Melodies of our Home

Family of Eight

2012-01-22T20:14:00.001-05:00

Not being able to fully comprehend how much we have been blessed is like opening the cupboard and grabbing only a handful of plates for the dinner table, and not realizing it should be 8 plates!

Eight hungry tummies to nourish

Eight souls to bless, love and encourage

Eight from God;

for God.

Puzzling Memories

2012-01-20T08:08:00.003-05:00

One of our favorite things to do during the 'relaxing' winter months in make puzzles!!! When the littles are off to bed, or napping on a quiet afternoon, we take the vinyl covering off the table, and off we go! We finished this one a few weeks ago and now we are currently working on a more challenging one. A train station, situated on the outskirts of a city with lots of sky. Its fun too, just a little more challenging.

One of our (many) favorite things to do

Coming along nicely

quiet concentration is the part I like....ahhh!

I love my family! Sometimes I am so filled with joy and so blessed, I believe my heart will just burst! Its not that we have the perfect family, but when things are done in love and harmony, and you have learned to look at your children, your husband, and love them the way they are, and see their individual characteristics, you feel so rich!! So blessed!

The other day I was looking at an old photo album and saw a picture of my nephew standing over the bassinet of his newly born brother. Now those little nephews are men themselves, and it urges me on. Take every moment captive to teach them, love them, prepare them for when we release them to go out on their own. Not to be selfish and do things I want, but to love them every single moment of the day. I have been learning a new dimention of Love. To love and serve my family in order to benefit them. Now all these household chores are no longer just something I must do, but I get to do them because I love them, and want them to benefit from my actions. To have my laundry caught up, (and put away) because it benefits them when they are looking for clothes. It benefits my family and expecially my hubby when I am a cheerful momma all the time. When I put aside my feelings and smile anyways. It benefits my childrens behavior (and me too, in the end) on how I start the day; is mom going to be serious today, or is she not? and will the day end up in chaos reigning every nook and cranny of our lives and home? A tidy home benefits unexpected company. It benefits my child, who has just settled himself at the table with paint and paint brushes, when I get him a cup of water for rinsing, so he doesn't have to get up and go get one. It benefits my child when i see him struggling with a -way too heavy load- and just help them along. It benefits my child to see my love when I help them to quickly finish their chores, or let them go on to their next thing, and I finish up the dishes.

I could go on and on....but this also brings me to the source of our love, Jesus came to earth, to love us, to benefit us, to serve as a ransom! He didn't have to, but he wanted to! He wanted to love us! Its up to us if we want to receive that love. And to persue and fellowship with Him!

The most heart warming thing is that I catch my children doing the same serving thing. I love it! I love them! Love LOVE LOVE!!!

One by one, the pieces of the puzzle are falling into place, the more we search the scriptures and simply put the Bibles principles into practice, the more we see the puzzle taking shape. And its all good. Wonderfully good!

How are some ways that YOU benefit those around you? Please share!!!

Harmony of the heart

2012-01-16T20:21:00.001-05:00

Its wonderful to be inside,

candles on,

woodstove flames dancing,

boys and dad tinkering with the go-cart downstairs,

all is quiet upstairs, children sleeping

listening to the rain
reading the Master Noah Webster story...

thats me,

being Thankful!

spring 2011. =)

At the Science Centre!

2012-01-03T20:45:00.001-05:00

Last year we purchased a membership at the Science Centre, and we have been enjoying it very much! We have gone about 3-4 times and every time its so much fun and everytime you learn new things!

How fast can I stop?

Hendrik aiming for the bull's eye...
can you spot his paper airplane?

what can we make?

How does my new hat look?

How can you make a picture of yourself...

...and watch yourslef appear in the pipes?

How does that work?

How would you look with different features...?

Or what will you look like one day after having braces?

Can a big boy with big heart have a
smile that is even bigger?

Did you know algue eaters are part of the
cleaning crew in an aquarium?

Can you count how old I am?

Why does this block of wood weigh
heavier than that one...?
They are both the same size!

how does an engine run?

How do you shingle a roof?

How can all these surfaces feel...
so different?

What do I do to keep my hair pretty...

and not get it blown away?

How neat it is so be eye to eye with a reptile?

Or a blue frog?

So much to learn! So much to do! So much to explore!

Things Happen....

2011-12-24T12:42:00.001-05:00

...when mom is not around!

Annual Lunch Box Day

2011-12-22T14:32:00.000-05:00

Every year our church homeschool group organizes a Lunch Box Day. Each child gets anothers childs name for who they have to make a lunch box and they can be creative as they can be. On the appointed day we all get together, bless each other with a lunch 'box' and enjoy eating lunch together

Rein made a baby in her bassinet for a four year old lady.

Pieter made a tree fort, which included a list of rules for the gang
and an extra red cap for anyone wishing to join them in the fun

Hendrik made a tee pee

Complete with Chief, Squaw and baby

Jan really enjoyed making a cabin for a friend!

This is always so much fun! So much fun that I often had to wonder who was having more fun, me or the boys! But after a week of felt scraps, paper scraps, paint, paint brushes by the sink soaking in my favorite glass, gravel grit, sticks, scraps of fabric, greenery, stones and the smell of the hot glue gun... I was done!!!

...but the boys continued on with the fun of creating long after our Lunch Box day was done. It neat to see what they all create!

I love my children, alot!

Of Interest...

2011-12-21T07:27:00.000-05:00

...so you send your boys to brush their teeth with charcoal powder...

...as you can see, Pieter proceeded with caution, not knowing how much trouble they would be in,
if they would be in trouble. =)

Short Description on Activated Charcoal:

Activated Charcoal Powder has been used as an effective anti-poison remedy for centuries. It works as an absorbent of toxins in the digestive system, relieves gases, can eliminate fungi, viruses and bacteria, and may promote recovery from food poisoning. Preliminary research shows that regular high dosages may lower cholesterol and fat levels. It also whitens your teeth if you brush with it on a regular basis

Peace

2011-12-20T15:58:00.001-05:00

Peace
is not the absence of conflict,

it is the presence of God

Can I help you?

2011-12-09T16:44:00.001-05:00

Last week after drying some dishes, I flipped the drying towel over my shoulder and I proceeded to wash the rest of the dishes. All of a sudden someone pulled the drying towel off my shoulder and I heard a small sweet voice say;

Shall I help you?

...so, up she hopped on a little chair and with a big smile

my little butterfly helped me finish the dishes.

I love my little butterfly!!!

Praise; not perfection!

2011-12-05T10:37:00.001-05:00

December 2011.

...de Wit family tree!

December is here. Looking back at this past year we have been blessed! Blessed with good things, but also blessed, yes blessed, with trials. Trials are no fun, but once we get through them, learn from them and have climbed out of the valley, we can stop and look back and just see the blessing, the beauty of it all.

