It's a girl!

Okay, so Chelsey might kill me for going ahead and doing this, but I cannot wait any longer. She is finally asleep right now after another sleepless night. We havent had the time or energy yet to get a hold of some of our good friends so I apologize if you find out through this blog, but I could not wait any longer.













Eva Marjorie Roberts was born this past Monday at 10:32pm (Christmas Day). She wieghed 8 pounds 12 and a 1/2 ounces. Shes a very healthy little girl and has a healthy mother. We came home from the hospital on Wednesday at 3pm and are beginning to settle in at home. I'll wait for Chelsey to say anything more.

I didnt think it was possible for there to be another girl as perfectly beautiful as Chelsey, but believe it or not, it's possible.

While shopping at Russel Books

parking ticket, originally uploaded by chelseydroberts.

Smells like Christmas Spirit

Yes, it was shaping up to be a warm-fuzzy Christmasy day. We started out by watching Elf. Then we headed to Broadmead Village to do some shopping. It's true. We braved the shopping centres on the last Saturday before Christmas. We came home and I made myself a cup of Cocoa Camino dark hot chocolate. You should probably say Cocoa Camino out loud. It's just fun to say. Cocoa Camino. And it's tasty too, so if you want to try it head to your local 10,000 Villages and pick yourself up a canister.


We decided to make use of our 2 for $20 coupon at the Imax and check out the Polar Express. We paid, and rushed to get in line as it was about to sell out. But we decided it just wasn't worth it. We were behind about 200 people, all fighting for a good seat. We exchanged our tickets and decided to head to Famous Players to see Blood Diamond.


Yes, it was shaping up to be a warm-fuzzy Christmasy day, but then I watched Blood Diamond and that warm-fuzzy Christmas feeling left. However, I feel as though what I received in return is much better. Instead of commercial Christmas, I feel as though I now have the real Christmas mood. I feel more in tune with the Spirit of Jesus. I feel like my heart is in a more genuine place, searching for what I can do with my life to make a positive contribution in the world, however big or small.


"In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love." - Mother Teresa


Merry Christmas.

The Season of Advent

About a week ago it was suggested to me by my friend Tim that it is a special Advent for Peter and I this year as we wait for our child just like Mary would have been waiting for Jesus to be born.

Last Sunday, Martin got to talking about how Advent is a season of waiting. This year I think that I have come to understand a little bit more what it might have been like to have been waiting for the Messiah to come. I am in no way trying to liken my child to the Messiah, but I just have never experienced such anticipation in my life... just waiting, not knowing the day that the baby is coming, just like how the people of that time would be waiting and waiting, in the dark, not knowing the day that the Lord was coming like a thief in the night.

Be ready, stay awake, for you do not know the day.

A Peter Post...

For some reason I felt like I should sit down and write a blog this morning, but as I sit here ready to type, my mind is blank. I just finished trying to call Jeremy O for the first time since moving to BC a year ago. Does that make me a terrible friend? He wasn't home so I thought I'd call my little bro Blair. He wasnt answering. I thought about giving Kori J, or Adam J a call, but they'd be at work, so I tried my parents thinking they might be home for lunch. No one home. So now I'm stuck talking to my computer.

This is a strange time in life. I am glad there are still two weeks till our due date and possibly two more weeks of life as I know it. At the same time, the anticipation is killing me and I can't wait for our child to come. I wake up each morning wondering if this is going to be the day our lives will change forever. I continuously find myself trying to savour our last few child-free moments, which, to be honest, is almost hopeless at this point, as our child already goes everywhere with us causing Chelsey discomfort and sometimes pain. I had a thought the other day that it would be great if the baby came really late, because it's a lot easier to care for right now than it will be after it's out. I guess it was one of those fearful moments of realizing I have no idea how to care for a baby. Chelsey didnt agree about the baby coming late for some reason. Apparently it isnt as easy for her to care for the baby right now as it is for me, and luckily she isn't concerned about her ability to take care of a baby.

So we continue to anxiously anticipate the arrival of "___?___", and are thankful for each and every opportunity we still have to date and sleep. We finished the baby/guest room on Monday and Chelsey put pictures on our flickr site for those who are interested. Chelsey has made sure I will post a blog for all of you when "____?____" arrives, so that will be the next time you hear from me.

pregnancy photoshoot

, originally uploaded by thephotobooths.

Check out marnie's photos for 4 of 300 other shots from our photoshoot.

Nursery Pictures

Here are some pictures of the bedding that I made (with Vivian's wisdom and guidance):

The quilt:

And here are the paintings for the nursery. I got the ideas from some nursery bedding that I was interested in buying (before I decided to make my own).

It's much cheaper to do it yourself... but more more time consuming!

we'll all float on...

Okay, there are a few things on the agenda this evening.


1) I'm done the nursery bedding! Yessssss. Photos of the bedding will come soon, but for now you can see me finishing up.
















2) Kelli & Aaron are engaged! They are getting married on May 5, 2007 and my wonderfully lovely friend Kelli (in the middle) has asked me to be her maid of honour. This will be my first time in a wedding (besides my own of course).









3) Doctor's appointment went well. I'm already almost 2cm dilated. Now I know that I may very well still carry to my due date or past, but it's just exciting to know that my body is getting ready, things are happening, and it won't be long before my precious little baby is here.

4) Means signs with facedown records.

5) New pictures on Flickr.

Here on the right you can see Team Tardy. We were a team in Estonia together. Kelli and I are in the middle.











Here on the left you see Aaron & Kelli, looking wonderful in the summer sun.

Congratulations!

37 weeks

37 weeks, originally uploaded by chelseydroberts.

Here we are, full-term and fully pregnant. When I see myself in the mirror I don't think I look as big as these pictures make me look. I can't tell which is accurate.

My mind has pretty much been on the baby for the past little while and I've been spending lots of time getting the nursery ready and picking up all those little necessities...

Peter and I have been going to prenatal classes every Monday night. They are like pep talks before the big game... when I leave them, I just feel like going out there and birthing that baby! But then I come home and I just wait. And wait. Actually I still have lots to do before the baby comes so hopefully it doesn't come too early. Peter and my mom think the baby is coming early.

We packed the baby's bag for the hospital last night and got started on mine. I still have some things to pick up before I can be fully packed so that will be done soon.

I have a checkup today, I'll let you know how it goes.

mama and baby

mama and baby, originally uploaded by chelseydroberts.

