Life at a slower pace...

This year started with a full schedule. We had Full Throttle, RU, Homeschool Homeschool Hockey, Homeschool Skiing and Gun Safety, Driver's Ed and so much more. It seemed that each week passed by faster than the previous one. We had 4 Birthdays in 3 months-Samuel turned 6, Lillian turned 4, Joseph turned 2 and Caleb turned 12. The last Birthday was a quieter celebration as we spent time self isolating due to the provincial restrictions for Covid 19. As our lives have slowed down God has been helping us to see more of the beauty surrounding us. Sometimes we think we need to be on the go, traveling and seeing different places. We still look forward to that in the future, but choose contentment in the present. The beautiful sunrises, birds singing, snow melting, geese flying overhead, children jumping in puddles and extra time as a family. God has also been showing us more creative ways to reach out to others while practicing social distancing. Using technology to encourage others and finding that we are encouraged too!

I may try to post more often through this time, but we shall see. I'm reminded to be thankful to the Lord for each day that He gives. I'll leave you with some pictures of the past couple weeks.

Family Christmas Pictures 2019

Keeping it simple this year.

Countdown to Christmas

Doing special things in December requires creativity. Looking for opportunities to be a blessing, spend time as a family and make some good memories.

Cute Alert!

Vehicle Trouble...

2019 was a year of major repairs for all 3 vehicles, plus tires for all 3. When I left for Georgia Scott's work truck was starting to act up. Diagnosis: needs a new transmission, etc. So, after praying, seeking counsel and researching a decision was made. No more money into the old truck... thankful for the new one. Praying it lasts for a long time!

Back with my favourite Canadian!

Thankful for the time in Georgia, but thankful to back home!

Surprise Party for My Mom!!!

Last month I flew to Georgia. My mom was turning 70 and we wanted to surprise her. She didn't know Luke and I were coming or about the party:).

We had a wonderful time and made a lot of great memories!

Surprise Party!!!

This year we decided to try something new. We threw a surprise party for Garrison. He officially turns 13 tomorrow, but we had a great time setting up his birthday early. We almost gave it away at one point, which is understandable once one of the siblings finds out what's going on. Here are some moments captured from last Saturday:

Caleb and Elyssia kept making waffles once I had all the batter made.

Special "supper in bed" since his party was at supper time. He had his specially requested waffles with salmon sauce and syrup.

Joe really liked having tires in the living room. All the gifts were greatly appreciated by the birthday boy and we barely had any room for the carrot cake! Afterwards we had some party games:). Musical tires and Pin the License Plate on The Chevy. Thankful for the opportunity to celebrate this young man.

Last days with the kittens...

They've all gone to their new home now.

Happy 15th Elyssia!

Missionary Friends from Poland

Hard to believe it's been over 9 years since they were here last! Wonderful to hear about all the Lord has been helping g them with over in Poland. To see pictures of those the Lord has brought into their lives through the years. Thankful for their faithfulness!

Little Joe

Congratulation!!!

Samuel successfully completed the ABC's of ACE reading program today!

Random Pictures

Preston came for Canadian Thanksgiving! Thankful to have family to celebrate with.

apparently you can climb quite well in cowboy boots! Thankful for the safety harness:).

Some faces and unexpected things while playing capture the flag.

The Tumbleweed Wranglers had a very successful day! Now what do we do with them?