January

We started the year with ebelskivers filled with either Nutella or cheese and red pepper jelly.  Yum yum!!!  We use this pan once a year.

We have certainly had a cold and snowy start to 2026.  Thankfully we've had a break from snowfall these past few days but the snowbanks are high.  Four out of five Faulkners have been sick this past week.  I'm hoping it's going to skip me.  Lily-Anna missed most of her school week and Kohen missed Friday.  This was an exam week for Isaac so he was also home a lot.  

The four of us watched David at the theatre

My dad had his follow up X-ray on his collarbone this past week and the doctor said it is healing well and he is able to start physiotherapy.  Thankfully he never had much pain.  I take him to an exercise program twice a week and my brothers have been taking him to a walking track where he regularly increases his laps and time between rests.  

Dad loved having my brother Matthew staying with him for almost a week.  Matthew was able to work from Dad's home.  

We had new interior doors installed this month on our three bedrooms, washroom, and the door to the basement.  Our old doors were showing their age.  They came primed but we'll see how long it takes us to paint them.  

Isaac enjoyed playing his trumpet in the Ontario Band Association's Honour Band earlier this month.  Students met at Laurier University Friday night and Saturday and then presented a concert on Sunday afternoon.  It was a great concert and included one piece that had never been performed live before.  This is the third time he has taken part.

Before I added the 2nd set

My big excitement this month (no joke) was spice racks and spice jars.  I have stored my spice packages in the freezer for years.  They may stay better in the freezer but I have no regrets.  I am very happy to be able to open my cupboards and see all the beautiful spices in alphabetical order.  My biggest decision was were I wanted to store them.  Ideally I would have put them in a drawer but that is not an option in my kitchen.  I also love some magnetic boards on walls or the side of the fridge with all the beautiful, colourful spices showing ... but I am fully aware of the dust that would eventually attack them.  So, I went with the see-through acrylic racks and a kind man at Home Depot recommended screws to use.  Someone used to using a drill would have installed them in 5-10 minutes but I was quite happy to take my time when the kids were at school.  I saved some money by finding a second set of new spice jars on MarketPlace.  

I am very happy with how it turned out and forever grateful that a number of years ago my brother-in-law Craig taught me the wonderful saying, "Done is better than perfect!"  Amen to that!  A lovely bonus is the extra space I have in the freezer and unfortunately there was a sale on ice cream ....

I almost forgot - I installed a new toilet seat as well.  I was a little worried that I would need a hacksaw to get the bolts off (as a number of Youtube comments mentioned this), but I was able to get them off.  The old seat has discolouration from using potty seats on top years ago so I was very happy to say good riddance.

Lily-Anna and I had a little tea party this week while she was at home (she's rarely too sick for a tea party.)  She wanted to use her special set that Grandma Lucas gave her for her birthday last year.  It was my mom's Old Country Roses teapot, cream and sugar holders and cups and saucers.  It brought back memories of tea being served after meals with company or perhaps at Christmas.  I'm so thankful that my mom thought to do this just four months before she passed away.  Thank You Lord!  

Isaac received his results from his Level 8 Theory Exam for piano.  He received 99%.  Congratulations Isaac!  Isaac has started working on Level 9 pieces with his wonderful teacher.   

It's time to get ready for bed.  I've been enjoying the After Life sermon series at our church this past month but something new starts tomorrow.

(Sorry - we didn't take many photos this month.)

Blessings,

Elizabeth

1 Corinthians 15:19-20 

If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.  But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

December

Happy New Year!

I like rhymes.  I liked the sound of "2025, the year to thrive".  I have no doubt of God's abundant blessings and perfect provision this year ... but it has been a hard, challenging year.  Things are so very different from one year ago.  

I just looked back and last New Year's Eve I prayed that 2025 would be a year of spiritual growth. Perhaps it has been?  I'm so thankful God never leaves us or forsakes us and include that in my prayer with my dad most nights.  

My dear Dad broke his collarbone a few weeks ago.  He could have been hurt a lot more so I am grateful.  He has not had much pain and clavicles are supposed to heal well on their own.  We'll head back to the surgeon in a few weeks and hopefully he'll move on to physiotherapy if the x-ray shows that it has healed.

