A 3-celebrations Day...Today as we drive home we will be remembering THREE special events...First... My Auntie Pauline's birthday is today! She is my mom's little sister, but you'll have to ask her if you want to know her age... My auntie Pauline and I had a very special relationship growing up. She always lived quite a ways away, but I knew when she came to visit (or when we visited her) that I'd be treated like a princess. She did my hair up, painted my fingernails and always treated me in a special way. When I was a teenager and interested in make up she is the one that taught me how to use it (with moderation) and what colours would compliment my skin tone. When Auntie Pauline and her family were visiting, it was always fun. On the telephone she and my mother are very difficult to distinguish between. What wonderful memories I have of my Auntie Pauline!  Second.... It is Jeffrey and my 11th Anniversary. Wow! 11 years! I can hardly believe it has been 11 years. I look back to the day we were married. Sometimes it feels like just yesterday my Dad walked me down the asile towards my waiting groom... Other times if feels like we've been married FOREVER... (in a good way, of course!) As I reflect on the past 10 years I am amazed at how much we've grown and changed as individuals and as a family. I could never have predicted, 11 years ago, that we'd be as we are... I think I expected the children to come, but to have worked as a pastor and wife in three churches, to have six pregnancies, to be on our way to the missionfield, to be homeschooling, on and on and on... wow! In 10 years God has done so much in our lives. How much more does He have in store for us in the next 10 and more years? I am excited to see how much He is going to work through us and change us to be to His Glory!  Third... It is the 7th anniversary of my son's open heart surgery. The beautiful (handsome), smart, funny, thoughtful boy I see before me is such a miracle. Six years ago today I sat, along with my husband and both of our parents, in a little waiting room. I took a book to read, but couldn't concentrate on it. I took crocheting to do, but my fingers didn't seem to want to work the hook properly. I took a notebook but my mind was blank to write. All I could think of was the little tiny baby lying in the operating room fighting for his life. God pulled him through in the most amazing way - more perfectly then we could have imagined! Today as I pull him close and feel his heart beating strongly against me I praise my God once again for His gift - the gift of a son.  So, it's a big day today! Celebrate with us as we remember God's goodness and mercy.  It's KNOT here anymore!My poor daughter (4) has inherited a problem from me -- her hair is so fine that it KNOTS and TANGLES very badly. I can empathize with her tears! We've tried conditioner and spray in tangle spray, but it still seems to be be painful for her.... so I've CUT IT OFF! I sat her down and took six inches off her hair! It's still long enough to braid or put into pony tails, but I'm hoping it will help with the tangles to get some of that fine baby hair off the bottom. I really love long hair but the tears and pain just isn't worth it. Hopefully as it grows out again it will be thicker and easier to manage.In the mean time, I think she looks pretty cute -- it actually makes her look older! (well... except for the dirty face)   A Magnetic PersonalityMy daughter, at 4, seems to have a magnetic personality.When she goes outside all the neighbourhood children just seem to be attracted to her! Today she wanted to play with playdough that she and I had made yesterday. We set up her little table outside under the tree. She brought out two chairs -- "Just in case someone wants to play with me" She said.  Sure enough, within about 5 mins there was another little girl outside with her.... and in 5 more mins she was inside getting more chairs....  10 mins later she asked for more playdough since their wasn't enough for everyone.... Then another table and more chairs... then more playdough! She attracted 12 neighbourhood kids to come and play with her -- even giving up her own seat and playdough to make sure that everyone had some. I was so proud of her! They all played so well together, sharing and enjoying the shade.  Meeting the Dad behind the Legend!Tonight, following my sons soccer game, we took the children out for ice cream. To our surprise Walter Gretzky, father of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, came into the line just behind us! We got our ice cream and had a chance to talk to Walter - to my frustration, it was the first soccer game that I'd not brought along my camera! My son came home and looked up the stories that we have of Wayne Gretzky -- it's amazing how much interesting those stories are when they come alive!Walter and Wayne Gretzky together
