Encouragement! Used by God...

Here's an update about what's been going on with me and especially what's been going in my heart. Ever felt like something in your life that you decided to do "just because you felt like it" all of a sudden can be given over to God or at least used for His glory.
Around the beginning of March we were talking about using our Spiritual Gifts at 'Take-A-Break' (that's a women's ministry gathering at our church once a week with speakers and small groups). Anyways, I went home not thinking much about it. Although a day or two later I starting wondering how I was using my spiritual gifts in my everyday life and realized that I really wasn't doing a very good job. A had a VERY vivid dream. Now I'm not one to call it a vision as I've never really had one before but it sure could have been as it was the most vivid dream I have ever had and one that I could recall completely when I awoke. Not only that, I couldn't really get it out of my thoughts for a few days. It was amazing. So here's the thing; In January I became a STAMPIN' UP demonstrator - making cards and scrapbooking stuff and having house parties to sell the products. It was mostly to allow me to continue my hobby and earn a bit more on the side or at least cover my costs and have fun. So I have been doing that for a few months and really enjoying it. I often think of sending cards to friends and some times I do and sometimes it's one of those "I've meant to and just haven't yet" (so if you didn't get one it's not that I haven't thought of you) The other thing you should know is that my spiritual gift is encouragement (so I've been told over and over again by people and those questionnaires you can do). And as I said before I have been slacking off in this area. So back to this dream I had. It was so real - a room in our church (the Hosptitality Room to be exact) was filled with women making cards. They were all making cards for people they knew or didn't know to encourage those around them. Sounds simple and it is, it was just amazing how much detail was in the dream and how much it conflicted my heart. What was I doing with my talents? Could my being a STAMPIN UP deomonstrator be used for God? Did he allow me this opportunity so that I would do much more then just have fun? Honestly I did not stop thinking about it day or night until I went the church and put in a bulletin annoucement that it was happening on March 28th. "ENCOURAGEMENT CARD MAKING NIGHT- WHETHER ENCOURAGEMENT IS YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFT OR NOT, WE ALL NEED IT SOMETIMES..." Then announced it at the next Take-A- Break gathering. This didn't really fit in my comfort zone and yet I had the most peace I have had about it since. I had all the thoughts like "this isn't me?, will people think it's just for buisness?, cause it's not! I just moved here and we're new to this church." It has nothing to do with STAMPIN UP. Nor will I plan to sell anything there. I will bring my stuff to use but I have told everyone to bring their own card making stuff and if not they could use mine. So here's the next interesting thing as to how God works in amazing ways. This announcement has been in the bulletin for a few weeks now. This last Sunday Pastor Mark used a video before the sermon from the Emergency Social Services, talking about how volunteers were practicing and preparing for great disaster's even before they happen like what they needed for the 2003 fires here. It was an interesting video. Anyways, the next day - Monday, I receive a call regarding my bulletin announcement from a volunteer with the Emergency Social Services, asking if I would be willing to use my talents of card making to send to people from our church who were just Burnt out of their homes and lost everything (including 5 pets) last week in a local fire. I said sure. She said they had been wanting someone who could make homemade cards to send to people to know that their church family was praying for them and when they saw the "encouragement Card Making Night" that was it. So, I will make this card for this couple from our church and on that night we will try to make a bunch more for future and give them to E.S.S. to send to those in need. Pretty neat in my mind at least how wanting to do a hobby has become so much more then that. So pray for me on March 28th. and that I will continue to be open to God if this is what He is calling me to do. And pray for the many people who have lost everything in so many disasters - especially for those around you. Who knows maybe God will ask you to make a card for them too!!

Pary time!!

We'll I've been asked to post Mark's 3rd birthday party so here it goes. There were 12 kido's under 5 and 4 babies under 7mths, oh, and a lot of adults. We were at an indoor playground (like 10X a McDonalds) but one that is big enough for adults to crawl around, as well as 3 ball pits to jump into and a few little rides (the mall kind). We played for awhile then had pizza lunch and "choo chooed" our way through some homemade train cake. I think everyone had a great time and I know the birthday boy sure did as he talks about it alot. Thanks to everyone that came and celebrated with us.
So here's some photo's to see what all the fun was about.

note: we are having technical difficulty with the computer. I have tried for two days to get photo's on here and can't seem to get any right now. Ray will have to try next somehow someone else's touch does the trick. So please be patient we are trying. Thanks

Kyla Crawling

Trying to do a video on this blog has not been easy or sucessful. I am jealous of Lisa-Joy and John's who have tons of video on theirs but maybe it's a better computer or better camera but we'll try again here.

Signs of Spring

Isn't it exciting when you hear that first sound of birds chirpping and tiny bits of green are starting to stick out of the dirt in the garden.( I have Iris's all over with bits of green- not that I love this many of them) The birds were very noisy today. I love the idea of spring. I guess you can say it's one of my favorite seasons. The new growth, the fresh air, the idea of going out without having to put jackets on myself and the kids. So it's beginning to feel more like spring here. It's not here yet and I know that with the small amount of snow dusted on the houses, but it's close. Fall is my other favourite because of the colours but that's besides the point. Anyways, yesterday was a spring like day. Warm enough to play outside for most of it. Mark is eager for Kyla to play with him as he asked for her to ride on his car and chase him. It was fun for him and me to imagine by the time summer gets here she'll be crawling after him on her on!!

Mode of Transportation

So here's Mark in his new mode of transportation. It has become very handy when I have to transport two boys (while I look after one other in the mornings) and Kyla in the snuggly up the hill to playgroup and it also works with Kyla and Mark going for a walk. Mark is currently on his first bike ride in it with Daddy - it's such a nice "spring" day he just couldn't pass up the opportunity to go out for a ride. Mark loves this trailer and has been looking forward to going on a bike ride in it.

Ok, Ok this isn't really a mode of transportation and Kyla can't really pull herself up to a stand yet but she sure loves standing and holding on to the couch or chair. She IS however CRAWLING!!! just started too with her first movements on March 3rd. She moved almost the length of the loveseat. She is pretty proud of herself when she's trying and can move from sitting to leaning forward into a crawl postion already so there's no stopping her now. She is already 1 week ahead of Mark in this development so I think we're in for it with very BUSY kids!!

Bible Quiz

So here's a post without our kids. Yes it's hard to believe some times that life outside the world of kids exsist but it does. Ray and I signed up for 8 weeks of Marriage enrichment sessions. There's about 30 couples of all ages. Video's to watch and topics to discuss in groups and as a couple. It's great to know we are taking care of eachother the best way we know how and there is always more tips we can pick up. Anyways, I won't go into the details but I did want to share with you this quiz they passed out. Nothing really to do with marriages but it was something to do together. So give it a try. The biggest challenge is to time yourself. Try to complete it within 10 minutes or less.

This is a special test of your knowledge of the books of the bible. See if you can find all of the books of the bible that are mentioned. There are 16.
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"I once made a remark about hidden books of the bible. It was a lulu; kept people looking so hard for the facts...and others it was a revelation. Some were in a jam, especially since the names of the books were not capitalized. But the truth finally struck home to numbers of our readers. To others it was a real job. We want it to be a most fascinationg few moments for you. Yes, there will be some really easy ones to spot. Others may require judges to help them. I will quickly admit it usually takes a pastor to find one of them, and there will be a loud lamentations when it is found. A little lady says she brews a cup of tea so she can concentrate better. See how well you can compete. Relax now, for there really are sixteen names of the bible in this paragraph."

????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? we've found all but one so I guess it's just like they said "it will take a pastor to find one". Good luck!!

Our "cutie"

I will always say we have cute kids. I guess we're just biased but that's ok. I know every parent says the same thing but really if you didn't that would be so sad. So let's just take a moment and brag a bit.

Aren't they cute!! ok ok Mark is not as happy as he normally is but that is because he's two and was making faces in all the other shots having a grand old time watching me snap pictures over and over again. So this is the only one that isn't blurry from his constant movment. So we tried again with Kyla later. Sorry I have rotated her again and again on our photo shop but each time I transfer her into this blog she gets fliped back to sidewise. Don't hurt your neck I don't have medical for all of you!! She is cute though!!

On the beach in February

It's always great to watch kids on the beach. They love to dig and build castles. Even if it's not summer.

It was especially nice to know it was February, there was no snow and we were enjoying watching Mark create with the sand and rocks and sticks that he collected. I guess it's already a week ago that we went but I havn't been able to sit down and fill you all in on the details. We had a great holiday down to White Rock and luckly had great weather while we were there. Great to see family and enjoy the view. Hadn't seen some family for awhile so that was nice to catch up on how things are going. The highlights were the beach for Mark and the Aquarium for all of us not just Mark. Watching the Blugua Whales and Dolphin shows as well as seeing the many types of fish in the ocean.

It's been years since Ray or myself had been there so it was a treat to go and especially fun watching Mark's reaction to it all. I love how expressive kids are. So that was our mini get-a-way for February.