I am 36 weeks pregnant. Now that Mike & Kim have little Avry, the anticipation is growing and growing for my own little baby to come. Yesterday Marnie and I did a little photo shoot of my belly, so I'll post more belly pics later, but for now you'll just have to live with my old Cons and the new pink ones that are for my little girl (if she's a little girl). I'm not one to say that only girls can wear pink, but I don't know if Pete will want his little boy wearing pink converse shoes. We might have to get something a little more hardcore.

So as I get closer and closer to the birth of my first child, I have to admit that I am a little scared. It's not easy to prepare yourself for the most painful day of your life. Also, it's a tad overwhelming to think of the responsibility that will come after. But I am very excited to meet this little person and to hold my little baby in my arms. To love. To teach. To photograph.

This morning I decided to make egg mcmuffins. It was way quicker than going to McDonald's (who thought that could be possible) and much tastier as well.

le photo d'Avry

It may not have taken as long to see pictures of Avry as it did to see pictures of Suri Cruise, but these were much harder to wait for that's for sure! Here is my new neice Avry Grace, just 12 hours old at the time.

bellies and bulbs

bellies and bulbs, originally uploaded by chelseydroberts.

35.5 weeks, 4.5 weeks left to go. Check out the rest of our tree decorating pictures on Flickr.

She's here!

Avry Grace Fowler entered the world yesterday afternoon at 8lbs, 3oz., born to Mike & Kim Fowler, in Sylvan Lake, Alberta.

Auntie loves you and can't wait to meet you!

homework is for the birds

It's 5:30 and I'm still in my pyjamas. I asked myself this question this morning: "Why would you get dressed when you are just going to stay inside and do homework all day?" Okay maybe I didn't ask myself the question directly, but I know that subconsciously I kept that resolve in my mind all day.

Seriously (srsly), I did homework all day. And I'm still not done. But I'm a lot closer than before. So that feels pretty good. I'm pretty much doing homework all day tomorrow and probably all day Thursday too. It's not a lot of fun. Especially when you'd rather think about your baby coming or decorate for Christmas or just do nothing.

I took about a half-an-hour break to eat lunch and managed to catch an episode of "A Baby Story". I had seen it before. I'm not sure if watching those is helpful or just frightening. Either way, I can't stop myself from wanting to take it all in.

Peter and I cleaned out the baby's closet yesterday (that's not a metaphor). We have a few boxes for Salvation Army now. The baby's clothes and belongings are put away in the dresser and the closet now and we have the crib all set up and ready to go. It feels good to go in there now, we're just one step closer to being prepared. If I had some thread I could finish up those bumper pads that Health Canada doesn't even recommend having in the first place, and then I'll share photos of the bedding that I have created. I like it.

We still have some things to get ready before the baby comes but I'm starting to feel more and more prepared (materially that is). I don't think I'll ever be prepared for parenthood. But I'm going to give it my best shot.

Anyway, Victoria's still pretty much shut down from the snow. Our prenatal classes were cancelled last night (a true snow day) and I know that the schools were still closed today.

I think the birds are confused. They keep eating bird seed off of our patio and then flying into our patio door. Srsly, it happened at least three times. And another bird was flew into our other window a couple of times, but I closed the blinds to help him out a little.

They just don't know what is going on.

Housekeeping

Click here to see pictures from the baby shower.


Also notice that I have added more links... (although it might be hard to tell because I have so many on there):
- James Davies
- Mike & Kim Fowler
- Tamara Knutson
- J'Nea Muller
- Jessie Nickolett
- Kris Olson
- Nic Olson
- Karl & Helen Roberts
- Alicia Slywka


Annnnnnnd Blair has changed his blog address and that has been changed also.

snow day!

Yesterday:

Today:

Routines

Driving down Quadra street during the morning rush is no easy feat. It requires a lot of skill and a lot of patience. There are just two lanes: in the left lane you need to watch out for left turners, in the right lane you need to dodge the buses. This is a route that I have come to know quite well as Peter and I have used it to arrive at Tolmie Avenue every morning for five months.

You tend to become pretty familiar with a route that you have taken every day for five months. As we come down Parkwood there is always a red headed boy walking himself to where the school bus picks him up. We see the group of students waiting on the corner for this bus every morning too. If we're running late sometimes we even see the bus. Then once we're on Quadra we pass by two kids that used to be in my group at Kids Klub. They're waiting for the city bus in their school uniforms. I always wonder if they see me. There's the same Victoria Business School van that seems to be en route with us every morning. There's the approximately 40-year-old woman with extremely blonde hair that walks on the right sidewalk every morning. I notice all of these things.

But now there is one thing missing.

It's us.

We no longer take Quadra street every morning.

We don't have to.

Because I'm on my leave now.

Yessssssssssssssssssss.

I wonder if those little characters that were a part of our morning will miss us.

Back from the dead... or living in light of it

So last night Peter and I went for coffee and he was talking about how when he was little he used to try to picture what it was like if God didn't create the earth. He said he used to picture himself floating in outer space and there were no stars, no planets, nothing, just complete black. He said it used to upset him quite a bit to think about that.

I said I used to think about that same kind of thing when I was little too, only it was me picturing what it would be like when I died. I said I would picture myself floating aimlessly through outerspace but it was completely black and I couldn't even comprehend how black it was and then I would realize that there would actually be nothing, I wouldn't even see the black because I would be dead and I wouldn't exist.

That's pretty troublesome for a little tiny kid. I didn't know anything about God back then, and I think it's pretty clear that I didn't have a concept of heaven.

Now that I know God a little bit, it totally makes sense that just our bodies die, not our souls. As a little girl, I just couldn't understand that I wouldn't be able to see the blackness. I would try to wrap my head around it, the fact that I would be completely non-existent, no thoughts or feelings, just a skeleton in the ground with snakes going through my eye-sockets (seriously I used to picture that too). I think the reason it was so hard was becuase it just didn't make sense. How could I not see the darkness? How could I just not exist anymore when here I am thinking and feeling and experiencing? That little girl was on to something. She just didn't have fancy words.

It makes so much sense to me now that we are spirits in these bodies, and eventually my body will slow down, and I won't be able to walk very fast and then I won't be able to use this vehicle very well. Young kids will think I'm stupid. But I'll still be the same person inside, with the same soul, and once that body dies, my soul will go on to what's next. I'm not even going to pretend that I know anything about heaven or hell or what happens in the next life, but God has made some pretty good promises that it's going to be some kind of wonderful.