Last year when we still had 5 children, folks in stores or at the market would comment on how busy I must be, and yes I was, but I did not consider myself THAT busy. Then Joel came around and although he is a very content happy baby, the thought of now having 6(!) is very overwhelming. I am learning how to manage my time/chores/homeschooling better than I have ever done. For me having two or three was a breeze, I mean...I just went with the flow. Gone are the days that I can just go with the flow. I now need to keep 6 children occupied with good things otherwise they will keep me occupied with bad things! =)

I am learning that God does not want me to be perfect, have a perfect home, be a perfect mom and wife, but He wants my praise! I can praise Him even when the house is a mess, I can praise Him when I fail because He has done so much for me, even when I had no idea! He died for me, He took my burden of sin and He cleansed me and made me whole! Yes, I will praise Him!

I thank Him for my family! Every one of my children! Is it still overwhelming? Yes, but I can still praise Him.

Why art thou cast down, O my soul?

And why are thou disquieted within me?

Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him,

who it the health of my countenance and my God.

Psalms 42:11 

ps. Joseph, sorry it took so long, but here are the pictures!! =)

Monday Morning Wedding Bells Brings Everyone in Tune

2011-11-14T11:27:00.002-05:00

For some reason or other, I always think that monday mornings should start off Perfect! (with a capital P) But in real life, it doesn't. There is always someone that is out of tune, the garbage needs to be brought to the road, we are need of weekend clean up, there are fresh piles of laundry...

Today was like any other monday and I did my best to give instructions and to correct as much as possible. Then a brother decided to get married to his sister and started pinning a bedsheet (they were supposed to strip the beds for washing) to his sisters head. I could have barked at them for getting sidetracked, but I held my tongue. Instead I realized that we had actually never had a wedding ceremony with the younger children... I have done so many fun things with my older children and I forget to do those very same things with the younger ones.

Anyways, we gathered everyone in the kitchen for the joyous occasion... Vows were made to love each other unconditionally. UNCONDITIONALLY. Even when the one mistreats the other, they would still love. They all giggled, but I saw a very serious lesson in it all. So many marriages are broken up so easily. The seriousness of their vows are taken so lightly.
Anyways, we went back into the days of Noah. People were giving and taking in marriage just like it is prophesied will happen in the end days...it was a sobering lesson.

I say this all to encourage other moms to just enjoy their children. Yes, there is bookwork to be done, so many things to be taught, you're already an hour behind your monday morning schedule, but taking the time for small things will be blessed, perhaps with the Lord laying a lesson on your heart for your children. Heart strings are so easily broken and yet through some fun like a wedding ceremony be tied once again. I like to have happy hearts when we do bookwork, or any other thing, for that matter...so its good to do something fun and lively to make sure everyone is happy and enjoying each others company.

By the way, in the end the husband pulled his wife's veil off her head and she turned to him and announced: I won't be married with you anymore...!

Farm life...!

2011-10-15T10:28:00.000-04:00

There is much to be said about farm life....but as I finally figured why I could not download pictures (I had to upgrade) you will be hearing all about it!

{stayed tuned}

Fire Fighter Event

2011-07-22T08:59:00.004-04:00

t'Was a day that the boys asked to stay home from market so they could go to the local Fire Fighters event. Usually they plead to go along to market...=)

~ future fire fighter? ~

~big truck; impressed young man~

~buckle up...and we're off.....!~

Massive!

Impressive!

Sweet!

Be safe this summer!

A video for you..!

2011-07-22T08:10:00.002-04:00

I hope you enjoy this short clip of our family life. This was the first time Joel pulled himself up...as if to say; Can I watch you make your farm, boys? Vader Pieter is playing in the background....I love it when he plays...which is often!! Woohoo! ♥

Precious times make precious memories. Make precious memories today!

Fun with Collages!

2011-07-16T08:25:00.002-04:00

One day after Hendriks shower, I told him to find himself a shirt in the pile of laundry (yup, we have those sometimes) and he comes back to me with a cheerful: "I found one...!"

He is so full of life, and along with that comes mischief and naughtiness, but oh, what would we do without him? I am thankful that I am his mother, although when he was little, I often wondered if he would ever grow up and do anything good! He is still a rascal, but a good rascal.

Dear sweet Pieter, learning to bake all by himself! Thats a good thing, because with the amount of food being eaten by BOYS, we can use the help in the kitchen!!!

Rein at the market. He loves it at the market.

Only Hendrik can get two bee stings at the same time...the one sting at the top of his left ear....and the other at the top of his right ear!!!

Yup, that's Hendrik!!!!!

Happy Joel! He has lots of loving hands to care for him and with the blessing of many children...he gets trained by all! When he crawls to something 'forbidden' I often hear the children already calling out; No, no, Joel, don't touch.

That makes for a happy Joel and a very happy momma!

♥

Words of Sunshine

2011-04-21T12:08:00.002-04:00

Words of Sunshine on a cold and cloudy spring day:

"I love Joel, moe;

he is like the best baby in the whole wide world!"

by Hendrik

Another time, another season....

2011-04-17T20:07:00.005-04:00

It's been a l-o-n-g time since I was last here, posting about our ordinary life, with never a dull moment! I have finally excepted that life is BUSY. I have also learned to look at life as 'seasons'. There is a time for blogging, and there is a time to have a break from blogging.

Sometime life just gets in the way of doing certain things.

Since the last time I posted, this happy, friendly boy has been entrusted into our family! He truly is a rich boy with so many hearts to love and hands to play with him! He is almost 6 months old.

~ joel ~

We recently went to the Sugar Bush to learn more about tapping trees and making Maple Syrup. Because there was such a large group of children, we were all divided into (age appropriote) groups. This anabled me to get down at the level of our four and two year old and I realized that I do not do that very often. When we teach, we tend to gear toward to other children. It was good to realize this. Yesterday, after dropping our boys off at the markets to help sell vegetables for a dear family we know, I took Rein and Gesina to the Butterfly Conservatory. We had SUCH a good time, but I'll share that in another post. =)

~this momma loves sap pails~

Joel riding along with his dad, occupying the best available spot!

Young Beech trees, hanging on to their precious leaves through the winters...its beautiful to see how the sun shines through them, dotting the seemingly dead forest with little lights of yellow.

the only green we saw. We have had a wet spring, but slowly the greens are coming back.

~ growing up with a gentle heart and a ready smile ~

That's all for now, I hope to be back soon!

with love, Boukje~ a busy mom with alot of things to be thankful for!

A new little friend!

2010-02-18T14:29:00.002-05:00

God is SOOO GOOD! Has you heart burst with love for Him lately? If you walk with Him, He walks with you and He makes the journey so worthwhile and GOOD. My cup runneth over!

