Merry Christmas!!

By the time you're reading this I'm probably in my parents home, with my little family, and my brother and sister and her husband. Today we're exchanging gifts, relaxing, playing games, preparing and eating Christmas Supper (my Mom and Dad are AMAZING at holiday meals. . .and all meals, in fact!), and remembering Christ's birth and sacrifice.

Merry Christmas all! May you be filled with awe and true joy at the realization of Christ's coming and works.

Love - Vanessa

Mary Did You Know
written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene

Mary, did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that youve delivered will soon deliver you

Mary, did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little boy youve kissed the face of God

Mary, did you know?
The blind will see
The deaf will hear
And the dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of the lamb
Mary, did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Did you know that your baby boy will one day rules the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heavens perfect lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the great I AM

God is my Portion: Meditations

He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep

to gain that which he cannot lose.
- Jim Elliot

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
- Be Thou My Vision, an Ancient Irish Hymn

Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
- Psalm 73:25, 26

Heaven itself could not make us happy without the presence and love of our God. The world and all its glory vanishes. The body will fail by sickness, age, and death; when the flesh fails, the conduct, courage, and comfort fail. But Christ Jesus, our Lord, offers to be all in all to every poor sinner, who renounces all otherportions and confidences.
- Matthew Henry

Remember our Missionaries

I've been thinking alot this Christmas season about Sacrifice. Specifically Christ's sacrifice in coming to earth.

As we prepare to celebrate many times over with our friends and families, I've also been thinking about our missionary friends who are sacrificing their extended families in Canada/USA for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

Below is an email I sent to my missionary friends recently.
________________________________________________________________________
To my Brothers and Sisters in Sudan,

What I've been thinking:

He left behind Glory
You left behind the praise of the world and pursued God's Kingdom in a bush in Africa.

He left behind comfort
You left the familiarity of the places, people and culture you know. You left behind the wealth, the medical care, the abundance, the seemingly secure.

He left behind His Father
You left behind family. Your parents are missing your children grow up. You are missing family celebrations and meals. You are trusting God to care for and provide for your loved ones in your absence.

He left it all behind for the Glory of His Father and His love for us
And so you have left it all behind for His Glory also, your love for Him, and your love for His people.

This Christmas I've been meditating on Christ's sacrifice of leaving Heaven to come to earth. He left the glorious for the base. And all I must to is leave the base for the Glory. Thank you for helping me to understand Christ's sacrifice for me. Thank you encouraging me to be a living sacrifice for my God.

_________________________________________________________

Maybe we could take time to pray for those in ministry at home, and abroad, who sacrifice so much for God's Kingdom and Glory.

Remembrance Day

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army

This is what my life looks like these days. . .

- My Brother's 19th Birthday Celebration

- Christmas Lists and Christmas Shopping (here's hoping we can be all finished by Dec. 1!)

- Cory and my first date (without Henry) in 7 months! Henry stayed with my parents and we had supper and a late night movie. We talked about our little bean but spent plenty of time enjoying each other's company. We had a great time despite the (nearly) hilariously horrible food and service and movie. Ha.

- Cleaning and Reorganizing as we prepare to cozy up for the winter. I have three closets being used super inefficiently. I haven't organized yet but it's been stewing for awhile

- Running errands: the Library, the grocery store, etc

- An accidental Fabric Shopping and Coffee with all the girls and no babies. Kate and I have been doing some grocery shopping the evenings after our babies are in bed. Last week we joined three other girlfriends for some fabric store shopping and then followed it up by too many giggles at Starbucks (if you haven't tried Starbucks new Salty Caramel Hot Chocolate drop everything you are doing right now and run to your closest Starbucks. I'm serious.)

- Aquafit with Henry on Mondays. Except for today, Henry is getting over a cold. Which brings me to my next point. . .

- Cory and Henry are getting over colds. So Chicken Noodle Soup is simmering, yet again, on my stove top.

