Week 31

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1. Charity, with her new bike! All three of the triplets wanted big-ticket items for their birthday this year. All three of them asked everyone for money towards said items. So, this past week I got to take them out shopping to pick out their birthday gifts. Talk about fun! We went to Toys ‘R Us for the bike and the sales lady found it hilarious how the other two girls were trying to tell Charity which bike suited her best. After 15 minutes of going back and forth with the bikes, she finally decided on one. I mentioned that we also needed a new helmet and the lady said, “How about this one? “ To which Charity immediately replied, “Nope. Too pink!” That’s my girl… I often forget what a tomboy I use to be…

2. Eve with her new camera! She has been waiting a long time for her very own camera. I must say, I am quite relieved that she won’t be trying to take mine all the time anymore! She has already filled a memory card and can’t wait to blog her pictures. Eve, is an easy shopper. She bought the first one she looked at. She begged her brothers and sisters to model for her, but no one was interested. Fortunately for Eve- Lily couldn’t object. :) She had captured a really cute candid moment of Lily and I and she was super proud of it- until she accidentally deleted it! Poor girl, was not impressed with herself. Live and learn. I know how she feels!

3. Prayer, with her flute! After having to wait 20 minutes in the store for the “flute lady”, and then go out to the van to feed Lily… She finally got to choose one. About 2 years ago, Prayer asked for a flute. We told her to work on her piano and prove her diligence through that instrument first. And so she did. Last year, she once again asked for a flute. We bought her a recorder and said to practice with that because with the move and new baby- money was tight. And so she did. This girl, can play the recorder. I never imagined that I would actually enjoy listening to someone play the recorder- but she has mastered it. So this year, we bought her the flute. After half an hour of trying to figure out how to get sound out of it… she is on her way.

4. Lily’s 8 month shot. She will not sit still anymore unless I bribe her with something. Here, she is chewing on my lens cap like it’s a cookie! At 8 months she is army crawling, hands and knees crawling sometimes, standing up if she can get a good grip, falling, a lot… saying “Dada!” at 3 in the morning when he comes in from work, and saying, “Tac! Tac!” every time a cat goes by (she may be dyslexic… haha) Still no “Mama” yet! She has started making funny faces and waving bye bye. She still eats everything! No teeth yet. Still wakes up in the middle of the night to nurse. She refuses to cuddle during the night, but sleeps soundly in her crib. She loves her blankie. She is getting big so fast…

Week 30

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1. Happy 8 month baby girl!!! She has been so much happier this week. She is all over the place now! Crawling, climbing, standing, falling… She is falling A LOT lately. Even though she can do all these things, and quickly- she loses her balance a lot still. The other day, I was feeding her and she was looking the other way. I kept calling her and I was wondering why she was ignoring me, when one of the girls said, “You mean LILY, Mom???” I had been calling “Ella” over and over again.

2. Every morning, I wake up to the boys in our room playing with Lily through the crib. Elijah, loves to make her laugh.

3. This past Sunday, our meeting was cancelled so we went to visit a friend’s church. It’s always nice when friends feel like family. That’s what this church is like. Ella and Lily were the only ones in the nursery so I sat in there with them and listened to the service over the monitor. We had no toys or books to play with, but Ella managed to find some paper in my purse. Unfortunately, I had no pen! So, we made origami paper cranes instead. Paper cranes and paper balloons! Then, she asked for a teacher, cause she wanted a story… I can do that! So then I made up crazy stories that she found hilarious for a little while. She was such a good girl.

4. Lily’s first self-portrait!

Haha… the girls play Veggie Tales for her on my phone, so she now tries to grab it every chance she gets!

Week 29

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1. The week of the birthday parties…

The triplets and Keona, decided to share the date for their parties this year. We had a total of 19 girls here on a Friday night! I had set up my camera on the tripod, and given the girls the remote. Eve was testing it for me.

2. I’m not quite sure what Charity had done- but it doesn’t look like her sister’s are very happy with  her! Haha! We are NOT a violent family at all. OK… so we are. But all in good fun! Honest.

3. The older girls. They painted nails, drank lattes, and took 200 pictures on my camera. This was one of the only normal ones I could find! :P

The boys went over to a friend’s house for the night and Scott went to the batting cages. None of them were interested in hanging around! Surprisingly, the night went pretty smoothly. I don’t know that I would ever voluntarily do it again… but it was fun!

