"Honey" of a Grandpuppy!

Satisfaction

It's after midnight and my son has just arrived home from yet another band practice. He's tired, has a sore back, and is Starving.... but at the same time has this incredible sense of Satisfaction and Accomplishment. Derek is doing something that he's passionate about - it lights him up!!

What brings you a sense of satisfaction? What lights you up?

For some it may be having everything in their home in order... for others it's losing that last 10 lbs.... or perhaps it's putting the last paint stroke on the canvas.

Something that really lights me up is contained in the following passage. I'm not often drawn to "The Message" but this is one of those exceptions.

Colossians 3:15-17 (The Message)

"Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way."

When my family ,our church body and myself are functioning and living out this passage - WOW, what a sense of satisfaction.
God let it be SO!

Summer Plans

My summer plans include a Wedding... Ryan and Jenna are getting Married 08/08/08. The above photo is a "peek" of Spindle Tree Gardens, where they are planning an intimate garden wedding. Any suggestions on shoes - I want height without heels!! Girls, I'm already planning!!

Seventeen Years Ago

Seventeen Years Ago Today
Kevin had was living with his parents in order to start working at the a church in the beautiful city. I was still in our former community as it would be 3 months before our house was sold. In the mean time Ryan continued in JK and I remained on staff at the church to complete our major Kid's midweek program. I was still on staff as the Children's Pastor. I was very pregnant with our third child - living several hours away was my husband.

The previous night I had run the weekly program with over 60 kids in it - one more week till it was completed - and two more weeks till our baby was due to be born. I went to bed that night asking God if our baby could PLEASE be born tomorrow - I had decided it would be great timing with every one's schedule.

The next morning I wake up with no heartburn - meaning the baby had dropped - so I decided it was time to get this show on the road. I walked Ryan to school and with Amanda in the stroller headed to Zellers to buy my new nightie for the hospital - that I would need later that day. All morning while Ryan was in school I pushed that stroller and walked as fast as my VERY pregnant body could go. Walking and gravity began to do their job by the time we all got home for lunch labour was well underway.

I called Kevin and he arrived 2 hours later. We dropped the kids off with some dear friends Dennis and Sharon... and headed to the hospital. By 5:35 that evening I was holding our baby boy. Derek weighed in at 10 lbs. 1 oz... thank God he was early. He was so big and healthy, and beautiful. I still remember that evening watching as Amanda (16 months old) squeezing her new baby brother and Ryan (4) gazing at Derek with pride in his eyes.

We all have our labor and birthing stories... I wonder how anyone who has seen the miracle of birth can question God's existence. Thank you God for Derek and the miracle of giving life.

Happy Birthday Derek. You are sunshine in our home - bring laughter to our belly's, and endless love in our hearts. I bless the gifts God has given you. May I as your parent never suppress who you are. I ask that God will grant me the courage and wisdom to never place limits on you BUT rather to bless and release you into the fulfillment of your personal and unique destiny. No LIMITS!!

Three Weeks Has It's Advantages

Kevin is back and life here is getting back to normal... well as "normal" as this abnormal family gets.

Most times when Kevin is out of the country or on a trip of some sort I take the opportunity to focus on exercise and diet. I generally am extremely focused and in doing so, make significant progress in this area. It's usually my opportunity to tone up for spring after my winter of sweets and comfort foods (I'm sure you're all to disciplined to share in my struggle).

Anyhow, this time a lost a tiny bit of weight and did very little toning/exercising. Life was crazy here - so I simply didn't have the energy to focus on yet one more thing... later I may write about my insane 3 weeks while Kevin was across the ocean.

When Kevin returns from his travels he is in a different world. Kev is usually observant; but after a trip he wouldn't notice if I dropped 10 lbs and 2 sizes... he's thrilled to be home but is VERY preoccupied with processing everything. Over the years I've just learned this is part of the journey/trip.

This was the longest we've every been apart in 23 years (22 days)... this is the least I've every lost or toned.... this is the FIRST time he's commented and noticed. He looks at me and says "wow, you've lost weight and toned".... it was hard but I actually kept a straight face and managed to say "thanks - ya - a bit."

Three weeks has it's advantage!!

Talk in the Tub

I spent some time in the hot tub with some kids. It's always interesting ot hear life and relationships from their perspective.