Hole Punched!!

I think the debate has been going on for ages. It really depends on who you ask as to what the answer will be. It also greatly depends on your own child rearing, I'm told. but not always. But as for me I have always thought; If I ever have a baby girl I would have her ears peirced. AND SO THEY WERE!! Really Ray and I have been talking about this for months. Well, almost since the beginning of Kyla. I really wanted to her to have earings and he wanted nothing to do with it. Now, he was never against it being done it was just a matter of when and that he didn't want to be there holding this crying baby down, or dealing with a cranky baby afterwards. So after much discussion and making sure there were no hard feelings and this was ok the plan was in place. I wanted it to be special, not that having it done wasn't special but something more. So as soon as I heard Auntie Mel was coming to see us I knew that was the weekend to have it done. I thought it might be a special thing to do with my sister (who has two boys) and my mom. Little did I know she had it done as an adult and the memory is still negative in her mind. Acutally neither Grandma's wanted to be there. Both of them at the thought of it said "oouch" Why??" But Auntie Mel thought it was a good idea. I was a nice mom though, I got numbing cream for her ears, I checked into a highly recommend place that did both ears at the same time and the ladies were experienced, and of course gave here a dose of tylonal as that fixes everything. Ray decided last minute instead of waiting with Grandma and Mark he probably could handle being there so I was happy to see him enter the store just in time to see it all happen. Two guns pointed at my baby girls ears and bang it was all done. The look on her face was a smile as everyone around her was smiling. She laughted and then as everyone in the store seemed to get right in her face to see the sparkles the tears came. Only momentarily but the shock of it all was enough. So our pretty princess now sparkles in the glimpse of light!! Amazingly she did great. She still is doing great - not complaining at sleep times or while I (of course remember Ray wanted nothing to do with this) clean and turn her earings. IT IS JUST HOW I IMAGINED IT - SPARKLING AND BEAUTIFUL!!

Girls and Chocolate!!

What two things could go better together? I don't think there are many girls out there that when offered a time out, with chocolate involved refuse to make the effort to go. I was invited out on two occasions this last month for two fondue party nights. Now, fondue is not something you do often, or atleast I don't so of course I would love to go. Twice in one month now that is excieting!! Both parties were very different not to say that one was better then the other. Acutally you can't really compare them they were so different. From the chocolate involved; 'Bernard' to special chocolate chips, to the presentation; a fountain flowing with chocolate verses individual bowls, and of course the people make a huge difference; a birthday party with a house full of women to a small group of women around the dinning room table. Don't get me wrong I am not comparing the two as I said, I had an amazing time at both parties and wouldn't not have either of them any other way. I do have to admit though, earlier in one of my blogs I mentioned that I would love to have some time with women talking about life and not just about kids. Last night was just that. These are women that I am just starting to get to know through a small group sort of thing at church. Of course kids were brought up now and then as many of us moms have a story or two that can be related to a topic or something funny to share about how our kids interpret the things around them, but all in all we sat there around the table talking about life and laughing until almost midnight. It was just the sort of thing I was needing. Of course sitting in front of chocolate doesn't bother me either. So thanks girls for the time out. I know I said it in person but again Thanks!!
So to all those women out there that love chocolate; invite some friends over and have a fondue - what ever the style; in a fondue pot, individual bowls or even a fountain if you desire, it's definately worth the time invested into eachother's lives!!
Here's to chocolate and friends!!

A Bad Day

Ever wake up one the wrong side of the bed and just feel like you need to restart your day somehow. Well that was me today. Having kids they just don't let you go back to bed. I know I had playgroup today to take the kids too so up I got and got ready to go. While having breakfast I read the Daily Bread and Mark reads his Bible Stories for Tiny Tots ( he initiated doing this on his own which really makes me happy). Anyways, guess what todays topic was in the Daily Bread? You guessed it, "A Bad Day?" Here I learned that not only was I feeling like it was a bad day it ACTUALLY IS !!! For those of you who didn't read it it said "Dr. Cliff Arnall, a British psychologist, has developed a formula to determine the worst day of the year. One factor is the time elapsed since Christmas, after the holiday glow has given way to the reality of credit-card bills. Gloomy winter weather, short days, and the failure to keep New Year's resolutions...Last year January 24th recieved the dubious distinction of being 'the most depressing day of the year."!!! So there you have it, it wasn't just waking up on the wrong side of the bed, it actually is a Bad Day!! I know many of you would say well you didn't quote the rest of the Daily Bread because it does go on to say how we as Christians need to remember "even when circumstances hang a sign on our calendar saying "Bad Day" the Creator enables us to thank Him for the gift of life and to recieve each day with joy." Thanks David McCasland for reminding us of this in this Daily Bread it just was too perfect to read that this morning and I thought I should share that with you all!!