- Cory has been successfully completing his accounting tests (and therefore has been studying A LOT) as well as a promotion at work (which has also kept him very busy).

- Organizing my digital photos on my computer. I threw in a couple of my favourite pictures of my boys just for kicks :)

God's Grace

There are some times in life when God's Grace seems so present.

When His Hand is clearly on you or a loved one.

I have been blessed to know God's Grace many times in my life.

Below is one such occasion.

I have footnoted some points to bring special attention so that God may get the Glory

and you may also rejoice with me in His Goodness and Grace.

So that I will remember.

_________________________________________________________

Henry (1) was 4 weeks old. I had just been on a big walk with my sisters and mother in law (2). I had a quick errand to do and my mother in law offered to watch Henry for the 20 minutes it would take me to run this errand.

I came home to find an ambulance in front of my house and a stretcher on the front porch (3).


Henry had stopped breathing (4) and my mother-in law quickly called 911. By the time I arrived home Henry was breathing fine (5) and was ok other then a little bit nervous around the paramedics and their equipment.

My Mom and I (6) had already long self-diagnosed him with laryngomalacia. Within a few days of birth Henry began to make a funny noise which we soon learned was called a stridor (also self-diagnosed). This stridor became much more pronounced and worrisome as each week of his new life passed. When we finally got a referral to a specialist we were disappointed to be told that we had several months to wait. Didn't they know my son sounded like he was struggling to breathe almost 24 hours a day?

Well, after the ambulance incident Henry quickly became a priority (7) and we were seen by the pediatric ENT specialist (8) immediately upon arrival at the Hospital (9).


He had a laryngoscopy, our diagnoses was confirmed. The Doctor had us spend the night while Henry's oxygen was monitored. The ENT felt that Henry's oxygen results were abnormal and surgery could be required. A respirologist reviewed Henry's results (10) and found them normal for an infant and suggested anti-reflux medication (reflux is a common symptom of laryngomalacia) while we went home and watched to see how his condition progressed, and would come back 6 weeks later (11).


In that 6 weeks Henry's sleeping and eating habits VASTLY improved (12). His stridor remained the same (13) but that was to be expected. It was now just a waiting game -Laryngomalacia is a condition children grow out of. (14)


Several months later I find myself again in the specialist's office. I have a follow up appointment. Over the past few months I have miraculously watched as his stridor decreased. Yesterday I was told I didn't have to come back. Henry was through it. (15) Only because of God's Grace.

__________________________________________

Footnotes:

(1) - Henry, one of God's most precious gifts to me
(2) - Wonderful in-laws
(3) - Truly amazing and caring paramedics.
(4) - If Henry hadn't stopped breathing we would have waited months to see a specialist.
(5) - Henry started breathing again. Praise God.
(6) - A Mom/Grandma who researched incessantly. She correctly diagnosed his breathing sounds and condition.
(7) - We had an appointment immediately
(8) - The student Doctor recognized Henry. She just happened to be at the hospital where he was born, and while I recovered from my c-section, she was the doctor who had Henry's case. Therefore she was very familiar with Henry's history (he had some trouble after birth).
(9) - We live 8 minutes away from an incredible Children's Hospital. We have publicly funded Health Care system.
(10) - The ENT wasn't too proud to seek out another opinion. Had we sought his opinion we could have had to wait for an appointment. Instead we had to very gifted doctors debating over my son's medical case.
(11) - A mild medication seemed like a MUCH BETTER option than surgery
(12) - Henry had been a slow to gain weight previously. I was now getting much more sleep.
(13) - It didn't get worse
(14) - While a worrisome condition, it would not be a life long battle.
(15) - Hallelujah!

______________________________________________________________

I realize that many people go through situations much more trying then my own.

This was just intended to remind myself of God's Grace in this case.

