Baby Jayden

As I mentioned last week, my newest nephew Jayden was born! Jacob and I went to see the little tyke yesterday for the first time! Jayden was born on Friday, March 25th at 6:20 am. He was 6lbs 6oz and gave his parents a shock with his bight red hair! Fortunately his hair has lightened up and is more blond than anything now!

Julie and Carl are coping wonderfully so far. With two older boys they have a lot of help! Well, so far! Noah is 6 1/2 and Kealan is 4 1/2 so they are as much help as little boys can be.

Jacob was surprisingly taken with the baby and didn't get upset when I held the little guy in my arms. He even snuggle up to him for a short moment to get a little picture.

It will be fun to have a newborn around again so the rest of us can get our baby fix and then come back to reality with our own families! hahaha. I know myself that having three little boys in my life has changed many things,  including my heart. I love them dearly and pray someday I will be able to meet them on their level and enjoy life only as a child can!

Blessings

Lee-Anne

And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
(Matthew 18:2-6 ESV)

The Sugar Shack

Ahhh, the Sugar Shack. The marvelous tradition in Quebec of gathering sap from the Maple trees and making Maple Syrup! It was Jacob and Mason's first experience with sugaring off and I know for a fact that it was a hit!

The outing was organised again by PACE. Mostly because we have a new mom in the group who actually runs a maple syrup business. The really great part is that the shack was only a 5 minute's drive from our house!

It was a perfect day for the event because the snow meant we could make our sugar lollipops! This is done by letting little puddles of syrup freeze on a clean slate of snow. Then we take a Popsicle stick and roll the syrup around the stick. Yummy!

Jacob and Mason were both VERY sticky after the treat, but it was all worth it! I hope we can take Logan this weekend to enjoy the experience as well!

Once we got home the sugar high was at its peak so we had some lunch and then the boys had a nap! I actually got an hour of peace!



Brotherly love!

Next year maybe we will try the bigger sugar shack that hosts a huge meal and dancing afterwards with traditional Quebec folk music!

Blessings
Lee-Anne

The fruit of the spirit is love, joy and peace.
                                                                                    - Galatians 5:22







Power of Forgiveness

I just watched a live streaming of a service at Gold Creek Community Church. http://goldcreek.org/
This was the church my family and I regularly attended and where I was actively involved when we lived in Snohomish, WA. Now I get to listen to the services online.

I was on the ball today and tuned in at 12pm EST, 9am PST, to listen to some wonderful and inspiring Christian music, and hear Pastor Dan share his words on Forgiveness. It was simple, yet so powerful! It really hit home with me because my mom and I are doing a bible study together.

The book is called "Women of the Bible". It is a study of 52 women of the bible, one woman each week of the year. It has lasted a little longer with all the changes over the past year, but we are finally on a roll. We call each other at least once during the week just to discuss what we have read and learned and share personal things in our lives. A lot of the stories include forgiveness, mostly on God's part, but also how to forgive others and ourselves.

My mom and I are very close in heart, but still quite far in distance. The study has brought my mom and I closer together spiritually and it gives us a great reason to call one another. (not that we need a reason) It has been a wonderful experience to laugh and cry together and have mature adult, godly conversations. Something that I never would have even thought of doing before I attended Gold Creek.

On the subject of forgiveness, we all have people to forgive. Pastor Dan put it nicely when he said that forgiveness can be one sided. If both people forgive each other then it is a reconciliation. I love this explanation. Inside my heart it takes up a lot less energy to forgive someone than to hold a grudge and look for revenge. He also stated that forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting. It just means to free up space in your heart for better things.

Why would I waste energy on hate and revenge, when I can choose to forgive and move on with life? From now on I will let God take care of my worries so I can be more present with Him.

Blessings
Lee-Anne

Cast your cares upon the Lord, for he cares about you.                                                                                      - I Peter 5:7

Bright Sunny Day

Even though it snowed again today Jacob and I got out for a nice walk down the road to have lunch with my neighbour Paula. Jacob walked half way down the road and then I pushed him in the stroller the rest of the way. I was amazed to see how far he walked without even stopping or getting side tracked.