We have had sickness in our home and I wonder when we will be breathing something else rather than garlic and onion and rubbing alcohol, and the tissues became a thing from yesterday and we can get back into something more of a routine. But then again, if we don' t have days like this, we would not appreciate health like we should. So, I am thankful!

Last week when ALL the children were sick, we had them in the livingroom on a mattress during the day. I do have to say I had a very restful week and I could do alot of reading, studying and praying! I prayed alot, and it was such a blessing. Quietness does not come here very often.

Anyways, one day last week an 11 year girl came to mind and my heart went out to her. I realized how sweet she really is and how gentle. I prayed for her, wept for her salvation, wrapped up a small (dollar store) notebook, wrote her a note and gave it to her.

This is what came in the mail today:

Dear sister Becky,

In the past, I have been wondering if anyone ever prayed for me, and I asked God to reveal it to me. And God answered thru your note! God workes thru YOU!!! =) God Bless, L.P.

in another note she wrote:

Dear Becky,
I will never forget you. You have been such an incouragement to me, such a great friend. How could I forget you? I love you very, very much. Thank you so much for the gift you gave me. The note was very encouraging. I could never express my gratefulness for your friendship with a poor little girl like me. Thank you!! Very grateful, L
Thank you a million times.

The saying: 'if you want a friend, be one', rings so true, and I am so blessed. Blessed because God uses me for HIM! He used me to answer this 'poor little girl's' prayer.

My heart is FULL, and overflowing.

2010-02-17T16:11:00.002-05:00

Fevers, headaches, chicken pox, vomiting, earaches, about sums up the last week. The children were all sick, so home school was definitely on the back burner. We placed the futon mattress on the living room floor, so they could have a soft spot to rest and sleep, and yet be close to the activity in the kitchen. Other than tending to them, I also had lots of time to read, study and pray. Anything to do with end times prophesy, gardening, home use of herbs and weeds, whole foods, (and not GM foods) the Bible, sprouting seeds have captured my attention for the last little while. (or maybe a bit longer *wink*) It is fascinating.

But anyways, while the boys were sick I put into practise different things I have been learning and as I knew a wash cloth wetted with rubbing alcohol and placed on your diaphragm reduces fever, I was amazed again how quickly the fever went down from one of my boys. Within 15 minutes of having a very high fever, it was down at a safe level. So, next time, when you hesitate to use that Tylenol... grab your rubbing alcohol instead! Its cheap, and much more healthy for your children.

This afternoon as I was waiting for someone to come for a coffee visit, I made my way downstairs and blew away some dust that somehow finds its way to our house and lo and behold, I found my faithful sewing machine. I sat down and cut some towels in half and Serge the ends. Then I sewed a skirt together that had been sitting around all cut and ready to go. It is well underway of getting done. After that I have some fabric waiting to be made into bloomers for my little girl, a cotton underskirt of me, and some other odds and ends. Before you know it, spring will be here and we will need to focus on nursing little seedlings!

The seeds have been ordered, (most of them) from different company's and are arriving through the mail. One order we picked up as my hubby took me away for a day and a night in honour of my birthday. We had a most wonderful time together, driving back roads, getting lost, checking the map, arriving at the tubing hills 3 hours before it opened and find our way in there anyways, (Pieter is quite adventurous), tubing, making a yummy romantic dinner for just the two of us in the cabin, flying down the hills, wind blowing in your face, sitting by the outdoor fire pit at 11 pm, laughing, loving, smiling and enjoying being together.

That was the week before everyone got sick, so hurray! We went just in time! Or, better said, God. He is the one that teaches us over and over that His ways are not our ways, and our ways are not His ways. If we simply trust, Trust, TRUST, we can go through life with peace and joy. Sometimes from our end we think, oh dear, now what? But it is God in the end that makes us look back and see that Trusting is what we need to do, today, tomorrow and the day after. It gives rest. Peaceful REST!

God is Good!

Peek-a-boo!

2009-11-18T07:28:00.002-05:00

Hello Everyone!

It's me! And I have not forgotten about our family blog! A few times I have sat down to update, but there were interruptions, and one time, when everyone was sound a sleep, I wrote out a long post.....and accidentally deleted it.

Ja, I did.

My hubby said is was meant to be, so I took a deep breath and moved on. =)

CHANGE IS IN THE AIR!

Normally my dear husband would go faithfully to work each and every morning without a single complaint, because he took his duty seriously. Lately though, before he 'actually' leaves, he pauses, take a deep breath and tells me he longs to be home.

...Home, where he belongs.

So, I encourage him to keep on keeping on. Soon, when the days grow a little longer, when we see a faint glimmer of spring peeking through, he will be HOME!

To stay!

It is amazing to see how the LORD has opened doors for us to go into produce farming as a family! Who would have thought! But we are and we are all very excited about it. It will be hard work, but we anticipate it, none-the-less! Our neighbour has agreed to rent us two acres of his land that sits along our property. We already have a greenhouse and right now we are looking to fix up the holes in it and adding a wood stove to start our seeds early. Yesterday our second seed catalogue same in the mail and the boys have been busy looking through it. They each get to pick something to grow and sell, independently. I hope to add lots of herbs to the ones I already have. Other than that we are looking at planting potatoes, onions, salad mix, carrots, beans, beets, leeks...lots of learning this summer!

Best part of all, we will be together as a family! It will be a whole new way of life, and we look forward to the change. Our boys need their dad. God knew what he was doing when he first gave us four boys! What a rich blessing!

Today we have a full day planned. Or, should I say, we have a full morning planned. Other than doing a run and clean through the house we have a lesson on Indonesia, laundry to catch up on, a dessert to bake, errands to run and this afternoon we are going sledding with other home schoolers. Tonight we are having pizza for supper to correspond with Pieters math lesson. He is learning to tell time, so we will be making a clock pizza.

Ah, the joys of motherhood!

God is good!

Taking out the garbage...

2009-11-04T07:43:00.002-05:00

We are not put on this earth to see through one another,

but to see one another through.

The Peace He Promised

2009-11-02T15:21:00.002-05:00

Jesus did not promise to change the circumstances around us. He promised great PEACE and pure JOY to those who would learn to believe that God actually controls all things. ~Corrie ten Boom

But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings;

that, when his glory shall be revealed,

ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 1Pe 4:13

Lessons for today

2009-10-27T08:14:00.002-04:00

For miss Gesina's lesson today, we hope to focus on staying in the kitchen and not wandering to the bathroom to test all our toothbrushes.

Rein's lesson is NO WHINING! From this picture you would think he never whines, but he is a pro at it, mind you! =) He whines when I wipe his face or wash his hair, so I hope to do alot of that today and remember him that it can be done with a smile!

Hendrik's lesson is to walk in love. He has this drive, which is a blessing, but sometimes he can use it in the wrong way. So today, out of many, many more, we hope to work on it! A.g.a.i.n.

