To whom it may concern,

I've not posted lately due to the fact that our household has been under attack--by some terrible viruses; the flu and some crazy head cold/sinus infection. Cleaning up vomit and used tissue has yet again made me re-evaluate the state of our overall health. We've always strived to be a healthy family, making wise nutrition choices, trying to get enough rest and exercise as well as turning to alternative health measures. And not unlike others searching to be better, we've by God's grace, stumbled across some info. that YOU need to read, while there's still time . Follow the links, you'll see what I'm talking about.

Sprouts!--we re potted a few plants last week and the kids planted a few seeds as well. Can't wait to get out side to dig around in the dirt.

Spring by Dawn Gutek

Wake up oh earth.
Wake up and breath.
As the sun warms, open up your vast chambers of life.

Wake up oh earth.
Wake up and bring forth your newness.
As the snow melts away, peek through and show yourself.

Wake up oh earth.
Wake up, for it is time.
Do not slumber any longer, for yours are the very places we
need to sustain for by them we are sustained.

Wake up oh earth.
Wake up.

Look out world...Becca just turned 2

I can't believe my baby is already 2. Wasn't it just the other day that she was born? And who taught her all that running and climbing stuff anyway? When did she start speaking in sentences? (Today's quote: "More c00cumber pees, mum. Sanx.") It seems like just the other day she was born. Why oh Why does time have to pass so quickly? I'll never know. I'm so thankful to our Heavenly Father that we have 3 healthy beautiful kids and I pray they'll each know Him + stick close to Him all their lives. What a blessing to help grow these little ones.
This passing of time seems so much more emotional than it was with our other two kids. Perhaps because she's our last one. Maybe we stopped one too soon? Who knows. I'm just glad to be a witness to it all. Blessed!

Snow Crazy!

The tots had so much fun outside yesterday. We built snow castles, snow cakes (hence the snow eating), and all sorts of snow things. By the end, all were full and frozen. Good times!

Luck of the Irish...no Thanks!

The following post may offend some readers. Reader discretion is advised.

As I dressed my four year old for preschool today, she reminded me that they were to wear green for St. Patrick's Day. It got me thinking of that saying "Luck of the Irish" and that got me thinking "Now just what the heck does that mean?!" Really now, just how lucky are the Irish? Sorry Shaun Taylor if your happen to read this (from what I've read + pics, I know Ireland is beautiful.) Ireland is an island, right? All by itself, out in the ocean. A-lone. One would assume then that the weather there would be much like neighboring England, rainy, gray and dreary. If that's not bad enough, they've got leprechauns. Just how much Guinness does one have to drink to be seeing little men dressed in green suits and top hats at the end of rainbows with pots of gold they will not share? Come on, little men, pots of gold, fine. But rainbows in Ireland? Does the sun even have a chance to shine between the clouds of gray dreariness? Really now. And one last thing about Irish is the foul temper of some if not many Irish boil over with. I have an Irish friend and believe me, there is nothing lucky about that. Now if they could just convince those little men to hand over the gold, then I'd say that's lucky. You can bet I'd swipe it if I had the chance. Well, I'm all done pondering now. Sorry again if any of you reading are of Irish decent. I don't mean to offend. But perhaps you could enlighten me and set me straight on the "luckiness" of the Irish. Cheers!

Down on the Farm

Michael helped in delivery today...of a calf. Which led me to thinking...
One thing I really miss, having grown up on a dairy (no not 5:30 milkings, or shoveling manure, or being stared down by an angry bull) is the new life every spring. I had the good fortune of witnessing many calves being born and helped them along as they took their first breath. It is amazing to help such a huge animal birth it's young and to be able to watch them mother their own kind. Not only are cows good for milk and beef, but also an example of mothering and nurturing. Oh, come on. Like you've never bellowed for your kids?! Cheers!

Bessie...the dancing Pig

Who ever said pigs can't fly? Ok, so maybe she's not flying but ya have to admit, a dancing pig is pretty cool. We had a blast last weekend at a friends farm chasing calves, goats, rabbits, horses and of being entertained of course by none other than Bessie. Our friends intend to consume her in the form of bacon but I think she'd make a great show piggy. Oink oink.
And just so you know, that gate she's climbing is 5ft. high. Ya, big pig.

These are my birthday socks from my very good friend Annamarie.
"Buy me stuff and I'll be NICER".
Note: these arrived in the mail two days before my birthday, I of course put them on then and there and it worked! More gifts and cards arrived and a great big surprise from hubby! I didn't know I could get any nicer!?!

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y T O M E ! ! ! !

Yes, today is indeed my birthday. And no I'm not afraid to say it, I'm 30. Not afraid, but rather quite enthralled at the fact. Sort of a "right of passage" thing. Some how I feel, now what's the word...older,wiser, seasoned, mature. Nope, none of those. I feel...very young and very blessed to have had a very interesting and wonderful 30 years. So many laughs, cries, and great memories to remember and blog about. Ah what a life! And what a day it's been! I got to sleep in, enjoyed a hot-rock massage (surprise from Michael), ate lunch out, did some shopping, frolicked in the snow with the kids, and a very scrumptious steak supper made by my wonderful husband and children. Thanks for the e-cards, and gifts my friends, I see you yielded to the power of the birthday socks. ha ha ha And to top it all off of course, CHOCOLATE CAKE! All this special attention makes me think maybe tomorrow could be my birthday and the day after that and the day after that and...you get it.

It's A Good Thing...

Ya know, it's a really good thing to know that when we fall flat on our earthly faces trying to perform or minister or do anything, that God is always there to pick us up again. The message gets across in spite of all our short comings and failures. Even when we said what we'd intended to but thought of the other half of the message after the fact, you know, when everybody's gone home, the lights are off and the door closed and locked. Ya. Good thing He knows and makes up for all of our short comings, cuz boy oh boy would it ever bite if He didn't. And Oh so Sweet that he never gives up on us but keep on giving us more opportunities to try, no matter how many times we fail or miss the mark. Hmm. Thanks Jesus.

Quick shoot, before it melts!

Shoot a picture of it, that is. This is the 4ft. high snow bank that runs the length of our driveway, on each side. We decided to put it to good use. And why not? After all what good is a whole pile of white fluffy stuff that's gonna be here a long while if not for, you guessed it, a snow fort. Or quinzie so I've learned. Michael and the kids hollowed out a hole which later turned into a rather large tunnel leading out to where we slide down our hill. Quite impressive. Yes this is what we do for fun in a small town.

Images of Winter, while it lasts

Here's a few shots of the frost we had here last week; very beautiful but very cold. The pictures were taken just out our back and front doors, wish I'd waited another 20 minutes for the sun to shine on 'em. Oh well.
March always brings all kinds of crazy weather but also the promise of spring. It won't be long until we're all griping about the heat, the bugs or lack of rain and too much moisture for others. Winters beauty will be all but a distant memory only to be relived in a few short months anyway. So here's to the beauty of the white and COME QUICKLY SPRING, come quickly!