tomatoes

Don't you love fresh tomatoes out of the garden. Toasted tomatoe sandwiches! Yummy! Mayo, salt pepper, and a thick slice of frest tomatoe. These were my thoughts three years ago when I planted my frist garden here in Plenty. The first year the plants got killed by late frost in May, there were no tomatoes. The seconded year I got huge plants, but no tomatoes! This year I was very careful. I planeted them well, I pruned them, and watered them. And then I realized that I had bought, planted and cared for cherry tomatoes. You do not know how disappointed I was and still am. I don't know what to do with cherry tomatoes. I made a batch of salsa, but I have more now and I don't know what to do. I want a tomatoe sandwich. Is that too much to ask?
Maybe next year. Is that not every gardener's moto?

Noise

Have you ever seen this show on CBC on Sunday afternoons. Its about youth that do things to make a difference in the world. It never ceases to inspire me. There are some amazing stories of young people who do unbelieveable things. I was thinking how I used to believe that I could do anything. As a teenager there was nothing to big for me to tackle. I remember working at Fair Havens one summer the Sr. Youth leader told Brad and I that we were dreaming too big and when we got older we would realize that one person can only do so much. I remember crying that night in bed. I never wanted to believe that. I don't think I believe it...but my expectations have definitely been lowered. I've been asking myself what impossible things does God want me to do? Not just globaly, but here at home. Organizing a tupperware party for the community ladies seems like a big deal. I mean I don't know any of them, and what if it turns out to be a night that they are all busy? Maybe tupperware is the wrong thing to do...? anyways, I'm going to keep asking God.
I wonder if I underestimate the work I do for God at home. you know the two lives that I give myself to everyday are so important. I wander if I am selfless and give and teach maybe God will use them to do great things in the kingdom. That is definitely something to inspire towards.

PS sorry for all the spelling mistakes. Those of you who have known me for a long, long time lovingly know that spelling is not one of my strengthens!

too far away

Back from ontario now. Its been over a week now and I'm starting to get back to normal. It was so good to see Joshua. We haven't been able to be brother and sister for a long time. Distance, jobs, other relationships and just busy living got in the way. No bitterness...I just want to get to know my brother again, and I'd say the trip was a success. We had a few good days of doing NOTHING. Which is good for the both of us. Anyways, he's a good man and I'm proud of the decisions he makes, and the life that he and his wife are making for themselves.
I also went back home to the community I grow up in. I was so freshing to see faces that I love. Had a good, but too short visit with the Hay family. People who just ooze love! I can't believe how special each of their kids are. They each are so unique and beauitful ( I mean handsome, sorry boys) in their own way! I wish I could be around to see and be apart of more of their life.
Who knows why god takes us so far away from people we love? I do know that he wants me to be content and Christ like in every situation, and where ever on planet earth I happen to be.
We're starting up Youth Group tonight. Jon's looking forward to getting back into the swing of things. We are praying that this year's grade sevens will come out. It would be nice to see some new faces. Jon has also just started coaching Volley ball in the highschool. He loves coaching. So lots of changes coming up. Coaching means practices and tournaments on weekends. Oh well, its important.
well like I said, I'm happy to be home but missing all those great people in my life that regrettfully live very far away.

I can't think of a title

I wish I had a picture to show you Grace's first steps. (I can't find the digital camera and if I did I can't find the cord that connects it to the computer) She took 3 very good steps today between Jon and I. It's funny how much more cautious she is compared to Elijah at her age. Elijah just got up one day and walked and she's taking a few everyday. I'm glad they are not the same people. Actually, I'm not too anxious for her to walk because then I'll be chasing two children at church and trying to keep two children in the pew. Lovely! Sounds like fun!
I'm going to visit Joshua on Tuesay. I got so excited today thinking about it that I started feeling sick to my stomach, actaully it was more like my colon area. There will be alot of my reader that will not understand that, infact I hardly understand it myself, but that's what happens when I get really excited. Anyways, it will be so nice to spend some quality time with my bro and his wife. I feel like I hardly know the guy! This is a picture of me and the kids very excited that Mom and Grace get to see Uncle Josh and Anut Becky. (EJ's not coming but he'll smile about anything)

