Snow Kayaking

Blaine saw this on You Tube and had to try it himself. I think I encouraged a little more than I should have. I kept telling him to go higher up and of course, he listened. I didn't find out till after, that he was second guessing himself while climbing up so high. I also didn't realize how darn close that Kayak came to my face when he flipped. Three things we learned in this experiment
1. Always come prepared and wear a helmet
2. Always have a cell phone on hand
3. Trust your better judgement and make sure that number one and two are always followed before heading down the hill.

Picture this

Picture this ...

You are eleven years old and playing a game of hide and seek with you family. With great success you have found everyone except mom. Where or where could she be? You checked upstairs in all the rooms and closets. You looked under the beds and in the bathrooms, you even turned on the light into the closet and reached in to try and look in the cold room but the door was locked .... In a moment of such excitement it did not cross your mind that the cold room door does not lock.

Your nine year old sister comes running down the stairs to help you find that last person. Your sister has many ideas of helping you get that door unlocked however you, being the utmost fearful one in the family, shrug off the idea and proceed to head up the stairs.... But Wait!!!! Your Sister yells for you to come quick to see what she has observed.

As you round the corner and stare at the little door within the closet you notice the handle twisting back and forth. "Mom!" you shout "stop goofing around". If only we could all see the look on your face. The door stops twisting for only a few seconds but then the door slowly creaks open. Then before you even know what is going on, the door fly's open and out bursts someone with a deep holler. You lunge backward and bang you head on the wall, while your sister is already screaming at the top of the stairs. There in the door way stands your proud mom bursting with laughter as your heart is beating out of your chest.

I love Hide and Seek. The best boredom breaker of all.

Thank you!

2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Thank you God for blessing us and helping us through like you promised you would so many times. Thank you for the family who obediently followed your instruction and felt lead to bless us when we needed it most.


~ Tammy

Tis the Season

As we decorated our tree and headed into the chilling air for the town parade and Christmas in the park festivities, I silently hoped that this year would be less hectic and that I would be able to pass on a much more meaningful Christmas to my kids.

Advent began today and the message was one that was all too familiar. How does the Christmas season go by so quickly that we practically end up missing it? I rejoiced a little when I learned that there was no Christmas drama this year. No practices, no rehearsals, no mumbling and reciting of lines being learned. Yet somehow I have still managed to feel like Christmas is slipping through my fingers. In hopes of making Christmas seem longer I even begged to light our tree one week earlier.

As I prepare lunch I chuckle to myself as I hear my mother in laws words of last night. "Does no one care anymore? Why have I not gotten any Christmas wish lists yet?" While I butter my toast I am startled at my thought of not even really knowing what I want for Christmas. Even now I wonder why I feel this way. I LOVE Christmas. I love the snow and the singing and the lights and of course the goodies. :) The best part of all though is making little gifts for our close friends, teachers and others who work so hard during the year without the proper recognition. Placing those special gifts on desks, in offices and in mailboxes, standing and observing as the surprised glow becomes so clear in their eyes and expressions. Even I anticipate coming into my office to find a small token of appreciation and love wrapped with special care. It is the feeling of love that I anticipate.

So why do we have to stress over presents and limits and who has who? Why do we have to make sure that each child gets their main gift that they will only play with for one or two weeks and then toss it into the closet to forget about? The biggest question is how do I get everyone to think like me? I had a super idea of buying for the less fortunate on behalf of others but I was mocked and the idea has not gone over smoothly. Why is it so hard to adjust to this simple way of life in a world that needs so bad to be simplified?

As I sit now in a quiet office with no kids in the house, the Christmas tree un lit in the living room and the small chill creaping throughout the house I plead that this year will be less hectic and that I will be able to pass on a much more meaningful Christmas to my kids.

Gideon's battle

I wanted to update you on baby Gideon. WOW! Is really all I can say. There were times when I have prayed for someone and they weren't healed. They either got worse or even passed away. I have heard many say they don't believe in God. My reaction to that is "I could never imagine trying to fight and live in this world without God." How could there not be a God?

Let me back up and explain what has happened. Almost two weeks ago Gideon's family ached with pain. They were at the point literally where they were going to release their baby to live with Jesus .... Even typing these words is hard for me. As we grouped together and prayed so intently that God would give this family, Wisdom, Courage, Strength, Peace everything and anything needed to go through this I couldn't help but wonder why? Although I can't speak on "everyones" behalf I am sure that everyone wondered why. Why do things like this happen? Why to this wonderful family? Why now? Why, why, why, why????

