Craig and Jen are especially special to Liam because they are his godparents. They pray for him and their example as awesome people who love God is so important.
4 years ago
Friday, January 29, 2010
Party Time
Just after Christmas we left Saskatoon and came back home to meet Craig and Jen who were coming to visit from Regina. We were very excited to have them come. Let's just say the typical letdown after Christmas was not present this year because we had such fun times to look forward to. We played games, ate together, played with the kids, made some cards, went shopping in the metropolis of Nipawin, talked and had a surprise birthday party for Jen. When we lived in the city we lived much closer to Craig and Jen and saw them all the time. We miss those days but are confident that God has each of us where he wants us right now. It was so exciting to hear how God is using both of them in Regina. Our time with them was so precious and we they are gifts from God.
Craig and Jen are especially special to Liam because they are his godparents. They pray for him and their example as awesome people who love God is so important.
Craig and Jen are especially special to Liam because they are his godparents. They pray for him and their example as awesome people who love God is so important.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Elea
Just before Christmas 2008, my grandma Skeldon passed away after a long battle with cancer. I posted about it back then. In June, my grandpa came out to the campus for the annual seniors retreat that he had attended with grandma for several years. It was a hard week week for him as everyone was asking where Irene was and it was something that had enjoyed so much together. Near the beginning of the retreat he sat down in his usual spot and a few women sat down beside him. The one directly beside him could tell that he wasn't doing well and asked if everything was okay. He soon learned that this lady was Eleanora and she was from Prince Albert. She had been a grief and marriage counsellor there. Her husband had passed away suddenly a few years ago from a heart attack. They began to talk more and soon were spending a lot of their free time together. At the end of the week I offered to drive Grandpa back to Melfort to meet up with my parents to take him the rest of the way to Saskatoon. I could tell very quickly that my grandpa was quite taken with Elea. We talked about his week and Elea all the way to Melfort. It was great! They began to talk to each other the phone and visiting each other until one day they grandpa announced that he had asked Elea to marry him and she had said yes! They were married in October 2009 in Prince Albert and have been living there ever since. We were able to spend some time with them at Christmas and the visit was very special. It was so special to see Grandpa so happy and full of thankfulness for the gift of Elea and it was neat to get to know Elea better. I was reminded how thankful I am that God is in control of our lives and that he is the author of each of our stories. He is able to bring beauty from the ashes.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Liam turned 4 on December 20!
So I'm a bit behind on this one but better late than never. Liam invited five of his friends here on campus and we all went bowling. Ever gone bowling with four year old kids before. If not, you really haven't lived until you've done so. The cute little bowling shoes, bowling balls s-l-o-w-l-y going down the lane only to duck into the gutter before hitting the pin on the end, and a large dent in the wood of the lane due to the "rolling" of the ball. Seriously, what is not to love about this. We had a good time and then came back to our house for the rest of the party. Thankfully we planned it this way because while we were at the small bowling alley there were two other birthday parties taking place. We got back here and the Thomas the Tank Engine party commenced. We had decorations up and the kids played Thomas bingo before cutting out the Railway Track cake. I did have two engines on the track too but forgot to take pictures of that. Liam had a blast hanging out with his friends and enjoyed the day.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Bath Time...it just doesn't get old!
I think I've said this before, but I just don't get sick of bath tub pictures. These pictures were taken in between trying to keep Libby in the tub and trying to keep Liam from pouring too much water on Libby's head. The former can be quite difficult at times. She loves to stand up in the tub and once, with Lindsay watching on in the bathroom, she slipped over the side of the tub like a seal. I didn't even know this was possible as Liam was much more willing enjoy the bathing experience from INSIDE the tub.
Tired Out?
Just before we left for Sasktoon for Christmas I was cleaning up the house and noticed that the kids had knocked over one of the snowmen. I ran and got the camera because the sight of this made me laugh. Either this little snowman had sampled too much of the holiday punch or all the preparations had just tired him out. Glad we made it through without falling on our faces. This year actually seemed less stressful than most and for that I am thankful.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Christmas Eve at the Skeldon House
Well Jen, I don't think that's a Christmas carol but if it were it would be an interesting one. Hey, that gives me an idea...
