Oh the weather outside is frightful...

Well, it's Christmas morning and I'm enjoying my coffee and the quiet... I am wondering whether I will get a phone call to say that Christmas Church Service is cancelled. It snowed most of yesterday and seems that it snowed overnight as well. It's absolutely beautiful but without snowplows it makes for difficult driving conditions. We are hoping to spend time with friends at their cottage and I'm hoping we'll still be able to get there. For all of the times we've heard the "romantic" songs about white Christmases - I guess we got it!! Wherever you are, and whatever the weather we wish you the Lord's blessing on this day and may the real meaning of the season bring you much joy and comfort!

This and that....

The last few days have been very cold and snowy. The kids were let out early last Wednesday because of blowing snow. Then the next days (both Thursday and Friday) were snow days as well. This is all very exciting for the kids but I find it very anti-climatic. The Christmas Concert was cancelled and all of the fun related to the last day of school didn't happen of course. The kids have braved the extreme cold (9 degrees F.) to play in the drifts but I, on the over hand, have stayed warm inside. L has begun working on her days off - and is especially in demand when the weather is bad and NAC's can't make it into work. We live less than a mile away so she doesn't have much of an excuse not to make it there. We celebrated hubby's birthday last week. He is our "games" person so we gave him a game called "Blokus". We have been really enjoying this game. I highly recommend it because it requires a lot of thinking & strategy and it's new each time you play it. It really depends on what the other players do as to what strategy you will use.

This past weekend we went ice skating with the family - something we haven't done in quite a while. We had a bunch of friends over on Saturday evening and again today lots of visiting with friends. We are looking forward to a relaxing Christmas break. We'll keep you posted!

P.S. I need to run since I am talking on MSN with my niece Becky in Indonesia.

Another good concert...

This past Thursday we thoroughly enjoyed watching & listening to Natalie MacMaster at the MBT in Bellingham. It was the first show after the renovations to the theatre - and they have done a beautiful job. Natalie is expecting her third child and is seven months pregnant. This did not seem to slow her down as she could dance better than most who don't have that extra weight... She is such a beautiful person - both in outer beauty as well as her character. She has a most amazing pianist, cellist, drummer and pipes player. Our house is often filled with the sound of celtic music - mostly Celtic Women and Hailey Westenra but I think we will be hearing more of Natalie's music. We could not resist buying her first DVD and it's nicely done.

'Tis the Season...

I don't have any photos but I guess that doesn't mean I can't post. The weeks after Thanksgiving have been fun. Henry & I took some friends to listen to the Messiah (still as a birthday gift). L and her friend LF came as well. It was an incredible performance by the West Coast Chamber Orchestra, the Abbotsford Youth Symphony, and several large choirs and soloists. It was absolutely beautiful and a perfect way to begin our Christmas celebration. We also had the opportunity to listen to J in the North South Youth Symphony. It was not a Christmas performance, but nice non-the-less. Tonight we have a Ladies' Christmas Social from our church. It is supposed to be a bake exchange but I just couldn't find the time to get that part done. Nice that they left that optional. We are also looking forward to the school's Christmas Concert - lots of opportunities to celebrate!

Thanksgiving for Thirty...

So I'm enjoying a nice, quiet house after a busy Thanksgiving Day. LK went to the Seattle Zoo (in the rain) with some friends and hubby and the rest are in Bellingham for an appointment & a few errands. Yesterday, after our Thanksgiving Worship Service and social that followed, we could have three families & some extra friends for a total of 30 people over for Thanksgiving Dinner. It really wasn't that stressful - one family brought the turkey, another some salads & bread, another the appetizers for before the meal. So between all of us we had four tables set - the adult one was beautiful. The rest didn't really matter - teens really just care about the food - and there was lots! Here's a few pics of the event.

Book Character Day

AK as the "Big Bad Wolf...


HK as Little Red Riding Hood...


LK as Emily Elizabeth in the Clifford series...


JK as Raggedy Ann...

Last week Friday our school leadership team organized a Book Character Day since November was Reading Month at Cornerstone. This year the students were assigned a character - actually there were two of each. Once they arrived at school they were to find their match. Lots of fun - and it was not too difficult or costly to pull this one off. The kids wondered where I learned my sewing skills - I told them that it was not in Home Ec...

And the music plays on...

