Double Digits

 

She'd planned her underwater birthday party for months, maybe even since she turned nine. The goal was to visit the new Ripley's Aquarium in Toronto and then have the theme continue when her friends arrived a couple days later for her party. Just in time, a homeschool email circulated inquiring families who'd like to see the Aquarium at a discount. Perfect. But, beyond parties and grand underwater field trips, this kid was just elated to finally turn double digits.

little mermaids with beards (Bailey missing in photo)

 

 

Emily, you brighten our world. Your dramatic responses to life keep us laughing! You have such a heart for children who are new to a group or seem to have no friends. You always dream of feeding the poor on your own one day and we pray the Lord will bless you immensely in such a noble occupation. Enjoy your double digits for many years to come! Happy birthday, our passionate, diligent girl. We love you. XO

 

Eight-ness

This eight year-old boy is not unlike other little guys out there in that he is full of spunk and sport. However, this kid of ours is the one I held in my belly and prayed for while he squirmed inside. He does not pass by the armchair in the living room without jumping from the back of it into a handstand. And, he does not slip into bed at night without a kiss to his mommy. He won't relent on a good argument with his sisters, when he feels justified, but give him the opportunity and he will cheerfully cook them eggs for breakfast. He wants recess more than spelling, but craves art above all subjects. This boy can erect any Lego set and carries around his bucket of tools, begging me to find him things to fix. He has many friends and approaches kids on the fringe and asks if they want to play.

 

This sensitive, energetic boy is mine and he is a gift for all my birthdays and Christmases. His eight-ness will be greatness as he learns and grows this year. The Lord knew exactly what we needed when He gave us Oliver.

 

braving the -8 degrees Celsius weather at his birthday party!

double cousin hug

 

 hockey party 

another year under his belt!

 

Happy Birthday, our creative, lovable boy. May God grow you to be a mighty warrior for Him. May you always respond to His voice as He speaks to you.

Holding Onto Family

We held onto our family a few weeks ago as we celebrated my in-laws fiftieth anniversary by renting condos at a fabulous resort. We've recently learned that my husband's other sister will begin her own battle against cancer and so that weekend is a little dearer in my memory and my family a little more precious. 

 

Gratitude:

1445. how he insisted all of us join in one room for a Sunday morning devotional 

1446. this beautiful square filled with shops and restaurants and this fireplace right in the middle

1447. these two crazy people and their special kind of love

1448. late night hot tub runs!

1449. how he always talks of owning one of these someday

1450. their closeness and how they'll be supporting each other through it all

1451. how she calls us the "out-laws" :)

1452. this time of year and how God paints everything so I'll notice just a little more

1453. impromptu photo moments

1454. trying on hats over and over in many stores

1455. for this exhilarating ride--Ridge Runner

1456. how I was able to control my speed--yeah, that works for me so much better than other roller coasters!

1457. how he kept his distance from me but could have easily caught up--yikes!

1458. how my mom-in-law is such a good sport and joins us in everything!

1459. this sweet soul and how I look up to her

1460. how he's always smiling

1461. one of my dearest "besties" (such a blessing for a sister-in-law!)

1462. never-ending laughs with this guy

1463. watching him help her and how she was feeling well enough to enjoy the weekend!

 1464. how he can always make me laugh with his ever-ready antics

1465. night scenery here

1466. how we stayed in there, all through the hail--woo hoo!

1467. the good-natured competition that flows through their veins

1468. my husband's older brother--his stable personality and how he laughs easily

1469. this beautiful mini-golf course between two ski hills

1470. for fabulous, delicious, patriotic, scrumptious Beaver Tails, which I should never eat again

 

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. I Chronicles 16:34

People To Love

My heart is overwhelmed with the kind of gratitude that makes me shake my head. The Lord has healed and delivered and protected our precious family. I have the very best. Yes, I may be biased, but I'm so thankful for all these amazing people to love, big and little.

  

1424. extended family connection

 

1425. how little girl additions make everything a good kind of different :)

 

1426. how they don't need a big pool to have a whole lot of fun together

 

1427. the way this family loves on babies like they're the greatest treasures on earth

 

1428. the never-dying friendship of these two girls (since birth)

1429. these two and how they adore our kiddos

  

1430. her budding photography skills

 

1431. how a little one brings out the sweetness in all the cousins

 

1432. that they joined us for Thanksgiving and brightened our day

 

1433. the way she cares for her baby like a pro

1434. how she goes from little lady to tough and crazy wrestler with her brother, in an instant

 

1435. the adoration she has for all kids younger than herself

 

1436. the spunk and energy of this one

 

1437. the instant camera pose of this one

1438. how she wiped out about 4 times and still wanted to keep going

1439. how that determination finally paid off

 

1440. daddies who love on babies

 

1441. toothless grins

1442. how he lets me take his picture even though he doesn't really like it :)

1443. how someone said we look like someone is missing--I feel that way frequently (hmmm... Lord?)

1444. for leaf-throwing joy!

 

Happy (Canadian) Thanksgiving from our family to yours!