Pieter, sweet Pieter. He is learning not to provoke others to jealousy. He is the last one to get attention, and when he gets it, he will 'haw-haw' at the other children. He needs attention just as much as they do, and I need to learn to tell the others to relax and not be so demanding, so Pieter may get some love, too!

This is not the best picture of Jan; his clothes are too small as he keeps growing and growing, his teeth need fixing, and his hair is too long, but he has a GREAT attitude. He motivates me and keeps me accountable. He is not feeling well today, so I gave him a boost to prevent the flu. I would like him to focus on clear pronounciation while reading out loud.

As for me: I have a challenge to figure out how my new SERGER works! Yes, that is right! My dear hubby came home yesterday and dropped a big box on a nearby stool before we embraced. Then he casually walked away, leaving the box in full sight for me to discover. He is so FUN! And I am so blessed to be his queen!

Last night I fiddelled around with it, and this afternoon my dear friend Marilyn hopes to come and maybe she can give me some tips on how to opperate it. Please Marilyn? Pretty please? =)

Some other things I am learning is, to maintain a meek and quiet spirit, keeping my home running smoothly, and not trying to do it on my own, but seeking the Lord's guidance and strength.

So, we have a full day ahead of us. I have my sleeves rolled up and am ready to run the race that is set before me!

Did anyone say Fall cleaning?

Labour of ...

2009-10-21T12:30:00.004-04:00

.....MEN!

We have been very blessed to receive lumber scrap wood from a few new houses that have been built. Hauling it in by the trailer loads, dumping the contents on the pavement, and going to pick up more. The pile grew higher and higher and the boys were DELIGHTED with all the scrap odds and ends. Vader bought them nails and a jig-saw so they could build to their hearts content. A tree house was re-in forced, chairs and tables were built for the fort, a rabbit cage is in the making....

Anyways, the reason for the scrap wood was to have kindling for our wood stoves. We have two that we rely on to heat the house, so last Saturday they set out to saw the bigger pieces into manageable ones for the stoves.

While Vader and Jan did the sawing....Pieter Jr was also labouring along beside them, sometimes needing the helping hand from his dad. His was not a labour of necessity, but a labour of L.O.V.E!

When he was done, I was summoned onto the deck to see...

....how can a momma heart not swell with love and thanksgiving? Once again my eyes glance upward and thank God for giving me wisdom to teach and train and love and respect and enjoy these children that He has given into our care.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A charge to keep I have,

a God to glorify,

a never dying soul to save,

and fit it for the sky.

To serve this present age,

my calling to fulfill;

O, may it all my powers engage

to do my Masters will!

Arm me with watchful care

as in They sight to live,

and now Thy servant, Lord, prepare

a strict account to give!

help me to watch and pray,

and still on Thee rely,

O let me not my trust betray,

but press to realms on high. Amen

Fall is Here!

2009-10-02T12:26:00.003-04:00

A boy is makes our life VERY interesting!

(you are welcome to ask for details as they change everyday) smile

:: pumpkin patch ::

:: such beauty ::
:: Canadian geese ::

:: a walking coat ::

:: our sweet delight ::

For a homeschool trip we visited a pig farm. And although that is a whole new post, here is a picture captured after the fun of learning and playing.

:: Rein and Gesina staying 'in touch' as we are driving down the road ::

Four rough and tumble boys

Fall mums

A week in pictures

2009-09-24T15:20:00.000-04:00

:: At the annual Farm show ::

:: getting aquainted ::

:: mjam ::

:: at the moment we are dehydrating sage for Bebe ::
~~~
:: scrub, scrub, sweep, sweep. I was busy, as busy can be, to catch up on cleaning. We had started homeschooling once again and company was coming. Amidst it all a little boy came up to me to tell me they had a surprise for me upstairs, and I told I would take a look later. He urged me to come look and then my hubby started urging me to look. So, I dragged my tired body up the stairs and found this...three boys who had made their parents' room a romantic glow of RED!

A heart shaped wire with red christmas lights!

...what a happy surprise!

The joys of boys!

:: climbing trees ::

:: back to school ::

:: a new pup::

A few days into the new year we had to put our dog, Trix, down, since he was very sick. We had had him for nearly 11 years, and we felt the loss. We missed him. The boys prayed for another dog (like Trix), we looked around, got offers, and waited for the right time, and pup.

Then on Monday a dear friend called so say an Amish had a pup that had been dropped off, and was wondering if we still wanted one...free. Long story short, we picked her up and she is just PERFECT for our family. It looks like she is a mix between a beagle and a blue heeler.

The boys have Lots of Fun with her and drag her everywhere.

We are still looking for a name for her, and we could use your help!

Any suggestions??

Having a hard day?

2009-09-22T16:03:00.002-04:00

Some times you wish the day would end soon, so you can start fresh in the morning. Other days you wish there were more hours in the day, because everything is going so well. Either way, we always wish problems away. We pray and ask God to bless us. But, how can He bless us when we don't want problems? Use each trial and temptation to grow. Look up and don't get stressed out by your problems.
`
Turn every stumbling block
into a stepping stone
(W.A. Tozer)

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Rom 5:3-5

Don't waste good problems!
(Otto Koning)

It is more blessed to give than to receive.

2009-09-15T18:45:00.004-04:00

This is some of the Vienna Youth serving at a wedding. It was time to do the many dishes, but many hands make work light. Singing made it even more lighter!

`
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. 1Jn 3:18, 19

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; 1Th 1:2, 3

You are Loved!

2009-09-08T20:34:00.003-04:00

Loved!

then the way is not so drear;

for One we know is ever near.

Proving to our hearts so clear

THAT WE ARE LOVED.

Loved!

when our sky is clouded over,

the days of sorrow press us sore;

still we will trust Him evermore

FOR WE ARE LOVED.

Time,

that affects all things below,

can never change the love He'll show;

the heart of Christ with love will flow,

AND WE ARE LOVED.

A day in the life of us...

2009-08-25T16:18:00.009-04:00

I am learning more and more how to keep boys busy. I usually clean the floor when they are down for naps, but last week after reading a child training article about just needing to be more relaxed, I spotted a blueberry on the floor! (it had even been stepped on) So, it was time for momma to relax. I asked who did it, but Nobody did it and he was nowhere to be seen. So, I calmly gave two boys a wet rag and they were allowed to clean the whole floor for me! How relaxing is that for a momma! I highly recommend it!

This morning they were allowed to clean the floor too, and on top of that, they even saw that the wood stove needed a good wipe. They are becoming number one workers and they are happy about it too!

It's so easy to become frustrated when the workload just piles up and you then spy a smushed blueberry on the floor; but I am learning to look on the bright side and make negative things into something productive!

I love Lavender! Ah, the smell...!

the colour!

the look...!

After picking up a load of firewood, we stopped in by the Amish to pick up cucumbers to make pickles from. The boys soon found the horse and while Jan and Pieter pet and admire, Hendrik does his own thing...

...the joys of boys...

When we were done stacking wood into the trailer, I had a hard time getting them back into the Van because they had found a ant nest and a bug. On the way to the Amish I made it known that they did not obey right away. They promised that at the Amish, they would do better...and they did! As soon as I said: "Boys, it's time to go," they bounded toward the van.

while the boys unloaded the trailer, Gesina played in her car.

such a sweet delight!

the boys piling the wood in the new wood shed

Working so had they needed a break...can you find them?

a new favorite spot..

the way down...

Pieter's next...

And Hendrik wasn't so daring~today

A new species of BATS!

Lunch time! Smoked trout fillet made by daddy!

our flower and herb garden

Rein recovering from a sore mouth. The blisters are healing well.

And last but not least, here is Hendrik, who is overly fascinated by the trap from ome Pieter.

~Good News~

2009-08-22T09:41:00.004-04:00

The echo from Gesina showed no changes from last time, and we are so, so thankful!

She did go from 50% weight average to 5% weight average, and they are concerned about that. She crossed two lines on the graph (for those of you who know what I am talking about) so we will be keeping an eye on her eating as we have another appointment in 4 months. If I let her, she doesn't eat much, so I need to encourage her to eat more.

Cold sweats, laying down in the middle of play, is just part of who she is. And we love her to pieces. She is such a sweet delight and I am thankful to be her Mother.

