Meeting Aimee at Breakforth. Look at that beautiful tummy!

Daryl Evans worship concert. My spirit is well fed today. I take fast notes, from the teaching sessions, that I can look back on later.

Lance at Breakforth. A late break in his schedule allowed him to stand on a chair and adjust the TVs to hockey. You have to know Lance to know how much he likes hockey. I love this photo. The lobby is huge and there is Lance all alone catching a game. :)

Getting excited to send Auntie Aimee some maternity clothes and cool magazines too.

Hurray for babies. Hurray for cousins. Hi to Aimee. This great stuff is coming your way. Looks like Cara and Sarah are delighted to share!! I think they'll pack love in the box too.

What I Can See Today!

Mt. Baker today from the top of the Sears Parkade. I went up just to see and to take pictures.

Bourquin Cres. and Northshore mountains.

North Shore mountains - right Cara?? Funny birds catching some rays. Years ago it became popular knowledge that seagulls were LK's favorite bird. He does not remember saying that - but we insist it's true. He does like the sea.

For Dan -My droodle - try to guess what it is. I will tell you in a couple days. I think it's funny.

The Jesus Bird

A sure sign of spring is the Jesus bird. I have no idea what it looks like - I never seem to spot it but every spring and summer - not in winter - I hear it singing the opening notes of the song - 'Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, there's just something about that name....' This morning I woke up, window open, room cool (me hot), I see the moon thought the blinds (it must mean thin cloud cover) and I hear the Jesus bird. I am so happy to hear him - can it be almost spring? Hurray if it is!

Does anyone know the real name of this bird? It only sings the Jesus part - two notes.

And yes, thin clouds - no clouds really. And I got a surprise lunch invitation. A better day already.

Rain

Can rain make you fat - you know like a sponge engorging with water? Just wondering. I know it can make you flat.

As far as I know we are around 34 days of rain or so. I tried to look it up just now but didn't find it quickly. The Abbotsford record was 28 I think. Thank God we've had sunny breaks - even sunny hours - but not in the last few days. My brain feels as dull as the days. So weird. Today at the club I had two 'crazy' moments. One was when I was on the rowing machine. It's in a loft above the serious weight room. I went at an unfortunate time today - around five - forgetting this is a peak time. The club is spacious so there was still room to work out but it was noisy. The weights were clanging, the music playing, lots of movement, and my own headphones trying to override other music and feed my spirit a bit. All of a sudden I felt like yelling - no I felt I would yell. Yell what? I don't know - maybe "BE QUIET". I can't really say - but it is sure a strange feeling to be that close to some sort of edge. As it was, I took some deep breaths, closed my eyes (that really helped), and kept rowing on.

We were away for the weekend. The place had great pools - but they were outdoor (closed for season) except one that had a claustrophobic bubble over it creating a steamy strange place inside. We didn't swim - but we did get some extra rest.

When we got home on Sunday we visited my parents and enjoyed lemon meringue pie. (Oh it's the pie not the rain.) Mom is so fatigued. She's not in so much pain right now except for certain movements with her shoulder. She is sleeping a little better, even napping - this with sleeping meds - but she never feels rested - ever. She is getting very small and weak. It feel very sad. I think such overwhelming tiredness must be a sort of pain - certainly it is a sort of suffering. I said I have been praying for her - and she said, "Try pleading."

Both my parents need shoulder surgery. For my mom, it would be her second. The first did not heal that well, I think, because of all all the mishaps after. It must be too much to think of another. We need help. I can help some - but I cannot do what is required. I need to be more intentional and regular - but I'm having trouble finding the drive. We could really use someone young, kind, kitchen savy, who likes older folks and would be just fine doing things like adjusting a pillow, getting a drink, picking something up off the floor, making simple meals. We are beginning the search. The first step is having my parents health officially accessed. Then the govt., or who is it anyway, will tell them how much help they actually qualify for and if they must pay for it themselves. This is what we need to arrange for during the 5 week surgery recovery time (my dad's shoulder). Please pray - maybe even plead. Does God listen better when you plead? I think not - it seems insulting to me - like a child pestering a parent endlessly. I trust he is already listening - the ideal parent - and that I don't need to whine - still I might - or at least whimper.

