Planning

I am already really starting to think about what life with two under two is going to be like, and how I want to make it as easy (and happy) as possible. As I've already mentioned, James will be making a move to the second floor. I am excited about decorating his room, and making him a secret hideout in one of the crawl spaces. I am actually excited about moving the office into the basement too, as I would be able to use the computer while watching TV, or work while James watched a movie (just dreaming that it could really happen). There are also a couple of other changes that we will be making that will improve life with two immensely. The biggest change - a new van! We've been van shopping for a while, and have finally decided on a 2008 Dodge Caravan. We haven't ordered it yet, but soon and very soon I shall be able to transfer my children with ease - and MUCH less strain on my back! Woohoo! The other great option with the van is that we will likely be hauling a bigger stroller! I really like the new Graco Quattro Tour Duo, and will ask for money for my birthday in June to get it. I love that I can use my Graco SnugRide carseat in it! So that is some of our plans thus far, if you have any great advice about making life easier with two under two - let me know! I'm all for suggestions and things to try!

Alone on the Stairs

I grew up in a small town that has a population with the majority being Christian. Looking back, I sometimes feel as though it was sometimes assumed that you would just naturally become a Christian at a young age. Some of the "basics" of Christianity were sort of hurried over, because we should have just known that. This was not the fault of any one person or organization or anything. It's just that for me the transition of child-like faith to the development of my own faith was hard. It's difficult for me to explain, but I was one of those that needed extra help in this area, but I didn't know it. I sort of felt ashamed that I didn't feel as Christ-like as others, and I never felt good enough. I really just wanted to know how to feel like I was "good enough". How did people get to that place with God? I felt like I was alone on a stairway that would eventually lead me to "that place" where I would finally be "good enough" for God. I was so alone there, and I was often travelling half a step forward, and three steps back.

It wasn't until years later, after I was married, when I went to my mother-in-laws church that my eyes were opened. The pastor began to speak right to me! He said "Do any of you feel like you are on a neverending stairway, trying to reach the top where God is, but never getting any closer? Do you feel you will never be good enough for God, or to enter the Kingdom of Heaven?" Then he said, "These are lies that Satan is telling you. He wants you to believe you are alone on those stairs. He wants you to think you will never be good enough". At this point I was almost in tears, because all my life - up until that point - I had been walking that stairway alone, and never feeling like I was a person God would want. The pastor continued, "Stop believing Satan's lies! He is a deceiver, and a liar! Only God is the truth. He says to us 'Seek and you will find me, knock and the door will be opened'. You are never alone on those stairs. God is with each of us, standing next to us - holding our hand, and helping us up to the next step. You were good enough for God when you accepted Him into your heart and took that first step. There are no goals to reach, or levels of Christianity to get to. You are good enough NOW. He is with you NOW." My life changed at that moment. All those years of believing that I had to get to a certain place to be good enough for God melted away. I was good enough. I wasn't alone. God wanted me to become stronger in my faith, and He would be there to help me get there - and if I failed, He would still be there! Honestly, this was all new to me - and I was rejoicing, finally, in the truth!

From that moment on my life was different. It wasn't long after that a friend and I began a woman's Bible study group - and it has been strong and growing ever since. I feel like a new person, and every day I am learning something new about my faith and what I can do with it. I am writing this today for anyone that may think they are alone on those stairs. You are not alone. Satan wants you to believe that you are alone - don't let him lie to you! I want to encourage you that you are good enough for God today, right now, even in your sin and imperfection. You are good enough. God wants you to grow, and He's there to help - but you don't have to do it on your own.

Think of a child and his father. What father would make their child walk through darkness to get to him? No loving father would do that. He would hold his child's hand, and walk with him. How much more love does our Heavenly Father have for us than any earthly father? He will not make us walk the path alone. He is there - holding our hand. This doesn't mean we won't fall, and it doesn't mean that we won't get hurt. A good father will allow his children to learn from some mistakes, and thus they grow and learn. So it is with God. He doesn't want bad things to happen to us, but He will allow it if He knows that it will make us grow.

But even there, if you seek God, your God, you'll be able to find him if you're serious, looking for him with your whole heart and soul. When troubles come and all these awful things happen to you, in future days you will come back to God, your God, and listen obediently to what he says. God, your God, is above all a compassionate God. In the end he will not abandon you, he won't bring you to ruin, he won't forget the covenant with your ancestors which he swore to them.

