James does his Chores

To have a toddler-sized Swiffer sweeper, simply remove the middle two sections of the handle. Voila! Hours of sweeping entertainment (okay, well at least a few minutes anyway). The floor was actually cleaner once James was done!

Heather Recommends

The following is a list of books that our ladies Bible study group has taken over the years. Each of these books have been really amazing, and I just wanted to share with you a little bit about each one - and how it impacted me. Hopefully you'll be inspired to pick one up (or all of them), and grow a little bit in your walk with God.

It's Not About Me by Max Lucado


This book was great, not only because it is written by the ever-popular Max Lucado, but because it really reminded me of what our purpose is, and God's too. I came away from this book with better understanding of how ALL glory is to be given to God. Everything that happens here on Earth, be it good or bad, will be for the greater good of His kingdom. Knowing that, I have a lot more peace about things that happen in my life that are disappointing. Just knowing that it will have brought the greatest amount of glory to God's kingdom is encouraging.


Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer


Wow! This book challenged me in almost every chapter. I felt very convicted about my negative feelings, speech and thoughts. I'm still working on applying these things to my life, and it sure it noticeable how much better I feel!

Traveling Light by Max Lucado


If you were to choose any one of these books to read, let it be this one! This book changed my life, and also the lives of all the other women in my group. I've given this book as a gift, and recommend it highly. I don't want to give too much away, but just imagine the freedom of handing over everything that is burdening you to someone else. Wouldn't you feel great?! The truth is, if you can give even one of your burdens over to Christ, you will feel lighter.


Can You Hear Me? by Brad Jersak


Even though we are only on Chapter 2 of this book, I am still going to recommend it - because I am hooked! I am now a complete "listening prayer" addict, and God has been speaking loud and clear. It's been amazing, and I would love to see and hear more of you out there learn about hearing God's voice. If you have read it, I would love to hear what God has spoken to you.

Sometimes I'm Sad

I haven't really spent a lot of time blogging about our last miscarriage. It's not that I don't think about it, but honestly, I really don't have a lot of time to think about it! There are definately moments where I have a clear enough mind to say, "Wow, I have two or three children waiting for me in Heaven". I say two or three, because it was never entirely determined whether or not our last miscarriage was twins. The ultrasound showed two "clusters", one that was definately a baby, and the other was unclear. It might have just been a large blood clot, but the way the Doctor talked about it sounded like he was leaning towards twin pregnancy. There are no twins in either side of our immediate families, so this would have been one of those one-in-a-million fluke twin pregnancies. That fact alone could be the reason for the miscarriage, as my body was unable to process twins, and thus, they did not thrive.

Today I am a little more emotional about it, because when others around me get pregnant or are thinking about having another baby, my heart starts to ache. I am still very, truly excited for them - my aching heart does not quench my love for other children, and my excitement and joy for the expecting parents. It just reminds me that I want to be in their position, and be fearlessly expecting my next baby.

There is a reason and a purpose for everything - and in many ways, I have already seen some of the blessings in not being pregnant right now. I definately have a lot less stress, and even thinking about a baby coming along a little later seems far more do-able now. I am looking forward to spending the entire summer running after James, and NOT being a sweaty, pregnant woman while doing it (no offence to those of you that will be, hehe)! I am also looking forward to our winter vacation without a newborn, and just James to pack for and entertain. He is at such a fun stage, I'm glad I can take this time to enjoy it longer. I still wish I was pregnant, but I don't really see the point of lamenting about something that I can't change.

Many people ask me if we want more children, or how many children we hope to have. I keep telling them that right now I am happy to be thankful for the ONE that I already have. Don't count your chickens before they hatch, as they say!

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.

Seventeen Months

Wow, my little monkey is 17 months old today!

He's LOVES his Kitty!

Being helpful like Grandpa.

Painting a picture for Isaiah.

The finished product.

Driving his four-wheeler (yes, he can drive it by himself)!

Being a goofball.

Wagon rides with Isaiah.

Running, and more running!

Just plain cute - scars and all!

