Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!  2024 is almost here.  We are celebrating with Graham's parents and lots of food.  

It's been a busy, wonderful month.  We celebrated Isaac becoming a teenager with family and friends, and enjoyed various Advent and Christmas activities.  

Christmas Eve morning at our church was lovely (Kohen and Lily-Anna enjoyed a pancake party).  We attended a beautiful evening candlelight service at First Baptist with friends followed by fun at their home and a late night.  

On Christmas morning we celebrated at the Christian Reformed Church.  I'm so glad they like to go to church on Christmas as that's how I grew up.  It's true that it's a tradition that I appreciate but it was also a wonderful time to worship with other believers singing the glorious carols.  I also feel closer to Josiah when I'm singing at church on Christmas morning.  It's related to something I once read about the saints on this side and that side worshiping God together.  I picture that, especially on Christmas.  I was extra blessed when the kids were called up to the front of the church and Lily-Anna happily skipped up to the front with all the children she didn't know.  Most or all of the other children had practiced actions to Away in a Manger.  She followed along so well and it was a joy to see her able to take part in that way.  

I had told the kids they wouldn't have to come to church on Christmas Day if they were too tired from the late night but Isaac was looking forward to it and the others came willingly.  It's their tradition now too.  

With Graham being sick before Christmas and our late night Christmas Eve, I was actually wrapping a number of presents after church on Christmas Day.  The kids were very patient and I think the results were worth the wait.  

It's time for me to continue celebrating with family so I will say goodnight and wish you and yours a very Happy New Year!  

I enjoyed the sermon this morning based on Matthew 11:28-30.  We need to come to Jesus, take His yoke and find rest.  Amen!

Blessings,

Elizabeth

Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

November

Well, according to the calendar, it's been a busy November but it's all a bit of a blur. We managed to get the Winter tires put on the van in time for the latest snow.  (That is, Canadian Tire managed to get the tires changed.)  We think the van may be on it's last legs but it would be great if could last a few more months at least.  There are some new noises and rattles so we'll see what the mechanic says.

The kids enjoyed seeing the grass covered by snow.  It was pretty. 

I'm so thankful that God helped us to fix our kitchen faucet so we could save some money.  The same faucet came on sale so I picked it up as insurance but thankfully I was able to return it.  I looked online and used a drill and then a chisel to remove a plastic nut that was stuck (clearly this is a known problem based on what I read online).  It took a good while but eventually it came out.  

I was a little too full of myself and an ignoramus and didn't put two and two together to realize that water would come out when I managed to remove this.  Of course it came spraying out when my dad was there observing my work. 😏   The water that sprayed out while I tried to turn off the water under the sink managed to get into my dishwasher and cause it to stop working but thankfully I knew that was an easy fix (though not something I wanted added to my plate that day).  Yes, pride goeth before a fall.  

After I removed the offending nut, I wasn't able to screw in the new one and figured it was a lost cause ... but I still prayed that God would intercede.  He did so using Graham's muscles.  He was able to screw in the one.  This fixed some issues but it was disappointing to see that our cold water pressure was still low after all of that.  The handle was fixed though.  However, after a couple of weeks, the cold pressure is now high.  It's been a long time since we've had that and it certainly is a blessing to fill up the Brita quickly.  Lily-Anna was excited to be a plumber too.

Isaac is starting to think about what high school to attend next year.  He's been able to visit some of the schools.  At the moment he's hoping to attend the closest school which is a short walk away.  I'm getting ready to be a mom to a teenager next month.  How did this happen so quickly?

I just remembered that we all had a stomach bug in November.  Thankfully we each took turns, one after the other and there wasn't too much extra laundry.  

December will be a fun whirlwind.  Lily-Anna is looking forward to playing the piano in a recital and singing in a performance at school.  We'll go to the Christmas Memorial again at the Coping Centre.  I think this will be our 10th year going there and possibly our last.  It seems to be most important to our youngest children to attend.  It is fun to put Josiah's ornament on the tree outside.  