This is the just of one of the topics.

Statement: "It's more fun just to flirt with different girls than be stuck with a steady one."

Question from me: " I thought you had a girl friend"

Response : "No I dumped her"

Question: "How did that go?"

Response" "She cried and I said to her - This is Weird!"

Me: "Oh, that poor girl."

The older and wiser of the two boys now interjects: "Younger girls do that just for show... that way all their friends feel sorry for them and they get a lot of attention and sympathy in the school yard. She probably loved all the attention!"


*** Well girls, sitting in the hot tub was certainly educational last night... Now I Know The Rest Of The Story!

Safety First

I love my mother-in-law. She is independent, outgoing, athletic, easy going, a fantastic grandmother, but one Wild Driver.

I'm not kidding about the driving. You ask if she knows God and I'd reply "She'd have to - to drive like that". I have had SO MANY close calls while in her passenger seat. Parking Lots are especially terrifying.

Anyhow, last year while we were in Redding CA Betty came to stay with the kids. She wanted to take them all out to dinner. The kids were all apprehensive to get in a vehicle with Grandma behind the wheel - but were easily bribed with the thoughts of a meal at East Side Marios.

They are only houses away from the our place when the first potential for an accident occurred - in the midst of their near accident Grandma yells out to the kids "Seat Belts On Everyone!"

Amanda responds "Yes, Grandma... it's safety First"

"No" grandma replies.... "It's $78.00 ticket and you're all old enough to pay your own dang fine."

The kids burst into laughter - silly kids thinking safety was even on Grandma's raidar screen!!

Photos

Saturday Ramblings

My nest is almost empty of my family unit:
- Ryan is in Peterborough
- Amanda in Florida
- Derek at the youth retreat
- Kevin in the Philippines leading our missions team
So it's Joey (dog) and I holding down the fort. Roxanne and her girls arrived on Friday. It was SO strange last night as everyone was in bed by 11 pm... it was unusaully quiet.. not even any giggling or late night chattering coming from the bedrooms!! Those boys sure do create a lot of the household noise and of course, Kevin does keep the "ball rolling" with the lads. LOL

Today I'm especially grateful for my living room which gets the gorgeous southern exposure. I have a long list of errands and things "to do" but simply couldn't tear myself away from basking in the sunlight. It's like sitting in a sunroom. If Amy were here, she'd be sprawled out on a blanket in her bikini tanning... come on over girl friend. So I've spent the morning sipping coffee while drinking in the rays and didn't even have to leave the comfort of my home... or clean up the sand afterwards!! Although I won't object to an all expenses paid trip to a sunshine resort - bring it on!!

A Moment In History

This is a historical moment in our household... I - SHARI - actually gave one of my children guidance with something technical!! (LOL) Last night I helped Amanda to navigate "Blogger" in order to set up her own blog.
"Welcome Amanda" to the world of blogging. http://amanda-decipheringme.blogspot.com/

Derek... A picture says 1000 words

My Kids

What can I say other than... they take after their father... BUT they sure do know how to have fun and keep the laughter rolling!!

On the Road... my girl is driving

It's official as of 9:45 December 6th 2007 - Amanda passed her driving test.. on her first try. Yipee!!!!!


This would be Amanda's dream car.. but alas this is not her reality. She will be the not so proud owner of the Gadget Mobile.


Question # One: Why is it that when you're driving and looking for an address, you turn down the volume on the radio?

Question # Two: Ever notice that anyone going slower than you is an idiot, but anyone going faster is a maniac?

The Time Has Come

This is one of those bitter - sweet moments in my life. The time has come for my oldest son to leave home and venture out on his own.



We've spent endless hours teaching, talking, and guiding our kids on making the "right choices" and becoming independent. Now, Ryan is about to venture out and I'm not certain how to process all of it. Kevin and I have loved the stage of teenagers... but this stage - of the kids "leaving our nest"... I'm not too sure about.

Several years ago Ryan traveled with a missions team from our church to the Philippines. Upon his return, Ryan informed us that all Christians are called to missions - either "To Go" or "To Send". After months of seeking God, Ryan realized that his calling was "To Send" long term missionaries and "To Go" on short term missions himself. So his life goal is to eventually launch his own business (probably in 10 years). He wants a business to generate income to help finance missions/ministry. He's only 21 but is already taking great strides towards these goals. He views this time of working with other companies in management, to be his training/education for the future.

