New blog? New blog to me...

Who knew about Miss French girl? Found another blog! Sherry has been around for awhile, longer than I! So check out her new blog at Princess Warrior

My journal

Because I use this blog as my journal, I post almost everyday. I've always enjoyed journalling as a teen and all throughout treatment. Of course not all things can be put here since it is open to the public, but I am really enjoying recording my daily personal inventory. I've always been one to "talk through" my thoughts, or write them down. It helps me figure things out and sort through stuff I can't do only in my head. I was talking to my dad the other day and he said that most people aren't online everyday and that he can't keep up with everything I'm writing. He suggested that I just draft them and then the days that I don't have anything to write, then post something from my drafts. ...... Well, do I ever have nothing to say? I'm always talking (for those that know me well!) It's hard to keep what's going on inside of me and not post for days when it's bursting out of my skin! So I just thought I would share that with you and maybe get your opnion on whether I should hold off for those that are trying to follow with me in my journey and draft my posts, or just carry on posting like I have been.
I feel closer to all of you walking all our journey's together. I know it's not as personal, but I can stay connected with you all everyday. God speaks through each and everyone of you and I am blessed by your hearts. Thank you for walking with me and allowing me to walk with you.

Last night was amazing! I will post on that later when I have more time. I feel hung over! LOL My body was in shock from all that jumping and dancing that I started to ache when I got home. Took some gravol and tylenol to stop the headache and nausea in the middle of the night. Man, when God told us to take care of His temple so that He could dwell in us, He meant it! If I was physically trained and had endurance, I wouldn't be hung over today.... I want to move when He says move, to bow when He says bow, to jump when He says jump. For Him and His glory. Can't do those things that well, when your out of shape!
Anywho, blessing to all the newly weds! Honeymoon to follow! Carol's the only one "really" going to get one! Lucky her!

Is He worthy? Part 2

Each day that passes, I recieve more and more peace. My trust for God is increasing! Each day I ask, "God, if you told me to put my kids in school, would I?" And each day my heart is knowing that God really has me covered. I'm not there yet.
God is giving me direction each day. At first when He asked me to lay this down, I was so overwhelmed. Where do I start, how do I lay such a big dream down!? What does that look like, does that mean that I don't plan for Noah's grade one school year? Does that mean I don't do anything till I hear something? God is so faithful. I think that's why alot of us ignore those little quiet whispers from the spirit because the task seems too big to tackle! So yet another part of God's character is coming through loud and clear. He won't give us anything we can't handle. A phrase tossed around too commonly. The parts of the bible that are too commonly known, seems like are the most important. When God asks us to do something, He will provide a way for it to be done. It all boils down to faith. Do we really believe that God will give us the grace He promised us....(sounds like moose's post on faith) But seriously! As long as we are willing and humble, he will give us the grace.The definition of grace has changed for me. It hasn't changed in the word, but my understanding of it has. Darcy's favorite verse, "He gives us everything we need for life and godliness" (Becoming one of mine too) It's His power that we are able walk the way He calls us. And I'm finally starting to wrap my head around this resurrection thing....you'd think that would kinda important to get that if you've been saved for like 10 years!

My mother in law had a cup of tea and I told her everything that God is trying to teach me. She had a few questions about my plans. "what are you going to do then? Are you going to put Noah in school later on maybe?"
The answer to those questions is "I have to die to those answers so that God can tell me His answers". I used to have it all planned out (not that it's not wrong to plan out your future) But it IS wrong to plan you own plans without laying them down first. I am confident in that truth now. Yet another interpretation of the words, "you give and take away" After the plans are at the cross, He chooses what to give back and take away....for our own good, so that He can prosper us and give us a hope and a future.




