Happy 2022!

Happy 2022!

Once again, the year started out with ebelskivers ... and more restrictions.  The ebelskivers were yummy!  Favourite fillings were Nutella or cheese with jam or red pepper jelly.

School started online a few days late but thankfully they returned in person on the 17th.  The daily Covid assessment for school has also changed.  I'm amazed that we haven't needed to isolate as all it takes is one runny or stuffy nose to keep all five of us home but we could then use rapid tests I think (I'll look it up when I need to know).

I'm going to blame the restrictions for the lack of excitement this month: buying boots; fixing a dryer, washer, and muffler; picture day for the kids; signing up for bank accounts and skating lessons; seeing the Stratford lights; and going sledding.  I almost forgot that they made an outdoor oven (I think there's a different name) with Grandpa Ray.

In searching for boots, I discovered that CBC Marketplace investigated how well boot soles were able to grip on icy surfaces.  It turns out that most just slip.  The KITE Research Institute in Toronto has the results of all the boots they have tested.  I was able to find a pair that are good on ice and are warm.  They are not beautiful but I am neither a fan of cold feet nor of slipping, both of which have been a problem with my old boots.  They were even on sale.  Thank You Lord!

We were a little late this year!

Our dryer had been making a loud squealing sound.  Unfortunately our regular repairman is not currently working so I found a company that appeared to have an overall good rating online.  First mistake - not enough research and too trusting.  They came to our home for what I thought would be a repair but it was only a diagnosis.  I knew the cost of the service call would be credited to the repair so I wasn't too worried until we received the expensive quotation and dug deeper, finding numerous complaints about the company.  Thankfully my wise husband decided to cut ties before we lost more money or time.  He asked for a recommendation on FaceBook neighbours.  We received a name of a company around the corner from us.  I couldn't find any ratings at all online but we thought we'd support local.  He was wonderful!  He came and fixed the dryer as well as our leaky washer in under an hour for much less money than the other company quoted us for just the dryer.  We will certainly call him for any further repairs.  Thank You Lord!

Excited to have painted nails!

We had a little excitement on the way to church yesterday morning.  A car pulled up beside our van while Graham was driving and honked.  We recognized a family from our church and Graham put his window down.  They told us that our muffler was about to fall off.  We made it to church and then Graham called for a tow truck.  My parents were heading to church but instead they picked up the kids and took them home.  Graham waited for the tow truck and took a bus home.  Today we became the proud owners of a new muffler and whatever holds that muffler on.  

Last week, Lily-Anna had her first picture day at school as they didn't have one last year.  We've never had a picture day during the Winter for good reasons.  I sent a brush with each of the kids.  I'm looking forward to seeing how they turn out.  

Kohen and Lily-Anna finally have bank accounts.  Isaac has had his for a few years.  They were excited to go to the bank and deposit their money and receive their bank card.  

I was able to sign up Lily-Anna and I for skating lessons that start next week.  We'll each have our own class.  Graham fell and bruised his rib when he took lessons a couple of years ago so I am praying that doesn't happen to me.  Lily-Anna is looking forward to it.  

I introduced my kids to Bonkers

Lily-Anna has graduated to a booster seat in the van!  None of us are missing the car seat.  My eleven years of doing up five-point harnesses have ended!

We were able to enjoy some sledding this month with all the snow.  

Most sadly, my Uncle Peter died last week.  He was my only uncle in Canada.  He was kind and generous to me and I miss him.  My prayers are for my aunt and cousin.  

Blessings,

Elizabeth

Psalm 113:3

From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised!