February Fun and Frustrations

Celebrating after the spelling bee

I'm a little distracted right now but it is time to say good-bye to another February.  

It's quiet and everyone has gone to bed and my own pillow is calling but I'm still thinking about an email I received earlier today.  I don't want to rehash the entire story but basically our 20-year-old rusty metal basketball pole was damaged in December so that it is no longer usable (unless you want to shoot baskets into a leaning net).  I've been trying to get either the company who caused the damage or the company who hired the workers who caused the damage to take responsibility and make our old pole straight again (we're not asking for a new pole).  The former company refuses to admit they had anything to do with this even though they had massive machines on our yard and were digging with a small excavator right beside the pole.  The latter company answers their phone, listens to me, gives me a case number and then never calls.  After receiving my third case number I asked to speak with a manager but they refused to speak with me as I am not their customer.  

The email I received today was not helpful and I was getting riled up so I knew I should read my Bible and talk to God.  I wanted an easy answer as to whether or not I should just walk away and move on and not become bitter, or, to keep trying to get justice.  I'm amused by the parable that was in the chapter I was reading in Luke.  It was the parable of the persistent widow in which a widow keeps going to a judge and asking for justice.  It says that even though the judge neither feared God nor respected man, the judge said, "Because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming." (verse 5)  Of course my first thought was that I need to be persistent in my call for justice concerning the basketball pole.  

However, upon my second look at the verses I see that the message of the parable to Jesus' listeners is that "they ought always to pray and not lose heart." (verse 1) and that God gives "justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night." (verse 7)  So, it's not quite as clear as I thought.  Clearly I need to pray and ask for wisdom about next steps.  My natural tendency is to fight for justice and to have a basketball pole that my kids can use and to not be out a bunch of money for something that we did not cause ... but on the other hand would I be more like Jesus if I just forgave and walked away?  Actually, this may be an interesting question to ask the kids and see what they think.

Isaac came second at the Inaugural Waterloo Regional Spelling Bee.  He is a great speller and hopes to be able to participate again next year.  He also took part in the Coldest Night of the Year event this past Saturday with members of his youth group.  We're going to try to all walk it next year.  I've asked a friend to pressure me.  Lily-Anna wanted to walk too but we didn't make it happen.

I'm just looking at my calendar to see what happened in February.  Wow - Valentine's Day seems like it was a long time ago.  I was able to continue my tradition of taking out each of the kids separately for a Valentine's treat on three separate days.  They all chose to go to Starbucks for a hot chocolate and cake pop.  Yum!  Cake pops are so good! 

Treats dropped off by a friend!

Kohen, Graham, and Isaac were sick this month (Lily-Anna had it first at the end of January).  Sadly, Graham and Isaac had to miss a concert when Graham was sick and then Isaac missed Valentine's activities at school when he was sick.  We are all healthy now, PTL!

Baking on the snow day

Well, I still have a little shortness of breath but it has decreased since I had Covid in January.  I'm going for some sort of lung test this week to check things out.   I do have an inhaler but I haven't chosen to use it as it hasn't been too bad.

Odometer: 222222

My church has a program for young adults and part of the program is to match them with a "sponsor" (someone to listen, encourage and pray).  Graham was a sponsor to a young man and I've met a young woman a couple of times.  What a privilege to be part of her life right now.  

Playing at the park

My kids opened some new books on Family Day.  They were originally a surprise Christmas gift to find and open after all the other gifts were opened but I forgot about them.  Then I left three wrapped books on the lowest shelf in their room but they never found them so after a month I hid them in my room to wait for Family Day.  Christian children's books are one of my favourite things to buy and there are many amazing ones, especially picture books.  

Kohen is counting the days until his birthday this weekend.  He's going to be 9 years old!!!  Wow!

It's time for bed!

Blessings,
Elizabeth

Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Happy 2023!!!

Happy New Year!

I'm happy to say that there is lots of snow outside.  I'm not a huge fan of being cold but if I'm going to be cold outside (given that it's January in southwestern Ontario), there might as well be snow for the kids to play in and to bring more beauty to this part of the world.  Who doesn't like looking at a snowman on a yard?  Those who shovel the snow may think differently and I certainly would prefer if snow did not fall on driveways.

We awoke on New Year's Day in Listowel and enjoyed some ebelskivers in the late morning.  We drove back home on the 2nd as Lily-Anna had a birthday party to attend.  The last weekend before school started was spent with my side of the family as my brother and his family from Ottawa were visiting.  We went skating at a rink which once again confirmed that I am unable to skate without my feet being in pain.  I bought new skates a few years ago so I think the problem is just my feet.  It's unfortunate because I would otherwise enjoy it.  Thankfully I can go sledding without my feet hurting.