Just when I thought my week was going to be quiet and non-exciting, I got a call from my sister in Ontario. She was on MSN with our brother-in-law from Indonesia. He was in San Jose finishing up early at a missionary conference and could not change his ticket to return home earlier than planned. So being that he had 6 days to wait, we thought it was a grand idea that he fly up to his nearest relatives - yes, that would be us. He finds it very cold here - today it was a sunny 55 degrees, not bad for Washington. But his blood is used to 110 degrees - a bit hot even for him - and so it indeed is frigid here. He loves music - so our house has been full of guitar, violin, trumpet, piano, recorder and anything else that makes noise and resembles a tune. Sometimes it just takes a surprise visitor to slow things down a bit - we'll just enjoy the music as it plays on...

Who's stealing my library books?

So, my van is very clean and I know exactly what's underneath my living room couches and chairs... And it did not produce the library book that our friendly librarian has told us is overdue. And this is not the first one to disappear. To make problems worse, there's a good chance in our small town that the same librarian who frowned at me last month for losing a video will probably look at me with an assuming look when I report this one. And if you know me, I'm not really a messy sort of person. For the most part, I know where my things are located... There are, however, a few bedrooms to go looking through. I have a few less-than particular children - at least when it comes to bedrooms. I am NOT going through hurricane alley some kids call their bedroom. So, I will take my wallet, and humbly and quietly go to the library and make things right. And I really don't care what she thinks :)

Pumpkin Time!

I love this time of year! Especially if the weather is nice. We've had a beautiful fall - not a lot of wind & rain - and so the colors are quite vibrant. This past week the rain has reminded us that winter is coming. Before that happens we thought we should cut open the large pumpkin that sits by our front door. "A" loves doing this sort of thing. Here he is in the middle of cutting and scooping all that squishy stuff out. I already used fresh pumpkin to make our favorite fall recipe - Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins.

Sneak Peek...

Here's a sneak peek at what you might see on our next Christmas card. A friend of ours took these last Sunday - and we are all thrilled with the results. We are happier with these than any "studio" packages we've had in the past. Way to go Lisa!!

Soccer on real "turf"

This past week Hannah's school soccer team played a game against Bellingham Christian School at our local community college. It was a game played on a turf field, under the lights! How exciting for these students. They were undefeated until their last game against Ebenezer in which they played a hard game but lost by a couple points. This was also a very evenly played game - but in the last 10 minutes the other team got a goal during a penalty shot... It was hard to take but they went away knowing they had played a great game!

Three Cups of Tea

I just finished reading an interesting book entitled "Three Cups of Tea". This book is about an American man who grew up in Africa to missionary parents. He ends up in Pakistan and Afghanistan because he is a professional climber. He gets lost after attempting a climb of K2 and ends up in a remote village of Pakistan. The village treats him very kindly and he is overwhelmed by the poverty and illiteracy of the children (esp. girls). He promises them he will come back and build them a school. He keeps his promise, and the rest of the book explains how he continues to work & build schools in both Pakistan and Afghanistan. The thing that is missing is he does not try to share the gospel at all - he feels that all that is needed to promote peace (and fight terrorism) is education... but never intends to share the gospel. This book is very difficult because of numerous references to geographical locations, tribes and ethnic groups. If you are not well versed in middle east geography and history then this book can be confusing. There are photos in the middle that are interesting but I would have recommended a detailed map to refer to when names are numerous. Overall, an interesting read but I am quite sure that peace will not be obtained without knowing the Prince of Peace.

Call me Ruth...

Tonight I did something I've never done before. We live in the country with many different crops growing around us - raspberries, blueberries, corn and potatoes to name a few. I've noticed in past years that the potato farmers are very quick in taking in their crops - the machine comes one day and by the end of that day their job is done. If you look at the field when they leave, a fair bit of the crop (especially where the machine turns) is laying on the field as waste. It's not worth their time to pick this up and by the end of the next day the plow (or disc?) has put them back into the ground. Well, call me dutch or call me Ruth, I went out there tonight before the plow and picked up a box full of beautiful yellow baby potatoes. Once we've had them for dinner I will report back...maybe share a recipe or two.

Musings on Education...

Ever since I can remember, at least during my adult years, I have regretted the fact that I did not go to University and pursue a degree. I grew up in a culture that really stressed working hard - a carry-over of the immigrant spirit that my parents grew up in. Now, I don't belittle the work ethic that was instilled in me but I do think that furthering my education would have opened different doors. Of course, looking back is not a very helpful thing to do - at least it doesn't change the future much. I graduated from a college with a two year Office Administration diploma and really was able to use my talents and skills in that area. Much has changed since those days and much has been learned. It causes me to ask the question again of how important that degree really would and could have been. Have I absorbed that somewhat "worldly" mentality that your education defines you and gives you importance?

