I haven't written in a bit, not because things haven't been happening, I've just been tired I guess. Tonight I went to a lecture at STU on the genocide happening at this moment in Darfur, Africa. What I knew before tonight was very limited, now I feel I have a better understanding of what is going on.
Without going into all of it here, I must tell you about two things that really struck me tonight. The first was a quote by Martin Luther King: "We will have to repent in this generation; not merely for the hateful words and actions of bad people, but for the appalling silence of good people." I feel this is particularly so amongst many Christians, myself included, when it comes to international awareness, for instance with the genocide in Darfur, or the huge AIDS epidemic in Southern Africa. Both are displacing thousands, killing thousands, widowing and orphaning thousands. In my opinion, these are areas that should be lead by Christian awareness, relief, and action organizations. There are Christians doing this, for instance Jim Cantalon http://www.visionledd.com/ and http://wowmission.com/ and Bono from U2 http://www.one.org/. There is also The Micah Challenge http://www.micahchallenge.ca/ and other organizations that are realizing the need to speak up and do something.
The second thing was an interview tonight of a young woman in a refugee camp in Darfur, she was describing the attack on her village, murder of her family, rape of her sisters, and fleeing her home. She sat clutching her legs tightly to her chest and said “We have nothing but God and empty hands.” She held her slender hands open to the camera. She had nothing left, only a tiny bit of hope, “Ishallah” they say, meaning “if God wishes”, their situations might change.
Their situations MUST change and therefore WE must become aware of what is happening in the world around us and take responsibility! We cannot sit around, so innerly focused we neglect the reality of others situations. When genocide and epidemics of massive proportions are within our reach, we need to hear their cries, we must do something. I firmly believe, not to get all spiritual on you or anything, that Jesus would be found in these places, were he here on this earth today. He would be with the homeless, the widow, the orphan, he would be offering hope, life, healing. Shouldn’t we be there as well?
What CAN we do?
Talk about it. This is so huge I think. Unless we talk about it, we can exist without it affecting our lives. Talk about it.
Show support for these people. Write letters to the Prime Minster, MP, call, visit them and share your concern. They told us tonight that it is less the quality and more the quantity that gets government talking and moving in these instances.
If this stuff gets at you as much as it does me, if you too feel helpless, but willing and wanting to help you can also check out these links that I was introduced to tonight, and I’d love for you to contact me so we could talk.
http://www.projectequity.org/project_darfur.php
http://www.geocities.com/castsudan/CanadiansagainstSlaveryandtortureinsudan.html
http://www.ect-shout.ca/
http://savedarfurcanada.org/
Be aware! Speak up!
Set free those who are held by chains without any reason. Untie the ropes that hold people as slaves. Set free those who are crushed. Break every evil chain. Share your food with hungry people. Provide homeless people with a place to stay. Give naked people clothes to wear. Provide for the needs of your own family... Get rid of the chains you use to hold others down. Stop pointing your finger at others as if they had done something wrong. Stop saying harmful things about them. Work hard to feed hungry people. Satisfy the needs of those who are crushed... Isaiah 58:6-12 (NIRV)
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Sunday, January 21, 2007
THEE Dress
Saturday Chad & I drove down to Sussex to meet up with Angela to do some wedding dress shopping and check out bridesmaids dresses. They have the cutest bridal boutique there,with some beautiful dresses. Angela looked beautiful in many of them and had her choice of a lot of them. But it was so obvious, isn't it often the case? when she stepped into THEE dress, it was just different. This one was made for her and fit her perfectly. It is elegant and beautiful and that's all I can possibly say about it before the wedding.
More than anything it was such a special time with Angela. It's not often I get time along with her and this is such a happy time for her and Adam. I wish you could see her face glow! I am so thankful to be a part of her day, and to have been able to be a part of that moment. She looks so beautiful in it! She will be a gorgeous bride, no question.
More than anything it was such a special time with Angela. It's not often I get time along with her and this is such a happy time for her and Adam. I wish you could see her face glow! I am so thankful to be a part of her day, and to have been able to be a part of that moment. She looks so beautiful in it! She will be a gorgeous bride, no question.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Our Christmas Morning
My favorite part of the day, regardless of the early moring look on my face. Chad on the other hand, as you can see, had been raring to go for quite awhile before I dragged my sorry butt out of bed. Here he is in his t-shirt from my sister & brother in law. Of course he loves it. "Silly Rabbit, trix are for kids!"
My Birthday
For my birthday this year--the great 2-7! Chad cooked me one of my favorite dishes Paht Thai, and then presented me with my birthday gift, some beautiful jewlery. I joked with him that the sooner we both figured out that jewlery worked, the better it would be for both of us! I love it so much, it's really pretty. Then we headed out for a late night movie, The Pursuit of Happyness, it was good and reminded us of how much we have. Bring on 27!
Our Christmas Tree
Unfortunatly , the pictures Chad & I took when we went to murder our Christmas tree were all blurry and out of focus so I won't share those ones, but here we are decorating our beauty.
Monday, January 08, 2007
A Snow Globe morning and a blister
It was snow! I woke up this morning to beautiful fluffy snow! Merry Christmas! a couple of weeks late, but it was pretty. I tore Chad away from the blasted Lego Star Wars and we went for a treck in the snow. I love it when the snow falls all fluffy like that, it makes me think I'm in a snowglobe, like when I was a little girl, imagining worlds away in those little globes.
Needless to say it didn't last, the rain it came and the snow turned to slush, heavy wet slush, hopefully it won't turn cold tonight and turn to ice for tomorrow.
Other than the snow globe walk that resulted in a nasty blister on my left hand foot due to boots that don't fit, the rest of the day was uneventful. I did get some reading in and a nice long bath, how I love a nice long bath. My fingers wrinkled from the water, my feet newly exfoliated thanks to Chad and my Christmas stocking, we had a simple supper and headed in to the Mall after supper. Chad dreamed a little dream of digital camera and I leafed through wedding magazines on my sister's behalf.
It was neat, I ran into a guy I went to school with, Kindergarten through grade twelve, I didn't even know he was in the city. Anyway we did a bit of catch up and conversation came around to occupation and then family. He asked me if I had family, I knew he meant was I married. I told him I'd gotten married a year and a half ago. Naturally we got around to him and he told me he'd done the dating thing but it didn't work out for him and it got me thinking about a conversation Chad & I had the other night about the good guys. This guy, he's a good guy. You can tell that even today, that good guy part of him is still there. He's good looking, well built, intelligent but a good guy and I don't get the impression he wants ultimatly, to be single, yet he is, because he's the good guy. Oh why, girls, don't we see the goldmine in that good guy?
Needless to say it didn't last, the rain it came and the snow turned to slush, heavy wet slush, hopefully it won't turn cold tonight and turn to ice for tomorrow.
Other than the snow globe walk that resulted in a nasty blister on my left hand foot due to boots that don't fit, the rest of the day was uneventful. I did get some reading in and a nice long bath, how I love a nice long bath. My fingers wrinkled from the water, my feet newly exfoliated thanks to Chad and my Christmas stocking, we had a simple supper and headed in to the Mall after supper. Chad dreamed a little dream of digital camera and I leafed through wedding magazines on my sister's behalf.
