Monday, December 15, 2008
Hot Topic for Believers Part 1
Here's a goodie for ya: if you are currently a believer (ie: believe that Jesus Christ has died thus forgiving your sins and have accepted Him as Lord and Savior of your life) how do you view our modern day churches? Should we be pouring our resources into buildings and programs to bring more people in to our churches or should those $$ be going toward feeding, clothing and providing for the needs of the lost? Should we bring them in (to our church buildings) or meet them where they are at? Have our church services turned into performances or are they really all about growing disciples? Should we be meeting in homes instead of costly buildings, as the early apostles did? Are we still effectively training people in our congregations to "go ye into all the world, teaching them and baptizing them..."? Have we become too comfortable? Why is it that our North American churches seem to be lacking in power? The kind that results in massive change. When did we stop believing (not just knowing but taking action) in miracles and the fact we ARE to be doing "greater works than these"? Where's that line? Tell me what you think friends.
Reality Check
Ever thought about how dependant we are? Dependanton the electrical companies to provide us with power, on the natural gas companies to use their fuel to heat our homes, on our water treatment plants to pump clean, potable water into our homes, dependant on the stores to provide much of what we eat. It's kinda scary when you think of it. What if those services were cut off or the price was too high to be able to afford them?
This week we had a bit of an issue with our power going out here in our small town. Not just a 2 minute power surge, but a whole evening of no lights, heat, and (yikes) computer! Even our land line wasn't working quite right as it is connected electrically. (If we'd had an emergency, the cell phone was charged, thankfully). But it really did make us think a bit about our world and our part in it. We are far from self sufficient. Our family relies heavily on the goods and services we pay for. Now that winter is upon us with it's nasty -30 Celsius days, having no heat for an extended period of time would be an issue. Purchasing anything could be even harder without the use of electronic debit machines in stores. (I don't know about you, but we seldom walk into the grocery store with enough cash on hand to do our "big" shopping trip.) How long would the items in the pantry last us? We have often talked about installing a wood stove for those just in case times (and Michael loves to chop wood and play with fire...) but we're definitely not prepared to outlast an energy crisis.
This sounds a little dramatic, dooms- dayish I suppose, somewhat like the craze of Y2K, but when you're responsible for your children's well being, ones train of thought often gets derailed on how to best take care of them.
But you know, with all that being said, I am reminded of the fact that our Heavenly Father is in control. I am not. (Thank goodness or we'd all be doomed!) And just as He provided His children with manna, quail and water in the desert, He will not let His children starve today. He cares enough to know when a sparrow falls dead, and we are worth more than many sparrows. He promises to never leave us or forsake us.
Somehow I still find it hard to shed my human-ness and clothe myself in trust. Somehow I think I need to work on that so my kids will see that instead of learning to worry. Somehow I think we should live a prepared life, being good stewards of what we have, instead of living blindly. And I also think I need to listen to what the Spirit is saying to me about all of this.
How about you friends? What's your take? Are you prepared? Have a great Monday!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Music...can you dig it?!
Today in the life of me, not much too exciting is going on. Just the regular happenings around our house on the weekend...house cleaning, small group Bible study last night, church this morning and of course, relaxing with the family. But just so you don't think I've given in to an utterly boring existence, please know that I've been doing a bit of digging and researching a couple of my favorite Christian music artists. If it where not so late I'd link a few more, but do check out the blog roll on the right, you're sure to find a couple of names you'll recognize. Their blogs are very interesting, at least they were to me on this very chilly, stay inside cuz it's -30 Celsius today. How about your friends? What are you listening to lately?
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Doulas in Saskatchewan
So, of course life is always busy. For some busier than others. But in the midst of hecticness (yes I know that is not a real word) I have but a moment to share with you what I have been up to the past little while. I am studying to become a doula.
Doula is a greek word meaning, in short, to mother mothers. In the past for most cultures birth is looked upon as a natural and safe process in which life is brought forth. The birthing mothers own mother, sisters, aunts and other women in the tribe/town/ city/ area attended the births helping and encouraging her as she labored and delivered her child. However, since the industrial revolution and the promotion of the age of scientific medicine, we no longer see the support women so badly need at such a vulnerable time. Instead we have placed the emotional responsibility solely on the backs of fathers to help their loved ones, expecting them to know how to help a laboring mom. We've expected the fathers to "keep it all together and help her" when they don't even know how to process birth process themselves. All the birthing books and resources in the world are meaningless when the reality of labor smacks you in the face at 3:00am when a mother feels defeated after having labored for 21 hours with little progress.
To aid the situation (rather to complicate things) science and medicine have worked hand in hand to "help" mothers by offering, sometimes pressuring, the administration of a myriad of medical interventions. The overuse of pain medications in labor and delivery have been scientifically proven to add to post birth complications for both mother and babe. NOTE: Some labors do require medical intervention and some women do in fact need "the drugs" but there seems to be a key element missing in the whole process that has not been addressed by our health systems as we know it. WOMEN DO NOT NEED TO FEAR THE NATURAL BODILY FUNCTION OF GIVING BIRTH. So much of what we do to intervene is done out of fear. Fear of pain, the duration of the laboring, health and wellness of mother and babe, the list goes on. With all of our amazing health science and technology we have forgotten about one very important thing--the emotional well being of the mother. Again, science has proven what nature already decided--our minds and emotions effect what happens in our bodies. With a little movement and technique and a whole lot of constant emotional care and listening for both mom and dad, every birth can be a positive life changing experience. That's where a doula can help.
Having birthed three of my own children, the experience I've gained has given me a few tools to be able to help other moms. And now in addition to that, the training I'm taking thru DONA International will greater expand my ability to help others as a certified doula. It would be a shame to not pass along a bit of what I've learned to others just starting out on their family journey. To hear a bit more about doulas follow this link. If I can help even one mom out there, it's all worth it. Love and hugs friends.
Doula is a greek word meaning, in short, to mother mothers. In the past for most cultures birth is looked upon as a natural and safe process in which life is brought forth. The birthing mothers own mother, sisters, aunts and other women in the tribe/town/ city/ area attended the births helping and encouraging her as she labored and delivered her child. However, since the industrial revolution and the promotion of the age of scientific medicine, we no longer see the support women so badly need at such a vulnerable time. Instead we have placed the emotional responsibility solely on the backs of fathers to help their loved ones, expecting them to know how to help a laboring mom. We've expected the fathers to "keep it all together and help her" when they don't even know how to process birth process themselves. All the birthing books and resources in the world are meaningless when the reality of labor smacks you in the face at 3:00am when a mother feels defeated after having labored for 21 hours with little progress.
To aid the situation (rather to complicate things) science and medicine have worked hand in hand to "help" mothers by offering, sometimes pressuring, the administration of a myriad of medical interventions. The overuse of pain medications in labor and delivery have been scientifically proven to add to post birth complications for both mother and babe. NOTE: Some labors do require medical intervention and some women do in fact need "the drugs" but there seems to be a key element missing in the whole process that has not been addressed by our health systems as we know it. WOMEN DO NOT NEED TO FEAR THE NATURAL BODILY FUNCTION OF GIVING BIRTH. So much of what we do to intervene is done out of fear. Fear of pain, the duration of the laboring, health and wellness of mother and babe, the list goes on. With all of our amazing health science and technology we have forgotten about one very important thing--the emotional well being of the mother. Again, science has proven what nature already decided--our minds and emotions effect what happens in our bodies. With a little movement and technique and a whole lot of constant emotional care and listening for both mom and dad, every birth can be a positive life changing experience. That's where a doula can help.
Having birthed three of my own children, the experience I've gained has given me a few tools to be able to help other moms. And now in addition to that, the training I'm taking thru DONA International will greater expand my ability to help others as a certified doula. It would be a shame to not pass along a bit of what I've learned to others just starting out on their family journey. To hear a bit more about doulas follow this link. If I can help even one mom out there, it's all worth it. Love and hugs friends.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Driven to Humility
I have been chosen to be driven to humility.
To be wholly refined in Your Holy blaze of fire.
And even when I'm sturdy, I pray You'll keep my knees dirty.
May the heart of Your will be my only heart's desire
One thousand miles of road not taken
Sure I tremble, yet my faith will not be shaken
You're teaching me, You're in control
Sure the waves could knock me down but I say let 'em roll
'Cause I have been chosen to be driven to humility
To be wholly refined in Your holy blaze of fire
And even when I'm sturdy, I pray You'll keep my knees dirty
May the heart of Your will be my only heat's desire
I don't mean to boast about my tomorrows
But I'm resting in the man who knows my pain and all
my sorrows...
