Follow the Leader

So i was thinking a bit about our hiking trip. Well specifically about hiking for 2.5hrs in the dark down an unfamiliar trail. If it wasn't for Dallas, we would be royally lost. I'm sure God was watching over us too. Looking back it was kind of stupid to do that, I guess. But it did make me think about following the leader. I was behind Dallas, without a flashlight. I had to trust where Dallas was going, and whenever he'd say something like "rock", or "tree", or "mud" I knew i had to watch where i was going. I'm sure it saved me a sprained ankle or a booter. I've also been reminded how much Brooklyn likes to lead me and Faith around. If she wants to go somewhere, she'll come to me, grab my hand, and get me to follow her. She craves our attention so much, she'll do almost anything to get us to follow her where she wants to go and show me something. I was thinking about how God leads. Do I trust him, and follow, like I followed Dallas in the dark? How about like I follow Brooklyn. Do i allow God to take my hand and show me all the things that bring joy to His soul?
It was very good food for my thoughts anyway.

Hiking Pictures

Final Destination: Marion Lake



Caribou Lake Beaver Dam



After 1hr of Hiking



Hike complete 6hrs of walking later

Physical Torture!?!

So, last weekend, Dallas , A.J., and myself went on a hiking trip. We hiked part of the Mantario Trail, which is in Whiteshell Provincial Park. We each carried about 35lb packs and hiked about 20 kms in on Friday, relaxed and recouped on Saturday, and hiked out on Sunday. The weather was gorgeous, with all the fall colors, and almost full moon, and clear skies. It was amazing to see the creativity of God. It was also very peaceful and quiet. (Do you realize how much ambient noise we have in our everyday lives?) I should say it was quiet except for the CN train that we heard every couple of hours, and the 10 other people that showed up at our site Saturday night. Anyway, it was an adventure worth experiencing, and something i'd wanted to do for a long time. I would do it again in a heartbeat. (Maybe i should get a new backpack though, eh, Dallas?) It was covered in duct-tape, and i had to put it on as if it were a pair of pants (the buckle broke). Here is a map and some pictures of where we were.

So Proud of Myself

Today I took Brooklyn to Anna's House for playtime. I am so proud of myself as it has taken months of trying to persuade myself to go. So thanks to some accountability from a friend we went together. For months I have noticed that it would really benefit Brooklyn to be around more kids, and to learn to play with them. I am one who is nervous to meet and talk with other moms. Yesterday I realized if I can't even do this in my own language where I am familiar, how will I ever meet other moms when we are in Mexico? That is one area I feel like I can minister and reach out, but I really need to get a bit more comfortable with it. So we went and it was fun. Mostly fun to see Brooklyn play around other kids her size and know there are others in the world like her. So hopefully now I will make more of an effort to go.

For those of you who haven't heard of Anna's House I'll explain a bit so you know what I am talking about. It is a family focused place moms can go, mostly for kids 0-5 years, to meet other moms and get great tips, advice, and resources. They have a few different programs for kids 0-12 months, and other programs offered every now and then for older kids. And for pregnant women like me they give out milk coupons and vitamins. YEPEE:) And every Thursday morning they have Playgroup where anyone can bring their kids and let them play with others, and enjoy a snack together. That is where we went today.

General Update

I've been trying to think of something new put on our blog, but couldn't really think of anything. We've had quite a busy week, so we haven't even had much time to write on here anyway. This last weekend LeRoy went hiking into the Whiteshell with my brother, and a friend so Brooklyn and I were left at home. Thankfully we were kept quite busy. One day we made perogies with Tara and Carter, and another day I baked (microwaved) pumpkins to freeze with my mom and sister. Thankfully none of the guys were too hurt on the weekend, and to tell you the truth, LeRoy hasn't really felt sore at all. Sorry Dallas and AJ.

This week I have felt more exhausted again and a bit sick after a minor gall stone attack, but today I have more of my energy back.

Brooklyn is still working on her third eye tooth, it's been swollen and sharp for about a week and a half already, but just doesn't want to poke through. She's definitely getting more and more of a toddler with her attitude, switching her moods with the snap of a finger.

Baby #2 is moving more and more this week which I love to feel as it makes pregnancy a lot more exciting.

