Five's a Party

Happy Birthday, Lia Amanda!

2011-07-28T13:32:00.000-07:00

Yes, it has been a whole year since Lia joined our family! She is such a happy cutie, full of smiles and personality.

It's official! I'm heading East.

2011-07-28T08:48:00.000-07:00

G has been transferred. His company is opening a new branch in New Brunswick, and he's been chosen to move there and open and run it.
I have such mixed feelings about this. I can see the "leading" in it, how God has been slowly paving the way. I can't WAIT to live where I can go to the beach, have so many bible conferences close by, and just be "down east". I am also dragging my feet, because in spite of having wanted to go back since I left, I have my sister and so many great friends here. It's hard to go to a new place and start over, especially when you are leaving behind people you love.
It will be nice to raise my boys in the east, but they too will be leaving their friends, and really what they've always known. We've been in Ontario for 9 years now!

I am proud of my husband, that he works hard and it is recognized.

Look

2011-07-26T10:34:00.000-07:00

Look at what has taken up residence in my mailbox. I'm not scared of snakes, but it sure startled me to see this guy and his pal when I checked my mail!

2011-07-22T05:06:00.000-07:00

I woke up early today. The bedroom was hot and stuffy, and i just couldn't sleep. I got up and went outside. What a glorious cool feeling it was! the sun was shining, the birds were singing their hearts out! They've been pretty quiet during the day lately. I think it must be too hot for them to sing much. I've missed their happy noise and greatly enjoyed just sitting on my back porch, basking in the coolness and sunshine and birdsong :) I even saw a bunny!

cue music... nah nah nah nah HEAT WAVE!

2011-07-21T11:07:00.000-07:00

It's been an odd weather year. Yes, I'm Canadian, I talk about the weather. it seemed to rain for three months, and spring was not a fun one. It was so cold and windy and wet. Then, the switch flipped to "off", and it has been hot and dry ever since.
really.
really.
really.
hot.
Today is the hottest one yet, with the humidex it's at 46. I know some people from down south may think that isn't so bad, but trust me, for us northern people used to a much cooler climate, it's very hot!

Summer is here in a big, hot, sunshiney way.

2011-07-20T11:03:00.000-07:00

It has been a while. Poor blog and readers, I apologize for neglecting you! What a lot of happenings! I'll bullet post some of them so I don't have to go into detail, since I don't want to take all day.
~ My friend and I went to Alberta in April, to see my baby niece Faith Rebecca come into the world. I actually had the privilege of being in the room as she was born, by c-section, on April 18th.Baby Faith makes the fifth birth I have been present for. (not counting my own three, obviously I was there!) babies are so exciting, and i do love welcoming my new family members into the world.

I also got to meet my niece Abigail Joy while I was there. It was so nice to see my "western" family, and spend time with them all.

~ While in Alberta,I was in a car crash. Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt. Just bruises and sore muscles. My Dad did have a cracked wrist from the airbag, but he's much better now. I had an impressive bruise on my hip from the seatbelt, but God sure had his hand on us :)

~ Ryan, my oldest, graduated from elementary school. He'll be in grade 9, high school next year.

~ went mountain climbing and spelunking with Liam and G in the blue mountains. It was such a nice adventure! I found the entry fee to the park a bit steep, but the caves and trails were interesting.

~ Kyle went to Alberta for a fishing trip with his Uncle and Grandpa. He didn't catch any fish in the rockies,but he did see some grizzlies close up and got to know his aunts, uncle, cousins and grandparents better. It was also his first time on an airplane that he can remember. He's been on before, but he was not even 2 years old.

That's all I feel like typing out right now. Hope I can post a bit more often!

something yummy

2011-02-25T07:42:00.000-08:00

I love a roast beef dinner. complete with roast potatoes, carrots, onions, yourkshire puddingd, horserdish and grave.
I also love the left overs the next morning, fried as hash.

New Baby

2011-02-23T08:27:00.000-08:00

Not mine! My sister Rebecca is having a baby in April, and I am planning to fly out to be there when baby Faith is born! I am really excited about this. I've been to all four of my sister Cindy's births, but this will be my first cesarean experience. It is scheduled for April 18, so I am hoping to fly out on the 11th or so and spend two weeks out west.
Can't wait to see my nephew and three neices out west!

Boredom

2011-02-18T04:58:00.000-08:00

As winter drags on, I start to get a bit of cabin fever. Yes, there IS lots to do, but it's all the same things I've been doing all winter. Guess my friend was feeling the same way, because we did a silly shoot with her computer camera.It was a nice distraction from our everyday normal!

i have a wonderful valentine

2011-02-16T07:46:00.000-08:00

I truly do have a fabulous husband. I won't gush about him, I'm not the gushy type and neither is he haha.
Look what he brough home for me this Valentine's day.

Black light dancing

2011-02-14T07:26:00.000-08:00

Last night i went to a club. Don't get too excited, it was just my friend's shed, done up with a blacklight. The two of us were out there in white clothes dancing away. Well, she was dancing, I was flailing around pretending to dance haha. Yeah, I'm not really much of a dancer. It sure was fun, though. It was dark so I didn't feel self conscious about my snappy flailings.

I loved how tanned we looked hahaha

Happy 14th birthday!

2011-02-04T11:53:00.000-08:00

Figures

2011-02-01T07:14:00.000-08:00

My "Yay, spring is on the horizon" post was premature, apparently. I looked at the weather network page, and what do you know, 'winter storm warning' for this evening and tomorrow.
The disappointing part about it is that my children already had tomorrow off for a teacher development day. (yes, I know, snow day, PA day, what's the difference) I like to wake up to wild weather and then snuggle back under the covers for a few extra minutes of unexpected coziness!
The news is telling people not to be on the roads tomorrow, if they can help it, which makes me a bit nervous after what happened near Sarnia. I think I'll pack some extra lunch and a blanket or two for G, who has a 45 minute drive to work on country roads.

Spring WILL come, God promised!

