Home For Christmas

Well, this year is a year of Firsts for our family. First time we have a son-in-law, first time our daughter is not a home and first time we are not traveling to my parent's home for Christmas. Now to give you a better understanding of this, we have traveled every Christmas for 23 years. Yes, we are starting new traditions after all this time. It was bound to happen, with work schedules and just getting tired of driving we are staying home.


I have mixed emotions about but I know with great friends and my family around me I am sure we will make some new and wonderful memories.
From my home to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!!

** Bling n Things **

Well, here it is..... Ashley and Haley's store, Bling n Things.
It open Nov 1st. They are doing well, lots of learning curves along the way.
Such a big jump but God has given them the courage and strength to do it.


Just in case your wondering, Stirling is have a moonlight shopping Thursday and Friday. So if you haven't had a chance to go this may be a great time to go out. You even might find the gift for the person that has everything.


Blessings to them both!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Ashley!!!!!

It's hard to believe or even say it but Ashley, my oldest is 22 years old today. I can still recall the day she was born like it was yesterday. We were living in Peterborough, on Water St. Not the best location, however it was our first home together. (Todd and I) Todd had just gotten home from work and I had been punky all day. I just got up to figure out what we were having for supper and my water broke. I instantly panicked, ran to the bathroom and cried. I was not sure if I was ready but I didn't have a choice in the matter.

We had a lovely couple near by that had become our adoptive parents, she told Todd it was probably wise to get to the hospital. So away we went, I was quite uncomfortable but not in a lot of pain yet. As we made our way to the hospital we seemed to not be going very fast. Todd turned to me and said "don't panic, but we just ran out of gas". Don't panic, ok........ I yelled at him to get out of the car and find someone to take us to the hospital, so he did. This angel from heaven came to our rescue and drove us to the hospital. She was quite nervous because as she was trying to turn around she hit the curb. OUCH!!!!!!

After I got all settled in Todd then left to go get the car. So here I was all alone in the hospital, now you have to understand something I was only 17. Yes, it's true, now you know why I look so young that's because I am!!!!!! Needless to say the nurses weren't sure what to do with me, they weren't the nicest, that's all I will say about that.
Seven hours after my water broke, she was born. Ashley Kristen Pratt came into this world as a true life form of God's Grace. We were either going to name her Amanda or Ashley, and the first time I say her I knew she was Ashley
.
I could go into more of my journey but I will save that for another time. All I can say is that I am proud to the mother of Ashley even though I am sometimes mistaken for her "sister", like today. We have a relationship that is irreplaceable.

Ashley, be blessed today as you venture into new and exciting times. She also got married this past June and is opening up a business with Haley Robinson and the store's name is "Bling n things". So if your ever driving through Stirling drop in to see them. Just putting a plug in for them!!!!!

Mentality Makeover

“…Love others as you love yourself” (Galatians 5:14).

What you believe about yourself—your self-esteem, your sense of value, your sense of worth—sets the limits for your life. It sets the limits for your ability to love others the way God intends. The problem that many people have today is they don’t really even like themselves. They constantly focus on their faults and shortcomings and then wonder why they don’t enjoy life or have any enthusiasm or why their relationships aren’t working. Understand that you cannot be negative toward yourself and expect to live a positive, faith-filled life. In order to love yourself so that you can love others, you have to have a mentality makeover. If you’ll get your thinking corrected and start thinking like a champion, like a child of the Most High God, like you’ve been crowned with favor, you’ll be amazed at what will happen. When you change your mentality and allow thoughts of faith and victory to fill your heart and mind, that faith and victory will spill over onto the people around you. When you love yourself the way God loves you, that love will pour out on others as well. As you live and love the way God intends, you will find peace, joy, and victory in every area of your life!

"Joel Osteen devotional"

What a great devotional to start the new season off with. There are tons of people around us that need to know about the love of Jesus. Who better to show them His Love then us. Let's be Jesus to them!!!!!! Who knows what purpose God has for them and also for us.

Be Blessed and be a Blessing!!!!!

Pictures of Zena

Zena has a thing for shoes....












Her pretty pose!!











