Family Time...

We spent the weekend in Niagara Falls, just being together. One of the most relaxing and fun weekends that we've had in awhile. Lots of time just to reflect on the past year, our countless blessings, and above all, the true reason we celebrate Christmas.

We got to enjoy the festival of lights and the lights that brightened Olivia's face. We got to be "bad parents" and let her stay up late swimming in the hotel pool with Daddy. We got to witness David's protective nature as he became quite upset watching Daddy toss his sister around in the pool and continued sobbing until Olivia told him, "It's ok David, I am ok, I just having fun with daddy." We got to be sneaky and "text" to each other while the kids slept beside us in the hotel room, one in her own "Giant Bed" and one in the playpen. We got to celebrate our family and just enjoy our time away. How much better does life get?

This morning I tried, again, to explain to Olivia what Christmas really is all about. I told her about Jesus coming to earth as a baby, just like David, and being born without doctors or hospitals and in a barn where he slept in a manger. She seemed to grasp it a little better and when I asked her again what we celebrate on Saturday she says "It's Jesus' Birthday! (yeah! it's sinking in..) but it's MY birthday today, Happy Birthday to myself!" (or not!)

Family, what a blessing it is from God to have these precious gifts, our parents, siblings and our own children. Praise God! I am so blessed this year to have had our second baby, healthy, happy and well; our new home!; a new vehicle!; and so many more countless blessings. I thank Him above all for the health of my children and the blessings they provide, without measure.

A few more Olivia-isms from the weekend....

9. Daddy told another driver, "I don't think you will fit there, lady" Olivia says "You not a lady, you just a mommy. You hear me, not a lady, just MY mommy!"

10. Mommy told Olivia she got to sleep in a giant bed at the hotel and when her brother got a little fussy before he fell asleep we heard "Quiet David, I trying to sleep here. I trying to sleep in this giant bed."

11. Daddy told Olivia he moved her balloon animals, and she replied "Are you kidding me, Daddy! You got to be kidding me."

12. We bought Olivia some new boots at Walmart, and she said hello to a lady passing by us in the store, who replied "Hello." and continued to walk by, Olivia shouts after her "Hey come back I need to show you my new boots! I need to show you I got new boots!"

13. At the restaurant, I asked her, "What would you like for lunch?" "Grilled Cheese and hamburger" "You can have grilled cheese or a hamburger" She replies "I want a grilled cheese hamburger, they can put the cheese on my hamburger." (complete with rolling eyes) So a grilled cheese hamburger is what she calls a cheeseburger.

14. The housekeeping lady at the hotel says to her "Bye for now, come back again!" She says "But I do want to come back again, Daddy I want to come back now!"

15. David was getting fussy in the car, so we had stopped in a parking lot to feed him, as Daddy is getting him out of his car seat Olivia tells him, "It's ok David. Don't cry, mommy will feed you. Shhh...Her is going to feed you!"

The sounds of mommyhood for me, and I love all of them! What a wonderful family I have been blessed with! :)

Thankful...

Definition: adjective

feeling or expressing gratitude; appreciative.

Does that really sum it up? I don't know that feeling or expressing my gratitude for all that God has blessed me with is really enough. I am beyond thankful, most days, when I don't feel like I am overworked and underpaid, or when I don't feel like God has forgotten about me. Am I alone? Probably not. I feel like I need to be more thankful and have a heart of gratitude exponentially more often that I do currently.

I am so thankful for my beautiful children, my home, my car and my husband. I really am, but I am quick to forget how blessed I am as soon as someone sits on my beige carpet with a poopy bum they didn't tell me about, or forgets to call to tell me they will be late for dinner. Why is that? I've begun to realize more and more the attacks that the enemy takes on my life. Feelings of abandonment as a parent, inadequacies as a wife, mother or daughter, are only a couple of the ways he attacks both me, and women alike. I've also realized that if we never talk about our feelings, problems or concerns, the enemy continues to use these tactics not only on me, but all those I "pretend" around.