Oh, never mind.
If I had my mother's unique ability to write poetry and little diddies, I would just take a few minutes to write a song about our Christmas eve this year and have you all bursting at the seams with laughter. You should hear the one she wrote about our Christmas tree excursion when we were kids. Maybe it's only funny if you were one of the people in the van driving back from the PA forest that day with Christmas tree branches stuck in your ears...yes, THEY PUT IT IN THE VAN AND NOT ON TOP LIKE MOST FAMILIES WOULD! Either way, she is talented not only as a writer but as a mom and grandma. After the Christmas tree incident it has taken years of therapy for me to be able to say that without smelling pine, having my feet freeze up and needing to stop to go to the bathroom in the bush. Can you tell it's getting late? Someday, I'm just going to have tell you this story. Until then...
Christmas eve was great...here are some pictures...
Oh, never mind.
If I had my mother's unique ability to write poetry and little diddies, I would just take a few minutes to write a song about our Christmas eve this year and have you all bursting at the seams with laughter. You should hear the one she wrote about our Christmas tree excursion when we were kids. Maybe it's only funny if you were one of the people in the van driving back from the PA forest that day with Christmas tree branches stuck in your ears...yes, THEY PUT IT IN THE VAN AND NOT ON TOP LIKE MOST FAMILIES WOULD! Either way, she is talented not only as a writer but as a mom and grandma. After the Christmas tree incident it has taken years of therapy for me to be able to say that without smelling pine, having my feet freeze up and needing to stop to go to the bathroom in the bush. Can you tell it's getting late? Someday, I'm just going to have tell you this story. Until then...
Christmas eve was great...here are some pictures...
Monday, January 04, 2010
Christmas time is here...happiness and cheer...
Okay, Christmas has actually come and gone and I'm just getting around to blogging about it but does that really surprise anybody? No? Didn't think so. Wouldn't want to overwhelm you with too many posts from A.L.L.L. in the Family.
Everyone we come in contact with since Christmas has asked us the usual question of how it went. I've been telling everyone that it was relaxing. Not something I usually say about this season. The time before we left for Saskatoon was crazy but once we got there and then back here it was very restful. We had more time on campus than usual and we really enjoyed being able to have extra family time. I actually made supper in my PJs one day...and that wasn't because I was sick or got ready for bed early. That day I was just too preoccupied with my puzzle and book to get dressed! It was wonderful. Now that we are back to real life it's time to share some pictures with you. Here are some pictures that we took on Christmas eve with my family before we opened gifts.
Brad and girlfriend, Rachel. We are really enjoying getting to know Rachel. She is a lot of fun to be with.
Liam really likes Rachel and might even have a bit of a crush on her. Whenever she was around he had to be hanging out with her. Pure girl. I think kids are like cats. They are able to figure out very quickly the people in their world that like kids and are good with them. That, and she is beautiful! As you can see here, when he heard that it was Brad and Rachel's turn for a picture he jumped right in.
Everyone we come in contact with since Christmas has asked us the usual question of how it went. I've been telling everyone that it was relaxing. Not something I usually say about this season. The time before we left for Saskatoon was crazy but once we got there and then back here it was very restful. We had more time on campus than usual and we really enjoyed being able to have extra family time. I actually made supper in my PJs one day...and that wasn't because I was sick or got ready for bed early. That day I was just too preoccupied with my puzzle and book to get dressed! It was wonderful. Now that we are back to real life it's time to share some pictures with you. Here are some pictures that we took on Christmas eve with my family before we opened gifts.
Brad and girlfriend, Rachel. We are really enjoying getting to know Rachel. She is a lot of fun to be with.