Good news, in a few days we see Aimee and Lance. Steve and Carolyn have offered to hold the fort down here. They too like the guest bed - which by the way - I am sleeping in tonight because LK is having a wild allergy attack - SNEEZING like mad. I don't think it's a cold - although the symptoms are practically the same. Poor dude.

This weekend, LK and I went away to Birch Bay, WA to check out a campground there that we understood we won a membership to. Well, longish story, but we didn't win that campground, and we could put the money toward a membership we would like - but we didn't. We did get to stay in a trailer for a couple days and check the place out - but it was pretty rainy still - until we were leaving. This shot is on the way home.

Here we are in our little trailer. It was warm. It was mostly dry and it was spacious. It had a bathroom. I did miss our tent trailer just a little even so. It has more character and feels like home.

We worked on our expansion plans and visited Village Books in Fairhaven Bellingham and also Barnes and Noble. Right now we are planning department placement and very rough store layout.

Some pictures from the weekend. Re: the chocolate shot - I'm trying to smell more of it and eat less - oh boy it smells good. Also, the pool game was really bad - but I won.

More Faces in Unexpected Places

Face in bathroom sink drain. (Recurring)

Face with rays in Stag chilli.

Today

It's still raining. I'm tired but not so down as I was.

This morning Sarah came over and we had art day again. Last week playdough - today new felt pens and sketch book. Sarah was especially happy today so that made everything more fun.

Tonight I forgot my camera - Steve and Carolyn took us out for Greek food for dinner. We enjoyed their company very much. We got to see two pictures of their baby - ultrasound. My it's fun to meet the little people so early!

Enjoy the photos of Sarah. I took some especially nice ones.

Good night.

Sarah.

Joking around with my little sweetheart. Today the funny thing was "meme!". I don't know what this means. Sarah said it first and then I repeated it just like she said it. This was funny, and every once-in-a-while she'd say it again, or I would, and we'd be laughing again.

This little light of mine. Too bright for the eyes! Mostly we shined it on teddy bears and anything else of interest.

Green.

Orange.

Hurray for new (washable) felt pens. Mostly Sarah colored the sketchbook. Sometimes she would tease me and color the carpet (like it would show!). She also enjoyed the simple pleasure of taking the pen caps off and trying to put them on again and hear the click. Yes, that's green ink on her face. Somehow she even got orange on her tummy. How?? I don't know - she was wearing a dress. Can't you pretty much hear her giggle?

Our Fabulous Three Day Social Extravaganza

First stop on the 3 day social exravagaza - Ryan and Liz Chace's home in Blaine. It was SO fun to see these guys again - our first visit with them in their home since they got married last summer. Their place is very compact and is filled with books and art. Liz was beautiful manuvering in her tiny kitchen producing a feast for us. We all have great memories of doing some pretty non traditional premarriage counseling together - mostly we spent very generous amounts of time together each session - lots of dialog and stories and they are applying what they've learned very well. Marriage is full of lots of surprises and bumps and these two are riding those bumps well. Ryan and Liz both started working on their master's degrees in Sept....well the biggest and best surprise is that Liz is now expecting a baby - and her morning sickness earned her extensions on three papers. A freind asked Ryan, 'What about your plans?' - like to continue studies in Europe next fall. Ryan looked surprised - 'Well (smile) we'll just change the plans.' Way to go Ryan - embrace the suprise and enjoy. We spent the evening talking books, church, relationships, and telling stories.

Ah - getting to know how to use the timer - AND learning to remember to really check the photo carefully. Are the eyes open? Do the people look inebreated when they are stone sober? Anyway, here we are having a pork roast and veggie dinner that simmered in the crock pot all day. It was break apart tender. For desert we had home made mocha ice cream. Yum.

