Fighting for the back seat?

On Saturday, Tami, Rowan, Alice and I are planning to go to the Milton Farm Spring Craft Show. Why?
There is nothing like a SPRING craft show and Tami's sister-in-law Cori will be there selling her amazing work.
If you have never checked out her website, take a look.
www.marvindale.ca

Alice, you can seat with Rowan on the way there...hey...no fair!!! She'll be sleeping (hopefully) on the way back!

Looking forward to it!!!

Hugs
Yo

Quote: I'm not confused. I'm just well-mixed.

Being an Oma

Another sister has added this very special title to her name. For me it has been almost one and a half years. Being `Oma' was especially important to me, because it restored a chain in our family broken when Tami did not have the privilege of calling anyone Oma. (thankfully, she does have the best grandmother a girl could want!) Being an Oma reaches into the very core of my being. Like just about every single person I know, life didn't exactly turn out the way I imagined. But God has been faithful. It seems we are more aware of His faithfulness when life doesn't go as planned. So, at 22 years of age I became a single mother. 30 years ago (thankfully) this was still pretty uncommon. Because of this my daughter would grow up as an only child, not something I ever would have chosen for her. So often I felt like I was on the outside of 'normal' life looking in. It wasn't what I would have chosen but we had many good years together. And my daughter has become my hero. I don't know if this makes sense, but when Rowan was born, I felt like I stepped back inside the 'normal' box. I had joined the ranks of the natural flow of life. I am still often amazed that something so good happened to ME! I thank God over and over for the precious gift of Rowan in my life. I pray I will never, ever cease to be amazed at the wonder of being with her, loving her and having her love me. Thank you Jesus... and yes..thanks Tami & James!

Hugs
Yo

Quote: When a child is born, so is a grandmother.

Parent Lottery

I just read the book...The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. In chapter 4 he attributes being born with the winning ticket in the parent lottery as a major reason he was able to live out his childhood dreams. In the next chapter he talks about wanting to paint his room and getting his parents permission. This included a quadratic formula; a large silver elevator door; a rocket ship with fins...well you get the picture.
Well, what makes this interesting is that yesterday when I was 'again' extolling the virtues of Tami to my therapist, I said that her smarts came from her dad and her creativity from his mom. She asked me what parts I felt I had played in making Tami who she is today. I had to think about it and I did come up with a few things.
So when I go back, I'll have to be sure to add to the list...I let her paint her room.
Hmmm....wonder if she thinks she won the parent lottery?

Hugs
Yo

Quote: Just because people don't love you the way you want; doesn't mean they don't love you the best they can.

New scrapbook page!

Thanks for your ideas Kirsten! hope you like it!!

Hugs
Yo

It's a little like church

When I show up at WaterFit I have to find a spot to stand.

And the looks I get if I stand in someone elses' spot.

They've been attending for a very long time and they have earned the right to that spot.

Sound familiar?

Hugs
Yo

Quote: The easiest way to lose weight is to check it as airline baggage.

Sharing the Blessing...a letter from Tante Elly

Dear Yolanda & little girl of my dearest friend Roelie
Excuse my many spelling mistakes.
Hello Yolanda;
I could not make out from your return address who this letter could be from. When I opened it I could not believe it was a child from my friend Roelie. My heart skipped a beat as I read it. I am so pleased and happy and can't wait to meet you & hopefully my dear girl Roelien also. I remember the joy I felt when I met her at the funeral of Ada Bomhoff a few years ago. and yes, do call me Tante Elly, for my love for the girls and boy of my friend Roelie has never changed, and I also can understand that you long to have some questions answered...
...How is Jenny, Betty, Alice, Henriette, Roelien, Brent, Yolanda & Carol doing?...
...I also think over the many years of Roelie and her children. you must not hesitate to come and see me. I can't wait to greet you and who ever wants to visit & talk.
your mamma & I had many talks, and each of her children had a very special place in her heart. I remember I would tell her that she was such a good mother, patient and loving with her brood, but she always answered, Elly, you are better as a mother than I. So I take from that we were both good mothers, of course making mistakes along the way as we learned and grew....
...I so feel you miss your mamma. Dear girl Yolanda, come, feel free, my heart & door is open. I must see my Roelien also. I'll explain when you get here. (I think she means here how she longed to touch Roelien, as I explained in my previous post). My paper is full. Say HI to all. Please write me when you know your date of arrival & visit. Do not hesitate Yolanda. The biggest hug and kisses For Roelien and you and your siblings.
with much love & God's Blessings
in Jesus
my love
Tante Elly

My name is Jolanda

So..a few weeks ago Donnie and I were in Wild Birds Unlimited in Burlington. We made a purchase and the women was writing down my information.
Your name?

