Prairie Lily

The Wonderer

2010-05-13T07:08:00.000-06:00

sometimes I wonder...

I wonder if I am fulfilling the plan that God had for my life. Am I doing the the things and being the person that he created me to do and be.

Just wondering......

My " Ya Ya Sisterhood "

2009-11-29T18:33:00.000-06:00

I have been truly blessed with the sisters in my life.

There is no Friend like a Sister

There's no better friend than a sister -

There's no one more loyal and true . . .

and even when sisters are different . . .

their likeness come shining through!

Perhaps it's a family resemblance

that strengthens the bond they share . . .

or maybe it's just that sisters

live life with a similar flair!

A sister remembers your childhood -

She knows more than you will admit

of times you were Little Miss Perfect . . .

and times you were just a little “s...tinker."

She's seen you in some situations

when silence just wouldn't suffice . . .

and managed somehow to get by

with those sisterly words of advice!

And when some encouragement's needed . . .

a sister will always be there . . .

to listen . . . to laugh . . .or to lean on . . .

to comfort, or simply to care.

There's no one who's more in your corner . . .

and no one you're more grateful to.

There's no better friend than a sister . . .

and no better sister than you.

taken in part from "There Is No Friend Like A Sister" by Mary Engelbreit

My sisters.... my friends

These are three very special people in my life. They are, my Mom of course, without her this post wouldn't even be possible. On the left Margaret and next to her Mitz. They are as much alike as they are different. I have seen them both come against some insurmountable obstacles. Just when you think "This is it, she just can't take anymore" they come up with this inner strength and tackle whatever they have to, to get through the crap life sometimes hands them. That inner strength comes through time spent talking to God. We had two great role models in our parents who taught us that anything is possible with God. They are both great mothers. Not only to the children they gave birth to but to stepchildren, foster children, adopted children and for Mitz , children-in-laws and grandchildren. I am so proud of my sisters and the great women they have become. My greatest wish is that I could spend more time with them.

But they buggered off and left me all alone. HA HA HA

See what I have to put up with!!!

Well I am not totally alone. God blessed me with some wonderful sister-in-laws.

With these girls I always forget the "in-law" part!

These lovely ladies took over the job of raising my brothers,
when they married into our crazy family.
And what a fine job they did.!!!!
They each made me an Auntie, which is a role I love.
Each one of them has a very special place in my heart and I love them all so much!.

"Seven Brides For Seven Brothers"

Orla- (Peter)

Christine- (John)

Margaret "E" - (Henry)

Carol - (Art)

Colleen - (Jake)

Maggie - (Abe)

Carolyn - (Dave)

And then...

My Friend...My sister

This is my friend Val.

She does not have any sisters and since mine are far away we decided that we would be sisters. I have also seen her overcome challenges that would have made most women give up. She credits all of who she is to God. She is one of the strongest people I know. She is a wonderful mother and wife, and just recently became a grandma to two little boys. She encourages me to be the best that I can be and then to accept that. She accepts me for who I am and helps me to dream of becoming more. I can go to her house for coffee and rant about whatever is bugging me and go away feeling encouraged and ready to face whatever comes my way. Sometimes I'm back the next day ranting and raving about the same thing. I'm slow and someimes it takes a while for me to get it all figured out. She prays for me and my family. I can ask her to pray about anything and I know that she will.

"Thank you lord for my sisters"

Sunday afternoon

2009-11-15T18:32:00.022-06:00

Margaret said I didn't have to have come up with anything real "Wow"to make it blog worthy.

So here it is.

I was bored this afternoon and decided to go shopping.

I went to X S Cargo and looked at one of these.A CD alarm clock.

I would really like one of these so I could wake up to something pleasant. like maybe a nice worship Cd instead of Toby Kieth yelling "How do you like me now?" in my ear.
But I didn't buy it because I was thinking "maybe I'll get one for Christmas this year!

Then I went to Valu Village.
I walked all around the store looking at all the junk. I wish they would put out as much Christmas stuff as they do Halloween crap.
Oh well!
I did find 1 and 1/2 bathing suits. Not sure when and where I'll wear the 1/2 one.... But it was a nice top and I'll find bottoms some other time.

Then I headed over to to Peavy Mart.
I like looking at all the farm toys and the Christmas decorations there.
I almost bought something resembling these for the grand kids

but opted for the old fashioned kind instead.

Just kidding !

These are to keep my hubby's toes nice and warm this winter.

Then I went here for supper with my friend Linda.

that was my day!

Can you see yourself in some of these people ?

2008-12-23T13:58:00.006-06:00

Great Grandma & Grandpa Braun or Berg
(this could be Grandma Braun's parents. )

Great Grandma & Grandpa Andres

Grandma & Grandpa Andres

A much younger Grandma & Grandpa Andres
(with Uncle John )

Grandma & Grandpa Braun

A much younger Grandma & Grandpa Braun
( I believe this is their wedding day)

A Happy Birthday to Me!

