yvonne parks

Counting down the days

2012-01-18T08:45:00.000-05:00

We leave in just over a week for our first ever family vacation. Yes, we've snuck away for a weekend close by...and we've flown back to Winnipeg as a family...we've never gone on a holiday with the kids. I'm so excited, I can hardly sleep at night!

There is so much to plan for...packing for the 'unknown' is especially weird. The other thing is making sure all my work projects are being completed in time. Why is it that even when you give clients 3-4 months advanced notice...they still wait till the week before to suddenly send in all their files...effectively bottlenecking everything in the last remaining hours? Bad planning I guess.

I was setting my 'auto reply' message for my email addresses (I have 6!) and I was so tempted to simply write "On vacation. Leave me alone. :)" But alas...the many that know my humour and affection for them would laugh. But some would be greatly offended. Best not to offend.

Just to be annoying, I found a neat count-down timer. Weeeeee!

Latest Print work

2012-01-03T11:37:00.000-05:00

Book Covers

2012-01-03T11:31:00.000-05:00

Here are a few of the latest.

Fun little things

2011-12-31T14:09:00.003-05:00

I'm a simple girl...it doesn't take much to make me smile. I love dollarama...a place where I can get something cute for $1. I love decorating, and when you find the 'right' thing, its just fun.

Anneka got her 'own room' this summer. Using her favorite colour, I put together a room for her that she loved. However, she did say "I think we need some yellow in here." And you know...she was right! Yellow with the purple just popped!

We went out to find a yellow cushion for her bed, but were unable to find one. Apparently, yellow is not a trendy colour. And I looked everywhere: department stores, malls, local household decor shops, eBay, etsy, you name it. Until last week, when we finally came across the perfect little round pillow.

You may be thinking: "So what? Who cares?" Well...Anneka and I sure cared. We high-fived, and ran home to try it out. Simple things....

I like the fact that a simple thing can make me smile...bring me a burst of joy. But what I love more is that my daughter is as easily given joy by a small thing. For her, a little pillow...or a new pack of markers...or a fresh book to read...or a visit to her Oma's house...those are things that bring a smile to her face. I love that about her.

Goodbye 2011

2011-12-31T01:28:00.000-05:00

Wow...I can't believe it. The end of 2011. This has been an amazing year. And my first thought? "I wish I had taken more pictures." You'd think that having a husband in the yearbook industry, I'd have an understanding of the value of capturing memories on film (or in our case, digital files) But alas...I haven't taken many photographs. Maybe that can be my new year resolution. Take more pictures. (Hear that Nancy?? MORE PICS! :)

In 27 days, we leave for our cruise. It feels like a dream that I can't quite believe is about to happen! I'm so excited, and yet there are so many things to do.

Sometimes I find it hard to distinguish the difference between a resolution, and a to-do list. Isn't a resolution kinda like a to-do list? Like your "yearly bucket list". If you know me, or have read my blog, you know my aversion to lists. They are bossy little letters of data just taunting me to fail. Well poo-on-you, list...I'm not falling for it! And resolutions are in the same catagory.

I heard a great quote the other day...that I can't quite recall perfectly...but I got the jist. And it was this "God...help me to NOT strive to live by the strength of my own resolution, but to live in, and by your Grace."

So there will be no 'resolutions' for me. Because I'm just a little bit tired of striving in general. So instead my prayer is that I will lean into God's grace, long to long for Him more and more, and surrender my hopes, dreams, money, husband, job, children and life to Him wholly in 2012.

Oh yeah, and take a cruise.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T21:39:00.002-05:00

Jesus is....

2011-11-22T17:40:00.000-05:00

Jason and I laughed ourselves silly today when Aila came home with this writing assignment. They were to fill the page with their thoughts. It turns out she really only had 2 thoughts, but was determined to 'fill the page' anyway. :)

"Jesus is a modern day saint because he is the best, caring. Jesus is the best and he is caring. Plus he loves animals and nature. But Jesus sacrifced for our sins. Jesus is also very giving. Jesus is the best human being because he made the world for us. I think he shows that he is most like a saint because he is caring. Jesus is always the best person ever and He is soooooo caring to everyone and he loves nature and animals! Jesus is a modern day saint because he is caring, the best, and sacrifices. Jesus is a very sacrificing man and is very special to me. I love Jesus!"

The Christian Discount.

2011-10-17T19:27:00.000-04:00

If there is one thing that Christian people are known for in business...its for their lack of generosity. In one word...they are 'cheap'. There is always an expectation of a discount. In my mind, how is this even possible?
Is there anything in God's character that is "cheap"? Is there anything in God's character that gives the bare minimum? On the contrary, God's character is one of generosity. Words like "abundance", "overflowing"...not just filled up...but running over. There's nothing 'cheap' about running over. In fact...it's more than you can handle. More even, then we deserve.

What bothers me, is that when Christian business people are constantly wanting the lowest price, the best deal or what I like to call "The Christian Discount", we are actually acting in a way that is OPPOSITE of God's character. Its anti-God's Character. It's not just the opposite of the way Christ would act...but I believe it's unrighteous.

Now...this is funny coming from a frugal Dutch girl with a love for Dollarama. I love a deal. But I have learned alot about the spiritual effects of crazy generosity in the last 2 years. And what I've learned is that God's Kingdom is upside down. Jesus always did things opposite of what the norm was. He didn't follow rules. He established a Kingdom where things were not as 'man' would do them.

The norm is to think that giving will make you poor. That you should hold on to your stuff, your money, with all your might...so that you will have enough. But the truth is, that in the Kingdom of God...that doesn't work. It will actually backfire. You will never have enough if you live like that. But if you give...(with a knowing that what you have is God's anyway)...you will see God giving back to you. And you will have FUN!

Back to Christians in business. Its really sad. My goal is to NEVER ask for the "Christian discount" again from a business. In fact...my desire is to not only pay what's fair...but pay more. Crazy? Sure. But how would YOU feel to be on the recieving end of someone like that? Wouldn't it bless you?!

I believe something supernatural happens when we act like Jesus...and in an opposite spirit of how the world thinks. Giving is upside-down. It never leaves you dry...it always fills you up. Spiritually and financially.

Stuff

2011-10-16T19:32:00.000-04:00

I know I don't blog a lot. And when I apologize for not blogging, it's always for the same reason. "Nothing much to say!" I work, I sleep, I snuggle with my kiddos.

Fall is here, and I love it. I love the cooler weather because I love cozy sweaters. I'm not looking forward to the city being covered in snow however. But I was raised to always see the positive...so my 'positive' about winter is the fact that we are going on a long-awaited family vacation in January. So the faster winter comes, the faster that vacation comes! But a mild winter would still be nice. :)

For those of you who don't know (assuming anyone still comes here?) Aila-isms is still going strong. Check it out here:
www.aila-isms.blogspot.com

Also, you can check out www.pearcreative.ca (my company site)

Pear Creative is also on Facebook, Twitter, Linked in and Youtube.

I'm really excited about this week, because I have a delivery of promotional giveaways arriving. Pear Creative is giving out some cool gifts to our clients and associates for Christmas! This is my first year doing this, but I'm really hoping they turn out amazing!

That's about it....I'll try to be more consistant. :)

Psalm 101

2011-09-27T10:53:00.000-04:00

1 I will sing of your love and justice;
   to you, LORD, I will sing praise.
2 I will be careful to lead a blameless life—
   when will you come to me?

   I will conduct the affairs of my house
   with a blameless heart.
3 I will not look with approval
   on anything that is vile.

   I hate what faithless people do;
   I will have no part in it.
4 The perverse of heart shall be far from me;
   I will have nothing to do with what is evil.

Makes me so much more careful about what I watch on TV...or what movies I go to. What are we silently "approving" of in our participation?

Lists and "Yelling Mommy"

2011-09-08T09:42:00.001-04:00

I'm generally not a fan of lists. :) I feel like they are bossy - telling me what to do! My rebellious side doesn't like being told what to do. (shocking right? haha)

But I'm finding that it works wonders for the kids. Last year I was feeling very overwhelmed by all I had to do around the house, and how little the kids were doing. (AND running my business on top of it all!) We had a family meeting about how we, as a family, are a team. And when some team members don't do their part , the other team member (me!) has to do more...and I become "Yelling Mommy". I asked the girls if they enjoy "Yelling Mommy". They answered with a firm shake of their heads "NO!!" I explained that I, in fact, 'hate' "Yelling Mommy" (the H-word is one we aren't supposed to use in our house...so the point was made!) I went on to say that I don't like that "Mommy" at all. I wished she would go away and never come back. In fact, I feel a great amount of shame when that particular Mommy is in charge. I wish "Fun Mommy" could be the only Mommy we saw. (The girls agreed!) I explained that "Yelling Mommy" comes out when I feel sad, frustrated, overwhelmed, and like I'm all alone and no one is helping our team!

The talk seemed to work. They 'got' it. I was open and honest about my own weakness and level of frustration. And they agreed that 'team work' was something we needed to improve on. But HOW could we get the kids to remember what their responsibilities were each day...and do them!?

Ugh...it appeared LISTS were going to be the answer!! *sigh*

Last year I printed out some simple cards and posted them on the walls in key places in our house. Just a little 'check list' of what the girls need to do each day. Here are some examples:

By the front door:

hang up coats/backpacks
shoes in closet

Here are some more!

In the breakfast area where the girls eat in the morning

In their bedrooms. This is the list they must do before coming down for breakfast before school

Self explanatory!! haha...but it works!

As soon as school started, I was worried that we'd have to have a 'meeting' and re-introduce the concept of these lists...because in the summer, the rules had relaxed A LOT! But nope....without me even having to mention it, their beds are made before they come down for breakfast! Mind you, Anneka's idea of what constitutes a "made bed" falls a little short of my expectations...with the comforter sometimes on lopsided etc. (but hey...I won't comment...because she's doing it!)

Anyway, I never thought I'd say this...but "Hurray for lists!"
And I'm doing my best to keep "Yelling Mommy" at bay. :)

Interview

2011-09-01T15:08:00.000-04:00

I was interviewed for blog/website geared to authors...

Here's the link! :)

August

2011-08-26T19:55:00.000-04:00

How is it possible that summer is almost over? A friend posted a picture of Christmas decorations on sale at Costco! It literally made my stomach lurch! I'm grieving that its almost September. I love having my girls home. I love the heat, the sunshine, wearing shorts and sandals...I love summer!

The girls go back to school on Sept 6, and they couldn't be more ready. They are have their school supplies packed in their backpacks, and waiting by the door. No joke. Very ready. I on the other hand will miss having them around all day. Sleeping in, lazy breakfasts. School means waking up via an alarm going off, breakfast on time, schedule schedule schedule. Blech.

I told Jason that before I die, I would like to live in a climate like California where summer is basically year round. To have month after month of warm sunshine....just sounds lovely.

We didn't 'go' anywhere this summer. Well, except for 2 night in Montreal for the Taylor Swift Concert/Aila's Birthday. We stuck around all summer. Of course, partly because I need to work every day and just can't take off that much time. We did hit the beach a couple times, but mostly stayed put. Besides my busy work schedule, another reason for this is that we are taking a vacation this winter (why leave town when it's summer? I'll leave when it's COLD! haha). I guess the benefit of time passing so quickly is that our winter trip is approaching even faster. I am definitely looking forward to that! The Parks' clan is taking a Caribbean cruise. We're so excited!

So yes....around 12 more days before summer is officially over....and I'm praying for some hot beach weather this week....for one last 'hurrah'.

Aila's note

2011-07-24T19:50:00.001-04:00

Aila found some note paper in the hotel last weekend, and wrote a little about our time there. So cute!

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Summer

2011-07-22T10:47:00.001-04:00

Ahhh...summer. I love it! I love the heat (well...mostly because we have A/C!), love the sun, love that you don't need to bundle up..(shorts and sandals!) and I love the lazy feeling. Before I die, its my dream to live in a place that has comfortable summer weather year-round. Like California....that would suit me just fine! :)

But back to summer: First, the girls are home...which means no waking up early to rush them out the door. Nice! Secondly, one of my major publishing contracts is closed for a 2 weeks summer break, so my days are much much slower. Again, nice!

We've kept Anneka busy with camps. First VBS, then an "arts" day-camp, and next week she's gone all week to sleep-away-camp at Ottawa Vally Pentecostoal Camp. This will be her second year going..but it still makes me nervous to think of her away for an entire week! She sure is growing up! And Aila, btw...refuses to attend any camps...saying "I'm away from you all day when I'm in school. When its summer...I just want to be with you!" How can you say 'no' to that?!

Last week I took Anneka to her first concert. We saw Taylor Swift, in Montreal...and it was AMAZING!! She and I drove out on Thursday to Montreal, went to the concert, stayed the night in a hotel, and then Jason and Aila joined us for the next day and night. (they took the train...which was a thrill for Aila!) Saturday was Aila's 8th birthday, so we made the trip into a birthday weekend for her.

Here are some photos!

A very happy Anneka, watches as Taylor Swift hits the stage!

Showing off her "Anneka Swift" t-shirt (Her face on TS's body!)

Aila checking out her ticket at the train station

Aila and Jason on the train

Anneka enjoying the pool!

Aila at Montreal's bio-dome. (See the alligator in the water?)

Being silly of course... hehe


Jason and I

Aila's "Birthday Breakfast"

Anneka took this photo of me

Now we are off to see Anneka perform at her Arts Camp Finale Concert. I'm looking forward to it! She's singing a solo, is performing in a drama, and presenting some paintings she did. Then it's off to Ron and Lynne's to enjoy their pool, and have dinner.

Ahhh...summer. Love it!

Anneka-ism

2011-07-18T10:44:00.003-04:00

Anneka: "Mommy...when you go into a Retirement Home, all this will be mine!!!"

Product Rave

2011-07-07T22:42:00.002-04:00

Okay....you have to try these!!

Quaker Cripsy Minis Delights

90 Cal

I love the "Cinnamon Streusel" flavour the best so far. (Tho there is a caramel flavour, and a chocolatey drizzled one out there too) It's cinnamon with a little bit of icing drizzled on each little 'chip'. So yummy, and only 2 points!

My favourite snack right now!

My girls

2011-07-02T21:46:00.002-04:00

Today I tried to get some good pictures of the girls. I think these images contrast their personalities perfectly. hehe.

(and yes...that was the best photo I could get of Aila today! :)

Anneka's New Room

2011-06-30T13:01:00.002-04:00

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Anneka chose purple for her room! So we used a nice 'mature' muted purple (the purple in the daisy painting is the color on the opposite wall , and also around the window) Its something that can definitely grow with her! Fun fun!

Re-decorating

2011-06-22T23:11:00.001-04:00

In May, Anneka turned 11! I still can't believe that my baby is a pre-teen!

Anneka is quite a classic introvert. She refuels by being alone...having quiet...its refreshing to her. Aila is the opposite. She loves people...she refuels by being social. Having those two share a room has been very interesting...but I was committed to it. I knew it would be good for them...to have to share a space, toys, cleanup together, share the responsibility. But now that Anneka is older, we have been noticing her being frustrated with not having a space of her own where she can simply close the door, and be alone.

We have a 4-bedroom home, which would normally be plenty of room for a 4-person family. However, both Jason and I have home offices...which means 1/2 of those rooms are taken. Jason made the decision that it was more important for his little girl to have her own space...and is now renting office space in a building 10 minutes from our home. Tomorrow Anneka's new room will be painted, and furniture arrives in the next couple of weeks as well.

In the meantime, I helped Jason decorate his new office space (paint, furniture etc) and also did a 'mini makeover' on Aila's room.

Here are the results! (click to enlarge)

And Jason's office (top photos are the 'before' images, as this room was used for storage before it was rented to him!)

book

2011-06-03T11:36:00.000-04:00

I'm in awe of authors. Someone who can sit down, and not only create a story, but write it out in detail...developing characters, plot...page after page. Its something that takes not just weeks, but months...and sometimes years. I don't have the patience for that.

Yet, in my head, I've always wanted to write a book. About what? I don't know....something funny though. Something about my life. Maybe call it "How hard could it be?" Maybe I should just compile 11 years of this blog...take the funniest posts....about raising kids...being a Mom, losing weight, moving...stuff in my head. But who would read it if it's free on the internet? *lol* I mean....the book cover would be awesome right? haha. And I think I could even find a publisher :)

But do I have anything to say? Or rather, anything people would wanna read? Perhaps not. And yet, wouldn't it be fun?

Its definately something I'd like to do someday. I just need to figure out what to say. And then be dedicated and diciplined enough to see it through.

me again

2011-05-25T09:20:00.000-04:00

I was reading a blog the other day from an artistic Mom with young children. She was feeling overwhelmed, and wondered if she'd ever be 'herself' again.

Wow...I remember feeling that. I remember not recognizing myself in the mirror. I remember not knowing what my favourite colour was....if I even had one? Did I? Did I used to? Why didn't I know? Why didn't I know much about who I was anymore? All I knew was that I was a Mommy...and I spent my day changing diapers, and fetching juice in sippy cups. (Oh how we all loathed those sippy cups!!) Ah yes...I remember it well.

Now I have a daughter who just turned 11 yesterday!! Its hard to fathom! She babysat her sister this weekend. Jason and I did a 'trial run' and went to a movie literally just down the street. I kept my phone near me. I have MSN messenger on my phone, and Anneka has it on her computer. If she needed to ask me anything, it was as if I was in the next room. But she didn't ask me anything. They were fine. They watched TV, ate popcorn, had a juice box, and played their DS's. Uneventful. I didn't hear from them once. They were fine. I have a babysitting-aged daughter. How did that happen?

And I do feel more 'me'. In fact, I'm a 'me' I never even knew before. This is a 'me' I didn't know existed! I'm running a design company that is doing well. Everyday I have to choose what I do and don't 'like'. I'm being creative, artistic, entrepreneurial. I'm meeting people (mind you, via email and phone...but people none-the-less) who run companies, and they are asking MY advice! They feel I have a voice....and they want to hear it. That is a far cry from where I was 8 years ago, with a newborn and a toddler. Where the only 'voice' I had was one that said "no" 68 times a day, and sang Barney songs till I dreamt about large purple dinosaurs who had stolen the diaper rash cream.

Its amazing how the years change and evolve, and how we evolve with them.

So I understand this blogging Mom 100%. So, I posted a response that actually made me cry when the reality of the last line hit me. Here's what I wrote to her:

You will be ‘you’ again. Once they go to school full time…once they can make their own lunch, once the older one can babysit the younger…you will get to be more of you again.

However, then they don’t want to cuddle like they used to. They don’t need you for anything. You aren’t always ‘right’, and they don’t think you are ‘cool’ anymore. You get more of ‘you’, but lose more of ‘them’. And those cuddles will never be back they way they are now. Those little girls running wild in the house in their underwear, carefree and loud….turn into tweens (and then teens) with a need for privacy and solitude. And the house is much too quiet…and the cuddles turn into 'short hugs' which are now much too few.

And I think that the next time I cuddle with a diaper clad little girl who has my eyes or my nose, or my colour of hair, it will be my granddaughter.

Wow. Pros and cons to being ‘me’ again.

Worshipful

2011-04-25T14:05:00.004-04:00

I love the audience's response. They all know they are having a "God" moment here...and it's just so powerful!

Losing my Funny

2011-02-18T10:02:00.003-05:00

Am I losing my funny?

Its true that if you don't use a muscle, it becomes weak. To keep something strong, you have to exercise it. I fear that my lack of interaction with people is causing my 'funny' to dwindle.

I mean, I used to be so funny! I re-read some blog entries from 7 years ago, and I'm rolling with laughter. What happened? There are a couple theories:

As you age you lose your funny

Impossible. My Dad's dry humour is fully in tact, and he is 78 years old. In fact, he's getting funnier as he ages. Perhaps not even on purpose...

Isolation flattens your funny

Who do I get to be funny with? Funny via email is not as fun. Period. Funny via MSN is not as fun. Nor is funny via phone. For a true experience, you really need to be with people, in person. I don't often get to do this. Maybe I'm losing it?

The "Perfect Storm" of funny

There are some people who I'm just funnier around. In fact, I think they may say they are funnier around me too. It's like this cosmic explosion of personality and shamelessness that causes the ideal environment for funny to take place. Rhonda is one of those people. I think she is simply the funniest person I've ever met. She says the same about me....but also complains that others around her don't always appreciate her humour like I do. She just makes me laugh. And then we're off....to the ear-covering dismay of our husbands.

Jason eventually just eases his way out of the room once we get started. A) because he says the volume in the room becomes unbearable, and there is no way to control it once it's out of control and B) because he will eventually become the 'butt' of our funny. Which is entirely entertaining for us, and not so enjoyable for Jason.

So has my distance from my funny-friend caused me to become dull? Not that Vikki isn't funny...because she is. You should see it when all THREE of us are together. Madness. Add a bottle of wine...and its over. Once I remember the 3 of us sitting in my living room here in Ottawa...and Jason was sitting with us. He was a little quiet...and then finally said with a sense of awe "Wow...this is like sitting in a room with Superman, Spiderman and Batman!" Three amazing people that you enjoy separately, but rarely ever see all together at once! Like I said...the "perfect storm". Oh look...Jason made a funny!! Which begs the question:

Is funny catchy?

Is it catchy? Is it? Sometimes Jason says really funny things. But seriously...if it were catchy...then after 16 1/2 years of marriage...he should be WAY funnier by now. Maybe it's a parent to child thing. Aila is totally hysterical. Her personality is so similar to mine, its eerily enjoyable. I find myself encouraging the madness in her...just for kicks. Like when she eats ice cream in a clear glass bowl...and then decides to lick it clean. Anneka would NEVER do something so unclassy. Either would Jason. My family on the other hand.....The Brussee's (my Mom's side) have made an art of licking the bowl clean. In fact, I'm pretty sure they are all bowl-lickers...every single one of them. While Jason gasps in shock and horror, I'm giving her direction to help find the spots she missed. I'm entirely certain we have time to trim up her manners shortly before shoving her into the dating world.

If a funny falls in the forest, does it make a sound?

Could it be that I'm still as funny as I once was? Perhaps if there is no one to hear the funny, it just ceases to be funny. However, that can't be entirely true...because sometimes I find myself laughing all alone...thoroughly entertained by something I just thought of. But alas...it withers quickly without a person nearby to return the volley. So maybe I am funny...but you just can't SEE it because there is no one to laugh. Heck...maybe I'm funnier, but don't even know it!

Immunity to the funny

This is a scientific fact here, class. Ask those who are married to funny people. You just become immune. While the world is rolling in laughter, the spouse is staring at a spot on the floor, mentally re-organizing the spice cabinet. It's kinda like if roses grew like dandy lions. Who cares. I see that everday. Big whoop.

Now, the experienced spouse knows one thing: There is no use trying to curb the funny. Especially in social situations. At the start of the relationship you can try to 'suggest' more appropriate behaviour...but it won't work. It's like the steps of grieving:

Denial - I'm sure this won't be like this for the whole marriage...it will probably wear off. They will eventually become more calm in social settings.
Anger - Why won't they STOP with the jokes? Seriously?!?!
Bargaining - Look, if you just tone it down a bit, honey....I'll fix all the light bulbs without you ever asking!
Depression - Why me?
Acceptance - It's clear s/he is never going to change...so we may as well enjoy this particular character trait!

Perhaps my funny is still in tact, but my introspection has gone haywire....somewhat eclipsing my funny. Too much time to think is never a good thing. This blog entry is proof. I should go watch some TV.

Bad words

2011-02-07T18:02:00.000-05:00

Sometimes the girls think certain 'potty words' are so hilariously funny, that they try to weave them into every sentence and context possible. Instead of outlawing these words, we created guidelines for the use of them.

For example...some anatomic words are acceptable at home (within reason) but are to never be spoken repeatedly with giggles outside the walls of the house. They get this, and have been very good about it!

We have also labeled words like "stupid", "shut-up", "hate" and "dumb" as bad words. We had to backtrack on this a bit, as sometimes..well...some situations truly are stupid, and I truly do hate beets. Our intent was to show that hurtful words should not be spoken to another person...because words can hurt more than a scrape on the knee. Soon though, we saw that a total blackout of these words was a little harsh, and yet looked for a way to relax the rule a bit...while still showing them that the use of these words is generally not kind.

That's when I instigated the "once a day" rule. Aila would ask "Mommy, is 'dang-it' a bad word?"

Well...while its not a bad word, it's also not a word I want to hear every 2 minutes! So it became a "once a day" word. She can use it once a day. My brother Paul asked if they were allowed to bank words, and then just expel them all in one day. A) NO! and B) I politely asked him to NOT mention this idea to the girls, as they would LOVE a day of total verbal mayhem!

Anyway, the other day I was about to sternly address my girls about the word they were repeatedly yelling in the basement while playing Wii. Each time someone would score, they would yell out"Sex-yyyyy!!!" It was a 'new' word that I'd never heard them use, and tho it wasn't a swear, it certainly wasn't something I thought was proper coming from a child! I rolled up my sleeves and made my way downstairs to set them straight.

It was soon that we realized that they were actually yelling "Succeeeeeeeed!" (not sex-yyyy)....which is...of course...infinitely more appropriate.

Funny

2011-01-14T13:46:00.000-05:00

Jason: You're shouting
Yvonne: No I'm not, I'm excited!
Jason: You're "excited" alot

The heart and the mouth

2011-01-06T10:13:00.000-05:00

*warning: long post*

What do I worship?

I once heard a quote "People talk about what they worship". The bible talks about the heart allot, and the mouth too...and how they are so connected. Out of the mouth flows the issues of the heart. It makes me stop and think: What is flowing out of my mouth?