Now that I know that... does it change the way I live? Does it change how I feel about the world? Well, somewhat. But I don't wake up every morning pumped about someday being able to be with God in Heaven. I mean, that sounds pretty great, but what really changes the way I live isn't God's promise of heaven... it's God.

God is teaching me in this life about loving others. Through His character and His prime example I have been shown a way that I cannot ignore. Just like it makes sense to me that our souls don't die, it makes so much sense that we love each other. Jesus goes so much deeper than just doing kind little deeds for people, you know the ones that make you feel kinda fuzzy. I mean those are good and everything, but he went so much deeper and is showing me the way too. It rings so true, I can't deny it, even if there is no afterlife (which, God says there is).

I have a quote written down somewhere, and someone pretty smart said it, but I can't remember where my book of quotes is, so you're just going to have to hear my re-phrasing... this guy, well, people thought he was pretty foolish for believing in something that "wasn't true". And he basically said that even if what those people were saying was true and God didn't really exist, he'd still rather be considered an idiot and be with Christ than to live apart from Him.

I had had those exact feelings before so when I read that in whatever book I read it from, you can just about imagine the "Hmmm"ing, eye-widening, and head nodding that was going on in agreeance.

It is I, Peter!

Well, since my wife has not cared enough about you all to post a new blog for a while, I thought this might be the perfect chance to step in and take over our blog. She is such a blog hog!

Actually, the truth is that Chelsey has been very busy and hasn't really had a chance to sit down at a computer lately since she's still at work till 5 every day and our evenings are usually filled until it is so late that she can't bare to be on her feet any more. I wasnt sure what to write so I thought i'd begin by honouring my beautiful, courageous, strong, and confident wife. I know this sounds cheap and it may seem like i'm just trying to suck up, but I have honestly been amazed by my wife recently. I'm not sure if you have experienced the feeling of being almost 8 months pregnant. I know I haven't, but I have witnessed it first hand and I have to say, with all due respect to all you ladies out there, that I could not wish for anyone more courageous and strong to carry my child. I know that it has seemed to everyone so far that our pregnancy has been without flaw and that Chelsey's health has been smooth sailing, which technically it has, but what you don't hear about is how she comes home from work every day with such a sore back that its hard for her to walk. Not only that but when she does finally sit down, she sometimes gets leg pains that are so sharp, her muscles feel like there tearing (I might be exagerating a little, but i dont know exactly how it feels and I think she deserves a little embelishment). Did I mention yet that our baby is kicking the heck out of her. Sometimes this violent little baby kicks so hard her whole tummy shakes. I dont know what he's doing in there but he's definitely going straight to 'the naughty mat' as soon as he or she gets out. Also, I'm not sure if you've ever thought about it before, but it's pretty much impossible for a pregnant lady to lay on her stomach. This is obvious but did you also know that pregnant women are not supposed to lay flat on their back either? Something to do with pinching an artery and cutting the bloodflow to the legs. Anyways, this only leaves the sides and I think only the left side is recommended, but at the same time when she lays on her side the tummy's weight pulls on her stomach muscles so much it hurts, so she has to prop up the tummy with a pillow. We now sleep with two new friends. The pillow to prop her tummy up, and the pillow to keep her from rolling onto her back. As you could imagine this has made it difficult for her to sleep well. Which reminds me that this human being that has grown inside her belly has taken up so much room that it is crowding her diaphragm and bladder which makes it hard to breathe and makes you need to get up twice every night to empty yourself. I'll stop there as I may have already shared too much, but my point is that Chelsey is defintely a lot more strong and courageous than I am. I would be whining by now like you couldnt believe. Chelsey has faced this all with a humble attitude and accepted it as normal. I just had to take this opportunity to honour her for this and for doing an incredible job of carrying our child. She is amazing!

Other than all of this, our child is healthy and we are really looking forward to it's arrival. We started pre-natal classes last monday night(TERRIFYING). I don't know if the videos were necessary. Chelsey is actually finished working on Monday at noon. She'll be on medical leave until the baby comes and then maternity leave for a year. Man, it would be sweet to have a year off to relax. (Thats a joke in case you didn't know) I'm preaching my first sermon since coming to Victoria this Sunday. A little scary. Youth and Worship stuff is going well. I've been continuously challenged, busy, and either discouraged or encouraged which I believe are all good things. I may be done hunting for the year now(Im pretty sure chels is happy about this). Did you know we get a four month hunting season here in BC (thats exciting for me) I definitely took advantage of this. Ended up with a small whitetail buck and a nice bull elk. Enough meat to fill the freezer. Can't think of anything else right now. Thanks for reading.

Peter

i'll be back.

Oh, honey honey

Sugar...

Before I got pregnant, I was looking into how to cut back on refined sugars. Then a couple of weeks ago when I thought that I might have diabetes, I started looking into it again. I found this report on CBC.ca and thought that I'd share it with you. A lot of you probably don't care, but this is my blog and I can do what I want.

Besides, Tim does it all the time ;)

A Long Obedience

Martin's always graciously lending out his books to people. A few weeks ago he lent one to me. It's by Eugene Peterson and it's called "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction". The tag line is: "Discipleship in an Instant Society".

Friends, I have to say, this book is very good. Every chapter is so full of truth and wisdom. I started writing down specific quotes but I stopped because I was wanting to write down everything. I'm just going to have to get this book for myself. It's one for the permanent collection.

In the first chapter he talks about living life as a tourist (only wanting the high points) or as a pilgrim (someone who is going somewhere). I had never really thought about that before, but it's so true of who I am, who we are conditioned to be. I want things here and now so that we can move onto the next thing. I always start learning something new but when I find that I am not skilled in excellence after a few tries, I give up or I get bored, or I just simply lack the determination to continue on. Usually I am not willing to put in the time to practice, I just expect that I can decide to do something and instantly be amazing at it.

But becoming a disciple takes time. Peterson says that a disciple is a learner, but not in the academic setting of a schoolroom, rather at the work site of a craftsman. He says that we are constantly in a learning-growing relationship with Jesus, whom we are apprenticed to.

I've seen the Rob Bell DVD called "Dust". Recently the young adults had a discussion about it. After a very interesting history lesson, Bell talks a lot about how Jesus is our Rabbi and he picked us and he believes in us and that we are disciples. And that disciples would follow their Rabbis everywhere and were consistently striving to be like their Rabbi. He says that because the disciples were following their Rabbis everywhere, at the end of the day they would be convered in whatever the Rabbi had walked through. He says "May you be covered in the dust of your Rabbi".

I don't have any big conclusion or point to ponder.