If there is anything new with any of you, we'd be glad to hear about it.

Developing Personalities

It is so much fun watching different personalities develop and come out of little kids. Of course I never really paid attention to this aspect of kids growing up until Brooklyn. We see so many sides of our precious daughter and wonder where did this come from. Some days it feels like we are living with a 13 year old already, and other times still a young baby. I would say she can be a strong willed child already when she wants to be, and then other times such a goof. Lately the goofy personality has been out a little more again. That giggle she gives us when she tries to run away when needing a diaper change, or trying to hide from us when she knows we want to brush her hair. And I never knew that some things and routines have to be just exactly how she wants them, otherwise plug your ears. For example when we are getting her ready for bed, she has to have mommy hold her, or at least by her while she drinks her milk. LeRoy has tried over and over again, and it just brings more screaming. At least he can now actually put her to bed. That is an improvement.

I never knew that something so fun could be hidden behind the couch. But as I write Brooklyn has pulled out her diaper bag (she loves filling it with diapers), another backpack, and our laptop bag. Who needs toys when there are so many things to discover. I think I am learning to discover things through Brooklyn's eyes and trying to think of ideas of how to encourage her more and keep her mind going. It's definitely a struggle for me as I am not at all creative, but a struggle worth battling.

New Pics

Check out our picture link to the right for new pictures.

Church Support

Yesterday evening at our church's Membership Meeting, we were given the opportunity to share about going to full time missions. We shared about how we got to the point of making the decision, how we felt God calling us, and to ask for prayer as we continue in that direction. After we and 2 other couples shared, we were sent out of the room so they could discuss us. There were 3 couples in our same position so it took a long time before they told us we could come back into the meeting. We were starting to wonder if they had forgotten about us. We were then told that they were giving us their full support. To LeRoy and I that is always an overwhelming thought, of having so many people giving us their support and prayer as we continue on preparing to serve in Mexico.

Please continue praying with us for a team to come together. Thanks.

Two Feet & Two Hands

We had our ultrasound today and it was so reassuring to see two arms with two hands, two legs with two feet, and face with two eyes and a nose, and especially to see baby's heart pumping strongly. As far as we could see our baby looks perfect and healthy. So I am telling myself that really is how things are. But I will only feel 100% confident in that fact once I hear it from my midwife, since the technician today can't tell us anything. It sure made my day to see our baby, and to see the little miracle that God has blessed our family with. We were not able to get pictures yet, as we were in a bit of a rush afterwards, and it works a little differently at the Health Sciences with that, but hopefully in the future we will have some pics to post to show you all. I was tempted to put some up that we have of Brooklyn and just say it was baby #2, but decided to rather wait till we have this baby's real pictures. Thanks to God for protecting our little one.

#14

That's how many teeth Brooklyn now has. She cut her 2nd eye tooth this night. Last night she went to bed 3 hours later than her normal bed time, and that is not usual for her when we're at home. But now I understand why she didn't want to go to sleep. She's done that with some other teeth as well, so it now all makes sense. Only 6 more teeth to go. YAY:)

Little girls

Two of my cousins have had baby girls in the last few weeks and I can't see either of them as they are in Alberta. Jessica Raine was born August 20 (Holly is that right) to my cousin Holly and husband Scott. Holly and I are really close and when Jessica was born, I was so tempted to fly down for the day. Risa Danae was born yesterday to my cousin Jared and wife Dwylla. I think when others' have little girls, I can relate a little since we have one for ourselves. I don't know what it is like having a boy, maybe we'll find out soon, but there is something special in a little girl. Maybe boys are the same way, but I tend to think they are special in a different sort of way. Girls are sweet and just have a way of touching your heart the moment you lie your eyes on them. It seems all little girls especially grab their daddy's hearts and have their daddy's wrapped around their little fingers in no time.


As my pregnancy goes on, I think about this baby and what he/she will be like. Will we have another one like Brooklyn, or will this be totally different? Is he a he, or is she a she? We have an ultrasound next week, and I am so excited. We are not going to find out what sex this baby is, we want it to be a surprise. To us that is half the excitement. We just have to wait and see. What will our baby be?