So for now God has given me the peace to continue planning Noah's school year, knowing full well that He may ask us to enroll him into school later. Our God is a God of order. To sit around and be idle would be unwise. What matters at this point is that I'm growing and preparing my heart to move when God says to move.
My dear mother in law has my busiest of all the children (can anyone guess which one it is?;)) So I need to use this time wisely and get stuff accomplished! Bless you all my awesome family today....your all great! Thanks for walking this with me.
(hugs)

Harder than I thought

When I wrote my last post, I was excited to walk the road of suffering.....must have been on crack! I know that the pruning and burning of the spirit is a good place to be....I knew that God's glory would be revealed.
Well, this week I've been praying more about this laying down my kids. I talked to Joe about it as well. I totally understand why God picked this. He is genuis when it comes to what He picks. He knows right where "that spot" is! And this would be it for me! Before I go on explaining, I just want everyone to know that this is my heart and I don't want to offend anyone! These are MY fears and do not place them on anyone else. I am not writting this to cause division, but to share the journey of suffering he is leading me on. Please if you comment, I don't want this to be a "to homeschool or to not" debate. This isn't the issue. Thanks:)
God gave me the story of Issac by no mistake. To get right to the point, to put my kids in the system would be to me like raising a knife to their hearts ready to kill them! Many of you will not understand what's going on or why I would feel that. But God knows. The thought of enrolling my little Noah into school scares me like you wouldn't imagine! I am realizing that me homeschooling is my way of controlling, my way of nursing my fears. It was soooo hard to comment to all your comments yesterday. I would type something and then delete, type and then delete. To die would be to have no opinion. Even now I want to defend my case.
The place that God wants in my heart is this....to come to the place where I am at total peace with putting my kids in school if He told me to. I need to come to the place where I am ready to walk down the street, and physically enroll him for Grade one if God said, "Do it". I am so not there.
So here I am, starting to walk the talk....Harder than I thought. I keep telling myself, "I will raise in 3 days, I will raise in 3 days..."
Love you all my family, I know you will walk with me and point me to the One that will guide my steps.

I have a confession to make

Laying down all our lives....is this the general theme for most these days? It is for me. All around me God is calling people to die the death...some of us are dying happily, some are squirming and flailing all over, some are gripping so tight to their earthly life that I don't know if they'll make close to the fire. It doesn't really matter what other are choosing to do, other than the fact that I love them and need to pray for those that are struggling. What matters is AM I DYING EVERYDAY TO WHAT GOD IS CALLING TO DIE TO!!!
We have chosen to be a homeschooling family. Everyone's dog knows this. But for the last few months God is asking me to lay it down! AAAAAAHHHHHH! You mean lay down everything that I've read, researched, learned about, and feel so strongly on!??? I thought God that you already told us to homeschool?
Hmmmm.....sound familiar Abraham? He must have been saying, "But God! I thought you were going to make a strong nation out of Issac! You told me to name him Issac! You promised me that you would make my descendants as plenty as the stars through my son!!! Am I on crack (if there was crack back then...) or my ears not working right....you want me to sacrifice him??"
We know the end of the story. We all know that there is a ram waiting in the thicket close by. We all know that God fulfilled His promise...but did Abraham? I think that he knew God enough to know that HE'S GOD! and that God knows what he's doing...
I WANT THAT FAITH! THE FAITH THAT CAN THROW MY PRECIOUS JEWELS INTO THE FIRE!



To lay down something that you think you are so sure of. Well, you know what? If your so sure that it's meant to be, then God will give it back to you. If you trust Him that He loves you more than you can imagine....JUST LIKE THE WORD SAYS OVER AND OVER.... then you can die easily...cause you just know. (Talking to myself again!)
Do you know what that would mean for me to lay down homeschooling? TONS. We are the first homschool family in our blood lines. Everyone is waiting for us to screw it up...(well, they aren't trying to be mean, they just don't understand what it is and are very very sceptical. I will just add that I don't feel that we aren't supported, I'm trying to make a point) My pride is on the line people! What if God says, "No, put them in school" what will that look like?? I will officially be an "earthly failure" to those that have us under the microscope but If God was my God then all this wouldn't even matter. I would just tell people, "God has informed us otherwise for now" and be at peace. You know, Abraham must have had all that on the line too. I'm sure He told people about Issac and God's promises.

Well, I am in the process (cause it is a process) to lay this one down. Little by little giving God my hopes and dreams, even if it makes me a fool in the world's eyes, I know how my daddy feels about me! :)
God is faithful...let us never let that truth get away on us...


