Tuesday

Today started out kind of cool.

I was listening to Z103.5 on my drive in to work when Good Vibrations by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch came on.

I love this song like I love M&Ms.

And air.

I was sitting at a red light, dancing in my seat and singing/rapping at the top of my lungs like there was no tomorrow.

Then, I looked over at the car next to me, and there was this woman doing the exact same thing.

Our eyes met, we opened our windows and suddenly it became a dance party of two.

You're ok, Dancing Lady.

You are a-ok.

My day continued to get even better because I had a very special visitor for lunch...

THIS GUY!

Naturally, I put him right to work.

 

He made a call or two...

 

He waltzed around like he'd been there a hundred times before. He's usually very shy and wary of strangers but today he was Mr. Personality.

 

I don't know who took more pictures of him, my co-worker or me!

Getting to see him was such a blessing for me today and certainly lifted my spirits.

 

And now I'm off to toss a package of popcorn in the microwave and watch my new favourite show The Black List with my sexy husband.

 

Kate

xoxo

Monday

Well hello.

I'm well overdue for an update, aren't I?

I don't really know where to begin.

Things have not changed since my last update. I'm still struggling in the same ways. Work is overwhelming and the situation with my church has become unbearably painful. I continue to try to choose joy each day but I'm tired. I'm really tired.

So what's been going on around here...

Well, Sam started high school last month and he loves it. I'm not sure if I told you that he applied for the media arts program last winter, a program that hundreds of students apply for and only 22 are accepted and he was one of them. So proud. He's really enjoying high school life and is making a lot of new friends and has had some really cool experiences in his short time there. I get to drive him to school each day which has been really nice. We don't get a lot of time together anymore but this time in the mornings keeps us connected. And a side bonus of leaving to take him at 7:30 is that I get to work early!

The girls started a new school this year, one that's twice as big as their old school. Julie is in the 7th grade and has really, really appreciated the fresh start this school has given her. She's friends with everyone and her teacher raved about her at the open house last month. She's like a new person! In her old school she was bullied a lot and felt like she'd never get out from underneath that - but in her new school she is so much happier. 

Jordan is in senior kindergarten and goes to school full days now. I was afraid she wouldn't be able to handle it but she's done well and has lots of friends. She really enjoys riding the school bus every day. 

Mattie is a happy, busy little guy, always on the go. He's squishy and cuddly and growing much too fast. My mom is going to bring him to my office tomorrow for lunch and I can't wait to show him off. 

Ian and I are enjoying a few date nights here and there which has been really nice. Sam is old enough to babysit for us so we try to time our dates around Mattie's naps or bedtime. 

Mom rented a cottage at Sherkston again this past August and invited us to visit so we spent five wonderful days there. It felt so good to take a break from real life and just be with all of the people I love the most in the world.

I have lots to tell you, but I'll wrap it up for now. I'm feeling tired and have lots of thoughts swirling around in my head. 

I'll be back again soon. 

Kate

xoxo

Hey

Hello friends.

When I logged in today I was surprised that I haven't written anything since May.

There's been a lot going on here for the last several weeks. For while there, every time I sat down to write....nothing came out.

So... I just stopped trying.

To be honest I'm struggling and choosing joy every day is getting harder. I'm tired. I thought things would be different by now and the dreams that I had held on to and prayed for are slipping away. I feel full of sadness. While I am extremely grateful for the provision of my job, the weight of my responsibility and workload is overwhelming. I'm becoming someone I don't want to be.

Sadly, we have been deeply wounded by our church in these past several weeks and it's been a very, very, difficult time for us.  We remain hopeful that God will restore all if we give it all to Him. In the meantime, I've stopped attending our home church.

I just feel overwhelmed with sadness tonight.

If you should feel led to do so, I would appreciate your prayers for my family.

5QF ~ May 24

Oh my word it's been awhile since I've written anything here. Bless those of you that still check in regularly. I appreciate you very much.

We've been having absolutely incredible weather here lately. Last weekend was our long weekend and I took the Friday off so I'd have a four day weekend.

It was glorious.

I spent time with Ian and the children, had a few visits with my mother; we bought our flowers for the garden and Julie planted them, we ate dinner out,  I sat outside for hours on Saturday and Sunday with the littles while they chalked up the driveway and blew bubbles. I napped every day. I didn't set any alarms or think about work or do anything I didn't want to do.

Glorious I tell you.

Last night was my last class for the Freedom Session course I've been taking since September. Next week is our graduation and we all will give a short testimony of what God has been doing in our lives. I don't like speaking in public, and I will cry like a baby but I'm ok with that. This has been an incredibly painful yet beautiful journey. He has changed me.

I'm thankful for the new friendships I've been making, as well as the old friendships that are kick-starting again. I hadn't realized how closed off I had become until I started taking this course. It's been difficult to let my walls down and trust people, but I've been so blessed by it.

It's that time of year that absolutely thrills me: Garbage Exemption Week. We can put out as much garbage as we want to instead of just the two bags we're normally allowed. It's times like these that I want to throw everything out.

So excited for Saturday morning because I'm getting my hair done. Oh mercy, it's a hot mess right now. I think my favourite part of life is when they wash my hair. I could sit there forever getting my hair washed. It's one of my favourite things.

Ok, so let's move on to Mama M's Five Question Friday meme. She has some good questions this week and it's been a hundred years since I've participated.

Ready?

Let's go.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~  

 

1) Do you wake before the alarm or stay in bed until the last possible second?

I have my alarm set for 6:15 every morning. I used to get up at that time and putter around getting ready for work at my leisure. Lately I keep hitting the snooze until the very last second, then feeling frustrated that I have to rush.

2) Who should get a baby shower? Is it just the first baby or all babies?