 "The Great One" Himself -- Wayne Gretzky  A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words PRAYER REQUESTAs we continue on with our pre-field assignments and raising support, it is becoming increasingly more clear that we will not be able to properly complete our tasks and raise our support by January if my hubby continues to work a full time job as well. We are trying to reduce our living expenses as much as possible so that our income can go directly into missions related activities instead of housing, hydro, etc. We are currently living in a three story town house (it's been very nice, lots of space) but we would like to give it up and move to a place that is smaller (Preferably furnished so we can get rid of our furniture now instead of later), and much much cheaper. It would only be temperary housing (leaving in January, we hope).So, the request is this -- that God will allow a place for us to move into temporarily so that my husband can quit his job and we can go full time support raising... or that He would provide alternate funding so we will stay where we are and still go full time support raising.... or that He would move in some other way that we haven't imagined so that our support can be brought up to the necessary level. God often moves in ways that we never thought, so I don't want to limit Him by my own limitations! Thank you for your prayers! Outdoor FUNGirls Day OUTI have some special girl friends - we've know each other since grade school. We planned a special day today -- just us Girls. Thankfully the grandparents were gracious when called upon for babysitting today!Two of us scrapbook (Laura and I) and Catherine is interested in learning, so we headed to a local store for the morning and enjoyed sharing our pictures with each other. We then headed down town to a little cafe that was new to all of us... and enjoyed a delicious lunch together -- with NO kids! Imagine that! What a wonderful refreshing time to catch up on each other's lives. I really can't remember the last time I did that. We sat and talked until it was time to pick up the children -- we were each reluctant to leave. What a blessing to have good "old" friends. (we've been friends over 20 years - that's hard to imagine, and really makes me feel old!)  Prayer Cards Have Arrived!It seems like we've been waiting since February for them -- and finally they are here! Our new prayer cards have arrived! We officially ran out of the old ones about two weeks ago, so the timing couldn't be better -- God's timing is always perfect, isn't it??If you've been waiting for a prayer card - let me know, I'll get one off to you. If you have our old one and want a new one (with the whole family) let me know and I'll get one off to you, too :) Thank you to all of you who pray for us so regularly. Your prayers give us strength. It is such a blessing to know that we are upheld at God's throne. Happy Birthday, Moe!My nephew has turned SEVEN and we went along today to help him celebrate!  VBS Wrap UpIt's been a fun and busy week with VBS!Today was the big "wrap up" for the week -- and it was water night! The kids had so much fun with a water fight, water hockey and the ultimate water slide. It was a little cool, but that didn't stop them from getting as wet as they could! The children are exhausted (and so are many of the leaders) but it was a good week. Thank you to those who prayed! Summer EXTRAVAGANZAIt's VBS time at our church this week! I'm the Grade 2 & 3 teacher and my husband is one of my helpers. I'm SO excited to be able to be a part of it -- I love VBS! I've really missed teaching the children and being involved in this way, so I'm really looking forward to sharing the Gospel with them. My eldest will be in my class, and my Mother has offered to care for the baby during the running time -- what a sweet lady!Pray with me for the hearts of the children who come. Pray that they will be open to the Gospel and that the Holy Spirit will grant understanding. Pray that the message is clearly presented. Praise HIM for this opportunity. In Uniform - In UnisonAfter a busy work week my hubby needed some peace and quiet today as he prepared his message and heart for speaking tomorrow. When my parents "dropped in" on us in the morning (with strawberries!) the children and I hitched along with them for the day - they are so kind! There was a bit of a party happening down town, so we went to check it out. My children saw a marching band close up and my son was amazed by the drummers quick movements! He did come home and practice...  An Intern PositionWe are blessed to have been asked to work as Intern Pastor and wife for the summer in an active little church who's senior pastor has recently retired. They are in the process of hiring a new pastor and need someone to step in for a short while. What an honour to be asked! My husband is so excited to be planning and preparing sermons again - it is truly his joy and passion! As he stood in the pulpit and spoke to the congregation I could see the light in his eyes. God always knows just what we need -- not just to sustain us, but also to encourage us, and this is an encouragement! It will be a busy summer as he works full time, interns and also works on missions stuff, but he is a hardworking man and I know he can do it. I am so greatful that he steps up to a challenge.Please pray for him as he plans to speak - that God will touch this congregation through him. Happy CANADA DAY!!HAPPY CANADA DAY!!
