tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22979868593196969722024-03-12T21:56:23.107-06:00Shutterbugg MomChristian Mom, Wife, Scrapbooker, Photographer, Daughter, Sister & FriendShaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417543337297151801noreply@blogger.comBlogger175125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297986859319696972.post-26191627313529803392011-12-01T20:21:00.000-07:002011-12-01T20:21:51.914-07:0012 Days of Praying for our Children...Hi Friends :) Over the past 3 months I have led a group of ladies in praying for our children. I was prompted by God to do this several months ago when our church was looking for Group Leaders. When the Pastor of Connecting Ministries put the call out there all these exciting ideas ran through my head...oh I could lead a photography group...or a scrapbooking group...or how about a group of ladies to get together and work on Project Life??? Yes those were all of my initial thoughts...that this was going to be soooo fun and I would get more time doing some of the things I loooove to do. WRONG. In the next few days I heard about getting some moms together to pray for our children....do something with eternal value....be intentional about your faith and prayer life and share it. I have definitely learned my lesson about not listening to God the first time he speaks to me, so I listened and I met with 3 or 4 or 5 ladies once a month to lift up our children and share as Moms. Was the group a success? I don't know...if it was based on number of ppl who came out then probably not. But I don't think that is how God looks at it. I think He was smiling down on a few ladies who carved time out of one Thursday evening a month to lift up, share and encourage our children and each other. The results of the group, only He knows for sure. But for me it opened my eyes to the need to pray for our children often. <br />
<br />
My Mother-in-law Barb passed on a list that I am going to share with you over the next 12 days. What better way to celebrate the season as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of His Son Jesus!<br />
<br />
Pray for Your Children<br />
<br />
1. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">That they will know Christ early in life. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Psalm 63:1</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">You, God, are my God,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> earnestly I seek you;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">I thirst for you,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> my whole being longs for you,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">in a dry and parched land</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> where there is no water.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Lord Jesus I lift up Aidan to you as the oldest child you have blessed us with Father. Thank you for the 12 years of life you have given him thus far and Lord I pray that his relationship with you becomes more and more real everyday. That your light shine through Aidan Lord, that your word become a lamp to his feet and a light to his path and that his whole being longs for only You - the divine Creator of the world. Thank you Jesus! AMEN</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Heavenly Father I praise you for Addison, Asher and Abigail. Thank you for blessing our family with each of their little personalities, abilities and gifts. Each of them holds a special place in our family unit and Lord I lift them up to you now that, in their young ages, they may have a desire and yearning for only You. That they sing your praises to the most high heavenly Father with all their hearts and beings. That You are made real to them and they each experience your divine love and mercy each and every day of their life Lord. Thank you Jesus. AMEN</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417543337297151801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297986859319696972.post-15087072407158714952011-11-26T15:26:00.000-07:002011-11-26T15:26:44.386-07:00Our Favorite Cookie...I am a self-proclaimed cookie monster! I have the worst self-control when cookies are around. It is not uncommon for me to sit down and eat 6 at a time...yes you read right....6. I have been asked a few times for this recipe so I thought I would share it so you can indulge with me...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8TJXjQOgxzvkT31J-G2QcF0YML750wqHQBI8kQQ0IrKTqXFgm9xtV4PJbpL3QO1wCWFvojtZxCjdwAuDEg6kGPE8bOAjsm8V0ZOAktDUQs1MkXErW4oiv9xB7RXnulV23ntifdeazW8/s1600/COOKIE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8TJXjQOgxzvkT31J-G2QcF0YML750wqHQBI8kQQ0IrKTqXFgm9xtV4PJbpL3QO1wCWFvojtZxCjdwAuDEg6kGPE8bOAjsm8V0ZOAktDUQs1MkXErW4oiv9xB7RXnulV23ntifdeazW8/s320/COOKIE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><u>Smartie Monster Cookies</u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><u><br />
</u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup margarine</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 + 1/4 cup white sugar</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup brown sugar</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 cups crunchie peanut butter</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4 tsp. baking soda</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 tsp. vanilla</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 cup honey</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 - 12 oz. pkg chocolate chips</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 - 12 oz. pkg of Smarties (approx. 5 boxes)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6 beaten eggs</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">11-12 cups Robin Hood quick-oats</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cream margarine with white and brown sugars. Add eggs, honey, vanilla and peanut butter. Mix well. Add remaining ingredients. Mix and drop by spoonful onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 11 minutes. Recipe makes about 10 dozen cookies (so can cut recipe in half...or throw a bunch in the freezer. They are delicious frozen and ready for company who unexpectedly stop in....if there is any left). ENJOY!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417543337297151801noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297986859319696972.post-74671000655664113742011-11-01T10:27:00.000-06:002011-11-01T10:27:57.419-06:00Our Treaters...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6T6zF4Mh1FrjK8L31SoP6hx-W8jAiMCVuTAbbfzdQvzmwcXpWDSx3_meiu8Q8W9zPId2vY93ZkgNb9u7BYMYX20XMlzTgQxtaOdcQyRbQp-fA1WcFlTymO2vUELwjTSg4_Yi3O4LpNI/s1600/DSC_9243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6T6zF4Mh1FrjK8L31SoP6hx-W8jAiMCVuTAbbfzdQvzmwcXpWDSx3_meiu8Q8W9zPId2vY93ZkgNb9u7BYMYX20XMlzTgQxtaOdcQyRbQp-fA1WcFlTymO2vUELwjTSg4_Yi3O4LpNI/s320/DSC_9243.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Our little Fairy girl checking herself out in the mirror. Yah, the ribbons in her hair only lasted about 10 minutes....and her wings are no longer recognizable they are so bent and the nylon snagged. But...that is a fairy who has fun...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazfytglXkygc9QzRFyVT3hzMWCisBMMAEuT3Moc0hozuHvwwYQw4aEmWUu-XrIZydj-hyYCB_TiRtXWkN98_CHtFLQP8CgvLkQ6m4WzUi7iGNw7am2J0NxK8m1VgYis_02bXM5tt_-mw/s1600/DSC_9268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazfytglXkygc9QzRFyVT3hzMWCisBMMAEuT3Moc0hozuHvwwYQw4aEmWUu-XrIZydj-hyYCB_TiRtXWkN98_CHtFLQP8CgvLkQ6m4WzUi7iGNw7am2J0NxK8m1VgYis_02bXM5tt_-mw/s320/DSC_9268.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Abigail thought the jack-o-lantern was pretty funny! She often went and looked at it getting up real close and checking it out. Dad and the little ones carved it on Sunday. Addison helped with the one face, and Asher helped with the face on the back of the pumpkin. I have a pretty creative husband let me tell you...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3G5aQWMTkoTO0zOjrchjte4hIUo-yV1hED5_cIGZP6_gXMLXJpzCqF4IzxG5CZePEHJ-qWXk13GeKtNaESJUtQ4qfWNj87ZSt7a21uexIaXDhr4JhwLPXC9gn0M0oziiFZEL2UR-Xew/s1600/DSC_9288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3G5aQWMTkoTO0zOjrchjte4hIUo-yV1hED5_cIGZP6_gXMLXJpzCqF4IzxG5CZePEHJ-qWXk13GeKtNaESJUtQ4qfWNj87ZSt7a21uexIaXDhr4JhwLPXC9gn0M0oziiFZEL2UR-Xew/s320/DSC_9288.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Aidan was dressed up as some sort of zombie guy. I think he actually had more fun spraying the fake blood on his shirt and shopping for his mask then he actually did wearing it. This is the only photo he would let me take of him :( He went out "when it was dark" with the boys in the neighbourhood to collect some treats and "scare some kids" as he told us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHi-HIvxrcHvzfpt9etfJkesGKsoFNBMSbmnlpc2iXL-b7ZpvnBufMrGC3wiMvxY-7TrDm5_ssuzod6O17nQcjQShvrXEfzhCBKUSresBmfWyQQcn3TlwrDMHHNoft-yl5zo-vVBjGXc/s1600/DSC_9299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHi-HIvxrcHvzfpt9etfJkesGKsoFNBMSbmnlpc2iXL-b7ZpvnBufMrGC3wiMvxY-7TrDm5_ssuzod6O17nQcjQShvrXEfzhCBKUSresBmfWyQQcn3TlwrDMHHNoft-yl5zo-vVBjGXc/s320/DSC_9299.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Addison the happy Police Officer! All the little "accessories" that came with this costume really appealed to our 5 year old boy. Even before Halloween the billy club and flashlight were misplaced and the handcuffs broke...but they definitely got played with! As you might be able to see....I wouldn't let him removed the police badge (plastic tie still in place) as I knew that <strike>would</strike> might get misplaced too....boys oh boys....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK63R3JNdUCtU78UZyhaeHM6gaWPtEccFKgBHHM0hZABIIJIAj7Wu7Ekt1DIjHuYm-RjhckofY5Ip2uIeNxJP6P33wFN4Fp1-mpmNc0JJZJolxaygB_3Cvf0j-YFZhwQIe_BTzDSeOphc/s1600/DSC_9314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK63R3JNdUCtU78UZyhaeHM6gaWPtEccFKgBHHM0hZABIIJIAj7Wu7Ekt1DIjHuYm-RjhckofY5Ip2uIeNxJP6P33wFN4Fp1-mpmNc0JJZJolxaygB_3Cvf0j-YFZhwQIe_BTzDSeOphc/s320/DSC_9314.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Asher our Astronaut! This costume is sooo him. He loves airplanes and rocket ships. He loved wearing this "helmet" too and even when complaining of being so hot at his playschool class Halloween party, he would not take it off. I love the Canada flags that adorned this costume.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqb7FIPA0ioxkdDGgzH-VauUjgHdO1ee-A_mQz2pKAUetvKse2W2opEaWpBIirL80d2Lz6zHyVPkdLsJ8b7BKBg-P7pp5uIomzvb6YUlJkOPKqWVrtfimFs5nUTcY4HwSBNoHVLezFVPM/s1600/DSC_9321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqb7FIPA0ioxkdDGgzH-VauUjgHdO1ee-A_mQz2pKAUetvKse2W2opEaWpBIirL80d2Lz6zHyVPkdLsJ8b7BKBg-P7pp5uIomzvb6YUlJkOPKqWVrtfimFs5nUTcY4HwSBNoHVLezFVPM/s320/DSC_9321.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Let the treating begin....hitting up our next door neighbours first.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRrW_vexBQfskAfZPFW4-5PL3QstOuAsyMdtZIEtojKqXgvnij4Ls0rTijJMoiH-0nB-Ce5yIk_nkxnL_N-po7Mn-daq9ko_HSfN3aHTW1L-q3qJEli8o6cFQ5eqTYSzJb3O5A7POGaM/s1600/DSC_9333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRrW_vexBQfskAfZPFW4-5PL3QstOuAsyMdtZIEtojKqXgvnij4Ls0rTijJMoiH-0nB-Ce5yIk_nkxnL_N-po7Mn-daq9ko_HSfN3aHTW1L-q3qJEli8o6cFQ5eqTYSzJb3O5A7POGaM/s320/DSC_9333.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And...this is what the next 2 hours looked like. Pillow cases in tow, kids running door to door. Abigail trying to keep up with her bigger brothers. Mom capturing the moments and dad running after the kids. Aidan skateboarding around with us in our Close. Then a quick drive over to Grandpa and Papa Pallisters for treats and a supper stop at McDonalds. Back home to treat around the other side of the Close and a quick visit and treats from Grandma and Papa Giesbrecht. Aidan and his friends hanging out next door on the road trying to get kids walking by to guess who was fake and who was real....us putting our candy bowl out on the steps so the little guys could settle and go to bed as they were so excited to give out candy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> At bedtime Asher asked "how many more sleeps til next Halloween??" Only 365 more sleeps son...that's all! </div>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417543337297151801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297986859319696972.post-832174151625643322011-10-20T09:28:00.000-06:002011-10-20T09:28:07.813-06:00RenewalAfter writing on my blog yesterday...I had a great day. I felt good...felt encouraged. After we picked Addison up from school we picked up lunch and headed to the park to enjoy the nice Fall day. Wes was able to meet us there and brought me and him some "real" lunch from Wok Box. It was so amazing to be outside in the fresh air with few people around and enjoying the sun and the kids laughter. I had a hard time doing anything "extra" before....we have kinda been doing the same thing for weeks...very routine not thinking I could "handle" any more. I sat on the bench talking to Wes as the kids played and I commented "no wonder I thought my life was so dull before....we have been doing the same thing for weeks now." Phil 4:13 states "<i>I can do all things through him who gives me strength."</i> Yes indeed I can!! Today I experienced that. I would say that the rest of my day went good...I had patience...I was kind and loving and I saw my children through thankful eyes.<br />
<br />
Last night as Wes and I watched "Heros" we exchanged a little love gaze and he said "I love seeing you smile." That said it all. For a woman who was searching to get her smile back and then he saw it in a genuine moment....wowie! That was a fast renewal God....thank you! I stand in awe....<br />
<br />
So today I said I would get up and read His word. Did I? Nope...I pushed snooze on the alarm twice then hustled my butt to get ready and everyone else ready for the day. But...in my quiet time (doing my hair and make up following my shower) I heard from God. He told me an answer to my most ashamed question I have asked as of yet....why would you bless us with 4 children? I have been wondering how I am supposed to handle it...and not just "get by" but "do it well." He answered me and said that if He gave us any less children that I would not need Him. He wants to be needed. He wants us to tie into Him everyday and feed us daily. "Give us this day our daily bread." And think about the manna...He only gave them enough to eat for 1 day but was true on following through with what He promised...that it would be there for them EVERYDAY. Again....wowie! Thank you Lord for speaking to me today...so quickly with a response to a question I was embarrassed and ashamed to ask You. I get it now Lord...I hear you loud and clear and I am on it! <br />
<br />
Waiting, wanting and needing more of You and less of me.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417543337297151801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297986859319696972.post-49684812233940896352011-10-19T10:32:00.000-06:002011-10-19T10:32:28.856-06:00Strength for the WearyI have not been a very good blogger the last few months have I? I remember one of my main goals of starting a blog was to write about my spiritual life in the hopes that someone somewhere would know they were not alone in their own walk of faith, and I have been neglecting that. I also wanted to share my family with you and I love sharing photos and find this format a great way for lots of family and friends to see my family rather then sending out emails. But really I need to get back to matters of my heart....it helps me....maybe it helps you?<br />
<br />
And lately my heart is weary. As I wrote about in my last blog post, our family has definitely been going through a season of change. And 1.5 months in I should be good and adjusted by now but I don't feel any better then I did at the beginning of September....maybe I even feel a bit worse. I feel tired a lot of the time, I feel irritable with many things like lots of noise, lots of stimulation, kids talking to me at the same time, expectations not being met, feeling like I am doing this life alone, feeling like I give give give....feeling selfish....wanting quiet....wanting to be alone....wanting to sleep....and shockingly questioning God on why he blessed me with 4 children (I feel awful even admitting that). All of those things I listed are matters of the flesh and I see that now....<br />
<br />
I am reading 2 books right now..."Feminine Appeal" by Carolyn Mahaney (Seven virtues of a Godly Wife and Mother) and "Am I Messing Up my Kids?" by Lysa TerKuest. As you may know I usually do my reading in the evenings before bed. So Monday night I read Psalm 100 and was full of praise and ready to make a joyful shout to the Lord. Yesterday I woke up and felt refreshed and encouraged as I was going to "joyfully serve my family" and it ended up being one of the worst days I can remember in terms of things going wrong. I had to ask Wes to help me in the afternoon and I felt so defeated. In no way, shape or form had I served my family joyfully and it was only 1:30 in the afternoon. My thoughts: am I under attack because I want to be the woman God wants me to be...fight through Shauna...fight through!! But I see that at the end of the day....when all is calm and quiet. I did not fight through when I needed to....<br />
<br />
So last night Wes and I chatted. He has been encouraging me to exercise saying this will get me having more energy and feeling better (and probably even losing the last 15 or 20 lbs I have put on over the last few months...he didn't say that...I did). And yes this is something I would like to do, but can't get motivated to get there and do it. I feel like there is only so many things I can handle in a day and feel overwhelmed easily. Is this my personality/character in being a mom with 4 children or is this my depression? Things I ponder...<br />
<br />
So in my reading last night I open the page and the heading is "Strength for the Weary" and the tears start to stream down my face. I have lost my smile....I need to be renewed to joyfully and sacrificially serve and tenderly love my family. And the paragraph says "<b style="font-style: italic;">Our only genuine source of refreshment comes from God." </b>I need to take time to meet with God just as Jesus modeled for us Himself. In Luke 5 we read that people were flocking to Him with their needs: "Crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed" (NIV vv.15-16). Doesn't this sound like motherhood? Everyone coming to Mom to get their needs met? Now if Jesus needed to withdraw and pray, I must need the same. I need His help and His strength to be the best Mom and wife I can be...all that He wants me to be....<br />
<br />
In some ways I feel like I have said this all before...why does it keep coming around? Ugh! Because the battle is continual I think...until the day we leave this earth and unite with our Heavenly Father we must fight on. And the more "alone" I make myself...the more alone I feel and I am not built that way. I am built to be encouraged and to be an encourager....to be fed and to do the feeding....to praise and to give glory to the Lord God Almighty....to give and receive tender love...to do this life along with others who walk the same path I do. So tomorrow morning I am going to spiritually dress myself in the morning...wake up a bit earlier and read His word and put on my armour so I will be ready. I will let you know how it goes....fight on sisters....fight on! <br />
<br />
<i>God, I come to you weary and weak. I want to be all that you want me to be and leave an amazing heritage for our children. I want to be a wife of noble character to this man that I walk daily with in this life. I want to be an encouraging and giving friend, sister and daughter. You have said "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Cor 12:9) Well Lord, I am weak...weak and needing You. Thank you Lord for your continual supply of grace and strength. AMEN</i>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417543337297151801noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297986859319696972.post-86073602348434261622011-09-20T09:44:00.000-06:002011-09-20T09:44:45.642-06:00Catch-UpHiya friends! I am totally playing catch-up as it has been over a month since I blogged....why you might ask? Life is busy and I honestly have not taken the time to sit at my computer and tell you about our lives. This definitely has been a season of change for our household.<br />
<br />
So what is so different from August to September?? Aidan has started Grade 7 at a new school, Addison has started kindergarten and attends every morning of the week for half days, and Asher has started playschool Wednesday and Friday mornings. So my role of being a stay-at-home mom has had to transition into "driver" and be and have everyone ready to go out of the house for 8:15am. As this is the third week in, I feel a lot less anxious about it as I have proved I can do it. Yes there may have been yelling and yes there has been frustration on my part. You see I have faults....I hit snooze on my alarm at least twice (I am not the best morning person), I like to shower and put myself together (but it isn't all about me), I like to enjoy a cup of coffee (but am getting used to drinking it lukewarm and eventually cold), I like to be organized (but don't like to do the organizing), I feel anxious about being late for something, anything (am working on it), like everyone to eat a big, good breakfast to start their day off right (but am realizing the more I rush and push Addison to eat the slower he goes...I am learning he will eat a very little bit but eats better at his school snack time so I pack him 2 snacks and talked to his teacher about him and who he is...he is not a morning eater)....But I am getting it...slowly and surely. (And Big Daddy Gies helps out as much as he can which I am ever so thankful and lovin' and he often makes and brings me a dolled-up cup of coffee to me as I do my hair and sits on the bed and we chat about God...what we are reading or learning and that is a grrrreat way to start off my day!!). AND that is just the school stuff...our Life Group has switched to Friday evenings now so we can enjoy a family day together on Sundays. We have some friends who have left to start their own groups (yaahh for leaders) and we have new and old friends stay with us and keep encouraging and living the lives God calls us to live. I am thankful for couples and families who make time in their schedules to spend with us and our family for this greater purpose in community, sharing and growth in Him.<br />
<br />
Because there is too much to catch up with from August I am just going to start anew in September and show you the boys in my life on their first days of school.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4RxayMA7da8NLb_H2nqdQlzK62y_J8KIGhziU1Pl2pCTh0fMy8faIi0HIyz5f-J5UokohDtNW51CcWWUAeqN6uiVSG-1ODBkKYqXgHDON4K58bx0wReZhnqeB392WCXGunknmH3cA7o/s1600/DSC_7845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4RxayMA7da8NLb_H2nqdQlzK62y_J8KIGhziU1Pl2pCTh0fMy8faIi0HIyz5f-J5UokohDtNW51CcWWUAeqN6uiVSG-1ODBkKYqXgHDON4K58bx0wReZhnqeB392WCXGunknmH3cA7o/s320/DSC_7845.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Aidan has 3 friends in our close that go to his "new" school...so they came and picked him up and they all long-boarded to school. No more pics for mom in front of the school, no more "mom can I get a ride". Sigh. Our biggest boy is growing up...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCXloNUt_mGOCyCe3v4LZ8n8iUoIF9HkcN5DTVGSH5hlM_-gEWRNDV7QpfnpL1c__0RbJv02TZdqsAN5zmi3DOgY27DDdZGm5EMTGPRyr39aHFAygzUqy0OkeVLbFtw2SsiAyY6erq-0/s1600/DSC_7853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCXloNUt_mGOCyCe3v4LZ8n8iUoIF9HkcN5DTVGSH5hlM_-gEWRNDV7QpfnpL1c__0RbJv02TZdqsAN5zmi3DOgY27DDdZGm5EMTGPRyr39aHFAygzUqy0OkeVLbFtw2SsiAyY6erq-0/s320/DSC_7853.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Off the boys go to school....I don't even think I got a hug :(</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOAhv1VdC_r3qusWbatY9PETJNKURBWNI2G4ySxjBQiNPIuufK1Cxaye7RslDolabLMKjHQCCiuRVrzwFiH_cOg4X5VwRHyCZ27Ys6MzEusO6AX3Z2hcQlrdLXRMMaBxh5O87h5e6y2o/s1600/DSC_7890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOAhv1VdC_r3qusWbatY9PETJNKURBWNI2G4ySxjBQiNPIuufK1Cxaye7RslDolabLMKjHQCCiuRVrzwFiH_cOg4X5VwRHyCZ27Ys6MzEusO6AX3Z2hcQlrdLXRMMaBxh5O87h5e6y2o/s320/DSC_7890.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Addison started kindergarten this year at the same elementary school that Aidan attended so lots of the teachers know our family from that time. Addison's teacher came up to me last week and has already stated that Addison is very helpful to the other kids in class and always willing to help his teacher whenever he can. She asked if he was like this at home....heheehe!! Yes...there are moments when Addison is a little worker - he loves to be praised and know/feel like he is doing well at whatever he is doing. His kind, loving heart is so apparent!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7sO4gptUSAWIqTajl9D7uBae37_aPaU3umdHGpMU7jmsVYpJdygQ88I4EkEc8C3rW8Bcjo2lV-cH53ZWOiKfArBfA8-4AubhJILOS9s3iyDIFOLduB0Q8H_mAqkl5K14l3PvPDWzrDv4/s1600/DSC_7873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7sO4gptUSAWIqTajl9D7uBae37_aPaU3umdHGpMU7jmsVYpJdygQ88I4EkEc8C3rW8Bcjo2lV-cH53ZWOiKfArBfA8-4AubhJILOS9s3iyDIFOLduB0Q8H_mAqkl5K14l3PvPDWzrDv4/s320/DSC_7873.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86V0fWcZ8DJZ7qrVo8ebbvpXgH1vD2LmOLywkUIVVj5iRTXas2x1VlQvDSbN9IbCIkeI1Fc0ADjQzKP21zYSFauRaldvOcM9or7z15LgLZyllHEpGTOO1JIDEETvAWRokF_BVBDwy-XE/s1600/DSC_8035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86V0fWcZ8DJZ7qrVo8ebbvpXgH1vD2LmOLywkUIVVj5iRTXas2x1VlQvDSbN9IbCIkeI1Fc0ADjQzKP21zYSFauRaldvOcM9or7z15LgLZyllHEpGTOO1JIDEETvAWRokF_BVBDwy-XE/s320/DSC_8035.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Asher started play school a week later then his big brothers and he had a hard time waiting for his school to start. He was very anxious to go to "his" school. We went earlier in the week and he picked out a new school outfit...and of course the shirt has red in it (favorite color ever for him). He is going to the same school that Addison attended last year so he is familiar with the environment and teachers. Now he is counting down the days until he can be "helper of the day"...only 6 more days of school Ash and that special vest, leader of the line and sticker is all yours little man!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCQeybDzlnu3a4z7jm2jSXnwwdmu2uWh0XRk3S3vdhvvbnwOqBzVUWQd2SECfSAMSWfCFm4hm3b_HkMz2GNhZVVB7Vu_ti9M11nDoQFTlTkLfZsnMMKJvYnu-3i-3i3WfZUkeY8L385U/s1600/DSC_8055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCQeybDzlnu3a4z7jm2jSXnwwdmu2uWh0XRk3S3vdhvvbnwOqBzVUWQd2SECfSAMSWfCFm4hm3b_HkMz2GNhZVVB7Vu_ti9M11nDoQFTlTkLfZsnMMKJvYnu-3i-3i3WfZUkeY8L385U/s320/DSC_8055.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As our children have the priviledge of attending school, I am thankful. I pray for each one of the teachers that works with and provides instruction to each of our boys....Lord may they be blessed for the work they do investing in the lives and futures of these kids. Lord may you fill the school facilities with Your presence so that every person that walks into those facilities knows there is something unique there and that is You and that only You deserve all the praise, honour and glory. Work Lord in the hearts of those children so that they may get "new life" at an early age and live only for You. In everything we do Lord, help us to reflect You....Let us listen for the guidance of Your Holy Spirit in all of our activities so that Your glory may be shown through us in all environments. In Your most holy and precious name...AMEN!