Melissa Brodie

Today preparing for supper I was standing at my kitchen sink husking corn. I was thinking about being eight years old and being at Melissa Brodie's house for a full day of fun. Jean asked us to husk the corn for supper and we got a big paper bag and sat on the side porch and tore off the husks. One of those jobs that few children complain about. I don't know what brought me back to that memory. I've husked corn on many other occasions and under many other circumstances, but today I felt reminecent of my younger years. I started thinking about all the people who have been in my life over the years, people I have loved and cared deeply for, like Melissa. People who are apart of all my memories and sadly people who I haven't heard from in years. Not of their doing alone. Funny how life goes. One day someone can be the center of your universe and you're thinking, " I will never have another friend like Melissa Brodie, we'll be friends forever." and the next(well10 years later) you don't even know if their married with kids. You know though, all is not lost! I still have the memories. And a friend made in the heart is a friend for a life time. I still hold Melissa and our memories dear to my heart.

So what does this have to do with corn? I have no idea. I'm crazy like that I guess. One minute its husking corn and the next I'm rambling about long lost friends.

Something of me

I'm feeling like I want to say something but I don't know what to say. My whole life I have taken up a pen (or lap top). I remember one year as a camper at Camp Livingstone journaling. I still have that journal. In high school I wrote in my diary to a girl I imagined up. I can't remember her name. I worte about how much I hated school, my struggle to be a 'good' christian girl, my deep crushes, and my general thoughts about anything and everything. In college I met God for the first time in an intamate, exciting way. I wrote down everything I learned from the Word, all the quotes that inspired me, and my prayers. Those journals are percious to me. And now as a wife, mother of two and pet owner, I feel like I want to write something down. I want to be me, not a wife, mother, housekeeper, pet owner, or meal maker. I want to write because its who amie is. It helps me feel normal again, like I still have a bit of me left. I'm sounding very morbid, like I don't enjoy all of the new things that I do and have become. That's not the case. Its just that sometimes I want to remember plain old amie.
so I guess this really isn't about writting. Its about rediscovering me. Allowing myself apart of myself, that isn't about everything else...does this make any sense. One day i hope I can knit, and read and play my guitar and journal (more regularly) and anything else that I enjoy. Right now I guess I'll blog when I get the chance. (What a strange word, "blog")
Thanks Lord for all the people and blessings in my little world. I'm better everyday for all of it.
Help me remember that!
The end!

Heat

I CAN NOT BELIEVE THIS HEAT!
What in God's green earth is going on? I feel like a baked potatoe. We have been living in our basement and the kids are getting sick of the four walls. The dishes pile up because I can't stand to be at the sink past 10:00 am. It gets hot by then, and who wants to have their hands in hot water when you are already hot.
anyways if anyone is reading this you can think of us. And you also don't have air conditioning in your house let me know so I can think of you too! Us non-airconditioned people have to stick together.

