Family Time!!

At the end of April, we headed out on a little family holiday. At the time we were pretty sure that our summer would be spent in and out of the hospital and so we didn't think we would be going camping (thankfully, that has changed to the fall so we can enjoy the summer and plan some camping trips!!).

But back to April; we thought we would be the best parents ever by taking them to a hotel with a little waterpark This waterpark was designed for all ages, including toddlers. And so with that in mind, we were eager to make some fun and exciting memories with our kids.

Haha! We should have known. All those "fun and exciting" memories that we were hoping to create were blown out the window the first day. No, nothing went "wrong" per se. It's just that we forgot that our children are a wee bit timid and easily overwhelmed. And when you enter into a waterpark, and the first thing that they see happening is a very large water bucket dump over gallons of water, yeah, we didn't get too far that first day.

The tears flowed quickly and the quivering that was happening with their bodies was not because of being cold. The both of them were petrified!!!! And just when they started to relax a bit, that bucket of water would dump again. Every 2.5 minutes! Yay!!! We are such great parents, eh?!

Keziah spent a good long while on the other side of the park, behind the tables and by the window, trying to take it all in. This picture breaks my heart!

That finger in her mouth is the first thing she does when she is scared. I can always judge how scary a show is that she is watching by how many fingers are in her mouth. This picture was taken when the bucket was filling up. When it dumped? There went all her fingers, into her mouth. I can just read what she is thinking here: "What kind of parents are you guys???"

But eventually, we convinced her to come to the toddler area, where there were little slides and stuff. Thankfully that was on the complete opposite side of the park of the water bucket. But as you can see from Lincoln's picture, we could still see and hear it. He is keeping an eye on it:

For the next 2 days, everytime that bucket dumped, both of them would freeze where they were and whip their heads around to watch it. It was actually pretty funny. And if we were holding Lincoln, he would squeeze on tight!! (We really didn't mind....:o)

Once relaxed inbetween water bucket spills, we had a great time!!!! Keziah really enjoyed the slides and swimming all around.

By the last day, we were able to persuade her to slide down a bigger slide. This was huge for her to accomplish, as it was right beside that dreaded bucket.  But she did it!!! Once.

Even Lincoln had a turn! Obviously he thought it was no big deal.....still sucking on his fingers as if he slides down these type of slides every day.

Outside the hotel, they had a large playground as well. The weather was very nice, so we were able to spend some time out there:

 "It's okay, dad, you can reach it. Don't be scared!)

Although it was busy watching both kids in a waterpark, Nathan and I did manage to find some time talking together at mealtimes. Usually mealtimes can be a bit hectic especially in a restaurant with a 3 and 1 year old, but this time it was calm, quiet and we hardly noticed the kids. The reason? Here, this picture shows you:

That's right. Every booth had a TV. Definitely not something I would recommend for every day, but it sure was a treat!

On the last evening, Nathan's parents came by for supper. We headed out to enjoy some Dairy Queen. Here we thought Nathan's dad was the only one that loved Dairy Queen so much. But it looks like he has some competition!!

(I think he regretted his choice of a small ice cream cone. Not much was left for him!)

All done! Time to wipe the mouth.

The next day, we packed up and headed home. Although the first day had its hiccups and thoughts of "What were we thinking????", it was a great little family getaway. And to top it all off, if you ask Keziah what her favourite part of the holiday was, guess what she'll say?! That's right. That huge bucket of water! Go figure :o)

For Lincoln, I do believe it was the hotel hallways and the freedom of running up and down it often.

So yes, mission accomplished. Some great family memories were made! We are thankful that God has blessed us this way, that we are able to enjoy this time together.

Outdoor Fun!

Well, the weather has turned around quite nicely the last few weeks. While March and a good part of April was quite chilly (like it should be), there were a few days that gave glimpses into what was coming: warm weather.

And it was on those days that we made sure we spent time outside. We spend most of our time in the backyard, as our driveway can be like a road sometimes.

But I know Lincoln would LOVE to spend every waking minute on that busy driveway, what with all the dump trucks, tow trucks, garbage trucks, recycling trucks, gas trucks, regular trucks, trucks with trailers, bobcats, payloaders, cars, ride-on lawn mowers, (I am sure I missed something) that can be seen entering and exiting our place.

And if we are in the backyard and the payloader is going, he will stand like this and watch it go back and forth, even though all he can see is the top of it above the hedge!

And if the payloader wasn't running, there were still plenty of things to do, from playing the car to playing in a very large sandbox, every boy's dream! 

This sandbox has gotten a tonne of use so far. The amount of time they play in it far outweighs the amount of sand I find in their beds:



In April we managed to enjoy a picnic as well as go for many walks in town, ending at the park.

