St Patrick's Day

Since I have a bunch of Irish blood in me and St Patrick's day was made a big deal of when we were kids, I like to do the same for my little ones. This year we had a crowd but enjoyed it none the less. I always read the children the Legend of St Patrick which they love. Then we do a craft and watch the Veggie Tales version of the legend on The Sumo and the Opera. Here are a few pics of the fun of the day. The thing uploaded them in odd order so sorry about that.

Here the kids are watching the movie and having popcorn. They really enjoy it.
My nephew Eric with his finished hat

Curtis and Annabelle just goofing around with their hats on.

Joel made sure there were lots of stickers on the front and insisted on no glitter or glue.

Annabelle with the biggest smile of her life! ha ha

Eric, Alex and Curt, working hard on their pictures.

Buds!

The crowd, crafting away at the kitchen table.

working on their hats.

Hope your day was wonderful! God bless!

TERRACE IS HOCKEYVILLE!!!

The kids and I watched the Hockeyville results at the 1st intermission of the Canucks-Sharks game tonight. Joshua and Joel wore Charlene and my jerseys.

Terrace Is Hockeyville!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hope to get to the game at the arena vs. The Islanders on September 14th.

Hockeyville Madness!

Well I decided to go down to the voting center tonight to do some intense voting for Hockeyville. Very glad I did. There was a nice community spirit as everyone voted away.
I had worked hard to get my 3,000 votes and almost tripled that in about 3 hours down at the voting center!!! I'm always amazed that when I step out of my comfort zone and do things that are not things I want to do but feel right I'm shocked at how positive the results are. Terrace is Hockeyville or not it was a great experience.

Voting Summary:
computer (hard, several days) 3,303
3 hours at voting center 11,130
__________________________
Grand Total 14,433 votes!!!

Hockeyville!

Joshua took this picture of Adam and I at the Sportsplex after skating. Don't we look so cool! ha ha
Adam really wanted us to get the Hockeyville jerseys. I am glad we did as I love to supporting local things like this and we use the Arena quite often with the kids.

Here we were just getting ready to head home from free skate which is every Monday from 3:30-4:30. So much fun!

Adam proudly wearing his jersey.

Annabelle was starting to get a little sore from falling by now so she was using the wall to help herself along. She actually is a very good little skater already. I am glad the kids get a lot of practice time as I didn't get a lot as a kid and I am pretty scared on ice.

Joel can skate great... well, it is more like running as fast as he can. It is so cute. I can't help but laugh. He rarely falls though.

And Joshua has pretty much mastered skating. No fear!

Adam is doing very well getting close to his goal for votes for Terrace is Hockeyville. Tonight finishes the voting and then we can get back to regular life! I have not put in many votes but I have done a few. How exciting! Only a few more days and we will know if Terrace did it!

Vote for Terrace (of course) HERE
I timed 10 votes there at 3:36.
You can also vote by phoning 1-866-533-8066. I timed 10 votes there at 6:55.
Test messaging would be the fastest but I can't time as I can't text message.
Text- Vote Terrace to 222111

Since original post a couple of hours ago I've voted 200 times. My goal is 3,000 votes.
Maybe I'm not crazy about hockey but this will affect the community. I've also really enjoyed the free skates at the arena on Mondays 3:30-4:30pm with the kids and look forward to the kids enjoying the arena. Hopefully with a $100,000 upgrade, eh?

Watkins?

OKay, I know this is a little strange but for anyone who loves Watkins, I have a friend who sells it and she was telling me that there is a free shipping offer till the end of this month (Friday) on orders over $50!

They have about the best spices and extracts around as well as many natural medicines (cough syrup, muscle pain relievers and much much more). I need to get some chili powder and a few other items so I was thinking I will put out an order on Friday and if anyone wants to get anything when I do, I can add it on if you have some money for me :) Let me know ASAP.

Valentines Day

Valentines day for our family is a great day for me and Adam to help the kids understand how much God loves them and how much we love them. And that God's love is greater than any other that a person will have. Also that we learn how to love by the example of Jesus life and the word of God, who is Love!

