i hate it when i post things out of order

 but some moments are worth returning to.  somehow i missed a blog post about this little lion and all his Halloween cuteness.  had it post it late, for history's sake!

i'm quite certain he was the sweetest, most affectionate lion there ever was!

him

 sweet baby C has the most kissable toes.  he also has the cutest curls on the back of his head.  he's pure sweetness and when he grabs my leg and looks up at me with his hazel eyes, well, i can't help myself.  he's not a small baby anymore at all though, he's a busy, chatty toddler learning to navigate language and emotions and little legs that run.

we all know the cliché phrase about foster care and child welfare cases.  we hear it often, "the system is broken".  well, it actually is.  and this little fella is directly impacted by a system that is currently failing him, in my opinion at least.  prayers always welcomed for movement and action in his case so he can inch closer to forever, wherever and however that looks.  praying decision makers have wisdom and that God's very best plan for him rises to the top and that his heart is prepared for the days to come.  

in the meantime, we love you like crazy, little man. ❤

photo credits to Studio In The Attic 

champs

 i'd say it's extra sweet when your first "normal" sport's pursuit post-pandemic (aka "the year and a bit of lockdown and no organized anything, let alone your favourite sports") clinches the championship game and wins the season overall...seriously, this football season was really sweet for AJ, and he was soooo much fun to watch in his element.  his determination on the field is real and he's generally fearless as he chases down the opponents.  so great buddy, proud of the heart and soul you put into each game...

here are a few pics of the final game, and the stunning win. 

Sarnia Sturgeons 15, Vaughan Rebels 7.

some amazing professional action shots were taken during the game as well.  once we purchase those i may add them here, if i can remember, of course.

Congrats kid!!

The Shack

i recently watched The Shack a second time on Netflix.  i'd previously read the book, years ago actually, by William Paul Young.  i know to some the book and movie are controversial.  i do not wish to wade into that today.  why?  well i guess i have always known both the story and movie were a mere human depiction and interpretation of God, the trinity, and the relationship our Maker desires to have with His children.  quite simply, they are the author and producer's best attempt to describe and depict God, which obviously is limited and barely scratching the surface, at best.  for me, however, the experience of sitting quiet and still in the pages and frames before me was a transformative moment, each time actually...the way The Shack tackles tough questions about pain and loss and evil in this world.  it's bold and brave and the answers, equally captivating, are covered in love and grace and understanding of our suffering and brokenness.  so beautifully done. all in a way that honours what i believe God's Word says about these matters too.  and here's no surprise, i weep each time i read or watch.  yep, it's what i do!  there's just something about that reminder that God is with me in the mess of life, and never ever considers bailing on me...

anyway, you decide for yourself, and land wherever you think best.  i'm okay with that.  i just wanted to put it out there in case it was something that would encourage your heart too...

the Spartan

a few weeks ago this cool memory happened.  five kilometres and thirty obstacles on Blue Mountain from start to the trademark firepit finish.  Hannah and Jeff conquered their first (and likely not their last) Spartan Race in Collingwood, Ontario. i wasn't there so i'll mostly let the pictures tell the story.  both say they had a great time, and the challenges were, well...challenging!  so fun for them and i totally love that they completed it together.

below, Hannah crawling under the barbed wire, Jeff must have skipped that challenge because that dude isn't him ;)