</span></i></div>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417543337297151801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297986859319696972.post-73645774906340388492011-08-08T11:29:00.000-06:002011-08-08T11:29:00.468-06:00Serious Summer Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We are lovin' the days of summer and the sunshine when it shines...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fun in our yard and around the house....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4ULRabRaKSS0P9YENP4xPJ4DxJ34NcaD8yxnPV9_3ZWTHVYpboWili4CcUD514O0j6sfyHp7S_BfdRMl33ediMwjR2zqZ7yOUVt_ta7eUpOzyLD3gJD2CoAK-Xn1pDi7uLxp6XyS8MY/s1600/DSC_7173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4ULRabRaKSS0P9YENP4xPJ4DxJ34NcaD8yxnPV9_3ZWTHVYpboWili4CcUD514O0j6sfyHp7S_BfdRMl33ediMwjR2zqZ7yOUVt_ta7eUpOzyLD3gJD2CoAK-Xn1pDi7uLxp6XyS8MY/s320/DSC_7173.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> So thankful for dads who wrestle with boys...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmekR_wX8ZBN-TAd4XM0fBX-a0uU4TZuGaaskZ7XlXpeXYim9h3VWj-bvUKTH-zfp6XmQP9cXdAyYYFiPRTEM4y04WVsMvPZoXJ_oQVu5Pz91Bb6Owt9alURK273GR6G6jVWr4eiTCJGY/s1600/DSC_7191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmekR_wX8ZBN-TAd4XM0fBX-a0uU4TZuGaaskZ7XlXpeXYim9h3VWj-bvUKTH-zfp6XmQP9cXdAyYYFiPRTEM4y04WVsMvPZoXJ_oQVu5Pz91Bb6Owt9alURK273GR6G6jVWr4eiTCJGY/s320/DSC_7191.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> So thankful for our oldest boy who turns 12 this month...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-F3b2m6PjKEPl_xZlExln8KZN_16aJJcIJRQr7cbxraVax5parXdlrd6qCskb3mdu6wB5gWYrCkCqbibWaFThcAAjlH9oiHMyxnDdCcUsSZxSpH06vESWoCAeLTbMVfcDk5Nuxy7Jdg/s1600/DSC_7204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-F3b2m6PjKEPl_xZlExln8KZN_16aJJcIJRQr7cbxraVax5parXdlrd6qCskb3mdu6wB5gWYrCkCqbibWaFThcAAjlH9oiHMyxnDdCcUsSZxSpH06vESWoCAeLTbMVfcDk5Nuxy7Jdg/s320/DSC_7204.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> So thankful for a big brother that makes things fun...(dish soap on the trampoline makes it slippery and I saw it as an opportunity to have their bath outdoors) all clean and a whole lotta fun too!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoRJLO6ZNVWHTr6Z4jDCUq-3BHdHlk-SH2H_5YAOowwl_O0hjsXUpRHeYhMsBh4n3wUoidJMohuUgDZf7JHK_TR4mdqtCznk_CgOy_6uD8MK74bApIk4UuoMaL2jNmUSrHdv96m1t1Tg/s1600/DSC_7229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoRJLO6ZNVWHTr6Z4jDCUq-3BHdHlk-SH2H_5YAOowwl_O0hjsXUpRHeYhMsBh4n3wUoidJMohuUgDZf7JHK_TR4mdqtCznk_CgOy_6uD8MK74bApIk4UuoMaL2jNmUSrHdv96m1t1Tg/s320/DSC_7229.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Thankful for Mac's slurpees...a special treat brought home from dad when he came home from work....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tYXtlVO8aP_ku_PXY3Q4dyKZtrnTHkVb5bZOrrLYtZbaccoc_ooYpDw-Ex_-f4pNto8QQ3KE-VtWtpgI78PBzo1pCFCdm4agFMulC6BwMV4VuwlUIjF-sO_-V9PAsP37_W2wwC6iQbU/s1600/DSC_7235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tYXtlVO8aP_ku_PXY3Q4dyKZtrnTHkVb5bZOrrLYtZbaccoc_ooYpDw-Ex_-f4pNto8QQ3KE-VtWtpgI78PBzo1pCFCdm4agFMulC6BwMV4VuwlUIjF-sO_-V9PAsP37_W2wwC6iQbU/s320/DSC_7235.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> So thankful our little girl looooves the water...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LpxmnceNnMP04jOuCF3rOGaDoW6d829O3H20q5HWyY9Fsb2iE9gln8ZsDlwY01eRO2D9dpAdpMBdeR_Fks-j8fJ6u2IRTrR-c3MVN82vKiQFP0eRXZKb53FRHoeYVZXP-98hTz6fPxI/s1600/DSC_7239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LpxmnceNnMP04jOuCF3rOGaDoW6d829O3H20q5HWyY9Fsb2iE9gln8ZsDlwY01eRO2D9dpAdpMBdeR_Fks-j8fJ6u2IRTrR-c3MVN82vKiQFP0eRXZKb53FRHoeYVZXP-98hTz6fPxI/s320/DSC_7239.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417543337297151801noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297986859319696972.post-7049656636549045722011-07-25T08:15:00.000-06:002011-07-25T08:15:04.506-06:00All Our Imperfection...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is us last Sunday at the park. We met our Lifegroup down at Kin Kanyon and ate smores, sang worship songs and attempted to have some Godly discussion and catch up with each other and our lives and prayer requests. I say "attempted" as there was some distraction with our kiddies...or mine in particular. Asher crying because he couldn't "win" while racing another friend he made at the playground and our sweet little Abigail running around and climbing everything in site like the little wild woman that she is.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tEsBlNKwYtPgHkNCuW0egP5G8XwryJHGZKMZvqknp6oo6ALXV-0hFLLT81KRJQEHliLRZYT0RiCrC46x3ZuA9aDl-TV1v_jiE3OAe4DVLYP5mdzxXC5ZvFcCp-1zQv6UBsKyq1t0pM4/s1600/DSC_6620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tEsBlNKwYtPgHkNCuW0egP5G8XwryJHGZKMZvqknp6oo6ALXV-0hFLLT81KRJQEHliLRZYT0RiCrC46x3ZuA9aDl-TV1v_jiE3OAe4DVLYP5mdzxXC5ZvFcCp-1zQv6UBsKyq1t0pM4/s320/DSC_6620.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While I was watching the kids playing I saw this above...Asher's shorts on backwards. He has been priding himself on getting himself dressed lately. The thing is...I don't know when this even happened. Had he been walking around all day with his shorts on like this? Oh, he gives me a giggle sometimes!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5FBXYgDGdBcH-VX6xIa8-EQMhi1f50CqKjpMy4uz_SWwN9KE0hLg7xek1EEGMgoeVczZ3AJxMbM_EbvaAERytPo2oBUNKV028A9YQ864xplo04zG9Zof0yrckckh8m_EEgsMLfAFuEs/s1600/DSC_6625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5FBXYgDGdBcH-VX6xIa8-EQMhi1f50CqKjpMy4uz_SWwN9KE0hLg7xek1EEGMgoeVczZ3AJxMbM_EbvaAERytPo2oBUNKV028A9YQ864xplo04zG9Zof0yrckckh8m_EEgsMLfAFuEs/s320/DSC_6625.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And here is our Abigail on the swings. Do you see her hair? She pulled out her pony when we were driving to the park and her hair was an absolute mess....way too long, hanging in her face....something that would have drove. me. crazy. if my hair was hitting my face and hanging over my eyes. Nope not this girl...did not slow her down a bit. This hair-do caused me stress in being so messy...I like my kids to have neat hair...pretty hair especially for my girl.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So....in sharing with you these 2 photos this is what I am learning as a mom and follower of Christ.....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><ul><li>just because something bothers me doesn't mean it will bother someone else</li>
<li>shorts on backwards is OK if it promotes a persons independence and self-worth</li>
<li>all our imperfections don't make us who we are....and God sees us each as a wonderful and unique creation that He has fearfully and wonderfully made</li>
<li>we are to be celebrated for who we are...we will not be compared to others by the One True Judge</li>
<li>the heart of worship is surrendering your life AS IT IS to God...</li>
<li>God has given us each gifts and abilities to be utilized for His kingdom, don't you want to hear "<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Well done good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness.</span></i>" (Matthew 25:21) I sure do!</li>
</ul>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417543337297151801noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297986859319696972.post-16804799486949474122011-07-19T10:33:00.000-06:002011-07-19T10:33:44.314-06:00Summer time FUN!<div style="text-align: center;">Yesterday was a gorgeous day...I think it was around +27 so the morning was devoted to water fun with the kids. We put the sprinkler under the trampoline for the first time this season and then they wanted to run through the sprinkler alone. Addison was interested in playing army men, but I couldn't get Asher and Abigail away from the water! Lots of giggles were had by all!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpJKDFyyOwO9KtANj1mlPaghyphenhyphenGOupDA06qEDNQuAmltuO7Tfui8mzzJcK4vCHhu4mBQ7CEEK8XaY1EVF9FmiWIXDBDlgeAcKTdUQEnj_Q2NjA-dPPSqUGLtdV49YhP9p-vgFw-of1SYg/s1600/DSC_6681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpJKDFyyOwO9KtANj1mlPaghyphenhyphenGOupDA06qEDNQuAmltuO7Tfui8mzzJcK4vCHhu4mBQ7CEEK8XaY1EVF9FmiWIXDBDlgeAcKTdUQEnj_Q2NjA-dPPSqUGLtdV49YhP9p-vgFw-of1SYg/s320/DSC_6681.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH94ySsLRdfxiep5NVpJf7XQZYQYlsIVxD0wrCwIm7TfImDZG4o7oHP7Yf-5xDSKvkH63GT1kAc9cZ2YDOooPY3Zs2hiuctCkRFzOlkoyWhNNifnbOELzCL3HPx__K5f2gVUsnlvu2d3M/s1600/DSC_6689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH94ySsLRdfxiep5NVpJf7XQZYQYlsIVxD0wrCwIm7TfImDZG4o7oHP7Yf-5xDSKvkH63GT1kAc9cZ2YDOooPY3Zs2hiuctCkRFzOlkoyWhNNifnbOELzCL3HPx__K5f2gVUsnlvu2d3M/s320/DSC_6689.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVXYkQSoA1CpV7UKMLfZxgMZ5adL_D1-TnGqhMJkQ3FrcHuLsZX40zvA3hArxtkXkC_2UxTAFiK-cmHizlvJp9F8BvMC2phTnMGekbIWV_WCOM0ytY0kjJOCwHkOsD04-ko5gYtUxDaE/s1600/DSC_6692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVXYkQSoA1CpV7UKMLfZxgMZ5adL_D1-TnGqhMJkQ3FrcHuLsZX40zvA3hArxtkXkC_2UxTAFiK-cmHizlvJp9F8BvMC2phTnMGekbIWV_WCOM0ytY0kjJOCwHkOsD04-ko5gYtUxDaE/s320/DSC_6692.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrXDkAfkZ7D0imNZKPEFS7RooSgMfrNUzVRqUNm6CWh3Ra_jHNeeY2m2mDqOZ-q_nqVAnzqUysHFSXHW8Wcv4jtj7w2de9e2_QhRv315hK2IpClAFG-PYrAgoqhtoyo5MzhPckefCfY4/s1600/DSC_6704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrXDkAfkZ7D0imNZKPEFS7RooSgMfrNUzVRqUNm6CWh3Ra_jHNeeY2m2mDqOZ-q_nqVAnzqUysHFSXHW8Wcv4jtj7w2de9e2_QhRv315hK2IpClAFG-PYrAgoqhtoyo5MzhPckefCfY4/s320/DSC_6704.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQP1Af3mNbstfUDc1OblUNLVrC9RtpVKfDIMtydm-qj4VT4pVNKuWimXGrn3Pe6-jQsB_ZJMWExH72ob6nApwie2rsfDDcIr4zF25jC0A8Ltk7Z8qUPB5fN5eWZT2ZPpldYKy9JOazcG0/s1600/DSC_6729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQP1Af3mNbstfUDc1OblUNLVrC9RtpVKfDIMtydm-qj4VT4pVNKuWimXGrn3Pe6-jQsB_ZJMWExH72ob6nApwie2rsfDDcIr4zF25jC0A8Ltk7Z8qUPB5fN5eWZT2ZPpldYKy9JOazcG0/s320/DSC_6729.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417543337297151801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297986859319696972.post-13870242896647422592011-07-15T20:58:00.001-06:002011-07-15T21:02:49.996-06:00Canada Day<div style="text-align: center;">Hallo...nice to see you again. Yes this is the second post in 2 days. Yes I am going to tell you about our Canada Day that we celebrated 14 days ago...why? Because for some reason I am loooovin' on this holiday. I love to get the kids matching/coordinating t-shirts, have a picnic or bbq, hang out with family and friends and just plain enjoy the day. Another bonus is that my husband doesn't have to work (much) so I loooove having him home and able to enjoy some family time.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXmcSYTs-8KcO7fHqeW4hzqQYr_qgCQ_ZHfDKsdCHUs0eyEHjzcbfvn2cCTsn3876YINKzCU3VWG52Lc1WS-_oiKYg0gYQRnNfZaq7qGam2e3cvPfs6-fzV3HXZj8Swwvxj12QxkLrXU/s1600/DSC_5744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXmcSYTs-8KcO7fHqeW4hzqQYr_qgCQ_ZHfDKsdCHUs0eyEHjzcbfvn2cCTsn3876YINKzCU3VWG52Lc1WS-_oiKYg0gYQRnNfZaq7qGam2e3cvPfs6-fzV3HXZj8Swwvxj12QxkLrXU/s320/DSC_5744.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I baked some Coconut Chocolate Muffins from the Taste Of Home cookbook...they were scrumptious. Next time I make them I will bake them in parchment paper liners so they don't stick....I was pretty darn excited to use my Canadian cupcake liners though....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFHG-ZDWy6YiejgPmGzroUPVU9or3F7MBWHtg6RW8v26PRWgekfDcUHb6URr5vHnJ7-Iuw_9jEoqup0ys06hujXrQXjzbtDaX_sE8I4QB2WE97hXFM3QEwWtl5ipoL4ZX4Df0hZtolko/s1600/DSC_5749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFHG-ZDWy6YiejgPmGzroUPVU9or3F7MBWHtg6RW8v26PRWgekfDcUHb6URr5vHnJ7-Iuw_9jEoqup0ys06hujXrQXjzbtDaX_sE8I4QB2WE97hXFM3QEwWtl5ipoL4ZX4Df0hZtolko/s320/DSC_5749.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jen, Colin and the kiddies stopped in for a morning visit on their way to enjoy their summer vacation in BC. We loved having them over enjoying a coffee and muffin on the back deck and watching the kiddies play. This set of cousins is very close in age to our kids and it is so fun to see each of their different personalities as they grow :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAEhCykWZpQufE0LA_l_ehNlMRB3K-cyioa3sKRsI_dLNHnxJyZrRr1aVD2NJyJy2yqbL9o4ingQpQVtiMRs5xkaE-uF10VrBG6b4-FaHp2FSZSNttXkKduhzPB-oCbs61K0dRafbfHk/s1600/DSC_5803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAEhCykWZpQufE0LA_l_ehNlMRB3K-cyioa3sKRsI_dLNHnxJyZrRr1aVD2NJyJy2yqbL9o4ingQpQVtiMRs5xkaE-uF10VrBG6b4-FaHp2FSZSNttXkKduhzPB-oCbs61K0dRafbfHk/s320/DSC_5803.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Trampoline fun before our lunch guests arrive and Abigail goes down for her nap...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOe1I7Dgjo_cODZc5ja9JgvIMfNGB2k-Umf3c9u6p_vU8wKtgWRVBnnc4tz6y5pWxloKUWiCTW04aELYhRh6VJ3woEFNSWhMP8DTVFdo2KtGh-thWvr3mcnLfQ8VUc56FnAB2qYGO6yjM/s1600/DSC_5810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOe1I7Dgjo_cODZc5ja9JgvIMfNGB2k-Umf3c9u6p_vU8wKtgWRVBnnc4tz6y5pWxloKUWiCTW04aELYhRh6VJ3woEFNSWhMP8DTVFdo2KtGh-thWvr3mcnLfQ8VUc56FnAB2qYGO6yjM/s320/DSC_5810.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Hot dogs, smokies, chili, spinach salad, strawberries and more cupcakes...I made my very first chili-dog. I think I prefer the 2 separate. Chili. Hot dog. Although we did bring out some nacho chips to eat with our chili and that tasted F-I-N-E. (I am getting hungry writing about this...)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdI9UQjJaJShVoVAYabSBNJa-FFz0cXiPdgQbwl8HVJMccfMrq0zGr2Dixu45wnkkzQRDfa7zB1h7Rd7Xn-YskoDtsN0JYoJr987ZGDjPLg_ZeqBVTYWuTudGXgnRF7aOY8NaqMTbgtM/s1600/DSC_5815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdI9UQjJaJShVoVAYabSBNJa-FFz0cXiPdgQbwl8HVJMccfMrq0zGr2Dixu45wnkkzQRDfa7zB1h7Rd7Xn-YskoDtsN0JYoJr987ZGDjPLg_ZeqBVTYWuTudGXgnRF7aOY8NaqMTbgtM/s320/DSC_5815.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Yes these are 2 grown men jumping on the trampoline...remember the days of "double bouncing" your friend??