It was neat, I ran into a guy I went to school with, Kindergarten through grade twelve, I didn't even know he was in the city. Anyway we did a bit of catch up and conversation came around to occupation and then family. He asked me if I had family, I knew he meant was I married. I told him I'd gotten married a year and a half ago. Naturally we got around to him and he told me he'd done the dating thing but it didn't work out for him and it got me thinking about a conversation Chad & I had the other night about the good guys. This guy, he's a good guy. You can tell that even today, that good guy part of him is still there. He's good looking, well built, intelligent but a good guy and I don't get the impression he wants ultimatly, to be single, yet he is, because he's the good guy. Oh why, girls, don't we see the goldmine in that good guy?
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Recapping the Canvass for 2006
Chad gave an interesting thought or two tonight at the prayer concert at church. He talked about 2006 being a canvass. He asked us if we were to paint our year what it would look like. I did some thinking about 2006, of course with the much of the rest of the world the New Year brought some contemplation on my part. I realized that 2006 had a lot of dark and lonely spots for me. I often felt like I was alone and unseen. Not that people didn’t see me, or weren’t watching me, but worse, that people were seeing me, but that I, the real me, was unseen. It was a really lonely year in many ways. I longed for someone to just sit with me and “see” me, but I didn’t know how to ask for it, or who to ask it from.
There were major moments of fear and concern when my niece Kaitlyn got so sick and was in the hospital for a few weeks. I had a new understanding of the heartache involved when a little one you love is so sick. My heart broke with fear and helplessness and she wasn’t even my daughter.
I felt fear when my sister Angela was in a terrible car crash and amazement when I realized how God had protected her, that her walking away from the scene was a miracle in itself. I realized in a new way how much I love my sisters and would do anything to help them and protect them.
I realized this year that more of me than I realized was wrapped up in my work defining who I am. Since I was 15 I’ve always been working a couple of jobs and studying and for the first time I was just waiting on a phone call for supply work. This was so remarkably hard on me, and surprised me immensely.
At the same time, there were many bright spots on my canvass. I finished school and graduated, which was a huge accomplishment, I had gone back and regardless of situation, persevered and finished my degree, making a dream reality. I flew for the first time, another dream come true, and dipped my toes in the Pacific which was very exciting! I had a couple really big “God moments” where I was given new understanding from God about how I was in His will, and He was taking even the mistakes of my life and turning them together for His plan for me. I completed my first attempt at a Novel, and got my first job as a teacher.
So what of 2007, what will that canvass look like? Honestly I am glad I don’t know, good and bad it is best to take things day at a time, often that is more than enough I have found. I hope to have a better and more secure feeling of self, I got a little lost last year and I found that really hard. I hope to strengthen and build my marriage with Chad, I long for some exciting adventures, and to spend time building deeper relationships with my family members and friends, making them more of a priority. But more than all of this I want to pursue more of God, more regular time with Him, listening and waiting and reading His word, and seeing him more in my everyday.
So 2007 here we go. May the love and power, strength and grace of God sustain us, build us, challenge and refresh us in this upcoming year.
There were major moments of fear and concern when my niece Kaitlyn got so sick and was in the hospital for a few weeks. I had a new understanding of the heartache involved when a little one you love is so sick. My heart broke with fear and helplessness and she wasn’t even my daughter.
I felt fear when my sister Angela was in a terrible car crash and amazement when I realized how God had protected her, that her walking away from the scene was a miracle in itself. I realized in a new way how much I love my sisters and would do anything to help them and protect them.
I realized this year that more of me than I realized was wrapped up in my work defining who I am. Since I was 15 I’ve always been working a couple of jobs and studying and for the first time I was just waiting on a phone call for supply work. This was so remarkably hard on me, and surprised me immensely.
At the same time, there were many bright spots on my canvass. I finished school and graduated, which was a huge accomplishment, I had gone back and regardless of situation, persevered and finished my degree, making a dream reality. I flew for the first time, another dream come true, and dipped my toes in the Pacific which was very exciting! I had a couple really big “God moments” where I was given new understanding from God about how I was in His will, and He was taking even the mistakes of my life and turning them together for His plan for me. I completed my first attempt at a Novel, and got my first job as a teacher.
So what of 2007, what will that canvass look like? Honestly I am glad I don’t know, good and bad it is best to take things day at a time, often that is more than enough I have found. I hope to have a better and more secure feeling of self, I got a little lost last year and I found that really hard. I hope to strengthen and build my marriage with Chad, I long for some exciting adventures, and to spend time building deeper relationships with my family members and friends, making them more of a priority. But more than all of this I want to pursue more of God, more regular time with Him, listening and waiting and reading His word, and seeing him more in my everyday.
So 2007 here we go. May the love and power, strength and grace of God sustain us, build us, challenge and refresh us in this upcoming year.
2007
New Years was busy (LOL! What else is new) but good. New Years Eve we had the annual church potluck, which took on a different feel this year with kazoo’s and toilet paper models, so it was “SSC interesting”. More than that I was excited to get on the road for Elgin. Chad and I decided that since we didn’t get down to Elgin over Christmas because my family was all puking their guts out, we would try and make the trip for New Years before he had to head back to work. The roads were great and we were in Elgin by 10:30pm.
It was great playing with Kaitlyn, who was not very interested in going to bed. She showed me her presents under the tree and we had a blast playing with her. She’s such a doll. But the highlight of the night was when Angela came home. Adam had taken her out for a night on the town, a surprise, and we were all thrilled when they came home engaged!
Adam took Angela to the place of their first date and after a long walk in the cold proposed. I am so happy for them! I was so happy to be able to be part of the moment too! It was fun listening to Angela get excited about her new life with Adam and make plans! I will cherish the moment! Looks like a great start to 2007 and a wedding to look forward to in June!
It was great playing with Kaitlyn, who was not very interested in going to bed. She showed me her presents under the tree and we had a blast playing with her. She’s such a doll. But the highlight of the night was when Angela came home. Adam had taken her out for a night on the town, a surprise, and we were all thrilled when they came home engaged!
Adam took Angela to the place of their first date and after a long walk in the cold proposed. I am so happy for them! I was so happy to be able to be part of the moment too! It was fun listening to Angela get excited about her new life with Adam and make plans! I will cherish the moment! Looks like a great start to 2007 and a wedding to look forward to in June!
A Visit With The Hardings
Saturday came around quickly enough and Chad & I had the privilege of meeting up with ol’ friends Krista & Jadon Harding, home for a bit from NFLD. We had brunch at the Kozak’s and did a bit of catch up over waffles, blueberry sauce and bacon. It certainly wasn’t enough time, but it was better than nothing and great to see their smiling faces again. Good friends are hard to come by it seems.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
The Christmas Rundown
Christmas ’06 proved busy as usual with many events leading up to Christmas itself I found myself longing for a few days of quiet.
