Last night I watched "19 Kids and Counting". It isn't something I normally watch, but on a side note, I must say how impressed that I am with the Duggars and their faithfulness to God and their faith and keeping it "real". A lot of people see the 19 kids and think they are crazy...I have thoughts on this...they are a self-sufficient family, they are raising a fine group of God-fearing/loving children who know compassion, kindness, thoughtfulness, courtesy and a lot of the qualities of true Christians. I commend them for doing what most of is with one or two children can find a daunting challenge.
Now, I'll step down off my soap box and blog my real reason for my post.
Last night's episode was Josh (eldest Duggar child) and his wife Anna and the birth of their second child. As I watched her labour at home and cuddle her one-year-old and wrap with tears of excitement, joy, and pure exhaustion, I began to bawl.
I've been there twice. As I watched her, I reminisced back 6 and 4 years ago when I, too, felt all those emotions in anticipation for my children.
It seems like yesterday all I had was hope and dreams for those little bundles. Today, I get to see those hopes grow throught the various stages...some haven't begun, some have just started, some are slowly progressing, some are building fast, some are already complete and there are some that have even surpassed my initial hopes.
Parenthood/motherhood is such an awesome experience that I sometimes unknowingly and unfortunately take for granted. Even with some of the hardships I had to endure before having my miracles, I still have had days where I haven't expressed or shown gratitude to the One who made it all possible.
Thank you, Father, for hearing my pleading cries and fulfilling all my dreams by allowing me the privilege of being a mom to two wonderful children whom I love with my whole heart.
Tonight I bless them and recommit them to you. I pray that the Lord will bless and protect you Noah and Olivia. I pray that He will show you mercy and kindness. I pray the Lord will ALWAYS be good to you and give you peace. I love you both so much!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Last "sick day"
I've had a great last "sick day".
I've been feeling really well the last 2 days...I haven't had any meds (not even Tylenol) since Tuesday night. I likely could have gone back to work today, but having the weekend to complete the recovery brings me to almost a full two weeks and less chance of issues of being worn out when I go back to work.
This morning, I had planned to have my closest friend over for lunch while she delivered Scott's father's day gift. Surprisingly, I received a text from another friend who asked if I wanted to go see Noah's class (her daughter is in Noah's class) perform during the talent show. They were singing a song...."Old MacDonald's Alphabet Soup" - kinda funny since their teacher's name is Mrs MacDonald.
We only stayed for their song, but got to see the first 6 talents before their class went up. It really brightened up my day...their talents would last 10-20 seconds each...so, it was rather quick.
After we left, we went to the local coffee shop to chat for a few minutes.
When I got home, I breezed through the meal prep for my "delivery" friend. We had an awesome meal...salmon on the grill, basmati rice and fresh green beans. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the gift we are going to give to Scott. I need to go out tomorrow to pick something to accompany it...but that SHOULD be a breeze.
All in all, a great day! To top it off, the weather outside is fantastic. Tomorrow, it is supposed to rain....kinda sucks since our family photos were supposed to be tomorrow, but we've rescheduled to 6:30 pm on Monday. I pray that my normally behaved children will continue with that attitude/behaviour and are a continued delight at a time close to their bedtime.
I've been wanting professional family photos for so long and I'm so excited that it is finally going to happen. I've been admiring the photog's blog with her photo gallery for so long that I know that she will capture the essence of our family and hopefully I will not be too critical of portraits of me. If you want to see her pics...here is the link to her site...you will be amazed/impressed she is so amazing. http://hollyhowephotography.blogspot.com/
Tonight, we are ending this awesome day by surprising the kids and taking them to the drive-in to watch KungFu Panda. Every year, we at least get out once to the drive-in with the kids. It always depends on movie selection and the pairing of the kids and adults movie. This week, it is KungFu Panda and then for the adults, it is Thor....not my preference, but at least bearable.
Have an awesome weekend everyone. Hope it is filled with activities honoring the father's of your lives. Ours will be spent honoring the best father I know....the one who chose to be a father to my children. Love you Scott!
I've been feeling really well the last 2 days...I haven't had any meds (not even Tylenol) since Tuesday night. I likely could have gone back to work today, but having the weekend to complete the recovery brings me to almost a full two weeks and less chance of issues of being worn out when I go back to work.