Adam and I have never really celebrated Valentines day for us as our anniversary is 3 days later so we choose to celebrate it instead. This is fine by me because I always found it a bit cheesy anyway. Although I never really minded the attention it brought. ha ha.

Here are a few pictures of our day. Adam and the kids did buy me a big Valentine balloon and some beautiful flowers but we didn't remember to get pictures of them before the balloon was demolished. And my mom bought the kids a board game and chocolates that, as well, got overlooked in the photographs but the kids are enjoying the game everyday since! We also got a babysitter in the evening and went out to the church where there were wonderful desserts, great friends and conversation and a speaker in from out of town to talk about marriage. It was a nice evening.

We read 1Corinthians 13 and explained it to the kids. Then we gave them these. The Bernstein Bears books are the christian series of 4 that they have out. They are wonderful stories!

Also my Dad and his girlfriend sent some gifts for the kids and they just loved them. Here is Joshua with his markers and cool paper. Very neat.

Annabelle with her princess hair stuff and jewelry!

And here is Joel, you can see how excited he was for these two cute sports Curious Georges!

And Joel didn't get valentine cards because he is not in school yet so Joshua and Annabelle made sure that they gave him one each. He was so pleased!

Annabelle holding Daddy's chocolates from all of us. And Adam will be giving Annabelle the heart box tomorrow. That will make her as happy as can be.

Yum! They are good quality chocolate. Almost equivalent to Purdy's!

And then our last project of the day... Adam and I finally conquered the boys border for their room. We have had it for the last 2 months and just finally put it up. The boys picked the border and the paint colour. I think it looks great! My mom and I will be picking out material for curtains soon and my mom says she will make them! What a blessing! I can't wait! She made our last ones too but then we had the water damage. We could keep the old ones but she said she doesn't mind making new. The others were space theme and were awesome! But would not match too well with the room now. Thanks Mama!

The boys admiring their border. They were so excited! You can't really tell in the picture but they honestly were!

And while we were doing that, Annabelle was working on this. Then she decided that this is how she wants her hair for wacky hair day. That is this Friday! Should look cool!

Other than that, we headed over to Adam's mom's house for her birthday on the 15Th. Was a blast and she made supper for all of us and Adam's brother's family. Was so nice to all be together! Then we played some dice and headed home.

Yesterday Adam and I went out to the Hot house for our 8 year anniversary. Then we headed to the theatre and watched Mall Cop, very funny! And then went and shopped for gifts for each other. Was fun. We bought a few movies from Wal*mart so when we got home we watched School of Rock and that concludes our last few days... Hope all is well in blog land! God bless!

Here's a story

Most people know that I babysit this little cutie. Check out this link to a little story and maybe go show your support at the garage sale this weekend!

PATHWAY OF PAIN

If my days were untroubled and my heart always light,
would I seek that fair land where there is no night?

If I never grew weary with the weight of my load,
would I search for God's peace at the end of the road?

If I never knew sickness and never felt pain,
would I search for a hand to help and sustain?

If I walked without sorrow and lived without loss,
would my soul seek solace at the foot of the cross?

If all I desired was mine day by day,
would I kneel before God and earnestly pray?

If God sent no winter to freeze me with fear,
would I yearn for the warmth of Spring every year?

I ask myself these and the answer is plain,
if my life were pleasure and I never knew pain

I'd seek God less often and need Him much less,
for God is sought more often in times of distress.

And no one knows God or sees Him as plain
as those who have met Him on the "Pathway of Pain."

-------Helen Steiner Rice

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A blog giveaway

Well folks, my good friend Darci is doing a give away. It just happens to be for 12 candles and the Fireproof movie!!! I just got mine in the mail today and I am so looking forward to watching it with my Love tonight. Head on over to Darci's blog, leave a comment and tell what you will be doing for Valentines day, to be entered in the draw.

