First Month of Summer

It’s been a great first month of summer filled with swimming lessons and VBS and a couple of camps (a maker camp for Lily-Anna and a 6-day overnight camp for Isaac) as well as family time in Kincardine.  Kohen’s main request this summer was to go camping so he is excited about the portage camping trip coming up in August.  

I had forgotten that summer feels busier for me in some ways but it also has a more relaxed rhythm (except perhaps for the first week when I still needed to pack a lunch for Lily-Anna’s camp that happened to be across town for drop-off and pick-up.). Actually, VBS was also exhausting and much earlier than normal school days but so very rewarding to be able to connect with the children in my group and the other leaders.

This is the second year that Isaac had gone away to a Christian camp with a friend.  He has so much fun there.  I’m so thankful he can have these experiences and make these memories.

Kohen and Lily-Anna have both made a lot of progress in their swimming lessons and I am thankful.  We’ve been blessed with a couple of great teachers and they make such a difference.  I love that the pool is in the same building as the library so everyday we go to the library after they finish at the pool.  

As of today, my doctor for the past twenty years has retired.  There were three doctors at our medical center and they all retired.  He was able to find a doctor to take his patients but we don’t yet know where the new doctor will be located, though we have paid to have our medical records digitized.  I guess we should finish up the paperwork for the transfer.  We have been very blessed to be under the care of Dr. King and his staff.  I can think of a few times when he called me at home to give me results.  I will certainly miss him and his staff.

Our amazing neighbour had blessed us with time at her mobile home in Kincardine.  We all enjoyed time at the beach and the pool and the kids have fun at the playground and parks.  

It is time of course to say goodnight.

One last thought - I am really enjoying the book, Practicing the Way.  

Photos will have to wait. 

Blessings,

Elizabeth

Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Joy-filled June

Uncle Craig introduced the kids to appetizers and floats with supper

It's been a wonderful, packed June, and I'm thankful for the arrival of July tomorrow.  July has a different pace.   It always begins with a party every year (Happy Canada Day and Happy Birthday Natasha!) June also has so many reasons to celebrate, including birthdays, an anniversary, Father's Day, summer, the end of school, and graduations.  Three of my nieces graduated high school this year and this past Wednesday evening, Isaac graduated Grade 8.    

Isaac playing O Canada

Isaac was asked to play O Canada at the graduation and he played very well!  Graham and I were proud parents as we stood and sang along.  Actually, in typical "us-fashion" we arrived just in time for "standing room only."  Graham decided to look around to see if he could find somewhere for us to sit and a woman said she had decided to sit on the floor at the top of the bleachers due to a health condition and she and her husband gave us their seats.  And, they were right behind where Isaac was playing the piano so we had the perfect view!  Thank You Lord!  

JK to Grade 8

Kohen and Lily-Anna enjoyed a Kids' Retreat with our church.  Unfortunately, Lily-Anna's piano recital was the same day so she couldn't perform but she and Kohen had a great time.  Isaac performed well in his year-end recital.

Isaac is part of the Building Youth Leadership Development program.  He had a day and a half of training and he will volunteer at a city-run summer day camp for two weeks in August.  He'll have a mentor who will provide feedback.  He needs to plan at least one activity during the first week and daily activities the second week.  Isaac volunteers with 2 and 3 year olds at our church and he loves it (and has a few little fans) so I know he'll do a great job.  When I first told him about the leadership program he wasn't too excited until I told him that he would be working with kids and he knew he would enjoy that.  

It was so lovely to see Graham's brother who was visiting from B.C. as well as my Auntie Celia who was visiting from England.  She moved back to England two years ago so I don't get to see her often.

I enjoyed helping out with Track and Field at Kohen and Lily-Anna's school.  This is the first year that Kohen was able to participate as it is only for the junior students.  Kohen's birthday is right around the cut-off age so he was the youngest in his group and he said he had a great time. 

Lily-Anna's 8th birthday was at the end of May but her family celebration and her party with friends were both in June.  She really wanted a party in our home and while I was very nervous about this given that we live in a small home with one washroom and there would be 12 extra girls and a mom, bringing the total of people in our home to 18.  Did I mention there was a heat wave so it felt like 37 degrees outside, thus cancelling the plans for a picnic and outdoor time?  For all of these reasons, we  came very close to switching to bowling (as it's easy to book a spot at the last minute this time of year).  Lily-Anna wanted no part in that plan.  

I believe God gave me wisdom with an easy and fun paper flower craft and ways to split up our space into stations for different activities.  It was a family affair with Graham leading the craft and games in the living room, the boys leading target practice using foam arrows as well as other team games in the basement and cupcake decorating in the kitchen along with some Giant Jenga in the hallway.  Apart from washing hands, I'm not sure if any of the girls even needed to use the washroom.  God knew what would work and I'm thankful.  I heard from a couple of moms that their daughters had a great time.  The mom who stayed was also an immense blessing.  She went right to work and we definitely needed her help.  

Kohen recently became interested in watching hockey so he and Isaac decided to contribute towards the price of a one-month subscription to one of the sports channels online.  We enjoyed watching the Oilers win those three games in a row!  Too bad about the last one.  Graham also decided to use some birthday money to subscribe to another channel so we've been enjoying watching some football (soccer) games of the Euro and the Copa America.  We were quite surprised to listen to the opening prayer of the Copa, which quoted Jesus saying He came to bring abundant life; acknowledged God as the source of all life; and asked for blessing and protection in Jesus' name.   I wouldn't mind hearing more prayers like that before sporting events.  

Lily-Anna has been thoroughly enjoying riding her bike of late.  She is always up to going out with Graham or me around the block or down to see the ducks or to a park.  We learned about a local Pump Track recently.  Isaac enjoyed trying it though he said he doesn't completely have the hang of it as he still needed to pedal his bike.  One of Isaac's teachers organized a bike club at the school so Isaac went on a few rides.  They were planning to go on a couple of long rides but unfortunately the heat wave cancelled those plans.  I'm hoping we can go on some family rides this summer locally.  

Another highlight of the month was seeing one of Isaac's friends (who is also the son of friends) get baptized in the river.  What a wonderful reason to celebrate.  I love baptisms but they are definitely extra special when I know the person getting baptized.  

L-A made flowers for her teachers

At Isaac's middle school, all of the grade 7 classes and grade 8 classes compete again the same grade classes for points all year.  Isaac's class won both last year and this year.  They were rewarded with a bbq on the last day of school.  We continued our tradition for the last day of school.  Graham and I both go to pick up Kohen and Lily-Anna (and Isaac came with us as his school ends earlier).  We then take some photos in front of the school (we started the photos in 2020 when the school was closed on the last day as it had been since March).  We then go to the convenience store for a treat - usually a slushy or ice cream.  I picked a cake pop from the bakery close to the store.  This year we invited the girl whom we picked up and dropped off for school all year.  We weren't late to school once.

I finally planted perennials

Isaac saved me a little work by completely forgetting that his class had planned a potluck until he someone asked him what he brought.  Thankfully, there was enough food.

I volunteer with a literacy program at the elementary school with three children each week.  We were able to celebrate all of their hard work and progress.   

As part of her birthday present, Lily-Anna's cousins invited her for a sleepover.  She had such a good time.  

It's well past bedtime so I'll see if I can quickly add a few photos.  

Oh yes, Graham and I also celebrated our anniversary this month with our annual trip to the Keg for steaks and a delicious Billy Minor Pie (SO good!).  

Blessings,

Elizabeth

Psalm 28:7

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.  My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.

May’s Post

I figured it would happen eventually.  I accidentally set my “Blog” alarm for the wrong evening so I wasn’t reminded to write a post.  

It was Graham’s birthday “today” (May 31st) and Lily-Anna’s birthday “yesterday” so it’s been busy.  Kohen and Lily-Anna are going on a Kids’ Retreat in the morning so I need to get some sleep.  

Hopefully I’ll post more soon.  

Blessings,

Elizabeth 

April Showers ...

 ... would bring May flowers if I had planted some.  It's on my calendar to plant bulbs in the fall.  I hope I make it happen as I am thoroughly enjoying looking at all the tulips and daffodils and grape hyacinths around the neighbourhood.  

I'm not sure where April went but I will gladly welcome May and warmer weather.  I'm looking at the calendar and I see that the highlight for the month was the solar eclipse!  I am so thankful that God prompted me to order the eclipse glasses (from a reputable source) and to ask Graham to take a half-day off.  

We drove to Simcoe and were able to experience the full eclipse.  We parked at Picards Peanuts and were able to access yummy snacks (and a washroom) before and after the main event.  It was remarkable to be able to take off our glasses when the moon fully covered the sun.  It was beautiful and a sight to behold; a gift from God.  It was a lovely few moments to share together and some excitement for the kids to remember.  We then drove to Port Dover to walk along the pier and stopped for take-out and some fun at a playground on the way home.  Good times on April 8, 2024.

We were also blessed to be able to watch Isaac compete in a doubles badminton tournament.  It was a short season but he worked hard, improved, and had fun.  

On Josiah's birthday we took flowers to his grave and ate birthday cake at lunch as Graham and I had a lovely wedding and reception to attend in the afternoon and evening.     

Isaac played in the Kiwanis Festival twice last week.  I loved listening to him but I was a little nervous.  Often my eyes were closed and I was praying.  He played well and received good feedback from the adjudicator.  He is hoping to have his Level 8 practical exam next January.  

Lily-Anna went on her first real fieldtrip today.  She told me she went on walks in the neighbourhood in Kindergarten but this time she had to go on a bus.  Lily-Anna also had her first gymnastics class on Saturday and enjoyed it.    

We went to the movie theatre to see Unsung Hero on Saturday.  I love reclining seats and this time I knew to lift up the armrest between the seats.  Graham guessed my favourite part correctly.  I loved the "Please" and "Thank You" lists on the wall where all family members posted their prayer requests and thanks to God.

I think that just about covers April.  May is a celebration month in our family with two anniversaries, Mother's Day, Victoria Day, and four birthdays.  

We also have a new little reading nook in our home.  I was able to move things from the top of our linen closet and now Kohen and Lily-Anna will climb up there, put on a light, close the door, and read. 

We tried the Wod Fam Choc Sod recipe from Adventures in Odyssey (World Famous Chocolate Soda).  Delicious!

 

Now it's time to get ready for bed.  The Internet is now turned off on my phone from 11:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m.  I may switch it to start at 10:30 and then to 10:00 as I think it helps me get to bed earlier (other than Blog nights).  I'll see if I can find a few photos.

Blessings,
Elizabeth

Matthew 8:26
He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?"  Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

Happy Easter!!!

I'm not sure if March is going out like a lion or a lamb.  It feels like -1 degree Celsius but the weather app is warning me that "High-impact storm looms with snow, winds."  Spring 'tis the season for any and every weather in south-western Ontario.  It certainly tests my ability to be content as I am looking forward to warmer temperatures.

Today was a beautiful sunny Easter.  Happy Easter!  In addition to celebrating Jesus' resurrection, we were able to celebrate that one of my nieces was baptized.  16 family members were there to watch.  11 others were also baptized this morning at our church (six during each service).

This month started with St. David's Day and Welsh Cakes, then Kohen's birthday celebrations, the Festival of Arts at Isaac's school in which he played in the concert and jazz bands and played a solo on the piano, followed by March Break, the purchase of a "new to us" minivan, St. Patrick's Day, Grandma Betty's birthday, the first day of spring, Isaac making the badminton team at his school, Palm Sunday and Lily-Anna's piano recital at a Jazz Room, Good Friday, lots of fun with the cousins, and Resurrection Sunday.

I just fell asleep while deciding what to write so it's time to go to bed.  Tomorrow is a holiday for the kids so hopefully I can find a chance to find some March photos tomorrow.  Good night and thanks be to God that He is risen!  Jesus is alive!

Blessings,

Elizabeth

Matthew 28:6

He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.  Come and see the place where He lay.

Happy Leap Day!!!

Happy Leap Day!!!

Celebrating Isaac with Bingsu

I think I've been doing a lot better at avoiding grocery stores late at night ... but tonight is an exception.  I realized we were running low on milk which we will need in the morning so I ventured into the cold night.  I also remembered that tomorrow is St. David's Day so I picked up some currants and we'll see if I can find time to make Welsh Cakes tomorrow.  My maternal grandfather was Welsh.  I don't remember hearing about St. David's Day as a child but my cousin encouraged me to mark the day a few years ago and it's a great excuse for a treat and an opportunity to teach my kids about their heritage.

All of my Valentine's dates with the kids were late this year.  Lily-Anna and I went for our date to Starbucks yesterday.  The kids and I were all sick with colds at various times this month so the outings were spread out.  Thankfully Lily-Anna was finally well for her dentist appointment yesterday.  We had already rescheduled twice due to her being sick.  No cavities and her teeth look great.  

Graham and I were going to go out for a meal but I was sick so he picked up some yummy Indian food and brought it home.  

A major highlight this month was Isaac's spelling bees.  He won for his class, his grade, and then for his school (he had to compete against the grade 7 winner).  He advanced to the Regional Finals where he tied for second place.  We are very proud of him and so was his school.  Eight teachers from his school showed up at the finals to cheer him on during a Sunday afternoon and only two of those teachers actually teach him.  

We spent a night at my in-laws' home to celebrate Family Day.  Kohen and Lily-Anna enjoyed sleeping in hammocks.  

Graham and I attended a Marriage Summit at our church.  It was a great opportunity to meet new couples and focus on strengthening our marriage.  Our church has a new Marriage and Family Pastor.  We are looking forward to hearing from the pastor and his wife during the parenting event in March.

Last Saturday evening, Graham, Kohen, Lily-Anna, and I walked the 5K route in the Coldest Night of the Year to raise money for Ray of Hope which is "a place of refuge and hope for vulnerable people in our community."  We walked with friends and had a good, though chilly time.  We had celebrated a friend's 50th birthday with a hike in the woods earlier that day so we were tired.  Isaac was at a youth retreat so he couldn't join us.  

I'm falling asleep at the table so I will stop and say goodnight.  Kohen is hitting double digits in a few days.  He's been counting the days for a while.  He's been reading a lot lately.  I found a stash of Beverly Cleary books at the used store to add to my own stash as a child.

Blessings,

Elizabeth

1 John 3:16

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

January Light

I just realized I never posted photos from December.  Hopefully I'll rectify that but tonight won't be the night as I want to get to bed.  

I am sitting typing in my kitchen with a new bright light shining over my sink.  An electrician came this morning to fix a light that stopped working in our laundry room.  To make the most of the one-hour fee, we also had three light fixtures changed on our main floor.  Isaac commented how nice it was to have a bright light when he came in the door from his piano lesson tonight.  

Graham also changed the light in the garage and laundry room to motion-detector lights and those have brightened up those spaces as well.  I'm so thankful God brought those other lights to mind as two of them have been here for almost 20 years (well, we've been here for almost 20 years) and they have never been my favourite.  

Graham blessed me with a Kindle for Christmas.  While I do enjoy turning the pages of a real book, I decided to jump in and order some books I've been wanting, thankful for the reduced price.  I've really been enjoying Justin Whitmel Earley's book called Habits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms.  

I've only read 70% so far but we have a few new practices in our home that will become habits.  I try to kneel beside my bed and pray as soon as I get out of bed in the morning "and spend the first moment of morning looking for the light" (Loc 708), we now light a candle before we start our supper and say, "Christ is our light and Lord."  Once a week I am asking a new catechism question during supper (I use an app with simple answers).  I'm also trying to include reconciliation as part of the process of apologizing and forgiving in the family.  There are other ideas I want to implement as well.  It was published in 2021 but I wish I could have read it when my kids were small.  Here's one long excerpt from the chapter called Waking:

"When the first thing I do in the morning is roll over, grab my phone, and begin scanning work emails, I wake to the monsters of performance.  The story of reality is about what I can get accomplished today and whether I can justify my existence.  When I begin the morning in social media, I wake to the monsters of comparison and envy.... When I begin the morning in the news headlines, the monsters of fear and anger nearly jump through the screen.... Or when I lie in bed recounting the day's to-do list (or when I jump up and immediately start the rush to get everyone out the door on time), I wake to the monster of busyness.  The story of reality is how there is always too much to do and never enough time to do it.... At best, the morning rituals of a household support the reality that God loves us and that his love is the defining fact of the universe.  Here our habits of waking serve as gospel liturgies that push us into the arms of a father who loves us, and then send us out into the world to love others.  But at worst, our habits of waking indulge alternative realities where the universe depends on us and what we do today.  This is the gospel of humankind, where our rituals tell us that we have to keep up to survive and turn the household into a school of rush, fear, and frustration.... we must see that the first role of a parent is not to get everyone up on time but to root our household habits of waking in the truth of the gospel.  For in the story of God, our call is not simply to wake up our bodies each day but to awaken our hearts to God's love." (Loc 660-669)

I've been enjoying volunteering with Strong Start one morning a week, playing literacy games one-on-one with three children.  

Isaac had his grad photos taken last week.  How is my first-born going to High School in September?  We toured his future school earlier this month and he's looking forward to attending.  

I went to a presentation on Vaping, Alcohol, and Cannabis at Isaac's school last night.  It was quite shocking and sad to hear about new nicotine products that are not restricted by age and look similar to one gum or candy package.  One local gas station attendant told the public health nurse that this product sold out the first day they had it in stock.  I looked  at some of the packages for cannabis edibles that look just like candy or even Doritos.  One mother commented about how cool vaping looks.  The devices look slick and they smell fruity and they start addictions young.  

Isaac was invited to play in a new jazz band at his school and I just registered him for an Honour Band in May.  He enjoys playing the trumpet.  He's also going to take part in Kiwanis to help him prepare for his next piano exam later this year.  

As a treat before school started, we went to the movies for the first time as a family.  This was also Lily-Anna's first time at a movie theatre.  We watched Migration and we had reclining seats.  That was a first for me but it made me want to only have reclining seats in the future.  I was sad that I didn't discover until after the movie ended that I could have raised the arm rest between Lily-Anna and me.  I missed out on some snuggling.  We had a fun time.  

We've been playing some more games including Dutch Blitz.  The expansion pack arrived today so that we can all play together.  Isaac also looked up how to play the game oware and mancala that I bought in Ghana in the summer of 2000.  Both boys can easily beat me. 

I'm also loving writing down three blessings in my Gratitudes and Beatitudes Journal each night before bed.  Speaking of bed, it's time to say goodnight.  Hopefully photos will come but not tonight.  

Blessings,

Elizabeth

Matthew 5:3  Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.