I have not been as diligent about the blog the past few days for several different reasons, mainly because of travelling, and there is not always a convenient time to get on a computer! I am grateful to be able to travel through these holidays, but I think next year we will be staying home. I am finding that all the time on the road, as much as I love my family and friends, is too stressful and doesn't really fit in with the "keeping it simple" idea of the season. I am grateful to actually voice my opinion on this and have a very understanding and positive response!
Here is a quick overview of the top 3 things I have been grateful for for the past 4 days.
It is hard to believe that tomorrow will be day 31!
December 27
1. Spending time with Grandmaman and Grandpapa opening Christmas presents
2. Friends spending the day and evening with us
3. Snow storms to keep our friends at our house for the night (always a treat for the kids)
December 28
1. Waking up to a fresh white landscape
2. Clear roads and skies for driving
3. Arriving at Nana and Poppie's to the smell of a yummy meatloaf dinner!
December 29
1. Sliding in the park at Nana and Poppie's with new friends :)
2. Spending time with almost the entire family for another wonderful supper
3. Sleeping kids on the way to Grandma Jojo's and Grandpa Gord's house after a fun filled day!
December 30
1. Doing a P90X workout with my hubby (a little challenging with the space, but we figured it out :)
2. Spending time with our University friends and their children for the afternoon (Logan and mason opted to stay with Grandma and Grandpa, but Jacob had a blast playing with his new friends!)
3. A very easy bedtime procedure because all the kids were pooped out!
Blessings
Lee-Anne
1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Day 26- Boxing Day
Today I am grateful for our town doctor, Dr. Bouchard. He opened his doors today, like he does almost any other day, and provided his services with a short story :) Dr. Bouchard is in his late 60's and loves his line of work. On a good day anyone can be in and out of his office in 5 minutes! Of course his waiting area only holds about 10 people at a time, but it is rare that anyone would have to turn around and go back at a later time. Compare 5 minutes, for a basic diagnosis, to 4-24 hours in our local emergency walk in clinics!
This morning Logan needed medication for Bronchitis in a bad way. I prepared a bag with snacks, water and a book when Martin left, just in case Dr. Bouchard wasn't open. When they came home within 30 minutes I was just as relieved as I am sure Martin was when he saw the lights on the Dr's office! Unfortunately, our local pharmacy was not open today :(
No worries though, I volunteered to make the trip into Magog, the next closest city, to the pharmacy. After all it is Boxing Day! For Canadians this day is the equivalent to Black Friday in the United States. I managed to fine a new winter jacket and boots at a great price! Both of which I needed and was just waiting for the perfect timing! Merry Christmas to me :) Grateful for a chance to go shopping on my own!
Today was supposed to be Christmas with Martin's family, but because so many of the family (spread out between each family) have been sick or are still sick, we postponed the gathering until January. However, mom had already cooked the turkey and she lives only 5 minutes from us. This meant we got to take home Christmas dinner and I didn't have to cook once again!!!!!! I am sure I do not need to stress how grateful I am whenever I do not have to cook! Thank you mom!
Something I am truly grateful for, and may seem silly to some, is a clear floor in my bedroom! I have been doing laundry for what seems like forever, and my floor is finally cleared of all the sorted piles of dirty clothes and unfolded clean clothes! With a family of 5 the laundry seems never ending and I am grateful to be blessed with all we have!
I came downstairs about an hour ago from putting the little guys to sleep and I noticed that Martin's long time friend had come over.I had to laugh because they were both in the basement doing P90X YOGA! This is a very hard workout and I commend them for doing it! However, this is one thing I NEVER thought I would EVER see Martin and Thom doing together, let alone on their own :) Life has many surprises and I am grateful that P90X is something that is a common ground between me and a selected few who choose to go that extra mile!
I am off to bed!
Blessings
Lee-Anne xo
Psalms 19:14 -
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
This morning Logan needed medication for Bronchitis in a bad way. I prepared a bag with snacks, water and a book when Martin left, just in case Dr. Bouchard wasn't open. When they came home within 30 minutes I was just as relieved as I am sure Martin was when he saw the lights on the Dr's office! Unfortunately, our local pharmacy was not open today :(
No worries though, I volunteered to make the trip into Magog, the next closest city, to the pharmacy. After all it is Boxing Day! For Canadians this day is the equivalent to Black Friday in the United States. I managed to fine a new winter jacket and boots at a great price! Both of which I needed and was just waiting for the perfect timing! Merry Christmas to me :) Grateful for a chance to go shopping on my own!
Today was supposed to be Christmas with Martin's family, but because so many of the family (spread out between each family) have been sick or are still sick, we postponed the gathering until January. However, mom had already cooked the turkey and she lives only 5 minutes from us. This meant we got to take home Christmas dinner and I didn't have to cook once again!!!!!! I am sure I do not need to stress how grateful I am whenever I do not have to cook! Thank you mom!
Something I am truly grateful for, and may seem silly to some, is a clear floor in my bedroom! I have been doing laundry for what seems like forever, and my floor is finally cleared of all the sorted piles of dirty clothes and unfolded clean clothes! With a family of 5 the laundry seems never ending and I am grateful to be blessed with all we have!
I came downstairs about an hour ago from putting the little guys to sleep and I noticed that Martin's long time friend had come over.I had to laugh because they were both in the basement doing P90X YOGA! This is a very hard workout and I commend them for doing it! However, this is one thing I NEVER thought I would EVER see Martin and Thom doing together, let alone on their own :) Life has many surprises and I am grateful that P90X is something that is a common ground between me and a selected few who choose to go that extra mile!
I am off to bed!
Blessings
Lee-Anne xo
Psalms 19:14 -
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Day 25- The Meaning of Christmas
Luke 2:9-14
Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior -- yes, the Messiah, the Lord -- has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David! And this is how you will recognize him: You will find a baby lying in a manger, wrapped snugly in strips of cloth!" Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others -- the armies of heaven -- praising God: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors. "
This is the news that I am grateful for on Christmas Day! If it were not for our Saviour Jesus Christ I would have no purpose in life! I know that I am living for something greater than whatever this world has to offer :)
The gift of Jesus was and is the greatest gift EVER!
