A post of nothing

I have been trying to think of things to post about, I have a few things that I could, but honestly I don't feel like it. I never feel like it anymore! So why not share a few photos (which is another thing I wish I took more of lately). Yeah I am in some sort of funk--hoping soon that I can get out of it, but for now, some pictures!

This is how you can tell that I have not been taking that many pictures lately--they were both fighting to be in it and were more than willing to pose and see the pictures afterwards!


My two beauties with their new Easter outfits. Miss Gigi was not a happy camper as it was nap time and her hair was a disaster (it was all curly and nice, but the wind came and she had a few melt downs as well).



Love this picture of my little man! He loves to get dressed up and really had no problems posing for me. Love that hat on him too!

Superheros! We were invited to Leen's birthday party and he got some new super hero costumes! He shared one of his costume's with Zech and John told them to do some superhero posing. Love this picture of two little superheros!

Everyone says she looks so much like her Daddy. This is definitely one pose she learned from her Dadda! She even has his sense of humour--oh, oh, there aren't too many that really get it!

And the winner(s) are:

I am a little late posting this, but the winners are (yeah I choose two just cause!) Melanie and Elaine. Thanks for your comments! Mel, I saw your comment, but now it has disappeared.

Have great weekend! :o)

Wonderful Wednesday

This months give-away is something a little different. It kind of has two parts to it, so bear with me as it took me a while to write and express this the way that I truly felt led to (and it still feels like a mumbled gumbled mess). It is really about something that has been on my heart lately.

Studies in Canada state that 1 in 4 people will be affected by cancer. In the UK this stat is 1 in 3 people. I think that today, almost everyone can say that they know of someone or that they themselves have been affected by cancer. Ten years ago cancer was a horrible disease that I really didn't know much about. Almost 5 years ago, it became a sinking reality and claimed the life of my Dad. It seems now, almost every month I hear of someone who has been diagnosed, died, is fighting, had a cancer scare, etc. It is scary and it has hit home on a far more personal level. While the amount of people diagnosed with cancer is climbing, the survival rates are also climbing (good news right), however the emotional, physical, spiritual turmoil it has on people is still enormous.

My Aunty Elaine has been on my mind a lot lately. She fought breast cancer and won! However, just after Christmas she was ill and they discovered tumours in her brain. She is a fighter and she has been through the radiation treatments. The tumours are shrinking and everything seems to be looking good. She needs our prayers. We have been praying for her, praying for a miracle, praying for healing, praying that she knows Jesus.

A couple months ago I had a dream that I had cancer and because I was pregnant, the doctors wanted me to terminate the pregnancy, so that they could begin to give me treatments. Some of my dreams are so real, so vivid and this was one of them. My husband gets a little freaked out with my dreams, I guess it is only natural as I have had dreams in the past about things that my hubby never told me and that had been on his heart (completely indicative of God's timing and direction for our lives at that time). No, this does not mean that I have cancer and nor would I ever terminate a pregnancy. I learned, after some prayer what God was really trying to tell me.

I have been struggling a lot lately in my relationship with the Lord. Questioning how much He loves me and whether or not He really cares for me. Wondering why we have had to fight and battle as much as we have had to, why sharing, preaching, standing up for the gospel is so darn hard. This dream revealed the extreme amount of Love that He does have for me. You see it wasn't until I had kids that I could really grasp the whole concept of my heavenly Father loving me, desiring a relationship with me. The immense love I have for my kids is just a smidget compared to the Love that He has for me, for you, for us all. From my dream I knew that I would risk my life to ensure the health and safety of my unborn child, I would risk my life for my kids in any situation. I would do everything and anything to ensure their safety, to ensure they know how much they are loved. I would give my life for them. He loves us so much that he gave his son to die for us. To die the most horrific, painful, sacrificial death. I can not fathom giving up my child like HE did! It then dawned on me how much He really loves me, how much He really loves you. I can and will not turn away from that, I need to find ways to show that, to ensure that everyone knows about how much He loves us and that He only desires a personal relationship with us. You see from all of the cancer, sickness, accidents, wars, sinful acts of hate, we never know when our time is up. I know that when my time is up, it will be the biggest celebration ever--why because I get to spend eternity with my Father in heaven who loves me so incredibly much. How many people in my life, in this country, this world have that same peace?