God isn't crazy, and He knows what He is doing. He calls us to have fellowship with one another for a reason. If you are like me, don't forget that the enemy will use any and all microscopic openings that we "pretend" are not in our lives and will soon create craters out of them. Put aside your pride and find a great friend to share in your successes and more importantly, your struggles. I am so very thankful for friends who have come alongside me as a mom, and alongside Chris and I as a couple, what a blessing they are to us! I praise God for all the many blessings that He pours out even if we "pretend" that we don't need them.

1 John 1:7  "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."

Praise God for His cleansing blood and abundant grace!

Olivia-isms

These are what I have named all the funny things that Olivia comes out with. I keep saying I should start a book, but for now I'll blog a few of them and see where I get from there. I am so thankful that besides one little error (see my previous post about the sponge) we have been lucky in what she has picked up from us and it is quite funny.

Let's start with the latest....

1. Yesterday we had the pest control inspection of our attic to discover that our house is airtight and no critter evidence whatsoever, so now we think it's the siding. So the attic access is in Olivia's bedroom and the insulation is blown fiberglass, which is very messy. I took her up to put her pennies in her piggy bank and she says "Daddy and Gary made a big mess." I told her, "Daddy said he would vaccuum it up" She replies, "I just don't, don't understand. I don't understand this mess!"

2. Chris was being a typical hubby, trying to "sneek a peek" while I was getting dressed the other day, I said to him, "You're just a dirty old man" which of course Olivia picked up and was very proud to tell the ladies in the nursery on Sunday that "Daddy is a dirty old man" perfect. Glad I was there to explain.

3. I picked Olivia up from the nursery at church at the same time another little girl was going home, Olivia was following the other girl through the gate and she turned to Olivia and says "That's MY daddy!!" Olivia not missing a beat replies "Well, I have a mommy!" and kept walking.

4. She likes to play with my hair and told me a few weeks ago "Mommy, there's something in your hair." I said "What is it?" She replies, "Nevermind, it's you head."

5. There was a bang outside, probably just a neighbour closing their car door, but to Olivia, who ran to the window, "Mommy, it's SANTA!"

6. As we are driving to church one morning for Ladies Bible Study, Olivia sees a Pursuit and says "Mommy, there's your car!" I reply "Oh does that look like my car?" "Yep, but some man haves it"

7. One of my favourites was detective Olivia, one day while she was napping I had half a popsicle, and as soon as she woke up she saw the stick sitting beside me, there was no "Hi mommy" that day, simply "You had a popsicle when my sleeping."

8. I let Olivia ride the carousel at the mall, when the ride was over I asked her "What do you say?" (anticipating "Thanks Mommy!") She replied "Thank you horsey, thank you for giving me a ride horsey..." which continued halfway down the mall.

So many funny things this girl comes out with. I think I will just try to keep track a little. Such a busy house with my little ones growing like weeds but I love every minute of it, and wouldn't trade it for anything else. Such a blessing it is to be a parent, and such a greater blessing to have healthy, happy babies.

Remembering...

One year, 12 months, 365 days, however you say it, it's seems so much longer when you are missing a son, brother or friend. Today I remember where I was, sitting in the Christian bookstore parking lot in Burlington when I got the phone call telling me that our friend, David Powell, had been killed in a tragic car accident after writing his exam at the University of Waterloo and returning home. It was then that life seemed to stand still, thinking of the grieving family who would never be the same, our friends who would never hear his voice again. Although, none of it seemed real. Waiting in the line at the visitation for almost 2 hours to give our condolences to his father, mother and siblings, seeing the pictures of a young man so full of life and usually sporting a "battle wound" from his latest adventure; then it hit me as we walked into the chapel and saw him, the last time I would ever see our friend here on earth, although it hit me most because the Dave I knew was no longer there.

Over the course of the day I have struggled with grief, reliving those moments from the past year, hearing the news, attending visitation and hearing from a grieving father how much my husband, who had been impacted so much by Dave, had impacted Dave's life immensely through their small group, attending the memorial service and leaving full of saddness that he was no longer with us, but inspired after hearing so many people describe the David I knew, and from all over the country the same testimony of his life rang true, he was "real." I have thought of his wonderful family, who I am so glad we've gotten to meet and get to know, but truly wish it had been under much happier circumstances. I have thought about the grief we felt and have gone through, but also the legacy of a life lived, that he left when he took his final breath.

