Bob the Builder...Can he fix it?

In case you are not a parent of a small child, the answer to the question above is a very energetic "YES, HE CAN". Bob has a very supportive group of talking construction machines to back him up on this. :) Liam enjoys watching Bob when we get DVDs from the library but he was very excited recently when he was given this puzzle. Friends of ours from campus handed down some puzzles that there kids had outgrown and we've had a lot of fun with them. Here is Liam hanging out with Bob the Builder. They look small because I am standing on the counter taking this picture.

The Circle of Life is complete

Yesterday Liam and I were spending some time in the kitchen. I was baking some brownies and he was practicing his "A"s on a piece of note paper. His task must have left him wanting because I turned a minute later to find him using the ball point pen to color a few of the white cupboards. Of course this is not something he is supposed to be doing and I'm fairly certain he knows it's wrong. So, as punishment he sat in the kitchen with a wet rag and some baking soda and went to work. As I watched my little man try to scrub off his masterpiece I was reminded of a similar incident that took place during my childhood. That brings me to the circle of life.

My Dad had just finished painting the upstairs hallway of the home Brad and I grew up in. It was a special textured paint that had what felt like sand in it. One evening, very shortly after the finished product had been produced, I decided that I would take some wax crayons and make my own little masterpiece. My parents came up to go to bed that night and much to their horror saw my handwork. My Dad says that he was thankful I was sleeping that night because he was angry. All that hard work. They stayed up talking about what my punishment should be. The next morning I guess I woke up happy like nothing had happened. With cleaning products in hand they told me, in very excited and happy voices, that I would be doing a special project that day. They tell me later that I had been very excited to have a special project and I went to it with gusto...until about 15 minutes later when I yelled downstairs to them..."I'm not having fun anymore". I'm not exactly sure how long it took me but they made me stay there until it was done. I don't remember coloring on the wall or being told that I had to clean it up but I do have a faint recollection of the scrubbing. I think that's the part that my parents wanted me to remember anyway. It worked...I never drew on the wall again.

So back to yesterday. While Liam was scrubbing I called my Dad at work and then my Mom at home to tell them the news. Of course they laughed at me, like all Grandparents should. I think it actually gave them great joy to hear that the cycle had been completed. :) I've written on the blog before that I appreciate my parents very much. Their consistency and creative correction in my young life was tough for them (and me) but I'm so thankful that they loved me enough to say no and mean it...and stick with it. Thank you for your example to me as a mom!

The cupboards look great now and Liam only spent 20 minutes doing it. Thankfully it wasn't wax crayon!

Coughing, sputtering and runny noses...

Yep, I haven't posted in a few days because I've been busy with two kids that have colds. Liam is actually doing really well. You would never know during the day that he has a cold, except the very telling runny nose. At night he sometimes wakes up but it's Libby that has me a bit worried. I'm sure all she has is a cold but I think she's a bit confused at what to do with all the excess mucus and phlegm she has going on in that cute little body of hers. Since birth she has been a gagger. So with this cold she will cough once, all cute and lady like and then the next "cough" sounds like Gohlum (spelling?...that Lord of the Rings character) with a head cold. It sounds bad and I'm worried she's hurting her throat. She's been sleeping fairly well at night. Nothing out of the ordinary that way. This morning I think she woke up too early and just wasn't hungry. When I tried to feed her she just wasn't interested and cried quite a bit in protest. I do hope and pray that things will clear up for her soon. It can't be fun being that small and not understanding why you feel poorly.

Learning to Skate

Liam is wearing the bob skates that his Grandpa and Grandma Anderson gave him for Christmas last year. We think he's doing a great job but it still isn't his favourite thing and I have a theory about that. I think he's a bit like me...he wants to do something, like skating, but he wants to be good at it right away without the falling. I can list of number of things that I have tried in the past and present that I have let frustrate me because I wanted to go from beginner to expert in about 5 minutes. Let's see...we have piano lessons, French, soccer, learning to drive our 5-speed cavalier, being a mommy...the list could go on. I am not very patient with myself and I lean towards being a perfectionist. Not a great combo. Liam wants to be able to skate like his Daddy and I have no doubt that he will one day be able to do so, but he will need to practice. A concept that his three year old brain struggles with. Understandable when my 29 year old brain has trouble with it too. We'll keep trying.