(Written on Friday) Thought it was very interesting how God prepared my heart for the message on Sunday....

Bad day

I was inspired to write this post from moose's place. He talked about being real. I actually sat down and started writting what happened to me tonight and then deleted it, because I didn't want to be "negative". But I do want to be real. I want to be transparent. (I'm posting this obviously "less than perfect" picture to add to the "realness") So here was my night...

It was Ally's stagette tonight. Didn't totally want to go, would rather stay at home with my family and finish my chores. Well, I decided I was going to CURL my hair! I put on make up! After I was all dolled up, I was actually excited to get out of the house, go hang out with adults and talk about adult things and not have to clean a spill, or break up a fight, or worry about the laundry I need to fold. So I drive all the way to Broadway, park a block away, take out the stroller and faith (I am still nursing her, so we are still attached at the moment) and stroll into the lounge. It's called the yard and flaggon. Anyways, as soon as I walk in, they tell me to leave! I was so choked! I went to find my group to tell them "hi and goodbye" meanwhile this drunk dude says to me with his eyes half closed, "she's a minor man" His voice was the straw that broke the back. I'm like, "thanks for the info man" (way to be the light hey?)
Well, go back to my car fighting tears, on the way home, pick up Mc D's hoping that grease my make me feel better...k, now I feel sick....

After eating rotten Roney's, feeling sick, I pick up my dad and we drive all the way to Midtown Plaza 30 minutes before they close. Have enough time to go into coles book store and walk all the way back to the van....He's too tired for a starbucks coffee. So I order myself an iced green tea thingy and get even sicker from the sugar....Well, I'm home now...That was me today....

My dad has his own story! He is a regular on the transit buses. He takes the bus to and from work on the same bus everyday. The people on the bus recognize him by face and so do the drivers. So today he was running behind and could see the bus across the street ready to drive away. The nice driver knowing he was supposed to be on that bus waited for him to run across the street! All the passengers waited while my dad did his "little run"


(feel free to blow up this photo) So he gets on the bus all in huff. And half way home he realizes that he took the car to work!!! Gets off the bus and walks all the way back downtown from ave. P to get his car! LOL I guess that's why he was too tired for a coffee.

Song in my heart today

If it wasn't for the times that I was down
if it wasn't for the times that I was bound
for all the times that I wondered how I would make it through
all the times I couldn't see my way and I had to turn to you

How would I know you could deliver?
How would I know you could set free?
If there had never been a battle,
how would I know the victory?
How would I know you could be faithful
tomeet all of my needs?....
Lord, I appreciate the hard times...
Otherwise how would I know


I remember all the times I had to cry
And at the time all I could do is wonder why??
Why would a God so kind and loving, allow me to go through all this pain
If I could see into the future, Then I would know the joy I'd gain...



How would I know you could deliver?
How would I know you could set free?
If there had never been a battle,
How would I know the victory?
How would I know you could be faithful,
to meet all of my needs?...
Lord, I appreciate the hard times, otherwise how would I know...

How would I know that you could make a way out of NO way?
How would I know if I never had a need?
Brother I know what your going through
Sister I know cause I've been in your shoes
That I can truly say that I know what God can do...




Written by Kathy Troccoli

Is He worthy?

It is by no coincidence that I read of Abraham being asked to sacrifice his only son today. Our family went out to the Waldherr farm this weekend in Churchbridge. It was their centennial celebration. I love going out there and trying to imagine what it would be like to live without the city...but I'll get to the point.

God and I had many conversations about my fear of losing my children. Joe's dad has his pilot's liscence and has a plane out there that he loves taking my children up for small flights. But this time, I was gripped with fear. Thinking of Keith Green's story. Imagining half of my family taken from me. Both times we attempted at flying, it started to rain and we weren't able to fly. I wondered if the fear had a good reason and God stopped the flights, or if I was doubting my God taking care of us again.

Whatever the reason for the rain, isn't the point. Whether it rained or not, do I have faith that He is taking care of us? I don't think I do. Even driving from Churchbridge to the farm (a 20 minute drive on gravel) I was afraid of letting my kids go in my father-in-law's jeep. The way up and the way home, afraid of passing on the highway...

