"You came to me from the darkness,

With no voice but many a work.

You help to fill these empty hours.

With friendship that's unheard.

Although I cannot hear you,

I can see your caring soul.

And thank you for the times we've shared

Into my heart you stole...

So take these words of friendship,

With my thoughts and hold them near.

Cause friends like you are hard to find

And very, very dear."

Another year completed.....phew! 

I look forward to what is ahead in 2007.  I had a wonderful holiday season.  I was able to spend the holidays surrounded by family and friends.  My sister came home from Florida and I finally got to meet my beautiful little niece.  I was able to get reaquainted with my other niece, which I truly enjoyed.

I must say it is nice to get back to the routine.  The kids are not in school this week, which kinda threw a wrench in things but we were able to get some friends to look after them.  I thank the Lord for those friends and for the blessing they are to me.

I am starting to miss my homeschool days.  We are going through some things, nothing serious, but still things that I would not have to deal with if I homeschooled.  The kids are doing fine in school, I am starting to notice the philosophies of the world creeping in but as long as I keep on top of them....Pray for me.

Not a whole lot to say, just wanted to check in

Merry Christmas to all....

I can't believe how time flies, it's been a month since I last wrote.  Things are going well for me and the family.  The kids are doing well in school, adjusting well. 

We are keeping busy with all the christmas concerts, parties, work luncheons, sunday school concert practice, not to mention getting ready for Christmas. 

We got a whole bunch of snow yesterday, it's beginning to look a lot like christmas, every where I go.... 

Doesn't my blog look beautiful!!!  I only have my sister to thank for the all the work that went into it.  Thanks sis.

My sister told me last night she may be coming home for Christmas...yeah!  It has been 2 years since I've seen her and her family.  She has a 10 month old baby I have not even seen yet.  I talk to her on the phone all the time....Pray that she'll be able to come home.  I miss her.

Things are starting to get a little better for me and the whole "rat" race thing.  I'm starting to adjust to the schedule and routine of things.  I've found myself again. 

It's getting late and I must go,

Hopfully, it won't be so long before I write again.

We had our first snow fall here in New Brunswick today.  It was beautiful to see.  Another part of God's magnificent creation.  I look out my window and see the trees laiden with snow, the ground is covered, the kids are out making snowmen and I watch while enjoying the warmth of the wood stove.

I really don't like driving in snow but....c'est la vie!

Life for me has been busy busy busy!!  I think I've lost myself in it all but with God's help and the help of those who care enough to listen, I'll figure it all out eventually.  I miss the routine I had for the last 3 years.  Everything has changed and I'm like a fish out of water, just floundering back and forth trying to get back into the water.  The truth is that the water is right there, it's not that far away but boy does it seem like it.

I have to thank my sister for her insight and wisdom.  She sheds alot of light on things for me.  She's the only one in my life who would dare attempt to figure me out, bless her heart!

The kids are doing well in school.  My son is taking some time to adjust to some of the everyday goings on in a school environment, like lining up, not running in the class room, you know those kinds of things.  He is doing very well academically, he speaks French very well and is picking up the language with no problem. 

Holly is doing well also.  She's a little on the hyper side and that gets her in a little trouble at times but over all she's doing just fine.

My son, unbeknown to him, makes his ole mom feel special.  He has opportunity to bring extra work home, and when his teacher told him he could work on the extra stuff at school, Brendan told her no, because he wants to do it with his mom.  Isn't that sweet!   All those days of getting frustrated with him, pulling my hair out....and his(jk)  didn't affect him the way I thought they would.  Praise the Lord for His goodness to us.

Brendan was baptized this Sunday past.  He expressed interest in baptism a month or so ago, and he went forward in church one Sunday and told our Pastor he would like to get baptized.  We went through a little book on baptism with him, so he could understand why it is we do that.  He got it!  Holly told us she wants to get baptized when she grows up....we're not sure exactly when that is but Lord willing she'll let us know.