I think all babies should be celebrated. I had a baby shower for each of my first three children, but I was adamant I didn't want one for my fourth. While our friends and church family respected that, it didn't stop them from leaving gifts on our porch for the longest time. Blessings.

3) How will you spend Memorial Day?

At work! This isn't a long weekend for us, we had ours last weekend.

4) Do you have a storm/hurricane/tornado/fire plan for your kids, house?

Thankfully we don't live in hurricane/tornado country so those aren't a concern. If we did have a super bad storm I'd hide in my closet with the kids. Which makes no sense because it's a closet.

We've talked to the kids about fire and what exits to use. I pray we never have to deal with that in our lifetime.

5) What is your favourite morning drink?

I love a big cup of tea. I cannot make a decent cup of tea no matter how I try, but Ian makes it perfectly, and makes me a cup in my huge Sully mug for the drive to the office (equivalent of 2 1/2 cups) and also fills my travel mug to drink at work with my breakfast.

I also like cold orange juice with gingerale and lots of ice.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Alright! That's a wrap!
Be blessed today!

Book Review: Finding God In The Dark

God has not forgotten about you.

That's hard to remember in the face of disillusionment or heartache. Ted Kluck's world was turned upside down after experiencing a failed adoption, where he found himself propelled into a year of doubt and disillusionment. Ronnie Martin struggled with the kind of identity and idolatry issues that come with being a well-known recording artist, before the unexpected death of his father allowed those sins to be brought to the surface of his heart. it is in the midst of these and other everyday stories that we learn how God reveals His boundless grace to every one of us.

Whether you've lost someone you loved, suffered career failure, or simply been let down by a fellow Christian, it's natural to wonder whether God has forgotten about you. You're not alone. Kluck and Martin's raw revelations about their mistakes and disappointments will help you on your own journey to finding God when you're standing in the dark.

 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

I'd bet my last dollar that you have been in circumstances so dark that you wonder where God is, and how He could allow you to be where you are.

I'll admit it, I've spent much of the last two and half years in the dark, wondering if God has forgotten about us. Life is quiet, our hearts have been dry, the burden of our circumstances have been heavy. While I knew in my head that He will never leave us, my heart felt otherwise.

So, considering how long this season of darkness has gone on, I was curious to read this book, as the title intrigued me.

I wasn't overwhelmed by this book. At only 139 pages, it's a very quick and easy read, almost blog-like in the writing.  Each author has his own writing style, yet the book didn't mesh together. It's two authors in the same book, not relating to the other.

While I appreciated the authentic sharing of the author's hearts, I didn't feel inspired or as though I learned anything new about navigating the darkness of this season we are in. It was a good reminder that we all struggle with disappointments and tragedy. I just felt as though the book didn't go deep enough for me to connect with it. I'm not disappointed in it, it just came across as very light, blog reading.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

5QF ~ Apr 26

I'm so glad it's Friday. It was a very heavy week 'round these parts, so I'm really looking forward to recharging with my family for the next two days.

I had a new temp start today. She wore a lovely purple sweater that matched her hair. I hope she works out. We've had so many temps come and go over the last year and it's been frustrating. Someday I will tell you allll about it.

I had a girls night out this week with two friends from church. We talked and laughed for over 3 hours!

My course will be over at the end of May, with the graduation ceremony in early June. Some day I will tell you allll about that too.

Ok. So since it's Friday, I'm going to do Mama M's Five Question Friday blog thingamaroo.

Ready?

Let's go.

 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

1. Who drives when your family is together, you or your spouse?
99% of the time Ian does. I don't like driving in the dark, rain, snow, highway or traffic. Also, Ian does these weird jerky movements when I'm braking like he thinks I'm going to bang into the guy next to me or something. And I think he presses both feet on the floor like he has some invisible brakes going on down there. I can't take it. So, he drives and I look at the scenery.

2. Are you an introvert or extrovert?
My understanding of an introvert is someone who is recharged by being alone, while an extrovert is recharged by being with others.

So, assuming I'm not too way off base with my understanding, I am an introvert. I find being around other people to be exhausting sometimes, so I require a bit of quiet time to myself every day so my head doesn't pop off. I might read or pray or colour.. it doesn't matter. Just as long as I am alone it's all good.

3. Are you married to an introvert or extrovert?
Ian is an extrovert for sure. He loves being around other people and is very social. He'd have the entire world over every single night if he could. He loves people, he craves fellowship and fun with others.

I imagine it is very hard for an extrovert to live with an introvert.

4. What's your favorite type of social media?
It's a tie between Facebook and Twitter. I love them both. But I love Instagram and Snap Chat too.

I love me some social media.

5. What's your favorite way to "recharge"?

Probably by colouring. I have my own stash of colouring books and crayons and I can just zone out.

 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Good night!!

Wordless Wednesday

 

Monday

Whoa nelly, today went by much too fast. One minute it was 10:00, then next it was 12:30, then 3:00. I didn't accomplish a fraction of the things I'd hoped to. Seems my inbox gets fuller and my to-do list gets longer. I'm trying to find another temp to replace the one that is leaving at the end of the week and so far it's a slow process. I've seen so many different people come through our department...it's hard to find what we're looking for.

I didn't work as late tonight as I usually do, because last night Jordan asked me to promise her that I would leave on time today so I could take her to the park. She's such a sweetheart, but oh... the mama guilt. I'm struggling with balancing everything and I'm not doing a great job at it. I did make it home in time to take her and Mattie to the park for a bit, then just as the sun started setting we headed home so they could do some sidewalk chalking with Julie.

