A Tuesday with Heidi!

I'm thankful for…kids who want to learn more about Jesus & follow Him! They all go through their phases…but they’ve all had their times of saying things out of the blue that just blow me away & it’s so cool!!! I love being able to catch a glimpse of how God is working in their lives! I’m also extremely thankful that my parents are home safe from the Dominican Republic!

I'm listening to…silence…Ben watching the replay of the Oilers game after he got home from hockey.

What’s happening with the kids? Well, Benjamin has a lot going on right now. The last couple weeks he’s had a bit more homework as they are doing a unit about knights & castles. Next week is going to be crazy. Knights & castles homework…spelling…show & share…potluck & he has to bring a food dish from Peru…plus he has to finish his science fair project that he started yesterday (I know, I know…we’ve been running off our feet & I suddenly realized it was next week & he really wants to do it…). Wouldn’t be quite so overwhelming if we had each day between now & then to work on it all…but Ben & I are gone from early, early Friday morning till Sunday evening (more on that later)…plus 2 of those nights he has environment club & one he has Kid’s Rock! Ahhhhhh! Calm down…breathe…ok…we can do thisJ. Manda is thrilled to be back in gymnastics. She loves helping me whenever she can & gets very disappointed if she offers & there’s nothing she can do. I’m learning (slowly) to find little ways to involve her & make her feel special. She loves doing girl things with Mommy whenever possible as well. Most days her & Kirby get along like a charm…some days not so muchJ. It seems like it’s one extreme or the other with them. One day they play nicely together all day long…the next they’re constantly picking at each other…bugging…etc. Kirby has grown up so much lately. He is learning to control his anger & find different ways to express it. Some of the thoughts that have come out of his mouth lately have just blown me away. Kirby is LOVING hockey & is always disappointed if he has to miss a practice.

What’s new with Ben & I? Well, like I hinted, we get to go away this weekend! Ben & I are going to the Breakforth Conference in Edmonton this weekend for the first time. When I was first teaching Sunday School there was a conference in Calgary called TRAIN. I loved going every year to be refreshed, get new ideas & learn from others who had been there. Well, I haven’t been there for a few years now & have missed it. Breakforth is very similar, but on a MUCH larger scale. I get to go to an all day session with Tim Kimmel whose book I’ve been reading (Grace Based Parenting)…Newsboys concert…various seminars Saturday & Sunday…Phil Keagy concert (Ben’s super excited about that). Anyways…I’m really looking forward to hanging out with my hubby for the weekend (even though we’ll be in different sessions)…being refreshed…getting new ideas…and just spending time with the Lord.

We haven’t had much work since Christmas, but have started a couple of insurance jobs that we got from the storm this summer. We’ve been very grateful for that. Last week there was a delay with that & we didn’t know if we’d have work this week. Well, yesterday Ben got a call back about a quote he’d done…and today he poured a footing! First basement of the new yearJ. Thank you Lord!! We’re also very thankful that we were able to get some bank work figured out that will relieve some pressure & get us on our way to being debt free!! Although it’s a ways away yet, that’ll be a joyous dayJ.

What’s happening around the house? Dirtiness…well…I’m just being honest… It’s been driving me crazy…to many messes & piles that I can’t ever seem to catch up to. I guess it’s just low on the priority list right now…which is probably right…but it still makes it harder for me to get motivated to do other things sometimes. Someday…

What's happening in my kitchen? Nothing...no that’s not true…taco saladJ. I’ve been a horrible wife & mother…we’ve had a lot of thrown together, easy meals lately…veggies, bread with honey, avocado wrap, scrambled eggs, fruit, cheese sticks… I have made taco salad though…twice in the last week (second time was leftovers)…and I’m making it again tomorrow! In our house the birthday boy (or girl) gets to choose supper on their birthday…well Kirby picked taco saladJ. I really want to bake some cookies & muffins to get in the freezer…it’s been a REALLY long time (other than a few Christmas goodies). Ah well…someday…

I am missing…slouching…NOT! Ever since Ben put his ribs out back before Christmas he’s been going to the chiropractor regularly to get it all straightened out. The goal is to get him to a point where he can go once a month & stay healthy instead of waiting till his back is horrible. Well, I got motivated to go too (wish I’d done it when Alberta Health Care still covered part!!) After I’d been a few times the chiro commented to me that I was standing a lot straighter. I’ve always known I slouched…but it hurt so much to stand up straight…now I realized that it had felt good to stand up straight & hurt to slouch so I was standing straight automatically! It may seem silly, but this is a big deal for me. This has bothered me since I was in high school but I didn’t know that I could do much about it. I was thrilledJ. I’ve even figured out that “one cheek sitting” is what was putting my hips out. Now if I could just figure out what’s putting my neck out & how to change it…that’s the only part that’s still bothering me!

I am praying for…wisdom as we strive to spend money wisely & be good stewards of what God has given us. I’m also praying for a little boy named Isaiah May whose parents are fighting for his life right now (see my last blog post).

What’s God been doing in my heart? My sister Katrina gave me an audio book for Christmas that I’ve wanted for a long time…The Five Love Languages of Children. If you haven’t read The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman I would HIGHLY recommend it. It gave me so much insight into why I am the way I am…what makes me feel loved & how I love others. I’ve been super excited to read the one about kids. Since I hardly ever have time to sit & read…but I do quite a bit of driving…I have really started enjoying audio books. Anyway…I’ve been working at figuring out the kids’ love languages. I’ll give you a very brief overview of my thoughts…note that this will not do the book justice…I’m just spitting out thoughtsJ.

Benjamin’s primary love language is quality time…I’m sure of it. It makes so much sense. We’ve been having issues with his behavior since he started school. He went from spending all day every day with me with way more opportunity for quality time…to being gone for 7 hours in a day & having everything go, go, go once he gets home. It’s no wonder he has started acting out…he needs that attention back.

For Amanda I’m torn…I think it’s either words of affirmation or acts of service. It means so much to her when positive things are said to her…but that’s not really how she shows love (which is usually a sign of what your love language is). She loves to help me fold laundry, make supper, etc...and got so excited when Ben built a “swing” for her doll…which makes me think it might be acts of service.

Kirby has got to be physical touch…but words of affirmation is right up there for him too. Hugs, kisses & cuddles are so important to him…but he’s also very good at giving positive comments to others. I find his love tank the easiest to fill because he so often comes to me for hugs, kisses & cuddles. I’m just going to start the chapter about how to determine your child’s love language (hopefully when we’re driving this weekend) so I’ll keep you posted if I learn moreJ. I’m already finding that I’m more conscious of what little times I can use to fill their love tanks.

A Monday with Heidi

I'm thankful for…2 snow/cold days in 8 days! Last Monday it was super cold & the buses were cancelled…we were thrilled to have Benjamin home for a dayJ. It gave us a chance to really get Christmas baking & just hang out together without any pressure of anything planned for the weekend. I really miss having Benjamin at home…but he misses it just as much & talks about it often. He needs to have days when we just stay home & we all really enjoyed Monday. I was doubly thrilled to find out this morning that the buses were once again cancelled. As crazy as it is to hear it’s -42 outside…-56 with the wind chill…I don’t mind at all when it means Benj can stay homeJ. We had a blast decorating gingerbread cookies together…and Benjamin was thrilled to finish all his Christmas crafts & get them wrapped! God knew that I was disappointed to have no Fridays off in December so He gave me 2 Mondays insteadJ. Thank you Lord…it does my heart good to be reminded that You care about the little things in life!

