An Alberta Break!

We left for Alberta on Canada Day for a mini vacation and of course to meet my new nephew! We had figured that it was about a 7 hour trip, max. 8 hours. Yeah----10 hours later we finally pulled into Beaumont to stay with my Sister and her family! It was a long drive. Yes we did stop along the way and had a picnic at a lake, Zech had to throw-up a few times and finally some ice-cream in Vegreville to make everything feel better!



This trip was a multi-purposed trip. We had not been on a holiday in a long time and desperately needed one. We had been invited to a Christian camp a while ago by some pretty good friends. We wrestled with it, we really wanted to go, but didn't know if we could afford it or if we could get time off. We also knew that it would be around the time that my sister was due and then we found out that it would most likely be around the time that my cousin was to be married. So we were hoping that maybe we could fit everything in. Well, we made it to see the baby and went to camp, but couldn't stay for the wedding. I guess we just couldn't do it all.

We spent the first few days trying to help out my Sister and her family. I am not sure how much help we were, but we did try. My kids were obsessed with baby Emmett and were constantly wanting to hold him. Zech and Jonas fought a lot, and Gigi was grumpy and teething.

We were able to see my Grandma, but it was a real short visit. We took Jonas with us, so 3 little kids (who seemed to be a little cranky) meant that it would be short and sweet. She looked good and she remembered who I was! She loved seeing Gigi, but Gigi was so grumpy and got very upset every time Grandma tried to touch her!

I celebrated my 31st birthday with my family. My sister and brother-in-law are BBQing experts! We had a yummy supper and Mom and Bill brought a strawberry shortcake over--yummy!

On Monday we headed to the camp. We had to make a pit stop in the mall at first (which was a bit of a gong show--as the kids were too tired) and then we picked up some groceries for the week and headed out to the camp. I was pretty excited as it was the fist Bible Camp I had ever been too!

Our little cabin was tiny (ok very tiny) and well, antique. We knew that we did not have a bathroom, but were a little shocked that we didn't have running water in the kitchen. I guess it was camping in the true sense! :o)

Chruch service ran every morning at 10:00 and every evening at 6:00. Zech had a great little 'Sunday' school program during these times. There was no nursery for Gigi, so that made things a little difficult at times. We would try to alternate. John would go to a service while I watched Genesis and vice versa. We both went there with expectations, pretty big expectations. There were a few things that I had been struggling with and really seeking answers on and John wanted a break, plus some spiritual rejuvenation. Plus we were pretty excited to hang out with our good friends and met some really great people too.

However, sometimes 'our' expectations don't always pan out the way that we envisioned them. Our picture perfect beach times, never came to fruition. In fact halfway through they completely closed the lake off to swimmers and pets due to the blue/green algae that was present. Kids were coming out of the water with massive hives and the lake stunk! So no beach time for us. Close to the end of the week, Zech had had enough of Sunday school. He was tired and all 'churched' out! ;o) Genesis was beyond grumpy with her poor little teeth and we were getting some pretty horrible sleeps and then the second last day it rained and what were we to do with the kids. So we decided to pack up and leave a day early.

WE packed up and went to the mall. It was great this time! The kids slept on the way in, we had a nice Vietnamese meal (some of our favourite food) and we did a lot of sightseeing and just hanging out and having fun. I even bought some new shoes (I can't remember the last time I bought new shoes). We spent the night with Mel and Cory again. Sunday we had a lunch BBQ with some friends and then that evening we had another fabulous meal from the BBQ from Mel and Cory (still drooling). Monday morning we left and made the long trip back.

Road trips are long, but really fun. I love travelling on the road as it is such a great time for my Hubby and I to really connect and just talk. We prayed for our trip like we always do and then we just started sharing with one another and reminiscing and opening our hearts up to one another about what we learned, what we felt that God was speaking to us on and just life in general.