Blessings
Lee-Anne xo
Monday, December 24, 2012
Christmas Eve
Mom's checklist:
1. Reindeer dust (given by a very creative Kindergarten teacher) sprinkled on the porch to guide the way
2. Excited children are asleep!
3. Santa's presents are under the tree and the stockings are filled
4. Cookies are out (eaten)
3. Milk is out (drank)
4. Carrots are out (eaten)
5. Note from Santa to the kids done
6. Mom in bed (going right now!)
I am so grateful that I can enjoy this special time with my loved ones. I always feel like a kid again!
Blessings on this beautiful white Christmas Eve
Lee-Anne xoxo
2 Corinthians 9:15 (KJV)
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift
1. Reindeer dust (given by a very creative Kindergarten teacher) sprinkled on the porch to guide the way
2. Excited children are asleep!
3. Santa's presents are under the tree and the stockings are filled
4. Cookies are out (eaten)
3. Milk is out (drank)
4. Carrots are out (eaten)
5. Note from Santa to the kids done
6. Mom in bed (going right now!)
I am so grateful that I can enjoy this special time with my loved ones. I always feel like a kid again!
Blessings on this beautiful white Christmas Eve
Lee-Anne xoxo
2 Corinthians 9:15 (KJV)
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Day 23- Blessings of Company
This morning, about 3/4 of our way to the church, I realized that the cookies I had worked so hard at making last weekend and the cans of juice I had purchased for the church dinner were still in my freezer at home! I had made a promise to bring these items and I had a bit of a panic attack! Then I remembered the grocery store a couple blocks from the church. The church still got the cans of juice and the 2 dozen cookies :) Now my family gets to enjoy the rest of the homemade cookies! Everyone wins :)
After my quick trip to the store, I was grateful to be able to spend the morning at church watching the children in their annual Christmas play. Logan was a wonderful shepherd. I was impressed that he put up his strong front even though his part required a lot of kneeling and his knee was all scratched up from falling in gym class :( Mason and Jacob decided the stage wasn't for them this year and they sat and watched the play with the rest of us. It was an hour well spent.
After church we were able to have our friends over for a wonderful lunch!
The kids went sliding, the adults socialized, we all ate like Kings and everyone was gone by 4pm!
This left us with the rest of the day to relax. Because we had such a big lunch I didn't even have to make dinner! Woohoo!
My final gratitude goes to P90X! Today I did my last P90X Stretch!!!!! Today I completed the 90 days of P90X!!! I did extend it a couple of weeks so it was more like P100X, but the point is I did it!!! In January I will do another version of P90X because apparently I have gotten myself enrolled in Tough Mudder Montreal in July 2013 with my husband and his buddies!! WOW! Did I really agree to this? Yes I am ALL IN! Exciting days ahead!!
Blessings
Lee-Anne
C.S. Lewis
“Is any pleasure on earth as great as a circle of Christian friends by a good fire?”
After my quick trip to the store, I was grateful to be able to spend the morning at church watching the children in their annual Christmas play. Logan was a wonderful shepherd. I was impressed that he put up his strong front even though his part required a lot of kneeling and his knee was all scratched up from falling in gym class :( Mason and Jacob decided the stage wasn't for them this year and they sat and watched the play with the rest of us. It was an hour well spent.
After church we were able to have our friends over for a wonderful lunch!
The kids went sliding, the adults socialized, we all ate like Kings and everyone was gone by 4pm!
This left us with the rest of the day to relax. Because we had such a big lunch I didn't even have to make dinner! Woohoo!
My final gratitude goes to P90X! Today I did my last P90X Stretch!!!!! Today I completed the 90 days of P90X!!! I did extend it a couple of weeks so it was more like P100X, but the point is I did it!!! In January I will do another version of P90X because apparently I have gotten myself enrolled in Tough Mudder Montreal in July 2013 with my husband and his buddies!! WOW! Did I really agree to this? Yes I am ALL IN! Exciting days ahead!!
Blessings
Lee-Anne
C.S. Lewis
“Is any pleasure on earth as great as a circle of Christian friends by a good fire?”
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Day 21-22 Snow and naps!
I am grateful for being able to participate in an afternoon luncheon with Mason and his class yesterday! I was equally glad that Martin was able to participate as well :) Not only because my battery died in my phone and that was my camera so I used his phone, but because it has been such a pleasure to be able to share these special moments with Martin.
When we lived in Seattle it was always me doing the daytime school things because of Martin's work schedule. Now that he works from home he can usually make his own schedule! I know the kids love it too! Especially Jakers because he gets to spend the most time with him!
I am grateful for Christmas cards!!! I used to be really good at sending them out, and then I had my third child! Who knows, maybe I will get them out for New Years :) Then again it might just have to wait until next year.
I am grateful that both Logan's and Mason's hockey games were in the same place and one right after the the this morning! It is so much nicer to be able to stick together rather than splitting up and going in two different directions! This way we can watch both games!
I am grateful for the snow that fell last night in place of the rain that was yesterday! Even though it was icy as the day moved on it made sliding with Jacob on our front lawn that much more fun!
I am grateful that my husband took over the task of driving Logan to his church play rehearsal!! I don't mind driving in snow, but it isn't my favourite! Instead I had the pleasure of reading Mason and Jacob a Christmas story, the Berenstain Bears' Christmas Tree, and putting them down for a nap! Then I had almost an hour of peace and quiet to myself!
I am grateful that I chose to write my blog while the kids are enjoying a movie because I know for sure I will be heading to bed right after them tonight!
Blessings to All!!
Lee-Anne
Matthew 7:12
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
This was the message in the book , the Berenstain Bears' Christmas Tree
When we lived in Seattle it was always me doing the daytime school things because of Martin's work schedule. Now that he works from home he can usually make his own schedule! I know the kids love it too! Especially Jakers because he gets to spend the most time with him!
I am grateful for Christmas cards!!! I used to be really good at sending them out, and then I had my third child! Who knows, maybe I will get them out for New Years :) Then again it might just have to wait until next year.