What to Believe

All this talk about plastics, bottles, sippy cups, soothers, and all the rest of it is starting to get me really angry. What are we supposed to believe these days? We can choose to believe the people that we call "they". "They" say plastic cups and bottles with the recycle numbers 3, 6 and 7 should be thrown away. "They" say BPA can cause fertility problems and prostrate issues. "They" say latex and plastic soothers should be tossed. "They" say, and we do! This bothers me, because who are "they" and why do we believe everything that "they" say?!

We could also choose to believe the stores that are pulling all the plastic bottles off their shelves. However, when you think about it... are they pulling these bottles off the shelf for our protection? Or, are they pulling them off the shelf so that they can stock the APPROVED bottles, and thus, make more money as all of us are now going to have to purchase new bottles?

Maybe we could choose to believe the manufacturers, who have yet to actually report a complete recall. Are they choosing to ignore these so-called studies, and keep their item on the shelf knowing that it could harm the public - particularly children - and even their own children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren? Or are they not reporting a recall because they know that there are no considerable studies that have shown an actual risk to humans? Maybe they just don't care.

Perhaps we should believe that everything these days is potentially going to cause cancer, or other health defects. It doesn't seem to matter if it is plastic bottles, shampoo, make-up, non-organic food items, pesticides, lotions, toilet paper, gum, paint fumes, vaccinations, hair dye, polyester clothing... is anything TRULY and REALLY safe? Even drinking water is now filled with fluoride and other chemicals. A walk in the outdoors is probably cancer-causing, because the neighbouring mill is blowing chaff out of its stacks like there is no tomorrow. Is there a tomorrow? I find it hard to believe that if it isn't going to be the plastic bottles I've used, something else is going to be the cause of cancer that kills me and my family. For all I know, "they" will be telling us next week that the plastic keys on the computer keyboard are now linked to brain hemorraging.

This makes me angry. I am angry with consumerism and advertising. I am angry at the lies, and then the lies that make me question the truth. I am angry at stores and manufacturers. I am angry at all this information that makes me as a mother worry EVEN MORE than I really need to. I am angry that I can't just live my life as healthy as I can without having to feel GUILTY that I fed my little baby boy from plastic bottles that MAY potentially cause him fertility problems in his future. Argh! I get SO frustrated by all of this. Sometimes I wish I was living in the "good 'ol days".

How do you handle it? Do you always go with the latest theory, and toss away the latest health risk you have in your home, replacing it with the newer (and usually more expensive) alternative? Or do you ignore it, and just live happily ever after with a clear conscience because inside you know you did all that you felt was necessary to keep your family safe and healthy? I struggle with a balance here. I don't want to be blamed for not taking the proper precautions, but at the same time I don't really know if this isn't all just propaganda.

My Heart Keeps Melting

Sometimes, when I am looking at James, or watching him play, or when he gives me one of his big goofy smiles I get tingles down my spine. I can't even fathom how much I love him some days. My heart is continuously melting over him. He's my sunshine. He's my miracle. He's my happiness. Sometimes I get so overwhelmed at my love for him, that I wonder how I could ever live without him - literally. Sometimes I get worried, and I end up on my knees, begging my Heavenly Father to keep a hedge of protection around him, and I pray for the blood of Jesus over him. Sometimes I can't even come up with words to describe how this little man makes me feel inside - like right now. He makes me want to sing, to shout, to smile, to laugh, to dance. He makes everything seem okay. He just makes me feel alive. He makes me believe even MORE in God. Having him is like having a little taste of Heaven on Earth.

I love you James. You mean more to daddy and I than you will ever know. If I were to be blessed with only you, I would be the happiest mommy that ever lived.

