In Christ Alone our Hope is Found

SOOOOO, we have been married for 14 years today and I laugh because we kind of forgot and we didn't even say Happy Anniversary this morning before Ken left. Good thing we are both pretty low maintenance! (o: I had planned to do a big post about how I love him and how he is my best friend. How we as individuals have grown and how our marriage has matured. But a short one will have to do! We were crazy in love with each other when we got married, but we now look back and laugh. We were so young and really had no idea what we doing. I could never have imagined then how beautiful our marriage would be. It is not perfect, but God has truly blessed us. I don't take our marriage for granted. We do things so differently. But in the areas we are so different we actually compliment each other. Just so you know though, I think he would love to have his socks folded more often. It is the last thing that gets done. At least they are always clean and in the same spot. It is called the

I have started to write in my mind so many times this week, but it never seemed right. I wish I could get out what is on my heart. This will be my best attempt. Ken's uncle Dick passed away this morning. How sad. He was a beautiful man, with a large beautiful family. He will be missed. I grieve for Ken's mom and the whole family. But there is much joy in his passing. He has gone to be with Jesus. I was surprised at myself this morning when I found out. Just like I laugh loud and smile deeply, I grieve deeply. When others hurt, I feel it. But this time, I cried, yes for the family, but more out of relief, maybe even longing that Uncle Dick is sitting with Jesus today. It's the journey of life that has been on my mind. I have never really seen this life as clearly as I do right now. This life is so full of joy and laughter. I do love my life. I have been blessed with my family and friends, the Holy Spirit lives in me and God has given me the best friend I could have eve

Baseball season is here. Josh had his first game last night and Micah and Natalie have theirs tonight. This is Natalie's first year playing and it is so fun that Micah and Natalie are at the right age to be on the same team. Next year that won't happen. Nads is the youngest age and Micah is the oldest age. Baseball is a big commitment. We couldn't do it if Ken wasn't home in the summer. Micah and Natalie play Wed and Fri night. Josh plays Tues night in St Thomas and and another game in London. Plus Josh has practice on Saturday.  With all that, we only have 3 games that overlap. That is not too bad. Ken just left with the kids for the game and it just started POURING. I hope they don't cancel the game. I haven't heard any thunder. Micah was very sure he didn't want his picture taken.  Maybe he should have had a nap! Here are Natalie and Josh. Josh, I have to say it buddy..... You are looking pretty confident here! I think that's the word! (o:

I love taking pictures of the boys and the girls together. We are trying to teach our boys to treat our girls with special care and to treat them with respect! It is so important. This first picture is so fuzzy, but I just love it. Josh was dancing with Grace. Sooo cute! Josh is such an incredible big brother to Grace. It is beautiful. Josh is testing out our new backpack. Grace LOVES it! The relationship between Micah and Natalie is so special. They clean up quite well! (o: Grace is almost too heavy for Micah to hold! (o:

I know, I know, traditionally  a list should be 10 or 15 or maybe 20. Who does a list of 11? Well, I guess it just feels like an 11 kind of day. (o: 1. The thing makes me smile the most is what Jesus did for me.  He died for me on the cross to save me from my sins. My God loves me enough to work in me and refine me. I take comfort in the fact that His way is perfect. He is never early or late. He does everything in His time, for my good. He gives me strength when I have none and gives me grace enough for everyday. God is good.  2. I love listen/watching the boys (Ken, Josh and Micah) watch baseball. I love the banter. I am learning who to cheer for. We never cheer for the Yankees. EVER. So even if we don't like the team playing against the Yankees, we go for them anyways. The names Baltista, Davis, Yukeles (sp)and Big Poppy float around our house. When I think of the name Baltista, I hear Micah doing the announcer version of his name: JJoooosssseeee BalTeeeeeeeeesta. Funny.

Just some pictures from the last little bit. Nothing exciting! (o: Josh took these two beautiful pictures at Port Stanley, just before the snow went. My little messy piggy. She gets so dirty multiple times a day. I think I gave up on this day. I love this one. This bathing suit is a size 2 and it was too tight. So I just took a picture and put it on the too small pile! (o: My ladies ready for church. Crazy boy. Natalie lost her one top tooth a few weeks ago. She lost the other one this past Thursday! Yogurt face. Micah was feeding her lunch. He is learning! (o: Josiah went to bed in my bed, because I wanted to do some organizing in his room after he went to bed. He was wearing a head band thing that you wear when its cold out. I can't remember why he said he was wearing it. Too bad, I know it was funny. My boy Josiah needed a desk in his room. My mom had an extra one at her house, so she gave it to him. It is perfect. He spends a lot of time there. His little face tells

By Max Lucado..... Praise to God! You are a great God. Your character is holy. Your truth is absolute. Your strength is unending. Your discipline is fair. You are a great God. The mountain of Your knowledge has no peak, the ocean of Your love has no shore, the fabric of Your fidelity has no tear, the rock of Your Word has no crack. You are a great God. Your patience surprises us. Your beauty stuns us. Your love stirs us. You are a great God. Your provisions are abundant for our needs. Your light is adequate for our path. Your grace is sufficient for our sins. You are a great God. We even declare with reluctant words, “Your plan is perfect.” You are never early, never late, never tardy, never quick. You sent Your Son in the fullness of time and will return at the consummation of time. Your plan is perfect . . . bewildering, puzzling, troubling, but it's perfect.

Last year at this time our hearts were very tender. Raw may be better word. Grace was 5 weeks from being born. Micah was recovering from surgery. We hadn't had a scan yet to tell us what was going on in his body. We had just walked through the most traumatic months of our lives. We weren't sure if it was over. We were wondering how long we would get to keep Micah. Cancer could have still been in him or could come back any day. It was also Mother's day and the kids gave me presents. Micah gave me a dancing flower. It made me smile. But, last mothers day made me cry for literally a week. I was thinking that it was to be my last last Mother's Day with Micah and I didn't know how I was going to stand it. The day after Mother's Day we forgot about school (Ken was home.) and went driving. It was the only way we could survive the day. We drove to Grand Bend and then on to Goderich. I love that area. I took many pictures. They are probably a few of my most favouri

I would consider myself quite low maintenance. It wouldn't bother me at all if Ken and the kids forgot my birthday. Strange I know. I don't need an anniversary present or cards from anyone, including Ken. I just need a special hug from him. We don't do Valentines Day. I love romance, but to say you need to deliver on one specific day is ridiculous. (Ladies give your man a break! (o:) But Mother's Day...... I love it. To me it is the most important day that needs to be recognized, except Christmas and Easter of course. I don't need presents, although I am usually spoiled. I love Mother's Day cards, whether they are made or bought. They make me cry.  Besides being a Christian, being a mother and wife is what defines me. It is my full time job and takes up almost all the hours of my day. I fail every single day. I raise my voice. I am not as organized as I could be. I am not consistent. I often don't take those moments that I should be using to teach my k

Josiah is a very interesting boy. He has thoughts that he can't articulate and it perplexes him. I often wonder what he will be like as he grows up.  Siah was laying on the chair, sitting very quietly. He was a bit frustrated as we had this conversation.  (His words are big.) I have had this distraction all day. Well how does it make you feel? Terrible. Is it in your mind? I don't know. What are you doing to make it better? Saying nice words. I shouldn't be like this. Like what? Like horrible. So that is what is going on with me. Hmmm.....