We were given the lovely gift of a kid-free Saturday this past weekend. That is always a win, not only because we get uninterrupted time at home for working on projects, we can listen to whatever music we’d like, watch any show, and not referee anyone. Its hugely restful.

Meanwhile, the kids are fortunate to have face time with people outside of their home who love them, care about them, and do things with them! Fresh attention! So its really a gift for our whole family 💜

While the kids were away decorating a tree, baking, and playing, our home was silent. Lol!

Brady worked on a project. Go follow his ICS Insta if you’re not already to see more about it! 😏 Shameless plug.

Cher studied and did schoolwork. Finals are just around the corner!! Ack!

And I worked on a blanket that needs to be done before Christmas! I may have grey hair by the end of this one!

The three of us would text from time to time, updating one another or asking questions. It was fun being together apart. We all got a lot done 🙂

Aaaaall because people offered to take our kids for the day. 💜 What a HUGE gift. Thank you again, Tom and Rae.

We had a VERY special evening last week 💜 My mom brought Pizza Hut for the whole group of us, we set up downstairs, and we all watched the original How The Grinch Stole Christmas. It. Was. Beautiful.

We relate Wavy to Cindy Lou Who, and yesterday it was just bang on perfection!!

Waverly would see her on the screen and announce “Thats me!”

It may be a bit of a tight area for all of us but it was cozy and lovely and SO deeply enjoyable for everyone! I can confirm that its always a way to save money because you’d better believe they would all rather watch than eat, haha! It was a new concept, and they all truly loved it. It warmed my heart to have our whole gang together this way, doing something special together.

It may seem small, but most extra still feels like too much for me, so small still counts.

Bottom line. Everyone was happy. My heart is full.

Apparently Brady’s round of chemotherapy was greatly overshadowed by all of the other big stuff this week, so much so that I forgot to wrap it all up with an update blog like usual! Whoops!

He had his last dose of his seventh round on Tuesday night. Wednesday ended up being a really busy day, but I will share these pictures that I took that very day.

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Resilient is a great word. I’ve grappled with resilience over the past few years. I’ve resented it when people have called us resilient. Because, I would say no one chooses to be resilient. Those of us who are have had to be that way. You can’t know true resilience until you’ve had to overcome hardship, and made it out the other side. My attitude has shifted somewhat, though its possible I’m still a touch cynical on the subject.

I am terribly thankful for God’s grace, which carries us through brutal struggle and tragedy. Without His mercy, we would not be afloat. And it is in HIM alone that we are resilient! Motivation is cool and will power is a wonderful thing to exercise and use! But resilience is learned, and chosen. It is a beautifully appropriate word to use when describing Brady.

Round seven of chemo is behind us, and Brady didn’t miss a beat, as usual. He continues to trust God wholly and completely, and press forward into all that is being sent his way. And he is being blessed upon blessed in ways that would not be so possible if not for the hardship he has endured this last year.

Thank you, Lord, for keeping Brady strong amidst his treatments, medications, and physical limitations. We trust you with Brady!!

It was just days ago that we were notified that someone had nominated Brady for an award. We’ve had multiple phone calls with the founder, lots of messaging, and a zoom call last night. It was made official today that Brady was chosen as the recipient. He WON!!!

The Makers Community Project is a non-profit organization out of New Jersey, whose goal is to enable and equip disabled makers in a way where they can continue to be creative, work, provide, and enjoy their lives. You’d think this is a very niche market, but you would be surprised!! That means making sure workspaces are safe and equipped, but does not exclude basic life necessities. Read more about them here 🙂 https://www.themakercommunityproject.org and follow them on Instagram!

Brady and I were completely humbled by the fact that they even considered us. Yet they were overflowing with beautiful words about how Brady was the clear choice and they had ZERO reservations about choosing him!

We’ve just been reeling with excitement over here, as this could very well open doors we couldn’t open alone. He’s being promoted and shared all over the place. Donations are being gathered in his name. We are talking about tools and equipment that will be instrumental in Brady taking his woodworking to the next level, where it could truly become our livelihood. This could mean Brady would have work he loves, is capable of, and that he could be flexible with! It would suit our family SO well!

We don’t know all the specifics of what is coming our way, but at the VERY least, we can say with confidence that OPPORTUNITY is knocking!!! 😍

Thank you, Mike, and everyone at Makers!!! We are humbled and honoured to be part of something SO incredible!

Brady, Carrie, and I were asked to sing at a local event this morning. A large group of ladies meet up once a week all year long, and the Christmas wrap up is always a big deal. Last year, Carrie and I were asked to sing, and we asked if Brady could come! By then, we were a band – Rule of Three. Remember that? Goodness I miss it… But anyway, this year was no exception, and Brady was welcomed again to join the fray of ladies and help with the music.

It. Had been. A minute!!!

To be up on a stage, with microphones and sound! Playing for people!!! All three of us 💜 We had such a blast! We didn’t even make too many mistakes, not that it would’ve mattered. Our music was very well received, and we were surrounded by love and warmth once the whole thing was over. I think the nicest thing said to me was that having us up front, singing, made everything feel so normal. Like how things used to be. Normalcy restored. That was really nice to hear, because we really really love singing together.

We ate a delicious brunch, and chatted with good people. It was a really lovely morning of fellowship 💜 Meanwhile, Waverly played completely happily downstairs. She was SO ready this morning, hahaha!

We left the church with arms full of instruments, treats, door prizes, and gifts. As the “performers,” we were given a beautiful winter arrangement for our front step.

And here I was, just thinking about how I could make some kind of pretty outdoor green decor! Guys, all we had to do was sing and we got it!! Does that work for other things? Groceries? Phone bills? Houses? 🤔 Still open to ideas on that homefront, by the way…

It was a completely beautiful morning. I hope we have more opportunities to do music in our near future. It felt normal for me, too. I missed it so much. Once a year is NOT enough!