No matter the trial may I always remember:

We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God,

to those who are called according to His purpose. - Romans 8:28

My New Mantra

Don't put it down put it away

Don't put it down put it away

Don't put it down put it away
Don't put it down put it away

Don't put it down put it away
Don't put it down put it away

Don't put it down put it away
Don't put it down put it away
Don't put it down put it away
Don't put it down put it away

Don't put it down put it away
Don't put it down put it away

Should I put it down? No! Put it Away!!

My mom has said my whole life that I leave a trail wherever I go. This isn't intentional laziness. I was never intentionally inconsiderate for the person who would have to pick up after me. I just never ever ever never realize that I do this. When I leave the living room to go to the kitchen I don't look behind me to see what else I could bring. This kind of innate organization doesn't come naturally to me.


This poses a challenge because disorganization and messiness can make me feel depressed. I feel most joy and satisfaction in a beautiful and functional home. I will work SO HARD to clean my entire house only to have it looking a shambles the very next day, or even after supper on the same day.

I first heard "Don't put it down, put it away" while listening to this series online. I will often listen to sermons or books on tape while I go about my daily doings. It really resonated with me. I started thinking - so that's how people can clean their homes and just 'spot treat' the rest of the week? So that's how I can avoid piles of stuff on my desk? So that's how I can keep the house comfortable for a surprise visitor?


Do any of you have a saying/mantra that keeps you motivated? All this to say, next time you see me - please, remind me: Don't Put It Down, PUT IT AWAY!

Catching Up

I haven't posted much as of late. Is it two posts in the past two weeks? Sheesh. . .that's not a very good start in my attempt to capture and record some of our daily happenings during this season. Life has been so full that I sometimes have to choose between good things - and my blog is often the good thing left by the wayside.

Over the past few weeks I have been busy with a teething babe, a hard working husband, keeping my home, and my family and friends.

Henry has his first tooth. Bottom left. I am sure he is now working on the bottom right tooth as my well sleeping baby is no longer sleeping so well.

With the fall comes a busy season for my husband. His work correlates with the public school schedule so the office has been buzzing since labour day. He is also still in school himself, working towards his accounting designation, and that started up again in September. He works all day, then arrives home and has supper with us, and then studies until late into the night. Henry and and I miss him but appreciate all the hard work and many hours that he is putting in for us.

This past Sunday Cory, Henry and I spent some time meandering through one of our most favourite spots: Ottawa's Arboretum. The photos in this post are from our walk that afternoon.

We had a very beautiful and refreshing day.

No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace as I have seen in one autumnal face
John Donne

Homemade Baby Shower Gift Ideas

Last Saturday I hosted a baby shower for my friend Katelyn and her son Luca. Before Henry was born she crocheted an afghan for him - this was a true act of love as she is NOT a crafter let alone and crocheter. I decided I wanted to make a few special items for her, as well.

The above picture is a Memory Jar, given to me by Henry's Great Aunt (although she's only a few years older then me - I thought you'd appreciate me mentioning that Angela :)). I keep it in the living room and whenever Henry gets to that next milestone, does something cute or memorable, or I have a story/moment that I want to remember I jot it down on a note and place it in this jar. Then, when I have some time, I can easily fill in his baby album with the important information and dates.

This was an easy and extremely useful gift for a new mom. I bought the jar from Ikea and used scrapbook stickers and card stock paper for the notes. I attached a label similar to the one shown on which is written:

Baby books are great ideas,
but sometimes you’re too busy.
Living with a little one
can put you in a tizzy.
Milestones pass too fast at times
to find the proper page.
So, jot a note of each event
with date and baby’s age
(like “took 3 steps on March 1st or
teething-5th of December),
then drop it in this memory jar
to help you remember.

Above is a photo of the receiving blankets I made for Katelyn (as well as some other gifts). Receiving blankets are also a super easy gift to make and look pretty as gift wrap!

I simply purchased some cute flannelette's and using the blind hem foot (MY FAVOURITE!) on my sewing machine hemmed the fabric. I like to make my receiving blankets about a metre squared. This is larger then most receiving blankets, but the extra length and width is very practical. Anybody with a sewing machine, or a needle and thread, can do this.