Pretty girl.....the Princess's

New Addition!!!!!

I thought I would send a blog out and let everyone know that we have a new addition to the family............  Tyler and Ashley have a puppy!!!!!  Her name is "Zena" the warrior princess.  And that she is, Ashley and her are battling over who is the actual princess of the home.

They got her from the Smolder's litter.  She is very cute so she has that going for her.  I will post pictures at a later date.

Yes, I have a grand-puppy!!!!  Sort of a grandma, I just love her.

Happy Birthday RYAN!!!!!

Well, this day is set apart for our son, RYAN. 20 years ago today I was in labour and finally after 20 hours of labour Ryan was born. It some what of a difficult labour, he did not want to come out. When he did decide to come the umbilical cord was around his neck and he was not conscience. Oh and also he was a nice tint of blue.
He finally came too with the help of oxygen. Needless to say it was a little stressful.
Ryan has had many challenges over the past 20 years of his life. But with the help of the Holy Spirit he has risen to the challenges over and over again. He fell down the the basement stairs when he was only nine months old. He had chronic ear problems which has resulted with hearing damage. He developed Asthma when he was 4 years old. He also was labeled in school as having learning difficulties. However, despite all the obstacles in his way he has pushed through them. He is a kind and loving young man. He works harder than any other 20 year old I know. I know God has big things planned for him, he has a growing passion for missions. And loves spending time with his friend's.
I want to say Happy Birthday to the best son ever!!!!! We are very proud of you Ryan, you've come along way baby!!!!
Blessings to you!!!!!!

Weekend with Friends!!!

Who would have thought that a weekend away with friends could be so rejuvenating. Well, it was. We went biking downtown Ottawa. The waterfront trails are gorgeous and they go on forever. We went over to Quebec and back.
Couldn't have asked for a better weekend retreat. Lots of fun, great friends and awesome food!!!!!! and some R&R.......





Here we are standing at the museum in Quebec with the parliament buildings in the background.
So I thought I would share with you a little of what we did on the weekend.

Thought for the Day!!!!!

Say this quote in one of Joyce Meyer's magazines........

It's not our circumstances that makes us so unhappy.

It's our attitude towards our circumstances.

To All My Beautiful Women Friends!!!!!!!

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.


For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.


People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.

Poem by Audrey Hepburn

THE BIG DAY!!!!!!

Well, all I can say is I can't believe it's over. All the preparation and now it's over. I think I have recouped, it took a lot out of me last week. Plus, we have a wedding to attend each Sat this month. So July I am wedding out. I have to say though I enjoyed every minute of Ashley and Tyler's wedding, all day I would look at Ashley and think she's getting married, she is married. How did we get here? I remember as a little girl asking me if she will get married, when will she get married. She has always wanted to be a wife. Well now she is.
Shari, take in every moment because it goes by so fast. Enjoy being the MOG!!! (Mother of the Groom.) It truly is one of the most incredible moments in a mother's life, except the day their born.
So without further a due, here are some pictures of this beautiful occasion.........



This car belongs to Wayne Hampton which he drove from Grimsby, Ont. Just to drive Ashley and Tyler around after they were married. Thanks again Wayne!!!!






Mother and Father of the Bride!!!!
Spectacular looking, ( if I do say so myself) :)!!!!!






Best friends for over 20 years!!!!!!
What can I say, they were there for whatever we needed.
Roger and Julie, We love you!!!!!
Here's to the beginning of another stage in our lives, marrying off our children together.





My mother, well what can I say. I don't know what I would have done if my Mother hadn't been here. She is a trooper, she cleaned, fed and kept everyone in line!!!!
Thanks Mom!!!!!!





OF course, there are soooooo many other's that made this day go off with out a hitch, well OK there were some hitches but there were people in place to take care of those things. Thank you just doesn't seem enough in those cases. However, I am so grateful to have people in my life that love and care so deeply. Like Kevin said on Sunday, we are so BLESSED!!!!! and RICH, just by the people in our lives. I love you all so very much and you mean so much to Todd and I. Our lives are fuller because you are all in it. And yes, that means YOU!!!!!!!!!
Blessings and God's best for all of you.
Shari, lets party it up!!!!!!!!!!