With the snow here, I want to decorate for Christmas.  I love Christmas!

Any way, enough babbaling....

Remember what the Lord told us, "...I will never leave thee nor forsake thee..."

Everyone Needs Someone 

People need people and friends need friends 
And we all need love for a full life depends 
Not on vast riches or great acclaim, 
Not on success or on worldly fame, 
But just in knowing that someone cares 
And holds us close in their thoughts and prayers- 
For only the knowledge that we're understood
Makes everyday living feel wonderfully good, 
And we rob ourselves of life's greatest need 
When we "lock up our hearts" and fail to heed 
The outstretched hand reaching to find 
A kindred spirit whose heart and mind
Are lonely and longing to somehow share 
Our joys and sorrows and to make us aware 
That life's completeness and richness depends 
On the things we share with our loved ones and friends. 
 -Helen Steiner Rice

I forgot what it was like to work full time and have 2 children.  It is all coming back to me very quickly these days.  As I wrote a few days ago, my children are attending public school this year and I have decided to go back to work.  I was very thankful when my former employer hired me back and was able to give me the schedule I needed.

These last few months have brought about ALOT of changes for my family and these last few weeks have been really busy!  A friend of mine is getting married this coming Saturday and their reception will be here at my house.  That means about 60-100 people will be running through my house Saturday afternoon....ugh!  No, it's really very exciting to me.  My little Holly is going to be in the wedding so I'm excited about seeing her with her hair all done up purty and in her pretty dress.  Once I get some pictures, I'll have to post one or two. 

It's my son's 9th birthday on Friday needless to say we are not going to be doing a whole lot this weekend for his birthday.  He is invited to a friends birthday on Saturday so hopfully Brendan will be okay with that.

I can't believe I have a 9 year old.  That's hard to believe.  You ever have those "moments" when life just sort of hits you in the face? 

My children are doing very good at school.  They are really enjoying the whole experience.  Brendan is learning lots of French, although I must say he's not being challenged the way I would like him to be.  The homework he has is stuff he would have done at the beginning of grade 3.  I am glad it's easy for him with all the changes he's had to make.

I am a much happier woman these days, thank YOU LORD!  I really do enjoy my children a little more.  I can still be short with them but I am doing alot more laughing and carrying on with them. Homework time is probably our favorite time of day.  I just LOVE doing Brendan's homework with him.  I have homeschool to thank for that.  

Well hello to all you bloggers,

My husband and I have made the decision to send our 2 children to public school.  It has been a hard decision to make but with the Lord's help, we have a peace in our hearts.  Not to say I will never homeschool again but for now this is what is best. 

A little encouragement to all of you, my son's teacher, was pleasantly surprised with Brendan, having been homeschooled and all, he COULD actually function in the classroom.  In other words, he IS normal!  I guess this teacher has had homeschooled children in the past and it wasn't a good thing .  Brendan is actually making friends, he is attentive, he is doing very well.  Maybe this will change this lady's outlook on homeschooled children.

There was no doubt in my mind Brendan would do great, he is a very social fellow.  He used to ask everyone that walked by our house what there name was and where they lived. 

Holly is in kindergarten and doing fine as well.  She does not like to take the bus and we think it's because it is so noisy and there is alot of kids on the bus in the morning.

Since I am not homeschooling, I felt I should try to get a job and help take some of the financial burden from my husband.  I called the employer I left 3 years ago, and within a day, I had a job there working exactly the shift I asked for 7:00am till 1:00pm.  God is so good!    I am actually excited about entering the job force again, it must be the other adults and conversations that don't include, "Stop, bugging your sister/brother..."that I'm looking forward to. 

My prayers are with you all as it's now I realize truly, how much was involved in the whole homeschooling process.  I know while I was homeschooling I felt the stress and pressure there at times but because I had committed, there was no other option, so I just did it. 

I have to thank my sister for being there to support me and making this whole change a little more easy.  She knows me better than I know myself and she helped me understand myself a little more.  Thanks sis, I love you!

