This 'n That

 

Thank you to all who have been praying for us!  The past few weeks continue to be filled with difficult moments, but we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

 

Alex and I have settled into somewhat of a routine for school.  I finally have all the supplies/resources I need to teach until Christmas.  It has been a huge weight off my shoulders!  Staff at Osler School have been incredibly supportive...copying necessary papers, sending me their year plan, and offering any support we need.  I am trying to complete the same assignments/concepts being taught at school so that if Alex does return to school after Christmas he will be right where he should be academically.   We have seen huge improvements already in regards to behaviours/attitudes that needed to be addressed, and quite frankly if that is all we accomplish, we will be happy.  I so desire for all my kids to be confident and happy.

 

I struggle with not having much time to myself.  Time to think, organize and process.  I've been overwhelmed this past week.  Martin has been working late a lot and some days I literally want to run away...escape in some manner.  Still so much yard work to do before freeze up.  My body aches.  I've been pruning trees...something that has been neglected for too long...and the chain saw doesn't like me!  Boy, can that thing feel heavy after a while! 

 

Tomorrow is a "me" day.  Martin is taking the day off of work so that I can have a day to myself...I can hardly wait!  Look out Starbucks!  A good part of my day will be spent running errands in town, but at least I can do them without constantly looking at the time, making sure everyone else's needs are met.

 

Recently we were knocked off our feet by special friends of ours.  They presented us with money to go towards our adoption.  It was not only the amount that made our eyes pop, but also...and probably most importantly...knowing that someone supports us...understands the financial stress we are under at the moment.  To know that someone has put our needs above their own is nothing short of honorable and amazing!  "Thank you" can never fully express our gratitude and appreciation.  Thank you again!...you know who you are!

 

It is these acts of kindness that puts wind beneath our wings...that gives us motivation to hold our heads high and keep going.

 

On a totally different note...

 

Here are the pics from our day at the lake.  Malia and Raina were very enthusiastic to go tubing and were all smiles at the start.

 

 

 I kept asking if they were ok...if they were having fun...and they kept saying yes.  They're expressions say otherwise!  Must have been a terrified thrill for them!  lol!

 

 

 

 

I had to post these pics.  If you were to ask Morgun what his favorite part of summer was, he would include helping Dad with the steps.  He had a blast helping Martin place the temporary steps...waiting for the ground to settle... in preparation for a family gathering.  I love the intensity with which this boy works!  :0

Summer 2012

 

Here are some of the pics I meant to post this summer.  Since returning from Wisconsin, our life has been busy and the few short hours of not working on the yard, gardening, canning, and all that comes with raising 4 kids were spent enjoying each other.  Our pool has proven to be an incredible investment.  We only made it to the lake for one day.  The rest of our down time was spent in the pool.  It is certainly a lot less stressful and less expensive to spend the week-end at home in the pool rather than heading to the lake.  In some ways I missed the lake, but overall, for this year at least, the pool has fit our life perfectly.  No stress about Raina getting her nap, no packing/unpacking, no loud neighbors partying until all hours of the morning...just pure peace and quiet...with the occasional smell of our neighbors farm...lol!

 

 

 

We spent one Saturday at a local Fair, watching the parade, viewing all the exhibits and watching the horse competition (sorry no photos of that)

 

The kids that are too cool to grab the candy thrown during the parade...a few may have given in and snatched a few candies...but I'm not telling! ;)

 

 

A certain auntie bribed, with money dared Alex to pull the lions tail...absolutely hilarious!  And the lion responded so appropriately! 

 

 

Cotton candy...always a must have! 

 

 

And of coarse, our drama queen was struttin' her stuff!

 

Believe it or not, but we actually think work can be fun...especially when it means something is finally getting done!  I only (sarcasm intended!:) waited 3 summers to have concrete put around my pond!  It will be ready for fish next spring and I can't wait!

 

 

 

 

Nothing like says fun like working with Dad!

 

Even Morgun pitched in...between quad rides...to clean the tools.

 

 

I'm Back!

I'm finally back to blogging...at least I think I am.  I had not intended to take a break, but between all the chaos of back to school, fall yard work and my computer being down...well, it's been way too long!  I suppose I could have tried to post from my other computer, but it is so slow...I'd still be trying to post! lol!

I have so much to post...a little more of summer, Alex's baptism (waiting for my niece to give me a copy of her video), back to school and so much more.

I was about to begin uploading pics of summer, but Alex is waiting to use the computer for some of his school work...and I should be outside digging potatoes in this wonderfully warm 18 degree weather.  It seems a bit useless...the yield is low and most of my potatoes are small.  Oh well!  Hopefully we'll have enough to carry us through to Christmas.  I will try to post later tonight.  ttyl!

What Next?

I've been trying to upload some photos and once again my computer is acting wonky...so frustrating...soooo, off to the computer doctor once again...:(  Hopefully I'll be back sometime next week.

Help???

So I've FINALLY updated my photos and profile...looooong overdue!  But now Blogger will not allow me to keep things the way I had it.  It will not allow me to change the body layout and only allows for the footer layout to work...any ideas on what to do?? Thanks!

Times of Change

It has been weeks since I last posted.  I have been meaning to post but the past month or so has been a difficult one.  There have been many changes in our life...most are good for us...but it is so hard!  I do not want to go into great detail...I do not want to complain or sound ungrateful...but sharing helps my aching heart...

We are in a time of change in many areas of our lives.

 We have been looking for a new church.  A church which will meet the needs of our children.  I have struggled with leaving a church that is biblically sound...a church that focuses on what is important.  We had only attended our current church for a few years and is difficult to once again leave.   Sometimes it feels as though that is all we do...attend a church for a few years and then leave.   I don't regret leaving any other church, but this time I am sad.  Leaving has always meant growth for us whether it was leaving the traditions and legalism behind or leaving false teachings.  I pray that will be the case again, even though we had a biblically sound church.  Sometimes I really don't understand God...

Our circle of friends is also changing.  It is too difficult to expand...it hurts...it is a lose.

One of our precious kids is struggling to understand his value.  All I want to do is hug him close and never let anyone torment him again.  After many sleepless nights, hours of prayer, and many discussions, we have decided to home school him till Christmas and then we will reassess.  I am so NOT ready for this!  I know I have the qualifications...but quite frankly it is not what I want to do.  I had planned on spending my days preparing for the arrival of our little boy, spending many delightful hours with Raina, and enjoying nap time to it's fullest!  We have huge changes coming to our family...and I had planned to be prepared...

Due to homeschooling, I will not be going back to teaching this year.  I had planned to sub as much as possible until Christmas.  I had planned to earn some much needed money for our adoption.  That will not happen...and I worry...

I've always know that large families are frowned upon and our situation is no different.  It hurts when people laugh at the thought of us driving a huge vehicle(honestly think I would add lift kit and some serious chrome...lol!)  Most people don't actually say anything, but it is in their actions...it is in what they don't say.  I feel so alone.  We feel so alone.  We cling to God like never before!  He has proven to be a faithful friend.  We find comfort in the following verses..

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on you own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight"  Proverbs 3:5

"I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

I am excited and terrified to meet our new addition.  Some days I'm not sure how we will manage.  I have moments of being scared...fighting off the "what ifs" and the unknowns.  But for the most part finally being able to meet our little boy is what motivates me...makes me smile...and brings me joy.  Come to think of it...it is my kids and hubby...my God...my true friends...that make my life...all that I believe in...worth fighting for!