I also came to realize after my Dad's death how extremely important investing in people's lives really, truly is. I don't think my Dad laid on his death bed wishing he had more time to spend out in the field on his tractor, I think he was desiring more time with his family, or wishing that he could meet his first grandchild and now the other 4 that he never knew about. It baffles me how we can get so focused on our own lives, our own problems, our own issues that we completely forget about those around us that are struggling and could really use some help, some encouragement, some prayer. This is the way of life in North America, everyone is looking out for themselves, just trying to get rich, and we are all sooo busy. This is directed mostly to myself, as it is so easy for myself to wallow in my own self pitty. This is not the example I want to set for my kids, I want to show them how important people, relationships are. Even when those that you desire a relationship with completely and utterly reject you, tell you they don't love you, turn their backs on you, hate you, and value their time, money, work, extra-curricular activities more than a relationship, it's ok because God loves you, He loves me. Sometimes all you can do is pray and seek wisdom from Him on opportunities to show His love. I am not saying that it will be easy, I do know what it is like to tell someone you love them and have them tell you that they don't care. However, we need to encourage one another, pray for one another, love one another. I need to spend more time investing in my relationships. I have been hurt a lot, and find it so hard to trust and open my heart up for fear that I will be hurt again. I know that I am not alone, that I am not the only one who has struggled, hurt, etc. Enough of that, no one can hurt me because of the love that God has for me and yes you too. This has hit me hard lately as I haven't called my aunt (or sent a card, email--nothing), I am behind on emailing friends I love, I don't feel like talking on the phone, I seriously just want to sit in my own little room and become a recluse. Yes, I am exhausted and find it easy to fall into that trap of "not having time". How many times have we said or heard that?

So this months giveaway has two parts as I said. First I have a few little goodies that I will be sending to my Aunt along with a card of encouragement and prayer (so yes she gets the big part of the giveaway). I really ask that you will keep her in your prayers as well and go on over to her blog and leave a note of encouragement, support, prayer, whatever--even if you are a complete stranger. She is a pretty incredible lady and loves meeting knew people--even in blog land.

Second, I also have a pack of encouragement cards for one lucky reader. It is from the DaySprings Max Lucado Encouragement set.



I feel convicted, and led to invest more in the lives of those close to me, those complete strangers that God is prodding me to say something to, do something for--maybe you do too? A note of encouragement, an email, an e-card to let those around you know you care, and that He cares so much more is so important. I know how much it means to me, so imagine how much it means to to others, especially to those who are ill, suffering, struggling.

So the deadline is next Wednesday the 11th. I will post the winner on Thursday. Please leave me a comment and let me know what you have done to encourage others, and/or what others have done to encourage you. I think we can all learn from one another, and plus I could use some ideas! :o)

Thanks for reading my long-winded post.....

A long over due announcement.....

Finally I am getting around to announcing some VERY exciting news for our family. Take a look....


We just had our first ultra sound and as usual it was so amazing! The kids are over the moon excited! They really can't wait! Daddy is over the moon excited and Mommy is just praying and hoping to get through the pregnancy! :o)

The Ultra sound bumped our due date up by a week, which made this prego mama, very happy indeed. Please keep us in your prayers. I have succumb to the fact that I will have hyper tension (or toxemia) with every pregnancy. So as the swelling has started already, I need to ensure that I do not have to go on bed rest and can make it until August. We are pretty excited and can't wait to meet our third little monkey!

When your mind is racing....

It is 1:34 am, yes that would be in the morning, and I CAN'T SLEEP!!! I need my sleep, but my mind is everywhere. How do you quiet a racing mind, how do you slow and mute the random thoughts, the worries, the stress? SCRIPTURE, I know it's my weapon, I know it is my defense, but yet I struggle.

I worry about my little one who was admitted into the hospital this evening. What is wrong, how is she doing, does she need some 'cuggles' from her momma? I know her daddy is right beside her and can comfort her and give her those 'cuggles' when she needs and wants them, but it is the not knowing and the motherly instinct and yearning to be there to hold and comfort your child when they are sick.

I can go with her big brother in the morning to hopefully take her home. They believe it is some kind of bacterial infection, but when we couldn't get the high fever to break and neither could they, she was admitted and started on an IV. She was also complaining about her eyes, and that is one thing that you just don't take lightly (well at least we don't). It has been a long winter of illness and of trying to get things figured out with this little monkey.

Exhaustion, pure Exhaustion. It is times like these where we need community, we need support, we need help, but the only place we can turn is to HIM to give us the strength, the endurance, the energy to just carry on, one day at a time, no matter how beaten down, frustrated, stressed, exhausted, we may feel. I look to the cross.......

Please pray for this little one.

Wonderful Wednesday

Another month means another giveaway. I actually had a give-away all planned, but I changed my mind…. perhaps at a later date. Since I started these giveaways, I was on a frantic search to find people, organizations, etc. that I wanted to bring awareness to and offer support. I knew of a few, but not enough to extend beyond a few months. It has been amazing how many incredible people and organizations I have come across and have added to my list, that God has really laid on my heart.