Sunday Evening With Daryl and Judy

Sunday afternoon we headed over to Daryl and Judy's for our second stop of our social extravaganza. We have been friends with Daryl and Judy for so many years, I'm not sure I can say for sure. They did meet Lando first. I probably got to know them when Cara was in grade 5 or 6 when we first came to Central Heights. We were in the same adult Sunday School class, the same care group for quite a while, and we have even taken two family vacations together - something I would enjoy repeating.

Their daughter Heidi is Aimee's age and Andy is Cara's age. When we did the family vacations Andy and Cara where young teens, barely, and we wondered if they would take notice of each other. Well they did - but later. The first family holiday we fished - a lot. We actually had a fising derby. Each fisherperson would record the total inches of fish they caught that day. At the end of the week we added them up and gave out prizes we had brought with. Andy won first prize. We would be playing cards at Daryl and Judy's cabin and I remember Andy always seemed to be cooking another fish. I think his dad said he couldn't fish any more until he had eaten some of them. Fun memories.

Back to Sunday - we enjoyed terrific lasagna, Daryl's homemade better than ever grape juice, ceasar salad and perfect garlic toast. Ice cream and 30 minute pudding followed. The surprise of the night was when Andy called and asked his mom if she would watch Sarah for a bit so he and Cara might have a little time together. Oh yeah - we were all up for that. Daryl met Sarah at the door and walked with her around the corner of the dining room where she saw SO MANY grandparents. She looked pleased and puzzled all at once. It's funny to see us in unexpected places.

We had a blast playing with her and taking pictures like crazy. We also shared memories and got caught up on what's happening in each other's lives now. Must do this more often. We love these folks!

After dinner play. Can you see that little expression? Kind of shy, kind of playful, kind of hiding behind grandma Judy. Just before this shot, Sarah had requested a bath. She does this by closing her fists and waving them around in a up and down, splashing type, movement excitedly. This is not the real sign for bath - but it works. So she had two grandmas keeping her company and splashing her. She loves it. After her bath you can really see her curly hair like her daddy.

So I do still have some dark hair - and it's in the back - well well. Sarah is smiling over my shoulder at LK.

Sarah and Grandad A. (Daryl). I love these photos in black and white because they just seem to have a 50s feel. I think it's the whole scene - so secure, so loved. The feeling of an era - and even in 2006 this wonderful healthy feeling of secure attachment belongs to Sarah. Praise God.

Sarah and Judy sharing a laugh.

Our happy little visitor - Sarah Mae. I don't think it gets much better than this - four dotting grandparent babysitters.

Monday at Araon and Frances' Home

Third stop on our three day social extravaganza was Aron and Frances Lowen's home in Yarrow. The first treat of the night was that Mochie (their daughter) was home and I got to have a really fine visit with her while dinner finished cooking. Mochie is learning to hear from God and to be herself - to find and be herself as a young adult. This is a brave and scary thing growing into adulthood.

Frances pulled out all her best dishes and little fancy serving things and fed us in style, scalloped ham, broccoli and potatoes, mixed greens salad, and multi grain baguette. Then came her famous chocolate cake which we usually eat fresh raspberries from her garden on top - but alas it is winter - STILL I had lots of berries in my freezer so I brought summer with me.

After dinner the boys went down to the music room and played guitars. Frances and I visited more with each other by Frances' new electric fireplace. Also more visiting with Mochie. The evening ended with us four adults in the music room playing and singing worship songs. Hmmm...nice ending.

My beautiful friend Frances playing her very pretty and new mandolin. Frances is an excellent sound woman and I am used to seeing her support other musicians in their music. This is the first time I'd ever seen an instrument in her hands - and she played very nicely already. Aron seems proud.

Aron and LK jamming.

Good Day Sunshine

Sunshine and blue sky on day 27. I've been out and about a lot today and every chance I get - I look at the sky and try to spend time in the light - ahhhh. I had a really good work out at the gym. Hardly anyone was there, I brought my own music and it was peaceful and vigorous at the same time. I met an old friend at the club, Vange Thiessen. We hadn't seen each other in probably a year or more - maybe we'll have a coffee - hope so.

