Fastest June On Record

This month has been absolutely crazy and I can't believe that July is just next week.

So... we sold our house.

Here's a quick run down on how things have gone in the last few weeks.

June 4 - we had our real estate agent come over to sign the papers to list our house and have a For Sale sign go in the lawn.

June 7th - our listing hit MLS and we got our first call requesting a showing. We weren't quite ready so we declined.

June 8th - we had three showings

June 10th - open house

June 11th - two showings. Our agent called us asking to come by that evening to talk. One of the couples that came that morning were making an offer. It was much lower than we had listed at, and they were requesting a July 16th closing. Doable. We countered with a new price and waited.

June 12th - went to look at a house that was for rent and we all liked it. The landlord was very kind and the house was bright and clean. Our agent came over in the evening with a counter offer. The couple had come up in price, but with a new closing date of June 30th. Still doable. We accepted the offer but were told it was conditional on financing and it would take up to five days to be confirmed.

June 13th - went back to look at the house. We all fell in love with it. It had everything we asked God for, and then some.

June 14th - Ian got a call from the guy renting the house. He had another family interested in renting and was willing to pay more than we were, but he really liked us and wanted to give us the opportunity to commit to the lease. I felt sick. None of us wanted to lose this house! But... if the financing didn't go through for the buyers, we'd have two houses. After discussing it and praying about it, we decided to commit to the lease. We met with the landlord at the house and signed. He gave us the keys right then and there and said we could start moving in anytime. Later that night I brought my mother by the new house so she could see it. She LOVED it.

We visited the house pretty much every other day or so, taking measurements and planning. Every day that passed and we didn't hear any news about the financing was hard. For me, at least. Ian never waivered - he had faith that everything would go through, and if it didn't, he knew God would provide another option. Me? Stomach aches, headaches, couldn't sleep, wound so tight, you name it. I couldn't have heard God telling me anything if He was shouting an inch from my face!

June 18th - the house inspector came, along with the buyers and their agent. Ian said the inspector came with two huge black suitcases and a ladder and went over everything with a fine tooth comb. As he was leaving, Jordan went out on to the porch and yelled "bye bye, sucka!" Twice. I was sure he'd fail us.

June 21st - we received verbal confirmation that the financing had been approved.

June 22nd - Ian booked our movers and in the evening we went out for dinner to celebrate!

June 23rd - went to the new house and I cleaned, the children played in the backyard and Ian made trips back and forth moving boxes. It was a happy day.

For the last two days, Ian has made countless trips to the new house moving stuff. And caring for the kids. And dealing with a million details. And getting up with Matthew throughout the night. He is exhausted. I appreciate his hard work more than I could ever say.

Tonight we had our first dinner at the house. Ian's best friend Gary came and it just felt wonderful. After dinner my mom came to visit and got to see how everything was shaping up. We talked and talked and it felt so good to see her. With things being so busy I haven't been over much of late. Having her in my new home felt awesome. She has been such a constant source of support for us, in every sense.

It's a very busy week. There is a lot of pressure at work as it's month end, and I'm trying to fit five days of work into three because I'm taking Thursday and Friday off.

I have a lot of packing to do still. I should be doing that now, but I felt like blogging instead.

We are so in love with this new home that God has so lovingly provided for us. It feels right being there. The neighbourhood is lovely and quiet, and even though it's less than ten minutes from where we've lived for the last 13 years, it feels like another world. We're going to be happy there and we're going to make great new memories. So thankful for this blessing.

Not sure when I'll be able to blog again but if you could keep our family in your prayers over the next few days, we'd be so thankful. There are still some details that need to come together and we're trusting that God will work all of that out.

I can't believe things have gone so quickly. We are feeling very, very, blessed. God continues to be so good to us.

That's it for me - I'm off to bed!

Sold!

I'm so happy to report that our house has sold!

There is so much to write about, but today is going to be a very busy day and I need to get going.

I will be back to tell you what's been going on in the last couple of weeks just as soon as I can.

Thank you for your prayers!

Father's Day

Reposting this from Father's Day 2010. It was true then, and it's still true today.

Happy Father's Day - you are deeply loved.

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

Father's Day is a bittersweet day for me.

When I was six years old, my dad moved out.

I was the only kid I knew that didn't have a dad living at home and for the first time in my life, I felt shame.

The kids on the street and at school were always asking me were my dad was, so I created a lie that he was a truck driver and was on the road for months and months at a time. I couldn't have them knowing that he didn't love me enough to stay with me.

Of course, just because he wasn't living at home with us didn't negate the love he felt for us....but try telling that to a little girl who believed with all of her heart that she wasn't good enough, and who would face a lifetime fighting against that inner voice that told her she just wasn't worth it.

I don't have memories of my father reading me bedtime stories, or tucking me in at night. I don't remember what it felt like to have my little hand tucked inside his big one. I don't remember what it felt like when he hugged me. I can't remember if he ever told me I was beautiful.

When I was 14, my father died suddenly. I never even got to say goodbye.

Oh Daddy... how I miss you. Even after all of these years, I miss you so much.

But the Lord is good. He sent me Ian.

I knew that Ian would be a wonderful father when I saw him with my 1 year old nephew for the first time. He was gentle, encouraging, loving and oh so fun.

Whenever we went anywhere, children would just gravitate to him. I don't think there is a child that has met Ian that hasn't loved him.

I can still remember how tiny Sam was when he was first born and he seemed even smaller in Ian's strong hands. He held him with such gentle care and I knew Sam would always be safe with him.

I remember the tears in his eyes when Julie was born. She was so small and delicate, and Ian held her so gently, as if she would break.

By the time Jordan arrived, I had had a front row seat to several years of watching Ian rocking the father role. I knew she would be well loved by him.

Like I said, I knew Ian would be a wonderful father, but he has exceeded my hopes, dreams and expectations in ways I can't find the words for.

He has coached little league baseball and soccer. He has kissed owies, and scared away monsters. He has played and encouraged and prayed over and loved these children.