2008-11-24T14:04:00.007-06:00

I turned 50 yesterday. I still can't believe it.
I had a very quiet day. Went to church in the morning. Marv had to work in the afternoon.
My kid's and my Mom came over. The kid's made supper for me.
It was deeeeeelicious! Roast beef was done to perfection. (The way I like it anyway.)
I had a nice long nap with Thomas and then a short one with Chloe.
Sat in the Hot tub for a while and went to bed.
Now the other half of my life begins.

These are the flowers that my hubby gave me.
Apparently a little girl in the parking lot looked at them
and told him " Good choice".

Thomas had to go home to bed before we had cake.

Too bad, I would have like to see him dig into all that chocolate and icing!

I guess we'll have to wait for his birthday.

For your listening...Uh...pleasure?
Here is a sample of what it sounds like at our house when someone has a birthday.

I think they may have openings if you want to book them for your next shindig!
...Ya Think!!!!!

He is God

2008-11-04T00:18:00.003-06:00

(A friend sent this to me and I thought it was a good place to start my newest effort to blog on a more regular basis.)

He is the First and Last,
The Beginning and the End!

He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is, and He always will be ...
unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!

He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!

The world can't understand him,The armies can't defeat Him,
The schools can't explain Him, and The leaders can't ignore Him.
Herod couldn't kill Him, The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him,
and The people couldn't hold Him!
Nero couldn't crush Him, Hitler couldn't silence Him,
The New Age can't replace Him, and "Oprah" can't explain Him away!

He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.

His ways are right,
His word is eternal,
His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me.
He is my Savior,
He is my guide, and He is my peace!
He is my Joy,
He is my comfort,
He is my Lord, and He rules my life!

I serve Him because His bond is love,
His burden is light, and His goal for me is abundant life.

I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise,
the power of the powerful, the ancient of days,
the ruler of rulers, the leader of leaders,
the overseer of the overcomers,
and is to come.

And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size.

His goal is a relationship with ME!

He will never leave me, never forsake me, never mislead me,
never forget me,never overlook me and
never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!

When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!

He is everything for everybody everywhere, every time, and every way.

He is God, He is faithful. I am His, and He is mine!

My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world.
So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this...

He said it and that settles it.
God is in control, I am on His side,
and that means all is well with my soul.

Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is!

R - Rockin' Years

2008-04-21T00:41:00.007-06:00

You have to go and listen to this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBtedEhjEWM

before you watch the video below

Marv has been singing this to Chloe when he rocks her in his rocking chair since she was born.

I hope this shows up better for you than it does on my computer. I need a new monitor.

D and E

2008-04-06T07:05:00.002-06:00

Don't think I can come up with something Everyday. I am going to keep trying but my mind just goes blank and I never did well in creative writing. so bear with me and I may actually get to Z.

Can't stop listening to this song!!!!

2008-04-03T08:34:00.001-06:00

MercyMe - Bring The Rain

NaBloPoMo???

2008-04-02T18:28:00.009-06:00

Well I did agree to do this. I have been wanting to start blogging again and couldn't come up with ideas for things to blog about I just didn't ...unlees I got tagged by Chris.

Cindi asked me to do this with her so here goes. I am going to follow the letters of the Alphabet. Which is what the NaBloPoMo people suggested. I am not as creative as Cindi to actually write letters everyday for a month.

Day 1 - A

Since My first post was supposed to be yesterday... April Fool's!!! I have nothing.

Day 2 - B

Brothers

I am fortunate to have 7, yes 7, brothers. Four older and three younger.

In this photo first on the left is Peter. He is the oldest and therfore expected to be responsible and to set a good example for the rest of the brothers. For the most part I'd say he did a pretty good job. All you have to do is be at a family gathering sometime and listen to the stories of some of the escapades that these boys were involved in and you know he may have slipped from seat of honor as the trail blazer of the GOOD Braun boys. I am looking forward to spending more time with Peter and his family once they are moved into their house her in town.

Then is John. The quiet one. Never caused alot of kerfluffle as a kid. Kinda just did whatever Peter did or maybe it was the other way around. They took care of each other. John has recently been diagnosed with cancer. I have been amazed many times at the stength and peace that he shows. I am praying that John is going to come through this and live to be an old man with lots of grandkids and even great-grandchildren. It's been a tough year and we may have to go through some more deep water before we see his complete healing but I trully believe it will be so. We have alot of camping to do yet.

Then beside John is Henry. I wonder if ,by looking at his cute little smile, you can tell who the tease or the "trroughtzieich bolche" was. Oh my goodness! could this guy ever be a pest. He just loved to laugh. If there was nothing funny happening he would start somthing going with one of us that usually only he found funny. We'ed cry, Mom would yell and Henry would giggle. I think he may still be like that a bit. Just go camping with him and his family sometime. Or if you dare get pulled behind his boat on a tube. Not that I have done the tube thing, but I have been in the boat when he had Trav and B.J. behind on a tube. I do hope that we can spend some time together at the lake this year. Those are the best times.