I'm listening to…Christmas musicJ.

What’s happening with the kids? Let’s just say I’m still getting used to having 2 boys & how different they are from girlsJ. Growing up with only one brother who is much younger than me, I never really experienced what boys are like growing up. When we first had Benjamin I remember Ben talking about how boys play so differently & that it’s completely normal. I thought he was crazyJ. I know it sounds stupid…yes, I knew/know how different boys & girls are…but am I really supposed to let them wrestle like that?? Well some days it seems that’s all Benjamin & Kirby do. It’s almost all in fun…but can still get rough. Everything is bugging, poking, prodding, pushing…egging each other on. Sometimes I wonder how different life would be if we only had one of the boys…not that I would wish that in a million years…they just feed off each other so much. I think of Drew being the only boy…and other only boys I know…they seem so different! I know it has a lot to do with personality…but there is something about having more than one of them to feed off each other. Can someone please tell me I’m not crazy or imagining things? I’m not the only one dealing with this right? Anyway…wasn’t meaning to go on about thatJ. So what about Manda? She is loving more & more following me anywhere & everywhere…just chatting…helping…imitating. It’s rather daunting to know you’re always being watched…and knowing that I’m not being anywhere near a perfect example. Thank goodness that God can use me in Manda’s life despite my many imperfections! All that being said, I really have been enjoying this stage of life with the kids. They’re all old enough that we can do so much together and carry on conversations…although sometimes it’s those exact things (especially the second) that can drive me crazyJ.

What’s new with Ben & I? It’s been an interesting few weeks. About 3 weeks ago Ben mentioned to me that he thought one of his ribs was out. He was super busy that week & put off going to the chiropractor till the following week. The next week the chiro here told him just to wait till the muscles relaxed & the ribs would go in on their own. The next week it wasn’t getting better so he went to his chiro in Didsbury. She put the ribs back in & he went & played shinny hockey. 2 days later he could barely move. His back was spasming horribly & he was in a lot of pain. He’s been to the chiropractor 8 times now in the last 3 weeks…which really adds up (especially since Alberta Health no longer subsidizes it)…but we’re very thankful that he is on the mend. We know that we’re better off to deal with it properly now rather than having it continue plaguing him! Ben has missed 3 hockey games already & will miss at least 2 more this week, if not 3. That’s super hard for a man who doesn’t like to even miss one game in a year! He has his mobility back now & it is healing, but he has to be super careful not to reinjure it before it has a chance to completely heal. With Ben hurt, I’m kept super busy around home. I’ve also been working at doing Christmas baking & crafts with the kids.

What’s happening around the house? Lots of baking & crafts. About 4 years ago now I think, I started doing something each Christmas with the kids. That first year it was just Benjamin, but now each of them does a “bulk” craft that they can give. It allows them to participate in Christmas & give without having to buy something. This year I really wanted to find crafts that were simple enough for them to do, but allowed them to express themselves at the same time. I’m thrilled with how they’ve turned out…although Kirby’s doesn’t allow him to express himself as I’d like…but there’s always next year & he still had fun doing itJ. Stay tuned after Christmas & I’ll let you know what they are…I can’t give away the surprise now! The kids & I also love baking together. It’s so much more fun now that they can all be involved. I didn’t know how it would work this year with Benjamin at school, but having the 2 snow days allowed us time to do it so that’s been wonderful.

What's happening in my kitchen? Peppernuts, frosty date balls, no bakes, & gingerbread cookies. More to come…

I am missing…my sister Jodi. She’s the one in our family that I’ve seen the least of lately. We’ve always been close & I miss our talks. I’m looking forward to seeing her SOON!!

I am praying for…our kids. Although I’m thoroughly enjoying this stage with the kids, it has become very real to me in the last year, what a challenge it is to raise kids! Up until now it hasn’t seemed all that hard. Oh, it’s a lot of work, but the discipline & consequences are fairly simple…time out, say you’re sorry…extra chores…lost privilege…you get the idea. In the last 6 months that has suddenly changed. I have realized how much more aware they are of all the ins & outs. It’s not just a matter of telling them anymore…they want to know why…but what about this & that…and still stamp their foot. It’s scary. Lord give us wisdom. Help our kids to grow up to love You with all their hearts despite the fact that we are such imperfect parents! Thank you that your grace is sufficient to cover all of that!

What’s God been doing in my heart? I have been learning something about myself in the last year or so of our marriage...nothing amazing or life changing…just the simple art of being aware of what is making me feel a certain way. One specific time I notice this is after Ben has been sick or hurt. Almost without fail in the first few days after he starts to feel better, I get frustrated with life…and usually take it out on him. Sure enough…Ben’s ribs started to heal & I felt like I was being cheated. I had faithfully taken care of him…and now it was my turn…I wanted to be taken care of! Yikes Lord…am I really that selfish? I didn’t take care of him expecting anything in return…so why does my sinful nature pop up now? I am thankful that I am finally aware of this feeling so I can learn how to kick it out before it gets bad…and how to choose my responses carefully. Hun…I’m sorry. I thrive on being able to take care of you & the kids…I’m sorry for not always having a good attitude about it. I think I finally get it though. I know I still won’t always respond the right way…but I’m working on it. I love you so much.

Well, it’s technically Tuesday now, but oh well…I still started this on MondayJ. One last thought to leave you with. My sister Jenni posted something last week that really hit a chord. I feel like she was speaking from my heart. I just wanted to share (I hope you don’t mind Jen…I love you…and thank you for sharing your heart!)…http://riceandpeanutbutter.blogspot.com/2009/12/junkyard-art.html

A Monday (or Tuesday) with Heidi

I'm thankful for…the time I got to spend with my family this weekend. It was the first time in a long time that we’ve all been together. The only one missing was BenL. I’m also super thankful that James, Cheri & Max will be here for Christmas!!! It wasn’t the same without them last year & it will be so nice to be altogether this year!!! Cheri & Max got here on Saturday & James will come closer to Christmas. I can’t wait to catch up!

What’s happening with the kids? The homeschool teacher comes tomorrow. I’m half dreading it (because I know I should have done more with Manda), half relaxed…so glad I didn’t go blended & that I don’t need to feel like Manda has to be in a certain place. She’s been doing more & more writing…and picking up more & more words in her reading. It’s so fun to see her be excited about reading. Last week was Manda’s last gymnastics before Christmas…and we were allowed to watch. Ben’s parents were there, as well as my mom & Kirby…and Benjamin got to come for a bit during his recess. It was so fun to watch her. She was just glowing & having so much fun!! Benjamin is still up & down about school. He’s come to a place where he realizes the pros of each…but he still really wishes he was at home. He sure has grown up a lot in the last few months. Benjamin is still loving hockey. Lately he’s been learning to stop…and he’s doing great! Kirby is still Kirby…he loves to pester & bug whenever possible…yet he can play nicely for hours on any given dayJ. He is still loving hockey. He is mastering his skating & figuring out how to hit the puck without fallingJ.