Today we celebrate Canada's 141st Birthday. Since my hubby had to work, the kids and I met my mom and Aunt downtown and we walked along the river, enjoying the day, the company and the scenery. It was just delightful! The children were SO well behaved. My son later told me that his favourite part of the walk was seeing a Mother duck and her 8 little babies right up close as the swam down the river, and waddled up for a break and a snack. He walked with a camera, taking pictures and making mini movies of everything he saw. At the end of the walk we had 87 pictures.... good thing it's a digital camera! Along with the 87 pictures.... I came back with a pretty good sunburn on my neck and arms. The children escaped with nothing, but the baby got a little tiny burn on the tops of his feet around his shoes. I forgot to reapply that sunscreen!  We did have RED foods for lunch and supper and after our walk we enjoyed watching on tv the festivities that were going on at Capital Hill. I AM A PROUD CANADIAN And if the Devil doesn't like it he can sit on a TACK!Friday morning the baby had a doctors appointment and a needle (he's been sick for about a month now). Early Saturday morning we took a sobbing 4 year old into the emergency room to discover that she has a severe double ear infection -- AGAIN. Saturday evening the baby took a tumble down cement outdoor steps, scraping his forehead and swelling all the way down his nose......This morning we were to drive 3 1/2 hours to visit in a church for the day. If ever there was a Sunday that I felt like staying home and not fighting with cranky kids, this was this was the one. As I looked back over the past few days I realized that if it were only ONE of these things I wouldn't think twice about going - but everything combined had left me tired, cranky and wanting to stay at home. My hubby encouraged me. Perhaps the Devil is trying to keep us home for some reason.... I am SO glad that we all went! After an enjoyable Sunday school and service (in which the baby actually went into nursery and was willing to stay), we headed to a church members home for lunch. The family who hosted us is a homeschooling family with 8 children ages ranging from 23 down to 6. Six of them still live at home. What an Amazing family! The children were so thoughtful and kind, taking my children right away and making them feel comfortable and right at home. I felt taken in as well as I was greeted with a hug and a smile. I spent the afternoon basking in the warmth and knowledge of this experienced Mom. I hope I didn't drive her crazy with all my questions! What a wonderful, unexpected blessing!! I left feeling energized, encouraged, blessed, and amazed again - God always knows just what I need. I'm so glad we went. The Rain is falling all around, it rains on fields and trees......The rain is falling all around,It rains on fields and trees, It rains on the umbrellas here, And on the ships at sea! AND it rains on our heads, and our stroller and our library books.... We wanted to head out to the library today, but the weather forecast predicted thundershowers for the morning. We decided to go AFTER the showers passed, so we waited.... and waited.... and waited. The sky was beautiful blue with wisps of fluffy white clouds. Not a rain drop in sight, and the warm air was enticing! Finally, at 2pm we decided to make the 20 min walk down to the library - seems like the rain wasn't coming after all. Half way there and we saw one of the biggest bolts of lightening I've ever seen in my life, followed imediatly by a deffening thunder clap.... and with no preamble the rain began to pour out of the sky. There was nowhere to duck, and no where to hide. Within seconds we were drenched to the skin! Should we continue on, or turn back? The children voted to continue, so we hurried on towards the library. As we slipped into the doors we made wet tracks directly to the bathroom to wring out our hair and clothes. What a giggle we all had! The warm air insured that we were not chilly and we dried off fairly quickly. It's always an adventure! My 4 year old daughter picked out her 5 books - 4 of which had to do with puddles and rain. What a wonderful way to learn!   FATHER'S DAYHAPPY FATHERS DAY!!
