Birthday Month

We are so thankful that we got to be here for Kara, Noah and Andrew's birthdays!!

 KARA'S - 12th 

 Even though Noah asked his mom if they would have school on her birthday, our lovely, dedicated daughter in law chose to spend her birthday morning in her daily routine of home schooling Noah. 

I often feel bad that we don't live closer, especially on special occasions, and can offer baby sitting services. So we are glad it worked out for us to be here for Kara's birthday this time, and were pleased that she and Ryan were able to go out for awhile in the afternoon and enjoy a quiet dinner together. 

 Then dessert in the evening - pumpkin cheesecake.

NOAH'S - 14th

 

Our little valentine boy turned 7 this year. It was Ragnar's first opportunity to be with any of our Canadian grandkids on their birthdays! (It was my 2nd.)

Noah loves playing at Cheeky Monkeys and had lots of fun running around on all the paraphernalia.

By the looks of things, I think his siblings were glad he choose that place too.

Later that night we enjoyed lighted cup cakes that he, Selah and Andrew had decorated. 

ANDREW'S - 18th

 

 

 Andrew is 3!
  He had lots of fun in the tunnel that his Dad and Abbi dug out of the big pile of snow in their back yard.

Mommy did a great job of making and decorating his fire truck birthday cake.

 

Friends joined us for a fun celebration at lunchtime and we all enjoyed barbecued hamburgers in February.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO 3 WONDERFUL PEOPLE!!

My Best Friend

Pearle and I were best friends in Bible School and I am very thankful that we have been able to stay in touch with each other since that happy/sad graduation day in 1975.

 We both went on for further education in Ontario so were able to fit in visits quite often.  She studied to be a nurse, married the love of her life (from the Dominican Republic), has seen their son grow up and continues to work in Administration in Health Care in Ontario. 

Even though we literally lived worlds apart, we have both tried to think of creative ways to stay in touch.

• She was one my bridesmaids in our wedding.      
• She flew down to spend a week with us each time we furloughed in Nova Scotia.

Pearle and Kyle in N.S. in 2000.
 

• Pearle and her sister flew to England to attend Craig and Claire's wedding in 2004.
• Since we have had several visits to the Niagara Falls area in the last 10 years, she has often fit a trip to this area into her very busy schedule.
• In 2008,  just before we moved to England, she hosted a reunion for 3 of us N.B.B.I. 'girls' and our spouses in their home in Port Perry

Pearle, Bev and I in 2008

 

 Our latest time for catch up was this past week-end. Pearle and her husband Reynaldo, came to Ryan and Kara's for a few hours and then took us out to eat at Mama Mia's for some yummy Italian food.  



Since Noah was brave enough to count from one to ten in Spanish for Reynaldo he was rewarded with a loonie!

 The Lord has blessed me with this very kindhearted, fun loving and steady friend. Even though distance and time has separated us for years, when the opportunities arise for us to get together she jumps at the chance which is very much appreciated.

Our Meeting Place

We are thankful that we were able to make a quick trip up to Durham - the place where we met in 1976.

 It was fun to roam the grounds again, reminiscing the good old days.  As with most campuses, in many ways it still looks the same - in other ways it has changed alot.  They continue to expand and of course there is always lots of staff changes, but that doesn't delete from the friendly welcome we always receive. 

It was encouraging to be able to sit down in an relaxing atmosphere while sharing our future plans about returning to the Philippines, discussing topics such as taxes, insurance and much more.  

The triplex where we lived our first year of marriage.

Our old classroom building.

Guest House where we stayed. 

  We are also pleased that it worked out for us to be able to have a pleasant visit over a yummy lunch with one of our Furlong cousins on the way home.  I feel bad that I forgot to get my camera out for that special occasion.  The welcome mat was always out in Bev and Don's home when we were students in Durham.  We also have enjoyed many visits over the years with them in Nova Scotia.  They have turned our grandparents home into a super cozy summer abode.

Beautiful Snow

What a great time to be in Canada!! 

 When we first arrived here, we were going for walks with just sweaters on.  A few days later this beautiful white fluff began falling from the sky and mounding up on trees, in back yards and across the street.  

In front of Ryan & Kara's house looking to the right.

Looking to the left.

Across the street.

 I love the breathtaking scenes it makes during those first few hours and am thankful to be seeing it in person once again.

Ryan shoveling snow.

Ragnar having a go with the snow remover on the sidewalk.

Noah, Selah and Andrew having fun on a potential igloo site.

  I don't think I have seen this much snow since my college days.  No wonder I am enjoying it!!

 

Canadian Hugs

We always love our welcome back to Canada - Ryan's big smile and hugs at the Toronto airport!! Then just a little over an hour later more welcome hugs from Kara, Noah, Selah, Andrew and Kandace make those hours of travel melt away.  

4 little monkeys to help me finish my morning coffee!

We are so happy and feel blessed  beyond measure to have a few weeks with the Niclasens in Ontario.