Just some sentences.

It's a lovely time of year, celebrating our Saviours's birth.

Lots of family get-togethers.

Eating way too much food, that currently my body doesn't really have the room for.

Eric and I went out for dinner last night.   We have been married for 15 years.

Fifteen years.   Those years zipped right on by.......a lot has happened in those years.

God has been good to us.

A couple weeks off of schoolwork.

I'm enjoying the sleep-ins and change of pace.

It's so odd that we haven't had any snow yet.

Those little (newly washed) newborn clothes sure are little!  Sweet!

I'm not loving the "disappearing ankle syndrome."

I got a kindle!   Very cool.

I bought and downloaded 8 books from Shepherd Press for $1 each.   Lots of free books available as well.

We have been blessed with the steady work that Eric has had.

Macayla is excited to help me put up the baby bassinette tomorrow.

At dinner last night, we "confirmed" a baby name.  Fun times!  I beat ya'll can't wait!

We are having some friends over for a Friday night "pretend" it's New Year's Eve party.

I can't wait to see my ankles (probably in February some time).

I can't wait EVEN more to hold a precious baby (hopefully B4 February some time!).

Baby has hiccups at least 2-3 times a day.....at least the times that I notice.

I'm glad heartburn is one of the pregnancy symptoms that instantly goes away after baby is here.

Praying for patience for the next weeks......this is the home-stretch,

and I'm definately not running on "full" anymore!

I'm very excited to meet this little girl................................or boy!   :)

To Friends and Family (Near and Far)!

Merry Christmas to you!

And a Blessed New Year!

With Much Love,

Eric, Christine, Jacob Macayla, Justin, Kadin, Levi, Gideon and Baby!

Books at a glance....

This is the story of a director of a Planned Parenthood clinic, whose heart was changed to "cross the line" and join the Pro-Life battle.   A good, and easy read.   Without being overly graphic the author explains the evils of the Planned Parenthood organization, particularly the original "goal" of helping women and how it digressed to a numbers "game" in the pursuit of the almighty dollar- and at the expense of unborn lives.  While I still can't get my "head around" people professing to be followers of Christ (the author included) while working in such an industry, the journey as explained to the reader does give a better picture and most pointedly shows how crafty the devil is in telling lies, and how easily we are our own self-swindlers.  
Thankful for a God that pursues through those lies!




Two men whose past lives are very different, but serve a God that orchestrated their lives to intertwine.   I would best describe this book as "raw."   The two men chronicle their lives, the others that God used, throughout using humour and at times "in your face" language.   While there may have been one or two words I didn't think necessary, overall I felt it added to the feeling of getting to know the authors and the sin(s) they struggled with.   It is clear, they needed a Saviour, they needed grace.   As do I.   As do we all.   This book was a bit harder to "get into" at the start, but overall.....Christ-centred...as such a book should be.

 Most of us have heard of this mega-sized family....and what is clear in both their TV show and their books (this is their 2nd book) is that they are unashamed that they serve the Lord.   Another easy read!   While their first book gets into more the nitty-gritties of running their household, this book is an honest account of their struggles with the pre-mature birth of their 19th child, the loss of a grandparent (that lived in the home), and some of their general parenting "goals"/applications.   While I may not totally agree with ALL of their "takes" on Scripture, overall, I find them absolutely refreshingly "simple" in their walk of faith.  A high goal is to be mission-minded, selfless, with a central theme of being prayerful (about everything!).   I think we can all learn much from the Duggars!  

A family devotion book based on various teaching from the book of Proverbs.   What a treat this book was!   The author created "Grimms Fairy Tales" type stories to teach truths from God's Word.  There were a few moments in some stories that were a bit "over the top" (I just skipped and/or paraphrased), but overall a great book to have on the shelf for the family!   I jump up and down because it is hard to find books that a wide range of ages will enjoy.  I was glad we didn't have a bus to catch, as I read this book (out loud) to the children after breakfast each morning.   The nearly 4 year old UP TO the 14 year old were begging for more!!!   The standard joke after each story, and my question "what does this teach us?"......."Well mom, we should believe the talking squirrel that gives us an acorn..etc."  Haha.  When I would read the verse from proverbs that applied, even the sometimes cynical oldest son would have a smirk on his face at how the author cleverly brought out a truth in the VERY untrue story.   A FUN read appealing to the "fantasy" side of children!

