As I was backing up some photos this past week, I came across some old videos and pictures of when my Princess was just a year old. It was so sweet! She was so tiny and full of life and really she hasn't changed much (except for the tiny part). I can not believe she is 4 years old. Where did these 4 years go. I honestly feel like my time with her, my time to watch and enjoy her grow has been a blur. She just changed and grew so stinkin fast. I know I will say this every year, but it's true! :o)
I have been trying to think of ways in which I can record memories, milestones because I such at it lately. I think I wrote letters a couple years on their birthdays. Everything is such a blur, but I really want to preserve memories! It is so frustrating to never have enough time in the day. Blogging has saved my butt quite a bit because I did write some little updates and I never recorded them anywhere else. I also lost some pictures (yes I bawled my eyes out) of Gigi when she was first born. Thankfully I did post a few on my blog and that is all I have. So I decided that I am going to do what I can, and I like the letter writing....so here I go.
Dear Genesis,
Perhaps my line to start everyone of your letters will be: I can't believe you are 4 years old!!! It has been quite a year and you have grown and changed so much. I will have to admit though, I am really glad that we are past the 'three year' mark. That seemed to be your year of giving us a little run for our money. None the less, you are an amazing little girl! :o)
You are such a kind, loving, and giving little girl. You love to share. You don't even think twice about sharing your treats with the whole family and making sure that everyone got to partake. I also love how caring and nurturing you are with your little brother. You truly look after him and are such a little 'mother' to him. I found myself quite frequently reminding you that I am actually the mother, not you! I cherish how much you help out and are so eager too.
This year you have another bought of bad asthma/pneumonia. You seem to get the bronchial infections more readily than your brothers. You spent a night in the hospital yet again and of course gave us more gray hair! You also got the chicken pox. I have to say that you handled it quite well and hey, we are all done with them now.
We love that you are so affectionate, that you love to hug, kiss, have cuddles! You give compliments generously and not only do you love to be showered with affection, but you love to shower others with affection. You have such an amazingly sweet personality!
You are also so grateful. I was just commenting to your Daddy how thankful you were for your birthday gifts, your special supper and cupcakes. You just couldn't stop thanking us. I felt convicted as I realized that I am not thankful enough and need to change that. You inspire me, us, to do better, to be more thankful, even for the little things!
We put you in swimming lessons and soccer this year. You loved your swimming lessons and improved dramatically. You have no fear and you are so determined. We know that will take you far. You can't wait to take more lessons and on our family swim night, we could not believe how comfortable you were. Our little fish! Soccer is also a highlight of the week for you. We didn't know how you would make out as you are a little 'shy'. Your first game blew us away! You were the star and your were so aggressive. We saw this competitive, confident side of you that we had never seen before. All we hope and pray for Gigi, is that you will have FUN! Whatever sport, activity, etc., that you decide to pursue we want you to have fun, fun, fun. Our motto is to give it your all and use the ability that God has blessed you with, never give up and have so much fun, really truly enjoy it!
Fashionista is a word that really describes you. I love that I have a shopping partner. You must change your clothes at least 10 times a day. We finally had to put a rule in place to stop you. The outfits that you pick out and piece together are really quite good. You have an eye for fashion. You also have a thing for shoes. SCARY!! Thankfully we scored some amazing deals this year to feed that fetish! I truly look forward to many mother/daughter dates shopping and trying on clothes. I also love that you are starting to pick up on what dressing modestly and sensibly means.
Of course the highlight of this year was when you accepted Jesus into your heart. Wow, such an amazing moment for you and for us as your parents to witness!! I pray for you dear Gigi, your father prays for you, every-single-night. I pray that you will have faith 100 times more than what I do. I pray that your desire to love, learn and follow Jesus will only grow and strengthen as you get older. You memorized all of the Bible verses with your brother, you know the Lord's prayer, you pray for other's and have such an amazing heart for the poor. I loved listening to you say 'grace' today at your party. You prayed so confidently and purely. You blessed your friends and family. I also love that when your brother is having a bad day, you will just stop and pray for him. Melts my heart. We know that God has an amazing plan for you and that you will do amazing things for his Kingdom!