Speaking of sledding, we like to go to a local hill not too far from us.  The City is looking into possibly putting a stormwater pond in the same area which could result in this hill disappearing.  This past Saturday and this afternoon, City employees gave out hot chocolate and answered questions and listened to concerns.  I took Isaac on Saturday and Lily-Anna came with me tonight.  I'm often not interested in a lot of civic issues but this one struck a chord.  There is now an online petition to save the hill.  The City has said they are listening and that the Engineers will be coming up with four different proposals to be voted on.  It will be interesting to see what happens.  While Isaac still wants a hill, he also said it would be nice to have a pond and that students at the adjacent school could go there for nature studies.  

My first attempt at a bun

Kohen is taking a karate class on Saturdays again.  He has his red belt.  Lily-Anna is enjoying her first dance class.  She learns some ballet and jazz on alternating weeks.  

Covid struck again.  Two of us tested positive and two of the kids had symptoms but tested negative.  We were all home together for five days.  Thankfully Graham remained healthy.  That was a big answer to prayer.  Another answer to prayer was that Isaac was able to do his Level 6 piano exam.  If his symptoms had started two days later, he wouldn't have been able to participate and he may not have been able to have another exam booked until June as the April registrations had already closed.  He worked really hard preparing for the exam so I'm so thankful he was able to do it.  

New mug holders

Interestingly, ten days before the exam, we were informed that Isaac would have to wear a mask for the exam due to a new policy at the venue (a church).  I react quickly to things I do not think are just.  It didn't seem fair to me as he hadn't practiced with a mask and other people taking exams at other sites would not have to wear a mask.  Of course, due to post-Covid rules, Isaac had to wear a mask anyway.  At that point I didn't care about the mask, I was just thrilled that he could play.  Actually, Isaac never seemed bothered when he found out he would have to wear a mask.  He is far less reactive than his mother, thankfully.  I have learned to test my reactions though.  I emailed his piano teacher to see if I was overreacting.  She is far too kind to tell me that point blank.

Isaac found out tonight that he received First Class Honours on his practical examination.  He was happy.  Congratulations Isaac!!!

This was my second time with Covid.  The symptoms were quite mild but after most symptoms were gone, I noticed that I had shortness of breath.  It's definitely disconcerting to feel that you cannot get a full breath and that you are not getting enough oxygen.  The doctor gave me a steroid inhaler to use for 14 days and it should also help me get rid of my cough.  I've needed to use the same inhaler twice in the last year to help me get rid of a cough.  I think the medicine is working and I am grateful.  

Isaac went snow tubing for the first time this past weekend with his youth group.  He loved it.  Isaac is currently busy as a bee.  He is preparing for the regional spelling bee on February 11.  He won his class spelling bee and then he received first place in grade 7 at his school so he advanced to the regionals.  There are so many words to study!  It's fun but tiring.   

The Women's Bible Study I attend started up again last Thursday.  I was excited to see everyone.  Unfortunately I couldn't stay very long as Lily-Anna became sick at home.  The first time Graham called, Lily-Anna said she just wanted to hear my voice and that I didn't need to come home.  She asked if there would be a time for prayer requests during out meeting and asked if the group could pray for her.  I said I would make her request.  Graham called a second time after she started throwing up again and he still needed to get Kohen to bed.  I'm glad I was able to give her some cuddles before she went back to sleep.  She's good at knowing when she needs to be sick and usually makes it to one kind of a bowl or another.  

Lily-Anna's Bible Memory Verse

Our Bible Study is looking at a video series about how to study the Bible.  Our Church is also having a sermon series along with Bible Engagement opportunities on Psalm 119 which focuses on delighting in the law of God.  My mother-in-law was just on a podcast sharing how she studies the Bible.  Here's the link for the podcast.  I just saw a great post by Wendy Speake challenging people to read their Bibles.  She writes, "We are a generation of consumers who never learned to consume God's Word.  We scroll through our phones and scour our cabinets, hungry for something to satisfy, but nothing we find there ever does.  We were made for more.  We were made for God.  And our Bibles are where we find Him.  Only in our Bibles will we find the help, hope, and healing we're desperate for."  I also started a new devotional called Fighting Words by Ellie Holcomb which focuses on different verses to cling to and memorize.  I want to grow and everything around me is pointing to the Word.

Time for sleep.  (Sorry it was a slow photo month.)

Blessings,

Elizabeth

Psalm 119:18

"Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law."

Year End

So, I’m hoping this works.  We are away at my in-law’s place and I accidentally brought the wrong laptop which doesn’t have Wi-Fi.  I’m typing this on my phone and hoping I’ll be able to post it.  I’m guessing photos will have to wait unfortunately.  