Moving to a new place means you are in a space of 'getting to know' people at all times. There is no history and familiarity. Every conversation is an opportunity to either know someone, or be known. I'm acutely aware of listening to people. I take seriously the first things people talk about with me, because I'm trying to get to know them. And if you wanna get to know people...start by listening to them. Of course, people don't always share the deep things of themselves with you...especially during first conversations...however, first conversations give you the general 'jist' of a person's personality and sometimes passions. You hear what they like, love, and even worship. And in turn...they get to hear what flows from me. Ouch.

I recently met a sweet girl whom I was really interested in getting to know. Until she started to speak. She talked a LOT about her ministry. What she had done...who she had done it with, where, how many people...it was a bit like hearing a 'ministry resume' all night. I felt sad for her, because obviously she is hurting and broken, and finds her identity in what she does. But I was acutely listening for key words. Like "Jesus". And you know...the word Jesus never came out of her mouth once. Now listen...you don't have to gush about God like a crazy person to love Him...I'm not saying that. But out of the mouth comes the things of the heart....you talk about what you worship...what you love!

Ever seen a person in love? You can't get them to shut up! Or a person obsessed with something? I think that perhaps people talk about what they have first in their heart....because it's sitting at the top of the pile...rated #1...and the first thing to overflow when they open their mouths..

So...what then do I love? What do I worship?

Some people always wanna argue. Constantly picking a fight, or finding the error with what you say. They are argumentative....cause friction just to get a weird 'high' from it. I think the root is their deep desire to be right...to have worth. But is that desire the thing they hold above all else?

What about people who are always negative? No matter how wonderful something is...they always find the negative (or potentially negative) part of it and highlight that above everything else. "What a beautiful day! (I hope I don't get sunburned!)". Many sentences that start with "I hope that..." always followed by what they fear. Where is that person's heart? Certainly not living in a place of peace and trust. But instead, worshipping fear and anxiety.

We can make an idol of anything. And we spend our time thinking about it, pondering it, tending to it, talking about it....fretting, hoping, dreaming, planning, plotting. Wow. Soon we wake up (I wake up!) and voila...I've created a golden calf of the very thing I never wanted to worship.

The question I have a lot is "How?". If I see that something has become the 'thing' I talk about most...how do I change it? It's all good and well to preach about what's wrong with us...but what's the answer? How do we make the switch in our brain to "agree to give up our idol"?

Well...perhaps I can start with following every 'idol' thought with a giant "NO! I'm not going there..." and replace it with a statement of truth.

I love the scripture that says "Praise the Lord, Oh my soul!" This is a command to our soul! This verse indicates to me that perhaps this was a soul that was NOT in a place of proper worship. We can speak to our soul...and send the command! "Hey Soul....this is the situation. We are NOT going this direction. We are CHOOSING to set ourselves before the Lord...and you are going to come into line with this truth!" Its the mind and spirit (the part of you that communes with God) making a decision...and declaring that the soul (your personality and will) come into agreement with Truth.

Just things I'm pondering this week....

Pear Creative | Beyond Apples and Oranges

2011-01-04T11:02:00.002-05:00

So, I'm happy to announce that my new venture is up and running!!

For those of you who aren't in the marketing or publishing world, the word "creative" is used in business as a noun. A word meaning similar to "design". It refers to the design of materials used in publishing, marketing or advertising. Ex: "Joe is in charge of the campaign's creative".

The 'pear' idea came out of a humorous conversation 2 years ago about how the company "Apple" had taken the name of a fruit, and created a branding empire! I was already thinking about a name change at this point. Someone quicky tossed out the name "Orange" (funny, because I'm Dutch)...But my response had been this

"I want to take people BEYOND apples and oranges....to fresh ideas!"

To me, there's nothing fresher than a good pear! Its like the candy of the fruit-world!

So Pear Creative was born.

Why the name change from Yvonne Parks Design? Well, I wanted to grow beyond myself. Taking my name out of the business allows me to incorporate other talented people, and move beyond what my capabilities are. It now can grow to be a group of artists, under one banner. And I love that idea!

www.pearcreative.ca

Dicipline

2010-12-16T20:44:00.000-05:00

After asking Anneka to hop in the shower, and having some issues with her not obeying (instead she continued watching the TV!) Jason took matters into his hands!

After she apologized to me, Jason told her that she was going to "write lines".
"What's THAT?" she said

It took her over an hour to complete...I almost felt sorry for her!! But not quite...
(click to enlarge)

What would YOU do?

2010-12-15T18:01:00.000-05:00

We have never talked about Santa, really. We don't tell the kids that he's real, or not real. We don't discuss him bringing presents. In fact, we buy gifts and wrap them, putting them under the tree as soon as they are wrapped....so the kids can watch the gifts collect around the tree. It causes such glee in them the weeks leading up to Christmas! Anneka at age 4...ever the realist...looked at me and said "Kids in my class actually BELIEVE in Santa! But I just smile and nod my head when they talk about him." (following a talk about how it's a parent's job to give big news like that)

However, Aila....our little dramatic one....talks about Santa all the time. Now...I don't truly thinks she believes...because she sees the gifts collecting....and we open gifts on Christmas Eve (before Santa even is supposed to have come) But I think she loves the idea of him. The fun of him...and the magical part of it thrills her.

Yesterday I found this note on our tree.

By Aila Parks

To Santa
Are you Real?
Answer my Question
Answer it yes or no
Circle
YES OR NO

Merry Christmas

So...what do we do? Circle YES? Circle NO? Ignore it?
I considered writing her a note from Santa that said something like

Dear Aila,

Why thank you...what a lovely note! To answer your question: I live in your imagination! I'm fun to think about, dream about, and talk about! However, I don't actually live in real life. But it's fun to pretend every year...and have fun with the thought of me.

Merry Christmas!
Love, Santa.

I figure this is a smart way of answering her question truthfully, but still not bursting her imaginative bubble. Or is it?

So parents, what would YOU do?

Ottawa Weather

2010-12-11T12:44:00.000-05:00

So, it's -32C (-25.6F) with the windchill in Winnipeg. Brrr! It's -7C (19.4F) here (with windchill). Lesser brrr...

But I just had to post this image. I've never in my life seen "triangles" falling from the clouds....its a total Ontario thing that I found funny. It means ice pellets. Rain, and snow. More like hail and snow....which i lovingly refer to as "snail". It snails often around here.

We have a dusting of snow on the ground. (as you can see over on the right of this page, on the live webcam view of Parliament Hill!) You can still see grass poking through, so we don't really "count" that as really 'having snow'. However, there is a chance in the next 3 days that we could get a good dumping. Aila is very excited! I'm not so much excited. I'm kind 'over' snow. But if the snail/ice/rain/snow comes on Sunday...chances are the buses will be all covered in ice...and when that happens...they call a 'snow day'. Or rather..."ice day". And buses are then cancelled. Schools are open, but without buses...the kids just mostly stay home. And of course...the kids would love that. Especially since that would give them a 3 day school week.

This weekend we're taking the kids to Kingston. Jason often has business there, and does again this weekend. But with it being so close to the holidays, we don't really wanna be apart. So the girls and I are joining him in Kingston, starting on friday. It will be some nice time away.

Anyway...thats all for now! (well..I do have some fun 'work' news, but I can't share it quite yet!)

Christmas Gifts?

2010-12-01T09:07:00.000-05:00

These rings are great for gifts!

Teacher gifts, a little something for your co-workers, your daughter, your friends, your wife....if you have anyone in your life who likes accessories....this is a great fun gift!!

View the full catalogue here!

Lost in Translation

2010-11-29T10:32:00.024-05:00

I've spent allot of time around Americans. In fact, we even have some in the family! When I visit with them, I really notice that there a few words that are very different in how we speak. I noticed it especially when I had my little nieces stay over....I had to 'alter' some language so they could understand! When I said "Please put your serviette in the garbage" they had NO idea what I meant! "Oh...sorry...please put your NAPKIN in the TRASH"

So if you are going over the border, (either way!) here are some tips on US/Canadian language differences!

Canadian = American

Garbage Can = Trash Can
Zed = Zee (the Alphabet Letter)
Toboggan = Sled
Double-Double = Coffee with 2 creams, and 2 sugars
Garburator = Garbage Disposal
Homo Milk = Whole Milk (short for Homogenized)
Runners = Tennis shoes/Sneakers
Grade 5 = Fifth Grade
Fridge = Refrigerator
Chocolate Bar = Candy Bar
Pop = Soda
Sucker = Lollipop
Kleenex = Tissue
Serviette = Napkin
Boulevard = Median
Toque = Hat
Couch = Sofa
Chesterfield = Sofa
Parkade = Parking garage
Looney = One dollar
Twooney = Two dollar piece
2-4 = A 24 case of beer
ABM = ATM (bank machine)
Boxing Day = The day after Christmas
Hydro Bill = Electric Bill

Then there are pronunciations:

Decal (that big sticker you put on your car)
- We say "deck-le" (like freckle)
-They say "Deee-cal"

Drama
-We say dramma (like gramma)
- They say Drah-mah

Process
- We say "Pro-cess"
- They say "Prah-cess"

GOOD LUCK!

Snow

2010-11-27T10:56:00.000-05:00

Well...we finally got some snow. Not much, just a 'dusting'....but enough to make it feel like winter. Luckily, the coldest it gets during the day this week will be about -1...and the high around 5C. At night it gets colder...around -8....but that's still nowhere near as cold as Winnipeg. So I'm not complaining.

Every morning I check the forecast for the day here in Ottawa. And then I look at Winnipeg. Everyday. Why do I care what the weather is like in Winnipeg? I've been gone for over 3 years! I don't even have any family there anymore. So why check? Well...I suppose when I feel cranky about the cold/snow here...I can always find the bright side by saying "Well..it's not as cold as Winnipeg!" And I suppose....it still feels like home.

It also is much much more cloudy here than Winnipeg ever was. Winnipeg was almost always sunny in the winter. But again....finding the bright side....is that the clouds keep it warm. They act like a big duvet....so when I see cloud cover, I know its gonna be a less-cold day. Did you know that clouds can't exist in super-cold weather? Yup....that's the reason it's sunny in Winnipeg so much. The cold makes it impossible for clouds to even form! So clouds=warmer weather.

It seems however, that the older I get, the more tiring this "cold and snow" business of winter becomes. I've told Jason that "before I die, I want to have lived in a place that has summer year-round!" California comes to mind. But then again...perhaps it's funner to grow old and become one of those 'snow-birds'. Retire, and spend the winters in a warmer climate. That would mean I need to really have the finances to support such a retirement!

Okay....I'm inspired. Back to work!!!!

ps...the above image is from a live webcam, so if you're reading this at night, and the picture is black...that's why!

Tooth Fairy

2010-11-16T22:11:00.004-05:00

Aila recently lost a tooth. Well, more accurately....had her tooth pulled. It had been loose for so long, and finally she let Jason pull it out. She was very brave....even though she was very very afraid...she had allowed Jason to give it a try.

So when it was time to hide her tooth under her pillow for the "tooth fairy", I decided to write her a note on behalf of the toothfairy!
However, in all the excitement of sneaking her note under her pillow....I forgot to actually TAKE the tooth! I found this note the following morning:

Amazing Worship!

2010-11-06T12:44:00.003-04:00

This was a stunt pulled off by the Philadelphia Opera......surprising shoppers at Macy's. However, it is so moving...i cried!

Funny Dutch Names

2010-11-06T11:26:00.002-04:00

The Dutch have funny names.

Many Dutch names are of the form:

van ("of/from"), de/het/'t ("the"), der ("of the"), van de ("of the/from the"), and in het ("in the") or simply de ("the").

All but the latter denote a place of origin or residence, and the latter an occupation or attribute. Many names indicate where the family lived "Van de Veld - from the field". Van de names (from the) were obvious "You know...John from down the Road *points*" became Jan Van de Weg.

In 1811, the French under Napoleon occupied the Netherlands. They started having a census for the purpose of taxation, and forced everyone to have a family name, which was not a common practice for the Dutch.

The Dutch thought this would be a temporary measure, and took on comical or offensive sounding names as a practical joke on their French occupiers.

Some examples are:

Suikerbuik (Sugarbelly)
Spring in t Veld (Jump in the Field)
Uiekruier (Onion-crier)
Naaktgeboren (Born naked)
Poepjes (Little shit)
Schooier (Beggar)
Scheefnek (Crooked-neck)
Rotmensen (Rotten people)
Zeldenthuis (Rarely at home)
Zondervan (without a surname)
Borst (breast)
Piest (to urinate)
Paardebek (Horses mouth)
Zonderkop (without a head)
Vroegindeweij (early in the field)
Uyttewiliigen (out of the willows)
Kaasenbrood (Cheese and bread)
Gekkehuis (Crazy House)
Niemand (Nobody)

They had no way to know that these names would follow their descendants for centuries! *doh!*

Some Dutch names simply described the person by their job or characteristic or location

Bakker (meaning: "Baker")
Molenaar (meaning: "Miller")
Timmerman (meaning: "Carpenter")
De Groot (meaning: "The large [one]")
De Lange (meaning: "The tall one")
Korteweg (meaning: "(living along the) short road")
Van Rijn (meaning: "(living along the)/of Rhine")
De Vries (meaning: "the Frisian")
Ver Sluis (meaning: Far Lock) (there are many locks in Holland)

Fixing stuff

2010-11-05T12:20:00.001-04:00

Okay...I saw this and thought "Oh...Ron would love this site!"