Our Sam has grown into a kind and compassionate young boy under his father's loving care, and I know without a doubt that he will become a strong, compassionate and godly man. How could he not with Ian as his example?

Our girls, Julie and Jordan.... They are safe and secure in the knowledge that their father loves them. They know what it feels like to be told by their father that they are beautiful and worthy and delighted in.

Ian is tireless when it comes to loving on our children and he works so hard to provide for them, without a single complaint. He puts them before himself, so they always know they matter and are important.

He helps with school projects. He explains math. He builds bunk beds. He sources out the best video games. He brushes little girl hair. He taught Sam and Julie how to swim. He changes diapers. He blows bubbles. He shares his love for the Lord with them. He shares his beloved chicken wings. He cuddles them. He teaches the importance of laughter. He gives Sam girl advice. He reminds Julie that she will be a prize to the man she chooses to marry. He continues to take her to 3-D movies because he knows that one day she will overcome her fear and stay for the entire movie. He goes to Jordan during the night to soothe her when she has nightmares, even though he has to get up early to go to work. He hugs away the hurt when pets die.

He seldom says no. He spoils. He delights in his children and takes his role as father very seriously. He knows they are blessings from the Lord and he is committed to raising them up with a strong foundation in Christ. He encourages them to question what the Bible says, because he knows the answers are there.

Ian, I wish I had words to explain how you have healed the wounds in my heart, just by being such a loving father. Every time you hug them, or tell them you love them, or laugh with them, a piece of my heart is restored. I appreciate all that you do for us.

Thank you for being you, and for loving our children so well. You truly are the World's Greatest Dad, and we love you so much.

So much to blog about, so little energy.

So much to blog about, so little energy.

It's been a very busy week and it's only Wednesday. I feel like Friday will never get here.

My coworker fainted on Monday. It was a very dramatic few minutes as a different coworker tried to revive her. People were running around like chickens with their heads cut off and no one was taking charge. Suddenly the Health and Safety guy came running into our department, snapping his gloves on with such purpose, it was as though he'd been waiting for this moment his entire life. She ended up going to the walk-in clinic, took the next day off and she was back today. So glad she's alright.

Speaking of walk-in clinics, I went to one on Monday night. I've had this cold now for three weeks and it's getting on my nerves. I'm not one to go to the doctor for a cold, and it makes me twitch when people tell me they do... such a waste of time. Take fluids, rest and wait. Well three weeks is a long time so I figured I'd go and see what was up.

There's something about a walk-in clinic that is just so grody. The doctor listened to my chest and back, took my temperature and looked down my throat, then announced that I had bronchitis and gave me a prescription. Three minutes and I was out.

I decided to go and see my own doctor on Tuesday night. I tried so hard not to cough when I was there because if you do, they make you wear a mask and put you in the Coughing Corner. Well I did cough and they did give me a mask which I refused to wear, and did the walk of shame to the Coughing Corner.

I forgot that at this time of the year my doctor's office has residents in for a couple of months. The one I saw was very nice but asked a million and one questions. He was listening to my back and kept getting lower and lower and I actually thought he was going to try to listen to my butt. I didn't say a word. I assumed he'd figure it out. He said my chest was very "rattle-y". It's true and so gross to listen to.

While we were talking he suddenly rolled his stool over to me and grabbed my wrist to check my pulse. I was startled at the intensity of it. I just love how the residents manage to make me feel as though I'm five minutes from kicking the bucket.

Diagnosis? A respiratory infection. Medication? None. Fluids, rest and patience. I was sent for blood work to make sure I wasn't anemic from the medical issue I had earlier this year. He said that it would eventually pass, but it could take 5-7 weeks before I'm 100%. Perfect. I am beyond exhausted and he said that's because my body is fighting so hard against the virus.

I don't like being sick. I really don't. And even worse? My Sam has the same thing. Poor guy.

There is so much going on here right now, but it will be a few days before I can talk about it. I'm hoping that everything will come together and I'm trying not to fall down in a fit of anxiety in the meantime. If you could keep praying for us I would truly be so thankful.

That's it for tonight. I'm going to bed.

Weekend Recap

It's Sunday night and I'm pooped.

Friday we had three showings - two scheduled for the morning, and a surprise one in the evening. We took the children to McDonald's for dinner and then wandered around Walmart for a bit. I love wandering around Walmart. It's on my top ten list of favourite things to do.

Saturday was our sweet Mattie's first birthday. I woke up early and watched him while he slept. Ian and I kept joking about the funny things that happened during our labour and delivery. Like how I wouldn't start pushing until 9:12 because I could not have him born at 9:11. And at 9:17 am we sang Happy Birthday to him.

His birthday party was in the afternoon. My mom, Ian's parents and our dear friend Gary came to celebrate our little guy. Ian bbq'd burgers and hot dogs, and I had baked his birthday cake. I set the cake down in front of him and his eyes went wide, then he started crying as we all sang Happy Birthday. That was short lived when he realized he wasn't going to get into trouble for grabbing his cake. With both hands! He tasted the frosting and was one happy little boy. It was all over his face, both his arms, his shirt, both legs, and the tray of his high chair... which he was licking... So precious.

So, I'm the mother of one newly minted one year old.

Today I woke up and felt lousy. I've had this cold for two weeks now and it's just not going away. I ended up missing church because I just felt so worn out. I think that makes three weeks of church in a row that I've missed. I don't like that.

In addition to feeling lousy with this cold, I also struggled with a lot of anxiety this morning. Our church picnic was this afternoon AND we had our first open house.

I get very anxious about having people in my house. It's a sore spot with Ian and me because he is very social and loves to have people over. I am - believe it or not - extremely shy and I'm always worried people will criticize me or judge me.

But having strangers in my home? That's just too much for me. Seriously. I have felt so much anxiety this week. When someone books a showing, they have to do it though a real estate agent, and their information is recorded. But for an open house? Anyone can walk off the street and into my house. My bedroom. My children's bedrooms.

