February Update

“From the womb my first cry, it was a joyful noise…, Only love, only love can leave such a mark, But only love, only love unites our hearts, Justified till we die, you and I will magnify, The Magnificent, Magnificent” Magnificent - U2

February, the month of new and renewed love.  This year it also came to mean a month of loss as our Grandma passed away.  So much has gone on in such a short period of time, I’ll do my best to catch things up without dragging  on...lets begin...at the beginning...

1. In Loving Memory of Geraldine Ellis (Grandma) October 6, 1921 - February 5, 2009.   My grandma was one of the rare constants when I was growing up. In the midst of so many different family situations she was always there.  At times she took on the roll of a mom, my greatest advocate and cheerleader and others my toughest critic speaking hard truth when needed.  She never wavered in her love for me or our family and she was loved by many.  She will be greatly missed.  It’s one thing to have lost her, but what made it hard for my sister, brother and I was having to watch her loose control of her body and then die with us by her side in the hospital.  We say good bye for now but not forever.  We will reunite sometime in the future and embrace in a hug as only she could give.   

2. Valentines:  Just wanted to say that I am the luckiest man on the planet.  I have been blessed with the best partner, friend and wife possible.  And then, to top it off, two very fantastic, beautiful, SMART, fun, loving daughters as well.  Happy Valentines, Elaine, Sarah and Emily!

3. Soccer: Quick update, Sarah scores 2 goals in one game and help lead her team from an incredible 4-0 deficit in the 1st half, to tie the best team in the league in the second half.  Emily, well she and her team are heading to the Coastal Cup Medallion Game on Sunday.  Lets just say they won’t be quitting soccer anytime soon.  UPDATE: EMILY SCORED 2 GOALS in the first half to help lead her team to a 6-1 win in the Medallion Game final.

3. Toronto: Just wanted to get this off my chest. In months and years past in this blog I have spoken of wanting to get out of the dreary weather of Vancouver. Let me tell you, go spend 8 days in Toronto and then come back home to the west coast. We are the so fortunate to live in the most beautiful city in Canada.  It may rain here, but at-least its not old and run down with a wind chill of -20 to -25.  I enjoy visiting the different parts of Canada, but 8 days in Toronto is just too much.   

4. High School...The beginning:  We took Sarah to her High School orientation this month. HIGH SCHOOL.  It was not that long ago that she bounced on my knee, sang to all the off key songs I would play and laughed at every funny face I made.  I’m not sure Elaine and I are ready for this, but I think Sarah is and will do well at LTSS this fall.  What’s funny is, I graduate there oh some 20 years or so ago.  Hey Sarah...have fun, we are proud of you and know that you will continue to excel at LTSS, and remember, I am still hanging on the school walls and “I’m watching you....always watching” (10 points if you know where the quote came from)

5. New Music: U2: No Line on the Horizon.  Great album, but what do you expect from one of the greatest bands of all time.  So far I am hooked on “Maginifcent” and “Moment of Surrender”.  As always head on over to iTunes and pick up a copy.  With U2 you can’t go wrong.

Till next month

=8-)


January Update

“And this is my prayer in the battle, When triumph is still on it's way, I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ, So firm on His promise I'll stand...And I will bring praise, I will bring praise, No weapon formed against me shall remain, I will rejoice, I will declare, God is my victory and He is here”  Desert Song - Brooke Fraser

Winter has been in full swing here.  Colder temperatures have lingered and more snow than I can remember as fallen this year.  Combined with the long winter nights, for some, this can be a tough time of year.  However, this year joy, hope, gladness seem to be enduring and helping to drive away the winter blues.    Here what has been going on for the past while.

1. Family...Over the holidays we had a chance to have a family gathering of a rather unique kind for my side of the world.  Rarely does my family get together and it has been years since my brothers and sister, along with my parents, gathered for dinner (without our kids) and interacted.  I am never quite sure what the combination of all of us will do when placed in close proximity but it was a great night!  My parents for days afterwards would tell of how every child called and thanked them for setting up the dinner and saying what a great time they had with each other.  It was a reminder for me that I have good family and for all our ups and downs we really do care for one other.  It was also a great way to start off Christmas and hopefully it will be just the beginning of new things to come for us all. 

2. Friends...You know, you really can never do without a group of really good friends to hang out with and know they have your back.  Lately we have had the chance to spend time with a few people who have become really close to our family and all I can say is thanks and we love you. It’s the same with Sarah and Emily, they have been able to develop some fantastic friendships this year with a few kids from school who are good solid people and even think that Elaine and I are the “cool” parents of the group.  How bad can they be hey!

3. Skiing...Our monthly updates around this time inevitably have some comment about our passion for skiing.  With another year under their belt the girls are becoming really good skiers.  This year has also brought us to the point of needing to replace their ski equipment as they both have grown out their original gear.  Even though we had to move them into larger and more advanced equipment they haven’t skipped a beat and will soon be leaving me behind on the mountains.  Anyways, the weather has turned for the better this past month and has brought another good year of skiing.  If you are ever in the neighborhood come and meet us at the summit of Seymour every friday in February for some west coast fun.  It helps keep the long winter season blues at bay. 

4. MUSIC: For this month Chris Tomlin is on deck.  For awhile there I was beginning to wane on his music.  I just felt everything was sounding the same and that it would be good to have some fresh voices step up into the christian worship music world.  But his latest album, Hello Me, has some good songs that the church can use in corporate worship.  “Jesus Messiah” is a good sample of what you will find on the album.  As always head on over to itunes and pick up the entire album, you’ll be glad you did. 

Till next time

=8-)