I have had the time these past two years to ponder whether or not to return to school and begin that degree I've so long mused over. I've been very close to signing up for a Children's Literature course, but circumstances and timing didn't allow for it to become a reality. It's not a closed door. But when I look at my days and weeks and the things I accomplish I question again what is important. I am able to be a dedicated mother and wife in my home - not a small task. I am also able to be very supportive to our school - also not a small task. The opportunities to serve in our church community are endless. And all of these areas allow me to grow in ways I never imagined. I have learned more about children's literature and library administration than I probably would have gained in a university. You see my dilemma... Without enrolling in an educational institution I am able to pick and chose what I would like to learn. I can take the time to read books that I really want to read! I have the time to practice and strengthen my writing skills - something I've always wanted to do. Would I get this in a secular institution?

So I continue to muse... I may be sorely dissapointed in a formal education. I see my adult life experience as a degree in many different areas. I am sure that by now I have a degree in administration, early childhood education, business, english literature and a host of others that are not offered in an institutional setting. So, I just thank God for those opportunities and for the "life" education I've been able to complete. And, this would never have been possible if I wasn't taught the importance of hard work in the first place!!

And one more...

Yup, I had time to read even another book. Maybe I should say I had less time to sleep... This book takes place in Arizona and Utah and was even more disturbing since it takes place right in our own "back yard". This story is of a mother who escapes with her eight children from a Fundamental Latter Day Saints community. She is married into a polygamist relationship - her husband being very powerful in the FLDS church & community. She shares this horrible man with (at the end) 6 other wives. The treatment of the women and children is shocking and it is incomprehensible that this entire community cannot be charged by the police because they have their own police with their own set of rules. Again, God's word is so twisted and added to in order to brainwash the women and children to follow the ever changing rules from the prophets. I do not think this book is well-written in a literary sense but the truth it expels opens your eyes to the horrible reality of a polygamist community.

A few good books...

Well, it's been a while since I've posted. Not a lot to report since last time - the weather's been nice up until just recently. It definitely feels like fall when it rains all day. I'm hoping it's not the beginning of winter :( which means a LOT more rain.

The last month or so I've found time to finish several books that I think are worthy of sharing with you. The first one I read is titled "The Kite Runner" and the second is from the same author "A Thousand Splendid Suns". It sure opened my eyes to the plight of those living in Afghanistan. There were times that I just couldn't absorb the sadness and hopelessness and I wanted to just put the book away. But I guess closing my eyes is not a wise choice and when I was done I was even more thankful that we live in a country that is free and respects all human beings as equal. It is unimaginable that God's word has been so twisted and added to that these people can justify the treatment of women (and human beings in general) in such a horrible way. I gained much in understanding the history and racial & ethnic fighting in this country but honestly can say it's hard to really grasp it all.

A few more grey hairs...

I don't have any photos to show you but I think I've got a few more grey hairs. Today I took our second oldest "J" to the Driver's Licensing office so she could get an instructional permit. She's just begun her Driver's Ed training classes and as a result I'm definitely feeling older. It wasn't quite as nerve racking sitting beside her as she drove home like with our eldest. She's had some illegal training from her father - living in the country does have some benefits.

Isn't this a beautiful thing?

Now that school has begun, I've been able to focus a little more on the work I wanted to accomplish. This time of year brings a lot of produce from my garden as well as many gardens & businesses around us. It just makes sense to take advantage of the abundant fruit and veggies that are growing around us and get them ready for the freezer or pantry. I have many bags of strawberries, raspberries, rhubarb, blackberries and blueberries that have been picked from my garden or a neighbor's. This past week I canned a fair number of pickles & green beans. Such a satisfying thing & they just look beautiful all in a row of jars... Can't wait to start eating!

What a view....

There's not a lot to blog about - we've enjoyed a week of vacation just before school started. During that time the Abbotsford Airshow was going on and the planes bank right in our back yard. We've never actually been to this airshow because we get such a show for free. Here's a shot of part of our family enjoying the show after church one Sunday. They're sitting on the roof of our partly finished garden shed - a very multi-purposes building.

Good-bye "K"!

This past week our sweet "K" went home. She stayed with us for almost 2 months and we miss her dearly. God has blessed our family by allowing us to care for very content & beautiful children. This little one would smile for absolutely everyone & responded very well to our youngest. He's old enough to carry her around & bring her to his play place just so she could see him & he could talk to her.

Building in progress...

