Highlights of our week

This was one of my birthday presents. Kaylin has one and I used it a bit over the summer. Well, the little green food processor went back to Moncton with her. So, Robin bought me my own for my birthday and guess who is using it the most? 

Robin has been cranking out the smoothies for himself and the kids. They are loving it. I have used it myself for making hummus. Such a great snack for all of us. 

I never did post this. On Remembrance Day we packed up the kids bikes and drove to a local path where the kids biked and Robin and I power walked. It was one of those perfect afternoons. The path goes through Bedford and so we managed to take a detour to get a snack. 

Robin puts together some great meals and lately we have discovered his Shepherd's Pie. On Tuesday I was taking it easy in the living room while he was getting supper ready. I can't even begin to tell you how good the house smelled. Then once we ate, it was super good. Such a cozy moment for me with a nice warm house, surrounded by family and ending with comfort food. 

Robin recently was presented with his 25 year service pin. I was able to go to this presentation which was one of the nice ones. It was not very long (Because let's be honest.... sometimes these can go on forever.) and there was a presentation for bravery for 4 officers which is not usually done. I enjoyed my afternoon and I think Robin did as well. 

Time is flying

What we're reading now. Robin has been reading "The Good and Beautiful God" by James Bryan Smith. He is loving it and keeps saying, "Beth, you have to read this!" He finds it affirming as it focuses on God's grace in light of our insufficiency. The author mentions the works based faith of the past which borders on superstition. It's arrogance to think we can work our way into heaven. My mom gave me "Jesus Feminist" on the birthday celebration this past summer. Thanks mom. Emily suggested this book and I am really enjoying it. I also highly recommend it. Not in the sense that I'm ready to call myself a Jesus Feminist, but I just love the compassionate writing of Sarah Bessey. I love her approach to differences in the body of Christ. "The Ultimate Blessing" by Joanne Lyon still ranks as one of our all time favourites. It's on the nightstand as we are grappling with our response to the needs all around us. 

It was my birthday this week. It was strange to just have 4 of us at home, altho Josh joined us by Skype and Emily joined us by audio Skype. Somehow the iPad representing her isn't in the photo. My parents also called right at this moment but didn't stick around for the photo. Kaylin was working so didn't join us for the candle blowing. I am so blessed to be surrounded by such love and support. I really felt it this birthday. Thanks all.

On Friday we joined the celebration of the life of a wonderful husband, father and man of God. John Harris passed away this week in Moncton. Robin, Kaylin and I felt privileged to attend the funeral. It was amazing to see the impact he had on his community. He lived an ordinary life but in his faithfulness to God and his family, he made a huge difference. 

We also stopped in to see Snickers. 2 weeks ago she suffered paralysis of her back legs and amazingly has gotten better although it is still obvious that her back section doesn't quite work right. She was beyond overjoyed to see us.

Once she settled down, it was obvious who she was really happy to see. Robin has missed their walks and cuddles together also.

While we were there, Max, showed us how affectionate he is. Kaylin doesn't need to give any encouragement and Max is all over her trying to snuggle. It's kind of funny.

As part of Kaylin's nursing program, she has a project to plan and implement for her clinical. Her group needed a comfy chair and seeing as we will be selling all of our belongs this year, she asked for the LazyBoy chair. As we think about selling our "stuff" we say that we aren't attached to much. But  as Robin took apart this chair to donate to Kaylin's project, it became obvious that this was actually much tougher than he thought. Somehow, our stuff becomes important to us. As adults we should be able to move past this, but it is definitely a reminder that we will have to be wise and compassionate to the kids as we move through this transition.

Ending with a maple bacon doughnut. Robin and the kids went to a local Farmer's Market for lunch and brought back this doughnut. We all tried a bite. After all, bacon goes with everything. The taste was ok, but it was a bit strange. Not my favourite. 

It's orientation week

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Robin and I had orientation week at Wesleyan HQ in Fishers, Indiana. The kids stayed with their grandparents in NJ. So, on Saturday, October 17, we drove all the way to NJ. 

We made a quick stop at LL Bean. 3 years ago I bought a backpack for Gaëlle and last year the zipper broke. We held onto it until we knew we were going to be passing through Maine. Sure enough, they gave us a credit for $35 and I bought another backpack. 

We flew out of Newark Airport on Sunday morning and headed to Indiana where it was #partyweek at Global Partners. We had a great week and were treated to treats ALL week. We stayed at a gorgeous Bed and Breakfast for missionaries, called Shunem House. As soon as we walked in the door and saw the treats in the kitchen, I made the decision to not have any candy. Somehow I managed to stay away and didn't have a single piece of candy while I was there. But we were treated so well and really felt spoiled.

There were 8 of us in orientation with a huge range of ages and skills and passions. It was fun to connect with them all. I now know what a physician's assistant is. The week was jam packed with training and Robin and I found it all beneficial and helpful. 

We flew back to NJ Friday night and found the pumpkins Peter and Gaëlle had carved that week. My parents kept the kids busy with all kinds of activities. They helped out at the library sale, went to exercise at the YMCA, ate out many times, went for a hike, and spent a day at the Liberty Science Center. 

They put together several puzzles. 

Both kids helped out with cooking during the week, but Gaëlle especially enjoyed her time in the kitchen.

The kids had a great time and I'm so thankful for all of the work my parents did to make their stay special. 

On Saturday we headed to Ephrata/Akron, Pennsylvania to visit Josh. It was so good to see him and we had great weather.

He took us for a tour of the MCC HQ in Akron. We were impressed with the village out back where they host groups and conferences. 

For lunch I told Josh I wanted the Lancaster type tourist experience. So, he took us to the largest buffet I have ever seen. Not that they food was more than other buffets, altho it probably was, but the building was huge. 

It was the Maple Shady Smorgasbord and we definitely enjoyed ourselves.

Gaëlle and I were amused by the squash for sale.

Josh showed us some of the sights in his area and we stopped in at place. He rents a room in a house in Ephrata. The owner is fixing it up a little bit at a time and it looks really nice. It was a super quick visit, only 4 hours, but I'm so glad we were finally able to see where Josh lives. 

Starbucks coffee is way too strong for Robin and myself. We were both amused by this shirt. Anyway, it was a great week but we are glad to be home and back in our routine.