Thankful for our Sovereign God

Set to run outside to find hidden surprises!

Surely it has been more than a month since February!  Something has certainly happened as not only have I joined Facebook but so has Graham, my mother, and my aunt.  Speaking of Facebook, I thoroughly enjoyed watching a wedding video tonight from my cousin's wedding two years ago.  Apparently I have lots to catch up on!  That being said, I thus far prefer Messenger for communication.

Lily-Anna on the balance bike at the cemetery

For an insecure introvert who connects better one-to-one, actually posting something on FB might be a stretch.  However, I have been reminded of late with words from Randall Goodgame (we love Slugs & Bugs songs for kids), to "remember not to take myself too seriously because taking yourself too seriously is anathema to being a disciple.  You can't do it.  You can't hold onto your own self and also follow Jesus.  You have to just give it up to the One who really knows what to do with us.  We have to give Him ourselves."  In case my meaning is unclear - perhaps my reticence to posting means I take myself too seriously?  I still have some processing to do.  It is nice to feel more "connected" and knowledgeable.  I've already sent two "Happy Birthday" greetings. :)

We opened the door and there was a duck!

This duck's partner was out our front window

The five Faulkners are social distancing due to Covid-19, the coronovirus that has spread through the world (I write that so I know what was going on when I read this when I'm older and greyer but I'm quite sure this season will never be forgotten.)  'Unprecedented' has been my word of choice for this situation.  So thankful that we serve a Sovereign God who is in control, who is good, who loves us, and whom we can trust.

The boys working on some science kits

So, what has changed?  We leave the house for groceries (Graham or I) and for walks or bike rides or kicking the soccer ball or racing remote control cars, all while making sure we stay at least six feet away from other people.  We say hi to our neighbours from afar as well as the grandparents.  The kids are learning at home and we watch our church service in our basement.  Each day I walk into our tidy bedroom and when I need a towel I look in our tidy linen closet and when I do laundry I do that in our tidier laundry room (still in progress but much improved).  Once a week, the extended Lucas family has a Zoom call and both boys do their piano lessons on Zoom.  Monday to Friday the kids learn upstairs while Graham is working from home in the basement.  I am also enjoying longer quiet times reading my Bible and praying (after the kids are asleep).  We are playing chess (and anti-chess which Graham taught us).  I actually want to learn strategy so I can get better.  Who knew I would like chess?!

My chess teacher

There are ups and downs with the learning but on the first day I certainly felt the privilege of being able to connect with my kids in a new way.  Our "school" day now starts with Bible and prayer in individual rooms.  Lily-Anna loves having her brothers home.  Our "read aloud" book is Pollyanna, just because I found it on the shelf while getting rid of some books in the basement.  I didn't think about its subject per se when I chose it but I think it's a great book for us to read - after lunch each day.     

Tea party with treats

I put up three magnetic boards in our home.  These have been in the corner of our room for months and months and months.  One now has my checklist for reading the Bible and prayer time and eating well (just started yesterday) and also my updated prayer list.  Feeling good about being more intentional.

I made sure to thank workers at Walmart the last time I was there to shop.  Thank you to all the people continuing to work and serve in grocery stores, pharmacies, and all the healthcare workers.

I should have been asleep long ago so I'll say goodnight for now and I hope to post pictures tomorrow night, though I realize my record is not good when I miss.

Oh right, I forgot my little vignettes that I keep notes on during the month:

Mommy - singing to Lily-Anna, "Thank you for being a sweetie pie."
Lily-Anna - Don't thank me, thank God for making me.

***

Lily-Anna had always loved and looked forward to her literacy program two mornings a week.  One day she didn't want to attend so I spoke with her teacher and found out that a little girl had spit at her.  I chatted with Lily-Anna about this and she seemed to feel better.  The following day out of the blue she asked me if we could pray for the girl at the program who spit at her.  We prayed.

***

Lily-Anna: Is 'Lily-Anna' in the Bible?
Me: The word lily is in the Bible and the name Anna is in the Bible.
Lily-Anna: Well, I am a girl named Lily-Anna and I follow Jesus.
Me: Yes, you are.