Our dear Gigi, we love you and pray for you and we are truly honoured to be your parents. It is such a gift, a privileged to watch you grow and see you become the little girl that Jesus wants you to be!
Love,
Mommy and Daddy
Wednesday, 5 June 2013
Friday, 31 May 2013
Missing my Dad...
It has been 7 years since my Dad passed away. The day came and went and I kind of forgot! I don't usually forget the date (it was my original due date for Genesis too). It has been a busy week and busy time...maybe that's why I forgot. I felt really sad and almost grieved today as I was backing up some photos and looking back. John asked me if I felt that I had properly grieved the loss of my Dad, but how do you properly grieve. I mean looking back I guess I felt I had to be strong and I was also fighting to keep my baby alive, so it was a weird roller coaster of emotions. Maybe I didn't grieve properly? Maybe it is ok to look back, reminisce and grieve a little, even 7 years later?
I know that my final moments with him were a gift from God. Something that I will forever cherish. He said goodbye to me, clear as day, when he never should have (he was basically unresponsive). I will never forget John and I praying for him, praying over him and as we finished I walked up to him kissed him and said goodbye. To our astonishment he said goodbye back. That was such a God moment!
I felt particularly grieved today though, because I have three beautiful kids that will never get to meet him (we talked a bit about him today too---they ask all sorts of questions). He loved kids and he was amazing with them. I know that he would have been an amazing Grandpa and that they would have adored him. I also know that they have some of his genes. :o)
I really do Miss You Dad!
I know that my final moments with him were a gift from God. Something that I will forever cherish. He said goodbye to me, clear as day, when he never should have (he was basically unresponsive). I will never forget John and I praying for him, praying over him and as we finished I walked up to him kissed him and said goodbye. To our astonishment he said goodbye back. That was such a God moment!
I felt particularly grieved today though, because I have three beautiful kids that will never get to meet him (we talked a bit about him today too---they ask all sorts of questions). He loved kids and he was amazing with them. I know that he would have been an amazing Grandpa and that they would have adored him. I also know that they have some of his genes. :o)
I really do Miss You Dad!
Tuesday, 23 April 2013
Hearts for the Poor.
A couple nights a week I face the supper, homework, Bible reading, Scripture Memorization, Prayer Time and Cuddle time alone, without my hubby. It is so much easier when we do it as a team, when we are able to partner up and corral them together.
I have found that the nights when John is away, I have the most break downs. I am not just talking about the fall on the floor and cry a little because they have to go to bed, or they didn't want to read 'that' story, or somebody wants to say their bible verses first, I am talking about all out melt down, on an epic level, leaving me no choice but to fall on my knees and earnestly pray and seek wisdom from God, right their in that very moment. I get the most complicated, difficult theological questions, frustrations, laments, breakdowns when John is not around (usually from my oldest). I usually rely on John to answer those 'hard' questions....not because I don't know them, but because he knows them and is far better at communicating them than I am. Plus, for many years now when I find myself having those hard questions, being frustrated, etc., I go to John and he just whips out scripture and bam it is all clear and makes sense and I feel stupid because I probably could have just went to God and His Word first, but didn't. I guess I rely on John a little too much when it comes to 'studying to show myself approved'. Perhaps this is God's way of teaching me to be confident in sharing the gospel to my kids.
However, there are those nights too when I have some of the funniest, sincerest conversations with the kids. Tonight was one of those nights and I really thank God for the burden he lays on my kids hearts for the poor. This is how our conversation went:
Me: Zech, could you please put your crayons and drawings away because it is supper time now.
Zech: Ok, Mom, but I just need to finish up this last picture. It's for the poor kids you know.
Me: That is great my dear, you can finish up after supper.
Zech: On June 8th, Mom, that is when it is going to happen.
Me: On June 8th, what will happen?
Zech: We are going to get in our car and go get all the poor people and bring them here to live with us.
Me: We will need a pretty big car and house.
Zech: God will help us.
(I can't argue with that)
A couple hours later.......
Me: Zech, can you stop colouring and finish your prayers. You are talking to Jesus.
Zech: Yes, but I have to finish this drawing. It is for the poor. I will sell it and give the money to the poor and to Jesus too....
