Thursday, November 19, 2009


Motherhood 'Reflection'

I am hearing the sweet sound of Fernando Ortega Christmas and the music of my children playing together. This is very different from the sound of the raging tantrum from early this morning. Moms, you know the two VERY different feelings that these circumstances produce.

I struggle so much with seeing beyond the moment we are in. When the angry tantrum is happening, I should be trusting that even in this storm there is a lesson for me. But I rage back inside or out, and basically question why I have to deal with this. What good could there possibly be in a tantrum? Can't I learn the lessons God wants to teach me in another form?

I also see the ugly reflection of myself in my children's sin. I realize they will sin without my bad example, yet the mirror that children are, is a mercy from God. It displays truth. It hurts, it discourages, and it convicts.

There are huge lessons in the daily mothering storms. I should not question the form but see the beauty and the mercy that they represent. On the surface, they represent the fact that I HAVE children and that my storm is light in comparison to others suffering. Digging a little deeper, they represent the mercy of God in sanctifying me as a Mom, wife, and child of God.

The real question is, am I (are you) willing to embrace the lessons? I will fail at desiring to learn but the God who began this work in me, will NEVER stop teaching me. I am desiring the lessons but resisting the heat at the same time. Only a God of grace embraces a child like this. His mercies are new every morning-and every moment of the day!

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?"
Psalm 27:1

Monday, November 16, 2009

A Short and Sweet Visit to Michigan
After the long drive...sweet sleep.



Our cozy room-it was fun to share a room with the girls until Ksena and Esmé fought over their stuffed animals in the middle of the night. They must have been half asleep because they had the right animals but insisted that the other had hers. This carried on for about 40mins! At one point I said "I am the Mom...etc etc!" and Ksena said "No I'm not!" I tried to clear up the confusion and said "Ksena, I said I am the Mom, not you". She answered "No you're not!!!" She was sleep talking and very confused and I had chosen a very dump time to clarify my authority.
A Carousel at the Mall!




A much needed trim from A. Taun! Taun it looks so nice after a bath-the curls are fresh again.
Eating out at Carino's-where the kids portions feed an adult but the dessert couldn't satisfy a baby! :O)
Bread dipping!

Mia took this picture of Taun and I!

Need I make comments on pics of this sweetie? He melts my heart with the simplest things.

Some Things that go on in Our Home
We not only thrive on Cheerios (everyone except this protein loving Mom), we also wear them!



Elise and Shaylynn stayed here while Mom and Dad were in Florida a few weeks ago. Let me tell you, these little sisters make awesome Big sisters! Our ladies LOVED all the attention! THANK YOU 'little sisters'! We enjoyed you being here.
Can you say "Cheese!"? It's written all over her lips-and I don't remember ever telling my kids to 'say cheese'.
Lambie and Blankie-staples for Esmé
Always playing with 'Sarah Baby'. Once in a while she switches names (often church people or extended family names-Miss Amanda having the honor for a few minutes) but new names never stick for long.

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Goin On a Bear Hunt...
Last week we went to New Liskeard to White Pine Lodge. It was a cold, rainy, windy week. The bears do not like wind because they can not hear well, so none of the men got a bear-much to the releif of all the wives!

The kids waiting for a boat to take us across to the lodge.
Morning beauty...it struck me that sometimes things are so beautiful that when you look at them, you actually close your eyes to take it in! What an AMAZING creator we serve!

Our cozy cabin-the woodstove was well used.
Apparently getting your hair done is beyond tolerable.


This image of my husband will take a bit to grow on me...
A rainy day walk. The leaves were quite the organic umbrella.



Mia took this picture for us!
Ksena wanted a turn with the camera too, and Mia jumped in making this goofy shot.
We spent most of our time 'cabin migrating'. At times it got quite loud but boy, did the kids have fun!
The kids watching a fish get cleaned.
Oh, my crazy girl.
When there is no where to play, why not use the beds?!
Brooke and Ksena sporting earings and nose rings...gems from the dollar store.The kids spent endless hours coloring.
Nutella sandwich...not sure how she snuck away from the table to eat it on the chair.
This, That and the Other Thing

Tea drinking is what we love...the cups are compliments of my dear Beppe who finds all kinds of unique gifts. We love getting bags of stuff from her.

Dalia

Ahem...Nap time??? On the window sill???

Friday, September 18, 2009

The Triplettes (9 months)/ Blake Going to Pre-School
Becky sent me these pics...how could I not post them for you all to digest.

Abby

Brock
Myles
Blake

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

First Day of School!
Our new home school room (the room right at the top of our upstairs) is fabulous. It has a lot of space and a wonderfully big window. It also keeps the mess off the kitchen table which is where we used to school. Mia thrives on structure and is happy to begin a new school year. She likes to know exactly how a day is going to unfold. The night before school she needed to know the day plan-down to details such as brushing our teeth before we school. I've incorporated 'story time' into our day, to discipline myself to nurture the appreciation of written work, in my children. It's easy to sluff it off due to laundry and other mundane activity but I think reading is a good thing to be intentional about.


Ksena Turns 4!!



I brought Ksena to the fridge to show her the b-day cake and she says 'Yea. Can I have a yogurt?' Ahem...what does she know of the time it took to make it-I underestimated it myself and am embarrassed about how long it took. Thankfully my mother-in-law says it does take time and she's the cake pro, so that made me feel better.

Sunday Birthday Coffee-a tradition we love...Thanks for coming everybody!! :O)


Wednesday, September 02, 2009


Holiday in Tobermory










The Grotto Entrance (fancy word for cave)

Inside the grotto...sunlight from an underwater entrance illuminates the water. This color is splashed all over the waters of Tobermory-it reminded us of the Bahamas.




Coloring at the Visitor's Center


The lookout tower

Proudly flying at the top of the lookout tower...



A snake eating a frog. Lunch anyone??



What do you use your Green Bins for?! They make a wonderful bath tub...

This is CANADA!





Did you know there are over 40 species of orchids in Tobermory?! I'm taking my chances that is one of them. There were pics at the Visitor's Center and this flower reminded me of them...

Thursday, July 23, 2009

List Swapping!
Some friends suggested we should swap meal ideas. SO here goes a meal list swapathon! Leave a comment with some fresh, new, meal ideas or send us to your blog post via a comment. (I don't know how to use 'Mr. Linky' so we'll have to stick to the comment box).

Meal Ideas

Scalloped Potatoes, Cauliflower, Brown Beans, Apple Sauce
Sausage, Gravy, Rice, Broccoli
Lasagna, Sliced Cucumber & Dip
Meatballs, Rice, Carrots, Apple Sauce
Roast Beef, Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Apple Sauce or Salad
BBQ Sliced Garlic Potatoes, Pork Chops, Corn
Roasted Carrots & Potatoes, Brown Beans, Apple Sauce
Tacos
Chili & Chips with Sour Cream
Chili & Fresh Bread with Sour Cream
Nasi, Carrots, Nachos, Apple Sauce
Bami, Beans, Apple Sauce
Cheesy Sloppy Joe Pasta(ABC)
Sloppy Joe's, Sliced Cucumber & Dip
Pizza, Garden Salad
Sausage on a Bun, Salad
Hack(sp?) Balls, Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Garlic Bread, Corn
Meat Loaf, Mashed Potatoes, Carrots, Apple Sauce
Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, Slice Cucumber & Dip
Crackers & Cheese, Veggies & Dip, Chips & Salsa Dip(Good Sunday Night Meal)
Burgers, Chips, Pickles
Hot Dogs, Chips
If you got through this list, you'll realize that I like sliced cucumber and Apple Sauce?! WHO Knew??