My oh my, how time flies... I have been really busy these last few weeks and have not had the time to sit down and write.  I actually tired to add an entry and for some reason I couldn't.

The summer is officially over for us.  The kids are starting their school schedules tonight.  That means bed at 8:30 for Holly and 9:00 for Brendan.  We had family over for the weekend and my kids are extremely tired.

Saturday Brendan went to his first football practice.  He looks like he was made to play football.  He's a big, tall, handsome boy.  He really enjoyed himself.  I was worried for a little because they made them run some laps on the field plus all the other stuff they had them doing.  I am sooooo glad we decided to put him in this year, it will be good not only physically but also it will help build his confidence. 

I'm sitting here listening to some good music about the Lord.  Thank you Lord for music!  The songs bring me back to where I need to be in my thinking.  Instead of me worrying, I just need to give my burdens to the Lord. 

I am writing from Halifax, NS.  My family and I came to Halifax yesterday for the weekend.  My husband had to write an exam at St Mary's University last night so we decided to make it a long weekend.

This sure is a much busier city than Moncton. We went down to the waterfront last night to see the Buskers.  I haven't seen them since I moved from Halifax 10 years ago.  Of course when we got there, most everyone had packed up, so we will be heading down there again tonight, weather permitting.

We are staying with my brother-in-law and his wife and there 6 year old daughter.  My children love coming here and playing with their cousin. 

It is nice to go places and see different things.  Halifax has sooo much History.  While we were driving around yesterday and seeing all the old old houses and the old schools the Halifax Explosion came to mind.  What a mess this city must have been in and yet there these buildings stand. 

My sister will be proud, we went to soccer practice with Felicity last night and while we were there the kids found some big rocks to climb on in the woods and Brendan brought me this piece of rock and I told him to hold on to it and we will put it in our Nature Journal, that is yet to be started but will hopfully be soon.

All your talking and encouraging is rubbing off sis.  Keep it coming!

I must go for now, I not being very sociable.

Today was a holiday here in New Brunswick and what a beautiful day it was!!  How I thank the Lord for the seasons and the changes each one brings.  So like the seasons of our life. 

For some of you, school has already begun but for us we still have a few weeks to go.  The month of August is a busy one for us, so that will make the month go by that much faster.  I am not really ready for school but I'm getting there.

I found another poem on mothering that I found to be quite nice. 

A Mother  by Vivian French Dennis

A mother

snuggles her baby

steadies her toddler

safeguards her preschooler

studies with her grade-schooler

suffers with her teenager

sends out her adult child to repeat the cycle begun by her,

her mother, and her mother before her.

And all this time the wise mother

prays and searches for wisdom

to build her house and not tear it down

to protect and not smother

to discipline and not discourage

to teach and not preach

to guide and not push

to keep on loving even when her child

repeats her mistakes

and those of her mother

and her mother before her.

I've been doing a lot more reading these days and I keep coming across some very nice things, like the piece I'm going to share.  I'm not sure who the author of this material is but I found it to be very good.

"If I keep my house immaculately clean, and am envied by all for my interior decorating, but do not show love in my family-I'm just another housewife.

If I'm always producing lovely things-sewing, art, macrame; if I always look attractive, and speak intelligently, but am not loving to my family-I am nothing.

If I'm busy in community affairs, teach Sunday School, and drive in the carpool, but fail to give adequate love to my family-I gain nothing.

Love changes diapers, cleans up messes, and ties shoes-over and over again.

Love is kind, though tired and frazzled.

Love doesn't envy another wife-one whose children are "spaced" better, or in school so she has time to pursue her own interests.

Love doesn't try to impress others with my abilities or knowledge as a mother.

Love doesn't scream at the kids.

Love doesn't feel cheated because I didn't get to do what I wanted to do today-sew, read, soak in a hot tub.

Love doesn't lose my temper easily.

Love doesn't assume that my children are being naughty just because their noise level is irritating.