This evening begins our three day in a row social extravaganza. We start in Blaine, WA having dinner with Ryan and Liz Chase. They are the couple we did pre-marriage counseling with - what a delight - and they got married in the summer. It will be really fun to see them in their home and to tell stories to each other. Tomorrow we have supper with Daryl and Judy and then on Monday supper with Aron and Frances at their place. I'm wondering if God thinks I need a little nurturing?? I'm happy for it. It's like a traveling holiday only we sleep at home at night.

Must have quick little nap - I'm such a night owl.

Steve's Birthday, Rainy Days, and Crazy Making

I saw the sun yesterday when it was out for a few minutes and it hurt my eyes. Last night I saw the moon briefly. What strange sights. We are on 25 days of rain. 28 is the record. If the forecast is right we will max out at 31 straight days of rain. This is starting to affect people. Yesterday I was sitting in my living room holding Steve's light box in one had and my bible in the other reading - wondering which might help more. The light box does help. Today I opened my curtains first thing in the morning. It makes almost no difference. Then I turned on all my lamps to their brightest settings. Still it seems so dark - dark - dark. I could never live up north.

Assorted things have been going wrong this week and I have not been coping well with them. Falling apart at the seams. Crying. LK says - the number of things going wrong, the intensity of reaction to them and the toll it's taking on us - just seems like an attack of the enemy. I'm not really prone to thinking that way but I too had thought this same thing. Things have been crazy - and crazy making. Today I thought I'd just try to work on having a smooth calm day. It went pretty well. I didn't get every thing done I thought I would but I didn't have any crazy episodes either.

For supper, I made basic lentil soup (red lentils - very good) for a starter, then we had pizza and Caesar salad to celebrate Steven's birthday. This was a very successful combination and really brought the meal up a notch from just pizza.

It's very important to me to take time to celebrate the birthday person's life. Steve is a surprise gift to our family – just when we thought we would just have two girls – along came Steven. He has been my most challenging child to raise right from the delivery room - loud loud and very strong feelings and opinions. My dad sent me a box of orange foam earplugs so I could comfort him when he was a little guy without going deaf. The ADHD element has meant lots of fun and pizzazz – and also challenges (for him mostly). The extra challenge means that in some ways I feel uniquely close to my son because of the deep loyalty and advocating it took to make sure things went well for him through school. Have you ever seen a school designed for bright kids who need to keep moving? Well, we didn’t really have one - but I did find many teachers who became excellent team mates. I enjoy Steve's unique giftings in music and the arts – drama and visual. I fondly remember watching him act. I like to hear him play his bass and sing, or to be led in worship by him. It's neat to hear what others say about him. I like his tender heart - one might not expect such a gentle heart in a giant. I like his sense of fairness and justice - especially for others. I get a bang out of his humor and antics - usually ;D . I am amazed at the work he does at the ripe age of 22 - wow. Happy Birthday Steve.

This early adulthood is full of BIG decisions - lots of firsts. I pray God guides him along the best pathways for his life.

Tomorrow we valley people wake up again to the sounds of dripping. Oh dear

Today we had a party at our house for Steven's birthday. Before he arrived from work, we took some four generation pictures. It was my mom's idea so we had a little warning and a chance to dress up a little. Sarah is wearing tights for the first time . Threre were three photographers snapping. I'm hoping Sarah gave her daddy a little smile for his camera. That was a whole lot of flashing going on.

Opening presents. These are frrom Steve and Carolyn. They were a sort of puzzle. If he got them all in order, the first letter of each item spelled his name. Skittles, Toblerone, E ??, Vegemite (yeast spread!), and I forget the last E too. Maybe he'll need help with the Toblerone?

While we were having a party tonight, someone attacked the ginger bread snow woman - taking a reported two bites of her head. VIOLENCE. Then the guilty party took a picture of his crime and left it in my camera.

We were able to get Steve a center speaker for his tv because I found an amazing suprise deal on one at London Drug. Hurray.

Beautiful Cara listening to something Steven is saying.