It's getting lighter YAY

2011-01-31T08:48:00.000-08:00

January is cold. and snowy. There is something I like about January, though.
It gets light out earlier, and stays light a little longer. This makes it feel as if spring is almost, almost, maybe still coming. Yes, I know, warmer temperatures won't be here for another five or six weeks, but that extra bit of daylight brings hope to an almost frozen body!
This morning, as I got up to prepare lunches and breakfasts for four hungry young men (I have my little neighbour here for 10 days) the sun rising was so beautiful. God had frosted each tiny branch with a coat of fur, which sparkled and glittered in the pink, purple, and yellow light.

Also

2011-01-30T16:10:00.000-08:00

You may want to check out the exciting news of my brother and sister in law over at Adventures of an excitable gardener! It was exciting for me as well :)

Cell

2011-01-30T16:07:00.000-08:00

I finally got a cell phone. I have resisted getting one, as I don't need one, but I am likely going out west this spring, and my two older boys are going on a school trip this year as well, so I felt maybe it was time to get one.
I do like it, it's shiny blue and has a keyboard so i can text!

Anna the Prophetess

2011-01-01T17:04:00.000-08:00

Luke 2: 36: And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;

2:37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
2:38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

I was reading the account of the Lord Jesus Christ's birth in Luke chapter 2 the other day, and I was sidetracked by the three verse account of Anna. If anyone had asked me before about Anna, I would have been confused, and not remembered anything about her. I mean, it's only three little verses, and she's not very important, right?
or is she?
All this account tells us is that she was an old, old woman, aged 84 or 105, depending on how you read the "widow of about fourscore and four years", she had been married, was from the small, scattered tribe of Asher (son of Jacob and Zilpah the maid) and her whole life was given to God.
Can you imagine what it would be like to fast and pray ALL THE TIME? We aren't told how long Anna had been staying at the temple, but I get the impression that it had been a long while, and that her heart ached for God's people. Her dedication, care and love to her people and her faith were all consuming, day and night. Even as Anna didn't forget about God, and God didn't forget about Anna. He sent Anna his son, in a physical form, and allowed her to see, with her own eyes, his redemption for her beloved Jerusalem. She knew immediately that the infant she was seeing was her long prayed and fasted for redeemer.
Anna didn't faint, or go into hysterics. She simply thanked God, and told everyone she knew about the answer to her prayers, that redemption had come.
Even now, that redemption is available. You don't need to fast and pray day and night, or be very old, or live in a temple, or even go to church. God's salvation is offered freely to every person, no matter who you are.The baby Anna saw grew to be a man, God in human form, who freely laid his life down so that I, and you too, could find redemption from our sin!
~But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (John 1:12, KJV).

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T08:52:00.000-08:00

1.1.11 :)
just sayin'
A friend of mine says that new year's resolutions are a pagan practice. Ah well. I'm making some anyway. I don't think this counts as pagan!
Having (sort of) done my 10 new things in 2010, This year, my resolutions are a bit different.

1. Memorize John chapter 1.
2. attend three conferences
3. and the standard lose ten pounds heehee

Company!

2010-12-22T19:14:00.000-08:00

I have COMPANY!!! I love it... we've had super Mario (the real, OLD nintendo Super Mario!) wars, played duck hunt, eaten pizza, stuffed ourselves on yummy christmas baking, shopped, had birfday cake, gotten exciting presents, riled up all the kids, and had such a great time!
My Christmas wish is for my whole family to live close together so we can do this more often :D

Christmas baking

2010-12-20T09:48:00.000-08:00

I love the way it smells! My brother's birthday is tomorrow so i am making a cake for him as well. My kitchen smells like chocolatey fudgey goodness!

When life hands you earwigs...

2010-12-17T14:38:00.000-08:00

the company sends you gift cards!
Yes, I found an earwig in my french fries. Well, not exactly *my* french fries, Kyle's, to be exact. It was big. and ugly. and oh, so disgusting to see in his supper. I called the company who made the fries, and they sent me a gift card for about 10 times the amount the fries were worth!
and I thought this part was funny.... the gift card had lemons on it heehee
Went on a photo shoot yesterday, with my friend who is starting to do photography in a more serious way. She snapped a few of me, and this one turned out quite well, I think!

Only four more sleeps until my brother and his wife arrive at my house for Christmas!

My year according to facebook

2010-12-15T08:12:00.000-08:00

When did THAT happen?

2010-12-14T13:26:00.000-08:00

I have a baby. He's chubby, cuddly, and just learning to walk.he can say "mama" and "da" and "bath" and "no". This morning, he said "Mom, I'm having my high school orientation today"

WHEN DID THAT HAPPEN??????
He came home from school just about glowing with excitement about the high school~ the tech, the music, the science programs available to him there. he also, unfortunately, said someone tried to sell drugs to his best friend.
I hope he is still as excited about the programs when he is actually in the school doing the work!

The wages of sin

2010-12-13T15:30:00.000-08:00

The Bible verse says "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23) It's true. everyone dies.
This isn't a post about death, though. It's about the "now" wages of sin.
When I was (I think) 11, Mom sent me outside to play. I didn't want to go, I whined and gave her a hard time. but I went. ooooh... what was this? My little sister and the neighbour boy playing with the axe! Dad told us not to touch that axe! Pride reared up... I had to RESCUE her from her sin of disobedience, before she got hurt. So, I took the axe from her, not even thinking that I was sinning just as much as she was. How often do we justify our sin? "It was necessary...I couldn't help it...I would be laughed at...there was no other choice" and on and on we go.
In taking the axe from my sister, I was being disobedient and proud. I thought I knew better, I was big, I was above the rules. I was justified in my actions. I was "saving" my sister, but doing it the wrong way.
I drove the axe back into the chopping block. Only, the block was FROZEN. Now, I don't know if you've ever tried to chop frozen wood, but it just doesn't work very well. At least not when you are 11 and a scrawny girl. That axe handle bounced up and knocked out my front tooth.
That one moment of sin has cost me. I've had at least four dental surgeries since then. I need another, where I will lose more teeth.
The "wages" of my youthful sin have been annoying, expensive, and even painful, but imagine how much more serious the eternal wages of ignoring God will be. God tells us to come, believe, accept, be clean and live in his word.
I am so glad that the verse continues.. "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord" The wages have already been paid in full, no cost, or pain, or annoyance is required to heal your poor sinful soul!