Dreamer

I am very reminiscent. If I have a chance to think, talk, or relive my past I gladly will. Jon and I went for a trail ride at Cypress today. As soon I was on the back of that horse, all of my teenage memories of riding Cedar, the neighbor’s Thoroughbred, came back to me. Diane Combs gave me lessons in exchange for my work in the barn, mucking out stalls. The horse beneath me felt so familiar. I had to hold myself back from talking the trail leader’s ear off, asking questions, telling stories, and the like. There was a voice in me that reminded me that I was a fake, this wasn’t real life and I couldn’t be a cow-girl for 45 minutes, it would take years of experience.
My mother had always been a dreamer. She wanted to dream about building a beautiful house, traveling to unknown places, sacrificing for people she’s never met, pushing herself with new challenges (like living with very little, or climbing a mountain,) transporting herself back in time with wilderness experiences, starting small businesses, trying new foods, the list goes on. I grew up believing that dreaming was as vital to living, as drinking water. So now in my late 20’s as I sit on a large trail horse named Burtus, I begin to dream. I see my family on a ranch, riding, mucking, breeding, doing hay. I see my children learning to love work, learning skills that will stay with them a life time, and teaching them respect for God’s creation, animals and the land. (what a romantic) I can hear friends and family laughing and then shaking their heads. I guess the thing I know about dreaming is that true dreamers know that only the dreams that God has for them come true and the others are just fun to think about it. I knew my mom wasn’t going to do and have all the things she dreamed about, but sitting at our small table, with pencil and napkin, we loved to draw the layout for our dream home. Did we ever get that dream home? No. Are we still happy? Yes! Will I get my ranch with horses, cattle, and chickens? Who knows? I do know that I love to think about it!

Away

Wow, what a holiday. I feel like we haven't been home forever. At Jon's parents and then at my parents. We have done the Swift Current Fair, we've gone to Waskasieu for a day at the beach, we've gone to Uncle Randy's and got a ride on Colton's pony, we've played from sunrise to sunset on Grandma Chalmer's trampoline, we've played all day in Nanna's pool, rode our bikes all over the place, icecream, lots of golf for Jon, mini golf for me, and we took in a parade and to top it off we even helped my parents in the garden. Lots of fun all around. I feel little disjointed and lost, but the kids are doing so well and having so much fun that we don't feel stressed out. I've enjoyed being at my Mom's. There is a family that goes to there church that Jon and I get along with well. The other night Mom and I went over to her house for a visit and coffee. It was so nice just to ride my bike over to a friends house at 9:00pm and sit down in the kitchen for a coke and a talk. Also it is nice to have friends like her that you see twice a year but its easy when you see each other to pick up where you left off. Actually, Jon and I have a few friends like that.
anyways, we've really felt like this month has given us the rest and energy we need to get back to work in August. It will be nice to get back to life in August and see our friends at home.

fun in the sun

It is hot here. We are just cookin'. So the kids and I had a little fun with some water yesterday. It was Grace's first time in the pool and she loved it. she was tougher than Elijah. I had to get the pool to convince him it would be fun. But once he got started Grace and I both where kicked out of the pool...he took up the whole thing, as he flung himself around and splashed nonstop.
These pictures were actually taken before Elijah woke up from his nap and Grace and I were relaxing in the sun...Then our beloved "Cookie Monster" came out and played hard!
anyways life is good and the sun is shining. What more could I want!?!

Cool do!

Would you quite your screaming, kid! :) Lots of love coming my way when with picture was taken...Not so much. People tell me I have to figure out how to channel all his energy...I say, "channel what?" Oh well...lots of love in our house, sometimes it just looks like this!

Speak...

God do you hear me when I talk to you? Universal question.
I'm realizing that I'm either talking too much or not enough with God. Either way there is no communication going on. I know that when I don't communicate with Jon there are problems in our marriage. Why is it so hard to remember that with God? Jon and I are faced with some important decisions in the future and we are first of all trying to remember to include God. Secondly we are trying to decern his voice from ours and others.
I'm no expert, so I don't have anything profound to say about it all. I'm just trying.
Lord speak, your servant is listening.

Here's a few photos of me and my girl. You can see that her eye is looking better but still not quite back to normal. From the time I took the pics of her till now the bruising has gone down more. I thank the Lord for antibiotics. Without them I wouldn't have my girl back safe and healthy.