PD Day crepes for breakfast

I need to take my needle tonight and get bloodwork in the morning so I need to get to sleep.  I'm hoping my inflammatory markers in my blood look better than last month.  I'd rather not start another medication but I suspect my doctor will recommend that when I see him next week.  Physically I have felt quite good so I am thankful for that.  

We were blessed to see a deer

The kids each have a day of the week when they help make the supper.  Isaac chose to make Swedish Meatballs one of his days and Kohen chose Chicken Enchiladas which he and Isaac made together (with some guidance from me).  Lily-Anna and I pounded and rolled chicken breasts filled with a dill and parmesan mixture.  At the moment this system depends on me having my act together to ask them ahead of time what they'd like to make and then make sure we have all the ingredients.  I think they are starting to learn that some recipes take a lot of time and cause a lot of mess ... and are worth it.  And some recipes sound better than they taste.  

Each December we try to have Advent readings and a candle lighting each night and this year I have some new wooden tree ornaments that go along with the readings so I am excited to surprise the kids with those tomorrow.  We need to put our tree up soon - hopefully this Saturday.  

Blessings,

Elizabeth

Isaiah 7:14

“Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel.”

 

October

Happy Hallowe'en!

My knight, pirate, and astronaut were very happy with their haul of candy tonight.  Isaac went out with a friend and Graham took Kohen and Lily-Anna around our neighbourhood while I gave out candy and cleaned up from supper.  No one was sick and it wasn't raining.  The youngest wore gloves and boots and said they were warm enough but I met some chilly treat-or-treaters. 

I was impressed with the costumes this year.  I was at Once Upon a Child and I didn't realize costumes were 50% off until I went to buy them so the pirate costume came to $6 and the astronaut costume was $7.  Isaac already had everything for his costume except for the mask which cost $8.  

I remember seeing a few grotesque or scary/creepy masks or costumes in past years but I didn't notice that this year (though we don't get a ton of kids here).  There are a few over-the-top yard displays but they don't bother me as much as they used to (though I will never be a fan).  After we buried Josiah, seeing skeletons and pretend graveyards took on a new meaning.  I naively thought that perhaps it was just me but I recently read posts from other mothers grieving the loss of their children and they had similar experiences when seeing Hallowe'en displays.  

Isaac realized we were twinning at church

I am feeling pretty good these days, though I can't seem to shake a cough which I've had for weeks.  I had my weekly needle last night so I'm extra tired and will need to say goodnight without much of an update.

Blessings,

Elizabeth

Joshua 1:8-9

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.  For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.  Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.  

September Sunshine

Here we are at the end of September and the weather was beautiful today!  We've enjoyed so many warm days with the right amount of chill in the evening and morning air to remind me that fall is here and that my Birkenstocks will soon need to hibernate.  I will be happy to remove the portable air conditioners from a couple of our windows.  

My parents arrived home yesterday from a trip to see family in England and Northern Ireland.  They had a wonderful time.  They have some jetlag at the moment so hopefully that won't last long.  It's great to have them back.  A number of their plants even survived having me as their caregiver.  

School did not start until the Wednesday after Labour Day in our region this year.  So, we went to Toronto Island on Labour Day.  I'm not sure if it was the heat or the date that kept people away (most other regions started school on the Tuesday) but we actually did not have to line up for ice cream or (believe it or not), the woman's washroom!  I don't think I would have believed it.  We still had to line up for the swan ride in Centreville but Kohen and Lily-Anna were willing to wait and it was my first time.  Sadly, the log ride was closed but we did have fun on the bumper cars.  Unfortunately, the friends we usually meet there were not able to go.  

We decided to take transit there and back.  We drove to the train station where we hopped on a bus taking us to Brampton where we caught the train to Union Station and then walked to the ferry.  We all enjoyed it a lot more than taking the van.  Kohen had a little too much sun but he perked up after his lemonade from Tim Hortons.  