Well the weather outside is frightful

2010-12-13T04:58:00.000-08:00

But playing in the snow is delightful!
We were hit with a whomp of wet packing snow, so we took advantage of it to build a big snowman. It was a great family time, with snowballs flying and much laughter.

Unto us a Saviour is born

2010-12-10T04:39:00.000-08:00

Luke 1 KJV
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyre'ni-us was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, (because he was of the house and lineage of David,)
5 to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Another first! Yay me!

2010-12-08T18:19:00.000-08:00

It is really getting down to the wire now. Just three weeks left in 2010, and three slots left in my "get out of your box and do stuff" 2010 resolution! Can I do it? I really am a last minute person. In fact, my yearbook quote was one my Mom always said suited me best~ "if it weren't for the last minute, a lot of things wouldn't get done". so, here's hoping!
Tonight, though, I crossed off a space on that list. I, miss uncoordinated stiff and middle aged, took a dance class. No, not waltz or square dancing or line dance. No, I chose hip hop. OK,so the free first class may have had something to do with it, but I gave a try at actual dancing with an actual teacher! shout out to teachers Aisha and Jeoff at the Pyramid Center for their great work out!
yep, one more off that list! no photo, though, as I completely forgot to bring my camera. Thinking maybe I'll actually sign up and take the class :)

Updated the Blog

2010-11-29T09:09:00.001-08:00

Hope you all like the new photo and background :) It feels festive and wintry to me :)

It's early, but..

2010-11-28T17:12:00.000-08:00

The tree is up. Yes, I know, Dec 1st is the "proper" day, but i just couldn't wait!

I am really looking forward to Christmas this year, because my brother and sister in law will be here for the fun of gifts, family, and feasting along with my sister C, nieces and nephew. Maybe even G's family will come for Christmas! Nothing better than a house full of young 'uns and family!

ten tasty things

2010-11-27T17:00:00.000-08:00

I like food. I like trying new tastes, textures, and flavours. Food is a central part of life for most people, and I am no exception!
I started thinking the other day about what MY favourite things to eat are. It's really hard to pinpoint an absolute favourite, something I could eat all the time and never tire of it. I don't think I can do it.
I decided to make myself a list of my ten most favourite foods. It was much, much harder than I'd anticipated!

1. Roast beef dinner (OK, I cheated on this one.)
2. scones
3. Lobster with butter
4. beef stew
5. thin crispy fried pork chops
6. cheesecake
7. scallops
8. ham
9. cheese
10.sub from subway

Ever wonder?

2010-11-17T14:16:00.000-08:00

ever wonder what the homemade laundry soap actually fills? If you read my blog at all, you will already know that I make my own laundry soap. I figured out last year that I save quite a bit of cash doing so! I made soap yesterday, and seeing all the bottles sitting there on my kitchen counter made me think that maybe you would like to see how MUCH soap just one recipe makes. My sister has saved and given me many empty laundry soap bottles, which I fill with my homemade soap and store in the drawer of my washing machine. I keep the big tide container on a shelf above my masher and refill it as I use it up from the smaller bottles.
so, here they are, all lined up:

and sideways, so you can see what size the bottles are:

kind of impressive, huh? (and almost 500$ saved, since I started making it :D )

The Quad

2010-11-15T15:27:00.000-08:00

I just realized I never posted about my quad driving experience on here. It was scary, and I went reeeaaalllly slowly, and then I killed it. yup, the quad wouldn't start again after I stalled it! There's a picture, somewhere, but I need to find it so I can post it :)

Woah, I am brave?

2010-11-15T15:21:00.000-08:00

I write that with a question mark, because the feat #7 on my "10 new things in 2010" list IS a big deal for me, but wouldn't be for most people! I free climbed a rock wall. (the side of a stone bridge) Yep, shimmied on up there, right to the top, with no ropes or gear. Ok, so the rock wall was only about 10 or 15 feet high, but for me, who is a *titch* afraid of heights, (ok, technically of falling from any amount of heights) it was an accomplishment. So, #7 on my list of "ten new things" is... free style rock climbing :) Yes, all my kids did it as well~ They've decided they need to do the new adventures as well.
For #8, I am planning to go play paintball with boy#1~ but really, I am running out of time for numbers 9 and ten! I don't have any ideas as to what to do for them. any ideas? and no, parachuting/skydiving is not an option.... refer to previous fear of falling from heights statement haha.

Je me souveins~ I will remember

2010-11-11T04:43:00.000-08:00

It is Remembrance Day today. I love this song and video by Terry Kelly, because it speaks to the idea that you are not truly gone until you are forgotten. This post is dedicated to all the young boys and girls who lay in forgotten places but are still remembered.

It's getting cold in here

2010-11-08T04:58:00.000-08:00

Yes, winter is on it's way Boo hoo! I *know* it comes every year, but every year I seem to hold a faint hope it'll delay it's arrival a little longer. I can't complain about the summer or fall, they were absolutely lovely this year, so maybe ol' man winter will be kind to us as well.
The kill frost finally came a few days ago, and the whole world was white and fuzzy in the morning. We also had a bit of snow, but nothing that stuck.

tidbit

2010-10-30T14:45:00.000-07:00

Samhainophobia is the term for an abnormal and persistant fear of Hallowe'en.

Spectacular Autumn

2010-10-25T13:25:00.000-07:00

The fall colours were somewhatr muted in my part of the country, but head an hour west, and WOW! My Dad and I went on a hike, and I snapped some colourful pictures!

and just for fun, a fall shot from the cornfield that surrounds my farmhouse:

First snow

2010-10-22T15:04:00.000-07:00

Woke up this am to a fine dusting of snow!

Corn

2010-10-19T10:25:00.000-07:00

The fields have been harvested now, leaving wide open empty spaces. The bins in the neighbour's barn are filled with yellow kernels, waiting to sustain life through the next few frosty months when the ducks and hens need to be kept indoors, waiting for spring and planting. The earth is slowly settling into rest, waiting for the winter chill to settle and cover it with a deep white blanket for rest and sleep.