Learning to Eat

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

A First

Sadly, I did not capture one of James' "firsts" on camera today - but it sure was cute! He was outside for the first time in his rubber boots. As all boys are born with a natural inclination to be in water while wearing rubber boots, James was lead to the nearest puddle like a dog to a bone. He was very much enjoying this new adventure when suddenly he stepped into a part of the puddle that was much deeper than the rest. Wearing a pair of slip-ons I was unable to step into the water to aide him, and watched in despair (but mostly in amusement) as his boots filled up with water. This unfortunate event did not end there, as he immediately tried to run to me for comfort. However, being a novice in rubber boots, he was not able to lift his feet and tumbled backwards onto his bum into the water. He actually didn't scream as I thought he might, but rather just whimpered all the way back into the house. Once I reached the door though, I realized that he was whimpering to go BACK OUT. The cold water in his boots, soaking wet socks, pants and diaper didn't bother him in the least. All he wanted was back into that puddle! Well, I guess that will happen tomorrow. For now, his boots are drying on the vent and his pants and socks are in the dryer. I can't wipe the silly grin off my face as I think about this. I always knew that having a boy would be like this, but I never knew how fun it would be to see it unfolding before my eyes. My little baby boy just filled his boots with water... I couldn't be more happy!

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Switching to a Bed

I am in NO rush to get James out of his crib just yet. However, this weekend while we were visiting Toys 'R Us, James was playing around in a race car toddler bed they had set up. He seemed to really like it, and seeing him in it made me think that he could almost be ready for that transition. We had basically planned to put him right into a twin bed, with those guard rails you can buy. After seeing him in the toddler bed though, it made me think that maybe he should be in a toddler bed first. My brother and I were both in a twin bed by the time we were between 18 months and 2 years old. Others would definately say that a toddler bed is the better way to start, because it's easier for them to get in and out. If we buy a toddler bed, it means that we also have to buy another mattress and stuff, whereas if we put him in the twin bed we already have everything but the guard rails. Hum, hum, hum... what to do? I'd love to hear your opinions and experiences.

Five of My Most Favourite People

I think it was about 4 years ago, back in the days that I worked with Robin at Country Graphics, that we decided to start a woman's Bible study group. The way it happened was that I wanted to be in a Bible study, but it wasn't something that my hubby was interested in doing. I asked a few of the young couples groups if I could join, but they all felt that it would be a little strange if I was there without my spouse. I came to work one morning very upset about it, and Robin, who was in a similar situation, said jokingly "Well, why don't we just start our own group?". At first it seemed funny, as neither of us would have labeled ourselves as leaders - and particularly not in a spiritual manner. As we discussed the idea further, we decided it would be in our best interest to spend time praying about it. The more we prayed, the better the idea became. Eventually we found ourselves praying that God would bring a strong and dynamic group of women together, a group of women who were looking to grow in faith.

We advertised with posters, and called up a few people who came to mind that might be interested. Gaining one "stranger", Amy, who responded to our poster, and two others, Sherisse, and Jeryn who were either friends of mine or Robin's, our little group was formed. This group was an immediate hit. The different backgrounds and diverse upbringings gave way to amazing discussions - the growth and learning was evident from day one. Not only that, but there was an emotional connection as well. Each girl came from a different church. It was put together by God so perfectly, Robin and I could hardly believe how He had blessed us.

Over the years women have left our group, and joined the group. Each time this has happened, it's been in God's perfect timing. Each member has always brought something special to the group, something that was needed and appreciated. When one would leave, their special gift to the group was and is remembered to this day.

For the past year and a half, to two years, the group has remained strong. These five women, Jamie, Jeryn, Sherisse, Rebekah and Robin, bless me in ways that I cannot even count. I find myself counting down the days until I get to spend time with them every-other Thursday evening. They make me laugh, they make me cry, but above all, they challenge me to grow in Christ, love Him more, better myself, and accept myself for who I am.

Girls, you are one of the biggest blessings in my life. I love all of you so very much, and I cherish each of you. Thank you for growing with me, and challenging me. Thank you for praying for me, and crying with me. Thank you for laughing with me, and humbling me. Thank you for being there when I need you, and allowing me to be me. Thank you for affirming me, and being honest with me. Thank you for showing your true selves, and for allowing me to show my true self. Thank you for letting Jesus shine through you, and for continuing to strive to shine more. Thank you for allowing me in, and encouraging me. God bless you girls, you are my sunshine.

In Other News

So James isn't ALL bad, and he isn't ALWAYS getting injured... okay, at least not the point where he has to be taken to the hospital!

