them in the closet
-put away some great toys in the shed for when little one gets old enough to use them
I was blessed for asking. And isn't that just the way God works?

Preparations

2007-11-06T13:49:00.000-04:00

It seems like we have been doing a lot of preparing lately; some of it long term. We prepared for the tropical storm on the weekend, the new baby coming, Gary Bigney to have his 14 1/2 hour surgery yesterday (by massive prayer), and our kids - to live in this world but not of this world. Some of it is easier than others.

I have always been a sprinter. Even in school I did well in sprints, but not long distance running. I find that when it comes to life, I am the same - good for the short distance and not so good at the long term. Thank God that He offers a solution! Romans 12:1 & 2 says that we should present our bodies as a living sacrifice which is reasonable, and that we will be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Day by day this is done. Perfect for sprinters like me.

Oh, my tangled tongue!

2007-11-05T21:11:00.000-04:00

We are perservering through Mark Twain's, The Prince and the Pauper. I am amazed that the kids ASK ME to read it to them. I mean the story is good and all, but the english is a bit challenging. Here is an excerpt: "What, thou here yet! By the glory of God, an' thou gettest not about that traitor's business, thy miter shall have holiday the morrow for lack of a head to grace withal!" p.54

The book is taking three times as long to read since almost every sentence is punctuated by "what does THAT mean?" Sometimes I can't even offer a good explanation. The scary part? People actually used to talk like that!

The big day.

2007-11-02T20:42:00.000-03:00

I had my ultrasound yesterday, and at three weeks before my due date, the baby is weighing in at 8lbs, 8oz. I have to say I was disappointed - I thought he would be bigger by now. No, really! (Actually there is a margin of error of up to 20 oz, and my doctor and I agree that he definitely isn't smaller than this number.) Anyway....I have ANOTHER appointment next Friday with a gynecologist who is going to scrrraaape my membranes, and if I don't go on my own, there will be an induction on Tuesday. I think. Of course, there is always the possibility of me going before then. HAH!! Now that would be a miracle. Honestly. And I am praying that I will NOT have to have a C-section. I keep thinking of the verse "I know the plans I have for you; plans for good and not for evil..." God knows what I can handle. We'll wait and see, and I will keep you posted. Hopefully nothing will happen during the storm this weekend!!

Fall fun.

2007-10-30T12:47:00.000-03:00

I am not on the ball like I should be, but you know, things are busy around here. At this stage, I am better doing things on the spur of the moment than planning ahead. At least at "the moment" I know I have enough energy to complete the adventure ahead. If I plan it for future, half of my gumption is used up thinking about what lies ahead!

I love decorating for fall, but my sad little decorations this year consist of a centrepiece on the table and three pumpkins and a squash on the front step. Like I said, sad.

Having said all that, I saw the cutest little kids craft, and I would love to give credit to the blogger who showed it, but I searched for almost 45 minutes trying to find her, and failed. Anyway, you can find the materials list at http://www.familyfun.com/ (http://jas.familyfun.go.com/crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=11849)We made two for $1.93 (I don't count the toilet paper because I can still use it after). The cookies we made last night (spur of the moment). The kids love to make crafts and were begging to make something yesterday. Voila. And today we are at Mom's, who has an enormous amount of leaves in her yard - perfect for raking and playing. Here is another craft that we may make today or tomorrow - http://jas.familyfun.go.com/crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=11847

Permission to sleep freely, SIR!

2007-10-30T12:36:00.000-03:00

It is getting harder and harder to have a good night's sleep these days. Combined with the fact that the kids are always here and Conner isn't always agreeable to a nap leaves me somewhat overtired some days. We are restrictive about screen time (computer/t.v.). Not as much as some I know (as in none), but they are definitely limited.

Jeff noticed, and gave me a common sense talk that they won't be ruined for life if I put on Narnia and let them watch it while I sleep. He argued that it was only for a few more weeks. If I need it, do it!

At ease, soldier! (And doesn't it feel like a military movement some days?)

Since you asked...

2007-10-26T12:06:00.000-03:00

I have an ultrasound on November 1st. That will be a determining factor on when I have the baby. Under 10 lbs but over 9lbs will mean I will be having the baby the next week by induction. If he is already over 10lbs (Yikes! But also very possible), it means I will not be able to push him out and I will book a C-section for the week of the 12th to 16th. If by some miracle, the baby is small (meaning 8lbs or less at this point), they will let me go another two weeks or so and induce before I hit the 9 1/2lb mark. My last one was 10lbs, 13 oz and it was very difficult by their standards. The one before was 9lbs, 15oz and also presented problems at the time of the delivery.

I am really looking forward to the ultrasound so I know when the happy event will take place. Please pray for God's timing, as we need to sell our car and buy a van on the same day. This is a God-sized problem and we are trusting He will meet this need.

