Yes, it is official. We sold our house. After just over a month on the market our house is sold. We have had many people come look at it, one couple made an offer that never went through, one couple wanted to make an offer but needed to sell their house first so we nixed that, and the last people made an offer that we thought was just right. They are exactly the kind of people we thought would buy our house. We just knew it was the right time, the right people and the right price. They take possession on Oct. 1 which is great for us because it gives us time to figure our life out.
So, the next question everyone asks is, "So where are you going to move?" GOOD QUESTION! We don't know yet. We'll keep you posted on that one. We would like to rent for a while because we are feeling like God may be transitioning us soon and we don't really want to buy again just in case we move (I pray that we can stay in this area... I love the Okanagan more than any other place I've ever lived).
So, that's the update. We have no kids right now. Brayden is at camp and Ethan is at Gramma and Grampa Jessop's cottage. YIPEE! Kenny and I are taking FULL advantage of the situation. Last night we had a dinner by the lake and we are off to do some shopping sans kids today. JOY!
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
In the last week it feels like death has brushed past us without actually hitting us.
We found out on Monday that a man who we knew in town died while camping when a tree fell on him. He was our age and had a wife and four young kids. He was the leader of his home-church and a hard worker as a home builder. A total accident took his life.
Then our friend called us the next day to tell us that his 3 year old niece died after a choking accident with a toy. A total accident took her life.
So often in this life we think we are in control of things. We plan our week, our year, our retirement. We organize our lives to work smoothly. But then stuff like this happens and it reminds us that there is a God who plans our steps and numbers our days.
Some say, "How can a loving God allow such horrible things to happen?". But when I look at our good friend who lost his wife 5 years ago in a sudden accident, I know part of why God allows this stuff. Although our friend suffered greatly from his wife's death, he is now stronger, more humble, and free from many of the things that feared him in the past. He went through a storm to become a better man. I believe God is always lovingly shaping us into better people just as I lovingly shape my kids into better people.
I also believe that God only allows us to go through that which He knows we can handle. A couple of years ago we found ourselves in the middle of a very hard situation. One day as I was wondering why this ordeal had landed on our doorstep I heard God say, "I know you see this as a disaster, but I want you to see it as a compliment. I would never give you anything you couldn't handle. I know this is huge and feels too much for you, but I believe you are strong enough to get through it". I learned a lot in that time and I do feel like I am better for going through that hardship.
Anyhow, all this blabbering to say that we have really been reminded this week Who is in control of our lives and that whatever happens, we will be better for it. But my heart just breaks for these families who have lost so much. And I have faith that when it is all said and done, they will be able to look back and see God's hand lovingly working on their behalf.
We found out on Monday that a man who we knew in town died while camping when a tree fell on him. He was our age and had a wife and four young kids. He was the leader of his home-church and a hard worker as a home builder. A total accident took his life.
Then our friend called us the next day to tell us that his 3 year old niece died after a choking accident with a toy. A total accident took her life.
So often in this life we think we are in control of things. We plan our week, our year, our retirement. We organize our lives to work smoothly. But then stuff like this happens and it reminds us that there is a God who plans our steps and numbers our days.
Some say, "How can a loving God allow such horrible things to happen?". But when I look at our good friend who lost his wife 5 years ago in a sudden accident, I know part of why God allows this stuff. Although our friend suffered greatly from his wife's death, he is now stronger, more humble, and free from many of the things that feared him in the past. He went through a storm to become a better man. I believe God is always lovingly shaping us into better people just as I lovingly shape my kids into better people.
I also believe that God only allows us to go through that which He knows we can handle. A couple of years ago we found ourselves in the middle of a very hard situation. One day as I was wondering why this ordeal had landed on our doorstep I heard God say, "I know you see this as a disaster, but I want you to see it as a compliment. I would never give you anything you couldn't handle. I know this is huge and feels too much for you, but I believe you are strong enough to get through it". I learned a lot in that time and I do feel like I am better for going through that hardship.
Anyhow, all this blabbering to say that we have really been reminded this week Who is in control of our lives and that whatever happens, we will be better for it. But my heart just breaks for these families who have lost so much. And I have faith that when it is all said and done, they will be able to look back and see God's hand lovingly working on their behalf.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Western Canada Tour 2007
We arrived home safely last night after an 8 day trek across BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba
- 44 hours were spent in the van
- about 18 of those hours were spent watching movies
- about 6 of those hours were spent playing gamecube
- about 10 of those hours were spent sleeping
- the remaining 10 hours were spent looking at barren prairie
- 7 stops were made to camp or visit friends and family
- 8 hours were spent at the Calgary Stampede
- 1 wallet (Kenny's) was left on the bumper of our van and is now somewhere between Brandon, MB and Grenfell, SK
- 1 tent trailer was purchased from Kenny's sister and hauled back to Enderby
- 8 days of fun were had!
We decided on our trip to make this visit a "cousin" visit. Our boys have 9 other cousins in Manitoba but none here in BC. So, we wanted the kids to get as much cousin time as possible. On the first night there Ethan asked me, "Mommy, am I a cousin?". By the end of the weekend he knew the answer to that question. The boys played with their cousins practically non-stop the whole time. It was awesome! I've never seen the kids so happy for so many days in a row!
The boys with Grandma and Grandpa
Our new tent trailer is tested out by the boys and our Calgary friends
Ethan with cousins: Sheena, Nicholas, and Jackson
The boys tried out Grandpa's pellet gun... they both hit the target (small plastic lid)!
