my thoughts today

Always be yourself...

unless you suck

-Josh Wheldon-

Oops....did I just say that outloud?

a Lesson in the Labyrinth

I watched one of my favorite childhood movies today, The Labyrinth.
God has spoken to me many times through childrens movies, and today, He did it again.

Sarah (me): Through dangers untold and hardships unnumbered, I have fought my way here to the castle beyond the Goblin City... for my will is as strong as yours, and my...

Jareth (satan): Stop! Wait! Look Sarah, look what I am offering you... your dreams!

Sarah (me): And my kingdom as great...

Jareth (satan): I ask for so little.... Just let me rule you and you can have everything that you want! Just fear me, love me, do as I say, and I will be your slave!

Sarah (me): My kingdom as great... My kingdom as great...You have no power over me.... you have no power over me!

I cried.....and thanked the Lord for all He's saved me from.

who's gonna share the parable, me or you?

So my sis and I went for our run last night. As our commitment of 9:45 rolled by, and was followed by a 'getting-late' 10:15, I decided to give my sis a call, since my hubby still had to go out for his cardio after us. Calculate the time we all needed, and you've got yourself a late night.

ring ring

"hello?"

"You're still flippin there?"

"Well I can't find my mp3 player! I think some kid hid it!"

"Well get over here cuz we gotta go, it's flippin late man!"

"....fine...."

10:30, my sis shows up, lifts her leg, turns over her foot, and shows off the huge gaping hole in the bottom of her sole. She takes her shoe off, and sticks her hand through the hole, which is now dropping 'shoeness' all over my doorway.

"So yeah, can I borrow some shoes?"

"Here"

We finally leave the house, Sarah complains that my shoes are too small, and her toes hurt.

"Sigh/grrr......well do you wanna walk to dads and use his shoes?"

".....fine....."

Walk into dads, Sarah takes his shoes, dad complains that she'll stink them up, we leave.

We start walking, and in frustration begin to joke about how the sun will be rising soon.



So we run the strip, and at about the 3rd last lamp post, Sarah mentions that she feels she could go a few more past the end, I on the other hand, gasping for air, say I'm done, and can only make it to the end. We come to the last lamp post where it's time to sprint, and I quickly pass Sarah. It's at this moment that we realize that Sarah is way better at the long distance endurance running, and I am way better at the sprinting. This makes sense, as we reflect on all our runs, she has always been able to go longer and farther (and seems to reconver faster than me), and I have always left her in my sweaty dust durring the sprints. We started to think about this....

It made me think of the times my hubby and my dad have tried to race at red lights. We drive a VW golf, standard. My dad drives a V6 Pontiac GrandAm. While my hubby is working hard with our car, to rev it as high as it can, his arm shifting as fast as he can, His leg motoring on the clutch, with little to no effort, using no physical energy, my dad zips past, flashing us a nice blank stare.

I love my car. It is the most reliable car there is. It's a diesel, which means we can get to Winnipeg and back, and drive around for 4 days in the city, on $70. And with gas prices being as high as they are, my little Golf has saved our comfortable lives.
My dad's car on the other hand, can get from point A to point B faster then my car could honk. It's sporty, two door, slick, and as my nephew would say,
"it has 2 smokes!" (exaust pipes)

There are pros and cons to both cars. You can't have a car as good on gas as mine without sacrificing space. My car is so small, that we can't go grocery shopping if our big stroller is in the trunk. Where as my dads car is roomy enough to be able to take extra passangers, and carry more cargo. Then again, my dads car has given them much grief, and they're actually looking to get rid of it before it konks out on them, where as we anticipate on having our reliable VW around for while.

So what does all this have to do with us? It made us think about the different parts of the body, and how all have different strengths. We all need eachother, and when working together, we're able to accomplish great and wonderful things. Sometimes we need to get somewhere fast, we need a job done and we need it done now. Us v6's are called to jump in, and use our gifts to sprint that job into action, and watch it come together quickly and promptly. Other times, when the v6's are discouraged, worn out, feeling like throwing in the towel, the Golf's of the body need to jump in and press through! To encourage and build up those who are discouraged, to push them, and to ultimately finish the race that others had given up on.

I've tried running farther, but my body just gives up. Just as my sis has set it in her mind, "I am going to run as fast as her no matter what", but her body just won't listen.
How many times have we compared ourselves to others, and wondered,
"now why can't I get things done like that? I never seem as motivated or efficient as them. Why does it take me double the time to learn the things they seem to learn automatically? I must not have as much grace in my life."
Or, "now why can't I seem to press through like them? It seems like when things get hard I run away, how come they always seem to make it to the end and still be on top? I must not have as much faith in my life."
Our strengths and weaknesses are not better or worse, just different. God made us this way so that we can rely on one another for the different parts that we need to walk more efficiently.
My sister and I PUSH eachother like crazy when we run! She pushes me to go farther, and I push her to go harder. All in all, giving our bodies the cardio AND endurance that they need to become more healthy, more lean and more fit.

Of course, at the end of chewing on this parable, we realized that I am not a speeding v6 in my spiritual walk, and Sarah is not a reliable Golf. So, we decided to scrap the whole thing and wait for the next parable.

another trip under our belt

We set out on our adventure to Kenosee on Friday morning. We drove up with my brother-in-law, his girlfriend and their little one following 'closely' behind us and only a walkie talkie away. It was super fun driving with them and playing word games back and forth.

These two took home the trophee again for world's best kid travelers!

Got there shortly before supper and checked into our room.

Our roomies.

Random cute picture, no commentary needed.

It was fun to meet new family, and build new relationships! Our outgoing son made a new friend with uncle Lyle...

But the friendship was put on hold once grandpa came too close!

Once Daniel discovered that grandpa doesn't bite...

he decided to proceed.....with caution.

Of course he lets loose with mommy though ;)

Saturday afternoon was stinkin hot! But luckily it clouded over just in time for us to go to the outdoor waterpark. My daughter was awesome, and went on all the slides she could, even ones I was too chicken to ride. My hubby and brother in law went down the screamer, which is basically an 8 story slide that shoots straight down, which left their backs bright red and raw.

Look! Fairy wings!

Chillin'...

Mini-me had a quick pony ride on horse named Spud. It was another reminder for me that I am definately a city girl, and could not last on a farm. Not only did I get a front row show of Spud doing "a job", the place was swarming in black flies, and the stench of grossness.
*Insert shutter, as well as thankfulness for my simple city life here*

Our supper and evening gave us opportunity to get to know new family members, play games and cards. There was a big game for the kids, and I can proudly say my competitive daughter took first prize, with help of course from my competitive inlaws. It was fun playing 31 till nearly 2am, and being able to help out my sleeping log roomies by feeding their cutie.

Group Photo!
(isn't it neat that all these people stemed from my hubby's great-grandparents?)

Feelin' good and ready to get home.

We got home early evening, just in time to get out for my run with my sis, and thoroughly enjoy our first night back in our own bed. Then, enter in heat wave, exit our comfort. Luckily it's supposed to go down to 14 tonight, so we'll be able to cool down our place a little bit.

Thank you God today for BBQ's, other peoples cool houses, my wonderfully amazing husband, and my awesome running partner, all of which I could have not gotten through these last few days without.

tidbits

-Just got home last night from a weekend family reunion in Kenosee, was super fun

-Walls were broken down in my marriage, praise God!

-More walls were broken between my son and father-in-law, and dad was finally able to hold him with no crying, go Daniel!

-Built many new relationships with my husband's family, and was able to see the fingerprints of God as we saw the generations multiplied

-Shared a room with my brother-in-law, his girlfriend and their new baby, had an awesome time, and even got to feed the baby in the middle of the night! (so crazy how you begin to miss that when your babies stop!)

-Stayed on track, sort of, with our new eating and exercise regime, unfortunately there was no gym at the hotel, so we missed one workout

-As nice as it was to come home, it's a sauna in here and we will soon be retreating to my moms, so I'll share my pics later

God has given us our emotions. He has created us as emotional beings. Our emotions are a gift from the Lord, a way to feel in ways we can't describe, all the blessings and trials we face in this life. Emotions are not sin, however, when they begin to upset our peace, they cross-over from being who we were created to be, to giving into our flesh.
I'm reminded today that the bible calls us to live as though we are dead, dead to sin. This is such a funny analogy when you think of it, why would a dead man get upset? He's dead!!!
I have always struggled with allowing my emotions get the best of me, so my prayer today is for the grace to walk dead to sin, for the grace to not allow my emotions upset my peace. That others would see God in my response to my emotions.
They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks, God disagrees.

Something God said...

Don't go wasting your emotions...

Lay all your love on me

Don't go sharing your devotion....

Lay all your love on me

"Lay all your love on me"

-Abba-

This spoke to me this morning. As I was listening to this song the words of the chorus pulled at heart strings, and I heard God whispering these words to me. Upon reflection, I realized that this is the Father's heart for all of us. I found it interesting at that moment that the meaning of the name of the band is "God the Father".

Woman! Whoa Man! Whooooaaaaaaaa Man!

-Mike Myers-
So I married an axe murderer

Highlights of my getaway with my hubby....

-An evening spent away with no housework or cooking

-Playing in the pool with my hubby

-Overcoming my fear of the dark tunnel slide! (I went on it 3 times!)

-The new bathing suit my hubby bought me

-The crab and artichoke dip at 2nd Ave Grill

-Being able to stay up until 2:30 am without a guilty conscience reminding me of an early morning

-Being able to sleep in until 9:30 without interuptions of a certain someone needing a bottle

Was so excited to get my son back, I missed him so much!

"Who, me?"

Come On Come On Come On Come On touch me babe!

dah dah dah dah can't you see

that I am not afraid......

CHAKAN KAN KAN!!

Laurence is Gooooood at piano

he will be rockin' in my soul!

-Mr. S-

School of Rock

Sickness:

feeling better, am starting antibiotics tomorrow. Turns out.....

I WAS RIGHT! It wasn't just viral, and I don't have to just suck it up.

So everyone.... knows Nah-ting.

Family:

Little One,

Mr. Busy Bee. Loves climbing stairs, getting into drawers and cupboards, fake plants, and boxes. Has an appetite for anything found in a jar, and anything found on the floor.

Not So Little One,

Miss Talks Alot. Nicely tanned, so proud she has my skin. Into her Tamogoshi, bike riding, sidewalk chalk, Skip-It, and Canadian Idol. Her other dad just bought a pool, she's super excited to go swimming in it this weekend.

Hubby,

Mr. Motivated. Cleaned the whole house for me the other day while I was out with some girl friends. Could I HAVE a better man? Loves boy shows, boy movies, boy activities, and me.

Us,

Had our 3rd anniverssary on June 19th, and we're celebrating it tomorrow! We're off to a hotel while our daughter is at her dads, and little one goes for his very first sleep over! So pumped! I love spending time with my hubby, no matter what we're doing. Him and I are starting a new eating and exercise routine together. We are so excited to encourage and motivate one another and work together as team.

God,

is good all the time, and continues to move in the lives and hearts of our family and friends.

Be blessed, and have an awesome weekend!

~Peace~

pics and blahs

Our mother-figure

Our favorite auntie

Fun in the Sun

Peek!

Croquet is serious business....

K so quick update.

Yesterday:

still sick, played guess who and battleship, gotta love staying at home....

Today:

still sick, went bathing suit shopping, found nothing, figures....

Tonight:

watching Canadian Idol with my Canadian Idol wanna-be daughter, having coffee with a girlfriend....

Tomorrow:

fresh highlights, thank goodness, my roots are hat wearing shameful, appointment with a wrist specialist, feel better.....

Friday:

Friday Friday Friday.....I got myself a date, Friday night at 8, and I will not be late, she could be my mate, that would be so great, great great GREAT!

To all my movie quoting fans, peace out.

So........ sick since Monday........symptoms keep changing and morphing........now I can throw pink eye into the mix........wondering why I can't get better.......when I'm gonna get my body back.......so miss running.......want to hold my new nephew.......can't, have germs..........swallowing phlegm.......yuck........eye looks gross.......makes hubby's eyes water..........throat hurts..........annoyed............medicine is yucky.......wasting time.......dreaming of health......sick of being sick.

Oh Canada, Oh baby!

A little chaos, a lot of fun, yet another adventure as the W's M's and D's undertake another year of the fireworks. My friend, her son and our bro-in-law joined us this year, and fortunately were not freaked out and embarassed by our patriotic paraphernalia, including umbrella hats and jester headgear.

A HUGE congratulations to my brother-in-law and his girlfriend on the birth of Dominic! There is so much hope in my spirit for this couple! We are very excited :)

On a lesser note, I am sick today, I have not been running in like a week, and my house is a disaster. Go team me!

Schooooooool's OUT for SUMMAH!

Schooooool's OUT forEVAH!

A big congratulations to our 2 graduates!

We are so proud!