"Yolanda"

Is that with a Y or a J?

...

...

"Only a dutch person would ask me that." (she didn't LOOK dutch)

I am dutch she said with a smile...


Hugs
Yo

Quote: If at first you don't succeed, parachuting isn't for you!

Scrapfest!

So here is a wild story. Well, it's wild as far as wild stories go in my life! I went to Scrapfest in Kitchener yesterday. There was 44 scrapbook/stamping exhibitors there!
Say after me...`GEM'!
While in the lineup to buy a kit from my favourite lady Sheila (The Memory Keeper is just down the street from my house), I chatted with the girl in line behind me. Chatting with people in line-ups is my gift! (Tami hated that when she was young and had to hang around me).
Mostly we talked about Sheila and how her deals were the best!
Well, an hour or two later I run into the same lady among the 100's...and I mean 100's of ladies milling around.
And we chat again.
I asked her if she saw the really cool wooden sign by the cash register at one of the exhibits.
It said...
"Your husband called, he said to spend as much money as you want."
She says...
"I bought them that sign!"

WHAT ARE THE CHANCES!!!"

Well...my morning challenge is to complete a kit for Kirsten's weekend challenge...I'm really trying Kirsten!!!

Hugs
Yolanda

Quote: You cant turn back the clock, but you can wind it up again!

Dear mom;

You'll never believe who I was talking to on the phone today. Tante Elly. It was one of the highlights of my life, mom! It was incredible.
A while back I decided that I would like to see her when I go to Winnipeg this year for dad's 85th...yes...85th birthday! Can you believe he is that old? He is still very handsome and we all love him very much.
Anyway, Roelien and I were talking about it and I said I was going to write Tante Elly a letter. I had often wondered about your friendship...how you ended up friends, especially as she came from a Roman Catholic background. I always thought it was neat. One of the many things that was neat about you.
So, I sent her a letter and told her who I was and asked if Roelien & I could come visit this summer. I told her I wanted to hear her memories about you. Well, today, I came home from being out and checked my phone to see who had called. And there it was...E. Smedts..I just started to scream and jump up and down and scream some more. And then I called her back. She is amazing mom. She was just so happy, it was incredible. She is 77 and sounds very young and full of energy. She loves to go hiking. She has mailed me a letter which I haven't yet received. She said that in the letter she included one thing about you. And for the rest I will have to wait until I come to see her! She wonders who will have the hardest time waiting. Me or her. She right away told her daughter Coby (that's Coby in the picture) that there was writing between the lines of the letter I sent. I was reaching out to be close to you. She SO understood. She remembers seeing Roelien at Ada's funeral and how she told Coby there..."I just have to touch Roelien. I just have to touch the child of my friend. I want to connect."
And then she shared something special about herself. She had a baby that died. (I'm sure you know that). His name was Hank. They had done an autopsy on the baby but she had never learned the results. So just 7 or 8 years ago she went to where they kept the records to find out. The lady there wanted to know who she was. "I am the mother". She said that lady and the piece of paper became her very real lifeline to her baby. It made him real again.

Just hearing her say your name over and over. It was magic. She has started a list of things she wants to tell us. She says she has about 25 things already and will keep on adding.

She also commented on the picture of me and Coby. She thinks you must have made the blanket we were sitting on, as you always did a much better job then her at making things!

