So Little Time...

Hi all,

Well, here we are on the Saturday evening of Easter weekend. Matt is in bed (probably not sleeping because he's so excited about the Bunny coming tonight) and I am FULL of turkey!!

It has really been hitting me lately that there is not very much time. Days are not long enough, weeks are too short, months go flying past at breakneck speed, and there are for sure not enough holidays to go around!! Then I remember that God created our calendar, and He is perfect in all that He does. What is it that we do with all our time that robs it from us? How much of our time do we spend on the unnecessary and idle, while the truly meaningful begs for our attention, yet we find ourselves too busy? Since I have started working full time I'm shocked at how I really don't care if I update my status on Facebook, or dust the tops of the door frames each and every week (every other week will do, seeing as no one is home all day to notice anyways)...and I find myself really wanting to go grocery shopping with Barry and Matt, instead of one of us rushing to the store while the other stays home and cleans like mad fiend. I find myself staring at my little boy while he plays play dough at the table on Saturday mornings, and I get out of bed at 5;45am on weekdays so that I'm done exercising and am ready for work before he wakes up just so that I can catch that five minute snuggle he's willing to give when he first climbs out of bed. I'm not so concerned about moving up into a higher position at work; what I'm doing is fine, and will continue to be fine, as long as I can be out the door in time to pick him up at daycare and spend a few hours with him and Barry in the evening.

Time is not a renewable resource. It is a truly precious commodity. I'm trying to chill out a bit about my usual militant cleaning and organizing. Today, we went to the park after dinner and I did dishes when we got home...a huge step for me...hopefully in the right direction.

Well, I must run, as usual, the clock is catching up to me, time to go see what the Bunny is bringing for Matt!

Let's not forget why we have some extra time this weekend. It is because God loved us enough, it is because Christ cared enough to sacrifice himself. He paid the price, with His time, with His blood, with His life.

Hope this wasn't too serious and "downer" for and Easter weekend blog. Things really are good, and we are enjoying the little moments in each day. I hope you all do the same.

Love and prayers,

Laura

Lions and Tigers and Bears...

My goodness am I ever a terrible blogger! I had no idea how totally crazy life would be when I started working full time. The last blog post was on the day before I started work...it's been three weeks and I'm just getting back now!! I'm hoping to find a good pace around here and be able to keep up with at least a weekly blog update.

So, the past three weeks? We've been busy. We went to the Calgary Zoo - it was so wonderful. We spent most of our time in the African area (let's face it - they have the very best animals). Matt walked the whole time (I gave away all the strollers when we moved, so he really had no choice) and did so well. He didn't complain about getting tired, or cold when we were outside, or hot when we were inside. He was wonderful the whole day...then slept the whole drive home and was completely wired at bed time. Figures.

We've also been to Edson to visit our friends there. Another wonderful weekend. We always enjoy our time with them so very much!! We relaxed, ate some awesome food (thanks Jansens!) had the privilege of a very professional photo shoot (thanks for that too...I have the frame up in my entrance way and it's gorgeous). Matt loves to visit them so much it's almost a double edged sword. He gets soo excited about three days before hand he can hardly sleep. Then he cries for about three days after we leave. As usual, he had us in stitches a few times. He picked out a little something from home to give to each of the Jansen girls. He then surveyed his choices, puffed out his chest and told me, "Jeepers, lucky girls!" What a kid.

We also had the opportunity to visit some friends from Mackenzie who were in Calgary visiting for the weekend. We met up with them on the Saturday afternoon, enjoyed some wander through the mall time while the men looked after the kids and then stumbled upon the neatest little place for dinner. We tried several "known" restaurants (Olive Garden, Earls, The Keg) and the shortest wait time for a table was more than an hour. So, in a last ditch effort we drove downtown thinking that there may be a surplus of restaurants down there and this would help us find something without such an outrageous wait. Did we ever luck out! We did have to walk past a few very questionable looking characters (if you're ever downtown Calgary - hold on to your kids tightly) and ended up finding the most enjoyable dinner experience ever! It's a two story book store (much like a large Chapters) called Prairie Ink...and upstairs it has a coffee bar and a full restaurant. While we were eating, they had a jazz duet playing at just the right volume (we could still converse comfortably). Even Matt was so charmed that he sat quietly the entire time.

