the beautiful gift

wishing you a silent peaceful night

The kids were in their new jammies as we watched A Charlie Brown Christmas before this evening. And that's when it really started to feel like Christmas!  After they were tucked into bed (fifteen times!), my Hunny and I tackled the gifts wrapping and enjoyed the (eventually) quiet house together. We don't sit together like this often enough, usually we have distractions of tv or phone as background filler. Tonight was just a perfect evening of listening to favourite carols and resting. 

I have been listening to a lot of Pentatonix lately. I'm not usually a fan of A Capella, but they do it so beautifully. Most of it sounds like a choir singing with their mix of harmonies, which I love.  Their version of Silent Night is amazing!

{You also need to listen to Mary, Did You Know? <<< click here

And The First Noel <<< click here
No seriously...do it! Go now!}

From my Clan to yours: Have a wonderful Christmas.  May it be full of family and happiness as we celebrate His gift to us.

May your night be filled with peace.

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.  

unexpected outcome and our first IEP

I met with the Learning Assistance Coordinator at the school and she had bad news for us. Unfortunately the assessment report from Fraser Developmental Centre wasn't enough. First, they didn't receive it in time to apply for school support (which needs to be done by the end  of September to  register with the Ministry of Education) and the short report they got didn't have enough info on it. Second, upon receiving the full report, the LAC and SEC (Special Education Coordinator) went over it carefully and they aren't able to apply for extra help for him when it comes time in February 2016 either (the second time schools can apply).

So no Aide for Rhys.

At least for now.

The wording that I struggled with they did as well. ("You may wish to identify him as having....") The big issue they had with the diagnosis of Complex Developmental Behavioral Disorder (CDBC) is that Rhys doesn't completely fit that description either. He does not have any behavioral problems. That is, no aggression, or self harm, or class disruptions ,etc. And that Behavior is an important part of CDBC. So they didn't feel that they could properly label him that way. Even though as I was told they really wished they could.

*sigh*

To say I felt disappointed would just slightly address my feelings. I felt it was a step back after our gains lately. And I was worried about Rhys not getting the help that he needed. But I have been assurred by the LAC that while Rhys may not have an Aide, he will always have an  IEP. And they will always have him placed in a classroom where there is already an Aide, who is able to help him as needed. That encouraged me.

Despite that set back, I do not feel that Rhys will "fall into the cracks" like it felt last year.  He has such a wonderful teacher (who R and I both love) and the same Aide in the class as last year (who I've been talking with) He also has this report from Sunnyhill and they can't ignore that. But the truth is that Rhys really is doing well. Yes, he is about 1-2 years behind in a lot of ways, but he just needs direction, and he doesn't need that all of the time. So I understand the confliction in this decision.

When I met with the Learning Assistance Coordinator and his teacher last week for our first IEP meeting (Independant Education Plan) I had a bit of nerves. I wasn't too sure what to expect. And it's funny how despite not knowing for sure, you can always end up feeling as though you weren't really expecting the outcome in the end. The meeting was different than I thought it would be. We started with his strengths (which I think is always a good place to begin) and then his needs, and then delved into the many categories where he needed help. With each heading (Communication, Social/Emotional, Acedemic, Physical/Independance) we discussed areas that he needed to strengthen and the LAC gave us solutions on how to meet those concerns. It really wasn't a surprise, really. Nothing was said that I didn't already know, and thankfully most I had already discussed with the Learning Assisstance Coordinator so it felt more like an 'official recap' for the records. So un-climatic!

I am going to see Rhys' pediatrician and see if he would qualify for more help elsewhere, as we agree that Speech Therapy and/or Occupational Therapy would benefit him. As his teacher said, learning disabilities don't separate kids too much, but something they see will eventually set him apart, such as his inability to run properly or do simple things like skip. Maybe there is a program that we can get Rhys into that's locally run and doesn't cost a lot.

I really do think this year will be a good one, though. We are making small steps. He is in the right school, and placed in the perfect classroom, and he is loved by many.

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

Oh Light

I love Gungor for their incredibly touching lyrics, breathtaking music and heavenly voices. And this new song is no exception.

Oh Light / Gungor feat. All Sons and Daughters

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. Pretty Nails

Eden found some nail polish and I relented and let her paint her nails. I know. *cringe*  And then I let her paint my nails too. *twitch twitch*  She got it all over my fingers and it makes my cuticles look even worse, but she was pleased with herself. So we showed off our fingers to everyone and we ooh'ed at how sparkly they were and it was fun!

Don't be jealous.

2. fort building

The Youngers are getting good at fort building in our house. I love memories like these!

3. this girl

seriously.  How did I get so lucky?

Happy 14th birthday, Abi!


4. oh Christmas tree

I love our family tradition of going to a tree farm (support local!) and finding our own special tree!  I grew up with a fake one that we pulled out each year on the 3rd of December, which I love and miss that family tradition, but I love that my own family can have their own.  I'm thankful that it wasn't that cold this year for our outing!

 {group hug for our fave tree!}

5.  strength and covering

I was suddenly thrust into the role of leading the whole morning with my children's group as my co-leader wasn't able to come, which made me a bit nervous, but mostly confident. And let me tell you that I wouldn't have that confidence if it weren't for the Holy Spirit. It's one thing to have the talent to lead a group of kids, but it's another to have no worries as you rest in the fact that it's His words that are being said.  I am so thankful that even though the kids were restless more than usual, the morning went really well. I had energy and spirit and Joy!

6. new-to-her princess dresses

Eden found a bunch of old dresses that Abi used to wear (and make her brothers wear too, come to think of it!) They're still a bit big on her, but she is so excited!

I let her wear one to bed, along with her new "hair pretty" and she giggled while being tucked in, saying, "Mama, I'm in love with you!"  She melts me.

7.  beautiful voices in harmony

I'm not too sure if you can tell or not, but I love music! :)  I love choirs. I love orchestras. I just love beautiful harmonies and lyrics. My heart was so lifted this week to hear a bit of Abi and the high school choir practicing after school. I am thankful that we are created to sing.

8. sudden visits to my parents

I am so thankful that I have been able to just suddenly go with my sister this week to visit my parents while my Opa was in the hospital. We don't live near our extended family (they are in Ontario), and so it's been difficult, but we have eachother. I am thankful for tea, tears, laughter, and comfort.

9. Crafty Affaire

The girls and I had a morning outing which started with a walk around the Crafty Affaire market in White Rock (support local!) and ended with lunch together. And, yet again, I meant to take photos but forgot to. Oops. You'll have to trust me that it was a fun time. It helped that I won tickets for entry through Instagram! yay go me! (I won last year too, but wasn't able to attend as it fell on the same day as Kai's bday party.)

10.  almost meetings

I am thankful for laughter and being silly. I was walking through the grocery store with my husband when I saw anther man I recognized. We had already had a strange day of many coincidental meetings with people we knew, so I thought it was another friend. That is until I realized I recognized this man through his wife's blog that I read often! I suppose I could've said Hi when I saw the whole family, but I thought it may be strange since they didn't really know me, but now I'm realizing that was silly and I should've! Maybe we'll have another chance encounter....now that I know where she shops! *wink*


So that's my week (or two) in a nutshell. How about you? What are you thankful for?