The next day I took the kids out for Bingsu which we had discovered and planned for a few weeks prior.  It was a nice treat with which to say goodbye to summer holidays.

The transition back to school has been smooth.  They all have wonderful teachers and friends in their classes.  Piano lessons are up and running again as well as karate for Kohen.  Swimming lessons start next week for Lily-Anna.

There were a few more cold symptoms in the house this month but nothing serious.  

The kids enjoyed having some friends over this month.  I've never been good at planning playdates so I was happy to make these happen.  

I've almost reached the time for the peak effects of my new medicine.  Thankfully the inflammatory markers in my blood are still decreasing but they are higher than they should be.  I've attempted to follow the anti-inflammatory protocol in my diet to some degree but I haven't been great at that.  Hopefully I can do a better job at that and also exercise more in October.  

I need to head to bed as Isaac and I are serving in Kids' Ministry at church in the morning. 

We're looking forward to celebrating Thanksgiving next weekend and the first birthdays of the six family birthdays in October.

Blessings,

Elizabeth

Psalm 25:4-5

Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.  Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.    

August

Well, school starts in six days and I think my kids are ready.  They have shoes and backpacks and full pencil cases.  They are all able to reuse their backpacks.  Kohen knows how to pick them as his has lasted since JK and is going strong.  I guess I should make sure their pants are still long enough as it's been a while since those have been worn.

The tooth fairy comes tonight

Kohen had his last swimming lesson tonight and I'm really happy with all the progress he's made this summer.  He did three front flips off the diving board tonight.  

It's been a different summer as I haven't always felt the best but we've made good memories.  We had a great time at the trailer in Kincardine.  Our wonderful neighbour bought it this summer and generously invited us to use it whenever Graham had holidays!  That was such an amazing gift as we hadn't made plans at that point.  

Kohen had been looking forward to going to his friend's VBS for months.  He was able to enjoy three days but missed the last two days as he was invited on a family camping trip.  In the past, there has been an annual Daddy-Daughter camping trip which Graham and Lily-Anna joined my brothers and their daughters on last year.  This year one of my nieces had to work so they decided to invite some boy cousins.  Kohen was able to go and catch some fish along with Graham and Lily-Anna while Isaac and I had a few days together.  

It was very nice to have some one-on-one time with Isaac.  We watched some Star Wars shows and had a number of treats and we took one of his friends to Bingemans Water Park for a few hours. He also made his first delicious cheesecake.  We found a place to get Bubble Tea and also discovered that we can now get Bingsu locally.  We may try that before school starts.  Isaac has good memories of eating Bingsu with his cousins in B.C.

We also had a picnic at Shades Mills with family and set up the tent in the backyard of my in-laws.  The summer's not over yet.  We still have a few more days of fun.

Isaac has mowed his grandparents' lawn this summer.  We've had so much rain that he hasn't missed a week and the grass has stayed green.  I've actually enjoyed the rain this summer as every time it rains I'm so thankful that I don't need to water the plants (or feel guilty for not watering the plants).

I had my sixth needle this past Sunday.  It's the first time that Graham has given it to me.  I've always injected into my stomach but the past two times I've chosen the thigh and I think I'll continue that.  I also asked if I could have the pre-filled syringes and that's been a good change too.  Scents are bothering me more and I am nauseous from time-to-time and am more fatigued.  I think my arthritis symptoms are improving.  It usually takes six to eight weeks for the medicine to work.  

Rolling out pizza dough

I showed a funny video to Isaac from The Holderness Family which included a number of slang words that I had never heard.  Isaac hears all of the words at school.  I looked the words up and still don't understand how to use them all.  

Oh, I almost forgot!  We went out to see the moon last night!  It was a rare blue supermoon.  We drove to the cemetery to try to get away from the lights.  We all walked down our street but then Isaac stayed home to read while the rest of us went to the cemetery and enjoyed the moon.  

It's time for bed so I will say goodnight and see if I can grab some photos.  

Blessings,

Elizabeth

Psalm 34:18

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.