Love doesn't rejoice when other people's children misbehave and make mine look good.  Love is genuinely happy when others are honored by their children."

I came across this poem and it was a blessing and reminder of how important a job I have.

JUST A MOTHER by Nancy A. Cole

What is your trade?  someone often will ask,

And I usually reply, "Just a menial task."

For who wants to say, "I just clean and I cook,

Just take the children to school, or read them a book"?

For it takes little talent or training for these,

Some tasks a bit thorny, but most done with ease,

No big weekly paycheck, no college degree,

But what am I saying?  Please, listen to me!

I'm not "just a mother";  I'm a mother indeed!

Divinely appointed to raise godly seed,

To work with my husband in doing His will,

Caring for little ones, their needs to fulfill.

The faith in their eyes and the love in their hearts.

I pray their sweet trust in God never departs.

O, how could I ever say, "I'm just a mother"?

Of all earth's vocations,  I long for no other.

How grateful I am for my god-chosen call,

Truly, being a mother's the best job of all!

Sis, this ones for you!

I can't believe it has been almost a month since I last wrote, or even looked at my blog  July has been a tumultuous month for me in every way possible.  The Lord has given me the strength to endure yet again!  Thank you Lord!  There hasn't been anything major going on just a lot of little things.  The small stuff can sometimes be the most discouraging.

We have been doing alot of swimming this summer at my aunte Patty's.  The kids are really loving it.  I'm enjoying it too!  We spent the afternoon and part of the evening there today.  I was able to visit with my other aunte and uncle who live close.

I can't believe it is already August...where has time gone!  School is just around the corner!  I'm starting to prepare.  Little by little!  The kids are not thinking too much about it but mother is! 

Last year, probably around the same time, my son and I started praying together every day for the school year we were about to begin.  I know it made a difference in how school went.  I am doing the same thing this year with both of my children.  Holly will be starting Kindergarten and Brendan grade 4.  What a difference prayer makes!  We've all heard it said but practicing it, faithfully, is not always the easiest or most convienient thing.

Keep praying for me as I keep plugging away in my corner of the world.  Hopefully it won't be another month before I write again.

I came across this poem tonight and it really sums up the relationship my sister and I have.  She means the world to me and because she is soooooo far away, it makes the bond we share a little dearer to me.

Sis, I hope you enjoy this:

"CINDY- My Sister, My Friend
Sister, we've been there through life's sorrow and pain
But together we have always endured the strain
We've argued and bickered and made each other mad
But if you weren't my sister, life would be so sad
We've cried till we laughed and laughed till we cried
Sometimes for no reason we didn't even know why
When we're not together our bond is just as strong
Because we are sisters we know when something is wrong
We've whispered our deepest secrets only sisters could share
I love my sister dearly because she really cares
So whether we are together or we are far apart
Cindy, you're my sister, my friend and forever in my heart."

It can't believe I haven't written anything for so long.  I was doing good there for awhile and then....  There has been a lot of things going on in my life as of recently.  My husband has made a couple "major" decisions these last few weeks and it's taken alot of brain power to process them.  Whenever I would sit at the computer and try to write, I just didn't have the "brain" energy to say anything.

My friend Shannon, the one who asked me to teach her the Bible, got a little offended with me last week.  It had nothing to do with the Bible either.  She lives a different life than I and that's okay but some of the things she does makes me very uncomfortable.  I've asked the Lord to give me wisdom with her and I was straight up with her and told her exactly what I thought of something she was doing and I think she realized then that we are just too different.  I did talk to her on Saturday but I could tell she was distant.  I asked if I had offended her and she said no but???  God knows best and I trust that He will work everything out according to His perfect will.

My father in law showed up on Friday, with NO notice, ugh!!  It was really nice to see him.  We don't get to see him very often so I quickly got over the shock of having had no notice.  We went to a big BBQ on Friday night, there were fireworks and everything.  We had a really great time.  I was able to get reacquainted with some people and I was able to meet some new folks.  On Saturday, Canada Day, we went to Shediac and spent the afternoon on the Point De Chein warf.  It was a beautiful day.  That evening we had a BBQ at our house with a couple friends.