Song of My Heart

Quietly humming along
like a sweet sparrow's song
the Song of My Heart.

Every moment of every day
while She is away
I look to the sky and wonder why
it should ever be this way.

I close my eyes and make a wish
exhale softly and let my thoughts adrift
to sail across the warm breeze
carrying to you a wish from my lips.

I sent this necklace to my little sister.

The sparrow delivers the Song of My Heart to my her, while we are apart.

I Miss You, Sister. XOXO

Fall Ya'll!!

Tuesday was my first official taste of fall. I started the day by going for a walk with Kate, her 9 day old Matty, and my Henry. We went for a short walk during which something very peculiar happened. A few teenagers were walking just behind us when one of them said something.

"Excuse me, ma'am."

Was he addressing me?? I'm a ma'am??? Doesn't he know that I still feel like a fifteen year old. Doesn't he know that I'm still in my early to middleish twenties?? I fully appreciate the respect he was trying to show me, but I'm not a ma'am. Not in my heart. Am I?

Anyway, we arrived home, ate lunch outside on the picnic table (ah, glorious sunny fall days!). Kate went into her home to feed Matty and Henry and I decided to walk some more. We did a big round, along the canal, under the bridge and back. I walked hard most of the way - I even got a good sweat going on. It was great.

When Henry and I got home, he caught up on his napping while I attempted to steam some carrots for Henry's supper. I don't have a proper steamer so I rigged up this contraption.

It worked just fine. It took a little longer because the lid didn't seal all the steam in.

I decided to freeze it using my ice cube trays.



This was his reaction.

I think he liked it. No?

This morning I'm driving my man to the airport. He has some away business in Toronto, so I'm staying the night at my parent's home.

In between driving Cory to the airport and leaving for my parents I'm attending an accountability/encouragement meeting/Bible study with Kate and two other close friends (and Moms). We have often talked about meeting together purposefully but it took Johannah putting together a series of questions, emailing them to us, and then setting a date to get us together.

I hope you all have a great day! It's fall ya'll!!!!!

On My Stovetop

Ah, chicken soup! Fragrant, inviting, filling the kitchen, wafting out into the dining room, its invisible curls of scent reach every room and beckons to come and taste it, welcoming any visitor with its aroma. Culinary poetry, it can be as mystic and pure in its simplicity as a haiku, as philosophical as Goethe or as detailed as an epic.

Chicken soup invokes nostalgic memories of childhood - perhaps a mother or grandmother preparing it for the family or for someone suffering from yet another cold or bout of influenza. It is balsam to the heart and eating a bowl of it feels cared for, cozy and healthy. It is the ultimate comfort food.

*Read More Here*

Chicken Soup bubbled on my stove top all day Monday. My Mom's recipe. The perfect medicine for a windy, rainy, and frigid day. For my sick husband. For my sister-in-law.

I just love to see colourful vegetables chopped up and sitting in a pot, waiting to be turned into something that will fill empty tummies. I decided today that Chicken Soup, on the right day, is tied for first with bread in the oven for kitchen smells.

Meeting Matty

Two days ago Henry climbed all over Matty while he and his Auntie Kate played.

Sunday he met Matty - unaware of the future friendship and mischief I'm sure they'll share.

I so rejoice with my Kate and their beautiful little boy. Kate and I have a very special history together.

We met in University (it took a few meetings before we were friends).

Shared the Gospel with students in the cafeteria (being accountable to each other helped).

Challenged each other in our faith (and skipped classes together; yet, somehow, managed to graduate very successfully!).

We also had a lot of fun and laughed way too much.

In the midst of all of this I met and fell in love with a man named Cory. Then Kate met Cory's brother Dave. Kate and Dave were married the year after Cory and I.

Cory and I found out we were expecting just as the larger and more affordable apartment above Kate and Dave became available. We now live in the same house in two separate apartments. Us on the second floor, Kate and Dave on the first.