I am grateful that both Logan's and Mason's hockey games were in the same place and one right after the the this morning! It is so much nicer to be able to stick together rather than splitting up and going in two different directions! This way we can watch both games!
I am grateful for the snow that fell last night in place of the rain that was yesterday! Even though it was icy as the day moved on it made sliding with Jacob on our front lawn that much more fun!
I am grateful that my husband took over the task of driving Logan to his church play rehearsal!! I don't mind driving in snow, but it isn't my favourite! Instead I had the pleasure of reading Mason and Jacob a Christmas story, the Berenstain Bears' Christmas Tree, and putting them down for a nap! Then I had almost an hour of peace and quiet to myself!
I am grateful that I chose to write my blog while the kids are enjoying a movie because I know for sure I will be heading to bed right after them tonight!
Blessings to All!!
Lee-Anne
Matthew 7:12
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
This was the message in the book , the Berenstain Bears' Christmas Tree
Friday, December 21, 2012
Day 20 of Gatitudes
I am so grateful for lines on the back of wrapping paper! Now I can cut straight lines and I can actually measure how much I need and not waste anything!
I am very grateful for that my husband has started the P90X!! He is now more conscious of what is going in his mouth (which I have been hinting for a while) and he is making nice egg srambles often so I get to benefit from it!!!
I am grateful for the snow that has been falling so that we can play in it and actually make the most of winter. Maybe it will even stay long enough to have a white Christmas!
I am grateful for my lovely friend, Cynthia,and her two boys who have been such a blessing in my life. Her constant smile and loving heart is so amazing. Even though all our boys were a little crazy last night, it was a pleasure to have them eat with us at dinner and share a warm evening.
I am grateful that ALL my kids slept through the night!
Blessings
Lee-Anne
Thank you Lord for a the little blessings in my life xoxox
I am very grateful for that my husband has started the P90X!! He is now more conscious of what is going in his mouth (which I have been hinting for a while) and he is making nice egg srambles often so I get to benefit from it!!!
I am grateful for the snow that has been falling so that we can play in it and actually make the most of winter. Maybe it will even stay long enough to have a white Christmas!
I am grateful for my lovely friend, Cynthia,and her two boys who have been such a blessing in my life. Her constant smile and loving heart is so amazing. Even though all our boys were a little crazy last night, it was a pleasure to have them eat with us at dinner and share a warm evening.
I am grateful that ALL my kids slept through the night!
Blessings
Lee-Anne
Thank you Lord for a the little blessings in my life xoxox
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Day 19- Slowing Down
My day started with folding laundry, making breakfast (placing the bowls on the table :) and getting the kids off to school with the help of hubby. I then proceeded to drop of my car to finally get the windshield replaced after it having a crack for almost a year!
When I got home Martin made a very delicious egg scramble with the works! We actually got to sit down and have a quiet breakfast with some adult conversation!
I then headed off to school to skate with Mason's kindergarten class!!! I love being able to do these things with my kids!
Once I picked up my van I was off to what was supposed to be a final Christmas shopping trip. Of course I had to be back by 6 pm to teach my Zumba class at 6:30pm. With line ups and travel and a few set backs I didn't get it all done :( Although I think it was God's way of saying SLOW DOWN and don't worry about it all! I had actually taken the "wrong exit" which put me homeward bound instead of towards Costco.
I drove home in silence and enjoyed my breath and tried not to think too much about everything else I "HAD" to do. I did want to keep this Christmas simple and I was starting to stress about jamming everything in! WOW what a great set back!
When I arrived back home, with an hour to get ready, I took my time! Martin had the kids out for the evening so it was super quiet. I never take my time to get ready for my class! I am always rushing through dinner, kissing the kids and running out the door and only taking a few minutes to prepare myself.
I made myself a super shake with some REV3 and recharged my body for a workout! I even had the time to cut a brand new shirt for my Zumba class! This has been one of my favourite things to do since I have started teaching! I have even cut t-shirts for all the girls in my Zumbatomic class. They almost all look the same because they liked the design and it is fun to see them wear their t's to class!
I was super pumped during my Zumba class tonight. I had added quite a few Christmas songs to the play list, I had a new red shirt, and I was having fun! Tonight was a special night because it was FREE for all participants as long as they brought a non perishable item or made a cash donation to our local food bank! I was also super excited because there were 2 brand new people in my class!
I arrived home to my kids in bed, ALMOST sleeping :) I think Jacob got his second wind as soon as he saw me! It took a good hour before everyone was sleeping solid. I think with all the excitement of Christmas and all the fun things happening it just makes it that much harder for them to settle down :) Takes me back to when I was a kid and couldn't sleep for a week before Christmas!
I had a FULL day of pure energy and look forward to tomorrows series of events as well! I will be more careful to take some extra time out for me!
What kinds of things do you do to calm down and take a reality check?
Blessings
Lee-Anne
“Slow down and everything you are chasing will come around and catch you.”
--John De Paola
When I got home Martin made a very delicious egg scramble with the works! We actually got to sit down and have a quiet breakfast with some adult conversation!
I then headed off to school to skate with Mason's kindergarten class!!! I love being able to do these things with my kids!
Once I picked up my van I was off to what was supposed to be a final Christmas shopping trip. Of course I had to be back by 6 pm to teach my Zumba class at 6:30pm. With line ups and travel and a few set backs I didn't get it all done :( Although I think it was God's way of saying SLOW DOWN and don't worry about it all! I had actually taken the "wrong exit" which put me homeward bound instead of towards Costco.
I drove home in silence and enjoyed my breath and tried not to think too much about everything else I "HAD" to do. I did want to keep this Christmas simple and I was starting to stress about jamming everything in! WOW what a great set back!
When I arrived back home, with an hour to get ready, I took my time! Martin had the kids out for the evening so it was super quiet. I never take my time to get ready for my class! I am always rushing through dinner, kissing the kids and running out the door and only taking a few minutes to prepare myself.