And here is something else amazing. She was Roman Catholic but as she says...became Christian. She remembers coming over and arriving a bit to early after lunch and watching as you had devotions with us kids around the table. You read the Bible and you prayed to God. This was not the way the Roman Catholic's did things. They prayed to Mary. She believes that was the beginning of God working in her life to find Him. She went to the Christian Reformed Church but now goes to Calvary Temple! I remember Calvary Temple and Pastor Barber. And how you went there after Gordie was adopted by a couple that went there. (I just looked on You Tube...don't even ask...and there was Pastor Barber preaching...looks the same!)

So mom...we are always remembering you...and today we were rejoicing in you!
I love you and miss you always. (I'll tell you how the meeting goes!)
Your daughter
Yolanda

Quote: A mother holds her children's hands for a while...their heart forever!

Life IS good

I love the sunshine in spring time. Yesterday I spent most of the day outdoors with Rowan! Her hat is actually Tami's scarf for holding her hair back, but I needed to cover Rowan's head with something! In this picture she is showing me the 'BIG rock'.
Thought - I think I am going to invent a 'beeper' for my slippers. Then I can just push a button when I am looking for them....if I can find the button.

Well it is now the next day. I had actually finished this blog and posted it, but for some reason most of it was missing. Always frustrating, because it is impossible to remember, let along capture the essence of what I've written.

A lot had to do with the amazing healing powers of a beautiful spring day, or two, or three.

Here are a few Spring Quotes:

-April prepares her green traffic light and the world thinks Go.

-It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!

-Science has never drummed up quite as effective a tranquilizing agent as a sunny spring day.

-the sun was warm but the wind was chill. You know how it is with an April day.

-The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month.

Hugs
Yo

so I'm torn..do I still need to end with a quote?

...A well-informed person...is somebody who has the same opinions and views as yours.

My gem for the day

Well, I actually bought a couple packs of seeds...marigold and 'fleabane (?) daisy. And I sowed them in little plant pots. Now maybe I'm taking my life in to my hands by sharing this on the world wide web. Maybe none of them will sprout. But I did it!!!! And I'm happy!
One thing at a time. I'm DOING one thing at a time. Not just wishing but doing. These are my gems. I hope to share more of them with you.
It was a little cool but a GREAT day for a little bit of yardwork.

Hugs
Yo

Quote:Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

Homemade Bread and Mocha Cake for breakfast

Into a day of loneliness and sadness yesterday, Jesus brought me friendship, family and food.
And I did pretty good with puffy eyes and about 4 hours of sleep!!!
We met up with family for a fun hike and awesome bird watching. Brent & Jenny; Benjamin & Christopher came down from Richman's Hill. Alice and Cliff joined us. And Donnie and I picked up Tami and Rowan. As usual, James was busy saving lives!
Check out Facebook for more pictures!
Alice and Cliff headed home after the hike and the rest came over for relaxing and Rowan watching. And then we ate great food. I think my Tami might just be rivaling Jenny in the amazing cook department! I have NO problem with 2 great cooks feeding me. Tami made Red pepper soup, and amazing carrot dish, and an asparagus salad....filled with peas, pine nuts and other yummy healthy stuff. Jenny provided the Homemade bread and Mocha cake for dessert. My Ham & Potato Scallop was a hit. Leftovers of it went home to feed James after another long day of work. Tami works hard at providing healthy food for her family but as you can see Rowan was happy to have something sweet for a change.

The sun is shining in the front windows. So fitting as we remember the Glory of Our Risen Lord.

Hugs
Yo

Quote: One of the greatest labour-saving inventions of today is tomorrow.
(I like this one...it helped me go to bed REAL early with lots of cleaning up yet to be done. Thanks to Donnie who ran the first dishwasher load!)

Friday is past; SUNDAY IS HERE!!

Now it's Sunday. And just about dawn on that first day of the week, there was a great earthquake. But that wasn't the only thing that was shaking because now it's Sunday. And the angel of the Lord is coming down out of heaven and rolling the stone away from the door of the tomb. Yes, it's Sunday, and the angel of the Lord is sitting on that stone and the guards posted at the tomb to keep the body from disappearing were shaking in their boots because it's Sunday, and the lamb that was silent before the slaughter is now the resurrected lion from the tribe of Judah, for He is not here, the angel says. He is risen indeed.