Three Days left!!!!!

Well, as some of you may know our daughter is getting married on Sat June 7th. Yes the time as come when we as parents transition into consultants. Let me tell you it's not a easy transition. We love to be able to tell them what is good and not because we have been there. But like ourselves we had to learn by trial and error.
We are truly blessed to be at this stage of our lives and to be able to release our child into her new life with a partner. What a change that will be. Change is never easy but it does cause us to keep moving and growing. At least for us they will be in the same town, but won't be seeing each other every day.
I decided when I became a mother that I would have a policy that the door of communications were always open. Didn't always like the topics but I knew if I ever closed that door it may never be open again. Through this whole wedding process I found out one thing about our relationship, we are best friends. Now that for me is a huge compliment, I guess I did my job with the help of the Holy Spirit. I have cried, laughed, yelled, walked through a broken heart, and rejoiced with her as she found her life partner. Truly what a blessing it has been to have Ashley has a daughter. From the moment she came into my life God has shown me Grace and Mercy through her.
Some one said to my husband this week, it's when we release them that they truly start walking into their destiny and who they are met to be. So Ashley, be released to run and dance and laugh. May you be blessed far more and go further than we have gone!!!!!!

Reno continues on the P&B home

Well, were starting to get down to the wire now on the reno. Things are coming together very nicely.
On the weekend my Dad, Tyler's Dad, Uncle Kevin (Tyler's Uncle) and Todd dry walled their back room. They all pitched in and they worked hard. I can't wait to see how everything is going to look once their in.
So as we continue to do some necessary changes I will try to keep up on the pictures. We have less than 6 weeks to go until the wedding so the next little while I may not be blogging as much, but I will try my best because this is a very exciting time and I do want to share as much as I can with you all.
The next big phase is new windows and a bathroom reno!!!!!
I will keep you posted!!!!!!!!

Sweet Fragrance

For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ which exhales unto God…” (Psalm 42:1).

Did you know that your life is a sweet fragrance to God? Think about how a wonderful aroma affects you personally. When it’s springtime and the flowers are blossoming, everything feels new again. The sweet aroma in the air is a sign that the flowers are fresh and alive. It catches your attention! It makes you want to take a deep breath and partake of the wonderful sweet fragrance. God feels the same way about you! He loves wonderful aromas and when you are living your life to please Him, it’s a beautiful fragrance that captures His attention! Just like the aroma in springtime is a sign that the flowers are alive, the aroma of your life is a sign that Christ is alive in you. It is pleasing to the Father! The next time you experience a fresh fragrance, remember that your life is a fragrance unto God. You can rest in knowing that He is pleased with a heart that seeks after Him. As you continue to seek Him, you’ll be that sweet fragrance and you’ll experience His wonderful hand of blessing in every area of your life.

**from Joel Osteen's daily devotional**

The Shack Book Club

excerpt from "The Shack"

Almost as if on cue, a blue jay landed on the kitchen windowsill and began strutting back and forth. Papa reached into a tin on the counter and sliding the window open, offered Mr. Jay a mixture of grains that she must have kept just for that purpose. Without any hesitation, and with a seeming air of humility and thankfulness, the bird walked straight to her hand and began feeding.
"Consider our little friend here," she began. "most birds were created to fly. Being grounded for them is a limitation within their ability to fly, not the other way around." She paused to let Mack think about her statement. "You, on the other hand, were created to be loved. So for you to live as if you were unloved is a limitation, not the other way around.".......
"Living unloved is like clipping a bird's wings and removing its ability to fly. Not something I want for you."
"Mack, pain has a way of clipping our wings and keeping us from being able to fly." She waited a moment, allowing her words to settle. "And if left unresolved for very long, you can almost forget that you were ever created to fly in the first place." (Pg, 97)

What an incredible analogy of how we were meant to live as God's children. How truly we are to live, to be loved and to love. But unfortunately life has sometimes clipped our wings and we don't live up to our full potential of what God has designed for us. Are there things in your life that have been unresolved? Have you forgotten how to fly?

