Thursday, October 25, 2007
I've joined the woman's group at my church, called "her Community", and I am loving it. It's making me grow, but that's a scary thing! Sounds silly, but you get used to living in your own little box. You stay home, you try hard to raise your children, you fail miserably, you try to reach out to other moms and friends, but it's hard, but you still avoid getting TOO Deep with others. You know what I mean. We all do it. We WANT and long for and desire and NEED to be with others, but we all struggle to do it. Mostly done from fear: fear of being hurt again, fear of looking foolish or "needy", fear of exposing yourself, fear of the unknown, fear of others…. we all hold back. And this is no exception. I wanted to join to get to know other women in my church, to make some friends. After attending our other church for 10 years or so, I realized that I just did not know ANYONE!!!! And they didn't know me!!! It was truely sad. No wonder I didn't like going!!!! :( So I made a choice that if I am to change churches, I'm going to HAVE to step out of my box. And so here I am. Exposing myself. Admitting I'm Needy.
The book we are studying isn't helping, I tell ya! We're reading "Everybody's Normal til you get to know them." by John Ortberg. The first three chapters were TOUGH personally!!!! But it's getting easier…the subjects aren't as personal to me I guess! LOL
Last night, I read chapter's 6 & 7 to prepare for our get together on Friday morning. (I go after I drop Abi off at school, and the boys join the other kids in the childcare provided….although I can hear Bryn crying the whole time, the silly boy!!!!) Chapter 7 was about handling coflict and anger, and I thought Ortberg had a wonderful point I knew I HAD to share here!!!
"Another myth is that the best way to handle anger is to ventilate it. This view was popular among psychologists in the 1960s and 1970s. The idea is that unexpressed anger gets stored upin a kind of inner pshychological reservoir, so when we become angry, the main thing we must do is discharge our feelings. "Get it off your chest," "Blow off some steam." "Let it all hang out." Throw someting, hit something, scream something — ventilate.
"According to this theory, if we don't let the anger fly, it doesn't go away. It builds up like steam inside a tea kettle, and if there's not some release, we will just blow up some day when we least expect it. We become like a volcano, waiting for the "river of rage" inside to overflow.
"Why do we think that way about anger? We don't think that way about other emotions. No one says, "I've been holding in joy all these years; people tell funny jokes, and I just repress all my laughter; I haven't released it and it's been building up inside me. Now the joy dam is about to burst: I"m gonna spew joy all over everybody." Therapists don't say, "You've got to get in touch with your gratitude; for years your parents helped you and sacrificed for you, yet you never learned to verbalize your thankfulness. Now you've got all this gratitude bottled up inside of you, and it's not healthy. You're like a walking time bomb of gratitude. Someday you're going to walk up to people you don't even know — and gush gratitude all over them."
Good point! That analogy made me laugh in the bathtub! Gush Gratitude all over strangers!!! Eep! Imagine the thought!!!! LMBO! *wink* But he has a good point. I mean, how many of us have followed that line of thinking? That you NEED to release your anger, get it out. I know I have. But I also do know the truth of it too: "…aggressive behaviour leads to more, not less, anger and aggression." In this chapter, Ortberg was talking about God's guide to releasing anger. (Matthew 18:15) I won't tell you what else he said, you'll have to get the book yourself. I just wanted to mention the visuals he gave on keeping Other emotions inside!
Don't keep that laughter in!!!! Let those smiles out!!! Be thankful and kind! Wouldn't want it to suddenly spill out at inapropriate times!!!!!
Have a good day!
(Everybody's Normal Til You Get To Know Them. John Ortberg. 2003. Zondervan.)
The book we are studying isn't helping, I tell ya! We're reading "Everybody's Normal til you get to know them." by John Ortberg. The first three chapters were TOUGH personally!!!! But it's getting easier…the subjects aren't as personal to me I guess! LOL
Last night, I read chapter's 6 & 7 to prepare for our get together on Friday morning. (I go after I drop Abi off at school, and the boys join the other kids in the childcare provided….although I can hear Bryn crying the whole time, the silly boy!!!!) Chapter 7 was about handling coflict and anger, and I thought Ortberg had a wonderful point I knew I HAD to share here!!!
"Another myth is that the best way to handle anger is to ventilate it. This view was popular among psychologists in the 1960s and 1970s. The idea is that unexpressed anger gets stored upin a kind of inner pshychological reservoir, so when we become angry, the main thing we must do is discharge our feelings. "Get it off your chest," "Blow off some steam." "Let it all hang out." Throw someting, hit something, scream something — ventilate.
"According to this theory, if we don't let the anger fly, it doesn't go away. It builds up like steam inside a tea kettle, and if there's not some release, we will just blow up some day when we least expect it. We become like a volcano, waiting for the "river of rage" inside to overflow.
"Why do we think that way about anger? We don't think that way about other emotions. No one says, "I've been holding in joy all these years; people tell funny jokes, and I just repress all my laughter; I haven't released it and it's been building up inside me. Now the joy dam is about to burst: I"m gonna spew joy all over everybody." Therapists don't say, "You've got to get in touch with your gratitude; for years your parents helped you and sacrificed for you, yet you never learned to verbalize your thankfulness. Now you've got all this gratitude bottled up inside of you, and it's not healthy. You're like a walking time bomb of gratitude. Someday you're going to walk up to people you don't even know — and gush gratitude all over them."
