Happy News!

Very early Saturday morning, a wee baby girl made her appearance, much to everyone's surprise. 

It's not that she wasn't expected; it's just that she wasn't expected for another 3 1/2 weeks. She definitely wasn't expected the weekend that her parents were moving into their new house!

Evelyn Louisa, weighing in a 5lbs, 2oz, is tiny, sweet, adorable, and completely wonderful. She is also my fourth granddaughter, and I already love her.

She reminded me, when I got the text Saturday morning, that I have been so very, very blessed. Despite not getting to be a mother, I somehow still get to be Grandma Dorothy.

Sometimes I think of the things I gave up by remaining single and I'm sad. Then God reminds me that He's taking care of me and I didn't really give up anything. I just came at it all from a different angle.

I have been given family. Not through marriage and motherhood, but through God's grace and love in putting me in families.

I am so very happy and so very blessed.

A Wee Bit of Happiness

 A tiny bit of happiness came my way 10 days ago: 6lbs and 14oz of happiness, to be exact! That bit of happiness came in the form of a wee little girl baby who is all cuteness and sweetness and adorableness and the most wonderful baby ever. (And lest you think I'm biased, I would like to point out that many people agree with me: her parents, her grandparents, her aunts, and her uncles!)

I love all the church babies, of course, but this one is extra special. Her mom was one of my church kids many years ago when she was 6 and I've watched her grow up in the church. This tiny girl-baby is the first of my GraceLife Sunday School grandchildren, so she's already extra special.

But to add to my joy, it was decided early in the pregnancy that this wee one would call me "Grandma Dorothy", so I get to refer to her as my wee granddaughter, and that is something that I thought I would never have. After all, not having children generally means not having grandchildren.

And yes, she's not technically my granddaughter, but I'm happy to ignore technicalities and enjoy being part of her family instead. Plus, I have had to explain to people that her mom is not my daughter!

Sometimes I feel incredibly overwhelmed by how much God has blessed me. It's true that He did not give me a husband and children of my own, but He has given me so many families to be a part of and so many children to love: babies and bigger kids and my high school kids. It's a lot of family and I am so blessed to have all of them. 

And now, just to add to my joy, a wee granddaughter to love.

Christmas

I know it's well past Christmas (or a really long time until Christmas, depending on how you look at it). Too bad. This is my blog, and I want to talk about Christmas.

I spent Christmas with my oldest brother, his wife, their 6 children, and my parents. It was good. There was a lot of noise and a lot of food, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. My youngest niece and nephew were happy to have a playmate who would ignore the other adults sometimes and play with them, someone who would let them climb and stand on her, someone who would play with Lego or make paper jewelry for Barbies. I loved seeing them all, and I'm glad I went.

At the same time, Christmas with them meant that I didn't spend Christmas with other family members, or the Edmonton families that I usually spend Christmas with, or the church family whom I spent Christmas Eve with last year. I missed all of them.

I realized, when I was thinking about this, how richly blessed I am. There were at least 4 places that I would have loved to spend Christmas, and where they would have loved to have me. God has given me so many people to love and be loved by. Happily enough, I can see most of them throughout the year (at not-Christmas).

Also, here's a Christmas song I discovered this year.

(And also, my YouTube play list is all messed up thanks to a month of listening to Christmas music. I don't think I'll ever convince it that Christmas is over. Random Christmas songs are going to show up all year.)

The Ramblings of an Aunt

Small Nephew is my sister's oldest child. He is 19 years old and towers over me, so I suppose I should have accepted by now that he's not my small nephew. Still...

He was such a nice small nephew. I lived with them for a couple months when he was 2 (and his brother was only a baby). I slept on the pull-out couch in the living room, and he used to come and join me in the early mornings to watch some television on the big comfy couch. After I moved out, he came to church with me; I picked him up in the morning and we took the bus to church. Generally we would get a ride home with the pastor's family (I was living with them at the time). Once his mom asked how he got home and he said, "God gave me a ride in his van."