Now bside the big white dog named Chief is Willie or Art as we all know him as. Art and I are only a year apart and therefore we were quite close growing up. Us younger siblings used to love to tease him. We were quite mean at times. Sorry Art. He would retaliate with his Andres hotheadedness especially when we called him "Monty Schultz". It makes me laugh right now just thinking about it. Art and I shared alot of our friends, and had some pretty good times together. This fall I had the wonderful oppotunity to get to know my brother again. He stayed with us for 2 months while working out here. I will treasure those times forever and hope to have more of them soon. Maybe in BC at the Beach Hut.

These are the twins. Jake and Abe.They are five years younger than I am. I didn't have alot to do with them at home. But I do remember seeing them for the first time. I had to stay with Aunt Lena while Mom was in the hospital. I walked into the bedroom and ther were other women there, all watching as Mom nursed these two babies at the same time. I remember being alittle freaked out about this. For many years it was like they weren't two separate little boys they were just "The Twins". Since they have grown up I have gotten to know the two separate men. i do appreciate the Men they have become and hope to spend some fun times together with each of them annd their families this summer.

Then last but certainly not least is David or "Doft" as we affectionatly call him. As you can see in the picture He was traveling to BC even at this age. I had just turned 16 when he was born. I quit school and stayed home and helped Mom with him and the housework for a while. We became very close and even after I got married he would come and stay for weekends quite often. Then just like ever cute little boy they turn into teenagers and I who was and old woman in my late 20's and early 30's could no longer understand what made him tick. It was as if we spoke different languages. He of course didn't want to hang out with us anymore either. He had friends and youth group things to do. Then he met Carolyn and we started to see him a bit more. This fall they moved back to Sask for a few months and I so enjoyed getting to know him again. I really hope that they come out for a bit this summer.

Those are my brothers. I am blessed by having each one of them as part of my life and I love and appreciate them more than words can say.

Thirteen things I never want to do.

2008-02-21T22:09:00.002-06:00

Thanks agian Chris for a post idea.

1. I never want to waterski or go tubing.

2. I never want to swim with leeches.

3. I never have to wear a cast.

4. I never want to skydive.

5. I never want go on any rollercoaster. I went on a tiny one at the S'toon EX with Jonathon when he was about three. I was terrified and he laughed at me because I screamed.

6. I never want to fall asleep on an Ant hill.

7. I never want to get drunk.

8. I never want to be in an Airplane crash. ( especially over water)

9. I never want to throw-up in public.

10. I never want to be buried alive. I used to have nightmares about this.

11. I never want to bungy jump.

12. I never want to scuba dive or snorkle

13. I never want to do the Polar Bear Swim. Brrr and OUCH.

It get's me posting...

2008-02-12T18:15:00.000-06:00

I have been tagged by Chris. These are the rules:
1. Pick up the nearest book ( of at least 123 pages).
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people. & post a comment here once you post it to your blog, so I can come see.

This is from a book called
London Refrain by Bodie & Brock Thoene
It is book #7 of a series. I still have 3 or 4 more to read.

A roar of approval went up from the crowd, and five minutes of Sieg Hiels laden with smoke and beery breath rocked the chandeliers. Even the Fuhrer seemed overcome by the response, for he began to wrap up his talk after only fifty-five minutes instead od the customary hour and a half.
His chreished comrades in arms begged him to stay and drink with them, reliving more of the old days, but he would not be persuaded.

I am going to tag Cindi, Meemo, Mitz, Melanie and Abe. Just because they need a new post

Brrrrrrrr...Oh baby it's cold outside!

2008-02-02T23:43:00.000-06:00

Need I say more?

I've been tagged!

2008-01-28T21:14:00.000-06:00

I am finally doing a post. I got tagged by Chris again and this time it looked like something I could do.

Here’s how it works: Use the first letter of your name to answer each question. Must be places or names…Nothing made up. Can’t use your own name for boy/girl’s name question. If you can’t answer, skip to next one.

1. Famous Singer: Sonny Bono - He sang " I got you Babe" with his wife Cher. I never really liked the way he sang...but Marv used to sing this song to me. That is the only reason I picked him. ( I don't mean Marv)

2. Four Letter Word: Soup - Because I like almost any kind of soup. My favorite being Butta zupp. With big fat noodles.

3. Street: Saskatchewan Crescent - I used to think I would like to live there. Not so much anymore.

4. Colour: Superman Red and Superman Blue... You may think I like superman or something. of all the super hero's he is probably my favorite, but Trevor suggested these to me.

5. Gifts/Present: Shelf - My loving hubbie made me a shelf for my kitchen a few years ago. When I opened the gift box all I saw was the most awful ugly baby poop brown sweater. I quickly closed the box and tried to think -at about a million miles/hour what to say about the sweater. Then I remembered seeing that horrible sweater hanging in our closet. I opened it again and felt the wooden braces for the shelf. What relief. That would have been regifting at it's worst. The shelf is still up in my kitchen. As my granddaughter Chloe would say " I uv it"

6. Vehicle: Suburban - We used to have one of these. It was a great vehicle. it pulled our camper to the lake many times and best of all, we could separate the kids. We had much quieter rides riding around in our suburban.