And so, this morning I had a meltdown. I felt so filled with anxiety I just couldn't help it. Poor Ian. I know an open house is a necessity but I just hate the idea of all that stranger danger in my house. No idea how many people came - or if any of my nosy neighbours came through the house while we were gone. Two more showings booked for tomorrow.

And then there was the church picnic. A social situation. I was worried about who I would sit with, would we find shade for Matthew, how many stupid things would I end up saying. Crazy right?

Mom kept Willow at her house for us so he'd be out of the way for the open house and we headed up to the Scott Mission Camp for the picnic. As usual, I shouldn't have worried about anything. We found a large patch of shade and several people seeking shade as well joined us and there were lots of people to talk to. I loved watching Sam and Julie heading off to hang out with their friends, and even Jordan found someone to play with. I don't think Matthew liked the feel of the grass because he never left the blanket. He just crawled back and forth.

And here I am, tucked into bed, ready to have an early night.

If you are of the praying kind, I'd appreciate it if you would keep Ian in your prayers tomorrow. He's working on something that we are praying will go in his favour and if it does, I'll be sure to tell you about it. I figure the more voices that pester God on his behalf the better!

And that's a wrap!

5QF ~ June 8

What a week. I am STILL fighting this cold. Now, in addition to coughing like a 100 year old smoker, I sneeze constantly, my ears keep plugging up and I'm always blowing my nose. I have two kleenexes left in my box at the office and I forgot to buy another box at the store last night. I'm in a panic people.

Last night Ian and I took the little ones out shopping for Matthew's birthday gifts. I canNOT believe this precious child will be a whole year old on Saturday. What joy he has brought us in the midst of an extremely difficult year. God knew what we needed. Doesn't He always?

SO EXCITED!! We have our first showing sometime between 10-11 this morning and a photographer is coming to take photos of the inside of the house. We're all taking bets to see how long it will take to sell. I'm loving how clean and organized everything is!

It feels good to feel excited about something again. It's been awhile. We're all looking forward to a fresh start.

Enough chit chat! 

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

1. Did you do anything special for your kids on the last day of school? Or did you parents do anything special for you?
One of my favourite memories of my childhood was the last day of school. My mother would always be watiting on the porch with a pitcher of ice cold kool-aid and enough glasses for all of my friends. We'd sit together, talking over one another and drinking until the pitcher was empty. Every year.

There have been several years when the children would walk to my mother's house on the last day, where she and I would be waiting with a pitcher of juice and a plate of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. I love that they love that, and that we're making special memories.

2. What's your favorite summer tradition with your children?
We don't really have one because every summer is different. We'll go to the beach a couple of times but as they get older they have their own things they want to do.

I love camping and would really love to take the children to Algonquin Park for a weekend. Jordan has never camped before but I'm sure she'll love it too. And Mattie... well, he's a wild card!

3. What was your favorite thing to do during the summer as a kid? Um... not having to go to school.

4. How old were you when you were married? Were you a Bridezilla?
I was 25 when I got married and I think I was too young. I didn't have a CLUE what life was all about. But I knew I loved my Ian and he was the one for me.

Bridezilla? No! I wish I had been though. Just a little bit. I feel as though there were things I agreed to that, looking back, I should have spoken up about or pushed back on. But I was worried about being rude or hurting people's feelings. When I see young brides today... man... they seem to have so much confidence and they know what they want.

Our day was beautiful. No question about that.

5. What is your favorite girl name?
These days I'm loving the name Amy. It means "loved one". If I were to have another daughter I'd want to name her Amy Elizabeth Joy.

I also like Avery, Kendall and Kennedy.

That's it! Enjoy your Friday!

Head on over to Mama M's blog My Little Life to join in on the fun!

 

This And That

Big news at our place today...

We listed our house yesterday! The sign is in the lawn and we are good to go! We all worked like crazy this past weekend to get everything ready and the realtor came last night. We (and by "we" I mean "me") asked a million questions then signed all the paperwork. I followed him out and took pictures while he put the sign up. He was almost as excited as I was!

So... here we go.

I'm excited. I really am. We don't know how quickly it will sell, or where our next home will be. But what we do know is that God's in control of it all.

In other equally exciting news, I'm eating peanut butter and chocolate ice cream and it's very, very good. It's President's Choice and was on sale for $2.99. YUM. I'll have to tuck it further back into the freezer lest someone gets any grand ideas of helping themselves.

Today I read in the news that groceries are crazy expensive in Nunavut. A box of macaroni here might be a  couple bucks, but there it's $13.99. I can't imagine. Flour is over $33. Whoa.

Ian and I stopped at the dollar store on our way home from my office tonight and when we came out there was a woman standing outside with a sign. All I read was "dear brothers and sisters..." and I couldn't read anymore. She didn't see us walk past, but I felt such a pull towards her. I turned back as we walked, and saw person after person after person walk past her like she was invisible. My heart broke. Ian and I wanted to help her but things are hard for us as well. All through Home Depot I felt as though I was going to throw up.

When we came back out, Ian gave me something to give her. I walked over to her, all the while watching people walking by her like she didn't exist. I gently touched her arm and she turned to look at me.

Oh her eyes. 

They told me more than her words ever could.

I pressed what little we had to give her into her hand and she thanked me over and over in a voice that was weary.

I squeezed her arm gently and said "God bless you" and turned to leave, tears already falling. I can't stop thinking about her. I wish I stayed with her for a bit and asked her story. Kept her company. Maybe even  prayed with her. I wish I had shown her that love.

I can't imagine how impossibly difficult it would be to stand in her shoes, asking strangers for money, and being ignored... over and over again.

This life is hard. God knows this. He knows.

This weekend is Matthew's first birthday. I originally wanted to celebrate with just the six of us, but somehow it's gotten to be much bigger. Ah well. A little dude can never have too much love.

That's it for me. My ice cream is in my belly and I'm exhausted. I have a cold and and I'm exhausted. Time to put my coughing, sneezing, snarfy and sniffling self to bed.