Good News!!! Right before that crucial moment, a doctor came in with a rare, speck of hope. Hope that could move mountains. More tests were taken and more meetings happened. More waiting, more yo yo's of emotions.

Nothing is impossible with God!!!!

Miraculously Gideon stayed with us when taken off of Nitrogen Oxide. Miraculously the Doctors even after looking at his test results o.k the only life saving next steps for Gideon. Miraculously God is continuing to work on Baby Gideon. He has a long road ahead but he has fought more in these last two weeks than any one can imagine.

These are the things that happen when groups upon groups of people meet together and pray earnestly. I can't explain why some prayers aren't answered and then Miracles like this happen. In retrospect, God hasn't just answered the prayers of this hurting family. He has answered the prayers of dozens upon dozens of families and churches in this one incident. I can't explain the joy, and Faith that I have experienced through this little man. Gideon is only a couple of weeks old and already God has used his life to impact so, so many.

Today

Today is a better, brighter day. Last night I couldn't wait to close my eyes and say goodbye to what was and to slowly embrace what is too come.

I had a good morning, even after sitting on a peed toilet seat. :) Who on earth taught those boys to pee?

Homework was done, lunches were made and everyone made it to their destinations on time.

while I still feel grouse, it is Friday and the weather is supposed to be nice again tomorrow. Yeah for the weekend!!!

One of those days.

Last night I was up at 11 pm and at the hospital till 12 am with a bladder infection.

Today I am feeling under the weather, in pain and tired.

Keegan wasn't allowed to play in the Teacher/Student baseball game because he didn't read his homework properly and didn't get it all done. I was playing with the teachers so that made it especially hard since he wanted so bad to verse me. I cried, he cried and I blamed myself for not making sure he had it all done.

Someone came in today and GRACIOUSLY blessed a friend of mine for all that she does.

God forgive me for feeling jealous.

Life is sure tough today.

Tomorrow is another day ...... I HOPE. :)

At least I can still smile at my own comments.

Faith at home

In cleaning out our office, I stumbled across a book that had fallen into the black hole. It was one of those books that came home in a particular busy month, week or perhaps day. I never read it so I decided to crack it open during a nice hot bubble bath.

Faith At Home ... hmm, I read some and was intrigued. It talks about the startling statistics about late teens who have for some reason dropped their faith and just no longer care. A great percentage of these teen were raised in families that left faith instructions for churches and clubs. It goes into detail about how we (parents) are responsible for teaching and instructing and practicing faith as an example to our children. The coolest part was that the author understands why faith at home fails and has recommendations on how to stick with it and make it work.

I pondered this and while we definitely do not leave faith teachings for our church, we are still accountable for not being open enough about it with our kids. As simple as it is, spending 20 minutes a day instilling positive faith attributes could be trying.

But when I woke this morning I was determined to try this out. This morning was a new day. When Malakai lost his temper I explained how if God were watching (which he is) he would be sad to see him behave like that. We prayed (like we sometimes do) on the way to school and that was it until I found Malakai playing with play dough he "took" from the church. He was utterly disappointed to find out that he needs to take it back and ask Aunty Tracy to forgive him for taking something that didn't belong to him.

The best part was when God gave me what I call a "God treat" for the day. Keegan began asking about heaven and hell and about a show we watched months ago about 2012. He asked about being saved and asking Jesus into your heart. He must have learned something in school today that led to all of these questions. You know what???? I was able to answer them. I had confidence in what I knew and I answered every question he had for me. Then about an hour later, he asked if we could ask Jesus to forgive him and once again to come into his heart. I knew that he did when he was four but I was overjoyed to know that he wanted to again at 11. At this age it means he gets it and that he fully understands.

At the end of the day, I guess we are doing an A-O.K job at bringing faith into our home.
So, I guess you could say the Anderson's are doing the happy dance right now. Have I told you about the happy dance? Hmmm I guess I will have to save that for another post.

Being Erica

Today I wish life were like Being Erica where we could step back into the past, change the choices we made and see what would have become from them. This week has been one filled with emotion, frustration and confusion. I wish that God would just walk into my office, pull up the empty chair next to my desk, hold my hands in his and chat with me about the choices we are facing right now. I wish that he could reassure me that life will be ok and that I am a good mom. But, we all know that isn't going to happen. So, here's to hoping we made the right choice.