And while this boy is enjoying everything "boy", this girl is off in the backyard, picking every.single."flower" for me:

With what has all occupied our minds and prayers since the beginning of May, I am a little behind in my pictures. And so that is why these pictures are almost a month overdue. I have a lot more to post yet, like our little family getaway to a waterpark/hotel as well as the participating of us and friends in the challenge of Tough Mudder. So lots yet to catch up on. But our hearts and thoughts remain with the Bosma family. Today was Tim Bosma's funeral, which was live. If you missed it, you can find it here. And there was news of a 2nd arrest in this case. It is not over! May God continue to bless and guide the investigators!!

Ruby Anniversary!

On Saturday, May 18th, we celebrated Nathan's parents' 40th wedding anniversary.

We were able to all get together on a very chilly and blustery day, to get some family pictures done by Sophoto Photography. It sure isn't an easy task to make sure 10 adults as well as all 14 grandchildren are looking, but she managed it!

Parents with their 4 children

Oma and Opa with all of the offspring from their children and spouses.

We figured this would be a good time to update our family picture as well. The last one was done when Lincoln was 5 weeks old and Keziah had her birthmark still. Yes, definitely time for an update!

 

We are thankful to the Lord for blessing Nathan's parents. Although there have been many health concerns, we praise God for sparing life and that they may reach this milestone. We pray that they may continue to lean on the Lord for help and strength, and that God will bless them with many more years together.

"But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children's children - with all those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts." Ps. 103: 17, 18

Count Your Blessings One By One

Clearly the last two weeks has left a lot of people shaken. Shaken in worry. Shaken in fear. Shaken while crying. Shaken while listening to the details of the outcome. Shaken in faith.

This case has left the community reeling, trying to come to grips with what has all transpired in the last weeks. And while I never met this family, it has also left me shaken, as well as leaving me with new perspectives.

I can't remember the last time that I pretty much did nothing except watch the news and check the Facebook page of "Help Find Tim Bosma", day in and day out. But that is all I did the last 1.5 weeks. This ordeal was like a cloud hanging over every activity I did. Watching Tim's wife, and then his mother, make pleas on Tim's behalf was heart-wrenching and left me sad for them. And it has left me grateful for the days I continue to be blessed with my loved ones.

Guilt is close by though as the days go on. As sad as reality can be sometimes, life goes on and that cloud of Tim's case is slowly lifting. Because I did not know this family at all, my life continues on with really no change. So unlike Tim's wife. As our life continues on, living like we were before all this, it hurts to know that for her it'll never be the same. And when I think of that, that is when the guilt seeps into my thoughts.

I feel guilty that I am enjoying my day while there is a family in mourning and stuck in the middle of a confusing puzzle.

I feel guilty that I now go more than an hour without thinking of this tragedy (so different from a week ago when that is all I thought about, every minute of the day).

I feel guilty for laughing.

I feel guilty for hugging my husband.

I feel guilty that, while being caught up in the events of the last weeks, my life has not changed and continues on as it did before.

I feel guilty for, well, living life.

I know that is not how we are to live. But where do we go from here? I feel like a selfish person to carry on about life when I  know someone out there is in so much pain.

And that is when the "Count Your Many Blessings" song starts humming in my head. I am praying and working hard to change these guilty thoughts into thankful thoughts.

Yes, the Lord has taken, but He has also given.

"The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised" Job 1:21

And so, that is what I am praying and working on; to be sure to recognize not only what God has taken away, but what He has given and is giving me every day. I pray for Tim's wife, that He may guide her and hold her close, that He continues to give to her what she needs.

The last weeks have really pointed out that we do not know our day or moment when the Lord will call us home. And so we are to enjoy and be thankful for each and every day He gives to us, days which are filled with all kinds of blessings. I feel heartless to continue on living,  of loving life, but it is also wrong of me to not acknowledge the many blessings God continues to shower upon us.

So my next post will be filled with some much needed pictures, not forgetting about the Bosma family (oh no....so much to pray for yet, including that the other suspects may be found and that things become clear as to why and what has all happened), but remembering to thank God, "For this is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice in it."

Missing Man - Found

What a day it has been. We received news via a police press release this morning that Tim Bosmas body has been found on the accused farm property.

I cannot imagine what his family, especially his wife, is going through right now.

I and many others do not even know this man, but this tragedy has hit hard for many people. Why? If you really think about it, people go missing almost every day, so what was it about this case that captured so many people? The Christian bond? The fact that this could have been anybody's husband, brother, son?

What he did is what many people have done: sell something on kijiji. And the fact that he hopped into his truck to take the two men for a test drive is not something uncommon.

I think of how we bought our trailer. We found an ad on kijiji out in a rural area. We went together with no one knowing where we were. We met the people at a farm and looked at their trailer which was in a barn. It was dark out. We never gave danger a thought.