Liam really likes Rachel and might even have a bit of a crush on her. Whenever she was around he had to be hanging out with her. Pure girl. I think kids are like cats. They are able to figure out very quickly the people in their world that like kids and are good with them. That, and she is beautiful! As you can see here, when he heard that it was Brad and Rachel's turn for a picture he jumped right in.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
O Holy Night
I've been squeezing some more Christmas music in before it really should get back into the Christmas boxes and into the garage for another year. While putting together my cheese ball for tonight I was listening to Third Day's rendition of O Holy Night. I love that song. I don't think I've heard a rendition that I don't like. The music is great but the words are what really hit me. Not the most obvious Christmas song out there but I like that about it. It makes me think. From Mark Martel (of Downhere but once BBC chapel/musicale) to Third Day to Point of Grace to a few of us girls here singing it for an elderly lady at a nursing home before Christmas this year, it gets me. This afternoon I decided to look up the story behind the writing of this carol. I thought I would share my findings. I've always been a lover of history and knowing the whole story. It's neat to think about how something like this song can be followed throughout history and land here on my CD player in 2009. I know, I'm a nerd. Here's the story...
The Amazing Story of 'O Holy Night'
By Ace Collins
Declared 'unfit for church services' in France and later embraced by U.S. abolitionists, the song continues to inspire.
The strange and fascinating story of "O Holy Night" began in France, yet eventually made its way around the world. This seemingly simple song, inspired by a request from a clergyman, would not only become one of the most beloved anthems of all time, it would mark a technological revolution that would forever change the way people were introduced to music.
In 1847, Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure was the commissionaire of wines in a small French town. Known more for his poetry than his church attendance, it probably shocked Placide when his parish priest asked the commissionaire to pen a poem for Christmas mass. Nevertheless, the poet was honored to share his talents with the church.
In a dusty coach traveling down a bumpy road to France's capital city, Placide Cappeau considered the priest's request. Using the gospel of Luke as his guide, Cappeau imagined witnessing the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Thoughts of being present on the blessed night inspired him. By the time he arrived in Paris, "Cantique de Noel" had been completed.
Moved by his own work, Cappeau decided that his "Cantique de Noel" was not just a poem, but a song in need of a master musician's hand. Not musically inclined himself, the poet turned to one of his friends, Adolphe-Charles Adam, for help.
The son of a well-known classical musician, Adam had studied in the Paris conservatoire. His talent and fame brought requests to write works for orchestras and ballets all over the world. Yet the lyrics that his friend Cappeau gave him must have challenged the composer in a fashion unlike anything he received from London, Berlin, or St. Petersburg.
As a man of Jewish ancestry, for Adam the words of "Cantique de Noel" represented a day he didn't celebrate and a man he did not view as the son of God. Nevertheless, Adam quickly went to work, attempting to marry an original score to Cappeau's beautiful words. The finished work of Adam pleased both poet and priest. The song was performed just three weeks later at a Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve
Initially, "Cantique de Noel" was wholeheartedly accepted by the church in France and the song quickly found its way into various Catholic Christmas services. But when Placide Cappeau walked away from the church and became a part of the socialist movement, and church leaders discovered that Adam was a Jew, the song--which had quickly grown to be one of the most beloved Christmas songs in France--was suddenly and uniformly denounced by the church. The heads of the French Catholic church of the time deemed "Cantique de Noel" as unfit for church services because of its lack of musical taste and "total absence of the spirit of religion." Yet even as the church tried to bury the Christmas song, the French people continued to sing it, and a decade later a reclusive American writer brought it to a whole new audience halfway around the world.
Not only did this American writer--John Sullivan Dwight--feel that this wonderful Christmas song needed to be introduced to America, he saw something else in the song that moved him beyond the story of the birth of Christ. An ardent abolitionist, Dwight strongly identified with the lines of the third verse: "Truly he taught us to love one another; his law is love and his gospel is peace. Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother; and in his name all oppression shall cease." The text supported Dwight's own view of slavery in the South. Published in his magazine, Dwight's English translation of "O Holy Night" quickly found favor in America, especially in the North during the Civil War.