***

I was in my room so I overheard the following.  Lily-Anna was singing in the living room and then she went into the kitchen and spoke with Isaac:

Lily-Anna: That was a Bible song.
Isaac: You did a good job.
Lily-Anna: I'm pressed.
Isaac: You are impressed?
Lily-Anna: Yes, I'm pressed with my friends.  They sang well.
(She is referring to imaginary friends, one of whom is often "Jimmy" and then an assortment of interesting names that often rhyme.  "Jimmy" had to be in the hospital but then he came and stayed with us but had to stay in his own space.")

Can you see the pillow?!

Good night and God bless you and yours!  May you draw closer to God during this time.  He is a good God and He loves you.

Blessings,
Elizabeth

John 1:14

¹⁴ The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Happy Leap Year!

I have lived through another home birthday party.  Kohen turns six years old this week so ten of his school friends came to his party today.  He had fun and Isaac was a great help.  I'm exhausted and need sleep so this may be short but I'm very thankful to God for helping this party come together.  Home parties always involve lots of prayer.

As always, I enjoyed my Valentines' dates with each of my children.  Graham surprised me with beautiful roses and we went to see the movie Little Women on our date night. 

Looking at our calendar, I see I have written "Strike Day" on six different days in February.  Hopefully a deal will be reached soon. 

Graham fell while skating and hurt his rib.  He has been in a lot of pain, though it has improved a lot since he first fell. 

The boys playing at the cemetery

God knows I like special numbers.  He gives me gifts.  Yesterday, I parked the van outside Dollarama and noticed that our odometer was at 181818.  I then went and bought some items at the store and the bill came to $18.18.  That was God reminding me that Kohen's party was in His hands (and so was I).

We have new drapes in our front window.  We haven't had drapes there for a few years.  It feels nice to be able to close the drapes in the evening and keep the heat in. 

We have a family dinner for Kohen tomorrow and I'm helping in his Sunday School class in the morning so that means an early start.

Thank you for any prayers.  As I told someone this week, there are struggles that we are dealing with in our home but we are headed in the right direction, though it can feel very slow at times.  I finally changed the Bible verse on our black board so the new one is found below.

Blessings,
Elizabeth

Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.

Happy 2020!

Ebelskivers for New Years!

The new year has begun.  Happy New Year!  Lily-Anna started a free early literacy program two mornings a week, which she loves.  She has a friend who attends as well.  I've also registered her for Junior Kindergarten in September.  It's all going by too fast for me but I like to see her excited about learning.  I've also applied for French Immersion for Kohen so hopefully he is accepted for next year.

First day at her literacy program

Registering for JK

Sadly, the year started off with the passing of an important man to me.  This man and his wife generously offered to take me into their home before they met me, when I was expecting Josiah, as I needed to live near Mt. Sinai Hospital.  Before I knew that this place was an option, I was looking at Bed and Breakfasts near Mt. Sinai Hospital and pictured myself going into labour and walking to the hospital.  God had a much better plan that involved the Rev. Canon Dr. Walter Bryce Vipperman (a.k.a. "Duke") and his lovely wife Deborah driving me to the hospital during Toronto rush hour.  Deborah waited with me until Graham arrived from Kitchener with plenty of time before Josiah entered the world.  They were the perfect people for me to be with at that time.  After I bemoaned the fact that I couldn't find marzipan chocolate to have during labour, Deborah went and found some, unbeknownst to me.  I loved listening to their prayers.  They attended Josiah's dedication and Duke prayed at Josiah's funeral.

My parents and I attended the packed funeral in Toronto.  It's the only funeral I have attended in which there was no eulogy.  Duke was able to plan the entire service himself.  It was so evident that this service was to focus on Jesus Christ and bring Him glory.  It did.

I recently finished reading Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker, a professor of neuroscience and psychology and the Director of the Center for Human Sleep Science at the University of California, Berkeley.  My dad sent me a link to a Youtube video and then I signed out the book from the library.   Wow!  I wish I knew this information in high school!  I have been incredibly ignorant about sleep and the amazing things our brains do while we sleep.  I will gladly sacrifice my sleep for my children when they need me but I have started to try to give myself the opportunity to sleep eight hours.  This is a huge change for me.  I feel like I have permission to sleep for the first time.  It is amazing how God has created our bodies and all that happens during sleep.  Fascinating.  Which means ... I need to get to sleep soon.

My mother-in-law also passed on a song to us by the group CityAlight.  Graham and I have been enjoying listening to their music.

While I'm recommending things ... if you have trouble opening jars, I highly recommend the Lee Valley jar opener (one piece of metal).  We bought two recently for people we love, after trying it out ourselves.  This purchase came after I asked a neighbour to open a jar of pasta sauce for me.  So, this is for using if your neighbours are away.

Lily-Anna and I were in the van heading to Canadian Tire.  I told her that we needed to buy a scraper for the van (to remove ice) as our other one had broken.  (Thankfully we don't need this very often as we park in the garage.)  Our conversation:

Lily-Anna: If this one breaks too, you can just buy another one.
Me: Well, we want to be good stewards of our money and we want to take good care of our things.  We don't want to spend all our money on scrapers.
Lily-Anna: I have lots of money.  If you or Daddy need any money, you can have it.  

Gingerbread in January

I think for the first time ever, our whole family became sick, one after another.  Kohen started throwing up on a Thursday, Isaac on Friday, Lily-Anna on Saturday, Graham on Sunday, and then I felt sick late Monday into Tuesday.  I was feeling pretty good about our team effort as parents (one of us comforting and the other cleaning) ... until Graham became sick ... and then I was angry.  Really, I was scared but it comes out as anger.  I remember this happening when Graham had pneumonia a few years ago.  Yes, I was angry at him for getting pneumonia (scared because I had a baby and a small child who were high-risk if they caught pneumonia).  However, this time it didn't take me too long before I confessed and apologized.  So, I'd love to get to the point of skipping the anger/fear and just trusting God right away but I'm thankful for small steps of progress in the right direction.  And, I am very thankful for only one person throwing up at a time.  Lord, please bless the single parents who must deal with sick children by themselves.

The boys have missed two days of school so far due to strikes and there are three more days scheduled next week.  The kids find this exciting.  Thankfully the bus strike is over.  My dad has blessed us tremendously by taking Graham to and from work.  Our lovely neighbour also offered to help with driving.  God provides.

I'm back swimming at the pool after a couple of years break.  Thankfully everything has come back.  It feels good to be in the water.

Thank you for any prayers!  I'll see if I can add some photos quickly, otherwise it will have to wait as I need sleep.  I will add them this time though. (I just checked the time - sleep wins and there will be no photos tonight but they will be added ... or I'll be in trouble with my mother!  I am teaching Kohen's Sunday School class this Sunday for the first time (usually I just help) so I have more prep for that.

Blessings,
Elizabeth

Philippians 2:4

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Psalm 127:2

It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.

   

Goodbye 2019

What an incredible decade it's been!  All of my children were born during this decade.  During this decade we welcomed and loved and said goodbye to Josiah.  We will forever be thankful to God for those days we were blessed to have Josiah with us.

December was a whirlwind.  On this last day of the year I was addressing Christmas cards!  We did enjoy a lovely Christmas at our place with all the grandparents.  We attended our church's Christmas Eve service and then visited a local Christian Reformed Church for their service Christmas morning.  I grew up going to church on Christmas morning and Graham really wanted to go this year.  He said that so much is pointing us away from Christ that he wanted to be counter-cultural.  The music was beautiful with lots of instruments and in addition to the wonderful carols that I love to sing, there was also a glorious song at the end of the service that some of the congregation sang in Dutch.  A triumphant proclamation that Christ is Lord.  Actually, I don't remember the words but that's the feeling I was left with.  I thought about Josiah singing to Jesus at the same time as we were singing. 

Lily-Anna likes to sing: "Away in a manger, no crib for a bed.  The little Lord Jesus, I love Him so much."  She loves to sing about God (and everything else mixed in) and also to pray.  She's been enjoying the microphone she received for Christmas.  Kohen loves to take photos and videos so he has had a lot of fun with the kids' camera he received.  Isaac loves to build Lego but he equally enjoys (maybe even more) playing with the Lego and inventing plots for the Star Wars ships, etc.  We are all having fun using the new foose ball and games table.

Isaac's first birthday party outside of our home was a success.  The kids enjoyed bowling and the pizza and it was definitely less exhausting for me.  I am very thankful for all the great memories of his past parties but this was a good transition for all of us.  I didn't get to bowl but it made me think that I would enjoy trying it again ... perhaps on a future date.

Graham and I have enjoyed two monthly dates now.  In December we went to the movie theatre and watched A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood.  I wish I had been able to watch Mr. Rogers when I was small, though I am happy we didn't grow up with cable tv.  There was more than enough junk on the three or four channels we received.

Lily-Anna writing a "letter"

We talk about making "marvelous mistakes" here.  Lily-Anna has actually caught on the fastest.  She'll do something such as dump her milk glass over accidentally and let me know, "I've just made a marvelous mistake Mommy."  The idea is that we learn from these mistakes (from the Positive Discipline course I took).  Well, I made more than one marvelous mistake in preparing my first turkey; however, I feel I learned a few important lessons (the primary one being to write down what time I put the turkey in the oven!) that will help me be successful next time.  I did like my gravy though.  It wasn't hot enough by the time my turkey was sort of ready but it was very tasty.    I am thankful for tasty gravy and not making anyone sick (and yes, I own and use a meat thermometer).  I was very excited to dry brine my fresh turkey.  My mom said that Easter might be a good time to try my next turkey.  I'll let you know how it goes.

I think the month of December is just another great chance for me to focus on trusting God each and every day.  I realized that I am a person that likes checking off every item on my list but in December my list never seems to end by the end of the day.  So, sometimes (often) I would rather go to Walmart at 10:00 PM so that I can cross another item off my list.  But, this isn't a healthy way to live of course.  I need to trust God for my daily bread and nightly sleep and know that He will provide again the following day.  I am hopeful for more positive changes in the new year and decade.

I have read a couple of grieving books this month - one written by a mother whose 12-year-old son died and another written by a father whose 33-year-old son died.  I wept in parts of each of them.  I am always thankful for the tears.  I didn't put 2 and 2 together until this month.  I forget my exact ages but certainly during elementary school I loved reading what I called "dying books."  They were fictional stories written for my age group about people dying of cancer or an accident or kids getting a disease, etc.  I cried reading those as well.

In 'Stations of the Heart,' Richard Lischer says that before his son Adam died he concurred with the theory of grief that for those who lose someone who has been sick, their grief work has already begun when the person is still alive.  I remember the same thing being said to me.  He writes, "My theory of grief proved to be untrue ... Only after he was gone did we fully appreciate the qualitative distinction between illness and absence, the chasm between terminal and terminated.  Only after Adam died did we realize we had not been grieving at all, for grief is longing for one who is absolutely unattainable.  We had been swarming like moths around a flickering candle, but it was still giving off a little light. ... In those last days we were coping with the anguish that precedes death, but we had not begun to grieve."  I can see both sides of this theory but I like his words. 

Graham asked for a poem book by Malcolm Guite.  I chose one called, 'Love Remember: 40 Poems of loss, lament and hope.'  I would love to quote the whole introduction.  He does a wonderful job of not simply highlighting our hope as Christians but also the reality and intensity of grief when a loved one dies.  I am looking forward to reading the compilation of poems.  I know people struggling now and I know others in full grief.  My prayers are with you. 

Graham and Isaac are watching Chicken Run.  It looks like Isaac might stay up until midnight for the first time.  I want to go and spend some time with them so I'll say goodnight and hopefully add some photos tomorrow or the next day.

