Christmas in May - Thanks Tom and Farzad!! :)

Micah Celebrates 1 Year of Livin'!

 So this Saturday marks 1 year since Micah Daniel Jacob made his entrance into the world during a crazy May rainstorm. I will never forget that moment for a few reasons: 1. It really was a CRAZY rainstorm - in fact, awesome would be a good word to describe it! 2. I really don't like surprises, and I knew I was having a boy, so I was extra excited to meet him! and 3. The presence of Jesus was so incredibly strong in the delivery room. Talk about experiencing peace in the middle of pain! It still takes my breathe away.

 This year, like all baby's first years, has had it's ups and downs, but mostly ups. Micah is a

joy and a delight

and has all of us madly in love with him. He is peaceful and independent and when crossed, has a temper like the rainstorm mentioned earlier. :) He enjoys pulling our un-nailed baseboards off the wall, throwing food on the floor and poking Joshy's eyes. He still army crawls, and it's impossible to lose Micah because he grunts wherever he goes (quite the workout). He gives the best hugs ever, and very occasionally regales us with his few words, 'Dada', 'Mama', 'wow' and 'ba' (balloon). He loves to dance, clap, laugh and WRESTLE!

 But most of all Micah likes to watch.
And around here, there's plenty of action!

Needless to say, Micah's life is worth celebrating, so this past weekend, that's what we did! (however, I will sheepishly admit that with every birthday party I plan, the less effort I put in. This particular party didn't even have a THEME. WHAT is HAPPENING to me?!)

 The weather cleared up right when my family arrived, so we hung out outside for a while. Here's Josh and his best chair/uncle, Jon:

My, they're in tune with one another!

 Josh will steal a snuggle whenever he gets the chance!

 My nephew Drew showing off his belly button. This kid makes me giggle!

Micah's friend Emily didn't want to leave her mom's lap for fear of bugs. That's what these long winters do to the poor children: they forget what bugs are.

 Ellie and Regan sharing some secret cousin humour:

 Those freckles make me want to kiss her!

We all shared a quick and easy 'faspa' type supper:

 And opened presents:

 Micah's stunned tissue-paper-heaven face:

 As always, the big kids had the most fun!

 And lastly, introducing Micah to the excellent world of cupcakes. He was too entranced by the singing to notice at first, though:

 "Hey, what is this? Feels gross."

 "Ewwww...."

 "Ma, are you sure I'm supposed to EAT this stuff?"

 "Yeah, okay, you've convinced me!!!"

 Micah, I love you more than words can say!

I am so looking forward to the ups (and downs) your second year will bring.

xoxo

Mommy

Happy Mother's Day, Grandma!

We wish you were closer so we could hug you! Instead we threw together this little song and dance to let you know how special you are to us! Hope you have a wonderful, joyful Mother's Day!!

A(nother) Season of Change

Well, this week marks exactly five years since we moved back to Manitoba from B.C... and for those of you who don't already know, God has decided that it's time to mix things up a little in our lives. Our close friend and pastor Andrew has decided to take on the job of Principal at a Christian School in a nearby city. It was a complete shock to him and to all of us...but sometimes that's just how God does things. :) So last week Rob said goodbye to his long-time desk job at Valeant, and on Sunday he had his first day as

team-leading

PASTOR

of our church, Calvary Chapel.

We feel so blessed and excited (along with a fair share of fear and trembling) to embark on this adventure together and with our much-loved church family. We are very aware that we are not able, but He is more than able!!

Our good friends Greg (and his wife Michelle) have been hired on at the same time (Greg as administrative pastor. We've never had one of those before!)  and our associate pastor Dave is also staying on staff...so we both feel surrounded and encouraged and well, quite stoked.

To all our praying friends and family, please join with us in praying that God would accomplish everything He wants to in our church and in our city as Rob learns to love and lead this congregation of quite amazing people. Our desire is to be faithful, to run this race well, and to see Jesus glorified!!

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!" 

Ephesians 3:20, 21