Pumpkin Fun

The "boys" were gone for the day, so I took Mack and her friend to pick out some pumpkins. They had a great time climbing on the pumpkins and looking for two that were almost identical. We came home and carved away. We also toasted pumpkin seeds. Mack's friend from next door came over and helped with the carving. All I have to say is that I will rethink the carving next time. They each chose hard stencils so it was a lot of work. All in all it was a great day. I am so thankful that my kids have such great friends.

Eli - Our Dog

Well for those of you who don't know - we have had some dog drama (not that that is anything new for us). Eli is nine month old and had to have eye surgery. He had ulcers in his eyes and the vet said that if we did not operate he would go blind - also he was in a lot of pain. He had his eyes sewed shut for 14 days. He still has to wear his cone while his eyes continue to heal. I thought I would post some pictures especially for those who have known about the drama. He is a great dog and we love him a lot. We are hoping that this works because this is our one and only time of surgery.

Walk of the Nations

I have been so busy so it has been awhile since I updated the blog; therefore, I have posted three blogs today.


On Sunday, our family got to experience an incredible event. The community along with the First Nations' community gathered together and walked through Duncan as one group. The event was to promote unity and to offer one more step for reconciliation. Although this was not a church event and primarily a First Nation's event, our church had a strong presence there. Our pastor was expecting some other churches in the area to not be happy with him for promoting this. Our pastor has a strong passion for the First Nation people. As most of you already know - in order to have an impact - we must meet others where they are and not expect them to meet us where we are. Because of his heart and service in the community, Pastor Mark was able to speak at this event (along with spirit dancers and prayer chants). I was so thankful that our family could experience such a rich cultural heritage and to see our pastor leading the front in reconciliation. I find it very rare in this day and age to be able to look up to many pastors (yes, they are just men); however, I am so thankful that my kids are influenced by such a humble and evangelistic minded pastor as ours. Many pastors want to build their church with the wealthy and do not want to get their hand dirty. I have yet to see our pastor's hands clean.

Mack and Basketball

Well, the princess has decided to try her hand at sports. Yes, she has asked to play basketball. Shane and I just laughed and laughed at her first practice. The pictures did not turn out very well, so I will try again to get some better ones. Mack dribbling the ball with her hand on her hip was just too funny. Every time she had to do the drill again, she would look at us and roll her eyes. She just wanted to run around and shoot. Her dad took her to her second practice and said that she did better. She made a few goals. Way to go Mack!

MOPS- The Adventure Begins!

I am glad that our first two meetings are over - smooth sailing from here! Everything is going well - just a lot of planning in a very short amount of time. We gained five more moms at our second meeting and hope to continue to grow. This is a new concept for the area but the moms are really enjoying it. The picture of a group of ladies is my team. Thank goodness for them; they have really taken a lot of stress off of me. In October, Canada celebrates Thanksgiving, so we decided to have a lady demonstrate how to make a Thanksgiving dinner. I really needed this lesson; this is the first year that I am on my own. The kids are really worried. Conor thinks we should grill steaks. Ha - I will show them.

A Busy Month

Well, let me summarize our already and going to be even more crazy September. The kids started their new school on September 2nd. This was a huge step for all of us since this was the kids first time in public school. They are doing very well and making lots of friends. As a back to school celebration we went to the carnival. This was Shane's idea and the kids were thrilled because he usually does not let us go to carnivals for safety reasons. We had a blast and ate way too much cotton candy.

Secondly I have started and am still in the process of starting MOPS at our church. Our first official meeting is Sept. 23rd. I still have a lot to do but have a great team in place. The picture is of our registration booth.

Thirdly, we had a staff retreat. The "guys" went up a day ahead of the wives and had meetings with staff. After the staff left, the wives joined them for a very relaxing evening and morning. The place was absolutely beautiful. Shane and I had an amazing view of the ocean. The place had an infinity pool and hot tub. If you don't look close, it looks like Shane is actually in the ocean. He is in the infinity pool that overlooks the ocean. Definitely no floats in this pool or you would go right over the edge.

Lastly, we are about to begin basketball twice a week with C, and M is about to begin dance and her GEMS club at church. Shane and I have our house open for a Wed. Bible study with young couples (we have 16-19 couples and growing), and Sunday nights we have a Bible study for young adult singles. So, every night of the week is taken except Saturdays.

A Family Memory

Not to prolong the blog about Jael, but I wanted to share a few photos of our day. Shane had a great idea that we find a special place to release the balloons. One of my very favorite spots is Maple Bay. The view of the ocean is so peaceful and beautiful. It was a very fitting place to release our balloons. As we got back in our van, and started to drive up the hill, a baby deer was standing in the middle of the road. It made us all smile and wipe away the tears.