I just wanted to share with you some things that I've been reading, watching, thinking about, discussing, and trying to live out.

Man, I am so out of the blogging habit.

Halloween

31 weeks on the 31st of October:

And just 9 weeks to go!

Tonight we went up to Brent & Elise's. We also enjoyed the company of Jordan & Cherie, Erin & Graham, Colin & Lindsay, Steve & Joan, Levi (of course) and many others who dropped in for candy.

Here is the girls crew, with Miranda and Hannah popping in.

The gentlemen.

And Levi dressed as a monkey.

Diagnosis: Negative

Just so everybody knows, I don't have gestational diabetes.

7 days in a week

Okay, I'm feeling bloggy.

So, means has now come and gone. It was a really quick visit this time, but I stayed up way too late with them and Pete on Monday night watching a super old means2anend and goodsampark show (the one at a church in Weyburn with Stereotrap). Earlier that evening we met up with Marnie at 1415 Broad Street to catch means live and Peter and I were talking about how wierd it is to go to shows when you don't know anyone there. The music community in Regina is so connected. I'm sure it is here too, but it's hard to break into a clique. Anyway we were surprised to see Bretton and Jordan and Eric there, it felt like being in Regina again.

Tuesday I had to go sit in the medical lab for three hours getting tested for gestational diabetes. I had my screening test last Saturday and flunked it, so I had to go through the real test and I am still waiting for results. And trying to eat sugar-free of course.

Wednesday and Thursday flew by, Youth & Young Adults, lots of conversation and lots of soul searching. Friday was a party with the Youth, a bunch of them were dressed up and I felt like a party pooper because I had forgotten about the party and my fairy wings broke and by the time I rememebered the party it was too late to get a costume because I was so busy. So I was just Chelsey, scaring people with my usual-ness.

On Saturday Pete went hunting with Kirk & Jeremy and I hung out with Crystal and Hannah. In the morning we hung out at Central Baptist Church, helping out with a breakfast that they put on and then we prayed and hung out and hatched some great plans (well actually God hatched them, but we finally just realized them in our hearts) for some things we could do to help others in need. Then we ate tacos and watched Elizabethtown. I was tired all day. So I went to bed early and the time changed and I couldn't sleep in past 7.

So that brings us to Sunday, I went to church and before it started I hung out with Levi (Brent & Elise's) in the nursery and visited with my friend Sandy and her baby Grace. I borrowed "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction" by Eugene Peterson from Martin. We sang and sang and the whole church was bopping today. Seriously. Then I took pictures of a bunch of the families from church and then we went to Romeo's at Broadmead with Brent, Elise, Levi and their friend Chris.

So now you are updated in the crazy-busy life that I lead.

Spiritually now, I've been wrestling with some issues lately, about what I'm doing with my life, about what God wants me to do with my life. God keeps bringing up "the least of these" and I keep trying to figure out what I can do to express God's love to them. My way of doing that is to keep praying about it and taking small steps to see where God is leading me. In some ways I feel like Noah because God asked him to build an ark and that must have looked pretty crazy to every one around him and I keep thinking about the homeless and those who need so much and a lot of people seem to think I'm kind of crazy for feeling so strongly about it. I say they seem to think that, I don't know that they actually do.

I met this guy named Thane on Saturday and he was saying how he spent a whole winter in New Brunswick outside in -57 degree weather. He kept saying how there were all these really wealthy people around and a bunch of churches and they all knew that he was there and no one took him in or got him shelter. He kept saying how the God that they were worshipping couldn't be the same God that he knew because he knew that God was supposed to be love and love would've taken him in and gotten him warm. He kept saying that our beliefs are proven by our actions.

It was pretty convicting.

the most precious band you could believe

The Weekend

It's Sunday night and the weekend has come and gone.

Saturday morning to mid-afternoon was spent with this raking (and rockin') crew:


Then I went for coffee with Beth, Jeidy, and Lin, and we looked at some cute cats at the pet store. I sewed with Vivian for something like 5 hours. We finished the bedskirt for the crib and we are almost done the quilt.

Today I got to sleep in a bit and went to church with Elise & Levi. After lunch, Peter and I went to the park by the Christ Church Cathedral and took some photos.

After that we came home and I put on some sweats and enjoyed a Lindor chocolate and a chai latte before watching Click. I got to spend some time with my wonderful husband, and it was very, very nice.

Tomorrow our good friends from means will arrive on the island and they are going to spend a couple days with us.

They are very tough, as you can see.

Kristen will appreciate this one

So here we are, 29 weeks and growing. It's not the best picture but some of you were starting to get hostile, so this is what you get.

78 days to the due date.

But there's weekends in there, and they always go so fast, so it's more like 56 days. Plus the long weekend in November, so that takes it to 55 days and then of course there is Christmas, which is about 2 weeks long. So 41 days really. And this week is practically over, and work makes the weeks go by so quickly and so really its like 30 days.

And when you throw in schooling, eating, sleeping, hanging out with the youth, sewing with Vivian, Young Adults, taking pictures and my new-found hobby of knitting, the due date is basically 2 days away. A weekend really! Oh, and then there's getting the baby room ready and preparing the house for a little one. Really it's like 20 minutes away.

It's a cup of coffee!

Spooky the Spider

I thought that I would introduce you to our new spidey friend. He made his home on our railing about a week ago. He fashioned together this handy little web to catch his food and then he hides in a hole in the railing and waits.





I like him.

aitah!

Almost 4 years ago I prayed a little prayer. That probably seems pretty normal, but at that time, I wasn't the prayin' type. I didn't even know if I believed that there was a god up there listening to me. But I wanted a boyfriend and I was betting that if there was a god, then he could probably get that for me. So I was pretty specific. I really let God know what I wanted. And his response? "So you want a boyfriend huh? Well I'll show you what happens when you start a relationship with me..." He did lead me to a boyfriend, but what he really was doing was coming into my life and starting to change everything. God can be pretty sneaky you know.

I'm pretty thankful He did that.

I'm thankful for:
- Peter
- God's little person that He is growing inside of me and the honour it is to be able to teach this person and guide it through life
- my mom and her humour and her wisdom
- my stepdad and his humour and his love for hot sauce
- my dad and his own little ways of letting me know that he loves me
- my stepmom and her access to sweet travel deals
- my brothers and their little families
- my family-in-law: too much to list
- my friends that are close, my friends that are far
- laughter and tears
- the whirring and buzzing and aroma of coffee being made while sitting across the table from a good friend
- Amelie
- the book "Frederick" by Leo Lionni

You know, this would be a lot easier if we all listed what we were thankful for each day. I'm giving up on this list, I am blessed with too much.