4. A leftover lemon-blueberry cupcake and my new favourite CD. I think that I like it so much because all four girls have alto voices and I can sing along. Usually, I can only sing the men’s parts! :P

This Sunday, we were in Barrie and it was a crazy day. My sunflowers were all blown down in a storm. Elijah’s breathing was acting up and he was wheezing horribly. I was afraid that we were going to have to go to the ER that night. Lily, was exhausted and grumpy. I was incredibly nervous playing an electric piano in front of so many people… Just a few minutes into service, one of the ushers came to tell me that they needed me in the nursery. Not knowing if Lily was just upset, freaking out, or hurt… I wanted to go check on her- but I was supposed to be playing for the girls to sing at any moment. Scott and I were whispering back and forth, and finally decided that I’d go and if I wasn’t back in time they could just do the presentation without the song. As I went to walk out, a lady that we’ve only met a few times walked up to me and said, “You stay. I’ll go get her.” She told me afterwards that she had seen us whispering and figured out what was going on. As I sat at the piano, praying that I would make it through the song, I could see her at the back of the auditorium playing with Lily. Lily. adored her.

At a moment when I was about to break down and cry from something that seems so small right now, but had just piled on top of everything else that day- this lady listened to the Holy Spirit and was a huge blessing to us- far more than she knew.

That I would always obey when God speaks… That I would always be prepared to hear, when He would use me.

Love

 

There is a God who loves you very much

In Creation, God loved us

When God designed the world, He had loving you and blessing you on His mind. The world was created with such order and intricate detail that it shows us God’s existence. Consistently, season after season, all life on the earth reproduces after its kind, exactly as He said it would. In every system of nature God’s character is revealed. Yet, with just the slightest change in balance, everything on earth and above the earth will fall out of order. Still, He holds every atom and energy all consistently in place because He loves us.

"For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made…” – Romans 1:20

“And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.” – Colossians 1:17

In Our Failure, God loves us

God made all things to please Him. When we displease Him, He calls that sin. Sin destroys both mankind and the creation of God. It is a corruption which He will not allow in His presence in Heaven. Mankind is however, by nature, contrary to the ways of God. For this reason, our sin separates us from God. If not dealt with before we die, our sin permanently separates us from Him, sending our eternal souls to a place He calls Hell. Even though we come short of the glory of God, He loves us.

“All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Romans 6:23

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that nay should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” – 2Peter 3:9

When God Provided a Way, He Loved Us

From the time of the very first sin against God, He has always made a way for mankind to be with Him. When Jesus Christ, the Son of God came to be our salvation, it was so God would have a sinless man upon whom to lay the sins of the whole world. When Christ died on the cross and conquered death by rising from the grave, His sinless sacrifice of the very blood of God provided us a way. Now our sins can be forgiven. Christ, our Passover lamb from God, died to provide our way to be saved because God loves each of us.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto (God) the Father, but by me.” – John 14:6

There is Hope for Everyone in Christ, because God Loves Us

There is nothing you’ve done that God won’t forgive. Christ’s death on the cross was for you. To waste His salvation and God’s continual love for you would be a terrible tragedy. Believe the love that God has shown you by giving His Son’s life for you eternal life. Ask Jesus Christ for the gift that He died on the cross to provide. God will give you a home with Him in Heaven forever, where He can love you and bless you for all eternity.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. He that believeth on Him is not condemned; but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”John 3:16-18

 

Trust Christ, and ask Him to forgive you and save you right now

 

Week 28

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1. Grocery shopping = one of my least favourite things to do. Scott coming along makes it slightly more bearable… Throw in a grumpy baby- and we’re right back where we started! She wasn’t too bad this time. :) But over $300 and two shopping carts later, she didn’t feel like sitting through checkout!

2. This past Sunday, we were at Oma’s church in Newmarket. Keona, wore her new heels…

3. Lily, wasn’t impressed. What else is new? This was a week of on and off fevers and she was mis-er-a-ble! We may have, possibly, let the kids feed her bits of banana muffin after the service to keep her happy. All went well. During Scott’s preaching we could hear banging on the nursery windows and Scott joked that one of our kids was trying to break out. Still don’t know if it was ours! On the way home, we stopped at McDonalds for $1 drinks and we waited at the drive-thru for a long time. Scott joked with the employee that an apple pie would make it worth the wait. The employee kind of laughed, and then said, “Are you serious?” So Scott said, “Well, yeah!” Haha… So we got free apple pies! Keona thought it was hilarious that Scott would suggest it. Ask, and ye shall receive! :)

4. My daisies are in full bloom. Every morning I go outside and look at all the flowers with Jeddy. The daisies, are by far, my favourite. Scott must have noticed that because he bought me a huge new pot of them. I have daisies in all of my back gardens now. They are a daily reminder to me of God’s goodness. I’m so thankful for our home.

Grow

 

As the morning breeze cools the room through the window, I hear the dripping patter from the garden’s host of sunflowers receiving their morning watering. Atop their towering stalks, large buds prepare to share the fruits of the spring’s careful planting and watering. Just a few weeks ago we were thrilled with excitement as sunflowers began to sprout up from the ground, and then grew to take their place high above the rest.