Back in France, even though the song had been banned from the church for almost two decades, many commoners still sang "Cantique de Noel" at home. Legend has it that on Christmas Eve 1871, in the midst of fierce fighting between the armies of Germany and France, during the Franco-Prussian War, a French soldier suddenly jumped out of his muddy trench. Both sides stared at the seemingly crazed man. Boldly standing with no weapon in his hand or at his side, he lifted his eyes to the heavens and sang, "Minuit, Chretiens, c'est l'heure solennelle ou L'Homme Dieu descendit jusqu'a nous," the beginning of "Cantique de Noel."
After completing all three verses, a German infantryman climbed out his hiding place and answered with, "Vom Himmel noch, da komm' ich her. Ich bring' euch gute neue Mar, Der guten Mar bring' ich so viel, Davon ich sing'n und sagen will," the beginning of Martin Luther's robust "From Heaven Above to Earth I Come."
The story goes that the fighting stopped for the next twenty-four hours while the men on both sides observed a temporary peace in honor of Christmas day. Perhaps this story had a part in the French church once again embracing "Cantique de Noel" in holiday services.
In 1906, Reginald Fessenden--a 33-year-old university professor and former chief chemist for Thomas Edison--did something long thought impossible. Using a new type of generator, Fessenden spoke into a microphone and, for the first time in history, a man's voice was broadcast over the airwaves: "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed," he began in a clear, strong voice, hoping he was reaching across the distances he supposed he would.
Shocked radio operators on ships and astonished wireless owners at newspapers sat slack-jawed as their normal, coded impulses, heard over tiny speakers, were interrupted by a professor reading from the gospel of Luke. To the few who caught this broadcast, it must have seemed like a miracle--hearing a voice somehow transmitted to those far away. Some might have believed they were hearing the voice of an angel.
Fessenden was probably unaware of the sensation he was causing on ships and in offices; he couldn't have known that men and women were rushing to their wireless units to catch this Christmas Eve miracle. After finishing his recitation of the birth of Christ, Fessenden picked up his violin and played "O Holy Night," the first song ever sent through the air via radio waves. When the carol ended, so did the broadcast--but not before music had found a new medium that would take it around the world.
Since that first rendition at a small Christmas mass in 1847, "O Holy Night" has been sung millions of times in churches in every corner of the world. And since the moment a handful of people first heard it played over the radio, the carol has gone on to become one of the entertainment industry's most recorded and played spiritual songs. This incredible work--requested by a forgotten parish priest, written by a poet who would later split from the church, given soaring music by a Jewish composer, and brought to Americans to serve as much as a tool to spotlight the sinful nature of slavery as tell the story of the birth of a Savior--has become one of the most beautiful, inspired pieces of music ever created.
Reprinted from "Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas" for educational purposes only, from Zondervan.
O Holy Night
O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
The Amazing Story of 'O Holy Night'
By Ace Collins
Declared 'unfit for church services' in France and later embraced by U.S. abolitionists, the song continues to inspire.
The strange and fascinating story of "O Holy Night" began in France, yet eventually made its way around the world. This seemingly simple song, inspired by a request from a clergyman, would not only become one of the most beloved anthems of all time, it would mark a technological revolution that would forever change the way people were introduced to music.
In 1847, Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure was the commissionaire of wines in a small French town. Known more for his poetry than his church attendance, it probably shocked Placide when his parish priest asked the commissionaire to pen a poem for Christmas mass. Nevertheless, the poet was honored to share his talents with the church.
In a dusty coach traveling down a bumpy road to France's capital city, Placide Cappeau considered the priest's request. Using the gospel of Luke as his guide, Cappeau imagined witnessing the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Thoughts of being present on the blessed night inspired him. By the time he arrived in Paris, "Cantique de Noel" had been completed.
Moved by his own work, Cappeau decided that his "Cantique de Noel" was not just a poem, but a song in need of a master musician's hand. Not musically inclined himself, the poet turned to one of his friends, Adolphe-Charles Adam, for help.
The son of a well-known classical musician, Adam had studied in the Paris conservatoire. His talent and fame brought requests to write works for orchestras and ballets all over the world. Yet the lyrics that his friend Cappeau gave him must have challenged the composer in a fashion unlike anything he received from London, Berlin, or St. Petersburg.
