HI MOM!!!

why I haven't been posting

(following in the simple idea of my flower friend)

-My mom has been in the hospital. She's out now and feeling much better, although all the healing she needs to walk through is going to take much time and rest.

-My son has been sick. Boo-urns, he's been a crab.

-I'm trying to keep up with all the things my daughter brings home from school. Last year I really took a back seat with things, like cramming in 30 books the night before and morning of her reading celebration, when she had to have a certain number of books to get a prize. Luckily for our poor vocal chords, she got the prize. I'm proud to say we have stayed on top of everything so far.

-My granny is in town. She's staying with my mom to help her out. We have yet to find out if this is a good thing or a bad thing, and my sis and I are keeping close tabs on her.

-My hubby and I have been second car shopping, and found one! We should have it in the beginning of October!

-I've been keeping up with all my housework and housewife duties.

-I've been mulling over things God is teaching me, about being quiet.

-I've been struggling with my eating and excersize schedule, and have been feeling discouraged.

and last but not least...the number one reason why I have not been posting...

-I'm lazy

Where's Waldo?

In the Messy Room?

(and I thought I had a bit more time before he was old enough to trash his room...)

5 days

It's started!

All ready!

My daughter and I got to go shopping for school supplies just the two of us, and she got to pick whatever she wanted (assuming it was on her list). She chose a Strawberry Shortcake theme. I looked back at the times I went school shopping when I was little, and since we had very little money, I was never able to get the nice book bag or brand name supplies. It was such a blessing to be able to bless my daughter, and not seeing the burden of not having enough money on her that I'm sure my parents hated seeing on me growing up.

The #1 breakfast of champions, blueberry PopTarts.

First day of Grade 1



Second day of Grade 1




Third day of Grade 1

Fourth day of Grade 1

Fifth day of Grade 1

My daughter sighed after this picture, so I reassured her I wouldn't take pictures forever. She sighed again and asked what grade she would be in by then.

In the life of my son...

The greatest temptations in the confusing land of Off-Limits...

The stix,

(notice a bunch are now broken, and yes, I did pay money for sticks)

The cabinet,

so shiny, so reflective, so forbidden,

The boxes, who's contents are often found all over the floor.

And who needs toys?

When you have a closet full of dirty shoes instead?
(before)

(after)

"pushing a stool pushing a stool, turn it around turn it arouuund.....pushing a stool"

Oh my goodness YUM! You've gotta give me the recipe for this window!

So... it's a big world after all....

This morning I woke up bald

What are migraine headaches?
A migraine headache is a type of headache in which a person experiences intense throbbing, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and sound. These headaches may also worsen with movement. Some young people may experience a distorted hallucinating like affect. If these symptoms do occur without the headache, it is still considered a migraine headache.

How are migraine headaches treated?

Migraine headaches can be treated non-medically by avoiding known triggers. These triggers will be specific to each individual. For example, some people may experience a migraine due to stressful events; whereas, others may experience migraines because of head trauma. Migraines are best treated with preventative medicine such as promethazine. Acute attacks are usually controlled with prescription medication.

*no stress, no head trauma, just a head ready to explode*

What is up hommies?

1.
-washed towels forever ago, forgot about them in the washer for days
-washed them again because they smelled moldy
-washed them again because they still smelled moldy
-washed them in vinegar because they still smelled moldy
-forgot about them in the washer for days
-washed them 4 at a time in vinegar and soap, did not forgot about them, got the smell out and saved the day and the towels

2.
-my son is a human vacuum, and eats everything invisible to the naked eye
-he also enjoys the taste of fake moss from the fake plant, dada's dress shirts and shoes

3.
-my not so little one is off at her dads for the week
-we talked yesterday and I reminded her to watch Canadian Idol
-am still wondering why Greg is gone, and Dwight is still around????????????
-my daughter agreed with my frustration

4.
-things to do people to see husbands to talk to....must go and carry on being a housewife