~ Deuteronomy 4:29-31 ~

U R What U Eat

If it's true that "you are what you eat", subsequently causing my unborn baby to be at risk of becoming what I've been eating, he or she is going to look a lot like sour soothers, cinnamon hearts, cool ranch Doritos and pudding! My pregnancy eating habits are SO bad. My biggest aversions are to anything healthy, and all my cravings are for anything unhealthy! Seriously, the minute I become pregnant I instantly find myself picking out the worst cereals (Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and Sugar Crisp to name a few). I also find myself filling the shopping cart with candy, chocolate bars, hot chocolate mixes, GUSHERS (yes, I bought myself Gushers). What is going on with me? I want to eat healthy, and keep my body healthy for the baby - but all my taste buds are screaming for junk. I have tried forcing myself to eat better things, to drink water, to eat toast... but by mid-afternoon I'm on a sugar low, and I completely indulge, making excuses to myself that I deserve the treats because I went all morning without. Help!

Could It Get Any Better Than This?

I had to ask myself if life could really get any better than this. I loved my entire day today - with the exception of one little part, which I'll explain later.

God has been moving mountains in my life lately, and I just can't praise Him enough for it. A few months ago things were pretty rocky in various areas of my life, and I didn't know how things were going to turn out. As usual, I had to make a very conscious effort to hand my troubles over to God. Without any argument, He took my troubles, and opened my eyes to a possible solution. When I obeyed His word, and did as He told me, He blessed me by making the solution a cure. I was in awe.

Not only that, but He blessed me with a friend to help me make more changes in my life than I ever thought was possible. The day that I had a D & C after our miscarriage I was introduced to Rebekah. I don't remember how it came to be that our friendship blossomed, but God knew that I needed her in my life. Rebekah has taught me so many things in the last two years, I just have to thank God that she came when she did. I'm a totally different person, and my faith has grown beyond measure with her discipleship. When I already felt totally blessed to know her, God decided to take it a step further and move her and her family NEXT DOOR! He truly is a God who wishes to lavish love on us! It has been amazing to have my best friend live next door. It breaks my heart that she and her family will be leaving on missions this year - but I am so proud of her, and know that she can change other people's lives the way she has changed mine. I'm going to miss her. However, she has planted seeds in my life that have taken root and are producing fruit. Some of these things are that I finally feel I know what my gifts are, and how I can use them. I also am learning how to hear God's voice - and OBEY it. Sometimes that means doing things that I think seem kind of weird, or that I don't want to do. In every case that I have just listened to God, I have been blessed 10-fold. I'd love to tell you all of these stories, but it would take days.

But how does all this contribute to my day? It just feels like I am walking on air these days. I am happier than I ever have been. Often trips to the city mean that somewhere along the line I'll get into an argument with my husband. Today we didn't even really come close, and I felt like we worked together like a true couple that loves each other. James was awesome all day, and never ceases to capture the eyes of strangers who come to tell us what a great little boy we have. We just glow with pride - he truly is great!

We went to the city today right after lunch. Ryan did a few returns and exchanges, and then we headed to the mall to get our passport photos taken. I wish I could post them - they are SO hilarious! We all look like criminals! After photos, we had to go pick out new Robeez for James. I would usually tend to do this on my own, because I like to get the ones that I like. I decided to let Ryan choose this time though - and he chose the ones I wanted! So cool! We then visited some friends for a little while, and then went to Grapes for supper. Supper was good, and James was quite well-behaved. The only trouble was that James had a major poopy diaper while we were there. I went to the bathroom to change him, and like usual, put him on the change table and the diaper bag on the floor. After getting him all changed, I picked up the diaper bag and it was soaking wet. Gross. Then I noticed that it was soaked because one of the toilets was flooding the bathroom. GROSS! I don't even know what to do about the diaper bag now - if I didn't love it so much, I'd just throw it away and get a new one. Ew.

Anyway, I just had a fabulous day and wanted to share some of the joys in my life right now. Of course, needless to mention is the new little life growing inside me right now. Some of my anxiety has gone away, and I'm feeling much better - just one more reason to give glory to God! Be blessed friends!

GQ James

Just had to post this pic of James looking all "GQ" in his sweater.