Read any good books?

For all of you readers out there. It's the beginning of a new year and time to set a goal for yourself. Make a list of all the books/authors you read in 2006. I recently read on someone's blog that they read 314 books in 2005. I don't plan to met that, nor beat it, but I would like to read some good books so any suggestions throw them our way.
Ray likes GRISHAM type (but he doesn't write them fast enough)
Mel likes Christian Fiction but currently reading MAEVE BINCHY
Out of all the books you read this year NEVER STOP READING THE BEST BOOK - THE BIBILE!!

What's new in MY world

I know I am a mom and it's great but sometimes you just need an out. A place to do your own thing, to be your own person. I often sit in a group of mom's and wonder why we all lost our own personal interests to our kids and yet that is what all of us have incommon so that is what we talk about - and I like that too. I find it tough at times to go through my day without taking time for myself. That "quite time" hour is so important for me as well as my kids. It's "MY TIME" I often tell Mark. Even if you just go play mommy needs her time. It can be reading, scrapbooking or even this - blogging/emailing. We all need somewhere that you don't talk about only what your kids are up to - toilet training.... So I entered the world of business once again. Home buisness so it's new and exciteing for me. I have recently become a Stampin UP demonstrator. Many of you know what that is and know that I have been having fun with Stampin UP products for almost 2 years now. For those of you not familar with it; Stampin UP is a rubber stamping company that promotes their products through home workshops specializing in card making, scrapbooking and home decor. I am a fan of all three and hope that this will be a means for me to get out of the house, meet new people, and have fun doing one of my favorite hobbies. I am starting with two parties this month; one with family and the other with friends. Thus the kick off for me as an 'Independent Stampin UP demonstrator' begins. Any questions feel free to ask.

This one's for you Dad

Our adorable little girl and everyone's favorite Pooh Bear!

Updated photo's

So here's a shot of the newest experience for Kyla. She loves her cereal - morning and night it is a highlight in her day. Now that she has been given the opportunity to eat she hates not being eye level with us at supper time so out came the high chair. Doesn't she look so tiny in there. Well she is - tiny I mean. She just made it to 14 lbs this week - she's 5 1/2 months!! Most of her "friends" are 1 to 2 1/2 mths younger then her and already the same size. I guess she's got my Nana's genes. Mark loves being the big brother and helping as you can see. And of course you all need to see her new "trick" sitting on the floor beside brother. Mark also likes to ask to hold her, but really it's just sitting behind her like we do and wraping his arms around her - needless to say it looks cute.

Thanks for the support

We just want to thank everyone for all their encouragement and support in this stage of life. Although there may still be a few accidents here and there, we have made huge progress!! I loved the idea of all or nothing. We went straight to underwear no pull ups and diapers only at sleep time. We said no turning back once we started and it was a go. Mark is definately learning and likes to show us his independence. Of course it is more work for us as parents to be watching the clock every hour but we'd rather watch the clock with no accidents then clean up the mess. So it's been a rough few weeks but totally worth it, I think. Sure cut costs on diapers too!! So THANKS TO ALL -for the advice and encouragement.

Crazyness in life!!

Just thought I would share what life has been like these last few weeks - since the Christmas season finished. Well we must be crazy and if we're not we sure are feeling like it. We decided for some silly reason that Mark was ready for toilet training. For all of you without kids - congrats for not having to deal with this, for those of you not there yet - don't worry your turn is coming, and for those of you with older kids - how in the world did you handle this and please give me tips!! I do remember the first time I went to Mom Group at RCC and I sat there 8 mths pregnant hearing all about people's experiences with toilet training I remember thinking this is probably good for me to hear but I'm glad it's not me. Well, here I am cleaning up more urine that I care to ever touch. I think this is more work for us parents then it is for the kid. I wonder how he can not be grossed out by wet legs but somehow it barely bothers him. Yesterday was the beginning of him telling us before peeing so I guess we have made progress in two weeks and it's about time. I do have to admit we have been lucky to not have more then one #2 accident, since we started that months ago he 'knows better' if you can say that. Anyways it truely is a whole new experience of watching the clock every hour. Anyways, not that you really want to hear about bathroom conversation but that is what is consuming my life right now. I guess we also have entered another world on Kyla's behalf. We are excieted to say she has learned to sit up with minimal to no support. She loves sitting or standing. Lying on her back is deffinately old news. She will tolerate her tummy but only for short times. I hope she will in the future more or how will she ever crawl - nevermind what am I saying if you think life is crazy now just wait till the 2nd one is mobile!! As excieted as we are it sure changes the fact that we can't leave the room even breifly. The other world she has entered is the world of solids. She absolutely loves cereal and the crazy part is Mark loves to feed her. What a great brother. Kyla gave a crazy disguesting face when trying carrots but didn't seem to mind peas the first time. Well, that's what we've been up to - DEALING WITH THE CRAZYNESS OF LIFE WITH KIDS.

HAPPY NEW YEARS

The beginning of 2006. I think that is officially the first time I have written it (typed it I guess). I not sure how all of you out there spent your evening bring in the new year but Ray and I had another fun. low key New Years eve. It's always nice to do something different. The last few years we have been home bodies with friends instead of the mass partiers. We had a great time playing Cranium with some new friends at their house. Jill, I guess we were on a similar wavelength. There was 6 of us adults and 3 little ones(2 being ours). Our friends 5 year old actually stayed up past midnight with us. And of course we watched the ball drop on TV and heard a few fireworks outside. Ever sit at the beginning of the year and wonder about all the many things that will occur in the next 12 months. I think back on this years adventures and really that is the best word to discribe it. Many things happened and as you live them out it really does feel like an adventure - never knowing what will test you, stretch you, or how God will use you. As I reflect I wonder if I would have handled things differently? How can I use 2005 to better prepare myself for 2006? How different it will be after such a move? What memories will we build with friends? Whom will our new friends been this year? What places will I see? (probably not a hot one like Cuba in 2005), how will I handle the kids this year? and yet on that note I am truely looking forward to watching Kyla grow and change this year as the first year there is always so much change, and Mark may finally surpass this 2 stage and be easier to handle. Well, I better be off to take care of them I think I hear them waking up. More thinking later.

Visit with Grandpa

Grandpa arrived and Mark was very excited to see him. Thanks Dad for coming! "My very own Grandpa" Mark said, and "Grandpa is Santa cause we can open presents when he comes". I love childhood comprehension of life. Really at this point I don't think it will matter if we don't teach him the difference. Mark had a great time playing with Grandpa. One of Mark's favorite games is puppets. It's sort of like hide and seek in his mind, with stuffed animals as they hide then come up. He is also really enjoying playing hide and seek with us. Being 2yrs he will say "Let's play hide and seek. I hide 'under the blanket' (or wherever it is) and you count.
We did open the presents and now the tree looks a bit bare. I actually think I might be ok with it coming down this week already. I can remember thinking Christmas trees can not be taken down until 1/2 way through January but I am ready for cleaning it up and having more space in this livingroom.
We also took in some hiking with Grandpa. Sort of remenising for Dad and I. We spent may hours hiking in the mountains years ago, so it was nice to get out and smell the cedars and enjoy God's creation this time of year. Mark was disappointed to not find that much snow to have snowball fights with Grandpa and Mom and Dad.
Well, Dad finally met Kyla and over the time of his visit she discovered more of her voice. That was great to see and hear. Laughing and making lots of loud cooing noises. Her voice is surprising low for a girl and yet she has a pretty high pitched cry when she wants too. The best laughing happened in the jolly jumper as mark swung her around and back and forth. I love watching him interact with her more and more.
Dad joined us with Ray's family for Christmas dinner. Went for a walk, played games and had a slide show (Always great to laugh at clothes and how people have changed.) Thanks Dad for coming even though it wasn't our family. I appreciated it.

Merry Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE. I hope everyone had a great holiday full of family time, relaxing and lots of food - guess that covers the typical holiday hey. We enjoyed skating only to have all the snow melt days later. I guess I was just praying to be like all of you spending Christmas with no snow that we had a green Christmas too. Mark looked for the small snow patches of snow for snowballs on our hike today. Kyla is laughing very obviously now and here she is in the "Christmas PJ's" passed down from her oldest cousin. Pretty good condition after 3 christmas's and 3 boys. The kids all got loads of gifts and the challenge now as parents is to deal with where everything belongs and which of their "old" toys we could but aside for now and bring out later. You know clutter control. This was another Christmas without a puzzle thanks to kids but another year of learning a great new game. Check out Carcassone. Well, I hope everyone continues to have a great holiday and Happy New Year.