</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJDFZrj6iKX_tgsgL4Qc0bb51PS3ZJDdzWjFXGTLxm-25URDCu0koDMEM9plD6CLyLBqlpDGSau2bL2ZRPAupsOuMGnRvgOE7-vF0slPsGA0_uCwb4ICE6m-Lgrfv68G9F5RshwssnQA/s1600/DSC_5837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJDFZrj6iKX_tgsgL4Qc0bb51PS3ZJDdzWjFXGTLxm-25URDCu0koDMEM9plD6CLyLBqlpDGSau2bL2ZRPAupsOuMGnRvgOE7-vF0slPsGA0_uCwb4ICE6m-Lgrfv68G9F5RshwssnQA/s320/DSC_5837.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Kids playing in the sand....kids playing Star-Wars...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPe_8ExlWqXgxGSYsevSlnThqRNRq74SqTgoMpMPgF7xv9l5pe54n1i2ApGIJgkATt7ZzRGIRwfrQneYCwcV6Bjv1bpw0lxs9k5VkmQWHpj-tOqcDLz_DXN6g9PnTuPrTqJFz-Vaw15AQ/s1600/DSC_5844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPe_8ExlWqXgxGSYsevSlnThqRNRq74SqTgoMpMPgF7xv9l5pe54n1i2ApGIJgkATt7ZzRGIRwfrQneYCwcV6Bjv1bpw0lxs9k5VkmQWHpj-tOqcDLz_DXN6g9PnTuPrTqJFz-Vaw15AQ/s320/DSC_5844.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Duane brought his guitar over and the guys belted out a few tunes. Even had some Extreme in there...do you remember the song "More Then Words??" My husband knows how to play that song on the guitar...and that is the only song I have ever heard him play...he is sooo cute in the most manly way possible ;) Ginette and her kiddies came down from Calgary for a visit, as well as our wonderful friends Chad, Emma & Isaiah and Duane, Jilene, Eavan & brand spankin' new baby Elias.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/UrIiLvg58SY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaU159BeU0tUfYpNUdAlkKKdvF3cQK060w88cIjSYL4KKXdPxVRuq00pUrGkZDwHOpez1NJcP1LdQfC5RoIkSJ1veqckN-1-PhS6jWA9CRHdMOcAfqFTeMkzq2LS0mbtFRc9j-IzNJdew/s1600/DSC_5857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaU159BeU0tUfYpNUdAlkKKdvF3cQK060w88cIjSYL4KKXdPxVRuq00pUrGkZDwHOpez1NJcP1LdQfC5RoIkSJ1veqckN-1-PhS6jWA9CRHdMOcAfqFTeMkzq2LS0mbtFRc9j-IzNJdew/s320/DSC_5857.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Around supper time Wes, Ginette and I took our troops on the city bus to Bower Ponds and walked around there for a bit. It was very busy with the celebration and we didn't even want the kids to play at the park there as there was seriously kids everywhere you looked. So we sat on the grass and had a bite to eat and then headed back on the city bus home to eat ice cream with sprinkles on top :) A very nice day with family and friends!</div>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417543337297151801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297986859319696972.post-7393406268449895492011-07-14T22:29:00.001-06:002011-07-15T00:00:38.924-06:00For Today...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><strong>Outside my window</strong></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">...the sun is setting and I hear the faint sound of vehicles driving somewhere in the city...our neighbourhood seems very still at this hour of 10pm</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><strong>I am thinking</strong></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">...that my contacts are irritating my eyes...that I have laundry to put away spread out all over the couch downstairs before the kids wake up in the morning and wreck my organized piles of clean clothes...about how Aidan likes to procrastinate when he is supposed to be going to bed - he was just sitting and slowly examining every single page in our family Project Life book</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><strong>I am thankful for</strong></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">...my husband taking the day off of work today and hanging out with us - we went swimming to the pool, he cut the grass and Mama Gies had an afternoon nap, Wes and Aidan played "Ticket to Ride" game with me this evening (and pretended to be having fun) and he is now tucking our oldest boy into bed as Aidan sucks him into his bed-time procrastination asking him questions of all sorts...my husband rocks!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><strong>From the kitchen</strong></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">...I want to try a new strawberry rhubarb muffin recipe I printed from the internet...need more rhubarb recipes as it is growing huge in the yard - LOVE it!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><strong>I am wearing</strong></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">...jeans, black tank top, flip flops, Stella & Dot earrings, and new necklace my mom bought for me at the Farmers Market for my birthday coming up...</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><strong>I am creating</strong></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">...working on my Project Life but a bit discouraged at the moment as my computer won't let me open Photoshop Elements so I am not able to use my "brushes" for my Ali Edwards dates to place on the photos...still can print photos without it, just haven't uploaded the photos to Costco online yet</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><b>I am going</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">...to hang out with a dear friend tomorrow morning and her 2 boys, praying our time together is full of God's peace and love - our last visit was full of children who weren't able to get a long well and needed super lots of attention which took away from our "girl time" to chat...tomorrow will be better!! Shop for 2 little girl birthday presents tomorrow and trust that Aidan can help me pick out something his sisters will loooove...be an assistant photographer for Loni on Saturday at a wedding she is shooting...to tuck my husband into bed before I go and eat a bowl of cereal (he has been up since 5am as he went out for breakfast with the guys today)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><b>I am reading...</b> my bible, Gospel-Powered Parenting</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><strong>I am hoping</strong></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">...my husband's day goes smoothly tomorrow and that he is able to enjoy the golf tournament and have fun</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><strong>I am hearing</strong></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">...that Wes just turned the TV on in our room and I picture him crawling into bed - he can fall asleep with the TV on, I can't..."No Sweeter Name" song in my head - oh how I looove that song!!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://2.gvt0.com/vi/kNmjAjA_2qo/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kNmjAjA_2qo&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kNmjAjA_2qo&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><strong>Around the house</strong></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">...put laundry away, definitely clean bathrooms tomorrow (been putting them off for a couple days now), and do some baking...</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><strong>One of my favorite things</strong></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">....the smell of the Tim Hortons coffee grounds when I open up the can for the first time - it smells up the whole kitchen for a few minutes...</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><strong>A few plans for the rest of the week</strong></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">...visit with Jen on Friday, Ginette on Sunday, celebrate Dad G's birthday, go to Myah's birthday party, shoot wedding, see my parents because my dad is home from working in Fort Mac, church, Life Group, birthday present shop....busy busy busy</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><b>A photo for today...</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><b><br />
</b></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SruRhVYJGkbiUbixRtDZvVhzKseFPvfoCn2mhvvOmCcFjC5vP-bZ1FB4uvdeoZgIlwp4b3JvNMo3Vp6BZ8hsGs0fjHbC_sWe1lNpXVb2Ik_5h-7_taAHtShgAlkEgJrZ17bh_L3Wgyw/s1600/DSC_5984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SruRhVYJGkbiUbixRtDZvVhzKseFPvfoCn2mhvvOmCcFjC5vP-bZ1FB4uvdeoZgIlwp4b3JvNMo3Vp6BZ8hsGs0fjHbC_sWe1lNpXVb2Ik_5h-7_taAHtShgAlkEgJrZ17bh_L3Wgyw/s320/DSC_5984.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Yesterday Addison came running into the house telling us he can ride a 2-wheeler...him and his friend were riding bikes in the front and we assumed he was riding his bike with his training wheels. Wes had tried in the Spring to encourage him to ride his bike without training wheels but he always refused, he did try a couple times to please dad by doing it but always ended up in a lot of tears. As parents we had a talk about expectations/pressures we can place on our kids to do certain things on our schedules/in our time, and we both decided that we wouldn't bring up the issue of the training wheels any more. (Asher is still riding a tricycle around the block...) So as his "Hot Wheels" bike sat in the garage from last year without training wheels attached this is now the chosen bike over the past 2 days. Addison and his friend Cooper from down the road are cruising up and down the close going up and down neighbours drive-ways. Only 1 crash into the back of dad's truck yesterday and one little crash-up and scrape today but he is doing so well!! You are awesome Addison - way to go!! It is so cool to see what our kids come up with when we take a step back...lovin' it!!</span></span></div>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417543337297151801noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297986859319696972.post-58939656861514258302011-07-11T09:57:00.000-06:002011-07-11T09:57:41.525-06:00Proud Mama Moment...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJAoe1mOKxA2leKnlt_eGQ7Qo09kZ7t1C0oB3WpGNKyiy-yP_fbumQDGgyDy4lNwV2jaddUShJ2CJUOR5wiNFIZYTNVRHlV5NPj6fF0M4mc8fG_v_2eTRQ7gvVKywoa7WvZ_r9H3yRrI/s1600/DSC_5340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJAoe1mOKxA2leKnlt_eGQ7Qo09kZ7t1C0oB3WpGNKyiy-yP_fbumQDGgyDy4lNwV2jaddUShJ2CJUOR5wiNFIZYTNVRHlV5NPj6fF0M4mc8fG_v_2eTRQ7gvVKywoa7WvZ_r9H3yRrI/s320/DSC_5340.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Here is our biggest boy Aidan with his other mom Suzanne. On June 18 both of them shaved their hair off for Women's Cancer. Sue has raised money for this event before, and this is Aidan's first year with joining in with her to raise money to find a cure. Aidan raised a total of $640 which contributed to the Shoppers Drug Mart (where Sue works) team total donation to over $4000 for this event alone. Awesome!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgCo6pwXkVsZZjEuFVf-5VcbsQEvMAsKAYsxRl8LEbqiXlx3c2qkHIMP_dPGiA29OZoXWwpE0RjY4kEERQFPZGxhrLChhvw0jVH9j5rxTYvRh9Qg7J3HiEvcVZIGjYxw6Nnix0zQz158/s1600/DSC_5350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgCo6pwXkVsZZjEuFVf-5VcbsQEvMAsKAYsxRl8LEbqiXlx3c2qkHIMP_dPGiA29OZoXWwpE0RjY4kEERQFPZGxhrLChhvw0jVH9j5rxTYvRh9Qg7J3HiEvcVZIGjYxw6Nnix0zQz158/s320/DSC_5350.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Aidan's dad Ben had the honors of shaving the dome...he knows something about it if you get a good look at his hairstyle ;) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxzuioTHoevNUWucBgmTOY1pmAGc8K5LoN8Dl42sUHijIRsqwIRV-woaYbdqHoAkeOI6TTDaGulapH2mf_MsHwovNIPGt-NylQNPhhtW1W3gZ4ptZVRDFilHPb19u0J_9c6qKOC_J1IY/s1600/DSC_5362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxzuioTHoevNUWucBgmTOY1pmAGc8K5LoN8Dl42sUHijIRsqwIRV-woaYbdqHoAkeOI6TTDaGulapH2mf_MsHwovNIPGt-NylQNPhhtW1W3gZ4ptZVRDFilHPb19u0J_9c6qKOC_J1IY/s320/DSC_5362.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpiLxmwMNy-AhmUx4M0hqx5FQs3VE_Ka4qNeAfn70Fe8KigRccIbOvRbqSgPNEusC23OjoBhSZnevm6PkesQaJubB8-u5vqeOu7jKObp15KqgNVz8YGr9KsZ7UZ9VB1kWkY4U32IJ9J0/s1600/DSC_5372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpiLxmwMNy-AhmUx4M0hqx5FQs3VE_Ka4qNeAfn70Fe8KigRccIbOvRbqSgPNEusC23OjoBhSZnevm6PkesQaJubB8-u5vqeOu7jKObp15KqgNVz8YGr9KsZ7UZ9VB1kWkY4U32IJ9J0/s320/DSC_5372.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Aidan's hair all over the stage floor. Sue donated her hair to the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;"><a href="http://www.locksoflove.org/">Locks of Love foundation</a> </span>which is an awesome cause...so many good organizations out there willing to help...I love it! I love the people too that are selflessly contributing to such places...way to go guys and gals!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FwNCjNjcr26vT0scmPfGJPoGJvz-G_lHoHPToeNCsAEsL0kkuj3nG6GP6EFgIv15Eq62BR5X7o6jD9INrWPfSifNQEz9fHrvCu8V2C74AAI0Ps9el5x9mmYCfg-cXbzc_jtUKKxcTD8/s1600/DSC_5386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FwNCjNjcr26vT0scmPfGJPoGJvz-G_lHoHPToeNCsAEsL0kkuj3nG6GP6EFgIv15Eq62BR5X7o6jD9INrWPfSifNQEz9fHrvCu8V2C74AAI0Ps9el5x9mmYCfg-cXbzc_jtUKKxcTD8/s320/DSC_5386.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I love this photo as Sue and Aidan see each other for the first time hairless, both of them feeling for what used to be there...what a great bonding opportunity for the two of them! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjDWQ6U_ySAeV_ePyo-2BUEPgQ8ttaDpIE7um7frtwzgYP2VRhZQeGmxClf6LZRCwOZH7ZB0noJ1xVjcQ_6apQR1yJqIMT1Lqi5X-Cu7Vv554HjfyJxVne_X1RPiImYORlX5cvKtHl6E/s1600/DSC_5434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjDWQ6U_ySAeV_ePyo-2BUEPgQ8ttaDpIE7um7frtwzgYP2VRhZQeGmxClf6LZRCwOZH7ZB0noJ1xVjcQ_6apQR1yJqIMT1Lqi5X-Cu7Vv554HjfyJxVne_X1RPiImYORlX5cvKtHl6E/s320/DSC_5434.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Because just a "quick shave" was done at the event in Olds, Aidan asked to have his head "cleaned up" once we got home. So here is dad Wes getting a close shave in. I am so proud of our biggest boy for wanting to raise money for a disease that has touched people in his family. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I love the way that Aidan went around the neighbourhood telling people what he was going to do and why....I love that he made a commitment and stayed with it right to the end...I love that Sue and Aidan were able to do this together....I love my boys heart - wonderful job Aidan! You are sooo loved!