Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Abby's Baptism

A couple of weeks ago, when Art was tucking The Girls into bed, Abby asked Art to read her a story in the bible - "from page 1024" (or something like that). Art started reading, and it was all about John the Baptist. So, up came the topic of baptism. Art explained what it was, and Abby asked if she could be baptized.
"Yup!", said Art, and then he asked her if she wanted him to do it.
"Yup!" was her reply.
The next week at church, Art asked the man in charge of such things when there was going to be a baptism service, and if he could baptize her. It turns out, the service was to be the very next Sunday.
I must admit, I was a little apprehensive about her being only 7 when she was baptized, because I want her to remember this forever, since it is a public declaration of her decision to live for Jesus, but my biggest obstacle in my thinking was, "How can I say no to my daughter who knows that baptism is obeying God?". So, alas, the decision was made.
Art was able to baptize her, and I must admit, it was a very proud and emotional moment for me. A moment that we've been dreaming of since the Girls were born. She was the first one to be baptized, and didn't seem nervous at all. She proclaimed her love for Jesus, and desire to obey Him in being baptized. What a special thing to watch Art 'do the deed'! Now, three more to go! Here are a few pictures of the day.

We couldn't really see her being dunked, but she was....here's Art's head (exciting, I know!)



Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Risks

I find myself taking more risks these days. Whether it be financially, relationally, emotionally..... and it's a good thing. I want to be able to "put myself out there", to invest in the lives of those around me. I want to be honest and full of faith and walk in integrity in all my dealings. So I try to risk. Sometimes, it bombs, but sometimes, the return on the "risk investment" is amazing....a relationship taken to a new level, walking through more inner healing.... you know, good stuff!

When I ask myself, "Is it worth the risk?", I want to be able to assess if it is or is not worth it. Hopefully, I have the discernment and wisdom and faith to see clearly, and if I need to, to be able to take a risk. Do I take enough risks? Probably not. But am I trying? I think so....

At the end of the day, I need to remember that all that I have, in all faucets of my life, are gifts given by God. And so, why would I want to hoard? Maybe my 'risks' are, in fact, just learning to steward what God has given to me. Hmmmm....

Friday, January 15, 2010

An Evening in the Life

Here are a few pictures to document an evening in the life of our girls. One night, after dinner, they decided to play "Hair Salon". Molly, of course, was the guinea pig. The funny thing was that Art had to take all the little, tiny braids OUT (hee!hee!) before she had a bath.

The finished product.....wowzers!
For Art's birthday, I bought him a tv for our room. Now, I did once say that I would NEVER have a tv in our room, but alas, I have regressed. Art is often up late, and I hate going to bed without him, so now, we can go to bed together - me sleeping, and him, watching tv. Anyhow, he put his PS3 up there, and every once in a while, the girls will all crawl into bed with us, and play their favorite game. We only have 2 controllers though, so the other 2 will watch or play on the iTouch. I love having them all in there!




Is he Going to College?

Last night, we were watching American Idol with the girls....we always love to watch the first number of shows and laugh, laugh, laugh. Anyhow, the little girls were getting the hang of how the whole things worked.

These were their comments:

Ellie Mae: "He's singing....and he won! He won!"

Molly: "Mommy, now does he get to go to college?"

We laughed....a lot! Oh, and my the way, people are SO delusional!

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

One child

Yesterday, Hannah and Abby had school. After I dropped them off, the little girls and I headed out to Tim Horton's for a little special breakfast treat. While we were there, I saw a friend of mine's vehicle, with 2 of her kids inside watching a movie. I called her on her cell phone, and asked her if I could take them to Timmy's with me. She was just heading back to her vehicle, and so then she asked me if Molly could come over for the day and play with her daughter. Molly, of course, was THRILLED! So, at 9:15 am, Molly left with her. And I was with one child.

I must admit, I felt a little bit lost. I wasn't quite sure what to do! So, we decided to head into the city to do some errands. It was great fun to have one child for the day, but also a little bit lonely! It kinda gave me a look at what my life will be like when Molly is in school (which, thankfully won't be until she's in grade 1....still a year and a half away!). Although it was good fun for a day, by then end, I was ready to have my little ladies back at home!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Skating

We finally got all the girls skates this year. In Spruce Grove, there's an outdoor ice 'circle', where the trees all have lights. It's quite beautiful! We braved the cold a few nights to go skating. Last year, Molly turned into spaghetti legs when we tried to teach her, but this year, she was determined to learn how to skate. Ellie Mae, not so much....! She went in the stroller a bit, and on the sled, until it got too cold. Hannah and Abby, however, are turning into pro's!