As a man of Jewish ancestry, for Adam the words of "Cantique de Noel" represented a day he didn't celebrate and a man he did not view as the son of God. Nevertheless, Adam quickly went to work, attempting to marry an original score to Cappeau's beautiful words. The finished work of Adam pleased both poet and priest. The song was performed just three weeks later at a Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve
Initially, "Cantique de Noel" was wholeheartedly accepted by the church in France and the song quickly found its way into various Catholic Christmas services. But when Placide Cappeau walked away from the church and became a part of the socialist movement, and church leaders discovered that Adam was a Jew, the song--which had quickly grown to be one of the most beloved Christmas songs in France--was suddenly and uniformly denounced by the church. The heads of the French Catholic church of the time deemed "Cantique de Noel" as unfit for church services because of its lack of musical taste and "total absence of the spirit of religion." Yet even as the church tried to bury the Christmas song, the French people continued to sing it, and a decade later a reclusive American writer brought it to a whole new audience halfway around the world.
Not only did this American writer--John Sullivan Dwight--feel that this wonderful Christmas song needed to be introduced to America, he saw something else in the song that moved him beyond the story of the birth of Christ. An ardent abolitionist, Dwight strongly identified with the lines of the third verse: "Truly he taught us to love one another; his law is love and his gospel is peace. Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother; and in his name all oppression shall cease." The text supported Dwight's own view of slavery in the South. Published in his magazine, Dwight's English translation of "O Holy Night" quickly found favor in America, especially in the North during the Civil War.
Back in France, even though the song had been banned from the church for almost two decades, many commoners still sang "Cantique de Noel" at home. Legend has it that on Christmas Eve 1871, in the midst of fierce fighting between the armies of Germany and France, during the Franco-Prussian War, a French soldier suddenly jumped out of his muddy trench. Both sides stared at the seemingly crazed man. Boldly standing with no weapon in his hand or at his side, he lifted his eyes to the heavens and sang, "Minuit, Chretiens, c'est l'heure solennelle ou L'Homme Dieu descendit jusqu'a nous," the beginning of "Cantique de Noel."
After completing all three verses, a German infantryman climbed out his hiding place and answered with, "Vom Himmel noch, da komm' ich her. Ich bring' euch gute neue Mar, Der guten Mar bring' ich so viel, Davon ich sing'n und sagen will," the beginning of Martin Luther's robust "From Heaven Above to Earth I Come."
The story goes that the fighting stopped for the next twenty-four hours while the men on both sides observed a temporary peace in honor of Christmas day. Perhaps this story had a part in the French church once again embracing "Cantique de Noel" in holiday services.
In 1906, Reginald Fessenden--a 33-year-old university professor and former chief chemist for Thomas Edison--did something long thought impossible. Using a new type of generator, Fessenden spoke into a microphone and, for the first time in history, a man's voice was broadcast over the airwaves: "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed," he began in a clear, strong voice, hoping he was reaching across the distances he supposed he would.
Shocked radio operators on ships and astonished wireless owners at newspapers sat slack-jawed as their normal, coded impulses, heard over tiny speakers, were interrupted by a professor reading from the gospel of Luke. To the few who caught this broadcast, it must have seemed like a miracle--hearing a voice somehow transmitted to those far away. Some might have believed they were hearing the voice of an angel.
Fessenden was probably unaware of the sensation he was causing on ships and in offices; he couldn't have known that men and women were rushing to their wireless units to catch this Christmas Eve miracle. After finishing his recitation of the birth of Christ, Fessenden picked up his violin and played "O Holy Night," the first song ever sent through the air via radio waves. When the carol ended, so did the broadcast--but not before music had found a new medium that would take it around the world.