Mom, why don't all of the Christians want to help the poor? It's not fair that we help some of the poor, because the ones that don't get help will feel bad and sad. We need to help them all.
Me: Well, we will do as much as we can, but we also have to pray that Jesus will lay it on other people's hearts to help them too. There are a lot of poor to fit in our car and our house. :o)
Zech: Yeah, I will keep drawing and I will pray. On June 8th Mom, we can go and get them.
(I have no idea why he picked June 8th, by the way)
He totally cracks me up! I love that such issues seem so simple to him, because it reminds me to have faith like him. It reminds me "that all things are possible with God". It is exciting to see how God is going to use him.
I have found that the nights when John is away, I have the most break downs. I am not just talking about the fall on the floor and cry a little because they have to go to bed, or they didn't want to read 'that' story, or somebody wants to say their bible verses first, I am talking about all out melt down, on an epic level, leaving me no choice but to fall on my knees and earnestly pray and seek wisdom from God, right their in that very moment. I get the most complicated, difficult theological questions, frustrations, laments, breakdowns when John is not around (usually from my oldest). I usually rely on John to answer those 'hard' questions....not because I don't know them, but because he knows them and is far better at communicating them than I am. Plus, for many years now when I find myself having those hard questions, being frustrated, etc., I go to John and he just whips out scripture and bam it is all clear and makes sense and I feel stupid because I probably could have just went to God and His Word first, but didn't. I guess I rely on John a little too much when it comes to 'studying to show myself approved'. Perhaps this is God's way of teaching me to be confident in sharing the gospel to my kids.
However, there are those nights too when I have some of the funniest, sincerest conversations with the kids. Tonight was one of those nights and I really thank God for the burden he lays on my kids hearts for the poor. This is how our conversation went:
Me: Zech, could you please put your crayons and drawings away because it is supper time now.
Zech: Ok, Mom, but I just need to finish up this last picture. It's for the poor kids you know.
Me: That is great my dear, you can finish up after supper.
Zech: On June 8th, Mom, that is when it is going to happen.
Me: On June 8th, what will happen?
Zech: We are going to get in our car and go get all the poor people and bring them here to live with us.
Me: We will need a pretty big car and house.
Zech: God will help us.
(I can't argue with that)
A couple hours later.......
Me: Zech, can you stop colouring and finish your prayers. You are talking to Jesus.
Zech: Yes, but I have to finish this drawing. It is for the poor. I will sell it and give the money to the poor and to Jesus too....
Mom, why don't all of the Christians want to help the poor? It's not fair that we help some of the poor, because the ones that don't get help will feel bad and sad. We need to help them all.
Me: Well, we will do as much as we can, but we also have to pray that Jesus will lay it on other people's hearts to help them too. There are a lot of poor to fit in our car and our house. :o)
Zech: Yeah, I will keep drawing and I will pray. On June 8th Mom, we can go and get them.
(I have no idea why he picked June 8th, by the way)
He totally cracks me up! I love that such issues seem so simple to him, because it reminds me to have faith like him. It reminds me "that all things are possible with God". It is exciting to see how God is going to use him.
Friday, 5 April 2013
Oh my neglected little blog...
I wish I had more time,
I wish I didn't always feel so tired,
I wish that I could write the blog posts that go through my head (they seem really good),
I wish that this blog of mine was a reflection of what I really want it to be,
I wish that I could read, follow and post comments on other blogs and interact with other bloggers again more (forgive me please),
I wish that this blog was not so NEGLECTED.
It is neglected, and I just don't have the time or energy to do anything about it. Hopefully soon I can catch up, but for now I ask for forgiveness, for blogging forgiveness.
I do have some pictures, posts and of course updates (remember that word of mine---'opportunity') to put on here. Mainly for my own personal record, but who knows maybe somebody will get something out of it too! :o)
Hope you all had a wonderful, blessed Easter. We did and have some pictures to share too.
I wish I didn't always feel so tired,
I wish that I could write the blog posts that go through my head (they seem really good),
I wish that this blog of mine was a reflection of what I really want it to be,
I wish that I could read, follow and post comments on other blogs and interact with other bloggers again more (forgive me please),
I wish that this blog was not so NEGLECTED.
It is neglected, and I just don't have the time or energy to do anything about it. Hopefully soon I can catch up, but for now I ask for forgiveness, for blogging forgiveness.
I do have some pictures, posts and of course updates (remember that word of mine---'opportunity') to put on here. Mainly for my own personal record, but who knows maybe somebody will get something out of it too! :o)
Hope you all had a wonderful, blessed Easter. We did and have some pictures to share too.
We survived!
Wow, what a few weeks we have had and I am so happy to report that it is over and that we survived!! Please dear Lord, help us to never have to go through this again?!?!
Talk about emotional roller coasters.....celebrating 8 years, to wondering whether or not we were losing our baby!
We had a great time celebrating our anniversary even though John worked late. I love hanging out with my best friend in the whole wide world. We have had some incredible talks, prayers, laughs, lately! God has blessed me so incredibly much with this amazing man I call my hubby!
So Wednesday was a bit of a blur. We were tired from staying up too late the night before (totally worth it). The older two kids had swimming lessons bright and early and then I had to rush to work. Jude woke up with this rash on his face and torso, but we said that we would really watch it before we took him in. We did, and it progressed. After John dropped me off, he took Jude to the doctor. The doctor diagnosed it as an allergic reaction to the Penicillin he was on and after checking his ears to see if there was still an infection lingering, promptly told us to stop the antibiotics. He then gave a prescription for a steroid and some antihistamines. That was day one.....
By Thursday (day two), things were not getting any better. We had a horrible night on Wednesday and we got desperate and went back to the Pharmacist to see if we could give him Benadryl too and what the acceptable dosage was. Thursday night was horrible and he just cried and cried. He could not sleep, not settle and just wanted to be right on top of me. I barely had any sleep.
I went to work on Friday and he looked horrible! John went to our Homeopath to see what they could suggest and they gave him a cleanse for his liver. John brought the kids home and put Jude down and tried to catch a nap himself. All of a sudden, Jude woke up screaming! John went to him and could not console him. He then gave him a bath, as he would not stop scratching. John brought him out of the bath and his skin turned this bluish/purple hue and Jude was shaking uncontrollably and would not stop screaming.
Long story short, I left work and we rushed him into the hospital. We thought we were losing him. He wouldn't stop shaking, his skin was a blue hue and he was so tired he would kind of go in and out of consciousness.
When we finally get to the hospital, he was more alert, but he was in a lot of pain and would not stop scratching. So we get him admitted and then we wait, and we wait. We waited 5 hours with a screaming, child who looked horrible, so horrible that a lot of people would not stop staring. John went up and started asking questions. Why is it that when you question how long it is taking, you are suddenly the bad guy? You know, like somehow waiting for 5 hours is acceptable and should be acceptable with a screaming, inconsolable child. We finally got them to give him some more Benadryl (which did absolutely nothing), but we could not stop him from scratching and crying and bleeding from scratching so much.
We finally get in to see the doctor and they diagnosed him with Erythema Multiforme (say what?). Apparently it is common, but they don't know the cause (it could be an allergic reaction to the atibiotics or a reaction to a cold virus) and there is nothing they can do for it. The antihistamines didn't work as it wasn't an antihistamine reaction. It also takes 7 to 10 days to pass and it may disappear and then come back again. So home we went with a name, but nothing to help our poor little Jude.
We did a whole bunch of research on the net about it. Found some natural ways we could deal with the itchiness and kept pumping him full of the homeopathic cleanse. We had no sleep that night either. This rash apparently can either be mildly itchy, or in his case extremely itchy. It also causes the skin to tighten (hence the reason he was in so much pain) and it also affects the circulation. His skin would feel like it was on fire, but he would be shaking because he was so cold. The blueish/purplish hue was due to the lack of circulation and seemed to occur when he got out of the bath tub, or when we stripped him down.
We got on our knees and boy did we pray. I looked at John at one point and cried that I could not do this for another 7 days!! We were exhausted and there is nothing more painful and heart wrenching than seeing your child in agony and knowing that you can't do a thing about it. Ahhh!
We had quite a few people praying alongside us and Saturday morning we saw some relief. It had cleared up quite a bit on his torso, but his poor little legs looked like sausages. They were so swollen, tight and itchy. We also bought some aloe vera and that really seemed to help. Plus we kept the homeopathic cleanse up, and we were on our knees in desperation, praying!