I feel very restless these days. Not sure if it's a sign that change is coming, or that I'm anxious for Spring or what, but it's getting super annoying. Tommorrow night I'm meeting up with a couple of friends for coffee and I'm really looking forward to it. Maybe that will help me snap out of whatever this restless feeling is all about.

My personal goal for this week is to figure out how to turn on our new tv that Ian gave me for my birthday in January. It's lovely but I can't figure out how to turn on and get the right inputs going so that it works... then I can't find my shows because I haven't watched tv in over a year and I have no idea what shows are on which nights, and what time they're on at. I used to know all my shows and what channel they were on back when we used Rogers Cable, but since we switched to Bell I can't find anything. I feel like an idiot. I like that I'm not bound to the tv anymore, but lately I find myself missing all the crazy nonsense on TLC.

Alright. My tea is over, and i've come to the end of my ramblings for tonight. 6 am will be here before I know it.

Sleep well friends.

Sunday

Today was one of those days I wanted to get out of the house and do something together as a family. It wasn't warm enough to go to the park, so we all headed off to Square One to poke around. My search for The Perfect Orange Purse continues, and I was hopeful I'd find it there.

 

Our first stop was here:

 

I don't know what it is about this store but it makes me cry every.single.time I go there. I just get so caught up in the magic of everything and it makes me want to buy all the things.

 

Like THIS!!

 

 

Ahh! Isn't it adorable?!?

 

It's absolutely huge, like two cups of tea in one! So far tonight I've had two cups, which is really like four cups... so I'm not even a little bit tired right now.

 

Oops. I'll probably fall asleep sometime around 3am and then want to beat myself up when my alarm goes off at 6am.

 

Eventually Sam took off for a bit on his own, and we decided to let Julie go off on her own for the first time. She had her cell phone with her and I gave her a million things to be careful of, and off she went.

 

Ian went off on his own for a bit and it was just the Littles and me. Not the family afternoon I was hoping for!

 

Jordan started griping about how her feet hurt and she wanted me to carry her. (um..what?!) So, I stuffed both of them into the stroller.

 

 

Not the most comfortable fit, but it worked. Although she wouldn't stop tickling Matthew, and he wouldn't stop pulling Jordan's hair. I could move through the mall so much quicker this way. I don't think Ian was all that impressed that I had a stroller stuffed with children ;-)

 

Sadly, I left the mall orange purse-less. The hunt continues.

 

We did some grocery shopping and when we got home I hung outside with the Littles for a bit. Matthew had endless fun running up and down the driveway, until he tripped and fell and the party was over. Jordan chalked up the driveway until SHE fell and we packed up and headed inside before I ended up falling as well ;-)

 

And now the Sunday evening blues are settling in.

 

I'm off to fold my laundry that I left to the last minute!

 



Catching Up

Oh my poor neglected little blog.

Gone are the days when I could blog about life every other day or so. Nowadays, there is so much happening all at once and I just never seem to make it here.

I'll do a quick drive by post.

Work is very busy and I think I've been handling this manager gig fairly well. I have a very heavy workload and the week goes by so quickly. I'm often still at the office at 6 or 6:30 at night which doesn't leave me much time with the children when I get home. I'm missing them, and they're missing me. 

Tomorrow Ian and I will celebrate our 17th wedding anniversary. We have weathered many storms together but we just keep getting stronger. So much love.

My course that I've been taking at my church since September ends next month. So many thoughts to share about this journey. Another day...

My sweet blog friends have been loving on me for a couple of months and last week just blew my mind and warmed my heart. THAT is definitely a blog post all on it's own. COMING SOON!

My sidebar pictures need to be updated.

I am so in love with my Ian.

Sam has been asked by the school to design a logo for t-shirts for the special education classes. He's very talented and I know he'll come up with something amazing. He's longing for school to end for the summer.

Julie reached a goal of hers this week and we're so proud of her. She is being noticed by the boys a lot lately. Not sure how I feel about that. Heck yeah I do... I don't like it!

Jordan is slaying us with her humour. She is working so hard to speak more clearly but some words she says just get me. She calls popcorn "pock-porn". She and I had some Mommy/Jordan time this week - a solo trip to the grocery store, and she told me three times how much she loved being with me. Afterwards we took Mattie to the park. She's been telling me every day how much she misses me while I'm at work. Oh my heart.

Matthew is a chatter. Sweet mercy. He doesn't make sense, but glory...it must be a never ending story because he's forever chattering away. He has inflections and raises his eyebrows while he talks, and it sounds as though he's asking questions. When I leave for the day he lifts his face for my kiss, and at the end of the day he comes running to give me a hug, and just melts into me, letting me cuddle him.

I have recently been introduced to SnapChat and I am addicted to sending pictures of stupid and random things to my friends.

I wish my cat wouldn't flick the litter all over the place when he does his business. So messy.

I'm on a mission to find an orange purse.

I'm going to try to blog more. I have a lot of things I want to talk about and I miss having this outlet.

But for now, I'm going to bed.

Book Review: Taylor's Gift

 

It was the last run of their first day on the slopes, the beginning of another great family vacation for Todd and Tara Storch and their three children. But when thirteen-year-old Taylor's life was tragically cut short in a skiing accident, the Storches were overcome by the devastating loss of their daughter. Still in shock, they were asked a question no parents ever think they will hear: "Would you be willing to donate Taylor's organs?"

 

Their answer would change their family's lives forever and provide comfort during their darkest moments. It would also save the lives of five desperate people anxiously waiting for a heart, a liver, a cornea, a pancreas, and a kidney.

 

This is a story of finding strength in God and creating good even in the darkest times.

 

It's a story of hope.

 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

 

Beautifully written, Taylor's Gift is the story of the tightly knit Storch family, and their struggle for survival after the death of their first child, their daughter Taylor.