The week after Mom & Dad left (middle of June) we began a few projects that have been talked about for quite some time. The first was a cement pad for the dog kennel & house to sit on. Since we first got Carman her kennel has been on a pad made up of cement squares. This worked for the first while but these squares don't always stay level & the weeds have a way of growing in between. It started to look messy & was hard to clean - so with the help of our neighbor & friend, Harvey, a pad was framed & poured. At the same time we poured a pad for a hot tub just beside our deck. I found a used hot tub on Craigslist and we couldn't resist the great deal. Both of these jobs are complete & Carman & our family are enjoying the finished project. When this was done we began work on a "garden shed". We do not have a place for our 4-wheeler, riding lawnmower & wagon, etc. and things were just sitting in the elements not getting any nicer looking in the process. On the south side we have plans for a "lean-to" greenhouse, but that is still in the future plans. The framing part was the work Henry's brother Andy. This was a little job for him - done in a Saturday. It's great to have talented family & friends. Here are a few photos of the progress that has been made so far. Henry's learned a lot & is enjoying finishing it up somewhat on his own.

Vacation Bible School

I need to back up a bit to write this post - a couple weeks ago our youngest two children attended Vacation Bible School at our church. It was organized by two young ladies who did a very nice job. Our youngest really did not want to go but I signed him up just so he could make an educated decision next time. He absolutely loved it - especially the songs they learned. There were approximately 35 kids there - most from our church but a number from outside. I volunteered to be snack coordinator - an easy job seeing that the program had a list of suggestions to go along with the lesson. It wasn't difficult to get parent volunteers to bring these snacks.

My "plentieth" birthday...

Lest you think that nothing has happened here the last few weeks, here's a little update. We've had H & J's birthday parties and then a week later mine. After planning for two shindigs I wasn't really in the mood to create more work. I had a few ladies over to help celebrate, got a few phone calls (missed a few), and a few emails which brightened up my day. One email from my cousin congratulated me on my "plentieth" birthday. I thought that was really cute. Let's not worry about details... like numbers... I had previously received some money for a bird feeder from my Mom and Dad & so I finally went out and bought something to attract the birds. I moved my hummingbird feeder to the clothesline in the hopes that our "wonderful" cat will not scare them aware there. I really think birds are a lot more fun than cats but our "H" is very defensive when we talk negatively about Milo. Let's hope the birds are brave enough to defy our little predator... The other picture is of a gift the family gave me, a portable fireplace. This way we can have smaller fires closer to the house - instead of out in the back behind the fence. I'm looking forward to having it put together and using it. I also rec'd a gift certificate for a pedicure - but I will spare you the photos of my nice looking feet & pretty nail polish. Can't wait...

A good book...

In my last post I mentioned I had a bit of time during swimming lessons to read. Well, I finished a good book titled "The Soloist" which someone had written about in their blog. It was a very moving (true) story about a musical genius who ends up on Los Angeles' Skid Row because of schizophrenia. The book is written by Steve Lopez, a journalist who initially is looking for a good story for his column. He ends up more involved that he could have ever imagined. The book does not have the happy ending that you would wish for, but it gives much insight on the plight of those who are mentally ill. I highly recommend it - a word of caution, however, it does contain some cursing and foul language - the setting is Skid Row so that doesn't come as a total shock...

Lazy days of summer...

I'm rethinking that title because I don't feel like summer has been that terribly lazy. Our younger kids, however, would probably agree with it. They've been waking up a bit late...yes, even "A"! I don't have that luxury with an infant in the house. I've been trying to coax our 4 month foster baby "K" into sleeping through the night but she's just not getting the hint. I'm getting too old to be awoken more than once - and it's hard not to be grumpy in the morning. Our oldest is taking a Nurse's Aid course at a local nursing home & will be employed there for the summer as well as part-time during school when she successfully completes it. "J" was not able to find any steady summer employment but has been pleasantly surprised at the number of calls she's getting - from mowing lawns, weeding gardens, cleaning houses and babysitting she is keeping quite busy. There's just enough spare time to feel like she's having some time off as well as helping us around the house. The youngest two are in the middle of swimming lessons at the private pool of Mrs. "B". We've taken lessons from her for years and she's still an amazing teacher. I'm guessing she's close to 60 years old but does not seem to be slowing down. I get an hour and a half of reading a book & sitting in the sun - now that's just a little bit lazy!

Hannah at Horse Camp

Last week Hannah attended a Horse Camp at Kelly Ridge Farms. She had so much fun with her horse "Fred". Her horse was the largest horse & a little spirited but she did great! The week flew by and each time I came to pick her up she would thank me for allowing her to go. She went each morning and the final morning (Friday) they all put on a one hour show to display what they learned through the camp. The instructor/owner was a no nonsense kind of lady but was amazing at getting the class to accomplish and learn a lot. The entire class was made up of young girls - not sure if that's typical but I guess it does show that many are like Hannah and have a love & admiration for horses.