Just shut up, shut up

You know those people who are real blabber-mouths? Of course you do, you know, the ones who are always talking and you have to do a lot of nodding and make a lot of listening noises and you can hardly get a word in even when they ask you questions because the only time they are even asking you questions is only so that they can just talk about themselves some more?

In my relationship with God, that person is me. I can't believe that I never really thought about it before, I mean I've obviously heard people talk about "listening to God" and having a "conversation" with God, but I never really realized that when I'm praying it's really all me, all the time, goinggoinggoing, just trying to fill the space and if I can't think of something to say I just find something to say so there's no awkward silence between God and I.

Remember how I said that God is teaching me about how our relationship should look a lot like my realtionship with my husband? What if all I ever did when I talked to Peter was just go on and on about things and thanked him for a bunch of stuff really quickly and asked him for help with things and then just said, "okay goodbye!" and got up and walked away?

"Constantly talking isn't necessarily communicating."

- Joel [Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind]

The wierd thing about God is that he actually does things for us even though we talk to Him like that. I can't imagine me talking to Peter like that and listing off a bunch of things that I'd like him to do for me and then just having him do them without even being able to say a word to me. (Although sometimes wouldn't it be flippin' sweet?)

Tonight at Journey, our weekly youth night, we watched the Rob Bell DVD called 'Noise'. One thing that really stuck out to me was all the passages that talked about "being silent" before God. Bell goes on to talk about how hard it is to be silent and how we are surrounded by so much audible and visible noise. I realized that I do get pretty uncomfortable with silence. I think we are all just so used to things beeping at us and talking to us and buzzing around in our ears that we don't know how to handle silence. I have to have the TV on when I am at home alone, even if I'm not watching it, or some music, or else I feel like the day just can't go on. I can hardly even meditate, I can't shut my brain off, it's going from one place to the next. I'm going to start working towards changing that. I'm going to start being a little quieter, a little more attentive, and "talk" with God like I'm actually in a relationship with Him.

Happy Wednesday

Well, it feels like it has been a while. I'm feeling the pressure to write something but I guess I haven't really had anything to say! It's October now and it seems like September flew by. Now that everything has gotten going again in the fall it feels like I have something going on every night between homework, husband, youth, young adults, and anything spur of the moment.

Our anniversary was on Monday the 2nd. Two years. We spent the evening together eating at a harbourside restaurant and then enjoying the Victoria Symphony... that is until my back said that we could enjoy it no longer. I am now 27 weeks pregnant, on the brink of the 3rd trimester, and my back and my ligaments are letting me know it. Will I ever feel normal again? Still can't complain, everything seems to be developing perfectly and according to "the norm" so that's good.

You know, I was thinking last night how the first and foremost thing that God calls us to do is have a relationship with Him. That's really all. But then I got to thinking about how we humans are actually pretty terrible at relationships; I mean, the most common comparisons of how our relationship with God should be is 1) Father/Child and 2) Husband/Wife. The single parent and divorce rate ought to tell us just how well we know how to keep those relationships healthy. No wonder we find it so hard to simply have a relationship with God! No wonder we felt like we should read the Bible like a sciencebook and reduce it to charts and graphs in order to feel like we are "good" with God. Anyway, God has me thinking about the whole Husband/Wife comparison a lot lately and He's helping me to see that having a relationship isn't some big flashy thing that I have to do, in fact, it should be more like how my relationship is with Peter. I felt a bit of relief there. I mean, marriage is tough sometimes, and I am still called to be selfless and serving, but this view of God sure beats the other view I had... you know the one where I think God is just waiting for me to screw up so that he can burn his rage against me?

Yeah, this one's a lot better.

Gridblog Friday: Living Forgiven

I enjoy shopping. I always have. There is something so satisfying about finding good deals and having something new to bring home. It is also satisfying to be able to provide for yourself, to take care, and supply yourself with what you need to live. A problem with this situation is that somebody really smart figured that out and they got a job in advertising. Knowing the satisfaction that comes with having new things, their job is to figure out ways to convince people that they need these new things. Our culture has become obsessed with consuming. Our culture is so obsessed with purchasing that we even try to do that with God’s love.

When I first came to believe, I used to beat myself up pretty badly. All I could really think about was all of the things that I was doing wrong. I let my sins overwhelm me and I became anguished by my inability to “control” myself. Living like that kind of made the whole “being a Christian” thing not feel very good. I wanted to give up, to say the least. When I would confide in others, they would tell me “I don’t think that you understand God’s grace.” I didn’t even know what the phrase “God’s grace” really meant, so I knew that I definitely didn’t understand how it worked.

In the Preschool where I work they call praying “Grace”. We “say Grace” before every snack and lunch time. During our music circle times you can sometimes hear the other teachers say things like, “Okay, two more songs and then Grace”. Now that I know that grace means “the freely given, unmerited favour and love of God”, I realize that it doesn’t really make sense to call our prayers “Grace”. I mean no disrespect, but it sounds so silly doesn’t it? Yet how many times have I subconsciously thought that way; how many times have I tried to barter with God? When I first came to believe, that was how I was trying to live my life. I was trying to buy God’s forgiveness by doing things for Him, by ‘quitting’ my sins, by going to church. “Okay, I’ll sing these next two songs and then I’ll get me some grace; I’m pretty sure I’ll be forgiven after that.”

I am so thankful that God revealed a little more of His truth to me, because I think that I would’ve given up on God by trying to live that kind of Christianity. Who wouldn’t? The psalmist writes: “If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?” (Psalm 130:3).

Becoming a believer hasn’t made me any less a sinner. Living forgiven has allowed me to let go of my pride, admit that I am a sinner, and accept God’s love. Living forgiven has allowed me to see my sins but know that God remembers them no more. Living forgiven has allowed me to confess that I am not like God and gives me the courage to try to be like Him. You have to accept God’s love before you can love Him back, and you have to love Him to obey Him.

It is pretty strange to live within a system where nobody owes anybody anything; it feels wrong not to have to pay for my sins. I see now that, in the beginning, I was trying to earn my forgiveness. I couldn’t accept that God loved me without feeling like I had to do something to deserve it. I wanted to take care of it myself. But grace is freely given. Grace is the unmerited favour and love of God.

Another phrase commonly heard in our preschool is “Let’s put our hands together for Grace”. This is when we bring out our praying hands. To that I say, “Yes! Let’s put our hands together and give it up for God’s grace!”