Pregnancy Paranoia

I'm having a really hard time not being paranoid with this pregnancy - which is not indifferent to my two previous pregnancies! I don't know why, but since the beginning something in the back of my mind wants me to believe that something is going wrong. I have fought feelings like this most of my life, as I come from a family of worriers. I never wanted to be one, but it seems like I've genetically been cursed with the worry wart syndrome. I haven't been able to rest properly, and every single time I go to the bathroom I'm checking to make sure there are no signs of trouble. I did have some issues a couple of weeks ago, so my Dr. gave me a WinRho shot - but she says that there isn't anything showing up that would indicate that I need an ultrasound. I'm trying to trust that - and I know these fears are from Satan. He's just really attacking me right now, and I'm finding it too tiring to fight him off. I just want to hear that baby's heartbeat, that's all I want.

In the meantime, my grandma is getting married in May and has asked my cousin and I to be her bridesmaids (her two granddaughters). I am quite excited about it - except that I'll be 6 months pregnant and need to find a dress! I looked online for some maternity bridesmaid dress ideas. The ones I'll post below all look much the same, but I think they may have possibilities. I don't know what colour we are going with yet. My favourite is the pink one on the right. Hopefully we're not wearing pink though - I look awful in pink!

Picture Post

Fun with forks.
Bedhead boys.
Blue-eyed brusher.
Nine weeks and counting.

A New Room for James

I've already been thinking about how I want to decorate James' new room. I am hoping we will have him moved into his new room, and settled in by June - two months before the new baby arrives, and "steals" his old bedroom.

The room we are going to move him into is on the second floor, and is currently our office. We are going to move the office stuff into our basement. It's a really cute room, with bright windows, a dormer, a closet, and two crawl spaces. Right now it is painted a billiard table-green, which I think I'll keep. I want to do an animals theme (see photo of bedding below). I'm not sure if I'll order the border that goes with the set - it would be cute, but I am VERY anti-wallpaper.

It isn't ideal that he will be on the second floor, however Ryan has some snoring issues and actually sleeps up there more often than not. We'd also keep the gate on the stairs for the night, so I wouldn't be worried that he would try to come down in the dark. It's good because if Ryan is up there, he can look after James and I can look after baby downstairs. There is also a bathroom on the second floor, so when James starts toilet training he won't have far to go to the bathroom!

There are also two crawl spaces in that room. I think it would be super cute to finish out one of them, with paint, carpet and a light so James would have a secret hideout in his room!

Here are some pics of the (messy) room, and the bedding I want.

New Year Complaints

Well, we didn't exactly ring in the New Year with style this year. New Years Eve started off with a trip to the city with my mom to take James to the pediatrician. I had basically figured out what he had, but when your little son is barking like a dog/seal it causes concern that can really only be put to rest by a Doctor.

I love the pediatrician that we see at the walk-in. She is one of those people that make the world a better place by reassuring mothers that they are doing the best job that they can. Then she gives you a straight forward answer to your child's problem with no "maybe" or "it might be", and then the kicker - she always offers a solution, remedies and ideas to help make it better. I just love her.

So, after a fairly survivable wait at the walk-in we got in to see her and she affirmed my initial thoughts that he has croup. It is a virus, and so that means we can't give him anything for it and it has to run it's course. I don't know if you have ever heard a child with croup - but it sounds TERRIBLE! It basically sounds like he could cough up a lung at any given moment, or completely stop breathing. Cold air is good for it, so now is the one time when it doesn't completely suck to have a sick kid in the middle of winter. Okay, it still sucks, but at least the cold air helps this particular problem. Thank the dear Lord, James somehow seems to still be able to sleep through the night despite the seal-like coughing. This is a complete God-send, because these days I cannot function without some sleep. Cough medications are not recommended for croup either, so we are just putting our faith in a cool mist vaporiser, Vicks Vapo Rub and prayer.

All that being said, James being sick and my being pregnant (in my first trimester) is not a great combo. He requires extra attention and patience, and I am lacking both of these. He also wants to be in my arms at all times, and this is not very comfortable anymore. I am semi-nauseous all day, crampy, grouchy, emotional, my back hurts and of course there are few other aches and pains not worth mentioning. It hasn't been fun for the two of us in this little predicament together. Poor Ryan is stuck at home this week with the two of us, and although it's basically been the only reason why we've survived, I'm quite sure he is looking forward to going back to work next week. Oh boy, I'm NOT looking forward to that at all.

James is getting his MMR shot tomorrow morning. Apparently it's fine, even if he has croup. As long as there is no fever, he is getting the vaccination. I know that many people have been discussing the pros and cons of vaccinating. Well, here is one reason why I am having James vaccinated...

Child with polio.