Sunday, was remarkable. It was almost like we could see the rash disappearing. The rash was moving down his body. He was still itchy and his little calves and feet were super swollen, tight and hot, but his face and torso were completely clear. Our little Jude was coming back, and that evening he was ready for action.....
Monday I went into work and he had almost completely cleared up (just the feet were swollen). Tuesday I had off and he was clear, but still super fussy and cranky. We have found that over these past few days since last Wednesday he has had a few bouts of 'hives' and itchiness come and go. Finally last night we had a pretty decent sleep. We have been racking our brain trying to figure out if he is allergic to something, or if it is still part of this cold virus. This cold virus is a nasty one and it has been reported that it can take up to 6 weeks to get rid of. During this time I also fell sick again because I am so run down with my lack of sleep.
We survived though, and I guess it has made us stronger! ;o) It has been a horrible, horrible almost 6 months of illness in this household and we just need a break. Thanks to all of our friends and family who kept us in prayer. Thanks for the cookies, meals, and words of encouragement from some pretty amazing people!! Praise God that it cleared a lot sooner than we thought!!
Talk about emotional roller coasters.....celebrating 8 years, to wondering whether or not we were losing our baby!
We had a great time celebrating our anniversary even though John worked late. I love hanging out with my best friend in the whole wide world. We have had some incredible talks, prayers, laughs, lately! God has blessed me so incredibly much with this amazing man I call my hubby!
So Wednesday was a bit of a blur. We were tired from staying up too late the night before (totally worth it). The older two kids had swimming lessons bright and early and then I had to rush to work. Jude woke up with this rash on his face and torso, but we said that we would really watch it before we took him in. We did, and it progressed. After John dropped me off, he took Jude to the doctor. The doctor diagnosed it as an allergic reaction to the Penicillin he was on and after checking his ears to see if there was still an infection lingering, promptly told us to stop the antibiotics. He then gave a prescription for a steroid and some antihistamines. That was day one.....
By Thursday (day two), things were not getting any better. We had a horrible night on Wednesday and we got desperate and went back to the Pharmacist to see if we could give him Benadryl too and what the acceptable dosage was. Thursday night was horrible and he just cried and cried. He could not sleep, not settle and just wanted to be right on top of me. I barely had any sleep.
I went to work on Friday and he looked horrible! John went to our Homeopath to see what they could suggest and they gave him a cleanse for his liver. John brought the kids home and put Jude down and tried to catch a nap himself. All of a sudden, Jude woke up screaming! John went to him and could not console him. He then gave him a bath, as he would not stop scratching. John brought him out of the bath and his skin turned this bluish/purple hue and Jude was shaking uncontrollably and would not stop screaming.
Long story short, I left work and we rushed him into the hospital. We thought we were losing him. He wouldn't stop shaking, his skin was a blue hue and he was so tired he would kind of go in and out of consciousness.
When we finally get to the hospital, he was more alert, but he was in a lot of pain and would not stop scratching. So we get him admitted and then we wait, and we wait. We waited 5 hours with a screaming, child who looked horrible, so horrible that a lot of people would not stop staring. John went up and started asking questions. Why is it that when you question how long it is taking, you are suddenly the bad guy? You know, like somehow waiting for 5 hours is acceptable and should be acceptable with a screaming, inconsolable child. We finally got them to give him some more Benadryl (which did absolutely nothing), but we could not stop him from scratching and crying and bleeding from scratching so much.
We finally get in to see the doctor and they diagnosed him with Erythema Multiforme (say what?). Apparently it is common, but they don't know the cause (it could be an allergic reaction to the atibiotics or a reaction to a cold virus) and there is nothing they can do for it. The antihistamines didn't work as it wasn't an antihistamine reaction. It also takes 7 to 10 days to pass and it may disappear and then come back again. So home we went with a name, but nothing to help our poor little Jude.