The kids seem to be having a good summer so far.  Brendan complains about being bored at times, especially when his friends are not home, but when I offer to give him some housework to keep him from being bored he quickly changes his tune.  

We started attending a different church last Sunday and what a blessing it has been to see people you grew up with but have not seen for years.  The decision to change churches was a big one but when you know it's time to move on God makes the way clear.  Brendan was actually disappointed last night that we were NOT going to church, I haven't seen that for a long time.  I pray that won't wear off !!  Holly acts like she owns the place, like she's been there all her life. 

I was reintroduced this past weekend to homeschooling via satalite.  What are some of your opinions on that?  I'm not sure at this point what I think???  I'm more unsure of it than I am sure of it.  I don't know very much about it at all. 

Today was a pretty good day overall.  I had Carter all day today and he was very good.  He LOVES to be outside, and I don't have anything for him to play with outside.  I borrowed a little car for Carter to sit on from the next door neighbor and he liked that.  I'll have to start going to yard sales and see if I can find stuff there for little ones to play with. 

It is so nice to have school over with for another year.  I have been planning for next year but not with much aggression.  I'll take the next month or so off before I start to get back into the books and start preparing.  It's going to be more challenging this year because I now will be homeschooling a 5 year old along with my 8 year old. 

I would like you all to pray for my friend Shannon.  She is such a wonderful, beautiful person who has lived through some pretty awful stuff.  She's able to hold her head up and say a kind word to those she meets.  She called me the other night and asked me if I would do her a favor.  I said of course I would and then she asked me to "teach her the Bible".  I was a little shocked at first but then I realized what an opportunity the Lord had presented to me.  She came over that night and I was able to show her a few things.  Please pray that God will give me wisdom and understanding as I spend time with her.

I talked to my sister again today...yeah!  I missed her while she was relocating. 

"Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice." Phil. 4:4

" A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance"  Ecc.3:4

At the Ladies Conference, Mrs. Ann Parchman spoke on this verse, mainly the time to laugh part.  She gave us "10 Don'ts on the Road to Rejoicing".  I found it to be very interesting and useful.  I hope you will find them helpful also.

1.  Don't live in the past.

2.  Don't concentrate on your unworthiness.

3.  Don't be a victim.

4.  Don't always be negative or pessimistic.

5.  Don't let fear dominate your life.

6.  Don't always be worrying about the  "what if's".

7.  Don't try to please everybody.

8.  Don't neglect yourself.

9.  Don't always be looking at the goals and pleasures of the world.

10. Don't minimize the spiritual things in your life.

Today was a pretty good day.  I agreed to take on another baby to babysit!!  I hope I am doing the right thing.  I believe the Lord sent her my way and He knows what we need and what is best for us.  Carter is only part time and Phillip will be full time.  I will be meeting with the family tomorrow so we'll see what they think.?...

My friend Shannon came over this evening and brought me a LARGE Tim Horton coffee..I'll NEVER get to sleep tonight  We had a nice visit.  She is such a sweet lady.  I hope the Lord will use me to be a blessing to her. 

I talked to my sister today!  We had a nice long talk.  I was even able to talk to my little 4 month old niece.  What a talker she is!  Cindy says she talks all the time.  Cindy also told me they are thinking about coming home for a couple weeks sometime in the next few months...yeah!  I have not seen her for a year and a half. 

The kids spent a few hours in the pool today.  It was pretty hot inside the house today.  I considered for a brief moment getting in the pool myself.  Maybe tomorrow, if it's as warm as it was today.

Home sweet home!!! 

I had a really really good time in St John these last couple days.  I am feeling a little tired but mentally, spiritually rested. 