After the memorial service we went to Niagara Falls with Olivia to see the Festival of Lights, and that night as we drove through the light shows, we watched the joy on Olivia's face, and I looked at Chris, simply said "What do you think about David?" and after many weeks of discussion surrounding baby names for our then 14 week old fetus, we smiled and it was decided, if our baby was a boy he would be named David.

June 30 at 4:03pm, we found out that the little person who had entered the world, our hearts and our lives, was a baby boy, named David William John, a perfectly content, happy little boy. Over the last few months, we have had the privilege of getting to know David Powell's family and we were blessed to have them attend our son's dedication on September 26. Karen, Dave's mom, told me that day that I would never know how much it meant to them that we had named our son after hers. I don't think I ever will, but just looking at his smiles, listening to his giggles, and watching his face light up with each new discovery, I think about that beautiful woman who lost her son that day and I thank God for blessing us not only with a son, but a friend who we can proudly tell our son he was named for.

October 23, David's 23rd birthday, was celebrated by family, friends, and even people who had never met him. That day many people shared with others, in random acts of kindness, simply living out the legacy David had desired in his final facebook status at 7:00pm the night before his death, "I want to run, jump and spread life in this world" What a blessing to have so many celebrate this life with him, after his final breath, his life still lives on in the hearts of those he touched and those who have been touched in his memory.

Next weekend, our family will be returning to Niagara Falls, and as it would happen, it would be the same weekend that we went last year, a year after the memorial service, and this time we will watch the lights bring joy to our little girl and our son, who was named that night last year. I look forward to this new tradition that we have begun and will always remember the young man who gave us inspiration in our lives and the lives we have been intrusted with, our children.

I'm so glad that God is faithful to provide for us, and I truly cannot imagine how difficult this year has been for the Powell family, but I know that God has heard every prayer from them and for them, and we may never know what God's plan was in taking David so suddenly and tragically, cutting his earthly life so short, but I do know that in the 22 years he was on earth, he left a legacy far surpassing many who live much longer lives. So, as I have begun this blog with the title, Living Intentionally, I would encourage you to live intentionally, live with purpose and live for God, there will be no second chances, use the opportunities that God puts in front of you, and I will join  you in trying to live my life intentionally and model my life after our Father's.

Dave, we loved you here on earth, and we cannot wait to celebrate with you in eternity. They sure gained a treasure in Heaven last year, I would love to have you here with us but I wouldn't wish you back from the throne of God where I can see you running, jumping, and worshipping in awe of the creator.

There will still be many difficult days ahead for the Powell family, please keep them in your prayers. Robb, Karen, Jordan, Luke, Sarah and Elise, I know the void David has left in our lives and cannot begin to imagine how much more in yours. You are in our thoughts and prayers often.

The Tiny Sponge...

Who is my daughter. It's unbelievable how quickly Olivia picks up on things around her. Just yesterday she picked up my credit card and said "Can I borrow this?" I asked, "Why?" She replied "To go to the store, daddy said no." I laughed and she left the room, and came back a few minutes later to return the card to me, she says "I gave it to the lady to pay and debited it, and then I put it in my pocket. Thank you mommy" Can you tell she goes everywhere with me?

So precious are these moments to me, but I know that if I wasn't setting the best example she would follow those leads too. Growing up there were differences between how I was raised and how Chris was, of course. However, certain words in his house were not considered "swear words" but to me they always were and believe me, I got in lots of trouble exploring those words as a child! However, Chris used the word "shit" often, and of course our little parrot began using that word at about 16 months old. Daddy no longer uses that word in our house, simply because it may have been ok then, but coming from our tiny daughter, wasn't as ok.