At least a month ago, I was in Value Village, looking through all the Christmas stuff, and I came upon the most hilarious nativity scene EVER! It was laughable, homemade, and just so so sooooo ugly. Definitely the artistic abilities that only a mother could love.

Then, just days ago, I was back at VV and – lo and behold – it was still there!!! Cher was with me, and we were laughing SO hard, debating whether or not either of us in all of our poorness could justify this purchase. In that moment, an elderly lady came by and insisted we use on of her coupons so we could buy it. So, for $3, plus a coupon, it came home with me.

Maybe that kids mother didn’t love this nativity scene, but THIS mother does!!!

So you’ll notice that Mary is STOKED to have just given birth to the Son of God. Like, STOKED! I can’t guarantee I would be quite so friendly after labouring on a camel, but I love that this kid had that in mind. Meanwhile, Joseph…

It appears he is a touch camera shy, but also quite delighted with the birth of his son.

Its an altogether happy scene, and I have zero regrets bringing it home. Someone needed to love it. And I do.

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Also, fun fact. I tried to post this to a Facebook page centred specifically around funny second hand finds, but it was deemed too religious, and my post was declined 😂 Goodness. We can’t even laugh at this without being offended?! Yikes yikes yikes. I hope you can all share a laugh with me either way!

Cher here!

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This semester Hailey has been helping me once or twice a month by coming with me to the Health Science Building on campus and staying in my car so I don’t have to pay for parking, just to run inside for a moment.

Today was the last day we had to do this so I wanted to treat her to something out of the ordinary!! Good thing Tim Horton’s resides within the building and it was on the way! I got us coffees, a bagel to CHER, and ten TimBiebs!

There are three new flavours:
1. Birthday Cake Waffle
2. Sour Cream Chocolate Chip
3. Chocolate White Fudge

We opened them up on the drive home and tasted them.

The first one we tried was Birthday Cake Waffle because sprinkles inside.

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4/5 because the aesthetic wasn’t birthday enough on the outside, however it was DELICIOUS.

The second one was Sour Cream Chocolate Chip.

3/5 Yummy but average. Tasted like a muffin.

Last, we had the Chocolate White Fudge.

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5/5 It was extra chocolatey the outside was fancy too.

So if any of you were curious about these, you don’t have to feel bad if you leave out Sour Cream Chocolate Chip.

Have a great Tuesday!

I’ve been in blanket mode this year, crocheting tenish blankets so far this year. I still have a few on the go that need to be completed in the next couple of weeks, and then I’ll show you more 😉 But with ALL the blanket talk, I’ve had some toque orders that I’ve struggled to fill. Toques used to be my jam, and they still are, but my focus has been SO elsewhere this year that coming up with ideas has been harder than anticipated! Toque block.

My first successful set of the season made me SO happy. It really came together nicely. Its well fitted, very soft, and I can tell the pattern makes a nice warm item. I won’t show everything I’ve made, but there’s one, anyway!

A recent order had me all turned around, and it took three tries to get it right! 😅Now that I am CONFIDENT I have things done right, I have two castoffs that I can’t bring myself to pull out or chuck. I made Dekker model them for me. You’re welcome.

Maybe neon is your thing. I do mean NEON 😎The camera wouldn’t pick all the colours up properly, but sunglasses are required for the yellow. So maybe neon is your thing. Maybe its your kids thing. Maybe its the thing of a teenager you know, or just a young kid with a melon head. If it is, hit me up, I’m your girl. The striped one is smaller. Trees are bigger. Though really, if anyone wanted these styles in different sizes, I can help you with that. Both styles are tightly stitched, producing a nice, warm hat.

If anyone would want them, for now or for Christmas, speak now ✋If not, thats cool, too!

Now, excuse me while I get back to crocheting. As I said, I have blankets I’ve got to get to!

I have been enjoying secretly dipping into some new creative outlets. Its been fun to meet some new challenges head on through art in which I have never dabbled. I’ll share it with you soon, I’m sure 💜Its really overtaken my brain the last while. But these last couple days, I have been elbow deep back into crocheting, and as odd as it sounds, I’m truly happy I enjoy it so much. There is just something relieving about creating something beautiful in a time that feels significantly less beautiful, or smooth, or successful. But God knows what we need. As always.

If you’re looking for me, I’m either crocheting on the recliner, or wrapped in a blanket, working on a new project. Either way, I’m so grateful to have ways to keep busy that are comforting and relaxing and creative.

Thank you, Lord, for giving me all You have.

Our friends across the street have a parrot. Having a bird inside the house was a very new development for our kids when she was new, but they’ve become accustomed to her over time. It wasn’t all too long ago that Solly was touring Wavy around their house and pointed out their bird.

“See that? That’s Rae’s chicken.”

And on they went! It was SO casual. Meanwhile Rae and I were cracking up in the kitchen at how nonchalant he was. As if having a chicken inside would be completely acceptable.

I’ve chatted with their bird, Dezi, a number of times recently. She just kind of stares at me, but she used to be more frightened of me, and she’d puff up all big and intimidating. Not anymore! Today, she actually greeted me back.

Hello, Dezi.
Hllo.

HellOooo!
HllOooo!

I felt like we were officially friends!

Earlier this week, I happened to be around, and I walked over to her cage to check on her. She turned her head to the side, and then she started dancing! You know that dorky, bouncing bird dance? She just went for it! It was SO cute! I imitated her, and she kept going! I had a good giggle.

She’s a good little birdy.

I like feeding her peanuts. Like a treat. Like she’s a puppy.

Its been nice getting to know her a bit better recently.