However, all this complaining still leaves me with a huge smile on my face. My son will be happy and healthy again, and I love him more than anything I have ever loved before. My hubby still seems to love me despite my frustration and tears. And, in about 7-8 months, we will have another perfectly lovely addition to our family - for whom I would have done all of this over again a million times. "God is so good - He's so good to me."

A Great Christmas

Wow - what a FUN Christmas! Unfortunately, I won't be able to post many photos - as my computer is not functioning 100%. Sorry about that, but please bear with me! Of course, James had a blast at all the gatherings and opening presents. He definately enjoyed all the boxes, bows and paper more than the actual gifts though! Most of the time, he just wanted to run around and be crazy with the other kids. It was so cute to watch him run with them! What a perfect time for him to have learned to walk/run. He also did really well with the late nights and going from the car to bed. I was impressed. His sleeping has improved a little, after a couple of CIO nights. We are finally sleeping from 8pm to 6:30am again. It would be hard to come up with a list of highlights - every part of this Christmas was great. I felt connected to the real meaning of Christmas in a whole new way this year, and it felt wonderful.

Ryan took a week off of work, and it has been SO awesome to have him around. I'm not sure how I'll feel when he goes back to work next week - even though it is a short week, with New Years and all. It's so nice to have an extra playmate for James to take me off the hook for a while!

I felt quite exhausted and not too well for most of the Christmas holidays. This was all explained when I did a pregnancy test on December 15th - and it was POSITIVE. Yes, merry Christmas to us - we are expecting baby No.2 in August of 2008! Of course, given my past I am still very apprehensive, because it's still very early. (I should just say I'm sorry if any of our close friends or family is finding out about this for the first time here). We have told most of our family and friends, so it won't be long before it is entirely public. Which it is now, I guess. :)

Glad Tidings

Merry Christmas everyone! May you have a blessed, joyful Christmas as you celebrate the gift that God sent to us - His Son, Jesus. I am off until after Christmas to celebrate and spend time with my little family. Love you all!

Changing Phases

Life here has pretty much been on a consistent schedule now for several months. We've still definately been dealing with nighttime sleep issues with James - but it's been hard to know what to do about it, since he's been teething and was sick. He has been sleeping better since he got over his flu though, and that has been nice. Now, however, it seems as though his sleep patterns are changing, and that he may not be needing two naps during the day. It's been a little bit stressful for me - because his nighttime sleep now seems to be very dependent on his daytime naps. The last couple of nights that he slept all the way through, he only got two 45 minute naps during the day. That is fine and dandy, except those naps were in the car, and it's hard to recreate that in the crib! Today I was going to try and skip his morning nap altogether, but by 10:00am he was so wiped I had to put him down. I thought I'd just wake him up after 45 minutes, but let's face it - when your baby is asleep it is SO hard to wake them up. He ended up napping for 1.5 hours. Now this afternoon he went down again at 3:30 - so I'm going to try and keep it to only about a 30 minute nap. All this messed up napping has me frustrated. I like routine and schedules, and trying to learn a new one during this new phase irritates me. Also, with all our Christmas gatherings coming up I am stressing out about how we can balance all the lack of napping and staying up late. I think we're going to be two very tired parents.

If anyone has any suggestions on this matter, I would be appreciative!

Peek-A-Boo Boy

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Plett Picture Post

Christmas Card Exchange?

I just had a thought today, so I need your feedback. I would love to send all my blog readers/lurkers Christmas cards - but there is no way that I could do that. I was wondering if you would all like to participate in a card exchange? You would email me your mailing address and email address. Then I would email you back with the name and address of another one of my blog readers, and you would send a card to them. That way we all get a card in the mail from a blogger, and it's just kind of fun to get a card from someone you may or may not know! Plus, it will save a few trees if I don't have to send out a billion Christmas cards, and James won't lose his college fund to postage bills! If you are interested in participating, please email me with your mailing address and email address by December 9th. There is a link at the top of my blog that says "Email me". Click there to send. Thanks! I hope you can all be a part of the fun!

I'm So Happy & Proud

I had a really neat kind of day today. James went to my mom's before his morning nap so that Ryan and I could get all dressed up in "business casual" attire. I donned black nylons, black dress pants, a black sweater with a faux dress shirt under it in gold/pink/white, and my NEW black heels from Aldo. I straightened my hair - and put on a necklace, AND dangly earrings. I did my makeup. I sprayed on a little eau de "Black Raspberry and Vanilla". I was looking good.