This past week has been a serious roller coaster. Barry headed back to BC on Sunday to finish up some business with Canfor and also to bring home our RV that has been in storage all winter. He arrived in Vanderhoof on Sunday evening and realized that all four keys for the trailer were HERE - IN ALBERTA!!! As you can imagine...he was not a happy camper. Meanwhile...back at the ranch...I have discovered that our sump pump has kicked in (apparently a very normal thing for an Alberta spring). It drains out to the north side of the house. Our house is brand new, and is not landscaped yet...this means that the ground outside is not built up properly, and also not sloped to the proper grade...so all the water was flowing back towards the house and creating a bit of a pond that settled itself right up against our foundation. Our foundation is cement...which is porous...so if left long enough the water will eventually make its way into the basement.

I spent the next two days not only working and looking after Matt, but calling Purolator, Westjet, Greyhound, Expresspost and anyone else I could think of who might be getting to Prince George quickly to take the keys to Barry. In between phone calls, I tried to shovel a little trough for the water to drain away in, but the ground was either too mucky and just slid back into place, or too frozen to move. Then I would go back to phone calls...I tried locksmiths and other people who have RV's to see if we could find a matching key. In the end, we realized that our friends from Mackenzie were flying home on Tuesday morning and could take the keys to Barry - the only problem was that I would have to get the keys to them in Calgary. I've never driven there...and I'm quite sure that I'd get terribly lost. I thought that perhaps our real estate agent (one of the only people we know here in Didsbury) would be able to recommend someone trustworthy who could make the run for me; I could give them some gas money and everyone would win. We trust our real estate agent a lot, he's a wonderful guys and you're absolutely not going to believe what he told me!!! I asked if he knew of anyone who could do this, and he said, "Sure!! I'll run the keys down there for you. I'll stop at your place to pick them up in about ten minutes. If you could jot down the address that'd be great." WOW!!! Talk about above and beyond the call of duty. So, the keys got to Barry, the RV got home, and lake did mostly dry up (I think some of the water drained away in my trough:).

After that week, we needed a quiet weekend. Today, we tidied up the house, hung a few pictures and got groceries. Then we just chilled and played games with our little Matt.

Well folks, I must sign off. Time to wind down.

Blessings to you all,

Laura

A Year In The Life

Hello All,

For those of you who follow our blog, and for those of you who stop in on occasion, most know that 2007 was quite a year for us.

It began with mild thoughts of transition, and a few local changes. It progressed through feelings of panic, of provision, of peace, and then more panic. We played and had fun winter days, enjoying the beauty of God's creation; we cried as we said farewell to some great friends, then rejoiced as we saw them blessed...Ever faithful, God gave us just the right mix of both the old and the new.

We camped, we fished, we laughed, we worked, we cried, we taught, we fell, we loved, and we learned. I felt over and over that 2007 was so hard, so stressful, such a struggle and an overwhelming battle for all things good. What I learned as I looked back over the pictures, was that in each month, the memories I kept, the images I have stamped on my soul, reflect abundance. I am surrounded by wondrous and vast nature, which others long to glimpse on a fleeting holiday, I am able, I am blessed, I am loved by so many, some very near, and some very far, and although my heart aches with the freshness of change, I have not lost, it is now only a longer journey to enjoy.

It is because of these reflections that I decided to put together a slide show of "2007 With The Candlines". I was so focused on the struggles of this year that I had lost sight of the blessings, until I looked, and when I really looked, that was all I saw. Each loss can be counted for gain, and each struggle could be considered a privilege. I chose the song, "You and Me" by Lifehouse because the words really spoke to me. The song begins by talking about the rapid movement of time, how it can truly take on a life of its own. This rang very true to me when I looked back over 2007; time really was alive, and it certainly didn't stop to wait for me. So, I encourage each one of you, enjoy the moment, whatever it is, because it will not come again. And I promise, if you do this, when you look back at your own "year at a glance," whatever your struggles have been, the gifts, the blessings, the love and the glory of God will come shining through.

P.S.

I'm expecting EVERY person who views this to leave me a comment, or I may never go through this much trouble again!!!

Absenteeism

Hi all,

Just wanted to check in with you and apologize for the terrible blogger I've been lately. Our computer has been infected with a virus, so it's at the shop getting fixed and in the meantime I check emails and that stuff at the library every once in a while.

It feels wierd not to have that "connection" with everyone. I really didn't realize how much I depended on electronic communication. Hopefully our machine will be home and healthy within a day or two.