Family

My mom and dad are in Ontario at the moment. Today I phoned my cousin/brother, Scott and his lovely wife, Liz. Mom and Dad were there visiting. I wish I was there. I miss everyone so badly. My cousin Elizabeth is having her second baby any day soon and I want to be there to help her out. I also want to meet her son and have her meet my daughter. Jon says that we are going to save this year to go next summer. Next summer seems like forever, but if thats what I've got to work with I'd better put my nose down and start saving. I think we should open a saving account for this purpose. When ever we try to save for something the money some how gets lost ( not literally). Anyways, I miss all my family down there and I miss all my friends at Breadalbane. I hope Josh isn't overseas next summer. That would be a dissappointment. We'd forsure go see Becky anyways. I love and miss her too. I want to meet their puppies. They are probably so cute. They won't be puppies next summer, will they?!!!
Okay now I'm rambling. Anyways, I'll get back there some time or another and then it will be another three years :)

Thank you

Sitting here tonight, the kids are finally sleeping...and its been a long day. I feel tired from.........i don't know what, but I know I'm tired. With all the screaming and picking up after everyone, and cooking, and laundry, I still feel like today wasn't a complete disaster. I talked with my friends on the phone today and was encouraged. I am so thankful for the friends God has put into my life. Women who are honest, sympathetic and spiritual. You know who you are. Thank you. For...just valuing me and building into my life. I only can hope that I can do the same for you.
Looking back over the past month I am shocked by the love and support we recieved while Grace was in the hospital. People were praying for a little girl they had never met and those who do know her prayed with tears for her recovery. This overwhelming show of love and support floors me. I feel undeserving. Thank you. Those words seem completely inadequate, but they are all I have.

thinking in the hospital

Well what can I say – you never know what the day will bring when you get out of bed in the morning. Who would have thought that Grace would need surgery and be on strong antibiotics and have to be admitted for this long? How does a thing like this happen? How does life go from mundane to crazy in only moments as you blink your eyes? I’ve realized a few things out of this situation: #1 I don’t know anything (I could stop there) until you’ve experienced it yourself. I have a habit of thinking I can have an opinion about something I’ve never known or experienced. A very good friend of mine went through a rough time with her kids getting sick over and over. She became very aware of other sick kids and tired to avoid having her kids be with them. I thought she was being a little over protective…until my kids started catching bugs one after another. In Elijah’s first two years he had never needed antibiotics. I realize now I was in no position to decide what kind of decision the mother of a sick kid should be making. Its amazing how stupid and narrow minded I really can be. #2 God doesn’t let you get away with distance. I can’t say this whole ordeal has been just for me but it sure came at a convenient time. I had just started to realize how little of God I allowed into my life anymore. How church had become what I had to do instead of worship and learning. I realize also I had little desire to change; busy with my family, too tired to think about investing my emotions and time in another direction. And suddenly we’re not moving along so smoothly (not that it ever was completely smooth) but instead in the middle of a crisis and I’m all of a sudden praying. What a hypocrite. I’m lucky God has compassion and mercy. Grace is on the mend and maybe I’ve grown-up a little. Grace is fixed now but I’ve still got some work ahead of me.

A heavy load

It's just recently hit me how heavy convictions are to carry. The two that consume my time and thought at the moment do just that, consume my thoughts and time. I strongly feel that losing the weight I gained with the two kids is important to my health and life style. I have to reenforce new habits almost hourly. I have to cook healthier, which usually takes longer. I have to work out every morning, which is tiring and requires a sacrifice on Jon's part.
I also feel strongly about being commited to good stewardship of the earth. This also is a heavy conviction. I feel like the decisions and habit changes that need to be made need to be well thought out and need to include Jonathan. Changing over to pinned prefold diapers is definitly not as expensive as AIOs or fitted diapers but it is still an initial cost that is hard to dish out. And making a compost requires some sort of containment, which again will cost money. Cloth diapers, recycling(taking paper, cardborad, tin, glass, and plastic into Kindersley), composting, and others require a considerable amount of time in comparision to a non-eco lifestyle. I don't feel overly burdened by all this at this time but as I look at the future I know that conviction are heavy things to carry. I've been reminded twice recently that anything of worth requires work. Or put another way, the right road is usually not the easy road. I guess that means that the weight of this load is worth carrying because the price at the end is worth having.