</div>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417543337297151801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297986859319696972.post-10507512560638000832011-06-24T15:29:00.000-06:002011-06-24T15:29:35.205-06:00Lovin' Project Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hi friends! Wow am I behind with my postings...life is busy with a family of 6 but I am lovin' it! I am really lovin' this project that I started in January developed by Becky Higgins called <a href="http://www.beckyhiggins.com/products/">Project Life.</a> I am indeed a little behind (only 7 weeks) but not nearly as behind as I am with each one of the kids scrapbooks!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfgW6n1Vb1XCToEW-BHeldVf37lsC-yWIq8R43gabkdrdn-1u34By3vpEL_VJVV7Uey5M7QqPkbr5BPPR_Keopkay-0lJyCQvJt_-n_UoK6rYKaUrX5VJOea0aR4Ew30Vb0LP4yvDLpA/s1600/DSC_4922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfgW6n1Vb1XCToEW-BHeldVf37lsC-yWIq8R43gabkdrdn-1u34By3vpEL_VJVV7Uey5M7QqPkbr5BPPR_Keopkay-0lJyCQvJt_-n_UoK6rYKaUrX5VJOea0aR4Ew30Vb0LP4yvDLpA/s320/DSC_4922.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I think what I love the most is I get to use photos that I may not do a whole scrapbook page for...this project represents our life on a very real scale. When I look back to how our family operated 5 years from now I imagine that I will be able to remember what this was like. You see, I have the worst memory and easily forget lots of details of our wonderful life....things I don't want to forget can now be remembered...and it is EASY! My love of taking photos is allowing me to capture life as we know it...in this stage of life...right where we are at :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qQ20QRJmoW_6T5gZvWhDyTJ8BhyphenhyphenjxFOpxUPS7Qo542mivkmJWs_V64Fa2LWKzTiNMqFKAiaKewFqYlELoKd7pNVzm41OieY5eVnALodlHQqMMsHbeiEFVvrUS5WrIEBq17Wpbi3lKto/s1600/DSC_4923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qQ20QRJmoW_6T5gZvWhDyTJ8BhyphenhyphenjxFOpxUPS7Qo542mivkmJWs_V64Fa2LWKzTiNMqFKAiaKewFqYlELoKd7pNVzm41OieY5eVnALodlHQqMMsHbeiEFVvrUS5WrIEBq17Wpbi3lKto/s320/DSC_4923.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I have been experimenting with enlarging photos to 8x12" and then cutting 2 inches off of the sides to fit into the 6x12" page protectors I bought from American Crafts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP43Oelf_8TlyzXDuE0dX34f0qMsqt2ZHITTehyphenhyphenw70z9xKLV8yDzQANTXMiAulgWPPK996N0BYbZTQ9ubcTRtW2LtgEn8O46YtBuyXJ3Tu09hBva5ooRGV0l4UZ6Hubc4OylPnZ3OlkDc/s1600/DSC_4924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP43Oelf_8TlyzXDuE0dX34f0qMsqt2ZHITTehyphenhyphenw70z9xKLV8yDzQANTXMiAulgWPPK996N0BYbZTQ9ubcTRtW2LtgEn8O46YtBuyXJ3Tu09hBva5ooRGV0l4UZ6Hubc4OylPnZ3OlkDc/s320/DSC_4924.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I am also experimenting with putting one theme in a 3 slot - 6x12 page protector....and loving this. For the one above I put specific photos from our trip to Build-a-Bear.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7lPqmHLY5cp7DDquVuXzopx1rVjdDhC_RIOVtxFeEk5iHaKoDJULC_Z6PITtzN0O1eBv-bA8VeczaP3Gsw9QebeqAYWyzs10NWHw_kSdF5GwsBr60XmwBgUTk4FA1VZo5kmnEcNJQ1s/s1600/DSC_4926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7lPqmHLY5cp7DDquVuXzopx1rVjdDhC_RIOVtxFeEk5iHaKoDJULC_Z6PITtzN0O1eBv-bA8VeczaP3Gsw9QebeqAYWyzs10NWHw_kSdF5GwsBr60XmwBgUTk4FA1VZo5kmnEcNJQ1s/s320/DSC_4926.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I am also loving using brushes in Photoshop to label my photos before I print them...love Ali Edwards design style.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5S5do9iXOF3O2ymrdEHzWzMuUVz8OtGh0KNM8aUC7a3a0vjowZjD9l6zI8pEKYW5kpE5XbJAocueS7eb-aaoDrzoW7Hqzv2rMJKh7zuLEriHD2MPsMibcAqzbuTWFmWD3ukukdZmOd_M/s1600/DSC_4930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5S5do9iXOF3O2ymrdEHzWzMuUVz8OtGh0KNM8aUC7a3a0vjowZjD9l6zI8pEKYW5kpE5XbJAocueS7eb-aaoDrzoW7Hqzv2rMJKh7zuLEriHD2MPsMibcAqzbuTWFmWD3ukukdZmOd_M/s320/DSC_4930.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">TADA!! I hope you will join me for the 2012 year in completing one for your family! I will definitely keep you posted when the new kits come on sale in Oct/November :)</div>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417543337297151801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297986859319696972.post-9358683411047969442011-05-26T16:03:00.000-06:002011-05-26T16:03:57.767-06:00Connection Through Prayer<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">I would love to introduce you to Israelle...here she is with her blessed parents on a recent photoshoot I did as a gift for them here in Red Deer. This little girl and family has been in the heart of our prayers for a long while...I can't even remember when we started praying. I know our inital prayers that were Peter and Theresa would be blessed with a baby through the adoption process...God heard, God answered, God moved! We have seen and been part of God's wonder through a lot of their last year. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">The reason this wee girlie is so special to my heart is that she is so near to Abigails age and I have never felt a strong connection to anyone as I have to her <u>through prayer</u>. I have never experienced the <u>power of connection through prayer</u> as she and her family faced so many hospital stays and so much medical stuff. **I can't quote correctly all of the things that Israelle has medically had to endure and continues to live with as it is way beyond my comprehension and I know I won't get the terminology right and all that jazz**</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">I do this know...a miracle was had here in more way then one...Theresa and Peter have their very own little girl to tuck into bed every.single.night. The doctors were left asking "whose heart is this?"<b> the day before</b> she was scheduled to have open heart surgery (for the second time) as it looked way too good to be Israelle's broken heart and they SENT.THEM.HOME. Can you imagine? You think your baby is going to have her chest cut open AGAIN to repair her heart AGAIN and the doctors are left wondering "what has happened here...this baby's heart looks fine" GOD IS WHAT HAPPENED THERE. God is what is happening there. God is still what is going to happen there. Amazing stuff. I am almost in tears as I repeat the story to you from a couple of months ago.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDWwfkpyspS0NZ0ZaKlIuwxCWtNTmeCfzpePceugc2zkL-vR3I5h1Z2xHQlzAgF4ndmXp-UbTdroQ72Ru627bgUZL0_Vj7n90j7MLi3Ey5_rnOVRQFoJFYk8BrogVmWxdWHn-4df8vjc/s1600/DSC_3698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDWwfkpyspS0NZ0ZaKlIuwxCWtNTmeCfzpePceugc2zkL-vR3I5h1Z2xHQlzAgF4ndmXp-UbTdroQ72Ru627bgUZL0_Vj7n90j7MLi3Ey5_rnOVRQFoJFYk8BrogVmWxdWHn-4df8vjc/s320/DSC_3698.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> You just never know why certain people come into your life, or what place they will have. All of this started as a result of Theresa finding my name on the Creative Memories Consultant finder as she and her mom were looking to buy some products. Next thing you know we are given the opportunity to provide hope to a family who has gone through a tremendous amount of heartache and hospital stuff, and prayer to the Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty Healer, Name above all Names...our God.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsccxFpntBfyFoSwjHikYTFGDAvOcNi870BOSdQIb_qCrsHelY05KUzaHBIDof8B-1fZ5NiOa6izPLrDRgiyvuw7H3V7IHooAEoTs3Iz4FiP8_WgmEjhFDfafan7R19-NRLXwZ246F5Y/s1600/DSC_3750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsccxFpntBfyFoSwjHikYTFGDAvOcNi870BOSdQIb_qCrsHelY05KUzaHBIDof8B-1fZ5NiOa6izPLrDRgiyvuw7H3V7IHooAEoTs3Iz4FiP8_WgmEjhFDfafan7R19-NRLXwZ246F5Y/s320/DSC_3750.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">The smile on this little girls face warms my heart and I am so blessed to know her and her family. </span></div>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417543337297151801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297986859319696972.post-81690510294065648152011-05-11T08:54:00.000-06:002011-05-11T08:54:31.227-06:00Around here...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Around here...With the season of Spring comes new activities and lots of good times enjoying the outdoors!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4z_28RRyzeaeORqkMQnjG9aUqfgRMiWr0WZPtxLpA41FAHqbwQxIKzlwQbDdR4_oZQf4pG81i73kksoPhkTImvX9tY79sPAii4VgEq1eUjAaDidZx02OcKwbkQ8Ydn06WwPJzpVNY8Y/s1600/DSC_3407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4z_28RRyzeaeORqkMQnjG9aUqfgRMiWr0WZPtxLpA41FAHqbwQxIKzlwQbDdR4_oZQf4pG81i73kksoPhkTImvX9tY79sPAii4VgEq1eUjAaDidZx02OcKwbkQ8Ydn06WwPJzpVNY8Y/s320/DSC_3407.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Aidan plays inline hockey 2 evenings per week (he is the yellow guy) and Big Daddy Gies is coaching his team again this year. Last night he got 2 goals in his game...way to go Aidan!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlmAsVMDWhDkoO9cxBq7IG549ICe6-WpywF_J3hpp43eQbq2JmLUczKulSZKcOFK64b7VoUo2VBozz5nS3XK1upt2oarM1DdUXQJ1Ab3VeQOCMp1GmYt4qvdkh0w_C6ADbuho2tF5sNg/s1600/DSC_3448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlmAsVMDWhDkoO9cxBq7IG549ICe6-WpywF_J3hpp43eQbq2JmLUczKulSZKcOFK64b7VoUo2VBozz5nS3XK1upt2oarM1DdUXQJ1Ab3VeQOCMp1GmYt4qvdkh0w_C6ADbuho2tF5sNg/s320/DSC_3448.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Is this what everyones house looks like that has boys? The boys thought it was fun to shoot the Toy Story guys with the new Nerf gun that Asher got for his birthday....boys boys boys! I can't help but laugh and take a photo :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYx51lBNO0HxZOOacIi2g1793E2QdDBQx-oX-0d0pyfbEnyguqmA9MTeXnLHLEMT7GIxpXkSPHkwzB-1KRhRDLOc4EL5mGSo7yhf3mh48pnhPGJIE8auLuhJulPABR0u8wtEC6AgXAgcA/s1600/DSC_3479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYx51lBNO0HxZOOacIi2g1793E2QdDBQx-oX-0d0pyfbEnyguqmA9MTeXnLHLEMT7GIxpXkSPHkwzB-1KRhRDLOc4EL5mGSo7yhf3mh48pnhPGJIE8auLuhJulPABR0u8wtEC6AgXAgcA/s320/DSC_3479.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Serious outdoor trampoline fun! This happens every.single.day. Lots of jumping, smiles, laughter, backsies, hockey, flips, crack the egg...and since we have boys...even a little bit of wrestling.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FIz0SS-pB-4X_L6yiLK7tcMJu9N4lQlM4LQVAeSBqO0Awl1qpGMFXWJ6vcwUfG4GmTagXyFHlVi-uXoy1Fc0FmGlRnhzGZnw5o4BN2fZ9vFTb_B_gAfb-lVD_y_gM7oO904yZKiUZqI/s1600/DSC_3513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FIz0SS-pB-4X_L6yiLK7tcMJu9N4lQlM4LQVAeSBqO0Awl1qpGMFXWJ6vcwUfG4GmTagXyFHlVi-uXoy1Fc0FmGlRnhzGZnw5o4BN2fZ9vFTb_B_gAfb-lVD_y_gM7oO904yZKiUZqI/s320/DSC_3513.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The newest trampoline game that even Abigail LOVES...ring around the rosie...yup huge smiles the second everyone "falls down" and even in anticipation of the falling down...what is it about that game that kids looooove?? Well friends, it IS safe and fun for the whole family :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkDEujwomOhm03wmzaK6w6kWp8qWLYCxxKUpTcpv7THCne-Yrjj4ymBD2DQeeHVsVTpJ71rbctlMDAxNFIOt_fvUIughyRF7zWRPvRswXRYptCWvpzqqStNvs3PZc384zdXAAb5gm9os/s1600/DSC_3582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkDEujwomOhm03wmzaK6w6kWp8qWLYCxxKUpTcpv7THCne-Yrjj4ymBD2DQeeHVsVTpJ71rbctlMDAxNFIOt_fvUIughyRF7zWRPvRswXRYptCWvpzqqStNvs3PZc384zdXAAb5gm9os/s320/DSC_3582.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I had to share this photo...Ashers first soccer practice. He has been asking to"play soccer" since last year when Addison played and more specifically when Addison received his orange TimBits soccer shirt. He very much wanted his own "soccer shirt." So finally, he gets his own soccer shirt. He is on the red team in the U4 division (he was pretty pumped as red is his favorite color). So the first practice was interesting to say the least...as you can see Asher is on your left in the photo...one coach is picking one child up off the field, the blue coach is trying to "push along" a little blue player who has his head down and there is our sweet Asher...standing completely opposite to the soccer ball action on the right of the photo and staring off in a different direction all together. Oh he makes us smile. I really feel for the coaches...they are volunteers who are introducing 10 four year old kids to the game of soccer....hopefully tonight runs a little smoother....or not. At the end of the "practice/game" Asher was sitting beside me on the grass drinking his water bottle and he says "I good at this team mom." Yes son, you are good...very very good :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Stay tuned for more about Addisons soccer, swim lessons and some cool things God is revealing to us :)</div>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417543337297151801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297986859319696972.post-44242749682071346102011-05-05T08:48:00.000-06:002011-05-05T08:48:39.489-06:00Our April has come and gone...<div style="text-align: center;">Wow...this time of year seems to go so quickly. Here is a photo recap of our past month...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaU7zYcNNdyXpum6OBxHGJgMakGE8jOrcK6SoBFylW7jFLJ2He39vXPbHC_nHBO4AulyVHZ5z-OPmUB75oD2KdsGLosEaHriU82DdGnxKFRQ9gvFBbDjOJZ-SQW5ptEXFt6GGHAlmEuk/s1600/DSC_2703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaU7zYcNNdyXpum6OBxHGJgMakGE8jOrcK6SoBFylW7jFLJ2He39vXPbHC_nHBO4AulyVHZ5z-OPmUB75oD2KdsGLosEaHriU82DdGnxKFRQ9gvFBbDjOJZ-SQW5ptEXFt6GGHAlmEuk/s320/DSC_2703.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The bikes come out of the garage...we started with quite a bit of snow at the beginning of April and ended with most of the snow being melted away...