Fireproof

I wrote about the book a while ago and now am waiting for my movie to come in the mail. I am looking forward to seeing it so much. What a powerful message it holds. People in our small group were saying that they have already rented it and that it is an awesome movie!

Loves not a fight, but it something worth fighting for. This is a song in the movie and I just love it. It is truly the heart of marriage.

I loved listening to this on my way to work on my Ipod. Be encouraged!!!

Pride

PRIDE
My name is Pride.
I am a cheater.
I cheat you of your God-given destiny...
because you demand your own way.
I cheat you of contentment...
because you "deserve better than this."
I cheat you of knowledge...
because you already know it all.
I cheat you of healing...
because you're too full of me to forgive.
I cheat you of holiness...
because you refuse to admit when you're wrong.
I cheat you of vision...
because you'd rather look in the mirror than out a window.
I cheat you of genuine friendship...
because nobody's going to know the real you.
I cheat you of love...
because real romance demands sacrifice.
I cheat you of greatness in heaven...
because you refuse to wash another's feet on earth.
I cheat you of God's glory...
because I convince you to seek your own.
My name is Pride.
I am a cheater.
You like me because you think I'm always looking out for you.
Untrue.
God has so much for you, I admit.
But don't worry...If you stick with me,
you'll never know.

READY SET LEARN!!!

For anyone with preschool age kids that think they might want to have their children in Centennial Christian school, check this out. It was in our news letter. Try to sign up soon while they have spots. It is a very enjoyable time. I have obviously been there for the past 2 years and this year I get to go again as my little Joely is starting kindergarten in the fall!!!


Ready, Set, Learn 2009
On Thursday, March 5, we will be hosting
our fourth “Ready, Set, Learn” open house.
Children ages 3 - 5 and their parents/caregivers
are welcome to the library from 10:30
- 12:00 pm. There will be a story time and
playtime for the children in the preschool
classroom and opportunity for coffee and
discussion for the adults in the library.
Lunch will be provided. If you have a child
or are friends with one, you are encouraged
to register them for this event. Please call the
school at 250-635-6173 by Monday, March
2 to sign up for this free event.
Bev Mantel - Ready, Set, Learn
Coordinator.

Thank you Uncle Andrew!

When Adam's brother Mark went to their brother Andrew's wedding he brought back a few little gifts. This was given to Annabelle from Andrew and she just loved it! So cute too as we were watching Anne of Green Gables and Annabelle really wanted a puffed sleeve dress, which this is a little bit. Thanks so much Andrew for thinking of our beauty. She absolutely loves you... and the dress!

Bible verse of the day

I was just checking the bible verse of the day and it was so funny because I just finished prepping for teaching Sunday school tomorrow and I am teaching on trusting God and having faith. What an encouragement to see this! It is just so true and I am blessed to have these reminders. Sometimes I think that teaching Sunday school teaches me more than it teaches the kids. All the prep work and I really understand the concept more than I ever have before.

Bible Verse Of The Day
Saturday, January 31, 2009
— 2 Thessalonians 3:5 —
May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.

God is fully trustworthy. I am finally learning this. I'm finally learning His sovereign plan is the best plan. That whatever I entrust to Him He can take care of better than I. That nothing under His control can ever be out of control. That everything I need He knows about in every detail. That He is able to supply, to guide, to start, to stop, to sustain, to change and to correct in His time and for His purposes. When I keep my hands out of things, His will is accomplished, His name is exalted, and His glory is magnified.— Charles Swindoll

Elikia Village Project

Cammie Clarke shared in our church last Sunday. It was encouraging to see what God is up to in the Congo. Check out this video which she showed at our church. The site about the Elikie Village Project is http://elikiavillage.wordpress.com/

New Years fondue

We didn't do it on new years eve this year but the fondue was a great success. It is my all time favourite meal of the year. I love it. It was delicious and I think I gained about 5 pounds that night! Here a just a few pictures to show a bit of the greatness of it. We were too busy eating to take many pictures.