A traditional gaelic blessing...sort of

2007-10-25T17:50:00.000-03:00

When I told people what happened, it was what came to mind first. "May the road rise up to meet you..." It wasn't a blessing for M. She was swinging with great gusto on our tree swing, and the tree happens to be on a hill in our yard. She stretched herself out and tipped her head back, and on the backswing, the hill rose up to meet her on the forehead. When she came in with blood dripping and running, I thought we were off to the emergency room again for stitches. Fortunately there was only a pencil eraser sizes cut on her head with a lot of abraisions, but home care and a thick gauze was all that was required. Stay tuned to find out who will be next...

Feeling like a failure.

2007-10-20T22:19:00.000-03:00

I am eight months pregnant and - gasp - feeling like I can't do everything I want to do! When did this happen? Jeff is always telling me to slow down, or that I try and do too much. I am upset with myself that I can't finish my son's costume to trick or treat in. (So is he for that matter.) I don't want to go anywhere. I don't have enough energy to watch all three in a crowded arena. I wanted to take them to the BIO's open house this weekend, but what would normally be a fun outing seems so daunting right now. This baby is sucking the life right out of me and it is shocking my sensibilities! The best I can do right now is sit on the couch and read to my kids. I might cry if I was the type. I feel like I am not measuring up. Jeff is picking up an awful lot of MY slack around here. Thank you Lord for an understanding and patient man!

A (partial) verse just popped into my head "God gives grace to the humble." At this point I think I need both - grace and humbleness.

How to freak out your husband with one sentence.

2007-10-20T21:09:00.000-03:00

So the other night we were talking about our kids and the one we are about to have, and I casually say, "I'd love to have seven."

His eyes popped and he almost jumped off the couch and said "WHAT?!!?" Now, this is more fantasy (and mine alone at that) than reality. I am having some health issues as a result of this pregnancy, which I have already acknowledged is my last one. Sigh. We should have started sooner. A girl can wish, can't she?

On an aside, today I was out with the three kids at the mall, and my eight month along belly, and not one person said to me, "Are those all yours?!?" Will wonders never cease?

It's all fun and games until...

2007-10-13T23:30:00.001-03:00

Conner had a nasty fall directly onto the corner of the coffee table last night. We only had to wait one hour at the IWK Children's Hospital before we got in. All I can say is I am tremendously thankful for lidocaine gel. He didn't feel a thing. Mummy just about passed out though. Six stitches and a long scar. It could have been a lot worse.

What families are made of.

2007-09-19T23:41:00.000-03:00

I soo wanted to put a picture with this post, but alas, one of my children neglected to tell me that the batteries were run down in my camera. I definitely had a Kodak moment tonight. Jeff came home from work and went outside to play Nerf football with the oldest. After a while they were all out there and having a lot of fun together. I cannot write about it and do the moment justice.
It was awesome.

Proud parent

2007-09-18T22:37:00.000-03:00

My kids wanted to go in the Terry Fox Run since last year. They talked about it, and mentioned it every month or so for a year. Finally! The sponser sheets became available. (I must admit, they were more excited about it than I, but I went along with it.) Last week, one night only, we went out looking for sponsers, and on Sunday they got a final few sponsers. The grand total? $73.50. Wow. I was REALLY proud of them when we walked the route until they were too tired. When we got back we drove the distance to see how far we walked. I could hardly believe it, but they had walked 5 kms! Double wow. Next year I may even get excited about doing it.

Back at it and busy.

2007-09-18T22:26:00.000-03:00

This is the most unprepared I have felt since I started homeschooling, but guess what? We started on time, AND our kids are learning in spite of me. I like to have my ducks in a row for things like this. I mean, it is their education at stake. Who knows - I could be teaching the next...well, someone important. But aren't they all important? For those of you out there who homeschool, can you honestly tell me you don't feel pressure to produce smarter than average kids? There's even more pressure when I have to use spellcheck - maybe I'm not cut out for this sort of thing. Oh but I do especially enjoy spending the morning with them and seeing where they are at. Motivating them and doing devotions with them and moral lessons - stuff that I glory in because I KNOW they would not get this at the public school. So what is more inportant - smart kids or spiritually mature ones. I'm not saying I'm neglecting one for the other, but let's put things in perspective here in light of eternity.

Derailed plans because of the weather...

2007-08-22T09:08:00.001-03:00

OK, so we didn't purge like crazy - we went to the beach instead. Low tide and sunshine get to me every once in awhile. The really disappointing thing is that I couldn't find one single person to join us on that beautiful morning. Their loss.

Now I didn't shirk all responsibility. When we got home we did go through clothes and some toys, and I was able to donate two full garbage bags to someone else who thinks they want more in their house. Still a long way to go. Last night we worked on a large unit that held way too much stuff anyway. Little do the kids know that this increase in space will decrease after the baby comes, and we have to put C. in there with them. Shhh. Don't tell them.