This morning, I had planned to have my closest friend over for lunch while she delivered Scott's father's day gift. Surprisingly, I received a text from another friend who asked if I wanted to go see Noah's class (her daughter is in Noah's class) perform during the talent show. They were singing a song...."Old MacDonald's Alphabet Soup" - kinda funny since their teacher's name is Mrs MacDonald.
We only stayed for their song, but got to see the first 6 talents before their class went up. It really brightened up my day...their talents would last 10-20 seconds each...so, it was rather quick.
After we left, we went to the local coffee shop to chat for a few minutes.
When I got home, I breezed through the meal prep for my "delivery" friend. We had an awesome meal...salmon on the grill, basmati rice and fresh green beans. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the gift we are going to give to Scott. I need to go out tomorrow to pick something to accompany it...but that SHOULD be a breeze.
All in all, a great day! To top it off, the weather outside is fantastic. Tomorrow, it is supposed to rain....kinda sucks since our family photos were supposed to be tomorrow, but we've rescheduled to 6:30 pm on Monday. I pray that my normally behaved children will continue with that attitude/behaviour and are a continued delight at a time close to their bedtime.
I've been wanting professional family photos for so long and I'm so excited that it is finally going to happen. I've been admiring the photog's blog with her photo gallery for so long that I know that she will capture the essence of our family and hopefully I will not be too critical of portraits of me. If you want to see her pics...here is the link to her site...you will be amazed/impressed she is so amazing. http://hollyhowephotography.blogspot.com/
Tonight, we are ending this awesome day by surprising the kids and taking them to the drive-in to watch KungFu Panda. Every year, we at least get out once to the drive-in with the kids. It always depends on movie selection and the pairing of the kids and adults movie. This week, it is KungFu Panda and then for the adults, it is Thor....not my preference, but at least bearable.
Have an awesome weekend everyone. Hope it is filled with activities honoring the father's of your lives. Ours will be spent honoring the best father I know....the one who chose to be a father to my children. Love you Scott!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
It Is Well With My Soul
Wow! I happened upon this last night when searching for something totally unrelated. I am amazed at God's sustaining power in some people's lives!!!
Found it on the following website: http://www.faithclipart.com/guide/Christian-Music/hymns-the-songs-and-the-stories/it-is-well-with-my-soul-the-song-and-the-story.html
Horatio Spafford (1828-1888) was a wealthy Chicago lawyer with a thriving legal practice, a beautiful home, a wife, four daughters and a son. He was also a devout Christian and faithful student of the Scriptures. His circle of friends included Dwight L. Moody, Ira Sankey and various other well-known Christians of the day.
At the very height of his financial and professional success, Horatio and his wife Anna suffered the tragic loss of their young son. Shortly thereafter on October 8, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed almost every real estate investment that Spafford had.
In 1873, Spafford scheduled a boat trip to Europe in order to give his wife and daughters a much needed vacation and time to recover from the tragedy. He also went to join Moody and Sankey on an evangelistic campaign in England. Spafford sent his wife and daughters ahead of him while he remained in Chicago to take care of some unexpected last minute business. Several days later he received notice that his family's ship had encountered a collision. All four of his daughters drowned; only his wife had survived.
With a heavy heart, Spafford boarded a boat that would take him to his grieving Anna in England. It was on this trip that he penned those now famous words, When sorrow like sea billows roll; it is well, it is well with my soul..
Philip Bliss (1838-1876), composer of many songs including Hold the Fort, Let the Lower Lights be Burning, and Jesus Loves Even Me, was so impressed with Spafford's life and the words of his hymn that he composed a beautiful piece of music to accompany the lyrics. The song was published by Bliss and Sankey, in 1876.
For more than a century, the tragic story of one man has given hope to countless thousands who have lifted their voices to sing, It Is Well With My Soul.
This visual, Be Not Anxious Church PowerPoint, provides an ideal enhancement to the words of the song.