The baby is crawling. She sees Mom when she’s grumpy, and goes to her. She sees Dad when he’s got something she wants, and goes to him. It has begun. Nothing is safe now from this taste testing, teething little mover. Her favourites: diaper wipes, chair legs, wires, and carpet. I remember having three this size and age, and needing to section off the house to protect my stuff and my cats. I can remember six little hands, and three little sets of eyes peeking over the top of the crib in the morning. I recall their climbing on each other to escape, and exploring the exciting adventures of removing each other’s diapers when they were supposed to be napping. Now they stand before me, making fun of me, and asking me with their big begging eyes for my food. They have read more books than me, and probably would have gotten a better grade than I in college level public speaking. My how they’ve grown.

 

Just two weeks ago we were shocked when this little Lily moved for the first time. Her growth since then has been troubling. She’s learned to call me “Da” when I come in the room, dance laying down when I come home in the middle of the night, and that vents taste better when the A/C is on. She now knows that if she looks cute enough and whines enough with that pathetic plea, one of her five big sister slaves will come along and give her some attention and probably pick her up. She wants to stand, but she can barely sit. She strives to get everything her curiosity desires. She is the flower in the midst of the season, a reminder of the fruits of the effort. As she grows, like others in the past, she reminds us to be thankful, to take time, and that the blessings of God are often beyond words to explain.

 

Autumn will come. The harvest of the fruits of our summer’s labour will be reaped. Our time and effort, our voices and our hearts invested and then, hope full filled. It won’t be long before five teenage girls clutter my house with their friends and belongings. Bats and balls, bikes and books will be traded for phones and car keys, curfews and late night chats. It’s hard to look at these young men and women without picturing what they may be like as they grow into their matured state. I’m thankful for the advice of wise men that reminded me to take time to enjoy the blessing of children, and not be too busy to be Dad.

God wants us to grow. We start our walk with Him as small, and innocent babe-like believers. Slowly as we allow Him His place, and trust what He teaches us, we grow and grow to mature and bloom. His investment, His protection, His patience, and His daily blessings are brought to fruition in the miracle we can become. What seemed like just a stalk of brush grows to a tree of life, flowering beautiful blooms and yielding His fruit, in His season.

Don’t miss the blessings of growth. Grow, and let grow. Enjoy the growth of the miracles around you, placed in your life by the goodness of God, as those you invest in grow and bloom. And grow. Grow to know the power and the Blesser that made you, planted you, and carefully enjoys your maturing into something that honours Him, and delights His heart.

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” – Ps 1:1-3

 

 

Laughing & Crying

  Here, we have Ella’s very first experience on a roller coaster. Just for the record, that is NOT me, her mother, laughing in the background the entire time…:P My first roller coaster ride was “The Bat”… My aunt thought that I’d never go on another ride again.This year, I rode “Leviathan” with Keona! :) Actually, I rode it by myself. Keona, Robbie, Sarah, and Adam rode together, so I rode with three strangers. Cause they’re nice to me like that…  Another successful trip to Canada’s Wonderland!  And here, we have Lily laughing at her crazy sister! I had asked Prayer to keep her entertained while I got ready for church- this is what she came up with…  

Week 27

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1. Prayer on a swing in London.

2. Keona came to stand in the perfect light for me. Unfortunately, all the kids were dirty and sweaty from playing in the park- so I couldn’t take full advantage of it. But my girl is gorgeous! After this, she went right back to swinging and jumping off at the highest point. Pretty and slightly insane…

3. Me and Lily… She was getting tired and grumpy. Jeddy and I walked around the track with her stroller several times but she wasn’t impressed. Nothing that Mommy and her blankie can’t fix!

4. Scott, locking the van just as Keona tries to open the door- over and over again! It was pretty funny to watch! Almost as funny as when we locked him out while he was folding the stroller up… ;)

Weekend in London

Two weeks ago, we were able to spend the weekend in London. Scott was preaching in two churches so it just made sense to head up there on the Saturday. We stopped by and surprised my grandma at her restaurant in Mississauga on the way out. Both of the boys decided that they want to go there for their birthdays…  My cooking cannot compare.

We got to London and checked into the hotel where we were staying in a “family suite.” I don’t know that they make family suites large enough for our family! I meant to take a picture of all the kids sleeping, but Lily decided to party until 11pm and then I fell asleep shortly after! The triplets and Ella shared a pull out couch; Keona slept on the floor with extra blankets and pillows; and the boys slept on arm chairs and the foot of the couch. It was quite the scene! But- they LOVED it. They also loved the basket waiting in the hotel room for us! The Powless’ had prepared a basket full of goodies for our family and it was such a blessing! The kids munched all night and first thing the next morning!