12

2010-10-18T05:55:00.000-07:00

Kyle with his new birthday pet, Dakota the black bear hamster:

Thanksgiving

2010-10-15T05:18:00.000-07:00

I had a full house this year, and thoroughly enjoyed it! I missed terribly the loved ones who are too far away to make it, and wish we all lived closer to each other so we could visit.
We actually needed to use both tables to fit everyone! The meal went well, except the part where the farmer knocked on the door as we had just sat down to eat and asked everyone to go out and move their vehicles as they had decided to harvest our surrounding fields on THANKGIVING. ah well. I guess I need to be thankfull that I live in the midst of fields full of a bountiful harvest :)

after the grub (which was sooooo much and very delicious) we headed outside for some good old country fun

Coupla pics

2010-09-30T13:30:00.000-07:00

The rainbow

2010-09-10T05:04:00.000-07:00

Last night, just about at sunset, we had the most marvelous lighting and a massive, bright rainbow. I hustled my boys outside to try and use the light to my advantage. My camera isn't that great, but you can still see it a little bit. These are untouched, exactly as I took them, so I don't know why the sky is bluer in the picture with the boys in it!

Lia's baby shower

2010-09-09T10:48:00.000-07:00

The ladies at the Gospel Hall threw a shower for my sister and baby Lia last night. It was a great time, with so much food and fellowship. Lia was royally spoiled and will be well dressed, for sure!
the theme was "under the sea", complete with a fabulous cake:

a bathtub full of "sea water" (blue juice mixed with pop) not sure how they got the "seafoam" though!

Goldfish on the snack table (of which two are happily swimming in my tank at the moment)

Thanks so much to the talented ladies who organized it and made the terrific food!

School days school days

2010-09-08T05:27:00.000-07:00

good old golden rule days....
yes, it's that time, when they load up the backpacks, put on their new duds and climb on the bus!

I hope they have a good, productive year :)

Birthday gifts!

2010-09-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

I made out like a bandit this year..... almost every gift I got was related to FOOD haha
My sister took me out for Vietnamese

My friend took me out for Chinese

My husband gave me this fudge:

My other friend (yes, I do have more than one heehee) made me delicious cinnamon buns

My sister in law gave me the neatest cookie cutters ever! yes, they are Canadian animal shaped!

I think my favorite might be the porcupine.

Wow, summer is really holding on this year!

2010-08-30T09:38:00.000-07:00

and I for one am not complaining! I am just not ready for winter this year. I'm not ready for the being inside, the heating bills, the ice and snow and cold. I want to bask in this glorious warmth ad sunshine for a few more months :)
On the plus side, though, I do have some family coming to visit in the next few months! I can't WAIT to see them all :D

Just a picture I like :)

2010-08-29T09:01:00.000-07:00

(Yes, this is my photo~ Maryann Melanson is my "pen name" for some photo groups I've joined online)

So, to celebrate.....

2010-08-26T15:03:00.000-07:00

to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary, we went.... da da da....
Ziplining!!!!
and we also did eurobungee, which I thought looked like so much fun. I just don't even want to talk about LOL it was well, painfull! the harness cuts in and pinches places it shouldn't, well, 'nuff said.
The ziplining was a real mixture for me. Waiting, strapped to the line to zoom down, I was a bit scared, but made myself do it. The actual zipping part was fun, but over too quickly! The stop was rather abrupt, but not too bad. Overall, I want to do it again! I think I'd try canopy zipline, though, just for a change of pace.
at the top, a bit nervous:

at the bottom, completely exhilerated

euro bungee jumping:

15 years

2010-08-26T06:25:00.000-07:00

Here it is, 15 years, three children, three provinces and a few grey hairs later! Yep, our wedding anniversary!
Happy Anniversary, Love!
do you even recognize these young people?

Stolen photos

2010-08-23T14:10:00.000-07:00

I just nabbed these pictures of my nieces from my sister's facebook shhhh!

baby sweetness

Big sister Missy adoring her baby:

Rae being a bit silly:

yesterday was my birthday :)

2010-08-22T12:10:00.000-07:00

I spent the week at my sister's house, and her little ones decorated a cake for me on Friday!

It was so yummy, and so special :)

Raccoon Rescue

2010-08-12T11:43:00.000-07:00

Liam went out to check the mail, and ran back in breathless "Mom! There's a REAL raccoon out there!"
Sure enough, there was, and he was hurt

my neighbour called the SPCA, who sent a nice young man out to get the poor baby (yes, s/he was just a wee baby). The raccoon seemed very used to being handled, so the SPCA man figured the Raccoon must have been dropped off here by someone who'd handled it. and it had been clipped in the head by a car. S/he seemed quite addled and blinded, but otherwise in good health.

Here's hoping that baby raccoon makes a full recovery!

Number four!

2010-08-06T18:47:00.000-07:00

Don't get too excited, it's only that I did number four on my "10 new things in 2010" goal!
Today, I drove a quad.
I never had even been on one before, and today I drove one. I went very slowly, and I was a bit scared, but I did it!
I wonder what will be next?

It's a buzzy, hazy lazy summer day

2010-08-04T13:11:00.000-07:00

This is an absolute Ontario summer day. The heat bugs are buzzing, the cornfield is gently waving in the breeze, and the heat haze is on the horizon. It's a good old hit the water hole for a swim type of day!

Update on the chicken project

2010-08-02T17:22:00.000-07:00

A quick picture of my nephew with one of the chickens~they are doing very well. Of the fifteen I started with, I've lost four. One passed the day we got them, two were killed by hens who attacked them in the coop, and one died of unknown causes.
They are getting quite big, and in a week or two I believe they'll be ready for the freezer!!
I actually am not having as easy a time with this as I had hoped, as the five that I hand raised are very tame and friendly, rushing to me when I open the coop. I keep repeating to myself "they are food, not friends!" It's alot easier when they come pre-frozen from Sobeys! :s

Lia Amanda

2010-08-01T07:29:00.000-07:00

I have a new niece! Lia Amanda was born July 28 @ 5:53pm, weighing 9lbs and 20 inches long.

