Say Cheese

Family photos became very important to me after we adopted Hosanna. I think it was because of the long journey it took to become a family of four that I wanted it saved forever and ever on film (or the digital version, anyway).  So the first month our girl was home, we had our pictures taken in our home. We were finally a family of four! 

It was very intimate to have the black and white on our bed, in our home. You have no idea how insanely happy and content I felt in that moment! Our photographer was sweet enough to come back once summer arrived to take some outside pictures. I love that we're photographed in front of the home we have been raising our children in. 

The next photography session came a few years later thanks to a local friend of mine who at the time was honing her skills. I was so thrilled with her artistic vision and I went along with everything she recommended... like taking our living chair and hauling it to the location where this blessed event would take place. Oh - and I failed to mention to dear husband until we were walking out the door - ah, could you grab that chair and put it in the back of the van? To which an explosion of words were exchanged between us that made smiling for pictures a slight miracle.

Don't you just love the sunset?!!! And the chair looks awesome, by the way. I can see how maybe it was hard for "someone" to see the vision ahead of time but he got it eventually. Don't worry, we made up:)

FYI - the quilt pictured is the one that my aunt made us for our wedding. It has maple leaves all over it in different fabrics of red. 

Wayne picked the location of the shoot. He had always been impressed with the size of this enormous tree across the street from the Agriculture Museum. It was the end of May - and it was freezing! I still wore sandals. 

Years passed and time was soon approaching to send Will to LPS. I had always wanted a fall picture taken and if we were going to do it, now was our last chance. So in the fall of Will's grade 8 year, we met my friend again this time at the Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec for an iconic Ottawa view of Parliament. 

You have no idea the stress it is to coordinate your family but not be too "matchy, matchy".  It is the hardest thing about family pictures. I am grateful that all my family members have been agreeable to being dressed by me when the occasion calls for it. 

I am so in love with these fall pictures! I love the fall colours. I love the beauty of Ottawa! In these moments my family is perfect despite our many imperfections. 

Which brings us to our most recent family photos and their debut (assuming you don't count Facebook). 

Since Will is now taller than any of us and Zanna is on the cusp of puberty, we thought now would be a good time to capture our family. 

My friend just birthed her number six so I thought I'd give the gal a break and not bother her. Pretty nice of me, eh?

After some light brainstorming, I remembered that a member in our church up in Poltimore, Quebec has a photography business. I contacted her and got the ball rolling. It didn't take long to agree on a location. We thought that since we've done the home pictures and the iconic Ottawa pictures, that it was time to capture some moments in the area of the other church that Wayne serves. 

Poltimore couldn't be more different than the city/suburban life of Ottawa and I kid you not - despite the extra work it takes, it helps to keep him sane. These people are the definition of salt of the earth. They're friendly and fun and laid back and happy to be in the house of the Lord's. Weddings up there are a blast and all about friends and family and starting a life together in the Lord. Babies are born and brought to the font of baptism. The sound of the little ones rock the country church on any given Sunday challenging Wayne to preach as loud as his voice will allow! 

Out here in the country of rolling hills and a little white church with a graveyard in the back would be our new photo shoot location. 

Unfortunately the day we had scheduled to trek up there the hour and fifteen or so it takes, we were due for a wicked thunderstorm threatening to roll through at exactly the time we would be out. All day we looked up at the blue sky and wondered if the weather channel really knew what they were talking about. After going back and forth about whether we should go ahead as planned, we got dressed and ready and prepared to head up anyway. 

We didn't get very far and it started pouring rain. It rained all the way up there along with the promised thunderstorm and occasional lightning thrown in for fun, I guess. Here in our vehicle we were nice and dry, our outfits coordinated and everyone on board to get their pictures taken. To reschedule would be so defeating!!! I prayed all the way for a miracle.

Turning the corner to follow the hill up to the church the rain stopped as if on cue. The storm moved off to the side and the now setting sun came out! Thank you, Lord!!

We met Shelley and hightailed it across the street to a field so we could get this show on the road! Off in the distance, a herd of scattered cows grazed and did their thing (whatever their thing is). We positioned ourselves in front of a fence and started smiling. The cows were apparently curious and all came over to get a closer look at what we were doing.

We got photobombed.

It was hilarious! And of course, they took turns peeing which is always a pleasant sound.

Next we went into another field. Although it wasn't raining, the grass was obviously wet. Considering how it was a half hour previous, I wasn't going to complain. But my kids are clearly city folk and so between wet, tall grass and avoiding cow pies they were put out. 