So I'm posting it for your entertainment:

What's up?

2010-11-01T14:30:00.003-04:00

Work! Busy! I'm loving it!

The longer I'm in this business, the longer I notice how there are very few graphic designers making a living at this. Most can't find enough work to make a steady living. I think it can really come down to business savvy. Just because you have a great eye for design doesn't mean you have the ability to market yourself and create an income flow. They are 2 very distinct things, I'm coming to see.

I know an interior designer who is very talented, and finding a similar problem. How to get clients? I found myself thinking about her non-stop after hearing her story. I could help her...I know I could. I should get right on that.

I'm glad Halloween is over. Thankfully, our kids' Catholic school doesn't allow costumes, so the only thing to navigate were some Halloween crafts...and Aila asking if she could dress like a vampire. I explained what a vampire was (in short, a mythical creature who murders people and drinks their blood) which was enough to change her mind about it. I wasn't even trying to scare her. I just gave her the facts like I would any other question asked.

I love how my kids simply explain to people about our choice to skip the Halloween thing. "We don't celebrate darkness" they say. It's a simple answer...which is usually followed up by "We are going to the wave pool! And McDonalds.....and..." and their friends usually reply "Ohhhh..you're so lucky!!!"

So yes, as our "Halloween Alternative", we took the girls to the wave pool, out to McDonalds, (along with Ron & Lynne, kiddos, and Oma/Opa) and then bought them a tonne of candy. (only the ones they like!) They were thrilled.

(I'm remembering the last time I posted anything about Halloween. It was like throwing a grenade. People go soooo upset! Well, that's why I'm not allowing comments on this post. This is our choice...you have yours. Enjoy.)

Anyway...not much new. But I thought I'd update!

Quote of the day

2010-10-01T10:12:00.000-04:00

"The Honesty game doesn't work if you are the only one playing it."

2010-09-30T09:22:00.001-04:00

Unsatisfied

My heart has known You
In a place so wondrous
I can’t describe
Try to put into words
How close You have come
How deeply I’ve known You
Close enough
To feel the heat
To feel the breath
To hear Your heart
To share Your secrets
And there I am loved
Good and bad
As I am
Just me
In Your presence
Longing, waiting, knowing, finding
And now I’m ruined
For anything less
And I won’t apologize
If I’m unsatisfied

Which is more Godly?

2010-09-25T17:37:00.003-04:00

Which is more Godly:
to be happy?
or to be suffering?

I'm curious what your (my!) response would be to this question. Sometimes we answer what we think is the correct (or Godly) answer, but in truth, we live a different way. Think about it...what do you believe about this statement, and how does it affect how you live?

Please...feel free to comment!

PLEASE comment anonymously

1) so that we can be be truthful about what you honestly think you believe deep down...and
2) that our answers don't affect other responses based on relationships we all may have to each other

(PS: define the words as you wish...I'm just throwing it out there as a discussion point that raises honest questions for me!)

Business God's way...

2010-09-23T14:12:00.004-04:00

I was looking over my 'book keeping' program at all the late invoices I have. Stink. I really could use that income. Why don't people pay? I don't quite understand that...frustrating.

I figure the best way to get people to pay you is not to nag them...but pray that God blesses their business. Oh...I'm not dumb...I do send late notices...and keep my nose in their door etc. But if they aren't just lazy...if they really can't pay at this moment...isn't the best solution prayer?

I learned this from Jason years ago.

When he applied for the job at Friesens, there was another guy who they had narrowed it down to as well. The two of them were the last standing. I remember asking Jason how to approach this...because saying "God...please give me the job!!" works well for YOU...but what about the other guy? Doesn't God love him too? Wasn't his wife at home just as hopeful as I was? I remember Jason saying to me "I will NOT pray that I get the job....I will only pray that God brings a better job...more blessing, greater opportunity etc for the other guy." I thought that was awesome. I mean...we really felt this was the job for Jason. But instead of focusing our prayer on "oh God...me me me me...", Jason turned it into real, true caring intercession for the other applicant. It wasn't just lip service...he really started to pray for this guy's life!

I wonder what ever happened to that guy.

Anyway...we seem to make prayer this event that is just simply all about what we need, or don't have...instead of flipping it, and making it about the person on the other end. I don't need to pray that God blesses my business...as much as I need to be praying that God blesses my customers! Can you imagine? Can you imagine how amazing it would be if when your client was in your office...you were praying the blessing of God on their lives? Who knows what kind of spiritual chain reaction that could cause....

I truly believe that life in God's economy is so drastically different than this word's economy. As Christians, we are part of a greater Kingdom, aren't we? And what makes a Kingdom a Kingdom anyway? Simply that it has a King! And our King does things much differently than man. His rule is different...his laws are different...and there is an invitation for us to experience what business and careers look like in HIS Kingdom. Why are you bored with your job? Perhaps you aren't looking at it like He does. Your job is your ministry. How fruitful is it?

This is where Jason and my passion for the marketplace stems from. Imagine Christians looking at their jobs in a new way. Not just your pay-cheque...but an opportunity to see the Kingdom coming on earth (as it is in heaven, right?) ...righteous behaviour, people living by upside-down Godly principals. And incredible, unfathomable blessing coming on businesses who adhere to these simple principals.

This economy may be in a recession...but God's isn't. What does that look like? And not just in the spiritual realm...but in the nuts and bolts of the business world.

I could write forever on this...but I have to get back to work! :)

Good Days, Bad Days

2010-09-16T13:12:00.003-04:00

So today is a tough day. What's that they say? "When it rains, it pours". Why is that? Why do all relational stress and drama happen on the same day?

To top it off...it's a slow work week. That leaves me with much-too-much free time on my hands to think. And there's only so many games of Bejewelled you can play before your hand cramps up. :)

My Mom and I were chatting earlier...and we were laughing saying "Life would be so much easier without all these people!!" Relationships are such a balance...we need them...desire them...and yet they take so much work! And then there are some that you are just confused by. Those that you don't really choose...but they are in your life anyway through association (like people you work with, friends of friends, or people in your children's lives etc)

So I'm tired today. Tired in my head, that is. It's cloudy too. That makes me even more 'blah' feeling.

Anneka is being teased at school. It really bothers me. She's being teased because of a friend she has. The friend isn't very popular. A little odd...not 'cool looking', nerdy etc. When I ask Anneka, she says "I just think B is a really nice person! We have alot in common....and I don't really care that other kids don't like B....I think he's nice"

I'm proud of her. That's my girl...not giving a rip what anyone else thinks. Not being swayed by the crowd. Except that now, kids are teasing Anneka. I finally called her teacher today...and the teacher confirmed that B is a sweet sweet kid....and that she will put an end to the bullying.

As a Mom...your kids' stresses become your stresses. Lord help me...not to pummel the bullies at school. (Tho I did make Anneka smile by offering to kick the living crap out of someone, if she wanted.)

She smiled and gave me a huge hug "*Um...no...but..thanks for the offer Mommy...."

Worship Sets

2010-09-14T10:53:00.003-04:00

I've been watching these 'worship sets' since January. It's the 2009" One Thing" Conference.

Amazing...if you have a couple hours. I just put them on...and have them run in the background while I work.

After experiencing worship like this....whole hearted...prophetic...ugh...I'm just ruined!! "Singing songs"...not touching the throne...just doesn't cut it.

http://www.god.tv/video/play?video=1063

2010-09-14T08:45:00.000-04:00

Don't forget....

Aila-isms!
www.aila-isms.blogspot.com

Notes

2010-09-13T22:21:00.007-04:00

Jason usually makes the girl's lunches, but since he's out of town...I made them today. When I do it, they get a note! It was something my Mom did every day when we were in school. There was always a note in our lunches. I carry on the tradition when making them for my girls. I write something different for each girl, and a different note each day!

This shows how different my two kids are from each other.

Aila comes home:

"Mommy....I got the note in my lunch! It said (recites note with her computer-like memory). I showed it to Kira (her lunch neighbor) and she read it too! I liked my note..."

Anneka comes home:

"Mommy.....I don't think it is such a great idea to put notes in my lunch. I don't want to hurt your feelings...but if my FRIENDS saw it...I would be so embarrassed of some of the things you wrote...so...pleeeeease...no more notes!" (click on the scan I made of the note!)

So...do I stop leaving her a note...with lovely messages about how much she means to me? Or just keep doing it...and leave it to her to hide them if she doesn't want them viewed?

New Office!

2010-09-12T21:50:00.004-04:00

Well, after 5 years of running my own graphic design business, I finally have an office!

We took our guest room (sorry guests!) and made that space my office. (I used to work from a small corner desk in our master bedroom...blech!) So it was high time that I had a suitable work space.

I was able to buy all new furniture for it....and design it as I wished. It was so much fun! I always loved my job, but now I just wanna hang out in my office all the time...so I'm sad when I have no emails! I find myself wandering in, checking email after hours and on weekends on the off chance there is something that would warrant me getting to spend some time in there! Since my job is to be creative...I'm so happy to finally have a space that feeds my creativity.

Pictures:

Updates

2010-08-30T17:25:00.005-04:00

Hello in here?

*eyes darting side to side*

I doubt anyone is still here, as I've been so neglectful with updating my blog. Darn Facebook. Those simple one-liner status updates have made us bloggers soooo lazy!

So where was I last time...

Oh yes. The invasion.

The invasion is complete. My parents moved here earlier this month, and are happy as they can be in their new place. My Mom is exploring the city, different stores, malls...and dragging a scooter-bound Ted along with her. Happy as clams, they are! They are acclimating in a way that I never thought possible. I am so very impressed! It's really something...they grow up so fast! So independent...hardly needing me anymore! (haha)

Jason's brother and his awesome wife moved here also...arriving last week. Nice house, cute couple, good BBQ skillz.

Ron and Lynne should be pulling into Ottawa with their herd of children anytime now. They're at a hotel downtown until their moving truck arrives. Hopefully it will take its time getting here, so they have some time to relax!

So there it is. I went from zero family to 9 family members in less than 3 weeks. Wowzers! Did I mention that my MIL (mother-in-law) is getting married in October, and moving to BC? Yup! Huge changes all-around!

Work is still growing, and I love love LOVE it! Business has gone up by 55% this year, for the second year in a row! God has been so good...so faithful! I'm in awe of His love for us...

I was just telling my MIL how when I was little, I used to carry a little black-patent briefcase that held my various 'fashion' drawings. I would design dresses and outfits, and then sign them with my imaginary "company name" The name? "Compute Designs"

Now, you must realize that back then, a computer was a lame machine that allowed you to play "Pong", or make simple pixelated programs. I remember someone telling me that it was impossible to design clothes on a computer....and I could see from the "pong" game on the screen that they were right...but I just had this thought that someday I would be able to do that. Design on a computer.

I never dreamt that it would be books, logos, marketing materials and company branding I would be designing. In fact, I didn't even know those things existed. (All I knew was clothing!) But I think that little dream I had as an eight-year-old was pretty prophetic. Somewhere in my head, I knew even then, that this would be something I'd love.

I went to Los Angeles in July to teach a 'book cover design' workshop! It was alot of fun, and they invited me to teach the workshop again in October, this time in San Diego! So exciting! Its my dream job....design, travel, and actual PEOPLE! (working from home, I never get to actually work with real live people. To meet new colleagues to talk 'shop' with, if just for a couple days...was so much fun!)

Jason won his fourth Presidents Cup Top Sales award at Friesens. I'm so proud of him! He has quite a collection of awards growing! He has also made huge healthy changes in his diet and fitness. He started running, and is now doing a 9-minute mile. So impressive! He also does yoga, strength training, and keeps snacks to a minimum. He's lost 20 pounds...and is still losing!

I'm running every day too. I had to stop for a long time, because I kept getting injuries. But we got a treadmill, and since then, I haven't had even ONE problem! So I'm able to run 30 minutes everyday again. I don't enjoy it, but I know it's good for me...and it's a commitment Jason and I have made. So we do it!

We still find Ottawa a challenging city to live in. Church, relationships...it hasn't been easy. And it continues to take alot of emotional effort to stay positive. But we know from the blessings, that God meant for us to be here...and we just have to keep that in mind as we learn what we can in the harder bits.

Okay...that was a long blog. But now you are caught up...

Vie Rings

2010-08-03T10:57:00.006-04:00

I've been making jewellery again!

These are glass-drop rings on sterling silver plated, fully adjustable bands.
(Adjusts from under the stone, totally invisible!)

CATALOGUE HERE

BUY ONLINE:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/vierings

These are chunky, funky, fun & comfortable rings!

what do you see?