I haven't forgotten you

2010-07-23T12:44:00.000-07:00

July has been a rather busy month. We headed east for a whirlwind visit, not a spare moment anywhere. We actually burned ourselves out and headed home early.
a few pics:

It's been really busy since we got home as well :) Oldest boy leaves tomorrow for the west, where he will be working with my brother in a garage and on a ranch.

Also, any day now, my new niece Lia Amanda will make her appearance!! I can't wait to meet her and hold her, sing to her and cuddle her!

Down Home

2010-06-29T09:04:00.000-07:00

We are here! It's been pretty rainy, but we're having fun anyway :)

It's the day!!

2010-06-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

VACATION!
NOVA SCOTIA!!
atlantic.
lupines.
sand.
wild blueberries.
pine trees.
history.
salt air.
saltbox houses.
dairy farms.

HOME!!

Way to go, Ryan!

2010-06-22T14:19:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, Ryan, my oldest, mentioned that he'd taken a special test at school. He said only a few of the highest scoring math students in his grade were given the choice to take it, so he took it. After that, I kind of forgot about it.
Today, He came home with two certificates! One was for participating in the test, but the other said
Outstanding Achievement
The Faculty of Mathematics, University of Waterloo,
is pleased to Recognize the achievement of
Ryan ******
who has received the highest score in the grade 7
Gauss Mathematics Contest at
************* school in the year 2010

I am really proud of him! who knew that MY son would be good at math? (if you don't know me at all, math and I have had a rather rocky relationship rofl)

WAY TO GO!

Joys of early summer

2010-06-11T06:30:00.000-07:00

Flying a kite in a cornfield

Tiger Tail ice cream

2010-06-10T13:29:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things when I was growing up was when my Dad would go to Scotsburn dairy near closing time and buy us the "remainders"~ the big tubs of ice cream left when they emptied the machines. If I recall correctly, it was only 5 or 10$ for a large pail (the kind in chinese buffet restaurants or ice cream parlours). Often, these tubs has three or four kinds layered in them, but for awhile, he brought home tubs and tubs of tiger tail ice cream. In fact, he brought home SO MANY, we grew VERY tired of the orange and black licorice flavoured tiger tail ice cream. I didn't even THINK about that flavour for many years, until a few months ago, when I saw a commercial for PC tiger tail ice cream! Then, suddenly, I wanted to taste it again. I sent my poor husband on a mission to find some, and he was successful (not PC brand, he found Chapman's) ! I got my tiger tail ice cream, and it was almost every bit as yummy as I remembered. I say almost, because I am sorry to say that no other brand really compares to Scotsburn Ice cream!

Chicken project: Week 3

2010-06-08T05:33:00.000-07:00

yea, they're three weeks old now, and ready to start on chick grower! They've grown so much in just three weeks. Interestingly enough, the chicks I had at the neighbour's house with a hen aren't nearly as big, so maybe mommy hen helps them control how much they eat or something. Who says chickens have no mommy issues hahaha.
They have outgrown the little chick pen, so I have moved them to the coop next door. They are easy to handle, and not overly scared of being caught.

the chicks are two weeks old!

2010-06-01T08:01:00.000-07:00

Bucket of chicken, anyone?

They are getting so big, and sprouting feathers.

Something kind of interesting....

2010-05-31T10:21:00.000-07:00

If you go to google search engine, type in "find Chuck Norris" and click on "I'm feeling Lucky" something sort of neat pops up! Try it out! (It's safe, so don't worry!)
I am also wondering if this heat wave will be broken today somewhat. I know the high temperatures are forecasted for a while yet, but it has clouded over, it's getting rather dark and the wind has picked up a bit. I've brought in my laundry from the line and brought the chicks inside, just in case! Some rain would be a cool change! (remember how I was whining about the continual rain? am I ever happy with the weather? LOL I enjoy warm days, but humid 37C is a bit hot for me!)
anyway, I just heard a rumble of thunder, so I am off!

It's hiking time again!

2010-05-27T10:45:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that my boys and I enjoy a good hike through the woods. On the weekend, we headed out to our favorite spot in Goderich again. The woods were beautiful, flowers abundant, and even though the temperature was in the muggy 30sC, the trees were far cooler than staying in the house!

Carpeted with Lily of the Valley:

Trillium:

Tall, Tall trees

Unknown purple flowers by the trail:

Chicken pics

2010-05-25T09:28:00.000-07:00

Here are the promised chick pics... first pic is them one day old, the second is at a week old

The Chicken Project

2010-05-19T07:13:00.000-07:00

I grew up with parents who raised their own food. We raised various animals over the years, from chickens and turkeys to pigs and goats. One of the things that chafes me about renting is the "no livestock" clause. why live on a large property with a small barn, if you can't keep a few chickens?
Anyway, I have been mulling for a few years now about the fact that my children are growing up not knowing where their food comes from. Last year, we had a garden, and they saw how to grow veggies. This year, it's project chicken! I've purchased 15 day old meat chicks, and we'll see how it goes! My neighbour, who has her own flock of chickens and ducks said we are welcome to raise our birds there, so we are doing it! for now, though, we have the fuzzy yellow bundles of fluff in our laundry room, heater on, ensconsed in a small chicken cage. We lost a peeper last night, but the others are doing fabulously!
Pictures to follow :)

Good News

2010-05-16T17:38:00.000-07:00

The clean- up

2010-05-09T17:11:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd post few pictures of the claen- up! My neighbour has a wood stove, so we were happy that he was willing to clean things up for us :)

It took in total about 5 hours to cut the tree up, pile the branches and load the truck

It's winter again?

2010-05-08T16:49:00.000-07:00

May 8th, and we had snow. Imagine that... grass lush and green, lilacs in full bloom, trees fully clothed, and we get snow. in sounthern Ontario. It didn't stick, or anything, but it was only 2 degrees Celcius, VERY cold, and not at all like spring!
In fact, the wind was so harsh, it split our big maple in half.

