Lucky me...

I was happily surprised to receive this lovely table runner as a hostess gift previously this summer.  Whatever happened to the art of the hostess gift anyway?  I used to love to show up to peoples homes with flowers, or wine or whatever.  The odd time I still do, but it really seems like a lost art.  My 'Chilliwack' besties (aka Ladies who Lunch) keep this art alive!  They are so thoughtful and generous!
My sweetheart of a friend, Rhonda, made me this lovely gift.  It's all quilted and done in colours that fit right into the house.  Fortunately it's the perfect size for my antique stove. It's a reminder of the gift of friendship.  Thanks Rhonda...you're one of the most generous people I know.

Captivated...

by airplanes!  Our little man Isaac is growing so fast.  He's all about the 'terrible' twos these days.  Although I prefer the term 'typcial' twos a little more.  He's not terrible, but he sure is giving me a run for my money!  He's managed to break more dishes than I can afford to replace, color on everything but paper, lock me out of the house, and...oh, the list goes on.  But, amongst these crazy moments we have wonderful times my little man and me.  It's the first time it's just him and I alone each morning.  We have fun...usually outside....watching airplanes!  Isaac is obsessed with anything airplanes.  We thought it would be tractors, since Daddy is a farmer, but nope, it's airplanes.  Oh, don't be mistaken, Isaac is all about trucks and tractors, but he LOVES airplanes.  There are two things that contribute to his obsession: 
1.  His adoring love for his Uncle Ken, who happens to be an airshow announcer and a pilot. Isaac and Ken have a wonderful bond.
2.  His bedroom that's wallpapered with vintage aiplanes.  (This room just happens to be the room that Uncle Ken grew up in...original wallpaper:)
If we're in the house then he's saying 'shissen mommy, shissen' (listen, mommy, listen)  He expects me to drop whatever I'm doing so we can listen for an airplane far off in the skies.  He is so attuned to the sound of an airplane it's unbelievable! 

If we're outside then his eyes are in the skies and he's waving and yelling, 'hi unca Ken, hi'  It really is amazing.  This evening I was working in the kitchen and he was so quiet.  I looked over and saw him laying on the floor.  What's that book he's reading you ask?  Why, it's the 2010 Abbotsford Airshow official program.  He reads it everyday.  He flips to the page with his uncle ken's picture, then over to the page with his favorite:  'mannos'.  'Mannos' is code for Snowbirds, our beautiful Canadian Air Force Squadron.  It will be interesting to see where this love of his takes him.  I find it fascinating that he is already expressing such an interest at this age.

Thanksgiving...

So many things to be thankful for.  Is it bad that I had to remind myself about this?  Last week I was at work, plugging away at the bulletin for this past Sunday. I sat and tried to think of something catchy, but still sincere, to put on the front of the bulletin in acknowledgement of this important day.  Then, all the letters were delivered for our new church sign and a few of us were trying to think of something 'thanksgivingish' to put on the sign.  Me? I drew blanks all day.  How pathetic is that???  I'll be honest and say that I know I have so much I NEED to be thankful for.  A free country, my beautiful family, a home, etc etc....I KNOW all these things can't be taken for granted, and yet I still had to think. 
The first thoughts to come to mind were the things I'm not appreciative of, the things I don't have, the relationships I struggle with, the trials that never seem to end. 
So here I am today, amongst laundry and mess, cleaning rooms and tidying up messes that I've done time and time again, not feeling particularly thankful.  Feeling guilty and selfish for feeling this way, but also recognizing that these feelings are not of God.  Guilt is not a tool God uses to make me realize how thankful I SHOULD be.  But, in my brokeness I am feeling drawn to God, feeling as though He wants to give me so many things to be thankful for.  He longs to fill up my heart with joy, and give me a spirit that enables me to always feel thankful.   Guilt will not bring me these things.  My willingness to ask for His forgiveness and His blessings will give me these things.  So, today, one day late, I am thankful.  Thankful for a merciful Father, thankful for forgiveness, and, finally, thankful for so much.
I am thankful for a weekend of family time, with our little family, my family and hubby's family.  Thankful for time to reflect on the beauty of the season and be outdoors.  Thankful for time to reflect on a dear, beloved Father-in-law who passed away on Thanksgiving several years ago.  Thankful for time this weekend to do things I enjoy, walking, reading and baking pies.  Thankful for the tiniest spark of hope in my heart for the healing of broken relationships.  Thankful for a loving heavenly Father who will never, ever leave me.

Let's Salsa...

So I have this sweetheart of a friend, one of many really.  This particular sweetheart and I have known each other for a long time now.  We've snuggled each other's babies, we've been in care group together, we've been in moms groups together, we've cried together, but we've mosty laughed together!  Christa is a wonderful friend.  She's brought much richness into my life, whether she's aware of it or not.  Christa has a heart of gold.  She loves all people, especially babies, but most of all she loves God.  Christa sets a beautiful example of Christ's love.  Well, before she starts blushing I'll move this along.  Christa is a domestic diva and one of the many things she does well is salsa!  I love salsa, there are a few name brands that I'm partial to, but I especially enjoy Christa's salsa.  This year I dropped a hint and she picked it up quickly and we made a date.  So, here's the 'fruits' of our labour.  So, thanks Christa..I'll think of you everytime I pop a top...of salsa!  P.S....next time I promise to remember to have gloves on hand for chopping the jalapeno's. Lesson learned.  The hard way.

Sand-A-Box

We decided earlier this year that Isaac was more than ready for a sandbox.  He loves to play outside, and especially in the dirt.  His birthday was back in June and we decided it would be the perfect b-day gift, but it wasn't until August that we had the time to do this project.  Rob was really excited about doing this for Isaac and he put a lot of time and thought into the project.  Once we were back from holidays we got to work.  First decision was where to put it.  I wanted it to be in the front yard so I could keep track of him easily. There just didn't seem to be a great spot for it.  So, after staring at the yard for awhile we talked about removing an overgrown, dying shrub that was really just taking up wasted space.  Talking turned to doing and before we knew it we were well on our way to a sandbox.  Isaac watched with wonder as Rob took the next few days to build it.  Rob had his plans all in his head and I just supplied extra hands and cold drinks and snacks....and took pictures, of course.  Isaac is loving his new 'sand-a-box' as he calls it.  I can't seem to drag him out of it...it's all he wants to do now!  Thanks Rob for taking the time to do this, you've made your little boy so happy!

My Gang...

Bringin' in wood for winter!

Makin' Good on a Promise...

Olivia's school is a big supporter of local events, and especially charity events.  For 12 consecutive years, King Traditional has participated in the annual Abbotsford Police Challenge Run.  This year was the 20th anniversary of this event.  Our local police raise money for The ALS Society, United Way, and the Special Olympics.  Last year Olivia brought home all the paperwork for the event and asked me to do it with her.  I had been stepping it up in terms of trying to stay in shape and felt like I could do it with her, until we realized the day of the run was the same day that I had to be in a sale at a local fair that I had already comitted to.  Olivia was really disappointed and asked me to promise to do the run with her next year...which brings us to the here and now.  I had completely forgotten all about this.  But, sure enough, first week of school she came home with all the registration info and reminded me about my promise.  There was a part of me that thought she needed to understand that I wasn't up for it this year.  I'm still nursing an injury from ball this past spring, and I hadn't been doing great with my running.  But, the promise prevailed.  This wasn't about my ability.  This was about keeping my promise to my daughter.  We would only be doing the 5km...not the 10km.  I knew deep down that I could easily walk it if I had to.  But, with only 2 weeks notice, I dragged myself out to the track 3 times each week until I was up to running 4.5 km at a time...I know, peanuts for some of ya'll, but huge for me. 

So, we did it.  One week ago today. The rain held off, our bibs were pinned in place, our micro-chips attached to our shoes and away we went.  There were approx. 100 participants alone from our school, winning us the award for the highest represented school at the run for the 12th year straight.  Olivia will tell you that I held her back...that's her story and she's stickin to it.  She managed to beat me by a full minute.  But, I did it....and, I managed to run most of it.  A few short walk breaks prevailed, but all in all I ran.  I had a fellow friend, Sarah, along to keep me encouraged and running when our kids took off on us.
Now, posting these pics kill me.  I look absolutely awful...but, it's a memory made that's worth the hit to my pride.  So, don't look close, just look at Livi..and the smile of accomplishment on her face!  Hubby and 2 youngest were there to cheer us on through the last stretch..and snap away with the camera of course.   Next year you ask?  Absolutely...and I'm going to beat my time by at least 5 minutes.  That's my promise to myself!

We managed to find a couple of friends from church who participated in the run too...so here's a shot of the Heritage Gang!