For the next 6 weeks Staples will be putting Ryan up in Toronto, at a hotel. He will complete his management training in that time and then he'll be given his permanent store posting. Each story has 4 manager levels. They've indicated that he has favor within the company and should be "climbing the ladder" very quickly!! So all of this is great news - right!?

The way I look at it is, I have two choices.
ONE - I can be all down about my baby leaving home... OR
TWO - I can have some fun and redo his room - Take It Over!!

So, bring on the measuring tape, get the rollers ready... I haven't lost a son... I've gained a room!!

ROCKY MOUNTAIN MEMORIES

Last September we flew to Calgary and joined some friends in the launching of their new church. We decided to bring the kids along so they could finally see our wonderful Canadian Rocky Mountains. Our oldest son was unable to come due to work commitments.
The first three pictures are on at the top of Sulphur Mountain in Banff. The last photo is at the highest point of elevation on the Glacier Parkway (on route to Jasper) Even though we traveled in September ....it snowed.
We had an awesome trip. I love the mountains. God is an incredible creator.

Chef Roxanne - "SINKERS"

This is Roxanne in action preparing Scones - or as our sister-in-law calls them "Sinkers". As kids our Dad would make these famous "Sinkers" for breakfast, especially on family vacation. My sister (Roxanne) now carries on the family tradition and makes these faithfully for her son Austen (he LOVES these little babies)!

Recipe
Frozen bread dough (leave to rise overnight on greased bread board)
Vegetable Oil (pour into an electric or cast iron fry pan about 1/4 inch high in pan)
Cut bread dough in strips and place in hot oil - flipping to cook both sides.
Once cooked slather with butter and drown with honey - YUM!!
Note: We try to cook these outdoors to avoid the nasty after smell of grease.

Just another "Healthy Heart Recipe" brought to you from our family.

MORE PICS/ MY KIDS

Our kids - Derek, Amanda and Ryan.

Recently a young man made an appointment with my husband requesting permission to date our daughter. Kevin passed some paper across the desk and proceeded to request the young man first fill out some forms entitled "APPLICATION TO DATE MY DAUGHTER". Kevin must have been satisfied with Mike's answers - Amanda and Mike are now dating! (more prom pics on previous post)

I'M BACK - HOPEFULLY TO STAY!!

Finally I'm back, I was suffering from "Bloggers With drawl"....for which there is NO cure other than BLOGGING. We had issues with our computer so my oldest son decided to "Fix It" - NOT GOOD. The end result was no computer for weeks and then all kinds of stuff is no longer working. I had over 40 unopened emails that were trashed. So if you have emailed me in the past 6 weeks and received no response - SORRY - but chances are I've never even read it and it's forever gone! So I keep reminding myself that "I love my son....I love my son". Thank-you Kevin spending hours and hours getting thing back up and running - especially for blogging!
So now is the question - where to begin? So much has happened in the past 6 weeks - lots of tears, laughter, and great stuff. I will tackle one thing at a time - starting with Amanda's Prom.


Where does the time go? It seems like only yesterday that Amanda was climbing on the bus for her first day of JK. When the bus arrived at the school Amanda refused to get off - she just sat in her seat All Alone crying for her Mom!! The bus driver finally had to carry her into the school to the JK classroom. Now my baby girl is in her final few weeks of high school. Last week was her School Prom.

Aren't they all Gorgeous Girls! Photo below - Left to right - Nancy, Sarah, Amanda



Amanda and her friends decided to pass on having dates and make it a "Girl's Night". They went together for their "updo's", came to our place to get ready and have pictures done, went to the dinner and dance, and ended the evening off with a sleep over at Rhonda and Mark's. They had a Blast and made some awesome memories. I will post more photos later.

Good Friday - Good Change

The day after our family celebration and all is well. Although I’m up a few pounds..Yikes - too many baked goods! Today it's back to Weight Watchers plan.

We had a really nice time. Betty and Alvin came for dinner. He played the fiddle while the boys played their guitars and harmonica. We even had two tables of euchre going…poor Kevin he came in last…I’m trying not to rub it in too hard. lol

Kevin’s mom seems very happy and she didn’t take a Single Smoke Break all evening....this is a first.

Change can be a good thing.