Christmas Eve was a full day. We had Sunday morning service, just one for some family time, and then I had a band practice for that night. At 2pm we headed home for a nap and to get ready for evening services practice at 4:30pm. This was the first year our church moved to 2 candlelight evening services. Of course there are always wrinkles that need to be ironed out after such a change, but for the most part things went really well. In the 6pm service we had 600+ people, and in the 8pm service there were over 300+ people. A full house and a much needed change. Chad and I were both really tired and hungry after services so we headed home around 9:30pm. At home we sat under the tree and munched on the best jalapeno cheese ball, crackers, sweets and eggnog until we were too tired to stay up much longer.
Christmas morning Chad was up early and showered, sitting on our bedroom floor on his laptop waiting for me to wake up. Christmas morning was undeniably my most favourite time this Christmas. Chad got the coffee started and we headed out for the tree. It was so fun opening our gifts together. Chad did a fabulous job getting me things I absolutely love! He is such a bargain hunter too! He loves the thrill of the hunt. I am a lucky gal. I’m quite excitable too. Some “Chad presents” that were highlights for me: my Willow Tree Nativity, a laminator for school, Adrienne Clarkson’s biography, and some fabulous shampoo, moisturizer, lotion and lovely girly stuff. Mom made us a beautiful quilt and it smells just like her. I love to cozy up in it and remember my mom like a little girl. Mom & Dad also got us this really cool serving platter that folds out from under itself. So cool. Anyway, Christmas morning was the best. Chad & I called my family in Moncton on speaker phone and listened to them open up our presents, it was great to be able to share that with them.
At noon we got ourselves cleaned up and out the door to Chad’s Grammie B’s. There we ate munchies and opened up gifts to and from each other. From there we moved over to Chad’s Aunt Susan’s for dinner. Here we had a massive spread of food and made sure all of us were busting at the seams. Around 5pm we headed to Sharon & Gary’s for more Christmas gift opening to and from each other. Around 8:30pm or so we headed to our home to crash for the rest of the night. What a full day.
Boxing day we were supposed to head down to Elgin to spend a couple of days with my family but we got a call Christmas Day night from them saying they were all sick with the flu. For the week everyone from my 1 ½ year old niece Kaitlyn to my Grampy who is 77 battled the flu. It was so bad my sister and her husband and my other sisters fiancé had to leave my parents because there wasn’t enough bathroom time with their 2 bathrooms. I felt really bad for them, and a bit bad for myself, I wanted to spend a bit of time with them.
The upside for us was that no one knew we were in Fredericton, we were supposed to be in Elgin, so we spent a really quite pj day at home reading and having a lovely dinner together. The quite I had longed for.
Christmas Eve was a full day. We had Sunday morning service, just one for some family time, and then I had a band practice for that night. At 2pm we headed home for a nap and to get ready for evening services practice at 4:30pm. This was the first year our church moved to 2 candlelight evening services. Of course there are always wrinkles that need to be ironed out after such a change, but for the most part things went really well. In the 6pm service we had 600+ people, and in the 8pm service there were over 300+ people. A full house and a much needed change. Chad and I were both really tired and hungry after services so we headed home around 9:30pm. At home we sat under the tree and munched on the best jalapeno cheese ball, crackers, sweets and eggnog until we were too tired to stay up much longer.
Christmas morning Chad was up early and showered, sitting on our bedroom floor on his laptop waiting for me to wake up. Christmas morning was undeniably my most favourite time this Christmas. Chad got the coffee started and we headed out for the tree. It was so fun opening our gifts together. Chad did a fabulous job getting me things I absolutely love! He is such a bargain hunter too! He loves the thrill of the hunt. I am a lucky gal. I’m quite excitable too. Some “Chad presents” that were highlights for me: my Willow Tree Nativity, a laminator for school, Adrienne Clarkson’s biography, and some fabulous shampoo, moisturizer, lotion and lovely girly stuff. Mom made us a beautiful quilt and it smells just like her. I love to cozy up in it and remember my mom like a little girl. Mom & Dad also got us this really cool serving platter that folds out from under itself. So cool. Anyway, Christmas morning was the best. Chad & I called my family in Moncton on speaker phone and listened to them open up our presents, it was great to be able to share that with them.
At noon we got ourselves cleaned up and out the door to Chad’s Grammie B’s. There we ate munchies and opened up gifts to and from each other. From there we moved over to Chad’s Aunt Susan’s for dinner. Here we had a massive spread of food and made sure all of us were busting at the seams. Around 5pm we headed to Sharon & Gary’s for more Christmas gift opening to and from each other. Around 8:30pm or so we headed to our home to crash for the rest of the night. What a full day.
Boxing day we were supposed to head down to Elgin to spend a couple of days with my family but we got a call Christmas Day night from them saying they were all sick with the flu. For the week everyone from my 1 ½ year old niece Kaitlyn to my Grampy who is 77 battled the flu. It was so bad my sister and her husband and my other sisters fiancé had to leave my parents because there wasn’t enough bathroom time with their 2 bathrooms. I felt really bad for them, and a bit bad for myself, I wanted to spend a bit of time with them.
The upside for us was that no one knew we were in Fredericton, we were supposed to be in Elgin, so we spent a really quite pj day at home reading and having a lovely dinner together. The quite I had longed for.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Christmas Baking Marathon
Last night I had my friend, Jackie in for our annual baking marathon. Ok, its my baking marathon but Jackie comes along for the ride. I must say we were especailly good this year. We made peanut butter balls, marshmellow treats, melting moments cookies and peanut butter fudge in about 2 1/2 hours! I was really impressed! So that, plus the few treats I've bought for Christmas and I think we're ready to go from the baking end of things!
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
A Full Heart
December 19, 2006
Last night after work Chad & I went over to the Billington’s for Autumn’s birthday supper. She turned the big 2-0! I know Chad found it hard to believe his little sister was all grown up. Sharon, as usual, put on a massive spread of food! Gosh, I haven’t felt that full in ages. Meatballs, mashed potatoes, carrots, corn, brown rolls….and then Marble cake with gooey chocolate icing and way too much ice-cream! I then we wondered why we had to lay on the floor and moan discomfort!
Savanna, of course is a riot! What a hoot! The extra sugar from the chocolate and ice-cream probably didn’t help! Autumn got this cool Winnie the Pooh and friends dancing thing that played Christmas songs and Savanna loved it. She would dance, bending her knees a tiny bit, but she’s a head banger! She would just stand there, bopping her head like a cool dude. I thought I was going to cry laughing at her! Over and over again she’d say Momma, Nanna, Poppa, Doug and Kad (for Chad), of course also Ned and Mudd (her imaginary friends we think) and I don’t remember the other guys name, and then toward the end of the night she just pointed at me and said Heidi! I couldn’t believe it! I have a harder name to say so I didn’t expect her to get it for a while, but it was clear as day and totally made my birthday week! She’s such a doll! And has the most adorable smile!