I was thrilled we weren't dealing with black flies (a local nuisance) or mosquitoes, etc. There were however, little bright green bugs in the grass that were jumpy. They didn't bother me but Zanna kept complaining that they were going into her cowboy boots. I told her to suck it up and keep smiling! 

Which explains the look on her face here that clearly reads "I've got bugs in my boots". 

She did in fact, have bugs in her boots I realized shortly. Her boots seemed to gap more than mine and sure enough - they were in there! She powered through and we got a few more pictures before she couldn't handle anymore!!

Finally we headed back over to the church where I could shake the green bugs out and were able to get a few more photos in.

So thrilled with how they turned out! And very grateful to have these photos that reflect another meaningful aspect of our life here! 

Summer Love

I am totally in love with summer. And even though the first day of summer only started this week, I'm personally a month in. I'm loving every minute of it!

I love that the windows can be opened and the house aired out. 

I love that I can serve pudding with a good conscience that I'm not heating up the kitchen and that at least it's a dessert with milk in it. 

I love that I can get up in the morning and have a whole hour to myself before everyone else gets up. I establish my quiet routine and sit down to write things I've been thinking and studying about for awhile - a project that's been part nemesis and part greatest gift. 

I love that things are growing in my backyard. And not just the weeds!

I love that Will's home and we're all together and I can enjoy what a great kid he is!

I love Zanna and her neighbourhood gaggle of girls playing on the slip and slide in the backyard and making pictures with colourful chalk on my driveway. 

Yes, Will is driving me around so just call me Miss Daisy. Except that I'm not elderly and I don't sit in the backseat but other than that...

These are a few of my favourite things:

• Spotify - thank goodness I have a teenager who lets me know about these things! Now I can avoid listening to the same music over and over again on the radio. I'm loving the "Dinner Music" and "Coffee House" mix for my salon. 
• Tim Horton's Maple Iced Capp. Just when I thought they couldn't really improve on the regular iced cap, they went ahead and added maple flavour, whipped cream and this lovely little crunchy topping of maple tidbits. Delightfully Canadian!
• Downton Abbey - getting in on this late in the game but oh.my.word. I'm addicted bad. Thankfully we don't have to wait a whole week between episodes or longer between seasons. Will calls it "Downtown 'N Crabby" and is not amused at all by it. 

I've stepped outside my own comfort zone this summer to try something new - an online mentor/accountability group lead by one of my favourite bloggers I've been following for years. I'm really, really loving it and can't wait to get to the end (in a good way) so I can glean all I can from it! It's been challenging, encouraging and eye opening for me. Dare I say, life changing? More to come on that! 

Otherwise, we're filling this summer up with fun, local outings in-between Wayne's work commitments, my salon appointments and whatever the kid's commitments are.  When we're at home the daily rule is no screen time until 4pm and that's after you've exercised your body, read your book and contributed to the household in some way. 

This past weekend our ladies church group hosted a tea. It was so much fun to transform the basement into a feminine space to gather ladies in fellowship and fun! We shared great conversation, multiple cups of tea and too much food - haha!

 It's hard to believe we've been here 14 years this summer. Surrounded by these precious women who have such varied backgrounds but connected by grace through faith, I am blessed to know each one of them. I am humbled when they open their hearts and share a bit of their past, their personal struggles and their greatest joys. In the absence of blood family, they've become our family through thick and thin. 

Summer also includes birthdays around here - mine and Wayne's - along with our wedding anniversary. Granted birthdays aren't quite as exciting the older you get, they are still a special day and an occasion to make the one you love's day extra special. We're approaching 18 years of marriage which pales in comparison to my Grandparents who are celebrating 70 years next week!!! 

Summer days are fleeting and if we only get "18 summers" a kid, the clock is ticking on the 16 year old. Trying hard to cherish the moments ... 

Beginnings and Endings

Another high school year finished and another niece graduated! Just a year ago we all sighed in relief that we made it through a year of such a huge transition. It was rough. Attending last year's graduation service put it all into perspective for me and reminded me why it was all worth it. 

Will made it through this school year with just one roommate (as opposed to the 3 he went through last year) who actually shared the same birthdate. Since their 16th birthday fell during the stress of final exam week, they went in on take out pizza and ate the rest of the York Peppermint Patties I had sent through Amazon. 

We were also impressed with how much Will liked his professors - regardless of how much he enjoyed the actual subject that they taught! His marks reflected how much he was learning and growing. He continues to enjoy football and even works at staying in shape during the offseason by participating in track during the spring and lifting weights and running in the winter. 