What’s new with Ben & I? Ben still has work for which we’re very thankful. We’re praying we can keep on cribbing till Christmas. After that we should be able to do a couple of insurance jobs from the hail storm in August. With all our resources spent getting through last winter…we are thankful for anything & everything right now! I’ve been on an emotional rollercoaster the last couple of weeks. Not sure I can even pinpoint exactly why…just a lot going on…in life & in my head. I’m really looking forward to this weekend…Ben & I are going on our annual date weekend for our anniversary. We haven’t gotten away enough this year & it will be wonderful to have the time with no kids or work taking our attention.

What’s happening around the house? Not nearly enough. I’ve revamped the kid’s chores to include bathrooms, which has helped a lot, but there are still a few things getting left. For the most part I live with it…I am very much of the opinion that a clean house isn’t important enough to stress about. But at the same time…I feel better & get more done when it is at least generally clean. I’ve been doing a lot of sorting & moving things to & from the shed so I feel like my piles around the house are never ending. Ah well…it’s definitely gotten easier as the kids are able to do more. I’m really looking forward to starting some baking SOON!

What's happening in my kitchen? I’ve been gone so much that the cooking in our house has been pretty sad. Lots of last minute meals thrown together. I’ve noticed it…and that means Ben has really noticed itJ. So tonight I made sure to cook a real meal. We had mini meatloaves & baked potatoes. We all really enjoy this meal & it’s so, so simple.

I am missing…Sheri. Sheri is one of the few people who can help me even out these emotional rollercoasters I get in. It’s been 11 months since I saw her…as thankful as I am for email & Skype…it’s just not the same. I love you my friend!! I’m thankful for the memories we have from last Christmas…turkey dinner & our own mini ChristmasJ.

I am praying for…peace. There’s been a lot going on in my head & heart lately…Lord please help me to see clearly what You are trying to teach me. Give me Your peace that passes all understanding.

What’s God been doing in my heart? Learning to seek Him continuously…just keep giving it all back to Him!

A Wednesday with Heidi

I'm thankful for…this date 6 years ago. Unexpected trip to Red Deer, high blood pressure, nasty gas & all…I’m so grateful for the safe arrival of our Amanda Ruth Werdal. I’m also thankful for my mom on this day…Manda shares a birthday with her. Rather appropriate I think…after all, Manda wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for my momJ. It’s fun to see the special bond the 2 of them have developed!

I'm listening to…quiet…

What’s happening with the kids? Well, after a nasty week & a half, I think they’re all on the way to being healthy. Manda’s still loving gymnastics. Benjamin had PT interviews on Monday & “passed” with flying colors. It was fun to see the interaction between him & his teachers…and also for Ben to be able to be there. Kirby is just Kirby…the endearing troublemaker…makes me pull my hair out one minute & makes me laugh the next. The boys started hockey on Friday. Kirby was giddy with excitement for 2 days (from the moment he found out)…until he stepped on the ice. Then I think he realized that it was going to be no easy task learning to skate. He still had fun, but it was a bit of a struggle. He has a practice on Saturday that Ben will take him to & go on the ice with him, so hopefully that’ll give him a boost. Benjamin fit right back in doing great. He’s enjoying knowing a few more of the kids from school.

What’s new with Ben & I? Ben is healthy again after a rather crazy couple of days. He’s also going absolutely crazy with work right now. Of course we’re very thankful for the work…but we’re down to Ben & 2 guys…with enough work for about 6 guys…so it’s rather stressful.

I ended up having 6 nights in a row with only 3 or 4 hours of sleep…was brutal…but I made it through…although I’m still coughing a bit now. The first full night of sleep I got after all that…I woke up & was trying to figure out who had woken me up…which kid was in bed…who was crying…if Ben had a fever again…then I looked at the clock & it was morning! A very pleasant surprise indeedJ. I’m swamped right now. Homeschooling while having Benjamin in school is not going so well. Everything revolves around Benjamin’s schedule & it’s really hard. I have 3 sets of pictures to try & get edited…plus the school ones I took of the kids. Plus bookwork is behind & there are always the tasks on the to do list that just never even get thought of. Someday…(will it ever come?)

What’s happening around the house? Trina came & cleaned floors with me today!!! Feels amazing…they were driving me crazy! I also cooked a pumpkin today so I’ll be able to make pumpkin pie, muffins…to my hearts contentJ. It cost me $3 to get a huge pumpkin that’ll make oodles of pies & muffins…whereas buying canned pumpkin would have cost $4 just for 2 dozen muffins or 2 pies…I love getting deals!

What's happening in my kitchen? The birthday girl/boy always gets to pick supper in our house…Manda’s choice for tonight was broccoli cheese soup, whole wheat biscuits, & pineapple, cantaloupe & strawberries for dessert…girl after my heartJ.

I am missing…my dad. I know…again it seems strange. I had a chance to catch up with my mom, Drew & Trina some this week which was really nice. On Saturday the kids & I went to the Lacombe corn maze with them & also to watch Drew run in provincials for cross country. My dad was there too…I just didn’t get much chance to talk to him. I’ve seen him a couple of times in the last week actually…but I guess what I love doing with him…hanging out, playing games, watching movies, chatting…I haven’t gotten to do.

We had a blast on Saturday though. Andrew placed 58^th in Alberta (senior boys)…pretty darn good if you ask me!!! Plus our school brought home the 2A provincial banner which was super cool. The kids loved had fun going through the corn maze even though it was starting to get dark. Then my mom took the younger 2 to the play area while the rest of us had a race through the other phases of the maze. We had done phase 1 altogether. Two years ago when we did it, my dad & Trina beat Drew & I for both phases 2 & 3. This time Benjamin wanted to come with us all. My dad & Trina won phase 3, but Drew & I kicked their butts on phase 2. Benjamin had a hoot. When we were still altogether in phase 1 he made a comment that “This is so much fun Mommy…the only thing that would make it funner is if it got harder & harder!” Well, our races in the dark were harderJ. We ended the evening going out for supper at Wendy’s. The kids slept well on the way homeJ.

OK so after writing that I think I’m out to lunch…I had lots of time to spend with my dad on Saturday…I guess it’s just the talk time I’m missing…or maybe I’m just still catching up from not seeing him for so long…anyways…all it really says is that I like to spend time with my dad (& all my family) & I miss him…that’s not bad right? So Papa…if you read this…we need to plan a game night soon!! I love youJ.

I am praying for…wisdom. I’m so swamped right now…but I don’t know if there’s something I can drop or should drop. I went through this last fall too & was able to get rid of a bunch of little things I was doing which helped, but now I feel like I’m at bare bones, yet I’m doing too much. Lord please give me wisdom in knowing how to be the wife & mom you want me to be…and if there’s anything I’m doing that I need to let go. Help me to balance all the aspects of life wisely & say no to things I need to let go.

What’s God been doing in my heart? Selfishness vs. self care. I’ve been pondering & I’m curious to know what you think the difference is between selfishness & taking care of yourself. I know we need to think about others before ourselves, but at the same time we need to take care of ourselves physically, mentally, spiritually, & emotionally. So where’s the line? Any verses to back it up? Like I said, I’m pondering & I’d love to hear your thoughts.