Here's hoping tomorrow is a *bit* sunnier and warmer!

Something Random

2010-04-30T13:38:00.000-07:00

My shamrock plants are in full bloom :) I love them! they grow like mad, and bloom often, even in winter!

There's something quite satisfying

2010-04-29T14:59:00.000-07:00

I love it when the lawn is mowed. It takes a solid day and a half of mowing with a push mower, but when it is done, it looks so nice! short, lush, green, with the lines from the wheels looking all neat and tidy.
Too bad it only lasts a few days and needs doing again!
someday, I will have a ride-on mower. I will love it.
small things.

Sometimes, I love auction sales.

2010-04-28T08:14:00.000-07:00

yesterday, G was home sick from work, so I had the van. I know I maybe should have stayed home like a good wife and made him some chicken soup and tucked him in and taken care of him, but he is pretty self sufficient when he's sick. I went to the auction instead.
We do alot of camping, since hotels are way too pricey for our *titewad* mentalities, we camp. it's about $150 a night at a hotel vs 20-30 a night to camp. We don't rough it much, no rubbing sticks together and rolling in a blanket on the ground. We keep our eyes open, check at yard sales and thrift stores for the things we need to make camping as much fun and as comfortable as possible! A few years ago, we bought a queen sized blow up bed at an auction sale for $20. It lasted 5 years, with much use, until last summer one of the screws holding the legs gave way which tore an enormous gash in the mattress. we woke up resting on the straps that held the mattress.
At the auction yesterday, I snagged an even posher bed. $45! (is posher a word? can I use it to describe a camp bed? LOL) It's a Woods brand B.Y.O queen sized with memory foam, has an electric pump which blows it up AND sucks all the air out when you are done!best part? it's regular 269.99~ 349.99 at canadian Tire!
I do love me a bargain!
It sort of looks like this (it looks a bit different as the one in the photo is smaller)

I've lost

2010-04-26T12:14:00.000-07:00

I've lost my wee Fergus..... I can't stop crying.
he was hit by a vehicle on the road and died probably instantly. I already miss his beautiful black eyes peering at me, begging for a tummy rub, his long lovely nose with his nose that always had a smudge of dirt from him burying something in the dirt. His quiet, gentle way of taking a doggy treat from baby lexie, his enthusiastic welcome of visitors to our home.
I will truely, honestly miss you, my fuzzy black Scottish Terrier.

Bleurggggh

2010-04-25T16:04:00.000-07:00

everyone is sick! It seems to hit at 4 am and causes vomiting and diarrhea. It's been through most everyone except Hubs, Ryan and I. Even the neighbour kids that I have been watching since wednesday.

It's a.....

2010-04-23T16:54:00.000-07:00

GIRL!!!!

She's due July 30th. Not sure what her name will be, but my sister invited me to see the ultrasound. I was happy to go, and was blessed to see the wonder God has created... tiny, perfect hands, her small mouth opening and closing as she yawned. Her mini feet, each toe in it's complete wonderful order. It reminded me of a line from a children's book~ "This tiny world your two hands could span, like the far off mountains and hills, God planned"
Here she is!
I love you already, little snuffaluffagus!

A life changed by Christ alone

2010-04-22T07:27:00.000-07:00

A very good friend of mine recently wrote down her conversion an dshared it on facebook. I am now sharing it here with you :)

This is Marie's story!
I was born into an average home in Toronto with a very beautiful mother and a strikingly handsome father. Mom stayed at home, while my father worked as an actor in the theatre. My sister Kathleen is 9 years older, and my brother Joseph is 4 years younger.

Toronto was also the city where my maternal grandfather, a postal worker was brutally murdered, on July 14, 1946 and tossed into a ditch, left to die 40 hours later.

Although I never knew a mother’s love, affection, or touch in my 16 years with her, I respected her in a strange sort of way. I was clearly an unwanted child.

Dad left when I was about 4 years old to eventually marry a woman from the theatre. How it came about I do not know, but shortly thereafter we were moved to Nilestown, not far from London, to spend the next 11 fearful, abhorrent years with a step-father.

My earliest memories of that place are a two storey, older house with knee high grass, and no indoor facilities. An old dilapidated lean-to type garage housed the out-house that would soon become a very real place of fear and dread for me.

Memories of ; alcoholic adults engaging in sexual immoralities, regular house fights, smashing beer bottles whizzing overhead, and then being taken from our beds into the night to begin a hitchhiking venture, in order to escape, and finally arrive at a women’s shelter, mission services, or some unknown’s apartment, have left their scars.

Scenes of routine sexual assault still haunt me, that began at age 5 by my step-father.

Joseph, my brother listened, and at times saw enough to produce anger and rage over not being able to protect his sister, that to this day remains unsettled.

In my step-father’s perverted thinking, a night spent with mom, Joseph and I sitting outdoors, on lawnchairs, while he held a gun on us for the night, was but one of his corrupt tactics to prove he was morally debased.

Hunger, humiliation, embarrassment, and guilt were my closest companions.

In my confusion about adults, life and trust, God sent little things my way, in order to tell me that there is more to life, there is a God that does care and will intervene, if I could only trust.

A little United Church in our community was where God led me to be a part of the Nativity play one Christmas. It was there that I memorized;
“For unto you is born this day in the City of David, a Saviour which is Christ the Lord” Luke 2:11

My maternal grandmother, came to live with us, and what she saw and heard frightened her also. She would sit and have little chats with me, and sometimes we would go to the Catholic Church on special occasions together. It was there that I realized a man cannot forgive my sins that are against God.

“…who can forgive sins, but God only.”Mark 2:7

My step-father had a born again, Bible believing, praying mother that had proven the reality in knowing God. In an attempt to appease their conscience, after the night before, mom and my step-father would listen to aTV. or radio evangelist, and bit by bit, God was planting seeds in this heart of mine.

I was married at the age of 18, and 10 months later became a mom. I was overjoyed and loved to mother a child of my own. I needed a place to invest love that I had never known.

My husband of 36 years now, was an alcoholic. We married, and because his family seemed to provide the stability I longed for, I was a happy person…most times.