Matt. 6:26 Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father (Papa) feeds them. Are you not much more VALUABLE then they?

Just for FUN

What I was doing 10 years ago:
I was babysitting in my home and I had decided to go back to school to become an esthetician. I went to a private school in Richmond Hill.

Five Snacks I enjoy: (not in any kind of order!)
1. Chocolate
2. chips and dip
3. dorito's
4.Chocolate
5. cracker's & peanut butter

Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
1. Pay off debt
2. Buy my husband an Escape (Ford)
3. Go on a family vacation
4. Pay off Ashley and Tyler's house
5. Give a big chunk to the church

Five jobs that I have had:(most recent first)
1. Mommy
2. child care provider in my home
3. Child care assistant at a daycare
4. Esthetician
5. Business owner in my home

Three of my habits:
1. Drink a lot of coffee
2. eat a lot of chocolate
3.watch t.v. more than I should (but not right now because were working on another house)

Bad Habits...
1. worrying
2. checking e-mail (like Holly :) )
3. eat junk food


Five place I have lived:
1. Kemptville, Ontario (where I was born)
2. Peterborough, Ontario
3. Grimsby, Ontario
4. Belleville, Ontario


Five things not many people know about me:
1. Dislike camping, rather hotel it!!!!
2. Not a good organizer
3. Finished my grade 12, 9 years ago
4. Really enjoy working at home, I am a home body.
5. Would love to own a red sport's car!!!!!

Take Refuge in Him

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him” (Psalm 34:8).

Where do you take refuge when the storms of life come? Where do you go for comfort and safety? Some people find it easy to turn to their friends, their job, or even a bowl of ice-cream! There’s nothing wrong with any of those things, but God the Father wants us to turn to Him first. He wants us to take refuge in Him. He longs to protect us and defend us and give us His strength. We serve a good God, and when we take refuge in Him, He will pour out His abundant blessing in our lives. Taste and see that the Lord is good today. Taste and see that His promises are good. When you turn to God, the Bible promises that you will find rest and refuge for your soul. No matter what you may be facing today, come to the Father. He will give you His peace and strength, and you’ll live the blessed life He has prepared for you!

from Today's daily devotion by Joel Osteen.

Pratt/Butcher home--part 2

The front entrance.
Tyler painting the closet!!








YAH!!!
The Kitchen is all painted!!!!








Ashley is hoping she
picked the right colour...
I love it!!!!!



So here are some more pictures of the house. We painted the kitchen and the living room on the weekend. We had a lot of family bonding time. It's amazing how quickly you can paint when there are a lot of hands.










Of course there were coffee breaks in there too......
I have to say Tyler and Ashley are truly blessed, what an awesome opportunity to purchase a house and watch it become their future home.

The Pratt/Butcher Home

The Kitchen!!!







The Dining Room!!!








The Living Room!!!
The Mom's!!!!

I thought I would share with you some pictures of Ashley and Tyler's house. They have been working on it since they took possession a week ago.
The owner before had lived in this house for 48 years and raised her family of 5 kids. Her husband had died years before, so now the house is having a rebirth. They have ripped up carpets and now will start with the painting. New life, new beginnings, new memories ahead.
Pray blessings, and a full house for the future!!!!! (but not to soon......)

Book Club week One

Well I know that I am a little late in posting my thoughts on our Book club. We are reading the book "The Shack" by William Young and it started last Wed night and we will be meeting every other Wed night. We had 11 ladies out and the discussion was so good. The things we got out of the first couple of chapters were amazing.
I asked Maureen if she could right down a few thought on how the evening went and what we got out of it. So here are a few of her thoughts. Thanks, Maureen for your insight.

Nature vs Nurture perhaps will be apparent as we delve deeper.

I also thought and I agree with Julie that Mack was a religious man a pharisee of sorts.

Book smart but not life smart in the sense of a personal relationship with God however Nan was just the opposite her relationship was purely personal.

Her comfort in knowing The Father as Papa kinda like Gary calling God Daddy.

I think Mack loved her way of worshiping but was conditioned as we all may have been growing up.So he clung to her freedom in Christ to get him through the Great sadness.