I haven't ventured out too much on the road because even though it isn't very busy, the cars drive way too fast when they do drive by. Also, in the snow the roads get more narrow making it not so easy to have a carefree stroll.

We spent two lovely hours at Paula's. They were filled with great conversation and delicious food. Jacob even had a fun time! We talked about our children and God and how they respond to Him. We talked about diets and exercise. What was extra nice is we shared female fellowship. It takes a lot of energy to make new friends as I get older and it is beautiful to know that some friendships are easier to build than others.

When we left Paula's house Jacob was super tired already, since he hadn't had a nap. He managed to walk half way down Paula's driveway, a pretty long driveway, and then got in the stroller and fell asleep. It was much tougher walking home because it is all uphill and it was a lot more muddy since the sun had melted most of the snow on the road. The walk didn't bother me though because it was wonderful to have a warmer breeze on my face and the sun heating me up and delivering its Vitamin D!

Thankfully, when we got back to the house Jacob transferred nicely into his crib. Even after taking a minute to strip him of all his winter gear. Nothing like some fresh air and walking to tucker a kid out!

Tonight we will be eating tons of cheese and veggies while we feast using our Raclette. This has become a new favourite with Logan. He won't eat a grilled cheese sandwich because he doesn't like the Kraft Cheese Singles, but he will dine on aged cheddar, gouda, and swiss cheese. Go figure! This is wonderful though, because I much prefer real cheese on my grilled cheese sandwiches too! Mason will eat pretty much anything so Raclette works for him too!And by the sounds of it, since the kids have gotten home, it will be an early bed night!!

On another note I just got a call from my brother-in-law saying Julie, Martin's youngest sister, gave birth to their third little boy at 6:20am his morning!!! Once I get pics I will do a blog just to honour my newest nephew, Baby Jayden!!

Blessings
Lee-Anne

A merry heart doeth good like medicine.                                                                                 - Proverbs 17:22

Is there a doctor in the house?

Everyone in the US seems to think we Canadians are so lucky to have "free" health care. What they do not realise is that our health care system is terrible! Sure it is "free", but we get heavily taxed for it.

We have people in emergency waiting rooms that have been there for days waiting for care. My family is on a 2-3 year waiting list to have a family doctor. I cannot have a doctor at the CLSC (health clinic in Quebec) which is 5 minutes from here because I am not in the right district. ( A highway is between us and the town of Stanstead) Instead I will have to travel 30 minutes the opposite way to Coaticook!

Today I brought Jacob to the CLSC  for his vaccinations. Thankfully I can make an appointment with a baby nurse quite easily, but the care is definitely not what I am used to after being in Seattle. This baby nurse is only available until the children are of 4 years old and is not available on the spot.

When we lived in Seattle, I could call up a doctor and get an appointment the same day if it was an emergency, whether it was for the kids or myself. If the regular doctor was not available there would be someone to fill in. Yes I paid for health insurance, but it was so worth it! Here most people have to wait in the waiting room of the emegency room or walk in clinic for an average of anywhere between 15 minutes and 4 hours! Some of these people are in serious pain, but have no other option!

I was reading an article a few weeks ago that stated Canada had one of the worst health care systems in the world! It told of how one man in the western part of Canada walked into an emergency room because he needed mental help and after waiting too long he threatened to drive his truck through the front doors. Nobody listened, so guess what he did? Drove the truck right through the front doors! How is that for grabbing attention.

Luckily we have a doctor in town, Dr. Bouchard, who has a private clinic in the front of his house.  He charges $15 for anyone. You do not need a health card and if you cannot even afford the $15 you just say thank you and leave it at that. There is a waiting room that seats about 10, but he doesn't close the door when the room is full, you just have to be patient and either stand and wait or come back a little later. Unlike the CLSC where you have to show up at 8 am, put your name on a list and wait until the doctor is ready for you. Do not show up after 8 am  though because by then the list is full they won't see anyone else! Around here the walk in clinic is only available 1-2 times a week!

Mr. Bouchard is in his 60's, maybe 70's, so who knows how much longer he will keep working. The funny thing is, he knows all the Beasse family. One, he grew up with most of them, and two, he delivered my husband and the rest of his siblings into this world! When I see Dr. Bouchard he refers to my kids as Red's grandsons! Not very many places these days give you that at home feeling! 

Here in Quebec, I am not sure about the rest of Canada, kids of school age are vaccinated by the nurse at school. When I told Logan that he was missing one vaccination, because in the US they gave it later, and that he would have to get a shot from the nurse at school he had a fit! I felt sorry for him and I let him off the hook this time around. He is my very emotional child. In his mind, because this is what he was told in Seattle, he didn't have to get any more shots until he was 11. I know the vaccinations will be given again so when Mason start at the same school next year hopefully they can get it done together. Luckily Jacob is done until he starts school too!

This is another chapter in my life where I have to keep my head up and not get too frustrated. I have been asking some other moms for names of doctors and dentists who they would recommend. I may have to go private, but if that is a more reliable option then that is what I will do. At least for my kids sake!

Blessings
Lee-Anne


In the Lord, put your trust.     - Psalms 11:1

Waiting for Spring

We are still getting snow! We were teased with a couple days last week of +5 degrees Celcius. However, for the past couple days it has been between 0 and -5 degrees. When will we see spring?

As an after dinner activity this evening, Martin suggested for all of us to get outside and go sledding in the front yard to enjoy the last bit of snow. It was a wonderfully refreshing idea for sure. Then of course someone had to get hurt.

Poor Mason has had a terrible time with sledding accidents this winter. Usually the accidents have involved a tree of some sort and it is usually his face that gets the beating. We may have to start calling him scar face! This time he went head first down the hill on his sled and didn't stop in time to avoid the one little tree sticking out of the snow! It looked like he bit his bottom lip and left some teeth marks. It bled, and hurt, but my brave little boy didn't want me to help him he just wanted a kleenex and to see his war wound in the mirror. If Logan had been hurt we would still be hearing about it! One of those differences in personalities :)

When the snow does finally continue to melt I know we will be in for yucky, muddy days, with partial flooding in some areas. It has already started on most of the dirt roads, which there are a lot of in Stanstead.  Living on a dirt road I have discovered that driving on a slippery muddy road is almost as bad as driving on ice. I have really improved upon my driving skills over the winter months, but I am looking forward to cleaner roads.

On the bright side, once the muddy season is over the flowers will be ready to plant and the trees will start blooming once again. We will be able to play at the park and go running on the trail. We will be able to go hiking more and start preparing for the summer. Rasberry season is a favourite for all the kids! Grandmaman left some nice berry bushes for us to benefit from every year!

The kids are pretty excited about this summer because Daddy promised them an above ground pool! We get it installed in June just before school gets out. Then we can enjoy it all summer! I am looking forward to it too because I might actually get some training in by strapping my feet to the ladder or by doing lots of flip turns!

Of course I will also have to practice my patience and serenity with the kids in a big way because they will be wanting to be in the pool 24/7 and I will have to keep a constant watch! Not to mention I will have to be in the pool with them so those cold days are a little less inviting. I think I will have to get a wetsuit!

Until summer comes I will just have to patiently get through this snow and mud and enjoy it while it lasts so as to not go crazy! Really, what else can I do?

Blessings
Lee-Anne

Be truly glad.  There is wonderful joy ahead!"
                                                                  - I Peter 1:6

Blessed

I am reminded constantly how blessed I am. Yet, the song "This is the Stuff", from Francesca Battistelli (video link below) pretty much sums up everyday life for me and I am sure for almost everyone else.

