Two weeks ago, our friends came here to help us pack a box for the Philipines. I was so amazed at how many things they could fit in that box :-)
They put stuff in the shoes, put the clothes in rolls, push and moved stuff around...
Put Teddy in a bag...
And vaccum sealed it :-)
We needed a heavy man to put pressure on it while they tape the box and, Aaron was the best candidate for that :-) So happy that my big boy has been feeling better for the last 4 weeks!
(I'm still trying to find a way to get those last pictures bigger...)
Keila had no school today so, me and her have been cooking all day!
She did 24 loaves of bread and together we did 36 dipped pretzel sticks.
And... I have to say... those pretzel sticks are sooo tempting!!!
Deliciously delicious :-)
It was a long day but a wonderful day because I LOVE spending time with my girl!
Yesterday, I've got a message from Halifax, to let us know that Aaron's files where officially send to the Sikkids Hospital in Toronto. That is where we are going to see the doctor.
That is a great blessing!
Last week, we received an email from the Doctor telling us that he will contact us for an appointment as soon as he get Aaon's files.
Here's a video about Sickkids...
There was a message in my inbox this morning... It came from a mother's heart. She is also part of the Cardiomyopathy Foundation's connect group. Yet I don't know her personally, I felt compelled to meet her and give her a hug. Her message went directly to my heart. She has experienced real trials, real sufferings but, today, she has encouraged me greatly and reached my heart without knowing it. Here's what her message said...
I am a mommy to four sweet blessings. (We had a fifth who did not receive a heart transplant in time.) Our youngest is a heart transplant recipient. We school them at home, and I feel stretched pretty thin at times. There have been many times in hospital rooms, and at home, when I just don't feel like I can make it.
Forgive me, but I must share my heart, unashamedly, however politically incorrect.
( If God is offensive to you, you might want to delete this now. I think that most parents in our positions are past worrying about that silliness like that anyway. ) Living with life and death struggles
every day can make us understand that there is someone bigger than us holding us up. I am in
need of a heart transplant every day.
Spiritually speaking, I have a weak, sick, worn out heart, and I am in need of a replacement daily in order to have the strength and health to face the day, and care for my precious family. Luckily, the very God who created me is in the business of heart transplants. And He renews me continually. Our lives can be so overwhelming. They can feel isolated and lonely. They can be scary and uncertain. They can hurt-indescribable hurt that can threaten to crush the very will out of us. But God does mercifully provide above and beyond what we desperately need not just to survive it, but to live it richly! In daily spending time with Him through His Word in Bible reading and prayer He fills me, comforts me, strengthens me, instructs me, renews me. Whether we received the physical heart transplants we prayed for or not, He has faithfully renewed my spiritual heart and filled it with joy that blankets every detail of the life He has put me here to live. (Ezekiel 11:19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:)
He has given me rock solid security in His love for me, and His faithfulness to plan every detail of my life for my ultimate good. I need not question His wisdom in taking my children home, or in sending illness into our lives. He owes me no explanations, but He has graciously proven His goodness to us through every moment. He has turned tears of despair into tears of joy, He has turned doubt into trust and security, meaningless into purpose, confusion into understanding. So my priority in caring for myself every day is above all else, to spend time with the Loving Father who both created me and sustains me. This is more important than any of the other good things I can do for myself. Before I exercise, feed or rest my body, I exercise, feed, and rest my spiritual heart. Before I look to the wonderful family, friends, and care givers that He has provided for support, I go right to the source, God Himself. ( Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.) (2 Peter 1:3 According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge if Him that hath called us to glory and virtue. ) I cannot put my kids first unless I have put our Father even before them. He does not take my attention from them, He enables them to selflessly serve my family. He does not require me to give to them until I am empty, He calls me to be filled to overflowing with His boundless riches that I can then be poured out for them-without ever being empty! (Isaiah 55:1-2 Ho, every one that thirsted, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money: come ye, buy, an eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfied not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.) I don't believe it was any mistake that God called Jesus "The Bread of Life", and "Living Water". It is because He knows we need Him more desperately than we need even physical provision. I have no intentions of preaching,
I humbly and prayerfully share my "tip" in hopes that someone will be encouraged and strengthened in the same way that He does for me. If God has filled you, I would love to hear how.