Autumn opened her birthday gifts (with the big and potentially embarrassing Christmas present on the way at Christmas) and then I got to open my gifts! Autumn and Savanna gave me these adorable gingerbread men that bob—how I love gingerbread men! And Sharon and Gary gave me a box of mint chocolates (oh yum---goodbye waist goodbye) and the cutest wooden snowman head with a tree cut out in the hat and a light inside. It sounds weird but it is so great and sits in my window at home—I love him! But more than anything I love the card Autumn gave me. When I read it I didn’t know what to think, I was stunned, trying not to cry. It was so beautiful and I will treasure it forever. It said that she thought of me often and was so happy I was part of the family. Honestly I have found it hard coming into a new family and wondering at times if they would just prefer I hadn’t taken Chad away from them, I know the change hasn’t been easy on them either. It meant so much to me to know that she likes me, I hope over time to develop a better relationship. My cherished gift this year, is that card.
So in tummy agony, but full heart we went home for the night and I hit the sack early so that I would feel more rested for work today, than yesterday. The birthday week continues.
Last night after work Chad & I went over to the Billington’s for Autumn’s birthday supper. She turned the big 2-0! I know Chad found it hard to believe his little sister was all grown up. Sharon, as usual, put on a massive spread of food! Gosh, I haven’t felt that full in ages. Meatballs, mashed potatoes, carrots, corn, brown rolls….and then Marble cake with gooey chocolate icing and way too much ice-cream! I then we wondered why we had to lay on the floor and moan discomfort!
Savanna, of course is a riot! What a hoot! The extra sugar from the chocolate and ice-cream probably didn’t help! Autumn got this cool Winnie the Pooh and friends dancing thing that played Christmas songs and Savanna loved it. She would dance, bending her knees a tiny bit, but she’s a head banger! She would just stand there, bopping her head like a cool dude. I thought I was going to cry laughing at her! Over and over again she’d say Momma, Nanna, Poppa, Doug and Kad (for Chad), of course also Ned and Mudd (her imaginary friends we think) and I don’t remember the other guys name, and then toward the end of the night she just pointed at me and said Heidi! I couldn’t believe it! I have a harder name to say so I didn’t expect her to get it for a while, but it was clear as day and totally made my birthday week! She’s such a doll! And has the most adorable smile!
Autumn opened her birthday gifts (with the big and potentially embarrassing Christmas present on the way at Christmas) and then I got to open my gifts! Autumn and Savanna gave me these adorable gingerbread men that bob—how I love gingerbread men! And Sharon and Gary gave me a box of mint chocolates (oh yum---goodbye waist goodbye) and the cutest wooden snowman head with a tree cut out in the hat and a light inside. It sounds weird but it is so great and sits in my window at home—I love him! But more than anything I love the card Autumn gave me. When I read it I didn’t know what to think, I was stunned, trying not to cry. It was so beautiful and I will treasure it forever. It said that she thought of me often and was so happy I was part of the family. Honestly I have found it hard coming into a new family and wondering at times if they would just prefer I hadn’t taken Chad away from them, I know the change hasn’t been easy on them either. It meant so much to me to know that she likes me, I hope over time to develop a better relationship. My cherished gift this year, is that card.
So in tummy agony, but full heart we went home for the night and I hit the sack early so that I would feel more rested for work today, than yesterday. The birthday week continues.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Birthday WEEK!
The Birthday Week has arrived! Saturday night I had plans to go out for dinner with Betty Anne, Shelley and Amy—girls night. It was fun! We went to Jungle Jims in Oromocto, where the boil order is still in play so we all bought JUMBO pop—YIKES! The food was really late coming so we just kept drinking and drinking and drinking. I had no idea how much I had downed until the end of dinner when I looked up and realized I’d had at least 2 ½ Jumbo Diet Pepsi. No wonder my back teeth were floating (as my Mom would say).
Then we came back to my place for coffee and chat and the girls surprised me with birthday gifts and Dairy Queen Birthday cake! How nice! Betty Anne informs me that when you get older you no longer have birthDAY but birthday WEEK. This sounds good to me! I don’t mind being spoiled at all! FUN!
I’m actually really excited about turning 27. I’ve always thought that my 27th year was going to be filled with good things. So bring it on!
Then we came back to my place for coffee and chat and the girls surprised me with birthday gifts and Dairy Queen Birthday cake! How nice! Betty Anne informs me that when you get older you no longer have birthDAY but birthday WEEK. This sounds good to me! I don’t mind being spoiled at all! FUN!
I’m actually really excited about turning 27. I’ve always thought that my 27th year was going to be filled with good things. So bring it on!
Saturday, December 16, 2006
These are a few of my favorite things!
1. Eggnog or Hot Chocolate? Both! But Eggnog just at Christmas, with a little nutmeg on top, sitting in the living room (in front of the fire if we had one) with all the lights off but the tree and candles—listen to the beauty of the Christmas Tree sing!
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Oh! He’s GOT to wrap them! Absolutely necessary! Because you don’t see Santa’s gifts until the morning when you wake up the suspense is just crazy, wondering what can possibly be in that box!
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Absolutely coloured, although ironically enough we have white lights on our deck and little birch tree this year. But that’s just because that is all Marden’s had on sale. (You should have bought it when you saw it at Mardens!) Eventually when we’re rolling in doe it will be coloured for sure! But absolutely coloured on the tree, no give or take there.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? I've always wanted to. Mom & Dad had a plastic mistletoe they would hang at Christmas when I was a kid, not that it made much of a difference then, but Id like to have some now. Fun!
5. When do you put your decorations up? When we can find some time! But I do have a rule, no Christmas music or decorations until after Remembrance Day. Usually we get our tree around the second weekend of December and decorate then.
6 What is your favourite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? This is a tricky one, I love so many different holiday foods! Excluding dessert helps. I love dressing (the way my Mom does it) and the turkey, but probably one of my favourites is the hot turkey sandwiches with French fries that we make with the leftovers, the day after….yum yum….oh the gravy….and pees….
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: Christmas Eve Mom would be putting together a huge spread of treats, appetizers etc. and we would have run around all day dropping off everyone’s gifts. Us girls would often watch a Christmas Special on while Mom got ready and then Dad would put a fire in the fireplace and we would all play our instruments, even Mom would play, and Mom would read the Christmas story. It was a time we were all together, just quiet and not running with the regular business, and just enjoying each other. Eventually we would hang our socks and go to bed and I remember whispering with my sisters across the hall, trying to fall asleep before Santa came. This was such a special time when my family would just stop and hit pause on life and enjoy each other.
8. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? No. Christmas Eve was always about focusing on Jesus’ birth and sacred more quiet family time. We saved the Christmas gifts for Christmas Day and I can’t imagine doing it any other way.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? Usually the evening after we get our Christmas tree and the branches have fallen Chad puts up the lights, thank goodness I hate that job! And then we take all of our ornaments, some we made as children, others we collected along the way, and some we’ve gotten together and hang them. Then I put on the ribbon after, loving the effect and doing my best not to curse the process! Then we sit around after and enjoy the lights and maybe some holiday eggnog and Christmas music.
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Love it and I so desperately want a sleigh ride this year! I can’t imagine Christmas without snow, but it’s not looking good this year. I do get really really sick of snow come February, but generally I love it and count it a necessity at Christmastime.
12. Do you remember your favorite gift? I think every year of my life I’ve had a favourite gift. My Mom always tells the story about the year when I was really little and as she put me to bed Christmas Eve she asked what it was I wanted from Santa, and out of the blue, completely different then what I had said all year long, I said I wanted Lego. She nearly died! All the stores were closed, everything was shut down and Santa had not bought me any Lego! Dad assured her I would be thrilled with all of my Christmas gifts in the morning and forget all about it. But Christmas morning came and I was visibly upset I had not received any Lego. Near the very end of all the gift giving I opened a present from my Aunt that had a tiny package of Lego in with it and I was thrilled! I had my lego! Then I remember the year I got my stereo, yes stereo! And my typewriter, I was going to be novelist, and so many others! Last year one of my favourites was a bunch of stones my sister had painted and decorated for every season for when I have my own classroom.
13. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Taking a bit of time to reflect on the significance of Jesus coming to earth to offer every human regardless of stature, culture, race or gender true hope and life. And spending some “quality” time with family and friends, and having the opportunity to express my love for them in a more tangible way than I might during the year.
14. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Peanut Butter Balls. Since I was a kid they were my favortie! Mom hated rolling them out so since we were really little my sisters and I would always roll them for her and she would dip them. Of course we ate nearly a third of what we rolled but it was so much fun! I like them when they’ve just come out of the freezer and they’ve thawed but not so much that they are gooey sweet! I also love them the way my Mom makes them of course! With ricecrispies!
15. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Same as my favourite Christmas memory as a child. (Christmas Eve Mom would be putting together a huge spread of treats, appetizers etc. and we would have run around all day dropping off everyone’s gifts. Us girls would often watch a Christmas Special on while Mom got ready and then Dad would put a fire in the fireplace and we would all play our instruments, even Mom would play, and Mom would read the Christmas story. It was a time we were all together, just quiet and not running with the regular business, and just enjoying each other. Eventually we would hang our socks and go to bed and I remember whispering with my sisters across the hall, trying to fall asleep before Santa came. This was such a special time when my family would just stop and hit pause on life and enjoy each other.)
16. What tops your tree? Nothing right now, but I remember the year that my Mom and I spent over an hour sitting on the floor at K-Mart going through all the beautiful Angel tree tops and finding the one that had the most perfect face. I’m looking for something similar for our tree and until I find it I will settle for nothing less!
17. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving? Absolutely giving! (Not that I don't like getting presents too) How much fun it is to think of a gift you think your loved one will love or enjoy and then wait for them to open it. This is the hardest part for me! If I think I’ve found something they love I want them to have it right away! I guess the anticipation for me about their gifts is greater than about my own gifts a lot of the time!
18. What is your favorite Christmas Song? O Holy Night and The little Drummer Boy
19. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? Yum! I don’t get super crazy excited about them or anything, but after a meal, or dinner out or something I do enjoy sucking on a peppermint one for awhile. Kinda nice. And I love Candy Cane ice cream! Yum yum!
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Oh! He’s GOT to wrap them! Absolutely necessary! Because you don’t see Santa’s gifts until the morning when you wake up the suspense is just crazy, wondering what can possibly be in that box!
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Absolutely coloured, although ironically enough we have white lights on our deck and little birch tree this year. But that’s just because that is all Marden’s had on sale. (You should have bought it when you saw it at Mardens!) Eventually when we’re rolling in doe it will be coloured for sure! But absolutely coloured on the tree, no give or take there.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? I've always wanted to. Mom & Dad had a plastic mistletoe they would hang at Christmas when I was a kid, not that it made much of a difference then, but Id like to have some now. Fun!
5. When do you put your decorations up? When we can find some time! But I do have a rule, no Christmas music or decorations until after Remembrance Day. Usually we get our tree around the second weekend of December and decorate then.
6 What is your favourite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? This is a tricky one, I love so many different holiday foods! Excluding dessert helps. I love dressing (the way my Mom does it) and the turkey, but probably one of my favourites is the hot turkey sandwiches with French fries that we make with the leftovers, the day after….yum yum….oh the gravy….and pees….
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: Christmas Eve Mom would be putting together a huge spread of treats, appetizers etc. and we would have run around all day dropping off everyone’s gifts. Us girls would often watch a Christmas Special on while Mom got ready and then Dad would put a fire in the fireplace and we would all play our instruments, even Mom would play, and Mom would read the Christmas story. It was a time we were all together, just quiet and not running with the regular business, and just enjoying each other. Eventually we would hang our socks and go to bed and I remember whispering with my sisters across the hall, trying to fall asleep before Santa came. This was such a special time when my family would just stop and hit pause on life and enjoy each other.
8. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? No. Christmas Eve was always about focusing on Jesus’ birth and sacred more quiet family time. We saved the Christmas gifts for Christmas Day and I can’t imagine doing it any other way.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? Usually the evening after we get our Christmas tree and the branches have fallen Chad puts up the lights, thank goodness I hate that job! And then we take all of our ornaments, some we made as children, others we collected along the way, and some we’ve gotten together and hang them. Then I put on the ribbon after, loving the effect and doing my best not to curse the process! Then we sit around after and enjoy the lights and maybe some holiday eggnog and Christmas music.
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Love it and I so desperately want a sleigh ride this year! I can’t imagine Christmas without snow, but it’s not looking good this year. I do get really really sick of snow come February, but generally I love it and count it a necessity at Christmastime.
12. Do you remember your favorite gift? I think every year of my life I’ve had a favourite gift. My Mom always tells the story about the year when I was really little and as she put me to bed Christmas Eve she asked what it was I wanted from Santa, and out of the blue, completely different then what I had said all year long, I said I wanted Lego. She nearly died! All the stores were closed, everything was shut down and Santa had not bought me any Lego! Dad assured her I would be thrilled with all of my Christmas gifts in the morning and forget all about it. But Christmas morning came and I was visibly upset I had not received any Lego. Near the very end of all the gift giving I opened a present from my Aunt that had a tiny package of Lego in with it and I was thrilled! I had my lego! Then I remember the year I got my stereo, yes stereo! And my typewriter, I was going to be novelist, and so many others! Last year one of my favourites was a bunch of stones my sister had painted and decorated for every season for when I have my own classroom.
13. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Taking a bit of time to reflect on the significance of Jesus coming to earth to offer every human regardless of stature, culture, race or gender true hope and life. And spending some “quality” time with family and friends, and having the opportunity to express my love for them in a more tangible way than I might during the year.
14. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Peanut Butter Balls. Since I was a kid they were my favortie! Mom hated rolling them out so since we were really little my sisters and I would always roll them for her and she would dip them. Of course we ate nearly a third of what we rolled but it was so much fun! I like them when they’ve just come out of the freezer and they’ve thawed but not so much that they are gooey sweet! I also love them the way my Mom makes them of course! With ricecrispies!
15. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Same as my favourite Christmas memory as a child. (Christmas Eve Mom would be putting together a huge spread of treats, appetizers etc. and we would have run around all day dropping off everyone’s gifts. Us girls would often watch a Christmas Special on while Mom got ready and then Dad would put a fire in the fireplace and we would all play our instruments, even Mom would play, and Mom would read the Christmas story. It was a time we were all together, just quiet and not running with the regular business, and just enjoying each other. Eventually we would hang our socks and go to bed and I remember whispering with my sisters across the hall, trying to fall asleep before Santa came. This was such a special time when my family would just stop and hit pause on life and enjoy each other.)
16. What tops your tree? Nothing right now, but I remember the year that my Mom and I spent over an hour sitting on the floor at K-Mart going through all the beautiful Angel tree tops and finding the one that had the most perfect face. I’m looking for something similar for our tree and until I find it I will settle for nothing less!
17. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving? Absolutely giving! (Not that I don't like getting presents too) How much fun it is to think of a gift you think your loved one will love or enjoy and then wait for them to open it. This is the hardest part for me! If I think I’ve found something they love I want them to have it right away! I guess the anticipation for me about their gifts is greater than about my own gifts a lot of the time!
18. What is your favorite Christmas Song? O Holy Night and The little Drummer Boy
19. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? Yum! I don’t get super crazy excited about them or anything, but after a meal, or dinner out or something I do enjoy sucking on a peppermint one for awhile. Kinda nice. And I love Candy Cane ice cream! Yum yum!
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
The Pressure Cooker heats up again
I had an interesting and passing conversation with a dear friend this afternoon. I was commenting on the recent news that I’ve been handing out dirty looks lately. I was telling her how I was surprised, that I used to be known for my smile, not my scowl, and then she said something surprising. She said I didn’t smile anymore. Unfortunately I didn’t get to “unpack that” (as Dr. Phil would say) with her, but had to run off.
Wow, what a lot to think about. One of my dear and trusted friends thinks I don’t smile anymore. I did have time to mention that is has been a really difficult year for me, but this came with more interesting comments, left unpacked, about the importance of choosing to smile and be happy regardless of how I feel, as that is ministry to people and what they need. I got thinking about this, a lot tonight. Of course, the tears are falling too, because I’m a sensitive shmuck.
Is that what I want to be about? Maybe that is what being married to a Pastor has been about for years, but I’m not sure I’m game for that being what I’m about. Don’t get me wrong I don’t want to harm my husband’s ministry…but is it not alright for me to show up to church as I am to worship God, be that happy, sad, tired, disgusted, ticked off? Is it not alright for a Pastor to go to church the same? No, I don’t mean pouring his/my heart and soul to every passer by, but not hiding a rough time either, putting on pretend happiness, is this ministry?
I have had one of the most difficult years of my life this past year, and although some people would hate to have to know that, and most people will pretend they don’t know, is forcing a smile really what people need? When I think of it over the past year, I have had more “ministry moments” because I was real about where I’m at, then I have had in more “cheery times”. I have had numerous people come to me and thank me for being real, that I was a breath of fresh air, in a trend of phoney Christianity. Why shouldn’t this be the way it is in the church? Is it not there, more than anywhere where people need to see that God meets us where we’re at, not necessarily making everything shinny happy smiling, but holding us when times are difficult.
So all of this to say, I’m going to continue being ME. This is all I know how to be really, and trying to be something else just isn’t going to work for me, regardless of how much pressure I feel to fit into the mould. Yeah, there will be those who really want a plastic smiling Pastor’s wife, but I’m afraid they are going to have to keep looking. I won’t give in to the pressure, I will be there for those who really need a fresh dose of how it is. Someone who knows what it’s like to be there and won’t pretend, but is also sure that God is meeting us where we’re at, making all the difference. Jesus certainly didn’t pretend. It’s time, now more than ever, to be real.
Wow, what a lot to think about. One of my dear and trusted friends thinks I don’t smile anymore. I did have time to mention that is has been a really difficult year for me, but this came with more interesting comments, left unpacked, about the importance of choosing to smile and be happy regardless of how I feel, as that is ministry to people and what they need. I got thinking about this, a lot tonight. Of course, the tears are falling too, because I’m a sensitive shmuck.
Is that what I want to be about? Maybe that is what being married to a Pastor has been about for years, but I’m not sure I’m game for that being what I’m about. Don’t get me wrong I don’t want to harm my husband’s ministry…but is it not alright for me to show up to church as I am to worship God, be that happy, sad, tired, disgusted, ticked off? Is it not alright for a Pastor to go to church the same? No, I don’t mean pouring his/my heart and soul to every passer by, but not hiding a rough time either, putting on pretend happiness, is this ministry?
I have had one of the most difficult years of my life this past year, and although some people would hate to have to know that, and most people will pretend they don’t know, is forcing a smile really what people need? When I think of it over the past year, I have had more “ministry moments” because I was real about where I’m at, then I have had in more “cheery times”. I have had numerous people come to me and thank me for being real, that I was a breath of fresh air, in a trend of phoney Christianity. Why shouldn’t this be the way it is in the church? Is it not there, more than anywhere where people need to see that God meets us where we’re at, not necessarily making everything shinny happy smiling, but holding us when times are difficult.
So all of this to say, I’m going to continue being ME. This is all I know how to be really, and trying to be something else just isn’t going to work for me, regardless of how much pressure I feel to fit into the mould. Yeah, there will be those who really want a plastic smiling Pastor’s wife, but I’m afraid they are going to have to keep looking. I won’t give in to the pressure, I will be there for those who really need a fresh dose of how it is. Someone who knows what it’s like to be there and won’t pretend, but is also sure that God is meeting us where we’re at, making all the difference. Jesus certainly didn’t pretend. It’s time, now more than ever, to be real.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Sunday, December 10, 2006
just another dirty look
So it's true, I was out for coffee with someone this past week, and yet another person mentioned that someone thought I was angry with them because I was giving them dirty looks. Perhaps I am inwardly angry, perhaps they are deeply insecure, but I have to wonder why it is I seem to give off dirty looks, or people seems to percieve dirty looks from me regularly?
Do these same people get dirty looks from everyone? or percieve themselves as recieving dirty looks from everyone? or is it really just me? Do I screw my face up in strange ways when I'm thinking? Do I make faces when I have gas? Do my contacts dry up, bringing on sqwishy eyes? I am intimidating with my strong pressence? Funny how I thought I was generally friendly...what happened?
Did I loose my friendliness? Did I become cold? When did I start giving out dirty looks over smiles? Or is this all just a bunch of crap I should let sift as quickly out of my brain as it came it to it? But what is the common denominator--let us make this about math...