I made myself a super shake with some REV3 and recharged my body for a workout! I even had the time to cut a brand new shirt for my Zumba class! This has been one of my favourite things to do since I have started teaching! I have even cut t-shirts for all the girls in my Zumbatomic class. They almost all look the same because they liked the design and it is fun to see them wear their t's to class!
I was super pumped during my Zumba class tonight. I had added quite a few Christmas songs to the play list, I had a new red shirt, and I was having fun! Tonight was a special night because it was FREE for all participants as long as they brought a non perishable item or made a cash donation to our local food bank! I was also super excited because there were 2 brand new people in my class!
I arrived home to my kids in bed, ALMOST sleeping :) I think Jacob got his second wind as soon as he saw me! It took a good hour before everyone was sleeping solid. I think with all the excitement of Christmas and all the fun things happening it just makes it that much harder for them to settle down :) Takes me back to when I was a kid and couldn't sleep for a week before Christmas!
I had a FULL day of pure energy and look forward to tomorrows series of events as well! I will be more careful to take some extra time out for me!
What kinds of things do you do to calm down and take a reality check?
Blessings
Lee-Anne
“Slow down and everything you are chasing will come around and catch you.”
--John De Paola
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
31 Days of Gratitude- 4 in 1
Well I am back! I kinda lost the "commitment" for writing this blog, and now I am recommitting! That is the great thing about life is there is always an opportunity to improve!
Today I have decided to give a brief list of all the things I have been grateful for over the past 4 days.
Saturday:
1. Spending 2.5 hours with Mason at a lovely Christmas concert at our local church in Stanstead
2. Listening to the voices of all the beautiful children in the choir
3. Listening to the few children playing their violin for the first time in public and being directed by my two wonderful friends :)
4. Spending a lovely evening with our neighbours, Paula and Joey and their children.
5. Not having to cook another dinner!
Sunday:
1. Baking chocolate cookies with my kids
2. Reading "The Littlest Angel" by Charles Tazewell and being so vulnerable that I cried at the end
3. Having Mason cry with me just because he knew I was upset
4. Praying together as a family before going to bed
Monday:
1. Helping Mason complete his hand made gift for his friend in class
2. Another night that Martin made dinner!
3. Completed my Yoga workout after the kids went to bed!
Tuesday:
1. Everyone went to school!!!!
2. I was able to help Logan's class get their skates on and off after lunch and got some parent social time in too!
3. Martin made dinner again!
4. Watching the boys make LEGO ornaments for their mini Christmas trees!
I will take a picture and post it tomorrow!
5. Opportunities to improve :)
I am blessed in so many ways :)
Blessings
Lee-Anne
1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Today I have decided to give a brief list of all the things I have been grateful for over the past 4 days.
Saturday:
1. Spending 2.5 hours with Mason at a lovely Christmas concert at our local church in Stanstead
2. Listening to the voices of all the beautiful children in the choir
3. Listening to the few children playing their violin for the first time in public and being directed by my two wonderful friends :)
4. Spending a lovely evening with our neighbours, Paula and Joey and their children.
5. Not having to cook another dinner!
Sunday:
1. Baking chocolate cookies with my kids
2. Reading "The Littlest Angel" by Charles Tazewell and being so vulnerable that I cried at the end
3. Having Mason cry with me just because he knew I was upset
4. Praying together as a family before going to bed
Monday:
1. Helping Mason complete his hand made gift for his friend in class
2. Another night that Martin made dinner!
3. Completed my Yoga workout after the kids went to bed!
Tuesday:
1. Everyone went to school!!!!
2. I was able to help Logan's class get their skates on and off after lunch and got some parent social time in too!
3. Martin made dinner again!
4. Watching the boys make LEGO ornaments for their mini Christmas trees!
I will take a picture and post it tomorrow!
5. Opportunities to improve :)
I am blessed in so many ways :)
Blessings
Lee-Anne
1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Dec 13-14
I guess I haven't been fully committed to writing everyday on my blog! I tend to always write my blog at night, after the kids are in bed, and the day is pretty much done. What happens is many nights I fall asleep while putting the kids to bed and by the time I wake up the last thing I want to do is turn my computer on and write! I guess like anything else I need to schedule this in during another time of the day so I can get to bed without feeling like I failed :)
I know this is just a blog, but it isn't at the same time. This is my life, and there are other things that happen in my life where I just can' t get it all in because of poor planning. Yes life is busy with three kids, but I also know there are many gaps in the day where if I took 5 minutes here and there I could actually accomplish my "to do list"!
Anyway, this is a gratitude blog not a pitty blog :) I am grateful that I have this space to spill out my thoughts. I know there are others just like me and I just want to remind them that life is a work in progress!
Last night I was fortunate enough to take a nice brisk walk with my two younger boys while Martin took Logan to hockey practice. It was crisp and clear with a full sky of stars. We took our flashlights and walked along the country road to the little red school house at the end of it. The kids talked up a storm and I listened in gratitude. How blessed I was to be with my children on such a beautiful evening winter walk!
Tonight I am grateful for being able to escape for a few hours with my hubby for a little Christmas shopping and to eat at a yummy fondue restaurant in Sherbrooke. The kids were being babysat at the church by a bunch of teen girls raising money for a trip to Haiti! Everybody wins :)
My heart goes out to all the parents who are suddenly childless tonight after the senseless episode that happened at the school in Connecticut today :( How dreadful to think that anyone could even plan something like this! How grateful I am to have my children all snug in their beds safe and sound for one more night. Life is too short to waste it on negative energy.
Blessings
Lee-Anne
Matthew 5:4 ESV
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted
I know this is just a blog, but it isn't at the same time. This is my life, and there are other things that happen in my life where I just can' t get it all in because of poor planning. Yes life is busy with three kids, but I also know there are many gaps in the day where if I took 5 minutes here and there I could actually accomplish my "to do list"!
Anyway, this is a gratitude blog not a pitty blog :) I am grateful that I have this space to spill out my thoughts. I know there are others just like me and I just want to remind them that life is a work in progress!
Last night I was fortunate enough to take a nice brisk walk with my two younger boys while Martin took Logan to hockey practice. It was crisp and clear with a full sky of stars. We took our flashlights and walked along the country road to the little red school house at the end of it. The kids talked up a storm and I listened in gratitude. How blessed I was to be with my children on such a beautiful evening winter walk!