Just a few pictures today. I wanted to get a photo of my children with Jeff's Dad, and Jeff with his Dad, but in the hustle and bustle of Saturday getting ready for the wedding, and then his Dad headed to work at 8am on Sunday, it just completely slipped my mind.... so it's a goal next time we head down to visit them! Here are my children with my Father.....  My Father and Me (do you see a resemblance?)  And Jeff with our children  In Sickness or in health.... In Cuba or in Canada!My husband's cousin, Brianne, had a wedding reception today. The actual wedding was held in CUBA - with many of the family members present. At the reception tonight they showed a beautifully done video of the wedding - it was SO romantic! :)
 Birthday BoyI just can't believe my son turned SEVEN this week. Seven seems to be that line between "little child" and "real boy". Seven seems so OLD. I wasn't concerned when he turned Six. I could handle a six year old, but SEVEN?? Seven is questions, bugs, attitude, curiosity, and so much more.... I feel like he's really growing up. He is such a wonderful boy - generally obedient, smart, and strives to please. I pray daily for him and his future.Below is a mantage of photos from this week. We took birthday cupcakes to share with the soccer team, we celebrated with some family and friends at at "Knight Night" which was supposed to be inside due to pending thundershowers but ended up being outside because it was SOOO hot. His only request for present and cake - KNIGHTS and CASTLE! It's a HIT! (photograph compliments of my eldest son) Jeff has joined a baseball team for the summer! It has been a VERY long time since he's played, but he was quite anxious to get out and dust the cobwebs off his glove! He did pretty well - although the children were more interested in playing with the other children, then watching the game it's self. I was thrilled to find another wife sitting and knitting while the game played out. I'll not mention who won the game, but I do think Jeff's team is going to need a little more practice.... 
a KNIGHT to remember A birthday looms this week for my almost-seven-year-old boy. As a gift for this knight-crazed grandson, my Father took him to Medieval Times - a dinner and show put on to imitate the knightly games of the middle ages. What an incredible gift! Something he is sure to remember for the rest of his life - not to mention that the knight that represented his section (the green knight) won the tournament! He fell into bed this evening still talking about all the things he has seen and heard. visiting friends and celebrating a birthday!Our good friends came down for a picnic and a birthday celebration today! What a blessing :) Sharon is one of my "fiber friends". It is also Sharon who taught me the value of making time to sit down with a cup of tea and a friend in the middle of a busy day. I value her friendship, and my family values her family, too.
SO proud to help!I was chattin' with my mom on the phone this evening after supper, when I noticed the baby was a little.... um... stinky, so I took him upstairs to change him (still on the phone) leaving the older two on the main level.About 15 mins later my eldest (son) came up to me. He was drenched from head to foot -- even his hair was wet! "Guess what, Mommy! I did the dishes for you!" He was SOOOO proud! (you should SEE my kitchen -- it is COVERED with water!) Knitting Soccer Mom!First Game!We had a Mother's Day dinner for my Mom, Auntie Pauline (sisters) and special friend Andrea. My mom had to make the gravy because she's much better at it then I am, but otherwise I think the dinner was pretty acceptable. We don't often get to visit with my Auntie Pauline and Uncle Dennis as they live across the country in BC. We do take advantage when we are able! My Auntie Pauline has been a special influence in my life and I cherish her. (She taught me all about nail polish, make up and such girlie things!) (my daughter entertains the ladies by blowing bubbles with them)After dinner the ladies stayed home to do the dishes and the men took my soccer son to his first game. When he got home he came bursting through the door shouting "Mommy, Guess what! We got SNACK at soccer!" He was so thrilled! Turns out they won their first game, too - but that clearly wasn't the important part to him. He was just so glad to play and be a part of the team. Here he is, breaking away from the pack with the ball - he's a fast little kid!