Busy day

2007-08-21T21:49:00.000-03:00

The final count...nine different kids were in and out of my house today, not including my own. And it wasn't even a birthday party. Even though I always wanted to have "THE place" where kids could come and hang and feel safe, it made for a non-stop day. It also made for a not-so -patient-by-the-time-late-afternoon/evening rolled around kind of day. I had a heart to heart with the kids at bedtime, and asked for forgiveness when I prayed in front of them. Tomorrow will be different. I hope. A hot bath, a good nights sleep (maybe), devotions first thing, and then we are going to purge like crazy tomorrow and we will all feel better! (Right?)

My amazing man.

2007-08-19T16:52:00.000-03:00

If we both get up at the same time, Jeff always lets me have a shower first. If there is a function and we can't all go because of kids bedtimes, he makes sure I go, and he stays home and puts the kids to bed. He calls me from work every day to see how my day is going. After every meal he says "Thank you. That was good.", and now the kids say it too. When I want to scrapbook he always says "Go ahead!" He often calls me from work and says "You haven't been out for awhile. Why don't you call someone and go out tonight?" He is looking after all the kids Labour Day weekend so my Mom and I can go away together for a few days. When he gets home at night he gets down on the floor and plays with the kids. He does devotions with the kids every night. He does things for me that he thinks will make me happy. He loves me very much. I am so blessed.

Excited about old things!!

2007-08-19T16:20:00.000-03:00

I love getting new old things if you know what I mean. I have a hard time buying things brand new from a store - the item is usually overpriced and cheaply made. But we got a deal last week. Jeff found a dresser on KIJIJI (online bargain hunter's paradise) and he refinished it and brought it into the house this afternoon now that it is dry. Now I feel bad that I didn't take a before picture!! Another great thing is that we had the paint - Old Village paint Historic Colors, that I bought more than eight years ago when I was still working!! Tea Caddy Green. Isn't it a fantastic color?

I DO however have a 'what we were using before' picture. Jeff did such a great job refinishing. He's amazing!!

Right now...

2007-07-21T23:44:00.001-03:00

I have four loaves of homemade bread cooling on the counter (thanks Christine N. for the recipe), I have a full jug of homemade iced tea in the fridge (thanks Charmin), my oldest is disappointed because he wanted to lose another tooth before morning so he could get some money (this would actually be a good day too - I think the "tooth fairy" has some change this time), my youngest is trying to night train, my husband is loving me in spite of myself, and I am trying to accept - with grace - the things that the Lord places in my life.

VBS

2007-07-21T20:29:00.000-03:00

Yes, that is an old fashioned term. I know someone who can't stand those letters because he believes since we deal with an unchurched generation, they have no clue as to what those letters mean. Too bad. We still use them at our church and we had a great turnout!! 12 kids made decisions to accept Christ as their Saviour!! It doesn't get any better than that! I got corraled into leading the singing again (I wasn't feeling up to it this year because of my pregnancy, but we made out OK), and the object lessons, stories, snacks and games were all well done by the other workers. God is good. All the time.

Who cares if it rains on our parade?

2007-07-21T19:53:00.000-03:00

I'm telling you, we were deluged today for the annual parade that we enjoy so much! It is in Musquodoboit Harbour (for those of you that don't live around here, you will have no idea how to pronounce that!), and we take the kids to the fairgrounds after. Well, the rides were shut down, but they still had the parade and there were lots of people there to see it!! The pictures don't do what I'm telling you about, justice. Thank goodness there were still bagpipers!! (I'm with you all the way on that one Charmin.) My only letdown was that the veterens weren't in it this year because of the weather. They still had the float, but had current armed forces on it. We still clapped and I still got choked up seeing it coming down the road.

The name of my Pastor's wife is 'Barnabas'

2007-07-05T17:28:00.000-03:00

I was visiting my pastor's wife one afternoon, and had all three of the kids with me. As usual we had a very pleasant visit together. Her mother stays with them 1/4 of the year and she was there too. The next week we were at a farewell barbq , and Judy waited until there was a group of people in the room to pass on a compliment from her mother. Now wasn't that nice? She could have told me privately, put it in a note, or not told me at all. The church needs encouragers like that, and I have to say, it was like water to a dried up plant.

Encouragement is the gift that keeps on giving. Since that day, I have thought of what she said and it has continued to encourage me. Also, in kind I have written a couple of notes myself. I have been carrying around notepaper lately so that when I have a few minutes I can jot down some words of kindness to someone who comes to mind. You should try it. It's great!

The answer no one seems to be waiting for...

2007-06-16T17:19:00.000-03:00

I guess there is no one with an educated guess out there - or no interest - or you already know. Anyway, in five months Jeff and I will be parents again!! How exciting is that??!! We just told our family and church family last week. I got almost the same question with each telling..."Was this a surprise?" It definitely was not!! I am so pleased to be carrying another life inside me, and can hardly wait until he/she starts rocking and rollin' in there! The kids are waiting to be able to feel movement too. I went out today to buy some maternity shirts at Frenchy's. I now have three shirts all told. Not a lot of choice, but at least they cover my belly!