Mr. Bosma's case has hung heavily around many people these last 8 days. God's throne was approached on his behalf by thousands, praying that he may be found and brought home. But now with this tragic end, not only are prayers being offered on behalf of this family, but many questions in regards to our faith in God are being asked.

And you know what? It has been very hard to not have certain questions myself toward God. It is when I hear news like this that questions pile up in my head, questions that I know I should not be asking. All my questions are directed toward the One who is in complete control of everything. I am thankful that I may go to Him, but I pray that I go to Him remembering who He is and who I am; that my questions remain as that, questions, not turning into accusations. Reading Job has definitely put things into perspective. Talk about a man that went through hardship. And yet, after Job and all his friends are done speculating as to why these hardships happened to Job, God then asks Job a series of questions that remind him (and us) that God's ways are best. Questions like:

"Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation?" Job 38: 4

"Can you bind the beautiful Pleiades? Can you loose the cords of Orion? Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons or lead out he Bear with its cubs?" Job 38: 31, 32

"Do you send the lightning bolts on their way? Do they report to you, 'Here we are'?" Job 38: 35

"Does the hawk take flight by your wisdom and spread his wings toward the south? Does the eagle soar at your command and build his nest on high?" Job 38: 26, 27

Do you have an arm like God's, and can your voice thunder like his?" Job 39: 9

I know that the devil is strong, but I cannot forget that the Holy Spirit is stronger. I need to hang onto the words written in His Word, the Book of all Comfort. May we not focus only on the evil that has happened, but also focus on how this has brought many Christians together, witnessing their faith, hope and comfort to the One and only True God.

And may we never forget when 2000 years ago, it looked like evil had won, with our Saviour on the cross. But 3 days later He rose again, conquering death!!! We look forward to the Day when we and all who have died in the Lord will rise again to live on the new earth.

While I am so thankful for the Bosma family that there is closure, that they know where their loved one is, this is just the beginning of a very long and difficult journey for them. May this almighty and powerful God give to each and everyone of them what they may need in the days/weeks/months and years to come.

For them, life will never be the same. For us, life will continue on. But we will never forget Mr. Tim Bosma.

Missing Man - Update

It is Friday. Mr. Bosma has now been missing since Monday night. What a long 4 days this has been for everyone involved.

Today, police gave an update. You can read it here.

Two key things from this press conference:

1. Mr. Bosma's phone has been found in an industrial part of Brantford, and his truck was seen in Brantford Monday night.

And the 2nd key piece of info is something I find compelling and should definitely help to identify the perpetrators, and that is the one suspect has the word "AMBITION" tattooed on his wrist, where a watch would sit. There is a box around the word.

*again, I share this because I do not know my readership base. Maybe you are from Brantford? Who knows. Praying that this heartwrenching journey comes to an end for this family. May God continue to bless the investigation and if it is His will, may Tim be found safe and sound.

Missing Man - Tim Bosma

In southern Ontario, the search is on for Tim Bosma, a 32 year old man from Ancaster.

 

Seeing as I don't know who my readership is all from, I figured it wouldn't hurt to post this, in the hopes that it may help to locate him.

Tim was doing something most of us have done at one point or another: selling something on Kijiji. Tim was selling his Dodge Ram truck, with the licence plate number being 726-7ZW  :

Two men expressed interest in it and Tim went with them as they test drove it. That was the last time he was seen. This was Monday night.

For more on his case, you can look here

We are praying for all those affected, and pray that it is God's will that this husband and father may be brought back home safe and sound.

Birthday Fun!

Back on April 14th, my nephews turned 3!! I can NOT believe they are three already!! To celebrate with them, my sister had a little gathering at an indoor playground. It was lots of fun!

Here's Kez all ready for the birthday party. I don't think her cousins would have been impressed with her outfit. Thankfully she was very willing to change into clothes that will allow her to run, climb and slide :o)

And run, climb, slide they did!!

Here are the two birthday monkeys:

I hardly had to keep an eye on Kez. If I needed to know where she was, I just had to look for Conall. These two are inseparable!

Knowing she was in "good hands" with her cousin, this allowed me to keep an eye on this roaming and exploring boy:

(the "good job" sign. He was proud of himself for climbing up the slide on his own.)

Opening presents!!

My sister is clearly a pro at organization. I guess when you are blessed with 3 boys in 17 months, you learn to be organized very quickly or else you'll loose your sanity. For snacks, she made each child one of these trays filled with all kinds of goodies. The little cups/containers were even glued into the tray. No fuss, no spills!!

Keziah enjoyed hers, munching on her treats during a few breaks. But because she was having so much fun, not too many of those snacks were eaten. Good thing the tray came with a lid, so it was easy to take home:

Lincoln's tray of food? Yeah, no need for the lid:



We have seen God's blessings in the lives of these two boys and we pray that He will continue to keep these two precious lambs of His safe for years to come. We love you, Calin and Declan!!!!