We did a whole bunch of research on the net about it. Found some natural ways we could deal with the itchiness and kept pumping him full of the homeopathic cleanse. We had no sleep that night either. This rash apparently can either be mildly itchy, or in his case extremely itchy. It also causes the skin to tighten (hence the reason he was in so much pain) and it also affects the circulation. His skin would feel like it was on fire, but he would be shaking because he was so cold. The blueish/purplish hue was due to the lack of circulation and seemed to occur when he got out of the bath tub, or when we stripped him down.
We got on our knees and boy did we pray. I looked at John at one point and cried that I could not do this for another 7 days!! We were exhausted and there is nothing more painful and heart wrenching than seeing your child in agony and knowing that you can't do a thing about it. Ahhh!
We had quite a few people praying alongside us and Saturday morning we saw some relief. It had cleared up quite a bit on his torso, but his poor little legs looked like sausages. They were so swollen, tight and itchy. We also bought some aloe vera and that really seemed to help. Plus we kept the homeopathic cleanse up, and we were on our knees in desperation, praying!
Sunday, was remarkable. It was almost like we could see the rash disappearing. The rash was moving down his body. He was still itchy and his little calves and feet were super swollen, tight and hot, but his face and torso were completely clear. Our little Jude was coming back, and that evening he was ready for action.....
Monday I went into work and he had almost completely cleared up (just the feet were swollen). Tuesday I had off and he was clear, but still super fussy and cranky. We have found that over these past few days since last Wednesday he has had a few bouts of 'hives' and itchiness come and go. Finally last night we had a pretty decent sleep. We have been racking our brain trying to figure out if he is allergic to something, or if it is still part of this cold virus. This cold virus is a nasty one and it has been reported that it can take up to 6 weeks to get rid of. During this time I also fell sick again because I am so run down with my lack of sleep.
We survived though, and I guess it has made us stronger! ;o) It has been a horrible, horrible almost 6 months of illness in this household and we just need a break. Thanks to all of our friends and family who kept us in prayer. Thanks for the cookies, meals, and words of encouragement from some pretty amazing people!! Praise God that it cleared a lot sooner than we thought!!
Tuesday, 19 March 2013
Eight Years!!!
I can't believe that it has been eight years since I married the man of my dreams! Time has flown, but in such an amazing way! I knew after a year of dating that he was going to be my partner for life, it just took him a little longer to 'pop' the question, but it was worth the wait! ;o)
We are celebrating apart tonight (again)! However, it is for good reasons as he ministers to the Youth Group tonight. I love that he is so dedicated to serving God and is doing what God has called him to do. God has gifted him in so many ways and this is just one of them. We did however celebrate last night with some amazing Mexican Food. If you ever get a chance to try Costa Vida, it is awesome! Yes the first Costa Vida in Canada is right here in Airdrie. Everything is homemade, the salsa, tortillas, guacamole! Delish!
There are so many things I can share about this wonderful man I am married to, but as I was out and about with the kids today I found this card that was perfect. I hate buying cards, as $6 seems ridiculous to spend, but I had to get this one (and no it wasn't the $6 card, but still darn close). I think it sums up perfectly what I think and feel about my amazing husband. I thank God for him EVERY- SINGLE- DAY! I thank God that he is so dedicated and committed to serving Him, taking care of his wife and family and always, always putting us before his own needs. Some days the love I feel for him brings tears to my eyes, I am just so incredibly blessed! Ok, now for the card........
My Husband
is a man of character
who understands commitment
and does more than his share
to make his family comfortable,
safe, and secure.
I adore him.
My partner
is a man who is patient,
optimistic (in a realistic way--hee), caring, and wise.
His sense of humour and support
hold me up when I can't
do it myself.
I'm grateful for him.
My friend
is the only man
with whom I can share
my deepest secrets
and know they'll be safe.
Time with him is always good.
I cherish him.
You (John) are all of those things
and more to me.
I'm so thankful you came into my world,
for if you hadn't, I'm sure
I never would have known the kind of happiness
you've brought into my life.
I love you.
Happy Anniversary!
Thanks for being such an amazing husband John!! Can't wait to see what God has in store for us in the many years that lie ahead!
We are celebrating apart tonight (again)! However, it is for good reasons as he ministers to the Youth Group tonight. I love that he is so dedicated to serving God and is doing what God has called him to do. God has gifted him in so many ways and this is just one of them. We did however celebrate last night with some amazing Mexican Food. If you ever get a chance to try Costa Vida, it is awesome! Yes the first Costa Vida in Canada is right here in Airdrie. Everything is homemade, the salsa, tortillas, guacamole! Delish!