7. Things in Souvenir Shop: Souvenirs - Ha! What else would you get in a souvenir shop?

8. Boy Name: Shaquille O'Neal - He has big feet and so do I.

9. Girl Name: Sarah - My favorite Aunt was named Sarah.

10. Movie title: Shogun - We saw this movie on TV many years ago. We have tried to find the video but have had no luck. If anyone knows where to rent it let us know. My favorite movie is Benny & Joon but since my name isn't Bonnie. I couldn't use it.

11. Drink: Sarsaparilla - Radar on M.A.S.H. used to always have Grape or Orange Sarsaparillas.

12. Occupation:Short Oder Cook - SOooo thankful I never had to do that.

13. Celebrity: Jimmy Smitts - As Chloe says" I uv him"

14. Magazine: Sears Catalogue - Couldn't think of anything else.

15. City: Susan, VA - It was 12 degrees there today.

16. Sports: Sun tanning - This is actually a sport for me and I enjoy it most on a beach in Mexico. I wish I could go back. RIGHT NOW!

17. Fruit: Saskatoon Berries - My friend Doreen makes awesome Pereshki out of them.

18. Reason for Being Late to work: Snowstorm - this is Saskatchewan after all.

19. Something that you throw away: Sour Milk - because it stinks and tastes terrible when you accidentally drink it in the middle of the night

20. Something you shout: Shut up you stupid dog! I only have to yell this at my neighborhood dogs because my dog is in Doggie heaven.

I am going to tag Carol, Cindi, Amy and Jen ( I'll hold Thomas while you do this Jen)

Merry Christmas to all!

2007-12-22T00:27:00.000-06:00

I borrowed this idea from Carol.

This is my Christmas Card to everyone.

Merry Christmas and a very happy and healthy New Year.

click here:
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1678207513

You have to watch it for a bit after you think it's done. Hilarious!

For Your Viewing Pleasure...Old Photos

2007-12-18T02:25:00.001-06:00

This looks like it was Carol Bartsch's birthday

I'm not sure what was with my hair. A bit of a ragamuffin I'd say.

I love how you don't have to guess who's the boss in this family.

Dad, Uncle Henry, Aunt Sarah and Aunt Susan

Dad and Uncle Henry

Mom

Aunt Lena, cousin Lena Andres and little Willie

Mom

Uncle Henry, Dad and Grandpa & Gramdma

"BEACH HUT" here I come !!!

2007-08-12T01:07:00.000-06:00

Mom and I are going to BC from the 15th - 30th. I will be able to attend both Carrie and Kyle's and Kathy and Mark's weddings. In a few short days this is were I will be sitting and having coffee and maybe a screamer(some kind of delicious ice cream treat), maybe a smokie or poutine. The possibilities are endless. And since Marv isn't going with me I have to have his share too. I may...WILL have to go for many walks along the ocean and stomp gooey ducks. And Coombs Market.....need I say more?

I am also going to go to one of Dad's favorite places on this earth, Cathedral Grove. I so wish I could have shared the experience of walking through the big cedar trees with him when he was still with us. This is going to be kind of a memorial service, since most of his B.C. grandkids couldn't be at the funeral or at the hospital too say goodbye. I feel kind of wierd looking forward to such a sad occasion. Maybe I will feel close to him there, I don't know. I know I'll be close to alot of people who loved him as much as I did.

It also feels strange to be away from Marv for that long. We have never been apart for more that about a week since we go married 28 years ago.

See you all when I get back.

Going to Eagles Cove

2007-06-15T07:59:00.000-06:00

I really have mixed feelings about this missions trip. First, I hate to leave Mom and Dad at this time. There is still so much to do to get them ready to move. Second , I don't travel well. I am thinking I should just take a bunch of gravol and climb in the back of the van and sleep for the duration of the trip. I do really want to be at the camp and do whatever we need to do to help Bera and Bonita get it ready for thier first Bible Camp this summer. Minus the mosquitos and the black flies it will be a great time.

I have tried to imagine the camp looking like this.

( our Mexico missions trip)

or like this

(where I would like to go someday)

REALITY CHECK!!!

I think this is more what it will be like.

Beautiful ? Yes.

You just can't see the mosquitos and black flies.

I will keep working on having a positive attitude.

I think I can endure a few insect bites for the cause.

See you in a weeks time.

Hindsight or Hindsite?

2007-05-31T04:31:00.000-06:00

Why is it that Hindsight is 20/20?

Why could I not see what was going to happen while I ws sitting on my deck enjoying my morning coffee?

But no, I just had to have that patio block raised up a bit. I could have waited for a couple of hours for Trav to come over and do it for me. Anyway, to make a long painful story short I tried and did eventually succeed to move the patio block, put some more sand under it and put the block back again. In the process I really hurt my lower back. somewhere in the area of my siatic joint. It has been getting steadily worse since Saturday. I went for a massage yesterday and by evening I could hardley move. With the crazy month I have coming up I wish I had used some hindsight( or commen sense), then my hindsite would not be so sore right now.

So everytime you go to sit down, stand up, walk, or lay down, please remember to pray for me and that my hindsite will heal quickly.

I forgot

2007-05-09T05:13:00.000-06:00

I just checked my comments on my last post and decided I would try and think of something to post. I forgot how. I went to a bunch of different places before it finally started to make sense and so here goes.