Time is being snatched away

Just one hour ago my mom came into my office in tears. Once again she was in emerg waiting for some kind of hope.

It used to be only in the winter months that she would be in and out getting stronger and stronger antibiotics. This past year seems worse though. A few times in for the swollen legs and a few more for Pneumonia. This time the dreaded words were spoken. Congestive Heart Failure! She had that incling all along but never wanted to claim it. With this diagnosis I am sure the thought lies on the back of all our minds. I know it sure lingers on the back of mine. The coughing, the breathing problems, the weakness. We have all seen it before. Then though the treatment was simple ... well not simple but a treatment to say the least.

After two open heart surgeries she has decided no more. I am older now and can deal with hospitals and surgeries. I can process what is actually going on. Does age make it any easier though? Are any of us ready to lose our moms? Just seeing her actually show emotion this time makes me think that it is bad.

I know that anything we ask it will be granted.
I pray that if she goes it will be in her sleep. I pray that she will not have to suffer and that it will be at home in her own bed after a wonderful day with her family. I pray that my kids will not be there that night, having a much loved sleep over. I want to be selfish and pray for a few more years. How can I be that way though and see her suffer so?

I know that she can't wait to be wrapped in her Jesus' arms. I also know that she can't stand to leave her kids, especially since almost all of them are not living the greatest lifestyles and then who would want to die anyways? I guess if I were suffering immensley even I would be tempted to give up.

I hate to think of the burden that lies ahead. She has already informed me that my responsibility is to keep us kids all together. That is huge and I don't think I can do it. Not on my own anyway. How devastated my kids would be. They love their "Nanny" They love sleepovers and pancake breakfast in front of Saturday cartoons.

I know that she would be devastated to see what I have written. " I am not going any time soon" she would say. "I will live till I am 90." I would love for you to be right mom!

Living life to the fullest

Blaine and I attended a memorial today. It hit very close to home seeing as it was the father of one of our old youth kids. He wasn't in an accident, wasn't sick, had no chance of saying goodbye. He just went in for a routine surgery that is done all the time and unfortunately never walked out.

One thing said during the service that really stuck in my head was this.

"Each one of you kids has a precious gift up here in your head. That gift is a story that contains every special moment ever shared between you and your father. Know this, your father loved each one of you dearly, he talked highly of you and cherished his moments with you." "Now, you with friends and loved ones, what kind of stories will you leave behind? How did you leave your loved ones today? Did you give a hug, say I love you, or did you leave in a matter you wouldn't be proud of?"

I immediately thought how we left for the funeral. This is what our kids would have remembered ....

Blaine and I joked about how he hogged all the spaghetti with sauce for himself and left us the plain noodles. Blaine taught Malakai how to climb up with his feet in an entrance way. This led to everyone giving a go at it. Then as I went downstairs to get ready I could hear Blaine and the kids wrestling (loudly I might add) upstairs. The reaction was loads of roaring laughter. I remember giving quick instructions of behavior while we were gone and then as we were walking out the door, Blaine stopped looked at me and said "you look beautiful." Off we headed to the car with a quick bye to Malakai, a "stay safe" and "I Love you!" I think we may have added a good page with this afternoon.

Makes me wonder though what others will say at my funeral. Makes me think harder about how I leave people, end conversations and think harder before I speak.

The end of summer is nearing

The end of summer is nearing and TODAY I am excited. The kids will be headed back to routine, work will pick up again and Blaine will go back to 8 hour days (thank goodness!).

TOMORROW I may be dissapointed, I like camping with the kids, nature hikes, late nights and no homework.

Last night Blaine and I took just 3 hours away to share a simple conversation over 25 cent wings and lemonaid.

This summer has been fun. Over the summer We have enjoyed entertaining again, BBQ's, celebrations and family dinners. The kids and I were enspired to "BE" the church outside the church so we volunteered to help the seniors with BINGO on Wednesday nights. It brings back memories of when I was a kid and helped at my moms work. We spent a lot of time with family (maybe even too much) pitching together to help dad with the house. My neice Stephanie has been staying with us during the week to watch the kids while we work. While I freak out over messy rooms and unkept kids, I need to step back and realize they are having a great summer. The kids love having someone play endless babies, barbies and imagination with them.

Ginny turns 9 in two weeks. Looking back hurts a little more than normal right now. Last month Blaine (now known as the Eraser) tried to clean up my computer because it was acting up. Unfortunately the pictures, songs, videos and so much more that he "moved" over to the external hard drive, didn't actually make it over before he wiped it clean. Weeks later, the pro's found some images and managed to move them over to an external hard drive but what really remains I have yet to determine. As far as the computer goes, we need to save for a new one.