April 1st Cory and I had our first child, Henry. Sunday afternoon Kate and Dave had their first child, Matthew.

Kate is my neighbour. Kate is my best friend. Kate is my sister in Christ. Kate is my sister in law. Kate is my son's Aunt. Kate is the mother of my favourite nephew (and only, so far) - Matty.

We have long awaited your arrival Matty and were so excited to finally meet you!!

Sons are a heritage from the LORD

Children a reward from Him.

Psalm 127:3

Sacrifice

"Mother ducks pick feathers from their chests to line their nests"

Eyes fixed on a duck breast puffed, mother plunging beak in deep, I question wondering self: “How else did you think nests were lined?”

With leftovers. With feathers discarded, the molted, the not-so-necessary feathers. I thought mother ducks picked feathers up from what was laying about, scraps, lining nests with what simply could be mustered after the fact.

But no. (Is that only the way of human mothers?) No, a mother duck plucks each feather out from the heart of her bosom, warm and soft.


She lines the nest with bits of herself.


The best of her, from the deep spots. She cups her young in her sacrifice.

**read the full post here**

Organic Brown Rice Goodness

Today I took a very special trip to The Wheat Berry, a local health food store, where I purchased the following items:

This evening Henry ate his first solids! He totally enjoyed his brown rice cereal - he ate about 2 Tbsp (quite a bit for a first timer!). Towards the end he was definitely not into it anymore, and was very happy to resume nursing. I was delighted with that, as I'm far from ready to give up that special bonding time.


MMMMMMM. . .Yum!

Labor Day Weekend 2008

Phew. We're home. It was a full and wonderful weekend indeed!

I love Church Camp. I think it's because there are few things I enjoy more then fellowship. To sit around a meal, a camp fire, or a lake and talk about what our babies are doing, what our God is teaching us, or what we're planning on doing for the talent show.

Oma going for a walk with Henry.

Amidst the encouraging teaching, serving and fellowshipping there was some friendly competition. Whether it was volleyball. . .(see my husband teaching me. "This is a bump." "This is a spike.").

. . .Basketball, a Treasure Hunt, or Settlers of Catan.

We arrived home, after evening worship, late Sunday night. Monday afternoon we found ourselves swimming in my parents pool and enjoying a BBQ. Yum. Cory and I had the opportunity to play together in the pool for awhile while Henry napped - it reminded me how important it is to take time to be silly and play together.

Henry was very impressed with his Dad's splashes and flips and even spent some time in the pool himself.

Summer is nearing a close and the autumn will be welcomed by me with open arms. Because this time of year is associated with the beginning of school I like to focus on new beginnings and organization in other areas of my life. I look forward to starting a new home schedule and will be sure to post it once I've ironed out the details.

Today will be a home day. I'll be focusing on getting Henry back into his schedule. Doing a thorough cleaning of the floors and a general tidy. I hope to also squeeze in a little sewing.

Have a blessed day!

And we're off!

My husband will arrive home any minute now at which point we'll load the car and head to Silver Lake for Church's Family Camp weekend!!

We'll take many pictures (Henry looks too sweet in his camping gear! Fleece pants and a sweatshirt!) and will see you Monday!

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

I just noticed that every sentence in this post, including the Title, ends in an exclamation mark. You think I'm a little excited???

It's so much more fun to peel potatoes. . .

. . .when I have this little one peeking at me from around the corner.

Decorating

CLASSIC COUNTRY
You take the inspiration for your home from the surrounding countryside. And why not? The country cottage look has been, and continues to be, the epitome of what a family 'home' should stand for: warm, welcoming, cosy and comfortable. There's nothing at all pretentious about this style, just a love of the good, simple pleasures in life.

This little quiz was right on target and was a pretty one to take! Leave a comment and let me know what they called your style!