I was able to share a room with my friend Kim from NS.  It was nice to reconnect with her.  She is beautiful, smart, kind, wonderful person.(I know she's going to read this so I have to do some embellishing)  Of course, it is ALL true I just hope she believes it about herself.  Love ya Kim!

I was very pleased with the format and theme of this years Ladies Conference.  The theme was  The Four Seasons of Life.  I guess you could say I'm in the summer season of life.  That's the season for raising our children.  The guest speaker, Mrs. Ann Parchment was truly a blessing to me.  There's a verse in the Bible about the older women teaching the younger women.  She did that for me this week.  I thank the Lord for her.

I was able to see my Dad, step-mom, and 16 year old sister.  My sister and I had a good talk.  She's got a good head on her shoulders but you know 16 year olds, they are trying to express themselves, discover themselves, rebelling...Her rebellion is not as bad as most kids but rebellion just the same.  I know she is saved and loves the Lord but right now the world is looking more and more appealing to her.  Please pray for her, that God would draw her unto Him.  Her name is Melissa.

I had breakfast with my Dad this morning before I came home.  It was a nice time.  I love my Dad, he's the BEST!

It was really nice to get home and see my gorgeous husband and my beautiful children.  I really did miss them. 

Well, I must head off to bed,  I didn't get much sleep and it is catching up with me. 

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."  Isaiah 40:31

This verse is like a breath of fresh air!  When life doesn't go the way you would like it is such a comfort to know that the Lord is there and He will get us through...thank you Lord!

On Thursday I am heading to Quispamsis for a Ladies Conference.  I am really looking forward to not only having some time for myself but also for what the Lord has for me to learn.  Peter is letting me take the Mazda!  I get to have my own wheels this year.  Last year I had to depend on someone else to get around and that's not always fun.  

Today was a pretty good day, I babysat in the morning, took the kids to soccer that was cancelled but I didn't know that, made a new recipe for supper and spent the evening with a friend down the street.

I wish my sister's phone would get hooked up soon!  I'm getting a little worried about her.  I usually talk to my sister, who just moved 2 weeks ago, at least 3 times a week.  I've only talked to her once for less than 5 minutes  in the last 2 weeks.  I'm going through withdrawals.  I love my sis, she is full of wisdom.  She is a real blessing to me.  So sis if you are reading this, CALL ME!!!

I must go get some sleep!

Yup, I'm done homeschooling for another year!  Grade 3 went very well!  Each year it has only gotton better and each year I'm convinced it is the best thing for me and my children. 

I was able to talk to my long lost sister last night after not talking to her for about a week or so....that's a long time for us.  She just moved to Pensacola, FL and you know how the whole moving, setting up, phone hook up, etc. goes...  I had to call her cell phone in order to talk to her $$$$$$$.  Sorry sis! 

My dad came down to visit with us yesterday and he is leaving in the morning.  It was nice to visit with him again.  I'm a little worried about his health, so I'll have to pray a little more often for him.  He has finally got a job! Praise the Lord!  He is excited about it.  He will be starting on Monday. 

Do you ever think you know everything there is to know about someone and then they surprise you with something.  That's how it was today talking with my dad.  I didn't realize stuff about him, like where he lived as a child, I knew it was in Moncton but I didn't know exactly where....weird!  I never stopped to think about it but he and his 6 other brothers and sisters slept in one big room... a bed for the boys and a bed for the girls.  For some reason, I just never thought about it like I did today.  We are truly a blessed people.  I have sooooo much compared to what most and some had and have.  God is SO good to me! 

A song that comes to mind that is so true and says so much is So Much To Thank Him For.  Some of the words are: 

When I look around and see,

The good things He does for me.

I know I'm unworthy of them all.

But His blessings He freely gives,

I owe, my life to Him,

I've got so much to thank Him for.

I've got so much to thank Him for

So much, to praise Him for,

You see, He's been so good to me

...

That's all I can remember right now but it is a beautiful song.

It's getting late and I should go get some sleep.