oh, I'm running (back)

This song has been on my mind all week ever since we sang it in church on Sunday. It's one that I hadn't heard in a long time. (it came out in 2010, forever long ago)

(Forever Reign by Hillsong)

Oh, I'm running to Your arms
I'm running to Your arms
The riches of Your love
Will always be enough
Nothing compares to Your embrace
Light of the world forever reign


Oh, it's been so long. Too long. It's funny (but not really) how so much can change without you even realizing it until it's almost too late. Suddenly you notice that something is missing, but you're not too sure what. And when you finally connect it, you wonder how you ever got there.

Somewhere along the line, not only did I drop off my blogging (I got busy and tired and needed a break somewhere and it's usually the first thing to go.) but I also stopped my daily journaling, and then I stopped my thankful list. And the next thing you know....you're not doing anything that you used to do!

Why is it so easy to drop a GOOD habit???

I've been struggling with that. It's so frustrating. I wish I were more disciplined.

So this song reflects my recognition that things are not as they should be but that I am taking steps to regain all that I did before that was so much better for me. Funny how daily journaling a thankful list can change your heart and outlook so much! Focusing on good, even on the toughest days, brought Joy back to my life!  Why did I stop doing this??  *insert disappointed pouty face*

Oh, I'm running (back) to Your arms.



 My heart will sing
No other name
Jesus, Jesus

the beautiful gift

Noel // Come and see what God has done

Noel 

Love incarnate, love divine
Star and angels gave the sign
Bow to babe on bended knee
The Savior of humanity
Unto us a Child is born
He shall reign forevermore

Noel, Noel
Come and see what God has done
Noel, Noel
The story of amazing love!
The light of the world, given for us
Noel

Son of God and Son of man
There before the world began
Born to suffer, born to save
Born to raise us from the grave
Christ the everlasting Lord
He shall reign forevermore

Noel, Noel
Come and see what God has done
Noel, Noel
The story of amazing love!
The light of the world, given for us
Noel

written by Matt Redman, Chris Tomlin and Ed Cash. This version sung by Lauren Daigle.

So incredibly beautiful.  So peaceful.  

heavy heart

My heart is overwhelmed. My Opa peacefully entered into the arms of Jesus this week. As I listened to Christmas Carols on the radio, I was filled with awe that he was singing them in praise now! What a reward! I am so thankful for that surety of his life in heaven and can't help but wonder how those without Jesus Christ face death. I am at peace, but I also am sad that he is no longer with us (and its hard living so far from family) but I have that hope for an eventual reunion. I am so thankful! I will miss you, Opa!

My heart aches.

This is hard.

 ROEPER, Pieter- Monday September 9, 1929 - Thursday December 10, 2015

Pieter Roeper passed away peacefully at the Belleville General Hospital on Thursday December 10th, 2015. Pieter Roeper, of RR#2 Stirling in his 87th year. Son of the late Cornelis & Trijntje Roeper. Loving husband of 63 years to Ada (Boulogne). Father of Alice Peters (Stephen) of British Columbia, Karin Bouma (Fred) of Belleville, Connie Reed (Bob Grzela) of Rockland, Peter (Kathleen) of Shelburne, Jim (Cathy) of Stirling, Fay Sarra (John) of Markham and John (Ingrid) of Belleville. Survived by his sisters Tineke Roeper (Sip Vermey) and Willy Hanskamp (Joop) of Holland. Predeceased by sisters Alida Bas (Flip), Henny Stark (Jac) and his brothers Jan (Aagie), Henk and Cornelis (Elly). Dear Grandfather of Mark, Lori-Anne, Julie, Peter, James, Heather, Francine, Craig, Kyle, Curtis, Ryan, Tiffany, Erica, Charles, David, Katrina, Nicole, Michelle, Rhiana, Aaron, Elysha and 22 great grandchildren. Predeceased by grandson Matthew and great grandson Quinn. Friends are invited to call at the STIRLING FUNERAL CHAPEL LTD 87 James St. Stirling (613-395-2424) on Sunday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Stirling on Monday December 14th, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Officiated by Rev. Morley Mitchell. Interment Elmwood Cemetery. If desired, donations to the St. Andrews Presbyterian Church would be appreciated.
Online condolences www.rushnellfamilyservices.com

Beautiful Reminder

Just when you didn't know you needed it, you read something that brings tears to your eyes and reminds you of something incredible.

I am His.

He calls me by name.