We are starting to feel more settled here. We have the upstairs pretty much under control, and it feels good to have a place for everything... The basement is unfinished, and after our massive Peach Tree reno, we are in NO HURRY to pick up hammers or paintbrushes anytime soon. We'll make do for the time being and just go one day at a time.

Well, the monkey is getting restless, so I must run. I'll write more and hopefull have some pics to post for you once our technology returns to normal.

Blessings,

Laura

Where In The World?

I can't believe it's already February 11th, and I'm just getting back to blogging now.

It has been a whirlwind!

Well, as I mentioned in previous posts, my parents happlily fell back into "our little girl lives at home" mode and my mother decided that they needed to look after me - right to my new doorstep. She convinced my dad to take Feb. 1st off of work so that they could drive me from Vernon to Didsbury. Then her plan was that they would help Barry and I unload the moving truck, make sure everything that needed installing got installed, and then fly home from Calgary the evening of Sunday, February 3rd.

I cannot begin to tell you how thankfull I am for my parents!!! The drive would have been a nightmare alone - that mountain pass was not a pretty sight. I have had a fair amount of winter driving experience, and I'm usually able to just buckle down and push through, if all I have to do is drive - that's not always possible with a 4 year old boy and a puppy in the car. So, I sat in the back and watched Shrek the Third with Matt, and let my dad buckle down and drive the snowy winter conditions. It was the easiest winter drive I've ever made!! Thanks Dad.

Once we arrived, it was fast and furious unloading! On Saturday morning our real estate agent showed up with his hockey team and the truck was empty in 20 minutes. For the rest of the day mom and I concentrated on getting the kitchen and the bedrooms livable, while Dad and Barry made sure we could do laundry, hooked up the fridge and stove, and all that sort of stuff. It was such a blessing to have Mom and Dad here. I must confess, I was pretty much a mess on the way home from the airport on Sunday night. It has suddenly hit me that I don't live near my family, and it's killing me (probably due to the wonderful holiday like experience I had for the past two months)! The good news is, my mom is pretty much retired, my dad is only a few years away from retirement, and with modern technology we can still talk and "see" each other almost every day. Matt does know them, and will have lots of childhood memories of them.

In a nutshell, the first week here in Didsbury was really hard. I was terrified of the decision that was made to leave Mackenzie (and Canfor), I was missing my family, lamenting the fact that real estate in the Okanagan (where my family lives) is riduculous, and all in all feeling quite sorry for myself. Throw into that mix three job interviews (for me) and two offers (I'm pleased to say that the job I didn't get was offered to an internal candidate, so I don't feel too defeated). I also had to check out and make decisions regarding daycare for Matt - so tons of changes beyond just the wierd feeling of waking up in a different room and wondering where on earth I am.

I have accepted a job at ATB, working in a full time CSR/portfolio position. I'm glad to kind of start out at the bottom (the CSR part) but also thankful that they have given me a portfolio, which will enable me to use my Mutual Funds license and get back into the swing of investment counsel. God is good and He knew exactly what I needed.

This week, I have decided to look forward to all the things that this new company and new opportunity will bring into our family. God has placed us here, and His will is perfect for our lives. I'm so fortunate to have parents and a sister willing to go way more than an "extra mile" to see us, and I'm confident that the future is bright. While I may not live next door to my parents, I have them as a very real and engaged part of our lives, and that is so very special and wonderful. I have a husband who is harworking, talented, and dedicated to his family, I have a son who is intelligent, kind, gentle, and seems to get more hilarious as the days go by. I have an adorable puppy who is lovable, fun, a great companion for Matt, and simply lives to be part of our family. I have God's gift of abundance, and I am thankful.

May you all be blessed,

Laura

Our Last Friday

Dixie had a haircut yesterday, and came home with the cutest little pink bows in her ears and one on her collar. She would not sit still for a picture, every time I get out the camera she "stands up" and waves at it, so this is the best I could do for you.

It has been so nice and sunny here lately, Matt and I have enjoyed lots of outside time.

This is Boco the rock star, treating us to some evening entertainment.

Well, I suppose that all good things must come to an end, and this is our last Friday here in Vernon. My poor mom is already tearing up at the thought of Matt and I leaving, and so far I haven't been able to convince my dad to caravan along behind us to help with the big "unpack."

I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful family.

This past week has been great, beginning with my "retreat" with my sister. We had so much fun wandering and browsing through the mall (and I did find some great sidewalk sale deals!). Then we had movies and guilt free junk food at her place, a great breakfast the next morning and I even got to meet her new horse on my way home. Misty is wonderful and I hope that she does great things for her new owner!