I’m also missing Kohen’s first introduction to Star Wars so I may be brief.  We just finished watching Little Women (the Winona Ryder version) and now Lily-Anna is trying to fall asleep.

I also don’t have my calendar in front of me to remind me of what happened this month.  Let’s see: Josiah’s Christmas memorial, Kohen and Lily-Anna’s piano recital, Isaac’s 12th birthday, and a beautiful Christmas and all that entails.  

I find December challenging as there are so many things to keep track of.  Of course, it’s also rewarding.  I wrote a list of all the special things we do in December and read it to the kids today and asked if there were things we should take off the list but no one wanted to take anything off the list so I may just need to figure out a way to start things earlier in November.  

Graham and I were pretty exhausted after Christmas and needed to miss a family get-together but thankfully we were able to rest for a couple of days.

The kids and I went sledding with friends this week when there was snow on the ground.  This is the first year that Lily-Anna has been happy to go down the hill by herself and didn’t want to leave. 

Some of us were sick in early December so we couldn’t actually go to the scheduled Christmas memorial at The Coping Centre but we were able to go by ourselves to the property and hang the ornament with Josiah’s name.

It was nice to end the year with a prayer meeting at our church this morning.  I am also quite excited that the church service tomorrow is at 2:00 PM!  That should give me time to make ebelskivers in the morning … if Graham is able to get me out of bed.

I’d better get back to our party. 

Thank You Lord for Your love and faithfulness in 2022.  I’m so thankful to know You will walk with me through 2023 and grateful for the amazing family and friends You have blessed me with.  May I honour You with my thoughts, words, and actions; and may my life bring You glory.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Happy New Year!!!

Blessings to you and yours!

Elizabeth 

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭147‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him;”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

November

When I last wrote one month ago, only our princess was sick.  Each of us ended up getting sick one at a time ... and now we are in the middle of round 2.  I can hear Lily-Anna coughing as I type ... in between blowing my nose.

We've been making very good use of our pull-out couch so that Graham and I can try to get a better sleep, depending on who is sick and waking up coughing.  One night when I was sleeping in the living room, I awoke to the sound of music playing.  I checked the time: 5:10 AM.  I got out of bed and went to the kitchen where I found the iPad playing a wake-up alarm.  I put it off and then thankfully thought to check if any other alarms were set.  Oh yes.  6:00 AM, 6:25 AM, 6:30 AM, 6:31 AM, 6:45 AM, 6:50 AM ... .  We haven't used the iPad for alarms in years and I don't remember ever using the wake up alarm.  I had a little chat with the known suspect later that morning after getting some more sleep.  It hasn't happened again.

Isaac was excited to get into the band at school.  He is playing the trumpet.  It's been nice to hear him practicing.  He is enjoying learning to play and it's been great to hear his progress.  He has also been invited to join a math club at school.  I think I may have mentioned it before but Isaac likes having tests at school and looks forward to them. 

Heading to a concerto with piano and trumpet solos

Kohen really enjoys science.  He also really likes Adventures in Odyssey.  We decided to become members and we have listened to many more adventures.  We used to just listen to the ones played on the radio for free six times a week.  I enjoy them as much as the kids.    

Lily-Anna is so creative.  She loves to draw and make cards and write stories.  She enjoys learning French and loves to help.

After our last fish died in July, I cleaned the tank and it has sat on Lily-Anna's dresser since then.  I finally set everything out and took photos this past Monday.  Graham posted them on Marketplace at lunch and shortly after, a woman said she would pick it up on Tuesday for the asking price.  That Monday night I drove across town to buy a beanbag chair that the kids wanted.  It was the same price as the fish tank.  The kids were happy to use their money from the fish tank sale to get the bean bag chair ... and to see God's provision in the little things.   

Lily-Anna is officially six and a half years old today.  She wanted to make cookies today as she was home from school.  She would love to just dump random ingredients in a bowl to mix and then put in the oven.  I prefer a little more control over the outcome, especially given food prices these days.  We used a peanut butter cookie recipe that we like and then she chose to add:  mashed banana, honey, vanilla, raisins, walnuts, oats, and marshmallows.  She decided on most of the amounts but I did draw the line when she asked if she could add a second cup of sugar.  The cookies are tasty.  We all like them.  She originally wanted to have kiwi in her cookies and according to the Internet she's not the first person to want that.  We didn't have any kiwis and I chose not to remind her that she had also wanted to add strawberries.  My loss.   