January 4th

Joshua was supposed to go to a birthday party after church but this snow managed to keep us home from church and the birthday family had to pick up Joshua and drop him off in their 4x4! The path to our house had about 3 or 4 feet of fresh snow when we woke up in the morning and it was snowing so hard that the plows could only clear the highways so there was no way to get our car out.

It was so amazing for the kids! I love the snow so a day of being snowed in is just awesome! Joshua had a blast at the party and they got to play out in the snow the whole time. How great! I must say, I can't imagine living anywhere but here. How beautiful it is!

Games

One of Joshua's favourite things to do is play games. For Christmas he got a few new ones including Sorry, Mouse Trap, and Twister. Here is us playing Sorry for the first time after Christmas. So much fun and even Joel will play through the whole game.



But Joshua's game of choice these day is definately chess. Adam has been teaching him the basics and he is quickly becoming about as good a player as Adam! They love it. it gives them something fun to do to pass the time together. I love seeing them building their friendship. Here is Joshua and his Uncle having a great game.

Marble Run

My dad and my sister sent Joshua some money for his birthday so I took him down to his favourite store, Teaching Tools. He chose this as his gift. They have similar things in their class in school and he has always loved them. So, you can build it however you want and then let the marbles go at the top and watch them go through the whole contraption to the bottom. Adam helped them build this first one. It was great!

Hours of fun!

Thanks Dad, Deb and Virginia and Blaine. Joshua loved picking out this cool gift for himself. What a treat!

Well the day has finally come!!!! My little twin brother is getting married!! I'm very excited for him and will be staying up to pray for him and Che, that all goes well.

4PM Manila time which is 12AM here.

Beauty

Just a moment of beauty that Adam managed to capture last time he was out fishing. Just thought that I would share it as Adam has not had the time.

My Baby is 7!

Hard to believe the time is flying by so quickly! My first wonderful blessing from God turns 7 years old today and I am astounded at the man he is growing into.


Joshua blesses me every day. He is a gentleman, and a "boy" in the best of ways. He can climb, swing, run, jump, play sports, wrestle, make a huge mess and eat as much as me. He also cuddles, reads, sits still, cleans his messes, and laughs as much as possible.


Joshua loves the bible and God. He is a good friend to many, even his siblings and most of all, Adam and me.

He loves the snow, sun, rain, and wind. He is learning to cook, clean, fish, play soccer and much more. He desires God, purity, and true friendship. He is a true friend and an extremely genuine child. To sum up my little love, he is passionate, kind, strong, and brave. I thank God for this wonder all the time. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSHUA!!!

Let the pirate party begin!!!

Goodnight y'all

Life is just fine around here if anyone was wondering. I have lost focus on blogging because I am rarely on the computer. I am getting into routines and reading a lot more, to the kids and myself. The plan is that I will try to share the odd thing that God is speaking to me and about the books I have been reading with little updates of life here and there.

We had a wonderful Christmas holiday time. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment I had with my beautiful children and Adam. We did much crafts, baking, reading and visiting. We had so much time with family and friends this year. What an unbelievable blessing! I am looking forward to catching up with the friends who were also busy with others during the holidays.

Have I ever mentioned that winter is my very favourite time of the year? Well it truly is. I love the holidays but especially the short days, dark nights, candles lit, house warm, cuddles under blankets, hot chocolate and candy canes, food, friends, family, and the greatest thing is that with all that, so much more time to focus on the blessings and goodness of God. The whole thing is so lovely to me! I hope I am instilling a love for it all in my children.

We honestly had, I believe, the best Christmas since I met Adam. It was so full! there was so much laughter and food and fellowship! So much love and contentment with our blessings. I thank God for that. I have seen a beauty in my children that I am only now starting to really appreciate. They are more sincere and "real" than I could ever have expected. I don't believe that they will ever stop absolutely amazing me!

There are some pictures I will post but not tonight. As one of my scheduling changes I am trying to be in bed by 11pm... not tonight obviously. This will probably be very tough for me as most of you know. I am a night owl but I love being up in the morning that little bit earlier with my children also so change was in order.

Here is a simple something that blessed me today.