Good point! That analogy made me laugh in the bathtub! Gush Gratitude all over strangers!!! Eep! Imagine the thought!!!! LMBO! *wink* But he has a good point. I mean, how many of us have followed that line of thinking? That you NEED to release your anger, get it out. I know I have. But I also do know the truth of it too: "…aggressive behaviour leads to more, not less, anger and aggression." In this chapter, Ortberg was talking about God's guide to releasing anger. (Matthew 18:15) I won't tell you what else he said, you'll have to get the book yourself. I just wanted to mention the visuals he gave on keeping Other emotions inside!
Don't keep that laughter in!!!! Let those smiles out!!! Be thankful and kind! Wouldn't want it to suddenly spill out at inapropriate times!!!!!
Have a good day!
(Everybody's Normal Til You Get To Know Them. John Ortberg. 2003. Zondervan.)
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Kai has said new words over this past weekend that just made me SOOOO happy. He said, "I Luff You." AWWWWW! isn't that wonderful? :) He said it to Daddy, then to Abi, while we were in the van driving. I was waiting for him to say it to me, but he didn't. *sniff* I'm being patient though. This morning, he told me, "I WIKE you, Mommy." AWWWW! Just as cute! I'll accept it! :) He also said, "Grampa" for the first time. He wanted to go sit with my Dad at dinner on Saturday night. Until then, he had only called him "Ga-ga", so that was big. Then yesterday, he actually said his name!!! WOW!!! He had only spelled his name without actually naming himself, so I was so pleased! He is growing in vocabulary so fast! It's exciting. His ST says it's his speech delayment, which is what he ALSO has on top of his Apraxia! (I didn't know that) I love hearing him speak. It makes me smile.
I'm adjusting to the whole Apraxia thing. I was given a few handouts from Linda last week on it that really helped. It helped me learn some things and be able to understand more of it. Apraxia is only NOW being recognized as an actual real "disorder". (if that's the right word), so there isn't a lot of information out there. These papers, written by Penelope K. Hall, were talking about the aspects of it, understanding it, and how this is a lifetime thing, something Kai will have to learn to deal with. He may also have struggles with written word and spelling and reading, as well as math. :( (oh well, so did I!!!… well, aside from spelling and reading!)
What really got me was where it said how we'll have a team" to discuss and learn from. This team will be with him throughout his schooling. "Many children who exhibit DAS (developmental apraxia of speech) receive special academic support through their schools. In these cases, the school speech-language pathologist, along with the classroom teacher and other educational specialists, will become members of your child's educational planning team." ("Part III: Other Problems Often Associated With the Disorder" by Penelope K. Hall. The University of Iowa, Iowa City. April 2000 ~ I"m not likely citing the bibliography properly, but bear with me, it's been many many years since I've had to cite info and write papers! And this was a photocopy!) This paragraph really stood out for me and got me to think about this whole disorder. It actually makes me a bit sad. :( It's also made it more REAL to me. This suddenly appears to be more "special needs", and that's frightening. What kind of help are we looking at here for school? Are we talking about a regular learning assistance alongside him in class? Or him leaving the classroom for several hours a day for remedial help? *sigh* I know, I know. I'm looking way too far into the future with these worries. I do't mean to be, but I like to know what to expect.
Linda gave me a website for parents, family and therapists of apraxia, which I'll be looking into and getting to know other parents to talk with. I'm looking forwards to learning more. But more excited to watch Kai pass my own expectations and limitations!
I'm adjusting to the whole Apraxia thing. I was given a few handouts from Linda last week on it that really helped. It helped me learn some things and be able to understand more of it. Apraxia is only NOW being recognized as an actual real "disorder". (if that's the right word), so there isn't a lot of information out there. These papers, written by Penelope K. Hall, were talking about the aspects of it, understanding it, and how this is a lifetime thing, something Kai will have to learn to deal with. He may also have struggles with written word and spelling and reading, as well as math. :( (oh well, so did I!!!… well, aside from spelling and reading!)
What really got me was where it said how we'll have a team" to discuss and learn from. This team will be with him throughout his schooling. "Many children who exhibit DAS (developmental apraxia of speech) receive special academic support through their schools. In these cases, the school speech-language pathologist, along with the classroom teacher and other educational specialists, will become members of your child's educational planning team." ("Part III: Other Problems Often Associated With the Disorder" by Penelope K. Hall. The University of Iowa, Iowa City. April 2000 ~ I"m not likely citing the bibliography properly, but bear with me, it's been many many years since I've had to cite info and write papers! And this was a photocopy!) This paragraph really stood out for me and got me to think about this whole disorder. It actually makes me a bit sad. :( It's also made it more REAL to me. This suddenly appears to be more "special needs", and that's frightening. What kind of help are we looking at here for school? Are we talking about a regular learning assistance alongside him in class? Or him leaving the classroom for several hours a day for remedial help? *sigh* I know, I know. I'm looking way too far into the future with these worries. I do't mean to be, but I like to know what to expect.
Linda gave me a website for parents, family and therapists of apraxia, which I'll be looking into and getting to know other parents to talk with. I'm looking forwards to learning more. But more excited to watch Kai pass my own expectations and limitations!