Now that makes sense!

The Ruch's Roost

So they have been pretty quiet about it, but John Ryan and Tami Ruch have had a blog for quite some time now. In fact, they first told me the address to it when we came out here for our interview last November. I forgot the address have been searching for it ever since, consistently forgetting to ask them.

Click here to go to their site.

Oh yeah, and another thing they've been quiet about...

they're having a baby!

Leaves turn red.

I love personal inscriptions in books.

Today Hannah and I went to Russel Books on Fort Street. Aisles of books climbing the walls, stretching out toward the street. Books once held in the hands of someone else. I searched for a deal on some Maya Angelou or Leonard Cohen. I bought a couple of books of poems, but not by either poet.

The most intriguing part of the experience was reading the personal inscriptions just inside the book covers--comminuqué among comrades, letters from lovers.

"The best gift in life is a good friend, Tim."

"I do love you... me."

I wondered at the meaning behind their gift, where life has taken them since, and how the recipient decided to be finished with a souvenir of their relationships.

I find myself wanting to read the poetry of these characters instead.

But telling gets old...

I rushed all morning. My heart rate was probably elevated, I was going so fast. The truth is, I wasn't even running late, I was just rushing. I opened the door to leave and found a treasure. Time stopped. Rain was pouring down from a grey sheet that covered the sky. I stood and listened as God fell on the earth, on the grass, on the trees that reach up toward the sky. I let myself become hypnotized, lost in the patterns of the drops as they met the ground. I listened as God said "I am here." I got in my car and let Sufjan softly sing me to work, driving through God the whole way there.

On my way to work I saw a lot of people who didn't look very happy about the rain. How odd, I thought, that we could be experiencing the same thing... but we each had quite opposite feelings about it. I imagined that it is how some people go through this life knowing that God exists and others don't know, just because our experiences are different doesn't mean that He's not there.



Really you should listen to "Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Is out to Get Us!" by Sufjan Stevens if you want to have a better understanding of the mood. It is such a wonderfully hopeful song.


I came home today and I had mail from World Vision. It was an update for my child... but this time, she wrote. I had a smile on my face the whole time.

"My prayer, peace for your mind, joy for your spirit, and love for your heart. May you have all this forever. Love, Jo Maila."

What a kid.

Topique

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience, but where he stands in moments of challenge, moments of great crisis and controversy." Martin Luther King, Jr.

So, if Dave hasn't yet posted a topic... I'm writing an article on the topic "Living Forgiven" for Sister Triangle. And that's my suggestion for the next gridblog. If Dave has one, I'll supply the same or a different one later.

Elk Hunting

So the day has finally come. Peter and Uncle Kirk left for their elk-hunting trip. Auntie Vivian and I both feel a sense of relief... perhaps elk fever will leave our houses until next year. We'll see.

But.

As glad as I am that they are finally gone on their trip... that ache is back! My other half is missing.

Sigh.

How could you not miss someone who says these sorts of things:

"Jesus is the king of the world... therefore, he is the king of rock and roll."

- Peter Roberts, after watching a documentary on Elvis Presley

We're 22!

Right now I'm 24 weeks pregnant. The actual "age" of the baby is 2 weeks behind, so the baby is 22 weeks old (as Peter mentioned). So we celebrated being 22 together.
















In this picture I am reading "Does a Kangaroo Have A Mother?" (by Eric Carle) to the babe. He/She really seemed to enjoy it as it bounced around and kicked me lots during the story. Peter even took a turn reading.


Here is a picture from the 23rd week of pregnancy (taken last weekend). I agree with Kristi that the pictures do seem to make you look bigger than you really are... I guess it depends on what you are wearing too, but the truth is this baby is GROWING.

My daycare kids love that there is a baby in my tummy and let me know every day "Your baby is getting big!" Also, the same kids ask every day, "When's the baby gonna come out?" Every day I tell them "After Christmas." It's a lot of fun being pregnant and working with small kids. They all try to feel the baby moving and some even put their ear to my tummy to try and hear the baby.

Anyway, so far so good. Baby is growing, my back and feet are getting tired, but no complaints or complications thus far. Thanks for your continued prayers.

I retract, I retract!

Okay, last week I mentioned that I wanted to see a certain movie called "The Last Kiss" the day after my birthday. Today is the day after my birthday (thanks to everyone for the sweet comments!) and I got my wish... I went to the movie. And I now say that last week was the first and final time that I will promote a movie that I haven't seen!

Baby Roberts gives it two dirty diapers.

Yeah, that was a lame joke.

But anyway, I don't recommend the movie. It's sad that at the opening credit you already have the feeling that it isn't going to be good. And then you're flooded with some really uncomfortable "scenes" (you know the ones) that you don't think anyone should have to witness, and they didn't ADD anything to the movie EITHER, and it really just felt like the movie was trying to be something but it just didn't quite make the cut.

Thankfully there was some distracting noise coming from the little room that they play the movie from and we were able to get refunded.

THAT'S how good it was.

Okay, there were some funny parts.

There were some melt-your-heart parts.

But when you go to a movie and it's mostly girls and couples (whereupon you know that the males were all dragged there)... maybe it's not the best sign.

So, to those who felt like they wanted to see the movie after my post last week... I now retract my recommendation and will not take any responsibility for your exposure to the movie and its contents!

Happy Birthday Chelsey!

In case you didn't know, it's Chelsey's birthday today. I want to invite you all, yes even you silent blog readers, to leave comments and congratulations for her. She is now 22 and it just so happens that our baby turned 22 weeks old (in the womb) as well today. You could post congratulations for our baby, but I dont think he/she will be able to read it for a while. He/she can hear pretty well, however, and can kick pretty good too. That might not sound like much, but it amazes me. Anyways, I would post a blog about whats on my mind at the moment, but I doubt you'd want to hear all the details surrounding the elk hunting trip I'm going on next week. I'm leaving Sunday to spend a week up in the mountains. Will get to spend time with my dad, my uncle, and my cousin. Did I mention we're going to be camping up in the mountains and hunting elk. Okay, before I get carried away I need to quit. Please take some time to post a comment for Chelsey. Thanks.

Three babies!

I just found out that my brother Carlos and his wife Dawn are expecting their second child in May! All three of us are now expecting.

Mike & Kim are due on December 3, 2006.
Pete & Chels are due January 3, 2007.
Carlos & Dawn are due in May 2007.

How cool is that?

(if you didn't know, the answer is "pretty cool".)