Since that first rendition at a small Christmas mass in 1847, "O Holy Night" has been sung millions of times in churches in every corner of the world. And since the moment a handful of people first heard it played over the radio, the carol has gone on to become one of the entertainment industry's most recorded and played spiritual songs. This incredible work--requested by a forgotten parish priest, written by a poet who would later split from the church, given soaring music by a Jewish composer, and brought to Americans to serve as much as a tool to spotlight the sinful nature of slavery as tell the story of the birth of a Savior--has become one of the most beautiful, inspired pieces of music ever created.
Reprinted from "Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas" for educational purposes only, from Zondervan.
O Holy Night
O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
Monday, December 14, 2009
The Amazing Race and Lindsay turning 30
Lindsay and his friend Mark have often talked about how cool it would be to be contestants on the TV show Amazing Race. One reason they haven't gone for it is that you have to be residents of the US. Oh well. Up until November 23 of this year Lindsay had resigned to the fact that he would never be able to scratch it off the proverbial bucket list.
Lindsay was sitting in his office on the afternoon of the 23rd (his birthday) when his boss walked in his office and handed him an yellow Amazing Race (AR) envelope. Confused he opened it up and read the following...
Your application has been accepted and you are now a contestant on the first season of Amazing Race: Canada! Due to the overwhelming success of the hit series, Amazing Race in the United States, CBS has decided to sell part of the rights to CTV for them to host Amazing Race: Canada! Unfortunately there have been some cuts made to the original format because the cable companies are now helping pay for local TV. Therefore, for the first season there will only be one contestant per team. Proceed to #13 Nipawin Bible College campus to find the first Road Marker.
From there he was directed to seven different spots all with another envelope for him. He went all over Nipawin to friends houses and did everything from pounding 30 nails into wood to putting 30 golf balls. His last envelope led him to the Northern Green Resort in town where I was waiting. We enjoyed watching Monday night football, ordering in pizza and enjoying a good rest without the kids walking up in the middle of the night.
I had a lot of fun putting this together and Lindsay was totally surprised! Here are some pictures from his adventures.
Lindsay was sitting in his office on the afternoon of the 23rd (his birthday) when his boss walked in his office and handed him an yellow Amazing Race (AR) envelope. Confused he opened it up and read the following...
Your application has been accepted and you are now a contestant on the first season of Amazing Race: Canada! Due to the overwhelming success of the hit series, Amazing Race in the United States, CBS has decided to sell part of the rights to CTV for them to host Amazing Race: Canada! Unfortunately there have been some cuts made to the original format because the cable companies are now helping pay for local TV. Therefore, for the first season there will only be one contestant per team. Proceed to #13 Nipawin Bible College campus to find the first Road Marker.
From there he was directed to seven different spots all with another envelope for him. He went all over Nipawin to friends houses and did everything from pounding 30 nails into wood to putting 30 golf balls. His last envelope led him to the Northern Green Resort in town where I was waiting. We enjoyed watching Monday night football, ordering in pizza and enjoying a good rest without the kids walking up in the middle of the night.
I had a lot of fun putting this together and Lindsay was totally surprised! Here are some pictures from his adventures.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Some more birthday pictures
Hanging out with Grandma and cousin Izzy.
Birthday princesses (Baylee, Alanna, Libby and Amanda). Joanne always has great ideas!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Libby is One!
Yes, it's hard to believe but our little Libby turned one yesterday! Liam prefers to say "12 months" because I think he feels 12 is cooler than one. I will post some more pictures again soon but for now Alumni Weekend is looming and there is much to do before tonight.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Blessed
One thing that I have to fight in my life is worrying about things. In each stage of my life the object of my worry has differed but it's always seemed to be there, lurking in the wings. In this current stage of my life, I find that it is very easy to worry about my children. Will they be safe? Will the catch something when we go to library story time? Will they turn out okay? What if they get in with the wrong crowd at school? Oh my! If I let myself sit here and really think I could probably have a nervous breakdown. Thankfully, I am learning what it means to "give it to God". What has always been a nice catch phrase to me, has been starting to mean something that is more real to me.