T minus 5 and counting (months that is)

2007-06-14T10:08:00.000-03:00

Can you figure out what I'm saying???

Camping

2007-06-05T18:58:00.000-03:00

They say that your body expends the most energy trying to get warm (if it's cold). I'm thinking it is true - I lost more than a pound while we were away and it was only four days. We ate well, but it was COLD! Snowflakes were even seen at one point! I forgot Conner's coat and all the food I had ready in the freezer, but we managed. So glad we had another experienced couple with us.

We had great campsites and saw some beautiful scenery. Jeff and Rob did some repelling to get to Amythest Beach where they actually brought back some amythest (that was totally unplanned).

I got the pictures developed and Jeff said he felt cold just looking at them. Can't wait to get them in an album - and yes, I do have 2006 done.

Out of milk, but we sure have eggs.

2007-06-05T10:28:00.000-03:00

Have I mentioned how busy Conner is? Yesterday he was trolling for milk, and we were out until I could run to the store last night. While I was down in our bedroom (and his) doing some tidying, he was looking for milk. Now when I went to the kitchen I didn't take a picture - the thought crossed my mind for a microsecond, but I didn't feel like it was a Kodak moment inside. It was more of a "I am so tired of cleaning!" moment. Especially when I wondered how long the fridge door had been standing open, or just how far under the refrigerator the egg was running - or if he had cracked open more than one.

We have been moving things around in the house - everyone has a different bedroom now, but there is residual cleanup that needs to be done after all this. I was just telling Jeff that I could cheerfully put everything from the "piles", in garbage bags right now. Sigh. I feel like I am dragging weight s around on my feet these days.

On a brighter note, we got a new to us couch at a yard sale last Saturday! We are so pleased with it. It is like brand new - burgundy. Certainly a huge improvement over our country blue couch and loveseat that we have had since we got married over 17 years ago! I will take a picture and put it up with this post later, when the day doesn't seem so overwhelming.

Sick, sick, sick.

2007-05-19T22:45:00.000-03:00

Like I was reading in Shannon's blog http://watchthesky.typepad.com/my_weblog/ , Mom's aren't really allowed to be sick and it causes a great deal of upheaval when you actually are. I have had a brutal cold since Wednesday and am coming out the other side of it now. Every night I get a heartfelt "I hope you're feeling better" from my kids. Maybe it's because I've been so grouchy. Top five things that are very difficult to do when you are so plugged, no one recognizes your voice:
#1 Eat a meal (and breathe at the same time without choking on your food)
#2 Drink. (Same scenario)
#3 Brush your teeth. (Ditto)
#4 Sit quietly next to your husband on the couch (the TV is never loud enough to cover the noises)
#5 (Drumroll please...) Sleep at night. Thank goodness for Vicks!!

The "B" word.

2007-05-01T16:49:00.000-03:00

I have often heard people use the word "busy" in referring to their children, and have also thought (through observation) that it was synonomous with "discipline issues". But here I am using it for Conner. Conner is BUSY with all capital letters. I try and look at him objectively to see if it is badness or busyness - I would hate to get them mixed up. When he is trying to see just how to unlock the door, I do believe it is twofold. One, he is mechanically inclined, and two, he wants to go outside. At very nearly two, he doesn't understand that he can't go outside at every whim and thought. Busy.

A few nights ago I had nightmares all night. Nightmares of a busy boy doing his normal curious things. These were 'sit up in bed gasping' kind of nightmares. A busy boy trying to reach a toy in a very full tub and drowning. A busy boy placed next to the door in the car and trying to figure out how the doorhandle worked while the car was at top speed. Every scenario ended badly. One with me dialing 911 to say my child had been electrocuted. By morning I was exhausted and wondering if he would actually live to see two. I also woke up praying - praying that I would be vigilant. Praying that God would take care of His own and reaffirming, that while these children are in my care, they do not belong to me. Children are a blessing from the Lord. Now there is a great "B" word.

