Happy Easter!!!!I don't have pictures I want to use right now. I kinda like having something with a picture in my posts but anyway, I decided to send greetings this holiday season.
I was listening to a kids hymn tape in the car with the kids and Micah kept interrupting me saying, "Hey Mommy, this one is in our Hymn Book." Anyway most of them went over well. I like some hymns, and some contemporary/choruses. I would like to keep my kids rounded. some new some old.
we will start our morning with a 6am service, breakfast. (I think probably an egg hunt) and an 11am service. That gives us a full am. Then we will probably eat around 5pm. I think we will need all of monday to recouperate. Micah has Easter Break this week so we shall be busy. The countdown is beginning for the Martin's newest edition. Our little one should be here by the beginning of May.

Halleluia What A Savior!!!

This is what we are celebrating. A chance for a new life in Christ. A chance to leave the old selfish ways behind, and walk to bring glory to our Father. We are greatful for a Savior that washes us free from the eternal cost of sin and brings us life anew. Thank you Father for your most precious gift. -Jesus.

Where have we all been?
Well I am back. I will do my best to post a little more often. Although I plan to have a new baby by the end of April.

Kids are made of rubber???
I read this comment on a blog and I much, much disagree. Kids may bounce back far quicker than those of us who are older, but kids are also very sensitive. Micah and Jaala often talk to me about living back in Thunder Bay and missing their house in Morden. Micah just turned 4 when we left Manitoba and Jaala was only 2 1/2. They are much more in tune to what is going on around them than we give them credit for. I know of children who get very upset when their parents fight. They might not know what the fight is about but kids can sense our distress.
I remember reading a book. I think it was by Floyd McClung. "Living on the Devil's Doorstep" about their time in Amsterdam. And they were praying about what to do next and they involved their children in their decision making. If we teach our children that they can hear from God then we should also consider that they may have valuable imput in our decisions. Ultimately we have to be responsible for what we decide to do, but it always impressed me how we might be able to benefit from their opinions.
As I have been pondering over the "Rubber Kids" thought I also remember spending summers in Southern California with my cousins, aunts and uncles and how the last night we were there always seemed so emotional, like we would never see them again or something. It is alright to have strong feelings for others. It is alright to miss what we once had. But we still need to look ahead to what our Lord has for us.
As for the kids. They are little people. And can be quite sensitive. So enjoy the memories, and look to the future adventures!!!

"Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:12-14.

Vern gets a Sunday off preaching. There will be a church member speaking. So we get to go to church as a family for a change. Jaala has been having some tummy trouble. Vern took her late tonight to see the doctor. We aren't sure if it is an attention thing or if she is really going through something. She seemed to be having sharp pains tonight and had some really bad gas. Poor little thing. She will be 5 in May but she still is my baby. In some ways she seems so grown up but she still has a baby face.

Vern and I had gone on a date tonight. We had a nice dinner alone and then went to a show and Walmart. The nearest Walmart is 45 minutes away. SO that is a treat too. We received a digital camera for christmas so I may post photos more often. However I needed some rechargable batteries and a memory card. Still experimenting with all the details of the digital world but having fun.

I have had a cold for the better part of 2 weeks. I am seeing my doctor Monday for the baby so I have just coped the best I could/ Trying to use as little tylenol as possible. I don't want to take anything unless I have to being pregnant. Micah is looking forward to going back to school Monday and Leah is growing like a weed. My friend Joanne saw her tonight and it has been a few months, she was just amazed at all the changes.

Vern does a lot of talking with her. She loves to parrot and try and say whatever we are saying. Most words come out a lot like"da da" However she also does Mommy, mama, baby, bye, Cheeseburger comes out a lot like "chi-chi-cha"
But the laugh is priceless, Ha-ha-ha-ha!

All for now. Happy 2007!!!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Well I didn't get too many cards out this year but this should work to let many of you know how we are doing.

Micah played A goat (4kids from the left) in The Animals Talked Christmas play. Here they rehearse as they sit around the manger. Micah and Jaala both love being on stage.

Jaala was in a recitation at our church Christmas program. They spoke about the star of Bethlehem. They are both driving us crazy waiting to open presents. We have been constantly reminding them that Christmas is about Jesus' birth. That he was born to die for our sins.

Leah is a little dancer. She loves dancing to Jingle Bells and It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas. And her older sibblings encourage her. I would post that but we have not yet got with this century and got a digital camera. We actually have to buy film!!!!

I have been trying to get organized. I have boxes I haven't sorted through since we got married and now I am trying to throw things out. If I haven't used it in the last 8 years, Really now! Also trying to do a little Christmas baking. I washed the floor last night and after a few spills and boots in the house I could almost do it again. I thought I might wait a few days.

Been reading The Prince, by Francine Rivers. I plan to read the story of Joseph in the bible again to compare it. I might even read The Prince to Micah. Francine is definately one of my favourite authors she winds a lot of history into her writing. She has a series called Mark of the Lion. It is a trilogy of Early Christian Life. I usually meet with other Ladies on Monday nights to go through a book called Captivating or other bible studies.

Pray that you will all have a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!

The Martins

Beware crayons in the dryer!!!
I just took a load of the kids clothes out of the dryer to discover fushia spots all over the load of laundry! The worst piece of clothes was Micah's Toronto pj's. I was trying to figure out what happened and as I got about half way through the pile I found an empty crayon wrapper. SO my hypothesis is that once the crayon hit the dryer, it melted! So we have play clothes. Some things didn't get it too bad. And well underware, pj's and socks. Socks don't last long as it is so they can ware them with pink spots!

Well here are my babies. It was suggested that I put

them on here. Most of you have probably already

seen them, however I do have a story.

My little Jaala decided that she should separate her

pictures, without sissors. I found the little pile of

pictures hiding behind my television set one night.

All torn up!

She was already in bed fast asleep, and this was not

a reason to wake a 4 year old! So the next morning

I asked her what happened? She didn't seem to

remember so I told her next time I would help her

and we would use sissors. So if you happen to get a

picture without a square shape. You know what

happened.

IT'S A Ratzlaff!!!!

Announcing Baby #5
DAETEN WALTER RATZLAFF
BORN: May 25th, around 7am
Weight: 6lbs 7oz
Esther and Graeme are doing well with their crew. We try to keep in touch a couple times a year. Very busy. Daeten is 4 months old and doing well. Esther told me I could post this so you Rising Son people would have an idea of how it is going.

Jello Legs!!!

Leah has been walking cruzing all over. She goes up and down stairs. The most steps I have seen her take is 8 and she has been doing that since mid-August. Tonight she was walking 2 steps and going down. Then she would stand up and walk another 2 steps, and down again. She would pull to a stand.... you get the picture. Her legs tonight just reminded me of Jello. For all I know she could start really walking tomorrow. She is soo excited!!! I think that was why she found it so hard to stay on her feet! She went down really well tonight too. so we will see what a new day brings.

My one year old. Here she is!!! Well we have been in Alberta for almost 1 year. I can't believe how busy we have been. The Martins are adding another edition to our family sometime in Spring. I was wondering why I was feeling SOOOO tired. And then Jaala came up to one day and said, " Mommy there is a baby in your womb." So we decided to find out. We knew it was a possibility and were hoping for one around now so we are all excited. I will have 2 sets of kids. Next September Jaala goes to kindergarten. I will have one set at school and one at home. We figure baby will be arriving in April or May. I am not really sure of dates yet.
Leah enjoyed her party. we had a few families over. Our oven wasnt' working so I had to use the stove at the church. My Mom felt sorry for me. However I hadn't had an oven for 2 weeks so I was prepared. Made the lasagne last week, froze it and so I only had to heat it up. Leah got a few nice outfits and a couple new toys. As most you parents know we need more toys like we need holes in our heads. But they are nice. I really will have to get around to having a yard sale. Maybe next fall. This blogging really isn't that hard. I can't believe how seldom I get here. Hey Mar! we are waiting to hear from you!!!!

HARVEST

Well I have become a gardener. Sort of. We planted a garden, my neighbour and I. She has been a good coach. First we got the crop in. Then she and her husband brought their cultivator through a couple times. She has also pulled many weeds for me and got rid of last years raspberry plants. Every so often she brings me stuff she picked. And she informs me what should be ready.

I love to visit, I need to plan time to pick. Because in Harvest season you harvest. I haven't had much time around Leah's naps and during the day it has been hot. I have gained much respect for those who are good at it though. My back begins to hurt and the heat. Still they press on. We did have a garden when I was younger. I benefited from the tomatoes, carrots, and Zuchini dad planted but I had very little to do with the harvest. I might have gotten out once a summer for a half hour of weeding! And I would raid the strawberries.