I've Been Tagged

I have been tagged by Jamie.
The idea is to click on your 5th picture folder & post the 5th picture.

I just did that and came up with the picture below. This past fall my friend Susanna did something very brave and decided to be baptized. This picture is from that day and shows Susanna with her Dad (who was the one to baptize her) and her husband Adam (who prayed for her). A bunch of students, staff and her family members filled up the NBC chapel to support Susanna in this. I was baptized some years back and remember being terrified that I had to speak in front of people about my story...the story of how God brought me to himself. I know that Susanna was also worried about having to share but she did a great job and I was, and still am very proud of her for taking that step this fall!



Because I was tagged I am now supposed to tag five other people to do the same thing...so here it goes.

Jen (the Glen one)
Alysun
Laura
Crystal
Tina

Future NBC students perhaps?

These pictures were taken back in October when our campus enjoyed it's first Obah Night of the year. I think I blogged about it back then because I remember trying to explain the "Obah" thing. Anyway I came across these pictures while trying to clean up the desktop and thought I would post them. Liam is there with his friends Cole and Addison (also campus kids). They are downstairs in the dining hall on the computers that the students usually use to check their email and such. Lynda captured the moment and it made me think about how fast these guys will grow up. Before we know it they will be off to college themselves!

A summary...

I was writing an email to my aunt last night and realized I hadn't posted in a while. Here is a short summary of why and what's been keeping me away from the computer.

Playing games with Liam, reading stories, making meals, trying to keep the house in some assemblance of order, play dates with kids (and moms), story time at the library, work for the NBC alumni committee, and just last night...cleaning up after Libby's "through the diaper, down the pants, splat on the floor and all over mommy, resulting in a hose-down in the bathtub" sized poop. :)

I laugh at the place (motherhood) that God has brought me but I really do appreciate it...even the poop! It's amazing how happy I am with Libby's full diapers. She is much happier when she gets it out so I rarely find myself upset with it, except when it's all over an outfit on our way out the door. Or after I've just finished washing that last load of laundry. Libby is 11 weeks today and I am so thankful that she is a part of our family and healthy. Liam is really starting to learn what gentle is and I can tell he is very proud of his little sister. His little heart is so refreshing.

Thank you Jesus for the gift of these two little ones. When they warm my heart and make me smile but also when they are driving me nuts.

Fun with Photobooth

Mommy...can I write a letter?

Every time I am on the computer Liam will come up to me and ask, "Mommy, can I write a letter?" He finds the computer fascinating so we keep his time on it to a very small minimum but once in a while he is allowed to write a letter. In fact he just asked me again as I type this out. :) What you find below is a sample of a typical letter and a response from my parents.

nbnngjfghfg nhnnnnvnfvnfvnmfngffnfgnbgfbb b bbbjfhfhbfhfhtrrrrhhhrhjhghngthjgthghghghgth ghj ghhgt htht hjt hthjthththththhththjththhthhththththjthjthh t t thgthrthrh hththththtthjthjthththththdvdvdvdvdvvdfbvnjfdnfdnfdfdnfn bfbbfbff zzzdn gfxngngngngngngngbnbngngbgbkkbkmbmkbmbmngbngbngbnnngngbmmmgmhgmhgnmgmmhmgmmgfvbngfbfgbfgbbgfgbbbbbbmmthhththththhththhthhthththtrhtrhthhthththtbtblmkkjllghll loootokk ookokyoyyikiyyiy kyk kjjjkkmjkmjjjgnnngnnnghjnjgtgfnnj n nngngnnngngngnnggnnng n gggb cbc c c c cdcdcbdcvdcvdvdcvdbbnhnnhvdvdvmkkffkjgfjgfjgj ggjgjtij jjjtjtjtjtjtjjjtgjgtjjtgjtjututjuigjjitjijjjjttiti jjjjtjitjijtjtlglgkgkgkkkgkkgkgkgmk n nnkklgjljkljkjkjkjkm,jjjkjjmkmjkjkmjmlkjljklk kklkkmmj mjmjkmjkmjkjmkj kmjjmkjmkjmkjh mj mjhm ,jh m

love liam

---------

Nanny & Pappy's reply:

Our Dear Liam,

We liked your green and red letter to us. We wish we could be there to give you a big hug. We miss you and your sister and Mommy and Daddy so-o-o-o-o much!!
We are patiently counting the sleeps until we come to see you -- there are 26 sleeps left -- that's 3 more church days. We are looking forward to doing your new big puzzles with you.

We hope you are still being a good big brother and helping Mommy and Daddy with Libby. Sometimes being a help means quietly playing by yourself and not whining. Even adults sometimes whine, so we understand how hard it is to be good. But it's so important!

Love you a "bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck!"
Nanny & Pappy

Point of view from a three year old with a camera

Liam loves taking pictures with our camera. He does a pretty good job but we don't let him loose with it because it's a camera...an expensive on at that. He doesn't get to take pictures often but there are three that he has taken recently. I especially love the one with Libby and I were his foot is front and centre.

The Smile

Here's Libby flashing us a smile. The picture with her in a pink dress is from last Sunday. She went to church sporting a pink knitted dress that my Grandma Skeldon knitted for me when I was a baby. Hard to believe I was once that small.

A while ago we went bowling with Liam for the first time and shortly after that experience I blogged about it. I have been trying to figure out how to upload videos on my blog and this is from that night. I think the problem was that we only had high speed light before and now we have high speed for a few months.

Smiles

Lately Libby has been warming our hearts with her big toothless grins. Those of course are difficult to capture on camera so this little smirk will have to do for now. She is usually the most full of smiles when Lindsay and I are tucking her in for the night after that last feed. She is starting to doze and full of milk...a little drunk you could say. :)

Cousins

Libby, Isabella and Liam are pictured here hanging out this Christmas. Izzy was a lot of fun to hang out with. She's at a great stage. Full of smiles, holds her head up and is working on rolling over. I think Liam picked up on the fact that Izzy was a little more attentive to him than Libby.

Liam's debut as a shepherd

Instead of doing a Christmas program this year our church went around to two seniors homes in Nipawin and did some caroling. The kids dressed up and sang some songs. Very cute.

I Will Rise

A few weeks ago I bought the Chris Tomlin CD entitled "Hello Love". I didn't know a lot about his music but was up for something new. I have really been enjoying it. The music is great and the lyrics are very encouraging. I was in the CRV the other day doing some errands around town and had the CD playing. The song "I Will Rise" came on and it was one of the first times I had been able to zero in on this particular song's lyrics.

I WILL RISE - Chris Tomlin
There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
[x2]

These words immediately made me think of my Grandma and her relationship with the Lord. Because of that relationship she is enjoying a place where there are no more tears or pain. While thinking about that my mind drifted to how the words of this song can be an encouragement to us still here. With the joy and fulfillment we experience in our lives there is also the potential for a lot of heartache and disappointment. People that we hold dear will leave us, plans may fail, sickness cause us pain...the list can go on. Nothing is certain...except the promises that Jesus has made. He has promised to never leave us through the good times and the hard times, to bring peace and rest. He's able to keep these promises because he has overcome the hold that the grave has on us. I'm so thankful for the legacy that my Grandma left for us. She lived these truths and she was able to die knowing that death would not be the end. We can live knowing that the victory has been won!

"Death has been swallowed up in victory."
"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:54b-57.