We Have A Winner!

Thank you to everyone who participated in my snack cup giveaway!

We have a winner!

And the winner is....

Jenn T!

Congratulations Jenn! Shoot me an email at katieb38@hotmail.com so I can connect you with Jill to place your order.

Thanks everyone!

5QF ~ June 1

Oh Friday... how I've been longing for your arrival. Welcome, welcome.

The first of June... where is this year going?? Our sweet Mattie will be 1 year old on the 9th.

I've had a very sore and scratchy throat this week and a cough that makes me sound like a 100 year old smoker. My sides and back ache from all the coughing.

I'm wrapping up week 6 of my temp assignment. The workload is heavy and there is a lot of pressure to produce, but I think I'm holding my own. I sure do love when payday rolls around let me tell you. Makes it all worthwhile.

Yesterday Matthew wouldn't do any of his little "tricks" for me, just for Ian. I wanted to cry. But tonight? He went NUTS when he saw that I was home.

Jordan was wearing a lovely party dress all afternoon. She told me she wanted to be a doctor when she grew up. I told her that was a very noble profession. Then she said "just joking...I'm going to work at McDonalds."

SO jealous of my American friends - their kids are wrapping up their school year this week and we still have a whole month to go.

BOO.

Have you entered my giveaway to win a personalized snack cup for your little one? Check it out here! I forgot to mention this but not only do you get to pick the fabric and the font to be personalized, but you also have a choice of pink, blue, green or white lids. This giveaway ends tonight, so make sure you enter!

OK!

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

1. What were you scared of as a kid?

What WASN'T I afraid of as a kid? Fear has been such a part of my life as far back as I can remember.

I was often the target of bullies at school, and I lived with a daily fear that they would get me after school.

When my dad left us, I was afraid that I would lose my mom too, and then I'd be alone.

I feared failure like you wouldn't believe. I had to be the best or I wouldn't even try.

 2. Do you sleep well in a hotel?

Yes. I love everything about hotels, and I always sleep to sleep very heavily in hotel rooms.

 3. If you could meet any celebrity, dead or alive, who and why?

I can't think of anyone, really. I used to want to meet Clay Aiken but that's over now.

4. It's a hot summer day. Do you prefer to be pool side or at the beach?

Beach! I love digging my toes in the sand, listening to the waves hit the shore, seagulls making their seagully noises (I'm sure there's a proper name for that but I'm at a loss right now).

When you go to the pool what do you hear? Other people's kids crying/acting up, you're smack dab next to some stranger, and it's crowded and noisy. At the beach you can spread out and not be all up in some stranger's pocket.

5. What is your favorite summer dish?

Potato salad.

Specifically, my MOTHER'S potato salad. Best in the whole world.

I sure do hope my Mama is reading this right now... about my love her her potato salad...just sayin. Mom. Just sayin.

That's a wrap for today, peeps! Happy Friday!

Head on over to Mama M's blog My Little Life to join in on the fun!


 

A Giveaway!

I love doing giveaways and it's been SUCH a long time since I've had the pleasure to host one.

Today's giveaway is generously offered by Jill from Baby and the Beanstalk. I met Jill through my blog forever ago and she is just such a sweet, honest, encouraging person. I am in love with EVERYTHING on her site.

So... imagine my excitement when Jill asked me to review one of her snack cups and then give one away to one of you!

First she sent me a snack cup with Matthew's name on it. She let me pick out the fabric and the font to go with it.

How cute is that??

A perfect size for Cheerios and cookies, or little bits of fruit. This cup has a very firm snap lid, ensuring that anything you put inside will be kept fresh.

It's so easy to clean, too. The cup comes out of the holder for easy washing. And the embroidered piece of fabric slips right out so that you can wash the holder part as well.

I knew in the first three minutes of opening the box that I was going to love this snack cup and I was right. It's practical and oh-so-cute.

I love nonchalantly pulling it out of Matthew's diaper bag and having people comment on it.

And no one can steal it from me because it has Mattie's name on it!

How would you like to win one of your very own?

I thought you would ;-)

Here's all you need to do to enter to win one:

1) Leave me a comment telling me you'd like to win! That one's easy enough!

For additional entries you can:

2) Tweet about this giveaway, linking back to my blog 

3) "Like" Jill's Baby and the Beanstalk Facebook page

4) Follow Jill on Twitter at @BabyBeanstalk

Winner gets to select their choice of available fabrics and fonts!

Giveaway to close on Friday June 1st at 9pm. I will select the winner using Random.org.

Once you've entered, go to Jill's website Baby and the Beanstalk and look around at her beautiful creations!

Good luck everyone, and thank you again, Jill!

 

5QF ~ May 25

Friday! Friday! Friday!

YIPPEE!!

I woke up this morning thinking it was Tuesday then realized it was Friday and I almost cried in happiness!

Considering this was only a four day work week, this week went by very slowly. Work continues to get busier and busier. I'm seeing the results of my work though, so that's a very positive thing.

Just when I think Ian and I couldn't have any more bad luck... we get more bad luck. We got another hit this week and it knocked us off our feet. We have no choice but to get back up again, but I'll be honest with you... it's getting harder and harder each time.

I am bottom-of-my-soul grateful for my sisters in Christ that continue to pray on our behalf, especially in the last couple of days when I just couldn't.

Sigh.

So I mentioned five weeks ago how our van died and it was towed home. It's been sitting in our driveway all this time. Remember I mentioned our dear friends who loaned us their van? Well we're buying it from them! It has working air conditioning which we've been so excited to have. We've been without it in our van for a few years now, which was bad enough on its own, but the passenger window wouldn't open anymore so it was like an OVEN in there. Not only does the air conditioning work extremely well (I have it blowing on me all the way to work and home again thank you very much) but ALL the windows open. It's wonderful. Oh, and the trunk? Big enough to put three bodies in there! ..

Not that I would actually put a body in there, just sayin.