Ryan sported a silver/grey dress shirt, and a black suit. He gelled his hair. He dabbed on a little Aqua Velva. He looked smashing!

So off we went to the Winnipeg Convention Centre for the National Philantropy Day Awards Luncheon. We were invited into the "Guests of Honor" lounge where hors d'oeurves and beverages were served. We caroused with some high-flutin' Manitobans, such as a former Mayor of Winnipeg, Gail Asper, newpaper columnists, business people, sponsors and photographers. It was fun!

After all the carousing, we were escorted into the dining room - at which time I ran into a friend of ours who works at Inner City Youth Alive (an organization that works to get inner city kids off the streets). We chatted for a while, and it was a pleasant conversation. We all headed into the dining room, and saw a table of Ryan's relatives. We said our hellos, but were soon asked to take our seats. We headed up to table #4.

At our table was Mr. John Buhler (of Buhler Industries) and his wife. There was a lady who I can't remember the name of, and a man from Wawanesa Insurance. Also at our table was Mr. Lewis Tropel (the grandson to Ben Moss) (yes, the jeweller), and his mother, and last but not least - my mother and father in law, the guests of honor.

We listened to some speeches and as usual, I was moved. I like to hear about the successes (and failures) of others - and then see them make something of it. I was inspired. After lunch, which was chicken, slivered mixed veggies and baby potatoes, the awards were given.

The first introduction made tears well up in my eyes. The MC spoke of a humble, quiet couple who has given to the community in countless ways. Colleagues and family had only wonderful things to say about them. They were good people. Blessed people. Sharing people. These were my parents in law. I was so proud of them as they went to the front to be awarded the National Philanthrophy Day "Outstanding Philanthropists" Award. It was hard for me to hold back the tears as my father in law spoke. His words were few, but profound as he said, "I have a beautiful wife, two wonderful sons who married beautiful wives, and four incredible grandchildren. If I didn't do it for anyone else, I would do it for them".

Congratulations Mom and Dad - we are VERY proud of you!

Birthday Party Photos

Sorry I'm so late in posting pictures from James' birthday party. He has had the stomach flu this week, with an ear infection to top it all off. Needless to say, it's been a little bit of a rough week. However, we are on the mend - James is on medication, and things are looking up! So, without further ado, here are the party pics...

Neighbour Boys in the Snow

"Mom? Mom?! I'm falling..." (Isaiah)

HE'S ONE!

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. ~ James 1:17 ~

Last year, a mere twelve months ago, as of six minutes ago, I was holding in my arms the most precious gift - our son James. I am very emotional about his birthday today. Each hour that passes I am reminded about where we were, and what we (I) was doing last year. I will never forget that day as long as I live. It truly was the best day of my life - sorry dear, our wedding day was great too - but having James was incredible.

I cannot sum up in enough words what this last year has been like for me. It was fantastic, but extremely hard all at the same time. I've learned amazing things, about myself, about James, about parenting, about relationships, about patience... about God. He has been my strength, and in the times this past year where I felt I was failing He lifted me up.

It's been the most amazing thing to watch my son go from the womb to walking in all the span of one short year! He is such a precious gift, and we seem to feel more and more that way each day. We can't get enough of him (okay, well, sometimes I can get enough of him). Every moment we are blessed to have him in our lives, we are so thankful, overjoyed and abundantly happy. He is happy, healthy, beautiful, loving, and one big jokester! He brings light to our lives. We are having his birthday party on Saturday, with friends and family. I can hardly wait! It's an Elmo themed party - only because I got all this cute Elmo party stuff at Target. I can hardly wait to open gifts with him, and let him eat CAKE!

Thank you Lord for blessing us with our son James. Thank you for thinking that we would be good parents for him, and continue to guide us as we raise him. I pray that he will grow to love You, and to want to know You. I pray blessings on Him Lord, and ask You to watch over him. Please keep him safe, and protect him from all things evil. May each new day of this new year for him reveal something exciting, and something new to learn. Grant me patience and wisdom as he discovers new things, and give me energy for the times when I feel I have no more to give. Lord, may James be a blessing to all those that he meets. I pray that he will be a strong man of God. I pray that he will be smart, and wise, caring and loving. Again Lord, thank you for our beautiful son. We love him immensely, and we are so glad he is ours. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

The Sequel

Some of you may remember the memorable video I posted on this date last year. If you missed it (or if you want to have a good laugh again), you can watch it by clicking here.