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNzlrWfnhyLBrYCFW0kSZW3LXCaDcN5cG4YHT4pJs2FPi7DR2-lxBqMssXmN0PtDegDDKVxmYLJrvLxHJ8G4D0YOwpJkWRCLo0w_z6VrueBHVly8AqnXIwaMvvhLQB5JvWhlUslNtfFlE/s1600/DSC_2774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNzlrWfnhyLBrYCFW0kSZW3LXCaDcN5cG4YHT4pJs2FPi7DR2-lxBqMssXmN0PtDegDDKVxmYLJrvLxHJ8G4D0YOwpJkWRCLo0w_z6VrueBHVly8AqnXIwaMvvhLQB5JvWhlUslNtfFlE/s320/DSC_2774.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Aidan and his neighbour friends bring out the long boards...gotta clean 'em up and get 'em out there...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgd3cJip6B66JRf8hi09TqQEk9uLAzyPlCWQbE_7ngwbV9n_hmR1ZMQKYatXLhDpOISa6DsopTFntKhAXusN3mV3iZvBx8qTsqc8jch6XGYxWlH8BXhpCUreIGYb6Pkwc90nZ1dO1Uw8/s1600/DSC_2789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgd3cJip6B66JRf8hi09TqQEk9uLAzyPlCWQbE_7ngwbV9n_hmR1ZMQKYatXLhDpOISa6DsopTFntKhAXusN3mV3iZvBx8qTsqc8jch6XGYxWlH8BXhpCUreIGYb6Pkwc90nZ1dO1Uw8/s320/DSC_2789.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Wes celebrates his 33rd birthday with his boys and sweet girls (I am there too...can you see me in the mirror?) Home-made carrot pineapple cupcakes with filling and cream cheese icing...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEogUu26oi7WMR_i3mywynwk0qOJZSuKq4ZlLk7yoTGy9Ip7-NO_m_qxjPW48cSA0F7CwVGZR9S_tW7BMyfNcdlS3OACYcBHzFwNeXAorFFFvrK4pAR_nweH-3EljYHHW5FECerK7YYE/s1600/DSC_2812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEogUu26oi7WMR_i3mywynwk0qOJZSuKq4ZlLk7yoTGy9Ip7-NO_m_qxjPW48cSA0F7CwVGZR9S_tW7BMyfNcdlS3OACYcBHzFwNeXAorFFFvrK4pAR_nweH-3EljYHHW5FECerK7YYE/s320/DSC_2812.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Papa Helmut introduces Abigail to "ring around the rosie" and it renders squeals of delight...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQnuHS6yL8Nq63oBFn-_KoAbjXi8MQft3DLQgQ9HKklUKukCd3Py2KXYODu1CXbK7fn0v_gG9zVgsia1fHWF032nb0qjvHsYSu55JcAQdk4KAjIJIZiudmKJejZhVeraLBP6ze7bXudQ/s1600/DSC_2867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQnuHS6yL8Nq63oBFn-_KoAbjXi8MQft3DLQgQ9HKklUKukCd3Py2KXYODu1CXbK7fn0v_gG9zVgsia1fHWF032nb0qjvHsYSu55JcAQdk4KAjIJIZiudmKJejZhVeraLBP6ze7bXudQ/s320/DSC_2867.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Palm Sunday brought 3 friends from our Life Group getting baptized at our church...amazing...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeP1a-rTIWV4yBm4rJbjty6jHXrX4hrcioFFy1Hfcs627m8e6XVHAu9BPE1vip8_2uLQGLL1EzsZP8QL5t8k7tFiW5hopXV74l_MMCZMCatiTaw27SZGbAtVkaVuvmrNaZPvNmp9etKkE/s1600/DSC_2881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeP1a-rTIWV4yBm4rJbjty6jHXrX4hrcioFFy1Hfcs627m8e6XVHAu9BPE1vip8_2uLQGLL1EzsZP8QL5t8k7tFiW5hopXV74l_MMCZMCatiTaw27SZGbAtVkaVuvmrNaZPvNmp9etKkE/s320/DSC_2881.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> New life for Chad...thank you Jesus!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibX3p-2WV4zAtzFdaQmekcgm4FR1Mfx1gqkbblvz8M1vbTzYZDK4AP8R9HEFsL9DE3vNtaKZ1ShYN-0Rns-dnEnAAOk0dRk-_1d-f4bQZjHO8d15MlTryV7FPsEyzzK_U2fCrx2-oqY7g/s1600/DSC_2951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibX3p-2WV4zAtzFdaQmekcgm4FR1Mfx1gqkbblvz8M1vbTzYZDK4AP8R9HEFsL9DE3vNtaKZ1ShYN-0Rns-dnEnAAOk0dRk-_1d-f4bQZjHO8d15MlTryV7FPsEyzzK_U2fCrx2-oqY7g/s320/DSC_2951.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Abigail learns how to use a fork and wants to eat independently all.the.time....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsfdl93OszU-7jazax44LeNk8dgZd9ePQYF8uVFy4NxmzEnrs6GQVPiTdzIvvxKyg1QrZd6K2XXvVhyphenhyphenbWwurCzi3Zzga-1tK5ugAC1L7cBlNx2J4Cax_GV6gq2cICBYMBtxkdAsPBABA/s1600/DSC_2997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsfdl93OszU-7jazax44LeNk8dgZd9ePQYF8uVFy4NxmzEnrs6GQVPiTdzIvvxKyg1QrZd6K2XXvVhyphenhyphenbWwurCzi3Zzga-1tK5ugAC1L7cBlNx2J4Cax_GV6gq2cICBYMBtxkdAsPBABA/s320/DSC_2997.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Waffles on Good Friday at Grandma Barbs...yummy...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFxUoKPhMh3MAAIjfNEU8tdRU692fksGSjaqkpJgrUv2JKIJULDkGtkXxweXk5dmnmR6Ls3Z9yvmuXSxCSLVZH0fTo8A6lj1Y2EhGfALNvraeIyF2jvV0NmonY7PzuoLSt7sXfoTOWww/s1600/DSC_3037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFxUoKPhMh3MAAIjfNEU8tdRU692fksGSjaqkpJgrUv2JKIJULDkGtkXxweXk5dmnmR6Ls3Z9yvmuXSxCSLVZH0fTo8A6lj1Y2EhGfALNvraeIyF2jvV0NmonY7PzuoLSt7sXfoTOWww/s320/DSC_3037.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Walks to the park...this little girl LOVES being outside...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSHdfydvQVmhNog8e1f4L9LriLaNErF1b4KaKCB2WQ9tWaI7Ei-5vUjGdDtqj0QzNan-cqjOonqEbc91ycaJ3qAnc0MUZXz-cCHtQkhGFV4d42-Mk6hAHTRg6V2A4iRL2xHiJdB1IhRk/s1600/DSC_3184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSHdfydvQVmhNog8e1f4L9LriLaNErF1b4KaKCB2WQ9tWaI7Ei-5vUjGdDtqj0QzNan-cqjOonqEbc91ycaJ3qAnc0MUZXz-cCHtQkhGFV4d42-Mk6hAHTRg6V2A4iRL2xHiJdB1IhRk/s320/DSC_3184.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Easter at Grandma Linda and Papa Kens house...all including an Easter egg hunt in the front yard...Aidan in Athabasca visiting family with his dad...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fSDt9mpRD93379khFBKgXmF0Bu0FFYGPUL2CqTzUwyBfwbpWyaEBRzUrrY1s0tQTAYa01i7oldUWqrBooUK-Hlw-ODoYu1w2Iu_b4roMgiHd9xmnjXsucX58tybmmhvfVgflD5Ruke8/s1600/DSC_0178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fSDt9mpRD93379khFBKgXmF0Bu0FFYGPUL2CqTzUwyBfwbpWyaEBRzUrrY1s0tQTAYa01i7oldUWqrBooUK-Hlw-ODoYu1w2Iu_b4roMgiHd9xmnjXsucX58tybmmhvfVgflD5Ruke8/s320/DSC_0178.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Easter Sunday choir...amazing joy experienced with heartfelt sincere worship with other believers...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">JOY</span> like I have never felt...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8qYCCs-hBj-cioMDldDKVyPV1ZogtZkoJTibYD2kmJsES6wg_zrl23zAozO1vX1Bj-3ai5Cdc3-AC-QnrwjpQ8UER9ORZ2S558leZ0iflRO1lruCuiWJ34g6wshD6bBAmm3hZj_pD5E/s1600/DSC_3247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8qYCCs-hBj-cioMDldDKVyPV1ZogtZkoJTibYD2kmJsES6wg_zrl23zAozO1vX1Bj-3ai5Cdc3-AC-QnrwjpQ8UER9ORZ2S558leZ0iflRO1lruCuiWJ34g6wshD6bBAmm3hZj_pD5E/s320/DSC_3247.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Asher celebrates his 4th birthday...he LOVES airplanes</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0inH1RsZmDmfAegYMtTNvDwxdbozTa_L1cLy8IpT2Bo_0jXgEaZEhb3wkBl882bberGQISqP4Zuw5Ke_LR0yrmcjfvmJIN_RUx2yPtcMMn1R1-nYREViKKVOs0zx47V_-ZDjvSge8FLw/s1600/DSC_3309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0inH1RsZmDmfAegYMtTNvDwxdbozTa_L1cLy8IpT2Bo_0jXgEaZEhb3wkBl882bberGQISqP4Zuw5Ke_LR0yrmcjfvmJIN_RUx2yPtcMMn1R1-nYREViKKVOs0zx47V_-ZDjvSge8FLw/s320/DSC_3309.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Our couple getaway to Banff for 2 nights...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeO3JP8IAlWaaGwG4Znhq2cac8Wc0nouEAALHF1WkBys0ZwcO1MUKpvN8oVfbS_E7km_jmqJfdq-j11L7anI2iJ9CLBBQ_IBz7ngGFWWXSdD3aP2wNMuo8Bp1lZ6yStSK7fbRR11OR13A/s1600/DSC_3398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeO3JP8IAlWaaGwG4Znhq2cac8Wc0nouEAALHF1WkBys0ZwcO1MUKpvN8oVfbS_E7km_jmqJfdq-j11L7anI2iJ9CLBBQ_IBz7ngGFWWXSdD3aP2wNMuo8Bp1lZ6yStSK7fbRR11OR13A/s320/DSC_3398.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Abigail helping Aidan with his homework and distracting him with kisses...</div>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417543337297151801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297986859319696972.post-31988251788529010972011-04-30T13:41:00.000-06:002011-04-30T13:41:09.874-06:00Banff<div style="text-align: center;">Couple getaway...Banff...Douglas Fir...A-frame style chalet...all to ourselves...unmet expectation...different chalet then last year...wood stove NOT wood fireplace...just not the same...wouldn't stay lit...smoke filled room...a little disappointed...walk around town...in and out of little shops...LuLu Lemon store...bought nothing...liked a hoodie...$108...really...a lot of cash for a shirt...gave up on yearly hoodie-buying tradition there...bought journal at Indigo and Wes bought book "Love Wins" by Rob Bell...delicious supper at the Keg...steak and crab legs...nice seat for two...movie at the theatre...all to ourself..."Lincoln Lawyer"...liked the twists...loved the company beside me...bedtime reading..."Me and My Big Mouth" by Joyce Meyer...9:15am wake up...sleepin' in...have no where specific to be...no one specific to see...enjoying our Tim's coffee brought from home...thank you for having coffee makers in the rooms...switched to a different room...in search of a real fireplace...one of my favorite things EVER...yup found it...went for lunch and for a walk to see the Hoodoos...windy and cool...shoulda brought a jacket and some shoes with socks...nope not this girl...flats with bare feet and a hoodie...back to room...fire with a afternoon siesta...Cozy Toz...wake up to coffee time...marvelling at God's creation out our window...bible reading...bible dictionary look up for "mercy", "Pharisees", and "righteousness"...started reading book of Romans...heavy...refresh outside...different view needed...Old Spaghetti Factory for supper...Shauna-spaghetti with spicy meat sauce...Wes- tortellini with chicken...Apple-tini and Jolly Rancher to drink...Banff Springs hotel...grandeur...love the age...love the "oldness"...the original furniture, light fixtures, door knobs make me happy...hockey game back in room...scrapbooking magazine for me...asleep by the fire...crackling and heat and glow...in a whole lotta love with my man...waking up to a winter wonderland...heavy snowfall...anxious to see our 4 wonders...Wes finished reading his book...back to work mode...back to reality...how lovely it is when seen with a "fresh" set of eyes and ears...how awesome to share it all with a man after God's own heart...thank you Jesus for your unfailing love...to take in and comfort us and to pour out to others because...I stand amazed and full of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;"><b>JOY</b></span> at the wonder of it all.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgLnQuEH6E8FyxkcaxzEu2CAIqUyWStw2oqm6oFPpVJxqVSADKC5MNYy-aenQJF4dDT-InosMV_7NHzlbKuOmGtzPwCJN8Dpje4vfYAZ3J4-I2ZH5XAsmQqh9l85b28NiALzaIqL8gbQ/s1600/DSC_3316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgLnQuEH6E8FyxkcaxzEu2CAIqUyWStw2oqm6oFPpVJxqVSADKC5MNYy-aenQJF4dDT-InosMV_7NHzlbKuOmGtzPwCJN8Dpje4vfYAZ3J4-I2ZH5XAsmQqh9l85b28NiALzaIqL8gbQ/s320/DSC_3316.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417543337297151801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297986859319696972.post-70319510615706204552011-04-29T20:04:00.000-06:002011-04-29T20:04:47.881-06:00For Today...<u><b>For Today</b></u> - Friday, April 29 2011<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><strong>Outside my window</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">...The glorious sunshine is beaming into my "office" west facing, dirty window.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><strong>I am thinking</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">...About the last few days...a little getaway with my loving husband in Banff...how thankful I am for parents that will love on our kids when we go away to refresh...how full of gratitude I am for a good relationship with Aidan's dad and family and that our oldest boy is so very loved amongst both families...how the quiet is nice but the sounds of our children are missed when I have too much time to think...how we serve such an awesome God and I look forward to getting to know more of Him and about His character every single day...how happy the sun makes me as Spring feels like it is finally here as I saw some of my perennials starting to pop out if the brown, dead foliage...beautiful and green....LIFE!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><strong>I am thankful for</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">...good girlfriends who share the same passion for God as me and how our conversation is so life-giving, the ability to open our home to friends and their families every Sunday evening for Life Group, for the freedom we have in Canada to own a bible (or several) and take them out in public, and to read them wherever we want....a husband that works so hard for his family and enjoys it...seeing Ashers excitement on his face and in his voice when we gave him his "real" birthday presents today :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><strong>From the kitchen</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">...I made pulled pork sandwiches for supper...looking foward to doing some baking this week coming up... ginger snaps and banana bread on the list</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><strong>I am wearing</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">...jeans, lulu purple sparkly zip up, bare feet</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><strong>I am creating</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">...hmmm...haven't been creating much lately...need to get back to getting my Project Life together...more then a few weeks behind</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><b>I am going</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">...to take Asher to meet his soccer coach/team tomorrow morning and later in the day watch Aidan play inline hockey twice as he has an Ice Breaker Tournament tomorrow</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><b>I am reading...</b> "Me and My Big Mouth" by Joyce Meyer, my bible (thanks to Lori for the awesome bible reading plan), scrapbook magazines, Taste of Home magazine, Paper Crafts magazine</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><strong>I am hoping</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">...that all of my children make the faith they grow up with their own with minimal heartache</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><strong>I am hearing</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">...the hum of my lap top and that is all...all the little ones are in bed asleep and Aidan is at Ben's tonight and Wes is out closing a deal</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><strong>Around the house</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">...a big pile of laundry awaits me from our little getaway and the kiddies sleepovers at Grandma and Grandpas house, going to make a plan to do one cleaning job per day (and maybe give myself permission to take one day off??)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><strong>One of my favorite things</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">....a real wood burning fireplace - the crackling sound of the wood, the heat, the light...everything about it</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><strong>A few plans for the rest of the week</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">...Asher soccer mtg, Aidan inline hockey, serving in 56ers this Sunday as Pastor Mike is away and asked us to switch weekends, looking forward to catching up with friends in our Life Group on Sunday evening as we missed last weekend with them because of Easter, need to have a coffee date with a couple of my favorite ladies, work on Project Life</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdGj16AGf8KtHI4oXY7_JLVva8Vs7afvdoAUKxi93dc6gC94d5m6ac593lvPUuWO5KgF3bgbDzL87OM-MbwveKM34dj1GfBbWAZEXnvbs6esrGW1hZtIzl1GnuxkMAEyldG7zVaD2qOM/s1600/DSC_3223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdGj16AGf8KtHI4oXY7_JLVva8Vs7afvdoAUKxi93dc6gC94d5m6ac593lvPUuWO5KgF3bgbDzL87OM-MbwveKM34dj1GfBbWAZEXnvbs6esrGW1hZtIzl1GnuxkMAEyldG7zVaD2qOM/s320/DSC_3223.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><strong>A photo for today</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">... the birthday boy...Happy 4th Birthday my dear Asher! Here he is at Easter outside playing with one of his favorite things...a toy airplane (that is now on Grandma Linda and Papa Ken's roof) Love you so much my "best friend" (as he calls me)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417543337297151801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297986859319696972.post-25457063455058381632011-03-26T09:11:00.000-06:002011-03-26T09:11:55.170-06:00La la la....OK so on Thursday I took a big step....<br />