2010-07-20T18:09:00.002-04:00

There is an amazing billboard up around Ottawa. The ad is for a paint store, but here is the jist:

A wide open wheat field...and in the centre...this big white wall. The text under it says
"What do you see? A wall or a canvas?"

I LOVE this ad. Its really saying so much more than we realize. To some, we see an unsightly wall in the middle of a gorgeous scene and think "Ugh...that's horrible!" Others see the same wall and see the potential to be creative.

Life is like that. We have walls popping up all over our lives in different situations. We can pout, stomp, sit down in a snit and complain about how big the wall is, how we can't see over it, how it bothers us, how it could fall down someday, how it blocks our view, how it keeps the sun out etc etc. OR we can get out our paint cans, and make the wall the best part of our lives. Paint it lovely. Make it something you love to look at, make it something so unique and interesting that you couldn't imagine your wall not being there. Because the fact is....as long as you can move AROUND or over it...it's actually not a wall. It's just a canvas. And all you have to do is change your position from in front of it, to next to it...and your perspective can change!

And the only difference? Your attitude...and how you choose to see things.

So what will it be:
Wall?
or Canvas?

Product Rave!

2010-06-23T09:14:00.000-04:00

I bought these Smart Ones Quesadillas the other day. They are 4 points (around 200 calories) and come 2-in-a-box. At first I thought "Oh cool...2 quesadillas for 4 points!" Until I read carefully...to see that they are 4 points EACH! No worry tho....that means you get 2 meals in a box that usually only holds one!

They come with these nifty 'crisping trays' that you nuke for 2 minutes, and out comes a crispy yummy chicken/cheese quesadilla! Add some non-fat sour cream....and yum! I had a side of veggies to complete my lunch, but a nice soup would just as well.

Calories: 220
Fat: 6 (a little high, but that's because of the cheese)
Fibre: 7 (super!!)
Points: 4

Sodium is high however, so if you are watching salt...pass on this one!

Flood

2010-06-22T08:59:00.003-04:00

Not rain.
People!

It's official...

My entire family from Winnipeg is moving to Ottawa this summer!

My brother Ron was offered a job here, and accepted it! So they are in the process of selling their house. That would mean that 2 of us sibling are in Ottawa (Paul still being in North Carolina). That leaves my parents along in Winnipeg...with no kids, grand-kids, or care. It made sense to them to also make the move.

Its a weird feeling...to know that they will all be here. I was just adjusting to life away from family. Be it bad, or good...I was adjusting. Now they are all coming! It will mean a life change for me, since I will be the only person they know...and that will mean they will be dependent on me for alot. I feel the weight of that responsibility, but also the Lord's grace that He is just moving us all into a place of support in my parents' last years.

My parents are in their early and late 70's, and they'd have to look at selling their big 5 (+1) bedroom house soon enough...so this was a natural exit for them.

I took the job of looking at apartments for them here. My Mom had her heart set on a high-rise. If she was going to have to give up her garden, she wanted a nice view! Most of the apartments in their price range..no wait...ALL of the apartments in their price range were dumps. My heart would just sink when I went to look. I couldn't put my parents in a place like that. It was heart wrenching.

Then I had the idea that they'd get a nicer looking place if they rented a high-rise condo. Now, there aren't too many of those available...and many were also outdated, grungy, or just too pricey.

One day I found a listing for a place that had just been purchased by a couple, and totally renovated! New kitchen, appliances, flooring, fixtures...you name it. And the price? The same as some of the dumps I saw! I JUMPED on it! I went to see it, and almost cried at how lovely it was. And a VIEW!! Twenty-first floor...overlooking the river! It was a real fit for us (and the owner!)

The only downside is that they'll have to go a floor down to do laundry...and its 20 minutes away from us (actually, I did the drive in 17 min...but that's my driving. hehe)

So....anyone wanna buy a gorgeous house in Winnipeg?

iTunes

2010-06-10T08:04:00.000-04:00

My Album is available on iTunes.....just so ya know...heheh

Staying "Put"

2010-06-04T09:09:00.003-04:00

I love traveling. L-O-V-E it! However, when I travel, I'm not working...and thus when I return...I return to a string of 15 hour days.

I had a great trip to see my brother in NC 2 weeks ago with the girls. It was great! I was home for a few days, and then was off to Winnipeg for a long weekend. That was equally great! But I was at the airport by 7:45am on Tuesday, got off the plane at noon, walked into my office, and didn't move from my desk until 9pm.

You could say it's both extreme blessing (for which I am so very happy) and then a little stressful. I told Jason I'd like to "stay put" for a while. He looked at me and said "Um....after the trip to Toronto next weekend, and Montreal the weekend after that...right?" Oh drat. I forgot.

Jason is teaching at TACF next weekend regarding Exodus Cry, and since we've been 'apart' as a family alot in the last couple weeks...we're all going together. That's just a weekend though...shouldn't really affect my workload. Really.

The weekend after next, Jason and I celebrate our 16th wedding anniversary. I know, I know...how can someone as YOUNG as me be married for such a long time? *snort snort* Seriously though...it's incredible! We're 4 years away from our 20th! Crazy! So we're heading 2 hours east to Montreal for a night in a pretty hotel downtown.

and then....I swear...I'm staying 'put'!!

Product Rave

2010-05-20T12:30:00.002-04:00

Grocery shopping in the US can be fun! They have products we don't have here in Canada.

My latest find is Splenda with Fibre! Each packet has 1 gram of fibre. A great way to get your fibre, even when just drinking coffee!

Healed!

2010-05-04T11:21:00.002-04:00

IHOP Awakening: Guy gets out of a wheelchair! (and a really fun song at the end by Jay Thomas at 4:13)

Aila-ism

2010-05-01T11:01:00.003-04:00

Some people have been asking, and so I've done it.

Aila-isms is now a blog!
www.aila-isms.blogspot.com

To bleach or not to bleach

2010-05-01T10:49:00.002-04:00

I love using bleach. Nothing like freshly bleached whites, I say!

However, some people are rather nervous using bleach. Some are down-right scared of it! And I'll admit, it can break down the fibres of your fabric...if you use it too often.

This is a solution I learned from my Mom! Forget the bleach, add dishwasher detergent! That's right...the powder-stuff you keep under your sink for use in your dishwasher is a really great cleaner! Just add 1/4 cup (more if you really need it) along with your regular detergent, in a hot cycle...and watch your whites get really clean! In fact, I like to have an inexpensive box (no name) in my laundry room next to my detergent. Works great!

Good Things

2010-04-29T08:09:00.002-04:00

This has been a really good week.

Gosh...I wish I could talk more about my job! So much excitement! I have a couple very large new clients, and a possible lead that could mean some more steady work. That's all I can say. Darn!

I wake up every morning excited to work. Its been 5 years, and it hasn't diminished a bit! How amazing is that?? The reason this brings me so much joy, is that I remember when I taught music...how I'd wake up on days I had to teach...with a knot in my stomach. I dreaded it. I really disliked it. Now, I think I was good at it...but it didn't bring me joy. I didn't feel creative...I didn't feel like I was accomplishing anything in my day. It was all routine...always the same...and every Sunday night I knew that the next day I'd have to start again...and it physically made my stomach hurt.

It's because I've known that feeling that I can enjoy THIS feeling. Now...it doesn't mean I don't sometimes feel stress. I do! I actually get over-stressed quite easily...which is a good reason to be your own boss. I can take or not take as many clients as I wish....however, I think it's good to deal with the tough clients (instead of firing them!) because it develops good character. It's something that self-employed people easily skirt....not dealing with tough situations. As our own boss, we have the ability to simply leave the situation, and move on. But Jason has really taught me to stick it out, and learn to healthily manage stress. So some days are tough....you don't always make everyone happy. But I still love the work! (now...if I could do the work, without having to deal with the cranky PEOPLE....heh heh)

I've been asked to teach a design workshop in Los Angeles in July! Its very exciting, and at the same time makes my stomach flip with nerves. I know how to teach....i spent 12 years teaching complicated music theory to kids. To do that, you need to know how to break down concepts. So that's not what I worry about. What I worry about is WHAT to teach! I mean....I'm not trained in design. Never took a class, don't have a degree. I just 'feel' it. I feel what looks right, and feel what looks wrong. How on earth do you teach that?? Hmmm. I'll have to figure this out!

Anyway....good week. Love my job. Thanks Jesus!

Y

Tremblant!

2010-04-25T23:23:00.006-04:00

We had such a great time at Mont-Tremblant resort! Here are some pics!

We had to take a ferry across the river into Quebec. Kinda fun!

The first view of the mountain!

View from the hotel window. There were 6 pools! An indoor pool, and indoor hot-tub...then outside was a cool pool, a heated large pool (on the left) a large hot-tub (on the right) and then an ever "hotter" hot-tub

The sign DOES point up....doesn't it?

Our fav picture of Aila. So happy, joyful, at rest!

How cool to be swimming outside in April, and be totally cozy warm!

Jason in the giant hot-tub

Anneka and Aila swimming in the warm pool (Hot tub in the background)

Jason at the base of the mountain. Snow is still melting...

Rolling pure Maple Taffy off of the snow onto a stick!

Sisters!

Walking through the "Pedestrian Village"

The 'lounge" in the hotel So cozy!

Family Time

2010-04-22T08:45:00.003-04:00

Since moving here, we have had to discover what it means to be a family. For me, the word "family" always meant my parents, my siblings, my in-laws, the cousins....and all that fun stuff. Now, its just us in this city. Family means Jason, me, and our girls. We've taken to looking for interesting things to do as a family....to spend time together. We have family movie night (something we'd never really done in Winnipeg), we go to the wave pool once every few months, or just head out to the mall to have lunch, and just wander.

Well...my friend Vikki once mentioned a place called "Mont-Tremblant" to me, and not knowing what it was - I Googled it....only to find out that it's this adorable ski-resort in Quebec....only about 2 1/2 - 3 hours from here. Tremblant looks like a mini version of a European town, just plopped at the base of the Laurentian mountains. The mountain is 2,871 ft which isn't like the Rockies, obviously, but a mountain none-the-less.

Since it is off-season, the hotels slashed their prices, and we got a fantastic deal at the beautiful Chateau Tremblant Fairmont. They have an indoor pool, indoor hottub, as well as outdoor heated pools and hottubs that are open year-round. So, we plan to walk around, swim, take a gondola up the mountain, and just have some relaxing family time! I'm excited!

Product Rave

2010-04-20T08:50:00.003-04:00

Remember CrackerJacks?

Well, go ahead and forget them, because this is better!!

I discovered these the other week, and they are now my favorite snack! SmartFood Popcorn Clusters.

They had 2 flavours in the store I was in, so I bought both. They were "Honey Multigrain" and "Chocolate Cookie Caramel Pecan". Now right away, you'd think that the Chocolate Cookie Caramel Pecan would be better...right? (C'mon...it has the word COOKIE in the title!!) However, I much preferred the Honey Multigrain.

These little snackies have:

Calories: 110
Fat: 1.5g
Fibre: 5g
Points: 1.5

Honest....you will love them. Now sadly, you only get 5 packages in a box, so it's a little pricy. Hopefully they will make a 'bulk bag' of this stuff soon, because it's something you'll wanna serve in a big bowl during movie night! But seriously, put a pack in your purse, and the next time you go to Starbucks, pull it out...and have a yummy healthy snack!

Let me know how you like it!

(oh...and Vikki....they have a Cranberry Almond flavour that is gluten-free!)

Beautiful!

2010-04-16T09:58:00.004-04:00

This is an amazing commercial!

Easter

2010-04-06T10:51:00.004-04:00

The MIL (mother in law!) was here for Easter. It was a very nice time. (I know...I should just call her "Nancy"...but I like saying M.I.L! haha)

Here are some pics. I'm particularly stunned by how grown up Anneka looks!

You can see here the 'boo boo' on Aila's nose, that people kept noticing.
(To which Aila would reply "You think this is bad? You should see the OTHER GUY!)

We saw the "Easter Bunny" at the grocery store. Or, as Anneka pointed out, the Dyslexic Nesquick Rabbit. (He must have put on the "N" in the mirror!)

Aila-ism

2010-04-05T10:24:00.003-04:00

Aila: Mommy....don't you know that EVERYTHING sounds funnier in my opera Voice?? (as she sings "I don't like bread, but I love mashed po-ta-toooooooos")

----------------------

Jason to Aila in the store parking lot: Aila! Don't stoop to inhale car-exhaust fumes, even if you do think they smell like "sweet mama!"

----------------------

Aila: Oh yum....this antibacterial wipe smells like City Church!!

----------------------

Aila- mommy...can you buy me Clearasil? I hear it makes your skin smooth and awesome.

----------------------

Aila: When I'm a grownup....can I call you Yvonne, and can I call Daddy "Myron"??

----------------------

Aila: my favourite transformer guy is Octopus Mime!

Aila-ism

2010-04-01T10:09:00.005-04:00

Aila came home with a big owie on her nose. She had fallen and scraped her nose (quite badly) at school, and now has a huge slice of skin missing from her nose! It looks quite sinister! I can see that she is rather bored of answering the question from people "Ohhh...what happened?" She's now livened up her answer a bit:

Random person: Ohhh...dear...what happened to you???
Aila: You think THIS is bad?? You should see the OTHER GUY!!

Some kids just find potty-language incredibly humorous. Aila is one of them. She also happens to have a unique talent. She can 'toot' on command. We found this out a couple years ago when I saw Aila surrounded by giggling kids...saying "Do it again!!" And she'd happily oblige them.

This is a typical happening in our house:

*aila toots*

Aila: Mommieeee...I toooooted! (said with complete glee)
Yvonne: Of COURSE you did....
Aila: Yup...its just whaaat I do....
......its my destiny....
----------------------------------

My favorite is when she goes running down the hall yelling:
"Panty BOMB!" (followed by a toot)

Ah yes....she will make an entertaining spouse for some lucky lucky man someday! haha

"Why don't you blog anymore?"

2010-04-01T09:59:00.002-04:00

People keep asking me this.

Honestly....I have nothing to say. Or...what I have to say is so redundant...there's no point. Wanna know how things are? Just look at my archives from 1 year...or 2 years ago. That's how I am. But I know what it's like to listen to someone who's story stays the same. It's exhausting! You wanna scream "SHUT UP!" or "GET OVER IT!". I feel ya....

If you can't say anything nice.....

I'd love to blog about my business, but it's at the point where I can't. I have many accounts, and I need to be professional. I can't talk about clients here. (tho It would be fun to, since there are so many quirky ones!) I can say that I'm still doing book-cover design, and am approaching the 800 mark (800 printed books). I do alot of marketing materials, logos....etc. I've done design work for some great companies/ministries in Ottawa. One Way Ministries, City-Wide Worship and Prayer, of course...Exodus Cry, Calvary Fellowship, Career Joy, Sync-Up and more that I can't recall right now. I love my job....that hasn't changed. In fact, I've experienced amazing blessing and growth since coming here. So I know that God is in it. Somehow.

So I can post Aila-isms....that's about all I can think of to write right now.

I suppose that if you are very curious about the details of my life...you could always give me a call. *wink* Other than that....not sure what to blog.

I'll follow this up with some Aila-talk!

Aila-ism

2010-03-11T23:09:00.002-05:00

Aila: when you eat crackers in your underwear, the crumbs can really hurt you!

Product Rave

2010-03-10T14:31:00.004-05:00

Remember PopTarts?

Okay...so they are over processed, and you either love them or hate them.

Well, Special K has some new "Fruit Crisps" that are 100 calories, and taste kinda like poptarts. They have that sweet taste and are kinda a fun snack when you crave something with that cookie/fruity/pastry taste.

Throw it in your purse when you go for a coffee. (I always have a 100 calorie snack in my purse when I go to Starbucks, so I'm not tempted to buy something there!)

Wow

2010-03-08T08:29:00.004-05:00

I don't know whether to laugh or cry. So I'm laughing. Now that is.

First....last week my Dad had a stroke. A scary thing for him, for my Mom who's caring for him, and for us kids (especially us who are far away). They say if you're gonna have a stroke, his was the kind to have. Not re-assuring. Strokes are like Cancer. Once you've had it, there is always a chance of it happening again. They still haven't found out just what is going on with my Dad...except to say there is a bleed somewhere in his brain. You can read updates on my Mom's blog

During this whole thing, I decided to have a nice massage. I had a gift certificate from Jason for my b-day...so I was excited to go! Well...I don't know what she did...but she put out my neck...and I was basically unable to look side to side for over a week. Today is the first morning that I woke up without pain. I still don't have full motion...but it's waaay better.

Aila is sick. Usually not a big deal....she tended to have nosebleeds with a fever....and we were happy that there was no fever with this sickness. (well...not a major one anyway) She has been throwing up, but she's got good aim with her little bucket. The last meal she had was Friday night. She ate a banana on Saturday then threw it up. Now it's Monday, and she's only had liquids. Poor thing. She has a crazy headache too.

Last night was fun.

She came into our bed and promptly threw up before the bucket could get into the optimal position. It was everywhere. (thankfully, no chunks, since there is no food in her stomach) It didn't even have that barfy smell. But...

When she barfed, she must have burst a capillary in her nose...because it started to bleed...so it was vomit mixed with blood...all over my white sheets, comforter, pillows etc.

it gets worse.

Jason takes Aila to clean her up, and I start stripping the bed in a hurry so the stains don't set. I throw everything into the wash (with ice) and then start working on cleaning the kingsize duvet that wouldn't fit. I'm scrubbing it in the tub for a bit....working away....then hung it to dry on the banister. Jason made the bed with fresh bedding, and we're about to fall back into bed when I look at my bedside table. Where's my phone?

My cell phone is my 'assistant' in life. (and I just upgraded to a new one that I love)
I have various alarms set that wake me up and remind us when the bus is about to come in the morning. It rings at my 2 prayer times, and I have my work calendar set up to send me texts 15 minutes before conference calls or appointments. I love my phone. I don't know how I'd keep organized without it.

I searched everywhere...until the impossible occurred to me.

By the way...did you know that cell phones float? At least mine does. I found it floating at the top of the washer as the yucky sheets agitated away.

I took it apart as best as I could, and am letting it dry. Hopeful that it will magically turn on when dry. I've heard that water really doesn't hurt electronics too badly. Heat is worse. But the screen had pools of water in the corners...that cant be good.

I'm pretty sure my phone is toast.

And this Dutch girl is way too cheap to willingly pay to buy another phone...when she just upgraded under a month ago.

Do you think they'd notice if I went back and just said "It stopped working!"???

Aila-ism

2010-03-05T16:24:00.002-05:00

Aila: Mommy...I can't find Hannah
Me: Um....who's Hannah?
Aila: My PANTS!

Seems that Aila has taken to naming her pants after kids at school. She has her "Hannah pants", her "Cole pants" and her "Felix pants" (which are pink)

So wonderfully odd...

100th day

2010-02-08T08:47:00.002-05:00

Today is the 100th day of school for Anneka and Aila.

So each class does something special...usually involving bringing "100 of something" (usually cheerios for us)

Another thing Aila's class was asked to do was "Dress like you're 100". Translation? They have to dress like they are 'old'.

Well...lets see. Who are the 'oldest' women in our family? Why, Gramma and Oma of course! Shall we dress like them?

Well....funnily, that won't work for us since one of them loves wearing pink/red, anything that sparkles or glitters, and has more than a couple mickey mouse or carebear t-shirts. The other wears skinny jeans, form fitting tops, is smothered in accessories....and likes a nice animal print for fun. Both wear full makeup, and always have their hair done nicely.

So....Aila went dressed head to toe in pink, with a shirt that has sparkles on it. When asked, she intends to reply "I'm dressed like Gramma".

Aila-isms

2010-02-04T14:41:00.003-05:00

Aila: "Oh Mommy...I'm so excited to go visit my cousins in North California!!!" (errr...she means North Carolina!)

Aila: "Happy Birthday Mommy! Why is your face so wrinkly and covered in bumps?"

Anneka-ism

2010-01-31T19:08:00.002-05:00

After whooping my butt (again) at Mario Kart Wii:

"Well Mommy, you win some...and you lose some. And when I say "win some" I mean me...and when I say "lose some" I mean YOU!"

Touché!

Aila-ism

2010-01-31T19:05:00.004-05:00

A couple days ago it was my birthday. Often through the day, Jason would comment "lets let Mommy choose...it's HER birthday!" or "lets be nice...it's Mommy's birthday" or "We're doing what Mommy likes....after all...its her birthday" you get the picture.

After seeing all the perks that one enjoys on their birthday, Aila was curious about how far these perks extend!

"Mommy....do you get to say BAD WORDS on your birthday?!?!"

Advice

2010-01-30T09:00:00.003-05:00

I have a couple theories about advice....

Don't take spiritual council from someone who's not walking in freedom, joy and deep relationship with Jesus...and who's life in God you don't admire.
Don't take marriage advice from someone who's marriage you don't admire. (and not just on the outside, but when you've seen the rough parts too!)
Don't take diet advice from anyone who's never lost it and kept it off.
Don't take financial advice from people who haven't made sound financial decisions.
Don't take parenting advice from people who don't tend to parent effectively.
Don't take job interview skill advice from someone who hasn't won a few jobs! (umm..like me)
Don't give advice unless you've been asked! (I'm desperately working on this one, folks!!! : )

Okay....so these aren't watertight...because sometimes God will us anyone to speak truth to you. But generally...you get the picture.

I always have to chuckle at people who judge my 'religious' stance as foolish or 'over the top'. I'm living in so much freedom because of God. My life is so full of miracles, you wouldn't believe them if I shared them. I've seen creative miracles in my life and my family. (Ever heard of someone surviving cancer that has spread from the colon to the liver? My Dad is the first in his Oncologist's practice to have cancer just "disappear" after prayer. In fact my parents are BOTH cancer free after having aggressive cancer!) The miracles we've seen in our lives are not only physical.... but emotional, financial, and relational.

Mostly, the people judging or critiquing my faith or affiliations are usually angry or sad, hurt or offended, depressed or desperately in need of physical or emotional healing. But something inside of them refuses to accept that perhaps what they're doing just isn't working for them. They shake their heads, cross their arms, and stay where they are. Broken and in need of a miracle.

That was me for so so so very long. Ugh...it was horrible.

But I quickly had to concede that there were people around me who were obviously 'doing something right', and seeing the effects in a way that my life was severely lacking.

The bible has a great line regarding these situations : "You will know them by their fruit". Meaning....a healthy tree makes fruit. Someone living and believing truth will have lives showing the effects of that truth.

I'm not writing this to say that "I've got it, people!" but more as a reminder again to myself that if I see an area of my life where I am not seeing wholeness, or success, I need to seek out people who's lives show fruit in that area. I need to lose my stubbornness, and admit that I don't have the answers....and what I've been doing isn't working.

Sometimes the hardest, but most beautiful thing one can do in their life is admit they don't have the answers....and start asking questions.

Recipe

2010-01-14T12:20:00.002-05:00

This is a GREAT recipe for a low fat version of Alfredo Sauce

It makes one large serving:

2 wedges Laughing cow lite cheese
1 tablespoon fat free sour cream
2 tablespoons skim milk (add more if it's too thick, but if it looks thin, that's okay, as it will thicken as it cools)
2 tsp Parmesan cheese
salt/pepper if desired

Heat together, mixing really well.
The cheese wedges don't melt easily...so I found that breaking them up and whisking it alot helped the cheese to melt.

It's 2.5 points, or 100 calories.

Pour it over a bowl of Catelli Smart high fibre pasta, and a couple cups of veggies (like broccoli)
Its great!

Aila-isms

2010-01-08T09:39:00.003-05:00

They've been piling up. Here are the lastest!

Aila told Anneka she thought her new shirt was weird. I told Anneka not to take fashion advice from a 6-year-old who wants to wear the same fuzzy pink pants everyday because they 'feel like sweet-mama'

Aila: I know when the dinosaurs died!
Yvonne: Oh yeah? WHEN?
Aila: In the past!

Aila- I'm NOT a mind reader....but i'll practice in the mirror.

Aila: I can see my own bum cheeks, you know!

Aila: I have superpowers. My superpower is to scream and yell and cry.

Seeing the back room at the grocery store with a 'private' sign...Aila asks"is that where the workers go to take their pants off?"
Yes Aila. Yes it is

Aila: "Daddy, your a silly varmit!!"
*pause*
Aila: "Daddy, what's a varmit?"

Aila at dinner: "mmmm...I love this chicken so much...it tastes like SWEET MAMMA."

Aila: "Mommy...did you know that Terry Fox was a little boy who got cancer and had to run on leg that was half robot/half baseball bat?

Aila: "Mommy...listen....I don't call them fingers, I call them thingers because you use them to pick up THINGS...get it?"

Aila at supper: "I know what spicy food is made from.....FIRE!!"

Aila thinks that it would be less scary if it was called Funder instead of thunder.

Product Rave

2010-01-07T13:00:00.004-05:00

This is a GREAT ONE!

Or rather, "Smart One". Weight Watchers has a brand of products called Smart Ones. Frozen meals etc. Well, I had heard of these soups being in the US, but now they are in Canada! (In fact, the US has a few soups, like Progresso Light, that are Zero Points...but not available in Canada)

These are canned ZERO POINT soups! There are a few flavours: Vegetable Ministrone, Southwestern Vegetable and Thai Coconut Curry. (That last one sounds odd to me...but maybe it's good?)

Calories: 60
Fat: 0.2g
Fibre: 4g
Points: 0

So, my lunch today consisted of Minestrone soup (as much as I wanted), and a chicken wrap (see previous post about Blue Menu Wraps). Total Points? 2.5!!

