Every once in a while something happens to make me think there might be hope. Like the other day, when the kids got up while I was in the shower and made their beds without having to be reminded. I walked into their room to tie back the curtains for the day and was met by tidy beds. I just about fainted with surprise. Just a few weeks ago, Lauren asked if she could vacuum for me (yes, you read that right... she asked) Of course, I let her try and it turned out she did a fantastic job. She may now regret that request, because it has since become one of her regular chores. It helps me out tremendously and she does it cheerfully, too.
Since that day the beds haven't been made without a reminder... but I'm hoping for a repeat performance in the future!
Friday, June 30
Tuesday, June 27
the week in review
Monday was the last day on Scott's tourist visa so that meant a trip to the border to take out a new one. That night we met Peter & Martha (our field director) for supper which is always an encouragement. They were coming through El Paso on their way to Canada for their daughter's wedding. Since we didn't have much other business to take care of aside from a visit to U-Haul and birthday shopping for Avery we had alot of time for fun family stuff.
Tuesday we went to see Cars. The last movie we saw in the theatre, Chicken Little, was not a hit with the kids so Ezra did not want to go. He finally conceded, though, and said he would "rest" the whole time, which meant he would keep his eyes closed. Thankfully, it was a great movie. Ezra spent the first 10 minutes pretending not to watch, but soon he was openly enjoying it. Now, of course, it's his favourite movie in the whole world. The rest of us enjoyed it, too. It's one of those kids movies that is very entertaining for grown-ups.
Wednesday we went mini golfing. Avery used a stick. Ezra had a putter, but most of the time he kicked the golf ball around the course... he called it "soccer golf." Lauren really enjoyed the game. When she got the only hole-in-one she jumped around and hooted with excitement for awhile! Then the guys quickly took a turn around the go kart track and we took off for our next stop... ice cream.
Thursday we drove back home. Ho hum. No problems at either border checkpoint and Scott had an easy time with his visa. Read James Herriot out loud to Scott most of the way home.
Friday... unpacking and small group. Can't remember anything else.
Saturday's big event was taking the training wheels off of Ezra's bike. He caught on amazingly fast and after a couple of runs with him up and down the street he was on his own. He was very excited and could hardly steer straight for all his giggling!
Sunday was the official end to youth. Instead of a service with a talk, the praise band just led favourites by request and Scott opened up a time of sharing. He came home very touched as everyone had something positive to say about Scott's ministry and influence in their lives. I wish I could have been there. I'm sure Scott will have more to say about this on his blog.
Yesterday was to be my official start to packing... but it didn't happen. We drove to Chihuahua to pick up Elma Janzen and what should have been 3 hours, tops ended up being 5 hours away from home. And seeing as I still had to feed my family and look after the house, there was no time for packing.
Today I did it. It was a slow start but at least it was a start. I have 5 boxes packed and a gazillion to go. *sigh* One box at a time. And three and a half weeks to go.
ok... I haven't been able to post the pictures here. Check out my photo albums to see them.
Tuesday we went to see Cars. The last movie we saw in the theatre, Chicken Little, was not a hit with the kids so Ezra did not want to go. He finally conceded, though, and said he would "rest" the whole time, which meant he would keep his eyes closed. Thankfully, it was a great movie. Ezra spent the first 10 minutes pretending not to watch, but soon he was openly enjoying it. Now, of course, it's his favourite movie in the whole world. The rest of us enjoyed it, too. It's one of those kids movies that is very entertaining for grown-ups.
Wednesday we went mini golfing. Avery used a stick. Ezra had a putter, but most of the time he kicked the golf ball around the course... he called it "soccer golf." Lauren really enjoyed the game. When she got the only hole-in-one she jumped around and hooted with excitement for awhile! Then the guys quickly took a turn around the go kart track and we took off for our next stop... ice cream.
Thursday we drove back home. Ho hum. No problems at either border checkpoint and Scott had an easy time with his visa. Read James Herriot out loud to Scott most of the way home.
Friday... unpacking and small group. Can't remember anything else.
Saturday's big event was taking the training wheels off of Ezra's bike. He caught on amazingly fast and after a couple of runs with him up and down the street he was on his own. He was very excited and could hardly steer straight for all his giggling!
Sunday was the official end to youth. Instead of a service with a talk, the praise band just led favourites by request and Scott opened up a time of sharing. He came home very touched as everyone had something positive to say about Scott's ministry and influence in their lives. I wish I could have been there. I'm sure Scott will have more to say about this on his blog.
Yesterday was to be my official start to packing... but it didn't happen. We drove to Chihuahua to pick up Elma Janzen and what should have been 3 hours, tops ended up being 5 hours away from home. And seeing as I still had to feed my family and look after the house, there was no time for packing.
Today I did it. It was a slow start but at least it was a start. I have 5 boxes packed and a gazillion to go. *sigh* One box at a time. And three and a half weeks to go.
ok... I haven't been able to post the pictures here. Check out my photo albums to see them.
Friday, June 16
not so much winding down
Winding down? Who am I kidding? These past few days I've been doing nothing but rushing around! Kindergarden grads, buying presents for teachers, painting father's day banners, helping people with their English assignments, shopping & cooking for the counsellor training weekend, hosting World Cup parties... sheesh!
Here's the little graduate himself. He was given a fish as a graduation present from his teachers. My suggestion for a name was flatly turned down (Simon is a perfectly good fish name if you ask me) and it was promptly named Fishy Fish. Also known as Pezy Pez in Spanish.