His Beloved.

I am so grateful for Ann Voskamp's words tonight on FB:

Ann Voskamp

Lord, when I don't like me,
You still love me, You still like me, You still lavish me with acceptance.
When I am fed up with me, You invite me to Your feast,
When I am done -- with me, with life, with everything,
You whisper, "Hang on -- I am making *all things* -- *you* -- new." (Rev21:5)
And when I want to quit, You cup my face: "This great work I started in you? I won't stop that beautiful work until you are fully, completely, gloriously beautiful" (Phil1:6, 1Cor2:7) 

So this becomes our brave & broken-hearted hallelujah, the one we sing into the dark, even when it's hard to believe:
I am His Beloved, His Beloved, His Beloved... and even now I will be held.
In the name of the only One who loved us to death & back to the real & forever life... Amen.
‪#‎SharingPrayerTogether‬

you matter

I will trust

There has been a new song on Praise that I love called "First" by Lauren Daigle. When I searched for it (the truth is that I didn't know what the title was and couldn't tell that's what she was saying, so I googled the lyrics and found it!) I found many more songs of hers.  Currently, this is my newest favouritest song and on repeat.

Trust in you

Letting go of every single dream
I lay each one down at Your feet
Every moment of my wandering
Never changes what You see

I've tried to win this war I confess
My hands are weary, I need Your rest
Mighty Warrior, King of the fight
No matter what I face, You're by my side
 
When You don't move the mountains I'm needing you to move
When You don't part the waters I wish I could walk through
When You don't give the answers as I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You

Truth is, You know what tomorrow brings
There's not a day ahead You have not seen
So, in all things be my life and breath
I want what You want Lord and nothing less

You are my strength and comfort
You are my steady hand
You are my firm foundation, the rock on which I stand
Your ways are higher
Your plans are always good
There's not a place where I'll go You've not already stood

I will trust
I will trust
I will trust in You!

Thankful Thursday

Welcome back to Thankful Thursday, a feature started by Louise at Talk Nerdy to Me, where we look back over our week and remember our blessings.  It is so good to see all that has happened, especially if you have had a particularly tough week. Being grateful is good for the soul. Here are just a few things that I am thankful for...

1. BTS

Yay! What's not to be thankful for?

I have a child in each of our school's campus' this year: preschool (Eden), elementary (Rhys gr 1, Bryn gr 4), middle (Kai gr 7) and high school (Abi gr 9)  It's so strange!

2. preschool

Yes, it's time!  My little spitfire is going to preschool! She is so ready!  

She was so excited and loves to go, and I am so happy for her! I sure hope these teachers are ready for her! (she wasn't too happy that I got to stay when we had preschool orientation, so now she asks every time I drop her off for class, "you're not staying, are you?" haha)

3. cross country

Bryn joined the cross country team at school. Now that he's in grade four, there are more clubs available for him to be in, so he's happy! I think this is great, the kid really does love to run and jump. 

We have some practices and meets already this month. I can't wait to see him out there running!

4. specialists

 From Kai and Abi's awesome pediatrician, to the many specialists we saw for Rhys, to even the paramedics, nurses and doctors during Abi's asthma attack, I am so grateful for the specialists who are knowledgeble and trained and who have helped us out.


5. fun hair

 The kids found some small temporary coloured hair gel and had fun playing around for school one day this week. I thought they all looked great!

 I am thankful for fun hair colour and styles and that they go to a school that doesn't mind them playing around some!

6. new friends

Kai made a friend already so early into the school year and got to hang out with him at his house. Not only am I proud of him for making new friends, but I am so pleased that it is a new boy to our school. I remember how incredibly hard it was for me to move across the country to BC when I was 10. I had a hard time making friends, and when I did make some they weren't nice to me in the end; I still carry a lot of hurt of those years. So I try to impress upon my children to do what they can to include the new kids. My kids have the advantage of being in this school since kindergarten so they know everyone, but these new ones don't have anywhere to start from. A welcoming smile is a good thing to see!

I am thankful for new friends, and I am thankful that my boy is the one who is including new classmates

7. safety and healing

This goes without saying but I am so incredibly thankful for Abi's health after another asthma attack sent her to the hospital via ambulance. I am thankful that she is healing, she is safe, and that she had so many people helping her.

8.  Meet the Teacher nights

This week, we got to go check out the teachers for the middle and the high school. (last week was the elementary but we weren't able to go. I find those teachers easier to connect with though, so I wasn't worried about missing out) I am excited about their school year! We really are so blessed to be able to go to our school!

