Family Vacation

Bright and early tomorrow (Wednesday) morning we will be taking off for a three day road trip to Wisconsin. We will be staying there around 10 days. If I can get to a computer we'll see about posting while we're gone. Hope you have a great couple weeks. Enjoy the sun!

He volunteered...really.

The vacuum cleaner used to scare Liam when he was younger but now he likes to "vacuum" and help mommy.

The look of excitement

This picture was taken back on Easter Sunday this year. We hid eggs for Liam and this year he was much more into it. I love that he captured the excitement on Liam's face when this picture was taken. He had just spotted the egg by the TV.

Haircut

I got a haircut back in April and mentioned on my Facebook that I would post a picture. Well, some time has passed and I'm almost in need of another haircut but I thought I would post this picture anyway. Besides, I think it's a good picture of Liam and I. Do I really get to spend every day with him? Sometimes I am just struck by the blessing in that.

The Cool One

I mentioned in the earlier post about Brad's graduation that he is now the cool one...this picture definitely clinches it. Maybe the person taking the picture should have given me some warning. :)

Waiting for the wedding to start

Liam did a great job this weekend. Sunday, the day of the wedding was probably the hardest for him because he was finally out of the car and wanted to run. We've never seen him so bouncy. All in all he did very well and it was neat for him to be there to see the Derksens.

Brad's NBC Graduation

This April, Brad (that wonderful but slightly quirky brother of mine) :) graduated with his BA in Biblical Studies from Nipawin Bible College. It was a great day that included the receiving of his diploma, receiving the Grad of the Year award (presented to Brad by Lindsay), pictures, saying goodbye to friends, and of course a few tears by the emotional, proud and pregnant older sister.

I say a few tears, but it was more like a mini hoover dam explosion. I've always wished that I could cry like they do in the movies. You know, a single tear down the cheek. But no, for some reason my face feels the need to cringe up like the face of a two year old that has just eaten a piece of lemon. So there are tears but there is also this, "please shoot me to put me out of my misery" expression on my face. No doubt I embarrassed both Brad, myself and most of the people standing around me, but it's not every day that someone so special to me accomplishes so much.

It's not just the diploma, which shows that Brad worked hard in his academics to warrant receiving those two letters beside his name (BA). It's remembering Brad as a young boy growing up into a teenager and then coming to Bible College for the first time. He was a timid and yes we should say, skinny freshmen but he has grown into someone who loves the Lord more deeply, is learning more fully how to rest in His Savior, trust the plan that God has for his life, and interact well with those around him. In a society where going to Bible College is often considered a waste of time and energy, I am so proud of Brad. He knows that all he has and is...his time, his talents, his resources, his dream and plans...all belong to God. I know that he will continue to learn lessons as he walks the path of life but I am so thankful for the foundation God has given him through the ministry of NBC. It has been a privilege to watch him grow into the man he is today. I look forward with anticipation to see what God has for him.

Brad, all those years as a child who was 4 1/2 years older than her brother, I thought I was so much cooler than you. It's debatable whether I've ever been cool (a discussion for another time perhaps) :) but as I have watched you grow into the man you are today I realize that you are by far the cool one! Now that we have "switched" roles, I thank you for being a great brother. I'm so proud of you. Congrats again on your graduation.

Ian & Amber

Lindsay, Liam and I were able to travel to Alberta this last weekend to attend my cousin's (Amber) wedding in Calgary. We were also able to stay with our friends, Kyle and Kassy in Sundre while out there. The wedding was on Sunday at Foothills Alliance Church, NW end part of the city. It was great to be there to celebrate and visit with the Derksen family. It was a beautiful wedding.

Kelly & Janine

Back in March Liam and I traveled to Saskatoon to celebrate with my cousin, Janine and her husband Kelly. They got married in Hawaii in February and at this afternoon wedding shower we were able to enjoy watching footage from the wedding and pictures that were taken on the island. They are a great couple and it was fun seeing them and celebrating with them. Oh...and Lindsay...Hawaii looks great for a anniversary one of these years. :)