There are so many things I can share about this wonderful man I am married to, but as I was out and about with the kids today I found this card that was perfect. I hate buying cards, as $6 seems ridiculous to spend, but I had to get this one (and no it wasn't the $6 card, but still darn close). I think it sums up perfectly what I think and feel about my amazing husband. I thank God for him EVERY- SINGLE- DAY! I thank God that he is so dedicated and committed to serving Him, taking care of his wife and family and always, always putting us before his own needs. Some days the love I feel for him brings tears to my eyes, I am just so incredibly blessed! Ok, now for the card........
My Husband
is a man of character
who understands commitment
and does more than his share
to make his family comfortable,
safe, and secure.
I adore him.
My partner
is a man who is patient,
optimistic (in a realistic way--hee), caring, and wise.
His sense of humour and support
hold me up when I can't
do it myself.
I'm grateful for him.
My friend
is the only man
with whom I can share
my deepest secrets
and know they'll be safe.
Time with him is always good.
I cherish him.
You (John) are all of those things
and more to me.
I'm so thankful you came into my world,
for if you hadn't, I'm sure
I never would have known the kind of happiness
you've brought into my life.
I love you.
Happy Anniversary!
Thanks for being such an amazing husband John!! Can't wait to see what God has in store for us in the many years that lie ahead!
Saturday, 9 February 2013
Another Amazing Day!!
Three years ago we celebrated an Amazing Day with Zechariah and now we celebrate with Genesis!
I am still in shock!! She has been asking a lot of questions lately, especially to John about 'having Jesus in her heart'. John told me a while back that he thought he may have to sit her down and explain it and have the conversation with her as she kept bringing it up, totally on her own, unprompted by any of us. Of course I am always concerned about their age and whether or not they understand what it means to ask Jesus into their hearts. I don't know why, as Zechariah clearly remembers and knows exactly what it means.
Yesterday, while they were eating lunch Gigi announced to John that she had asked Jesus into her heart. He looked at her and said in shock, "you did....when and where?". She responded that she had in the bathroom (nice place to do it, but that is where she apparently does her best thinking and makes the best decisions----kind of like her Daddy--hee:o). He asked her if she wanted to say the prayer together with him and she did. So amazing!!!
I guess she asked John in the car a few days ago about asking Jesus into her heart and he asked her if she wanted to do it now. She responded 'no', she would do it tomorrow. Totally shows her personality. She is a thinker, but she is extremely independent and will do things when she is good and ready. Also shows that this is a decision that she has to make, that it is not forced by us. I get so frustrated when I hear comments about us shoving our beliefs down people's throats and especially down our children's throats. I will do everything possible to raise my children according to God's Word, but in the end it is 100% their decision as to whether or not they accept it and choose to live their lives for Jesus. I just pray every single night that the Lord will have a whole heck of a lot of Mercy and Grace on John and I as we try and succeed at the most important job we could ever have---being Christian parents. I fail miserably, especially lately when my patience is non-existent and my temper is quick and strong. That is why I feel so incredibly blessed and thankful that my kids have such a yearning and desire at such a young age to follow Jesus. I know I will have to pray even harder for them now!
We spent the night cuddling and talking. As I mentioned I still worry as to whether or not they understand and know what they are doing, so I asked all sorts of questions. Her answers amazed me and put my worries to rest. We talked about the Bible verse we are currently memorizing from
1 John 3:16 - "Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions". I asked what sort of things we could do that showed Jesus' love through us. Genesis broke down in tears as she told me about the poor kids and how they have nothing to eat and sleep in the dirt. She has a real heart for the poor and I pray that God will guard her heart and use her to help the poor that I know she feels burdened for. It was such a precious moment. She was trying so hard to hold the tears in and then she just looks at me and says "Mommy, my heart is so broken, it is just so broken for the poor"! Such an amazing moment to share with my incredible gifts from God. I am beyond bless! Days like these are absolutely priceless!
