December Already?!

December already! Time just seems to fly by. I have had some good times, some frustrating times, and some very stressful times since my last post.

I included this picture, because I actually got to go to a live Oilers game! It's been waaaaaay too long, and I have missed the excitement of live hockey. This year I have an amazing student assistant who works in my classroom with a little one with Downs syndrome. She had an extra ticket, and asked me to come with her. We had a riot, complete with Tim's coffee, a winning goal with 28 seconds left by the boy wonder Taylor Hall, a tremendous laugh due to the smooch cam at Rexall Place, and lots of great conversation. Thanks, Liane!

Parent-teacher interviews went really well, and I enjoyed meeting some incredible people, and reacquainting myself with some parents whose older children I had taught. I love my class!

This past weekend, John and Tam came to LLB for the church Christmas banquet as my guests. We had lots of fun, complete with MarioKart, gluten-free pretzels (which are delicious), and I just enjoyed their company. However, the banquet reminded me of 6 years ago, when a particular liar accompanied me. After 6 years, the pain has dulled, but it is still there. I will probably always hurt when I think about Bob's betrayal. I am so thankful for the wonderful friends and family who stood by me during that extremely difficult time, and who still stand by me. I am so thankful for Pastor Michael, and Pastor Fish. Forgiveness has freed me; I am not defined by that situation, but by who I am as a child of God.

I am looking forward to what God has for me in the new year. :)

Lois

Happy Thanksgiving!

Some of my family are so good at blogging! I am not... obviously. Perhaps I could have a suggestion or two about what you would be interested in reading about, because my life doesn't seem that interesting to me. I can't comment on my job, for confidentiality reasons, and that takes up a huge part of my life. I can't even talk about how I feel about my job, because it could get me in trouble... such is the life of a public school teacher. :)

My house renos are going slowly as well. There are bricks falling out of my outside fireplace, so I'm thinking that may be the next big project I will be investing in. Sigh. It really never ends! I am thankful for this place that God has provided for me; it really has become my haven.

I am so grateful to be a child of God. He has blessed me beyond measure with His love and forgiveness. This past year I have had the great privilege of joining a home group here in LLB. Every Wednesday night we get together and share some laughs, a lot of truths, and prayer support. Our group consists of a few couples, another single lady, two recently engaged gentlemen (not to each other...) :), and our pastor. The group have challenged me, comforted me and become another family that I belong to.

I am so grateful for my earthly family! Mom and Dad have good health for their ages, and I am thankful to have them on this earth with us. Also, one of my life's greatest blessings is being an aunt. Every day I give thanks for the role that God has allowed me to play in their lives. And now I get to be a great-aunt, which is beyond fun! God has truly blessed me.

Now a wish for this 2010 Thanksgiving. I wish to find someone to share my life with. Thank-you for praying for me.

Reno's Update

Here are a few updates on my reno situation! Finally!! The first picture shows the new curtains in my bedroom; I ordered them through Avon, and I really like how girly they are! The bathroom pictures show what a radical change has happened. First, Kelly replaced the outdated light fixture Next, Dave replaced the tub which was a nasty job. He found drywall with plaster over the drywall. I'm sure the drywall with plaster was the latest thing in 1958, when my house was built, but it sure made a colossal mess! He also had to rebuild the wall between the tub and the toilet. Then John put the wainscotting up and installed the sink (another nasty job due to plaster dust, etc). Keith put the towel holders and other fixtures up, Adam put the baseboards and other unfinished trim in, and finally Rachel put a fresh coat of paint on the whole business. The bathroom looks so pretty! It was definitely a family affair. I am so grateful for the radical change in the appearance of the bathroom! Adam actually put the new baseboards in the hallway and in my bedroom.