Hats off to the inventor of Lego!

I came into the kitchen today to find our plain (black) coffee maker replaced by this one!

What a laugh!

The "latest" Lego craze is to build ordinary objects out of Lego.

Justin and Kadin being the main inventors.

While this "machine" might not actually produce coffee, the pot is removable with the lid that opens, the back opens for water, and the coffee grind basket swings out just like the real thing!

Hours and hours of fun......

(BTW....I haven't forgotten about a book review post.  Stay tuned!)

For a chuckle.....

I've read a number of great books lately, and have a "book review" post swirling around in my head.....

In the meantime, you might get a kick out of the photo!

Stay tuned....

Ottawa...precious time.

 Beginning our walk with a map in hand...off to the Parliament Buildings.

 Eric did not pose for this photo....I just snapped, and I know he is going to totally love that I posted it on my blog.

 Sir Wilfred Laurier.

 Eric went inside the parliament building to hunt down tickets for our (free) tour of the buildings.  As I was waiting I first heard, and then SAW this group of protestors marching towards the podium.  

 I couldn't really figure out what they were going on about.....something about workers, or unions.  I wondered if THEY knew what they were going on about.  I just felt like marching up to the podium with a simple speech..." G.e.t.  B.a.c.k. to W.o.r.k.!"  You'll be pleased to know that I restrained myself.

 The inside of the Parliament building.  It is a wonderful tour, that I would recommend to anyone.  The library was VERY impressive....not allowed to take photos in there.  Too bad.

 We took a break for a "Beaver Tail."  Delicious!  I had nutella and icing sugar on mine....and then I had icing sugar and nutella all over my face and baby belly!  

The Canadian War Museum.  Another MUST see.   It wasn't overly busy, but we were joined by a group (or platoon, or station, or whatever they call themselves) of army guys (and a few gals too).

This little sign just looked SO Dutch to me!

The Canadian/Dutch relationship had its own little corner of the museum.

"Women are persons too" statues.....also a neat place to take a photo.

There were statues and monuments like these all over.

Thanks to my hard working husband for being so willing to "splurge" on a week-end such as this.....and my parents for moving in to watch their grandchildren!

They are for SALE......

Did I ever think years ago when I started this blog that I would be posting photos of reptiles?

No sireee!

Here they are.....some babies.

After working hard for over 2 years developing his "jungle", Jacob now has baby crested geckos to sell.

Three adults....about 15 plus babies.

He sold his first one this week through Kijiji (for $30)!   Very exciting!

Three more are on "hold" with a buyer wanting them for his children for Christmas.

We're proud of you Jacob!

ANY OTHER TAKERS?



Our nations's capital- Ottawa.

Eric and I had a wonderful long week-end away exploring Ottawa!   There are many great historical sights to see.  We were only able to pick and choose, as we really had only two full days (excluding the Sunday) to hit the "town."   We did loads of walking, but the brain can only process sooo many museums in a short time!
What a beautiful city!
500 bonus points to my parents for watching the children!  They are alway so willing!
More photos to follow.....(I was having trouble with uploading tonight).

Just some sentences.....

It's Sunday evening.

Eric is snoring on the couch.  Poor guy.   He hasn't been feeling too well.  We found out he has a narrowed disc in his back...and a nasty cold/cough.   He's still working...but really should take it easy.  

Loving all the baby kicks and moves!   Feeling alright.   Need to pace myself......and some general abdominal wall "protests" are happening more than past years!  Achem.

Enjoyed a ladies' conference held by Providence Community (Reformed) church on Saturday.

Looking forward to going away for a long week-end in a couple of weeks with just Eric.  We plan to go to Ottawa.  New for both of us! 

Super Oma and Opa (my parents) will hold down the fort while we are away.

I can't believe I'm doing a post without any photos.

I can't believe I heard myself say the other day, "Put the gun down, and pick up your pencil." 

Ok.  Maybe I do believe that. 

I took Jacob and Macayla to the Opera in Hamilton last week.  Fun times.  It was "Barber of Seville".  Romantic comedy.  The girl:  LOVED it.   The boy:  "If they just spoke and didn't sing each line (in Italian) five times over....that play would be about 15 minutes long."   Secretly, he did mostly enjoy it.

Go see "Courageous", if you haven't already.  I've been twice.  

Once with Eric, and then with our two oldest. 