After I moved to Edmonton, he waited eagerly for my visits home. He tried to come up with plans so that I could stay ("If your boss in Edmonton says you don't have to come to work anymore and your boss here says you can come back to work, then you could live with me."). One evening when I was over he was snuggling with me and sighed deeply. I asked if he was sleepy, and he said, "No. I've just been waiting so long for this moment."

We had fun together, with or without his siblings. He was so much fun and interesting and always my small nephew, even as he got taller and taller.

Today, Small Nephew is grown up. He has planned to join the Air Force for years, and today he was sworn in as a member of the Canadian Forces. He looks so happy and proud and young in the pictures, and somehow at the same time so grown up. 

I'm very, very proud of Small Nephew. I'm also a bit teary-eyed at the thought of him being old enough to defend his country. I prayed for him a bit longer this morning.

Sunday Update

Today has been a pretty low-key Sunday, which I like. There was the light issue at church. The lights at the front weren't working properly; at one point during the singing, they were jumping between colours (which was interesting to watch, but probably disconcerting for the guy leading the singing and anyone prone to seizures or migraines). Mike preached in odd lighting, where we could see the shadow of his head on his chest as he preached. It was distracting at first, but quickly became normal.

Today's sermon was good. We finished Ephesians 4, talking about how to live as new men and women in Christ. Mike showed that it's not enough to stop sinning, but we also have to do good for each other.

The past week has been crazy busy. I had family in town for a couple nights, so the apartment was full. We had a blast at Telus World of Science on Tuesday (it was too wet to visit the zoo). We were there for 7 hours; I think we say everything!

Friday evening my Bible study group and another group were at the associate pastor's for a BBQ. Mike had put up the tarp because it was supposed to rain, so of course it didn't rain. I had a chance to inspect his books, and his sons' books (although the 5 year old's books weren't that exciting, but I admired them when I went to see his brother's books). It was just a nice evening.

It was a very social week. I'm ready for a break from people; good thing tomorrow's a holiday.

We sang this hymn today; it's one that I'm not familiar with. Enjoy!

Sunday Stuff

It was a good service this morning. We talked a bit about missionaries to day, mostly that we are considering supporting (or helping support) a missionary heading over to Japan. We also had a short video about the pastor training academy we help support in the Philippines. We're still a pretty young church, but we're starting to get more involved in evangelism and missions, and that's good.

Today was the church picnic, but I missed it to spend time with my brother. He lives a couple hours away and occasionally comes into the city and we have supper together or something. It's a nice chance to catch up and build our relationship. I like having family this close. Now if I can just get the rest to move out this way! My dad, my sister, and a couple of the kids are coming out this way in a month or so; maybe I can convince them to stay.

For Remembrance Day

First nephew is in the Navy. It didn't really strike me last year on Remembrance Day, but this year I've been thinking about him. I'm proud of him for joining the ranks of men who will defend our land and stand for the weak. He's a good man. And I prayed for him a little bit extra today as I remembered what the price of freedom has always been, and what it might be again, and what it might some day be for me. Second nephew wants to join the Air Force one day, and I will be just as proud of him. And I will pray just as much for him.

Sundays

Two Sundays ago I was with my family in Tampa, boarding a cruise ship, leaving port, starting a wonderful vacation.

Last Sunday I was with my family, back in Tampa, getting off the ship, ending a wonderful vacation. It was Mother's Day and for the first time in years I was spending it with my mother. We mostly spend it in airports, which I'm sure is where every mother wants to spend Mother's Day.

It was good to be with my family and especially to hang out with my mum on Mother's Day. I miss them all a lot since they're so far away.

Today I was home, in my church with my church family. I taught my Sunday School class, worshiped with a crowd of other believers, hugged a lot of people, caught up with what has been happening, and admired the babies (there are a lot of babies at my church). I love my church family and I love that I belong there and that I can call it home. My nieces and nephews tried to convince me to move back to Thunder Bay, but I pointed out that I have a job and a life here and I belong here now. Mostly it was my church that I was thinking about at those times.

If those nieces and nephews (and their parents (and my parents)) would move out to Edmonton, I could have both of my families in one place and everything would be wonderful.

When Did They Grow Up?