For those that remember it (and are still haunted), here is the sequel...



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Off He Goes!

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Pure Joy

Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile,

but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.

~ Thich Nhat Hanh ~

I have been pushing myself lately to learn how to complain less. It is so easy to complain, and yet when a person looks at the world as a whole, there is actually very little about my life that I can truly complain about.

It is easy to complain about a job you dislike. However, a person could learn to be thankful for an income, and a way of being able to put food on the table, and home to live in.

It is easy to complain about the cold weather. However, cold weather forces families to be kept inside, and new memories can be made by spending time together.

It is easy to complain about the government. However, although we may not support all of their decisions, living under the order of a dictator and communism would be much worse.

Sometimes it is also easy to complain about our children, and the things they do that irritate us, worry us, annoy us, tire us. When discussing this with my Bible study group last week, a friend of mine said, "I guess instead of complaining about my son teething, I should just be thankful that he'll have teeth!". Over the last week, the idea of being thankful for things I would usually complain about has become more and more profound. I definately find myself having more joy, and I find myself enjoying James a lot more too.

Daddy and James in the pool at our hotel this weekend.

I've been trying to see his stages more like little memories that are going to soon fade away - so instead of complaining about how he always hangs onto my legs, I am learning to cherish the fact that he wants to be near to me. I've also been embracing his naptime wake-ups (which requires me to stop what I'm doing and rock him back to sleep as I just had to do now), as little moments where I get to be a comfort and cuddle with my son. I have recently seen that these little moments are going to become fewer and fewer.There are often days when my husband will come home from work, and I'll complain about how sore my back is from having spent so much of my day leaning over to walk with James. I don't complain about that anymore, and if I do, only with laughter. One day those little hands will no longer want to embrace my hands for support, and will eventually reach for someone else's hand in love. I hope I never complain about walking with James again.

The more I think about it, the more I find myself making changes to my thoughts about things I regularly complain(ed) about. While we were away this weekend, James would often wake from his naps crying, because of the strange surroundings. Upon going to pick him up after one of his naps, and having him lay with his head on my shoulder after his little wake-up scare I found myself broken down in tears. How I wish I could prevent him from ever being scared! How I wish I could keep all bad things from him! How I wish he would never be sad, frightened, lonely, or unhappy. I thought of all the many children in the world that quiver in fear at the sight of their own mother or father entering their room. I held James very close as I prayed to my dear Lord that he would never know such fear as that.

I was then reminded how the Lord is my Father. He is a Father that has blessed me with all these things that bring me joy, and how do I thank Him? I complain. How can I pray and ask Him for things when I am not thankful for what I already have? To top it all off, my Heavenly Father has blessed me with forgiveness, mercy, grace and the promise of eternal life. He died for me - in the same way that I would give up my life for James. He took all that for me. He has bore all my sins - every single one. How I long to show this love to James, that he would grow up and choose to love Jesus too.

I hope that by hearing his mother be thankful in all situations (to the best of my ability), he will see a glimpse of Christ through me. I know I will never be perfect in this endeavor, and there are times when a person needs to speak about their frustrations. I hope that I can show my son all the things that God has given us to bring us joy. He gave us so much, that He even chose to give us His son. That is a sacrifice I cannot imagine giving to anyone. Could I even be as brave as Abraham was, and lay my son on an alter to die if the Lord asked me to? It seems unthinkable. I want to be a mother that could exemplify a faith such as that. I pray today that I will be such a mother. A mother that my son will look up to, and see Christ through. I challenge you today to start finding the joy in the things that cause you to complain. I hope that in doing so, you will find the pure joy that I am just beginning to see.

Keep smiling, as it makes you look so beautiful! God bless, and thank you for sharing this moment with me!

A Warning Message

I received an email today from my cousin regarding the new Nicole Kidman movie coming out for kids. The movie is called "The Golden Compass". The following is the email I received, as well as quotes I found on the Focus on the Family Plugged In website:

There is a kids movie coming out on December 7, 2007 starring Nicole Kidman. I believe it's called The Golden Compass, and while it will be a watered down version, it is based on a series of children's books about killing God (It is the anti-Narnia). Please follow this link, and then pass it on. From what I understand, the hope is to get a lot of kids to see the movie - which won't seem too bad - and then get the parents to buy the books for their kids for Christmas. The quotes from the author sum it all up: http://snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp

QUOTE: "Atheism suggests a degree of certainty that I'm not quite willing to accede. I suppose, technically, you'd have to put me down as an agnostic. But if there is a God, and he is as the Christians describe him, then he deserves to be put down and rebelled against. As you look back over the history of the Christian church, it's a record of terrible infamy and cruelty and persecution and tyranny. How they have the bloody nerve to go on Thought for the Day and tell us all to be good when, given the slightest chance, they'd be hanging the rest of us and flogging the homosexuals and persecuting the witches." —Philip Pullman, author of the fantasy series His Dark Materials (the first installment of which, The Golden Compass, hits the big screen on Dec. 7). On his writing desk, Pullman has a note he wrote that says, "So: There is a God, but he is a liar and he's mortal," a sentence which does an excellent job of summarizing the spiritual message of his series. Pullman has not been reticent about whom he's targeting with that message: kids. "I wanted to reach everyone," he said, "and the best way I could do that was to write for children." [telegraph.co.uk, 1/29/02]

His Dark Materials is actually a loose—turned-on-its-head—retelling of John Milton's Paradise Lost. One of the central themes of that epic poem is the fall of humankind in Genesis, about which Pullman says, "[It was] a fall into grace, towards wisdom, not something that leads to sin, death, misery, hell—and Christianity." And about Eve, he said, "Eve is my great heroine: She wondered what it would be like if she did as the serpent suggested and ate the fruit. Good for her. What a pompous little prig she would have been if she had said, 'No, I mustn't.'" [telegraph.co.uk, 1/29/02; thirdway.org.uk, 2000]

QUOTE: "I was raised Catholic. The Catholic Church is part of my essence. I wouldn't be able to do [The Golden Compass] if I thought it were at all anti-Catholic." —actress Nicole Kidman, commenting on the fact that negative references to Catholicism and the Church have purportedly been trimmed in the film adaptation of The Golden Compass. Instead of referring directly to Catholicism and/or the Church, the malevolent organization that tortures children (yes, that's in the book) is simply called the Magisterium. While Kidman might think that solves the problem, anyone familiar with that term's usage in the Catholic Church will know better. Magisterium is a technical ecclesiological word used broadly in Catholicism to denote the church's authority to dispense truth, as well as the collection of bishops and the pope who communicate theological truth. [Entertainment Weekly, 8/24/07; catholic.net; disciplesnow.com; columbia.edu]

Blogger's Block

I wanted to write something today that would be encouraging, uplifting, motivating, inspiring... but I have been sitting here for almost an hour now, and just completely erased everything that I just typed.

Because, the truth is I haven't been focusing on God properly lately, and it's noticeable. I haven't been doing my daily Bible reading. I haven't been starting off my day with prayer, and then following up with positive thoughts about how I want my day to go. I haven't been grabbing the opportunities that have been thrown in my path. I haven't done much of anything for God at all (or so it feels). I've been worrying. I've been neglecting. I've been chasing "other gods", so to speak. And that's the plain truth.

I could blame it on things like "I'm busy", "I'm tired", blah, blah, blah... Or I could start making up things in my head, and blame my friends like "Well, this wouldn't happen if someone would just call to encourage me every now and then". Then I could just sink into a nice hole of self pity, and stay there a while. Wouldn't that be nice? Funny how the devil almost makes me believe that it feels good to feel bad.

Somedays I forget about the book I once read by Max Lucado called "It's Not About Me". The truth is, it's about God. Everything is about God. My very existance is about God. HE DIED FOR ME. What should I do for the One that died for me? I should be living, breathing, speaking, moving for God. I am such a selfish, ridiculous sinner.

Tomorrow I am going to refocus my thoughts and my priorities. I am going to wake up and start my day with God. I am going to be available to Him in any way I can. I am going to do my Bible reading. I am going to ask Him to use me tomorrow in a positive way, to show a glimpse of Him somehow, to someone. I'm going to call a friend, and encourage them. I'm going to live my life to honour the One who died for me... and I am going to start with tomorrow.

Ah, now I feel just a little bit better.

But all of us who are Christians... reflect like mirrors the glory of the Lord.

~ 2 Corinthians 3:18 ~

Watch the whole thing...

Walker!

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Eleven Months Old

Wow, as if I have an eleven month-old! Just one more month, and he's one. I can't believe how fast this year is flying by. I know, I know - that's what every one always says, but you never really know what they mean until you have a child of your own.

<----- James in his box fort. One of his favourite things to play with!