9. Baby Cohen

I am so excited about this little guy!

 My newest nephew was born a week before his due date, but just at the perfect time as it happened on an evening (and was swift) when I was able to be a part of it!  I am so in love with him and his squishy cheeks, and so proud and happy for my favouritest sister and her man/my friend! 

10. Rainbows
  
My day was filled with a few ups and downs so when I saw this bit of rainbow falling out of the sky this evening, I was brought to tears and reminded of God's covenant with us.

  "You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety." Job 11:18

 I am so thankful that He let me see that tonight! What a beautiful reminder!

So that's my week in a nutshell. How about you? What are you thankful for? Please share your list in the comments (there's a little button at the top by the title!) I'd love to celebrate with you!

our fears come true (asthma at school)

It happened again. I wasn't prepared for it and to say I panicked just a little bit would be an understatement.  But so understandable.

I was in my Bible Study group when I saw that I had missed a phone call from the Older's school and had a voice mail. I didn't know if I should check it (it seemed awfully rude to go on my phone when our Teaching Leader was talking; especially since this was my first meeting) or just hope that if it was important that they would contact my husband. As we were breaking to start something else, I see that there are some text messages from Kai but from Abi's phone.

Abi was being taken to the hospital by ambulance after suffering an asthma attack during PE.

My world stopped.

Memories of the day she almost died three years ago assault me and I can't breathe either.  Of course, as I'm trying to explain to my own Leader, I'm crying. So much for being strong in front of people you don't really know; people who don't know your story! I felt a bit silly. But mostly I felt so afraid.

I got a hold of my Hunny on the phone; he was on his way to the hospital, sounding totally calm. He said that he talked to the Paramedic and that Abi was doing okay and there was nothing to worry about. He said that I didn't have to come. Are you kidding me? I was definitely coming and I felt I had a lot to worry about!

Not that I didn't believe him either. I appreciated his calmness, and I don't think I truly thought it would be a repeat of what happened in our house three years ago-- I didn't think she'd pass out or that she was going to stop breathing; it sounded like things were under control. But I also couldn't calm my feeling of panic.

There was a verse that God had spoken to me earlier in the week and I tried to repeat it to myself on the drive to the hospital. "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy." Psalm 94:19 

I didn't find that I received joy, but I did find strength and I did have focus. Instead of thinking of my fears and the 'what ifs' or the painful memories in the past, I chose to remind myself of the calm my husband had, and the knowledge that she was being taken care of, and that there were women praying over Abi (and myself) in my Bible study group.

When I arrived, I cried at the parking meter since I didn't have enough money in coins and my credit card was missing. (forcing people to pay for parking at a hospital is just a terrible idea!) I offered a scruffy looking older man my $5 bill if he just had $1.50 for me, and when he just gave me the money without wanting mine in exchange, I cried some more. *sigh* Oh, so it's going to be one of those days, is it? But despite all of my anxiety and embarrassing emotions, I was so relieved to see Abi looking some-what normal!

Other than the bright red cheeks, the fast breathing, and the face mask of oxygen, that is. But she looked calm, just tired. And I could handle that!

She said that she was in PE and their teacher is trying to teach them all to run a 5K by the time school is over. I thought that was a mighty big goal, an impressive one! The idea is that none of the kids are allowed to walk, but have to keep up a steady pace. However, just three minutes into the run and Abi's chest is starting to hurt and she's having a hard time breathing. She tried to push herself further since she had barely even begun, but she soon realized that it was getting worse, not better. Her breathing became panting, and when she asked to retreive her inhalers from her locker, the teacher suggested she take some friends along for support since she didn't look good. That quickly turned too as her panting, walking and attempts at talking made her weak and dizzy. (her friends were freaking out, she said!)

Unfortunately, her inhalers were empty and she forgot her refills at home. Thankfully, they were able to have Kai sent from his class to borrow his inhalers. But by that time, her attack had been going on for too long without any proper relieving medication, so his inhalers didn't help despite being the same dose as hers. That's around the same time another teacher (or more) got involved and looked over her (and that's when she could see the way he was looking at her eyes and studying her that she said to him, "I don't have a concussion, you can stop checking!"  It's the exam she sees her Daddy do on the kids whenever they get hurt! The teacher laughed, but kept caring for her. I think it's a good sign that she could make silly comments like that. So much like her Mom!) And that's around the time they called for an ambulance. Thankfully the hospital is just a few streets over from the school, so it wasn't a long wait. Soon enough, there were 8 or 9 paramedics in the school, getting info, checking over my girl!  She was well taken care of!