Tonight I am grateful for being able to escape for a few hours with my hubby for a little Christmas shopping and to eat at a yummy fondue restaurant in Sherbrooke. The kids were being babysat at the church by a bunch of teen girls raising money for a trip to Haiti! Everybody wins :)
My heart goes out to all the parents who are suddenly childless tonight after the senseless episode that happened at the school in Connecticut today :( How dreadful to think that anyone could even plan something like this! How grateful I am to have my children all snug in their beds safe and sound for one more night. Life is too short to waste it on negative energy.
Blessings
Lee-Anne
Matthew 5:4 ESV
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Day- 12 Food Bank
This Christmas the Beasse ladies (my in-laws) and I decided to give to our local food bank instead of buying gifts for each other. I wanted to make sure we were getting items that they really needed so I just asked!
In our community the things that were missing were kids snacks for school, feminine hygiene products, and diapers. So we all pitched in and got a variety of these items. I was able to deliver the boxes today! It doesn't matter where these items go, just as long as the person who receives them is able to use them with a sense of appreciation.
I don't give to be recognized, although it is a little hard to be anonymous when I know everyone at the center:) I do it so I can help whoever may be in need.
I am grateful to be fortunate enough to have a beautiful home, two cars, a full fridge and many other things that many people in this world do not necessarily have. I am never starving because I do not have enough food, freezing because there is not enough heat or I do not have enough clothing, or lonely because I do not have family or friends who surround me.
What I give may not make a huge difference, but I know it does make a difference. I also know that if more and more people would be able to offer just a few items then the food bank would be overloaded and more people would be able to benefit from the donations.
The single mom who has to work 3 jobs to pay the bills, the person who is out of work and can't find a job,
The senior citizen who barely has any income, and the list goes on. No one should go without the basics in life. I would like to make sure that my contributions count!
Blessings
Lee-Anne
Dear Lord, thank you for providing me and my family with the basics in life and so much more. Please guide me so that I can give back where it is needed.
In our community the things that were missing were kids snacks for school, feminine hygiene products, and diapers. So we all pitched in and got a variety of these items. I was able to deliver the boxes today! It doesn't matter where these items go, just as long as the person who receives them is able to use them with a sense of appreciation.
I don't give to be recognized, although it is a little hard to be anonymous when I know everyone at the center:) I do it so I can help whoever may be in need.
I am grateful to be fortunate enough to have a beautiful home, two cars, a full fridge and many other things that many people in this world do not necessarily have. I am never starving because I do not have enough food, freezing because there is not enough heat or I do not have enough clothing, or lonely because I do not have family or friends who surround me.
What I give may not make a huge difference, but I know it does make a difference. I also know that if more and more people would be able to offer just a few items then the food bank would be overloaded and more people would be able to benefit from the donations.
The single mom who has to work 3 jobs to pay the bills, the person who is out of work and can't find a job,
The senior citizen who barely has any income, and the list goes on. No one should go without the basics in life. I would like to make sure that my contributions count!
Blessings
Lee-Anne
Dear Lord, thank you for providing me and my family with the basics in life and so much more. Please guide me so that I can give back where it is needed.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Day 11- the Prefab House
At Halloween I had bought back a lot of candy from my kids and stored it. I actually forgot about it until today when we were running out of the candies provided in the box. As you can see there is a ton of candy on the houses!
A $10 kit from Costco well worth the money!
We started making the kits about 5 years ago when Logan was only 3. It has become a fun tradition. The kits used to be a basic house and a flat tree and flat snowman. As you can see they have gotten bigger! This is much more fun for a family of three! Yes the kids get a lot of candy while they are building, but that is half the fun of the project!
It was fun to watch Logan this year as he got more detailed and creative with his designs. Mason held quite the concentration while he worked on his house as well! Jacob managed to decorate 2 reindeer and then just focused on the candy:)
The hardest part for my little guys is leaving it alone! I am not sure how long the masterpiece will last, but I have a feeling it won't last past this weekend! Have you ever tasted the candy after it has been out for a long time? NASTY! I can't believe kids will still eat them! Hahaha
I am grateful for whoever started these little kits for those of us who want to get to the decorating right away!
Long live the holidays!!!
Blessings
Lee-Anne
Lord thank you for my three little blessings and for giving me creative opportunities with them!
Monday, December 10, 2012
Day 10- Decorations
This afternoon we decorated the Christmas tree. Actually it was 99.9% decorated by the kids, I just helped to make sure the lights went on properly and mostly evenly.
As I opened the boxes of ornaments so many delightful memories came back. From the box of hand me down ornaments from when I was a child, to the ones that I picked up at the craft fair last year, each one had its own special story of how it came into our lives.
I am so very grateful for each of these memories that I was so blessed to have. As I handed each one of the "breakable" ornaments to the children to place on the tree I said " this is special, please be careful with it", and they held it with care and pride as I allowed them to place it on the tree. For some of the ornaments I told of the origin, but I should tell of them all so that my memories can live on in my kids!
I think now, while the hearts of the children are still so young and innocent, it is important to fill their hearts with beautiful stories of their own past and their connection with us as parents. It is funny how even if you just tell a story to a child, their imagination goes wild and they can create their own pictures in their head. Sometimes they create and even more exciting story!
I do wish everyone their own special memories as you unpack the Christmas decorations and share your traditions with the family. Make every moment count and enjoy the time together while we still can :)
Blessings
Lee-Anne
Psalm 118:24 - "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (NIV)
As I opened the boxes of ornaments so many delightful memories came back. From the box of hand me down ornaments from when I was a child, to the ones that I picked up at the craft fair last year, each one had its own special story of how it came into our lives.
I am so very grateful for each of these memories that I was so blessed to have. As I handed each one of the "breakable" ornaments to the children to place on the tree I said " this is special, please be careful with it", and they held it with care and pride as I allowed them to place it on the tree. For some of the ornaments I told of the origin, but I should tell of them all so that my memories can live on in my kids!