Stay tuned, I am sure there will be other comments to blog. So if your reading this book but can't make it out to our discussions please feel free to comment at anytime. Look forward to hearing what you get out of this book.

Happy Reading!!!!

HAVE FAITH.......

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

What are you hoping for in your life today? The Bible says that faith gives substance to the things you hope for. Notice this verse starts by saying, “Now faith…” It’s not “later” faith or “one day” faith. We have to believe that God is working behind the scenes right now. Faith is simply believing that God is a good and faithful God—that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Can you believe that God wants to move in your life, today? Do you believe He can provide for you need, today? Do you believe He can heal your relationships, today? Do you believe He can give you that promotion, today? Whatever you are hoping for, open your heart and expect that God is working on your behalf. Stand strong and declare that victory is already yours. As you face each day with faith and expectancy, you’ll increase in strength and see God’s hand in every area of your life!

**excerpt from Joel Olsteen's devotional......

The Shack

Well I thought I would just let people know that I am going to be hosting a book club starting in April. A lot have already read the book "The Shack" or are in the midst of reading. If you have already read it that's OK because there is so much in the book to discover that we can together read it again and will probably see more in it the second time around.
So mark April 2 on your calenders and plan to attend. My house starting at 7pm.
It should be a time of exploring our walk with God.
I am going to include some comments about the book that I got off the website. So see you April 2.

**Jason the lord has led us to a small number of life-changing books and this one heads the list. When you close the back cover you will be changed.

Dale Lang, (rockcanada.org), father of student killed in Columbine copycat shooting

**You will be captivated by the creativity and imagination of the shack, and before you know it you’ll be experiencing god as never before. William Young’s insights are not just captivating, they are biblically faithful and true. Don’t miss this transforming story of grace.

Greg Albrecht, Editor, Plain Truth Magazine

I read and wept and slept and read again. I am full of words, inexpressible thoughts, shades and hues of hope and light and joy.

Larry Gillis, pastor/counselor

This is from the author's bio:

These are some of the facts of my life, but they don’t begin to tell the real story. That would take much more room than is available here. The journey has been both incredible and unbearable, a desperate grasping after grace and wholeness. These facts don’t tell you about the pain of trying to adjust to different cultures, of life losses that were almost too staggering to bear, of walking down railroad tracks at night in the middle of winter screaming into the windstorm, of living with an underlying volume of shame so deep and loud that it constantly threatened any sense of sanity, of dreams not only destroyed but obliterated by personal failure, of hope so tenuous that only the trigger seemed to offer a solution. These few facts also do not speak to the potency of love and forgiveness, the arduous road of reconciliation, the surprises of grace and community, of transformational healing and the unexpected emergence of joy. Facts alone might help you understand where a person has been, but often hide who they actually are.

The Shack will tell you much more about me than a few facts ever could. In some ways my life is partly revealed in both characters—Willie and Mack. But an author is always more. I hope that someday we can share a cup of coffee, or for me, an extra hot chai tea with soy. If that happens, and if you want, I will tell you a little more about the bigger story and you can tell me some of yours.

That about sums up my life. For me, everything is about Jesus and Father and the Holy Spirit, and relationships, and life is an adventure of faith lived one day at a time. Any aspirations, visions and dreams died a long time ago and I have absolutely no interest in resurrecting them (they would stink by now anyway). I have finally figured out that I have nothing to lose by living a life of faith. I know more joy every minute of every day than seems appropriate, but I love the wastefulness of my Papa’s grace and presence. For me, everything in my life that matters, is perfect!

God is giving you HOPE today

“Find rest, o my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him” (Psalm 62:5).

God is constantly planting seeds of hope and victory in your life. He’s constantly trying to deposit His faith on the inside of you. Often times, when we’re anxious and worried, it’s difficult to hear His voice of hope and confidence. But when we stop and quiet ourselves, when we find rest in Him, we will recognize His voice of hope.