Mmmmm ... nothing exciting happening around here.

I did get a couple of houses to clean. I forgot how much I really don't like doing houses. The pay is good but cleaning other peoples toilets? Enough said. I will try to be more thankful.

We have started working in the living room. I hope we can get the floor done by the weekend because after that Marv will be busy roofing. I forgot how hard he works in the summer. Thanks dear!!

Having Cindi and Chloe and almost everbody from B.C. come out was great but now I miss them even more. I forgot how nice it is to have everybody close.

THIS WAS TOO SPECIAL NOT TO SHARE

The knee bone's connected to the thigh bone, the thigh bone....

2007-03-29T09:52:00.000-06:00

... and so it goes with renovations.

I do have shelves in my pantry now.

The rest of the renos have slowed down considerably.

You know how it goes, every project is conected to the next next project. We need base boards, but, before we can do them we need to finish the flooring. Before we can finish the laminate we have rip out the carpet and do the tiles at the front door. We need to buy the motar and the grouting before we can do that. I don't want to rip out the rug if we can't get the flooring done before Cindi and Chloe come out. Can't have Chloe playing on a rough wood floor. So the saga continues. I would like it all done soon so that I can start working in the yard as soon as it's nice enough.

Winter Wonderland

2007-03-17T11:08:00.000-06:00

For those of you who are missing this magical part of a praire winter. This picture doesn't do it justice. The trees where actually sparkling like they had diamonds hanging on them. It was beautiful.

Frosty's Gone...R.I.P.

2007-03-17T10:57:00.000-06:00

Have you ever wondered where Frosty the Snowman goes in Spring. This showed up in my yard this year.

We all kinda thought Marv might be bringing his work home with him.

Now I know Spring is just around the corner.

My pantry

2007-03-12T08:31:00.000-06:00

This is the latest update on my pantry. I did paint the inside and am going to do the outside today. It seems to be taking a long time to get it done. So until this gets some shelves, the bed in Chloe's room is my pantry. I am not sure when I will get the fnacy shmancy door. We painted the living room on the weekend. All we have left to do is: rip out the carpet, do the laminate, tiles by the front door and in the bathrooms, paint all the doors and base boards and then a major cleaning and we should be done. Then there is the basement. I can't even think about that without getting a headache.

Renos - no pictures

2007-03-08T08:42:00.000-06:00

Well the renovations are still moving along and keep growing. My new pantry is ready to be painted although I still don't have my door. I am waiting for a sale. We had all the holes in the living room fixed and now it's ready to be painted. We have to take out the old carpet and put in the laminate flooring. We thought it might be better not to have laminate right to the front door, so guess what ? We are putting in tile. We got a sale on some discontinued stock at Home Depot and got enough to do both bathrooms too. Renovating is like a slow moving fungus. It just moves through your whole house the minute you start. Almost everthing in the house needs to be replaced or updated. It will be nice when it is done. I am getting impatient already. In a month or so I want to be outside in my yard, not still painting inside.
As soon as I figure out Jen's camera and how to load pictures onto my computer I will have more pictures. I have done it before , I think my old brain has just forgotten again!

The Cowboy Boots

2007-03-03T00:17:00.000-06:00

(Anyone who has ever dressed a child will love this)
Did you hear about the Texas teacher who was helping one of her kindergarten students put on his cowboy boots? He asked for help and she could see why. Even with her pulling and him pushing, the little boots still didn't want to go on. By the time they got the second boot on, she had worked up a sweat. She almost cried when the little boy said, "Teacher, they're on the wrong feet." She looked, and sure enough, they were. It wasn't any easier pulling the boots off

than it was putting them on. She managed to keep her cool as, together, they worked to get the boots back on, this time on the right feet. He then announced, "These aren't my boots." She bit her tongue, rather than get right in his face and scream, "Why didn't you say so?", like she wanted to. Once again she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting boots off his little feet. No sooner had they gotten the boots off when he said, "They're my brother's boots. My Mom made me wear 'em." Now she didn't know if she should laugh or cry. But she mustered up what grace and courage she had left to wrestle the boots on his feet again. Helping him into his coat, she asked, "Now, where are your mittens?" He said, "I stuffed 'em in the toes of my boots."

Happy Birthday Cindi

2007-02-27T08:41:00.000-06:00

Twenty five years ago today I became the mother of a beautiful baby girl. She has been such a blessing in our lives. She has grown into a beautiful woman in what seems like just a few years. she is a wonderful wife and mother. She loves the Lord and is raising her family to do the same. We are so proud of her.
Cindi, I hope you have a wonderful day. We miss you lots and wish we could spend this day together.

My New Pantry - Phase 2

2007-02-22T05:42:00.000-06:00

Trevor had some new ideas to improve the stucture of the pantry. Everbody is getting in on this project. Now the Boss is on the job! I think they can handle it now!
Grandpa's favorite helper
This is probably the sweetest treat that my pantry will hold. (not including the dog)
The flooring is done in the kitchen and hallway. I have to borrow one of the kid's cameras to take some more pictures. Our good friend Shawn is coming to do the boarding on Saturday. Becky, if we can find a reasonabley priced one I will get one of those nice glass doors that says pantry on it.