James has learned a lot of things this month! He is standing on his own, although he still needs furniture to help him get up. He has taken a few steps too, his record being 5. He has learned to open the CD player, turn the light switch on and off, and drinks from a sippy cup on his own. He has also ventured into the world of speech this month! Some of the words he says consistently are "dada", "hi", "hi titty" (for kitty), "gamma" (grandma), "a-dun" (all done), "mum", and "ba-ba" (bye bye). I'm sure he has said some other words too, but he doesn't always repeat them so it's hard to know. I am quite proud of his vocabulary! He is also the proud new owner of 6 teeth, and I think there are more on their way. He has also become more interested in hearing me read stories, and he LOVES music. Actually, he has said "moo-shik" which I think is "music". If the radio isn't on first thing in the morning, he will immediately crawl to it and say "uh? uh?" for me to come turn it on. It has to play ALL day! He loves trucks and balls. He will line up his little cars on the window sill, and then knock them off with shouts of triumph. He loves food - and hasn't really refused anything we've offered him yet.

For the last four weeks James has been sick on and off, as well as the rest of the family. This has included congestion, fever and vomiting. At the same time, it seems he has developed a major case of separation anxiety, and has to be glued to me at all times. This makes me feel loved, but very claustrophobic! I hope he grows out of it soon. He is still going to bed at 8:00pm, and getting up super early - sometimes before 6:00am. We also hope he grows out of that soon too!

Thanks for following along on my journey... the next big milestone is the big ONE!

Another Baby Attack Reported!

Another baby attack was caught on camera this week. James P., just shy of 11 months old, is seen here attacking his neighbour lady Rebekah. She was just able to snap this photo before the baby launched into full attack mode. Seen behind him, his accomplice, and son to the victim, Isaiah. Charges have not been laid, but "the assaults will likely continue until somebody lays down the law" the mother of the attacker said yesterday. For more photos of this viciously cute duo, see Rebekah's blog.

Fun in the Leaves

Almost!

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Under the Weather

Hello friends! I haven't been posting much in the last few weeks because lately I've been trying to get as much rest as I can while James is napping (which is my usual blogging time). We seem to be on-and-off under the weather over here. Some of it is teething for James. I'm quite sure he has 3 teeth trying to make their way through on the top. This has been causing some disruptions in the night, as well as very fussy, whiny days. On top of that, he seems to have a little touch of the flu - and has been a little pukey. I've had cold symptoms on-and-off for almost two or three weeks now too. It is also combined with a mild sore throat that comes back everytime we have a bad night. Needless to say it's been a little bit of a tough week for me.

On top of that, I am also dealing with a couple of different personal and family issues that are really dragging me down. I don't want to mention it all here on the blog, but I just feel defeated in many ways. I am really not used to feeling that way - I tend to enjoy feeling happy and positive - so this depressing, down feeling is not good. It keeps me up at night too, and I'm already not getting good sleep, so something has got to change soon.

To top it off, I was looking forward to watching a movie with Ryan last night that I had rented on Friday (week long rental). We were all settled in, with a big pot of tea, when I opened up the case to put in the DVD. Wouldn't you know it?! It was the wrong movie in the case, and it was one that we had seen, and it was one that we didn't care to watch again. Grrrrrr...

Sorry for the grumpy post. That's just life at the Plett's right now. I've never really liked the transition into winter either. It's that moist, bone-chilling cold that I don't like - and the trees are no longer pretty colours of orange and yellow. Everything just kind of gets muddy in October. Alright, enough complaining...

On the BRIGHT side, James has learned some really cute things this week. He puts up one finger when we say "Is James going to be one?". He is also walking along furniture, and occasionally taking one or two steps towards us. He really loves his Nuby Grip 'n Sip cups, and drinks from it all day when I leave it out with water. This should help with the transition off of the bottle. He also had his first tumble down the stairs, which isn't exactly a highlight of our weekend. It was on Sunday morning, and I was right behind him as he made his usual bee-line for the stairs. In the past, he has always hesitated and stopped before actually going down. Well, on Sunday he decided to just go for it. THANK GOODNESS it was the stairs with rug, and the shortest flight too - just four steps. He rolled down like a ragdoll, and I thought I was going to die. When he landed on his back on the landing, and started to cry and move I started to laugh. I was just so thankful that he was okay, my emotions just came out as laughter! He didn't seem to have any bruises or marks at all. Ryan is picking up another baby gate today.

When Playtime Goes Awry

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