You’ll hear Him saying to your heart, “Your best days are still in front of you, you are more than a conqueror, you’re the head and not the tail.” As you receive His hope, it creates a foundation for faith to rise inside your heart. The Bible says that faith gives substance to things hoped for. In other words, your hope gives your faith something to work toward. If the cares of this world have left you frustrated and empty today, make the decision right now to open your heart and allow the Lord to deposit His hope on the inside of you. It doesn’t matter what you are facing today or what’s happened in your past, God wants to give you hope today. He wants to pour out His blessing in every area of your life so that you will live the abundant life He has for you!

**excerpt from Joel's devotional**

Cat and Mouse.....

Well, our cat is now suffering from post-traumatic stress order. Why you ask? Well our cat has not seen the outdoors her whole life. Well, she as ventured out on to the deck but that is about it. Which brings me to this story. Charlie caught a mouse last night, yes in our HOUSE!!! YIKES!!!!!
I am not very happy about this either. Anyway, she was very jumpy after the whole ordeal. She is very skitish, and is not liking her space being invaded by little rodents. Anyway, I took matters into my own hands, I went today and bought those ultra sonic sound wave thingys you plug in and also bought some of the big gun stuff. Anyway, I am hoping Charlie won't need extensive counseling for the next few years.
Welcome to spring!!!!!!!!!

When you show LOVE, you are showing God to the world.....Part 2

A few weeks later, I received a letter from that young lady. I had no idea that she had recognized Victoria and me; she hadn't given us any indication that she knew us.
Her letter began by asking, "Do you remember me? I'm the girl who waited on you at what was probably your worst restaurant experience ever?"
I smiled as I read and thought, I know exactly who you are. She went on to tell how she had been raised in a good christian family. They went to church every Sunday, but in her late teens, her family was hurt by a leader in their congregation. Somebody did them wrong. Consequently, the entire family had given up on God and dropped out of church. Over the last year or two, however, they had been watching me on television. The waitress related in her letter, "I told my parents I know those people are real. Something on the inside tells me they're sincere and we need to get back in church."
She continued, "Joel. when you and your wife came in the restaurant, and we got your order all mixed up, most people would have really gotten aggravated and upset, but you two were so nice and kind. And on top of that, you left us that big tip." She said, "That confirmed what I already knew in my heart. I went home and told my parents what happened, and now we've gotten our lives back on track, and we're worshiping the Lord at Lakewood every Sunday morning."

Learn to be good to people. That's one of the best witnesses we can possibly have. Now, when I tip people, I tell Victoria, "We're going to sow a seed into their life. Here's an opportunity to do good." When I leave that place, I want them to be able to say, "That couple sure is generous; they are good people."
The world does not need to hear another sermon nearly as much as it needs to see one. Learn to give your time, your money, and an encouraging word; meet a need.

When you show LOVE, you are showing GOD to the world.


**excerpt from "Become a better You by Joel Olsteen**

When you show LOVE, you show God to the world....

excerpt from Joel Olsteen's book, Become a Better You!!!

Victoria and I went to a restaurant where we had eaten a number of times before. We practically knew the menu by heart, and we knew exactly what we wanted. When we sat down, we ordered right away. I was hungry, but it seemed to take forever for the cooks to prepare our food. We waited and waited. It didn't make sense. The restaurant wasn't even busy. When the waitress finally brought the food, our order was incorrect. She returned my dinner to the kitchen, and it was another long delay. Finally, I got tired of waiting and began eating off Victoria's plate. It was the worst service that we'd ever had in that restaurant.

When it came time to pay the bill and leave a tip, I thought, God, now you just say what happened. And I know that you're a just God. Surely, you don't expect me to leave a good tip.
Almost immediately, I knew I was wrong. I said, "Okay, God; how about five percent?"
Let me tell you a secret. Don't ever negotiate with God, because you will never win. I said, "Okay, God, how about ten percent, fifteen percent? That's the normal amount. God, you know that's the going rate. I should be able to do that." But I still didn't have any peace. I knew God was saying, "Don't miss this opportunity to do good. Don't miss this opportunity to show MY MERCY." We can be good to people when they're good to us. That's easy. But God wants us to be good to people even when they're not so good to us.