Malakai has been seen by a naturopathic doctor and has been found to have a copper deficiancy. After months of supplements, I am finally getting the snuggles, hugs and "I love you's again." I missed them dearly.

Keegan has grown an attitude over the summer. He has also grown a back bone, enabling him to say NO a little firmer and louder. I am reminded of how he is no longer a kid and needs to be let loose a little more.

Blaine and I decided to take a weeks holiday at the end of August. We talked about it for so long that we finally just decided to do it. We aren't going anywere, just staying home and relaxing! We may not send the kids back on the first or we may send them back to school and just take that time for eachother. Either way, it is one last way to keep our summer special.

A Fathers Love

I knew you the moment you became a thought. I was there when your lungs began to work and your heart beat for the very first time.

I was filled with anticipation as your features began to form and your movements became more evident. I willed you to eat and sleep knowing the best to make your way into this world. From that first moment, I knew the heart ache you would feel, and the pain you would endure but I also knew the joy you would experience and the many excitements life would bring.

I was there the moment you cried your first cry and when you took your first breath of air. I was there as the ones who waited so patiently for you, surrounded you with unimaginable amounts of love.

I waited so long for your first smile and that special gleam to show in your eyes. My heart exploded the first time you erupted with laughter and your breaking grin exposed those first two teeth. I watched in amazement as you took your first steps and reached out with so much trust to those who cared for you.


It wasn't hard to see how strong willed you sometimes were. You were so determined to do your own things in your own ways. I knew the times you would listen and the times you had to learn from experience.

It brought tears to my eyes the moment you knelt by your bed and said your prayers for the very first time. I was overjoyed to hear you sing songs in Church and praise God where ever we went.

I tried to calm your fears the first day you were off to school. I hurt when you were made fun of and when no one wanted to play with you or when your name became the laughing matter for the day.

I wanted so bad to hold you in my arms when you refused to be held, when you hurt so bad that you couldn't imagine going on. I wish you would have heard my still quiet voice when I tried so hard to stop you from hurting yourself further. I stood right beside you even though I was the last person you wanted to think of. I was there, everywhere, waiting for you to notice me.

I stayed, I waited, I wept, with you and for you. I watched as everyone who cared so deeply for you begged, pleaded and prayed for you to find your way. I knew that some day you would return.

I was filled with such joy when you once again understood my love for you. When you understood it was not intended for you hurt so deeply. We all wept for joy the day you closed your eyes and lifted your praises once again.

I saw the miraculous plan for your life unfolding as you waited for your true love to join you at the alter. I understood the joy building inside as you began your life together. I was there when when the family you always wanted just wasn't there or when you just couldn't see eye to eye, I was there when you shared the excitement and anticipation that you waited so long for as you found out your own child was on it's way. I was there when you shouted for joy and ran out of the room showing your new bundle of life in your arms. I was there ... I have been there the whole time.

I made all the delicate, inner parts of Your body I knit you together in your mother's womb. I loved you the moment you became a thought.





By ~ Tammy Anderson

Good Newz

These last few weeks have been absolutely CRAZY!!! I have seriously stretched myself the farthest I have yet. It all started with offering to help build a float for VBS. I offered our help and our ideas, thinking we would only play a small part and not end up being the main designers. Later that week, I walked into a Tupperware party much to late and felt bad so I ended up booking a party. A few days after that I felt bad for my niece because she was graduating and they are broke as usual. I hated the fact that this was her big day and they couldn't afford to take her out so I offered to throw a graduation BBQ. Oh and at the same time we had to do a bottle drive for the Amazing Challenge and plant the garden. All of which were taking place in the same week. Somewhere during this hectic week I realized that I booked Malakai's appointment with the Homeopathic Doctor the same time as he was gone to summer camp. Thank goodness they got us in on a cancellation. But guess when the day was ..... Yep, the same week as the Tupperware party, the float prep, the bottle drive, the grad BBQ and the parade.

Somehow we survived and guess what .... Good News!!! To our surprise, Malakai has a severe Copper deficiency. Apparently this medicine he is now taking will bring his Copper level up, which will result in a much happier Malakai. I pray this works.