"This is the Stuff", by Francesca Battistelli
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVnAyD96G3A

As I was sitting with some moms, at a St. Patrick's Day potuck brunch yesterday, someone was talking about not being able to afford necessary things because of other things that had to get paid first. Her roof has been leaking in the bedroom, her mattress is totaled because of the water damage, she just paid a fortune in necessary dental surgery and bills are adding up. This is pretty common around here. Many people are on social assistance and 'live' paycheck to paycheck.

Looking at the news, Japan is in a state of emergency. Thousands of  people have died, many still are missing and the nuclear plant could explode at any moment! And to think that my brother in law was just there in November and our friends just moved from there 3 years ago!

I have friends that have lost their children. Many have had miscarriages, but my one girlfriend delivered her baby 6 weeks early to discover he had a twisted intestine. Baby Quinn only survived a couple of days. 

How petty are the little things I choose to get frustrated about. I have so much, yet like the song says
"In the middle of my little mess I forget how big I'm blessed".

I am going to do my best to keep my attitude positive. I am going to be more appreciative of everything, especially my lovely family. I will show more gratitude for everything in my life. I admit I can get a little selfish sometimes. Now is the time to let that go and enjoy life free of stress over things I cannot control and have the courage to change the things I can!

Blessings
Lee-Anne

Psalm 34:8Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. (NIV)

Monday Morning

The morning started off pretty easy. I had a full night sleep so when the boys woke up at 5:45 am it wasn't too bad. Martin let me go back to bed since he was wide awake. I knew I wouldn't go back to sleep but I went back to bed anyway to enjoy some solitude and close my eyes. Martin is leaving for yet another business trip this afternoon for a few days so any rest is appreciated.

When I got up at 6:30am I started a load of laundry, cut up some banana bread for the kids, made Logan's lunch, ate my breakfast, then we all went upstairs to get dressed.

When I got downstairs I put the wet clothes in the dryer and started getting the school bags ready. Much to my shagrin I had forgotten to empty Mason's bag on friday so there were wet snowpants and mittens smelling up his bag. There wasn't enough time to put them in the dryer (not to mention I had just put clothes in there) so I had to find substitutes. I put in Logan's extra pants ( a few inches to long) and the only other pair of mitts that fit Mason (one with a slight tear ).

For the first time in a while all the kids got dressed and put their snow clothes on without a hitch. Since Martin had been away all last week, when I pulled out of my garage I had forgotten that Martin's truck was in the driveway. My rear window was rather dirty and I was excited to be out of the house on time. As I backed up I felt a thump. I am not typically known to swear, but I will admit that I said something I shouldn't have said. Of course I told my kids to ignore what I had just said!

At first I thought I had hit a snow bank. When I pulled forward and heard the scraping, without looking, I knew what I had done! I got out of the car saw the nice dent over the driver's side wheel in Martin's truck and then the nice scratches on my new van! I was a little upset, but thankful that nothing was too damaging.

We dropped Logan at school then when I brought Mason to school I realised that I forgot to put his shoes back in his bag after I had emptied it! I took a deep breath, encouraged Mason that being in sock feet feels so much better and took him to class. Right away his teacher reminded him that she had forgotten her shoes on Friday! All was well. I love his teacher!

After I dropped Mason off at school, I crossed the border to get gas and milk. (Saving about $25!) When I got home I told Martin what had happened to the truck. Instead of being upset, he took a look at it and told me it was rusted out anyway and that is why it crushed so easily. No major harm done. I love my husband!

It is 10 am and I am now feeding Jacob a snack and moving on with my day.

Blessings
Lee-Anne

Dear Lord, please help me to find the humour in my everyday life and to move on!

Philippians 4:8 (NIV ©2011)

 ⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

The Whole Tooth and Nothing but the Tooth

Logan ran into my room this morning whispering, "Mommy, mommy. My tooth came out!" He was so excited. Especially, since Daddy didn't have to pull it out like he was trying to do last week!

This is Logan's first lost tooth so it is pretty monumental. I am thankful I was here to receive the exciting news. Yes it was at 5am, but he started the day on a good note. Now the Tooth Fairy will visit the house for the first time!