A Tuesday with Heidi

I'm thankful for…being able to finally meet my new nephew on Sunday & that he’s home from the hospital! Also that Ben & I got to go on a date…and that I have a mother-in-law who was willing to take the kids even when they were sick because she knew I needed to get away. Thanks Mom!

What’s happening with the kids? Sick, sick, sick. Benjamin has been sick nearly constantly since school started which has not been fun. It got a bit worse last week & I kept him home one day to get some rest. Since then he seems to be improving. Manda & Kirby were fine until Friday. Now they have the bug too. On Friday we went to see the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra perform “Bugs Bunny on Broadway”. It was a bit of a stretch for Manda & Kirby because they had just gotten sick…it was late…and long…but overall they enjoyed it. It was a fun way to introduce them to the orchestra. Benjamin absolutely loved it & thought it was so cool that the orchestra could play the exact music that he hears every time he watches Bugs Bunny (this fact was kind of lost on M&K).

What’s new with Ben & I? We got to go on a date! It was wonderful to get away on Sunday…been way too long! Ben has lots of work right now…and one less guy to do it with, so he’ll be busy. He also plays his first hockey game tonight which he’s super excited aboutJ. As far as me…well, when we got home from our date on Sunday night I started to feel a bit of a sore throat coming on…it got worse & worse through the day yesterday. This is the first time I’ve been sick in a long time…which I’m thankful for…but it’s still not fun…especially while trying to take care of 2 sick kids! Other than that it’s pretty much just the normal…mom, wife, Kid’s Rock, bookkeeper…

What’s happening around the house? The chaos is driving me crazy. I just get one project done…clothes taken out to the shed…and another shows up…I now have 3 hockey bags to trip over. I wish I could have a weekend with the house to myself to get caught up on all the things that I never get time to do because they’re not top priority.

What's happening in my kitchen? Well, I was going to write this blog yesterday & totally forgot…so I’ll write yesterday’s supper…it was more interestingJ. We’ll be doing Thanksgiving with Ben’s family in a couple of weeks, but I wanted to cook something a little bit special to make it at least feel like Thanksgiving. We had farmer sausage & applesauce, mashed potatoes & gravy, sweet potatoes, creamed corn, & pumpkin pie with whipping cream. Mmmmm…it was good! I’ve been thoroughly enjoying being able to bake again. We now have apple crisp in the fridge & a pumpkin pie…I never make dessert this much! Sometime this week I plan to start making some muffins & cookies.

I am missing…Alexis, Jemma & Noah…friends for the kids. We have never connected with a family the same as we did with the Elliott’s last summer. Our kids miss their kid’s so much. We’ll be driving down the road & completely out of the blue Manda will say, “Mommy I want to see Lexis, Jemma & Noah again!” Manda & Kirby just don’t understand the whole thing with how far away they are & how long they’re goneL. In the last couple weeks I’ve been starting to plan Manda & Benjamin’s birthdays…and I so wish that I could invite Alexis, Jemma, & Noah…it won’t be the same without them! Love you guys!!

I am praying for…all of us to be healthy soon…especially Benjamin as he’s trying to learn despite constantly feeling under the weather..

What’s God been doing in my heart? Well, I had to stay home from church with sick kids this week. I HATE staying home from church. Sunday mornings are my restart time. I leave all the junk behind from the week before & start fresh. I love singing as a body of believers & being encouraged by Pastor Kent’s sermons. Often when I have to stay home I’ll get quite down & depressed by the time Ben gets home from church…I was able to avoid that this week. I still didn’t want to be at home, but I enjoyed the time I had with the kids. We played a game together, listened to music, & read stories. Thanks Lord for changing my attitude Sunday. Please help the rest of the week to go smoothly even though I didn’t get that “reset”.

A Monday with Heidi...finally:)

Well, I haven’t been very good about blogging this fall, but I’m trying to get back into it. I came across a blog format online that I really like because it breaks things down a little. I like the format I’m using, I just can’t seem to give short answers…so it takes a while to blog…therefore I avoid it because I don’t have time. So…I’m going to combine the 2 & we’ll see what happens…more headings, but less in each oneJ.

I'm thankful for…a house for Trevor & Beckie!! Last time I wrote I said I was praying for them. In about than 2 weeks (if I’m remembering right…) they were able to buy a home & be moving in! God is good!!! I’m also so thankful for the safe arrival of our new baby nephew, Bowie Orion Werdal. He was born at 34 weeks, weighing 4 lbs. 8 oz.

I'm listening to…Manda & Kirby playing together. It’s been hard lately to hear just the 2 of them…Benjamin misses playing with them so much!

What’s happening with the kids? Manda has had 3 gymnastics practices now & is LOVING it!!! It’s been so fun to see her come out of her shell & enjoy something that’s just hers…no comparison to the boys…doesn’t matter how anyone else is doing…she just glows every time I pick her upJ. I’ve been thoroughly enjoying going to the school every day at lunch to do the kilometer club with Benjamin. We get to help him earn popsicle sticks for his class (we usually do 2 km x 3 of us, gives him 6 extra sticks toward their class total)…it creates a structure for Manda to walk (one thing on her program)…but most of all, to be able to see Benjamin in the middle of the day. It means an extra trip in the middle of the day, but it’s so worth it to be able to hang out with him for half an hour. Kirby has always had a temper & it’s something we work on all the time. Ben & I talked about it a little while back though & made a game plan. It’s been amazing to see the difference in him in just a month or so. He still has a temper, but he’s learning how to respond & it’s really neat to see!

What’s new with Ben & I? Ben’s been busy working which we’re very thankful for. Winter is coming much too quickly for our liking…we only just got working & haven’t caught up from last winter yet. I’ve been busy planning Kid’s Rock (the kid’s program at our church), homeschooling, driving Benjamin back & forth, doing bookwork, & lately, taking pictures. I hadn’t taken pictures in a long time & now in the last few weeks have done 2 sets of baby pictures, family pictures, school pictures, & have another set of family ones to do…plus our own family! It’s been fun to take them again…but the editing time is always hard to find.

Right now we’re working on planning a date. Ben & I made a plan a while back to go on a date once a month to help keep us sane. With Ben suddenly working so much, Benjamin starting school, me starting homeschool & Kid’s Rock…it all happened at once & we went from having lots of time together to very little. Well it’s been at least 2 ½ months…neither of us can remember when the last one was. I’m working at planning a date, but am finding it tough. With Benjamin in school we’re limited to Friday or Saturday nights…Friday nights are family night…Saturdays we don’t like being out late (tired for church in the morning). Hmmm…we’ll figure something out…and soonJ!

What’s happening around the house? Cleanliness & chaos!! I have so many things to catch up which is more & more discouraging…but extremely encouraging has been the kids’ chore routine. They each have 2 chores to do each day…and 2 additional ones for the weekend. As long as we’re home & they get those done…my bathrooms stay clean all the time…the dishwasher is unloaded & loaded…garbages are done…toys are picked up & the dining room is vacuumed! The only thing I have to figure out still is how to work washing floors into the systemJ.