At the same time I laugh because with my last post I couldn't think of anything funny that Keegan had said lately but after a long week and weekend he finally had time on his zoo tycoon. As Blaine and I were watching a movie last night he comes running into the living room. "I got Good News" he exclaims. "What?" we ask. I thought maybe he had remembered to tell us something that he forgot. "The Zoo returned my camels that they took from me." When it comes to Keegan animals and insects are always good news.

Kids say the darndest things.

Here are some funny things the kids have said in the last few months.


Malakai ~

To the kindergarten teacher of all things - "Can I mate when I am 18"? I am hoping that he meant date.

"I didn't take my mouth guard out, it just crawled out of my mouth."

Keegan "hey dad, Buffalo are extinct aren't they"? Malakai "Oh yah, they sure do stink."

Ginny ~ As she is eating pop rock Candy eggs she leans real close to Blaine and says..." Hey dad, listen to my ear, you can hear the popping.

"Mommy, if you weren't married and you were a boy, or I was I boy, I would marry you .... cause your a great parent." :)

Keegan ~
Well, off the top of my head, I can't think of anything bizarre that he has said lately. Maybe he is just growing up too fast. I will keep my ears pealed though.

On our way!

Our weekend was eventful, frustrating and exhausting, but in the end it turned out not so bad. I won't bore you with all the details but I will sum it up and give you the highlights.

Saturday ~ Ginny and Keegan went to an at home alone course. They were 40 min late because of my stupidity but it still went well. Blaine and I took Malakai to buy his first "new" bike. To see his face light up with excitement was well worth it. It brought back memories of when I was getting my first bike. My brother saw a black BMX bike and said it was pretty cool. It was mine the minute he said it was cool. NO pink, or tassels or barbie decals for that matter. I was in love with the plain black trick bike just because my brother liked it and boy could I fly on that bike. In fact I was determined that I was a BMXer just like on t.v. Later we went to visit friends and got to snuggle the new baby. The rest of the day resulted in a BBQ flying out of the truck and Blaine hating himself for being "so foolish" as he put it. The night ended with a quick view of a lonely moose in an empty field just off of the highway.

Sunday ~ We woke the kids up, got dressed in casual wear and headed to church on our bikes. I was so impressed that the kids made it that far. 4.4 km later, the only thing that comes to mind is, they are awesome at these family outings. After lunch, Blaine took off for a Kayak ride on the lake, while I got some Wii time with Malakai. With all that fresh air by the time bed time came along Ginny and Malakai were done like dinner. They were out without a peep.

This morning ~ Back on our bikes and to school we went. I am surprised at how fit our kids actually are. We haven't put them into any sports for years now but we do take every chance we can to go for walks, hikes, skating and bike rides. Today we took along a friend of Ginny's and needless to say, we were a little late for school.

So, while training for the Amazing Challenge (again) we are using our moments to have fun with our kids. I enjoy these moments with them. The greatest part is that while we are training, our kids are dreaming of the day when they can join the race with one of us. I can't wait!!!

The trip of many "almosts"

The holiday is done and right now is probably not a great time to be blogging. My mind is in a whirl wind of thoughts right now. I had a lot of time to think on this trip. Fortunately and unfortunately I have realized a lot about myself. I am a deep ponderer. Sometimes, most of the time I ponder too much and get way ahead of myself. Right now I wish I were still in that small trailer with my family and no ties to the world. No one expecting anything except for a nice meal and a lot of love. For now though let me humor you with our Trip of many "almosts."

We almost.....
missed out on what was to become a great holiday


We almost thought we missed the ferry because of a great visit with even greater friends



We almost
saw a Sea Otter preying on pet fish

We almost
saw a Sea Lion but soon found out it was actually a bird

We almost
had good weather

We almost
saw a Gray Whale


We almost
lost Malakai to the Ocean (if I had stopped to take an actual picture I am not sure the Ocean would have let him go.)


We almost
saw a beached Sting Ray

We almost
found the bridge to Terabithia


We almost
got out of a parking ticket (if only Blaine would have ran when I told him to.)

We almost
got to go for a boat ride on the Ocean

We almost
got blown over while sleeping in the trailer

We almost
chucked our breakfast on the ferry

We almost
had the most horrifying ferry ride ever

We almost
got to go for a hot tub

We almost
burnt down our campsite (thus causing us to lose our favorite camping chairs with years of memories, including our first mission trip. Rest in Peace dear Canadian chairs.)