Real Riches

Ordinary riches can be stolen, real riches cannot - Oscar Wilde

Today was a good day. It was an ordinary day, but it was a day that reminded me of all the real riches I am blessed with. Waking up to a Saviour who calls me His - my greatest wealth. A day spent with a dear sister and friend. A day spent using my hands to produce cozy recieving blankets that will wrap some of the dearest boys on this planet.

A wonderful evening with my husband. Eating outside under the great expanse of God's blue skies. Barefoot. With homemade bees wax candles.

A naked baby.
A boy and his Dad.
Drooly kisses.

What are some examples of real riches in your life?

Pork Tenderloin with Homemade Maple BBQ Sauce

1 Pork Tenderloin ( about 1 LB)

2 Tbsp Flour

1/4 tsp each Salt and Pepper

2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil

Maple BBQ Sauce:

1/2 Cup Chili Sauce

1/4 Cup Maple Syrup

1 tsp Cider Vinegar

1/2 tsp Dijon Mustard

1/4 tsp Chili Powder

1. Maple BBQ Sauce: In a bowl, combine chili sauce, maple syrup, vinegar, mustard and chili powder; set aside.

2. Trip any far from pork; slice pork on bias into 1cm. thick medallions. In bowl, tosspork with flour, salt and pepper to coat.

3. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; cook pork, in batches and turning once, for 6 minutes or until juices run clear when pork is piercd and njust a hint of pink remains inside. Serve with sauce.

**The directions don't say to but it would be nicer if the sauce was heated through. Also, feel free to add whatever spices you like to the tenderloin.

Tuesday

Tuesday was filled with visiting my Oma at the hospital, 40% off coupons at Michael's, diaper sales at Walmart, a knitting problem solved, errands, a successful new recipe, a sippy baby, and a new router resulting in Internet that works!

My Mom picked up Henry and I in the morning and we went to cheer up my Oma at the hospital. Henry was a real encouragement to her - little ones bring so much joy. She is healing well, but is a little confused - your prayers are still coveted!

After our visit we had a quick lunch at Ikea and then headed next door to Michael's where I used my 40% off coupons to get frames and matting for two prints I've been holding onto for awhile. Please excuse the poor quality of the pictures - I'll be sure to post photo's of them hanging in my kitchen.

Ifirst saw the print of the old man hanging in the home of my sister in law, Melissa. To me it speaks of simplicity. Contentedness. Faith in God's provision. When I found these two prints hidden in the back of a box, on the floor, at our local Christian bookstore, and discovered they cost six dollars and change I knew it was a gift to me from God. I had been waiting to receive the 40% off coupons that come regularly in the mail to purchase frames and matting for these prints. They needed to be properly and simply displayed. They'll hang over my kitchen table - I can hardly wait to put them up!

Afterwards we went to Walmart for some sale items, then to Yarn Forward as my Mom had a quick question about her knitting project. A quick jaunt to the Library, a stop at the grocery store and we were finally home around 4 o'clock.

We prepared a very yummy supper that was appreciated by all. My sister-in-law and best friend Kate gave me the recipe and it is a DEFINITE keeper. I'll be sure to post the recipe later today. MMMM

Henry is just a few days shy of being 5 months old. I was determined to hold out until after 6 months to introduce anything other then breast milk into his diet. However, this boy is desperate for food! Being in the 95th percentile for his length, I'm wondering if this big boy needs some more sustenance earlier then the average baby. Today we introduced a sippy cup filled with water and he LOVED it. I think the cold water felt nice on his gums and he was happy to have something a little different in his mouth and tummy. I'm thinking I may start rice cereal after the labour day weekend. He's crying after nursing sometimes and I think he's still hungry. He's definitely been upping my milk supply as he had been nursing very often over the past week.

Cory and my Dad spent the evening hooking up a new router (not as easy as it seemed) - I am sure happy to have my Internet connection back and working properly!

Today is a sewing day - I'll be sure to post and even include pictures if I'm successful!

Have a blessed day!