Do these same people get dirty looks from everyone? or percieve themselves as recieving dirty looks from everyone? or is it really just me? Do I screw my face up in strange ways when I'm thinking? Do I make faces when I have gas? Do my contacts dry up, bringing on sqwishy eyes? I am intimidating with my strong pressence? Funny how I thought I was generally friendly...what happened?
Did I loose my friendliness? Did I become cold? When did I start giving out dirty looks over smiles? Or is this all just a bunch of crap I should let sift as quickly out of my brain as it came it to it? But what is the common denominator--let us make this about math...
6 days sont disparu!
Ok, so the last day I blogged was 6 days ago, which begs the question, what have I been up to these past 6 days that I couldn't find the time to blog. I always find time for the blog--the blog is my friend...he he. Okay now I'm just being weird.
Well, unfortunatly last monday morning found me sick, but I think I mentioned that last post. Nasty flu bug. Tuesday was a bunch the same, so really I'd say I did absoltuly nothing worth mentioning in those two days.
Wednesday found me working at school, and contemplating another day face first in the toilet bowl--you're welcome for the vivid imagery. But by Wednesday night I was up and about for the finale of The Marriage Course. A good night. A recommended course for sure.
Thursday found me with choir practice and a do nothing morning and afternoon, which I enjoyed emensly, I'm sorry to admit. We're preparing for our Cookies and Carols Christmas Concert next week, which should be a fun time. Then to my absolute horror, even after hurrying home from practice, there was no Grey's Anatomy-which I must admit just doesn't make Thursday nights the same!
So bring on Friday--a full day. I did work the day, which was good, and then came home long enough to throw together my rice for the potluck. Because Chad was out again introducing the Lapointes Christmas concert, we ended up running late for the caroling at the hospital, so we visited with friends of ours who just had their first baby, she is adorable! little Ella! Then we headed off for the rest of the caroling party which ended up at the church for potluck. Good times--oh and Chad went again to introduce the Lapointes second set of concert.
Saturday didn't dawn early-which is absolute bliss for me. I love to sleep in! And after I got up and while Chad was at the church working on the Youth Christmas Play's lights--I cleaned up the house preparing for...THE TREE....
Saturday around 4pm we headed out the Mazoroll Settlement Road to pick and as Chad would say, murder, our very own Christmas tree! It is so exciting! last year was the first year I'd ever gone to a farm and cut my very own tree down and until it becomes too difficult, I say it's a must do! So we found the perfect tree of course! Chad wanted a scrawny one, but I got my way and I must say it is perfect! We got it up and it only fell over once!
So today was church. Which I managed to sneak out of by accident, falling asleep after I dropped Chad off at church this morning. Tonight's Youth play was beyond fabulous--the best I've seen at SSC! And tonight Chad put the lights on the tree, so tomorrow is go to Houlton and pay on teh blasted student loan, and finish decorating the tree--assuming work doesn't call.
So that's my boring life! Advent basket has remained fun though! :)
Well, unfortunatly last monday morning found me sick, but I think I mentioned that last post. Nasty flu bug. Tuesday was a bunch the same, so really I'd say I did absoltuly nothing worth mentioning in those two days.
Wednesday found me working at school, and contemplating another day face first in the toilet bowl--you're welcome for the vivid imagery. But by Wednesday night I was up and about for the finale of The Marriage Course. A good night. A recommended course for sure.
Thursday found me with choir practice and a do nothing morning and afternoon, which I enjoyed emensly, I'm sorry to admit. We're preparing for our Cookies and Carols Christmas Concert next week, which should be a fun time. Then to my absolute horror, even after hurrying home from practice, there was no Grey's Anatomy-which I must admit just doesn't make Thursday nights the same!
So bring on Friday--a full day. I did work the day, which was good, and then came home long enough to throw together my rice for the potluck. Because Chad was out again introducing the Lapointes Christmas concert, we ended up running late for the caroling at the hospital, so we visited with friends of ours who just had their first baby, she is adorable! little Ella! Then we headed off for the rest of the caroling party which ended up at the church for potluck. Good times--oh and Chad went again to introduce the Lapointes second set of concert.
Saturday didn't dawn early-which is absolute bliss for me. I love to sleep in! And after I got up and while Chad was at the church working on the Youth Christmas Play's lights--I cleaned up the house preparing for...THE TREE....
Saturday around 4pm we headed out the Mazoroll Settlement Road to pick and as Chad would say, murder, our very own Christmas tree! It is so exciting! last year was the first year I'd ever gone to a farm and cut my very own tree down and until it becomes too difficult, I say it's a must do! So we found the perfect tree of course! Chad wanted a scrawny one, but I got my way and I must say it is perfect! We got it up and it only fell over once!
So today was church. Which I managed to sneak out of by accident, falling asleep after I dropped Chad off at church this morning. Tonight's Youth play was beyond fabulous--the best I've seen at SSC! And tonight Chad put the lights on the tree, so tomorrow is go to Houlton and pay on teh blasted student loan, and finish decorating the tree--assuming work doesn't call.
So that's my boring life! Advent basket has remained fun though! :)
Thinking Christian
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Monday, December 04, 2006
snow day...dec. FOUR
It was a beautiful snowy day today, unfortunatly the snow arrived only after several hours of vomitting and sick stomach misery for me, around 3am this morning. Gross. I hate being sick. Not that anybody much likes it. I haven't been sick much in the last few years, so I guess I was due. So I spent much of the day sleeping, (of course when I did finally get out of bed Chad met me with today's advent present-- scotch tape for more wrapping ) I watched a little t.v. in my jammies, nursing my upset stomach, then I had a long nap this afternoon and I've been feeling tons better since then.
The snow is so beautiful and the flakes were so fluffy today. I love looking out the window and imagining it is a snowglobe of my neighborhood. If only I could paint. I spent some of my sick afternoon on my living room couch watching our neighbor through the window as he shoveled his driveway and played with his very young little girl in the snow. They looked like they were having so much fun! She was all bundled up, hardly able to walk. She would fill her arms with snow and waddle over to her Dad who would pretend he didn't see her coming. She would walk right up to him until she could touch him and then dump the snow on his legs or boots. He would then jump back looking shocked, and she'd run off gleefully to fill her arms with more snow. Made me want to go out and play too.
Tonight Chad & I got our Christmas cards ready to head out the door. I'm quite pleased with our relative promptness on this one!
Well I'm headed to bed, feeling better and hoping to stay that way. Tomorrow will be better. Happy snow day!
The snow is so beautiful and the flakes were so fluffy today. I love looking out the window and imagining it is a snowglobe of my neighborhood. If only I could paint. I spent some of my sick afternoon on my living room couch watching our neighbor through the window as he shoveled his driveway and played with his very young little girl in the snow. They looked like they were having so much fun! She was all bundled up, hardly able to walk. She would fill her arms with snow and waddle over to her Dad who would pretend he didn't see her coming. She would walk right up to him until she could touch him and then dump the snow on his legs or boots. He would then jump back looking shocked, and she'd run off gleefully to fill her arms with more snow. Made me want to go out and play too.
Tonight Chad & I got our Christmas cards ready to head out the door. I'm quite pleased with our relative promptness on this one!