Product Rave

2010-01-06T20:35:00.003-05:00

This is Product Rave week! (can you tell?)

My favorite wrap is the Flat Out Italian Herb wrap (1 point), but we can't get them in Ontario. So my second fav is this!

PC Blue Menu Whole Grain Tortillas - Chipotle & Red Pepper flavour

Calories: 90
Fat: 2g
Fibre: 2g
Points: 1.5

Its 1.5 points, and has a great flavour..just a little kick....which allows you to use less mayo etc inside. In fact, I use Fat Free Miracle Whip (0 points)

These are great for making little pizza's too! You pop em in the oven (toaster oven) to toast, then put on your toppings, and bake until the cheese melts. Yum!

Product Rave

2010-01-05T09:46:00.000-05:00

Another great product I love is Catelli Smart Pasta. It's "white pasta with the benefits of whole wheat". Our kiddos eat this stuff up! If you do prefer whole wheat, Catelli Healthy Pasta is great too.

Serving Size: 85g
Calories: 300
Fat: 1.5
Fibre: 9g
Points: 5

Like a goof, I didn't realize that the serving size weight was UNCOOKED! I thought it was the cooked weight, and was angry because when I weighed out one serving, it amounted to a little teeny portion of pasta. I checked out the website, and sure enough, "1 serving" is the uncooked portion. This is plenty of pasta for one person! And with 9 grams of fibre...it's really a tremendous product.

Product Rave

2010-01-03T13:01:00.003-05:00

Okay...it's not a NEW product, but it's a forgotten one by most.

Graham Wafers are amazing. They are a cracker, I guess, but sweet like a cookie. They're a Crookie. I get the low fat version, of course. Yummy!

Serving: 4 wafers
Cal: 110
Fat: 2g
Fibre: 1g
Points: 2

If you're bored of the same ol quick snacks....try them! They are great plain, but also great with Laughing Cow Lite cheese (1 point per wedge) or even better with Low Fat Cheese Whiz (1 point)

Happy New Year!

2010-01-02T12:39:00.003-05:00

Happy 2010!!

We arrived home from our 2 weeks in Winnipeg on New Year's Eve. It was a great trip. We feel full!! No...not just because of the food. Being with family was awesome...seeing friends was so fun...and watching the One Thing Conference via webstream was incredible.

Watching the conference, I found myself in tears over and over again. The teaching is beyond anything I hear in any church I've ever visited. The worship is just soooo where I want to live. I could just lay on the floor for hours and let it wash over me....like water in a dry place. Love it!

I was thrilled also to learn that IHOP is now offereing their webstream access to the 24-7 prayer room for FREE! If you want access to the archives, you can subscribe for a minimal amount per month...giving you the ability to go back and catch the 2-hour slots that you enjoy most. (Each 2 hours has a different theme: Worship with the Word, Intercession, Devotional etc)

Access it here

You can also access their Fri, Sat night "Encounter God Services" and Sunday Morning services on the site as well. (which have a shorter worship time, and then teaching)

What to Blog...

2009-12-11T11:17:00.003-05:00

What to blog? My days tend to run together, as they are all the same. So let me think about what has been 'new'.

Last weekend, for a very short blip, we went to Toronto. Jason's company (Friesen's) has their annual Christmas party there, so we dropped the girls with Gramma in Peterborough, and headed to Toronto. The party was nice, and I was happy to get some new clothes for the occasion. : ) This may sound dumb, but I bought my very first pair of 'dress pants'. Meaning...NOT JEANS. I only ever wear jeans, or skirts. But now I have a classy pair of black pants. Just like a grown-up.

I also tried my first martini. I'm not a 'drinker', but while we were waiting, I thought I'd give it a try since it sounded kinda nice "Caramel Apple Pie Martini". You had me at 'pie'.

No one told me that a) they are expensive! and b) they have more alcohol than having a couple beers. (not that I've ever had a couple beers) This particular one was 3.5 oz. Which apparently is quite alot. After a few minutes, the world slowed down a bit, and my nose went numb. When we were taken by the hostess to our table, I remarked to Jason "Why is she walking so FAST?" That is about the time I made the "No Martinis" life-rule that I now follow.

I suppose I'm quite sheltered. If I ever had a work-place, I may have learned about the effect a monster martini would have on me YEARS ago. But when you work at home, alone...well...you just miss all those discoveries that only occur in social work-environments and the life-experience stuffs. I miss having colleagues. For a while I worked with my friend Adrian, and it was so nice to actually have someone to discuss ideas with. When we are in Winnipeg, I plan to go hang out at one of the companies I work with....just to swap ideas and tips/tricks. I'm so looking forward to that!

Oh yes...we're spending this Christmas in Winnipeg. Last year we stayed here...and it was very difficult. When you have done the SAME thing, for 33 years...every Christmas...well, it was more than I could take to NOT have those traditions.

I was describing to a friend what was so fun about Christmas Eve at my Mom and Dad's house. It went a little like this:

We come around dinner time, and Mom is slaving in the kitchen. She makes cheese fondue, mixing and microwaving the recipie....in a big white mixing bowl....tasting, adding, until it's perfect. When Jason arrived with his "cheese aversion" the meat fondue was added. So while the bread for the fondue is 'toasting' in the oven, Mom is slicing raw meat. I always bring my sweet 'n sour meatballs to add to the meal as well. We all sit around and try not to fill up on the snacks that Mom has put on the coffee table, but Jason usually eats his weight in cashews and toffifee. (Dont tell him I said that.) Candles are lit everywhere in the overly decorated house. Jason likes to say that it looks like "Christmas threw up in there". There are decorations that are older than me. Like the black plastic 'wishing well' stuffed full of fake poinsettias. I don't understand why it's Christmasy to have a 'well', but my Mom hangs it from the ceiling every year, precariously dangling over the coffee table. Some of the ornaments are older than I am. Literally. I'm talking "Paul made this in Kindergarten" type old!

When it's time for dinner, we gather around the table. Mom dims the lights, and lights even more candles. My Dad's only job is to fill the little 'flame pots' with whatever fuel it is that they are filled with, and then light them. Ron and Jason immediately begin to complain, and mutter things like "...can't eat in the dark..." and "...can't see my food..." and Jason starts to move candles so that he won't burn himself when reaching for things. Jason usually has more than one fork on the go, in order to get the most meat cooked at one time. There is usually a flashlight near by, so that 'floaters' that have slipped off of a fondue-fork can be immediately fished out of the pot with adequate lighting. There is usually some fork-stealing, and the follow-up "fork stealing accusation"....and the "I thought I was blue?" "NO...I'm blue! Now I have to start again!!"

I complain that I don't think there is enough cheese again this year, and someone adjusts the flame so that the burning cheese is salvaged.

After dinner, we open gifts...etc etc. With the addition of a plethora of children, it's general chaos. And I love it.

So yeah...I'm looking forward to going home for a visit!

Tree

2009-11-22T15:31:00.003-05:00

I feel like a beautiful old large tree has been chopped down from my front yard. I'm in shock I think....because I didn't ever think it wouldn't be there. I'm terrified. Even if I could plant another one, do you know how long it would take before I ever see another tree as big and beautiful? Trees like that take time. And then, how can I ever trust that the new tree won't be chopped down or taken away too?

I"m not allowing comments on this entry. No comments needed, please. I just needed to vent.

Cousins

2009-11-16T18:54:00.004-05:00

Anneka made these two Mario themed keychains tonight as Christmas presents for her cousins Hudson and Evan in Winnipeg!

I think I'll bring this craft along to Winnipeg, as I think all the cousins would have fun doing this together!

Crafty Obsession

2009-11-16T11:32:00.005-05:00

My girls have found a new crafting obsession. They are called Perler Beads (Or Fuze Art, or Melty Beads)

They are basically little beads, that you place on these pegboard-type templates. Then you (the parent!) iron the tops so they melt, and fuse together making a shape. You can then make them into ornaments, keychains, necklaces or even 3-D displays.

The beads are inexpensive (I bought a tub of 5000 beads, with a bunch of templates for $8.00. ( You can buy replacement beads, in any color too. This is a great craft for boys too...there are so many colors, shapes and templates.)

I actually prefer the Elmer's Brand beads and templates better, because instead of opaque coloured shapes, they have a clear peg-board, with template cards that you place behind, and simply follow the pattern.

Kids can get very creative. If you Google them, you can find artists who have taken this craft to a new level as in this "Mario Themed" picture here --------------------------->

You can print out patterns to copy from the Perler website as well. So much fun!

Waking Up

2009-11-07T15:33:00.004-05:00

My neighbours are Muslim. I love them to pieces! We get along with them so well...it's been such a blessing moving here, and having friends live next door. Their son and Anneka are friends, and we share a trampoline, a lawn mower, and the task of caring for our large joined yard. We really love and admire them.

I am always in awe of the fact that they are called to prayer 5x a day. Now, I have my thoughts about their faith...about where Truth is, and the rest of it. But you gotta admit....Islam puts us to shame when it comes to putting aside time for God. In Islam its part of the rules. No such rule exists in Christianity...but rather an invitation.

Problem? We rarely accept this invitation to time with God. Prayer is seen as a long and boring task. Most of us aren't very good at it.

This week Jason and I were at a wonderful conference, and one of the suggestions they made was what they called "The Daily Office". Its an ancient idea really, something monks still do. It's simply this: Taking a small moment, a couple times a day...to connect with God. Doesn't have to be long. Just a connection time.

I looked at it like when you pick up the phone during your day and quickly call your spouse. You ask how things are going today...you listen to their heart for a moment, share how your day has been, say "I love you!" and then go on with your day.

Because I get so distracted during the day, I wondered just how on earth I could find time, or even remember to do this with God.

It dawned on me as the speaker was sharing. I got my phone out of my purse, and set my alarm to ring every day at 10:30, and 2:30. When my phone beeps, I simply turn off my computer monitor, push myself back from the desk, lean back, close my eyes....and 'check in' with God. One minute. Not long. If I want...I can take more time...but it's not about how long. Its about taking a breath from your day, and communing with the Father. Just being still before Him.

Corey Russell suggests that we stop a few times a day, and simply pray one prayer. "God, wake me UP!" So much of the church is asleep. Unaware. God...wake me up!

It's only been 2 days...but I'm already amazed at how refreshing its been. My very own Call to Prayer, twice a day.

A friend mentioned that she may do it too. Set her phone to ring at the same time, so that we'd be having our Call to Prayer at the same time each day. I thought that was so cool!!

I wondered if my friend in Wpg would want to join us. (Setting her clock to 9:30am, and 1:30pm so that despite the time change, we'd all be pausing at the same time) Wouldn't that be cool? A group of women, called to prayer each day....in unison. How cool would that be!!

Wanna join us?

Funny Anneka

2009-10-31T12:23:00.003-04:00

Anneka brought home her school photo proofs. They turned out cute!

When she gave them to me, she had a mischievous grin on her face as she said
"Hey Mommy...here are my school pictures. I like them, except for the fact that I'm about to be hit by a bus in #5. *giggle*"

We joked that they should have allowed her to do a "scared pose" for that shot.

I think we'll go with #2.

Whats that?

2009-10-31T11:09:00.003-04:00

Aila: Daddy, you're a varmit!!! *giggles*
*pause*
Aila: Daddy...what's a varmit??

*Mommy Googles it and comes up with this:
VARMIT:: an ornery, pesky, grouchy, cantankerous, belligerent, tetchy, argumentative, crabby, unreasonable, or bad tempered HUMAN BEING OR CREATURE.

Aila: Yup...your a varmit awright!!! *more giggles*
Daddy: Heyyyyyyyyyyyy!!! *tickles Aila*

Insightful

2009-10-29T09:25:00.003-04:00

A couple weeks ago, I was chatting with Anneka and Aila, and they mentioned how a little boy we know tends to lie alot. Not big things...little things. Like "I'm going to the hockey game this weekend" or "I'm getting a new video game" or "I'm moving soon".

Both Anneka and Aila were unimpressed, and Anneka said she doesn't trust anything he says anymore. They were ready to brand him a "liar", and therefore, a bad kid. But I intervened. (I know this kid too)

Yvonne: Anneka, why do you think he lies?
Anneka: Uhhhh.....
Yvonne: No really...think about it...why do you think he's telling you these stories?
Anneka: To show off?
Yvonne: Maybe...but let me ask you this. Does he have an evil heart?
Anneka: Huh?
Yvonne: Is he a bad bad person? Is his heart full of darkness? Do you think he is evil, and plotting to hurt you when he lies?
Anneka: No....he's a nice person!
Yvonne: So...why do you think he's trying to show off?
Anneka: *silence*
Yvonne: See Anneka...we have to learn how to see past what people do and say, and see into who they are. We need to see the heart. I think he lies because he desperately wants to impress you. He really likes you...and he's afraid that you don't like him if he's just boring old 'him'. He makes up little stories to make you say "Really?? WOW!" so that you'll think he's special. It's really that he doesn't feel so special all the time...and feels like he needs to tell a lie to make himself special.
Anneka: But he IS already special...he's my friend
Yvonne: Of course! That's right! But HE doesn't know that...
Anneka: Hmmm
Yvonne: So next time, why don't you casually say to him "You know...It doesn't matter to me if you get that new video game or not...I like you because you're my friend...not because of the stuff you have, or the stuff you do"
Anneka: Ok

I wasn't sure how much of that she absorbed...until yesterday.

We were talking about people who get angry a lot, like teachers who tend to yell a lot.

Anneka: "But I know that sometimes when a person is angry at another person, sometimes it's not always about THAT situation. Sometimes there are other things that are on their mind. Like that they are stressed out...or unhappy...or frustrated in their lives....and their anger comes out at the person...but really...it's not ALL about them."

Wow. My kid! That was pretty insightful!! Then she continued about the school bully named "C"

"And remember "C"? Last year she used to call me names, and bully me....but I know that she probably is a very sad girl. Maybe her parents don't spend alot of time with her. Maybe they don't tell her that she's loved. Maybe they are divorced, or they fight alot. That's why she's a bully. So I just ignored it, and forgave her."

I told Anneka that I was astounded by her wisdom. That it is a gift to not just SEE people...but to see INTO people. And that was something God was showing her how to do.

Our next talk will be about understanding why people act the way they do, but not being a doormat. (We can tend to excuse bad behaviour because we understand the root...but it doesn't mean we have to take abuse)

We also talked about how different people show their feelings. Like Aila...shows ALL of her feelings! Everyone, at all times, knows what she is feeling...and it's very natural for her to get it all out. She spills it, and then goes on. (much like Mommy and Oma!) We talked about how Anneka tends to keep things inside more....(much like Jason) Like when someone hurts her feelings at school...we don't hear about it. Or when she is sad or missing someone...she just bottles it up. We talked about how when people do that, the 'stress' starts to manifest in other ways....mostly physically.(like tics, or biting their nails, or tummy aches) I encouraged her to talk out her feelings...even if it's not what comes naturally...because her body and mind need to get rid of the bad feelings...like a toxin. And talking is a way to do that.

She totally 'got it', and the following day made a point to talk more about things happening at school that make her feel stressful.

I'm so enjoying watching this child grow up!!

Product Rave

2009-10-24T19:49:00.005-04:00

It's about time!!

I love Old Dutch Chips. (aka: the best Canadian Chip out there!)
However, they are just so so so bad for you. Salt n Vinegar is my fav, because they use so much seasoning. They are really vinegary, which is a bonus if you love a good strong S&V chip!! Alas, a healthy lifestyle doesn't leave much room for a snack that has 14g of fat per serving!

Well...Old Dutch, I think I love you!!

They have now come out with the BAKED version of these chips! Now, usually with baked chips, you lose a ton of flavour. First, you have to get used to the non-greasy feel of the chip...because there is much less fat. (however, I now prefer baked chips and find the regular ones horribly greasy and pretty gross) But most baked chips simply are tasteless. Lays Baked BBQ are tolerable, but I wouldn't say they rival the regular chip at all. I'd rather not eat chips, than eat a crappy chip.

BUT THESE can rival the Old Dutch S&V regular chip, no problem.

The Normal S&V chips have

Per 50g Serving
Calories: 250
Fat: 14g
Fibre: 1

(that's 50% fat, and 6 points)

The Baked Version

Per 50g Serving
Calories: 190
Fat: 3.5g
Fibre: 5

(that's 16% fat, and 3.5 points)

So try these, and let me know what you think!

Aila

2009-10-23T18:16:00.009-04:00

Aila has an amazing memory. We don't know if it's 'photographic', but it's close. She has the ability to remember numbers, facts, and phrases that normally would be long forgotten.

Her classroom has a "Class promise", and Aila has memorized it. We thought it was cute!

I'm like, soooo mature

2009-10-22T12:58:00.005-04:00

I've never claimed to be mature. However, I don't think I'm immature either. I think I fall somewhere in the healthy middle. I like to say that "I can be mature and serious when it's needed, otherwise, I'd rather just be 'playful'"

I always assumed that having kids would keep this part of my personality more alive. But in reality, I tend to slip into being the 'parent' so often, that I actually find myself less playful than I used to be. So I look for opportunities to be silly, lighthearted, and have fun with life.

Yesterday I had to buy office supplies for my office. (Aptly named, huh?)

I was walking through the aisles, looking at pencils, folders, notepads, pens....and I picked up some simple professional supplies and carried them in my arms. I realized that I was stopping and giggling at some of the 'other' styles available. They made me smile. It was then that I wondered just why...if I'm the only one who sees them...I'm getting such boring 'professional looking' supplies?

I put them all down and started over. I decided to pick the ones that made me smile. Besides, if you are going to buy a pack of pens, and you happen to have 2 little girls living with you, you may as well buy the family pack of Winnie the Pooh pens. So I did.

And since I like things to match....I got these "Happy Bunny" themed file folders and notepads. They made me laugh, because I was picturing what Jason would say if I brought them home.
And I was right.
He was slightly confused, rolled his eyes a little, let out a sigh.....and walked out of my office shaking his head murmuring something about "Whatever makes you happy, sweetheart". (This is what makes him such an amazing husband. This is not his own style at all...and yet he knows when to just let me, be ME...and enjoy our differences)
And I smiled and let out a 'hee hee'.

I doubt that if I were a lawyer, or even working in a design firm somewhere, I'd be so 'playful'...but these are the perks of the 'home office'.

I hope that every time I look at these, I'm reminded to take the time to have fun!

Friends

2009-10-15T15:30:00.017-04:00

Our friends Larry and Odia were here for 5 days last week. It was so much fun! They flew in from Winnipeg on Wednesday, and left Monday afternoon.

We did so much! We had dinner at The Works (of course!), a private tour of Parliament, a Sushi lunch, Larry went to the Exodus Cry meeting with Jason, we saw the National Gallery of Canada, introduced them to a couple Ottawa friends, saw a hockey game, went to church, made a Thanksgiving Meal together, saw the market, talked, talked, talked, and had the best ribs we'd ever had. In a nutshell. :P

It was a blast!

It was really cool to have Winnipeg friends here in Ottawa, and then let the two worlds "collide" (as George Costanza would say). There is something about people who know you. Who not only know your history and where you come from, but who share that history too! So much of our lives have intertwined over the past 11 ish years of knowing each other. We have shared the same church, the same mentors, the same housegroup, the same neighborhood. Larry sang on my worship team, and was an encouraging cheer-leader each time I lead. For 2 years, I met with some girls as we walked through our dealings with our weight and healthy living. Odia was one of those girls who I saw each and every Monday. They now live in the same town as my Rhonda, and Odia happens to work at the same company that Jason does. We've spent time together at IHOP, swapped teaching cds, laughed until we cried, teased Jason together, and shared tears and deep talks. So many many connections.

At one point Odia looked at me, smiled, and simply said "It's good you're here. You're supposed to be here."

It was simple...but inside I breathed a sigh of relief. It's true. Sometimes I don't know why we're here, or how to deal with the challenges...but it's true: We are where we are supposed to be.

How amazing to have friends who would spend their own money to come and visit us. To immerse themselves in our lives for a few days, pray with our new friends, love on us......blessing us over and over..... Amazing!

The Whine

2009-10-06T15:48:00.005-04:00

I'm such a whiner!!

Kay...so now I have more work due to the new client I received last week...and a couple more things that came my way in the last few days. More work means more issues. (Added to the stuff I'm already dealing with with current clients) It seems that everyone has an opinion! Go figure!! People's opinions really interfere with my ability to do my job at times. I want to do the best...to make each job perfect, and something I'm proud of! Something marketable! Something that leads clients to success! But when people want things that just don't look good...and don't trust your professional opinion...what do you do? You give the client what they want, (reluctantly) and leave their project OUT of your portfolio.

Sometimes these little opinions of theirs cause real issues...because at times they want things I simply can't give them. My work friend Doug likes to tell me that I know how to "turn Sh*t into gold". I can make the best of the worst situation, but there are times when I simply can't make something nice out of something crappy. (I'm not a genie, folks!)

When there are little issues to sort out, I get stressed. When I get stressed, I get testy. Snippy. (Which means I snap at my girls and my husband, when I really don't mean to) And I whine about how much I have to do.

WELL genius...who's idea was it to take more work?
MINE!
I sent out the resume...looking for more to do.
ME

I'm not sure how to 'learn' how to deal with stress more effectively. I feel it like a knot in my stomach, and the only way to make it go away (Besides eating icecream..*eyes darting side to side*) is to plow through, and deal with each little thing as it comes. But that doesn't stop the complaining that spews forth while I'm working through things.

And then I hear Renee's sweet voice saying:
"Suck it up, Princess!"

Honestly, the concept of just "Sucking it up" changed my life a couple years ago. I remember the day I was whining about something, and Ren simply looked at me, rolled her eyes...and said those words (quite seriously, not in a joking way) "Suck it up, princess!!"

After the shock of someone saying something like that to me....I decided to not be offended.
She was right.

What was she really saying to me in that moment?? She meant this:

"Look...stop whining. There are MUCH worse things in this life that you could be dealing with. Time to grow up. Time to stop 'majoring in the minors'. If it's hard...suck it up and figure out how to do it. If it's scarey, suck it up and take a chance. You won't die. You may just learn something. And for heaven's sake....be thankful! There are so so so many little things that we fret about. They simply aren't worth giving our energy too. Stop whining about things you don't want to do, can't do, won't try or don't like. Time to grow up "

So this too, I will "Suck Up", and be thankful that I have this career that I love, and am earning a living at! And I'll pray that God teaches me how to not become overwhelmed with the things I need to do, and the problems I'm faced with.

There.
Done.

First Time

2009-10-01T23:21:00.002-04:00

I've been making a living at graphic design for a few years now. I've been really blessed to have an awesome job that I LOVE. What could be better?? Most of the time i feel like I'm getting paid to play! Design is so much fun....

But more than that, I've been blessed to never have to look for work. I've almost always been self-employed. I did have to go out and market myself when i taught Music for Young Children (ads, flyers, etc) But for my design work, I've never sent out resumes, and never offered my services. Jobs and contracts have always just come to me. I've never even considered looking for more work.

This week for the first time, I felt like I was supposed to actually put together a resume and send it to a company...offering my services in graphic design. I had seen the company online, and thought "I think I could help them..." It was weird...but I just felt the Lord say "do it". So I did. I made up a PDF of some samples, and typed up an email and hit send.

To my total shock, I got a response from the email in just a couple hours. I spoke to the company, and they want to use me for a project or two! I really seemed to hit it off with the owner, and I'm praying that I can move into a steady work relationship with them in the future.

God is Good!

A Note from Anneka

2009-09-24T22:44:00.003-04:00

I sat at my computer tonight and found a typed note on my screen from Anneka:

Dear mommy,

I am soooo glad to be your 9 year old girl.

Please tell everybody that I am bloging again.

I want people to visit it so they know what I am thinking!

Love: Anneka :)

Her blog is for members only (for her safety), but if you know our family, and would like to be able to read it, let me know.....and I'll add you to the list. For those of you who are already readers...she'd like you to drop by!!

Ottawa

2009-09-23T16:37:00.004-04:00

On August 1st, we had made it. Two years since we moved from Winnipeg to Ottawa.

When we moved, I had expected to easily adapt to the new city. After a couple months, it was clear that it was going to be more of a challenge than I thought. I was grieving. Not just the move, but the loss of friends, community, ministry, and roots. Losing roots is hard. Knowing that the place where you USED to live, and had all your memories is no longer a part of your future...well...it's a death. Familiarity is lost. Everything is new. When you finally find a grocery store you like, there is no chance of running into friends and neighbors. In fact, you don't run into anyone. Ever. Everywhere is strangers, and you are a stranger to them too.

The grief was overwhelming....and it didn't pass. It just hung over me... getting worse instead of better. I couldn't see it ever getting better. What had I done? Why had I left? Why was it so hard to find people to love, and who'd love me back?

It was probably around October 2007, 2 years ago, that I was crying out to God asking "When will this feel like home? When will I feel 'okay' here?" And I heard these words:

"Wait 1 year. Then...when that year has passed....wait another year."

I'm not sure why He didn't just say "Two years, doll.....so ya'd better hunker down." Maybe saying 1 year...and then another year was a kinder, softer way of saying it. I have no idea. Seems odd to me. But that's what I heard.

So anyway, August 1 came and went this year. I hadn't even realized the date (being busy with summer activities) It wasn't until the end of August when I realized. It was gone. The grief. It was like I physically felt something lift off of me. I was biking and enjoying the trees, flowers, pretty blue sky...the Gatineau Hills in the distance...and it dawned on me. I'm happy. I'm happy here. I like it here. I don't want to leave. I wouldn't go back. I don't want to move elsewhere. I'm enjoying my life, and I'm happy. Happy in Ottawa.

Wow.

Happy in Ottawa.

Finally.