Cause and effect

2007-04-23T09:57:00.000-03:00

Since Shannon gave me the boot this morning, I thought I would put something down. I enjoy reading everyone else's blog more than I enjoy writing my own. That's because mine are not that interesting, but for anyone looking for the mundane details of our life...Getting back to the title- if Shannon gives me a reprimand, then I post. If Conner bends Jeff's arm back on his NEW glasses (1st pair in six years), they break off!!! If I fail to teach my kids to walk in the ways of the Lord and place more importance on the three "R's", then I get unruly kids that I am not proud to take anywhere. Hmmm. Life seems to be at a crossroads these days. Every decision seems to be a huge one that will affect lots of things down the road. I'm not very clear today. My thoughts are kind of muddied. If I get things cleared in my mind I will try again. For now, you'll have to suffer with my ramblings that need deciphering.

family life

2007-03-26T17:40:00.000-03:00

Well, it has been a long time (again), but I still feel that I don't have much that is noteworthy. Bev is home from Montreal (Yay!), we are done the 'Rhonda' skits at church http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=40daysskits (fun, but also "Yay!"; Monique, you are such a great friend! I love watching that last outtake on the final skit because it shows our friendship and the fun we had), and we are done the small group in our home using the material we had (YAY!!!!). If we do continue, it will definitely be a BIBLE study format. (I miss my old small group.)

Last week we also got to spend an evening having a blast from the past! Brad and Shelby Somers are newly arrived in Halifax and are starting inner city ministries there http://paxnorth.ca/. We spent over three hours visiting with them and their five kids and I have to tell you it wasn't long enough. Shelby was my roomate my first year of NBBI, and Jeff and Brad hung out some there too. We haven't seen them since we left over 17 years ago!!

We had 10 people get baptized at our church on Sunday and I have to tell you it was so great! That is such an poor word to describe what it was like, but it was God amazing. It was kind of funny too because we had to rent a hot tub to do it, and some people found it to be quite a tight fit! I don't have any pictures of it, but maybe we will get some on our church web site.

My scrapbooking is slow going - I am up to the end of August. Oh yeah. I have quit selling Creative Memories. I couldn't keep up with my home commitments and the phone commitment that was needed to maintain the business. I got my money's worth (Jeff's money's worth) out of it, and we definitely came out ahead. I feel better without that pressure, but I will miss teaching classes. I am officially done at the end of April.

update

2007-03-15T22:59:00.000-03:00

I wish I had something a little exciting to post, but I am just confessing that I am behind in my scrapbooking goal. I am only just finishing up July, so if I wanted to be up to date, I should be on November or December by now. Ah well. There will always be more pictures. I will ALWAYS be behind in this department!

Our Winter Carnival at the church was so much fun, and I have a few pictures to post...I just wish they would go where I put them!! Also, I was in a skit at church that is on YouTube, about a new Christian trying to find her purpose. Check it out if you have a good connection for your computer.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=PTAVYx8OZjA

Things that make me happy...

2007-02-18T20:52:00.000-04:00

With no other introduction:
1. My personal relationship with my Saviour Jesus Christ
2. Seeing my husband walk through the door at the end of the day
3. The privilege of being a stay at home mom
4. My kids
5. Being content and realizing it
6. Having a friendship with my Mom (I love you Mom!)
7. My friends

Queen for a day, or, down the laddder depending on who you are!

2007-02-18T20:31:00.000-04:00

I was down the ladder, and Mackenzie was queen for the day. That's a funny way of putting it too because when I am in the middle of my day-to-day responsibilities I am not feeling much like a queen. Anyway, twice I had heard from my son, "you get to do whatever you want!" I decided to let them test that theory by letting them each take a turn doing what I do for the day. It was funny, painful, revealing, relaxing (for a short amount of time), and a small source of wonder and pride.

I had made up a list of things I absolutely have to do each and every day. I put no extras on the list. She actually made out quite well. Lunch was sparse, but we ate and she did the dishes, she recruited me to "help" make supper, and she even changed a poopy diaper! It makes me realize that if there was an emergency, my kids could handle the homefront for that time. It was painful for me to walk through the house after an hour and NOT start cleaning up, but I let it be. I read a book until it was time for me to do "school", and the most painful thing of all was, I didn't make my bed because she didn't remind me!! I wish I had taken a picture of the place, but I'm sure it looks bad at times when I take care of things.

Some of my bad habits were revealed to me when she said things like: "Can I eat breakfast in the living room like you?" Anyway, we both learned something on Wednesday. I hope it sticks.

We're cooking with heat now!

2007-02-13T21:16:00.000-04:00

I have a brand new stove!! Isn't that exciting?? I love to bake and have had my hands tied for a few days in that department. My oven went on Friday so I ruined four loaves of brown bread, a cinnamon coffee cake, and supper. (The cake was in the oven before I even got the loaves out of the pan - I didn't know; and supper, well I had no alternative at that point.) Anyway, I am back in business again, and I was pleased to see that it wasn't too scary under the old stove when we pulled it out tonight. Nothing very newsworthy in this post, but hey - I am excited for myself!

Weaknesses.

2007-02-13T10:23:00.000-04:00

I'm glad I have them. (Well, not all of them.) When I get on the scale to weigh myself, I am definitely not glad for my weaknesses. But they definitely can have the ability to make us depend on the Lord. Last night we had our first small group here at the house. I have to admit I was nervous. That is my weakness. Telling people about the Lord is hard for me - oh, not inside the walls of our church, but doing a cold call.