~~~

The eternal God is they refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.

Deuteronomy 33:27a

One year ago today

2009-08-19T23:43:00.006-04:00

:: Rein woke up in the wee hours, moments after his little sister was born ::

On July 19, 2008, little miss Gesina was born and we were entrusted with a little daughter to love and cherish. She was born at home (first home birth) and it was truly a blessed time! At day three the midwife came and noticed a heart murmur. Day five; she came again, and still there was a consistent murmur, so she called the pediatric cardiologist in London for an appointment to get it checked out the very same day. Usually heart murmurs should disappear within the first few days after birth, unless there is a problem. Gesina, however, did show very good vital signs, which would not be the case if there indeed was a serious heart problem. She had gained, if I recollect, 6 oz, between day 3 and day 5, so the immediate appointment was postponed till August 12~~ three weeks away. We kept a close eye on her and whenever there was a midwife in the area, they would drop in to have a listen. Her weight gain from then on stayed at the weight she was at day five, only growing an ounce or two. A few times she had a hard time drinking, or she'd turn pale, or she would get clammy (break out in a cold sweat) and have trouble breathing...but she would pick up shortly after that as if everything was normal. A few times I did call the office of the pediatric cardiologist to get in sooner, left messages, but my calls were not returned. This, I felt, was just God telling me that everything would turn out all right.

August 12 arrived; the day before my dear husband was to give one of his kidneys to his brother. I didn't think much of it other than having her little heart checked and to see what was the problem and going home from there.

Well, turns out her one heart valve was not opening and closing the way it should and there was a tremendous amount of pressure building up inside her heart because of it. Something needed to be done, and soon! Liz, the head nurse, gently showed me what Severe Aortic Valve Stenosis does to the heart and then proceeded to tell me I needed to take Gesina to Toronto Sick Kids Hospital the very next morning to undergo further assessment and have surgery done the day after. (they had already cancelled the appointed surgeries, to help Gesina first.)

I remember sitting there and telling Liz that I couldn't go because my husband was to undergo kidney donation the next day too! She turned pale, and then red, as she covered her mouth and ran out of the office to tell the doctor, but there was no question about it: Gesina needed to go, no matter what. They apologized over and over and I would have cried and cried if I had not remembered the few times that I had tried to call the office for a sooner appointment. It occurred to me that God had a plan with it all. What plan, I didn't know then and there, and I didn't need to know. It was simple ~yet hard~ for me to understand that God did have a plan with it all. He wanted me in Toronto with a sick little baby, three hours drive away from where my hubby was undergoing surgery. The day(s) we needed each other the most, God wanted us apart, and to rely fully on HIM!

My mind was a whirl, to say the least! I didn't have enough money for parking and when I asked a lady where the nearest bank machine was, she directed me to the third floor cafeteria and I must have looked quite pathetic because she handed me a five dollar bill. God did care for me, for us, so I scribbled her a hearty thank you note and stuck it under her window wipers.

On the way home I made a scattered trip to Wal-mart for some last minute items, and had to fight against starting to cry. I knew that once I started, I wouldn't be able to stop! But I needed to be strong for our children, for my dear hubby...

besides, God was in control and I truly believed that, so why would I cry? Even though how hard the trial was...

Bright and early the next morning I said goodbye to my dear hubby, my brother in law, my parents in law and they drove off into the stillness of the morning. I picked up a dear sister in law, who, even though she has trials to endure in her own life, had offered to come with me and I so, so appreciated it!

What they saw in London, was confirmed in Toronto. Gesina was definitely being admitted. The doctors there knew about what was going on with Gesina's daddy and when one Dr mentioned that the procedure they would perform surely couldn't wait another week, I dared to ask if it could possibly wait a few days, as my heart was with Pieter...

Poor man, he thought for a long moment, and then slowly gave us the go ahead to head home after pre-ops, and they would call the next day to tell us when to come back for the procedure. It was scary, risky, but I was oh-so-glad I could go and see my dearly beloved! When I finally made it to his bedside at 10:30 pm, the nurse soon told me to go home because they did not allow 'night visitors.' I told her the story, she was sorry, but I needed to go, anyways.

I went home with Gesina and had a good sleep, after all!

Kidney surgery went well and TRULY worth it all!

Visiting daddy in the hospital

The next day we got the call to come back to Sick Kids on Tuesday, five days later, August 19, and we prayed that Gesina would be OK over the weekend and maybe..? perhaps..? Pieter would feel up to coming with???

He did! And took every opportunity to lay down...

...or sit and try to sleep...

until they gave him a comfy bed and he slept a good deal!

The procedure they performed was done by inserting a catheter through her groin. Not surgery, where they open the chest cavity, but a Procedure to go in with the catheter, tear open the valve with hopes the blood flow would freely pump through her little heart. The result of this procedure is a leaking heart, with is basically blood leaking back into the collecting chamber, but that would be better than a valve that only allows 1/3 of the blood to flow through. Glory be to God, at the last checkup, there was NO leaking. This means that if the valve would ever grow closed, they can use the same, less invasive method!

All she had was a few small incision in her groin.

So, today, August 19, I look back once again and thank God for His Manifold blessings! Gesina is a spunky girl and her quality of life has improved so much because of it! She is small, but she is also a girl. She is tough, like any girl would be with four older brothers! She has regular checkups, and tomorrow I need to take her in again. They do an echo and an ECG test to see how the valve is doing. I am obviously sensitive to her and have noticed cold sweats lately, and occasionally she will lay her head down on her highchair table, but other than that she is spunky and full of life.