I'M the most likely to respond

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
I guess it depends on which name you're talking about
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
This afternoon at a funeral
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Sometimes
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Lean smoked turkey breast
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Yes!
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Absolutely! Because I'm so humble
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
Who me? As if
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
I would! I so would, my hubby and I talk about it lots, and one day we will
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
I don't think I have one... but I have a least favorite, the one we eat now, tastes like hamster food, although sometimes it's a nice change from plain egg whites ...sigh... *insert your pity here*
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Depends on the mood I'm in, if I'm feeling responsible or not
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Am starting too! I see progress on my workout sheets!
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Definately good ol' classic cookies and cream
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Eyebrows and teeth (I appologize if you have bad teeth or eyebrows, and yes, chances are I noticed)
15. RED OR PINK?
Both, together, in harmony and friendship
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
My arguementativeness... is that a word?
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My cousin Dr. Holly
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?
Yes, everyone
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Uh, unlike some people who grew up in a barn, I don't wear my shoes in the house, and I'm wearing army capris
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
My yucky protein shake, but in real food life, my very first baked chicken with potatoes and carrots
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Maggie and the Ferocious Beast in nowhere land.....in nowhere land.....
22. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Navy blue
23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
My baby after a bath and some lotion, newborn heads, my Wasabi Ginger party lite tealights, greasy foods when I haven't eaten them in a while, banana baby food
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My hubby
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
Can't answer... she might read this
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Not/Applicable, Not/Available, No/Answer
27. HAIR COLOR?
In real life, plain poop brown, in pretend, depends on the month, right now, blond and brown, stay tuned, new color coming soon
28. EYE COLOR?
I don't even know, I say blue, but others say green, but since they're mine, blue it is
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
No, but I've always wanted to try colored ones for fun
30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Chicken
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Definately not scary
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Mean Girls
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Navy blue tank top
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
I like both
35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Hugs
36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Not much of a dessert person, unless it's a bag of chips.... is it a bag of chips?
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
I already said, me
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
You
39. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING NOW?
A good one
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Tie dyish rainbow colored
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT?
The results for Canadian Idol, but I'm still mad at them!
42. FAVORITE SOUND?
My kids's giggles, and hubby's singing
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Beatles all the way
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Nebreaska
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
No
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Here

I'd like to thank the Academy, and Mad and Restless for being bored at work. Thank you and good-night!

Real Life

"There is a world of difference between knowing what to do

and actually doing it..."

-Bill Phillips

God in His perfect love and endless mercy has given me the opportunity to make things right. He's been hitting the same nail on the head over, and over, and over, and over, and I thought if I ignored Him just a little longer, He'd give up. Fortunately God will never give up on me and He will never leave me, but He loves me far too much to leave me where I am.

Today, He hit the nail for the last time, and this time, it went all the way in... ouch. I rest in knowing that God discplines those He loves, and that He is molding me to be more like Him, and that all things work together for good for those who love Him. I thank Him today that He gave me opportunity to walk in humility, to repent and choose to walk towards the light. I know that my obedience will bring Him glory and show others His forgiveness and faithfulness.

Crossing over the world of difference, and ready to make a difference...

signing off.

(My daughters step-mom holding my son when we were there for a bbq. Just a physical picture of God's boundless power to bring restoration to broken places. Be encouraged)

what the?

If any of my faithful readers are Canadian Idol fans....

can you please tell me what the heck Canada was thinking?!?!?!?!?!?!

I am so flaming mad I don't even want to watch the rest of the season....

Must go out and run off my steam

Productivity

Productivity...

Productive refers to a generative source of continuing activity,

the quality of being productive or having the power to produce,

a measure of worker efficiency,

To be fruitful...

Fruitful refers to that which has already produced and is capable of further production.

Lord I pray that today would be productive and fruitful, that I would not be distracted by things that would lead me away from my work and responsibilities. I pray that today I would find joy and purpose in my daily house chores, and in my time spent with my kids. I pray that I would rediate a positive attitude to my husband, so that he would be energized as he works in the field today.

~Amen~

I guess that means I should get my butt back in gear.

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~