Lily-Anna lost her first tooth this month.  It was loose a long time.  I just now remember what happened.  In the middle of the night she threw up in bed.  While she had a shower, I cleaned up and changed her bed.  While she was dressing, the smoke alarm started blaring from the steam coming out of the bathroom as I had forgotten to put the fan on.  I dumped a laundry bin while running to put off the smoke alarm which somehow did not wake Graham or the boys.  Then I heard Lily-Anna say, "My tooth just fell out."  Thankfully the tooth fairy remembered to show up.  Our tooth fairy gives money but lets the kids keep their teeth  ... as that's what the tooth fairy did when she was growing up.  

The two youngest get a note from me in their lunch boxes each day at school.  Lily-Anna asked me on Monday if she could write the note to Kohen and surprise him.  Here it is:

Last Sunday was a Generations Service at our church.  That's when all the children in Grade 1 and older join with the youth and adults for the service.  All ages participate in the service and there is usually a game.  This time there were four Hungry Hippos games set up.  Also, everyone was invited to wear a Christmas sweater.  Isaac wasn't feeling well so I stayed home with him.   We did take a Christmas sweater picture at home (for a chance to win a prize).  Here it is:

It's time to head to bed.  I can hear the wind outside.  It was raining this morning and now the ground is covered in snow.  Thank You Lord for our beautiful seasons.  Advent is here.  We are preparing to celebrate the birth of our Saviour.  Lord, please help us to focus on You and share Your love.   

Blessings,

Elizabeth

John 1:9-10

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.  He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.

Happy Hallowe'en

It's been a busy evening over here with a Praetorian Guard, a policeman, and a dinosaur who hasn't been feeling well.  All are now asleep but the dinosaur could awake at any moment and need her Mommy.  This is one sweet dinosaur but when she gets a fever, she often tells me that I seem so very far away even when I'm right beside her.  So, I hold her in my arms and remind her that she can feel me so I can't be far away.  

I am surrounded by candy as I type.  The kids had time to sort their candy, but not time to do their trades so my living room floor and table will stay covered with candy until tomorrow.  

It has been such a beautiful October!  I have loved watching the leaves change colour and fall.  It was lovely to get to the forest and walk through the leaves.  

The month began with a visit to the Seiling Family Farm where we met other families from our church and enjoyed seeing the animals.  The bunnies were pretty cute.  

The next day we went to a small theatre for a musical concert that included Isaac's piano teacher.  I was excited to expose the kids to this and hopefully inspire them.  I thoroughly enjoyed it but next time the two youngest may be left with Grandma and Grandpa to be inspired in other ways.  Thankfully we were at the very back and end of a row and it was dark so children who needed to move around were able to do so.  Hearing, "When is this over?" in a not-quiet-enough whisper, is a little stressful for me.  They were able to let our their steam at a park afterwards.        

I'm enjoying my new role at church every other Sunday morning.  The kids range from Grade 1 to Grade 5 and we spend the first part playing games or building with Lego or drawing, etc.  It's a nice way to chat and get to know the kids better.  Later there is a discussion time in small groups with prayer time at the end.  I try to make sure that everyone in the small group knows everyone else's name.  I still have lots of names to learn in the whole group.

It was lovely to get together with family for Thanksgiving and birthday celebrations.  The grandparents all joined us the one day for chili and my side of the family (those who are local) all met together for a delicious turkey dinner and sweet treats to celebrate my nieces' 16th birthday.  

I've really enjoyed volunteering with Strong Start in the school.  I usually spend some time prepping one morning and then meet with three children separately another morning to play games that practice letter sounds.  Thankfully the schedule is very flexible as I often need to change my time as someone is sick at home.  

Kohen and Lily-Anna have been enjoying karate on Saturday mornings.  They tested for their red belt last weekend and earned it.  Now we just have to pay for and order it next week.  I think Kohen wants to continue in karate.  Lily-Anna enjoys it but would like to try ballet if I can get her into the class at the community centre.  I now know the moment registration opens for the winter session and I will try my best to sign her up.  

Isaac is going to a soccer development program that he really enjoys.  I realize now how blessed I was at my small town elementary school in the '80s and early '90s where I was able to be on lots of school teams and go to off-site games and tournaments all through the school system (and because there were parents who were able to drive a carload of kids around).  I know Covid has affected some of that but things are very different now.  I'm thankful for all the great opportunities and good memories.  My kids are just making different memories.       

It's also great to be back meeting with the other women in the Bible study group I attend.    

Kohen and Lily-Anna participated in a Hallowe'en piano recital this weekend.  They both played very well.  Isaac asked to be signed up to do his Level 6 practical piano exam in January.  I love listening to my kids play the piano.  

It's time to say goodnight.  I want to be awake for Lily-Anna tomorrow so pictures may have to wait.  

Blessings,

Elizabeth

John 6:35

The Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life.  Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty."