Prayers of Strength

I'm not sure if it's my place to post this or not. But, I think maybe the strength of our community of mothers might be worth the risk. Yesterday we heard the sad news that my husband`s young cousin, Julian (19), was in a ski accident. He broke his back, and I believe his neck as well. . . we don`t have all of the details.

I keep thinking of his parents and how they are coping. They are a strong family. Truly a strong family. They have a faith in God that is truly astounding. I pray that they all have strength as Julian travels this difficult path.

And, I keep thinking of Julian too. His path has changed. But, I can`t help but be hopeful for him. His path might be altered, but who`s to say that the destination is any less than the one he thought he was going to take.

Please, say a little prayer for Julian and his family.

Beach Day

While the big boys were at school, Aidan and James and I went for a walk along the beach. I was really hoping to see some seals - as I've never seen them before, and I think Aidan would get a huge kick out of them - but they were nowhere to be found.

We had a great time, even without the seals. Gotta love such nice weather in CANADA in February! I'm definitely counting my blessings for our move to the Coast.

Our Batman Baby...

Aidan will forever be the Batman baby in my mind. Perhaps I already blogged this - but in case I didn't, here goes:

On the morning of my Doctor's appointment to confirm my pregnancy with Aidan, Kieran came down to the breakfast table and said, "I had such a strange dream last night."

He proceeded to tell us that in his dream we found a baby that didn't have any owners. We decided to look after him, and Kieran looked at the baby and asked, "do you want to be called Batman?" And the baby said, "yes."

James and I exchanged curious looks, but we decided to wait until after the appointment before we told him. It turned out we were right - I was expecting our third. . . and I couldn't hold out on Kieran any more. I told him while we were standing in line at the pharmacy - his response was so sweet, "oh, Mom, thank you!" Then he proceeded to tell the cashier that we were having a baby.

I chuckle to myself every time I think of it. Aidan was just meant to be...right from the beginning.

Best Part of My Day

I must say the best part of my day had to be when Aidan received a Valentine from a little boy in Liam`s Kindergarten class. Aidan was so excited, he talked to the little card all the way home. He kept pointing at the picture and saying ``yep, yep, yep....`` How thoughtful of the family to include Aidan in this little holiday! It did my heart good.

Speaking of hearts. . . when Aidan was in the bathtub I was looking at his scar, remembering how scared I was before his surgery. I really thought it would bother me to see it - as if the scar would be a reminder of how fragile he was, and how terrified we were in the 5 months leading up to the surgery. But, no. . . thankfully it acts like a signature from the surgeon that all is well now. An exclamation mark that he`s ready, willing, and able to grow and experience everything life has to offer.

Love from the 3 Little Billy Goats

Make a Smilebox postcard

Always a Humbling Experience for me..

I took Aidan to get some bloodwork done at the hospital today. It took 3 of us to hold him down, but he did great in the end. The biggest tears ever, but after a long hard cuddle, he was back to himself. The staff was amazing. . . and the woman drawing his blood said afterwards, "Do you still love me, Aidan?" Very sweet.

So, why am I humbled? While waiting for Aidan to go in, I met a family with a 16 month old - he's spent about 4 months in hospital so far with stomach problems. Now they think he has Crohn's disease. Imagine the stress this young couple has been going through! They have a 4 year old as well - and yet they were handling everything with amazing dignity.

When you're in that environment - a pediatric unit - you will always find people going through the toughest times. And, it amazes me that in those really hard, really trying moments, you get the truest glimpses of grace.

Two last thoughts:

• My mom used to say, "it could always be worse." She never let us feel sorry for ourselves. Although I often wanted too!
• A woman I knew in Edmonton said something I've always remembered, "A Priest told me, when you are tired of walking, think only of those who have no feet."

Gratitude. . .

Just wanted to say, "Do you love my new header?" because I do! Thanks go out to Bethany at:

for designing it and helping me with the problems on my other blog - your help was so greatly appreciated!