post 200

wah hoo ~ my 200th post to my blog.

This is an awesome milestone to celebrate. I feel that I should post something really profound...mmhmm...um...well, since I can't think of anything overly profound, I guess I'll share my favourite scripture verse.

Probably my most favourite verse of the Bible is: Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version) "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".

This verse has been dear to my heart for many years. In 1998, after our dairy barn burned down, our dear neighbour shared it with us and encouraged us, that yes, this was a tragedy and even though this happened, God still has plans for us. This scripture has helped me through many situations throughout my journey. Through job loss, kids moving out, health issues, and the many ups & downs we walk through, I've claimed this scripture many times. Especially as I walk through the valley.
The way I figure it, since God can make something like this so beautiful, how much more will he make, not only my life beautiful, but the lives of those He created.

As the song goes:
Beautiful, beautiful,
Jesus is beautiful
and Jesus makes beautiful
things of my life.

So no matter what's happened or is going to happen I am so thankful that God has HIS hand on my life, and that he knows the plans that HE has for me. While I may not know what the future holds, I do know the ONE who holds mine.

Blessings

Decisions...decisions...decisions

Plans for Krystle and Gerard's wedding are all coming together, from the photographer to the florist; from the caterer to the rental company and everything in between. So many decisions are being made.
It's exciting watching this young couple plan the day that begins their life together. While they are excited about the actual wedding day they're more excited to begin life together. Krystle says it perfectly in her blog "Yes, we love and are getting excited about our wedding. But, we are even more excited to begin married life together as husband and wife!"

I'm really proud of these two, putting the focus on the rest of their lives together not on the one day it begins.

Blessings

Birthday puppy

We celebrated our little Sasha's 1st birthday yesterday. No, we did not have a cake, nor did we sing happy birthday to her. She didn't get to choose the menu like the other members of the family do for their birthdays. (although the longer this little bundle of fir lives with us, she's becoming more and more like a member of our family.) I just wanted to recognize her special day.

Her exuberant greeting each and every time I come home is a wonderful display of her affection. She's learning to sit on command, to come when called. She barks to be let out and barks again to be let back in. She loves going for car rides whenever we can take her with us and sits at the window watching us leave when she can't. She's learning to love walks and she enjoys sleeping at the foot of our bed. It's a bit of joke at how spoiled Sasha is, but I guess that's the way it is with the 'baby' of the family.

Blessings

Eulogy

Dolly
February 14, 1998 – October 13, 2009 Dolly joined our family in April at 8 weeks of age as an early birthday present for Krystle. She melded into our family quickly gaining the love of the whole family. In July she saved our lives when our dairy barn was engulfed in flames, it was her barking that awoke us in time to call the fire department to save the house and the rest of the buildings.

It’s hard to put into words all the emotions we feel at this time. Wikipedia describes a best friend as: someone with whom one shares the strongest possible kind of friendship. It's no wonder then that I feel I've lost my best friend. There are so many memories: walking with her, sitting in the house with her by my feet, playing tag, camping trips, her boundless energy, and her greeting each and every time I came home.

Time can be a funny thing, when looking forward 11 years can seem a long time, but looking back, it just wasn’t long enough. Dolly gave me her unconditional loyalty and love, knowing without fear that my love would never be withdrawn. My gentle guardian ~ I miss her!

Blessings

happy birthday

to me!
Another year has so quickly gone by. I find myself looking back more than looking forward - true sign of old age

Birthdays have always been a big deal to me, not only my own, but those that I am closest to. I enjoy making memories out of these special days, making a special dinner, decorating the cake. In our family the birthday person gets to decide what's for supper, so tonight, we're having Swiss Melt Chicken, Fettuccine Alfredo, Garden Salad and of course the cake I have yet to make. side note: it somehow seems unfair to make your own birthday cake

Throughout my years having a birthday meant I was growing up, now it just means I'm getting old, ^.^ but when you really stop and think about it....

Blessings

Thanksgiving

Dictionary.com describes thanksgiving as 'An act of giving thanks; an expression of gratitude, especially to God.'
I am thankful to God for many things: my family, (photo courtesy of Anneka Zehr Photography) my puppy, my friends, my country farmhouse, (yes, I am thankful for it despite the fact it needs some work) plenty of food, my job, to live in a country with religious freedom, to have had the great opportunities in life I've had; and the many more I've yet to pursue, and ooh so much more. Thanksgiving Day is a good reminder for all of us to be thankful.

Blessings

They're gettin' hitched

Krystle & Gerard's engagement party was today. They decided to go with a country theme, cowboy boots, hats, the whole deal. yee-haw

I love the shirts they got for themselves and the wedding party.
Krystle, Gerard, Emily Maid of Honor, Kyle Best Man, Janelle Bridesmaid, Jesse Groomsman, Marcia Bridesmaid, Kya & Kiera Flower girls, the only one missing is the other groomsman Kyle, who is in Colombia.
The rootin' tootin' gang.

What an absolutely wonderful day and what better way to end the evening, than with fireworks!!
Congratulations guys...only 8 more months, till the BIG day!

Blessings

Happy Anniversary!!!

Today is my mama & pa's 33rd wedding anniversary. I called her this morning and sang this song to her:


In 1985, I lived with Uncle Ken & Aunt Ginny at a crucial point in my life. They welcomed me, not only into their home but also their hearts; practically adopting me as their own. Over the past 24 years we've developed such a deep and loving relationship that I know they can both be counted on whenever needed.
(I borrowed this photo from their facebook group of photos)
It's amazing in this day and age to achieve such a milestone in marriage and I want to give a big shout out to them. HURRAY!

I am SO blessed to have these two wonderful people in my life.

Blessings

ps. I love you mama! ^.^

The Beauty of Autumn

This is my most favourite time of year. Each year as the kids were growing up I would insist we take our annual walk as a family through the bush on our property. It wasn't about the walk it was more to do with spending time together. It was something I just loved. Still do!

In the next few weeks, I plan to take time to walk throughout the bush enjoying the beauty of Autumn and reminiscing all the memories we created. It's a wonderful way to spend quiet time with God, with absolutely no distractions.

Blessings