All the cousins (except Collin who was away at air cadet training)
Brayden really got along well with his cousin AJ
Ethan and Nicholas had fun with Grandma's dress up box
The Ferris Wheel at the Stampede
The boys bought some cotton candy and Kenny splurged on those little doughnuts
Our first camping stop was at Cypress Hills in AB
Grandma and Grandpa have a really cool jetted hot tub!
Kenny and his siblings: Adeline, Vern and Marina
- 44 hours were spent in the van
- about 18 of those hours were spent watching movies
- about 6 of those hours were spent playing gamecube
- about 10 of those hours were spent sleeping
- the remaining 10 hours were spent looking at barren prairie
- 7 stops were made to camp or visit friends and family
- 8 hours were spent at the Calgary Stampede
- 1 wallet (Kenny's) was left on the bumper of our van and is now somewhere between Brandon, MB and Grenfell, SK
- 1 tent trailer was purchased from Kenny's sister and hauled back to Enderby
- 8 days of fun were had!
We decided on our trip to make this visit a "cousin" visit. Our boys have 9 other cousins in Manitoba but none here in BC. So, we wanted the kids to get as much cousin time as possible. On the first night there Ethan asked me, "Mommy, am I a cousin?". By the end of the weekend he knew the answer to that question. The boys played with their cousins practically non-stop the whole time. It was awesome! I've never seen the kids so happy for so many days in a row!
The boys with Grandma and Grandpa
Our new tent trailer is tested out by the boys and our Calgary friends
Ethan with cousins: Sheena, Nicholas, and Jackson
The boys tried out Grandpa's pellet gun... they both hit the target (small plastic lid)!
All the cousins (except Collin who was away at air cadet training)
Brayden really got along well with his cousin AJ
Ethan and Nicholas had fun with Grandma's dress up box
The Ferris Wheel at the Stampede
The boys bought some cotton candy and Kenny splurged on those little doughnuts
Our first camping stop was at Cypress Hills in AB
Grandma and Grandpa have a really cool jetted hot tub!
Kenny and his siblings: Adeline, Vern and Marina
Monday, July 09, 2007
Bon
(the title is supposed to say "bon voyage" but blogger would only let me do "bon" and now it won't let me erase it!)
After our little camping trip we had my friend, Elina come and visit for a few days. We grew up together in Calgary so it was great to catch up again.
We are leaving tomorrow for the Toews Family Western Canada Tour! We will be stopping at the Calgary Stampede, my Gramma's house in Regina, and of course, the center of the universe... Steinbach, Manitoba where Kenny's family lives. We plan on camping the whole way there and back. We'll be gone for 8 days. I must say the thought of driving 44 hours in total with 2 kids does not excite me. But it will be nice to spend some time together with family.
I still have a day of packing, house cleaning (we will have some house showings while we are gone) and running around to do tomorrow before we go!
Life never slows down! Hope you all have a good week. We'll be leaving the 37 degrees for a cooler 22 degrees. Let's just pray it doesn't rain on us as we camp!
Until next time...
After our little camping trip we had my friend, Elina come and visit for a few days. We grew up together in Calgary so it was great to catch up again.
We are leaving tomorrow for the Toews Family Western Canada Tour! We will be stopping at the Calgary Stampede, my Gramma's house in Regina, and of course, the center of the universe... Steinbach, Manitoba where Kenny's family lives. We plan on camping the whole way there and back. We'll be gone for 8 days. I must say the thought of driving 44 hours in total with 2 kids does not excite me. But it will be nice to spend some time together with family.
I still have a day of packing, house cleaning (we will have some house showings while we are gone) and running around to do tomorrow before we go!
Life never slows down! Hope you all have a good week. We'll be leaving the 37 degrees for a cooler 22 degrees. Let's just pray it doesn't rain on us as we camp!
Until next time...
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Spur of the Moment Vacation
So on Monday morning, Kenny called me from work. He suggested we go camping. Sounds easy? Well, I thought it was a great idea (and it was) but I spent the rest of Monday running around trying to throw everything together. By the time he got home from work, I was sweaty, tired, and ready to camp! We spent his 2 days off at Mabel Lake Provincial Park where we go camping every year. We love it there. It was an awesome get-a-way for our family. Check out the pics.
The mesquitos were so bad! Kenny almost went insane I'm sure of it. But check out Ethan's back. He got slaughtered. You may have to enlarge this pic to see it.
Bailey discovered the "hunter within" this week as she sent a few squirrels up a tree!
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Cooking in the wilderness!
Our campsite on the first night we were there. Brayden lives for campfires!
Ethan is known for being a bit of an extremist at times. Check out the size of his poker stick he found for the fire!
Brayden loves chopping wood like Daddy
It was very hot while we were camping... well over 30 degrees. Here's a way to keep cool (or heat up I guess)
What an awesome view at the beach!
The mesquitos were so bad! Kenny almost went insane I'm sure of it. But check out Ethan's back. He got slaughtered. You may have to enlarge this pic to see it.
Bailey discovered the "hunter within" this week as she sent a few squirrels up a tree!
Cooking in the wilderness!
Our campsite on the first night we were there. Brayden lives for campfires!
Ethan is known for being a bit of an extremist at times. Check out the size of his poker stick he found for the fire!
Brayden loves chopping wood like Daddy
It was very hot while we were camping... well over 30 degrees. Here's a way to keep cool (or heat up I guess)
What an awesome view at the beach!
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