Let's hope that Logan's good chacter carries over the rest of the day because they cancelled school again! Due to all the snow we got in the past 2 days it was inevitable. Last night I got a call from my sister-in-law, a teacher, and my mother-in-law, telling me the cancellation news. This prepared me before I went to sleep so I knew I wouldn't have to rush in the morning.

Unlike yesterday, today the skies are clear. I actually saw a full sky of stars when Jacob woke me up at 3:30am. It is 6am and -18 degrees. Hopefully, it will warm up and we can enjoy some time outside! Right now it is time to start the day!

Blessings
Lee-Anne

Psalm 127:3 NKJ Version

 

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward."

It was the storm of the century!

We are blocked in the house today by a severe storm. I feel like I am in the movie "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer" and the snowman is narrating "It was the storm of the century!"Seriously, if there were little elves outside they would be blowing all over the place!

Thankfully, Logan already had today off, because it was a teacher's planning day, so it wasn't a big upset in our plans. Of course going outside is really not an option unless we want to get buried alive by the increasing accumulation of snow! I can't imagine any teachers getting into the schools today!

The day started with Jacob waking me up at 4:30am, then Mason hopped into bed with me at 5am, and everyone was up at 5:30am. It isn't even 10am and I am ready for a nap! I promised myself to be positive today and make things fun inside rather than listening to whining and fighting all day. It is the 10th day of the boys being home 24/7 together!

After we had a simple breakfast the kids were starting to rev up so I told them to clean up the toys and I would give them something new and fun to do. So for 20 minutes we all cleaned up and then I brought down the extra sheets and we made a huge fort in the middle of our living room. I know a lot of families do this kind of thing, but for some reason I never think about doing it. Knowing that we would be inside, yet again, the idea came to me quickly!

They loved it and haven't left since we made it. Logan and Mason played Wii Mario Kart for a bit while I made a new snack. Jacob wanted to play too so he tackled them for the remote! Then I sat him in his high chair and let him watch me make the snack. It wasn't a very healthy snack, but super yummy! Tony's Squares. Yes, Tony the Tiger. It was Frosted Flakes, marshmallows, Peanut Butter, and Butter. Kind of like Rice Krispie Squares, but more sugar! Thankfully I had just enough marshmallows lying around! Although the squares were yummy we all agreed that Rice Krispie Squares are better. Maybe next time I will add the peanut butter.

The rest of the day will consist of reading, napping, and maybe watching a movie. Hopefully, we won't be snowed in again tomorrow. We do pay someone to plow our driveway, but I have a feeling nobody is going anywhere today! It is a good thing I have enough milk to last me through today and then I have Almond milk as a reserve!

Here is a video of the storm. Max even has trouble getting to a spot to relieve herself!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zq7kJDir40Y

Blessings
Lee-Anne

James 1:2 (NIV, ©2011)

 ² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds,

March Break Day 4-6

We are coming to an end of the infamous March Break! It has been busy, refreshing, and tiring all at the same time. Having 3 kids home 24/7 for more than a week is always interesting. Not to mention, 3 very active BOYS! I love my kids, and I will be happy to send Mason and Logan back to school next week. We all get a little crazy when things are not part of a schedule for too long. We have been outside and running around, but being in each other's faces too long is very testing!

Thursday we had a pretty easy day. We had a late start for a 10:30 am sledding date with the cousins. It was perfect timing because we just had a little snack before we left, we played a little, ate more snacks that Grandmaman had brought, played a little more, then went home for lunch and a nap.

I still find it rather difficult to get out of the house before 10am if I do not have to. My kids are all up by 6am so one would think 8am would be easy to shoot for. However, either Martin or I have been up with Jacob starting around 4:30 am or earlier for almost two months now. So when Mason and Logan wake up at 6am I am still pretty tired and find it difficult to get my butt in gear. On a school day we are all out of the house by 8am, but it is a tight squeeze. Getting 3 boys under the age of 6 fed, dressed in their clothes, dressed in their snowsuits, and in the car is an adventure on it's own!