Most of all, we're just so proud of the young man he's becoming. We've observed his growth of character and knowledge of Biblical doctrine and it's application. We continue to be grateful to Luther Prep School for guiding his education based on God's Word, providing opportunities for students to serve in worship, and for an atmosphere of peer relationships disciplined by a healthy balance of law and gospel. Praise God! 

This year's graduation service was no different than last year's in the perspective and encouragement it offered in it's worship to God and it's message found in Isaiah 30:21 "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, 'This is the way; walk in it."'  The class hymn was Abide with Me which in and of itself is a tear jerker but add to that the fact that these 17/18 year old kids are singing it in four part harmony and I'm a wreck! The four class speakers were all full of their own personality and personal experiences but had a common message - we are here to serve: serve each and serve God out of a thankful heart for what Jesus has done for us! I was so impressed by the spiritual maturity that they showed and I know that the Holy Spirit has been active in their lives and in the lives of all the students through the means of grace offered through their education. 

After last year's packing debacle I encouraged Will not to pack ahead of time. I spent another 2 hours at the local laundry mat washing a Rubbermaid container full of all his stinky clothes and wondering why some of his clothes were missing, some of his clothes weren't his at all, and what is the great mystery of the mismatched socks? I guess having put in 5 years of dorm life myself, it's not such a great mystery but frustrating as a parent none the less. 

Unfortunately I still wasn't there to actually look over the packing of the suitcases. So he ended up bringing home for the summer his flannel shirt (I know we live in Canada but it's not cold ALL the time), left a stack of t-shirts that I had just washed and left his leather sandals in dorm storage. He did manage to pack his "slides" that he found and "refurbished" from the dorm trash. 

 Our Wisconsin trip overall was lots of fun! We stopped first at my parent's log home and spent a few days there sans my mother who's been in Germany with my brother and his family. That meant extra bonding time with my Dad that included evenings of Downton Abby and some fancy dessert martini that sneaks up on you if you're not careful - haha! My grandparents were awesome and had our crew over twice for dinner. I love that we can talk politics and who we think should win Dancing with the Stars. 

After the excitement of graduation, we spent one day in Milwaukee. Since we're pretty classy people, we choose to forgo the art museum and just go to Sprecher's Brewery. The tour took all of about 8 minutes and then proceeded directly to the sample bar/lounge. Since they make both beer and pop, we were all happy and had way too much sugar!

It was Zanna's mission to try all the flavours they had to offer! 

We celebrated Will's birthday once we got home. We picked up the obligatory Dairy Queen cake. He also went and took his driver's written test in order to start the long Ontario process of driving. Since then he's been driving us around which is weird!!!! He also doesn't stop eating. Yesterday he took a picture (with my phone, thank you very much keep your grubby paws off of it ...) of a sandwich he made that he was so proud of. Not for a meal or anything but for a "snack" in the middle of the day. I've been to Costco twice in less than a week! I'm not complaining ... it's worth it to have him home! 

Now it's the beginning of June - my favourite month - the start of summer and a new year for me! 

School's Out ... For Summer!

It's always exciting to come to the end of the finish line and we are finished - with Grade 4! We've had a fun week of activities and field trips in between finishing up math and school projects. 

Earlier in the week was a workshop at the National Gallery. The group took a tour of sculptures in the museum, focusing on low-relief sculptures. After breaking for lunch, the students gathered in the workshop and were all given a chunk of terracotta clay to make their own low-relief creations.

On Wednesday we had our last co-op for the school year. This unit has been focusing on Ancient Egypt which is always a favourite theme for kids! They had a blast making their own "double crown" of Egypt, a fancy Egyptian necklace, pint-sized pyramids and learning about mummies. 

Thursday morning we headed downtown to the International Children's Festival where we met some friends and saw a show. Zanna got her face painted, we ate poutine and drank slushies and enjoyed the warm weather we were blessed with that day! 

Friday we actually stayed home in the morning and finished up some book work ending with a fun art lesson and an afternoon of soccer. 

That was just one week, friends. I'm getting too old for this;)

Since I've been behind in updating things here at the blog I should probably back up a bit to make this up to date.

Zanna participated in synchronized swimming for the first time. She's really enjoyed it and has been a great experience for her. The final water show was a few weeks ago and ended the season. Her team did a great job and worked together really well! And she was adorable. 

Lutheran Girl Pioneers had their Mother's Day tea last weekend and we were treated to a pretty table with flowers, yummy food and tea, of course. The kids sang a song and Zanna and I played "Amazing Grace" together on our violins. The children had also made adorable felt coasters as gifts that they had stitched designs on. 