So yeah, I realized after looking at this post a couple of times, that I totally made it look like we're the proud parents of a little girl and a great big boy. Oh well.....we're still proud :)

lighter hair, heavier baby

It's been a while since I've lived through this baby phase, 6 years to be exact. In all the self-sufficiency and independence of my 6 year old, I guess I forgot about this season. My babe has recently learned to pull himself up to standing, and now, this is all he wants to do. Coolness... other than the fact that he has no idea how to get himself down. So, as soon as he is given any sort of freedom, he speed crawls to whatever he can climb, pulls himself up, and quickly flashes a look of pride and accomplishment. Yay Daniel! However, 30 seconds later, he realizes he's stuck in standing position, and wants down. So I help him down, and zip! he's back to the table or chair or whatever 'mount-furniture' he can get to fastest, and is back in standing position, only to 30 seconds later, continue whining about how he's found himself once again, stuck. Do I hear another yay?
So I found him in his crib today, standing of course, instead of napping. I guess he had played with the controls on the back of his music playing-fish aqaurium attached to his crib. He somehow changed the song from lullaby's, to waterfall, only he also turned the volume up to FULL blast. So I walk in to find poor Daniel crying, and the unrelaxing sounds of a waterfall, which really sounds like white noise blasting from a tv. I had to laugh, I love my son.

some pretty cool kids that aren't mine

Close-knit in the Golf

Gentle touch

Best friends

So this is how clowns feel....

K everyone.....smile! Isaiah, look at the camera ("let's go get some of that icecream!")........k......Noah....Noah! smile! ("Look! I'm Venom!") ok.......Faith! Faith! Look at auntie! Say cheese! ("mennnnhh").........k nevermind,

'Click!'

Where's Waldo, I mean Noah

Some wise words I've heard lately

"Time goes by fast when you're doing things"

-Hubby

"Some things in life are different"

-Uncle Gary

"Fool me once shame on me, fool me twice shame on you...er...no wait"

-Dad

God is on the move people!

Which side of the board are you on?

Tid Bits of my trip

Home sweet Home!! It's so refreshing to come home after some time away. That first night in your own bed, the first morning shower in your own tub (every shower we had in the course of our trip SUCKED!), and the first cup of coffee looking out your own window on your own street, you wonder why you ever left. Then of course come the loads of dirty laundry, the unpacking and putting away, and the reality of your daily household duties set in, as well as the reminder that you can no longer eat the take out and greasy foods you've been eating non-stop for the last four days if you plan on continuing to lose your baby fat. But hey, we won't get into that...

Onto the car ride...

Both our children were nicely veggetized by the portable dvd players we borrowed from my father-in-law. Each child came equipped with their own hypnotizing tv screen, which seemed to limit the whining and "are we there yet"s.

Had an overnight stay at my hubby's grandpa's, which gave him a chance to meet our latest addition, and us a chance to break up the 9 hour drive. Baby had a hard time falling asleep in his new play pen, and my hubby and I barely slept a wink. When it didn't sound like trains were driving right through our room, it was either baby snoring, the bed being way too small for my 6 foot something hubby, or the fact that it was a billion degrees in our room. Either way, grandpa tried :) and we love him.

My hubby found this picture of himself on his grandpa's fridge, lookin all hot and rebellious. This is how I knew him when we dated in highschool.

Do you think he's changed much?

Finally got to Winnipeg and met up with my parents. It was so cool to have my uncle, my sis and bro-in-law, us, my parents, my other aunt and uncle, and my cousin all staying in the same hotel.

We had supper at a restaurant on the Provencher bridge. It was neat to eat on top of the river.

So tired....leave us alone.....

Spectacle much? (Everyone meeting my not so new babe for the first time, and might I add, I was super impressed with how little he made strange with my strange family)

On Saturday afternoon we took the kids to Tinkertown, a fair just outside of Winnipeg. It was awesome that my little one was now big enough to join me on my favorite childhood ride, the Tilt-a-Whirl!

Go us!

Oompa Loompa Oompa Dee Doo....

Look mommy! One wheel!

Us at the Forks...

We took the kids to the Childrens Festival to kill some time before we went to my cousins wedding.

Us all dolled up!

It was a gorgeous wedding and the bride was beautiful! The reception was super fun, and my sis and I got jiggy with it the majority of the night. Dancing to classics like C+C Music Factory, Aerosmith and good ol' Aqua, is where it's at people.

No Elishah, we didn't forget about you.

Finally, the last day of our trip came to an end, and we found ourselves back in the car and on our way home.

Cheers mates! I am so done with this post!