November comes and November goes

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November has been a mostly low key month. Cory had an exam on his Birthday (Happy Birthday my love!), so we've delayed Birthday celebrations until the second week of December. Of course, I did try to make his day special for little that we saw him before his exam.

The next few days include: Bible Study, Soccer, Hearts at Home meeting, Moms and Tots, Christmas baking, finish hall reno, winter tires on (finally!), Worship and Christmas pageant dress rehearsal, Christmas tree purchase and Sinterklaas celebration! Busy and so blessed.

Is it really the last day of November? December, we have been waiting for you!

First Snowfall

This morning we all awoke to our three and a half year olds squeals of glee: "It's wintertime! It's wintertime! It's wintertime! It's wintertime! It's wintertiiiiiiiiiiiiiiime!!!!" I hadn't looked out the window yet, but I was sure that the weather man had been correct and we had our first snowfall of the season.
Samuel walked silently from window to window. Unsure of what to make of all the white stuff. I could hardly contain Henry and threats of not going outside unless he finished his oatmeal was the only way to keep him seated at the table.

Henry couldn't wait to get on his outdoor clothes. Samuel squirmed and cried the entire time. Once we were outside, I could barely capture a photo of Henry for the energy he had to spend. Samuel was quietly contemplative while he explored. First he had to learn to stand in the thick snow, then it was learning how to get up again. He noticed that all the plants were covered in it, and enjoyed shaking the snow off. So much wonder and excitement. So much to be thankful for.

Once they were inside, undressed, wet clothes hung on any available hook or chair, I settled them on the sofa for a Wintry Christmas movie and made a little bit of hot chocolate. A special treat for a magical morning.

Elevnsies

Everyday between 10 and 11 the boys get hungry. Morning Snack time! For a month of so now I've been making smoothies most days. The boys love it. I love it. It's healthy. And it is the perfect way to sneak nourishing things in (like cod liver oil). Our basic recipe includes a frozen banana, any other frozen (or not frozen) fruit that we have on hand. Plain yogurt. A touch of maple syrup to sweeten. Voila!

Henry: "To good friends! And to best friends!" He learned this toast from Little Bear.

One of these things is not like the other. . .

I couldn't remember where I had put my coffee one morning. This is where I found it later in the day. Then I felt so ridiculous that I had to take a picture. I've been assured that one day I'll have my brain back!

We have been hosting weekly Bible Study in our home. It's lead by our pastor and is on the book of Romans. It's only two weeks in and Cory and I are already feeling blessed. Blessed to use our home for this purpose. Blessed to both be able to attend Study together (a near impossible feat with two littles). Blessed by midweek fellowship. Blessed by God's amazingly precious Word to us in Paul's letter to the Roman Church.

Practically speaking, fitting 20-30 people in our living room/dining room required furniture rearrangement and finding chairs I didn't even know we had! The sofas in my living room have been moved to allow for a more open area. And while not ideal for a permanent arrangement, we have all been enjoying the open feeling of the room.

Samuel, however, has mostly been enjoying the new ease in which he can climb up onto the windowsill and watch all the activity outside. Much to my chagrin, he also enjoys jumping down from the windowsill onto the couch below. Despite my shrieks whenever I see his knees bend and the determined look in his eyes, he goes for it every time!

Motherhood: My Only Gems

“She came tonight as I sat alone, the girl I used to be…
And she gazed at me with her earnest eye and questioned reproachfully;

Have you forgotten the many plans and hopes that I had for you?
The career, the splendid fame, and all the wonderful things to do?
Where is the mansion of stately height with all of its gardens rare?
The silken robes that I dreamed for you and the jewels in your hair?

And as she spoke, I was very sad for I wanted her please with me…
This slender girl from the shadowy past the girl that I used to be
So gently rising, I took her hand, and guided her up the stair
Where peacefully sleeping, my babies lay innocent, sweet, and fair.

And I told her that these are my only gems, and precious they are to me;
That silken robe is my motherhood of costly simplicity.
And my mansion of stately height is love, and the only career I know
Is serving each day in these sheltered walls for the dear ones who come and go.

And as I spoke to my shadowy guest, she smiled through her tears at me.
And I saw that the woman that I am now, pleased the girl I used to be.

- Author Unknown
Quoted in Womanly Dominion by Mark Chanski

I often look back on my days as a new Christian. 16 years old and passionate to make a difference for Christ. Enjoyed dedicating a large amount of time to studying His word and in prayer. Sometimes I begin to mourn my life now. If my experience as a young woman was really living the Christian life, then I've definitely hit a low point. Rachel Yankovic rebukes me in her book Loving the Little Years

"The truth is my Christian life then was a like a rock being refined by a slow river in a quiet place. . . God took me out of that life and threw me into the rock tumbler. Here it is not so easy to feel godly, because we spend our days crashing into each other and actually getting our problems addressed. Here there is very little time for quiet reflection. I do a lot of on-the -job failure and correction...The opportunities for growth and refinement abound here -- but you have to be willing. You have to open your heart to the tumble. As you deal with your children deal with yourself always and first. This is what it looks like and feels like to walk with God, as a mother."

My life certainly looks different than I imagined it. But what I didn't understand then is that this small, simple life is rich with blessings and the nearness of God.

"A person can show his religion as much in measuring onions as he can in singing Glory! Hallelujah!"