<br />
I joined the church choir for the Easter service. This is a one-day three-services kind of opportunity. And yes I will be up there on stage with 50 or 60 other people singing my little heart out celebrating the awesomeness of Christ's victory!<br />
<br />
If you have ever heard me sing you may be asking yourself..."who would let her join the choir?" or "yikes, have you heard her voice?". Believe me friends, the voice I hear in my own ears is not one I would classify as "good." It isn't awful but in no way would I win a Canadian Idol audition :) So, onto what really matters....<br />
<br />
Last years Easter service was remarkable to me. I finally GOT IT! I finally understood what happened and it meshed with my soul that Jesus died....yes...sad but true. BUT GOD RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD and was victorious over the enemy. I cried during the service....I cried in the van on the way home. I remember seeing the people in the choir worshiping and loving the Lord with all of their hearts...the excitement I felt was exhilarating. I want every. single. person to feel that...it is amazing!<br />
<br />
So when the worship Pastor at our church announced that they were looking for choir members immediately the thought came into my head that I should be up there. I told Wes about it joking that if there was enough of us that they could drown out my voice. I did bring it up at one of our Sunday night Life Groups about this prompting I had (why me...why this voice??). So that was the end of it for a few weeks. I left it alone. Then this past Wednesday I was leading my last Friendship Factor bible study and we were talking about God Confidence. In developing this I was teaching (from a book, not my own ideas) that to develop more of our confidence in Him and what we can do through Him we need to risk stepping out in faith and do something you believe God wants you to do. So immediately in my head comes the the prompting I have received about the choir. I share this with my ladies....2 of them are in the choir as well and encourage me to come to Thursday practice. That afternoon I email Pastor Dallas and ask him if there is still room, he sends me this:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Hi Shauna,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">It is great to hear from you. We would love to have you as part of the Easter Choir. Our first music rehearsal is tomorrow. Everyone else has had the songs for 2 weeks now, but I would still enjoy having you come and be a part of it. I can give you the music tomorrow along with a practice CD. If you are willing to play a little bit of catch up and can make the rest of our rehearsals(Thursday March 24, Thursday March 31, Thursday April 7, and Wednesday April 20 - each from 7pm-9pm) then we can make it work.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">There have been a few occasions when the worship leaders have gotten together and talked about people who inspire us as we lead. You and Wes have certainly come up in those discussions. Your passion for Christ and desire to praise Him flows out of both of you. Thanks for setting that example.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Let me know what you think. Hope it works out! Talk to you soon.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Dallas</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">I was pumped after I read this email and for the rest of the day really....more encouraging words...ok Lord I haven't heard anything bad from anyone yet...just something within myself saying I can't possibly do it. Well the enemy will not win as I step out to bring more of His kingdom here on earth...no siree!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So Thursday night I go to practice. He puts me in the "soprano" group. The first notes coming out of the others ladies mouths I knew I was in the wrong group...I can't sing that high. So I left and joined the "alto" group in another room. I took my sheet music and tried to act like I knew what I was doing...I know the songs in my head...they were familiar to me. What I didn't know was that we (as choir ppl) are responsible to have some control over our voices and sing according to a key or note or something like that. So the Ashley, the leader who was playing the piano, was saying stuff about C sharp and E...and the words were so foreign to me. Ladies were writing notes on their sheets....Jodie, a pastors wife who I stood beside, offered me a pencil for note-taking and I wondered what I was supposed to write down. Within the first 10 minutes I felt defeated...tears actually came to my eyes and feelings of failure were flooding me. I fought them...no no no...tears you will not fall dang it! <i>Keep trying </i>I heard in my head...then You don't have to come back again...just get through this one. And then I would focus on the words I was singing...."You are stronger....You are stronger...." Then words like "melody" "harmony" "riff" "tenor" "bridge" and a variety of letters were being shot out at me. As I sang and we went through the songs I noticed the music notes on the paper...as they went up on the bar our voices were supposed to go up....OK I could do that....to a certain extent. So, in the end.....I made it through to 9pm. And I will go back and practice again...because with my voice I worship Him as it says in </div><h2 id="passage_heading" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Psalm 100:2 </span></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/sv55FMjeMV0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><h2 id="passage_heading" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><i><b>Worship the LORD with gladness; </b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><i><b>come before him with joyful songs.</b></i></span></h2><div class="result-text-style-normal" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">So all I can say is DO IT...whatever you may feel a prompting to do for His Kingdom I challenge you to step out in God-confidence and trust in Him. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417543337297151801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297986859319696972.post-39650992018708912292011-03-14T13:18:00.000-06:002011-03-14T13:18:22.314-06:00Addison Turns 5!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This past week we had a couple of parties to celebrate our Addison turning 5 years old. Wow...already....5....that is all I can think about. This boy of ours has the kindest heart....today I was sick in bed and Wes stayed home from work for the morning so I could attempt to sleep it off. Addison comes into the room with a lego "flower" that he created and a little card. Wes said he came up with the idea all on his own. He is also so very generous...with his birthday money he chose to buy Asher and Aidan something too. And last week at school he made a beaded necklace for me and another necklace for his friend Cody...that gave me the idea to make beaded necklaces at his birthday party...check it out below:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3c6T8O7yGNURCqY66qwrmAxIkoCRbMAQZ33i-qLQELIC-5smdcSfjow-aeNdF2wEsrKZZWTZB-7n3FWpiaz7f97hvbV4gz6jjUZVNrlc7r7IVdIiI2GhYAZbC68cVawEnSB8ET-tniag/s1600/DSC_2020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3c6T8O7yGNURCqY66qwrmAxIkoCRbMAQZ33i-qLQELIC-5smdcSfjow-aeNdF2wEsrKZZWTZB-7n3FWpiaz7f97hvbV4gz6jjUZVNrlc7r7IVdIiI2GhYAZbC68cVawEnSB8ET-tniag/s320/DSC_2020.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The partying started out on Thursday the 10th, his actual BIRTHday. Pancake breakfast at McDonalds Play Place. (Yes only 2 of the candles lit...silly things...)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgV2MXvS5SyDQUSdrpjtCbzH64TcR1bZJ09MUzFw9LinjGyTbvcRHQBZyP0s3nE9ICnRyQudqRa_4_bbBxaoXuNiQPx5yED5UZVSmhxddln0V6LGOaPb7f5TzHRatmVMlSa4OeyKexNPk/s1600/DSC_2061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgV2MXvS5SyDQUSdrpjtCbzH64TcR1bZJ09MUzFw9LinjGyTbvcRHQBZyP0s3nE9ICnRyQudqRa_4_bbBxaoXuNiQPx5yED5UZVSmhxddln0V6LGOaPb7f5TzHRatmVMlSa4OeyKexNPk/s320/DSC_2061.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is the birthday boy on his birthday PARTY day...HotWheels cupcakes as requested with green icing (his favorite color). The kids seems pretty excited to each get to take a car home. Yes Addison chose the top cupcake with the green car...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiychSGu68KVLldjcLSXwRCxNP3P3KzWcWl04bBk5_qzAO2G-0WaIxnx9YVj49V3tgAjO6XT0qIhOWcvtqUw5nGE_urFwhyT0U_q2v-wPgdyHCsX0PUGVb5J5jWeqRoSrkHjtu1qYbasVc/s1600/DSC_2058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiychSGu68KVLldjcLSXwRCxNP3P3KzWcWl04bBk5_qzAO2G-0WaIxnx9YVj49V3tgAjO6XT0qIhOWcvtqUw5nGE_urFwhyT0U_q2v-wPgdyHCsX0PUGVb5J5jWeqRoSrkHjtu1qYbasVc/s320/DSC_2058.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The beaded necklace/bracelet activity. Quite successful with 9 little ones and a whole lotta beads...tying the knots was another story....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGYf2fm0pXRWdYLitQwdFoE2u7wgdJGEvliyZGqQgd-Y4RQUk68DO4Ozu01NT9dCR4PHpFYy1G-vU6Ta49D4jLI6fh4gqVcfnyRdGfcA2OfdRc6ZeD4V9j-9UdUklLGbpnIfQ5EW1U88/s1600/DSC_2155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGYf2fm0pXRWdYLitQwdFoE2u7wgdJGEvliyZGqQgd-Y4RQUk68DO4Ozu01NT9dCR4PHpFYy1G-vU6Ta49D4jLI6fh4gqVcfnyRdGfcA2OfdRc6ZeD4V9j-9UdUklLGbpnIfQ5EW1U88/s320/DSC_2155.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Soooo happy one of my bestest friends Jen grabbed my camera and captured that we pray and give each of our children a birthday blessing at their parties. God is so good to us....that even sounds like an understatement as I type it....God is beyond good to us. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Thank you Jesus for this past year in allowing us to parent your child Addison. He adds so much to our family and to each of our lives. I am excited to see the work You are doing in this boy and pray your continued favor and blessing over and around him as he goes about his next year. AMEN</i></div>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417543337297151801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297986859319696972.post-1465293323501542672011-03-09T10:09:00.000-07:002011-03-09T10:09:47.423-07:00My TKD Star<div style="text-align: center;">A few weeks ago we went to Airdrie to watch Aidan participate in a taekwondo tournament. These are exciting times for me as I get to see Aidan really shine in his sport of taekwondo. He has been involved in tkd since he was 5 years old and I love how he has developed his tkd skills. Aidan did awesome at the tournament!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUfjSN1S-Whk0piWwwbuKdD-4O5JH9-tN21MLvxkkoT7MZPi_KrARskLdW7ZZnpjjEx22jeYd_nsGAk4LaQWZw2z8AP43cPuQfA8ses76aYaNydn_saErgFnvHQAjOKK5bCVPJrZ3q3s/s1600/DSC_1469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUfjSN1S-Whk0piWwwbuKdD-4O5JH9-tN21MLvxkkoT7MZPi_KrARskLdW7ZZnpjjEx22jeYd_nsGAk4LaQWZw2z8AP43cPuQfA8ses76aYaNydn_saErgFnvHQAjOKK5bCVPJrZ3q3s/s320/DSC_1469.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sparring match that he won....won one and lost one which gave him a silver medal in that category.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjff1vTBWEfKh8KLEUZZF6ChiwnzlN5Q2fSD-6HpW881-CvBOD7v6lk9m0ddDztdZkkyYPYDKTEQD8-cgjmJftptoP8fyyPBKyA3jvFBeoctLDgAXJWnOxwzo1ElIFyZo6gauQLVgnT-zg/s1600/DSC_1401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjff1vTBWEfKh8KLEUZZF6ChiwnzlN5Q2fSD-6HpW881-CvBOD7v6lk9m0ddDztdZkkyYPYDKTEQD8-cgjmJftptoP8fyyPBKyA3jvFBeoctLDgAXJWnOxwzo1ElIFyZo6gauQLVgnT-zg/s320/DSC_1401.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Poomse - Pattern that each belt level has to complete and they get evaluated on techniques. These always look way to complicated for me...I don't think I could remember all the steps.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then on the next weekend, Champion Taekwondo did their belt testing and Grand Master Park came down from Edmonton to mark the students. Aidan passed, and did so super dee duper! So now he owns a red belt and keeps on striving to get his junior black belt. I am so proud of our boy!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwVVL7ZvLuVgNDmLuz_mrxr4kn3enJcNvw6b1t5Ur-ez-Kj9I0llprBq2SMrAaefeiKBgzb_TkXQXI2AnDLIStrINt4MTF-vV6UsyV191p-NDJpayKMOaB_mZSbiE3UBf3tu9FweuDp8/s1600/DSC_1796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwVVL7ZvLuVgNDmLuz_mrxr4kn3enJcNvw6b1t5Ur-ez-Kj9I0llprBq2SMrAaefeiKBgzb_TkXQXI2AnDLIStrINt4MTF-vV6UsyV191p-NDJpayKMOaB_mZSbiE3UBf3tu9FweuDp8/s320/DSC_1796.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417543337297151801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297986859319696972.post-65641863673040866562011-02-17T14:58:00.000-07:002011-02-17T14:58:50.087-07:00Our Valentine's Day!So you read on my last post about the mini cupcakes with pink cream cheese....but did you read all the way to the bottom of the post for the challenge? The challenge was to do something kind/loving for someone that is close to you to tie along with the "love thy neighbor" command. So I wanted to show you that we did indeed follow through with showing our love...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_Sps5g1LHQS8G1Qy4DjViGCZeAQa95SYs6SvRSqfhpC1yo8Qp7Gjhjq9O5abS7_oHAHoPbRS7KmrV60XxXIjOuyHXEQoKtwXzJzcGQiU9xfkkFVOAmOObI1iNG_unZxnLaPI2wHfr2g/s1600/DSC_1247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_Sps5g1LHQS8G1Qy4DjViGCZeAQa95SYs6SvRSqfhpC1yo8Qp7Gjhjq9O5abS7_oHAHoPbRS7KmrV60XxXIjOuyHXEQoKtwXzJzcGQiU9xfkkFVOAmOObI1iNG_unZxnLaPI2wHfr2g/s320/DSC_1247.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br />