Well you're kindness brought repentance
For the years of foolish pride
Sometimes You've got to knock me down
Just so I can see the light.
Old songs by Watermark make me nostalgic. Not sure, but that may have been the song our first born entered the world listening to. Good memories. The words and the Word still apply.
To be wholly refined in Your Holy blaze of fire.
And even when I'm sturdy, I pray You'll keep my knees dirty.
May the heart of Your will be my only heart's desire
One thousand miles of road not taken
Sure I tremble, yet my faith will not be shaken
You're teaching me, You're in control
Sure the waves could knock me down but I say let 'em roll
'Cause I have been chosen to be driven to humility
To be wholly refined in Your holy blaze of fire
And even when I'm sturdy, I pray You'll keep my knees dirty
May the heart of Your will be my only heat's desire
I don't mean to boast about my tomorrows
But I'm resting in the man who knows my pain and all
my sorrows...
Well you're kindness brought repentance
For the years of foolish pride
Sometimes You've got to knock me down
Just so I can see the light.
Old songs by Watermark make me nostalgic. Not sure, but that may have been the song our first born entered the world listening to. Good memories. The words and the Word still apply.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Becca's Song
" Oh I love my teddy bear and Josh and Sarah
Oh I love Michael and Dawn and Sarah
Huh- Huh
Oh I love my old barbies
Oh Oh Oh Ohhhhhhhh"
...ya we're done.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
ATale of a Boy and a Girl ~by Dawn Gutek~
(take a look at the link below)
l_001.jpg (JPEG Image, 1600x1200 pixels) - Scaled (44%)
Interesting little picture from the link above, wouldn't you agree? And to the average person happening upon said picture, one would assume it to be of some quaint little foot bridge, perhaps found on some nature hike or camping trip. I assure you friends, it is a picture of much more than that, at least to me and those involved in the following tale I shall tell to you now...
Once upon a time there was a boy and a girl. A young man and a young woman to be more precise as they had each just celebrated their 18th birthdays just a few months prior to the beginning of their yet to become relationship. Both attended a small but Biblically sound Bible College near the quiet fishing town of Nipawin in the province of Saskatchewan.
As was tradition at the College, there was planned an event. This event was to be held away from the college campus at the towns forested, very natural regional park. The purpose of the event was to aid students in meeting their peers, becoming friends with one another, forming friendships. Little did they know.
At this event, as sometimes young adults do, there was much playful banter amongst the students. After appetites had been satiated with roast burgers and such, some chose to simply sit and enjoy their surroundings. Others thought it a good idea to stretch their legs by becoming more familiar with their surroundings at the park. Others had taken quite a liking to doing both, stretching their legs and getting to know the others, but in doing so had become an unmitigated nuisance. A nuisance by making ill mannered fun of those around them, a nuisance by retelling off coloured jokes, a nuisance by simply talking too much. Far too much.
The girl and a new found friend had decided to walk a bit, enjoying each others company. The two ladies were unwantingly joined by the nuisance shortly after striking out, but not wanting to venture away from their Christian virtue by telling him to leave, allowed him to tag along. There were many things of interest there at the park, the most of which was the suspended foot bridge hung above a steep , almost waterless ravine. That is where the threesome stopped their journey for a brief moment to take in the excitement of the movement of the bridge. It felt really rather exhilarating to run across the aged boards and feel the sway of wood and metal beneath ones feet.
Not long after their arrival at the bridge, the three adventurers were unknowingly joined by another group of young adults, only far below them, traversing along the ravine. The leech that had attached himself to their two some proudly spouted on to the ladies about how if one was to engage in the grotesque act of spewing ones spittle over the chain link side of the bridge, how it would splatter down below and how wouldn't it be so funny to give those down below a good scare. In an instant of sheer immaturity, the young lady, whom this story quite involves, spat. She spat intending not to hit anyone but as was ill advised, to merely startle the group of young men down below. Not taking into account the trajectory of the spit or the speed of the wind, she simply spat, realizing in the briefest of minuscule of time, that the very small amount of saliva that had flown from her mouth was indeed going to hit the head of the young man down below.
The young men down below the bridge very soon became aware of their situation and of course needed to see whom their attackers were. But upon seeing who it was, they , instead of laughing at the joke it was intended to be, became enraged. Enraged for they thought it was indeed the nuisance who'd relentlessly been bothering them the past few days. Enraged and now given the excuse for revenge, that being "the killer wedgie".