First nephew is joining the navy. I'm not quite sure of the process, but he's done whatever needs to be done, got the call to enlist, and starts basic training next month.

First niece has been accepted into the Social Work program at Lakehead University.

I'm pretty sure this means they're growing up. I'm not sure how that happened.

I miss my babies.

I might be feeling a bit sentimental today.

I Know, I Know!

It's been a while since I wrote. I was busy with school and now I'm tired of writing! I'll get back on track very soon, I promise!

For now, go check out baby sister's new blog: Life As I Know It. Granted, she only has one post so far, but she plans to write more!

It is with great joy...

...that I announce the birth of nephew #7. Ever Wayne Gerald Gillings-Wassenaar was born early this morning and weighed in at 8lbs, 14ozs, He made his mom wait a full week (at least) before making his appearance. Rumor has it that his hair might account for some of that weight.

I now have 7 nephews and 6 nieces and I think that's going to be it. That's good. I can tell you their names, and with some thinking (and math) I can figure out their ages, and usually I can remember what month they were born, but that's it. I cannot remember most of their birthdays.

What I do remember is to love them and pray for them.

My Boy

Timothy will be 5 in May. In his entire life, I do not remember him not moving (although I don't see him often, so maybe he stops once in a while). Last time I was home he would come sliding into the room announcing himself "Timmyyyyyyy Wood!!!!!" Then he would play hockey or soccer or baseball by himself and his imagination. This time he was playing tennis in the mall...by himself...with no racket...or ball. When he falls he gets up saying, "It's okay, I'm okay," very reassuringly

Timothy may have seen too many musicals. He often sings whatever is going on around him or with his siblings. He also dances a lot. Maybe fewer musicals in the future, hm?

Sometimes he tries to sneak up on people or sneak out of the room. He sneaks out on tip-toe, backwards so he can watch you, and with a delighted smile on his face, even when he sees that you're watching. He's so tiny he can sneak up on people and hide behind anyone or anything! Then he laughs and says "I got you, didn't I?" very proudly.

One day he beat one of his siblings at a game on the Wii and he was doing his happy song and dance about how he won and he's so good. It wasn't aimed at the sibling and wasn't laughing at anyone; it was just delight. I laughed and asked if I could be him when I grow up. His response? "Of course you can, if you want!"

We were talking about relationships in the family. He got that his Nana is my Mum and so Grandad is my Dad. I explained that his Mom is my sister, and that was good. Then I said, "And that makes you my..." and he answered right away: "I'm your sweetie!"

Yes, Timothy, you're my sweetie.

In Thunder Bay

When I got here, small nephew Timothy was so exited, he pretended to faint. He said that I am a good surprise, even better than the french fries that he wanted as his surprise!

My niece Keona is helping me learn Greek. We are using the flashcards and I say the Greek word and what it means and she says yes or no. She also tries to do actions for the words to give me hints. And Keona is learning to write the Greek alphabet! She's very smart.

We went shopping and Keona helped pick out the candy for Junior Church next week. Later she showed me how to use her DS. I sleep in her room and she slept with Timothy last night.

Alex is getting too big. Even Zach, who has always been short for his age, is getting too big. They need to stop growing!

On Being Loved

I've been very tired lately. There's a lot of stuff to do for work and church and Bible studies and I've been very overwhelmed and wanting to stop all of it. And I saw the amount of work of the summer classes and it's a scary amount of stuff (and I needed to order books from 4 places to get all of them). At the same time, everything I do is necessary stuff and I want to do it; I just need more hours in the day (or to give up sleep). Anyway, it's been one of those weeks where everything just seemed like too much.

Thursday evening when I got home there was a parcel pick-up slip in my mailbox. I knew I hadn't ordered anything lately and I wasn't expecting any parcels, so I spent Thursday night and Friday wondering what was waiting for me. Friday after work I was able to pick up the parcel.