This book takes the reader through the first excruciating painful year without her, and their calling to create Taylor's Gift Foundation to teach others of the importance of organ donation.

Not only is this book written from Todd and Tara's perspective, but by the organ recipients as well. Tara longed to meet the woman who received Taylor's heart so she could hear it beating one last time, knowing that her daughter lived on. It was powerful and moving to read how both women were impacted by Taylor, and to know that these recipients would have a second chance at life because of her.

What I really appreciated most about this book was how it was written in such a way that I felt as though I got to know who Taylor was, and who the Storch family is. Their grief led them to the Lord, and He led them to start Taylor's Gift Foundation. He took the ashes of her daughter's death, and gave them beauty in the form of helping others.
 

  ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Counting Mine {271-280}

The tomb is empty!
Our Redeemer lives!

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

 

 

271} the man of character and integrity that God chose to be my husband

 

272} reading Jordan's Christmas bible to her and hearing her excitement

 

273} Mom's guest bathroom - I wallpapered it myself and she kept it like that even after I moved out

 

274} re-reading a favourite book

 

275} when Ian tells me I'm his soft spot, and the heart of our homw

 

276} watching a dog chase its tail

 

277} a father holding his daughter's hand

 

278} the way the sun sets into the water

 

279} hearing seagulls and being reminded of the beach

 

280} all of my family under one roof

 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

If you are counting your own blessings and blogging about them, will you leave me a comment with the link to your blog, or share them with me at katieb38@hotmail.com? I'd love to know how you are being blessed through your journey!

Counting Mine {261-270}

"Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love,

for I have put my trust in You.

Show me the way I should go,

for to You I lift up my soul."

Psalm 143:8

 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

261} soft music playing in the background

262} a driver that lets you go first at a 4-way stop, even though they got there first

263} the person who helps my mother by cutting her grass and shovelling her driveway, all done anonymously

264} watching Cake Boss with Sam

265} road trips

266} my childhood home and the feeling of safety I have when I walk through the front door

267} watching the children playing on the beach

268} having something fun and exciting to look forward to

269} a bubble bath in the middle of the day

270} the protective way Sam hugs me

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

If you are counting your own blessings and blogging about them, will you leave me a comment with the link to your blog, or share them with me at katieb38@hotmail.com? I'd love to know how you are being blessed through your journey!

5QF ~ Mar 22

Oh sweet mercy...what a week!

Monday night I met up with my friend Louise to visit. Tuesday was a meeting at the church. Wednesday was my course. I've been staying late at the office each night trying to get ahead. Crazy. I was thankful for a quiet evening at home with my family last night.

I belong to a wonderful group of blogging friends and they have been blessing me in a huge way lately. I've been getting care packages filled with gifts and M&Ms in the mail recently and it just warms my heart. I'm hoping to do a blog post on that soon because it deserves more than one or two lines in this post! I have pictures too :-)

I just got some GREAT news last night. I woman I worked with when I was pregnant with Matthew has bought a house about 5 minutes from mine so we'll get to actually see each other for coffee and playdates. She has a daughter close to Jordan's age and a baby. So excited.

I'm hoping to visit with my mama tomorrow and then go out on a dinner date with my Ian in the evening. Sunday is Palm Sunday and then next week... whoa! My girls' birthdays! Julie turns 12 on Wednesday and Jordan turns 5 on Friday.

Life is full these days, that''s for sure.

Enough chit chat Kate!

It's time for Mama M's Five Question Friday blog meme!

 
1. What advice would you give a newly married couple?

Enjoy being just the two of you before adding to your family. Do things, go places, learn.

Learn to be forgiving with one another. You will have many, many, opportunities to practice.

Never speak poorly about your spouse to anyone. Ever. Once you do, you've opened the door for others to do it as well. Be their biggest cheerleader and their safe place.

Start and finish every day with I love you.

Hug often.

2. Who does more laundry around your house?

Ian does. But I do my own.

3. What items, if any, do you prefer to buy organic or make yourself?

I never buy organic anything. Ever. 

4. What book/TV series would you recommend for a friend on bedrest?

Fifty Shades of Grey. HA.

The Left Behind series.  

Or watch Lost from beginning to end, or Flashpoint.

5. So, they say it's Spring now...what does your "spring" look like at this very moment?

We had a blizzard today. I seriously want to punch Mother Nature in the face.

Ok! I'm off! Have a super day and a super weekend!

I Want To Be A Toddler

You know who has it made in this world?

Toddlers have it made.

They get to do what they want, when they want, however they want...and all is okay.

They laugh so hard it literally causes them to fall over. Anything and everything is funny, and they just let go. A toddler's belly laugh can fix just about anything, don't you think?

How about when they're angry? They can just lay down on the ground and kick and scream, letting all their frustrations out. Haven't you wished you could do that once or twice? I know I have. Something tells me I might be looked upon a little differently than say a 2-year old.

They're so full of love for everyone. They'll hug and kiss a stranger, just because they can. If we do that then the police get involved...

A kiss on a boo boo takes the pain away.

A cookie makes everything better.

They get to ride in a stroller everywhere they go.

They can nap all afternoon. I don't get why they cry and fight their naps, though. I never cry if presented with the opportunity to nap. Well... unless they are tears of joy.

Toddlers can eat with their hands. How cool is that? Let's face it, some food you just can't get in your mouth fast enough. {Hello SmartFood...I'm talking to you}

And if they don't like a particular food they just spit it out. I've had a few meals in my life where I wish I could have just spit something out.

They shout when they want. Even swear words. Haven't you wished you could shout a swear word??

Oh yes...I have.

Everything is exciting and fresh and new for them.

Oh yes, they've got it made.

YAY!