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Matt and my mom were having a wonderful time all their very own. My mom had prepared a treasure hunt for Matt, and he absolutely loved it. He started outside and had to find several pictures that had been hidden (hung in the trees, and on the decorative sleigh, etc). Once he had found all of them, he had to come inside and find the matching pictures hidden in the house. The last matching picture was near two gingerbread men that were pointing the way to the treasure (some treats and a sticker book in a "treasure chest"). She definitely knew how to keep his mind off the fact that mommy was gone!

As is par for the course, Matt has been saying some pretty hilarious things this week:

Grandma: "Well, I'd better get going, I have to stop at the Credit Union."

Matt: "You get to go to Kindergarten??"

For the rest of the day he peppered her with questions about what she got to do at Kindergarten, and if she had fun there.

Matt: "Grandpa!! Did you get to go to the circus today and pick out a costume?"

So that's what they call working in the RCMP detachment!! Sounds about right.

Maybe I'll get Matt's hearing checked again...

Well everyone, I'm off to read in bed for awhile.

Blessings to each of you,

Laura

Reflections

Well, I'm almost making my goal of at least one blog post per week. I'll try to stop back in to put up some more pics for you, but for tonight, I'll just give you a quick update.

Last weekend was a bit of a write off - I succumbed to the sore throat that had been chasing me for a while and ended up quite under the weather. We didn't stray too far from home. I tried to keep the week moving along at a reasonable pace for Matt. My parents had plans on Sunday evening, so Matt and I had a picnic supper in the play room. We put a blanket out on the floor, and enjoyed a simple meal just chatting and playing together. My sister and a co-worker came for supper on Monday and were treated to a fantastic concert by Boco - the newest rock star in the house. I have no idea where Matt comes up with these names. Tuesday saw us heading out to his drop in ABC Gym program at the rec centre, and Wednesday was story hour at the Library. I found another drop in activity at the rec centre for Thursday and then bright and early on Friday morning, Matt and I headed out to the Kelowna Airport to pick up DADDY! We spent the day in Kelowna and went appliance shopping - the house we bought in Alberta doesn't have any appliances in it, so we had to go and purchase some things. I'm praying that I get a job soon, as things are starting to add up!

Saturday was a nice day at home, playing in the snow and going for a walk, then dinner at Ashley and Jeremy's house. This morning was a bit rough, as it was the return trip to the airport for Barry, and Matt is so ready to be together again - and so am I. I love my parents dearly and am so thankful for this relationship building time with them, not to mention their generosity towards us. It's wonderful to be here, and it will be fantastic to get settled in Alberta and be a family with Barry and Matt agian. I am truly blessed.

Tomorrow I'm heading off for a "retreat" with my sister. Jill has invited me to come and have a break from the responsibilities of "single parenting" for a night. We are going to start out shopping, scouring the sidewalk sales at the mall for a deal that might make a good "work" outfit for me (I'm definitely planning for entering the work force) and then we'll head back to her place for some yummy treats/appies and maybe a nice glass of wine. We'll pick up a few movies and paint our nails (something I never do with Matt around) and I'm even getting to have a sleepover. I'll head back here fairly early on Tuesday so that my mom doesn't have to handle Matt on her own for too long.

That's pretty much an update on us. I was thinking this week about all the little blessings we receive every day that we need to remember to be thankful for. My week has been full of them:

• Matt made a "friend"at the drop in on Tuesday
• The perfect "drive right in and don't parallel park" space was open a the Library on Wednesday AND it still had time left in the metre. Yahoo!!
• My mom's office is right down the street from the rec centre, and they close at lunch, so we can go and have picnics before the Thursday activity
• A computer tech at my dad's office was able to fix my removable storage device so I didn't have to go to "rent a geek"

One last thing. As we were heading home from church today, Matt asked me what we were doing next. The rest of our conversation went something like this:

"Going home for lunch."

Matt: "I'll tell you the choices, okay? We can go to McDonalds, we could go to the rec centre for ice cream, or we could go swimming. Which one do you choose?"

Me: "Matt, we've already been to Kelowna and to church. We are going home and we are not coming into town again today. That's my decision and it's final."

Matt: "But Mommy, if you decide first and tell me then I cannot decide!!"

I pretty much laughed the whole way home. His ability to logic and reason out how he wants things to go is really kicking in. He's just hysterical as he tries to express it.

So, I wish everyone a very blessed week.

Laura