We almost
caught the Easter Bunny


We almost
got caught by the in laws :)

And ..... We almost
didn't want to come home

Spring Break

Spring Break begins when school is over on Friday. This is going to be the best spring break that we have had, just for the fact that we are actually going on a holiday. Blaine loves to surprise the kids so they don't know where we are going. We really haven't been that secretive so I am sure they have their ideas. Ginny is sure that we are going to Vancouver, which we are. Keegan and Malakai heard us talking about the "Island" but of course they were straining hard so they think we are going to Ireland which we aren't. Then Blaine said something about a campsite by Nanaimo called French Beach so Ginny is so excited and telling everyone that we are going to French Beach. When they ask where that is she just smiles, shrugs her shoulders and says "I don't know, I think Vancouver." It has been fun that is for sure.

What I hope to get out of this holiday....

Sleep, Rest, Whale spotting, Visiting friends and a whole lot of silliness.

This time we better not get so dirty.

Grace Based Parenting

Our small group is doing a study called "Grace Based Parenting." What exactly that is, we are unsure as of yet but hopefully we will find out. :) Last weeks challenge was to put into practice one thing that we learned in the last lesson.

I learned that I was a high controlling parent basing everything on Fear. Not good. So, I made a deal with my group that for this week I was going to work on being less controlling.

Yesterday the kids had a bad day with my parents. My mom called me at work and told me the kids were fighting and Keegan was being horrible. I didn't freak out! I dealt with it calmly and to my surprise everyone was fine by the time work was over and they were all staying another night.

So many times today I could have lost my cool but instead I let them be kids. Malakai and Ginny proceeded to rush toys to me while we were shopping, telling me which ones they wanted for their birthday. I guess they figured it was better than asking for them (I have to agree). Later I caught them running in the trailer, jumping on the beds when they should have been outside playing. I explained that they can't be in the trailer when I am not there, asked them nicely to get out and closed the door. Supper was very late, Daddy was not home all day, yet we all managed to PEACEFULLY get along. No one got mad at all today. Malakai cried once when Ginny ran off on him with her friend but other than that we all got along.

O.k fine, I confess I was only down to two kids since one was at Grandma and Grandpas. I however took it as a great opportunity for me to try out my new way of thinking.

Day one and two done with greatness.

The angels are celebrating

My sweet Malakai;

I can't believe that you are already six years old. It seems like yesterday when I would stare in awe at your head full of frosted tips. I loved how you used to cling to me with your little arms secured around my neck. I loved your head of curls and how you used to suck the tags on your bears as you slept. I loved your gut wrenching laugh, I wish I could have bottled it up for rainy days when I just don't feel like smiling. I loved when I would kiss you at night and whisper "I love you." No matter how asleep you were, you always replied "I loves you too mommy." You will always be my little man.

It is hard to see you so frustrated at times. I fear that I have taught you to be impatient and quick to anger. You want so bad to prove your capabilities and your importance that you so often loose your cool. Just like Mommy. But deep down your heart is still so tender. You get embarrassed easily and so often you are quick to let us know that someone "broke your heart."

Keegan and Ginny were so eager to understand the importance of Jesus and believing in him. I asked you a few times and you always said "no." As hard as it was, I respected your decision. You were just being honest. Daddy knew how much it bothered me though.

Last night as you and I drove home in the Smart car by ourselves you shared how at school you learned about Jesus dying on the cross and how it was sad. We talked about sin in our lives and how wonderful it is that Jesus takes it all away. I asked you if you believed and if you wanted to let Jesus know that you do. You asked if I believed, then you said the sweetest thing... "You can pray for me mom." I knew what you meant. I asked if you wanted to pray with me and you said yes. Together we prayed and when we were done I explained that the angels were celebrating. Once again I heard that sweet laughter.

Your going to do all right my boy. With God by your side you are going to rock this world.

I love you.

Dining etiquette.

Today while eating dinner with us, my niece observed the following ...

The cave woman ~ as Ginny ate off of a huge hunk of meat stabbed on her fork.

The lazy boy ~ as Keegan sat with his foot up on the chair, knee perched next to the table and mouth smacking away, and

The President ~ as Malakai sat straight in his chair with fork AND knife positioned just right, sugar coated with please and thank you's.

Moon lit sledding and nature hike

One day as we traveled the bridge through the hills, and over the river Blaine said "this little town reminds me of living in Jasper". The first time I took a look at this house and saw the ravine at the end of the block I knew it was meant for us.