While this sort of vacation did not turn out as we had planned, it turned out exactly the way God had planned. Even though we could not make it to every church service, the ones that we did make it too, were exactly what we needed. I was amazed that at every service I was able to attend, it all had to do with the struggles, the questions, that I was seeking God on. I found myself moved to do things that I NEVER do and I know that it was the work of God and what He was stirring in me. John felt the same and even though we didn't see these things in the midst of the week as everything was going on, we were able to look back and reflect on what God really wanted us to see and know.

We also felt that we didn't get a chance to see everyone that we wished we could have--sorry! It was rushed and we felt kind of sad as we were leaving. Plus I didn't get to hit IKEA! ;o(

Thanks to my sis and bro-in-law for putting up with us and letting us sleep there! Thanks to the Buhlers for inviting us and for putting up with us at camp. ;o)


Gigi wondering how on earth she can get this baby home!
Gigi obsessed with babies, is naturally obsessed with her real life baby cousin!
Proud Uncle John! Another nephew to rough house with!!
Zech smothering his new baby cousin! He absolutely adored him and prays and ask about him all of the time! He is convinced that we can just hop in the car and head over to play with Jonas and see his new baby cousin!
Our attempt at a picture of Grandma and all the grankids! These kinds of pictures are so hard to get! I love the boys matching shirts though!
Mommy and her precious little one! There is something so incredibly special about witnessing a mommy with her newborn child, especially when it is my baby sister!

GrEightful...

Well it is about time that I get back on track and do some more grateful lists. I have decided to dedicate this grateful list to the Town of Caronport where we are now living. Yup, I am definitely living in a small, rural town, but this one is different and unique. I may miss the amenities and shopping at my door step, but there are other perks--right!!?

So I am grateful for the Town of Caronport because:

1.) The people here are really friendly. We have met a lot of people and everyone seems really nice and genuinely interested that you settle in and become acquainted with everyone and everything.

2.) PEACE, QUIET, and good ole country air (manure and all)! :o)

3.) Safety! Every town no matter how big or small has it's crime issues and problems, but Caronport is pretty safe. The most outrageous thing we have heard thus far is 'kids' taking some pedal bikes out for a joy ride! Oh, I can't forget to mention the sneakers we find hanging off of the power lines and in the trees! :o)

4.) This is a transitional town. So many people are coming and going all of the time. I will be honest, this has been a little hard because we have met some awesome people who I know we would have become really great friends with, but they have left. There are still more people leaving and by September there will also be more people coming. So while it is hard, everyone understands and is in the same boat as us. We all want community and friends for however long God has us here for.

5.) The Community email. Ok, I will admit that some of the emails are pretty annoying (ie does anyone have this xb0x game we can borrow), but I love the fact that people put anything on it and feel comfortable doing so. It really is a community (we still have yet to post anything--still finding it a little foreign)! :o)

6.) Biblical based. Obviously since the whole town is primarily made up of the High School/college/seminary of Briercrest, the majority of the people living here are Christians (oh and please don't take this the wrong way--just because it is primarily Christian does not mean that it is perfect, that Christians are perfect, that there are not issues---we all know that is not true, especially as Christians--hence the reason for being Christian--recognizing that we are so imperfect and need Christ in our lives desperately!). When you pull into the town you will see the huge sign for the School which reads: "The word of our God stands forever"! Love it! Also, when we signed Zech up for Soccer, the very first meeting entailed the whole community praying over the kids for safety and good times! WOW! This blew our minds! It is nice to be in a place where we can openly express our faith and not be persecuted for it!

7.) That we can walk in the middle of the street. We can walk to the post office, the park and then home again within 10 minutes (of course that never happens as we have to stop in the park to play).