 Mother's Day My Children and II was gifted this morning by my oldest son with a cute pair of silver heart-shaped earrings. He picked them out himself and even paid for them with his own money. My daughter gave me a key chain with coloured turtles on it - again, she paid for them herself. They even went to the scrap book store and each picked out (and paid for) papers to make me a card each. What increadible gifts! I am SO touched by their thoughtfulness! I am honoured to be called "Mother" to these three amazing, beautiful children.
Thank you, children, for the blessings you are to me daily.  My Mother with her two daughtersHalf way!Just a quick update for our supporters - our support hit the half-way mark this month! We are at 50%, and so excited about it! God is just so good. Support continues to come in unexpected ways, which continuously reminds us of God's provision.Can I tell you a little story? We have been having problems with our computer, which we take with us, for about a year now, and we knew it was "on it's way out". We've been pricing computers, watching adds and sales, trying to figure out what is the best computer to get to suit our needs.... figured out that a mac (which neither of us knows anything about) is probably our best option... with the exception of the price! Well, about 3 weeks ago our computer crashed it's final crash, and we knew we couldn't wait any longer. We went to a local computer store and he suggested that we ask about "display model" computers -- ones that were set out for customers to play on, but no longer on display... so we asked in our city and found one for $1,300.00. (regular price 2,400.00) It was missing the main disk for programs, so if anything happened to it we'd have to repurchase all the programs because there was no cd.... we decided that it wasn't as good a deal as it sounded because of that. meanwhile... I had issues with my camera and returned it (under warrente) to my local camera store. They called back to say that it was fixed and ready - but it was shipped back to the wrong store (about 50 mins from where we lived). We decided to go pick it up instead of waiting the 2 weeks it would take for it to be shipped back to our city. While we were there, we stopped into the computer store in the same plaza.... we found the same computer WITH the disk... asking price of $1,000.00 (store display, discounted) We picked it up, knowing that we would need it, but not knowing how we would pay for it.... computing on faith! Saturday we received a gift -- it is The PERFECT amount to cover the cost. God is SO good! I sit here, typing on a new computer that is NOT crashing, just totally amazed. He had to work out all the details perfectly - there is no way we could have figured it all out ourselves! God IS so good - and INCREDIBLE! Mending FencesThanks to the encouragement of my wonderful, Godly mentor and a lot of prayer I took a step today towards healing some hurts and mending some fences. Why is it so difficult to sort through differences and understand each other sometimes? I find the longer I let things "sit" the easier it is to pretend they don't exist.... I praise God for His strength both for me and the woman I met with. With His grace we parted as friends and as sisters. It is my prayer that we do not allow anything to come between us again. The LORD is GOOD, His mercy is everlasting and his truth endures to all generations. Psalm 100:5Joining the leagues of "SOCCER MOMS"!This evening was my sons first soccer practice! He's been begging to play for about 2 years and is just so thrilled to be on a team this summer! He was delighted to receive a BLUE jersey -- with a lion on the front! The grin on his face was permanent as he sprinted onto the field with a dozen other blue clad seven year old boys. It promises to be a great season! Cough.... Cough..... Cough......Seems like everyone in our house has been sick! It started with the baby - first grumpy from his teeth, then fever and coughing.... then on to my son... now me.... and my daughter has just begun. Seems like we've been sick more often in the past year then EVER before -- almost every other week some one seems to have SOMETHING. I hope the heat of the summer burns up all the germies in our house, I'm getting "sick" of people in my house being sick all the time! :)A Trip to Lake HuronLike a FishMy sweet 4 year old daughter has been very interested in swimming for about a year, and just loves the water, so today she started lessons for the first time. She did very well and the teacher asked me again if I was sure this was her first time in lessons! She just jumped right in and took off! I think she'll do very well in swimming, like her Uncle Paul. There's Nothing like a Visit with an Old Friend...I posted HERE about my sons feeling upon missing a very special play date with a friend he has been missing. Today was the "make up" date, and what a wonderful day it was! We celebrated a birthday and enjoyed a visit -- the kind that you just can't have over the e-mail or over the phone. I even had the