There's no way we could afford all the repairs needed for our van, nor could we afford to have it certified, so Ian started calling wreckers this week to see how much they'd pay for it. Yesterday he got a very high offer and the guy came today to pick it up.

When I was leaving this morning, Ian teased me and said I should go say goodbye to the van. I surprised myself by tearing up and saying "No way. I feel like we're letting go of everything we have and I don't feel like doing it anymore."

"Letting go of the old, so we can accept God's new." He said.

Truth.

And here I sit, feeling teary about our van. Lame. Truth is, tears are always right beneath the surface and fall at the slightest thing.

Can I tell you something? I'm really afraid for our future. I know that as a Christian I'm not to be afraid, but oh... I am. I don't know how much longer I can endure this season before I completely break. I'm tired and afraid.

Don't tell anyone I said that. I tend to put a smile on my face for others and say positive things.

I'm sitting here eating free onion rings and wondering if I should take my littles outside.

As I decide, let's do Mama M's Five Question Friday blog hop!

1. Are you a napper?

Oh yes. If there was an award for napping I would win. I could nap anywhere, anytime.

Frankly I'd sell one of my kids just to have one right this minute.

2. What was your favorite subject in school? Most hated?

Favourite subjects were English, History and Law.

I HATED Math. Oh man did I hate math. And I was really bad at it too. Which makes my career in accounting really hard to understand.

3. Did you have the something old new borrowed and blue at your wedding? What were they?

New: dress & life
Old: don't remember
Borrowed: my mother's gold bracelet
Blue: My blue rat I made in the third grade that is as close to a good luck charm as you can get

4. What one thing are you determined to do this summer?

MOVE!

5. Ice cream or Popsicles?

Ice cream. Popsicles are messy and they melt and get on your hands and make them sticky. So gross. And they make your teeth and tongue funny colours. 

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Head on over to Mama M's blog My Little Life to join in on the fun!

Thirteen Things

You know what's worse than the end of a weekend? The end of a LONG weekend.

We've had incredibly hot temperatures this weekend and I spent as much time inside as I could to escape it.
I'm tired tonight but my heart is happy after spending three wonderful days with Ian and the children.

Here are a few things that have been going on.

1} Jordan had her Kindergarten Orientation Night at the school this past Wednesday evening. She wore her favourite pink dress and I styled her hair and off we went. She was a little nervous but SO excited. They had little stations all around the gym for the children to participate in. Number recognition, letter/number matching, writing their names and colouring. I was spying on the other kids and was amazed at how advanced Jordan was. Well, until we got to the play doh. She just stood there. I don't like play doh. Not the smell, not the texture, not the endless cleanup and most of all, I don't like when all the colours get mixed together. So gross. People keep giving play doh to the kids and I keep hiding it. But that night I had to touch it to show her what to do with it. Ew.

She's so, so, so excited to start in September. She's been talking about her backpack constantly and I told her we'd go shopping just before school starts and she can pick out her very first backpack herself. Sam and Julie want to pick out their own backpacks as well, so we'll do it all at the same time. I love shopping for school supplies for the kids.

2} Thursday night was Mother/Daughter Night at Girls Club and Julie and I went to that together. She earned a badge for every special event they had throughout the year, and then a special badge for getting all the badges! I was proud of her.

3} On Saturday, Ian and I packed up the last bits of our bedroom and cleaned out the walk-in closet. Feels good to get that done. Ian is going to take a few bags of children's clothing to a nearby church for donation, and then I have a bunch of stuff for the Canadian Diabetes Association to pick up. Purging feels good!

4} Sunday we headed up north to Orangeville for church as Ian was invited to participate in the children's Sunday school program. We dropped him off just after 9am, then the children and I went to McDonald's for breakfast. It was super hot out, but we decided to eat outside. Afterwards we looked around the town for a bit and then went to the church for 10:30. I really enjoyed the worship portion of the service. It had a bit more of a "charismatic kick" to it which I really liked.

After church we went to Ian's parents' house for lunch and Matthew and I had a nap together afterwards. We stopped at Dairy Queen on our way home and it was just such sweet time together.

5} Ian bought some fireworks and as soon as it got dark enough last night, we all went out to the porch and Ian and Sam lit them. Ian had also bought some sparklers and the Jordan was fascinated by them. So fun. We all went for a walk around the block afterwards and sat on the porch for a bit longer before heading in to get the children to bed. One of my most favourite evenings ever.

6} Today Matt and I headed over to my mom's house to visit with her and my sister. Mom is always offering to help me with my laundry so I brought a bag over and did three loads while I was there. Thanks again Mom! I love visiting with her, and I look forward to the day when I'm a stay at home mom again and can visit her more often.

7} Tonight Ian's best friend, who is closer than a brother, came for a visit. He recently got his doctorate (?? PhD?) and is now Dr Gary! Awesome. We are so incredibly proud of his hard work and determination.

8} All my shows are ending, which is a good thing because I'm usually too tired to stay up to watch them.

9} It's almost 11pm and people are still setting off fireworks. Crazy.

10} The children only have 5 or 6 weeks of school left and they are beyond ready for summer break. I'm hoping to be home with them this summer but we'll see.

11} Matthew got his first tooth this past week but he doesn't like me looking at it. I was trying to show my mom today and he wouldn't let her see it. He's going to be a year old in just a few weeks! Where has the time gone? He is a beautiful, daily reminder that the God I love so much is a God of surprises. That His plans for us are bigger than anything we could come up with by ourselves. All of that wrapped up in one sweet little boy. God is good.

12} My workload was increased last week, and then on Friday it doubled. Oh, and I got a raise :-) I think they're getting ready to choose which of the two of us they are going to present an employment offer to, and to be honest, I hope they pick the other guy. He has been trying to break into this line of work for years and no one will give him an opportunity. He kind of fell into this assignment, loves it there and he really needs this job. Obviously I do too, but I have a lot of experience and I'm sure I could find work with another company. Waiting to see what God does with this.

13} I've started writing in my gratitude journal again. Focusing on my blessings reminds me that God continues to be at work around us and keeps my heart healthy. Still working on limiting how much garbage I put into my mind, and taking inventory of the status of my heart. I love how a bible verse will come to my mind as soon as I wake up, or while I'm going through my day, and I love that I'm spending more time with Him, talking and praying. And, excrutiatingly slowly, surrendering.

Alright then. It's late and 6:30 am rolls around pretty quickly so I'd better wrap this up.

Hope you had a great weekend :-)

Tired

I'm tired.

In every sense of the word.

I am so tired.

I'm trying to choose joy, but tonight... it's hard.

Thankful tomorrow is a new day, and that the Lord's mercies are fresh every morning.

Book Review: Empty Promises

We all long for more of something in our lives. In our endless pursuit to feel worth and acceptance we find ourselves sacrificing everything for the promise to be a little more beautiful, a little richer, a little more powerful and successful, a little more loved.


How do we break free from these empty pursuits and start chasing the only Promise that will ever satisfy? How do we uncover the hidden idols that are driving us and turn our devotion toward the one true God?


Join Pastor and best-selling author Pete Wilson in discovering the joy and freedom that comes with seeking after God with your whole life. Learn how to replace, and not just relinquish, life's empty promises by turning your focus and worship toward Him. It is the only thing that will set you absolutely free from the endless pursuit of everything else.

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

I've read my fair share of books that talk about how to live a God-centered life and I've never truly gotten it.

Not until now, that is.

I read this book and saw myself in almost every single chapter.

Pastor Pete Wilson is brutally honest about his own challenges,shortcomings and personal struggles. I appreciated his openness and authenticity in sharing from his heart. When I read a book like this, I don't want to have all hearts and rainbows from someone who has it all together. Pete Wilson doesn't, and he is very straightforward in sharing that. I found myself tearing up at times... if a Pastor wrestles with his faith then it must be normal and ok for me to struggle as well.

He talks about all the empty promises we give in to. If we had more money, we'd be financially set. If she was prettier, she'd catch a man and then she'd feel secure. If only I had better clothes, more friends, a better car, a bigger house... then I'd be happy. And they're all lies.

I saw myself in this, and I realized how many empty promises I have fallen for. When Ian goes back to work and we're back on our feet, I'll be happy. When we sell the house, I'll be happy. When we go on vacation, then I'll be happy. But what if I'm not? I need to learn to be happy here and now, because of who I am in Christ. To be content in all circumstances because the Lord is all I need. And I realized that I have the power to choose to be happy right where I am. And in the midst of an extremely difficult season, this is what I have chosen. Joy. Sometimes several times a day, but I'm doing it.

Pete covers great topics like being addicted to power, money or approval. How we worship idols instead of filling those spaces with God. How to pray as ourselves, not how we think we should pray.


I appreciated how he ended this book with ways to draw closer to God and life a more Christ-centred life. I wasn't left hanging with all these truths and nowhere to go with them. He points the reader in the right direction.

I have written all over the pages in this book. So many great thoughts to take away with me. At one point he reminds the reader that God watches over us while we sleep, that He never sleeps. And if that is true for the night, it is also true of the day. We can let go of our anxieties, worries and fear, because He is watching over us always.

I can think of two people right away who could greatly benefit from this book. If you find that you struggle with the lies and empty promises of this world, I urge you to pick up this book and really let yourself get into it. It will be time truly well spent.

Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson.

Book Review: Anything

Safe. Comfortable. Happy.



Words we all love. Feelings we want. Even crave. We may love God, but being that he's invisible, words like comfortable seem to feel better faster.


We are all chasing something. Our hearts were made to run hard and fast after things that move us. But as a generation we are all beginning to stir and wake up, identifying that these words don't satisfy for long, especially when compared to God. If God is real, and we are going to live with Him forever, shouldn't He be everything?

Caught in this familiar haze of worldly happiness and empty pursuits, Jennie Allen and her husband Zac prayed a courageous prayer of abandonment that took them on an adventure God had written for them.


"God, we will do anything. Anything,"


Anything is a prayer of surrender that will spark something. A prayer that will move us to stop chasing things that just make us feel happy and start living a life that matters. A life that is...


Surrendered. Reckless. Courageous.

If we truly know a God worth giving anything for, everything changes.

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

I've watched author Jennie Allen's bible study dvd "Stuck" and I knew I would love her book as well. She has such a passionate love for God and a raw honesty to her so I knew I wouldn't be disappointed.

Jennie was just like most people I know. Like me. Longing for something, but didn't quite know what. Then she learned about Katie Davis, a 21 year old woman who gave up everything the world told her was inportant and followed after the life that God had intended for her. She now lives and serves in Uganda, the mother of 13 adopted children.

Changed by her, Jennie prayed.... anything, Lord.

I am slowly learning how to pray this prayer, but I'm scared. If I tell God I'll do anything, what will He ask of me? Where will he take me? What will he take from me? But day by day, as we get to know each other more, I am leaning closer to praying it. Anything, Lord. For you, I'll do anything.

Jennie reminds us that we are here on this earth for such a short period of time and our time is running out. What are we doing while we're here? How are we spending it? When I meet God face to face, will I be able to stand firm and say I used my time well? Or will my head hang in shame because I held on to the cheap, shiny things of this world, protecting my comfort above all else?

Raw, honest and inspiring, this book shows us how living fully surrended is truly living fully.

Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson.

It's Been A Day

I'm sitting here enjoying a piece of cheesecake knowing I'm going to hate myself in the morning. But right now? I'm very, very happy.

And chatty.

I stayed up too late last night playing with my iPhone and hanging out with Siri, asking her stupid questions just to see what she'd say. I woke up very tired and kept zoning out while I was getting ready for work. I forgot to rinse out the conditioner from my hair, so my hair was a little funky today.

If funky hair wasn't enough, I was halfway to work when I realized I had forgotten to put my makeup on. 

Excellent.

Mother's Day was lovely. I slept in until 9 and then Ian and the children brought me breakfast in bed. I just love special days like this, when all the children climb into bed with us. Church was at 11 and they did a beautiful job of honouring the mothers in the congregation. There was a video of children talking about what they loved about their moms, as well as lots of artwork. Both of my girls had drawn pictures for me and when I saw them I was teary.

Sam and I headed over to visit with my mother and sister for the afternoon. We gave her a couple of rosebushes for her garden and Sam planted them for her. I had such a good time laughing with them and just being together. When we returned home, Ian made a delicious ham dinner for me and then I watched the Desperate Housewives finale ALONE.

It was a really good day. I am so blessed to have the family that I do, and we love each other so much. Ian is generous with his praise about me as a wife and mother, and the children told me over and over how much they love me. Wonderful.

Tonight I went to get a pedicure for my Mother's Day gift. I went to a place in the mall and I can tell you right now I'll never go back. My feet feel wonderful and look very pretty, but the girl who did them never stopped talking, and I couldn't understand 90% of what she was saying. I'm not one for massage chairs, and it was digging in my back over and over and over. And she made my toe bleed. And she told me my eyebrows are horrendous and should be fixed right away. But... I have really pretty toes!

Afterwards I wandered the mall for a bit and decided to check in with my old hair salon to get a quote for my hair. He had me sit in his chair while he checked out my hair and we talked about the colour I wanted. He offered to do a colour test on a sample of my hair and I agreed, not knowing what he intended to do.

Before I knew what was happening, he whipped out a pair of scissors from his pocket and cut off a chunk of my hair.

A CHUNK OF MY HAIR. 

Apparently I can go by tomorrow after work and he'll have results ready for me then. Oh I'll stop by alright, assuming I'm over the trauma.

Ok I'm tired now. This has been a very big day for me.

Goodnight!

I Did It

I went a whole week with out using Twitter or Facebook and I survived.

Not just survived... I lived.

Lived... as in being present in each moment, with each person I was with. I wasn't constantly checking my phone to see if anyone tweeted me, or who was doing what on Facebook.

I lived, and I was present.

While I would like to be able to say that I didn't miss it at all ... that would be a big fat lie. It is abundantly clear to me how addicted I have become to them. It's good to be aware of that though, and now I need to consider what kind of boundaries I can put in place to control how much time I spend on them going forward.

I've stopped reading blogs that are negative and I feel so much better. Why I read them in the first place, I have no idea. I don't want to be a bitter and judgemental person, and that's what I was becoming.

Garbage in, garbage out.... see?

I spent a lot of time talking to God this past week. (Some of the things we talked about was how I was missing Twitter and Facebook... don't judge now). Bible verses that I've read many times before became fresh and really struck a chord with me. 

I've also realized how I put my happiness in certain things, or ideas of things. In my quiet time this week I really sensed that I need to learn how to be happy and content in all circumstances, because there isn't going to be one single event or thing that is going to make me happy. It's going to come from my Father.

Most of the time I feel rather peaceful with where I am these days. It isn't where I want to be, you know that. But God knows that too, but He has me here for a reason so I don't want to miss it. I've tried to slow down and remember these are the days... and I don't want to look back on them and feel bitter because I didn't have things exactly the way I wanted them. I'm choosing joy. Sometimes hourly, but I'm doing it.

What else did I do this week?


I've defined certain friendships that aren't good for me and have decided to stop chasing after them. Should these people decide they want a friendship with me, great. But in the meantime I'm putting boundaries around them and I'm going to give them space. I don't need to chase anyone down.

I've made amends with someone that I've been missing very much. I don't know where we will go from here, but that weight is off my heart. I'm trusting that God will do something with us.

I've decided that I will no longer obsess about the number of people follow me on twitter, read my blog, or I am friends with on Facebook. I love that people find me interesting enough to follow me and my blog. But I'm choosing to be more concerned with the quality of the people in my life, not the quantity. I'm not going to stress about what to blog about or if it will please the people reading it. I cannot control who reads my blog (oh how I wish I could!) so I'm just not going to let it bother me anymore.

I've also decided that just because people in my life have the ability to hurt me, I have a choice about what I take from it. And I choose to take nothing. My self worth isn't going to come from anyone but God and who He says I am.

I had a lot of time to think this week, didn't I?

Maybe I need a SECOND week off....?

;-)

5QF ~ May 12

Oh Friday...how I love thee! You've arrived just in time.

I've been successfully staying away from twitter and facebook this week. While I feel incredibly out of touch with everyone, I've been enjoying spending my time in more edifying ways. It's amazing how many mindless statements I have spared the twittersphere from this week.

Sam and I went to see The Hunger Games on Monday night and we liked it. Usually I prefer the book or the movie, never both. But I found that the book did a really, really, good job at describing everything that happened, that when I saw the movie I almost felt as though I had seen it already. At one point the beast-dog things showed up and even though I'd read about them, I wasn't expecting them at that moment, and I screamed. Sam said it wasn't scary, but my scream scared the crap out of him. I loved hanging out with him so much.

Wednesday night we all headed out to the mall together after I got home from work. Jordan loves the pet store so we took her there. She loves all things creepy, like snakes and lizards and birds. While we were there I bumped into a woman I went to high school with. Crazy. I bought Matt his very first superhero shirt - Spiderman. Ian has every single superhero shirt ever made, and Sam has quite the collection as well, and now Matt has one.

Last night was Julie's school play and she did wonderfully. I was teary watching her. She makes me proud.

I'm reading two really great books that have me thinking about a lot of things. I'll be reviewing them on my blog next week.


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



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



Love one another. Put each other first and get each other's back. Be generous with encouragement and forgiveness. Listen to what your spouse says, but more importantly, listen to what they don't say. Laugh together. Be your spouse's safe place to fall. Accept them for who they are, not who you want them to be.