Christmas Mayhem

The Christmas Morning Mayhem starts off with stockings. As you can see, the floor is still relatively clear! Auntie Frieda joined us just as we were finishing dinner on Christmas Eve, and spent the night, so she was able to join in the fun in the morning.
The older 2 girls each got a camera, which they LOVE. I really should upload some of their pictures!...
Molly got a sock monkey, which she immediately adopted into the family of monkey's (the family on the right actually sing and dance, thanks to Auntie Irene!)

Molly REALLY wanted a camera, but since she's only 4, we decided it would be better if she waited until she is older. Here, Abby is graciously showing Molly her camera, and letting her take some pictures.
We were able to get Dad something he didn't have....a golf ball retriever thingy

They also got these HUGE coloring books, which has been the source of hours of entertainment

Nana and Grandpa bought the girls each a big horse and doll. It took 3 adults all working together for at least an hour to get everything out of the boxes. It was nuts!

Can we even SEE the floor?

Ellie Mae thought that she could ride the horse....not so much!

And, finally, Christmas dinner. All I have to say, is, "Very, very yummy!"

It was a great day, so fun to spend it with our family. I love the joy and excitement that they bring! What a blessing they are to this mother's heart!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve started off with a yummy dinner of appetizers. We ate 'till our tummies hurt! Usually we go to Kelowna for Christmas, where my sister and her family joins us, but this year, they didn't come, so we stayed home and my parents made the trek to our place.
One of our traditions is that we each get to open a present on Christmas Eve.....
What is it going to be?!

I think we know..... this year, I made Art's pj's (thanks to the help of my friend, Suzanne!)

Here we are...the Girls, matching, of course. I know, kinda lame, but I love it! It's not going to be too much longer that I am able to find pj's that all match! The pajama's that Art got for me were even plenty long enough....until I washed them. Now, once again, I am ready for a flood!


Pre-Christmas Fun

Hannah and Abby had their ballet recital. The theme was "All Around the World", and their country was Ireland (yay!). So, here they are, preparing for their 'Irish Ballet'.
After the recital, we decided to head into the city, with Auntie Frieda, to go and see the Legislative grounds. There's lots of lights, a skating rink, hot chocolate, and choirs that sing during the month of December. It wasn't too cold that night, and, of course, we had to stop to eat first at Wok Box....yummy!


Just outside the restaurant, there's a huge bronze horse. The Girls, of course, wanted to sit on it, but as you can see if you look closely, it's covered in ice. So instead, they stood in front of it.
This is just outside the Legislative building. It's very old and very beautiful!

The little girls, in LOVE with walking in the deep, deep snow...until they got cold!
A final picture of the lovely ladies.


Christmas home pictures

Here are a few pictures of our home decorated for Christmas...





How many hats?

It's Monday morning (not right now, but you know what I mean...), and I am driving to a restaurant in town to meet a few friends to celebrate a birthday, and I start to wonder...."How many hats do I wear?"

After having a couple of weeks "off" (and I do use that term loosely!), it was the first morning back. Back to....everything! We started school in the morning, and in the midst of that, the phone is ringing, my cell phone is ringing, the little girls are looking for some love, the bigger girls are looking for some help with school, Art is needing some stuff done for the business, I need to clean up and start on the (never ending) pile of laundry, and most of all, I just want a shower! I drive for a quick lunch, and then we have a meeting here for the business, and it just goes on and on. I have forgotten, after a few short weeks, how many hats I wear in a day. And until I get into the swing of things, I will feel a bit overwhelmed, spread thin, frustrated, and (hopefully not too) impatient. And, of course, incompetent.

I've forgotten the hats that normally accompany me: mother, friend, sister, daughter, bookkeeper, advisor, teacher, cleaner, baker, cook....to name a few. I start to yearn for another day, when I will have more than 10 minutes to myself (in the shower, when I lock the door). However, when that day comes, I will most likely be sad for days like today.... So I continue on, trying my best to balance my life and the things that are important with the things that need to get done.....