Pappy & Nanny

There are so many reasons why I am thankful for my parents. They spent years leading and guiding me and teaching me to be the woman I am today. They continued to do this through the brat years for which I am extremely grateful. It must have seemed endless. They have been supportive, understanding and loving. They welcomed Lindsay into the family and consider him a true son and I now have the pleasure of watching them love their grandchildren to bits. These pictures were taken on the day of Grandma's funeral. We had just returned from the church and were getting ready to go out to spend time with family at my aunt and uncle's house. As I stood in the living room holding Libby it occurred to me that I should try to document that day for Libby. One does not usually bring a camera to a funeral...that I am aware of anyway...so I thought I would take pictures of her with my parents so that some day as we are looking at pictures together I can explain to her what had happened the day these pictures were taken. The thought occurs to me now that I maybe should have done the same thing with Liam but I doubt I would have been able to pry him away from the Piston Cup 500 race track we got him for Christmas. Especially after sitting through a funeral. He did very well by the way. Not an easy feat for a three year old.

Visiting with Auntie Jen

It worked to see Jen just before we left Saskatoon to come back to Nipawin this last week. The visit was short but we were thankful to catch up and for Jen to meet Libby.

Our little cowgirl is 6 weeks old!

Libby is wearing a cow onesie from her Uncle Chris and Auntie Sam for this 6 week photo shoot.

LIAM TURNS 3!

Liam turned three on December 20th but we had a party for him on campus on the 17th. He's got a lot of little friends so we decided to have the party in the gym here on campus complete with wide open space to play, a Lightning McQueen ice cream cake, friends (and their mothers...thanks ladies for staying and keeping me sane), and some great gifts. We were in the gym for 2 hours and there were about 14 kids (including little siblings). Liam had fun.




When we arrived in Saskatoon for Christmas Lindsay's parents had us all over for Lindsay's and Liam's birthdays. We had fun catching up with family and of course eating cake and watching Liam open his gifts. It was definitely a Cars Movie birthday and Christmas for Liam. Thanks to all who made this birthday a special one for him.

Family Pictures

It's becoming a family tradition to take pictures before we open gifts with the Skeldon side of the family on Christmas Eve. This year was no exception. Here's the result.





A little explanation needs to go with this last picture. While waiting for Lindsay to get the timer set on the camera we realized that Libby was deep in la la land and she had her eyes closed and mouth wide open. We decided that we would take a picture to match her.

Grandma

I recently wrote about my Grandma's passing and since then we have stood by her graveside while her pastor read scripture and attended her memorial service. It was a cold day (especially for the internment) but it was warm inside. About 250 people attended her service and the service was beautiful. Our cousins Janine and Jared read the eulogy and did a fantastic job. Grandma had a chance to plan the service before she died and it was very special to sing the hymns that we knew she had picked out. The last one was "God Be With You". Very fitting. God be with you, till we meet again.

In preparation for the service our family went through a lot of photos so that my Dad could put together a picture board. These are some of my favorites of my Grandma.


Grandma as a teenager.


Grandpa and Grandma by the river bank enjoying each others company in the early years.


Grandma with Libby. Libby was only a day old and because we delivered in Saskatoon Grandma was able to meet her first Great Granddaughter once before she passed away. Libby was just over a month old when Grandma died and when I was a month old my great grandma (this Grandma's mother) passed away. We have a very similar picture of Grandma Nelson holding me.

Saying Goodbye

On Sunday, December 21 my Grandmother, Irene Skeldon passed away. After a long and courageous fight with cancer she passed from this life and a body that had caused her much grief in these last months to a place where there is no more tears or pain. As I write this I can picture her worshiping her Saviour in heaven surrounded by those that have gone before her. What a blessing to know that she is at complete peace.

I have learned a little more about grief in the last few years and I realize that while it is a necessary thing in this life, it is not my favorite part. I really don't think it's anybody's favorite. We would much rather spend more time with our friends and loved ones and make more memories together. I know that God's timing is perfect but I tend to cling tightly to the precious people in my life so letting go is tough. As family and friends we will continue to say goodbye to Grandma this coming Saturday at her memorial service.

My Dad is great at writing and he put together Grandma's obituary. I thought I would post it below.

We miss you Grandma. You have been a blessing to us and countless others. We love you.