So today, we celebrated exactly like we did when Zech asked Jesus into his heart. We bought special cupcakes, balloons (one for her to keep and one to send up to the angels and Jesus in heaven who are having a party right now), and she gets to pick out a special new book (of course a Gigi, God's little princess book is what she wants). I sat with her and wrote special messages on her balloons. It was pretty cute what she told me to put! I think the pictures will tell the story.
I also felt so humbled and proud as to how Zech was so excited for her and just kept praying and thanking God that she asked Jesus into her heart. I pray that these kids will always be close and can pray for one another in the years that lie ahead. I pray that we are a close, praying, Christ centered family that can openly pray, talk and love each other daily! I pray that we will not let our differences separate us, break us apart, but instead through Christ and his love for us, we will be open and loving with one another.
My heart is full of happiness, so incredibly full right now! Please keep my beautiful girl in your prayers, God is so incredibly good!
I am still in shock!! She has been asking a lot of questions lately, especially to John about 'having Jesus in her heart'. John told me a while back that he thought he may have to sit her down and explain it and have the conversation with her as she kept bringing it up, totally on her own, unprompted by any of us. Of course I am always concerned about their age and whether or not they understand what it means to ask Jesus into their hearts. I don't know why, as Zechariah clearly remembers and knows exactly what it means.
Yesterday, while they were eating lunch Gigi announced to John that she had asked Jesus into her heart. He looked at her and said in shock, "you did....when and where?". She responded that she had in the bathroom (nice place to do it, but that is where she apparently does her best thinking and makes the best decisions----kind of like her Daddy--hee:o). He asked her if she wanted to say the prayer together with him and she did. So amazing!!!
I guess she asked John in the car a few days ago about asking Jesus into her heart and he asked her if she wanted to do it now. She responded 'no', she would do it tomorrow. Totally shows her personality. She is a thinker, but she is extremely independent and will do things when she is good and ready. Also shows that this is a decision that she has to make, that it is not forced by us. I get so frustrated when I hear comments about us shoving our beliefs down people's throats and especially down our children's throats. I will do everything possible to raise my children according to God's Word, but in the end it is 100% their decision as to whether or not they accept it and choose to live their lives for Jesus. I just pray every single night that the Lord will have a whole heck of a lot of Mercy and Grace on John and I as we try and succeed at the most important job we could ever have---being Christian parents. I fail miserably, especially lately when my patience is non-existent and my temper is quick and strong. That is why I feel so incredibly blessed and thankful that my kids have such a yearning and desire at such a young age to follow Jesus. I know I will have to pray even harder for them now!
We spent the night cuddling and talking. As I mentioned I still worry as to whether or not they understand and know what they are doing, so I asked all sorts of questions. Her answers amazed me and put my worries to rest. We talked about the Bible verse we are currently memorizing from
1 John 3:16 - "Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions". I asked what sort of things we could do that showed Jesus' love through us. Genesis broke down in tears as she told me about the poor kids and how they have nothing to eat and sleep in the dirt. She has a real heart for the poor and I pray that God will guard her heart and use her to help the poor that I know she feels burdened for. It was such a precious moment. She was trying so hard to hold the tears in and then she just looks at me and says "Mommy, my heart is so broken, it is just so broken for the poor"! Such an amazing moment to share with my incredible gifts from God. I am beyond bless! Days like these are absolutely priceless!
So today, we celebrated exactly like we did when Zech asked Jesus into his heart. We bought special cupcakes, balloons (one for her to keep and one to send up to the angels and Jesus in heaven who are having a party right now), and she gets to pick out a special new book (of course a Gigi, God's little princess book is what she wants). I sat with her and wrote special messages on her balloons. It was pretty cute what she told me to put! I think the pictures will tell the story.
I also felt so humbled and proud as to how Zech was so excited for her and just kept praying and thanking God that she asked Jesus into her heart. I pray that these kids will always be close and can pray for one another in the years that lie ahead. I pray that we are a close, praying, Christ centered family that can openly pray, talk and love each other daily! I pray that we will not let our differences separate us, break us apart, but instead through Christ and his love for us, we will be open and loving with one another.
My heart is full of happiness, so incredibly full right now! Please keep my beautiful girl in your prayers, God is so incredibly good!
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