opportunity to attend the local home school meeting with my good friend - what an amazing encouragement it was -- all about prayer... for our husbands, our children and our selves. I came away refreshed, renewed and reminded of the importance of good friends -- both for us as adults and for our children. God has blessed us so much!!A New Baby is Such a Blessing!A new baby is always a blessing!We had the honour of visiting a new baby and his parents. His parents (and he) are heading to Europe as missionaries and will be a short (visiting) distance when we move to England. We pray that we can be an encouragement to him and to his parents as they raise him to fear the Lord. Numbers6:24-26 The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace  A Blessing in DisguiseMy hubby, Jeff, was laid off from work last week. This comes as a blessing in disguise as it has afforded us the ability to spend this past week with his parents. I think it's the longest time we've ever spent in a row. We took advantage of the time, and were able to scheadule in 9 other visits while we were in the area - what a busy time! It was a wonderful visit, and we were very spoiled, but it is always nice to be home again.50 YearsThis year marks the 50th year since my Mom and her siblings sailed to Canada from England. To remember the event they went out to dinner together - they are very seldom all together anymore due to dwelling distance. (my mom is second from the right) If you go down in the woods today... you're not going to be alone!The wooded areas around us were filled with people today as tourists flooded into Elmira and the surrounded bush to celebrate the running of the sap at the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival. The CEF Storyhouse Trailer was running at the Festival (my Dad was helping out!) so our little family and my Mom headed down to the festival to check out the fun. It was so crowded that it was difficult to push the stroller! I have to admit that the event, which I thought would be enjoyable for the children, turned out to be less then ideal due to the gross number of people there. None the less we were able to enjoy some of the flavours, including fresh apple fritters and GIANT dill pickles!
Easter Sunday302. Christ the Lord Is Risen TodayText: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788Music: Lyra Davidica, 1708 Tune: EASTER HYMN, Meter: 77.77 D 1. Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia! Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia! Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia! Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia! 2. Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia! Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia! Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia! Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia! 3. Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia! Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia! Once he died our souls to save, Alleluia! Where's thy victory, boasting grave? Alleluia! 4. Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia! Following our exalted Head, Alleluia! Made like him, like him we rise, Alleluia! Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia! 5. Hail the Lord of earth and heaven, Alleluia! Praise to thee by both be given, Alleluia! Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia! Hail the Resurrection, thou, Alleluia! 6. King of glory, soul of bliss, Alleluia! Everlasting life is this, Alleluia! Thee to know, thy power to prove, Alleluia! Thus to sing, and thus to love, Alleluia! Good FridayThe Wonderful CrossMatt Redman When I survey the wonderous cross On which the Price of Glory dies My richest gain I cound but loss And pour contempt on all my pride See from his head, his hands, his feet sorrow and love flow mingled down Did e'r such love and sorrow meet or thorns compose so rich a crown O the wonderful Cross, Oh the wonderful Cross Bids me come and die and find that I may truly live Oh the wonderful Cross, Oh the Wonderful Cross All who gather here by grace draw near and bless your name Today we remembered Jesus Death on the cross at our Good Friday church service. Following the service we headed back to my parents for lunch - and the traditional EGG HUNT - even the baby got right into it, thanks to Auntie Ann who practiced with him yesterday!  We then donned our winter coats and went on a "spring hunt" (new life). It was a walk around the area looking for signs of spring. We didn't find very many! The snow piles are still pretty high. What we did find: - tiny shoots of green grass coming up underneath the protective bows of pine trees - a few small, hearty flowers and leaves poking up through the snow - lots of MUD - people wearing sunglasses - Roll up the Rim to win cups on the ground - Did I mention all the MUD? - Puddles of melting snow - Bumble Bees - birds singing - ladybugs Wonderful reminders that, though the winter was long, spring is coming... God is Good! 
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