My Surprise hotel getaway

Last week, Chris planned a mini-vacaton for us to stay in a hotel in the city for a few days. He planned EVERYTHING and kept me guessing for the whole time..it was awesome. Tonnes of surprises and lots of fun!

Chris made a "spa" for me - it was amazing -

complete with a 1/2 hour massage - whoo hoo!

We tried a new restaraunt - the melting pot.

Fun to cook your own meal right before your eyes!

My favorite thing - shoppers drug mart at all hours of the night.

We made a midnight run just to try new perfumes

My summer

Who needs starbucks when you have your own personal barista

My hubby & I love our coffee, and now that's it's so hot, we love our frappucions - the ones from starbucks - he's probably had 4 already today. Just one catch - we have the starbucks recipe and he makes them at home! In fact, he makes so many we need a new blender...and our own cow! We made them ultra low fat ones too, which is just ice, a little sugar, a little milk & lots of espresso....yum... $5.00 at starbucks, but my hubby, the barista makes them all day long for a mennonite's dream price - 25 cents/venti (large)!

Note to all you single people out there - put on your "husband requirements"

MUST BE ABLE TO MAKE FRAPPUCINOS.

I guarantee you, it's a plus. Just make sure you don't take any of those other character qualities off your list to make room for this frappucino requirement!

Vancouver 2007

We just got back from our missions trip working with YWAM doing street ministry/service in Vancouver on & around East Hastings, commercial drive, etc. It was amazing. I saw things there I won't ever forget and met people I'll always remember. It's changed me- a lot - saw things I thought I'd never see, but yet felt so at home. Saw a guy shoot up right in front of me and it broke my heart. Met a prostitute and got to share a little God-moment with her while she was trying to pick up guys. Worked with various ministries and put on a few different services in street missions. Picked up garbage in the park. Got lost - a lot. Got stranded at Michaels/Wal-mart due to vehicle breakdowns. Saw God bring people/things to help us on our journey. Saw God break my heart for those on the streets. Saw success stories of people who made it off the streets. Saw the character of all those who came on our trip shine incredibly - was so proud of each and every one of the youth that came..they were an inspiration to me!

I thank God for this amazing opportunity - it has truly changed me.

Run Baby Run

O.K., that's it, I've had it. When I moved back to Niverville, I lost my exercise partner and just got really busy, so I stopped exercising! A year and a half later and an extra 12 pounds - I've had enough! So two days ago, I started running. Well....slowly jogging with intermittent walking in between! But today I ran again and what happened - I jogged twice as long and twice as fast! What, what, what?!? I think I like this! So, if you see me running....cheer me on or come join me!

A Tribute to Ken....

Today was Chris's uncle Ken's birthday as well as Father's Day. He died 4 months ago of Lung Cancer. Chris didn't know a lot about his uncle, but always felt this "connection". He was a very gentle, kind & generous man who had an amazing creative/mechanical mind. Chris only realized exactly how much they were alike until after his death, when he got to see all the sides of his uncle. They're so much alike, all of his clothes fit Chris exactly - same shoe size, pant size, shirt size and even the same style - incredible. Chris also got the opportunity to see his creative side. A lot of you know how many "creative ideas" Chris has for building his "castle", stone fence, etc. Well, upon visiting his Uncle's property, Chris found some of the exact (minus the castle) passions/dreams/ambitions had already been achieved by his uncle, or in the process. That was an amazing moment. For Chris, it was looking at someone in a mirror.

One passion Uncle Ken has was stained glass. The things he made were incredible. Chris inherited his tools, glass, etc and upon trying it for the first time, Chris said it just felt "right". So neat how Chris can continue his Uncle's creative side and bless others!

Today, we transplanted a tree at his gravesite in honor of Him. He had planted them in his yard before he died. It was sooo special. Chris is hanging an angel wind chime on the new tree. His wife, Diane also gave us one of the exact same trees to plant in our new backyard in honor of him. We planted it tonight. When it grows bigger, we will make a little "garden" in honor of Him.

Our new tree at home!

As much as this is tragic and sad, and we would have loved to know him better, we see God's great mercy in all of it. He was a wonderful man who got to know the Lord before he died. We are also getting to know his wonderful wife and 2 beautiful sons (and one daughter-inlaw) through this. They are a wonderful family we are praying for God's strength to get them through.

Chris & I have a "life verse" and it is so suitable here -

Isaiah 61:1-3

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,

because the LORD has anointed me ..........

to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—

to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

They will be called oaks of righteousness,

a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.

God, we thank you for his life. Thank you for what you have taught us through this man!

My little duckies

We went to the park today and snapped some quick photos before my camera batteries died! So cute these little guys!