I eventually changed my attitude and thought, I'm not just going to give this girl a tip, I'm going to sow a seed in her life. I'm going to go the extra mile and be good to her. We left a twenty-dollar tip for a thirty- dollar meal. But we did it as sowing a seed.

This is not the end of the story, I will continue it tomorrow.......
Great lesson in this, who in your daily life should you sow a seed? People that you work with, socialize with, go to church with? Stay tuned!!!!!!

What's Your Title?

A woman named Emily renewing her driver's license at the Transport office was asked by the clerk to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself. "What I mean
is, "Explained the clerk, "do you have a job, or are you just a ? "Of course I have a job," snapped Emily. "I'm a Mum." "We don't list 'Mum' as an occupation...... 'housewife' covers it," said the clerk emphatically.
I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our local police station. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar." "What is your occupation?" she probed. What made me say it, I do not know... The words simply popped out. "I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations."The clerk paused, pen frozen in midair, and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly, emphasizing the most significant words.
Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire! "Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?"Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing programme of research, (what mother doesn't), in the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (the whole bloody family), and already have four credits, (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree.?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money." There was an increasing note of respect in the girl's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.
When I got home, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 10, 7, and 3. Upstairs, I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby), in the child development programme, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had triumphed over bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another Mum."
Motherhood.....What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door. Does this make grandmothers "Senior Research Associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations" , and great Grandmothers "Executive Senior Research Associates"??? I think so!!! I also think it makes Aunts "Associate Research Assistants". Please send this to another Mum, Grandmother, Aunt, and other friends you know.

Author unknown..................but very smart

Have Faith..........

“According to Your faith, be it unto you” (Matthew 9:29)

A lot of time people think that when they have a need, that if God wanted to, He could just automatically meet it. But Jesus didn’t say, according to your need be it unto you; He said, according to your faith.

That’s why it’s so important to have an attitude of expectancy every single day. If we want God to move in our lives, we have to approach every day filled with faith and hope. The scripture tells us in Romans that “faith comes by hearing the Word of God.” The more you have the Word of God in your life, the more your faith will grow and the more you will see Him working in your life.

God longs to bless you, and He’s given you everything you need to be successful in life. Remember, all things are possible to those who believe! Believe in His goodness today and take a step of faith toward the life of blessing God has prepared for you!

**from Joel Olsteen's devotional**

Snowy Days......

Ok, so after seeing the pictures on Shari's blog I thought I would post some of my own. Now these are actual pictures taken today (Sunday) of our house and there is one of our neighbours who's car is buried under the snow. (second top left pic.)

I must say it's kind of fun, if only we had little kids we could go tobogganing down some hills. Maybe we'll rent some.....I'm kidding. Hope everyone is digging out ok.

Until next blog, happy shovelling!!!!

Gratitude Saturday

Well, 22 years ago today, Todd and I were married.  We had this much snow for our wedding day.  I remember staying at the Westin Hotel in Ottawa, and the snow was falling just like today.  Not that I am a fan of the snow but it's good to reminisce.  

• I am grateful for having a loving husband who makes me laugh on  a daily basis.
• I am grateful for having two wonderful children.
• I am grateful after 22 years we are still in love with each other.
• I am grateful that we can look back at the last 22 years and see the adventures and situations that God has been with us every step of the way.
• I am grateful to say that we are best friends and enjoy our time together.
• I am grateful that we both enjoy traveling together.

I am looking forward to what is ahead for Todd and I, with weddings and some day grand-babies, we will enjoy growing old together.  

Ryan's Trip

Well, Ryan is home!!!! I thought I would post some of his

pictures so that you get an idea of what he experienced.

He arrived home last night or early this morning, I think very happy to see us and be home in his nice warm bed. He did show me the mysterious soars on his knee and elbow. He seems to think they were bed bug bites. YUCK!!!! Just the thought of that gives me the willies.

Anyway, just thought I would share some of his journey with you all. He took some pictures of cars for his dad and he took a couple of pictures of the bathroom that they had to use when they were in Malita. Grace, Grace........

We are proud of Ry, and he had a blast!!!!