What's happening in my kitchen? Some kind of chicken for supper tonight…but I’m especially excited to get my oven fixed today!! It’s been about 9 months since I’ve had a working oven & I can’t wait to bake again! I just hope he shows up…he had originally told me the part would be in weeks ago…so I’ll believe it when he shows upJ.

I am missing…my family. Seems strange…they only live 5 minutes away, but my dad has been working in Lethbridge for the majority of the time since about June…so my mom & Drew & Trina have spent a lot of time going back & forth with him too. They’re home now for a bit so I’m hoping we can get together soon & catch up!

I am praying for…Byron, Kyla, Braydon, & Bowie. Praying for strength for the family as Kyla is staying in the city & Byron is working here with Ben. Praying that Bowie can go home soon!

What’s God been doing in my heart? Pastor Kent’s sermon yesterday about Christ in us really hit home. Now I need to apply it. God isn’t just supposed to be number 1 in my priorities, but a part of each of my priorities. In my relationship with Ben, God is #1; in my relationship with the kids, God is #1; in my relationships with family, God is #1. Jesus help me not to push you out of certain areas of my life. Help me to make you #1 in every area of my life!

A Tuesday with Heidi

I'm thankful for…work for today…and the cheques that Ben brought home which will allow us to catch up a few bills!

I'm listening to…Manda & Kirby playing together. It’s been so fun to see how they interact without BenjaminJ.

What's for supper tonight…don’t know yet…I’ve been working on making a “home management” binder…but one of the things I haven’t gotten to yet is the menu plan…it’ll make life so much easier when I get to it!

Highlights from last week…I shopped for Amanda’s school stuff. I spent an hour or so praying at the school with a few other parents…felt very good to do that before bringing Benjamin to school for the first time! Our anniversary…we’ve been married for nine years!...which we both completely forgot. I remembered at about 8:30 that night & was devastated…I live for those few days each year that I get to plan something special for Ben. On Thursday, Benjamin started school! For more info on that you can look at the posts titled “School” & “Ups & Downs”. I’m not going to give too much detail this week…just trying to get back in the swing of doing thisJ…and yes I’m still working on more summer blogs! The one highlight of last week was going campingJ…I’m going to blog separately about that though…stay tuned…

What's happening this week…School (only 3 days though!)…otherwise, trying to get back in the habit of doing Amanda’s program…and getting ready to start school with Amanda. I don’t know what we’ll do for the weekend yet…Benjamin has Friday off so we’ll have to do something special, but haven’t decided what yet. Sunday is Kick-off Sunday at our church & Kid’s Rock registration after the service…I’m excitedJ. I feel good about Kid’s Rock this year…I nearly have enough helpers already which feels wonderful & I think it’ll be a great year!

I am missing…my dear friend Sheri. It’s been nearly 9 months since we said good-bye…I pray that God has another plan so that I don’t have to wait another 3 years to see herJ!

I am praying for…my cousin, her husband & their 2 young boys. They’ve been given 23 days notice to move out of their house (nothing they did wrong). They have no idea where they’ll move & had no idea this was coming. Jesus give them peace, give them wisdom…provide the perfect home for them Lord…help them to shine your light even though it’s a frustrating & scary situation…help them to see your purpose in this!

A Monday with Heidi

I'm thankful for…each & every one of the 65 kids who came through the church doors this week…and each & every one of the 58+ people who helped make it happen!!!!!!!!!! Thank you Lord for a wonderful week of VBS!!!

I'm listening to…not too much…

What's for supper tonight…taco salad.

Highlights from last week…Well, you may or may not have noticed that I didn’t do a blog last week. That’s because I was spending basically every waking moment doing VBS!!! I didn’t have too much to right about anywaysJ…spent nearly that whole week getting ready for VBS. The kids enjoyed their first reading club meeting at the library.

Last week was much more excitingJ. On Monday we did Moses & the burning bush: True heroes know God is with them! Tuesday was Gideon defeating the Midianites: God can make ME a hero! Wednesday brought Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego: True heroes do the right thing! On Thursday we took to the water with Peter reaching out to Jesus: True heroes reach out to Jesus! Friday brought some stormy weather with Paul’s shipwreck: True heroes share God’s love! All the kids learned Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ because He gives me strength.” It was a lot of work, but soooo worth it!

We were at the church each day just after 8. The kids went over to hang out at Pastor Kent’s house & play with their kids. That allowed us leaders about 45 minutes to do last minute prep before kids started arriving. Once all the kids were gone for the day (just after noon) then we would work on setting everything up for the next day. All but one day I was at the church till 3 or 4 o’clock getting ready. There were so many details…and it was exhausting…but it went so smoothly, thanks to many prayers…and it was a LOT of fun!

I think my favorite part of the week was the opportunity we had to make some connections with non-Christian families…and kids who had never been in a church before! Now we will pray that the seed that was planted will growJ.

On Saturday we got to sleep in…which was a huge treat after a week of early mornings & late, late nights. After lunch we headed to Olds for our nephew, Carver’s 2^nd birthday party! It was really hot, but fun to see family & hang out.

I got 1 ¼ hours of sleep on Saturday night…Sunday morning we had a big VBS presentation. I’d been working on a power point presentation since Friday afternoon & thought it wouldn’t take too much longer…but it took a lot longer than I expected! Oh well, I survived (& Ben tooJ) & the kids did an amazing job! They recapped what they had learned during the week & sang some of their songs. The stage was still all decorated too…it was fun to show everyone what we’d been up to all week! After church we had to “put the church back together” which went amazingly quickly with a lot of people helping. By the time we got home, ate lunch & got the kids in their rooms for quiet times it was about 2:30…I was sleeping on the couch by about 3:05…woke up briefly at 4:30…and then slept till 7! I was still tired, but it felt good!

What's happening this week…This week is some catch up from the weeks that I’ve been busy with VBS…laundry & cleaning house, & some more laundry & cleaning house…with some bookwork on topJ. The kids also have reading club at the library which they’re excited about…they were sad to miss it last week. Other than that…I’m going swimming with Cheri & Max which will be fun…and we’re having company over who I haven’t seen in 16 years!!! They are friends of ours from when we lived in Africa! It’ll be fun to catch up. Thursday night & Friday I’ll get ready to go so that we can leave for BC whenever Ben can swing it to leave work. We’re going to stay with my grandparents in Kelowna…although I need to talk to them & make sure they’re still OK with it, with all the fires there. On Saturday the kids are staying with them while Ben & I go to a Steven Curtis Chapman/Michael W. Smith concert!!!!!!!!!!! I’ve wanted to go to an SCC concert since I was in high school, but he’s rarely in Canada & we just never made it happen. Ben’s taking me as an early birthday present. I’m soooooooooo excitedJ. Ben will fly home on Monday & I’ll stay with the kids till mid weekish. I’ll try to blog while I’m there, but we’ll see how it goesJ.

I am missing…can’t think of anything right now…

I am praying for…my aunt & uncle who have been evacuated because of the fires in Kelowna area. At one point the fire was within 3 blocks of their house. Praying for a peace that passes all understanding for them & their 3 kids (very close in age to ours). Praying that their house would be spared & that fire fighters would be able to get it under control soon so they can go home! Also praying for Ben’s cousin & his family as they live in the same area.