Monday, October 22, 2007
On Beate's blog, she posted a Weekend Sketch Challenge (like every weekend) on Friday. I don't normally participate in these… mostly because I hadn't thought of it before! But this time she is offering a stamp set for the winner (chosen randomly)! I had started this one card, but hadn't decided on the front, so I thought I'd just use her simple sketch! And I LOVE the way it turned out!
I actually made this as a gift card holder….the bottom part, with the chocolate chip c/s is held with two brads, and you can tuck a gift inside it. I got the idea off of Kristina's blog! This is going to be a card for Brad for Pastor Appreciation Month (which is all of October…so if you haven't yet, make sure to let your pastor know how much you appreciate all the work he's done, all the praying, all the time, effort..and the family time he must sacrifice to do it.) **SHH! Don't tell him!!!!** It's going to have a Starbuck's gift card inside (you can see that the card lifts up at the green), since he is addicted to their coffee! :) (funny, our old pastor was addicted to Tim Horton's coffee!)
recipe: (all SU!)
Simply Sent "simple delights" stamps, Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Chocolate Chip c/s, Fall Flowers DS paper, Chocolate Chip ink, silver brads, slit punch
I actually made this as a gift card holder….the bottom part, with the chocolate chip c/s is held with two brads, and you can tuck a gift inside it. I got the idea off of Kristina's blog! This is going to be a card for Brad for Pastor Appreciation Month (which is all of October…so if you haven't yet, make sure to let your pastor know how much you appreciate all the work he's done, all the praying, all the time, effort..and the family time he must sacrifice to do it.) **SHH! Don't tell him!!!!** It's going to have a Starbuck's gift card inside (you can see that the card lifts up at the green), since he is addicted to their coffee! :) (funny, our old pastor was addicted to Tim Horton's coffee!)
recipe: (all SU!)
Simply Sent "simple delights" stamps, Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Chocolate Chip c/s, Fall Flowers DS paper, Chocolate Chip ink, silver brads, slit punch
Thursday, October 18, 2007
My sister-in-law, Jenn, and her hubby, James, finally were blessed with their own little bundle! Little Amelia Rose was born October 9, 2007 weighing 7lbs 11oz, and was 20" in length. She is so amazing and beautiful! And such a gift from God, as they had been trying for 4 long and difficult years for her! What a God we have!
Isn't she so beautiful??? I am IN LOVE with her! She's so tiny and perfect and wonderful. She has these LONG fingers and feet too, which is so adorable to see.
Here is a picture of Baby Girl Mia having her first bath at the hospital. Look at all her hair!!!! SQUEAL!!!!!!
I've had people ask me several times if seeing Mia makes me want to have another baby, and I'm happy to admit that it doesn't! Now, don't get me wrong, I still desire to have another baby girl of my own, but having Mia here doesn't make me feel it's the Right Time. …one day…. maybe…. hopefully… :) I'm just happy to cuddle Mia and plant kisses on her soft skin for now.
Congratulations, Jenn & James. I am so happy beyond proper words that your dreams finally came true. I am so happy also that she is a happy baby and a quiet one, and not because you live below us (LOL) but b/c it's nice to have a baby that isn't too much trouble! Of course, I am also jealous, but mostly happy for you! *wink* She is precious, and I can't wait to spoil her and for her to get bigger so she can play with my kids! Abi has been waiting for another girl for a long time!!!
Isn't she so beautiful??? I am IN LOVE with her! She's so tiny and perfect and wonderful. She has these LONG fingers and feet too, which is so adorable to see.
Here is a picture of Baby Girl Mia having her first bath at the hospital. Look at all her hair!!!! SQUEAL!!!!!!
I've had people ask me several times if seeing Mia makes me want to have another baby, and I'm happy to admit that it doesn't! Now, don't get me wrong, I still desire to have another baby girl of my own, but having Mia here doesn't make me feel it's the Right Time. …one day…. maybe…. hopefully… :) I'm just happy to cuddle Mia and plant kisses on her soft skin for now.
Congratulations, Jenn & James. I am so happy beyond proper words that your dreams finally came true. I am so happy also that she is a happy baby and a quiet one, and not because you live below us (LOL) but b/c it's nice to have a baby that isn't too much trouble! Of course, I am also jealous, but mostly happy for you! *wink* She is precious, and I can't wait to spoil her and for her to get bigger so she can play with my kids! Abi has been waiting for another girl for a long time!!!
We got a puppy!!! I know, we must be crazy, but it was a sudden decision and I didn't really know what to say! Jono saw a sign for puppies for sale at this house we pass on our way home from church, so he went to check them out with his mom. I get a phone call from him, and his Exact words were: They are SOOOOOOO CUTE!!!!
OMGosh, is he a GIRL????? LMBO!!!! It's just that he NEVER reacted that way to any of our children!!!!! LMBO! (roll eyes)
So, the kids and I went over to the house with him for a peek. I KNEW we'd come home with a dog. Even though he said it was My final decision, I felt it was already figured out as soon as he said he was checking them out! ;) How am I to say No when he's obviously giddy?