We would have 4 children of our own, and eventually also take on the care of two of my sisters children; one for 6 months and one for 3 years. At the close of 3 years, one of the social workers asked if we would consider becoming foster parents. I told her that I didn’t know what that was about, and she explained it to me. Twenty-five years later we would have fostered over 100 kids that I could name and remember. From those kids, we would adopt 4 special-needs kids. I loved the work, and I was respected in the system for the work that I did with the kids and the families, but it took its toll on me. In some ways working through the kids problems, with their various supports, helped me to begin the healing process from my own past. I found it very therapeutic.

Unfortunately there were problems in our marriage and house parties were common place. I did drink occasionally, but I preferred the feeling that goes with smoking pot. I would smoke it openly, and even purchase it and hide it in a tea pot for those times that I needed something to get me over a bad day.

Adultery would be one of the many sins that I had to come face to face with. When confronted with this, I was overwhelmed so much by the thought of my sin, my unfitness to be someone’s wife, or a child’s mother, that I decided to leave, and walk out into the unknown. My husband then came behind me in the car coaxing me to return home. I did so knowing that my mother-in-law was at the house, and would hopefully disown me, thereby justifying my reason to leave. She didn’t disown me, and that was more than I could stand. Why would I be forgiven?? It made no sense at all to me.

How Deep the Fathers Love

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

On April 19,1988 I trusted Christ as my personal Saviour, after much opposition from evil forces,and while the Ultimate Samaritan has poured in oil and wine to heal those wounds,scars remain.

Three years ago I was operated on for a partially ruptured brain aneurysm as well as an artery repair deep in my brain. I have still got 2 more aneurysm’s in my brain that are monitored by MRI”s every 2 years. I know that God has given me a second chance at life and I intend to live it to His honour and glory!

I graduated from gr. 12 last year and this year I am graduating from 2 years at college as a “Certified Teacher’s Assistant”

God is able to make something good of something bad!

“And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.” Jeremiah 18:4

Has spring sprung?

2010-03-24T06:15:00.000-07:00

It's a gorgeous day here today. Hopefully this is spring! march break was glorious, so warm and sunny. It was very unusual for it to be so warm and not raining the whole week. I had my niece and nephew here for the week, and we had a great time. I really enjoyed having them here.

We put up the trampoline

went to the animal park

had a bonfire

We did lots more, but I have to get out into this beautiful sunshiney day!

The boy and the pig

2010-03-22T06:02:00.000-07:00

My youngest son holding a piglet.

And today is..... duh duh duh.....

2010-03-08T10:19:00.000-08:00

FIRST DAY WARM ENOUGH TO HANG LAUNDRY OUT ON THE LINE!!!!!

I'm a proud Bluenoser

2010-03-05T06:48:00.000-08:00

I am a classic example of "you can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl". In this case, the country being Nova Scotia. Although I was born in London, I was raised in NS, as were many previous generations of my family. (since 1779 in one branch, probably longer in another). NS is my home, no matter that I live in Ontario now. I have the salt water in my blood, kippers on my crackers, I use coloured pencils, and yes, am a Rita fan.
I think you all know why I am exiled from the home of my heart~ work. It's a shame how many of us have had to leave ~ 30,000 last year, I heard~ to feed and clothe our families.It's silly, really, that the average income in NS is 31,344$ (according to wikipedia) and a bag of milk costs about $7.43, while in Ontario we're at C$43,847(wikipedia again) a year and 3.99$ for the same amount of milk. (the milk is just a cost of living example LOL) Someone needs to wake up, before the eastern way of life is just a memory.

day trip

2010-03-04T17:03:00.000-08:00

Hubs and I took a small day trip today, just the two of us! It was a gorgeous sunshiney day, just perfect for a hot date (if a hot date includes sharing a Harvey's poutine and burger and perusing an antique warehouse and farmer's market LOL)

St Jacobs (for those of you who have never heard of it) is a small town here in southern Ontario which is famous for it's antiques, farmer's markets, and Mennonites. It is a very common sight to see a horse drawn buggy on the roads there.

There's wonderful baking, meat markets, fresh veggies, and crowds of people.

after the market (where we bought some pepperettes and a completely yummy cinnamon bun) we headed out to Kitchener, where we went to a Talize store, got a Timmy's coffee, and some Harvey's grub.

It was a very nice "staycation" for us, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

My secret (well, until now!) 2010 goal

2010-03-02T15:03:00.000-08:00

I made a goal to try 10 new things this year. Things I haven't ever done before. There are some things that I have on my list, and some things that I'll just do, without them being something I've planned.
A few things I WANT to try to do this year include:
ziplining
downrigging
scuba diving (?)

I've done three already, and I am quite proud of myself for them haha
~ I went snowmobiling, when I hadn't really ever been on one before. (I sat on one when I was about 14 and someone drove me around the house~ It wasn't a fun experience. I enjoyed this one much more!)

~ snowshoeing. It was quite easy, and a beautiful (~~duck)~~ (~~waddle~~) walk through the woods, which were quite laden with snow

~ snow tubing. down a very steep, very icy hill. while screaming in terror the entire way. Then running gasping to the tube lift to go again and again. It was fantastic!

I am not sure what I will try next, but when I do something, I'll be sure to blog about it!
any suggestions? (no skydiving or bungee jumping for me~ fear of heights here LOL)

a minute with Fergus

2010-02-23T07:31:00.000-08:00

Will I ever grow into these ears?

OOH!!! a KITTEH!!

Wait, are you still snapping my photo? I am a GOOD BOY, yes, a GOOD DOGGY! I don't eat cats, ever!! Honest!!

wha? he's walking away? what do you mean, stay?

aww. MOM!! he got away!!

Sheepfolds

2010-02-22T06:17:00.000-08:00

I have been meditating lately on the sheepfold. i borrowed a book about Scotland from the library, which had a rather plain photo in it. At first glance it looked like a panorama of a valley covered in rusty flowers. On closer inspection, it was actually a large area, with two ancient sheep pens on either side of a burn (brook). It was a very simple photo, but it's impact on me was great. It made me realize just how SAFE the sheep inside would be, with the shepherd laying in the doorway, ready to give his very life to protect those sheep inside.
Simple, yes, and I've heard it since I was a child, but just SEEING the actual round structure, high stone walls, narrow doorway, impacted home how SAFE I am as a sheep of the great Shepherd. Literally, "no man can pluck them from my hand"!