A Monday with Heidi

I'm thankful for…leaders for VBS!!! I finally have enough leaders…with one week to spareJ. I’m also thankful to have my vacuum cleaner back!!!

I'm listening to…the hum of the computer.

What's for supper tonight…taco salad…a family favorite.

Highlights from last week…lots of VBS prep for the first 2 days & then I hardly touched it the rest of the week…by Saturday I was behind & had a lot to do before Sunday morning. On Wednesday I purposefully set aside VBS stuff to have fun with the kids. We headed to the museum for the Canada Day festivities in town. Although waiting in line for face painting for an hour & a half wasn’t very fun, the kids loved the results! Thursday I spent nearly all morning & early afternoon doing bookwork. With all the VBS stuff that’s been getting behind. The best part of Thursday was being able to go on a date with Cheri! It’s been fun to hang out since she’s been back in Canada, but we haven’t done nearly enough & it bugged me because I know I’m the one who’s too busy! We had a blast getting pedicures together, going out for supper at Red Lobster & then just doing a little lazy shopping. It was wonderful just to hang out & be able to talk.

Ben was pouring a pad that day, which usually means a long day for him by the time it’s all finished. He was hopeful though that this one would go fairly quickly. Well…I got back with Cheri just before 10:30 & called him to see where he was at. I was surprised to find that he didn’t answer the phone at home or on his cell…and the kids hadn’t been picked up yet. We hadn’t talked since about 3:30 because he was busy & I was with Cheri, but I had been thinking he’d probably call me if he wasn’t done yet. I loaded up the kids to head home & called my dad to see if he’d heard from Ben. I didn’t know if Jonny was still with Ben or if he was by himself. To make a long story short, I finally got through to Ben. The pad had been within 2 trowellings of being done at 6:00…& then they got rained on. My dad was on his way home from Calgary (the job was between here & Calgary) so he stopped to see if there was anything he could do. Thank you Papa…that meant a lot to BenJ. By this time it’s about midnight.

Meanwhile I was at home stressing because I was overtired & I had to get up early the next morning…but I still had a lot to get ready. I was taking the kids to the Calgary Stampede parade. My sister Jodi was on the West Jet float with part of the percussion ensemble she’s with. I’d only ever been to the parade once…when I was about 15. I had no clue how to get there, where to park, etc. I discovered online that the best was going to be to take the C-train. Having never done that before either I spent over an hour trying to figure out schedules & whatnot so the kids & I could make it to the parade on time & not get lost. They sure don’t make it simple to figure out! After having a badly needed shower, I crawled into bed at 2:40am…Ben still wasn’t home. My alarm went off at 5:50…Ben had only gotten in bed about 10 minutes before. I was worried I was going to fall apart…being so overtired, plus having the stress of not knowing where I was going…plus having overtired kids… All in all it went fairly well. I woke the kids up at 6:30 & quickly fed & dressed them. I had been hoping to leave by 7…I think we pulled away by 7:15, which is actually pretty good if you know meJ. The whole C-train thing ended up being a lot simpler than it appears online. I was worried about having to transfer to a bus part way through (because that’s what it showed online), but it turned out we didn’t need to. The kids loved the train, probably more than the paradeJ. You have to understand…this parade starts at 8:55…but the “pre” parade starts at 7:30 for people who come early to find a good spot! Well, we got there at about 8:53…it was packed! We finally found a little spot where the kids could stand, but I knew they weren’t going to last 2 hours standing! Then a kind lady who was sitting in some nearby bleachers said we could use a chair she had brought. The kids took turns sitting & standing. I was thankful that Jodi was about a third to half way through so we got to see her. We stayed a bit more after that, but the kids had had enough so we headed back to the van. It was very nice to beat the rush back to the C-train. The ride back was a little trickier as there was only room for 2 of the kids to sit. Benjamin & I had to stand (25 min. ride). I knew I’d be fine (although by this time I was exhausted), but Benjamin was falling apart. About halfway through someone got off & he was able to sit down. It was a long morning & we were all worn out, but it was fun to see such a big parade…so much more extravagant than ours here…and especially fun to see JodiJ.

On the way home I told the kids they all had to have a nap…thankfully they did…I only wished I could join them! If that had been the end of my day I would have gone home & had a nap…but as soon as I got home I had to get stuff ready for Ben & Benjamin to go to camp! There is a camp here that is geared specifically for boys. For the younger ages (5-7) they do a father/son camp for only $60(for both of them)!!! Ben did it with Benjamin for the first time last year. Next year Benjamin will go on his own & Ben will take Kirby. Anyways…I managed to get them off to camp. Then Manda, Kirby & I went for a bike ride (the first time out on the road since they’re without training wheels!) before heading home & putting them to bed. I knew I needed to go to bed, but I sat down on the couch & couldn’t get the energy to get back up. I ended up falling asleep at about 10:15…and woke up at 1:30 to drag myself off to bed. It was very nice to be able to sleep in a bit on Saturday while the kids played.

I spent most of Saturday afternoon at the church. Manda & Kirby played & I organized supplies & such for VBS. It took longer than I expected & by the time we were done it was nearly suppertime. I decided to take the kids out for supper as a treat. We enjoyed watching the downpour while we waited for our foodJ. Once I got them to bed I sat down to finish all the VBS stuff I had to get sorted out before church. This was the last week for me to enlist help so I had a lot to get done. It ended up taking me a lot longer than I anticipated & resulted in another late night.
I managed to get the kids to church early to set up VBS stuff…and even got the last leader I needed which felt great! Ben & Benjamin were home by the time we got home. Benjamin had a great time! Ben was exhausted after his all-nighter on Thursday & then 2 late camp nights. He managed to get a quick nap in before we headed out to a surprise 30^th birthday party. Although we work pretty hard to not over book ourselves like this, we felt like we needed to be at this party…and were definitely glad we went.

Phew…I’m tired just writing about last week!

What's happening this week…I’ll be doing a LOT of VBS this week…last week of prep!! The kids are also going to a book club at the library which should be fun. Other than that…there’ll be a long trip to the city I’m sure…for groceries & VBS stuff. I’m hoping to get Manda’s special night done this week if Ben gets home early enough one night. Seems like it’ll be a slow week…but I know it’s going to be crazy!

I am missing…sleep! Too many late nights!

I am praying for…God to prepare kids hearts to hear about Him & that we could touch families through the kids who come to VBS!

A Wednesday with Heidi

I'm thankful for…WORK!!! We’re waiting to hear about one or two more jobs, but if they go it looks like we’ll be able to bring Ben’s brothers back to work!

I'm listening to…Ben talking on the phone…otherwise, it’s quiet…kids are sleeping.

What's for supper tonight…English muffin pizzas…kids love making their own & it was a fun supper to have for Canada Day.