And because I haven't written in awhile, I'll also mention the books I've read. I pretty much consumed All the Light We Cannot See in a few days. And because I was on a role I finally read The Secret Daughter. When I finally looked up from my books to see what was going around in the rest of my world, I was surprised to see a house that could use some cleaning and people that wanted to be fed something other than frozen pizza. 
Also I never mentioned during Lent that I was reading Grace Upon Grace  that was just about my favourite book ever! Funny thing is I had tried reading it a few years ago and actually stopped because I just didn't get it/ was questioning a few things, etc. This time is totally clicked! I mean - I'll still have to reread it a dozen or more times to get more out of it but I'm hooked now. I did the downloadable study guide from CPH that came with it and that really enhanced my study of it. 
I FINALLY finished Grace Abounds which I'm feeling pretty good about since it took me about forever. But totally worth it! 
I'm actually looking for something to read now. I downloaded on Kindle Jayber Crow because I'm curious to read a Wendell Berry book. So we shall see. 
I'm also reading a devotional called Be Still - 45 Days of Living in God's Stillness by my parents new pastor in Tomahawk, Wisconsin. He lost his first wife to cancer and this is a collection of his email updates that he sent his church family, friends and family during this difficult time. It. Is. Wonderful. Each of his emails are followed by a devotion for the reader weathering our own "storms". This is a very heartfelt, honest read of a pastor's own struggle to be still in the Lord and such an encouragement to those that are reading. I will be giving them as gifts!! (my mom is buying them in bulk too - haha)
Zanna has discovered the Mandie books. She's currently doing a 31-Day Read-Aloud Challenge and for every 5 days she completes 15 minutes of reading aloud, she gets to pick a prize from one of the coupons. It's funny she picks more Mandie books! She also picks ice cream but who wouldn't? 
That's all for now, folks. Getting ready for the big trip to get my boy back for the summer. That means lots of laundry (because we have to at least start with clean clothes), lots of leftovers (because I do NOT want to come home to funky stuff growing in the fridge) and lots of cleaning (because I like to come home to a clean home AND if our house should heaven forbid get broken into AT LEAST the robbers will not be critical of my housekeeping). 

Point of View

Over the years I have kept a gratitude journal. But there's a very curious phenomenon in my recurring use of it - it gets strangely silent in the winter months. As in - blank space, crickets chirping, all that. And then all of a sudden comes spring and it's pages are filled to the brim with things, places, people, smells, sounds, etc. that I am thankful for. The pace usually keeps up through the summer months although may become sparse in between summer trips and such. The fall months don't have regular entries but are more sporadic, usually peaking at October that coincides with Canadian Thanksgiving. And then it goes silent. This pattern has been the same for 4 years! Clearly I am not a winter person and could probably exercise my gratitude muscles during this season. And clearly the coming of spring is such a momentous occasion that I swell with thankfulness in all mundane things such as: there being no snow in my front yard, I don't have to put on a winter coat to get the mail, and my personal favourite - the first spot of a street sweeper! 

And speaking of seasons, how about our seasons of life? I gotta say, I'm in a sweet spot right now. I have stability, a little more wisdom that comes with a little more age, date nights with my husband, a full 8 hours of sleep each night, children that can pretty much take care of themselves and that I can leave for periods of time to run errands or go for a walk with my hubby. I can read books, write my thoughts on this blog, study God's Word, plan my menu for the week, shop, and use both hands to cut and chop vegetables for dinner. Life is sweet. 

Last week I was thrown back in time with the addition of some mini houseguests. For 4 days and 4 nights, I went back in time to mothering a 4year old and a 7 month old. Suddenly my season changed and like an early spring shoot coming up from the earth only to experience a sudden frost, the question for both of us was the same: would we survive??????

I'm writing this so clearly I did survive. But I came out of it with some gems of wisdom (I'd like to think) for those of you in the trenches of mothering little ones. From one who has been there and made it to the other side and then briefly experienced it again if only for a few days, I come with a flood of memories and a point of view from where I am now. This is for you!

• Take a nap. For the love of Pete! Mothering is tiring and exhausting!!!! If you see an opportunity to lie down and put your feet up if only for a few minutes, Take it!!! And don't feel guilty, might I add. This is a full time job and takes a lot out of you. Now go lie down!

• Cry. Hey, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. If you feel tears welling up in your eyes because you just don't know if you've got it in you, let it go. It's cathartic. You'll feel better after crying. If it works for the baby it can work for you. 