There were 9 puppies to choose from (yes NINE!!! The mother actually had 10, but one died after birth, how sad. But TEN???? Good golly!!!!) but Jono had his eye on the runt of the litter. She was cute, seemed "calm" enough… the kids seemed fine with the idea….. It's funny, the only one who was the most excited was Jono! The rest of us weren't bothered either way, it seemed! LOL
So we went home with our new puppy! Her name is Paisley (I came up with that!) and she is 9 1/2 weeks old. Her mother is a Shepard/Ridgeback cross. We were told that her father was Brindal, which we had never heard of, until we were told later at the vet's that brindal is a COLOUR type! *blush* We did hear that the father is most likely the Mastif that lives two doors down, and I'd concur based on her face.
Welcome, Paisley!
She is such a great addition to our family. I'm happy we have her….even though she is a LOT of work and troublesome! LOL After she had been home for a few hours, Jono said to me that he felt that our family was "complete"! (whatever that means, hahaha) She really does fit in great, and already loves us all. She is attached to myself (I held her and comforted her in the car as we left her birth home), and Jono (she can likely sense that he 'knows' dogs and loves her), and Bryn (we think she thinks he's another puppy! LOL She's forever climbing all over him, licking his face, nibbling his ears, lol) **our cat, Nakita, is still getting used to her though. She hisses and growls at her! lol
This is my first time owning a dog, so this is a bit strange for me. Day 5 and I'm already sick of her pooping on everything!!!!! *grr* …we're working on the potty training, but seeing as I"m STILL working on my first son in that area, I don't have high hopes in my ability!!! :p
Isn't she a cutie? :)
OMGosh, is he a GIRL????? LMBO!!!! It's just that he NEVER reacted that way to any of our children!!!!! LMBO! (roll eyes)
So, the kids and I went over to the house with him for a peek. I KNEW we'd come home with a dog. Even though he said it was My final decision, I felt it was already figured out as soon as he said he was checking them out! ;) How am I to say No when he's obviously giddy?
There were 9 puppies to choose from (yes NINE!!! The mother actually had 10, but one died after birth, how sad. But TEN???? Good golly!!!!) but Jono had his eye on the runt of the litter. She was cute, seemed "calm" enough… the kids seemed fine with the idea….. It's funny, the only one who was the most excited was Jono! The rest of us weren't bothered either way, it seemed! LOL
So we went home with our new puppy! Her name is Paisley (I came up with that!) and she is 9 1/2 weeks old. Her mother is a Shepard/Ridgeback cross. We were told that her father was Brindal, which we had never heard of, until we were told later at the vet's that brindal is a COLOUR type! *blush* We did hear that the father is most likely the Mastif that lives two doors down, and I'd concur based on her face.
Welcome, Paisley!
She is such a great addition to our family. I'm happy we have her….even though she is a LOT of work and troublesome! LOL After she had been home for a few hours, Jono said to me that he felt that our family was "complete"! (whatever that means, hahaha) She really does fit in great, and already loves us all. She is attached to myself (I held her and comforted her in the car as we left her birth home), and Jono (she can likely sense that he 'knows' dogs and loves her), and Bryn (we think she thinks he's another puppy! LOL She's forever climbing all over him, licking his face, nibbling his ears, lol) **our cat, Nakita, is still getting used to her though. She hisses and growls at her! lol
This is my first time owning a dog, so this is a bit strange for me. Day 5 and I'm already sick of her pooping on everything!!!!! *grr* …we're working on the potty training, but seeing as I"m STILL working on my first son in that area, I don't have high hopes in my ability!!! :p
Isn't she a cutie? :)
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car) Sugar Voyager …rock on!
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fav ice cream flavor, favorite cookie) Spamoni Chocolate Chip ….oooh, so 'gansta'!!!
3. YOUR "FLY Guy/Girl" NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name) LWOO ….I wonder how one would pronounce that?
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal) Yellow Cat….seems more silly than detective-y!
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born) Ada Stratford….not bad!
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first) Woolo ….hahaha, I love it!
7. SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd favorite color, favorite drink put "The" at the beginning) The Orange Iced Tea …wonder what I do!
8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers) Piet Lesley
9. STRIPPER NAME: (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne, favorite candy) Jessica Chocolate
10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother's & father's middle names ) Alida Mark …has a good ring to it.
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fav ice cream flavor, favorite cookie) Spamoni Chocolate Chip ….oooh, so 'gansta'!!!
3. YOUR "FLY Guy/Girl" NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name) LWOO ….I wonder how one would pronounce that?
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal) Yellow Cat….seems more silly than detective-y!
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born) Ada Stratford….not bad!
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first) Woolo ….hahaha, I love it!
7. SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd favorite color, favorite drink put "The" at the beginning) The Orange Iced Tea …wonder what I do!
8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers) Piet Lesley
9. STRIPPER NAME: (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne, favorite candy) Jessica Chocolate
10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother's & father's middle names ) Alida Mark …has a good ring to it.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
I'm being very brave and am going to enter a card contest! I came across this contest a while ago, and well, sure enough, the day snuck up on me and nearly passed! Eep! The deadline for entry is Tonight…in 1/2 hour to be exact! Good thing I sent mine in already! *smile*
The rules were to make an Original Christmas Card for Stampinsars, another SU! demonstrator in Abbotsford. I love seeing how other demonstrators work and they creations they come up with.
This is the card I came up with. I don't know how "Original" it is, I'm sure it's been done before, but hopefully she'll think it's Original in design! It's a three-column tag card that stands up on it's own. I made one similar with my sidelines in August, and then redesigned it for my Stamp Club. We made this last month, and it took forever!!!! The snowman is actually a shaker box filled with micro beads. FUN! My first time actually making one…and I had to show a group how to do it as well! (Or how NOT to, lol!)
(all items are SU! except for the ribbon on the top of the tags. They are unknown from the dollar store. The glitter is Stickles.)
I'll let you know the results of the contest. Sarah will post all the entries on her site too. I'm looking forwards to seeing all the ones she (and the judges) had to choose from! I'm sure it won't be easy!
The rules were to make an Original Christmas Card for Stampinsars, another SU! demonstrator in Abbotsford. I love seeing how other demonstrators work and they creations they come up with.
This is the card I came up with. I don't know how "Original" it is, I'm sure it's been done before, but hopefully she'll think it's Original in design! It's a three-column tag card that stands up on it's own. I made one similar with my sidelines in August, and then redesigned it for my Stamp Club. We made this last month, and it took forever!!!! The snowman is actually a shaker box filled with micro beads. FUN! My first time actually making one…and I had to show a group how to do it as well! (Or how NOT to, lol!)
(all items are SU! except for the ribbon on the top of the tags. They are unknown from the dollar store. The glitter is Stickles.)
I'll let you know the results of the contest. Sarah will post all the entries on her site too. I'm looking forwards to seeing all the ones she (and the judges) had to choose from! I'm sure it won't be easy!
This past weekend was Thanksgiving in Canada, and in trying to keep my mind focused on Being Thankful, I made a list of all the things I can thank God for. (I couldn't sleep, so I got out of bed and made quite a list!) **in no particular order**
*Thankful for my children. They are amazing. I get absolutely giddy when I think of them and their personalities! I love them and want to squeeze them all day long! Sometimes I think, 'man, they can't get any better than this!' but I know it will. There will be more things to discover, more events to go through, and new things to learn. They excite me!
*Thankful for a van to be able to take the kids to school, to visit friends, get errands done, to offer carpooling… I love the freedom it gives me.
*Thankful for my family & friends who keep me sane, who love me despite my short-comings and foot-in-mouth syndrome; who care for me, who encourage me, and give me Joy.
*Thankful for my husband who loves me unconditionally. He amazes me and I am floored by him. He is so smart and kind and wonderful. He cares for me, loves me, encourages me, helps and supports me, and makes me laugh. I absolutely love him and am giddy at growing old with him. I hope I never lose my excitement & amazement for him. He is my Joy.
*thankful for my neighbours who care for me. We have been blessed with having Jenny & Steve next door. My friendship has grown this year with her and I am so pleased. We are alike in many ways, so our conversations have uplifted me, grounded me, brightened me, changed me, and made me feel "Normal".
*Thankful for my church. I love Jericho Ridge! I love Pastor Brad. And I love Meg, and I love everyone we meet! I feel At Home there. The kids love it and we've made friends. God is Good and we are so happy to be a part of a church who thrives to change and grow as a community. Love. Love. Love this place!!!
*Thankful for friends who call unexpectedly. I love being pleasantly surprised. It makes my day knowing that someone cares for me and is thinking and wants to connect with me.
*Thankful that I am still learning things about myself and being surprised. I love that!
*Thankful for Nathan, for being such a good "half brother". He holds a special part in my heart, having grown up with him. Having him become a good friend to Jono has been so wonderful; a little strange at first, as I never would've predicted it, but I am so grateful. He has been such a wonderful addition to Jonathan's life and I love seeing how it has effected him. It's good to see him be able to not only share his talents and interests with someone else, but to be able to build up in areas he's needed encouragement in. It's wonderful to see him have a positive male model—even if he sometimes deals in grey! (lol) I love that Jono has someone who he can spend time with.
*Thankful for the opportunity to join SU! I may be only breaking even, but I am able to support a (healthy) habit and have fun! I love SU! and stamping and have gained confidence and direction and a happiness.
*thankful for LCS and my parents for the chance that my children can attend there. LCS has been such an amazing experience and I am happy to be a part of the school. I am giddy that Abi is surrounded by godly things. I know I can't protect her, and am very aware that attending a Christian school doesn't stop you from being badly hurt, but I know that I can trust this school. The teachers are wonderful. I lvoe knowing that Abi will get a great education and learn how God fits into Everything in our lives, and I am so excited to watch her grow. I can't wait until the boys can go there too!
*Thankful for Teacher Michelle! She has been a great friend to me and make me laugh. I have loved her from the beginning when Abi was in preschool 3 years ago. (wow, that long ago?) I love that she's teaching Kai now. She is so understanding, caring, patient, fun, creative and I have learned so much from her.
*Thankful for our ST Linda (didn't think I'd ever say that!) for spending time with Kai, for showing an interest, for her suggestions, and for teaching me as well. She is bridging the gap between us and our communication barriers with Kai. I am grateful Kai is where he is; that we are able to get the therapy.
*Thankful for FB. Sounds silly, it's true, but I am SO HAPPY and Giddy to have reconnected with much of my family. I have waited YEARS for something like this! I LOVE LOVE LOVE everyone of my friends & love getting know family members I haven't seen in over 10 years. I am so happy and want to hug everyone right through the scren! Facebook was made for people like me. (so was some medication, though, too, LOL!)