Bible Verse Of The Day

Monday, January 5, 2009

— 2 Timothy 3:14-17 —
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.


The whole Bible is God's inspired Word. Because it is inspired and trustworthy, we should read it and apply it to our lives. The Bible is our standard for testing everything else that claims to be true. It is our safeguard against false teaching and our source of guidance for how we should live. It is the only source of knowledge about how we can be saved. God wants to show you what is true and equip you to live for him. How much time do you spend in God's Word? Read it regularly to discover God's truth and to become confident in your life and faith. Develop a plan for reading the whole Bible, not just familiar passages.

First book of 2009

Adam got me this book for Christmas and I started reading a couple days before the New Year. Next chance I got I read the rest. It was an awesome story. Can't believe I read it in 2 days but I couldn't put it down.

This is a fiction book but could very well apply to almost any life and marriage at different parts. I cried and laughed and loved every minute of it!

As firefighters are taught in a fire you never leave your partner, this story parallels that to the fires in our lives, never leave your partner. They also bring to attention that fireproof does not mean that the fire won't come but that when it does, you can withstand it. What a moving story!

I am trying to read a lot this year so I will mention every time I finish a book. If you enjoy a drama/love story you will probably enjoy this and if you love the Lord and His plan for marriage you will appreciate this!

There is a quick review. I wish I had more time to write this well but I have so much to do. Hope your Christmas season has been full of Peace, Joy and especially wonderful Hope for the New Year! I am excited to share this year with my friends and family. God bless!

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

Well it's my 7th married Christmas and boy am I grateful! Three awesome kids and a wonderful wife. Even the dog and cat are impressing me lately.

I love the time to relax and hang out with family. I do miss dad and think about him more during these big events. Some people say that time heals all wounds but I disagree. I do however think much good can come from this as we learn to value and appreciate the people we have in our lives.

My twin brother is getting married next month!!!! I won't be able to go unfortunatley but man ohh man are we excited for him. The kids can't wait to meet Aunt Che.

My little sister Jenny is still in Sherwood Park, near Edmonton, with Shane and the kids. Her presence is very much missed even more (if that's possible) during the holidays.

I just saw 6 people baptised last Sunday!! I've always loved baptisms as I get to see people make public proclamations for Christ! What a great reminder to live each day for Him and with purpose.

God bless to all our family and friends. (We'll even throw in the odd stranger reading this. God bless you this holiday!!!)

Mary Did You Know

I love this Christmas song too. Perhaps it will be more appreciated than my other Christmas picks:>)

Baby It's Cold Outside

Here's the better version honey, without that creep, Tom Jones.

Having just finished the Shultz book, I was remembering this clip which was mentioned. I love it!

Well I just finished this book given to me by my buddy, Sam, for my birthday. I found it to be very sad, perhaps bordering on depressing. If they wanted a subtitle for the book I would suggest, "How Then Should We Not Live".

Here's his last comic strip which appeared ar0und the world just hours after Charles Shultz's death.
One of his last statements reflecting on his life and career was, "You know, that poor kid, he never even got to kick the football. What a dirty trick- he never had a chance to kick the football."
I enjoyed watching THIS INTERVIEW he had on the Charlie Rose show. He comes on the show at 20 minutes and 18 seconds so you'd have to let it buffer/load to that point.

My Favorite Christmas Song

Lots of snow lately but it didn't truly feel like Christmas until I heard this song today. Man, I'm getting old, my co-worker told me he never heard of this song! It's my favorite Christmas song.

Okay, I rethought my last post. Realizing that, of course, not everyone voted the same as me, nor do they necessarily have the same view point as me. This is not a blog of political statements and for that reason I have deleted it and will not talk further on the subject. If you are interested in reading here is a site for your viewing if you choose. All I can say is, the political situation of Canada is definitely making history and it is amazing all that has happened.

Boney M. - Mary's Boy Child/Oh My Lord (1978)

Well it's getting close to Christmas and Starla's blog put Boney M in my head. (A little more festive than a baby Hitler I suppose :>)