Canada Day
"...God keep our land,
glorious and free,
Oh Canada
we stand on guard for thee..."
Happy Canada Day!
Jul. 1, 2009
"...God keep our land,
glorious and free,
Oh Canada
we stand on guard for thee..."
Happy Canada Day!
Jun. 29, 2009
Tasty Treat
When your camping trip gets cut short because 3 of your kids are sick and then it rains all day and your tent trailer leaks and you don't get to make smores, you can come home and make these in the oven!! (Was that a run on sentence?)
Simply put graham crackers on a cookie sheet, however many you plan to eat, and top with chunks of your favourite solid chocolate bar.
Then cut large marshmallows in half lengthwise and lay 2 halves on each cracker.
Then cut large marshmallows in half lengthwise and lay 2 halves on each cracker.
Place in a 400F oven for about 5 minutes and watch it closely! Immediately after removing from the oven, top each smore with another cracker. Eat them right away!
Yummy!!
Jun. 25, 2009
Simply Moving...
About a year ago my daughter and I were looking at ballet videos on You Tube when we came across this one. The sound on our computer was not working, but I as I watched I found that it didn't need sound. I could watch this dance over and over. I don't know what the song is, but try watching it without it.
Jun. 20, 2009
Almost Twelve
If you are looking for a resource for presenting 'the facts of life', I recommend this little gem:
Almost 12 by Kenneth N. Taylor
It is published by Sonlight(this version is anyway, apparently there is another publication that they don't recommend-not sure why) and came with the Science 5 package that I ordered from them for this year. My two oldest children have been studying the human body and reproduction was included in that.
I pre-read this book before I gave it to my daughter and had no qualms about letting her read it. Everything is explained in a straight forward yet gentle manner. This can be an embarrassing subject for parents(me included
) and this book worded it just perfectly.
This was not the first time she had heard about 'the birds and the bees'. We do try and keep up the on-going conversation, answering questions as they come up.
This book makes a great addition or starting point on the subject!
Almost 12 by Kenneth N. Taylor
It is published by Sonlight(this version is anyway, apparently there is another publication that they don't recommend-not sure why) and came with the Science 5 package that I ordered from them for this year. My two oldest children have been studying the human body and reproduction was included in that.
I pre-read this book before I gave it to my daughter and had no qualms about letting her read it. Everything is explained in a straight forward yet gentle manner. This can be an embarrassing subject for parents(me included
) and this book worded it just perfectly.This was not the first time she had heard about 'the birds and the bees'. We do try and keep up the on-going conversation, answering questions as they come up.
This book makes a great addition or starting point on the subject!
Jun. 15, 2009
Jun. 12, 2009
My Beach
It's been a while since I've done a Show & Tell, but last week I received something I just had to share!
My Hubby went away to the Oregon Coast for the weekend. When he returned he presented me with this and said:
Since you couldn't come to the beach,
I brought the beach to you!"
I brought the beach to you!"
Isn' that just the sweetest thing?! He brought home some sand, rocks, driftwood and even sea grass and arranged them in a bowl for me! This is what the whole thing looks like:
I had it as a centerpiece on our kitchen table for a few days, but the temptation for little hands grew to great and so I moved it outside to our picnic table.
Now, when I feel like a quiet moment to myself, I just look at my little 'beach', close my eyes and I can hear the waves!
For more Show & Tell visit Canadagirl
Jun. 11, 2009
Resting
One of my favourite things about being a mom is rocking my babies to sleep.
You cuddle them close, rocking slowly, first the eyelids begin to droop, their breaths become longer and then you feel them relax, their weight heavy in your arms.
Nothing beats that feeling!(Especially if they've been fussy!)
I'm enjoying rocking my 8 month old. He has a little habit when he falls asleep. He will each his hand up and feel my face. I know he has finally drifted off when his arm drops.
It's so precious! It's like he has to feel that I'm still there as he falls asleep, safe and secure with his Mama.
What a great feeling!
To fall asleep feeling safe and secure in our Father in Heaven.
I used to feel guilty when I would fall asleep praying in bed at night.
I don't anymore.
And it happens just about every night.