Through all this, what is God saying to me? Our talks were intense throughout the trip. Whenever you are dealing with those you love most...YOUR CHILDREN...it is always intense! Do I truly trust that God knows what's best? Our human minds only know in part, only a bit of the big picture. Take Caleb for a huge example. Is Caleb's disability what's best? In my mind's eye, somedays it's not! But God knows. His plan for our lives is being fulfilled through the trials of Caleb. I don't understand them all now, but someday, in heaven, I will! When Keith Green and two of his kids were taken in that plane crash, was that for the best? Not in the eyes of his wife, Melody, left with one daughter and pregnant with a child. But if you've ever seen the documentary that she did 20 years after the crash, she would have a different opinion. We are here to give him glory and to make him known. We are here to live a life that's dedicated to love him. For all that He's done for us, out of that great heart of thankfulness, we worship Him. The word is very clear on WHO OUR FATHER IS.

Perfect in power
Perfect in love
Perfect in faithfulness
Perfect in justice
Perfect in peace
Perfect in patience
Perfect in compassion
Perfect in mercy and grace
Perfect in judgement
PERFECT IN ALL HIS WAYS.....HE IS WORTHY

What does that mean? He is worthy? What is he worthy of? He was worthy enough to Abraham to bind up his own son and raise a blade to slay him! He was worthy enough to Noah give up his whole life to build a boat in the middle of a drought season while being tested day in and day out with riddicule! He was worthy enough to Gideon when He went out with a handful of men to fight a crazy amount of enemies. These men of faith KNEW that God was in control. They knew that GOD KNOWS BEST!

The sermon on laying your life down (3 or 4 weeks ago, which I missed most of it). My ears heard bits and pieces of it, but my spirit was screaming inside to lay it ALL down. My spirit knew that God is calling us to a greater depth of walk. When Terry said the road is becoming more and more defined, that has been echoing ever since. It's true! The road really is narrowing. Each day is a greater call.

Is He worthy enough for us? How you live will answer that question. If there's fear gripping you, rebuke the darn thing and lay your life down, He will give you REST and PEACE. (Of course, I am talking to myself...;))

Agree with me in prayer

God, we don't want to bow to our fears any longer. You are taking us as a body to live a life that is 100% yours. Dreams, goals, plans...all of it, lay it down. Today we choose to lay these things down and KNOW that your plans are to not harm us and they are for good. We choose to stand on who you are. You are the perfect daddy, and also the perfect consuming fire to be feared. I want to lay my kids down and stop trying to hold on to them with my little fingers! How on earth am I going to grip on to 4 children with my little wimpy arms? I'm sorry for trying! I'm am sorry for thinking that my arms could somehow be better than the everlasting arms. God, do what you need to do to lessen us and increase you. I know that my family in the body of hope would agree with me if I said that we welcome the fire, the desert, the trials, the tribulations...(our flesh screams NOOOO!) but our spirits say YES!!!

Yes to you and YOUR PLANS not ours...

Not a big deal to stop and smell the flowers when you're tending the dirt

Joe and I have had the privelegde of getting together with Camille and Andrew this week! What amazing people! It's times like this that remind me of how badly we need the body! Their giftings and unique hearts are so needed in our body. We all compliment eachother.

Last night Isaiah and I went to help Sara do her laundry. Isaiah and I got to ride her friend's scooter down the hall to the laundry room! (I think that was the highlight of her night) Once we FINALLY got there....it truly was a blessing. I thought of so many reasons why we couldn't go and thought I was justified. But God told me a little something about the meaning of His love...

We have a calling to be a radical people, a holy nation, one that people will know us by our love. What is love? Love is the truest sense of the word doesn't have anything to do with us! If you are thinking about you at all....you are not loving the way Christ loves. It is giving with no thought of ever getting repaid, or even a thank-you! This is our calling...to love one another!