Monday Musings

Life feels so full and busy these days.

This Wednesday marks the first day of Spring. We'll likely have more snow between now and Spring-like weather, but the end is near. I can feel it.

The children had their Spring break this past week and enjoyed a slower schedule, just resting and relaxing. Ian took all four of the children up north to visit his parents on Thursday as they just returned from wintering in the south. I took the day off work on Friday to spend some time with them. Julie, Jordan, Matt and I met up with my friend Dawn for coffee in the morning. Dawn recently returned from her eleventy millionth cruise (I'm not jealous... I'm not jealous...) and had brought me some Hawaiian Punch and M&Ms from Florida.

Afterwards the kids and I drove through a wealthy neighbourhood, picking out which houses were ours and which we thought were too over the top.

Friday night I went to help with youth group. The didn't have a female adult there and our protection policy requires one, so Ian asked if I'd help. It's always fun to listen to Ian's lesson, and the laughter of the kids during the games.

Saturday morning I was up and out early to go cross-border shopping with my mom. I had printed out maps of where we wanted to go so we wouldn't get lost. Well, I managed to put the wrong address into mapquest.com and totally messed up. I got directions to Niagara St when I should have put in Niagara Falls Blvd. Yikes. We spent much of our day lost!

Still, we managed to get to two Walmarts, a Target, Hobby Lobby, Joann Fabrics, Big Lots, and the Walden Galleria mall. I was excited to eat at IHOP but it turned out to not be that great. Crossing back into Canada took almost an hour and a half and we got home just before 10pm.

What did I buy, you wonder? I bought some Easter treats, a new Essie polish for my collection, a lipstick, an orange t-shirt for Mattie and two jugs of Hawaiian Punch. Total spent: $31.66. The customs officer was impressed with what I got for that.

This morning we all made it to church and I was glad. My attendance has been so spotty lately and I hate that.

This week will be busy as usual. Tomorrow night I'm meeting up with a friend after dinner. Tuesday is a meeting at the church. Wednesday is my course night. So it will be Thursday before I can relax.

I'm settling into my new role at work. Not sure if it will be permanent or not, but I'm relaxing into it. The owners are pleased with me so that's good. I even got the go ahead to bring someone in for a couple of weeks to help us get caught up a bit more.

I think that's it for now.

Catch ya next time!

Counting Mine {251-260}

"I will proclaim the name of the Lord.

Oh, praise the greatness of our God!

He is the rock, His works are perfect."

Deuteronomy 32:3-4

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~   251} watching Julie looking through my bible for verses I've highlighted so she can highlight the same ones in hers

252} Sam's confidence in speaking about the Lord to his friends when it "isn't cool"

253} when the children back up their beliefs with bible verses

254} the precious and beautiful gift of salvation

255} surprising the children with a freshly baked treat after a long day at school

256} Ian's arm around me during church

257} all of the children gathering close to watch daddy making Mattie laugh, all delighting that he is ours

258} someone I deeply admire telling me I've inspired them

259} the peace that comes from letting go of the need to be perfect.

260} getting out of the cold rain into a warm car

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
If you are counting your own blessings and blogging about them, will you leave me a comment with the link to your blog, or share them with me at katieb38@hotmail.com? I'd love to know how you are being blessed through your journey!

Book Review: Your Beautiful Purpose

  Let God Breathe a Fresh Purpose Into Your Soul We so want each day to matter--to serve God in big and small ways. But how, especially when everyday responsibilities, work, fears, and other obstacles get in the way? Like a trusted friend, Susie Larson shares practical, scriptural ways to overcome whatever keeps us from living fully in God's will. Susie will help you learn to: • Discern the best use of your time and gifts • Confidently pursue God's unique desires for you • Stretch your faith and deepen your impact Respond today to that nudge in your spirit--that desire to use your gifts and passions more fully in God's work. Lay down lesser commitments and lay hold of God's beautiful purpose for your life.
~*~ ~*~ ~*   Let God Breathe a Fresh Purpose Into Your Soul   We so want each day to matter--to serve God in big and small ways. But how, especially when everyday responsibilities, work, fears, and other obstacles get in the way? Like a trusted friend, Susie Larson shares practical, scriptural ways to overcome whatever keeps us from living fully in God's will. Susie will help you learn to: • Discern the best use of your time and gifts   • Confidently pursue God's unique desires for you • Stretch your faith and deepen your impact Respond today to that nudge in your spirit--that desire to use your gifts and passions more fully in God's work. Lay down lesser commitments and lay hold of God's beautiful purpose for your life.   ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~   The tag-line for this book is discovering and enjoying what God can do through you. That is what drew me to this book. Well, that and the pretty cover.

This was a very full book. Lots of personal stories mixed in with bible verses, and questions for further consideration at the end of each chapter. This book would make a fabulous bible study.

I liked the author's easy writing style and sensed true authenticity from her. I really liked how she used every day situations that made some things clearer for me.

Several things from this book continue to swirl around in my mind. Like the image of the forces that stand behind us in this spiritual battle that we are in, that Satan can see but we cannot. And that scares him and he tries to throw us off. He knows we are close to victory, and he knows we can't see it, so he steps up his game.

I appreciated how open the author was with her personal life. She shares her struggles - past and current - in an open way, and I found myself encouraged by that. I found something in almost every chapter that resonated in a fresh way. I love when a book can do that.

This is the first book of Susie Larson's that I have read, but I enjoyed it enough to seek the other books she has written.

Your Beautiful Purpose makes it to my bookshelf.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~   "Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Hey

I can't believe that this is the end of February. I just can't. Where have the last two months gone??

Meh. Who cares. Come on, Spring! I'm waiting for you!