Her hospital stay actually was brief. Only a few hours. She moved from oxygen through a mask, to the nose prongs to room air within two hours. Then she was allowed to go home just after lunch! It was all rather surprising and we weren't too sure how comfortable we felt about that, but she really was doing better with her breathing. Her chest was sore, and she was very tired and weak and didn't have the strength to speak loudly, but that was okay. I expected that, but the idea of leaving the security of the hospital so soon after an attack that brought you there seemed scary!

The whole thing was so incredibly different than the severe attack that happened three years ago. Other than the obvious points where she didn't pass out and have blue lips and cheeks, or that it wasn't us who called for an ambulance. There was the fact that this time she didn't panic and hyperventilate (I panicked! But had I been there, I probably wouldn't have.) I am so happy to say (and sad) that experience is a teacher; she knew not to freak out, she knew to keep focused, she knew she had to push harder (especially since her own support group in the school were getting scared and she had to instruct them!) I was so proud of her. Not hyperventilating obviously helped!

Her recovery has been different too. The first time, she stayed at the hospital overnight. This time only three hours. The first time, she seemed to bounce back by day two. This year, it has taken four days. (she missed the rest of the week of school, since she was too weak to do much of anything. She has finally gained enough energy to make it out of the house for a bit.)  They had given her 15 units of ventolin instead of the usual 2, so she was so dizzy and shakey all the way until 8pm that night, 10 hours later! She's also had a headache all week and hearing sensitivity and some more asthma flare ups, which I don't recall three years ago. And this year there is no follow up. But apparently this recovery is all normal.

So what caused her attack? Her morning was just fine at home. No problems breathing, no wheezing, no cold or illnesses. So this really was out of the blue. However, there were a bunch of small things. First is that she forgot to take her allergy pill and she forgot to pack her new inhalers. Second is that there were a few factors in what could've triggered it: the grass that had been cut (she is allergic to grass; it makes her itchy and when it is mowed it can make breathing difficult), the air was chilly that morning (cold air is harder on asthmatics), and she was running. (PE was her first class that day.) Not having her own inhalers didn't help. Taking too long to get a rescue inhaler from her brother wasn't good either.

I'm not too sure what that means. I don't think she should avoid PE, as much as she would love to! (She does need physical activity and keeping active is good for the lungs. I know that the teacher is trying to get them up to a 5K runner, and that he wants them to not walk, but her father and I have told her that if she needs to walk, she does. And if the teacher gets upset with her, we will back her up! However, after this incident, I don't think he'll push her too much!) I guess we just make sure that she's got her inhalers with her and they are current and full and that she doesn't forget allergy pills in the morning. I'm not too sure about the chilly air....maybe wear a scarf? (haha)  We will adjust things as we go along.

I am just so thankful that she was about to be level headed (although she said that at the beginning of school, she had this 'weird' feeling, like a regretful feeling, but she didn't know why. Another funny thing is that a friend of mine said that when she dropped off her daughter to the school, she had a 'bad feeling' about PE too, but thought it was a worry for her girl's own asthma! Strange!)
I am also thankful that Kai was able to help her out. It may have been a bit too late for his inhalers, but I am grateful that he could offer them, especially since she has been the one to rescue him a few times last year! Hey, they may have actually helped give her more time before the ambulance arrived with sirens on!
I am thankful for the friends who stopped what they were doing right then and prayed for her (and our family) when they heard. God heard and He answers! She got the help she needed and in time, and I had found strength despite my fears.
I am thankful that the school acted swiftly in calling for outside help, and that they were able to contact my husband when I didn't respond to their calls (I was in a different room than my cell phone at that time)
I am thankful that she is healing. Even if it is a lot slower than we anticipated. She has been so weak and sore, and breathless, but she has not gotten worse, and we didn't need to have a prescription for meds at home and she didn't need to return to the ER.
It was a lot less dramatic this time and I am so thankful.

One of our biggest fears was that there would be another major asthma attack when Abi wasn't with us (and I know her fear was to have one at school) and it happened. And we survived. And we realized that things could be okay. Not having it happen again would be great though.

He is so good

new music Monday: I'll keep on

Heard this song on The Valley Stream and fell in love. I don't listen to a lot of rap, but stuff with awesome and touching lyrics, yes!

I've never heard of NF, but I'll be looking up his stuff more now!

Thankful Thusday

Welcome back to Thankful Thursday, a feature started by Louise at Talk Nerdy to Me, where we look back over our week and remember our blessings.  It is so good to see all that has happened, especially if you have had a particularly tough week. Being grateful is good for the soul. Here are just a few things that I am thankful for...

1. Friends who gather

We were invited for a family bbq over the weekend to  a friend of Kai's. We didn't know them very well, but this was a great opportunity to get to know eachother better. They have four children (their youngest will also be in preschool with Eden!) and seem to have a lot of similar thoughts and lifestyle as us. It's so good to meet people who you can connect with! I am thankful for new friends,...and that it was such an enjoyable time that the kids didn't want to leave!

2. My book readers

Some of the kids joined the Summer Reading Club at our local public library this year. I don't know why we haven't done it before! This week ended their seven weeks of reading, so they got their medals. They boys were pretty excited about that!

I am thankful that they love books! 

 
3. Art Recognition

Abi entered the drawing contest at the library and won! This was for last months' contest, but we were finally able to go down and get a picture of it hanging on the wall!  I was impressed!  I love Abi's chibi drawings!

4. Birthday Fun

Rhys was so excited; he has been waiting for three weeks (since he first heard about the invitation) and the day finally arrived: he was going to his friend's birthday party! Yay! It's so nice that he is able to go to parties now and that I can actually drop him off and return later!

5. clearing the air

I was worried that a friend was upset with me and it was all so silly. It was just my own worries over nothing, but the more I wondered the more it felt real. When I saw her this week, I was nervous how it would be again, but to my delight, it was perfectly fine! She showed no signs of feeling indifferent towards me, quite the opposite actually! I am thankful that there was no need for me to convince myself that she wasn't happy (but when is there a need to do that?) and I am so thankful that she still loves me and wants to get together soon! What a weight off of me! Dumb imagination of mine!

6. sister bonding time

Abi and Eden were in Abi's room, colouring pictures and hanging out together "bonding", Abi said, when she took this selfie! It makes my heart happy.  I am one lucky mama!

7. Bear hug

There are still a lot of wildfires going on in BC (and plenty all over the place. A friend of mine in Oregon is dealing with the smoke of fires now too) but I am so thankful for all of the work and efforts of the man brave firefighters.

8. Stress Test

Kai had his annual cardiology appointment this week at BCCH. Along with his usual Echocardiocram and ECG, he also had a stress test done. He's never had one done before, so this was new! He did well, considering!

Good news is that his heart is good and there is no change. That is, it is still enlarged (it's approximately 1 year bigger than it should be), but it hasn't gotten bigger, and his test results look good and he is showing no concerning symptoms. I am so thankful for that!

I am thankful for his Cardiologist and the Cardiac team at BCCH. We've been going now for 10 years. That's incredible to think of!

9. Invites

Abi finally got together with her group of friends this week! (well, almost all of them. There are 13 in the group, and a few couldn't make it of course) I love this group of teens! I hope they stay close and continue to grow together as they enter high school in a few weeks.

I am also thankful that the host of this gathering also included younger tween siblings. So Kai got to go, along with his friend. That was so nice and unexpected! I don't know how many things he'll be invited to with Abi and her friends, but I remember the few opportunities I had with my older brother when we were teens, and it was so cool!

10. cozy evenings

I'm thankful that this week, my Hunny and I have been able to spend more time with eachother. Yay!  We've just been sitting together watching HGTV after the Youngers have been put to bed, but still, that's a big step. I was surprised actually at how much more happier I was, and how I viewed our relationship in a better light, just after spending an evening together in the same room!  (he likes to watch tv and I like to write or waste time on Pinterest, and we're often in different rooms)  I am thankful for small things that help.

So that's my week in a nutshell. How about you? What are you thankful for? I'd love to hear your list and celebrate with you!

Verses for your week

Thankful Thursday

Welcome back to Thankful Thursday, a feature started by Louise at Talk Nerdy to Me, where we look back over our week and remember our blessings.  It is so good to see all that has happened, especially if you have had a particularly tough week. Being grateful is good for the soul. Here are just a few things that I am thankful for...

