At least a week...

Originally I was thinking about doing a month of Valentines, but we'll see how that goes. When I was younger my dad used to leave gifts in my desk each day of the week that we had Valentines. When I was older he actually had flowers delivered to me! That was an amazing surprise. I had a flashback to those days when Scott and I watched "Courageous". The part where the dad took his daughter to a nice restaurant and gave her the ring. I remember picking out my ring with my dad and how special it was to be able to give Scott that ring on our wedding day. Last year a lot of my plans were put together at the last minute. It turned out pretty well, but I thought that we'd try to do crafts and baking to make it a special month. February is usually one of the longest months for us, even though it has the least days. Funny, eh? So, we'll see how it goes, but I'll try to post pics of the special things we do over the next month. January seemed to go by pretty quickly and I can only hope that February does too. One step closer to Spring!

P.S.

I almost forgot! We were also able to adjust the elastic in a skirt that was given to Elyssia. I think I'll wait til I can take a picture of her wearing it and post it then:).

A Picture Worth Sharing

My dad is the one in the middle. The young couple is Mike and Kim Dolan. They are the family I asked prayer for. Much time has passed since this picture was taken, but they've all faithfully served the Lord all these years. Mrs. Dolan was my dad's secretary until he died and Bro. Dolan was the songleader/choir director whenever he was stationed on the island. Then from the time he retired until this past year when he got cancer. I'm thinking it's going to be a wonderful reunion when Bro. Dolan gets there. He will be met by the Lord with a "Well done thou good and faithful servant" and then by those who've gone on before him. Dad, his mom, Mitch Foster, my grandpa, Al Reid, Kay Dunnam, Elizabeth Foor, Coleen Augle and many, many others that we love. To think of them singing in the Heavenly choir, even those who couldn't sing down here on earth(like Dad:). What a day that will be! Much love and prayers to the Dolan family as they go through these last days with this wonderful man of God, who will be greatly missed.

They Kept Her Young

I found out today that a very special lady passed away. Colleen Augle was my Sunday School teacher from the time I was 2 until I turned 4. She had a way with kids and taught that age until I got married. I even got to be her assistant for a couple years when I was a teenager, which was, to me, quite special. When I found out that she passed away yesterday I was quite surprised. When talking to my mom I was reminded that she was in her 70s. I never thought of her as being old. She never really seemed to look any older to me. From the time that I was 2 until I got married I didn't notice much of a change. Perhaps it was hair coloring:), but it doesn't matter. I think it's rather amusing that as we get older we expect others to just stay the same, while we change. I've experienced that with kids I used to babysit. This year one of them turned 13 and this Fall one of them got married. In my mind they're still very young:). Such is life... I will really miss Mrs. Augle. I was looking forward to having her meet the 4 youngest. She met Elyssia and Garrison, but they were quite young at the time. So, there is yet another loved one to look forward to seeing in Heaven. I'm thankful to the Lord for allowing me to be in her class and pray that others will fill in the gap and follow in her footsteps. Seeing the importance of teaching the little ones about Jesus. Sharing with them the excitement of hearing Bible stories for the 1st time and longing to hear them again.

P.S.

Please keep our friends, Andrew and Jenn Snauwaert in your prayers. Jenn delivered Kiera a couple days ago and she has the same condition as Olivia and Jacob. They were in Vancouver to make sure that she got immediate attention and the ammonia levels have stabilized. We're praying that they will stay down so that they can all go back home. They still don't know everything about this condition, but their kids have to eat a lot more often and not enough sleep or a common cold can put them in the hospital with a life threatening situation. It's a reminder to snuggle my kids a little closer and to pray for others going through health issues that their kids face on a full time basis. May the Lord bless and protect these friends of ours today and in the years ahead.

Under Construction

Happy New Year! I thought it would be good to find a fresh look for the new year, but I'm not sure that I've found it yet. I have pictures from Christmas in Alberta, but they're quite big, so it takes longer to upload them. I'll have to work on a couple of them to post this week.
Today was a VERY good day in the Lord's house. About half of our people were away, but we had 2 first time visitors. I think that the church they regularly attend didn't have services today, but I'm not completely sure. It was good to see our friends again and catch up, as much as we can with 5 little ones to keep our eyes on:). They were still a bit squirmy, but MUCH better than last week. They could hardly sit still last week, due to all the excitement. Kiersten and Caleb fell asleep during the afternoon service, which enabled me to hear 2 sermons today. The best way to start the New Year.
I'm also quite excited about a new "organizational help". Quite a few years ago my sister in law used these bags that you could stuff and then vacuum out the extra air. I found some the other day and was able to fit 5 bins of boys clothing into 2 of them. I have 2 more to fill as Adelaide outgrows her clothes. The bags fit neatly into the bottom of our linen closet. Amazing, eh! I love these kinds of things. Always looking for ways to save time, money, and space around the house. We've got the girls bunkbeds set up and their room arranged for maximum play space. Elyssia is enjoying having tea parties with Kiersten(and sometimes the boys). Sometimes the boys refuse to be polite guests and they are "disinvited" by Elyssia. I know that's not really a word, but I think you know what I mean.
Although there is a lot of ice around here, the weather has been really mild and we're LOVING it. Tomorrow is the big grocery shopping day and I'm not dreading it, like I have in previous(cold and very snowy)years. I'll take Elyssia and Adelaide and I'm praying that the little one sleeps through the whole trip. She still isn't that fond of being away from home and it can extend the trip by an hour if she doesn't sleep. Guess I'd better head back to bed. It's getting late and school starts again tomorrow. I'm actually looking forward to getting back into our routine. Thanking the Lord for another year to serve Him! Til next time...