I am fully into my new role as credit manager now and my days are very full. Tons of emails and my phone seems to never stop ringing. People asking me to make decisions on things. Lots of meetings. It's overwhelming and I feel the weight of it all. When I run my reports and see just how much money I am responsible for... well, I just can't absorb it. I don't know when (or if) the real credit manager will be coming back. I'm just continuing to try my best.

I'm over halfway through my course at the church now, with graduation scheduled for May 29th. I am beyond excited for this Wednesday night's session. The author of the study we're doing will be doing the teaching time and I CAN'T WAIT. He will also be speaking at the church on Sunday evening as well.

Yesterday I had some girl time with Julie and we spent our time together shopping. Walmart was all out of carts, so we had to use these baby sized carts that were absolutely adorable. It held my purse and a package of muffins, that's how small it was. I did her nails before bed and we talked about girly things.

Tonight I took Jordan out for a slushie after dinner, then I did her nails. Sweet mercy, that child never runs out of things to talk about! I love her dearly. Ian bought her a pair of skinny jeans and I just couldn't get over how cute she looked.

Sam is sick with some sort of bug for the last two days. I picked him up from a party on Saturday night and he was running down. Jordan asked if we could buy him a slushie to "help his sore froat".

I think Matthew is getting sick again as well. He was awfully sick about a week ago, sicker than he's ever been. I'm really hoping it's just molars or something. He is a cranky fellow and that's just not his nature.

Recently I decided to give Downton Abbey a second shot and I'm so glad I did. I am completely hooked on it. I'm on season 3 episode 6. Love it.

Mom came over on Friday night to invite us to join her on her August holiday. She rents a cottage on the lake and we all just love it there. I believe I've shared pictures here before. My favourite aunt will be joining us this year and I just can't wait. And Mattie will be old enough to run on the beach with the big kids! Too bad he hates the water though... I'm looking forward to being with all my most favourite people in the world all at once.

I don't really have a lot to talk about lately. My focus is on my job and my course, with little time or energy for anything else. I miss being with Ian and the children, but once I get home I just want to zone out in a quiet place. I feel out of touch with everything.

I have a book review coming up in a few days so you'll see me twice this week :-)

But for now... it's Downton Abbey time.

Winter Weekend

I am not a Winter person.

Not even a little bit.

I hate it, actually. I don't hate a lot of things, but Winter? YES. I want to punch it in the face.

Every Winter there is "that day". The day when I think I truly cannot survive one more day of Winter and will die before I see Spring.

This past Friday was that day.

The snow started falling on Thursday evening. I needed to leave the office right at 5pm so I could make it to the children's parent/teacher interviews that evening at 5:50, 6 and 6:10. The roads were already snow covered and traffic was crawling, and it was 6:20 before I reached the school. Most parents were delayed due to the weather so the interviews were pushed back. I missed Jordan's but arrived just as Sam's was ending, but got to be there for all of Julie's. Afterwards we took the children to McDonald's for dinner.

I set my alarm to get up early on Friday so I could leave in plenty of time to get to the office by 9. I was completely unprepared for what I saw outside. Ian shoveled a pathway to my car and started it for me. I headed off slowly, falling snow reducing any visibility. It took me forever just to get out of our subdivision. I stopped for gas and to buy a hot chocolate for the drive, then settled in for what I was sure to take me a couple of hours.

At the lights my wiper stopped working. There was no way I could continue without being able to see. I called Ian and asked him to start warming up the van and went home. I followed a snowplow all the way to my street, then got stuck in the snow twice before reaching my driveway.

I brushed off the van and headed off again. I couldn't believe how many buses I saw stuck in the snow, cars stuck in the snow, people struggling to walk along the unshoveled sidewalks. No visibility.

I made it to the office only 10 minutes late, surprised to see that we were almost at full staff. I was so glad I went in!

The owners let us go around 3:30. The parking lot was never plowed and we watched car after car struggling to get out. I didn't anticipate a problem with the van but I was wrong. It took me four tries just to get out of my parking spot, then I got stuck again when I tried to turn towards the exit, and again just at the exit.

I may or may not have used some words that were...inappropriate.

I stopped at the church to hang a sign advising parents that youth group was cancelled that night due to the weather, then went to pick up a pizza for dinner. I was parked and ready to go in when I realized I had left my bank card and credit card in the other car. I called Ian and drove home. By then I'd been in the car for close to 2 hours and was carsick. We both went back to get the pizza and to buy the kids a treat for shovelling the driveway. I was happy to be home.

I couldn't for the life of me figure out why I couldn't get the van warm enough. Turns out I had the a/c on. For pete's sake. Just when I think I can't get any dumber... I surprise myself.

I woke up early on Saturday morning to get the little's their breakfast so Ian could sleep in. He is always getting up with them on the weekends and during the night so I can get my rest, so I was glad to do this for him. In the afternoon we went to see Warm Bodies, a really sweet zombie movie.

A really sweet zombie movie?? Ha. But it was.

Saturday night I played chauffeur for Sam, dropping off and picking him up from a birthday party.

This morning I took the three older kids to church and Ian stayed home with Matthew. I arrived early (for a change!) and was able to chat with a couple of people before the service started. Great worship, great sermon.

This afternoon/evening Ian had a Batman-a-thon viewing party with Sam, Julie and the jr high youth leaders. They've been downstairs in Ian and Sam's man cave for hours! I hung out with Jordan and Matthew, and soaked up every single kiss and hug.

Our house is winding down for the night now, and I have the Sunday Night Blues. This week will be so busy at work as I continue to settle into my new (and temporary) responsibilities. Monday I'm meeting a friend for coffee, Tuesday is Sam's registration/orientation/whateveritis at the high school, Wednesday is my course and we're having a pot luck beforehand. I should be able to catch a breather on Thursday night.