We look back, and thank God for the trial He sent us, for we have learned alot and have grown through it. God is there, always. I remember wanting to hold and hold and hold Gesina before the nurse came to pick her up for the procedure. I wanted that moment to last, but the thought came to me that she is just as much in God's Hands when she is my care, as she is in God's Hands when she is under the Dr's care. That blesses my heart!

~~~

... we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We [were] troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we [were] perplexed, but not in despair;

2Co 4:78

bRoThErS!

2009-08-04T09:19:00.002-04:00

Jan teaching Rein...

..how to

...bake a cake!

They made a yummy Butter cake and when I showed Vader the pictures, he right away noticed Rein's dirty nose. We ate the cake anyways, and we all survived!

~~~
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
1Jn 4:11

Baby Bunnies and what really matters

2009-07-30T19:22:00.003-04:00

:: the 'long' awaited day came when we discovered the wee bunnies...::

:: five in all, so cute and adorable ::

:: sweetly waiting for someone to take them home ::

Yes, life goes on. It brings joy, trials, laughter, temptations, pain, loss, excitement, hope...

But, have you considered lately that it will end too someday? Who will be next to go? Me? You? Will you be ready? Ready to meet God, the God of the Universe?

Sobering, isn't it? Who wants to think about death? Why think about it when life can be so good? But, even though it looks good, it really isn't. Are you ready to die? Are you living your life if it were your very last? Someday it will.

I don't really know why I am typing this, but I see so many people trapped in this world, thinking it's all OK, thinking it will go on and on. Trapped in the snare of the devil, who is a liar and wants you to believe all his pretty lies. It's so easy to fall for them. Yes, I know its nice to 'fit in' with this world with modern clothes, houses, words, actions etc, but in the end it WILL NOT matter! What will matter is that we know God, know Jesus and know that we have peace with God through His Son Jesus.

Being a part of this world will not fill your life with peace, on the contrary, the more you go after it, the more you get entangled in its web of loneliness and despair. Think about it. Does the world really satisfy you? For a moment, sure, it does, but it doesn't last. Peace with God lasts. It lasts through trials, pain, temptations. It gets you through the valleys and those moments of pain and heartache. It makes you look at life from the eternal perspective, the perspective of what life is really about, of what really matters.

`
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

2Ti 2:25, 26

He that believeth on him [Jesus Christ] is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Joh 3:18

Seek the Lord and get busy in the Kingdom that will last!

Birthday Girl!

2009-07-24T20:38:00.003-04:00

Happy 1st Birthday,

miss Gesina!

A sweet delight and a joy to have! We are very blessed to have a little girl to love and cherish. Our oldest boy said last week that at one time he wished we would have an all boy family, but now that we have a girl, he wants to have more sisters!

We love you Gesina!

~~~~

here is a poem from a book that she got for her birthday from one of her aunts...simple, yet so true!

~~~~

Life is but a journey

that begins as baby wakes

to see the world before her

with that first breath she takes.

And on we go, we grow and grow,

we trust Him and obey

for the Bible promises

the Lord will guide always!

PEI, its like home away from home...

2009-07-15T07:19:00.007-04:00

:: the ocean breeze, the wind, the salt spray ::

:: the fishing boats, the harbour smell ::

:: lobster trawlers coming in ::

:: the wind in your face ::

:: the thunderous crashing waves ::

:: what Majesty, what Splendor! ::

:: Jan and his Bebe ::

:: another harbour ::

:: Little boy came too close to the water...! ::

:: Brothers; Best Friends ::

We look back and cherish the memories! We had an amazing family time, bonding, and learning experience too! We discovered amazing sea creatures and shell fish and now that we are back home we are learning more about them and the tides. We, as parents, realized that at times we would became frustrated with the children; we prayed about it; and overcame! Our Rein came home a different boy, talking more and it feels like we know him much better now. Gesina had mosquito bites only on her head (her head felt bumpy and one time we counted 7 bumps! poor girl!) and she picked up a tan. The weather was beautiful, not too hot, not too cold. We met new people, shared the glorious gospel, sowed seeds and thanked God for giving us a wonderful time.

We caught many-an-eye with our little troop of 5 children, and that is a pity...it should be a common sight! Children are a blessing! Last week we were talking to a Amish father of 13 and he commented that when you stop having children at number 2, you stop too soon! The best part comes after having more than 2 or 3! That is soo true! Our oldest is now 8 and a joy to have. Right now he is making breakfast and singing "The Longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows...", Pieter and Hendrik are waking up, Rein has settled on his potty with his truck and trailer, and Gesina is sitting on the counter watching Jan spreading apricot jam on the bread slices!