It is often that I think of this as I go about my daily business. Driving to church, or around town, baking with Olivia or just sitting and playing. I wonder what her little brain is thinking and what she is grasping from conversations. She often asks questions in the car and loves singing "Happy Day" and I really think I've become more "courteous" as a driver now that I have eyes and ears following my every move. I still wonder why I seem to be constantly cut off by drivers who generally get one car ahead at the red light and I used to be quite quick to vocalize my frustrations in the car, but am much more careful now. I think that children are both our richest gift and our biggest accountability partner. In their own, sweet little way, God uses them to teach us patience, courtesy, and flexibility. I do my best, but as we all know, I am only human, and I make mistakes; but I am much more willing to accept correction from the gentle questions of my children than anyone else. (Right Chris? :) )

Sponges are funny things, always handy to have around, they are great for wiping streaks off counter tops, or stoves and really good at soaking up those spills we have around the house. But just as a sponge will become rotten, smelly and green with all kinds of wonderful "spots" if we don't rinse them when we are done, our hearts will become the same if we don't remember to rinse them in the forgiveness of Christ. Being human is what we are, but what we choose to do with it is up to us.

Reflection...


A big word with many meanings. Every day at some point we all face our reflection in a mirror, whether it's time spent in front of a mirror doing hair, makeup, checking a tie or the quick glance as you are racing out the door late again! We all make time to check our reflection before leaving the house, but do we make time to reflect on the many blessings we receive daily?


My favourite thing and my least favourite thing about winter are one in the same, snow. I love watching the wonder in Olivia's eyes as she watches the flurries circle outside the window, and the excitement putting on her snowsuit to go "throw the snow" but driving in snow and I, DO NOT get along! Last night, I was so excited to finally make it out to my ladies small group, but slick roads helped slide my vehicle right through a red light with David in the car. Immediately I pulled over, had a little cry and thanked God for keeping us safe with no oncoming traffic at a regularly busy intersection. I then decided that as much as I would love to see my "girls" it wasn't going to happen. So I tried to call Chris, but our phones need to be replaced and as usual died at the first ring, so he had no idea I was calling. So, in that moment, I had to rely on God, and my own fears of driving had to be put aside. I repeated in my head, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" because I would've rather pulled off to the side of the road and stayed there until spring :) Without any further incidence I arrived home safely with my dear little man and thanked God again for keeping us safe and keeping me calm. I've learned to rely on my husband as a source of strength and encouragement but last night I had to rely on God and He was faithful as He promises, even when I'm not. After that I had some moments to reflect on how much I need Him to be with me, not just for me but for the precious lives He has entrusted to my care.


Today, we had a wonderful morning, I shovelled the driveway and sidewalk, while David watched from his stroller and Olivia played in the snow, curious as to why I was "taking away all her snow." I had to explain that I was simply moving it and then she'd have more to play with (how I wish we could have a big dump of snow like when I was a little girl!) She seemed happy with that answer and continued to slide and run through the front yard. These are the moments that I love snow! So much fun, and as soon as there is enough for a snowman, you'd better believe we'll have one! :)


As busy as life can get, I challenge you (as much as myself!) to find time just to reflect on those blessings that we often take for granted. Safety as we travel in the car with our babes, precious little ones to hold and amazing spouses that God blesses us with. All so simple yet so great in their own right. Miracles were not just in bible times while Jesus walked the earth, look around, there's a miracle everywhere you look, if you take the time to pause and reflect. May not seem as amazing as a miraculous healing or being raised from the dead but I bet if you look, you'll see it, that car in the driveway, the new home you never dreamed of owning, the beautiful smiles of a new babe, all so miraculous and all too often overlooked.


Happy reflecting! :)

I'm Going To Work....

"I gotta get dressed and go to work!" Olivia announced this morning as we were getting up and out of bed. She began to "dress" herself in daddy's socks and mommy's pants, as she continued her monologue "Ok, gotta get dressed, going to work. Oh! I gotta give kisses." She continued looking around mommy and daddy's room and says "Now, where is daddy's belt?" I told her, "Daddy is wearing it at work, babe." She was quite displeased and replied "I can't believe he took it away! Now, what did I do with it? What did daddy do with his belt? I need it to go to work." What an imagination my little lady has. I asked her. "How are you going to get to work?" She replied by climbing into my bedroom window, "I'm looking outside, but daddy took the car, AGAIN!"

I visited with the girls at the daycare this week after Olivia's dentist appointment and I realized again, how much I loved what I did while working, but how much more love I have for the job I do at home with my precious monkeys. There are days where I think how I'd love to "give my notice" and find a new job, but the blessings always outweigh the struggles.