I invited four people to come, and it took me all day and a promise to God before I actually did it. (Never mind that I was supposed to do it last week or before even then.) There were people showing up here that I had never laid eyes on - and some people that didn't know the Saviour.

God was in control of last night. He had a purpose for each one of us that was there. The Word was spoken and everyone listened. Some even had soul questions after.

2 Corinthians 12:9 says: And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

I glory in my weakness!! The power of Christ was upon me!!

My Dad

2007-02-13T10:17:00.000-04:00

I was thinking about my Dad today...well, everyday, and how his life affected other people. When my Dad died suddenly ten years ago and they did the autopsy, the report said that his heart was enlarged. That report was something I already knew - my Dad had a big heart. And if you asked the two or three hundred people that attended his funeral, they would have all said they knew that too.
I miss my Dad.

Talk about pressure!

2007-02-11T20:53:00.000-04:00

When I saw Shannon's link back to my blog I felt compelled (ne:pressured) to post a picture for anyone to look at - I'm just kidding. So here it is... (and here is Shannon's blog link : http://watchthesky.typepad.com/my_weblog/

I need to figure out how she did that tidy link to mine with just my name.)

Snacks

2007-02-07T16:48:00.000-04:00

This could be about so many things (and I may expand on it later), but right now it as all about snacks for small groups tonight. My mouth is watering already. I love looking forward to food! (Everything in moderation, right Mom?)

Wow! Were you there???

2007-02-03T22:01:00.000-04:00

OK. I know that not everyone could be in Lower Sackville this weekend for the Servant's Conference at Temple Baptist (now Stone Ridge Community Church) but man, if you weren't there you missed something great!! Daniel Henderson from Minnesota spoke on praying. It was amazing, and boy have I ever been missing the boat!!

He had these little zingers that were big enough to stick in your craw for a good long time like: "If we would seek His face, we would receive His hand." Translation: we are always asking God for things - 'open your hand God, and bless me' types of prayers. He delights in us. I know none of this is rocket science but it was piercing times for sure. I will post more when I look over my notes and organize them, but I had to put something down before I went to bed.

And I am sorry Shannon, but I did not read 2 Timothy even once!! I am on Haggai though.

Personal best!!!!

2007-01-27T23:00:00.000-04:00

I have done 20 pages in my scrapbook since last Friday!! I can see my goal in sight - I am working on April (of last year) and need to have it done by the end of this month to stay on track!! I am so pleased. I was so behind last year I hated to take pictures. Now I feel like I can do it. And, by the way, I am enjoying it very much.

Life in the fast lane...I ramble...

2007-01-25T17:34:00.000-04:00

Now I'm not saying that it is going so fast that I want to get off, but that the days are flying by. I mean, it is the end of January as we know it - never to return. The kids had swimming lessons today and life is pretty good. I was able to have the car today (a rare occurence). Now the price to be paid for that one was that I missed Just For Mom's this morning. BUT I got a haircut - somehow Conner sat still in the shop while I got it done, I got to go to the Bulk Barn, two second hand shops, the meat store, Kent (might just be my favourite store), and a cappuchino from Tim Horton's with gift certificates!!

Kent is even better than Canadian Tire. I got paper for scrapbooking and paint samples for our living room and bedroom. It's fun to be creative. What do you think?

Funniest Home Videos...

2007-01-23T22:36:00.000-04:00

Do you ever watch America's Funniest Home Videos and laugh when someone gets hurt? (I don't watch it, but I have seen it on occasion.) Sometimes when I read other people's blogs, it feels like that. And then I feel a little guilty. And then I feel better. Guilty, because that horrifying incident that happened to them with their two year old sounds like something out of a comedy show and it makes me smile. Better, because then I know my life is normal and that those kinds of things happen to most moms AND MY LIFE IS NORMAL - in some weird, mother sort of way. I wonder if someone taped my life at home if anyone would laugh (in a good way)....

Conner and the cat

2007-01-23T10:47:00.001-04:00

The two of them don't always get along, although Stimpy has learned that when Conner is running towards him like a freight train, he usually swerves at the last minute. Sometimes it seems like a game of chicken and I am not always sure which of them is going to move first. Yesterday was Conner's turn to get out of the way, but he didn't...(click on the image to see a closer view)

Scrapbooking challenge

2007-01-23T10:29:00.000-04:00

I love to scrapbook, but you wouldn't know it by my album. As of this past Saturday, there was not one picture from 2006 in an album. My goal - get them all in (I had them all printed and in order) by the end of March. That means I have to do four months of pictures each month to keep on track. Possible, if I don't get too fussy, and I can do it!! Here is last nights effort which I am thrilled with!!

My apologies

2007-01-22T17:51:00.000-04:00

Sorry everyone - here I was feeling sorry that no one ever leaves comments and I just found some that have been there from October!! I don't know where they have been all this time (they were supposed to be directed to my email). I didn't delete them as you will see them appear now. Told you I was slow on this thing.