Graham and the boys are watching something in the basement and I just finished watching King of Kings with Lily-Anna so I want to get back to her soon.

We had a good Christmas.  We once again enjoyed Christmas Eve at First Baptist with friends followed by a fun time at their place and then on Christmas morning we were able to attend the service at the local Christian Reformed Church with my dad.  The worship and preaching were great and I LOVE the end of the service when everyone sings the song Glory to God (Ere zig God) in one's choice of Dutch or English.  I always seem to be able to cry in that service for which I am thankful.  After some gift opening, we were also able to go to Listowel and spend some time with my wonderful in-laws before the bad weather hit.  

We found out on Boxing Day that my mom's eldest sister passed away suddenly.  Her husband passed away this past October.  

One thing I have enjoyed is escaping into the latest Mitford book from the library.  

May my life and the lives of my family bring God glory this year.  

Blessings,

Elizabeth

Matthew 5:26

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.    

 

November

This is the first year that Lily-Anna has asked me for a typical kids' Advent Calendar - a door to open each day to uncover chocolate.  I think her friends at school have been talking about their calendars.  So, my three darling offspring will be surprised to find their first Advent calendars when they come to the table in the morning.  

I typically want to do so many things this month - hiding a card for the two youngest to find after school with an activity to do (it could be having a candy cane or buying a gift to donate, etc.).  We also have an Advent wreath with a candle to light each night and a Mary on the donkey to move one step closer to the middle, and ornaments to add to the tree every night as well as a Scripture and devotional reading ....  We definitely miss things every day and some things are missed for more than a day ... but some things happen and I give myself lots of grace for what doesn't happen.  

We put the tree up this weekend as well as a nativity set that we inherited this year.  We still have ornaments to add and boxes to put away but hopefully I'll be able to deal with that tomorrow.

Each evening I write my three gratitudes for the day and then look back at all the gratitudes I've written on that date for all the past months of this year.  I really just want to see where I mentioned my Mom.  I want to be reminded of all the times she showed up with muffins or cookies or loaves or blessed us in some way.  

I bought a necklace of two daffodils to remember my mom as those were her favourite flowers.  

I had one dream of my mom a few weeks after she passed away.  In the dream I went into my sons' room and my mom was standing there.  I said, "Mom!" and I gave her a big hug.  I knew she had died so I was surprised and excited to see her.  We just hugged and turned around and then it was over.  I'm very thankful for the dream.  

I've never been great at grieving.  I usually have to work at feeling something or be alone and focused in order to feel the sadness.  I'm thankful for any time I can cry as I often just feel nothing at all (more like flat affect except that I definitely still react to things that annoy me).  I often just say out loud, "I love you Mom."  I suspect I'll be able to cry at Christmas when Dad comes over alone.  

Graham's shoulder has been painful for a while and he's going to physio.  The arthritis in my body has been more active so I've started my medication again and it seems like it's starting to kick in.  A cold has been going around our home but I've been able to stay healthy thankfully.  

It's definitely past time for bed so I'll say goodnight.  May Advent be a very special time in your home.  

Blessings,

Elizabeth

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:  and the government shall be upon his shoulder:  and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

October

Well, the Blue Jays are going to Game 7 so here's hoping we'll be celebrating tomorrow night.  Kohen was not impressed with the lodged ball rule.

Kohen and Lily-Anna had fun dressing up as a Star Wars character and a pioneer girl respectively.  They brought home lots of candy tonight after walking around with friends.  Isaac was invited to a sleepover so I'm hoping he gets a little sleep as he is attending a birthday tomorrow afternoon.  I enjoyed giving out candy and eating some as well.  

It's surreal that my mom is gone.  She would have seen the kids in their costumes today and given them too much candy and she would have been cheering for the Blue Jays.  

I've put my volunteering on hold at the moment to be available for my dad.  I'm thankful I'm available to help, though he's doing well.  It's lonely to live alone after being married for 56 years.  