1. Talent and Bravery

This past week was the LCS Middle School Got Talent show. Last year, Abi and a friend made up their own dance to a song and performed it. This year, she and a few of her friends sang the song "Hey Soul Sister" by Train.  They did good, despite a few hiccups (such as some of the mics not working) and I was impressed!  

I love watching some of these students go up in front of their peers and show off a talent or interest. There were some solo acts and group acts in dance, song, instruments, and even comedy acts!  I love the confidence some of them have...and absolutely love the bravery it takes for some to go through with it!

2. Bowling Party

I was dropping Abi off at a birthday party at the bowling alley with R and E and they were so upset and angry with me that they didn't get to stay! I told that them "maybe one day" we will go bowling, since they had never gone. When we get home, there was an emailed invitation for Rhys to go to a bowling birthday party! Haha! Perfect timing! He was so excited!

3. sidewalk chalk

 I am so thankful for neighbours that play!  

4. Surprise gifts

I was surprised to find a gift for me from a teacher friend after school, and then I LOL'd to find it was black jellybeans! Haha. She gave me a box of black jellybeans for Valentine's after she posted on FB the gifts she was making for her students and I commented how I loved the black ones. She just throws them away! Now she shares them!

It was a nice surprise and I got to share them with a few others at the playground too. It really made my Monday better!

5.  Teddy Bear Picnic

Rhys and his kindergarten class had a Teddy Bear picnic this week to end their unit on Bees. (bees..honey...bears...see the connection?)  It was a fun, but very humid, afternoon!

6. new living room

I mentioned before that I have a friend who is moving soon so she is selling and giving away a lot of stuff that has been piling up in her home for the past 7 years. She already gave my kids a bunch of toys already (things that her kids had outgrown, now that they are teenagers) but this week we picked up the big items: a whole new living room set!  We have a new couch/love seat, end tables, coffee table and area rug! WOW!!! And she just gave them to us!!!!  How awesome is that?  I am so thankful for new (to us) furniture. Our living room looks so nice.  Well, actually it looks really crowded since we have to get rid of the old couches still. But that aside, it looks so nice with new stuff in it! What a blessing!  We got a needed face-lift for the house, and she got rid of a lot of furniture that she didn't want/need anymore. (she is downsizing and plans on getting something new) Win-Win all around!

Sorry, no pictures of my crowded living room. I'll have to post one after it's all neatly put back together!

7. Coffee interview

I had an interview this week. Not for a paid position anywhere, but volunteer. It's quite an exciting, yet surprising, change for me!  I will tell you more about it when it is finalized and I've actually started in September.  I am just so thankful for this opportunity to do something like this and to grow and stretch out my faith. 

8.  Chutes and Ladders

One of the toys that the kids received from my friend (refer to #6) was the game of Chutes and Ladders Dora version!  So far, every game we've had for the Youngers has ended up spread all around the house with missing pieces. It drives me nuts! It doesn't take long for me to just toss them all out into the recycling!  But so far, this one has lasted pretty good.  I make sure that it gets cleaned up when we're done and it goes back away.

Eden and Bryn had some time before we left for school to play a game. (toddler games aren't very long at least)  I am thankful for free games and for siblings that play together.

9.  Encouraging messages

A friend sent me this message this week.

It really meant a lot to me. We don't talk a lot (not nearly enough) so for her to out-of-the-blue send this to me, saying she thought of me when she saw it, really touched me. I am so thankful for friends who can encourage even in something as simple as a FB message, and for a God who prompts friends to do things like that because He knows how much I need it.

10.  Provisions

Some months we are really living just week-to-week, some are more day-by-day, in stretching out our budget. Some months are just fine (although it's been a while since it's felt like that) But right now we are in the first two. I have spent time in prayer, reminding God of what we need and asking Him for faith and patience in waiting for Him, and for wisdom in how I work with what I have. I am so thankful that He is a faithful God. He has truly never left us and He really does care. We always make it to our next pay day without any major crisis!  He has blessed us in so many ways. Sometimes it's by a friend or family member giving us stuff that we need, sometimes it's just in making days go by where we don't need to spend any money on anything, and sometimes it's in miracles by us somehow finding money in our account for the things we need!  He is good, and I am so grateful.



So that's my week in a nutshell. How has your week been?  I'd love to celebrate your Thankful list with you: share it in the comments!

Thankful Thursday

Welcome back to Thankful Thursday, a feature started by Louise at Talk Nerdy to Me, where we look back over our week and remember our blessings.  It is so good to see all that has happened, especially if you have had a particularly tough week. Being grateful is good for the soul. Here are just a few things that I am thankful for...

1. Surprises in the mail

I got a fun surprise in the mail this week, to "help me cheer for the Ducks": a playoff towel from my friend in California! Haha!  I've never been a big Anaheim Mighty Ducks fan, but I suppose I can cheer for them.  

They play against Chicago next though, and well, I've been more of a Blackhawks fan!  It will be an interesting series!  I"m mostly cheering for Montreal! Got to cheer for the Canadiens left in the Stanley Cup playoffs!

2. Nat

I love this woman!  She really is such a blessing in my life!  I am so thankful that she offered to babysit Eden for me so that I could attend my last BSF meeting. There was no childcare that day so that everyone could be involved in Sharing Day. It really meant a lot to me to be able to be a part of this last "class".

3. Long Weekends

Yay for Long Weekends, and sunshine and Queen Victoria's birthday so that we Canadians could have the day off!

4. Tree Climbing

There is a tree that sits in the front of my parents' yard that the kids have taken to climbing. It's neat to see how they get bigger and can climb with ease...and how much smaller that tree gets!

5. Water table fun

I got to babysit my sweet nephews this week; it feels like it's been so long since I've been there!  They had just got a water table on their deck, which was perfect for this week's weather!  The cousins had fun playing at it for a while. (until they got too cold and it was time for lunch!)

6. Paintball

Kai's best friend, David, celebrated his birthday this past weekend with a few paintball games. This is something that my Hunny did as a teenager too (and he still has a few of his gear!) so he came along and played with the boys and David's father!  It seemed like a fun afternoon! (Kai managed to not even get hit either! Since they all played on each other's team, they didn't get to gang up on eachother....that's a good/bad thing! It's fun to attack your friends, but nice to know that certain friends aren't going to corner you and pelt you with paint!)

7. old music

I found an old cd that I borrowed off of my brother years ago (*snicker*) and had a good time listening to it again. It's not so much a #tbt, but I did remember listening to this many times and hearing my brother drum to it. I miss his drumming! I miss my teen years too!

8. Little Friends

Now that Eden has discovered Joey next door, the two girls always have to play together!  Eden went over in her Princess dress, which got Joey all excited, so she put hers on too! It was  a perfect photo op!

They are so adorable!

9. Healing

My Mom has been sick with strep throat and bronchitis this past week (I know, right! Isn't that terrible? When your immune system is down...ugh!)  so we didn't get to visit her for Mother's Day. Finally, she was feeling well enough for guests, so we popped over for a bbq dinner over the long weekend; what a relief to see that she is looking and sounding better than she had earlier in the week! I was able to give her a gift that I made as well.

Her children arise and call her blessed. Proverbs 31:28

10. Afternoons and Conversations on the Playground

I am thankful that it has been such beautiful sunshine this week. The kids have been able to play after school on the playground, and I have had good chats with a friend that I am getting to know better. It is good to connect with other moms. And it is so important to share each other's lives so that we can encourage each other. I'm not the best at meeting other parents and developing deeper relationships; it's something I need to work on. I don't like small talk; I find it awkward and sometimes superficial. I don't want to have pretend conversations with people who don't actually care. But jumping into deeper talks takes time. I am so grateful for those who put themselves out there, ask questions, dig deeper and open up their own lives to me. What a blessing it is to find someone like that!


So that's my week at a glance.  What about yours? What are you thankful for? Taking time to look back over the week and remember the blessings is so good! Consider making your own list up...and then share it with me. I'd love to hear about your Thankful list too!

Blameless (Music Monday)

I came across this song on The Valley Stream, an online Christian radio station that is local (it's based out of Abbotsford.)  And wow, what a blessing!  It has touched me so much. So I have to share it with you!

Blameless by Dara Maclean

What manner of love is this
That You would lay down Your life
You paid the price, the sacrifice for redemption
Now I am determined to know
Christ and Him crucified
Now alive and the power in me is You, now

CHORUS
Blameless, You call me holy
I’ve been forgiven, You call me righteous
I’m free
Now spotless, You call me worthy
I am Your child, You call me chosen
I’m Yours, I am Yours

I will boldly come
Running straight to the One
Singing over me
Your songs of salvation
No one can take this from me
I’m a child that You name free
Nothing will separate us
I’m held by You
Oh I know, yes I know I’m

CHORUS

I am Yours, I am Yours, I am Yours, I am Yours
I am Yours, I am Yours, I am Yours, I am Yours

CHORUS

Blameless, You call me holy

I’ve been forgiven, You call me righteous

I’m free

Now spotless, You call me worthy

I am Your child, You call me chosen

I’m Yours, I am Yours

I am Yours

I am Yours

I pray that you may have power to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know that this love that surpasses knowledge...that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:18, 19)  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)  What love!

