Timing?

Sorry for the blogging absence.  It's been an incredibly challenging 7-8 weeks.  I'll share more in the upcoming months.  But to sum up, after this past Monday I thought I had weathered & survived the tough season.  My wife remarked that it's probably been the toughest month or 2 of at least the last decade for her (pretty close for me too).

And just when I thought things were getting better....

I was unexpectedly hospitalized.  Appendix.  Surgery.

Which means no working on the house for 4-6 weeks (a house that desperately needs finishing for a number of reasons).  No lifting kids or wrestling or playing for 4+ weeks....  More stress for my beautiful wife who has to pick up the extra load... etc.  Don't get me wrong - I won't be bored.  I've got enough other stuff to do with my job (lots) and class I'm taking.  But still... the timing of it all?  Really?

Super Lu told me (just as I was getting wheeled into surgery), that it could have been worse - it could have happened while flying overseas whenever we get the call to go pick up our next child.

Good point.

But the timing still feels suspect.

And then to top it all off - the tire on the van got shredded in -40C weather when Super Lu was trying to get the kids to school & daycare so she could pick me up from the hospital.

In case you haven't picked up on it - I have an amazing wife.  That's why she gets the Super reference to her nickname on this blog.  And as I lay here typing, I get to listen to her play hide & go seek with our kids (and take care of screaming Dude who just got his fingers ran on...)

Later,
I.B.

House update

Dear House,
Take that!!!!
4 out of 5 inspections completed!
Huge thanks to FIL for taking 5 days to work on the house (whether I could be there or not to help). Now on to gyproc & insulating the ceiling. And heat!
Triumphantly,
I.B.

Faith thoughts from kids (#5)

Mario informed us at the supper table a little while ago that he wanted to do something for someone because: 'God had told him in his heart to do it'. 

 It involved a little sacrificial living on his part, so I was amazed & proud.  P.S. - that's not a phrase me or Super Lu have used around him.  I asked him where he heard that before and he shrugged and replied 'that's just the easiest way to explain it'.   So we talked about how it's important to check what we think is God's leading with the Bible.

Is that awesome or what?

I.B.

Faith thoughts from kids (#4)

Spark Plug: "God put the moon in the sky.  But He needed a ladder."

Me:  "God falls off his ladder into the ocean sometimes.  That's why there's tsunamis."

Kidding.
Or am I???

Tsunamis are pretty amazing to me - if only they didn't hurt & kill people...

I.B.

Faith thoughts from kids (#3)

Spark Plug: "God painted us all.  And painted whiskers on daddy, cause they're pwunny (funny)!"

We talked about how God painted people all sorts of wonderful colours - and as I was putting lotion on Dude's skin, we talked about how different skins (& hair) need to be cared for differently.


On a different topic:
Here's a song from a band I went to hear a week ago - date night with Sparkles (a lot of fun)!  Somebody was bugging me about it until they found out I take all my kids on dates so that a) they get some intentional time with me & b) they learn that they should be treated very well on a date (for whenever the time comes!).  I want the standards to be REALLY high....  So Sparkles & I enjoyed an ice tea and red velvet cupcake together while the band played - and when she got cold she got my coat to wear.

Yes... I'm already trying hard to discourage her away from lame guys....  It's subtle, but I'll admit it!






I.B.

Faith thoughts from kids (#2)

Spark Plug  (keep in mind she is 3):  "Jesus is my heart.  But he needs a flashlight."

Call me weird, but I used that to talk about humanity's depravity (in 3 year old terms).  That we all need a light  (Jesus) shone in our hearts & world.  I think that's a little of what John 1 is about.  And Psalm 138:23-24 - keep shining a flashlight in the dark recesses of our hearts.

I.B.