Ah yes, cherry chip. 22 candles.

Today our family celebrated Steven's 22nd birthday, which was actually yesterday. My mom made cherry chip cake - the same cake Steve has requested for about ten years. It is custom that Grandma makes it. In the picture it looks radioactive it's so bright! It's the available light shot LK thought he'd try.

Tonight at Steve's party, Sarah graced us with a gentle piano music. She's smile while she played and then when the audience would clap, she'd flash them a big smile. Notice the velvet concert gown.

Today Sarah came over for the morning and we had our first art day! I made play clay and Sarah really got into it - especially using tools. I think she was a llittle wary of touching it with her fingers. This was a fun milestone for me. I look forward to having many grandchildren gathered round a table all playing with clay, or paints, or glue and glitter. Oh fun. We also listened to a special Veggie Tales cd that was personalized with Sarah's name in it. A salesman got it made for Sarah and gave it to LK. Boy she sure noticed her name in the music and talking on the cd. Very surprised at first. I think she will come to really like it - neat songs. We have another one to try another day. The picture of Sarah winging the fork around is inspired by the music.

I think my readers could come up with some great captions for this photo. Consider yourself invitted.

Spirited Sarah - expressing a dislike. Hmmm...I think this is how I feel about the rain!

Lately

Catching up on the last while -

It was Harrison Hot Springs hotel that we went to for three nights. Lots of swimming, working out in the gym, reading, dancing, but lots of great food too so we didn't come home any lighter but we did come home refreshed.

Camera - When I posted those close- up pictures a while back - a flower and a light - I wondered if anyone would guess that I am trying out a new camera. We bought a new photocopier at the store and the supplier surprised us with a new camera. It is much better than our first little free one and able to do more - although I am still learning how to use it. I don't even understand all the words in the direction booklet! It's a Konica Minolta Dimage Z20 - 5.0 megapixals and 8x optical zoom. It can be operated manually too - but this I haven't played around with. What do you think - do the pictures seem better? I have to get some printed too to try that out.

Last night we had Cara and Andy up for a cup of chocolate spice tea and we used the new tea pot I got from Carolyn for the first time. Wow it makes a lot of tea. The spout wants to drip - spouts are tricky things - but I located on the internet a little stainless steal springy thing that you pop in the spout and it stops dripping. Simple. I have every reason to believe it works. Ingenious and for only 3.99 for two. I'm going to try to find one localy. You can also get crazy doilies for drips, or sponges and many other strange things.

This morning we visited the local Vineyard church. Brian Doerkson was having his turn leading today which we always appreciate. The theme of the service was how great and holy God is. This puts life in perspective for me. The people there are so friendly to us. Partly this is because LK is so well known, still it feels really good. Brain's dad came up to LK after with a word of encouragement regarding the importance of the bookstore in the community and prayed with us. Very tender. And this while we are planning our expansion. We met our friends Ryan and Elizabeth there - I had so hoped to see them this morning. We arranged to have dinner together next Sat. at their place in Blaine. I am really looking forward to that. Elizabeth's tummy is nicely rounding and very firm she noted. She is enjoying showing it off to close friends. She is expecting a baby in July - just a bit after Aimee and Lance and Steve and Carolyn. Lots of baby action.

Also, next Sunday, we are having dinner at Daryl and Judy's home so it will be a very social and low cooking weekend! Daryl and Judy are Andy's parents for my Minnesota readers. Yes, I will ask what I can bring. Many hands make light work.

In the afternoon we went to a wedding. Mercifully the rain stopped for a bit and the bridal party was able to have some fine outdoor pictures taken. More on the wedding below.

This evening, we were either going to go see the Narnia movie or go to the gym, Cara called and said Sarah would like to come for a visit so that was the best thing for all of us. We hadn't seen her since before our trip. She is getting more spirited and able to express her likes and dislikes - which is pretty fun really - the next stage in her development. Movie and gym act ivies will wait.