P.S. The picture is totally unrelated, just there for interest sake!

Nothing new under the sun

2007-01-19T23:26:00.000-04:00

We have been studying Ecclesiastes in our small groups on Wednesday nights and it has finally drawn to an end (the studying of the book AND that small group - sigh!). I love small groups and I love OUR small group, but alas, our church has plans to grow in spite of me and therefore is enlarging the numbers of small groups exponentially. We used to have three and now we have 26 people signed up to have groups in their homes. Can you believe it???!!! It's funny how you wish for what you had, but know you may never go back, or if you do, it's not the same. And if you are honest, what you have now may be even better than before. (I may never admit that one.)

I read the book of Ruth for book review Friday, and in a nutshell, what stood out to me is how humble Ruth was. She took instruction, she was obedient, she didn't complain, she put herself out there for others - all characteristics I do not have. Later I will post a link to the main 'Book Review Friday", but is too late for me to figure that one out right now.

Tonight Jeff and I watched the Sydney Poitier movie Guess Who's Coming To Dinner. It was great, and very risque for the 60's. Scott Kohler, I know you have probably seen this, and if you haven't , you should!!

I am planning on being a little more current with my posts. Sorry if this is dry. I will add pictures for future entertainment. Nobody has ever told me I was interesting to read.

I wish I could figure out how to put pictures where I want them!! Sorry I am so illiterate when it comes to blogging.

Christmas is coming, the turkey is...GONE!!

2006-12-23T21:34:00.000-04:00

Can you believe it? Christmas Eve-Eve and there is no turkey (or chicken) - at least that we can find. It was kind of funny actually. My Mom received a chicken a couple of months ago from a friend who raises them, and when she went to the freezer to get it for me to take home tonight- it was g-o-n-e gone! All that we can come up with is she must have left it at her friends house (which is two hours away) when she came home. Hmmm. Either that or there is a chicken snatcher on the loose. Mom had to make an emergency trip to the Superstore in that madness to get a turkey for Monday's dinner.

On the more fun side ( I really want to say 'funner' but I know that it's just wrong!) , we went to a Christmas Eve (eve) service at my brothers church tonight, and the kids got to perform with Elvis on the platform - how's that for non-traditional? At the end, the choir sang a very powerful song about Jesus coming and that we will celebrate in the sun. It was amazing. They had about twenty kids signing (ASL) the chorus and the end of the song and I'll tell you it was fantastic! I wish they had done an encore of that song. I'd go tomorrow again just to hear that last song. There was also candle lighting during the service and everyone held their candles up to light the entire church. Wow. I wish I had pictures, but I don't. I was a little concerned for the lady with the shoulder length hair in front of Mackenzie, but she escaped singeing. Maybe I can take a few from my brother if they don't "belong" to the church for business purposes.

Good grief!!

2006-12-12T13:21:00.000-04:00

I can't believe I haven't published in six weeks! Sorry about that. I get frustrated when I keep returning to my favorite blogs and don't find anything new on them. I have this so I can keep people updated on the comings and goings of this household without having to bug anyone with emails (or me having to write them). This way, if you're interested you can look, and if you're not - don't!

Christmastime!! I love it. In fact that is what has been keeping me so busy lately. I will post some of my pictures.

Better late than never

2006-11-01T17:54:00.000-04:00

I am a last minute type of girl, and I do say it again - better late than never - especially if the kids are involved. They would rather do the thing late than have missed out. They asked me yesterday if they could have a Halloween party. Now I don't particularly subscribe to all the Halloween goings on, but any excuse to have a party, right?

We already had two friends coming over today and there are always neighbourhood kids hanging around here, so why not? I had a cake already made (well, it was ALMOST made) and about thirty minutes of brainstorming and work brought forth a few ideas. All in all, I think it went well, although I didn't poll the kids yet!

The old needle through the finger trick

2006-10-30T12:34:00.000-04:00

I was trying to put in a warning before the picture, but I'm not sure I have figured out how to do that yet!
Do not look at the picture if you are faint of heart!

I was sewing a costume for Mackenzie today and my pointer finger went under the needle of the machine, which broke off, and embedded in the bone. Fortunately my Mom was around because she had to use pliers to remove it. Also fortunate because she was able to take these pictures!! (When you blog, you think about these things sometimes.)

This is not the first time I have done this, sad to say, but the last time it was in a different spot and it bled a lot more. I took the band aid off tonight and it doesn't look too bad. The nail has a few lumpy spots in it now. It is going to take about six weeks for that to grow out!