When you apply the principles of the Bible to your life, it brings joy, peace and love beyond words. The quicker I submit/yield my life to the principles God has set in place, the easier life is and truly "...each day is like heaven, my heart overflows, The longer I serve Him the sweeter He grows!" Why struggle? Why buck against what He desires of us? When we struggle with obedience to God, what are we teaching our children? One wise woman once told me that to struggle is, plain and simple, delayed obedience. I am so glad she told me for it is so true and it has helped me overcome my (petty) struggles! I can see it in my children, and I so want them to learn to obey me the right way, at the right time and with the right attitude, so as they grow up, it will be easier for them to obey God and His Word! Just like God wants me to obey, submit and yield with a willing heart!

~~~~~~~~~~

Every need He is supplying

Plenteous grace He bestows,

Every day my way gets brighter,

the longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows!

Prince Edward Island!!!

2009-07-04T16:06:00.003-04:00

:: camping on beautiful Prince Edward Island! ::

:: low tide, or high tide; there were always treasures to find ::

:: standing from the waters edge, looking in on our picnic table ::

:: these flowers were EVERYWHERE and smelled so good ::

(I did not take the time just yet to find the name of them)

:: verns and buttercups ::

:: Bike trip! ::

:: down the trail... ::

:: in the background you can see the Confederation Bridge ::

:: dirty with the red PEI soil ::

:: our names in the sand ::

more pictures and review coming!

We have been gone...

2009-07-02T22:41:00.002-04:00

Can anyone guess where we went?

Of Time and Calves

2009-06-19T08:45:00.002-04:00

Life is busy. So busy sometimes, that you forget to enjoy it and to stop and look at it from your children's perspective. There is a time for everything; a time to do laundry, a time to do housework, a time to school and teach, a time to make meals...but to take the time to go out of your way to give your boys a wonderful opportunity to feed some calves, that was on the very bottom of my list of things to do that day.

It had been a very busy week preparing for a herb/weed presentation, camping trip and all the wonderful things in between. At the beginning of the week, Fannie had asked us if we wanted to come over and have the boys feed their calves. Oh yes! The boys thought it was neat and they were excited!

The week filled up fast and flew by like a whirlwind. Friday loomed long and busy as we had to get ready for the camping trip and babysitting in the afternoon. I was ready to just let the calf thing go, as it was not of 'importance'. Then i remembered my brother and sister in law who are/were always ready to be a blessing to their children and how much I had appreciated that from them when their daughter and our niece passed away to suddenly. I learned that life is short and to live each day as it were my last.

So, guess what? We piled into the Van bright and early, and headed out!

Hendrik feeding Burdock, the calf

Pieters turn! Boy he was hungry!

In the background you see Nettle, a brown calf. It didn't like drinking from a bottle so it lapped up the milk from a pail

After that we were allowed to pick some strawberry's!

"I yike it" said Rein

and some radishes...I ate most of them as they others nibbled slowly on theirs and Rein made the comment that they were "hot"

~*~

Will you stop today and enjoy what God has given you?

~*~

Psa 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Camping with Vienna Fellowship!

2009-06-15T07:49:00.007-04:00

:: early morning fishing ::

:: someone's Bible in the stillness of the morning ::

:: it looks well read! ::

:: three-legged races ::

:: friends giggling ::

:: lots of good, wholesome fellowship ::

:: and laughter! ::

:: girls going for a walk ::

:: Gesina sleeping ::

:: breakfast ::

:: buffet line ::

:: a hungry boy! ::

Camping with fellow Christians is such a blessing! Not only were our tummy's satisfied with delicious food, but more importantly, our souls were filled and running over! Such wholesome, godly fellowship is nothing to compare with attractions, fashions and entertainment the world has to offer! There was Bibles opened, discussions, singing, smiles, waterfights, tears, fishing, campfires, riddles, poems, more singing, hugs, games, races, relaxing, volleyball, cooking, teachings, lessons, helping, encouragements, pointing to Jesus Christ as our all in all, sleeping and resting, air mattresses that needed pumping up in the middle of the night, fish flies, birds singing, I love you's, couples spending time together, godly influence, ministering, learning, revival in relationships....and last of all: Cleanup!

But our hearts were blessed, filled and encouraged as we drove off, with lots of memories to look back on.

~*~*~*~

I'd rather have Jesus, than silver or gold

I'd rather be His than have riches untold

I'd rather have Jesus than houses or land

I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand.

Than to be the king of a vast domain

or be held in sin's dread sway

I'd rather have Jesus than anything

this world affords today

~*~*~*~

Dear fellow mothers and wifes...

2009-06-09T15:29:00.003-04:00

Forget about whether or not others will be grateful for your selfless service, or whether they will even notice it. As God's beautiful women, you don't do what you do to get anything, you do what you do because of who you are, because of the person God is making you into---a virtuous women who is beautiful in His eyes!

~*~*~

Selfish service is the greatest beauty of all.

It's the beauty of our Lord~Elizabeth George

Hendrik!

2009-06-05T21:40:00.002-04:00

Hendrik is the one that:

~wants to do his schoolwork with Smokey, the cat, on his lap

~hangs clothes pins from his hair

~pretends to drink from an empty toilet roll using a pencil crayon as a straw

~helps to put on Pieters sock while Pieter colours his Bible verse

~helps finds Pieters sandals

~or sometimes, hides the shoes from our visitors

~started singing "In the sweet by and by" after vomiting for the umptieth time during the night.

A lesson for the boys...

2009-06-02T15:30:00.002-04:00

:: we had ordered meat chickens to butcher...::

:: and kept them in a box, under a lamp to stay warm ::

:: enjoying them, holding them ::

:: keeping a close eye on them, day and night ::

:: even looking at the name COUNTRY MEAT PACKING in a whole new way ::

UNTIL, it was time for them to move to the barn due to odour levels in the kitchen. They adapted very well and the boys took good care of them. Carrying the cage outside on warm, sunny days and putting them inside the barn again for the nights.

One night last week, friends came over and all the children went to see the chicks. Somehow, when they left the barn, the door was left open and the next morning all we found was two dead chicks and two free roaming chicks. My momma heart broke for my boys; they were forced to learn a lesson the hard way!

Ouch, but I hope and pray they will never again forget to close the door and keep their precious animals out of harms way and our of reach of night roaming predators!

Lessons of Life

2009-06-02T14:46:00.002-04:00

Everyday if full of lessons: if we want to see them as that, or not.

Sometimes I wonder if my children teach me more than I actually teach them. They teach me simple faith; they teach me how dependant I am on our Heavenly Father; they show me who I truly am.
When I see my children show negative behavior, I see myself and I know they have picked it up from me. I have made an influence, but in the wrong way! More is caught than taught! I see the need to correct myself and be a better example.

When I see one of them getting frustrated when they other tries to find his line in a song we are singing and it sounds 'off tune', I know that he has somewhere, somehow caught the 'get frustrated easily' bug from me and I am reminded again to be a gentle, patient momma.

In times when too many life lessons come my way it would be easier to just give up. What's the use? Why even try? It will never work....and the despair mounts up...

But Christ wants to purify us. He uses these lessons to try us, show us ourselves as He moulds us into vessels of honour for Him! It takes a day to day choice on our part to follow Him. It takes diligence, like it takes diligence to weed our garden, to pull away the nutrient-, water-, sunlight robbing weeds to encourage better growth in the flowers and plants we have there. So it is in the garden of life, we need to be diligent in weeding our hearts from frustration, bad habits, discontentment, selfishness, unthankfulness, bitterness, worldly and empty distractions, pride, anger, fear etc, etc.

Due to the sudden growth of weeds in the hearts of our children, they grow and take root before we even realize it and the damage is done. Then we can only root out the negativeness weeds and encourage the good seed to grow up and around to be able to bloom at a later date. The seeds we sow in the hearts of our children today will only bear fruit in later days, so why give up already? Patience, prayer and a godly influence is what I would like to put into practice more and more, and to not grow weary in well-doing. To do my motherly duty with all my might, and to stay faithful to my calling.

I'm pressing on the upward way,
new heights I'm gaining every day-
still praying as I'm upward bound,
"Lord, plant my feet on higher ground."

the lowly Dandelion

2009-05-26T08:28:00.009-04:00

Eerst...

Dank je wel, tante's uit Urk, voor het lieve jurkje voor Gesina.

Het broekje voor Rein staat hem ook heel lief, en de photo van hem komt nog wel!
~~~
Since I have been studying alot lately about weeds and herbs for home use, I can't help but be in awe over the lowly dandelion! Not only does a dandelion tea clean out your liver and kidneys, it brings relief to congestive heart problems, reduces bloating, and the flowers are supposed to make a fine wine. I am NOT a wine person, but having skimmed through the dandelion wine making recipe a few times, it seemed so easy and I wanted to try....