The rain I think is getting to me more than I thought. I am really just dragging myself around, not much energy, blah emotions. Tonight I felt like my mood was just going down the drain - the drain - like the rain. I asked LK if the rain bothers him and he has come to the point that he doesn't like to hear it. Interesting. I'm going to see if Steve has his light box at home in the day and if he does, I'm going to give it a try for a few days.

I've been thinking I could benefit from having more rhythm in my life. Most things are so random for me. I think it would be better physically and spiritually if I developed some routines - like maybe hit the gym in the am and then a coffee shop to read for awhile. I was going to Mass for a bit and quite enjoying it - but sometimes, often, the homilies were not so good, but then came the day when I spoke to the priest directly and he didn't seem welcoming at all. Perhaps he is not very ecumenical. I don't know. I really would like to have heard the words "You are welcome. We are glad to have you join us during the week." After that, which was a long while ago, I just didn't go back at all.

This week my church involvements start up again. Single Mom's hot topic this week - 'How to Fall in Love Without Losing Your Mind'. I emailed everyone and reminded them of the starting topic. I think it will prove interesting.

On the 11th is Steve's 22nd birthday. This is my surprise baby and now already 22 years have flown by - even though - and this is the mystery - some of the days were very slow. Funny how time is. When he was tiny I could make all his dreams come true - or so it seemed. Now his dreams are different and involve so much investment from him and for success, cooperation with his Savior. I often pray Jesus, shepherd my boy. How do I know what he needs any given day? I don't - but I know who does and HE cares and walks with him. Party on Thursday night - too bad that was not Steve's first choice - but I have a meeting on Monday which was his first choice. Cherry Chip cake is requested - my mom has been making this boxed birthday cake for him for at least 10 years - probably more. Every year we ask - and every year he's slightly indignant that we would have to ask :D

Must get some sleep. Good night all.

Grandpa and Sarah. She was a little shy of him at first - we hadn't seen her for a few days.

Grandma is building a tower. Aren't these interesting proportions? The tower is gigantic.

Building. Ooooo....concentration.

Sarah and her mommy's big truck. She's thinking on how to get the building block out of the cab.

This afternoon LK and I went to Sheree (Plett) and Jeremy Eisenhower's wedding at Heritage Valley. They are both musicians and seem to love each other very much. Janet Boldt, one of the instructors at CBC, married them and also did their premarriage counselling. Janet was my mentor my last year at CBC and we had many good talks. So thoughtful and meaningful was her wedding talk and also the way she related with Sheree and Jeremy. It is one of the weddings I've attended that I feel confident about. I really think they seem well prepared and I believe they will do well. In thier vows they talked about love being a very big gift you give the other person - all the time. And in giving this very big gift, God is present because he is the author in initiator of love - the sustainer too. Unfortunately, we had not RSVP'ed on time so we left after the ceremony. Steve was the wedding photographer - but this happy and humble little photo is mine.

Another Fun Day

Today started with a late sleep and breakfast out. Breakfast is my favorite meal out. Then there was time to read, work out in a little fitness room, swim, have dinner out yet and dance. Oh so nice.

Last night we watched the news for a bit before a late swim. We heard the miners were found alive. When we checked again really late - it had been a mistake and only one miner was alive. I can't imagine how much harder it was for families to kind of steal themselves for the worst, then receive the best news they could ever dream of, and then after three hours to hear the good news was a mistake. I am so sad for them.

On a very different note - there is a Korean couple we've seen the last couple days who have twin one year olds - I think boys. They have lots of hair and have been wearing bib overalls. They walk really well and are SO CUTE you can hardly believe it. This am they were at breakfast in their econo twin umbrella stroller eating climbing around grabbing stuff. The parents looked serene and happy. I talked to the mom and told her I have a daughter expecting twins. She wanted to know if they were boys. Well maybe?? We'll see. Looks like ALOT of fun.

Good night all.

Jeans that fit - OH JOY. I have no idea what's really in style -but all this embroidery reminds me of when I was a young "flower child". So anyway - some things are fun to do again.

Lando playing tab and doing his own thing.

Dressed for a date.