This month though, I really wanted to draw attention to the devastation in Japan. We really are not affected by natural disasters as severe as Hurricanes, Tsunami’s, Earthquakes. Growing up in the Prairies, you don’t really see these disasters. Not to say that we didn’t have any, as I remember Black Friday in Edmonton, I remember the flood in Thorsby, the Strawberry creek flood and we can’t forget the floods of the North Saskatchewan River. The closest I have come to experiencing a Hurricane was when we were in the Cayman's. We got to see the complete devastation that Ivan did on this tiny Island country. The second week, we watched as a hurricane was heading our way, but then turned into a major tropical storm. We were stuck in our hotel for a week. We went a few days without power. When we did try and get out, the wind was so strong, we saw trees knocked down, lamp posts outside our unit on the ground and the sand felt like tiny needles prickling you all over your body. We watched as the waves from the ocean washed over the road close to our hotel. It was something I have never expereinced before, and it was mild in comparison to a hurricane. These natural disasters pale in comparison to the thousands of lives lost to a wall of water in mere minutes. The devastation that the earth quake caused as it shook and battered a nation. One disaster is more than enough to handle and deal with, but if we really take a look at Japan and what it has and is still facing, it is incredible. Earthquake, tsunami, volcano, Nuclear meltdown; unfathomable!

Watching the video footage is surreal, you have to keep reminding yourself that this is not computer generated…it's the real thing. Towns obliterated,and thousands of lives lost in mere minutes. It will take a long time to for the Japanese to rebuild, and heal. Lots of prayers and support are needed for this nation. So this month's giveaway I want to focus on supporting Japan. Another issue that has really been prevalent when trying to decide what organization to give to, is which ones are legit. After Haiti, it was shocking to realize how many crooked thieves cashed in on people's generosity and desire to help the People of Haiti and not line the pocket books of a scam artist. Luckily some favourite organizations are offering some support or advice on how to support: Samaritan's Purse, Red Cross, Compassion. I wanted to check out something a little different.....I wanted to see which crafters out there were using their talents, to give to the people in Japan. At first it seemed like a daunting task and I wasn't able to find that much, but then I refined my search a bit (amazing how you can do that) and I found a whole bunch of amazing websites, etsy shops, etc. that are doing amazing things to aide the people in Japan. This blog highlighted numerous blogs that were doing something to support the Japanese. I found this Etsy shop that featured various artists selling their crafts with the proceeds going towards a charitable organization working in Japan. I learned that the children's clothing store Carter's is doing a really neat Origami crane fundraiser. For every origami crane that is made and donated, Carter's will donate a piece of clothing and then will send the cranes to Japan to let the children know how much they are thought of. Check out their website for the full details and hurry because the deadline is Apr. 25. My Aunty Elaine is really great at doing origami and if I lived closer, I would get her to teach and help me! In the end, I decided that I would offer one of my lucky readers the chance to win a product from an artist who is donating 100% of the proceeds to an organization that is providing aid to the people in Japan. The following two items were what I decided to offer: 1. The Refuge/Home necklace - 100% of the proceeds of this necklace are being donated to the Red Cross. 2. The 'Faith' retro circle bag - 100% of the proceeds are going to Samaritan's Purse. Please leave a comment before next Thursday, April 14, 2011. I want to know if you have ever experienced a natural disaster or major trauma and how you coped and dealt with it? Also tell me which item you would like. Happy Wednesday and remember to pray for the people in Japan.

This Journey...

When I started this blog, the name came to me instantly--THE JOURNEY AHEAD. I knew that we really did have a journey ahead of us, but what we never know is how that journey is going to end, what direction it is going to go, which turn it will take, when we will have to back track a bit because we have found ourselves a little lost, or perhaps we have come to the fork and just need to stay and pray, before we take the next move.

This has pretty much summed up our lives; my life since accepting Christ. It has been hard as I am a planner and I like to know exactly where I am going, but my way is not HIS way and generally not the right way. Surrendering that control to him has been one of the most challenging things in my life.

There have been quite a few really tough years, or seasons. This past year has definitely been one of them. The hardest bar none on so many levels, however we have learned so much and God has really been working in our lives, purging, pruning, preparing us for what I know he has in store for us on this next leg of the journey. I won't lie, it has been hard. There have been so many times where we have just wanted to give up, throw the towel in and forget the things that we know God has been speaking to us about and go our own way, you know the journey that is far more traveled---not the narrow road. It is during those times where we have really seen and felt God's presence in our lives and come to the realization that HE really does love us, care for us. Why do we forget or even question that?

So lots of changes are happening. Huge changes, exciting changes, scary changes, but oh how we love change! ;o) Lately it seems like all of a sudden so many doors have opened for John and for us. The journey that has led up to these open doors has been a perplexing one, one that we have kind of looked back on and said 'what the heck', but He knows what He is doing and has a plan for us. So with that being said, these next few weeks are really critical times for us and we could really use your prayers. We need to know exactly where God wants us to be, what direction on this journey He wants us to take. We need wisdom, discernment and clarity to hear His voice and not succumb to our own emotions.

Soon there will be a few announcements. I say a few, because yes I am holding out a little! ;o) As Zech says, "mom it's not a secret anymore, I can tell people now".

Hopefully soon this blog won't be as neglected as it has been either........

For now, please if you think about us, keep us in your prayers!