Halloween craft with the kids

2006-10-27T15:23:00.000-03:00

I know some people frown on Halloween, and I am not going to address that at all, but I do like fall crafts, piles of leaves and carving pumpkins (to name a few). We did the cutest craft with glass jars that were going to the recycle depot!! We put tea lights in them, and at night they are glowing lanterns. They are so warm and inviting. I will take a picture of them as they are, and will try and get one at night, but I never can figure out how to take night pictures without the flash going off! I hope you like them. If you can't figure out the directions, let me know - they are super simple!!

Life at home

2006-10-27T15:15:00.000-03:00

Sigh. I am home. Where would I rather be? New Brunswick, travelling with a friend, but I am doing the responsible thing rather than the thing I really want to do. Not that the responsibilities I have are things I am trying to avoid, but the grass was much more green and lush on the other side of the fence!

So, now that I am home, this afternoon we are going to the library bus, and I am going to my favourite Christmas craft fair at the Sportsplex tonight, tomorrow morning I am helping a friend with a sales event, in the afternoon I am going to play with the kids and finish sewing Mackenzie's costume, and Sunday morning I am going to do the Sunday School opening that I am supposed to be doing! That's not so bad, is it?

God is good. All the time.

The lake water is cold in October!

2006-10-17T21:43:00.000-03:00

After the first dunking

Ethan and Mackenzie both decided to get baptized! We were excited for them to take this step of obedience and I was pleased that they were able to do it in the lake!
When the pastor was talking, three ducks swam right behind where they were standing. They were glad that they were baptizing children so they wouldn't have to go out in the water very far.

Never leave your one year old unsupervised for more than 30 seconds at a time!

2006-10-03T21:18:00.000-03:00

So every day we have been in the habit of sending Conner to the bathroom with his dirty laundry to put it in the hamper. Today I did it and heard strange noises that didn't sound like clothes going into a hamper. Upon running to the bathroom I see that he has lifted the lid on the toilet and is dipping up and down with a blanket. Thankfully everyone flushes after each use.

Phew! That was a close one!

2006-10-01T21:05:00.000-03:00

I missed feeling guilty and inadequate by one day! Isn't that great? (There are only 30 days in September - not 31.)

I'm being haunted!

2006-09-30T22:12:00.000-03:00

No, this is not a Hallowe'en themed post. Yes, I am being haunted. Does anyone out there read Oswald Chambers? Well pardon me for saying so, but if you don't, you should. God had used this man in a powerful way. His lectures were recorded and put into a book in bite sized form called My Utmost For His Highest.

Now, it is definitely meaty teaching, and not a drop of milk to be found anywhere. And so I come back to being haunted...Oswald Chambers said (under June 2nd):

The Psalmist says we are to be haunted by God. The abiding consciousness of the life is to be God, not thinking about Him. The whole of our life inside and out is to be absolutely haunted by the presence of God....If we are haunted by God, nothing else can get in, no cares, no tribulations, no anxieties. We see now why our Lord so emphasized the sin of worry. How can we dare to be so utterly unbelieving when God is round about us? To be haunted by God is to have an effective barricade against all the onslaught of the enemy.

Well, I in fact, wish I was being more haunted. I am being haunted by a verse in Proverbs though. Proverbs 17:1 to be exact. "Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting with strife." Or how about 'Better a few clods of dirt and crumbs on the floor with peace, than a perfectly clean house with a cranky woman looking for accolades.'

Nuff said.

A Proverb a day keeps the devil away!

2006-09-30T21:44:00.000-03:00

That's what Pastor Hicks used to say! I don't know if it keeps the devil away but it sure brings me closer to the Lord in my walk. I can tell when I am doing devotions like I should, because the Lord convicts me all the time! None of this before bedtime prayer of "Lord, forgive me for the sins I committed today - You know what they are." Un-uh! No way! The Lord speaks loud and clear and there is no question as to whether or not what I did ten seconds ago was wrong.
Praise God for His living, breathing Word that is "sharper than any two-edged sword" and divides the thoughts and intents of my heart. Wow. He really cares about me.

I'm bored

2006-09-30T21:33:00.000-03:00

OK, I'm actually never bored, but when you can't do the thing you want to do, then it often turns into "What SHOULD I be doing, really?" Well, I don't want to do that either, so this is avoidance. "And about time" some may be thinking since it has been three weeks since I last posted. Oh yes, I have drafts, but I find everyone else's blogging far superior to my own. Oh well.

Life has continued on as it was before, with a few more secrets for me to keep (none of them mine I'm afraid), and a new ministry in the church. My friend and I are leading the Sunday's Cool opening at our church. It's only fifteen minutes, but my it takes a lot of planning! Some people thought we did such a good job on vacation bible school that we should continue by doing the Sunday's Cool opening. It's fun, and I enjoy the time we spend together planning and I pray we are reaching out to kids hearts. Maybe I will have a picture to post of us doing our thing for the Lord.

He's at it again...

2006-09-08T08:57:00.000-03:00

OK. I only have two eyes on my head and it can't be everywhere at once. Who left the Rice Crispies out anyway??!!