My New Pantry - Stage 1

2007-02-08T09:02:00.000-06:00

This is the beginning of my pantry. It is going to have more shelves and a nice door. I am very excited about being able to unclutter my kitchen and not having to store groceries in the bedroom closets and in the basement. The flooring is not put in yet. Either today or tommorrow.

Reno Pics

2007-02-04T22:48:00.000-06:00

These pictures are in radom order because when you are renovating there

is no such thing as order in your life.

This is Marv cutting 2x4's for my new pantry.

It is going to be sooo nice having the extra space.

This is my pantry minus they closet door.

We ripped all of the lino off the floor and rescewed it to get rid of some of the squeeks.

Trav painting the hall. this is the color for the living room too.

Marv painting trim. He is very good at it. I always get paint on the ceiling.

My yellow kitchen wall and Amanda patiently waiting for something to do.

Me and Marv mixing paint.

We have to hurry and get the kitchen and hallway done this week because Trevor, Cindi and Chloe are coming out on Friday and staying for a week. Please pray for good weather for them as they travel.

Puzzles & Changes

2007-01-27T03:33:00.000-06:00

I got these from friends:

What I've Learned From Jigsaw Puzzles...
1. Don't force a fit. If something is meant to be, it will come together naturally.
2. When things aren't going so well, take a break. Everything will look different when you return.
3. Be sure to look at the big picture. Getting hung up on the little pieces only leads to frustration.
4. Perseverance pays off. Every important puzzle went together bit by bit, piece by piece.
5. When one spot stops working, move to another. But be sure to come back later (see #4).
6. The creator of the puzzle gave you the picture as a guidebook.
7. Variety is the spice of life. It's the different colors and patterns that make the puzzle interesting.
8. Working together with friends and family makes any task fun.
9. Establish the border first. Boundaries give a sense of security and order.
10. Don't be afraid to try different combinations. Some matches are surprising.
11. Take time often to celebrate your successes (even little ones).
12. Anything worth doing takes time and effort. A great puzzle can't be rushed.

Thanks Stan & Glenda

Ecc 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

Thanks God

CHANGES:

Well, some of you might know that I am not a person who embraces change. "If it's not broken don't fix it". I don't mind small subtle changes but don't present me with the big ones. I like to run in the other direction. Unless it's granchildren. Bring'em on!!!

I would like to keep all of my family close to me (at least within an hours drive).
I don't like to watch my parents getting old.
I am not too crazy about all of my gray hair and the wrinkles that are appearing on my face. I almost always buy the same brand of hair dye, Lorielle Preference. Sometimes the mennonite in me is too strong and I buy the cheapest thing on the shelf, and quite often regret it.
For about 15 years I would only buy Scott jeans from Eaton's. Mitz, you probably remember those, you used to borrow them all the time, without asking I might add. You could probably still fit them (another change I am not immpressed with ).
Although I am enjoying this stage of my life with my husband and am proud of my children and the poeple they brought into our family, I would love for a chance to go back and do it all over again. I would savor every moment, take more pictures and keep a journal so as not to forget anything. ( a challenge to all of you young Mom's out there.)
We loved Stabler Point. What a feeling topping that last hill and turning that final corner into the campground. What a reunion when we would find Henry and Margaret's campsite. Those where the best of times. Then it got so big and busy, they took the big rock off the beach and we decided to move on. Tough change. :(
Not being able to sleep through the night. It,s 5am!!!! what the heck am I doing up? Menopause. aarrgghh! Naps are good though :)

More changes have come into my life recently. I will be unemployed as of March 1. My job as Office Administrator has come to an end. At first when God started to speak to me about this change I needed to make I pretended not to hear him. Then I asked him to show me what he had for me in exchange for giving up a job/ministry that I loved. Nothing. I begged, pleaded and cried. Nothing. This has been going on for at least 6 months or more. I expected God to open another door before I closed this one. He doesn't always work like that. I finally talked to Marv and Pastor Kevin about it and with the changes that are happening at church and in my job discription I decided this was the right time for me to resign. I will miss it like crazy but am looking forward to having more free time. I already have one house to clean and will probably pick up a few more as time goes on. This is a really tough change. Pray for me, please.

Another change that I am quite excited about is: Renovating!!! I know some of you who have done this are thinking "She knows not of what she speaks". It's not real major. In 23 1/2 yrs of living in this house we have only painted once. we went from eggshell white to a white with a slight tinge of grey. woohoo! Now I have a yellow kitchen. I have always wanted a yellow kitchen. It might not be the latest shade or color, but I like it and I thought if anyone else will come and cook for me and do my dishes and baking, I will paint it any color they like. Until that happens or I get sick of it , It's yellow. We are also painting the living room and hallway. We bought mistints( cause they're cheap and so are we), four different shades of cream-taupe and are going to mix them and see what we get. Hope it's good. Then last but not least we are putting in new flooring. My lino was so shot it had holes all over. one was about the size of an extra large Sasquatch footprint. It's gone. We are going to do the living room and kitchen in Oak Laminate. This is one change I am very excited about. Did I say that already? Oh well. I am taking pictures, but since Santa didn't bring me a digital camera, you will have to wait until we are done and I get my pictures developed and scanned. I don't have a scanner either. I think John does. Hey, you could all just come for coffee!!!