*Thankful for MWP for all the girls who have supported, encouraged, loved, prayed, and cheered for/with me over the year. They mean so much to me and are very much a part of my extended family. I am grateful for their friendship. They've kept me sane as well!
*Thankful that despite the feeling like my body is failing me, I have a well-abled body to complain about. That I am able to see my children accomplish things. That I can hear the music that moves my body and connects me to God. That I can touch the soft skin of my babies and the roughness of my hardworking husband. That I can smell the food that I cook (or buy!) and can eat it. I am thankful for my freedoms and for the land I live in, the generation that I am a part of, and that I have the ability to be active. May my complacency break me.
*thankful that my heart is still able to recognize the MANY MANY Blessings God has given me even when I endure my very common "EHH!" days. Thankful that God doesn't NEED me to do a thing, but LOVES me enough to WANT me to. Thankful that He blesses me abundantly. Thankful that sometimes, in my mind, I can not JUST Fly, but I SOAR.
I asked the kids what they were thankful for, and these are their contributions:
*Thankful for my Mom & Dad because I love them. ~ Abi
*Thankful for Abi because she plays with me. ~Kai
<3
*Thankful for my children. They are amazing. I get absolutely giddy when I think of them and their personalities! I love them and want to squeeze them all day long! Sometimes I think, 'man, they can't get any better than this!' but I know it will. There will be more things to discover, more events to go through, and new things to learn. They excite me!
*Thankful for a van to be able to take the kids to school, to visit friends, get errands done, to offer carpooling… I love the freedom it gives me.
*Thankful for my family & friends who keep me sane, who love me despite my short-comings and foot-in-mouth syndrome; who care for me, who encourage me, and give me Joy.
*Thankful for my husband who loves me unconditionally. He amazes me and I am floored by him. He is so smart and kind and wonderful. He cares for me, loves me, encourages me, helps and supports me, and makes me laugh. I absolutely love him and am giddy at growing old with him. I hope I never lose my excitement & amazement for him. He is my Joy.
*thankful for my neighbours who care for me. We have been blessed with having Jenny & Steve next door. My friendship has grown this year with her and I am so pleased. We are alike in many ways, so our conversations have uplifted me, grounded me, brightened me, changed me, and made me feel "Normal".
*Thankful for my church. I love Jericho Ridge! I love Pastor Brad. And I love Meg, and I love everyone we meet! I feel At Home there. The kids love it and we've made friends. God is Good and we are so happy to be a part of a church who thrives to change and grow as a community. Love. Love. Love this place!!!
*Thankful for friends who call unexpectedly. I love being pleasantly surprised. It makes my day knowing that someone cares for me and is thinking and wants to connect with me.
*Thankful that I am still learning things about myself and being surprised. I love that!
*Thankful for Nathan, for being such a good "half brother". He holds a special part in my heart, having grown up with him. Having him become a good friend to Jono has been so wonderful; a little strange at first, as I never would've predicted it, but I am so grateful. He has been such a wonderful addition to Jonathan's life and I love seeing how it has effected him. It's good to see him be able to not only share his talents and interests with someone else, but to be able to build up in areas he's needed encouragement in. It's wonderful to see him have a positive male model—even if he sometimes deals in grey! (lol) I love that Jono has someone who he can spend time with.
*Thankful for the opportunity to join SU! I may be only breaking even, but I am able to support a (healthy) habit and have fun! I love SU! and stamping and have gained confidence and direction and a happiness.
*thankful for LCS and my parents for the chance that my children can attend there. LCS has been such an amazing experience and I am happy to be a part of the school. I am giddy that Abi is surrounded by godly things. I know I can't protect her, and am very aware that attending a Christian school doesn't stop you from being badly hurt, but I know that I can trust this school. The teachers are wonderful. I lvoe knowing that Abi will get a great education and learn how God fits into Everything in our lives, and I am so excited to watch her grow. I can't wait until the boys can go there too!
*Thankful for Teacher Michelle! She has been a great friend to me and make me laugh. I have loved her from the beginning when Abi was in preschool 3 years ago. (wow, that long ago?) I love that she's teaching Kai now. She is so understanding, caring, patient, fun, creative and I have learned so much from her.
*Thankful for our ST Linda (didn't think I'd ever say that!) for spending time with Kai, for showing an interest, for her suggestions, and for teaching me as well. She is bridging the gap between us and our communication barriers with Kai. I am grateful Kai is where he is; that we are able to get the therapy.
*Thankful for FB. Sounds silly, it's true, but I am SO HAPPY and Giddy to have reconnected with much of my family. I have waited YEARS for something like this! I LOVE LOVE LOVE everyone of my friends & love getting know family members I haven't seen in over 10 years. I am so happy and want to hug everyone right through the scren! Facebook was made for people like me. (so was some medication, though, too, LOL!)
*Thankful for MWP for all the girls who have supported, encouraged, loved, prayed, and cheered for/with me over the year. They mean so much to me and are very much a part of my extended family. I am grateful for their friendship. They've kept me sane as well!
*Thankful that despite the feeling like my body is failing me, I have a well-abled body to complain about. That I am able to see my children accomplish things. That I can hear the music that moves my body and connects me to God. That I can touch the soft skin of my babies and the roughness of my hardworking husband. That I can smell the food that I cook (or buy!) and can eat it. I am thankful for my freedoms and for the land I live in, the generation that I am a part of, and that I have the ability to be active. May my complacency break me.