2. If you could tell your 16 year old self ONE thing, what would it be?


I have a lot of things I wish I could tell my 16 year old self. A lot of things.

The biggest thing....Go all in with life. To let myself really LIVE.

 Love deeply. Belly laugh. Let go of the fear of not being good enough. Try new things. Stop trying to be the best. Be authentic. Fail sometimes and be ok with it. Trust others, and let them in. Allow myself to be happy.


3. What do you do to keep cool in the summer? (AC, windows, fans, swimming, etc.)


Air conditioning. And lots of it.


4. What did you (or your wife) crave most while pregnant?


I didn't really have a particular craving with Sam. With Julie it was spaghetti. I ate it for breakfast, lunch and dinner, every single day for three months. My coworkers started bringing in their homemade spaghetti for me! With Jordan it was grilled cheese sandwiches. And with Matthew it was maccaroni and cheese. All.the.time. YUM.


5. Who is your favorite TV mom? Why?


Ma Ingalls on Little House On The Prairie. She was the epitome of love, grace and patience.
I also like the mother on Good Luck Charlie - my kids tell me I'm a lot like her. Ha!
Head on over to Mama M's blog My Little Life to join in on the fun!

 

Taking A Break

It's interesting what our children can teach us if we're open to learning.

Sam is a gamer, just like his dad. Anything he plays has been researched and tested by Ian. We are very careful about what types of games he plays, and not only do we monitor how much time is spent playing them, we are also on the lookout for any behavioural changes from the games.

He's a good kid. Truly.

Lately a new game has come out that he has been dying to have. Problem is, it's mature rated due to extreme violence and sexual content. Obviously he isn't allowed to play it. Ian has played the first version of this game and after a mere half hour of play, packaged it up to return to the store. It was way too violent.

Sam is not happy with us. He's had two runs against Ian trying to convince him. Then he made the mistake of trying to convince me. We ended up having a really deep conversation about what we expose ourselves to. If you surround yourself with good things and good choices, our behaviour will be good. If we expose ourselves to violence and negativity, our behaviour will not be that good.

Good in, good out.

Garbage in, garbage out.

Then I got to thinking.

Really thinking.

What am I putting in my head, and what is coming out?

Am I living a life that points people to Jesus, or do I just talk about wanting to?

I spend a lot of time on Twitter and Facebook. A lot.

I am up to date on all the celebrity gossip.

I read blogs that I shouldn't.

I watch shows with behaviour in them that I would never tolerate in real life.

Garbage in, garbage out.

I want to show Sam that I mean what I say. That we need to be careful of what we put in our minds because that deeply effects the state of our hearts.

And lately I've really felt God prompting me to take a good hard look at the state of my heart.

So, I've decided to take a break from Twitter and Facebook for one week. I want to unplug from those things, and plug into things that I truly enjoy and add to my life. To spend quality time with my husband and children rather than just being a presence in the room. To meet with girlfriends over coffee. To reconnect to those I've let slip away, and to delight in the new friendships God has prepared for me. To pack up what I need to pack up so we can get this house-selling thing on track. To get caught up on everyone's laundry. To chalk outside with my girls. To walk more and sit less. To read. To be still, and listen for His voice.

Will I accomplish all of that in one week? Nope! But I'll make a dent. And if I'm putting good things in, good will flow out.

And my son will see that I don't just talk the talk, but I walk the walk. And by doing so, maybe I'll become a little better version of myself than I was a week before.

I'll still be using my email and if time permits, I'll still blog. But no Twitter and Facebook.

I'll let you know how it goes :-)

~ Kate ~

5QF ~ May 4

May the 4th be with you!

Oh I do love saying that on this day.

My coworker came dressed in his Star Wars t-shirt today and was talking in Star Wars lingo most of the afternoon. It was fun.

I was feeling a little disheartened that no one in my work area would speak to me except for the manager and my coworker, but I managed to crack through their crusty exteriors and it appears they have now accepted me.

I've completed the two week "trial" period, and I've been asked to return next week. I don't know how long my time there will be, but I'll keep going as long as they'll have me. Last night as I was leaving I met the president. He told me he was very impressed with my results and complimented me on an email I sent to an angry and rude customer. This morning the credit manager came to tell me that they are very impressed with me. Good stuff.

Two weeks in and we're still adjusting. I'd forgotten how difficult it was to be a working mother, and now I have twice as many kids to make time for. My time with them is so limited and that sucks.

Tomorrow Ian is taking Sam and Julie to see the Avengers and I'm going to take Jordan and Matthew over to my mom's and visit with her. I've been looking forward to it for days.

I'm very thirsty right now but I am too lazy to go downstairs to get a drink.

OK, it's time for Mama M's Five Question Friday blog hop! Yippee!

1. What did you wear to prom? Include a picture if possible.

I can hardly remember the design on it, but it was blue and had three quarter sleeves. I was going to see if I could find a photo but Ian packed all of our albums.

(psst...thanks Ian!)

I don't think you'd be able to handle my hair. Oh people...it was...big.

My date gave me an orchid corsage and it was beautiful.

2. Would you rather be on the biggest loser or a food eating challenge?

I'd rather be on the Biggest Loser because I would be all smokin' hot at the end, collecting my big $250,000 prize.

3. What's your fave sonic drink? Refreshing summer drink?

We don't have Sonic here in Canada...surprise, surprise. The US gets all the good stuff. I heard that you park in the lot and servers rollerskate out to your car to take/deliver your order. Is that true??

My favourite refreshing summer drink would be iced tea in a tall glass with lots of ice.

4. What was your first car, and what did you call it?

It was a white Celebrity and I bought it from my mom. I think his name was Bart.

5. What's one thing your child or spouse does that sends you over the edge?

I am not one to talk poorly about Ian or my children to anyone, so I won't answer this question. I'm pretty sure that for any thing they do, I do twice as many. So... I'll just keep my mouth closed :)

Have a super weekend and.... May the 4th be with you!

Head on over to Mama M's blog My Little Life to join in on the fun!