I was thinking today that there is much that I can look forward to for my children. Stay with me here. It's getting late and my brain is jumping oddly from topic to topic. I was going through pictures of our time in MN with family this summer and I realized how extremely blessed my children are to have so many wonderful people in their lives. While in MN they met up with a set of great-grandparents and a great-great aunt and uncle. Not to mention the great aunt and uncle, cousins...the list goes on. So many people in their lives that want to positively build into their two little hearts. I know this is true because these very same people have taken the time to build into my life. When the Reiss/Cochrane/Witter/Skeldon/Anderson clan get around a table for a meal there is laughter, love, joy and most of all the LORD! Some of you know what I mean when I talk with love about this great group of people. You have experienced it first hand...the quirky ways of great aunt and uncles who give your friend's husband a "bean spoon"* upon their first meeting! We have been blessed and I'm excited for our kids. What will they get to enjoy together with this family? What will they do as they get older, have children and create more great family memories? I think those are much more positive and constructive questions for my mind than what so often inhabits it.
The Lord gives and takes away. Blessed me the name of the Lord! I want to live with that attitude. My life and the lives of my children belong to Him.
Oma (my grandmother) playing with Libby. Something I love about my Oma is her love for Jesus and her grandchildren. She and Opa pray for us each day. The next best thing are her hugs.
My great aunt Jo connecting with Libby. Aunt Jo is full of life and is always willing to burst into song. Her and Uncle Gordon have traveled the world together and are so much fun to be with.
Opa playing with Libby. Uncle Gordon looking on. Something I love about Opa is that he often calls me "hon". I am so thankful for his love for Jesus. I love to see him laugh.
*Bean Spoon - we were in Banff several years ago and my aunt Jo and uncle Gordon gave Lindsay and Jeff bean spoons. Now, keep in mind this was the first time they had met Jeff. The spoons they received were wooden and the handle resembled a ladder. There was a little card attached that explained the use of this special spoon. The user was to put it in a pot of chili so that the little farts could climb out! This is just one example of my silly, yet very lovable and real family. I hope this did not offend anyone. ;)
I was thinking today that there is much that I can look forward to for my children. Stay with me here. It's getting late and my brain is jumping oddly from topic to topic. I was going through pictures of our time in MN with family this summer and I realized how extremely blessed my children are to have so many wonderful people in their lives. While in MN they met up with a set of great-grandparents and a great-great aunt and uncle. Not to mention the great aunt and uncle, cousins...the list goes on. So many people in their lives that want to positively build into their two little hearts. I know this is true because these very same people have taken the time to build into my life. When the Reiss/Cochrane/Witter/Skeldon/Anderson clan get around a table for a meal there is laughter, love, joy and most of all the LORD! Some of you know what I mean when I talk with love about this great group of people. You have experienced it first hand...the quirky ways of great aunt and uncles who give your friend's husband a "bean spoon"* upon their first meeting! We have been blessed and I'm excited for our kids. What will they get to enjoy together with this family? What will they do as they get older, have children and create more great family memories? I think those are much more positive and constructive questions for my mind than what so often inhabits it.
The Lord gives and takes away. Blessed me the name of the Lord! I want to live with that attitude. My life and the lives of my children belong to Him.
Oma (my grandmother) playing with Libby. Something I love about my Oma is her love for Jesus and her grandchildren. She and Opa pray for us each day. The next best thing are her hugs.
My great aunt Jo connecting with Libby. Aunt Jo is full of life and is always willing to burst into song. Her and Uncle Gordon have traveled the world together and are so much fun to be with.
Opa playing with Libby. Uncle Gordon looking on. Something I love about Opa is that he often calls me "hon". I am so thankful for his love for Jesus. I love to see him laugh.
*Bean Spoon - we were in Banff several years ago and my aunt Jo and uncle Gordon gave Lindsay and Jeff bean spoons. Now, keep in mind this was the first time they had met Jeff. The spoons they received were wooden and the handle resembled a ladder. There was a little card attached that explained the use of this special spoon. The user was to put it in a pot of chili so that the little farts could climb out! This is just one example of my silly, yet very lovable and real family. I hope this did not offend anyone. ;)
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