Well I'm headed to bed, feeling better and hoping to stay that way. Tomorrow will be better. Happy snow day!
Sunday, December 03, 2006
December THREE!
So it's the third of December already! Hard to believe! Chad woke me at 7:30, as is our custom on Sunday mornings when I don't have to be to choir practice and early service, and I drove him in, but not before he met me in the doorway with today's advent present--stamps to mail our cards!,
Then I came home for a quiet and slower paced morning of getting ready. I must admit I really enjoy that, I hate rushing in the morning, but more than the dislike of rushing is the dislike of getting out of bed! Usually I've been up too long by the time I drive Chad in to work, and I get back home, to go back to bed when I get back home, so today I made myself some toast with raspberry jam, and some tea and watched Coronation Street---I admit it I love the British soaps--I can't help myself, it's a vice. I mean I don't go out of my way to watch it, usually I'm at church, but those mornings when I get the chance, it's one of the things that linger from my non-church days. Anyway, I got myself ready for the second service and went in.
Following service Chad and I came home for a yummy salad with chicken and rasins and sunflower seeds and cheese, I'm telling you it was THE salad!
Evening service approached and tonight was the kids Christmas production. Our SS KIDS Theatre, is a new ministry in our church this fall and Melanie Murray and her crew did a fabulous job tonight! Every Sunday evening, during the regular evening service this group gets together with the kids ages 3 through grade 5 to work on drama, dance and choral--and wow have they been working hard! What a show! Hats off to them!
Then I came home for a quiet and slower paced morning of getting ready. I must admit I really enjoy that, I hate rushing in the morning, but more than the dislike of rushing is the dislike of getting out of bed! Usually I've been up too long by the time I drive Chad in to work, and I get back home, to go back to bed when I get back home, so today I made myself some toast with raspberry jam, and some tea and watched Coronation Street---I admit it I love the British soaps--I can't help myself, it's a vice. I mean I don't go out of my way to watch it, usually I'm at church, but those mornings when I get the chance, it's one of the things that linger from my non-church days. Anyway, I got myself ready for the second service and went in.
Following service Chad and I came home for a yummy salad with chicken and rasins and sunflower seeds and cheese, I'm telling you it was THE salad!
Evening service approached and tonight was the kids Christmas production. Our SS KIDS Theatre, is a new ministry in our church this fall and Melanie Murray and her crew did a fabulous job tonight! Every Sunday evening, during the regular evening service this group gets together with the kids ages 3 through grade 5 to work on drama, dance and choral--and wow have they been working hard! What a show! Hats off to them!
December TWO!
So Saturday, December two had come and gone. A rather quiet Saturday, as I often like it. I slept till 10am, as is my custom when left to my natural tendencies. Then I got up and Chad & I opened out advent present, really cool decorated Christmas cards, and then I spent the afternoon working on a Christmas project and watching movies, oh right and eating gucamole-yummy yummy. Then Chad & I went outside and tried to take a Christmas photo. I'm laughing right now, because now that I think abou it it was a strange idea. I thought we should take some coloured lights and wrap them around us and take the pic!, so now we've got these Christmas photo's that look like I'm strangling Chad in Christmas lights-the truth comes out. After this we ran out to the Bridges of Canada Christmas dinner. It was really nice. Tons of turkey, tons of people, and great stories about how God has changed the lives of real people.
Friday, December 01, 2006
It's December ONE!
Happy first of December folks, as the icy rain pellets hit the window pane of our cozy mini home my mind wanders back to the days before elnino and elnarmo and elisa...anyway, to the days when December meant snow, white, fluffy, pleasant, warm, sweet on your tongue unless a dog got there first, snow. Will it come? All I've ever wanted for my birthday was snow...and most years I get it-let this year not be the first without! I'm actually really excited about my 27th year. Yup, I've thought since I was seven years old, that 27 would be the year of good things-bring it on.
Until then my lovely Mom has entertained Chad & I with an advent basket. Today was the first day we could open a gift. It was actually quite funny, last night a little past eleven we're lying in bed and I say, you know it's almost the first of december, in little under and hour....and Chad suggests we stay up for midnight to open up our gift, it was just killing us! Common sense kicked in and a desire not to be tardy to work this morning, and we decided if we were still awake at midnight we would get up and open it, otherwise we would wait until morning. At 11:31pm, I still thought we would make it, but we didn't we fell asleep and had it to open this morning.
I thought I did the really polite thing and I told Chad he could open it if he wanted to, this day anyway, I don't know if I'll always be so generous, ok, I know I won't always be so generous. Anyway, we were thrilled to open up chocolate advent calandars, but get this-it was one for each of us, so we don't have to share! I guess my Mom knows us to well and didn't want us fighting so close to the holidays! :) to bed for this sleepy head---advent #2 tomorrow!
Until then my lovely Mom has entertained Chad & I with an advent basket. Today was the first day we could open a gift. It was actually quite funny, last night a little past eleven we're lying in bed and I say, you know it's almost the first of december, in little under and hour....and Chad suggests we stay up for midnight to open up our gift, it was just killing us! Common sense kicked in and a desire not to be tardy to work this morning, and we decided if we were still awake at midnight we would get up and open it, otherwise we would wait until morning. At 11:31pm, I still thought we would make it, but we didn't we fell asleep and had it to open this morning.
I thought I did the really polite thing and I told Chad he could open it if he wanted to, this day anyway, I don't know if I'll always be so generous, ok, I know I won't always be so generous. Anyway, we were thrilled to open up chocolate advent calandars, but get this-it was one for each of us, so we don't have to share! I guess my Mom knows us to well and didn't want us fighting so close to the holidays! :) to bed for this sleepy head---advent #2 tomorrow!
Thursday, November 30, 2006
I'm a Novelist!
I did it! I made the wire, actually, I had several hours to spare! the 50,000 word mark has been past and I have been successful at reaching a deadline! Check it out! I'm a Nanowrimo Winner!Check it out here if you're interested http://www.nanowrimo.org/userinfo.php?uid=168361
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
The New Music Teacher
I got a job today! Well I had the interview and was offered the position and accepted. It doesn't start until February first, but it should be a blast. I will be the music teacher for Kindergarten through Grade Five! reading over the curriculum it sound like a blast to me!
I am so thankful to have some solid work. What a strain the last few months have been on me (ok, slight underexaggeration). They have been difficult.
They told me today that they wanted to pull me in for interviews for the other jobs I have applied for this past month but were unable to due to a computer glitch in the system saying I was only willing to teach LA & SS. I found this extreemly frustrating, but have to believe there is a plan bigger than computer glitches and communication problems. It was nice to hear they wanted me though.
So until February 1st, I will do some supplying at the school, hopefully, getting to know the ropes around there, and organize myself for the remainder of the school year. What a blast! Teaching music! how fun!
Monday, November 27, 2006
did you see, did you see?
Yup made it to 41,810 words today. I think we're gonna make it by Friday folks. Novel Writing month is nearly over and we're gonna make it.
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