I think now, while the hearts of the children are still so young and innocent, it is important to fill their hearts with beautiful stories of their own past and their connection with us as parents. It is funny how even if you just tell a story to a child, their imagination goes wild and they can create their own pictures in their head. Sometimes they create and even more exciting story!
I do wish everyone their own special memories as you unpack the Christmas decorations and share your traditions with the family. Make every moment count and enjoy the time together while we still can :)
Blessings
Lee-Anne
Psalm 118:24 - "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (NIV)
Friday, December 7, 2012
The Girls
I just got home not too long ago from an afternoon out with all the beautiful ladies in Martin's family. His mom, two sisters, and niece!
It seems we started a tradition of a night out of shopping then a nice dinner. It coincidentally happens to be close enough to my niece's birthday, which is on December 24th, so we celebrate her birthday as well :) Last year was Chelsey's 13th b-day so it was a perfect year to have her join us ladies!
I am grateful to be blessed with such amazing women in my family to share these fun new traditions! My in-laws are a huge support system for me and I know that I can count on them no matter what, just as they know they can count on me! To have this kind of sisterly bond is a gift from God :)
Blessings
Lee-Anne
It seems we started a tradition of a night out of shopping then a nice dinner. It coincidentally happens to be close enough to my niece's birthday, which is on December 24th, so we celebrate her birthday as well :) Last year was Chelsey's 13th b-day so it was a perfect year to have her join us ladies!
I am grateful to be blessed with such amazing women in my family to share these fun new traditions! My in-laws are a huge support system for me and I know that I can count on them no matter what, just as they know they can count on me! To have this kind of sisterly bond is a gift from God :)
Blessings
Lee-Anne
Proverbs 3:15 ESV
She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Little Belly
Today I am most grateful for having Jacob's health back to normal! Since last Friday he had been hit with the worst case of flu that I have seen in a long time. Without being able to hold down anything for 4 days I am surprised he had enough energy to walk at times. Now today he was screaming and laughing and running around with his friends like nothing ever happened!
I am so grateful that he was healthy to begin with and that he had enough "reserves" to help him stay afloat :) I knew that chunky little belly of his would come in handy!
Now I pray that our bout of illnesses is DONE! It has been a pretty rough past 4 weeks and I am ready to get out of this cycle!
Blessings
Lee-Anne
"And the Lord will take away from thee all sickness..." Deuteronomy 7:15 [If you follow His commands and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior]
I am so grateful that he was healthy to begin with and that he had enough "reserves" to help him stay afloat :) I knew that chunky little belly of his would come in handy!
Now I pray that our bout of illnesses is DONE! It has been a pretty rough past 4 weeks and I am ready to get out of this cycle!
Blessings
Lee-Anne
"And the Lord will take away from thee all sickness..." Deuteronomy 7:15 [If you follow His commands and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior]
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Zumbalicious!
I love love love ZUMBA fitness! I am so grateful that I jumped in and got licensed to be a Zumba instructor!
Honestly, for those of you who really know me, know that dancing is in my blood. I hear music and I have to move to the beat. Ever since I was a little girl I have been choreographing my own dances just for fun. I was always part of a dance club if there was one. I even remember having a very small group of friends when I was in grade 5 and we created a break dancing club!
Through the years, I have helped choreograph dances for community theater and for various school performances. Yet, other than my last year of high school, when I majored in dance, I never really had any formal training.
I got certified to be a group fitness instructor in 2001 so I had the formal fitness training. Even though a Zumba instructor isn't required to be certified in anything, it certainly does help to make sure form is suitable for everyone and body parts are where they are supposed to be! I would not recommend teaching any form of fitness without some theoretical and practical background with a certificate!
Zumba is the perfect medium for those who love to dance and enjoy a great workout. Seriously, I have so much fun dancing in class and showing others how to do the moves that sometimes I forget that I am "working out" :) The sweat that comes off me and my participants is evidence that it is a super duper workout!
Not only do I get to teach adults, but I went the extra step and I am licensed to teach kids their form of Zumba, ZUMBATOMIC! Yes you have to be licensed or you cannot teach it or at least you cannot call it Zumbatomic. I teach two classes a week at my children's school during lunch break. What a fun way to promote health and fitness and FUN!
I am licensed in Zumba Gold as well so I can give the active older adult a good workout without all the hip action! This is also great for beginners, people recovering from injuries, and women who are pregnant.
Basically Zumba is for ALL AGES!!!
Oh yes, I am the only Zumba Instructor in town! I have been at it successfully for a year. ON MY OWN SCHEDULE! What a great way to earn an income! What I am even more excited about is what my plans will look like in 2013. I am scouting out some possible people who would like to teach Zumba so that there can be more classes available and we can have substitutes in case of emergencies :)
Who says you can't be paid for your passions or that you have to put your passions on hold? Not Me!
Can you tell I am running off a Zumba high? I taught my class tonight!
What are you passionate about that keeps you moving and grooving?
Blessings
Lee-Anne
Dear Lord, Thank you for blessing me with two legs to dance and the heart to feel the rhythm!
Honestly, for those of you who really know me, know that dancing is in my blood. I hear music and I have to move to the beat. Ever since I was a little girl I have been choreographing my own dances just for fun. I was always part of a dance club if there was one. I even remember having a very small group of friends when I was in grade 5 and we created a break dancing club!
Through the years, I have helped choreograph dances for community theater and for various school performances. Yet, other than my last year of high school, when I majored in dance, I never really had any formal training.
I got certified to be a group fitness instructor in 2001 so I had the formal fitness training. Even though a Zumba instructor isn't required to be certified in anything, it certainly does help to make sure form is suitable for everyone and body parts are where they are supposed to be! I would not recommend teaching any form of fitness without some theoretical and practical background with a certificate!
Zumba is the perfect medium for those who love to dance and enjoy a great workout. Seriously, I have so much fun dancing in class and showing others how to do the moves that sometimes I forget that I am "working out" :) The sweat that comes off me and my participants is evidence that it is a super duper workout!