I'm off to do my nails and get ready for bed. Maybe I'll watch the Grammys if I can figure out how to turn on my new tv...

Good News and More Good News

It's been an exciting few days around here.

I think I mentioned that Sam had his audition on Jan 25th for the media arts program and the high school he is longing to get into. He had submitted his letters of recommendation, character letters, report cards, attended their workshop, ect. For the audition, he had to prepare a 60 second video with a voice over and a certain number of transitions and graphics included. He chose to do his video on social media and the effects. It was awesome!

I took the morning off work to take him to his audition and I didn't know who was more nervous - him or me! He looked so handsome in his shirt, tie and dress pants. He was quiet afterwards, almost disappointed.

This past week was a long one for him as he waited for the results to be posted on the school website. Hundreds of students from several schools apply for this program and only 22 get accepted.

And he got in!!!

We are so thrilled for him. He came home that night and crashed and didn't wake up until 9pm. He said he had no idea how tightly wound he was, waiting for the results. We had a celebration dinner for him on Saturday night with ribs and wings, and a cookie cake with ice cream for dessert.

My boy is happy.

In other news... I got a promotion today. Our credit manager has been off sick for a month now, and it looks as though it will be another month or so before she returns. This morning the owners asked if I would step in and take over until she returns. We discussed my qualifications - or rather, lack therof - but they have faith in me that I can do it, so I agreed to give it my best. We're going to touch base in a week to see how I'm doing and if I want to continue in the role or have them bring someone in from outside.

Today was off the charts busy. My phone was going nonstop, the emails were pouring in, people were asking me questions and looking to me to make decisions... It was insane. I did the best I could today, and I'll do my best tomorrow. That's as far ahead as I can look at this point. I have this intense fear of failure, so I'm hoping it will go ok.

Alrighty. I need to work on my course homework so I'll wrap this up.

See you next time :-)

Hey

So.

A friend emailed me recently and said "You know how bloggers go quiet for long periods of time? And then suddenly there's a pregnancy announcement? Is there something you want to tell me??"

It's true, isn't it.

Well, my friends, not in this case.

I've just been busy.

I have things to talk about, I just don't have the energy.

I just wanted to say hey and let you know I'm ok.

Hope you guys are too.

Week Long Wrap Up

Oh my word, I am a slacker blogger.

This past week has been so busy that it just passed by in a blur.

The manager was in the hospital this week so a lot of her duties fell to me. I already have a very heavy workload so these extra tasks really had me hopping. People were looking to me to make decisions that I didn't necessarily feel qualified or authorized to make, but I had to do it anyway. Hopefully this week will be a little more manageable.

Monday night I met a friend for tea. I was a little shy about going, because although I really, really like this friend, we hadn't ever gotten together outside of our small group. I shouldn't have worried! We had such a great time, and she lovingly prayed for me before we left. I didn't get home until just after 10pm.

Tuesday night I stopped at my mother's on my way home from work. We had dinner together and I helped her out with something and we talked for a few hours. I love spending time with her but I don't seem to get over there as often as I'd like to. I need to change that. By the time I got home it was almost 10pm.

Wednesday night was my course. Guess what time I got home? Just after 10! I really, really, really, didn't want to go that night. I was tired from work and two late nights, and it felt like just one more thing I had to do. I sat on the couch until it was ten minutes to the beginning of the session, still trying to convince myself to go. I decided to just go for pete's sake, and I was so glad I did. I love my small group.

Thursday night was quieter and we were all home, which was so nice. I feel guilty when I'm out in the evenings.

Friday my coworker friend took me out for lunch to the Greek place around the corner. She wanted to treat me for my birthday. So sweet. I like her a lot, and I love that she's a Christian as well.  The big boss was kind enough to allow us to have an extended lunch which we were thankful for and made good use of. We never run out of conversation!

Friday night I went straight to the church after work to meet up with Ian. This weekend was the Jr High Youth Retreat up north in Muskoka, and Sam and Julie were going. Once they headed off, Jordan, Mattie and I hit up the grocery store for some snacks and then McDonald's for dinner. Once Mattie was in bed, Jordan and I climbed into my bed with a bag of chips to watch a movie together. She ended up falling asleep and I let her stay.

Saturday was my birthday (happy birthday to me!) and Ian had made videos for me from the children as to where I could find my gifts. So sweet. After lunch, I took the children to my mom's for a visit and she served a delicious roast dinner with my favourite dessert. Once the little ones were in bed, I watched The Vow.

This morning was slow and relaxed. We skipped church and ate birthday cake for breakfast. I scored a short nap on the couch. Ian, Sam & Jules arrived home around 5pm and my house was full and noisy once again, just the way I like it.

Sam's school of the arts audition is this Thursday. I'm hoping to be able to leave the office to be there. I know I can't watch, but I can lend my support from the hallway!

Ok, that's about all I've got for tonight. I need to get to bed so I'm ready for whatever tomorrow may throw my way!

Counting Mine (241 - 250)

I will proclaim the name of the LORD.

Oh, praise the greatness of our God!

He is the rock, His works are perfect.

Deuteronomy 32:3-4

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

 

241)Jordan`s arms around me, and her little girl voice telling me she needs me

242) being able to encourage a friend, simply because I`ve experienced the same trials

243) a friend telling me how much I mean to her

244) a good pen

245) when Jordan climbs into bed with us, cuddling into my back

246) mashed potatoes and corn, covered in gravy

247) wild wind while I`m warm inside

248) fresh beginnings

249) being in a small house group with women I love and trust

250) how much Ian loves me

 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

If you are counting your own blessings and blogging about them, will you leave me a comment with the link to your blog, or share them with me at katieb38@hotmail.com? I'd love to know how you are being blessed through your journey!