And here's Lauren with her teacher today after their final day at school. In
celebration of the year's end, the entire school hiked up a small hill to symbolically represent working to reach a goal. At the top they held a little gratitude service thanking God for a great year. Lauren was kind of volatile this afternoon, so I think she's feeling a little sad at the prospect of not seeing her teacher and classmates again. Last week we sent her to school with a disposable camera to take pictures of her friends. I hope they turn out. She looks through her photo albums often and it would be nice to add those as well.
Here's the little graduate himself. He was given a fish as a graduation present from his teachers. My suggestion for a name was flatly turned down (Simon is a perfectly good fish name if you ask me) and it was promptly named Fishy Fish. Also known as Pezy Pez in Spanish.And here's Lauren with her teacher today after their final day at school. In
celebration of the year's end, the entire school hiked up a small hill to symbolically represent working to reach a goal. At the top they held a little gratitude service thanking God for a great year. Lauren was kind of volatile this afternoon, so I think she's feeling a little sad at the prospect of not seeing her teacher and classmates again. Last week we sent her to school with a disposable camera to take pictures of her friends. I hope they turn out. She looks through her photo albums often and it would be nice to add those as well.Sunday, June 11
winding down
Things are definitely winding down for us. Tonight will be Scott's last night speaking at youth (there is one more regular youth meeting and an end-of-the-year party yet) After church today we were driving to a restaurant and I commented on a certain restaurant we haven't been to for awhile. We realized we likely won't be eating there again before we leave. Next week we drive to El Paso for our last visit and on our way back we'll be getting our papers renewed for the last time. So my days are filling up with sort of a melancholy feeling. But still, I'm happy.
I haven't written at all about our upcoming move to Canada. During the time I was really processing it and dealing with the changes I couldn't mention it because it was this big secret. And now that it's public news... well, I've hashed and rehashed enough in my mind and with Scott that I don't really feel the need to do it here. Last week I was about to split wide open with all my thoughts and emotions and I sure could have used this outlet!
When Scott first shared this idea with me on his return from that meeting in Oasis, I could do nothing but cry. Not that I was so opposed to moving to Canada... it was just such a shock, such a drastic turnaround in our plans. After the shock subsided, we were able to really talk and pray about it and we can see how God has been moving us in this direction for months. Once again, if we had really heeded Him in the first place, instead of relying on human wisdom, it would have been easier for us! And despite all the unknowns in our near and distant future (and let me tell you, there are a few) I have been flooded with peace. I am especially thankful for all the support we have received. Of the people we have told, not one has even suggested we reconsider. That is a blessing.
I haven't written at all about our upcoming move to Canada. During the time I was really processing it and dealing with the changes I couldn't mention it because it was this big secret. And now that it's public news... well, I've hashed and rehashed enough in my mind and with Scott that I don't really feel the need to do it here. Last week I was about to split wide open with all my thoughts and emotions and I sure could have used this outlet!
When Scott first shared this idea with me on his return from that meeting in Oasis, I could do nothing but cry. Not that I was so opposed to moving to Canada... it was just such a shock, such a drastic turnaround in our plans. After the shock subsided, we were able to really talk and pray about it and we can see how God has been moving us in this direction for months. Once again, if we had really heeded Him in the first place, instead of relying on human wisdom, it would have been easier for us! And despite all the unknowns in our near and distant future (and let me tell you, there are a few) I have been flooded with peace. I am especially thankful for all the support we have received. Of the people we have told, not one has even suggested we reconsider. That is a blessing.
Thursday, June 8
avery-isms
For those of you who haven't talked with Avery recently, I thought I’d give you a little peek into her unique vocabulary. See if you can make out these words... bullerwhy
pockissle
macanroni
tonypail,
kitchem
bailey suit
slissors,
upslidedown
pockissle
macanroni
tonypail,
kitchem
bailey suit
slissors,
upslidedown
The last two are actually hand-me-downs... in fact, Ezra still says upslide down!
... reminds me of a conversation I once had with Todd. He must have been around Avery’s age when I tried to get him to say ice cream properly. I carefully said, "ice cream" and Todd repeated, "icheem." We went back and forth like that for a little while, me saying "ice cream," Todd, "icheem." He soon became impatient with what he thought was my mispronunciation of the word because he looked up at me and said, very clearly, "No, not ice cream... icheem!"
Saturday, June 3
my little sous-chefs
Ezra loves cooking. Sometimes he prints recipes that he finds online, from kids websites like Postcards from Buster, Zoom or Maya & Miguel and then he wants to try them. He makes a great hummus, actually. This morning we made pancakes and now that he can read so well, I had him follow the recipe himself. As you can tell by the big spill on the counter, he did most of the work today. Except I was still on clean-up duty.Last Saturday, Lauren copied down a recipe for Bruschetta from a tv show. It was delicious! She's old enough now to actually be a help in the kitchen. She can totally handle making a fruit salad or guacamole completely on her own. When Ezra's helping me cook, it slows me down a bit. And with Avery, well I might as well book my whole morning off! Actually, this week Avery put the papers in the muffin tin without completely messing them up like she usually does, and it was actually a help. I think the kids always enjoy the food more when they've helped make it.
Thursday, June 1
fear factor
"If a watchman were hired to guard my house, I would be foolish if I also sat up for fear of thieves. Why have a watchman if I cannot trust him to watch? 'Cast thy burden upon the LORD' (Ps 55:22), but when you have done so, leave it with the Lord and do not try to carry it yourself. Otherwise, you mock God; you use the name of God, but not the reality of God. Lay down every care, even as Jesus did when He went calmly to the rear part of the ship, quietly took a pillow, and went to sleep."
-- Charles Spurgeon
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