Quiet Time...

What is that? Refresh my memory? As a mommy this has so many very different meanings. Today I have learned that quiet time isn't having both of my babes napping at once, it means having one napping and spending precious quality time with the other. David took his "morning" nap about 11:30 and my first instinct was to think, "Great, there goes my "me" time" but then as I hung out with Olivia, and we made "chicka nuggas" and french fries for lunch, I realized that these were the moments I would one day wish I had savoured. We had lunch together and then she went for her nap, without any complaint, and if you know my Olivia that is a feat in itself! I believe she had no complaint because she spent 1 1/2 hrs of uninterupted mommy time with me.

Of course, as soon as she was sleeping, my precious baby boy awoke, and instead of worrying about it, I enjoyed every minute of it! We snuggled, I nursed him and we just spent that time together. It was lovely. I actually found myself disappointed when he got fussy and wanted to go down for his nap this afternoon. All about perspective isn't it?

Now that they are both resting and I've made a cup of tea and I took a minute to update my blog, I am sure that my princess will not be too much longer before joining me, especially if she thinks I might be having a snack ;)

So today as I spent that quiet time with each of my precious children, I learned that mommy time may not always happen, but my mommy time with my children will soon be over too, and then I'll wish for much less mommy time and much more time with my babies.

I blinked....

Don't you hate when you blink and all of a sudden your children have grown again? I'm sure I just had Olivia yesterday, and David is 5 months old already! I can hardly believe how fast time seems to go by when you are watching it through the development of your children.

Today is a day of reflection for me, in 5 months I have watched myself and hubby become parents of two amazing children. Watched as Olivia has taken on her duties as big sister with flying colours, being mommy's little helper and seen David discover things in the world around him, his fingers, toes, how to roll and attempting to crawl. It's amazing to watch his sense of wonder as he discovers new things while that mommy who loves her babies screams "SLOW DOWN" on the inside.

I wouldn't trade these little munchkins for anything but I know that as quickly as time flies in watching them, it goes equally as quickly for seeking God's will for our lives and plowing ahead in the life He has given us.

A dear friend of ours passed away in a car accident last December, and our son is named after him. He lived his life sold out to God and looking at opportunities to witness and to call others unto the God that he loved so dearly and who he has now found eternal rest with. One quote he left us with was about living all out for God now, not to wait until we are older and have lived our lives, but now is the time to live for Him because if we wait until we are old we will only have a shell of what we could've offered to share with others. I really miss him, and as the anniversary of his death approaches I think of the joy I can see in my David with his face lighting smiles and his squeals. I can only hope that as a parent my children will see God's love through me and my life.

David Robert Powell, you were an inspiration to many and have left a life long legacy in your short but well lived time on earth. Today as I reflect I realize that it won't matter how many life lessons our children learn as long as they know and love Jesus they will have the greatest lesson of all. Thank you for truly living and leaving a legacy of spreading life to the nations.

It's The Little Things....

Today I've been reminded over and over, it's the little things in life that truly make it worthwhile. Watching my princess discover all the things around her and making them come alive again for us "old people" :)

Saturday night we were able to watch the Santa Claus Parade which both kids loved, mostly watching the lights and hearing the music from each float with the "Rock and Roll" theme this year. The greatest moment as a parent was seeing Santa a block away and hearing her yell, "It's SANTA!!"

Today I watched as she spent time with her grandma, just talking and "hanging out". She is such a happy, outgoing and loving little girl and I don't count the blessings from her nearly often enough. She was thrilled with a ride on Clifford the Big Red Dog tonight at the mall while we had our ink cartridge refilled, and equally as excited just to see the Santa display. Santa had retired for the evening but the prospect of a return visit is just as good for my little lady.

Daddy finally had a chance to repair Mickey Mouse this evening and the squeal from our little princess upon discovering "MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE!!!!" on her bed made my heart smile.

We are truly blessed with children who are content with the little things in life, maybe through them I will rediscover the joy of the little blessings that we take for granted constantly from our Heavenly Father. So as we enter the month we celebrate His Son's birth, my prayer is that this year as parents we will relay the correct message to our children, and enjoy our first Christmas as a family of four celebrating the blessings that flow without ceasing, whether we see them or not.

Fantastic Friday! Today has been an awesome day so far, already I've been successful as a woman, mom, hero and chef. Some of the many hats that we women wear can seem so overwhelming at times but days like today make it all worthwhile. Success is so often measured only by worldly possessions, salaries and corporate positions, when it really doesn't matter what we earn, own or titles we achieve. They can all be good things but not true measurements of worth or success.

Matthew 6:19-21 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where theieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

This morning when I woke up, my two year old daughter told me she was going to go play in her room, a very typical wake up routine in our house, so I can snooze a little longer after those late night feedings for my 4 month old. I called her when her brother woke up as she always likes to come and say hello, however instead of coming as she normally would she called "No mommy you come see me." I was puzzled and asked "Why?" She called back "I cannot get back out" As I wandered off to see what she was talking about, I found her, not just in her brother's room, but in the crib! So after I rescued her, I told her not to do that again, followed by closing the door in the bathroom and silently giggling to myself. A hero in my daughter's eyes.

Breakfast time always is a treat, my daughter changes her order about 3 or 4 times before she decides and then while I'm getting her final order ready, she decides on something else. Today, everything was worthwhile, she decided on toast with peanut butter and banana. As I prepared, instead of a complaint about making the wrong thing, I heard "Yum, yum, yum, yum, yum!" A gourmet chef I am not, unless you ask my daughter.

It's toilet training time in our house and for the past 8 months we have been off and on with success. Last night was the biggest success of all, I was feeding the baby and my daughter called from her room, "I have to go poo!" A big step for her, calling before and not after. Her daddy wasn't home, so I told her she had to try to go herself. SUCCESS!! She got herself on the toilet and screamed "I did it, I did it!!" What a proud moment for her and mommy. Now, of course, independance has taken over and she no longer needs mommy's help because "I'm a big girl now, I do it by myself" Success as a mommy is instilling confidence in your children and celebrating all their milestones.

I fit into prebaby pants today, no buldge, no "sucking it in". Might not seem like much, but success is feeling good about yourself. Success as a woman!

Looking through a new set of glasses so to speak, has literally transformed my life. I'm not just a stay at home mommy, changing diapers and doing dishes. I still do those things but it's not a job, or a chore, it's the joy of my life. I have two amazing babes who love unconditionally and give smiles that light up their faces and my heart.

The best Friday I've had in awhile. Content is the most wonderful feeling in the world.

Some days you run this race and other days you jog. Today I feel like I am jogging. Burnt out, needing to figure out a lot of things that seem to be hindering my relationships.

Last week at women's bible study we talked about the dangers of being judgemental. I know that I have struggled, and continue to struggle with this. I jump to conclusions, don't think things through and run on emotions. Not really working for me, but that is probably because I've been trying to run on my own.

It's a wild ride, and I'm sure not equipped to do it on my own, nor should I because I simply can't.

Sometimes I wish I had the energy that my daughter does, running and playing without a care in the world, but today I feel more like my 4 month old who can hardly keep his eyes open and is exhausted 75% of the day, except at night of course ;)

Nothing profound today, just honest.

As much as I have taught my children, I learn from them daily. Through them I am reminded not only of the blessings that God gives us every day, whether we deserve it or not, but the life that we are called to lead. Even through something so simple as my daughter "busting me" for eating popsicles while she is sleeping, I am reminded that someone is always aware of our actions and we should ensure they are pleasing to Him.

I have been blessed with two healthy, beautiful gifts from Him and pray that along with my husband we will raise them into the woman and man that God has called them to be.

As I take this journey with my little gifts I am reminded that there is so much more to be thankful for than to complain about. I worry that I'm running late because of car problems and my 2 year old simply celebrates that the car is "all better" and "we found the church, mommy!". How precious these gifts are and how easily they are taken for granted.

I am taking a step back to enjoy all these moments and to live intentionally as I seek His will in my life, as a wife and mother, the role I take in helping my husband to be the man he was called to be, and to watch God's will unfold in our children's lives.

So blessed am I that I can share this journey with an amazing husband and my beautiful, precious children.