...so we picked a basket full of dandelion flowers,

and added water, oranges, lemons, yeast, raisens and sugar. We have to stir it every day for about 7 days or until the bubbles stop coming to the top and then strain into wine bottles. Every time we stir, the kitchen :smells: like alcohol and phew, what a whiff. We look (somewhat) forward to sipping it at mealtime when the cold wintry days are upon us once again. For now I am truly enjoying the beautiful spring!
~~~

~God in His wisdom and love didn’t give dandelions to just a chosen few,
he freely and generously gave them to most everyone.
~Debi Pearl

Happy Birthday, Vader!

2009-05-26T07:33:00.004-04:00

Last week vader Pieter turned the honourable age of 36. The boys were intrigued by the number and soon we had a math lesson going....

He is 36 years old, which means he also is:
432 months old, or
1872 weeks old, or
12,744 days old, or
305,856 hours old!

The boys were at awe, and looked up at their dear vader with a whole new respect; "Our vader is 'old', and that means he must be smart too, and wise and strong...."

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself,

except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, t

he same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Joh 15:4,5

A day of rejoicing that will be!

2009-05-15T07:37:00.006-04:00

One day on our way to a function, for one reason or another, we were feeling rather discouraged.

Until Jan started singing:

~~~~

When we all get to heaven

what a day of rejoicing that will be!

When we all see Jesus,

we'll sing and shout the victory.

~~~~

And we all joined in singing.........!!!

~~~~~~~~

Sing the wondrous love of Jesus

sing His mercy and His grace

In the mansions bright and blessed

He'll prepare for us a place.

~~~~~~~~

While we walk the pilgrim pathway

Clouds will overspread the sky;

But when trav'ling days are over,

not a shadow, not a sigh.

~~~~~~~~

Let us then be true and faithful,

trusting, serving every day;

Just one glimpse of Him in glory

will the toils of life repay.

~~~~~~~~

Onward to the prize before us!

Soon His beauty we'll behold;

Soon the pearly gates will open,

We shall tread the streets of gold.

A little girl to love and cherish...

2009-05-13T07:23:00.002-04:00

One sunny day the boys were outside finishing chores and playing, and as I hung out the wash, our little miss delight sat in her highchair...

...and watched the boys down below...

...as she munched on a cracker.

What a pleasure to have a sweet gentle girl amongst all those boys! If she wants attention she either grunts or growls, and if that doesn't seem to do the trick, she can also do the 'high pitched screech'. As a mom, I sometimes am too busy to even notice what she is doing, growling or screeching like that, but then I hear her brother Jan, 8, correcting her and telling her no-no. That sure warms my momma heart. The boys love and enjoy her, rough her up, and make sure she is well taken care of!

We love camping and with another camping trip coming up, I decided to blanket train her, since most of the time she plays in her playpen. I can just imagine all the pretty things she can find and be putting in her mouth as she crawls on the grass... So, we put spread out a *pink* blanket, placed her on, gave her with a few toys, telling her no-no when she wanted to crawl off. The boys sat around, watching, ready to say 'the word' if she made an attempt to move on to better things, and off the blanket. I was amazed at how quickly she caught on. She stayed on the blanket, all pretty-like as she tasted her toys. Training makes life so easy....expecially when you have boys to help along.

For some reason I don't think they will be even near that *pink* blanket once she sits on it while momma is busy around the camp site...

ahh, the joys of boys and the blessing of being just a mom!

A happy day...

2009-05-07T07:03:00.000-04:00

Yesterday it was a beautiful spring day; so why stay indoors...

We tidied up, did our jurisdictions and gathered our books and pencils into a basket and headed out and did our learning and practising on the trampoline! It is truly not the best place to be when you have to do your work neatly, but it was a good lesson to put others first. We all had the urge to bounce, just a little, but then the one writing would make a mess. I should jot down in their books that that was the day we did our schooling on the trampoline...therefore the messy handwriting!

After a short story about words and how they can make either a person feel sad or happy, Jan and I went through his timetables and he did some problem solving after that in his notebook.
Pieter needed something to help him do his math with, so he gathered some small stones and put them to use.
Hendrik and Rein played in the sandbox or caused trouble by coming on the trampoline and jumping....

:: the trampoline is a place for many a fun thing....

made even more fun when Vader is there! ::

:: too bad you can't hear all the laughter, hollering and shouting going on! ::

In the afternoon Pieter Jr and I went our and gathered dandelion leaves to dry and we biked to the railroad tracks to pick flowers. That inspired us to decorate the chocolate cake with apple blossoms that we were planning to make for dessert. It turned out so nice looking that I wonder why I don't do that more often.

I enjoy the simple things in life...

Happy the Home...

2009-05-05T06:28:00.003-04:00

Happy the home when God is there

and love fills everyone,

When with united work and prayer

the Master's will is done.

Happy the home where God's strong love

is starting to appear,

where children hear His fame

and parents hold Him dear.

Happy the home where prayer is heard

and praise is everywhere,

where parents love and sacred Word

and its true wisodm share.

Lord, let us in our homes agree

this blessed peace to gain;

unite our hearts in love to Thee,

and love to all will reign. Amen

Hello one and all!

We have started this blog to share about our home family life. At times we just can't contain the joy and blessings and we wish the whole world were as happy as we. This all because of one Man, the Lord Jesus Christ, who has taken our guilt, sin and shame away and replaced them with joy and peace unimaginable!

Life is busy with four boys and a little girl, but we enjoy the busyness, and the hectic moments are there to make us enjoy the peaceful moments all the more. We look forward to share with you more about our days and our songs in the days to come!

for the rest, Pieters queen

Melodies of our Home

Family of Eight

Puzzling Memories

Harmony of the heart

At the Science Centre!

Things Happen....

Annual Lunch Box Day

Of Interest...

Peace

Can I help you?

Praise; not perfection!

Monday Morning Wedding Bells Brings Everyone in Tune

Farm life...!

Fire Fighter Event

A video for you..!

Fun with Collages!

Words of Sunshine

Another time, another season....

A new little friend!

Peek-a-boo!

Taking out the garbage...

The Peace He Promised

Lessons for today

Labour of ...

Fall is Here!

A week in pictures

Having a hard day?

It is more blessed to give than to receive.

You are Loved!

A day in the life of us...

~*Good News*~

One year ago today

bRoThErS!

Baby Bunnies and what really matters

Birthday Girl!

PEI, its like home away from home...

Prince Edward Island!!!

We have been gone...

Of Time and Calves

Camping with Vienna Fellowship!

Dear fellow mothers and wifes...

Hendrik!

A lesson for the boys...

Lessons of Life

the lowly Dandelion

Happy Birthday, Vader!

A day of rejoicing that will be!

A little girl to love and cherish...

A happy day...

Happy the Home...

~Good News~