Once all the kiddies and Dad were home from school the 4 boys went out and hit up 4 neighbors to give a plate of the scrumptious cupcakes to. Aidan and Asher had already taken off across the street by the time the photo was taken. While they did that I was inside preparing home-made pizza dough and toppings to make our annual heart shaped pizzas:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkRkpSeQiwyy1wCBTTWXqCh2KWOgbUIAui2LyD-08erADIHz64NNOnKWh2qJy-tbx5cLlTeGKaqNMfLeaQ2Wl9zhvs6M9lZc5RNVoDDDWAUpQLu9H-7Um4IR1VwfumwDtXyZEIwNvzb2Q/s1600/DSC_1256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkRkpSeQiwyy1wCBTTWXqCh2KWOgbUIAui2LyD-08erADIHz64NNOnKWh2qJy-tbx5cLlTeGKaqNMfLeaQ2Wl9zhvs6M9lZc5RNVoDDDWAUpQLu9H-7Um4IR1VwfumwDtXyZEIwNvzb2Q/s320/DSC_1256.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHHmI5Y60EPTuhCntHK6RTOOcW1rWudfUiJAo2F3dYQK1KNJOKOv-GkaQ9HRLbO-k-x4XPWCdISCrKrWol4ysQ1t15fVHGCaW0f6xUPOhJ9e0yGKmj_WL8tDjMEk5h-KZmPa-lgaBfDE/s1600/DSC_1267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHHmI5Y60EPTuhCntHK6RTOOcW1rWudfUiJAo2F3dYQK1KNJOKOv-GkaQ9HRLbO-k-x4XPWCdISCrKrWol4ysQ1t15fVHGCaW0f6xUPOhJ9e0yGKmj_WL8tDjMEk5h-KZmPa-lgaBfDE/s320/DSC_1267.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgNunYZLAThts1koURYN4VYRfU_YXCzrMyavsHZVDyHIanxxaP7hCVcHaN-ZMdPwTgAkEyBM-K2RVhIsdHaNSFhHO94aQsJwzQ0K1gwdKHFJCoJMC69RICNed4JEzncEwi8AcolJvP_0/s1600/DSC_1273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgNunYZLAThts1koURYN4VYRfU_YXCzrMyavsHZVDyHIanxxaP7hCVcHaN-ZMdPwTgAkEyBM-K2RVhIsdHaNSFhHO94aQsJwzQ0K1gwdKHFJCoJMC69RICNed4JEzncEwi8AcolJvP_0/s320/DSC_1273.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
They turned out great and it was a fun thing to do together as a family. Asher actually ate his whole heart pizza which is impressive as he recently decided that he didn't like pizza. It could be because it only had one piece of pineapple and one piece of ham on it?? Monday was one of the best days that I can remember...Wes came home after lunch and I got to have a little nap on the couch...showered and dressed at 2:30....quality family time and lots of giving all around. A marvelous day!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikERV3eY3xBZagecx96A7uWTw_ZdEjIPSEsLujUVjr1eOsPafLhY7Xk5TjpTtQWeMlNjxOPh3fECXG8oLgAuEaxbc-IIrMAUr8WBZC8L_KwICE7roujz1MFQQImYyuc0FLubu5zr6Spc4/s1600/DSC_1219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikERV3eY3xBZagecx96A7uWTw_ZdEjIPSEsLujUVjr1eOsPafLhY7Xk5TjpTtQWeMlNjxOPh3fECXG8oLgAuEaxbc-IIrMAUr8WBZC8L_KwICE7roujz1MFQQImYyuc0FLubu5zr6Spc4/s320/DSC_1219.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>And one final photo of our little princess when she opened up her new princess baby "Belle." Abigail decided she would take a suck on her bottle before giving it to her baby...what a good little mama :)Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417543337297151801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297986859319696972.post-53752761057238900862011-02-14T11:45:00.000-07:002011-02-14T11:45:00.427-07:00Valentine Chocolate Chip Cupcakes<div style="text-align: center;">Here is one of our new family favorite recipes. Aidan requested them this morning, so I got baking after he went off to school. They are pretty easy to make and taste SUPER-DEE-DUPER!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEB9DUg9RsZUOBV7OI_5KrIgcL1PIrEtMMw1tekO4ztEe09yhJZdmoCUwrkWWbNaFEGNSJn_plrjQ11yfoeMNKZl_eHjT_t_NT_m_k9n1g84svKUCFiyUL6_v-Bt6jyjTcv5RyCMph_0/s1600/DSC_1202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEB9DUg9RsZUOBV7OI_5KrIgcL1PIrEtMMw1tekO4ztEe09yhJZdmoCUwrkWWbNaFEGNSJn_plrjQ11yfoeMNKZl_eHjT_t_NT_m_k9n1g84svKUCFiyUL6_v-Bt6jyjTcv5RyCMph_0/s320/DSC_1202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Chocolate Chip Cupcakes</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">8 oz. cream cheese</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 egg</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/3 cup sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/8 tsp. salt</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup chocolate chips</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 1/2 cup flour</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 cup cocoa</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tsp. baking soda</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 tsp. salt</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup water</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 Tbsp. vinegar</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/3 cup oil</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Combine first 4 ingredients; beat well. Stir in chocolate chips. In second bowl, mix next five ingredients together. Add water, vinegar and oil. Beat until well blended. Fill muffin tins 1/2 full of chocolate batter. Top each with heaping teaspoon of cream cheese/chocolate chip mixture. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">(I usually make "mini" cupcakes as we have lots of little mouths to feed here, and quite honestly I feel better about eating a few mini muffins in comparison to a few regular muffins :) So when I make the minis I bake them for 10 minutes. Today I used red paper liners to tie into my Valentines day celebration and I liked that much better because I hate scrubbing mini muffin pans...big pain in my buttocks....or my husbands if I "forget" them in the sink for later.... Today I added a few drops of red food coloring to the cream cheese mixture to make it pink. I also doubled the "cake" part of the recipe today and used up the whole single batch of the cream cheese/chocolate chip mixture as I found last time I made them I had quite a bit of the cream cheese mixture left over. I like to bake in bulk...and give it away otherwise I end up eating most of it in the night when my family is sleeping...weird I know! So today with being Valentines day we are going to go and give cupcakes to our neighbours....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">LUKE 10:27 NKJ </div>27 <i>So he answered and said, " `You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,' and `<u>love your neighbor as yourself</u>.' " </i>(emphasis mine)<div><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">So as God's representatives here on earth, I challenge you to show unselfish love not only to those who are in your household, but to put your love into action for those around wherever you are. </div>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417543337297151801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297986859319696972.post-53602882136874862652011-02-08T09:16:00.000-07:002011-02-08T09:16:52.851-07:00First HaircutPardon the interuption of the joy of Love project to take a look at our sweet little girl :) Saturday was FIRST HAIRCUT day. I took her to Beaners (fun cuts for kids) as her hair would constantly be in her eyes...this may have annoyed me more then Abigail :) She seems to almost pull out her hair pretties as soon as she realizes they are there, so....off we went to get a trim.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Before...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFFXpqtOn3j13iwp7BGKUrZ2441hlxziX45aGnRc6Dtc-pcPUNPXYU6S3OnPEI51h-xqueEaQakpiTDwHyvncsbcygKpsBLtPRFN_rL0b0zSdZZTn8daa322hNUWZ84auumv0OjhOsEI/s1600/DSC_0776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFFXpqtOn3j13iwp7BGKUrZ2441hlxziX45aGnRc6Dtc-pcPUNPXYU6S3OnPEI51h-xqueEaQakpiTDwHyvncsbcygKpsBLtPRFN_rL0b0zSdZZTn8daa322hNUWZ84auumv0OjhOsEI/s320/DSC_0776.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">During...yup I am loving the pink car...not to mention the stylists pink hairdo.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4GohLzXwDGvRNNURrIHvxbIPfKL-5eBu3mGBWPecyskb-gHsWkLFMGyC-DxsCdKbkv14A0JxodHsIUGJi_zkqpmSWxjaIWP6_smhOATBQBRlYY_ZY931fvflwk-JtBNQB1lPfJkkVvI/s1600/DSC_0789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4GohLzXwDGvRNNURrIHvxbIPfKL-5eBu3mGBWPecyskb-gHsWkLFMGyC-DxsCdKbkv14A0JxodHsIUGJi_zkqpmSWxjaIWP6_smhOATBQBRlYY_ZY931fvflwk-JtBNQB1lPfJkkVvI/s320/DSC_0789.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVK15ndcbEIBmERRcqW-cPgi-Rsk_CFn7IIjzr9qjFAy2mHwtOiwXY_MAeHq0HIac-ViyOy9jNxzxPbVyW7JZKpgoi9iwefoGPAAhH-9j4dUIlRu0zjDT07dkceSlyfYFOZ6nr91xhtnk/s1600/DSC_0790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVK15ndcbEIBmERRcqW-cPgi-Rsk_CFn7IIjzr9qjFAy2mHwtOiwXY_MAeHq0HIac-ViyOy9jNxzxPbVyW7JZKpgoi9iwefoGPAAhH-9j4dUIlRu0zjDT07dkceSlyfYFOZ6nr91xhtnk/s320/DSC_0790.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghI0aJ9OSes-eVvyMTZpvC37sa5cc_0NiGYTf8DePa-r4-L9LVQ7LcOeBm3UkfjgjnV4pt01cnidfKuyeZIkipx55rwHA3GTPfhdZCS3rw0rJwkXQU368BmVnKcSna1TNGlh0GqGv6VTE/s1600/DSC_0804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghI0aJ9OSes-eVvyMTZpvC37sa5cc_0NiGYTf8DePa-r4-L9LVQ7LcOeBm3UkfjgjnV4pt01cnidfKuyeZIkipx55rwHA3GTPfhdZCS3rw0rJwkXQU368BmVnKcSna1TNGlh0GqGv6VTE/s320/DSC_0804.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What would a girly haircut be without some pink sparkly gel added to the new do! Yes, we did bring some of that sparkly goodness home with us along with some new hair pretties. Oh how I love having a girl!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">(Our little guys were quite disappointed that they couldn't come for a haircut too...is it weird that they LOVE getting their hair cut? They go the Locker Room (hair place for "men") in which they get popcorn AND a sucker at the end of the trim. Gotta love that haircuts are not a "battle" with them anymore :)</div>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417543337297151801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297986859319696972.post-13311317478568284092011-02-07T13:33:00.000-07:002011-02-07T13:33:49.875-07:00the joy of LOVE - Day 4Yes I know...I am behind in my assignments. I have removed all pressure to get them done on "date" timelines so that I can enjoy the process so thank you for being patient with me :)<br />
<br />
what they wear.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMri4zqKjwFRpryFcFV-OcKWw2Ib2ZsV2CIhlbCTRWoofO5KG1DOo0h4-Utu80MsacbjZSH_WS5gyKGJ_k9eCcKMLCk6v34Mrhcevcrp9DfHqxPxdwMFdD2OzF8dx4AacXiG-4SG3t2K4/s1600/DSC_0759-bw-crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMri4zqKjwFRpryFcFV-OcKWw2Ib2ZsV2CIhlbCTRWoofO5KG1DOo0h4-Utu80MsacbjZSH_WS5gyKGJ_k9eCcKMLCk6v34Mrhcevcrp9DfHqxPxdwMFdD2OzF8dx4AacXiG-4SG3t2K4/s320/DSC_0759-bw-crop.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> This is our oldest boy...11 years old...Grade 6. His new hair-do cut and styled into a "mow-hawk" as he writes it. He was pretty pumped about getting this haircut, and despite my protests Big Daddy took him to the salon and he was so happy with the results. I will admit I think he looks kinda cool. So this is the hair style that he "wears" right now.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoEM4ii1hPaxMTaaVnLZ2K7zNy2B2TLeb9_tE3RIJ6SvnibL55Y1Srdw4Pdz-zdpN4TYMofKbulBterh_i_gnRSD6Lwz3C2ET1TaMjJ5Wg8WIIAwpB_lEe9Lfzw7gCN5G7LdAske33dAs/s1600/DSC_0760-bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoEM4ii1hPaxMTaaVnLZ2K7zNy2B2TLeb9_tE3RIJ6SvnibL55Y1Srdw4Pdz-zdpN4TYMofKbulBterh_i_gnRSD6Lwz3C2ET1TaMjJ5Wg8WIIAwpB_lEe9Lfzw7gCN5G7LdAske33dAs/s320/DSC_0760-bw.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is Aidan walking out the door to catch the bus in the morning. This is what he '"wears" to school: He is loving lots of bright colors in his clothing, always laying a hoodie underneath his winter jacket so he can be super warm (or maybe his Mom makes him?) in our winter weather. Almost always wearing a pair of jeans, most of them have holes/rips in the knee areas...yup he likes it like that. His Nike 6.0 high-tops have mis-matched shoe laces (by his choice) with one bright pink and the other lace being bright purple. This DC backpack we got him when we were in Las Vegas, and it has straps for hanging your skateboard on your pack. Once Spring comes I am excited to see him use this feature. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love our oldest boy soooo much and I am not afraid to yell it from the doorway as he leaves the house in the morning...I like that it brings a smile to his face. Love you Sonshine!!</div>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417543337297151801noreply@blogger.com0