• Get out. I know you may be referred to as a "stay at home mom" but that does not mean you should stay at home all the time. If you are dying for fresh air, chances are the little ones are too. Take a walk, push the stroller, run and jump (or at least let them if you're too tired). Guaranteed everyone will feel better! As my Grandma used to say, "Go blow the stink off ya!"

• Too rainy or dreary to go outside? Ikea or McDonalds. No one is judging you, sister. Do it if you have to. Both these locations are family friendly, have indoor play areas for little ones and have the potential to help you keep your sanity. They also both serve ice cream cones. Score for everyone! 
• Accept help when it's offered. I am not ashamed to admit that I had plenty of help last week watching these precious kiddos. My mother-in-law was visiting at the same time and was incredibly generous in what she was willing to give of herself. She took the baby when it was obvious I needed a break! Zanna was ever willing to strap baby into the umbrella stroller and take her for a monotonous cruise around the house until she was calm (or asleep). Will willingly did clean up after meals and dishwasher duty. Even Wayne was in on the action going on walks with all of us and pushing the stroller. A friend from church brought us all lunch one day - coming over with 80 freshly made Chinese dumplings and boiled them on my stove! Another day, a friend invited the kids and me over to her house just to unload! Between her crew and mine, we all had a "friend" to hang out with! I am so thankful that God sent all that help my way and sustained and encouraged me through the love of others. We may be tempted to say an "I'm fine" response when help is offered but believe me, it's much better to say "OK, thanks"! 

• This too shall pass. I promise. There will come a day when you can read a whole novel. At some point in your life you will be able to establish a regular devotion time. Someday you will take a shower and get ready in the morning without children screaming for you. You will be able to make meals that take more than 15 minutes of prep time. Seriously! For now - master cutting vegetables with one hand while holding baby in the other. Pick a hairstyle that is easy to maintain. Read a magazine! Pick one verse of Scripture and post it on the fridge to think about during your day. 
• Alone time. Forget about it - for now. I remember when Will was 3 months old and we had just moved to Michigan. I experienced a fall that resulted in a big hole in my knee and I needed to go the emergency room for an x-ray. I kid you not, I remember thinking how nice it was that I could relax and lie back in quiet! Never mind I almost seriously injured myself - this is how desperate I was! I also remember having day dreams of getting a hotel for a night by myself and just sleeping. In this season of life, there's not a lot of alone time - but there will be. You'll be able to go to the bathroom by yourself. You'll be able to finish a conversation on the phone. You'll follow through on that train of thought. Someday. 
• Don't forget your husband. Believe me, I get how hard this is. And do as I say, not as I did this last week. My dear husband had a lingering cough from the flu which sent him to the couch at night so as not to wake the baby. I was also reminded last week of how I work. When I've got a baby on me practically all the time, my touch "love language" is pretty well filled. I don't need to be touched anymore! But someday the children will grow up and someday the children will move out (that's the idea, anyway) and the two of you will be looking at each other. Will you see a friend and lover that you see as another gift from God providing love, support and encouragement or will you see a stranger? Make him a priority, sister! Even if date night is defined as pizza and a movie in the living room after the kids go to bed, light a candle, snuggle on the couch and see where it goes .... 
• Cherish the moments. The sound of a baby chugging back the bottle in satisfaction, the belly laughs of a boy watching Kungfu Panda for the umpteenth time, the little chubby hand that grasps for yours while crossing the street, finding matchbox cars in the strangest places - it goes so fast! These are the moments you will remember with fondness.

• You are doing holy work. Receiving a paycheck does not validate your worth. Christ has validated you already and you are worthy in Him! That means that when you change a diaper or wipe food off faces or give a baby a bath or wipe smeared poop off a wall - you are serving Christ Himself as you tend to His babies He's gifted you with. It is a high privilege to teach a child to pray, to sing hymns of praise before bed, to bless your child with the sign of the cross as he is tucked in for the night. You are raising future missionaries whether they go into the public ministry someday or live out their vocation in their daily lives. You have brought your child to the font of Baptism to become a child of God and now you daily feed that faith with the means of grace right along side pureed apples and kale smoothies. Holy work, mamas!! 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  There are certainly some season's in life that are easier to embrace than others. Right now it's supposed to be spring and it's snowing big, fat flakes outside my window.  It goes against my natural inclination, but I'm going to muster all the strength I've got and crack that gratitude journal open. Or .... dance around while singing Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" might work too;)