Gift exchange

We managed to stay off the boys until 7am for gift giving, although Gideon acknowledged he was up at 2am and then 5am and at which point Peter had threatened physical repercussions if Gideon didn't leave his bedroom!!!

We have been blessed in so many ways this past year.  The blessings of sharing Christmas gifts is a small expression of the greatest gift we celebrate, our dear Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate at Christmas. 

This Fall we also enjoyed the addition of Jaxx to our family. Here he is enjoying one of his gifts! 

Jaxx enjoying his all beef chew treat!

Peter happy with one of his gifts!

Peter's artistic creation for Gideon

Hockey fans will understand the back of the tee! 

Tullibardine Scotch for Albert!

Gideon's Boys Choir performance

Calgary Boys' Choir performance  

Young Singers & Intermediate Choirs (Gideon back, 3rd from left)

Gideon, back, 3rd from left

Since Sept., Gideon and I headed into Calgary each Tuesday for Choir Rehearsal at Mount Royal University.  The Calgary Boys Choir consists of 3 choirs and after Gideon was accepted into the Intermediate Choir after an audition in August.  He's enjoyed learning a variety of pieces: Gloria in Excelsis, Chatter with the Angels, Hine me Tove - a traditional Hebrew arrangement, and a number of others for the December performances.  

Boys & Grandfathers, Uncles, Siblings singing 2 Carols.

The Artistic Director encourages singing throughout all ages - and encourages the boys to continue singing into adulthood as is attested to by the above photo.

Our Best Friend!

After a  4 year wait, Peter and Gideon are delighted to now have a dog as part of our family.  Jaxx our new pet is a lovely, obedient and loving dog that was adopted by us.  He spent the past four years of his life with a young couple, now with a baby and working full-time, so they sought a loving family to care for him.  We all (yes even Albert) are loving Jaxx's character, his love and his intelligence.

Peter&Jaxx

Gideon&Jaxx

Burning off energy: Boys&Jaxx

Jaxx is a German Shepherd/Collie mix and is 6 years old - which is a delight to me - no puppy challenges!!

We even had a guest in our home this past week who was delighted with Jaxx. Aunt Joyce and the boys were playing a game and Jaxx was in there lapping up the love!

50th celebration!

1963..........

......2013

50 YEARS of God's eye upon me...

 "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you." (Psalm 32:8)

I praise God for His Word and for all of you who have been a part in His instructing and teaching me the way I should go.  I am humbled by my Lord's promise to counsel me with HIS eye upon me.

I praise God for Albert who has faithfully abided in love toward me these past 20 years.

.....and for my dear sons, Peter and Gideon

.... for my dear parents

....and many family and friends, who have altogether been used as instruments in God's hand to encourage and bless me in walking in God's path these 50 years!
Here are some pics from the party!

Reina, Bernice Diane, Geraldine

Fall Vacation

Late September we were privileged to visit Albert's mom. It was a joy for her and us again to be together and encourage one another!  Oma was delighted to see that the boys are almost as tall as her :) (peter is leaning on the windowsill).

Fellowship with Oma F.

Niagara Falls was on our itinerary as the boys had never seen it!  What a wonderful day of beautiful sunshine and magnificent views.  We took the tour behind the falls and the guys all went on the Niagara Sky Wheel to get a bird's eye view of the falls. We walked up Clifton Hill to give them the less favourite side of Niagara Falls as well!

Rainbow over River

"Platform behind/beside the falls"

View from Sky Wheel

Beautiful Fall colours and American Falls!

As always, its a blessing to visit dear family and friends and we witnessed another nephew's wedding as well.

Yolanda & Calvin

Alan &Reina & I

Michael&Deani

Dad&Mom & us

Bernice Diane & I

 

It was a blessing to enjoy visits with individual families and friends.  Next post.....a Celebration!