Not only do I get to teach adults, but I went the extra step and I am licensed to teach kids their form of Zumba, ZUMBATOMIC! Yes you have to be licensed or you cannot teach it or at least you cannot call it Zumbatomic. I teach two classes a week at my children's school during lunch break. What a fun way to promote health and fitness and FUN!
I am licensed in Zumba Gold as well so I can give the active older adult a good workout without all the hip action! This is also great for beginners, people recovering from injuries, and women who are pregnant.
Basically Zumba is for ALL AGES!!!
Oh yes, I am the only Zumba Instructor in town! I have been at it successfully for a year. ON MY OWN SCHEDULE! What a great way to earn an income! What I am even more excited about is what my plans will look like in 2013. I am scouting out some possible people who would like to teach Zumba so that there can be more classes available and we can have substitutes in case of emergencies :)
Who says you can't be paid for your passions or that you have to put your passions on hold? Not Me!
Can you tell I am running off a Zumba high? I taught my class tonight!
What are you passionate about that keeps you moving and grooving?
Blessings
Lee-Anne
Dear Lord, Thank you for blessing me with two legs to dance and the heart to feel the rhythm!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Day 4-The Little Things
What an amazing day! It is so crazy how the little things in my life, which are a big part of my life, truly showed up throughout the day.
The first was to be able to say I couldn't be there for my son's skating day with his gym class. Now I wasn't saying no "just because". I knew that other parents would be at the arena to help the kids get ready. More importantly I had a very sick little 3 year old at home, I still wasn't feeling 100% , and I had my husband who needed to work.
Guess what happened? Martin, my husband, at the last minute decided he could hold off work for a little longer and joined Logan and his class at the arena :) It was a good thing too because there were only two other parents there! It also made Logan's day that much better!
At lunch time I went to teach my Zumbatomic (Zumba for kids) class at the school. I went in with an agenda and it totally got busted! Sometimes children (especially those between the ages of 6 and 8) have their own agenda and then I have to adjust the class accordingly so we can actually have fun and still get a couple dance routines in! Usually dance games are the answer. Today they even invented a new one called Danse et Cache :) (Dance and hide) It was fun and it kept everyone going! Sometimes I really forget to come from a BEGINNER'S MINDSET.
On my way home I stopped at the grocery store for some dinner items. As I went to pay, the gentleman in front of me had forgotten his money in the car so I had to be PATIENT ( as there was only 1 checkout available) and wait for him to return. I do not usually have to wait for very long in line and there really wasn't anything else I could do so I figured this time wasn't going to hurt me.
After I picked up my kids from school I proceeded to make the preparations for supper. I totally UNDERESTIMATED how long this project would take! My super yummy and healthy supper that I was determined to make took 2 hours from start to finish instead of the 1 hour I anticipated :) The veggie side dish I had planned on now needed to change because I took so long to prepare the chicken! By 5:15 pm my kids were getting a little hairy, by 5:30 pm they were looking for snacks, by 5:45 pm the crying started, by 6 pm the drumsticks still needed to cook for another 10 minutes. I was so grateful when everything was laid out on the table and the fussiest of all fussy children, Logan, practically drooled with excitement! It was a very yummy supper :) Lesson learned, truly plan ahead and read directions carefully to plan out all the time needed!
Bedtime had its own special learning moments. After reading our Christmas story for the night I laid down with Mason first to help him go to sleep and Daddy laid down with Jacob. Mason proceeded to tell me how excited he was for Christmas to come, how much he loved me, and then asked if his arms would ever be as long as mine? He made up funny situations a if he had long arms and how they would get tangled up :) I chuckled and told him to draw pictures in the morning of his long arms.
I am so grateful for all these little happenings today. Each has its own lesson which can be taken in many different ways. Taking time to breath, say no if necessary, be patient, read the fine print, and be grateful for all the love that is given to me.
Enjoy the life that God has so freely given to you. If you don't like something, guess what, you can change it!
Blessings
Lee-Anne
Zechariah 4:10 English Standard Version (ESV)
For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.
The first was to be able to say I couldn't be there for my son's skating day with his gym class. Now I wasn't saying no "just because". I knew that other parents would be at the arena to help the kids get ready. More importantly I had a very sick little 3 year old at home, I still wasn't feeling 100% , and I had my husband who needed to work.
Guess what happened? Martin, my husband, at the last minute decided he could hold off work for a little longer and joined Logan and his class at the arena :) It was a good thing too because there were only two other parents there! It also made Logan's day that much better!
At lunch time I went to teach my Zumbatomic (Zumba for kids) class at the school. I went in with an agenda and it totally got busted! Sometimes children (especially those between the ages of 6 and 8) have their own agenda and then I have to adjust the class accordingly so we can actually have fun and still get a couple dance routines in! Usually dance games are the answer. Today they even invented a new one called Danse et Cache :) (Dance and hide) It was fun and it kept everyone going! Sometimes I really forget to come from a BEGINNER'S MINDSET.
On my way home I stopped at the grocery store for some dinner items. As I went to pay, the gentleman in front of me had forgotten his money in the car so I had to be PATIENT ( as there was only 1 checkout available) and wait for him to return. I do not usually have to wait for very long in line and there really wasn't anything else I could do so I figured this time wasn't going to hurt me.
After I picked up my kids from school I proceeded to make the preparations for supper. I totally UNDERESTIMATED how long this project would take! My super yummy and healthy supper that I was determined to make took 2 hours from start to finish instead of the 1 hour I anticipated :) The veggie side dish I had planned on now needed to change because I took so long to prepare the chicken! By 5:15 pm my kids were getting a little hairy, by 5:30 pm they were looking for snacks, by 5:45 pm the crying started, by 6 pm the drumsticks still needed to cook for another 10 minutes. I was so grateful when everything was laid out on the table and the fussiest of all fussy children, Logan, practically drooled with excitement! It was a very yummy supper :) Lesson learned, truly plan ahead and read directions carefully to plan out all the time needed!
