My ramblings

Wow, it's been ages since I posted a blog! Oh well, here goes. I am overwhelmed over the generosity of people who have given to us to make our Christmas special. It is truly wonderful.
Bethany had a school concert last night. It was really nice, and she was a cute little elf!
As you know from Wendy's blog, Samantha had a dance performance the other night. She did a wonderful job and the evening was a real treat.
Andrew didn't have a concert as such, but there has been a party mood at his school, with this afternoon ending up with a dance and board games. Andrew has made a couple good friends at school. I hope he can stay in touch with them.
Cassy phoned me yesterday evening to say she was going to bed for a few hours and then they were off for a 2 day bus ride to Peru. She said she had been so sick earlier and other girls were packing for her, because she couldn't do a thing. I hope and pray she is feeling much better now. It was pretty overwhelming talking to Cassy, not knowing when I could next have contact with her. Ooh, so hard to say bye! But I know God has her in His hands, and He will watch over her and all the teams. I am so proud of her for doing this, and excited where God will lead her! What an awesome God we serve!!!
That's all for now. I hope everyone has a blessed Christmas time. More later....

Remembrance Day is in my thoughts

I found this poem today. Isn't it beautiful?

REMEMBRANCE DAY

The old man shuffles along the street...The dry leaves crunching beneath his feet,

The cold autumn wind blows across the land..Biting and stinging his gloveless hands.

A legion hat upon his head...And over his heart a poppy so red.

His mind wanders back to by gone years..as his eyes well up with lonely tears.

Tears for his pals on Normandy's shores..The ones who's faces he will see no more.

They ran beside him with rifles held high..Young lads like himself not wanting to die.

They came from villages, citys and farms..All joining together to take up arms.

When their country called they were ready to fight..Dodging bullets by day and night.

Leaving the safety of family and homes...They were only boys and felt so alone.

Their comrades now became their brothers...Reaching out hands to help one another.

The old man stops to shake the hand...Of another Veteran who cannot stand.

His wheel chair slowly moving along the way...Persevering as it's Remembrance Day.

They go off together toward the square...Where flags fly high above those gathered there.

Oh were are Charlie, Johnny and Jim?...They pause for a moment to remember them.

The tired old Vets are shaking with cold...As they salute their comrades from long ago.

They won't forget the promise they made...Remembering until the end of their days.

Those left behind in graves unknown...Who sacrificed their lives for us here at home.

You don't have to wait until it's November...To thank a Vet or stop and remember.

If you see a Vet any time of the year...Stop and say "Thanks" for being over there.

As you gaze upon the friendly blue skies...Be thankful to those who gave their lives.

Gave their lives so we can be...Part of a country so rich and so free.

by Donna V. Ritter

Stony Plain, Alberta

Two special ladies!

I was going to write this yesterday, but it didn't happen. It was ten years ago that my Mum passed away and went to Heaven. I miss her and I know that any good qualities I have in me are a direct result of the time, love and dedication she gave to me as my Mum. She was my biggest fan; always telling me that with God's help, I could do anything! I am so thankful to God for her life.
I also want to celebrate today because it's Cassandra's 20th birthday!! Twenty years ago today God blessed this world with a sweet perfect pink bundle of love! I love you Cassy! You are such a beautiful girl and such a joy to all your family!!! I wish you God's richest blessings! I am praying for you as always that you will have a special day!

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday Dear Cassy,
Happy Birthday to you!

Love always, Mum

Halloween

I have to start by saying that I hate Halloween. I think I have said that statement about 5 times a day in the last week. It seems like the gross and morbid is everywhere you look. So, that being said, you may find it very hard to believe that I allowed my children to go trick or treating on Wednesday night. But I did, and I am comfortable with my decision. Andrew and Bethany had never been trick or treating before (Samantha went with friends from church last year and this year), and they had so much fun. It was pretty nice out which helped too. They got a lot of candy and just had fun. The three of us went around our neighborhood for about 1 1/4 hours. Bethany dressed up as a Victorian lady, complete with a shawl and cute red hat, (she called herself Miss Scarlet) and Andrew was a jester. Samantha took pictures of them. They knew very well why I hate Halloween, and I believe they also have adopted my abhorrence for anything dealing with death, or ghosts or other gross stuff, and I hope that they continue to feel the same as they mature into adults. This was a time to dress up and it was all about the candy! Bethany said at one point, "This is fun, we should do this more often." Samantha had fun too with a girlfriend from church and she slept over and went to school from her house the next morning. So, that's our news from this week.

What they're up to at school...

They had parent teacher conferences at Samantha's and Andrew's school the other day. Everyone is doing really well. Andrew is enjoying art a great deal and is doing well in all his subjects. He seems to especially like science too. However, he claims football is "evil". He told me at lunch that they had an assembly today with 3 guests who were little people, 4' and under, ages 20, 23, and 61. They were talking about themselves and their families and were playing basketball against the gym teachers. They were telling the kids how they manage everyday activities like driving a car. What a great idea! This lets the junior high kids listen to and talk to people who are different from themselves, and realize we are all the same.
Samantha is getting very good marks in all subjects. She just got 100% on her jazz written test! She is enjoying graphic arts so much! Her graphic arts teacher said her work on her current assignment is excellent and at an advanced level.
Bethany is doing well too and is looking forward to being a "sparkle student" one day. That's when she gets to read a book to the class. She can read Green Eggs and Ham all by herself now!
Well, I'm done bragging. More later .......

I am so proud.....