This summer we have been picking raspberries. And more raspberries. And more raspberries. There are still a few tasty treats on those vines. And today I shelled my peas. The plants are pretty dry so I don't reckon that we will get much more from those. I picked a few tomatoes and lots of cucumbers! The lettuce and spinach are winding down, and the corn is doing well. I haven't checked my beans or potatoes but some of that should be ready too. One advantage from all my vegetables I read is that you cannot get fat on food that grows in the garden.

We have had a busy summer and are headed to Andrea's wedding soon. Looking forward to spending time with family and friends. I can't believe 4 weeks is back to school. I have new shelves and a dresser so hopefully I can get more organized soon. Hope you are blessed by finally a new entry from me.

The Lord God took the man and
Put him in the Garden of Eden
to work it and take care of it.
And the Lord God commanded
the man,"You are free to eat from
any tree in the garden;
Genesis 2:15-16

PERSPECTIVE

Just doing some laundry and thinking about how my 8 month old is nearly out of diapers. Well she probably has at least a year to go. However when Micah was this age I thought that I would never be done doing diapers. I use cloth diapers at home and disposable when we are out so washing diapers is an issue. However I don't find it any harder to use cloth diapers than disposable. And when you rinse and soak your diapers. And wash every 2 ot 3 days. I don't find that awful, disturbing smell of a poopy diaper in the trash!!!!

This adventure of child rearing which is a life time commitment just seems so short to me now. First riding a bike and then they will be driving a car and shortly after they will be off to college. I wonder will I teach them all they need to know to make the best choices for their life. I pray that I will lead to their savior...that they could learn to seek him for the decisions in their lives. My time as their Mom is so short. They make me really happy. I delight in their acomplishments. I hold them and pray for them when they are hurt. I am excited for all that is yet to come.

MILESTONES

We have had a lot of things happening in our family in the last week. Milestones we all reach them. Last Tuesday Micah finally took off on his bike (two-wheeler). I knew he could do it last summer he was just scared. And I was very pregnant so I didn't have the energy to give him the confidence he needed. But boy is he proud. He had to ride all over the neighbourhood.

Micah, if you know him, usually needs that extra encouragement to try new things. Jaala on the other hand is not so scared to try things. Like pre-school. We are still deciding what to do next year but she went as a drop-in student a couple of times since she turned 4. This is her at the farm. Auntie Ruth said that she was quite the farm girl! She was right in there feeding the animals. She had a great time.

Leah is at that stage where everything is happening! So she could not let last week go by without a few milestones of her own. Tuesday she pulled to a stand! And she has already started shuffling down the couch to get to Mom. She also cut her first 2 teeth.

It is amazing what we miss if we don't keep our eyes open. Our kids are such a joy. There is One who doesn't miss any of our milestones, Who watches every step we take in life.

"Are not two sprrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs on your head are numbered. So don't be afraid: you are worth more than many sparrows." Matthew 10:29-31

My little Cubbie (on the far right).

Jaala and Micah have been in Awana Clubs this year. They learn scripture verses, bible stories, play games and sing songs. They love it and have a great time. They sure are active and talkative. They both got awards for finishing their first books last week. We don't have a digital so I don't have Micah's pix. This one was from Jaala's leader. Well there is a little more to look at. This is fun!

Well here is me and Leah on my 35th. Vern had a surprise party for me at the church. I don't mind too much being 35. Just don't think I will be having too many more kids.
Let us see how this works. I need somewhere to play. I would like to learn how to publish/edit/create forms practical stuff. I am not much of a surfer, howeverI do have a couple of favourite games on MSN. Bejewled & Zuma.

Attended a funeral today and I sang "It is Well With My Soul. I was overwhelmed today by the power of the message of that song. An older fellow when he complemented my singing told me his favourite song and said he would like it read and sang at his funeral. I love singing especially when the songs have such beautiful messages.

Have to share our newest edition as well. Leah is 6 months old and into everything. She is rolling over, sitting up and babbling a bunch of sounds. We are starting to introduce solid foods. Leah loves her brother and sister a lot. The family keeps us very busy. I am enjoying myself as a Mom. Hope I will be able to stay at home as a mom for a while.

We are really enjoying life in Alberta. Micah loves kindergarten and Mom Loves being at home with my girls.Well it is getting late. I will try to keep this up.

I am going to try this blogging thing. Not sure what to do but I would like to get in touch with you all. Little confused on how this works but will see how it goes.

This is Micah and Jaala at Micah's 5th Birthday. Our family is really growning.