8.) That we are not alone. Something I have really struggled with for a while now, is feeling like we are the only ones that have had struggles, that have moved around a lot, that will continue to move around a lot, that have had to be patient and wait on God. All we want and are trying to do is live our lives according to what we believe that God wants for us--meaning a lot of prayer, a lot of questioning and a lot of blind leaps of faith and a whole lot of chastisement, and discouragement too! What we have learned and realized since being here is that we are SO NOT ALONE!! You should hear some of the stories. The trials, the tribulations, the joys, the tears, the pain, the celebrations. The stories of the journey that so many of the families here are on and have been on are incredible. This has been sooooo encouraging for both of us. We are finally not alone, we have people that we live with that know exactly what we are going through and that are going to love us, support us and pray for us no matter what. YAY and PRAISE the LORD! :o)

An Update

It has been a while since I actually sat down to...blog....without hearing little voices crying out in the background......without feeling the need to study.....without the constant pressure of searching for jobs and writing resumes/coverletters.......without feeling that I need to connect with the important people in my life. Tonight I sit here and all I hear is quiet, the kids are asleep, John is at work and I am here quietly sitting and enjoying some time to myself. Ahh QUIET!

So a little update. On Monday I had 'the interview'. I was a nervous wreck the night before, but I did quite a bit of praying, studying and more praying that night and surprisingly I walked into that interview as cool and calm as a cat (are they cool and calm?--I hope so, cause I really was) and I felt confidence like I have never felt before. You see the night before as I was STRESSING OUT, I started talking to God and really just laid it all out. Instantly scripture jumped out at me (thank you Lord I really needed that) and then I decided to check out a favourite blog that I found recently. She doesn't update that often because of the poor internet connection. Her post hit me hard. Why don't I believe or trust that God can move mountains?? Why do I take on so many burdens and issues myself when I can just hand it over to HIM who can move mountains, who MADE the mountains? I need to change the way I think. If it is God's will, He will make it happen. I just need to TRUST. He knows what we need, when we need it and what the big plan for our lives is.

So with that the interview went well. It was a lot easier than I had anticipated. I had a great board that interviewed me. It was really easy to be myself and just say what it is that I had prepared for and am experienced in. The problem is, I have been burnt before. I walked out of an interview super positive and pumped before, as it was for a promotional position (one level up from my current) and I was really confident. I had also been doing a lot of work at that level for a long time. However, I never got it. I never made it into the pool. Talk about humbling and a bit of a slap in the face. I did do a post interview and was given the complete run around. I wanted to know what I needed to improve on and how I could better myself (which was a big pride buster and super humbling for me) and I got NOTHING. So I am weary and I am trying not to think about it. If it is God's will I will get the position. He got me this far! I will know for sure by July 31st, so I just keep praying and remembering that I have done all that I can possibly do. If God can make and move mountains, then surely if it is His will he can provide me with a position.

Thanks for your prayers, thoughts and comments. It has been a real struggle lately. None the less a few more updates:

1. We are Moving!

Haha! I am sure there were quite a few of you that gasped and said "again"! No worries, we are just moving into the trailer next door to us. It has a better yard set-up and a few other pluses that will hopefully help us get settled and feel a little more settled.

2. Zech was praying for me before I went to the interview. I have been talking to him a lot lately about going back to work. I guess I am trying to prepare him a bit. He told me that I don't need to go to work, when I get older I can go to work! I love that kid. He also told me during one of our discussions that Genesis and I needed to stay home and that Daddy and him would go to work. I told him that he is going to be an incredible provider for him family one day, but not now! ;o)

3.) Genesis is our little Miss Sensitive. We tell her 'no' and she has a melt down. John just has to give her the look and she cries. However, she still tries all sorts of things and is one stubborn little monkey. I was putting the kids to bed and she ran out into the hall. I decided that things were pretty quiet and so I called her and went to check on her. She came out of our room with my wallet and she knows she is not supposed to have my wallet. I sternly said her name and she gave me the wallet and then turned around and ran back into our room and climbed into the laundry hamper and sat there. I couldn't help but laugh my head off. It was so funny! She knew she was busted and so I guess she thought she could hide. I wish I had my camera handy!