Anyway, Friday was a fun day skiing. It was also Dustin's birthday so it was a great way to celebrate! Most of the Beasse Clan was there. Grandmaman, Grandpapa, Martin, Logan, Mason, Jacob, me, ma tant Anne Marie (Martin's sister), and the cousins Chelsey-Anne (12), Dustin (11), Noah(6), and Kealan(4).

The kids 6 and under started on the hill with the "magic carpet". It was a good place to gain ther confidence and get their feet in place to start the day off right. After a few runs down the little hill they were all off an running down the bigger slopes. It was fun to have so many of us there because everyone took turns skiing with the little guys. Logan even skiied with Dustin a couple times down the bigger slope!

Jacob and I had an interesting day climbing up and down the stairs outside, meeting all sorts of new people in the chalet, and eating lots of yummy food. I was a little sad that I wasn't skiing, but at the same time I had chosen to be with Jacob for the day. I didn't even think about getting a babysitter until Anne had mentioned it at the ski hill! Oh well, I followed Jakers around and as long as he was happy, and not getting into mischief everything was great! Next year Jacob will be on the bunny hill and I will be with him to help him ski. I haven't down hill skiied in so long that by next year someone might have to help me ski too!!

We ended the day with singing Happy Birthday to Dustin and then we ate yummy cupcakes. What more could we want! The ride home was pretty quiet for a change, but not totally silent. The kids watched the Backyardigans on Martin's IPhone for half the trip. We picked up a pizza and a poutine (fries topped with gravy and chesse curds) from Steve's Pizzeria, came home and pretty much vegged out the rest of the afternoon.

Even today everyone was zonked from all the action from the week so we just went sledding in the front for a little bit, came inside and did another session of Wii Active, then puttered around the rest of the day. The kids were asleep by 8pm and  I will be in bed by 9pm. Tomorrow we will go visit Anne and the kids to celebrate another family day. Now I just have to figure out how to put a video on here!

Blessings
Lee-Anne

Psalm 133:1  How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!

March Break Day 2-3

This week is just flying by! Yesterday we had a great Wii workout with the PACE group at the volunteer center. It was actually the second workout that they have done, but I missed the first.

There were supposed to be 3-5 moms with their kids, but we were the only family that showed up. Some families were out of town for March Break, some just couldn't make it at the last minute. It worked out fine for us because we had more personalised attention! It meant I got to have control of the remote and I pushed the limits for my kids and the PACE leadership group! I was sweating ALOT and it felt great!

When I woke up at 6am yesterday I was brainstorming ways to get a good workout in during the day that I truly enjoyed. All along I had the answer. (What a surprise) It had just been in a box since Christmas sitting on my dresser! I have the same workout program, Wii Active, that we used yesterday and my kids had a blast. I will be pulling it out tomorrow morning to get the kids moving!

Today was a costume skating party organised by PACE at our local arena. Logan wore his hockey uniform and Mason wore his Yoda costume. Grandmaman, Grandpapa, and my nephews Kealan and Noah joined us as well. A great family day! Jacob isn't into the costume thing yet, but he sure enjoyed the yummy muffins that one of the moms made!!

Mason and Logan played outside in he afternoon while Jacob and mommy had a little nap. Since Martin's office is on the main level looking out the front he sees and hears all which gives me some quiet time every now and then.

The best thing about this day was that all the boys were in bed and sleeping by 7:30 pm!!! That has not happened in a very long time! So instead of being in bed at 8:30 pm, I had some time to clean up a little, play around with Skype, and then I had a wonderful chat with my lovely friend Alisha face to face on Skype! I love the webcam!!!

Tomorrow will be a home day, maybe do some sledding with the cousins. I will definitely be taking the Wii Active out of the box and setting it up. Even if Logan controls the remote I know I will get a great workout. Afterall, he was the one, without ever doing it before, who told me how to do the inline skating jumps properly on the Wii Active. Very observant child! Sometimes it pays to take advice from my kids!

Blessings
Lee-Anne

Mat 18:3
"Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven