thinking outside of my [Easter] box

This morning I sat down to work on my March calendar and realized that Easter is only 53 sleeps away! Now to the average person that would seem to be heaps of time to start planning for the holiday. For myself, I realize the clock is ticking and time's running out to plan something amazing.

Over the past few months my church has been trying to switch its focus towards family. With Easter quickly approaching I instinctively think of what we can do for just the kids. That's where I'm challenged to think outside of the box! For years we've done Easter egg hunts for the kids, which is generally great, but doesn't include the whole family in celebrating Easter.

And so, over the next 53 days I will be attempting to think outside of the box. To create an Easter experience for the whole family.

making a house a home

Matt & I are so close to being in our first house! It's been quite the process. We made the decision to start building last summer. In July they started digging our basement and pouring our foundation. Soon after the process began we moved out of our rental home and into my parents house. We picked our flooring, cabinets, light fixtures, counter tops, appliances, hardware and finally we're almost at the point of being able to enjoy it!

Over the past seven months I've been reminded of what makes a house a home while living in my parents home again. Between the months spent with them and the days of "relief" (☺) spent with my in-laws I've began to realize what truly makes a house a home.

Its not the decorations (although those are very lovely and definitely contribute to the "homey" feel). Its not the space, or the designated rooms. It's not what kind of food is served. It's not the mood music that's played, or mood lighting.

Rather its the things that you don't see that make a house a home. It's the way that everyone belongs. It's the way you're allowed to be who you are. It's the way there's always an extra chair that can be pulled up to the table. It's the way the conversation just flows and you know that your opinion matters. It's the way family and friends alike feel sheltered and safe.

And so, although I'm EXTREMELY excited to get into our house and set it up as ours, I'm more excited to create a haven. My mother-in-law gave us something for our wall when the building process just began, and I truly believe it will become the essence of our home and it simply says: "Welcome, happy is the home that shelters a friend." And that is the home that Matt & will strive to create.

remembering someone great. - part 2

She never once complained. It was clear that some of her life experiences were neither fair, or deserved, but through it all she had such dignity and strength. I never heard her speak negatively of those who did her wrong, or of a situation she found herself in.
She was the queen of glitz. I remember the sweaters she wore were always adorned with sparkles and golden threads.
Speaking of glitz, she was a princess. Her hair was always done and her finger and toenails always painted. She would squeeze her feet into pretty, strappy sandals and never once complain of the pain.
She was the only one who would let me get cookies a McDonald's as a little girl.
Although she was quiet it was never uncomfortable to be around her. There was something very relaxed and comforting about her presence even though she was a women of few words.
I remember delivering her poinsettia's every Christmas. She loved flowers, and we always made a point of getting her the biggest most beautiful bouquets when we had the opportunity.
She LOVED her family. Her home was full of photos of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. When she moved from her apartment into the nursing home her photos moved with her.
I remember she got along so well with grandpa McEachern. When they were together it seemed as though there was a mutual understanding between them. They simply seemed to enjoy being in each others presence. As a grandchild is was a fabulous thing to witness. I know that now they're both enjoying their time in a place far greater then any place they ever met here on earth.

She is still treasured in my heart and so missed everyday.

You Reap What You Sow

We’ve all heard that line at some point or another in our lives. Perhaps you heard it from you mother warning you as she sent you off to school after hearing about incidents of a child being teased in your class. Or maybe you’ve heard it in reference to justifying why someone’s marriage has failed. Or it could be that you heard it as good deed was done to you after you willingly helped someone else. Sometimes this phrase has a negative connotation, and sometimes it has a positive one. This is one of the lines that no matter the situation, more often then not, tends to be true.

I’ve recently witnessed this to be so in my own life. A couple weeks ago my paternal grandma passed away. It was rather sudden, and came as a shock to many of us (that could be a blog all of its own!). As my family has been broken and grieving our loss it has been overwhelming the support and encouragement we’ve received from those around us.

From the meals, to the flowers, to the cards, to the e-mails and facebooks messages, to the phone calls…it’s all touched our hearts and lives to help us realize what a great community we have around us.

The other day as my dad was on the phone going over the details of the funeral, the person on the other line made a comment in respect to the overwhelming response we’ve received. He simply said, “Rick, this is your time to reap what you’ve sown.” How profound…

Many people in my parent’s world know that when in crisis Rick & Cindy are the people to call. Whatever your need is, they’re always prepared to drop everything a come to your aid. From meals, to helping with renovations, to babysitting and picking up and dropping off kids, to helping with moving…you name it, they’ll do it. But they aren’t the only ones, my in-laws would have the same reputation (and so since its part of our DNA my husband and I are the same). There are numerous other people in my world who are of the same breed.

But why do what we do? Is it because we want to stock up for when our time of need comes? Absolutely not! Rather its because we know the value of family and community.
We know the pain that comes with the loss of a loved one.
We know the trouble that comes with under going a surgery and spending weeks in recovery.
We know that hassle and chaos that comes with a big move.
We know that every once in awhile a mom needs some time to herself.
We also know that there’s nothing like overcoming. And that’s why we do what we do. To help overcome. To the be support and encouragement that true friends and family are meant to be.

As all farmers know, in due time you will reap a harvest.

breathe in, breathe out

I started taking a pilates class at Lethbridge College with a couple of friends this past Thursday. Our class came at the perfect time as last week was a bit overwhelming and the 45 minutes spent in the class served as the perfect mental break. I was taken back by the emphasis put on breathing in our first class. Our instructor reminded us throughout the class to take deep breaths in through our nose and let them out through our mouths.

Since that class my life has seemed to have gotten even more overwhelming. From the encouragement and support of my family and friends, to the situations those close to me find themselves in, it seems as if its been one overwhelming blow after the other.

Today while working on my computer I received a message from an individual who's quite close to me asking for prayer as he finds himself needing rest and peace. As the tears began to well up in my eyes I was taken back to my pilates class.

Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in, breathe out.

I know that I cannot change situations, and although I can pray my little heart out, ultimately God is the one who controls everything. And so, as I continue to pray (for even though I know I have no control, I know the one who does), the only other thing I can do is breathe. By just breathing I allow God to be who He is, and I will be who He has created me to be.

remembering someone great.

Her apple pies and shortbread were to die for! I remember at Christmas having tin upon tin full of her amazing shortbread. My grandpa McEachern loved it as well, she always made sure to make him a tin of his own. When she made apple pie she would always make enough to stock the deep freeze for a few months.
Although I didn't appreciate them much when I was young her cabbage rolls were among the best I've ever had.
She was one of the Roughriders biggest fans. You could always tell when a football game was on because she would be yelling at the TV telling the team and the coach what they should be doing to win.
For many years she was quite quiet and reserved. She didn't really need to say anything though, her actions spoke far louder then her words ever did. Never once did you doubt that she loved you.
She was completely dedicated. For years she would be at church one hour before the service to ensure the coffee was on for the time of fellowship before the service began.
It was only in the past few years that she really came out of the shell she had hidden for so long. She was a joyous person, so encouraging and friendly. Everyone around her knew her and loved her. She always said "hello" to those passing by. And never passed up a moment to give a hug and wet kiss.
I realize that it's through God's incredible mercy that the suffering was short, not only for her, but for those who love her most. The end couldn't have come a better way. She has now graduated to a far greater place...

I love her so dearly and she will forever be missed by many.

thank you to the INAUGURATION!

For those of you who aren't aware, I come from a home that likes to party. Give us a reason and we'll put on a shindig!
We've had everything from the usual Stanley Cup/Grey Cup parties, to St. Patrick's Day/Halloween/Christmas/New Years Eve parties, and of course birthday parties, on occasion election parties and this evening an inauguration party!

Although we never know how many will be in attendance, the invites go out and more often then not more rather then less arrive to celebrate with us.

On this special occasion I would like to thank my friendly neighbors to the south the US of A for electing a new president and allowing a few of us Canadians to celebrate with you (or just to celebrate period!).

Happy inauguration day everyone...I hope its as enjoyable for you as it is for me! :)

On that note: regardless of your political stance, how incredible that we are alive in this day to witness such a historical event. Today along with many others we've experienced will be in the history books and we'll be able to tell our children/grandchildren/great grandchildren how we remember it.