It's Sunday, and the crucified/resurrected Christ has defeated death, hell, sin and the grave. It's Sunday. And now everything has changed. It's the age of grace, God's grace poured out on all who would look to that crucified lamb of Calvary. Grace freely given to all who would believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross of Calvary was buried and rose again. All because it's Sunday.

Thank you Jesus

What You have done is beyond my grasp...but thank you

Yolanda

A glimpse of hope

So, I decided to walk and talk to Jesus. Jesus spent most of His ministry outdoors. As I was leaving, I stopped to pick up my camera. I know I'm still o.k. if I remember I might need my camera.
I really love the birds. Gotta get busy and try to get our new bird pole up so I can hang bird feeders!!
Jesus let me know we are on the same side.
Thank you Jesus.

Hugs
Yo

Let's see if this works...

I started this blog to help myself get back on track. I find that when I write I tend to be more positive, then when I speak. But will that work on the days that I am just really sad and can hardly see the screen through the blur of my tears? Do I hide this part and just come back when all is rosy? I can read til the cows come home about how to deal with everything, but on days like today it just doesn't work. I am so sad. I am so lonely.

Cry out to Jesus: Third Day

To everyone who's lost someone they love
Long before it was their time
You feel like the days you had were not enough
when you said goodbye

And to all of the people with burdens and pains
Keeping you back from your life
You believe that there's nothing and there is no one
Who can make it right

Chorus:
There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
And love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus

For the marriage that's struggling just to hang on
They've lost all of their faith in love
And they've done all they can to make it right again
Still it's not enough

For the ones who can't break the addictions and chains
You try to give up but you come back again
Just remember that you're not alone in your shame
And your suffering

When your lonely
And it feels like the whole world is falling on you
You just reach out, you just cry out to Jesus
Cry to Jesus

To the widow who suffers with being alone
Wiping the tears from her eyes
For the children around the world without a home
Say a prayer tonight

I think I'll go and try to spend some time with Jesus.

Hugs
Yo

Into your hands I commit my spirit.

I just learned this in church this morning...I've never heard it before.

So Jesus cried out with a loud voice--(not a whisper or a whimper) for all to hear his declaration, "Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit!"

Dr. William Barclay writes, "Jesus died with a prayer on his lips. `Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.' That is Psalm 31:5 with one word added-- Father. That verse was the prayer every Jewish mother taught her child to say last thing at night. Just as we were taught, maybe, to say, `Now I lay me down to sleep,' so the Jewish mother taught her child to say, before the threatening dark came down, `Into your hands I commit my spirit.' Jesus made it even more intimate, for he began it with the word Father. Even on the cross Jesus died like a child falling asleep in his father's arms."
Thank you Jesus.

Hugs
Yo

It's Friday, but Sunday's Coming

Dr. Tony Campolo tells the story of a little preaching competition that he had with his pastor during services at the church where he attends. Dr. Campolo tells how he preached the perfect sermon, perfect in every way. He had taken the congregation to the heights of glory. And as he sat down beside his pastor, Dr. Campolo patted him on the knee and simply said, "Top that." The older black pastor looked at him and said, "Boy, watch the master."

It was a simple sermon, starting softly, building in volume and intensity until the entire congregation was completely involved, repeating the phrases in unison. The sermon went something like this.

It's Friday. Jesus is arrested in the garden where He was praying. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. The disciples are hiding and Peter's denying that he knows the Lord. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. Jesus is standing before the high priest of Israel, silent as a lamb before the slaughter. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. Jesus is beaten, mocked, and spit upon. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. Those Roman soldiers are flogging our Lord with a leather scourge that has bits of bones and glass and metal, tearing at his flesh. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. The Son of man stands firm as they press the crown of thorns down into his brow. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. See Him walking to Calvary, the blood dripping from His body. See the cross crashing down on His back as He stumbles beneath the load. It's Friday; but Sunday's a coming.

It's Friday. See those Roman soldiers driving the nails into the feet and hands of my Lord. Hear my Jesus cry, "Father, forgive them." It's Friday; but Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, bloody and dying. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. The sky grows dark, the earth begins to tremble, and He who knew no sin became sin for us. Holy God who will not abide with sin pours out His wrath on that perfect sacrificial lamb who cries out, "My God, My God. Why hast thou forsaken me?" What a horrible cry. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. And at the moment of Jesus' death, the veil of the Temple that separates sinful man from Holy God was torn from the top to the bottom because Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, heaven is weeping and hell is partying. But that's because it's Friday, and they don't know it, but Sunday's a coming.

And on that horrible day 2000 years ago, Jesus the Christ, the Lord of glory, the only begotten Son of God, the only perfect man died on the cross of Calvary. Satan thought that he had won the victory. Surely he had destroyed the Son of God. Finally he had disproved the prophecy God had uttered in the Garden and the one who was to crush his head had been destroyed. But that was Friday....

stay tuned!!!!

Hugs
Yo

I love books

I love books. That is no secret. There is nothing like a book to transport you, to teach you, to make you laugh, to make you cry. I was always drawn to homes on T.V. that had books piled up everywhere. (maybe I should have mentioned that to Donnie before we married! :) ) Philip Yancey...The Jesus I Never Knew and all his other books are great. Barbara Kingsolver...A Prodigal Summer, Bean Tree, Pigs in Heaven & Animal Dreams. Wow, I love them all. Poisonwood Bible...her most popular, was my least favourite. Then came the year I read The Forest Lover by Susan Vreeland. "It's good literature", Jenny W says. The first pages were like wow...there is a lot being said in each sentence. I really have to 'read'. But she was right...it remains a favourite. And I 'quite often' will read what Jenny recommends as 'good literature'. I loved The Secret Life of Bees and Crow Lake. Just recently I read The Yada Yada Prayer Group series. Easy reading, but keeping me focused on praise and prayer. Good timing for those. My weakness (well, one of them) is wanting to buy the books I really like. Yes, so I can read them again and I do but for another reason too. I want my books to be able to tell someone, when they glance at them, a little bit of who I am. To look and be intrigued at what my character might be by what I read. Books that I have read recently that have impacted me are 2 books by Canadian Journalist Sally Armstrong. Veiled Threat & Bitter Roots, Tender Shoots. These books are about the lives of women in Afghanistan. Also a book Tami recommended...28 stories of AIDS in Africa. And one more that I loved...Land of A Thousand Hills:My life in Rwanda by Rosamund Carr.
Sometimes I am sad because I think back on things I have read in books and have NO idea what book these things were a part of. But that's O.K.

You'll notice from the picture that I now share my book space with Rowan's toys & BOOKS!! What a privilege!

Hugs
Yo

Quote: When I get a little money, I buy books; and if any is left, I buy food and clothes.

The grass is only greener if you look where it is greener

So it's been six months now that I've been off work on stress leave and trying to 'find' myself. And yes, I'm finally admitting that not passing probation on a level one job, especially when I've held positions in the company as far up as Assistant Branch Manager is crushing on the confidence. I know that there was politics involved, that my boss was a jerk, that everyone there is crazy...BUT...the fact is, it still sucks big time. What I am trying to do these days is taking ownership of my life. Especially now that I don't think medications are in control of my brain any longer. So what does ownership look like. Well, one thing I have realized is it is not trying to be someone I'm not. Why do we always look at the lives of those we 'think' we want to emulate. For me, that is the organized person, house always tidy and running smoothly. Three healthy meals a day...(give me one, and I'll be jumping for joy!) There is certainly benefits to all of these and I will never totally give up on working in that direction...but I have been fighting these things FOREVER!
So now I want to start keeping company with people who I can identify with...like Kirsten D. and the Yarn Harlot. When I start scrapbooking and the mess just grows. That's because my creative juices are flowing! And guess what folks. I HAVE FINALLY TAKEN OWNERSHIP OF THAT FACT THAT I AM CREATIVE. I'm going to stop looking at the people that I'm not as creative as...and just enjoy being ME!
So, Jenny....when you come on Saturday the house might just be upside down and you might get a Little Caesar's pizza, but it will be served by a happy person! Hugs
Yo

Quote: Being Organized interferes with my creativity

A picture is worth a thousand words

Hugs
Yo

Quote: Did you ever stop to think...and forget to start up again?

walking down memory lane

Walking down memory lane is almost always bittersweet. It reminds us that life is going by, that there are things we have left behind, out of our grasp...we are facing our own mortality. But, oh the memories can be so sweet. They give us warm fuzzy feelings. We remember the person we were. We wonder where that person went. Seasons of life...different from seasons of the year. Spring, summer, fall and winter are part of a cycle that return each year. But God gives us our seasons on this earth only once. They are all so special. Some are easier then others. It is often only in retrospect that we see this and maybe understand it. But then again...sometimes we look back with rose-coloured glasses...but that is o.k. too. With the stresses of life, looking back with a smile and sometimes a tear, can be wonderful. I thank God that He gave us the ability to remember. And thankful for the people whose paths have crossed mine.

Quote: The trouble with doing something right the first time is that nobody appreciates how difficult it was.

Hugs
Yo

My spinning head

I woke up at 7:15.
I grabbed the paper.
I started to run a bath.
I thought about doing a scrapbook page.
I thought about cleaning out and storing my excess frames.
I turned on the computer, read my e-mail...checked facebook and blogs I follow...
I am browsing the paper as I do this
Bath still running...low water pressure.
I want to write my sister back (re: e-mail letter received)
I am conjuring up thoughts...now & when I 'finally' jumped in the bath, of what to write on my own blog this morning.
Wrote a quick letter to the editor at the Spec. ( got a call later that they will publish it tomorrow)
I should blow dry my hair.
What shall I make for breakfast.

This is me always...either I don't feel like doing anything, or I want to do a million things...get me off this spinning wheel.

Quote: Rhubarb Pie is sweet and sour...just like life

Hugs
Yo

Well done, thou Good and Faithful Servant

Sometimes we wonder about the timing in life. This weekend I was thrilled to get so much correspondence done and in the mail. This included a lot of birthday cards, but also other stuff. In January I learned that Daystar Native Outreach, a ministry very near and dear to my heart was struggling. Part of this struggle was the on going health concerns of Don, who had cancer. I wanted to make and send a cool card, so of course nothing happened. So finally yesterday I mailed a card and cheque. And today I get a letter saying Don had died. Hear are a few words that I included in the letter I am sending Shirley. "Why do some people touch our lives in such a unique way, that they become a part of our journey. That is actually an easy question to answer. It is of God. He has chosen to connect His people. " My heart is sad.

"When we come to the edge of the light we know, and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown, of this we can be sure ... either God will provide something solid to stand on or ..... we will be taught to fly."

Being Organized interferes with my Creativity

So...I finally got my computer/craft room cleaned up enough so that I could start making my April Birthday cards. That is count them...four cards for two days! Henri & Roelien on the 14th and Betty and my good friend Pat on the 15th! Throw in a few cards I've been meaning to make up for awhile...and yes, Kirsten, that includes you, and as you can well imagine, it is time for cleaning up AGAIN! But this shouldn't be near as painful. You know how you need a place to put things, when you aren't sure where to put them. Well, all those things end up mixed in with my pictures..and scrapbooking paraphernalia in MY room. I still have this addiction to getting hard copies of the pictures I like... But, I sure do love making cards. And I love making them especially for those people who love receiving them!...yes Roelien...that would be you! So it was a good day! I have been busy, but feeling so much better as I am actually accomplishing things again.

quote - right now I'm having amnesia and deja vu at the same time...I think I've forgotten this before!

Yo

missed oppurtunities

So, I just got back from having a coffee with Gail. We worked together for ..well...a lot of years! So why is it that when we were looking at and talking about the stuff she is planning to smock and sew, I had no idea about this side of her. Unfortunately, on the whole, we spend too much time at work on the negative things. Not just appreciating each other. Well, I'm glad I know now.
And since I have been tagged by Kirsten to post a picture here goes. (Kirsten...do you actually do something when tagging someone, or do you just tell them they are tagged? ). So here is the seventh picture from my seventh folder ...and what a shock...it is of Rowan!! When I put makeup on, she loves to have some on too. What can I saw, I'm an accommodating Oma.

Quote:
Masquerading day after day as a normal person is exhausting.

Hugs
Yo

Refreshed

...and not because it is pouring rain out. I 've been 'puttering' and then sat done with breakfast in front of the T.V. to watch one of my taped home improvement shows. Well, 100 Huntley Street was on, and they were talking about stress. How quickly I forget that it is not all about ME. I have spent so much time recently looking at me as I struggle through so many issues in my life. My life won't be 'perfect' when my house is finally clean...(but that doesn't get me out of cleaning!) ...my life will only go in the right direction when I look beyond me.
Some verses that they quoted and that caught my attention:
This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, Isaiah 30:15
and
And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 2 Cor 9:8
The world is so full of people in need and God is calling me to action. First of all be leaning on Him and then by helping others. Areas that I am drawn to help include the AIDS epidemic in Africa and also the Women in Afghanistan. Sounds overwhleming, but my part doesn't have to be huge. I just have to help. My dream is to get over the fear of being overwhelmed and hosting a "Breaking Bread for Afghan Women". It is a potluck dinner with 10 guests. Each contributes $75....with the total of $750 paying the salary of one teacher for one year in Afghanistan.
Teaching is such a key to education and Human Rights. An amazing story I read on line is about the family of Peter Goodrich. Peter was on the second plane that crashed into the Twin Towers. Peter's family chose to honour him but helping to bring education to Afghanistan. Incredible.
Veiled Threat by Sally Armstrong ( a Canadian Journalist) really helped me to learn about life in this country.
28 stories of AIDS in africa is another book that has really taught me a lot. It is a real life book about real people.
So I continue on.
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid." John 14:27
So I wil listen to Jesus...and try to do my part.

...but for now...back to cleaning....

Quote for the day:
How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.

Yo
P.S....since this post is called Rowan's Oma, I figure I can randomly add pictures of Rowan whenever I want!

Aquafit, Swimfit, Waterfit....

O.K...I'm confused. but apparently I am enrolled in ...just jumping up to check...WATERFIT! Why do they all need different names??!! So I've been twice now, in one week. Does that mean I have formed a habit? I sure hope so, because I really need something like this. Mind you, at present, it is 'gentle' Waterfit, which means I am the youngest one there! I am (have always been) so uncoordinated I can't seem to get the hang of both my legs and my arms doing the proper things at the same time. But I will persevere. Maybe in a week or two I'll try the regular Waterfit class too.
Well, it is one o'clock and I have already sewn up my bedskirt and it is on the bed. My counselor tells me to look for gems in my day. THAT is certainly a gem!
So a little more puttering around and then Rowan will be here for a few hours while Tami is winding down her semester at Mac. I think we'll be outdoors! It is gorgeous out!
I love quotes so I am going to try and end each blog post with a quote. I figure it'll encourage me to keep looking them up!

"Anything can happen to me tomorrow, but at least nothing more can happen to me yesterday."

Till next time
Yo

Day One

Well, here I am. I wonder if there is any chance I will keep this blog up. I am Rowan's Oma, but I am many other things too. I am a wife, a mother, a mother-in-law, an oma, a daughter, a sister, a sister-in-law and a friend. I love to scrapbook, read, knit and go biking. I also love photography. In the last 16 months, my subject matter has narrowed down considerably. My pictures are mostly of a very special girl that has entered my life. There are not enough words to describe what she means to me. She is PURE JOY. I am hoping that I can put some of my thoughts into words. Mostly for me. But you are welcome to peak over my shoulder and read along.
Today, I am celebrating the sunshine and little accomplishments I have made. Like pinning up the new bed skirt I bought...(along with comforter, etc. ) I must have ordered at least 10 sets from Sears, so I'm glad that I finally found one that I am completely happy with. So I will be extra happy to get it sewn up and on the bed. And the coolest part is it was the cheapest of all the sets I've looked at. (I just hope that doesn't mean it'll fall apart easily) I'm not sure what will come through in this blog, but follow thru is NOT my strong point. I am all over the place! I make myself crazy. And the hubby just shakes his head.
Well, that's al for now.
Yo