He has had a few other adventures recently too. One of these adventures happened at my mom's house. We popped in on her last week for an impromtu visit. James was running all over the house, so eventually we moved downstairs to play in the basement. We had been in the basement for almost a half hour when James suddenly spits something out onto the floor. It isn't entirely unusual for him to spit something out that he has found and put in his mouth, but it IS unusual when he spits out something that SPARKLES. There on the rug were my mom's diamond earrings! He had snatched them off her nightside table upstairs, and had them in his mouth for more than a half hour!

James also loves to help wash the dishes. I couldn't help but snap this cute photo of him helping daddy a couple of nights ago.

He also really enjoyed watching the women's World Curling Championships this past weekend. He doesn't really watch TV at all, even if I try to put something on for him. However, he really loved the curling - and gave us a good laugh when he started belting out "HARD", mimicking the ladies who were sweeping. He would also usually say "boom" after the rocks would hit.

A Rough Day

Today was a really good day for James and I. He has seemingly hit the "Terrible Twos" a little early, and has been testing my patience in a big way. I finally came to the conclusion that it was time for the hammer of discipline to come down, and that starting today I was taking no more attitude (this decision made after totally melting down yesterday). So far it's been working well. Along with the hammer of discipline was also the fact that I am no longer willing to rock James for his naps, and then end up having to sit there and hold him through the entire thing. Lately he has been waking up as soon as he is put down, and then crying if I don't hold him. Today was also the end of that, and he actually fell asleep on his own quite quickly.

Well, supper time rolled around, and I had to make a quick stop in the bathroom before making James supper. James followed me into the bathroom, and was complaining because he was hungry. As we turned to walk out of the bathroom, James tripped on a rug and hit his forehead on the corner of the wall. He fell hard, and his head caught the edge where the baseboards join at the bottom, which is a sharp corner. I didn't even look at the wound - I just picked him up and ran for ice. He was screaming, and blood was running into his eye. I took a look at the damage, and could tell right away that we would need to go to the hospital. I was home alone, so I called my mom to come and take us there. Just as she arrived, Ryan also showed up on the scene (almost a 1/2 hour earlier than normal), so he was able to take us. God has good timing! Anyway, my poor little guy ended up with 3 stitches. I warned the nurses that they were likely to see us again in the future. With the level of energy that James has, this type of thing is bound to happen often.

Just to prove that this is not an April Fool's joke, here is the photo proof.

Losing Isaiah

I'm having an emotional week dealing with the fact that my best friend Rebekah is leaving. For now it is only for a few months, but knowing her passion and her husband's passion for ministry, I am sort of assuming that it will eventually be a long-term goodbye.

Rebekah came into my life on the evening that we came home from the hospital after losing our first baby. Since then, she has been a friend through some of the most exciting, and some of the most heart-wrenching moments in my life. She was there when I found out I was pregnant. She has been there when I thought I might completely fall apart (all those millions of times a day). She was there... she has just always been there. She has really been a mentor to me in my faith. I can talk to her about absolutely everything, and I would trust her with anything.

I haven't given the label "best friend" to anyone in a very long time. My past is sort of filled with some painful memories of losing people that I had labelled my "best friend". I guess it's taken this long for those wounds to heal, and now that I've finally found a best friend again, I have to say goodbye. I've shed so many tears about it already, but at the same time I don't want to fall into self-pity. I really just want to challenge Rebekah to go forward and touch lives like she has touched mine. I want to be her prayer warrior, and biggest cheerleader. For all that she has done for me, I want to be there for her now. It's funny - I miss her and she isn't even gone yet.

Today James and I were on a walk around the yard, and I asked him where Isaiah's house was. He immediately began walking toward their house. I realized then that we won't be making that walk this summer... unless for some reason we know the people living in that house. It also made me realize that I'm not only losing Rebekah as my neighbour, but James is losing Isaiah! He might not know it now, but he will really miss having a neighbour so close to his own age to play with. My dreams of seeing them playing outside together are sort of fading now.

Have you ever had to say goodbye to your best friend? Have you ever wondered if someone could take their place? Who will I call 100 times a day? Who will I talk to about everything, and trust with my deepest, darkest secrets? Who will inspire me to love Jesus more every day? Can I trust myself to rely on God when I feel alone? I have so many questions, but I know I will perservere. Right now though, my heart is aching, and I dread the day that I officially say goodbye.

ESFJ - The Caregiver

"And above all, have fervent love for one another:

for love shall cover the multitude of sins."

~ Peter 4.8 ~

I just took a personality quiz today that almost COMPLETELY sums me up as a person! I was typed as an ESFJ, and I was amazed at how accurate it was. A friend of mine put me on to it, and it's really fun to see what other peoples personalities are. If you want, do the quiz and comment here with your personality. Let me know if you think it is accurate or not. Below is a brief outline of my type. What do you think, is it me?

ESFJ (Extravert, Sensor, Feeler, Judger):
People of this type tend to be: active, friendly, and energetic; outgoing, affectionate, and talkative; concerned about others and careful to be polite and cooperative; realistic, literal, and conscientious; highly sensitive and easily hurt; organized, responsible, and conventional.

The most important thing to ESFJs is their relationships and helping people in real, and practical ways.

To read all about the ESFJ personality in detail, click here.

He's Alive

This song used to play at our house frequently when I was a little girl. I loved this song, and I still do! It makes me cry at the end!

Sixteen Months (Early)

I know it isn't officially James' sixteen month birthday, but I thought I'd post while I have time. If I based my post on todays events alone, you would not get a very pretty picture. Today James has gotten hurt so many times, I can't even count. In a span of about five minutes, the following scene took place: I was preparing lunch, and James was very unhappy (probably just hungry). He was trying to push me away from the counter while I was working, and bumped his head on the cupboard knob. Crying ensued, and then finally was resolved when he found his blankie on the floor. Crying stops. He then proceeded to slip on blankie, banging his forehead and chin on the floor. Crying ensued, I put a small bowl of very warm (not hot) soup onto the table for James, and then went to cuddle the injured soul. Crying stops. I go to the counter to get my soup when I hear screaming! I turn around to see James' hand covered in very warm soup. The bowl was still on the table, in it's proper position, but soup was dripping off the side of the table. I don't know if he actually reached the soup, or just banged the table, but none-the-less the damage was done. I pick him up, and run cool water over his hand. Crying stops. I call my mom to ask her what I should put on it, in the meantime spraying stain remover onto James sleeper that I had just removed. Within seconds, James pulls the Huggies diaper wipes out of his diaper bag, steps on the container, slips, and falls hard onto his bum. Crying then ensued... seriously, this was just a few minutes out of an entire morning of similar scenarios.

On the brighter side, James has been a tonne of fun! He is talking a lot now, and has finally transitioned into eating table food. This has still be somewhat problematic, as he appears to have also transitioned into a fussy eater. He will only eat: bread, cheese, peas and corn, and noodles. But hey, it's a start. He got a set of alphabet books for his birthday, and is quite good at remembering what is on each page. He seems to know "owl", "flower" and "turtle" the best. Yesterday he discovered a new box filled with various sizes and brands of batteries. I let him play with them while I did some things on the computer. Later, then I came back into the room, I noticed that he had pulled out all the Duracell D size batteries and lined them up. What a smartie! He also loves hide-and-seek and going for walks in his new John Deer wagon. He also now knows the word "yacka" which is "jacket". He LOVES going outside, in the car, or even just into the porch to visit Kitty. He will often come to me now with his jacket, saying "yacka, car, bye bye" when he wants to go out. He is a complete joy - and just gets more fun every single day.

I'm NOT a Germ-O-Phobic!

***Long Post Warning***

Really, I'm not. I am not afraid of germs, and I think that it's really good for your child to be exposed to a few to strengthen their immune system. However, I don't really feel that it's necessary to spread germs around. Nobody enjoys a sick child. Especially when the sick child's sleep is affected by the symptoms, and thus, affecting the sleep of the rest of the household. I know that a parent doesn't always know that their child is carrying a virus, because these viruses can go undetected for days, sometimes weeks. But if your child is physically showing signs of illness, I believe it is our duty to keep them out public places - and at the very least, when it is absolutely necessary to go out, to be considerate of the other healthy children around.

There are a few places that make me cringe when it comes to the spread of germs. These places are: Morning Out for Moms, the childen's play centre at the mall, shopping carts, the church nursery room, and the airport. James has been at, or been in contact with at least three of these places or things in the last week.