Inspiration for real...

Upon researching the history behind the word "inspiration" by use of the Online Etymology Dictionary, I have decided that, perhaps, alexisonfire's sudden fame isn't sincerely what inspires me. At this point, I have decided to unveil the truth.

I am inspired by art, namely poetry and photography, but I have been known to be inspired by other artforms as paintings, music, and possibly even sidewalk chalk. When someone has wrapped their tongue around the intricasies of daily life and expressed through such accurate use of the English language, exposing the raw, hidden beauty that might never have been seen or appreciated, it is like something has blown up inside of me. I feel like I can see. The world around me is different. You should know that when I use the word "poetry" I am not referring strictly to metrical verse, but any form of writing that has poetic spirit. Photography is very poetic for me as well, the wind is knocked out of me when someone has captured the exquisite nature that is the human experience by painting with light. Not every picture does this, at least for me, but the photos that display those qualities I used to describe poetry, those are the ones that really knock my socks off. It makes me want to live in a different way.

I am also inspired by those who have made a conscious effort to take a stand, despite the pattern of the world that surrounds them. People who have said to themselves, "This stops here, with me," and they break the chain of whatever affliction it may be that was causing dysfunction in the world. People who have admitted, "I am the problem" instead of denying it and blaming everyone else. These people have decided to take the uphill slope wooded with thorns for the good of their neighbours, their family, themselves... these people are fresh air. They wake up each day and press forward instead of giving into their desire for instant gratification and the pursuit of personal happiness. I love meeting these people, hearing of their lives and living with them as the rest of it unfolds.

Given that I am inspired by those two things, you can pretty much assume that I am inspired by God since He is the beauty of the world that I find so wonderful through the mediums of art and humanity. I won't go much further into the "God topic" because most of you know already that He is inspiring, and many of you already know what it is that I personally find inspiring about Him.

Now I am going to leave the computer and interact with creation.

alexisonfire album debuts at #1

...knocking out Christina Aguilera!

How's that for a little Canadian band that started out in the Ontario underground scene? I remember when they came through Regina the first time and they packed the Exchange full... now they are stinkin' taking the places of big time "pop" stars. That's inspiring.

But who could forget that local opening band that really brought the atmosphere? Aww yeaaa.

A God who is alive...

I feel that I must begin this blog with an apology because you were probably expecting to encounter more of Chelseys incredible gift of writing but unfortunately you are stuck with my writing(if you can call it that). Anyways, this is Peter. Yes, I know that it's weird to see me posting a blog, but for some reason I felt like this was a good time to post blog #2. It only took me a year and a half to get to # 2. My title was going to be "I am alive", as I never write anything on here and never find the time to sit down and email friends, but instead I felt "God is alive" would be more telling of what I feel like sharing with you. It will be nothing profound and definetely not as beautifully written as the one who usually writes these things(Chelsey), but here it goes. I was sitting in my office just now reflecting on my past weekend in Oregon with 6 of the teens from our youth group. We were attending FaithQuest which is a large youth retreat designed for teens who wish to be challenged and grow in their faith(450 teens attended). As we were driving down I had big hopes for the kids and the impact this weekend would have on them. Within hours of arriving I soon realized that God had plans for more than the teens. Within those first few hours I was overcome with the comfort of God's presence and was amazed at how alive He is in our world. It would take me too long to try and explain how this happened and would then probably not make any sense to you so I won't bother, but in case you have been wondering lately, God is most definitely alive and working in our world. I've seen Him in young and old people who's lives are changed as they turn to follow God. I've seen Him in old people who have lived with sin for many years and have overcome a desperate struggle in order to realign their life with God. I've seen Him in the lives of those who have given themselves wholeheartedly to sharing the news of Gods grace with the world. I've seen him through the love, forgiveness, and acceptance found in most church families (And for those who may have just scoffed, you did hear me right, I have actually seen those characteristics displayed in many churches and I am only a Christian now because of it). I've seen Him through the beauty of His creation. In the prairies(yes their beautiful), the mountains, the ocean, wildlife, streams, and I've even seen the occasional beautiful person here or there. Actually, every person in the world is an amazing creation of Gods. For example, if you've experienced the wonder of watching your wifes belly grow knowing your little child is being knit together day by day, preparing to take its first breath outside the womb. And if you've sat in the doctors office at only 9 weeks while your child is only one inch long and heard its little heart(the size of an aspirin) beating and pumping blood through its miniature sized, rapidly developing body, then how could you not see a God who is alive, powerful, and at work in our world. This isn't rhetorical, I would actually like an explanation if youve experienced this and still dont believe we are all created by a loving God.(peter@shelbournestreet.com). Anyways, it seems that everywhere I turn these days I am reminded of Gods power, creativity, and comforting presence. Having said all this, I dont know what its supposed to mean. I just thought I'd share my thoughts while I was thinking them. Thanks for listening.

Peter

The day after...

I want to go see this the day after my birthday.

From the writer of "Million Dollar Baby", the co-writer of "Crash", three actors that I really like, a decent soundtrack... should be pretty good.

We peeled the freckles from our shoulders

It's Labour Day.

That can only mean two things.

1) A day off.
2) Summer is over.

I am thankful for both.

I'd say that it's pretty obvious why I would be thankful for an extra day off, but some of you may be wondering why I would be thankful that summer is over: "How, Chelsey, how can you say that!? Summer is great! Warmth, sunshine, green grass, holidays, what more could you want? It's the best time of the year!"

Okay, so maybe you wouldn't say it that way.

But my point is, I'm summered out.

Back in June, I was in definite need of a break. It had been a busy ten months. Last September I started my Early Childhood Education certificate, I was crazy busy with that for the whole semester, we came to Victoria in November for our interview and soon after that, we got prepared to move across the country. I completed a practicum in January and February and threw the actual moving across the country right in the middle of them. From then on I was getting adjusted to a new city, a new culture, new people, new jobs (a few of them). Getting to know my new brothers and sisters. Teen activities. On top of that: deciding to have my first child and going through the very tiresome first trimester. Spending a week in Regina. Working at West?! That would bring me to June.

Definitely time for a break.

Peter has been away all weekend and I spent my time recuperating from our two week Cross-Canada tour. At one point yesterday I really started to feel lonely. And all of the sudden I started having all of these crazy thoughts: feeling like I didn't really know anyone here and didn't really connect with anyone and I felt so alone and lost and in need of some good companionship. (read on for the "but"...)

But then it hit me.