4.) We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of some good friends of ours from Korea. Actually he is from Canada and she is from Korea. We became pretty good friends while we were in Korea. She is the same age as moi and he is the same age as John. We haven't seen them in 6 years and have kept in touch infrequently over the past few years. We reconnected on facebook and just found out that they are moving to North Battleford. We were so shocked! Also the company that she is working for has their head office in Moose Jaw. We are so excited to see them!

5.) I go to a Mom and Tots on Wednesday mornings. I don't go too frequently as it is during nap time and we have had a few issues with behaviour. I went yesterday and met some new ladies, re-connected with a lady I met when I first got here and was talking with another lady who lives right across the street from us. We were taking about our 'home' towns. One of the ladies husband is a candidate for a position in Warburg, so we talked about that. Anyways, this lady who lives across the street asked me where I was from and when I said Thorsby she just about fell out of her chair. Apparently they lived there for 5 years and her husband was the Associate pastor at the New Life Christian Fellowship Church. It was pretty funny! Talk about a small world!

I still have to post about our short, whirlwind of a trip to AB and share some pictures of my beautiful new Nephew! He changed so much during the week that we were there!

Tonight I leave you with a few random photos from the Park in downtown Moose Jaw! My kids love the water so much--which makes me sooo happy! Hope you have a great night!

Still Alive

Yup we are still alive and breathing. I have had so many 'blog posts' running through my head lately (I am sure that all bloggers out there understand what I am talking about), but ZERO time. I should be studying for this interview that I have in a few days, but instead I am wasting time here and on the internet again!

It has been one of those days and I am beyond frustrated. Heck, days, I mean weeks, years! Blah! :o(

I have a tonne of scripture running through my head about trials, tribulations, trust, faith, worry, you name it, but nothing seems to quell the pure frustration and stress that I feel. That we feel. I wish I had some way of sharing things with someone else besides my dear husband, but that is where the 'trust' thing comes in. Too many people have taken my struggles and hardships and turned it around on me, or blamed my dear husband --oh yes poor Vanessa the victim. I know that like Jesus said on the cross: 'forgive them father for this just don't know'. That is the story of my life.

Nonetheless, my little rant and frustration does have a purpose. I really need prayer for this interview. REALLY! So please, if you happen to read this and think about 'moi' in the next few days, please pray for me. I really, really, really need this job. Ok, we really need this job, but of course I also want God's will. So if this is not God's will then I need him to close the doors, but if it is, I need a LOT of HELP!

With that I leave you with a picture I took a few weeks ago. Thank goodness for Photoshop--the original is not so pleasant looking. Lots of cuddles and kisses from this little one lately. She is teething--yup her 4 molars are coming in at the same time. It has not been pleasant and I feel like I am going to lose my mind! Please Lord, help these teeth come in fast and painless.

INTRODUCING.....

EMMETT LOGAN LEE
8lbs. 7 oz., 20.5 inches long

Born today at 5:16 pm

We are so excited that little Emmett is finally here! We have been anxiously awaiting for this little man to arrive. We can't wait to meet him soon and wish that we could be there right now.

I am so proud of my sis! She did amazing!! She went in to be induced this morning and then called me at 2:00 pm saying that she was already having contractions. Everything happened so fast and she did so amazing! When I spoke with her on the phone she sounded incredible and it wasn't that long since she had him. WOW! She is one remarkable woman! I love her so much and wish that I could be right there with her and her beautiful little family of four---but soon! :o)

He is just the cutest little guy ever!