I have NEVER yet taken James to Morning Out for Moms this year that he has NOT gotten sick within a few days. This has been a great frustration to me, and other moms, because we would love to attend this weekly event. However, James has been sick after every single time I've attended. I actually haven't attended now for a month or more for this very reason - because I am tired of a sick child. I decided I was being silly, so I brought him there this past week. Wouldn't you know it - he has a cold now.

I won't necessarily blame Moms group though. On Monday we travelled from Vancouver Island back home to Winnipeg. In the Vancouver terminal, at our gate, there was another mom and her son waiting to board the plane. James was strapped into an umbrella stroller, minding his own business. This other little boy, just a few months younger, was walking around the waiting area. He immediately came running up to see James, and I said hello to him and the mom. They were both very friendly, and 'Logan' started climbing up onto James in the stroller. James was NOT impressed, and at the same time that he started to cry I noticed that Logan had shnot running out of both nostrils, and into his mouth. I also noticed that he was sniffling, and before I could stop the impending spread of germs he let out two raspy coughs - right into James' face. I did not show it, but I was livid! I politely lowered Logan down to the floor, and made a bee-line with James out into the hall. My mother-in-law saw the whole thing unfold, and was equally as perturbed as myself. We both had to ask, why would that mother have let her obviously sick son crawl all over another child? Nevermind the fact that we were strangers, and James was really upset that this child was climbing on him. I tried to clean James up with a wet wipe, but as far as I know that will do very little to kill off a virus.

I encourage all you moms out there to do your best to protect your children, and others by not taking them out into public areas when they are noticeably sick. Teach your older kids to sneeze into their elbow, or use a Kleenex. Maybe even carry a little bottle of that antibacterial stuff in your purse. Please don't be angry with me if you disagree. I just don't think its fair that I have to lose sleep because little Logan wanted a stroller ride. I really feel like when James is sick, it's my obligation as his mom to keep him away from other children, or places where he could easily make someone else sick. We were at the mall recently, and James went up to a little baby girl on her mom's lap. The mother was friendly, and started to talk to James, so I knew it was okay that he was near them. Then James reached out to touched the baby's hand. I quickly took his hand away, and told him that it was not okay to touch a stranger. I then told the mom that he was not sick, so she didn't have to worry about that. She was very appreciative! She thanked me for being courteous about letting my child touch hers, and also said she thought it was really nice that I had taken into consideration that he could pass on a sickness. In the end, she said it was okay for James to touch the baby's hand, so he did.

On this same note, I was impressed at the grocery store I went to in B.C. Right at the door, where you pick up your cart they had a stand with antibacterial wipes on it. You could use the wipes on the cart, or basket. I thought that was actually a really great idea. Apparently there are some places in Winnipeg that have the same thing - Sobey's, Safeway and a few others. Of course, it happens to be places I don't often shop, but I hope to see this as a new regular initiative of other stores. I don't think it's right to over antibacterialize everything - but a few less sick people is a good thing, in my opinion.

Our Trip in Pictures

James on the plane.
Tommy and I have a chat.
Beautiful, goofy Emily.
What could me more fun than a TUNNEL?!
James and Tommy share a basket. Could be brothers, no?

James loved his cousin Emily!

The view from our condo.

Simon and James trying to share.

A cool pic by Ryan - Thomas at the end of a long, clear box.

The awesome Winnie the Pooh plane.

There were a lot of funny stories from the weekend, but I'll share the funniest one. Ryan and I were back at our condo with James for the night. James was running around playing when Ryan let out a loud, raunchy fart. James looked up from whatever he was doing, and with a smile on his face he said, "BEEP!".

Ain't that the truth...

In B.C.

Hey everyone! I've not gone missing, just left the province. Ryan, James and I together with Ryan's mom surprised his dad on his 70th birthday with a trip out to BC. We are in Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island, visiting the family out here. It's been great. His dad was completely surprised! James travelled well, but has been having some trouble adjusting to the time change. We are tired, but we are enjoying the warmer weather and all the kids. More to report, and pictures to come when we get home.