Baby Sister, who has been going through her own stuff, sent me a Valentine's parcel. She found a pretty heart-shaped tin and filled it with Valentine's Day stuff. On top were cards from the kids (on a side note: I know who the characters on two of the cards were and I can guess that the one from Keona is a Hannah Montana character, but I have no clue who the guys on Zachary's card are). Under them was a bag of M&M's and a pretty red-and-gold bag of chocloate hearts and a heart-shaped squishy stress ball. Under them was a heart-shaped pad of paper and under that was a light-up Valentine's pen (and it lights up well; the light is red and it's bright enough to write by in case I must make notes in a dark place). The real wonder is how she fit it all into the tin! Also, Zachary added some pictures he had drawn to the parcel (of Santa, Mrs. Claus, an elf, and a North Pole sign, oddly enough) and Keona decided that Auntie Dorothy needed two plastic rings that had come off the cupcakes (one in the shape of a football and one with a picture of a racecar).

I sat there surrounded by Valentine's Day (and Christmas) items and felt very loved. Not only by Baby Sister and the kidlets, but also by God who knew that I needed to be loved this week and who has given me a baby sister who puts aside her own busyness and stuff to send a parcel of love my way. And suddenly it's gone from being a Very Long Week to being a Very Good Week.

As If They Haven't Been Through Enough

A couple years ago, my brother-in-law Brad was injured, leaving him off work for a long time. My sister Patty eventually had to find a job outside the home (for the first time since she became a mom), leaving the kids in daycare for the first time ever. Eventually Brad was able to go back to work, although not to his old job in a nursing home. Instead, they both work at a call centre. They adjusted and coped and things were getting better.

All through December they had furnace troubles, with the furnace going off regularly and the house getting cold and the company not helping much. And then, just when that seemed fixed, they woke up to the sound of the carbon monoxide alarm going off. They got out of the house and everyone recovered nicely and they got a new furnace. And things seemed to be going well.

And now... they just learned that on March 31 the call centre is closing and both Patty and Brad will be unemployed. Please, pray for them and for new jobs. And for the kids, since this may be another big adjustment for them (it may not; if Patty and Brad get jobs right away, they may not even notice). God is good, always, and He has a plan, always, even if we don't see it, and He will see them through this too. I know that as sure as I know anything. Still, while I sit here far away from them writing this, my heart is hurting for them and I wish I could make it all okay. But all I can do is pray, and ask you to pray too.

And, baby sister, in case you haven't figured it out: I love you, and if I could be there, I would.

Notes from Thunder Bay

Today I watched soccer. Timothy played first. He's only three but they let him play (with the 4 year olds) and he loves it! He's been talking about it all week: "On a next day you're going to watch me play soccer!" They're so funny at that age: they can't kick the ball in any direction except the one they're facing, they fall over a lot, and they just like to run! After that Keona played. She's 7 now and these guys have at least a bit of an idea of how to play. They try hard and the score stays about even since they aren't good at scoring or saving. It's fun to watch and, since I knew some of the small players, pretty much worth getting up early on a Saturday morning.

I've been having a good time playing with the small and not-so-small nieces and nephews (the oldest towers over me by at least 6 inches). The smallest ones are entertaining and the older ones are interesting (usually). The two oldest, my brother's children, are 16 and 13 now and we had a good time talking over bowling and supper. I did have Alex (who is 11) describing his DS games in detail as we walked home last night. And Zach (9 next week) discussed the merits of the different "High School Musical" movies with me. So, yeah...interesting!

Only one more day and then I head back to Edmonton where's it's quiet and peaceful and not nearly as much fun.

Open Caskets and Kids don't Mix

We had an open casket funeral for my grandmother. Before the funeral (and happily before many people were there) I was at the casket with Keona, my niece. She will be six next month. She had questions (as always).
The conversation went something like this:

Keona: Why are the flowers there? They're in the way and we can't see all of her.
Me: Well, you only need to see the top of her, like her face. That's the part that we look at and talk to, right?

She did not look convinced.

Keona: Why does she have a pillow?
Me: Um...it looks nicer.

She was okay with this.

Keona: Is she sleeping?
Me: No, she's dead.
Keona (looks confused although I know her dad explained this to her)
Me: You know, she's in heaven now.
Keona (looks around and then at me): This isn't heaven.
Me (trying not to laugh): Well, this is just her body. The part that makes her alive is in heaven.

