Graduation Day!!!

After 6 long years of part-time study, Dean has finally officially graduated! He put in a lot of hard work so it was with great joy and pride that he received his degree on Saturday. Dean and I have now both completed university. At one point we were both students at the same time as being parents! I was a full-time student for 3 years and Dean started part-time at Oak Hill while working part-time for the church. It wasn't easy, but with the support of friends and family and the strength that only comes from God we were able to accomplish our goals. May this be an encouragement to any of you who are thinking about returning to higher education. It can be done! There were many times during 'essay' time that the children and I camped out at the local park or anyones house that would have us for the day. I am thankful that those times are over now, but I know that it certainly built character! He is the first one of his family to graduate university - quite an achievement. Dean was allowed to have 3 guests with him at the ceremony so his parents and I attended this special moment together. We would have loved for our children to be there as well, after all, we feel that this was a whole family achievement. Here are a few photos from the day. Enjoy!!

I DO!

13 Years ago Dean and I said these words to each other before a about 150 people. We were blessed yesterday to take time out to remember and celebrate that day.

Those of you who were witnesses to our wedding will know that that it was certainly a day to remember!!! Even if your weren't there, I'm pretty sure you would've heard about it by now.

Dean brought home a beautiful flower arrangement. It goes so nicely with the house decorations for fall. (He chose the flowers himself!) We then went to a Japanese restaurant for a lovely meal. It was nice to try something new, we've only been to a Japanese place in the States before.

We are so thankful to God for his blessings.

Happy Birthday !!!

Happy Birthday, Dean!!!
Happy Birthday, Kelli!!!

My husband and my sister-in-law share the same birthdays!!!
I hope that Kelli has a fantastic day and is spoiled by her gorgeous and wonderful family!!!!

Pizza and Movie

Here are a few shots of Abigail's pizza and movie party. I set up a table in the basement to look like an Italian restaurant. My plan was to have Dean and Sam dress up as waiters and serve the girls pizza. (I told Sam he could do it on his roller blades and that swung the deal for him!) Unfortunately we ran out of time for the waiters. Dean was busy setting up the movie, and then had to run and pick up the pizza. Sam didn't realized until afterwards that he didn't do the waiter bit.


We managed to send Aleah to Nanny's house for a sleepover - other wise I think she would've done her best to be the center of attention. Abigail had enough competition with Levi!

(notice Abigial checking her phone...just in case!)

It was a good night, and probably one of the easiest parties yet - that is one of the good things about children growing up - their parties are less 'high maintenance'!!

Mom's Toolbox

We all need a few tools. Here is a great tool to help with Bible reading and prayer.
It's found at www.momstoolbx.com - Look at any tags for SOAP. I've set a link on the sidebar as well.

I have found getting up before the children and spending time in God's Word and in prayer definitely helps me 'set my mind' for the day. Sometimes I struggle to know what to read or how to apply what I've read. I think I'm going to try a little SOAP daily and see how it goes.

Abigail turns 11!!!

Happy Birthday to Abigail!! She is now 11 years old. It is VERY hard to believe that I am the mother of an 11 year old. So begins a new 'season' of life!!! Abigail enjoyed opening family presents this morning in Mom and Dad's bed. (A tradition it seems in our house, everyone has to gather on the bed and watch the birthday person open presents.)



Abigail received a package from Grandma as well! (Thanks, Connie!) The kids love receiving their favourite 'American Cereal' on their birthdays.




Samuel has been struggling recently with envy/jealousy towards Abigail as she is now older and often is able to enjoy more privileges than he does. (ie - staying up a bit later, going to clubs that might run later, having a little more independence etc.) It has been a real sore point with him, and as Abigail's birthday drew closer we have had a few talks with him about being thankful for his sister, and trying to celebrate with her and not be envious of the gifts that she will receive. We prayed with him especially last night after an 'issue' and asked God to grant him self-control as Abigail receives gifts. He did a fantastic job this morning dealing with his 'self'. (Praise the Lord for His strength!) The video of Abby opening her 'main' present shows the struggle that Sam was going through.



Abigail's main present was a mobile phone! She has started coming home from school by herself on occasion, and is increasingly doing things independent of her family (all within reason) so we felt that it would be a good time to get her a phone so the she can contact us and vice versa.



She will be having a pizza and movie party with some of her friends tomorrow night, which I'm sure will be a lot of fun. It's nice to know that she is not too old to sit on her Daddy's lap and have a cuddle!



We thank and praise God for our beautiful blessing!

Back to School!

Today was the first day of school! Abigail is now in Year 6 (her last year of Primary School- sniff, sniff!), and Samuel is in Year 4! Where does time go!!
Here are the kids dressed in thier uniforms and ready to go - not quite sure why Aleah was pulling such a funny face, it might have something to do with her brother!!




Here are their happy faces when they returned home to a yummy after school snack!









I got this idea/recipe from www.allrecipes.com - Play Dough Cookies.
They were quite fun to make...and eat!