Oh Canada,
We have arrived safely and stayed 3 whole weeks today without packing up and heading back home to the Land of Oz. I think that is something to be proud of...real talk! I am not going to lie I have shed a few tears during these 3 weeks...I have cried because its cold and rainy, because I miss my mom, because I don't have an OBGYN, because they don't have Jiffy Mix, because Canadians seem to not love Kansans, because the lifeguard at the indoor pool forced me to get my hair wet, because they don't have a Hobby Lobby, because they don't have KLOVE, because I miss my sisters, because I can't find a church, because I couldn't get the God Bless America Scentsy warmer, because I miss my best friend, because the school isn't Blackbob, the list goes on and on and on....but I realize there is a whole LOT of "I" in those reasons and it's not about me...I know, it shocked me to!!...This life isn't about us, it's not about me. (gasp!) It's about doing the work the Lord has given us to do and doing it with a joyful heart full of Jesus.
Jer 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Rom 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
That's right...he already knows my plan and it is perfect in his sight. I know that in my heart and the next time I begin to shed tears over the small things...mosquitos swarms...no air conditioning...no friends...no summer days at the pool...
I will take comfort in the word...the truth...
Phil 4:13: I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Prov 3:5: Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Gal 5:22: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness
Phil 4:7: And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
There are lots of positives to this time in Canada...one I can't even begin to put into words is being all together as a family!! Say what? Hubby home every evening and weekend!? We got to spend Father's day with him for the first time in 2 years! The kids can't get enough daddy time and I am loving every minute of being a family all together under one roof!! Scott has traveled so much the last 2 years it just kind of became the norm for us...now I feel so spoiled having help and having my hubby so much!! LOVING IT!!
Another positive I can't even begin to describe is kiddo time! Concentrated time with our babes...only us without play dates, or commitments. It could be sad if you look at it like that but it really just gets back to basics and forms such strong bonds...sibling bonds, mother and child bonds, father and child bonds, family bonds. Life uninterrupted. Its nice to build these bonds we already had but it such a deeper stronger way. These babes keep me on my toes and definitely keep me laughing. What blessings they are to Scotty and I. I am so thankful for their little smiles, big hugs and even bigger hearts.
Here is a little bit of what we have been up to...
Making Popsicles
Making Flubber
Baking
Going for Ice Cream
Playing Play Dough
B's glasses came in the mail...thank you Mimi! This is the only time I have been able to keep them on him long enough to even attempt a picture ;)
Major upside to cool weather....the zoo animals like it! :)
Major upside to living in a new neighborhood....B is entertained with by the diggers ;)
And he loves to take his digger on the 2nd floor balcony and work along side "the dudes" ;)
My sweet first born reminds me so much of me at that age...I remember dad traveling and hanging out with my mom. All of my babies are blessings to me. Mal happens to have a special gift for helping and comforting right when you need it. She lights up my days and I am so thankful for her positive outlook and helpful spirit. Her reaction to the baby being a boy instead of a girl was priceless. This girl melts my heart!
We miss the Land of Oz..A LOT...but I am reminded daily with hugs from my hubby and babies that being together as a family is how it is suppose to be. I know we will get adjusted and we will make life long friends along the way. My heart has swelled recently thinking of the early days in Texas and my sweet friend, Amy. My mom said she has been praying for me to make a friend. I know God will provide another Amy when the time is right. I have teared up thinking of our dear friends the Bleys. What a special family God placed in our lives right when we needed them. Special life long Texas friends. Moving is hard. Making life long friends all over the country, and soon the world is invaluable. But nothing will ever be more precious than these days of family time and family memories. Days of laughter, tickle fights, movies/popcorn in bed and yes even days like today where we never got out of our jammies. Hey, we take advantage of knowing no one will ring our door bell ;) Yes, we are blessed.
Josh 1:9: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