I am so proud of my children; they are doing so well in school. Samantha just had a biology test last week and she got 86%! The highest mark in the class!! Another student got a 78, and the rest all got 60 and below. She said it was a hard test. I am so proud of her! And she is really enjoying dance; they just finished a ballet unit, and now they are about to start jazz. And Andrew has just make a power point slide show about compounds and mixtures. Not for an assignment, just for fun! You can go to my blog, and click on his blog ( the link is correct now ) and there it is. It is cool! I said his science teacher would probably like to see it, and he plans to show her on Tuesday, as she has a computer on her desk. Bethany wasn't feeling well on Friday, and her and I spent mother daughter time in the morning starting an art set that I got with my Sonlight order and had never opened. It teaches about color shading, she is having a blast. Our kitchen wall is now an art gallery! Samantha, Andrew and I have a picture up there, and the rest are Bethany's. She is now noticing shading in everything she sees! And then Cassy is over in Chili, learning and growing! What an experience! I am so proud of you, Cass!! I love to read your blog. I am so glad you are having this time to reflect and think and pray.
God is so good!

Happy Birthday Wendy!

Happy Birthday Wendy! I hope your day was happy. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow. You sure have some interesting things happening in your life right now! I am excited for you and Floyd as God unfolds His plans for you. So many changes with the Bartos and their children!
Love to all! I will try to write news on here Saturday morning.... at least my intentions are good....LOL

Welcome Isabella!

Congratulations to Tom and Tanya! I am so happy your newest daughter is safely here, and you and her are well. I look forward to seeing pictures of her soon!

Our computer......

Hi Everyone! I just wanted to thank my wonderful family for giving us this computer! It is so great to be able to have a new computer so readily available for our use anytime of the day. (This was not the case before, obviously)
When I am working around the apartment, cleaning up, doing dishes, etc. I have my music library playing and it fills the whole room with praise songs! It is just so wonderful. And I want to start a tradition of playing an Adventures in Odyssey episode in the afternoons. Thank you all again!
I am thinking and praying for you and Bob today, Kristy, that all will go well for you.

Happy 30th Birthday Tanya!!!

Today is Tanya's Birthday! I hope you have a happy one, Tanya!
God is so good! School is underway and everyone is settling in and excited. Samantha really enjoys her dance and applied graphics arts classes. She gets up so early every morning to get ready and catch her bus. She has made some friends and I am very proud of her.
Andrew is looking forward to chess club to start. I haven't heard too many details from him, except that school is "good". He has a couple of friends already.
Bethany is really enjoying school and loves gym and art and music.
Bethany had a fever yesterday with a headache and sore throat. She laid on the couch all day and just ate crackers. Today she is laying down and says her throat feels "blech", but her fever has gone. I hope she will be all better soon.
Cassy seems to be enjoying her time before classes start to relax, walk on the beach and spend time with Mandy and Jorge. I am so excited for her to have this experience. Hi Cassy! I miss you!
Well, that's all for now, I will try to update a little more often!

Friday morning...

I am off to Walmart/Staples/Superstore for a school supply and grocery shopping trip. I have a lot to get! Samantha took her Language Arts test yesterday and she had to write an essay. No questions to answer, just write this essay. I'm sure she has done well. Today she goes in to take the math test, so we can be praying for that. Hopefully she can do well enough to skip a math level or two. I was looking at the material and it does look hard. I don't remember how to do it. Oh, well, she will do fine I'm sure.
More later, I need to go shopping while the day is young!

School days, school days....

Well, Andrew is registered in grade 8 at school, and he chose computer studies, construction, food studies and art for his options. He is interested in joining the chess club too. I think he will really enjoy school.
And today Samantha got her yearbook photo taken, her ID card, bus pass, locker, timetable and paid the fees. The total came to $292! I couldn't believe it! They let you make payment arrangements (thankfully), but, still, what a lot of money! I'm sure it will be worth it though, as she is taking a lot of interesting courses and I'm sure she will enjoy her year. This coming Wednesday, the 29th, at 1:00, Samantha will be taking grade 9 final exams in math and language arts, in order to place her in the correct grade 10 level class. I am sure she will be glad to have those behind her.
So, that's our news. We have accomplished a lot this week, and I'm ready to relax!

One down, two to go...

Well, Bethany is all registered for school! We went over yesterday and had a tour and filled out her papers. The vice principal said they will put her in grade 3, as they always keep them with their peers. She said Bethany will have the best teacher in the world and she will work with Bethany to bring her up to grade level. I told them I would (of course) help Bethany at home as well. Although Bethany is such a whiz at math, she may be at grade level or close to it by then!
I am waiting for the vice principal of Andrew's school to call for an appointment time when we can come in and register him, so that will be any day now.
And Samantha is already registered, but will go on Wed. or Thurs. afternoon to pay fees, get supply list, get photo taken, etc.
Now I just need a Walmart trip or two to buy supplies and some clothes for Andrew. I am happy for them, it will be a good year I'm sure, with new friends and fun activities.
Well, I'm going to go. Looking forward to the sleepover tonight with Wendy and Kristy.....

This is my new dawn!

Hi Everyone!
Yes, Cynthia has a blog! I am excited to be able to keep in touch this way! Thanks so much to Wendy for helping me set it up! And thanks to Andrew who spent such a lot of time making the template just right!
Have you heard of Daniel Kirkley? I just recently heard his song "This is my new dawn", and I really like it! It speaks of just how I am thinking and feeling right now. So that's why I've named my blog address after the song. Listen to it and see what you think.

Wow, I just listened to his other song "A Sacred Moment". What a beautiful song about respecting a woman! I think I might want to buy his CD. Bye for now!