Thankful Thursday

Welcome back to Thankful Thursday, a feature started by Louise at Talk Nerdy to Me, where we look back over our week and remember our blessings.  It is so good to see all that has happened, especially if you have had a particularly tough week. Being grateful is good for the soul. Here are just a few things that I am thankful for...

1. BSF Blessings

Our Bible Study Fellowship classes ended this week. I'm so sad! :(  I started off wondering how we'd ever fit the whole story of Moses in a whole year. I mean, it's not that long of a story, is it? I've seen the movie!  But now that it's been 8 months and we ended with the Moses' death at the end of Deuteronomy and I'm wishing there was more!  I have learned so much! But more imporant than the education is that my faith has deepened and I am astounded by the incredible love of our God and Creator!

 I am so thankful for this group, and I am so thankful for the teachers in the preschool program that played with and taught Eden this year.  To say good-bye and thanks to them, we decorated little tins and gave them flowers.  (I cut down a frozen juice container) Eden loved giving them out to her teachers.  She ended up with one extra flower, so I told her she could give it to whomever she wanted. I would've directed her to give it another BSF Leader, but I thought I'd let her decide. She spotted two women talking near us and went over and gave the last one away. I don't know if it was just because she was the closest or because Eden thought she looked the "prettiest" with her skirt or looked like a grandma or what, but I know that it was intentional in God's eyes. I am so thankful that she could bless another with a simple act!

2. New Toys

We have a friend who is moving, so as she is decluttering and packing up stuff, she is coming across many things that she does not need anymore. Like Disney Princess clocks and a Dora case! (her daughter is 13 and I think has outgrown those items!) So she passed them on to us!  The kids were very excited to find the Dora case, some marbles and colourful Mega Blocks in the morning.

Eden had to bring them to school on Friday for our Stay-and-Play in KE! Rhys played with the Lego and we gave away some of the marbles to his classmates. 

I am thankful that they got new toys that excite them, and I am glad that they also were able to share with others.

3. Derby Reach

The extended family met together over the weekend at Derby Reach for a campfire dinner and some resting and relaxing by the river! I'd say it was a successful evening!  It was a lot of fun roasting hotdogs and marshmallows and throwing rocks into the Fraser.  We need to do this more often!

 4. Rainbow Hair!

Abi got her hair coloured again this week along with a trim. It looks so bright! 

5. Mothers

6. Sibling Love

Eden and Rhys were playing with the new Lego, telling eachother that they will be Best Friends Forever and Ever if they don't touch each other's Lego!  That, my friends, is true sibling love!

7.Snuggle Brothers

I caught the boys all snuggled together on the top bunk at bedtime! So I had to snap some pictures!

8. Tea for Free!

I won some tea this week! Woohoo!  A woman I know from my church is a Steeped Tea Consultant and she offered a free 25g bag of tea, along with a clip-on mini infuser, to celebrate her birthday month! You just had to respond on her FB page what your favourite birthday gift was.  I had to think about that one for a bit. I can recall fun birthdays, but gifts...hmm...which was my favourite gift?  Then I looked down and remembered: my promise ring!  My then-boyfriend gave it to me for my 20th birthday! He was sick with mono, so his mom had to drop it off for me, but it was so special.  He's now my Hunny!  

My entry won and so I got to choose some Apple Crumble Black Tea!  I'm hoping this will taste good as an iced-tea type of summer drink.  I'm so excited!

9. bedtime stories

I love it when brothers read to their younger siblings!

10.  Social Lives

Last Friday was another one of those busy days, where I started out in Rhys' K class for Stay-and-Play, and then we ended the day with a playdate with another mom with her preschool-bound son (Eden and Zac will be in class together in the fall!). After school, I sent Kai off to a friend's to celebrate a birthday at the pool, and then I picked up Abi from a class party, and dropped off Bryn at their cousins' house for a movie night at her school!  I am thankful for fun events and friendships.

That was my week in a nutshell.  How was yours? What are you thankful for?