I drift off with my last thoughts of the day turned toward Heaven,
resting peacefully in His Arms.
Knowing that He's there, whatever my worries of the day might have been.
It's the best place to end a long, busy day!
You cuddle them close, rocking slowly, first the eyelids begin to droop, their breaths become longer and then you feel them relax, their weight heavy in your arms.
Nothing beats that feeling!(Especially if they've been fussy!)
I'm enjoying rocking my 8 month old. He has a little habit when he falls asleep. He will each his hand up and feel my face. I know he has finally drifted off when his arm drops.
It's so precious! It's like he has to feel that I'm still there as he falls asleep, safe and secure with his Mama.
What a great feeling!
To fall asleep feeling safe and secure in our Father in Heaven.
I used to feel guilty when I would fall asleep praying in bed at night.
I don't anymore.
And it happens just about every night.
I drift off with my last thoughts of the day turned toward Heaven,
resting peacefully in His Arms.
Knowing that He's there, whatever my worries of the day might have been.
It's the best place to end a long, busy day!
Jun. 9, 2009
Planet Earth
We receieved this DVD series as a Christmas gift from my parents. We have been slowly working our way through watching it. Sometimes on a wet afternnoon(which hasn't happened lately!) or a Friday evening, we'll make popcorn and cozy up.
It is an amazing series! The footage is incredible!
Every time we watch an episode, I am in awe of God's marvelous creation!
It gives nature study a whole new meaning!
If you get the chance to see it, do! I highly recommend it!
Jun. 2, 2009
Motherhood Fears
Hubby was watching 'Deadliest Catch' and I sat beside him on the couch after a long day, trying to concentrate on my book. The kids were all tucked in bed, except one, who startled us.
"Daddy?" he said as he walked up to us, "I want to know God." There was emotion in his voice.
The TV got turned off, I closed my book, this was deeper than the usual 'I'm scared of the dark.' He came and sat between us. Questions were asked and we deciphered what he meant. He had asked Jesus into his heart a few years ago. He was talking about knowing God deeper and growing in his faith.
No, you can't grow in your faith! Stay where you are!
Stay young and small and ignorant.
Stay within my arms, don't flourish.
Stay where I can see you. Don't leave us.
Don't get caught up in the grand adventure of following Jesus, trusting Him with your life!
It's a big scary world, stay safe!
These thoughts crowded in my mind, all for a split second.
Is that really what I wanted? No. He must grow, and learn, and walk, and fly...
He's supposed to. He needs to, to walk with God, trust Jesus with his life.
He may be under my roof, but his Savior has his heart.
Honestly, I wouldn't want it any other way!
May. 31, 2009
1000 Gifts
#88. Being surrounded by nature in it's fresh, Spring green,
#89. The smell of a tomato vine,
#90. My 2yr old daughter's arms wrapped around my neck,
#91. Snuggles, just me and my baby in the still of the night,
#92. Blue mountains, silhouetted against a pink sky,
#93. Watching the leaves on a branch of a tree, flickering in the breeze,
#94. Chubby baby thighs!
#95. Lilacs, and their beautiful fragrance,
May. 28, 2009
R is for Raindrop
R is for Raindrop
...like a glass bead, captured in a Sweet Pea leaf.
For more of these 'A B See' meme photos click the graphic in the left sidebar.
...like a glass bead, captured in a Sweet Pea leaf.
For more of these 'A B See' meme photos click the graphic in the left sidebar.
May. 28, 2009
G is for Grape
G is for Grape
Playing with my micro again! But doesn't it look so juicy?
For more of these posts click the 'A B See' graphic in my sidebar.
Playing with my micro again! But doesn't it look so juicy?
For more of these posts click the 'A B See' graphic in my sidebar.
May. 13, 2009
Too Small to Ignore
I have not had as much time to read as I would like this year(new baby and all!), but I did make time for this book: Too Small to Ignore by Dr. Wess Stafford, president of Compassion International
It was recommended to me by a fellow homeschool mom and I found it at my local public library.
Having a heart for children myself, I was intrigued by the title and I enjoy real life people stories(aka biographies) which is what the first part of this book is.
Dr. Stafford tells of growing up as a MK in a village in Africa. His stories are wonderfully told and I read most of them to my kids(we just happen to be studying Africa!), but each one is told to illustrate a point. And so it is more than just a collection of stories.
He tells how children were viewed and raised in 'his village'. They were given responsibility in village life, included in everything, and cared for and protected by all of the adults. He compares this to how little they are valued in western culture. Sadly, around the world children are the ones who suffer most from disasters and poverty and become innocent victims of war.
In the last part of the book, he explains how much value Jesus gave little children, the 'least of these'.
Unfortunately, Dr. Stafford suffered abuse while away at an MK boarding school and that part was hard to read. But he tells how God has used that to help him identify with the children of the world in his position with Compassion International.
Truly, this book was a very inspiring read and I highly recommend it!
May. 11, 2009
Crazy Things
I was walking past the desk in the study the other day, on my way to the computer, when I noticed that something had gone terribly wrong!
(Sad that I took a picture instead of rescuing the poor fellow!)
And I recently overheard this conversation between my 4yr old son and my 2yr old daughter:
4yr old: "Come let us eat, m'lady."
2yr old:(with defiance) "I'm not a lady!"
And how about this interesting sentence said by the same 4 yr old as above:
"These alien Lego pants have an oat in them."
Huh?
(What he meant was that he had a pair of little green alien legs from a Lego set and since he had them while eating breakfast, an oat from his oatmeal got stuck in them.)
(Sad that I took a picture instead of rescuing the poor fellow!)
And I recently overheard this conversation between my 4yr old son and my 2yr old daughter:
4yr old: "Come let us eat, m'lady."
2yr old:(with defiance) "I'm not a lady!"
And how about this interesting sentence said by the same 4 yr old as above:
"These alien Lego pants have an oat in them."
Huh?
(What he meant was that he had a pair of little green alien legs from a Lego set and since he had them while eating breakfast, an oat from his oatmeal got stuck in them.)
May. 10, 2009
To all the moms who stop by here today,
these flowers are just for you!
Your task is no easy one, but take heart;
You are loved and treasured by God.
May you find your strength in Him.
Happy Mother's Day!
these flowers are just for you!
Your task is no easy one, but take heart;
You are loved and treasured by God.
May you find your strength in Him.
Happy Mother's Day!
Apr. 28, 2009
1000 Gifts
#82. Fat, sunny, yellow dandelions
#83. Seeing others enjoy my children; my baby's smile, my daughter's graceful dancing,
#84. 8yr old son playing with his baby brother,
#85. Good smells from the kitchen, anticipation of something tasty,
#86. Silence, waiting for a lesson to be finished, a 1/2 hour sitting in my van, quiet in my thoughts,
#87. Trees bursting in pink blooms,
I am making this list along with others of the Gratitude Community
Apr. 26, 2009
Apr. 22, 2009
And so it begins; The annual procession of dandelion bouquets, presented with love and accepted with even more. Somehow, kids just know that mom will appreciate chubby fistfuls of this happy, yellow weed. And I do!
Apr. 18, 2009
To Be A Princess
My 2yr old pulled this book out of the bookshelf, pointed to the picture on the cover and said "Mama?"
"No, that's not me." I told her, although there was a time when I desperately wanted it to be.
I remember the day well. My mom is British and so a Royal Wedding was a big event for our family. We got up really early, sat on the couch in our pyjamas and watched every single minute of wedding coverage.
I loved all of the pomp and ceremony. The Brits are good at that! All of the footmen and carriages, I loved it all!
And then the moment everyone had been waiting for, when Lady Diana(as she was then) emerged from her carriage, surrounded by a sea of silk and ruffles. Oh, her dress was beautiful!
Royal Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer at St Paul's Cathedral
Some day I wanted horse drawn carriages, processions, oodles of bridesmaids, trumpets and men lining the way as I walked up to the church(cathedral!) door to marry my prince. (My 2 brothers joked that they could be my footmen!)
And there he would be, my very own prince, dapper and dashing, ready to sweep me away!
How lucky she was, I thought, to marry a prince!
I knew my chances at marrying into royalty were pretty slim. Not only did I not live too far away, but none were around my age.
It wasn't until I was older that I realized that royal life wasn't all it was cracked up to be. I'm sure it is quite stressful, all of those royal duties, a daily life that is controlled by others and never having private time alone. I can't imagine having to be in front of cameras all of the time. Not to mention the press trying to capture a picture of you looking your worst or stirring up a scandal.
Sadly Princess Diana's fairy tale ended even before her tragic death. I always felt sorry for her. I guess that's why I kept that little book about her wedding.
Well, you might be asking, did I get my fairy tale wedding?
I didn't have horse drawn carriages, but I had my good friends at my side. I had a beautiful dress. I would still choose the same one today even though styles have changed. One of my brothers did give me away and there was a trumpet playing for the recessional.
My prince, oh he was dashing alright!
Even more importantly, he continues to sweep me off my feet today.
Am I living the fairy tale?
It's not exactly as I expected. I did have my own reality check as the kids began to arrive and bills needed to be paid etc.
There is no one hiding in the bushes waiting to take my picture, but there are 6 sets of eyes watching me every day and how I react to life.
And with every scraped knee, every decorated birthday cake, every new Lego creation and every time my sweet baby reaches up to my face with his hands;
there is no place I'd rather be than at home with my kids and a husband who would go to bat for me.
I know that I am part of a bigger fairy tale and it will never end. One day the Prince of Peace will return for His bride and there will be a Royal Wedding like no other!
"No, that's not me." I told her, although there was a time when I desperately wanted it to be.
I remember the day well. My mom is British and so a Royal Wedding was a big event for our family. We got up really early, sat on the couch in our pyjamas and watched every single minute of wedding coverage.
I loved all of the pomp and ceremony. The Brits are good at that! All of the footmen and carriages, I loved it all!
And then the moment everyone had been waiting for, when Lady Diana(as she was then) emerged from her carriage, surrounded by a sea of silk and ruffles. Oh, her dress was beautiful!
Royal Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer at St Paul's Cathedral
Some day I wanted horse drawn carriages, processions, oodles of bridesmaids, trumpets and men lining the way as I walked up to the church(cathedral!) door to marry my prince. (My 2 brothers joked that they could be my footmen!)
And there he would be, my very own prince, dapper and dashing, ready to sweep me away!
How lucky she was, I thought, to marry a prince!
I knew my chances at marrying into royalty were pretty slim. Not only did I not live too far away, but none were around my age.
It wasn't until I was older that I realized that royal life wasn't all it was cracked up to be. I'm sure it is quite stressful, all of those royal duties, a daily life that is controlled by others and never having private time alone. I can't imagine having to be in front of cameras all of the time. Not to mention the press trying to capture a picture of you looking your worst or stirring up a scandal.
Sadly Princess Diana's fairy tale ended even before her tragic death. I always felt sorry for her. I guess that's why I kept that little book about her wedding.
Well, you might be asking, did I get my fairy tale wedding?
I didn't have horse drawn carriages, but I had my good friends at my side. I had a beautiful dress. I would still choose the same one today even though styles have changed. One of my brothers did give me away and there was a trumpet playing for the recessional.
My prince, oh he was dashing alright!
Even more importantly, he continues to sweep me off my feet today.
Am I living the fairy tale?
It's not exactly as I expected. I did have my own reality check as the kids began to arrive and bills needed to be paid etc.
There is no one hiding in the bushes waiting to take my picture, but there are 6 sets of eyes watching me every day and how I react to life.
And with every scraped knee, every decorated birthday cake, every new Lego creation and every time my sweet baby reaches up to my face with his hands;
there is no place I'd rather be than at home with my kids and a husband who would go to bat for me.
I know that I am part of a bigger fairy tale and it will never end. One day the Prince of Peace will return for His bride and there will be a Royal Wedding like no other!
Apr. 10, 2009
Cross against blue sky with sun
"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life.
He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.
Do you believe this?' "
John 11:25
"...I have come that they may have life,
and have it to the full."
John 10:10b
He isn't here!
He has risen from the dead!
Luke 24:6
May you have a Blessed Easter!
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