None of those things were true (except the part of needing some good companionship).

I realized that the only reason I was feeling all of those untrue things was because I haven't seen a bunch of people since June! And if I've seen them, I haven't truly connected with them. And that's what I'm really missing, those deep, spiritual connections. Summer was great for a break, but I am feeling some major disconnection from my church family because of it.

I don't know about you, but September has always felt more like a beginning of a new year to me than January.

So welcome back from summer everyone, here's to the new year.

announcements

Today my dear friend Brianne is getting married! At this time, every thing is set up and ready to go, hair is done, starting to get into the dress, guests are getting ready... but there's one thing missing... her twin!

Congratulations from Victoria Brianne & Arlen!

Introducing:

Remy Scott Rae

born to Kristen & Lindsay Rae

on August 30, 2006

7lbs. 11oz.

Suggestion...

...next grid-blog topic: new alexisonfire album debuts at #1, knocking out Christina Aguilera. Ehhhh???

...

All day I reflected on my blog below and I think that my question here isn't the fallibility of the bible, because I definitely whole-heartedly trust it and believe it, I guess my confusion is more around knowing what to take literally and what to write off (if anything).

Gridblog Ramblings Numero Uno

So when I reviewed the topic on Tim's blog, I wasn't really sure I had anything to say about biblical authority and inspiration... especially since I read the list of John's creative titles as though they were actual topics we had to choose from. But then I started to think about it a little more and I re-read the information and I thought, I guess I could say something... and I guess it's kind of a long something.

(For those who are confused, there are a group of us writing blogs today on this week's topic of biblical authority and inspiration... called Gridblogging... it's the way of the future).

Anyway, I think that my previous post The Simple Life was on this topic a little bit, and I think it alludes to my confusion. It seems to me that the more that I journey through this life with God and the more that I learn, the more I realize that I don't know anything. It's a cliche to say that God is big, so maybe I'll just start by saying that I'm really small. I mean, really small.

It's tempting to believe what our society tells you... who wouldn't want to believe that you yourself are the most important, you have to make yourself happy first, make sure that you are content, make sure that you are comfortable and your needs are met, and then maybe you can think about others. I tend to think that I'm pretty important when I'm living life that way. The world revolves around me, I'm number one, my ideas are right, so on and so forth. Of course I'm not thinking that consciously, but if I really reflect, I know that in my heart those thoughts are there.

But in reality I'm just this tiny little blip on a huge planet with billions of other people and we're all doing so many different things... how do we know what is right? How do we know what to do?

It was when I was in college (hard to believe that I can say that) that I first heard discussion on the fallibility of the Bible. Introduction to Christian Theology was a tough class for me, being a follower for only 10 months (you mean there are three persons, but they are all God??). Anyway, I had to look up what the word fallible meant. Since then, I haven't really thought about it too much.

Reflecting now (and making my way back to my confusion) I can see that when I first started to believe, I read the New Testament (didn't get through the OT until this year) as a pretty straight-forward, black and white book. A lot of it was very comforting and I highlighted those parts; a lot of it was really frightening and I usually skipped over those parts.

Through discussion and reading, I then went on to learn that there is a lot of history behind the things that Jesus says and that certain phrases that he would say would have specific meaning to his audience and that Paul was writing actual letters on certain issues to specific churches. This made the book seem a lot more rich and a lot more real, but also a lot more confusing. So how do I know what applies to me? Should I cover my head as Paul says, should I sell all my posessions as Jesus tells one guy? Should I do this, do that, what should I do?... Oh yeah, grace through faith not works... BUT faith without works is dead... so is that a contradiction?... Who was Paul talking to, who was Jesus talking to, what context, what story behind that, is Jesus even being straightforward or is it just sarcasm to turn the Pharisees words on their heads... will I ever understand anything or do I already understand but just not want to admit it: is "Christian scholarship the Church's prodigious invention to defend itself against the Bible, to ensure that we can continue to be good Christians without the Bible coming too close?" (Kierkegaard)?

It's hard to know what to think when there are a lot of other people out there with some thoughts on the matter as well.

I'm living for God because he's revealed himself to me over and over, not because a book told me I should. I see the Bible as what you might call a history book, telling the story of Him and his people and I think that it reveals a lot about God's character, which is really good for me to know since I'm wanting to live for Him and all. Obviously I have some questions about some things, and I'm not sure how to read some other things, but I'm going to go on with my life believing in the infalliblity of God. When I have questions, I'm going to ask Him. When I want to know how I should act or what I should do, or what something means, I'm going to ask Him. I mean, he's God. He's the one who created this place right, and he's overseeing it, so he should know... after all "God is big"...



(but how do I know that He created the world and that he's overseeing it... didn't I get that from the Bible... and how much of that is falliable?)

Date Night in the Rockies

... or Chasing the Sunset Through the Rockies

Take your pick.

Anyway, we're home. Safe. Sound. Exhausted.

The past two weeks have taken us clear across three and a half provinces and back. It was pretty sweet. Lots of family, a few friends, and of course... each other... SIGHHHH. That was a happy sigh. A cheesy sigh. Sigh.

I have to tell you though that you missed out on some great things.

- family of course
- discussion on how the moon must get so jealous of the sun sometimes and must get tired of the fact that it is reliant on the sun in order to shine. This discussion may or may not pave the way for a children's book titled "Arrogant Sun and the Jealous Moon". It will be very heart-warming.
- lots of Iced Cappucinos
- eating ice cream on a bench with my brother and his wife (expecting a baby one month before us) at Sylvan Lake
- Pluto losing its planet-hood. "Poor pluto". Well, they're not going to convince me. And is anyone else ticked that no one even asked you whether or not they could change THE UNIVERSE? This discussion may or may not pave the way for a children's book titled: "Pluto, the Planet That Was, But Then Wasn't, But Still Is and Will Always Be". Lots of life lessons to be learned.
- stopping at Lake Louise (my first time)
- naming our possible daughter (we already have a boy's name).


I'll give you a hint, it's after the "lost" planet.

Just kidding.

Or am I?

I really do feel bad for Pluto.

The Storm That Never Was

Agressive clouds loomed over Estevan last night.
They threatened to storm but it was all talk.
This morning I woke to cool rain lifting the summer's heat off my back.
Spooky stares longingly out the window as the splattering of drops echoes around us.
The house is quiet as the earth drinks.

Last night, however, as the clouds hung ominously in the sky, quiet could not be found in the Jocelyn house.

Our night was filled with laughter and conversation. We love our friends and their kids :)