It Is Well With My Soul
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well (it is well),
with my soul (with my soul),
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
Refrain
My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
Refrain
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
Refrain
And Lord haste the day, when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
Refrain
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Found it on the following website: http://www.faithclipart.com/guide/Christian-Music/hymns-the-songs-and-the-stories/it-is-well-with-my-soul-the-song-and-the-story.html
It is Well with My Soul, the Song and the Story
Composer Horatio Spafford, It is Well with My Soul
At the very height of his financial and professional success, Horatio and his wife Anna suffered the tragic loss of their young son. Shortly thereafter on October 8, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed almost every real estate investment that Spafford had.
In 1873, Spafford scheduled a boat trip to Europe in order to give his wife and daughters a much needed vacation and time to recover from the tragedy. He also went to join Moody and Sankey on an evangelistic campaign in England. Spafford sent his wife and daughters ahead of him while he remained in Chicago to take care of some unexpected last minute business. Several days later he received notice that his family's ship had encountered a collision. All four of his daughters drowned; only his wife had survived.
With a heavy heart, Spafford boarded a boat that would take him to his grieving Anna in England. It was on this trip that he penned those now famous words, When sorrow like sea billows roll; it is well, it is well with my soul..
Philip Bliss (1838-1876), composer of many songs including Hold the Fort, Let the Lower Lights be Burning, and Jesus Loves Even Me, was so impressed with Spafford's life and the words of his hymn that he composed a beautiful piece of music to accompany the lyrics. The song was published by Bliss and Sankey, in 1876.
For more than a century, the tragic story of one man has given hope to countless thousands who have lifted their voices to sing, It Is Well With My Soul.
This visual, Be Not Anxious Church PowerPoint, provides an ideal enhancement to the words of the song.
It Is Well With My Soul
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well (it is well),
with my soul (with my soul),
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
Refrain
My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
Refrain
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
Refrain
And Lord haste the day, when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
Refrain
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Six days post surgery
Tomorrow will mark one week from my surgery to remove my gallbladder.
Everything went well! I had low blood pressure right after, but considering my blood pressure was only 106/62 before surgery (my normal), they weren't overly concerned with the 90some/50some.
I was home by 3:30-4:00 pm and in bed resting with some wonderful drugs.
Since then, I've been moving more with less pain every day. My goal was to be in a state where I could attend Olivia's 4th birthday party on Saturday. Thankfully, I went and had no issues at all, other than being very tired (read exhausted and very bloated)for 24 hrs later.
Nothing much else to update other than my sweet beautiful little girl is now 4-years-old. This week has ironically been a reminder of 4 years ago...needing to sleep propped up with pillows, extremely tired, and mild discomfort.
It still feels like yesterday that I was going to bed at 11:24 pm and I tell Scott that I'm having horrible pain. He tells me to try to rest. Olivia had other plans, 3-5 mins later, the pain was back.
At 1:06 (after waiting for Scott and Noah to arrive), my precious baby girl was born and our family was complete.
Happy Birthday Olivia! Mommy loves you so much and can't be prouder than to call you my daughter <3
I'm no
Everything went well! I had low blood pressure right after, but considering my blood pressure was only 106/62 before surgery (my normal), they weren't overly concerned with the 90some/50some.
I was home by 3:30-4:00 pm and in bed resting with some wonderful drugs.
Since then, I've been moving more with less pain every day. My goal was to be in a state where I could attend Olivia's 4th birthday party on Saturday. Thankfully, I went and had no issues at all, other than being very tired (read exhausted and very bloated)for 24 hrs later.
Nothing much else to update other than my sweet beautiful little girl is now 4-years-old. This week has ironically been a reminder of 4 years ago...needing to sleep propped up with pillows, extremely tired, and mild discomfort.
It still feels like yesterday that I was going to bed at 11:24 pm and I tell Scott that I'm having horrible pain. He tells me to try to rest. Olivia had other plans, 3-5 mins later, the pain was back.
At 1:06 (after waiting for Scott and Noah to arrive), my precious baby girl was born and our family was complete.
Happy Birthday Olivia! Mommy loves you so much and can't be prouder than to call you my daughter <3
I'm no
Sunday, June 5, 2011
All in good time...
Who ever said/thought positive thinking and the choice of blessing over cursing doeant work?!?!?
Well, I've got a story for you!!!
Remember my pesky gallbladder? The cancellation of the surgery to remove said gallbladder?