To all our Filipino friends...My heart breaks for you. I pray that all of your families and friends will be safe has Super Typhoon Haiyan slams your beloved country. Hugs, Nancy
Not much yesterday... A gray and rainy day Aaron didn't have school so he stayed home with us. He wanted to do work on the car but he realized there was a piece he had to buy first so, he decided to tease Keila and I all day instead {sigh} Sweet Keila did her school work... And she baked bread, 16 of them. She sells them at the college where her dad works. Aaron gulped down his pills at breakfast,
Kindly helped Keila with her school work and started a batch of sprouting seeds...
So anxious to see them grow!
Brought Kyra outside for a walk...
Photo session...
James called us from school at around 10:30am. In a very excited voice, he told Keila they where about to dissect a cow and hen's heart and that he had to go in class right now. He sure had a great day!!!
Last night, at our prayer meeting, one of our friend got up and prayed for Aaron's operation that he will soon have in Toronto. I couldn't stop the smile coming on my face... When I look up, Aaron winked at me with a smile. For a moment, I just paused and think. This could be worst... he could soon be having an operation in Toronto but, he is not. It's ok for now and I thanked God for it.
Back home... After a full day seeing our doctor and having different tests done at the hospital. Talk about taking one on one time with your child... I think I will become Aaron's best friend ;-) We're really having great time actually. I love talking with my big boy. Keila came with us for the last part of the day and we enjoyed having her also with us. James missed the bus coming back from school because he wanted to buy a gift for his sister. I thought it was sweet of him to do that. Especially that he ask the women at the store to giftwrap it. This is what my two men are doing right now... Today was, indeed a lovely day and, I thank God for it!
We're back from another trip to Halifax. This time, the visit to the doctor was more positive. The reason ... there was no bad news to hear because we already knew about it. We left on this beautiful Sunday afternoon... We Stayed with one of the best and sweetest math teacher in Halifax If you don't believe me, checkhere :-) She had invited friends over for the night and we really did have a good time together.
Aaron and his friends played instruments and sang for us...
It was a lovely night indeed! Thank you so much for sharing your cozy, comfortable and so well decorated apartment with us Jocelyn. We really appreciate that :-)
We left early Monday morning to go to the hospital. Got lost for 1/2 hour because I wanted to go to Superstore to buy deodorant :-) We met one specialist in the morning and one in the afternoon. They explained more to us about Aaron's heart problem and gave him more medication to take. He will have to take 3 different medications plus 1 Aspirin a day for now.
We had 3 hours to wait between the two appointments and Ken was in "GREAT" need of coffee so we walked to Second Cup and chill out a bit :-) Aaron and I had some fun taking pictures and talking about stuff while Mr. Ken was reading the newspaper.
We where happy to have a safe drive home and to be together as a family again. Tomorrow, Aaron is having another appointment with our new family doctor. Thanks for your prayers!
::Today, I want you to meet my very best friend. I met him when I was 16 and I will always remember the fist time... His smile This is what struck me the most :-) I don't know how to explain it but from the first day, I felt connected to him. I felt we where very much alike and that everything I would tell him he would understand. From the first day we started talking together, we never stopped. I love him, love him, love him so much! He's joyful, respectful, kind, compassionate and most of all, he loves God. I'm so blessed to have him as a husband! Sometimes, we get tired Sometimes life gets rough We have our bad days and our good days But, by the grace and help of God, soon, it will be our 18th wedding anniversary! {Summer 2013}
{Summer 2013}
{Summer 2012}
{Summer 2011}
{Winter 2006 in Rwanda on our 10th wedding anniversary}
Last night, Keila, Aaron and I were sitting at the kitchen table talking about courtship, wedding and such... Keila told us..."If I ever get married, I want to marry somebody like my dad!" I thought that was cute :-)
This is my James... Since he's a little boy, everybody calls him "Ti-James" (Little James in English) I don't know how tall he will have to be before his friends stops naming him that way but "Ti" it is for now :-) This is my James, the youngest, the cutest, the funniest and the fastest :-) He has a passion for anything that is fast, high, daring, challenging and funny :-) Do you have a little guy like that? He loves horseback riding...