(not my photo, I got it here: http://revlang.wordpress.com/)

Who but God?

2010-02-21T16:48:00.000-08:00

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men...... That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. John 1:1-3,9

AHHH A Teenager!

2010-02-04T14:53:00.000-08:00

My Ryan turned 13 today. I wonder how the next 5 years will go! Hope he stays as great as he is right now :)

My Puppy

2010-02-03T14:47:00.001-08:00

is so cute. His ears are starting to straighten, so now one stands up while the other flops over!

The Itching.

2010-02-03T05:42:00.000-08:00

It's getting so itchy I feel like I may just explode if I can't soon scratch! I'm talking about my garden. I'm not sure if it's the actual working the soil, gently placing the seeds in the perfect spot, patting the warm rich earth over and praying for blessing, or just the promise of warmth and sunshine that goes with the planting in my mind. It sure has been gloomy and cold around here, everything frozen and covered in piles of snow. hard to believe that there's potential for life under there.
In my mind, I am planting the foxglove, the lavender, the oregano and chives along the east side, by the verandah. The lily bulbs, pansys, and assorted perennials in the north flower bed. Glads, dahlias and lupines in the front beds. The sun is warm, the ground is a bit cool and moist, and my lil' four legged critters are frollicking around, checking out what I am doing.
I'll end my daydreaming there, since I have to go deal with the mountain of snow on my verandah!

Winter at the homestead

2010-01-23T08:23:00.000-08:00

When winter comes, I am usually mostly housebound. This winter, however, I have been out alot. It's been a gentle winter mostly, with only one real storm so far back in December. The past few weeks have been hovering around 0 degrees Celcius, so pretty mild!
This past week we had freezing fog, which turned my area into a fairy wonderland. The trees glittered and sparkled, begging to be photographed. Sadly, my camera couldn't capture the lovliness of it.

sadly, though, my neighbour has lost quite a few chickens, roosters, and a duck to the cold that preceeded the mild spell.

In Puppy news, the cats are getting along much better with him, and he's really quite clever. He's learning his lessons, not perfectly, but he's getting very good at "come" and "sit". He's also working on sit pretty, shake paw, stay, and off. House training isn't going so well. My fault, as I am reluctant to stand outside in the cold with him.

Can't wait for spring! I am itching to get into the garden and feel the soil in my fingers and toes, plant the seeds and watch them grow. I am thinking to start some seedlings in the house end of Feb, early March.

That's how things are here right now!

New addition

2010-01-18T06:05:00.000-08:00

We added a little one to our family on Jan 16 :) His name is Fergus, and he's tiny, quiet and so far pretty smart :)
Meet Fergus, our 11 week old Scottish Terrier (Scottie dog)

Making Laundry soap, one year later

2010-01-08T06:56:00.000-08:00

A year ago, I started making my own laundry soap. at first, I was skeptical about if this would really work. I had misgivings~ could this runny gloopy stuff really clean my clothes? would they smell alright? would I REALLY save money?

The answer to all of those questions is YES! My family's clothing is clean, no smells, and I have DEFINATELY saved money. Before HMS (home made soap) I was going through a container of SBS (store bought soap) Purex 32 load size in a week and a half.(39 bottles a year?) At about 7$ for a bottle, in a year I'd be spending around 273$ a year on laundry soap (if my math is right.. there is a good possibility I'm off, knowing my math skills or lack thereof LOL) The initial cost of HMS is the biggest... about 15$ for the supplies. I've had to buy more soap as I went along, I've used 6 bars, so I spent 4$ after my initial investment. Therefore,

SBS= 273$ p/y

HMS=19$ p/y

That's a whopping 254$!!!

not bad :)

Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics torch!

2009-12-27T12:45:00.000-08:00

It went through my town today, so we went out to cheer it on :)
Waiting for the torch, which seemed like it took FOREVER!

There it is :)

and there it goes!

It was pretty neat to see it, as the last Olympics in Canada were 20 years ago, and I wasn't really old enough to pay it any mind, and who knows when the next olympics will be held in Canada!

O, Christmas tree

2009-12-23T12:39:00.000-08:00

An early Pressy

2009-12-20T18:46:00.000-08:00

My husband came home the other night with a bit of a grin on his face. He gave me a big speach about how he knew I wanted this item, and how he had SUCH a hard time finding it, as it was sold out all over, but he kept looking until he found it :)
Then he handed me this: (well, not this exact one. This picture is from eBay)

He was completely right! I really DID want this gift! I'd actually bought it for other people on my list, but didn't get one for me. It's on the tree right now, reminding me of my wonderful husband when I see it, and it makes me smile!

Baby Lovebirds

2009-12-18T10:40:00.000-08:00

My neighbour has lovebirds, and they had babies :) The Momma lovebird was feeding one way more than the other, so she took them out and is handfeeding them. I occasionally get to join in on the fun!
here's a progress collage of them

And I think winter has officially arrived

2009-12-11T06:29:00.000-08:00

It came with a blast... literally! It's been howling for two days now, with a tremendous dump of snow. If this is what a good old fashioned blizzard is like, I kinda like it. I don't like the fact that G has to drive 45 mins to work in it, but I love the wild weather! I love the fact that my children are growing up in an area where it actually SNOWS, not like where we used to live and got a small skiff that promptly melted. I would bundle up the boys, take them outside and find the biggest drift I could so I could get some winter pictures. I sure don't have to do that here! The lake effect snowstorms from lake Huron give us plenty plenty.

Ryan was out shovelling yesterday morning

and this is what came down overnight. The porch was cleared off last night. You can see the swing is barely above the snowline :)

Hair Dye fun

2009-12-09T13:09:00.000-08:00

Liam sometimes likes to have his hair dyed with a wash- out dye. Here's the process last night!