How are you today?

2007-01-09T10:04:00.000-06:00

Often when we meet one another, we ask the simple question, "How are you today?" Most of the time, this is not an honest question because we are not really looking for a real answer. Of course, we all understand this; we know that an honest answer isn't expected and we simply say, "Fine." We implicitly know that the person who asked the question would probably neither have the time nor the interest in receiving a full and honest answer, so we tell them what they want to hear - "Fine".
Somewhat humorous, here's how one person answered the question, "How are you feeling today?"
I'm fine, thank you.
There is nothing the matter with me.
I'm as healthy as I can be.
I have arthritis in both my knees,
and when I talk, I talk with a wheeze.
My pulse is weak, and my blood is thin,
but I'm awfully well for the shape I'm in.
Arch supports I have for my feet
or I wouldn't be able to be on the street.
Sleep is denied me night after night,
but every morning I find I'm all right.
My memory is failing, my head's in a spin,
but I'm awfully well for the shape I'm in.
The moral is this, as my tale I unfold,
that for you and me who are growing old,
It's better to say "I'm fine" with a grin
than to let folks know the shape we are in.
How do I know that my youth is all spent?
Well, my "get up and go" just got up and went,
But I really don't mind when I think with a grin
of all the grand places my "get up" has been.
Old age is golden, I've heard it said;
but sometimes I wonder as I get into bed,
With my ears in the drawer my teeth in a cup,
my eyes on the table until I wake up.
Ere sleep overtakes me, I say to myself,
"Is there anything else I could lay on the shelf?"
When I was young my slippers were red,
I could kick my heels over my head.
When I was older my slippers were blue,
but I still could dance the whole night through.
Now I am old, my slippers are black,
I walk to the store and puff my way back.
I get up each morning and dust off my wits
and pick up the paper and read the obits.
If my name is still missing, I know I'm not dead,
so I fix me some breakfast and go back to bed.

Do you feel like that some days?

Christmas Pictures

2007-01-05T18:53:00.000-06:00

These are pictures of our Christmas. You will probably notice a "Chloe" theme throughout all of them. She is the center of our world. She loves braclets.

This is one of the few pictures of her in her Christmas dress. She got it from her Grandpa Rick & Grandma Sally. I did get some on my camera but it isn't ditgital so until I get them scanned this is it.

She like unwrapping gifts but was a little slow because every piece of paper she tore off she had to hand it to someone. what does that green button do?

She had a little trouble getting off .She enjoys pushing it around more than riding it.

Chloe got a really cool keybord from anuty Jen & Uncle Kelly. Grandma got a new house coat.

Story time with grandpa.

That little puppy spins when you poke it!

Trav & Amanda

Kelly got new gloves. Jen was getting Jazz (thier dog) to fetch his while out for a walk and lost one of Kelly's gloves.

Our good friends Shwan,Karen & Evan who came to share our family Christmas.

They are like part of our family.

FUN IN THE SNOW

love this picture

Making snow angels Jen making it snow
She is not to sure what to make of this snow stuff.

What a good place to warm up in.

We had such a good time and miss having them here.

There are more pictures and you will probably see some on Cindi's and Chloe's blogs.

My Double Portion

2007-01-01T15:05:00.000-06:00

As you can see we were doubly blessed this year. This is Tori, Marv's niece who has been a big part of our family for many years. She is such a beautiful person, inside and out and we all love her so much. She is like our 4th child. Tori was able to come over for a few days and we had a good time playing cards and just hanging out. Love you Kiddo!

A Wish Come True

2006-12-29T05:16:00.000-06:00

My little Christmas wish arrived almost an hour late but safe and sound. We have been having so much fun with her. She is the center of attention no matter what is happening. She is such a busy little girl. How did we have fun before you came into this world.

Thanks Trevor , for sharing your girls with us during this Christmas season. Wish you were here.

There will be more pictures to come.

Almost Envious

2006-12-21T18:04:00.000-06:00

I have to admit, after I was almost blinded by the sun glistening off the hoar frost covered trees this morning, and then again on the snow covered fields this afternoon, I was almost a little envious of all you people spending Christmas on the Island. What with those late November, early December showers,and those warm gentle breezes coming in off the ocean. And to top it all off it looks like you're to be able to get fire wood really cheap this year.
But as the thermometer managed to climb to 0 degrees this afternoon life didn't seem so bad here in old Saskatchewan. As the sun warmed the inside of my backhoe my mind drifted to even warmer sunny days. Days spent at the lake, maybe fishing or swimming.

Anyways just wanted to wish all you BC folk a merry Christmas and a happy new year

From an Old Stink Weed Growing in the Lily Patch

Hope to see you all soon.

