25 things you may not know about me...

so this is making it's way around facebook...I thought I'd post mine here...

1. I was born in the "Summer of '69" -

2. I was raised on a farm...life was sweet.

3. I went to an elementary school with 15 other kids...grades 1-6. I only had 2 other kids in my "class"

4. One of the boys in my elem class gave me a 'rookie' Wayne Gretzky hockey card, which, had I not thrown it out would be worth...$80,000.00!! (he'd written of his undying love on the card, so it might not be worth quite as much...)

5. I am a complete and utter control freak!

6. I've been the "big girl" my whole life.

7. I talk too much...and that gets me into trouble.

8. ALOT

9. I have a travel bug, and am always planning at least 2 - 3 trips ahead

10. Right now I have at least 6 trips planned for 2009...

11. I'm turning 40 this year.

12. I'm VERY EXCITED to be 40. Maybe I'll start to take myself serious, and grow up a bit.

13. I'll be celebrating my 19th wedding anniversary with Gerald in June. We have worked very hard at our relationship.

14. About 9 years ago, I was contemplating leaving the marriage...it was a very bad time...infertility, miscarriages, workaholic husband, spiritually dead ... I call that time my desert experience.... I learned a lot.

15. I've learned that God is in all my circumstances...no matter how wretched they are.

16. I am a member of Weight Watchers ( for the 3rd time) and don't plan on gaining this weight back ever again!!

17. 27.5 lbs and counting!!

18. I would love, love, love to have plastic surgery once I've lost all my weight... I'm vain, I know...

19. Don't ever tell me that I "can't" do something...'cause I will.

20. I get ticked off when I feel out of control.

21. I've struggled with rebellion my whole life....I don't know why.

22. I've always wanted to see a counselor about that..

23. I read the book of James this morning...I got a bit of a butt whoopin'...

24. see #7 and #8

25. The last words I want to say in this life are...." It is well with my soul"...


now it's your turn!

Peace

Snow days...

...are so much fun here! We get all the fun of snow, but not the long lasting effects. The kids love it!
I'm so glad we go home to Canada every second year, 'cause I always have winter gear that fits.


I will say, what I love most about living here is the range of weather we can have in the winter...



And just for fun...a pic of my dad and my son...love it!

marriage...

...is hard people.
I've watched some pretty wonderful people break up.
People I would never, in a million years guess would have troubles...
I'm sick of it.
I'm p***ed off. (my mom doesn't like that word)
I'm pretty sure Satan is having his way with Christian marriages...and I say NO MORE!

I emailed my siblings and parents today and told them that we'd better start holding each other accountable...I'm giving permission (to those closest to me) to keep my eyes open to where I can improve in my servant's heart to my husband. I'm praying there are others that will back up my man and keep him accountable too. We as Jesus followers....we need to (as my sis said..) CIRCLE THE WAGONS!

"sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it." Gen 4:7

Peace

Short term missions trip to Haiti...

My holiday letter...

...so I normally send out a nice letter and a family picture, but the end of this year just came too fast. So I've decided to just blog, and let you read it at your leisure.

The year went so quickly...I think I'll just go through some highlights...

* I started a new job at our church, which I really enjoy. I job share the position of Preschool Director for our Sunday services with a wonderful woman. She is a lot like me, so we do more laughing than work some days.

* Gerald has worked toward, and completed all his studies to become a CPA. He started 3 years ago, and after completing all the course work, wrote the 4 parts, and I can proudly announce that he has passed them all! I bet you can guess his average...let's just say it's over 90%! We are extremely proud of him...

* Olivia is now a freshman in High School...Panther Creek has a student population of about 2200 kids...so she's just trying not to get run over on her way to class. She continues to play flute in the band, as well as piano lessons, softball in the spring and basketball now in winter. We are most proud of her because of her decision to go back to Haiti during her spring break. She will be going from April 3 - 11, 2009 with a group of highschoolers from our church. She and her team will be helping the staff at HCH (Haitian Children's Home) run a soccer camp. Please pray for her as she prepares for the trip, as well as while she is there.

* Isabella is in second grade, and enjoys every minute of it! She loves to learn, but mostly loves to play with her friends. She is busy with piano lessons, and swimming. We are trying to convince her to try soft ball this spring...we'll see.

* George is 4 (almost 5) and in his last year of preschool. I can't believe he's growing so fast. He is about ready to start into organized sports, we're trying to decide which to try first. He loves the idea of playing, but still is nervous when we ask him if he'd like to try. Gerald just had him try on Isabella's old cleats, and he loves to run around the back yard with Jazz (the new addition!)

The biggest highlight for me personally, and I think Gerald would agree, was the trip we took in August to Haiti. I know it was life-changing for all of us.....in different ways, but life-changing, nonetheless.

Having said that...becoming a U.S. citizen was pretty cool too! We actually became citizens before the election, and were able to vote for the first time in about 10 years! ( I think we voted in one election while living in Toronto). It was emotional for me. I told everyone in line with me that I was a new citizen, and how excited I was! I know, how cheezy. Oh well. It was a pretty exciting day for me. I wore my "I voted" sticker the whole day!

So. That's it. Basically. There's so many other little things that happen everyday...and I am constantly humbled by God's grace. I know many of you reading this pray for us regularly, and I am grateful beyond words for that.

I'm honored to share our lives with you. Check this page from time to time, and you can keep up with us.

Peace

I'd better get back to it....

...since the Student Ministries Pastor - Eddie- tagged me in his blog, so some of you may come over and check me out.
I am so sorry to be remiss in my blogging...life is moving too fast, and facebook is my online addiction .

So here's a quick update...the fall was a blur...three birthdays, Thanksgiving, and now Christmas!
The kids are getting more wonderful by the day, and I am trying not to 'mess' them up! I realized the other day that I stink as a parent....that is to say, that I have been trying to manage a job, household, parenting, and marriage on my own lately....
I have not given the time or energy needed to 'fill up' my spiritual tank. I am convicted, but not guilt-ridden (I think). Thank goodness 'His mercies are new every day!'

As I write this, my parents are putting a puzzle together with Izzy and George, and Handel's Messiah is on....
We already heard the Hallelujah Chorus...and we all stood for the whole song!! I love tradition!!

Anyway...sorry for the randomness...I have a 14yo...calling down asking when I'll come "Rock Band" with her!!

God bless you all!

Peace

happy birthday 'Jim'!

so, today is my husband's birthday.
and I am quite possibly the worst wife on the planet.
why?
well, it took me til about 11a to remember that it was his day.
then I called him and gave him a lame excuse like 'I thought it was the 16th' or some such nonsense....I couldn't even admit that I forgot.

So in honor of Gerald's birthday:
TOP 5 REASONS WHY HE'LL FORGIVE ME:
5. he's used to my flakiness
4. he knows I'll make it up to him ;-)
3. he loves my spontaneity (ok I may be making that one up)
2. his integrity and kindness compel him to
1. he loves Jesus and as Christ loves the church, Gerald loves me!

How lucky am I??

Love you babe...looking forward to celebrating many, many more birthdays with you!!