She didn't look convinced.

Me: Let's go play in the nursery.

Well, what would you have done?

Notes from Thunder Bay

Here I am, in Thunder Bay again. It's a bit unexpected since, between school and the new apartment, I did not see myself having enough money to fly home until somewhere around 2013. But...my grandmother died a couple days ago and the funeral is tomorrow and my parents agreed to pay for the flight if I could get away so here I am.
I am not writing about any of that today. I'm not ready to write about it just yet. Today is for other stuff. Like the 3 flights it took to get here and the fact that to get back to Edmonton I need to fly through Toronto. Does that even make sense?

Yesterday on the flight from Calgary to Edmonton there was TV access. I haven't watched TV in over a month so I thought I'd check it out. I flew Air Canada (never my first choice but we were booking too late to fly WestJet) and Air Canada give you free-that-you-can-keep headphones and you can watch prerecorded shows or movies so there's no starting-half-way-through stuff to deal with. I checked out all the channels they had and ended up watching CSI New York. I don't think I've been missing much. I was going to watch Prince Caspian but by the time I found it I figured there wasn't enough time to watch the whole thing.

My sister's babies are all growing up. The baby is 2 now and he never stops moving. Never. Except when I wanted to hug him and he clung to mommy until I bribed him with candy. Now we're friends again. Because I have no shame when it comes to getting hugs from small nephews. The older three kids were quite willing to climb on me and give me hugs and cuddles and kisses. I'm very happy to be among them.

One last thing: I was sitting in the play room and I found a small book. It's called Mousie Takes a Bite and it's about Mousie trying different foods and how they taste (very deep stuff, I know). Anyway, on the last page it says "Uh-oh! The cat wants to taste something, too!" and there's a picture of the cat, mouth wide open, holding Mousie by the tail. What type of children's book is this?? I'm really surprised it hasn't been censored! (Actually it's sort of funny).

Small Nephews

It's May now and that means 2 very important nephews are having birthdays.

Oldest nephew is turning 15 this month. I am not ready for him to be 15. I remember clearly the day he was born. My mum was in the delivery room with my sister-in-law and I was waiting outside when Mum walked out with this small bundle in her arms. We watched the nurse weigh and measure him and give him a needle (poor baby) and then she wrapped him back up, turned around, and handed him to me. That is one of my happiest memories, holding this tiny nephew for the first time. And now he towers over me and the last time I saw him he picked me up in a hug. I still call him Baby Boy and he calls me Shorty (that's Auntie Shorty to him!). I think I am not ready for him to be 15.

Youngest nephew is turning 2 and I am not ready for that either. He's supposed to stay a baby because my sister has made it very clear that he is the last! I was not there when he was born. Why not? Because a certain baby nephew would not come at the right time! I happened to be in town when he was due, but he choose to enter the world two days after I left. Rotten kid! I have only seen him a few times. He's small and active and so funny. I recently received a little video of him on Facebook telling me that he's turning 2 (as he holds up all 5 fingers!) and blowing me kisses. He is the most adorable little dude.

I am not ready for oldest nephew to be 15 or for baby nephew to be 2.

Fun with the Kids

A couple small spiderman astronauts just walked into the room to tell me that they are headed off into space. One can only hope.

When the baby needed to be changed, I asked him to get a diaper. He tossed me the wipes. Then he found a diaper and threw it to me from across the room. Then he refused to come any closer. He does not like being changed. Instead he ran to Mommy. Who, of course, changed him. The baby needs to rething his hiding spots.

I watched the 5 year old play soccer. They have no concept of teamwork just yet and will try to take the ball from anyone just so they can kick it. Scoring is fun, even if it is against your own team. When they get tired, they simply fall down on the field. It was the funniest soccer game I have ever seen.

We baked today. Everything got mixed very well because all they really like doing is running the mixer. That and licking the beaters, bowl, spoon, etc.

The princess walked into the room to tell me about playing football. She was wearing a pink skort, a dirty Dora shirt, and a light-up bicycle helmet. And carrying a small plastic football. It was an interesting look.

It's been an interesting weekend.