Hannah Grace

My baby sister had a baby today.  I'll say it again.  My baby sister had a baby today.  How is that possible? I mean, it's weird enough when you start having babies yourself, but when it's your baby sister?  It's hard wrap my brain around.

Hannah Grace arrived just after midnight after many, many hours of labour.  She's a big baby (compared to mine, I guess) and my sister pushed her out!  I'm so proud of her.  I'm SO proud of her.

I wish my dad was here to meet her ...

Family getaway

The Christmas season was as hectic as usual (Curtis with extra services, tons of company and just general Christmas craziness) and it left us longing for some time together as a family and just away from every day life.  We found a terrific deal on a condo in Banff and decided last Sunday to run away on Monday for a few days!  We returned this afternoon feeling rested (at least in our spirits if not our bodies) and put back together again.  Here's what we did:

The holiday started with lunch at Tim Hortons (a treat for those of us who live in the ditch).  Kara enjoyed a double chocolate donut and some hot chocolate.

The kids had fun playing in the tub together.

We learned how to paint using a paintbrush.

We played outside.

Kara and I went on an adventure into the town of Banff.  We got to ride the bus!

We went to Cows and ate yummy ice cream and bought horrendously overpriced t-shirts.

(Lightning MooQueen & Buzz Lightsteer)

We played for hours in the huge playzone at the condo resort.

When it got too dark or too cold to be outside, we stayed inside and hung out in our jammies.

Jonas slept well from all the excitement.

And when the kids went to sleep we sat for hours staring at the fire enjoying the quiet!

If you haven't had a family getaway for awhile, we highly recommend it!

Sick girl

Kara is sick.  Probably the most sick she has ever been.  Fever, vomiting, lethargy.  Can't sleep, can't eat.  It's terrible.  And it makes me so sad.  I have thought many times over the last few days that I would take it from her if I could.  That I would happily have the flu if it would save her the suffering (not like the flu is real suffering, but it certainly isn't pleasant).
Also, in just the last few days, I read about a 2 month old baby who was diagnosed with leukemia, a friend of a friend lost her 3 month old to an infection, a father of 4 died in a tragic car crash, a friend was rushed to hospital with heart pain.  Man, I am just getting sadder by the minute and found myself in tears several times today just thinking about it all.
I haven't finished processing all the thoughts that are mulling through my brain (and I recognize that much of how I am feeling is induced by two sleepless nights!), but what comes out clearly is this:  my life is not my own, my children are not my own - they are on loan from my heavenly father, our days are short and opportunities are fleeting, so LOVE.  Love my sick girl and care for her the best that I can.  Love my husband.  Love my baby boy.   My days are not wasted if I love with all of me.
Thank you Jesus for each of these that you have blessed me with for now.  Teach me to love them how You love them.  Bring peace to the hearts of these families who are suffering loss ... Lord in your mercy, hear my prayer.