While in London, we shopped at the mall. We ate in the food court… there was a 12 seat table in the middle of the food court that we decided to make good use of. Each of the kids chose where they wanted to eat, and we somehow managed to get everyone their meals and eat together!

 

I’m pretty sure they were trying to decide whether to have dessert at the mall or grab some later on cause we were all so full!

We shopped at Old Navy, where Scott bought Keona a pair of wedge heels. I’m pretty sure that she’s going to break an ankle. She may prove me wrong…

We played in the park…

 

   

Sunday, we went to church in the morning, and then joined them for a picnic lunch. That afternoon, the kids did their verses and sang, Scott preached, and I cuddled someone elses’ sleeping toddler in the nursery! I went down to take care of my grumpy baby but when I got down there, she decided that she didn’t need me after all. Being in the same room was sufficient. The people at Lighthouse were such a blessing to our family. The kids had a blast and made new friends once again…

Sunday night, we rushed over to another church, where we were able to present our ministry and Scott preached. It was nice to see old friends. At the end of the service when Scott started to pray, I could hear a baby screaming in the nursery. Not just crying… but ‘losing it’ screaming. I wasn’t sure if it was mine- but after her lack of sleep the night before, I didn’t doubt it. While everyone was praying, I quietly packed up my stuff and started to stand up when Ella noticed and said, “Mom! Where are you going?!” She is definitely not my most discreet child.

We stopped on the drive home to grab some food and a very miserable Ella finally conked out in the backseat of the van. We were slightly relieved because she had been fighting with her brothers in the van and just all round tired and grumpy!

 

The kids had been disappointed that we couldn’t stay in London for fireworks, but we got to see the fireworks of at least 5 different cities on the drive home!

While we drove by a spectacular display, one of the girls said, “Oh! We have to wake Ella up to see this!”

To which Scott quickly interjected, “No you DON’T wake up that little troll!”

Then we heard a little voice from the back say, “I AM AWAKE, Dad…”

Haha! Thankfully, she didn’t seem too offended! :P

 

A few minutes after the fireworks died down, Jeddy said, “Best day ever!” and everyone fell asleep 20 minutes from home…

While traveling with kids can be stressful, exhausting, and loud at times- I am so thankful that God has given us the opportunity to make so many fun memories together as a family this summer!

 

 

Oh, and yes… it was my baby freaking out in the nursery… :)

Week 26

 

1-3. Lily’s 7 month photos… or photo attempts, anyhow! She would NOT sit still for her pictures. :) In the third one, you can see her new smile… haha! My baby is finally getting teeth and she makes that face all the time now. I figure her gums must be feeling strange.

Lily says, “Da-da” on a daily basis now. We were at the park and when Scott came walking towards us she whispered, “Da. Da,” as she smiled at him. She also says it every morning in bed with us while she slaps his back, and at night when she wants him to take her out of her crib! She’s a smartie!

4. Phone pic of the kids at Heber Downs… You know, the place where my child fell off a downed-tree, into a river, and I laughed at her… In my defence, the scream, flailing arms, and then splash- was straight out of an Anne of Green Gables movie and it. was. hilarious. I love you Evie-kins!

i heart faces: Enjoying Life

This weekend, we spent over 7 hours in a van with ten people.

While we were driving back to the hotel on Saturday night, my husband hit the brakes and made a sharp turn.

Just as I started to think “What in the world?…”

I noticed that he had pulled up next to a park.

He knew that amidst all of the busyness of our weekend- the kids and I needed some time to just “enjoy life”.

We spent over an hour running, laughing, sliding, and swinging together.

It was the perfect spontaneous break that we needed.

Happy 10th Birthday!

 

This…

…seems like yesterday.

When I had three potty-training, VeggieTale-watching, pigtail-wearing, sippy cup-drinking toddlers on my hands.

 

Today, my beautiful triplet girls turn 10!

Charity, you remind me so much of your Dad and yet so much of myself at your age. I’m glad that you’re a Daddy’s girl. Never getting to experience that myself… It is a joy to my heart to watch. I love that you wear cleats with a skirt and throw a football better than your brother.

Eve, your gift of music makes me jealous. The fact that you can pick up almost any instrument and figure out how to play it- amazes me. I will gladly resign all piano playing to you in a few years time. Or sooner…

Prayer, you are my quirky girl. You have a goofy smile and infectious laugh that everyone loves. Since the time that you were two and drawing rainbow-coloured, fire-breathing dragons, when everyone else was drawing stick people- I knew you’d be my artist.

You are all such unique individuals, and yet you share such an amazing bond that I am so blessed to be able to see grow on a daily basis. You really do have built-in best friends.

I love each of you and I hope you have an amazing 10th birthday!

Love,

Mom

P.S. Can’t wait for your party next week!!!