Highlights from last week…Last swimming lessons…VBS, VBS, VBS…I feel like that’s all I did all week! On Monday we enjoyed hanging out with Ben’s family for our nephew Max’s first birthday! Cheri bakes AMAZING cakes…even when they’re supposedly “simple”J, so that makes it worthwhile to go no matter what! J It’s been a few months since we were all together so it was good to connect again. I did manage to get Benjamin’s special night done, which I blogged about separately…but not the other 2. Benjamin enjoyed his last soccer practice with a game against the parents. He loves any chance he gets to play against BenJ. On Friday I donned the pirate costume again & headed to the Farmer’s Market. Had numerous kids registered…Cheri came & visited me & sat with me for a bit…and even got to have a chat with Mr. Myron Thompson (was our MP for many years…Christian guy…he was thrilled with VBSJ). I was thinking after he left about how much it meant to me when I was in grade 8 (or 9, can’t quite remember) and he came & talked to our youth group. At the time I really had no clue about how government worked (we had just gotten back from Africa), but the fact that someone so important would talk to young people like us was pretty cool! On Sunday I wore the pirate outfit to church…did my announcement & talked to people afterward…it was fun to make it fun anywaysJ. I already wrote about riding bikes on Saturday…well, on Sunday Ben went to help Jonny (our employee & friend) at his dad’s farm, so after quiet times, I took the kids outside to ride bikes some more. Kirby wanted me to make his bike have 2 wheels again, but I knew I could only help one of them at a time & he didn’t want to have to wait, so he agreed to keep 4 for nowJ. I only worked with Manda for 5-10 minutes before she had it down pat. She loves to go fast…in the process making me cringe! I took Kirby’s training wheels off then & worked with him for a bit before we headed inside. He was getting really close, but was still a bit shaky on the corners. I’ll let you in on a secret though…since I’m writing this lateJ…by Monday, he had it figured out too…so we have no more training wheels!! J The rest of the week is kind of a blur…I know I did tons of VBS stuff…took the kids to the library one day & worked on VBS while they played…sat outside & watched the kids ride bikes while I worked on VBS…

What's happening this week…More VBS, VBS, & VBSJ…Monday, Tuesday will be lots of VBS…fun stuff Wednesday for Canada Day with the kids…Thursday Cheri & I are going on a “date”J…Friday we’re leaving VERY early in the morning (7:00!) to go & watch Jodi in the Calgary Stampede parade! Then we’ll come home & get Benjamin ready to go to camp! Ben & Benjamin are going to the father/son camp at Camp Teepee Pole for the second year…last chance for Benjamin as next year he’ll go on his own & Ben will go with Kirby. Check out this link for pictures from last year that are on their website: http://www.campteepeepole.org/Camp_Teepee_Pole/Gallery/Pages/Tree_Climbers_2008.html ...one of Ben & Benjamin even made it into the brochure for this yearJ. Anyway, they’ll be gone Friday evening till early afternoon on Sunday, so I’ll be on my own with the younger 2. Not sure what we’ll do yet, but I’m sure we’ll have fun! Later Sunday afternoon we’re going to a surprise 30^th birthday partyJ.

I am missing…My vacuum cleaner…it hasn’t been working for nearly 3 weeks now. The store where I bought it thought I needed to replace the power cord…which costs $150! I talked to a vacuum cleaner repair man though & he thought it could be something a lot simpler. I’m supposed to pick it up Friday…praying he could fix it for really cheap…the floors are getting nasty! Just got a phone call as I’m writing this that he was able to fix it…it’ll cost $100, but that’s still cheaper! I can pick it up Friday…yaaayJ.

I am praying for…people to step forward to help with VBS. It’s only 1 ½ weeks away & I’m feeling the crunch…trying not to stress.

A Tuesday with Heidi

I'm thankful for…WORK!!! It looks like we’re going to have 4 jobs in a row!!!

I'm listening to…Ben playing Xbox & chatting with his brothers.

What's for supper tonight…Mish mash of odds & ends.

Highlights from last week…Swimming lessons…Manda’s last soccer practice (Benjamin’s was cancelled due to thunderstorm)…had some friends over Tuesday morning while their mom went to an appointment…kids had fun playing. I think the most exciting for me was getting all the grad pictures done & dropping them off…feels really good to have that off my to do list!

On Friday, after a morning that saw plans changing every hour it seemed, we headed to Calgary to go to a gymnastics class with my friend Kim. The kids had a lot of fun…they just wanted to stay longerJ. From there we raced home to set up a VBS table at the Farmer’s Market. On my way home…at about 5:00…I got a call about the possibility of dressing as a pirate in the parade for VBS. I didn’t want to do it cause it’s not my thing…but I knew it was an excellent way to advertise VBS…and I knew I was the logical one to do it. After I got home from the Farmer’s Market we did a bit of a makeshift family night with the kids & I started scrambling to try & put together a costume for the parade at 10:00 the next morning. Thanks to some key items from a couple of people I managed to pull it off. My sister Trina agreed to join me for which I was soooo grateful. It was much better than being all by myself…& it allowed us to cover both sides of the road. As unsure as both of us were going in, we had a lot of fun. Every now & then I even loosened up & said, “Ahoy me hearties!”J The kids always smiled when I did…not sure if it was cause I sounded funny…but either way they enjoyed it.

Trina came back to our house on Saturday a few hours after the parade to babysit the kids for us. Ben was given gift cards for dinner & a movie (thanks Darren & Tara!!) for his birthday & we needed a date! We try to get out on our own at least once a month, but it’s been a good 2 months. Unfortunately this time we had to do a little shopping first so I didn’t have to go back to the city to get groceries…but once that was done we thoroughly enjoyed a relaxing supper…a great movie…and a good talk on the way home.

Sunday morning I was up bright & early to head to our annual pancake breakfast at the rodeo grounds. Our church has put this on for 6 years now. Serving people is one of my favorite things to do so I’ve always gone to help out. I think it’s been 4 years now since I started bringing Benjamin along with me to help as well…this is the first year where he served on his own & I did a separate job without having to help him the whole time. This is the second year that Manda came along. She doesn’t last as long as Benjamin, but enjoys herself none-the-less. Next year Kirby will come tooJ.

After our late date night & early Sunday morning neither Ben or I were feeling up to doing much Sunday afternoon. We had a wonderful nap…and I woke up to realize he was gone…the kids told me he was mowing the lawn! I got after him for doing that on Father’s Day, but he didn’t mind. I made him steak (well, actually he BBQ’d it so it would be cooked rightJ) & baked potatoes for supper & the kids all had a gift for him (he got mine on Saturday when we had our date). All in all it was a relaxing, enjoyable afternoon…which is what he enjoys, so I guess we still did OK making it special for himJ.

What's happening this week… Last swimming lesson for the kids…Benjamin’s last soccer practice with a game against the parents…VBS…VBS…and more VBS prep…hopefully special nights for all 3 kids…I’m behind…1^st birthday party for our nephew Max…dress up as a pirate at the Farmer’s Market on Friday…maybe even another pirate surprise appearanceJ…really need to get the pool cleaned out & some yard work done…

I am missing…Can’t think of anything right now…

I am praying for…people to step forward to help with VBS. It’s only 2 ½ weeks away & I’m feeling the crunch…trying not to stress.

A Tuesday with Heidi

I'm thankful for…WORK!!! This is the first time all year that Ben has had 2 jobs in a row…thank you Lord!!!

I'm listening to…kids…we just came inside from riding bikes…the boys are playing hockey in the hallway & Manda’s just fiddlingJ

What's for supper tonight…Curried Chicken Salad

Highlights from last week…Swimming & soccer…cleaned house…met with Pastor Kent about VBS…2 doctor’s appointments to try & figure out Benjamin’s rash. The 2 highlights were Tuesday & Saturday. Tuesday Benjamin spent a day at school! Most kids get used to how school works in Kindergarten or grade 1…and they’re all learning together. In order to help Benjamin adjust more easily & know what’s coming, we decided to have him go for a day this year. He LOVED it! When I picked him up & asked him if he had fun he said, “Yes, I just wish I could go again tomorrow!” I’m so glad he had fun so that he can look forward to September. On Saturday Benjamin & Amanda had their soccer tournament. Benjamin had a blast & loved every moment (except being hot). Manda ended up having fun too I think…although it was a bit more of a struggle. A week & a half ago she got hit with the ball in the face & passed out (she’s been doing this since she was 9 months old, but has slowly outgrown it). She has no control when she passes out & wet her pants. That really bothered her…I think it’s the first time I’ve seen her embarrassed & it was hard to see her upset like that. We headed home right away. Last week she just didn’t want to play. She’s been struggling a bit all year & I think maybe that incident tipped the scales. I wasn’t sure whether she would play on Saturday or not, but knowing that she had 2 sets of grandparents cheering for her changed her mind. The first game was pretty iffy, but the second 2 she did amazingly well. I do think she enjoyed herself, but she says she doesn’t like soccer (she wants to be on Benji’s team). Only 2 more practices to go…and then we’ll re-evaluate next year… On Sunday we enjoyed hanging out at the church for our church picnic. The kids loved the games. When the HUGE thunderstorm got close & we had to go inside…Manda freaked & wouldn’t leave my side…Kirby was distraught & wanted to play more games…and Benjamin stuck it out till the last minute with the older kidsJ.

What's happening this week… This week I’m working at finishing editing the grad pictures I took a week & a half ago. The kids have soccer & swimming. On Friday we’re joining a friend of mine with her dayhome kids to go do some gymnastics in Calgary. We’ll rush home from there to set up at the Farmer’s Market. I’m putting up a table so that parents can register their kids for VBS. Sometime this week I need to do Benjamin’s special night with him…and Manda’s this weekend. Sunday morning Benjamin, Amanda, & I will help serve at our church’s annual pancake breakfast at the rodeo grounds. I started doing this with Benjamin 3 years ago now I think. Last year was the first year Manda came & Kirby will come next year. We have a lot of fun & it’s a great way for the kids to learn to serve!

I am missing…Can’t think of anything right now…

I am praying for…VBS…wisdom in planning…leaders…that God would use us to touch kids & families lives…

A Wednesday with Heidi

Well, I realized at the end of the day yesterday that I hadn’t done a blog entry on Monday…oh well, I guess my days are just sporadicJ

I'm thankful for…phone calls. We have been getting calls to quote jobs nearly every day lately. At some point, one of them has to start, right!?

I'm listening to…silence. Ben just left with Kirby to do his special night. Manda’s playing in the living room & Benjamin is reading…

What's for supper tonight…don’t know what we’re going to do…going to Red Deer, so we’ll find something cheap.

Highlights from last week…It was actually a pretty slow week. I spent a lot of time doing catch up stuff like bookwork…Benjamin & Manda had soccer…all 3 had swimming lessons…

On Friday we went to Calgary to watch my brother Andrew run the 800m in provincials. He placed 8^th in Alberta!!! We’re so proud of himJ…and other than the fact that we FROZE!...we had a blastJ.

Saturday I took pictures for grad ceremonies & banquet for Olds Koinonia Christian School. Although inside pictures really aren’t my favorite…it was fun to get out & take pictures again.

What's happening this week… This week has been exciting already…but you don’t get to find out about it till next weekJ…swimming lessons & soccer…only 2 more weeks after this week. Yesterday Benjamin went to school for a day so that he knows what to expect come September. Today I enjoyed a couple of long walks (one way with Manda) to drop off & pick up the van from the mechanic. Tomorrow we’re cleaning house & I’m meeting with Pastor Kent to talk about VBS. Friday is wide open & I plan to keep it that way…I need to do a bunch of VBS stuff! Saturday Benjamin & Manda have their year end soccer tournament which they’re both super excited about. Once that’s done we’ll head to a birthday party. Sunday is our Sunday School picnic after church which should be fun! At some point I need to be working on editing the grad pictures too! I think that’s it for this weekJ.

I am missing…the pull out tray for my keyboard. It broke the other day so my keyboard has to be up on top of the desk, which isn’t very good for typingL

I am praying for…a friend of mine who was just diagnosed with breast cancer.

A Tuesday with Heidi

I'm thankful for…family. It was so good to see a lot of family on the weekend & have a chance to catch up a bit.

I'm listening to…kids…a little bit ago they were all sitting around the butterflies talking to them…it was so cuteJ

What's for supper tonight…don’t know what we’re going to do…going to Red Deer, so we’ll find something cheap.

Highlights from last week…2 warm soccer practices in a row!!! The kids were thrilled to be able to ride their bikes to soccer finally & I thoroughly enjoyed the warmth! We also had a blast going to the park with Ben’s sister Cheri & her little guy, Max. We haven’t spent nearly enough time with them since they’re home & it was wonderful to be able to chat. I think the most exciting part of the week was Thursday…Benjamin finished Grade 2!!! It feels very good to be doneJ.

On Saturday we headed to Cochrane for a family reunion on my dad’s side of the family. We spent the day visiting, going to the park (which included a game of tag for the adults…I was soooo sore the next day!), & hanging out in the yard. The day ended with a talent show. Benjamin read a couple of things that he has written for school through the year. Then all 3 of our kids sang & did actions for 2 songs they learned at Kid Connection. It was a long, but fun day!

On Sunday we got up bright & early & headed out again…this time to the zoo in Calgary. A bunch of the family was meeting there for a few hours before they headed home. It was especially nice to hang out with my cousin Beckie a bit more. We didn’t really get to talk, but it was so nice just to hang out & have fun together.

What's happening this week… Swimming & soccer. On Friday we might head to Calgary to watch my brother run for track & field. It’s the provincials…he got 2^nd place in countys!!! I really want to go…just have to see if we can swing the gas money. On Saturday I’m taking pictures for the grad ceremony at Olds Koinonia Christian School. I’m excited, but nervous at the same timeJ. Other than that…we’re really enjoying just hanging around home…going for bike rides, to the park, playing outside…just doing summer stuff! I’ve also been catching up a lot of things that have been on the to do list for months & months…which feels just wonderful! Oh one more thing…we were able to borrow a rototiller from a friend to do our garden…and we found out that my dad has a bunch of dirt he has to get rid of at a job…so we get free dirt! I’m very excited to build raised beds for my garden…hopefully this weekend. I know it’s going to be a super late garden…but we’re going to give it a goJ

I am missing…Elliots…this time last year…just a bit later I guess…was when Elliots came back from Paraguay. It was soooo nice to have friends close by to do these summer things with. We miss going to the park, riding bikes, & hanging out with them!

I am praying for…wisdom & very clear direction as we make decisions about work.