Simple Woman Daybook #6

For Today . . . June 24th, 2010

Outside my window... a storm is definitely brewing. These storms make me nervous--especially lately. We have had leaks--in Zech's room--finally fixed now so that is a relief! We have also had tornado warnings. Normally this wouldn't bother me too much, but we are living in a TRAILER. Where do we go? I was at the bookstore yesterday and talking with the wonderful lady that works there. Apparently we have a 'siren' that goes off when there are 'tornado' warnings and all of us trailer folk have to take cover in the school. That made me feel a little better--at least there is a plan in place. So Monday the siren went off--we were on the road and forced to pull over because the storm was so bad, so we missed all of that. There were tornado warnings for our little town of Caronport on Monday and tonight we have the same.

I am thankful...for so much lately, but I will admit sometimes it is so hard to be thankful for even the little things.

I am praying...for a lot, a real lot!

I am also praying...for peace, contentment, and a deeper relationship with the Lord.

I am thinking...about my dear sister and wondering when she is going to have that precious little baby. Can't wait to meet the new little 'Lee'! I am thinking about her being so uncomfortable, and so ready for the whole pregnancy thing to be over--especially in this heat! I totally feel for her right now!

I am also thinking....about how I am going to get my little girl to eat! She seems to have went on strike and doesn't want to eat! When she does eat, she is soooo picky and will only pick out certain items on her plate. It is way more of a struggle to get her to eat than it ever was with Zech. She would live off of bread I am sure, if she could. She is picky about what fruit she eats, the veggies and won't touch meat right now. She used to LOVE chicken and now she won't even try it. ERGHHHH!! I have made all sorts of muffins with all sorts of veggies and fruit in them and she will eat those. I know it is a control thing right now--totally. One night she will eat something--like cucumbers and love them and then tonight, she totally refused. So mommy is getting a little tough now! Oh but she does LOVE egg yolks---strange!

I am celebrating...that my little boy is done soccer for the year and did quite well. We did have to miss a week, as a consequence of his poor listening skills and bad behaviour, but this week he really did awesome. They played a little game tonight, got their team pictures, a medal and a Popsicle. He was so excited. The funniest moment was when he ran for the ball, picked it up, carried it in front of the net, put it down and kicked it and scored. He screamed 'I did it Mom' and ran for a high five! Ha! Then at one point he came over to me and told me that the kids were not sharing the ball with him and that it was supposed to be his turn. We obviously need to teach him about the 'game' aspect of soccer! :o)

I am also celebrating.......that our CIA fundraiser is over and went really well. I am so proud of the way that my group really came together and made this happen. We weren't even going to do it at first, but God had another plan. I know that I learned so much and saw God work in some pretty incredible ways and I hope that the rest of my group can say the same. We really miss everyone and our Church!

From the kitchen...chicken, corn on the cob and coleslaw.

I am wearing...a black skirt, and a red and white striped tank top with a bit of lace--I didn't have any clean shorts!

I am reading...the Bible and The Key to Your Child's Heart by Gary Smalley! Awesome book, I highly recommend it. I read it once already and then had to go out and buy my own copy! There are so many great ideas that I want to implement for our little family!

I am hoping...that I will hear about a job SOON!!

I am hearing...lots of fans--it is sooo hot!

I am creating...still trying to finish a one year layout I started with photos of Genesis from every month of her first year.

Around the house... I unpacked yet another box and sorted, sorted, sorted. One corner of the house is filled with stuff that we are going to sell at a garage sale--yup we are purging, purging, purging. I think we are going to advertise the sale as a 'toy sale' because that is mainly the stuff that we need to get rid of. They have way too many toys.

One of my favorite things...seeing my kids have fun playing outside and really enjoying this hot, humid summer weather. They both love to be outside and love to explore!

A few plans for the rest of the week...supper tomorrow with some new friends, Sears baby day sale on Saturday (I need some new sippy cups for Gigi--long story-blah) and Church on Sunday with some good ole relaxing, family time. There is a carnival being set up in town, so maybe we can check that out too!

Here is a picture thought I'm sharing with you....

I bought Zech some new smelly markers and all he wants to do is smell them. Forget the colouring, he just smells them. Although in this picture it looks like he was trying to eat them! What a kid!