Summer Fun!

The windows are open and a cool breeze is gently blowing through out our home.  It is hard to believe that it is the end of July in Southern Ontario, as we are typically sweltering in the hot humid days of summer! 

 

 

We have been spending the summer of 2014 cheering on our children.  What an honour and privilege I am experiencing as a mom, as I watch the accomplishments and personal bests of each and every game, exam, and spiritual journey.  Each challenge brings strength, drops of sweat bring reward, and even moments of loss build character.  As we look at the calendar, the children know that each precious day of summer is numbered.  So too, as a mother I understand the numbering of days.  At each game, swimming lesson, driving lesson and music practice, I watch the progress of my child and stand amazed that this is the same baby that I spent endless days carrying on my hip.

 

 

The summer of 2014 will not be remembered for having a perfectly clean house, or even well balanced meals set with the latest tableware.  It will be remembered as the summer that I cheered the loudest at each game, laughed until way past midnight with my children and their friends, and spent every available moment cherishing my family. 

The moments time stood still

Five tiny fingers curled around my index finger with a soft, gentle clasp.

Time stood still.

In the quietness of my hospital room I looked upon the face of this precious life and gave thanks to the Lord for this tiny, treasured gift. I had visions of all the memories we would create, and in that moment it seemed that we had a lifetime to create them; for memories are the inheritance of the moments we share.

Those first few years of motherhood brought much joy and laughter, and truth be told there were many tears.

There were days when my little ones tried and tested me, and in those first few years especially, there were days when I am sure I tried and tested them.

Some days were hard, and when my dear husband arrived home from a long day of work I would dissolve in tears when he entered the door. It was in those times of brokenness, that I decided that I would choose joy.
I sought out books and resources that would encourage me through this journey of parenthood. I printed out scripture verses such as Psalm 118:28 You are my God, and I WILL give you thanks; you are my God, and I WILL exalt you.

I taped these verses on the inside doors of my cupboard, along with this beautiful printable from one of my favorite bloggers.

I spent my online time reading the blogs of Godly women who were purposing to daily choose joy. I began to intentionally choose to speak joy into the life of my children. There were days when this was more difficult than others, when deadlines and attitudes squeezed my patience to the limit. Throughout all of these days the precious hands of time moved quickly.

On our family room wall, I have four clocks. It is not that I am very punctual and for those of you who know me, you know this to be true. But those clocks are for keeping time. When we have guests over, we are asked the significance of the clocks. With a twinkle in my eye, I smile and say....

Please join me HERE to finish the rest of the story!

I'm Back!!!

Its been a long time since I posted....not because I didn't have anything to say...but more so because I had so much to say....and some of it wasn't able to be wrapped up in a nice tidy post.  You know the kind I am talking about, the cute story of how your child whispered the most adorable 'i love you', the perfect recipe hit that all of your family loved...and begged you to make again accompanied with the pixel perfect pictures to go with impeccably groomed children.  None of what I had to say really could be summed up in a cute post.  And really, would anyone want to read how my heart was hurting....or that my world was upside down....and how our family was dealing with my children's daddy being sick?  So I stayed silent.  Cause silent was safe. 

But life is not always about the 'tidy' posts.  The feel good moments.  Really, this stuff of life sometimes is messy.  Children know this....most 'feel good' moments'are messy...mud pies, rubber boots and raindrops, finger paint...all messy.

And out of the mess...we grow.

This too I know.

So, I'm back...messy and all...to share with you my friends.

Blessings to you this Easter Sunday!

The sun rose early this morning, and with it the sound of footsteps up the stairs leading to our bedroom. The time had come for our family Easter egg hunt and the children were ready. We enjoyed the morning and then prepared ourselves for our Sunday Morning Service. Today was a special day, for today our two oldest children were being baptised. These past few weeks as they have been preparing for baptism have truly been a delight to participate in. Watching our children begin to put into words their testimony has spurred quite a few conversations and today we stood as proud parents watching and listening to our children both speak of the great love that they have for Christ. What a beautiful service we shared with our church family...we watched as so many of our friends also shared the gift of baptism with their children. Listening to my husband speak a blessing upon our children was a moment that I will cherish forever.....hearing the splash of the water and seeing the smiles on their faces will truly be etched in my memory. What a blessing it is as parents to watch as our children celebrated this day.

May you all be blessed with a beautiful Easter Celebration, may the presence of the Lord fill your home and all who enter be brought closer to Him.

Quote of the day!

On Mondays we take the long drive to our Homeschool Co-Op...

It is a very early morning...one that usually is filled with a rushing about as we gather all of the lesson plans, homework or snacks that need to accompany us.

We are blessed to be able to share the ride with friends of ours and our little girls tend to have all manner of conversations on the way into Co-Op. Today they were discussing swimming lessons...and the different levels for the swimming classes. My little blond haired girl started to ask her friend what she could do in the pool...can she swim...can she go under water...can she float...

Without missing a beat, this little one responded..."oh yes, I learned that last year...my mom taught me how to be at peace"
and so today I found myself thinking...wow! what a testimony to this sweet mom...

teaching a child to float, to lie back into the swirling waters, resting their head and looking up...only looking up...teaching them to be at peace..to not struggle!

This is an amazing opportunity we are so blessed to have...

teaching our children to look up...and gain peace.

Faith Family Friends

I recieved a gift from my Mom the other day. She brought it back from the sunny south and wrapped it carefully in tissue to be safe through the miles. I love it! I have it placed on my kitchen window sill and everytime I glance at it, I am reminded of the order of my life. You see, my faith is very important to me, it is the primary motivating factor in my life. What I do each day, how I am as a wife, what my choices are for my kids, and what time I spend with my friends these are all decided by that same order. Or that's the way it is supposed to be....

And yet time and again I fail...I choose a phone call above a walk in the woods with my children, I have choosen sleeping in instead of quiet time with my Lord. And again I fail.

So you see this gift this little plaque, is a gentle reminder. And I place it where I find myself so often, at the sink. It is my reminder...for Him first...the rest comes after.