My Christmas Wish List

2006-12-09T11:43:00.000-06:00

My Christmas wish list is quite short. Actually about 30" high. It is the cutest little thing. It has blue eyes and a little tiny nose. It has the biggest smile and when you see it first thing in the morning it's hair is quite a site. All fuzzy and sticking out everywhere. It is not a FURBIE. You can put it in the bathtub and it splashes around until you and the bathroom are soaked. When it recharges it's battery it likes to snuggle in and stick it's hand just inside the collar of your shirt or up your sleeve. It is designed to copy everything you do or say, so we have to be very careful that we are on our best behavior when it is in the room. It is hard to believe that someday this tiny little gift will be my size. One really cool thing about this gift is that it has these two attachments that make sure that it is well looked after. They are almost always with the little gift , which is good because they are part of my wish list too. They feed it, clean up any messes it makes and dress it up too look really cute. These two attachements have the most awesome responsibility. You could compare it to a computer game. They have to take this little gift and manoever it through a huge maze filled with good and evil. This little gift has the capability to store alot of information, and it uses it in the game after it reaches the level of going it alone. This little gift has the capability to make us do and say the most ridiculous things, just trying to get it to respond to us. I know that it is the wish of my whole family that I get my wish, because it is probably at the top of thier list too. I am praying that I get my wish this Christmas.

We are so lonesome we could cry

2006-11-29T15:19:00.000-06:00

Our smiles are not quite so bright today. We took our little sweetheart to the airport this morning. Saying good bye is so hard. We miss her so much. I can't believe how fast this last week went. Why does it seem that way, when you are having the best of times. The toys are still all over the house and the house still smells like a baby. I am almost crying as I write this, so I am going to quit for now. We love you and miss you little one. We are praying that you get better and that you and your Mom & Dad will be able to come home for Christmas.

From: Becky

2006-11-21T18:27:00.000-06:00

Voilà! It's finished. Sadly most of you won't be able to enjoy it in it's full gloriousness because for some reason the pretty fonts I picked for the titles only show up on my computer.

Aunty Margaret... You're next.

A hobby I would love to do

2006-11-19T06:18:00.000-06:00

This is something I have wanted to do for a long time. It would be fun to build and my grandchildren could play with it. there is a store called Lynn's Collectibles in West Edmomton Mall that carries these. The are quite expensive but well worth it I think. I would like to get a pattern and make the whole thing from scratch. This is actually the type os house I would have loved to live in and raised my kids. I will settle for the doll house. Much cheaper.

Jokes

2006-11-14T16:41:00.000-06:00

I got these in an email from my BC friends * These made me chuckle. If you are blonde, old or dead, I am not trying to offend you.

At Your Funeral... Three friends from the local congregation were asked, "When you're in your casket, and friends and congregation members are mourning over you, what would you like them to say?"
Artie said, "I would like them to say I was a wonderful husband, a spiritual leader, and a great family man."
Merle commented, "I would like them to say I was a wonderful teacher and servant of God who made a huge difference in peoples lives."
Don said, "I'd like them to say, 'Look! He's moving!

Passing Gas... A little old lady goes to the doctor and says, "Doctor I have this problem with gas, but it really doesn't bother me too much. When I pass gas I never smell and I am always silent. As a matter of fact, I've passed gas at least 20 times since I've been here in your office. You didn't know I was passing because I don't smell and I am silent." The doctor says, "I see, take these pills and come back to see me next week." The next week the lady comes back. "Doctor," she says, "I don't know what you gave me, but now when I pass gas ...although I'm still silent... I stink terribly." The doctor says, "Good! Now that we've cleared up your sinuses, let's work on your hearing."

* Overweight... A blonde is overweight, so her doctor puts her on a diet. "I want you to eat regularly for two days, then skip a day, and repeat this procedure for two weeks. The next time I see you, you'll have lost at least five pounds." When the blonde returns, she's lost nearly 20 pounds. "Why, that's amazing!" the doctor says. "Did you follow my instructions?" The blonde nods. "I'll tell you, though, I thought I was going to drop dead that third day." "From hunger, you mean?" asked the doctor. "No, from all that skipping."

Knitting... A highway patrolman pulled alongside a speeding car on the freeway. Glancing at the car, he was astounded to see that the blonde behind the wheel was knitting! Realizing that she was oblivious to his flashing lights and siren, the trooper cranked down his window, turned on his bullhorn and yelled, "PULLOVER!" "NO," the blonde yelled back, "IT'S A SCARF!"
Speeding Ticket... A police officer stops a blonde for speeding and asks her very nicely if he could see her license. She replied in a huff, "I wish you guys would get your act together. Just yesterday you take away my license and then today you expect me to show it to you!"

*The Vacuum... A blonde was playing Trivial Pursuit one night. It was her turn. She rolled the dice and she landed on "Science & Nature." Her question was, "If you are in a vacuum and someone calls your name, can you hear it?" She thought for a time and then asked, "Is it on or off?"'"

I've become part of the blogging Brauns

2006-11-13T16:17:00.000-06:00

I really don't have a clue what I'm doing here. I hope this all works. My kid's have been telling me to set up my own blog for quite a while now. So here I am. I am not sure how often I will have something to share, but I will try. I also don't have a digital camera so there won't be pictures. Unless I get one for Christmas.