It just bothers me sometimes that "life gets away on you". I know that I have 4 kids, and I am very busy, but if this is my VERY PURPOSE, why haven't I learned to smell the flower as I am tending the soil? This is my desire, to grow in serving through all circumstances of life. My mom (bless her heart) is always so worried about us girls. Whenever she hears that ninette or I are going to help someone, she is reminding us of all OUR work that needs to get done, and that no one should even ASK us for anything! I know her heart, she is just trying to protect us...but if I had that attitude, I would never serve anyone! There is ALWAYS work around here. If I waited till all my laundry was done and house clean and errands run....well, folks, you'd be waiting till my kids were 18 and even after that, I'm sure we could find exuses...

I think of Kelly and Lani, 5 kids, self employed, one car, selling house, trying to pack, big family in need (her sister, Donna) and I know that they would be there for me in a heart beat if I needed them. They truly are servants of the living God. Thank you guys for you passion to serve the Lord, you are great examples to me...

As for me and my house we will SERVE the Lord....TODAY
I wanna stop and smell the roses, everyday.

My first "official" homeschooling year coming up

This is the year that we officially register with the school board. I am excited, yet a few butterflies are flying around my tummy too. I need to plan out the whole year, write it out and send it in by the end of August. I used last year as a "practise year" by keeping records and "pretending" to be officially registered for sake of getting the hang of it. God showed me all the grace that He gave me and will continue to give me in order to accomplish the task He has called for us to do. But I still have my doubt's in myself. This will stretch my faith allot in trusting in Him for all my needs, as it has been already up to this point. I have many character flaws, and of course, I am my worst critic! Homeschooling is everything that I'm naturally not! ORGANIZED, DISCIPLINED, SCHEDULED, CONSISTENT, AMBITIOUS, FINISHING WHAT YOU START.....


I have grown leaps and bounds in these things in the last few years, but I am still doubting. Doubt is the opposite of faith and is a sin. Not that I'm trying to sin on purpose, but nonetheless it still is a lack of faith in God. I cannot please him this way.
I have never had a job in my life (expect for one time in grade 10, my dad got me a job at his work which I got fired for stealing) so maybe my opinion isn't valid but I really really believe that parenting is the hardest job on earth! Nothing has stretched me, humbled me, and grown me more in life than raising my kids. (Marriage comes very close to that too!) I don't know all the reasons God has called our family to do this...we know in part like the word says...




I desire so bad to grow in these things! Being a pure bred sanguine doesn't help much! (sanguine is my personality type also known as "otter"...you know the undisciplined, disorganized, unconsistent, always wanting to have fun, type!) God will finish his work and He has given me all I need for life and godliness. It's a minute by minute faith walk....and THIS, my family, will be a serious faith walk for me!

God be my center, and be the center of this home in everything we learn, we explore, we sing and dance to, fill this home with your love, which is the power and grace by which we live!

I have no greater joy than knowing my children walk in the truth

Dear Pearls,
My children are obedient, intelligent, and hard-working. But somewhere I've failed and it's becoming obvious. My children hate each other. There is never a kind word spoken between them, they hate to work together, fight with an intense dislike, and seem consumed with looking out for themselves alone. My daughter uses rejection and solitude. My one-time easy going, happy baby is following in their footsteps. We have clear boundaries of ownership and rights, but the children NEVER play together or share. They don't even speak to each other. Why? I am cheerful. I train. My life is centered around meeting their emotional and physical needs, training them to obey, etc...I honor my husband, just and the Bible teaches. My husband works away from home, but he's a good man, and treats the children well. I can tell he doesn't really like them, and I don't blame him - what's to like? What have I done wrong? How can I make my family love each other?

Elizabeth


John 13:35 "by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

What follows might seem condemning to someone who has made every effort to be a good person, and it is evident that you have. Just swallow hard, say under your breath, "I don't care, I want Jesus, " and let me tell you about the sweetest thing in all of life.

Many people read "To train up a child" and assume that it is Mike Pearl's secret to raising good kids. They are wrong. My Dad's training principles are the reason we are well trained; just like your children are well trained. But training is not the reason we are good. Training is not the reason we love each other. The secret to Mike Pearl's real success as a parent is found in his Roman's series, and other audio Bible teachings. Mike Pearl managed to convey to us (his children) his true love, his hope and joy, his faith and understanding of Jesus Christ. It was not training that birthed my spirit into new life and new living- it was knowing Jesus Christ.