*thankful that my heart is still able to recognize the MANY MANY Blessings God has given me even when I endure my very common "EHH!" days. Thankful that God doesn't NEED me to do a thing, but LOVES me enough to WANT me to. Thankful that He blesses me abundantly. Thankful that sometimes, in my mind, I can not JUST Fly, but I SOAR.
I asked the kids what they were thankful for, and these are their contributions:
*Thankful for my Mom & Dad because I love them. ~ Abi
*Thankful for Abi because she plays with me. ~Kai
<3
Monday, October 8, 2007
I came across this YouTube video today that I just have to share with you. It is awesome and powerful and brings tears to my eyes. I can't help but feel encouraged and joyous watching it, even though I know how it will end. Jesus is our ultimate lover. He will go through anything to save us, reach us, bring us to His arms. Even die. I LOVE how the character Jesus stands in front of all the temptations that were shielding the girl, and takes the abuse. And how he triumphs over them.
Have a watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyheJ480LYA
here are the lyrics:
Everything
Artist: Lifehouse
Find Me Here
Speak To Me
I want to feel you
I need to hear you
You are the light
That's leading me
To the place where I find peace again.
You are the strength, that keeps me walking.
You are the hope, that keeps me trusting.
You are the light to my soul.
You are my purpose…you're everything.
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
You calm the storms, and you give me rest.
You hold me in your hands, you won't let me fall.
You steal my heart, and you take my breath away.
Would you take me in? Take me deeper now?
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
Cause you're all I want, You're all I need
You're everything,everything
You're all I want your all I need
You're everything, everything.
You're all I want you're all I need.
You're everything, everything
You're all I want you're all I need, you're everything, everything.
And How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
may you be blessed by this and may His love be made more real.
Have a watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyheJ480LYA
here are the lyrics:
Everything
Artist: Lifehouse
Find Me Here
Speak To Me
I want to feel you
I need to hear you
You are the light
That's leading me
To the place where I find peace again.
You are the strength, that keeps me walking.
You are the hope, that keeps me trusting.
You are the light to my soul.
You are my purpose…you're everything.
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
You calm the storms, and you give me rest.
You hold me in your hands, you won't let me fall.
You steal my heart, and you take my breath away.
Would you take me in? Take me deeper now?
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
Cause you're all I want, You're all I need
You're everything,everything
You're all I want your all I need
You're everything, everything.
You're all I want you're all I need.
You're everything, everything
You're all I want you're all I need, you're everything, everything.
And How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
may you be blessed by this and may His love be made more real.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Today is the First Annual World Card Making Day…and I didn't get to create much. *pout* Oh, but I did make 12 birth announcements for my SIL, who is having her baby in 3 days, so that counts. I've told her I'll make 50 and I've done 22, with 12 ready to put together and 16 to go… phew! I'll post a photo of them soon…once I get one taken! I read on Beate's blog on how she takes her amazing photos, so maybe mine will start to look more professional. Can't promise anything, but well, I've been surprising myself lately!
I was so excited about WCMD since I first heard of it through Stampin' Up! (one of the major supporters of the event) and was planning on hosting a stamp event at my house, and even wrote the date on the calendar so that my DH couldn't complain. But as the date grew nearer, I became less prepared (I really don't like things at the beginning of the month as moving from one to the next is not easy. I see one calendar month and only that month and forget to connect that the next months' things need to be prepared when the current one is drawing an end as to make a smooth transition to the next. *sigh* I never learn! lol) Then DH claimed the day we're having dinner at the ILs that day! It was obviously an American who came up with October 6th as WCMD, as no Canadian would chose such an event to fall on their Thanksgiving Weekend! (roll eyes) So in the end, I had to cancel my event. phooey. *pout* But maybe I'll be able to plan something else soon…
If you are interested in learning more about WCMD, check out the official site. Click under the header "create" for some cards you can CASE (copy and share everything) made by sponsors. Then stop over under "share" for cards that were uploaded by many talented cardmakers who participated in the event. Inspiring!
I LOVE this card for it's simple and beautiful design made by KJ0915
And just because I want to get one of Mine in….here is one I did for my Mom's birthday back in April using Petals & Paisley DS paper, Doodle This stamp set, Double Line Doodles stamp set, Vintage Violet c/s (retired) all from SU! Oh, and the magnets, I made those too!