5QF ~ Jan 11

Oooh boy.

I have some weird eye infection thing going on in my eye, so I had to take out my contacts and I'm wearing my glasses instead. It's an old prescription and it's making me feel a little off kilter.

Someone once told me my glasses looked like they belong to Mrs. Beasley.

Anyway.

I vlogged again because I'm lazy.

Quite possibly my worst vlog ever.

And the longest.

Here we go.



Have a great weekend.

Counting Mine {226 - 240}

One of the many things I want to bring back to my blog this year, is the theme of gratitude. I have so much to be grateful for, but I've let what I don't have cloud that.

I'm so sorry, Lord.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

226) a warm shower, washing away the stress, worries and failures of the day

227) the way Mattie closes his eyes and lifts his face for me to kiss his cheeks, like he`s soaking up my love

228) feeling like I matter

229) watching a child`s eyes flutter as they fight sleep

230) little arms cuddling a stuffed lovey close while they rest

231) Ian`s arrival home at 11:57 pm, just in time to ring in the new year with us

232) Julie choosing to journal her gifts because she sees the model of thankfulness

233) the heart-realization that God didn`t make a mistake in me

234) when the children offer to help with dinner or to set the table

235) snow that falls steady like rain

236) hearing Sam tell me I`m a good mother, and that he doesn`t tell me enough

237) quiet moments to myself

238) the peace I feel after a day well lived

239) the way my sweet Mattie smiles at me, like he has a big secret

240) late night water fights in the house

 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

 

If you are counting your own blessings and blogging about them, will you leave me a comment with the link to your blog, or share them with me at katieb38@hotmail.com? I'd love to know how you are being blessed through your journey!

5QF ~ Jan 3

Happy Friday!

It's a vlog-type day today. Turns out there are a few bloggers that are doing vlogs today.

Yay!

Too many people are worried about how they look or sound or whatever, but there's no need. Just have fun with it!

I love vlogs. And here's mine.

Could I look worse?

Probably. Do I care? Nope.

WAIT!

After I watched the video I realized I skipped question 4 which is "what food must be in your house at all times?"

That, my friends, is milk. We go through milk like nobody's business. About a 4L bag every day and a half. I seldom drink milk so don't blame me. If milk is not considered a food, then I would say Pop Tarts. The natives get angry when there's no Pop Tarts.

Alright, I'm all caught up. Carry on.

 

Have a great weekend!

My Year In Review

In the last few days I've seen a lot of facebook statuses, tweets and blog posts about how difficult 2012 was.

My current facebook status is this: Goodbye 2012. You have been painful, and you have been beautiful. I wouldn't change a minute of it.

We entered 2012 battered, bruised and so tired. We had no idea what this fresh year would hold for us. Had I had even the tiniest glimpse, I might have knocked back an extra drink or two on New Years Eve!

I won't give you a month by month recap of our year, because many of you have lovingly walked it with me. You know the emotions and fears I struggled with, because many times it was your prayers that carried me, especially during periods when my own prayers ran dry.

Selling our home was a difficult process for me, and there were many, many, MANY tears. I don't like letting go of things. I don't know how to.

But what God did in the month of June alone astounds me. Anyone who watched it unfold had to have seen that it was God at work. It stretched us and scared us and thrilled us, all at the same time. We stepped out in faith and trust and God delivered. Our house was listed, sold and we were in a new home within the month.

I returned to the workforce on a 2-3 week temporary assignment that resulted in a full time offer of employment with a salary that far exceeded my expectations.

We we able to purchase a second car for me to drive to and from work, leaving the van for Ian. We have always been a single vehicle family, even when Ian and I were dating. A second car wasn't something we thought we'd be able to have.

Our children are happy. We have a fenced back yard with a deck that we used constantly this past summer. The park near our home is ten times bigger than the one in our old neighbourhood. It is so peaceful and feels safe here. The neighbours wave to one another on their way to work. We look out for one another. One neighbour even returned our dog when he got out one afternoon and even knew his name. Sam and Julie have more freedom here, and they love it. We've replaced furniture that was all but broken down in our old house.

He's given me new friends, and restored our extended family relationships.

Pretty great, huh?

There's more.

God is doing something in me, I can feel it. He's speaking to me in the verses I'm reading, through the people I'm talking to, the sermons and music I'm listening to, the course I'm taking at my church. I'm finally getting it... He loves me! My sinful, selfish, messy self. He loves me and He has a plan for me. I've just been soaking it in and trying to get my head around it. My deepest fear has long been that I would leave this earth never connecting my heart to what I knew in my head to be truth. That I would miss my chance to know who Jesus really is. But I feel it happening. I sense Him with me, I talk to Him all throughout my day. I'm learning to trust Him. Oh how I wish I could explain this better.

2012 was all about letting go. Looking back, I can clearly see all the areas where God had me let go of things. (Sometimes ripping them from my vise-like grip!) He has taken my life and shaken it up and shaken me free, and set me down in new surroundings to begin again.

I have no safety nets. No home I own, no padded savings account. Just the Lord. I know that my faith is going to continue to be tested. Do I believe the words in my heart that I speak from my mouth? We have enjoyed a calm season, but when the storm rages again - and it will - will I rest in Him? Will I remember then what I know to be truth now? That He is the same in the valley as He is on the mountain? I hope so. Oh, how I hope so.

I don't know what 2013 holds, but I do know Who holds it. I know that there is a good plan for me, and I pray daily that I will have the courage to live out these days He has ordained for me in a way that will please Him.

May 2013 bring you abundant blessings, joy and peace to your heart.

With much love,

Kate
xoxo