Happy New Year!  Happy 2020!  May the grace, mercy, love, joy, and peace of Jesus Christ be yours in abundance.  May this next decade be full of new life in different ways, for the glory of God.  Thank You Lord for Your incredible blessings. 

Blessings,
Elizabeth

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

  

Growing Up

My baby is three and a half years old today.  She has reached another milestone, which means that I have as well.  I no longer have children who call me to get them out of bed in the morning.  Until recently, Lily-Anna has loudly called out, "Mommy," or "Daddy" upon awaking in the morning.  I would go to her and get her out of bed and perhaps cuddle on her chair.  Now she comes out on her own, unless it's still during the night, in which case I am awoken when she yells my name.  After I help her with something such as fixing covers, she'll ask, "Is it wake up time yet?"  She'll go back to sleep if it's not time.  When she does wake up in the morning she'll find me and give me a hug.

During the first major snow this year when the kids woke up and snow covered everything, they were outside in their pajamas (and coats and boots, etc) before 6:30 in the morning.  It was dark out.  We then had hot chocolate to celebrate.  The boys have been excited to shovel some snow and earn some money.   

First snow early in the morning

I realized tonight that in ten years Isaac will be 19 (almost)!  Wow - it's definitely going by too quickly.  His birthday will soon be here and for the first time he will not be having a friends birthday party in our home.  We're going bowling.  His first choice was a home birthday but I didn't think we had room for 10+ boys running around and this was also the first year that I couldn't come up with a theme.  While we have great memories of the last four birthday parties, I must say that there is a lot less work for a party outside the home.  We are actually going to put up our Christmas tree tomorrow afternoon (we've never been able to do that before Isaac's party before due to space).  It is a nice blessing to be able to focus on Christmas earlier.  Isaac has always wanted that too so it's a win-win.

I think I've mentioned that I've been going to a parenting class each week.  Last week was the last class.  We have a ways to go but Graham and I are both trying to improve our parenting and we are seeing some positive results.  I am excited about our weekly family meetings.  We have had four meetings now.  We start with everyone giving everyone else a compliment or a thank-you.  Last week Kohen couldn't wait to start and told Graham how patient he had been at something.  We also plan a fun family activity which meant we were all at the skating rink last week during which Lily-Anna skated for the first time.  I thought she did well for her first time, though she doesn't want to return any time soon.  We also come up with a proposed solution to some issue going on and we enjoy some ice cream together. 

First skate

Hot chocolate and goodies and Grandma and Grandpa Lucas' home

One night I could hear that Kohen wasn't happy after lights out.  I went to see what the problem was:
Mommy: What's the matter?
Kohen: I want to have kids but I don't want to get married.
Mommy: Why don't you want to get married?
Kohen: I don't want to get separated.
Mommy: Why would you be separated?
Kohen: Daddy said we won't stay married in heaven.

**

Kohen is in Isaac's locker

From the washroom one day I could hear Kohen and Lily-Anna.  They were under the kitchen table apparently having a secret prayer meeting.  I heard Kohen thanking Jesus for dying for them.

**

Lily-Anna made up a game trying to land hangers on the stairs

Lily-Anna and I were walking back to the van after dropping the boys off at school and waving goodbye.
Lily-Anna: Mommy, can I have a piece of pretend gum?
Mommy: Sure.  Here you go.
Lily-Anna: Thank you Mommy.

**

Lily-Anna likes to send emojis to Graham at work.  We took at photo of her lunch plate which looked like a face and was made out of vegetables.  We were sending it to Graham.
Mommy: Is there something you want to say to Daddy?
Lily-Anna: I like crowns.
Mommy: Is there something you want to say about daddy?
Lily-Anna: Daddy, you love me.
Mommy: Anything else you'd like to say about Daddy?
Lily-Anna: Daddy, I hope you are having a great meeting.

**

This was news to me but Isaac told us this week that when he eats coloured candies such as Smarties or Skittles he organizes them and eats them in the order of ROYGBIV.

**

Kohen was excited to give Lily-Anna his old pajamas

It's time to say goodnight to November.  Thanks for any prayers.  May you and yours enjoy a wonderful Advent and Christmas season, celebrating the birth of Jesus our Saviour and anticipating a future glorious. 

Blessings,
Elizabeth

Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Thankful for Fall

What a beautiful fall we have had!  It's a wet goodbye to October but we've enjoyed lots of sunshine.

Lily-Anna's farm program has finished but swimming has started for all of the kids.  I often try to make a nicer family breakfast on Saturdays (waffles, pancakes, or crepes are top of the list) but that will change for the next number of weeks as swimming starts early.  Thankfully, the pool is close so we can walk.

Two of my nieces turned 13 this month.  It was very special to be part of a time of blessing for them along with a number of other women in their lives.

We had a fun Thanksgiving weekend with my brother and his family near Ottawa.  We even enjoyed a walk through a forest and the men and boys went on a bike ride. 

I am missing being in a small group for this season but we are glad that I am going to a parenting course on Wednesday nights.  We may even have our first family meeting this next week.  That reminds me that Graham and I have decided to start having monthly dates out of the house.  We've booked our lovely babysitters for November and December. 

Fun with walkie talkies in the forest

We went to our friends' church tonight for a fun time with games, an obstacle course, and lots of goodies.  Afterward, we walked around our crescent with our neighbour and his daughter for their first Hallowe'en outing.  Friends down the street were handing out hot chocolate to parents.

I have enjoyed listening to a couple of episodes of the Read Aloud Revival Podcasts.  I was excited to hear of more books to pick up to read to the kids.  Thankfully, the library has most of them.  The challenge is finding the time.  Isaac and I are working through The Hobbit before bed.  Books are a key tool to help all three kids calm down.

Kohen on two wheels

I keep yawning so I need to head to bed.  Thanks for any prayers.

Blessings,
Elizabeth

Standing on eggs

1 Corinthians 15:20-21
But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.  for as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.  

P.S. I was just looking back at the camera roll for the month and was reminded of my gratitude for Youtube.  I changed the air filter and the cabin filter for our van one afternoon, with Lily-Anna rooting me on.  We're talking about using the ratchet set!  I came close to calling my dad to get the cover of the air filter back on but eventually it went back to its proper place.  Good times!  I even took photos of my dirty hands to send to Graham at work.  He was duly impressed. 

Do you see what's missing?!

Sunny September

What a beautiful September this has been!  It's nice to be back into the school routine.  The boys both enjoy their classes and Lily-Anna and I enjoy our treks to the school where Lily-Anna often plays with a friend. 

Isaac graduated from Music for Young Children and passed his level one exam in June so he started with a new piano teacher this month (his cousin's teacher) and is doing well.  Kohen started Music for Young Children and is really enjoying it.  I had forgotten how much time and effort the practicing is (for the parents) in the early years but he is getting his five weekly practices checked off. 

Lily-Anna and I love participating in the farm program each week.  I was so thankful we were able to register as I did the program with both of the boys. 

We are taking a break from leading a small group this year.  We may join one in January, but for the present I am taking a parenting workshop each week and starting to implement some positive changes at home (many more are needed).  I am also attempting to do a better job at planning meals.  The kids have yet to fully embrace "Meatless Mondays" but I'm sold and Graham and I have enjoyed the meals. 

The highlight of this month was celebrating Graham's parents' 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends.  All the B.C. family flew in for the weekend so it was wonderful to be together again.  We were even able to get family photos taken. 

I watched a great Youtube video about sleep this month that I wish I had seen when I was in my teens.  Anyway, it has inspired me to try to get more sleep.  I'm also doing a better job watching what I'm eating and I'm thankful for these small successes.

First day of Grade 4 and SK

Speaking of sleep, I'd better keep moving here so I'll say goodnight.  Thanks for any prayers.

Blessings,
Elizabeth

Richard Scarry appeals to all

Proverbs 1:33
"But whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster."   

P.S. Our adventure on the last day of August was our 7th annual trip to Toronto Island.  Great times had by all and so lovely to be joined by our friends again.

On the log ride

On the ferry