It is clear to me that you are good people; that you train, and live cicumspectly. There is but one last step to take before you will find yourself on the road to success as a parent. Religion may look like that final step; but it couldn't be further from it.

Those who do not know God recongnize those who do by their love for eachother. A head covering, a Bible under the arm, habitual politeness, and a while string of kids mean nothing but "we are religious". Those things are not bad; but they are not signs of knowing Jesus. Love is. Children who walk hand in hand, laughing and interacting with each other with absoulte enjoyment are a testimony to the lost that God is in the house. A husband and wife engaged in enthusiastic, open-faced conversation will provoke longing and curiosity in those who do not know God. A whole-hearted smile at an absolute stranger will cause that stranger to wish he knew you , and hope you will talk to him a little longer.

Your children are perceptive. Their spirits know the difference between knowing about God and really knowing God. You say they hate each other. Why? He that loveth not, knoweth not God, for God is love.

LOVE. Love is like God.

How do you teach love? I'm sure there are some readers that truly do know Jesus Christ in a very personal way, but because of past circumstances and old habits, must learn the new way and practice the motions their hearts are willing to learn. I will list some practical ideas, but before you try them PLEASE listen to the free Romans audio download on the this site. A clear picture of the person of Jesus will infuse life in the following suggestions.

1) There is an understanding in our home that being a good human being is about meeting other people's needs. Every action is done to benefit someone else. The house is cleaned so Mama won't have to work as hard. The back yard is cleaned so daddy will be glad. Schoolwork projects are done to be folded up and mailed to various grandmothers as a gift. Conversations at the park are to cheer up sad people and show them that God loves them. Playing together is far the other person's enjoyment. Joe is sent outside to play with Rysha and "be gentle" so she won't get hurt. Rysha is sent out to play with Joe and "be tough" so she will be fun for Joe to play with. Both of them play with Hannah so she will "learn how to be a kid." They go to Granny and Grandad's house to "be thankful, obedient, and happy" so they will be a joy and pride to their grandparents. And amazingly, this world-view is taken to heart with enthusiasm.

Our own goodness is not the focus. The children do not think about wherther or not they are being good. Their focus is one being successful at benefitting another human being. Joe helped Rysha put her sandles on; he's a good brother. Rysha helped Mom set the table; she's good helper. Goodness (godlikeness) is recognized as active love toward another. Just performing duties correctly is not a form of goodness. Only selfless acts of love define the quality of a human being.

2) Serving. If I had a child that was unloving, I would organize every activity in that child's life to be about serving for several days, until the child performed the "duties of love" successfully. If he rudely dominated conversation, then for several days the game would be to allow/encouage his sister to converse better. If the sister was petulant and manipulative about it, she would have to do something for her brother(bring him a graham cracker...) All activities of the day would include serving eachother. Sister would serve brother lunch and vice versa. Brother would make sister's bed; sister would take off brother's shoes....etc...For as long as it took, I would tangle their worlds up until automatically serving the other would come without thought. And you should play the game with Daddy. Serve him in an exaggerated way with the children watching. And rather than serving them, make sure they serve each other. When you brag about what they did for each other, or for you, not what they accomplished alone.

3) Positive attention comes when they are being peaceable and kind, not the opposite. When Joe is talking too much or making too much noise, my communication with him is brief, but not unkind. I simply say, "go outside and water the garden." The command is not negotiable, I may go out and call him back in 10 minutes later. When he comes back in, he's more careful to maintain the peace. When Rysha is whiney, I say, "Go get me some...." if she is happy when she comes back, I talk to her a minute and smile at her. If she's still whining, I give her a light spanking and send her on another errand. The errand serves to take her attention off of herself. Most of the time the errand is sufficient. Giving the selfish child a selfless errand is the opposite reward his flesh was looking for. Isolation and even a spanking does not work on selfishness quite as will, bexause the focus has not changed. I have found that my children return from their errands with a pleased sense of self-worth and thankfulness. They are not old enough to understand what just happened to their little souls. but their spirits feel the relief of having their flesh denied.