Well since my canceled surgery, I've had no major attacks, I've had no major pain, and some days have gone without any symptoms at all :)
On the 31st, I felt the urge to call my surgeon's office to check in to see if anything had progressed, were they booking surgeries for July, if ahe was back in Moncton.
To my surprise, she was in Moncton and was likely booking surgery for Mid-to-late June. They asked if I would be willing to have surgery on the 13th or the following week. Of course, I said yes. They said they would mark my name as a potential, but needed to discuss the schedule with the doctor as she ultimately chooses who goes and in what order.
Fast forward a few days, June 2nd, I get a phone-call late in the afternoon. "can you make it for surgery next Wednesday (8th)?" Without hesitation, I said yes and now I'm 3 sleeps away from surgery.
To make it even better, I don't have to travel an hour away (early in the morning, involving my father in law to drop te kids off at daycare/school, my surgery is in my city and I don't have to be there until 8:20 in the morning. I should be released by 2:00 pm and home before the kids are home from daycare/school.
Wowzers! I'm excited that I'm so blessed that I haven't had a torturous ordeal that most have with their gallbladder before removal.
Another positive thing! I received a call from Liv's ophthalmologist. What normally can be a 6-12 month wait time, we have her appt for July 4th. Can't wait to have her eye condition assessed and know the treatment plan. The patch seems to be working, buy we weren't given a definite course of action from our optometrist who is soon leaving to have her third child.
All of this pleases me immensely! Thank you God for working all things for my good!
Well, I've got a story for you!!!
Remember my pesky gallbladder? The cancellation of the surgery to remove said gallbladder?
Well since my canceled surgery, I've had no major attacks, I've had no major pain, and some days have gone without any symptoms at all :)
On the 31st, I felt the urge to call my surgeon's office to check in to see if anything had progressed, were they booking surgeries for July, if ahe was back in Moncton.
To my surprise, she was in Moncton and was likely booking surgery for Mid-to-late June. They asked if I would be willing to have surgery on the 13th or the following week. Of course, I said yes. They said they would mark my name as a potential, but needed to discuss the schedule with the doctor as she ultimately chooses who goes and in what order.
Fast forward a few days, June 2nd, I get a phone-call late in the afternoon. "can you make it for surgery next Wednesday (8th)?" Without hesitation, I said yes and now I'm 3 sleeps away from surgery.
To make it even better, I don't have to travel an hour away (early in the morning, involving my father in law to drop te kids off at daycare/school, my surgery is in my city and I don't have to be there until 8:20 in the morning. I should be released by 2:00 pm and home before the kids are home from daycare/school.
Wowzers! I'm excited that I'm so blessed that I haven't had a torturous ordeal that most have with their gallbladder before removal.
Another positive thing! I received a call from Liv's ophthalmologist. What normally can be a 6-12 month wait time, we have her appt for July 4th. Can't wait to have her eye condition assessed and know the treatment plan. The patch seems to be working, buy we weren't given a definite course of action from our optometrist who is soon leaving to have her third child.
All of this pleases me immensely! Thank you God for working all things for my good!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Are you ready to laugh???
Tonight after work, Olivia starts working right away at drawing a picture. As I walk by, she warns me "Mommy, you can't look, it is a surprise".
I proceed downstairs to fold a load of laundry.
A few minutes later, my sweet, beautiful, and dainty girl comes down the stairs to present me with her drawing.
Mommy: Olivia, what a nice picture.
Olivia: It is a picture of you mommy!
Mommy: Oh, how nice!
Olivia: It is a picture of you pooping on the toilet...look, I spelled your name P-E-N-N-Y that spells "Pe -en- ny"
Mommy: You should go show Daddy that wonderful picture (holding in immense laughter)
Oh dear!!!!!
I proceed downstairs to fold a load of laundry.
A few minutes later, my sweet, beautiful, and dainty girl comes down the stairs to present me with her drawing.
Mommy: Olivia, what a nice picture.
Olivia: It is a picture of you mommy!
Mommy: Oh, how nice!
Olivia: It is a picture of you pooping on the toilet...look, I spelled your name P-E-N-N-Y that spells "Pe -en- ny"
Mommy: You should go show Daddy that wonderful picture (holding in immense laughter)
Oh dear!!!!!
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