Look! Just look at that! That was the masterpiece outside my window this morning. I did not enhance the colour at all. Boy, it's hard to deny God's power when you wake up to something like that!

when we are weak, He is strong

There is a new feeling of helplessness that comes when your babies get sick. My immediate reaction is to ask what did I do wrong? The thing is that people get sick. It's a fact. It's nearly impossible to prevent toddlers from contracting some form of bug at some point or other, what with runny noses, sneezing into the open air, church play rooms, and other toddlers running amok. It's bound to happen some time.

Judah is most definitely sick. He's running a fever of 38.5 (he's normally around 36), he is very flushed, he has no appetite, and all he wants to do is lay in the middle of the floor on his tummy with his hands tucked underneath him. My poor boy! I would gladly take the sickness onto myself just to save him the pain. I miss his goofy grins, his seemingly sophisticated gibberish, and the mess of toys he spreads all over the house in mere seconds. I also want to spend all day holding him close, but there's another little one who also needs that attention - at least every 2-3 hours. Enter the feeling of helplessness. I can't make him feel better, I can't make the sickness go away, and I can't love on both of my babies the way they need it at once. Boo.

All I can do is trust that God is taking much better care of these little ones than I. It seems silly, but something like my babies getting sick tempts me to lose faith in God's sovereignty over all things. I can't let that happen. I know God is good. I know He does not abandon His children. I know this sickness has not escaped His notice. I know that I am dust and that He is GOD. It's time I start trusting Him with my babies.

wordless wednesday

two things happened today

They are of equal importance.

Or not.

First: our deck was completed!

Second: I made cookies!

Hooray for both!

it snowed this morning and now all I can think about is Christmas

And so, I present unto you, a free 8x10 printable (made by moi) that you can frame and put up in your home for the Christmas season. Just click on the print of your choice to open it up, then right click to save it. If you do use it, drop me a note in the comments - I'd love to know!

and then BAM! there were words

Today really should be wordless... but haven't I kind of been doing that for a while now? I'm sorry that I have been so silent. I'm beginning to see my blog as more of a hobby rather than something I require myself to update. It's rather freeing, actually! 

As you probably know, we were on holidays for a couple of weeks. I can't even begin to describe how necessary it was for us to get away from... from... well, here. Summer was kind of a dark period for me, with the glaring exception of the safe arrival of Benjamin into the world. I was struggling to come to terms with my roll as MOM and HOMEMAKER in the midst of the business of a summer camp. Let me tell you, the two struggle to be friends. Well, they can be forced to, but it comes with a lot of kicking and screaming. 

Anyways, it was tough for me to realize that I had to choose where I would put my heart. I really, really wanted to put it into both, but I couldn't. I don't think I ended up putting it anywhere, save in my self-pity. 

We didn't do anything spectacular for our little vacay, but we did what was best for us. We got together with our extended church family from my parents' church and were encouraged and spurred on just by the constant meeting with other believers. Joey and I were able to wind down while my parents enjoyed the company of both of their grandchildren.

Now we are back - and facing an entirely different of series of events. The director couple of Valley View Bible Camp is stepping down from their position. They've been at it for seven or so years, and now have realized that different areas of expertise are necessary to grow the camp. They were absolutely necessary for the continued establishment of this camp, but now it's time for a change. This is something that they have acknowledged on their own accord, making this a very good transition for everyone. Of course, we knew about this before we left for the Even Flatter Lands, but now it has been made public, so it seems just a bit more real. I am trying not to look ahead to the busy winter season with dread that I won't see my dear husband nearly as much as I would like. Change is good, but often never easy.

All of this has caused us to question where we are - in a good way. We are taking a look at our priorities, admitting the desires of our hearts, and seeking God's will in all of this. We still feel His affirmation for where we are. Until He directs us otherwise, here is where we will stay. I need to hold onto Him for strength and trust His sovereignty.

As for the boys? They are doing just fine. I have come to the realization that Benjamin is no longer a newborn. I actually got to see him beside a baby that is the same size he was at birth (but just a bit longer), and, yeah. He's HUGE.* He is also a very content and happy little guy. His smiles crack me up because they just look so goofy and genuinely pleased. Yesterday he refused to eat for the very first time in his short life - and when I say "refuse". I mean he SCREAMED as soon as I tried to give him the goods. It was all like "How DARE you shove that in my face!". It only lasted about five hours, and that I am grateful for.

Judah is changing daily. He's now started to do this really cheesy "Uuuuh huuuuuuh" whenever I ask him a question. It simultaneously annoys and entertains me. He is growing up waaaay too fast.

Sorry for the massive catch-up post. Now you know what's been going on these last two weeks. I am enjoying life, and I think I might be changing just as much as my boys are these days.

*Any reference to my babies being huge or chubby or stocky on this blog is not me being all "my kids are fat!". Having gone through a very scary period when Judah was underweight, I now rejoice at every single roll I find on my babies. They are healthy. I love that!

the reason I've been a bit quiet

I

love

my

boys

and

I 

am

taking

time

to 

soak

up

every

single

moment

with

them

because

these

days

won't 

last

long

strangely artistic, is it not?

It meant shards of glass nearly everywhere in our van.

It was caused by what certainly must have been a boulder.

It is bigger than both of my hands put together.

The guy at the glass shop told us to (and I quote) "Vacuum it up and change your pants!"
We were quite timid around semi trucks after it happened.
Thankfully, MPI is great at covering this sort of thing and no glass shards made it into any eyeballs.

wordless wednesday

important blog announcement!

Benjamin has found his hands! Now to get out the Winkle and Sophie!

That is all. Carry on.

leaves leaves leaves!

hiatus

Our family is in vacation mode full-swing. It started with a two-night stay in a hotel with the rest of the CSSM Manitoba family. Much fun was had conversing with other young families (I think there were 21 kids there in all), eating good food, and going down a waterslide. I'm very, very grateful for the friends we have found through this wonderful ministry!

Now we're chilling at my parents' house. Yesterday was really busy in that it was my Dad's 45th birthday and Joey and I had decided to cook/bake him his birthday present. We made him biscuits and gravy for breaky, and then went to work on the cakes. Joey made a lemon mousse and blueberry white cake (pictured below), and I made an orange crunch cake with orange cream cheese icing. Yum. I may just have to go snag myself another piece...

Today we are going to simply relax and enjoy the fall colours. Judah will probably enjoy swinging outside. Benjamin will most likely snuggle up in a baby carrier of sorts. I am so happy to have this chance to get away.