Bedtime had its own special learning moments. After reading our Christmas story for the night I laid down with Mason first to help him go to sleep and Daddy laid down with Jacob. Mason proceeded to tell me how excited he was for Christmas to come, how much he loved me, and then asked if his arms would ever be as long as mine? He made up funny situations a if he had long arms and how they would get tangled up :) I chuckled and told him to draw pictures in the morning of his long arms.
I am so grateful for all these little happenings today. Each has its own lesson which can be taken in many different ways. Taking time to breath, say no if necessary, be patient, read the fine print, and be grateful for all the love that is given to me.
Enjoy the life that God has so freely given to you. If you don't like something, guess what, you can change it!
Blessings
Lee-Anne
Zechariah 4:10 English Standard Version (ESV)
For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Faith and passion
I am writing today's blog in conjunction with the blog I was supposed to write yesterday. I ended up flat on my back in bed with a fever and stomach issues last night and I didn't get a chance to write :(
I am still in bed, but I am taking a few minutes to write from my IPad.
Yesterday I enjoyed a peaceful time at church. I only had my oldest boy with me and he was in Sunday school. I was very grateful to be able to concentrate on the message the Pastor was giving because it was right in line with my 31 Days of gratitude. I know I was meant to be 100% present so I could hear every word. Usually I am running after my 3 year old:)
His message was that of taking our passions and making them work to bring others closer to God. About serving and giving rather than sitting on the side lines expecting someone else to do the work. Doing what God created us to do so that others might see Him through us.
When I got home I was very grateful to have my husband ready to take charge and allow me to go to bed without any questions. Martin truly is a wonderful man with a heart of gold :) He made dinner, put the kids to bed and when he woke up he made the lunches and took the kids to school!
Of course I am also very grateful for my in-laws. They came and took Jacob back to their house for the day so Martin could get some work done. Red and Adele are such amazing grandparents. I honestly do not know how I could survive in this little town without them! They are always ready to help out and are always so welcoming to everyone.
There are so many things I have to be Grateful for and I look forward to sharing them with you in the following posts!
Blessings
Lee-Anne
Dear Lord please guide me in the right direction and help me to live my life with true passion and faith.
I am still in bed, but I am taking a few minutes to write from my IPad.
Yesterday I enjoyed a peaceful time at church. I only had my oldest boy with me and he was in Sunday school. I was very grateful to be able to concentrate on the message the Pastor was giving because it was right in line with my 31 Days of gratitude. I know I was meant to be 100% present so I could hear every word. Usually I am running after my 3 year old:)
His message was that of taking our passions and making them work to bring others closer to God. About serving and giving rather than sitting on the side lines expecting someone else to do the work. Doing what God created us to do so that others might see Him through us.
When I got home I was very grateful to have my husband ready to take charge and allow me to go to bed without any questions. Martin truly is a wonderful man with a heart of gold :) He made dinner, put the kids to bed and when he woke up he made the lunches and took the kids to school!
Of course I am also very grateful for my in-laws. They came and took Jacob back to their house for the day so Martin could get some work done. Red and Adele are such amazing grandparents. I honestly do not know how I could survive in this little town without them! They are always ready to help out and are always so welcoming to everyone.
There are so many things I have to be Grateful for and I look forward to sharing them with you in the following posts!
Blessings
Lee-Anne
Dear Lord please guide me in the right direction and help me to live my life with true passion and faith.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
The Gift of Nothing
Three Christmas's ago a beautiful girlfriend of mine sent a special package to me and my family. Inside, along with some yummy treats, was a cute little book called The Gift of Nothing by Patrick McDonnell.
A perfect little story about finding the perfect gift for that special someone who has EVERYTHING! It really touched on the importance of being genuine and spending time with those we love.
I am so grateful for my friend Alicia and her precious gift to us of adding a new storybook to our family's traditional Christmas reading list!
Linking this story to my youngest child, Jacob, I grasped the opportunity to spend a little extra time with him tonight. While Logan and Mason had already fallen asleep a not so sleepy Jacob quietly crept down the stairs looking for Mommy :)
Knowing that he had had a very long nap this afternoon, one that I willingly partook in, I allowed him to come downstairs for a couple extra QUIET stories. I stressed quiet because his idea of a really good story is anything that makes noise!
Once we were complete he was quite happy to return to his bed and quickly fell asleep in my arms :)
You really can't buy these precious moments or plan them. I love all my children and I realize as they grow that I cannot buy back time and that every moment counts. Sometimes I find that I wish time away too quickly and miss out on some wonderful opportunities to connect with my kids.
I am working at putting more focus on being completely present at home with my kids and husband when we are all home as a family. I look forward to including them in more of the things that I do and participating in and celebrating the things they do. Yes I am already involved in many activities with them, but I mean on a level of heart to heart connection. Being more vulnerable is scary for me, and that is just what the doctor ordered :)
Blessings
Lee-Anne
1 John 3:18
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. (NIV)
A perfect little story about finding the perfect gift for that special someone who has EVERYTHING! It really touched on the importance of being genuine and spending time with those we love.
I am so grateful for my friend Alicia and her precious gift to us of adding a new storybook to our family's traditional Christmas reading list!
Linking this story to my youngest child, Jacob, I grasped the opportunity to spend a little extra time with him tonight. While Logan and Mason had already fallen asleep a not so sleepy Jacob quietly crept down the stairs looking for Mommy :)
Knowing that he had had a very long nap this afternoon, one that I willingly partook in, I allowed him to come downstairs for a couple extra QUIET stories. I stressed quiet because his idea of a really good story is anything that makes noise!
Once we were complete he was quite happy to return to his bed and quickly fell asleep in my arms :)
You really can't buy these precious moments or plan them. I love all my children and I realize as they grow that I cannot buy back time and that every moment counts. Sometimes I find that I wish time away too quickly and miss out on some wonderful opportunities to connect with my kids.
I am working at putting more focus on being completely present at home with my kids and husband when we are all home as a family. I look forward to including them in more of the things that I do and participating in and celebrating the things they do. Yes I am already involved in many activities with them, but I mean on a level of heart to heart connection. Being more vulnerable is scary for me, and that is just what the doctor ordered :)
Blessings
Lee-Anne
1 John 3:18
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. (NIV)
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