Needless to say, the threesome up above began to run as soon as their targets below them exploded in fury. Across the bridge, down the path and into a playground full of young children they ran. They hid amongst the young ones, who no doubt wondered what these fiends could be up to, and waited for the angry, charging group to pass. After several minutes of peeking over the play apparatus between gasps of breath, the threesome emerged from their hide out. Things would calm down soon after, thought the tension between the angry mob and the nuisance remained for the rest of the evening.
Seeing that things could become quite grave for the nuisance, the young lady took pity on him and took action to try to correct things. She devised a plan of apology involving the young man's (whom her saliva landed on) cousin whom was attending the college at the same time as well and lived only several doors down from the young lady's room. She had the cousin tell the young man she was terribly sorry for the mishap, that it was really she who'd spat. She herself offered a formal apology as well. Or several rather. It was an embarrassing thing to have to do, but the young lady hardly minded as it was also an excuse to speak to this very handsome and becoming young man.
After having awkwardly forged through the elementary stages of becoming acquainted, the two seemed to often end up standing in waiting lines together or enjoying the company of the same group of friends. With the help and encouragement of said friends, the two soon became what was known as an exclusive "couple" there at the college. The very bridge where the adventure began was also the very place where he asked her to become his wife. And unbeknown st to them, the boy and the girl would 13 years later, with three children in tow, and half a lifetime worth of fond memories and blessings, would look back with a smile and a chuckle and recall the dear swinging bridge in the regional park in Nipawin Saskatchewan.
l_001.jpg (JPEG Image, 1600x1200 pixels) - Scaled (44%)
Interesting little picture from the link above, wouldn't you agree? And to the average person happening upon said picture, one would assume it to be of some quaint little foot bridge, perhaps found on some nature hike or camping trip. I assure you friends, it is a picture of much more than that, at least to me and those involved in the following tale I shall tell to you now...
Once upon a time there was a boy and a girl. A young man and a young woman to be more precise as they had each just celebrated their 18th birthdays just a few months prior to the beginning of their yet to become relationship. Both attended a small but Biblically sound Bible College near the quiet fishing town of Nipawin in the province of Saskatchewan.
As was tradition at the College, there was planned an event. This event was to be held away from the college campus at the towns forested, very natural regional park. The purpose of the event was to aid students in meeting their peers, becoming friends with one another, forming friendships. Little did they know.
At this event, as sometimes young adults do, there was much playful banter amongst the students. After appetites had been satiated with roast burgers and such, some chose to simply sit and enjoy their surroundings. Others thought it a good idea to stretch their legs by becoming more familiar with their surroundings at the park. Others had taken quite a liking to doing both, stretching their legs and getting to know the others, but in doing so had become an unmitigated nuisance. A nuisance by making ill mannered fun of those around them, a nuisance by retelling off coloured jokes, a nuisance by simply talking too much. Far too much.
The girl and a new found friend had decided to walk a bit, enjoying each others company. The two ladies were unwantingly joined by the nuisance shortly after striking out, but not wanting to venture away from their Christian virtue by telling him to leave, allowed him to tag along. There were many things of interest there at the park, the most of which was the suspended foot bridge hung above a steep , almost waterless ravine. That is where the threesome stopped their journey for a brief moment to take in the excitement of the movement of the bridge. It felt really rather exhilarating to run across the aged boards and feel the sway of wood and metal beneath ones feet.
Not long after their arrival at the bridge, the three adventurers were unknowingly joined by another group of young adults, only far below them, traversing along the ravine. The leech that had attached himself to their two some proudly spouted on to the ladies about how if one was to engage in the grotesque act of spewing ones spittle over the chain link side of the bridge, how it would splatter down below and how wouldn't it be so funny to give those down below a good scare. In an instant of sheer immaturity, the young lady, whom this story quite involves, spat. She spat intending not to hit anyone but as was ill advised, to merely startle the group of young men down below. Not taking into account the trajectory of the spit or the speed of the wind, she simply spat, realizing in the briefest of minuscule of time, that the very small amount of saliva that had flown from her mouth was indeed going to hit the head of the young man down below.
The young men down below the bridge very soon became aware of their situation and of course needed to see whom their attackers were. But upon seeing who it was, they , instead of laughing at the joke it was intended to be, became enraged. Enraged for they thought it was indeed the nuisance who'd relentlessly been bothering them the past few days. Enraged and now given the excuse for revenge, that being "the killer wedgie".
Needless to say, the threesome up above began to run as soon as their targets below them exploded in fury. Across the bridge, down the path and into a playground full of young children they ran. They hid amongst the young ones, who no doubt wondered what these fiends could be up to, and waited for the angry, charging group to pass. After several minutes of peeking over the play apparatus between gasps of breath, the threesome emerged from their hide out. Things would calm down soon after, thought the tension between the angry mob and the nuisance remained for the rest of the evening.
Seeing that things could become quite grave for the nuisance, the young lady took pity on him and took action to try to correct things. She devised a plan of apology involving the young man's (whom her saliva landed on) cousin whom was attending the college at the same time as well and lived only several doors down from the young lady's room. She had the cousin tell the young man she was terribly sorry for the mishap, that it was really she who'd spat. She herself offered a formal apology as well. Or several rather. It was an embarrassing thing to have to do, but the young lady hardly minded as it was also an excuse to speak to this very handsome and becoming young man.
After having awkwardly forged through the elementary stages of becoming acquainted, the two seemed to often end up standing in waiting lines together or enjoying the company of the same group of friends. With the help and encouragement of said friends, the two soon became what was known as an exclusive "couple" there at the college. The very bridge where the adventure began was also the very place where he asked her to become his wife. And unbeknown st to them, the boy and the girl would 13 years later, with three children in tow, and half a lifetime worth of fond memories and blessings, would look back with a smile and a chuckle and recall the dear swinging bridge in the regional park in Nipawin Saskatchewan.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
So as you can probably tell, I've been a little busy to blog lately. But I thought I'd better post at least once this month... As I was saying, life's been busy with all kinds of good things, Josh's 4-H (that's him leading his goat "Maripossa"), soccer for both of the older kids, and ball for Josh, our regular kids club windup fun night, birthday parties, school field trips, face painting for the school field day, company and of course the yard and garden. Too many things to do outside to be afforded the time to sit and blog. Now that hubby is off for the summer I'll sneak in a few more entries, perhaps even with a bit of regularity. But truthfully friends, I need ideas. I'm sure you're all eager to hear about my everyday life, but I'd be glad to share my vantage point on any number of topics. Perhaps as an open discussion of sorts via BBlogger. What do you think? Leave me your comments/ideas and I'll tell you what I think. (AND STOP LURKING YOU LURKERS, TAKE A FEW SECONDS TO POST A HAPPY HELLO AT LEAST!) I look forward to hearing from you.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
What If?
What if instead of wasting our grey water (from washing hands and dishes, bathing, etc) we used it to water our lawns and gardens? (That is assuming you're using phosphate free, all natural soaps)
What if instead of throwing away our produce peels and refuse we composted them?
What if instead of tossing out bits of plastic, cardboard and "garbage" we actually recycled them?
Better yet, what if we bought items with little or no packaging?
What if our governments actually helped make the switch to earth friendly transportation and industries?
What if we really cared about our planet and each of us did everything we could to live healthy, responsible lives?
I think it would be the end of the world as we know it: things would change in our bodies, our homes, the planet.
What if instead of throwing away our produce peels and refuse we composted them?
What if instead of tossing out bits of plastic, cardboard and "garbage" we actually recycled them?
Better yet, what if we bought items with little or no packaging?
What if our governments actually helped make the switch to earth friendly transportation and industries?
What if we really cared about our planet and each of us did everything we could to live healthy, responsible lives?
I think it would be the end of the world as we know it: things would change in our bodies, our homes, the planet.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Jars full of Rocks
I found an blog post a while back (can't recall just where now) about the importance of carefully placing the "rocks" in our lives. The author gave the analogy of placing rocks of varying sizes in a jar. We all start out with an empty jar each day and each of us get to choose which rocks we will place in the jar on any given day. The rocks of course being the things we hope to accomplish during the course of the day; things we choose to spend our time doing or being a part of. The part that struck me and has stuck with me is how if you fail to put in the important rocks first, inevitably the sands of busy-ness will simply blow in, your jar will be full of all the little irritants of life and you'll no longer have room for what's important. However, if one chooses to add the big rocks first (God, family, friends, ministry) you'll have room for them, and for a whole pile of little rocks (dishes, laundry, work, whatever). Those little bits of sand (untimely hangups, accidents, unplanned for delays) will of course find their way into our jars, but with all the other rocks in there, the sand will seem infinitely smaller and less bothersome. God is so good at helping us prioritize; He gives us a great example through His Son Jesus. What more can I say than for us to follow that example, do what is eternally important, take care of what is necessary and enjoy the simple things all around us. Jars. Rocks. God. It's all good.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Workin' on Lovin'
Few relationships in life allow us to be real, honest, positive and negative in the same breath, or to feel as deeply as a marriage between a man and woman who really love each other. Sometimes we all hit a rough patch, a bump in life's road. But it's so good to know God's word and the promises therein are exactly what we need, when we need it. I am blessed. Blessed to know this man I have married. Blessed to know we'll be together through it all. Blessed to know no matter how bent out of shape I get over life stuff he'll stick around to offer an ear, shoulder, or strong set of arms to love me. I am blessed to have a husband who can be the hands of Jesus here on earth for me.
You know I love you Michael. And thanks for loving me. You really are the best.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
OH DEAR...
Oh dear oh dear oh dear. How very long it had been since my last post here on my blog. I hate when life gets in the way of my fun time. I really must try harder to make the time to enjoy my creative rambling type writing.
Here's my life in a nut shell lately: EAing at the school more than usual lately, travelling a bit over the school break, friends having babies, cows having babies (not ours, but inadvertently our friends animals delivery dates effect our simple town lives; alas I am a bovine widow every other Saturday as hubby helps on the farm), spring cleaning, garden planning, assembling a few Ikea things which as we all know leads to even more organizing to make it all fit and rid our home of the extras, and lastly painting in hopes of putting up the hardware to hang curtains so our neighbors will be less inclined to peer into our open window. Hugh. That's a lot. Did I happen to mention a birthday party, a school Book Fair and reading night as well as a few extra church functions? But life is good. We are blessed.
"But where did you visit on your travels?" you say. Well I shall tell you. We visited some (actually 15 families) very wonderful people we knew during our college time in Red Deer, AB. The bulk of our time was spent in the city but we also included some time out at Sylvan Lake to fellowship with dear friends whom we enjoyed the company of when we lived there. The kids played, the adults visited and played (after trying the game here at home I will never attempt the card game "Pennies" ever again!) and all was well. Our family even spent one night at a hotel in RD to swim and water slide and veg out just the five of us. (After two other visiting families Michael went to school with left). Other than the lack of sleep, we all enjoyed our trip.
It was so great to see old friends and to note how their kids have changed so very much over just a few short years. We wanted to see as many people as we could on this trip for the simple reason that some will move away shortly *(some of you farther than others Talena!) and we hadn't seen a few of them last time we were there. It was hard to say good bye again. Not to the hectic, crazy-busy city, but to our very wonderful friends there.
The only very minuscule silver lining in my departure from there was the promise of stopping at Ikea on the way home. Which was indeed fun and exhausting. So much to find, in such a BIG place, with so little time and three not wanting to shop kids half hanging from the stroller/cart. Michael was incredibly patient and helpful and the self professed Ikea hater actually enjoyed himself and even attested to wanting to go back there sometime. Miracles do happen. Believe me, that's a miracle. Upon arriving home, we assembled our purchases yet all the while a nagging thought ebbed away at the back of my mind: am I missing something here? Never having put together anything Ikea, the instructions in the packaging seemed too simple. And there weren't any parts left over. And the things we built actually look and function like the ones in the show rooms. Again, miracles do happen.
One last highlight to share with you is my very high opinion of Kirby vacuum cleaners obtained today by my spring cleaning spree today. A friend lent us their unit (I say unit because it's not just a vacuum, it shampoos, sands wood, blows up inflatables, polishes and buffs and can even be used as a paint sprayer!) So I've cleaned just about every cleanable surface including all those very icky dust mites and billions of dead skin cells in our mattress. Ya, that's really gross to say, but check out the Kirby site or better yet, have Kirby send out a rep. for a demo and you'll see what I'm talking about. I love to clean and it's great to know what I've cleaned is actually clean. How many more times can I say clean? CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN I feel a song coming on, or perhaps a Robert Munsch inspired book....
Alright, that's enough rambling for one evening. Perhaps I shall return to you sooner than I did this time. Love to you!
Here's my life in a nut shell lately: EAing at the school more than usual lately, travelling a bit over the school break, friends having babies, cows having babies (not ours, but inadvertently our friends animals delivery dates effect our simple town lives; alas I am a bovine widow every other Saturday as hubby helps on the farm), spring cleaning, garden planning, assembling a few Ikea things which as we all know leads to even more organizing to make it all fit and rid our home of the extras, and lastly painting in hopes of putting up the hardware to hang curtains so our neighbors will be less inclined to peer into our open window. Hugh. That's a lot. Did I happen to mention a birthday party, a school Book Fair and reading night as well as a few extra church functions? But life is good. We are blessed.
"But where did you visit on your travels?" you say. Well I shall tell you. We visited some (actually 15 families) very wonderful people we knew during our college time in Red Deer, AB. The bulk of our time was spent in the city but we also included some time out at Sylvan Lake to fellowship with dear friends whom we enjoyed the company of when we lived there. The kids played, the adults visited and played (after trying the game here at home I will never attempt the card game "Pennies" ever again!) and all was well. Our family even spent one night at a hotel in RD to swim and water slide and veg out just the five of us. (After two other visiting families Michael went to school with left). Other than the lack of sleep, we all enjoyed our trip.
It was so great to see old friends and to note how their kids have changed so very much over just a few short years. We wanted to see as many people as we could on this trip for the simple reason that some will move away shortly *(some of you farther than others Talena!) and we hadn't seen a few of them last time we were there. It was hard to say good bye again. Not to the hectic, crazy-busy city, but to our very wonderful friends there.
The only very minuscule silver lining in my departure from there was the promise of stopping at Ikea on the way home. Which was indeed fun and exhausting. So much to find, in such a BIG place, with so little time and three not wanting to shop kids half hanging from the stroller/cart. Michael was incredibly patient and helpful and the self professed Ikea hater actually enjoyed himself and even attested to wanting to go back there sometime. Miracles do happen. Believe me, that's a miracle. Upon arriving home, we assembled our purchases yet all the while a nagging thought ebbed away at the back of my mind: am I missing something here? Never having put together anything Ikea, the instructions in the packaging seemed too simple. And there weren't any parts left over. And the things we built actually look and function like the ones in the show rooms. Again, miracles do happen.
One last highlight to share with you is my very high opinion of Kirby vacuum cleaners obtained today by my spring cleaning spree today. A friend lent us their unit (I say unit because it's not just a vacuum, it shampoos, sands wood, blows up inflatables, polishes and buffs and can even be used as a paint sprayer!) So I've cleaned just about every cleanable surface including all those very icky dust mites and billions of dead skin cells in our mattress. Ya, that's really gross to say, but check out the Kirby site or better yet, have Kirby send out a rep. for a demo and you'll see what I'm talking about. I love to clean and it's great to know what I've cleaned is actually clean. How many more times can I say clean? CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN I feel a song coming on, or perhaps a Robert Munsch inspired book....
Alright, that's enough rambling for one evening. Perhaps I shall return to you sooner than I did this time. Love to you!
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Grrrr
Feeling a wee bit snappish today. Could be the long week of winter cold. Could be the lack of sleep from last nights cozy movie watching. Could be PMS. Could be that my children don't seem to have OFF switches when momma needs them at bed time. Perhaps a nice warm bath would be just the thing to escape for a small snatch of time...
Thursday, January 17, 2008
i
i nearly forgot, and now these are up here instead of below the following post. i'd wanted to share these painting the girls made. finger print paintings of bugs we call them. lots of fun. proudly hung on my fridge and now i'm really going to bed before i loose control of my motor skills all together or jtdis to;sll; tisllw too late!
sorry to you whom i've ever forgotten something...
sometimes i forget stuff.
peoples names, directions on how to get out to the egg ladies farm, stuff the kids need for school, something or other Michael may have needed or wanted me to do for him. often i forget friends birth or anniversary dates, where i put my keys and sometimes i even forget the kettle or soup pot boiling on the stove while i'm distracted by something else. just this evening while gearing up for a sit to blog, i thot it would be so nice to sip some freshly brewed tea. i don't know just how long the kettle boiled (i'd forgotten to put down the little whistley flappy thing over the spout after i'd turned the element on) and forgot all together about my sweet evening night cap while it did something i can't recall just now. i'm just glad i can still hear water boiling. and i'm glad the kettle was full enough to not boil dry. can't imagine what i'll be like at 80!
not that i think i've Alzheimer's, but there are days when i really do need to be more focused and there are more focused days than not, but it is truly one of life's annoyances to forget something so vital as wipes on a Sunday morning "poop fest" in the church bathroom after your 2 year old annoyances she had an accident, even though you packed the diaper bag the night before and laid out the entire family's clothes and thought to sprout some grains for a filling breakfast but you know you should have filled the little wipes container like you'd intended to finish doing before you were called away to yet another need in the house because now it is sitting empty on the top of the girls drawer at home when you really need it hear and now. whew. (this has never actually happened to me, as far as i can remember, but a desperate church going friend did borrow my wipes one time in the middle of service...)
perhaps there's just too much for me to remember having to remember for 4 people other than myself. perhaps my little brain can not retain all that it needs to while by little body tries to keep up with the everyday demands of home and family. perhaps i just need a note pad and pen duct taped to my fore are so i can write everything down. perhaps i just need more sleep. that being said, good night.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Snow Days
Snow days. Beloved by students acquainted with this phrase; foreign to those not so blessed in warmer climes. Today was indeed a said snow day. (For those of you reading who may not know, a snow day is a day or event here in central Canada, Saskatchewan to be specific, on which due to freezing cold temperatures,blowing snow and blizzard like conditions, schools may be forced to close. Though our local schools where not closed, the buses that transport the rural students where not running therefore making today the first snow day of 2008 for this area. The temperature hovered around only eight degrees Celsius all day but did not however, make up for the 40km per hour wind and next to zero visibility. Glad my work is here at home; I'd hate to have to travel in such conditions.
We stayed warm and cozy in our humble abode, playing games, making crafts, sorting toys, baking, reading and finally watching a flick or two. One movie we watched today was Warner Brothers 1995 remake of "The Little Princess". And I have to tell you friends, if you have never seen it, please please please rush out and find it! It was fantastic! A great story about hope and friendship, love and the power of imagination. We laughed, we cried, it moved me Bob.
You may want to preview it before letting your wee ones watch, to later help explain the truth about "magic", but I would definitely recommend this one for the whole family. I loved it because it was very real and yet an inspiring escape from the doldrums of everyday life. You're certain to find yourself, as we were, swept up in the emotion and creativity of the story. Charming!
That being said, I think we may just watch it again sometime soon. Tell me what you think!
We stayed warm and cozy in our humble abode, playing games, making crafts, sorting toys, baking, reading and finally watching a flick or two. One movie we watched today was Warner Brothers 1995 remake of "The Little Princess". And I have to tell you friends, if you have never seen it, please please please rush out and find it! It was fantastic! A great story about hope and friendship, love and the power of imagination. We laughed, we cried, it moved me Bob.
You may want to preview it before letting your wee ones watch, to later help explain the truth about "magic", but I would definitely recommend this one for the whole family. I loved it because it was very real and yet an inspiring escape from the doldrums of everyday life. You're certain to find yourself, as we were, swept up in the emotion and creativity of the story. Charming!
That being said, I think we may just watch it again sometime soon. Tell me what you think!
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Outdoor skating rink package from Peavy Mart: $75.95
Three pairs of used skates : $60.00
One very memorable winter: priceless
............for everything else, you should work your butt off and save up! (though we have used our Master Card on occasion...)
Update: We've enjoyed a great break from the ordinary celebrating the season. Though we have made a point of explaining to the kids that our saviour was actually born some time in the fall (possibly Sept. or Oct.) and that Christmas as it stands today is little more than a pagan tradition set up long ago by the Roman empire now twisted into a hollow commercialism excuse to overspend, overeat and overindulge in the seasons festivities. I have found it rather amusing to watch our children's reactions to strangers and friends the like when they ask what Santa has brought our little ones for Christmas. I don't know what's funnier, the "I'm formulating the words to say" look on our two eldest faces, or the look of the asking adult apon their knowing reply. But all that aside, we have been enjoying sleeping in a little, visiting with family and friends both near and far and most of all doing a few "just our family" activities(my favorite being the evening spend reading the Velveteen Rabbit) that we seem to rush through or skip all together during our regular schedule. Monday summons the return of said regular schedule and already the kids (and me for that matter) are already groaning over the idea. I've the feeling that though our time spent with family and friends was enjoyable, we needed more time here at home, just us. It's just as well though, perhaps that will be the incentive to not over commit to every activity as we look forward to summer break. That is quite enough about me, how about you friend? How was your holiday and what was your highlight of the season?
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