LILIAN IRENE SKELDON — It is with sadness but also with a sense of God’s peace, and celebration of a life well-lived that we announce the home-going of Lilian Irene Skeldon (nee Nelson) of Saskatoon on Saturday 21 December 2008. Irene is survived by her beloved husband of 55 years, Roy Skeldon and two daughters and a son: Elaine (Aaron) Bond of Saskatoon, Lois (Geof) Derksen of Leduc, AB and Glenn (Deborah) Skeldon of Saskatoon. Irene will also be fondly remembered by seven grandchildren, Janine (Kelly) Sikorski, Jared Bond, Braden Derksen, Amber (Ian) Love, Jordan Derksen, Brad Skeldon and Amanda (Lindsay) Anderson. Irene was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Liam Anderson (3 years) and Libby Anderson (1 month), who Irene had the pleasure of seeing the day after she was born. She is also survived by a sister Dorothy Rependa and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Irene was predeceased by her mother and father, Charles & Lilian Nelson, a sister Verna Nelson and brother Norman Nelson. Irene was born in Saskatoon on 25 November 1926 and grew up in the Pike Lake district. Upon moving to Saskatoon as a teen, she was employed with Shelly Brothers Warehouse where she met Roy Skeldon. On 13 June 1953 Roy & Irene were married. Irene was always very involved in church ministries, singing in the choir, playing the piano and in later years ministered to shut-ins and the sick with cards and visits. She had the gift of hospitality and her cooking and baking were appreciated by a wide circle of friends and family who had the pleasure of partaking. Irene loved to travel and enjoyed trips with Roy to Israel in 1969, Australia in 1984 and numerous bus tours around North America. She loved life and lived with passion. Twenty-three years ago she battled and beat breast cancer and for the last four years fought bravely against lung, liver and bone cancer, surprising doctors and family alike with her feisty spirit and determination. The family would like to express deepest appreciation for the kind and gentle care provided by the Saskatoon Cancer Clinic and the Palliative Care Unit at St. Paul’s Hospital. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to either Gideons International or the Canadian Cancer Society. Funeral services will be held at Fellowship Baptist Church, 905 Taylor Street East on Saturday 27 December at 11 am. A lunch will follow in the church basement.

Libby's Baby Shower

On December 7, the ladies at our church put on a baby shower for Libby. Libby had a great time. She slept through the whole thing as she was passed from arm to arm. I also had a great time but managed to stay awake. :) I was very thankful for all the beautiful gifts and the fun we had together. As I sat and opened gifts I realized something about myself in the context of showers...bridal or baby. While feeling very thankful for the generosity of those present, I end up feeling really awkward at showers. I am asked to sit in a chair that is usually on its own in the room and sometimes is complete with balloons. Sometimes the guest of honour is asked to wear something weird like a hat with all the bows on top. Everyone spends a good junk of the time staring at you. This is the part that weirds me out a bit. Not being one that lives to steal the spotlight, I find this much attention to be a little unnerving. Once the gifts are opened and I have done my best to figure out how to best show my sincere appreciation, I am asked to start out the line to the food. Oh...all the attention...Brittney Spears or Paris Hilton would be in their glory :) but not this female. I like to blend in a little more.



I should mention that I was not the only one being watched. We all had a great time watching Diane, Maggie and Harmony drink milk from bottles. They were doing this to win a gift basket. What women do for free stuff. Tina, my friend who organized the games, mentioned as she handed out the bottles that Amanda was very kind to donate milk for the game! Of course that got some laughs and playing along I mentioned that I had been up all night pumping. :) Speaking of milk, Libby has just got up from a nap and is waiting for some milk from the milk machine...aka me! Love my job.

Chillin' with Daddy

Evenings are typically Libby's grumpy time so we end up just hanging out with her a lot after Liam goes to bed. That and watch season two of The West Wing (politically drama that ran on HBO several years ago for about 9 seasons). Friends of ours have been purchasing the seasons, watching them and then lending them to us. So the three of us have been having West Wing dates most evenings.

Bath Time

Just like Liam, Libby doesn't mind having a bath...she just doesn't like getting out of the bathtub. Who does? Now when I go to bathe Liam he seems so huge compared to the little girl in the portable bath basin.