Playing

Changes

For a long time I have been concerned that I live without worry about the consequences of my actions. That sounds like I'm doing something horrible and forbidden and I guess in some ways it is...what I'm talking about is the way my habits and actions affect God's green earth. I was watching CBC this afternoon and there was a show about youth making a difference. This girl had gone to Africa and seen the poverty and starvation. She came home changed. I have always wanted to live like I cared and not just say that I do. Our little family produces so much waste weekly. I don't feel right about it. I've tried to do the cloth diaper thing, because disposable diapers are in the top ten largerest forms of waste in North America, I wouldn't doubt worldwide. But for some reason there is just always some reason not to do it. I have also wanted to use reuable bags for groceries but I either forget or get lazy. Then there is all the cemicals I have in the house. Dishsoap, laundry detergent, shampoos, cleaners, easy erase, windex, the list goes on. They all go into the water and polute the ground. What about all the stuff i have and continue to buy, clothing, objects, bags, boxes, etc... there are thousands of ppl around the world who have nothing, and yet because I have some money I think I should be able to buy something that I want or percieve I need. People say to me, Amie what are you going to do, its all around you, it's easier and it costs less, you have to fit in, don't make a big deal about nothing, living like that is hard and inconventient. I listen and feel better for a week or two and then my conscience startes up again, asking me to rethink my small impact on the world, what I'm teaching my children, and what am I giving their future? I just don't know were to start. and I think that it's hard to invest the money in more expensive earth friendly products. Actually, you know I think I'm going to start with two things. #1 I'm going to start using reusable grocery bags. #2 I'm going to start a compost. My hurrdles will be...#1 family cooperation, #2 remembering, #3knoing how to start a compost, #4 staying motivated. anyways you can keep me to it but i'm going to start with the bags tomorrow, we're going shopping......I'm not going to buy anything that's over packaged, or any product that will harm the enviroment.
sprry this hasn't been very enlightening or uplifting or even well written....it's just something I want to be a bigger part of me.

Joy?

As I have said in the last few enteries, the family has been sick...not much joy in that. I don't know why God allows hard times to come in multiples. I think it was yesterday that I just felt flattened by a hopless feeling. I was probably tired from being sick and looking after the kids, but to say I was sad would be an understatment. All day God was saying to me, " Amie choose joy." It took for a good 24 hours to take him up on the suggestion. I'm not going to pretend that choosing joy is easy, that life can always look better, that it's never all that bad. Sometimes, life does seem bleak, lost, and hopeless. Those are real feelings, but that's all they are. Choosing joy is the same as choosing sadness. Feelings are not situations, and circumstances, which are real and can be devastating. So as far as I can decern I can choose my emotions in every situation. Why choose sadness? it's easier. It looks like the looming situation. Joy in the face of tragedy doesn't look right, doesn't feel right...at first. But the sadness eats us, and deforms us...Joy builds, strengthens and renews. I don't know...I'm still firguring it out for myself. Think I'm on the right track?
this song has been a challenge to me...I hope it encourages you to higher heights of JOY.

Live

Did you come that we might just survive?

Did you come so we could just get by?

Did you walk among us so we might merely limp along beside?

I was bound, I have been set free

But I have settled for apathy

Did you come to make me new

And know I'd crawl right back into the skin you found me in?

It's where I am, not where I'm been

You make me want to love

You make me want to live

You came to shake us and to wake us up to something more

than we'd always settled for

And you make me want to live

so why would a young man

Live in a waste land

When the castle of his dreams is standing by

Why would a princess

Put on an old dress

To dance whith her beloved and the chance to catch his eye.

Nicole Noredman Brave 2005