Other news for the day is that I went to the clinic b/c I am so SICK of being dizzy!!! I've been dizzy every single day, feeling crappy, for over a week! I was so determined it was something drastic. Not too sure if that's b/c I hate to think of it being something simple or b/c I am paranoid or a hypochondriac or something, but c'mon, why shrug something off as a common cold when you can hypothesize on whether or not you need to go to the ER!!!! LOL *wink* I had seen my own doctor on Tuesday and she just shrugged off the dizziness (as well as my other plaguing symptoms) with a caution to not "stand up too fast!" (roll eyes) Suddenly last night it occurred to me that maybe, just maybe, this was only a Simple Thing!!!! And I recalled having sore ears and a sore throat about 2 weeks ago….. h'mmm….. *blush* Sure enough, this new clinic doctor has told me I have an Inner Ear Infection! Yay!!!! :p She actually looked into my ears, nose and throat and got me to follow her pen light with my eyes, and MAN! that made me dizzy!!!! ugh! So I'm on gravol for that, and need to pick up some antibiotics for the infection. I am SO glad to have this figured out. I was really starting to wonder about me!!! Especially after my doctor told me that my thyroid came back as normal and regulated and my iron looks fine, and she even said my pee is normal (dang, I shouldn't have drank so much water and peed so often before my apt, I think I sqwered the results!!!! OF COURSE it looked normal! I was at the doctor's! Grr!!!!!) But yeah…. I'm rambling, aren't I? It's the infection talking. I'm sure of it! Why else would an exhausted sick girl climb OUT of bed to go on the internet??? LOL
Other GREAT news: My wee baby took some steps on his own today!!! He has learned to stand on his own in the past few weeks, but isn't confident all the time. He is desperate to be on the GO though, so he'll attempt some steps now! *GLEE!!!!!* Laying on the couch at MILs, I saw Bryn take 4 hesitant steps and I was watching him with large doe eyes, wondering if he was actually going to make it all the way to his Auntie Jenn!!!! She was wondering the same thing! We were watching him in excitment and silence encouragement. (we didn't want to say anything and break the moment!!!) But he plunked to the floor after his 4th step! How exciting! I'll have to make sure to have my camera ready tomorrow in case he tries a repeat!
WOW! It's midnight! Eep! Where did the time go? I must head back to bed. My ears are itchy and I'm getting dizzy and I hear that Bryn has woken up, looking for his bottle. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.
I was so excited about WCMD since I first heard of it through Stampin' Up! (one of the major supporters of the event) and was planning on hosting a stamp event at my house, and even wrote the date on the calendar so that my DH couldn't complain. But as the date grew nearer, I became less prepared (I really don't like things at the beginning of the month as moving from one to the next is not easy. I see one calendar month and only that month and forget to connect that the next months' things need to be prepared when the current one is drawing an end as to make a smooth transition to the next. *sigh* I never learn! lol) Then DH claimed the day we're having dinner at the ILs that day! It was obviously an American who came up with October 6th as WCMD, as no Canadian would chose such an event to fall on their Thanksgiving Weekend! (roll eyes) So in the end, I had to cancel my event. phooey. *pout* But maybe I'll be able to plan something else soon…
If you are interested in learning more about WCMD, check out the official site. Click under the header "create" for some cards you can CASE (copy and share everything) made by sponsors. Then stop over under "share" for cards that were uploaded by many talented cardmakers who participated in the event. Inspiring!
I LOVE this card for it's simple and beautiful design made by KJ0915
And just because I want to get one of Mine in….here is one I did for my Mom's birthday back in April using Petals & Paisley DS paper, Doodle This stamp set, Double Line Doodles stamp set, Vintage Violet c/s (retired) all from SU! Oh, and the magnets, I made those too!
Other news for the day is that I went to the clinic b/c I am so SICK of being dizzy!!! I've been dizzy every single day, feeling crappy, for over a week! I was so determined it was something drastic. Not too sure if that's b/c I hate to think of it being something simple or b/c I am paranoid or a hypochondriac or something, but c'mon, why shrug something off as a common cold when you can hypothesize on whether or not you need to go to the ER!!!! LOL *wink* I had seen my own doctor on Tuesday and she just shrugged off the dizziness (as well as my other plaguing symptoms) with a caution to not "stand up too fast!" (roll eyes) Suddenly last night it occurred to me that maybe, just maybe, this was only a Simple Thing!!!! And I recalled having sore ears and a sore throat about 2 weeks ago….. h'mmm….. *blush* Sure enough, this new clinic doctor has told me I have an Inner Ear Infection! Yay!!!! :p She actually looked into my ears, nose and throat and got me to follow her pen light with my eyes, and MAN! that made me dizzy!!!! ugh! So I'm on gravol for that, and need to pick up some antibiotics for the infection. I am SO glad to have this figured out. I was really starting to wonder about me!!! Especially after my doctor told me that my thyroid came back as normal and regulated and my iron looks fine, and she even said my pee is normal (dang, I shouldn't have drank so much water and peed so often before my apt, I think I sqwered the results!!!! OF COURSE it looked normal! I was at the doctor's! Grr!!!!!) But yeah…. I'm rambling, aren't I? It's the infection talking. I'm sure of it! Why else would an exhausted sick girl climb OUT of bed to go on the internet??? LOL
Other GREAT news: My wee baby took some steps on his own today!!! He has learned to stand on his own in the past few weeks, but isn't confident all the time. He is desperate to be on the GO though, so he'll attempt some steps now! *GLEE!!!!!* Laying on the couch at MILs, I saw Bryn take 4 hesitant steps and I was watching him with large doe eyes, wondering if he was actually going to make it all the way to his Auntie Jenn!!!! She was wondering the same thing! We were watching him in excitment and silence encouragement. (we didn't want to say anything and break the moment!!!) But he plunked to the floor after his 4th step! How exciting! I'll have to make sure to have my camera ready tomorrow in case he tries a repeat!
WOW! It's midnight! Eep! Where did the time go? I must head back to bed. My ears are itchy and I'm getting dizzy and I hear that Bryn has woken up, looking for his bottle. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.
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