4) Thanfulness. I believe it is important for your children to see you gratefulness to God. They should hear praise and thanksgiving coming out of your mouth continually throughout the day. Thanking God for the weather, the scenery, the groceries, the children, the husband, the neighbours, etc... They need to hear you thanking their father for the work he does, the income he brings home, and his presice in the living room every evening. The need to feel like they are blessed. They will know it by your thankfulness.

And if you don't know Jesus; find Him. Call out for God's wonderful salvation. I guarantee, you will find Him sufficient.

Rebekah Joy Anast

This is an article that really spoke to me. I find many practical useful applications that I can use in everyday training of my kids. To read more bits of wisdom click here and bookmark the page.
God has really blessed us through this ministry, just wanted to share it with you!

Something to think about...

Chidren will jump ship from their Christian upbringing to join the world's pleasure cruise to Hell if their ship isn't going somewhere and offering tremendous possibilities.

Vanloon babies are irresistable!

Canada day!

Getting ready to walk to the park! We went all out this year with tatoos, umbrella hats and flags!











Chelsea came with my crazy family! She's excited at this point...so far!!!

It started raining as soon as we got there...My cree nation mother, who can live in the bush sucessfully for months, quickly built us a tent out of one tarp!
Under the tarp was much laughter, since it was crazy taking 5 small children into this weather was ridiculous!



/





Caleb was nice and warm...

















My sister and dad being their normal selves!


There were many laughs waiting out the rain. People in the park were calling Noah "yoda" while fighting my uncle John.










Chelea's thoughts: "why did I come?? this is nuts! when's the rain going to stop?! Sheesh!"









Yes...this is my uncle....But he is more related to my mom than me! He enjoyed the rain while everyone else huddled in the tent.




Chris thouroughly enjoying himself!


















Best of friends! The rain is starting to let up now






NO I am NOT mother Teresa! I am cold and wet!

Faith did very well. I think she knew how cute she was with her tatoo!









Time to swig dad's chocolate milk! Like the hat granny made for me out of a tea towel!?









Jonah was also a jedi!























Snuggle close...it's chilly!







WELL WORTH THE WAIT!!! "chris you're missing it!"

YEAAAA CANADA!!











The walk home....What a night!!!!








Feel free to click on the pictures to enlarge them. (I warn you tho...do NOT click on my uncle's one of him holding the umbrella! It will scare you! LOL)

SUMMER, MY FAVORITE

Summer is here. Actually, after the 21st of june, the days will begin to get shorter again.
When I think of summer, I think: outdoor pools, paddling pools, tanning in the backyard while the kids run through the sprinkler running through the sprinkler myself, walks down by the river as a family, stopping at the icecream bus for bubble gum icecream and popcorn, going to the beach and having muddy sand fights, building sandcastles with my kids, spraypools, storm watching, storm chasing, sitting on the roof of my neighbours garage watching lightning, showing my kids the "angels dancing in the sky" when the northern light are bright, tending my garden....
It goes so quick and I pray I can enjoy every moment of it all. I think God is a genius for creating 4 seasons. I take them all for granted. When it's summer, "it's too hot" When it's winter, "it's too cold, too windy, too sunny, rainy...." God thank you for the uniquness of each day. May we all enjoy each one in abundance

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU THINK OF SUMMER?

(that's a picture of me when I was about 5 picking berries at my granny's farm)

What type of homeschooler are you?

Salvador Dali Melting clocks are not a problem in
your reality. You are an unschooler. You will
tolerate a textbook, but only as a last resort.
Mud is your friend. You prefer hands-on
everything. If your school had an anthem, it
would be Dont Worry, Be Happy.


What Type of Homeschooler Are You?
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I was surprised to hear that I was an "unschooler" I mean the test doesn't make you who you are. I don't avoid text books at all costs. But I think I am more hands on than I thought. Maybe cause that's how I learn.

I slept in

Got up at 8:50! Have to put away 10 loads of laundry now. Washed all day saturday. Spent all night folding last night. I'll be quite happy when it's all put away!

check it out!

I have new pictures on most of my postings. Check them out!