Well, that's not much news but if I'm going to stay awake for Game 7, I'd better get some sleep.  Thankfully it's Saturday tomorrow.  Let's go Blue Jays!  

Blessings,

Elizabeth

Revelations 21:4

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

Goodbye Mom

This will be the first post that my mom will not read.  My beautiful, wonderful mother is with Jesus.  After having a mild heart attack the evening of September 24, my mom was scheduled for an angioplasty on September 26.  While in the hospital, she was put on blood thinners which ended up causing a severe brain bleed shortly after midnight on September 26.  Thankfully, all of her children and grandchildren were able to see her on life support and say our goodbyes before she passed away,

We are so thankful to God for our recent family photos.

We miss you so much Mom.  Thanks for being such a great mother and grandmother.  Love you!

  

Psalm 116:15

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

August

August may have finished but summer is not over yet.  We are hoping to head to Toronto Island tomorrow to continue our annual tradition.  We'll get some Bingsu on Tuesday as a back-to-school treat and be ready for the school bell on Wednesday morning.  

I was originally scheduled for jury selection this Tuesday so I was praying I would be able to drop off the kids with Graham for the first day of school.  I found out this week that my jury selection was cancelled.  I always look forward to finding out what teachers and classmates Kohen and Lily-Anna will have.  This year we won't find out until Tuesday.  

August began with a trip to Kincardine for the long weekend.  Our neighbour has a trailer/mobile home there and she generously invites us to use it each summer.  We enjoy the beach, pool, bagpipers, parade, go karts, mini golf, playgrounds, and ice cream.  

Isaac then spent two weeks volunteering at a local community centre.  He was happy to have the last two weeks to sleep in and spend more time with friends.  

Isaac's recreational soccer team also made the playoffs.  It was fun to cheer him and in the end his team received the silver medals.  

My brother and his family came for a weekend and we had family photos taken.  Thankfully it was the same weekend as Isaac was getting baptized in the river.  When Isaac returned from camp in July, he said he wanted to get baptized.  It was a blessing to have so many family and friends supporting him.  

We enjoyed two shows at the Busker Festival last weekend, went to the Farmer's Market and even arranged for Lily-Anna to walk a corgi puppy named Bonnie.  Kohen enjoyed going to Ctrl V with some friends and we said goodbye to two of my nieces who headed back to university.  

For the past three months, our church has read through the Minor Prophets together and the last sermon on the book of Malachi was today. 

We've been blessed with a lovely summer and we look forward to all that fall will bring.  And now, I had best make some lunches for our trip tomorrow.

Blessings,

Elizabeth

Malachi 4:2

But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.  And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.

  

July

Thank You Lord for the blessing of summer!  Summer camps, vacations, VBS, swimming lessons, family time, and even a beautiful wedding to attend.  The change of pace is a wonderful thing.  

Unfortunately, Isaac's camp coincided with VBS at our church so he wasn't able to help out this year.  I was nervous before it started as I felt exhausted but two friends were praying for me and God provided abundantly.  I was awake in the mornings and thoroughly enjoyed my time with the kids and other leaders in our group.  I was definitely tired in the afternoons but it was a fun and meaningful week.

Isaac had a wonderful week at camp.  This is his third year attending with his friend.  He always comes home with great stories.  

Lily-Anna enjoyed her first extended stay away from home.  She stayed with a friend at her friend's Grandma's trailer and went to an all-day art camp on a Christian campground.  She is also hoping to go back next year.  

Last week we went to Fort Henry in Kingston, Upper Canada Village, Montreal, Quebec City, and then saw family near Ottawa.  It was a hot week but we had a good time and enjoyed the hotel pools and yummy croissants. 

Kohen and Lily-Anna are each finishing their second week of swimming lessons.  They've both done well and made progress.  

I'm happy that another long weekend is almost upon us.  We upgraded the stereo in our minivan so it was nice to be able to play audiobooks easily.  We also have a backup camera now which I am getting used to.  

I am thankful for another sweet month of summer ahead.  

Blessings,

Elizabeth

Micah 6:8

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?