I Can't say I entirely agree with Blaine since I haven't yet woke up to Elk in my yard, bears hanging out in sheds or the beautiful view of mountains but I undertood.

As a child he would ride his bike through the mountain side, go sledding down the largest hills and build forts in the trees. Each adventure was a new experience. As a teen I remember taking Sunday hikes with my dad. I was so afraid that we would run into a Bear but spending the time with my dad was worth it. Then when Blaine and I were dating we would climb this one mountain in particular (It wasn't as treacherous as it sounds, there were stairs and a sight seeing legend at the top). Anyways, I remember sitting up there together, talking about our future and what it held for us.

16 years later we have taken that passion and instilled in into our kids. We love hiking with the kids and take the chance when ever we can. Last night we took out our toboggan's and had so much fun sliding all the way down. By the time we got to the bottom it was dark and the moon lit our path. Keegan freaked out when I saw a bunch of deer running into the bushes. Later he freaked me out as he yelled "DEER, DEER, DEER" with my back towards them. I admit .... I didn't hear deer. I distinctly heard BEAR and the way he was acting even you would have thought that was his reason for freaking out. Then as we struggled with toboggans, and piggy backing Malakai up the trail I knew what Blaine was getting at. This was our third time hiking this trail but each time is a new experience.

So, if living here with out the high cost of Everything , the unlimited transients and bears :) means that I still get the Jasper benefits. I'm game.

Faith like a child

Not every eight year old is as brave as our Ginny. Months ago we sat in the lab as she had 3 viles of blood taken from her tiny little veins. She didn't shudder, she didn't even cry. She just kept telling me over and over again how brave she was.
Yesterday that same brave girl sat while the doctor drew tiny little blue dots all down her arms and proceeded to prick each one of them. It obviously helped that this same test was a repeat of two years ago. Back then it was for airborne allergies. This time they included food allergies.
As we waited the 15 min. I watched in anticipation to see which ones would raise.
5 min, nothing. 10 min, nothing. The more minutes that went by the more anxious I got. There has to be some explanation for the racing heart, the paleness, the chills and the nauseous stomach. The last episode was New Years day and it was the worst one we have had yet. Anticipating, or maybe even fearing this test Ginny prayed each night for the last week "Dear Jesus, Please make me not allergic to anything."
The last allergy test already showed she had an allergy to Dandelions and Trees. My little girl was in for a disappointment. Finally the doctor came in and took score. He proceeded to grab his clipboard and tick, and tick, and tick. The more he ticked the more frustrated I got. I knew what was going on. NOTHING! Ginny was allergic to nothing.
He thinks I am nuts I thought. This can't be. What on earth is going on then? As I was getting more and more angrier there she sat. Smiling from ear to ear, her little eyebrows raised with bafflement.
Quietly we packed everything up and walked back to the truck. I called my mom and vented and shared my concern for the non resolved issue as to what was going on. There was my Ginny, quietly smiling, watching out the window as we drove back home.
Then it hit me. She prayed for this. She prayed for no allergies. For the last week while I was praying for an allergy answer she diligently asked God to not only make her not allergic to food but to take the allergies she had away. She didn't plead and beg and stomp her little foot, she just asked. God heard her and showed her his realness. He showed her that he is here with her. He made her not allergic to anything. He ANSWERED her Prayer. That night at the dinner table she begged and wiggled and could not wait for everyone to sit down to pray. "Go ahead, pray Ginny, they will come when they are ready" I told her. No sooner was I finished my sentence, that she started her prayer.


"Thank you Jesus that I wasn't allergic to anything. Even Trees and Dandelions. Thank you!

So while my prayer was unanswered, Ginny's prayers were focused on something far bigger and better than my own .... and they were answered.

Babies, babies, EVERYWHERE!!!

I know so many friends right now who are either just beginning the journey of pregnancy or starting the countdown to motherhood. Every time another announcement is made or a new baby enters this world a tinge of yearning grows inside of me. The yearning to once again feel that life growing inside of me, or to snuggle that innocent being close to my chest. I am currently even sharing in the joy as one of my closest friends just found out that she is expecting TWINS!! How amazing is that? Not one but two beautiful beings growing at the same time in one secure, protected area.

From a very young age I loved babies. I would watch them in amazing awe every time one was near or even just passing by. That is probably the number one reason we started our family so young. I just couldn't wait to be a mother.
10 1/2yrs later I am a mother of three.

At times (more often than not) motherhood can be so trying.
But It is times when you see your children genuinely loving each other or times when someone comments on how joyful your children always seem that make you cherish every moment of them.

It amazes me how God chose each one of us to be a part of this huge world.

Psalm 139:13 ~ You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb.

he knew from the very start the type of person we were to become.

Jeremiah 29:11 ~ For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

God had a plan for us the moment he put us in our mothers womb. He secured that plan with a promise that he will take care of us along our journey.


So AMAZING!!

This is a photo shoot that I did earlier today for a mother ready to embark on the most amazing journey of being a parent.

You pray for me, I'll pray for you!

Years ago, when I was Probably as young as seven, my mom and I started this thing where every morning when she would part her way to work and I would head off to school, I would say "you pray for me" and she would say "and I will pray for you".....

At the time it was because I was a very nervous child and had a weighing mind fearful of everything. Little did I know how big of an impact that action would become.

Lately I have been feeling like I am on a train headed in one direction in full speed. I see God in the signs flashing by but when I turn my head to catch a glimpse he is gone or another sign catches my attention. I have been trying so hard to reconnect. At times I would blame others for not coming along side me and taking the reigns. Maybe then they could be held responsible and not me.

I long to intimately pray with my family. Sure I have prayed in the rarest evening with Blaine or prayed in the hurried morning with the kids but the other day something triggered in my mind. I asked Blaine and the kids how I can pray for them. How simple that was.... After that it was like popcorn just starting to pop. Ginny would ask how she could pray for Daddy and Keegan for me. Yesterday Malakai wasn't feeling so good so he asked me to pray that God would make him feel better. The best was when I asked Blaine how his day went and he broke out into a huge grin, nodded his head and said "I got my projects underway, it went really well." Then as I was high fiving Blaine because I once again Balanced the main account, Ginny joined in and I thought, sure I would have thanked God for answering prayer but not so openly and it wouldn't have been so evident for the kids.

Who would have thought that a simple "you pray for me, and I will pray for you" gesture would travel through the generations. :)

So, as I head toward my day today. I will pray for you, if you will pray for me!

Grossology

Every child loves to do experiments and every parent dreads the mess of them. This one turned out to be not so bad but a mess in the end. :)

Take an egg and put it in vinegar for 7 days. Watch how the shell dissipates and turns the egg to rubber! Then, drop the egg from a SMALL distance and watch it bounce.

Look what we have done!

First of all, let me warn you, what you are about to read may be shocking to the soul. This entry may bring out feelings that you have not felt in some time. You may become jealous, angry, shocked or judgmental. Please note that the people described in this entry are all healthy, happy, and most of all, full of God's Grace.

In the last week or so Blaine and I have been behaving like crazy school kids. In the late hours of the night when the kids are sound asleep you will often hear the gut wrenching laughter of two grown adults making absolute fools of themselves. For some, our behavior would be uncalled of. Take tonight's supper for instance... The kids leave the table and it is just Blaine and I sitting at a large empty table still enjoying our supper. Instead of Blaine getting up and handing the bowl of salad to me, he proceeds to literally throw the bowl of salad up in the air and across the table for me to catch. I KNOW!!!! The best part, I caught it and none spilled out. I wonder what our kids will end up doing when they are grown adults just from watching us in action. After another bout of laughter Blaine gets serious and informs me of what dawned on him today. If others knew what we have done in the last 5 years they would be speechless. As he listed off these things I proceeded to laugh some more and add my own. Here is our list....

In the last five years we have .....

Moved twice
Changed churches
Changed schools twice
Taken two of my nieces in (to live with us) for a year each time
Had 4 different main vehicles and 3 different work vehicles
Went on a missions trip to Mexico
Went to Disneyland twice
Went to Ontario twice
Drove back from Ontario in just under 3 days
Blaine had his appendix removed
Malakai broke his arm
Had 2 bouts of chicken pox
Dealt with a family member having Breast cancer
Dealt with a family member having Prostate cancer
Lost two Grandmas
Lost an Aunty
Blaine switched Careers twice
Bought 2 dune buggies
Bought a holiday trailer
Became a full time working Mother
Had and got rid of two dogs and a cat
I took part in 2 Amazing Challenge events (AKA Amazing race)
Blaine took part in 1
Blaine bungee jumped for the first time

I am sure the list could go on and on. I mean, when you think about it, we have had 25 birthday parties, pulled at least a dozen teeth, kissed a million boo boo's, and wiped a gazillion tears.

So, are we simply to crazy for you? Or, do you still love us?