Not sure if it is coming to New Zealand.   Check it out my Kiwi friends.   From the makers of "Fireproof."

And I finish with a post I copied from Jacob's blog, which he called "The Genius Answer":

I was holding a flashlight, then Gideon walked up and demands the flash light. I said no. And he turned to mom and complains "mom!!!!!! Can I have the fflllaaaaaaaashh liiiigggght!" Mom says no and then Gideon turned to me and says "Jaaaacccoooobbb! Can I have the flllaaassshh lliiiiggghhhht!!!!!!!!!" So I reply "Gideon, what psychological reason would you have for examining this object?" His prompt reply was "8" ........... I couldn't argue so I gave him the flash light.

True story.  Night all.

  

They are "hard-wired" this way.....

Many months ago, my grandparents moved home and two sets of crutches ending up at our house.  At first there was great fun, bandaging various lower limbs and joints......THEN.......the crutches have been taken apart, and put together with this being the result.......SO boy!  

 (Don't worry they've since been reassembled and stored away should anyone we know have a true need for them...hopefully not!)

"180" Movie

This is worth the watch.......May hearts be turned towards the protection of the unborn.
***Warning, some graphic contect. If you are still living at home reading this, please check with your parents before viewing."

Water fun at the cottage!

Here are some high-lights of water sport FUN!   We had a number of "firsts" for our family....Levi (6 years old!) casually mentioned to me that he wanted to try the skis.   There were many eager helpers to get him set up and off.......we all got a kick out of his "split leg" approach (and somewhat "scowly" face), but he did it a number of times during the week!

Macayla and Kadin both tried the wakeboard and were successful!   Jacob loves the wakeboard and doing tricks (360s) on the kneeboard.   Justin loves the kneeboard as well...but OPPS!  I didn't get a photo! 

Bad mom.   Shrinking brain and all that.

AND then there are the last four photos from above.....those Brouwers are born with a variety of sports equipment on their feet!    I was able to spend an hour or two in the boat, and it is such fun to watch (and take photos!) of them all.

I do get a great kick out of the difference in facial expressions.....

The Valks: determined, concentrated, and for some...a bit "awkward" looking (I mean that with much love!)

The Brouwers: look like they are going for a stroll in the park!  Ok.....maybe Adrian is thinking (a bit!).

Overall.......we are grateful to our friends for their generous use of their boat and equipment, which makes fun times for all! 

Adorable!

We interrupt the regularly scheduled cottage photos for a quick peek at our baby sucking "its" thumb!

Is this not the cutest!?!

I had an ultrasound yesterday.....everything looks great, at least from my limited view.  I should hear the full report at my midwife appointment tomorrow.

Half way!

Amazed for the seventh time!

Cottage week- the "creature" post.

 Anyone who has been to Limberlost, would know that chipmunks are always a thrill to feed for the little people.  "Peanuts" is always on the grocery list.   Mind you, by the time we get there in September they don't seem quite as interested.......hummmm.

 Creature catcher extraordinaire.

 Don't ask me what he is doing here.   I didn't.

 This poor frog (toad?) probably had nightmares for weeks.

Maybe nightmares for months.

Eric enjoyed a few fishing trips in the boat with various children.   Some of our children went with others to the dump and saw a bear.  

AND.....we had a campfire nearly every night and had a fox visit the outskirts of our "fire circle" each time.   Sorry....by the time I had cozied up to the fire with my hot drink, I was too lazy to get my camera!   We wondered if past weeks had fed the animal, because at times it would come within a few feet of us. 

Any other Limberlost cottagers see it?

Stay tuned for the water sport post.

Sums it up.

This photo pretty much expresses the great time that we all had up North last week.   Since the previous year, when it rained nearly every day, for most of the day...it could only get better!   It was cooler in the beginning, but each day got better and better.   A joy to spend the week with family and friends in a beautiful part of God's creation!

We just hit some waves in the boat, and this was Gideon's reaction!

More to come!



Just a few.....or more.

My sister and I (YellowBox Photography) did the photos for our second wedding this summer.   God answered my prayers for extra strength, being 11 weeks pregnant, working in the HOT sun, and having little time to actually eat!   It is great to work in partnership!  Thanks EV!

These are a few snippets of the day!

By the way, the last photo is actually MY niece and nephew (from my brother Anton).   The bride is their aunt from the other side of the family.   Cute brown-eyed flower girl and ring-bearer.