Heywoods Go West: 06/20/11

So I decided that since we've been here for 2 weeks, it is time I stop counting the days as if this is some vacation log; afterall, this is where we live now! Some days it feels like we've been away from Ontario forever, and other days it feels like we just left. I do have to admit, I'm counting the days now until I go back because the weather out here is starting to make me gloomy. Actually, it's not too bad but I am eager to see the sun and to wear shorts again. We've been assured by all the locals that this is exceptionally strange weather for Chilliwack and that this spring (now summer) has been far more rainy and cold than usual. I hope it is true, otherwise I might have to buy the girls some more pants and sweaters as we are quickly wearing out their "cold weather" clothes.

So, it's been a while since I've written and it's getting pretty late so I'm going to try and make this a quick sum up of the highlights of the last couple days.

Thursday, I went over to my neighbor Sarah's house. She and I had a great talk while sipping our much needed coffee, and Kara played with her new friends Cade (3) and Sydney (5). Emily was a little mommy suck today but I didn't mind at all, as she was warm attachment on yet another cool day. Sarah and I have a lot in common, and it's wonderful to have her so close by. I pray that we will be able to support, encourage and hold each other accountable over this next chapter in my life. Right before we parted I suggested we pray together and she was quite excited to do so. I have a feeling that will be the first of many morning prayer times with that dear sister of mine!

After that amazing start to my day, we put the girls down for their naps while we had a visit with two of the pastors from the church we attended last week, Central. We had a really encouraging and affirming conversation with Pastor Ron and Pastor Garry. It's seems crazy to think that we've already found our church, but then it's not crazy at all, because we've been praying for God to lead us and give us discernment and he has answered that prayer! So much of what we discussed and then prayed about together assured us that this church is a place where we will be challenged, encouraged, and put to work. :)

Friday, I was reacquainted with a wonderful Mommy, Kristi, who I had just started to get to know from Bethany when she ended up moving to Chilliwack last June. She saw on facebook back in March that we were moving to Chilliwack and messaged me. We chatted a bit then, and planned to get in touch when we were settled - so this week God put her on my heart and I felt like I should get together with her. It was clearly God's prompting me at the moment, because it turned out that she was having a pretty low day that day and had prayed that day that God would give her a Christian friend to journey with. I'm thankful I can be that person for her, as we had a great time catching up and introducing our children. Emily is just a week older than her youngest, Zoren and her two daughters are a little older than Kara.

After lunch I headed to the Superstore (the cheapest grocery store out here, so sad) and spent more money in one run than I ever have. Too bad that the $25 coupon thingy that I was hoping to get after spending a wack load of money was no longer in effect! No turkey, no crock pot, no nothing as a bonus for spending money! Booo. It was actually quite hilarious, and made for some comical discussion as I tried to load up all my grocery bags into the cart. I think there were two couples standing behind me that both switched lines after assessing the mountain of groceries (and coupons) that I had to run through the cash. I got home with just enough time to make dinner to bring to the Farr family up on Promontory Mountain. After dinner we went to the park that is across from the Farr's house. Kara was so funny. She kept doing this crazy fake laugh that became a real laugh (My family would be familiar with this from the game we used to play in the car on long road trips). I think this silly side of hers is really brought out by Skye Farr (4), who is a crazy little lady herself. The two of them have a great time, while Charis (6) looks after and entertains Emily. It's quite a blessing to have those little ladies around; I think Charis is having more success teaching Emily how to speak than Dave or I. That night Charis and Skye slept over and then spent most of the rest day with us while their Mommy and Daddy, Marcelle and Nate, went to pick up furniture for their new house.

Saturday, was a full day of activity around the house. The day began with making smoothies, popsicles, fruit kabobs and finally cookies. In between making these messes in the kitchen the girls, Dave and I played pictionary, coloured, had tickle wars, danced, played polly's, barbies, beads and built a town in the basement of all the homes that we miss back in Ontario. I guess this town was pretty much built by Kara and Emily and I last week, but Charis and Skye added their creative decorating to the buildings. By night time we were tired, even though we hadn't hardly set foot outside due to another rainy day! My amazingly thoughtful husband suggested I get out for a bit at bed time and so I finished the day hanging out with a couple new friends and came home to a spotless house! Dave, is not only a super dad but a super husband!

Fruit Kabobs!

Emily had to be separated because she was stealing kabobs!

Charis cooking!

Skye taking her turn with the new pampered chef tool!

Our super clean house!

Dave rocks...

Our last purchase (seriously) Ikea shelf to hold toys and movies!

Kitchen of my dreams :)

Sunday, we heard a great sermon by Pastor Matt finishing up the book of Jude. It has been so neat to really dive into Jude and read just small sections at a time and apply and cross reference the text.
Central Community Church Website .We also met a few more young families at the church and I grabbed all the papers to get set up for volunteering in children's ministry this summer. There are so many kids at this church it's crazy, and they don't stop any of the child care over the summer, they just give the regular teachers a break (meaning everyone else who hasn't been involved is really required to step it up). I loved how the Pastor made a call out from the pulpit to all the people who weren't volunteering. Anyway, praise God, Kara has now met 3 little girls who are all within a few months of her and all have curly hair. The four of them, Kara, Nora, Maggie and Natalie, make quite a little group of curly haired cuties!

Tonight we went for dinner at the Farr's again. We were truly spoiled with BBQ Salmon, Dave's favourite. We then set out on our first hike up the Mount Thom Trail. We didn't make it to the top of the summit though because the girls were getting tired and bed time was upon us, not to mention we are seriously out of shape and that climb was a little treacherous at times along a narrow ledge and up hill! We'll tackle it again on a nicer day and perhaps when our butts have been whipped into shape a little. :) Only problem.... I think that was one of the easiest hikes! Yikes. I think that sums up (in a slightly long-winded fashion) our last couple days. Goodnight for now!