The Birthday Celebration!

So the morning began with a blog, a facebook note and a cheery "Happy Birthday" to get into celebratory mode. Then Shane was confined to the office or shower as I cleaned the house and baked him his own personal carrot cake! I cleaned the house as an act of service because I know that my hubbie loves a clean house, and we've been busy lately so the house wasn't up to par! The act of service was the part where I did his usual chores too!

Then, I got brunch ready along with his birthday gift displayed on his plate. I escorted him to the table and we started with the opening of presents before diving into pancakes and orange juice. I got him a nice Hurley t-shirt which looks great on him and a card! He approved! I kept the tags on just in case!






Then, I played a game of golf with Shane on the playstation. I tried to think of all kinds of little things that I know he would like! He beat me, of course =)




Well, Shane hadn't slept well the night before, so I made a quick adjustment to our plans to include a coffee at Starbucks for my tired birthday boy. We headed to Starbuck's and walked around the mall. It was relaxing and enjoyable and did the trick to get us more energized!

Off to glo-bowling next! Again, Shane beat me in both games! I guess it is just a good lesson in meekness for me =) It was fun but passed too quickly!





Then we got slurpees and headed to St.Vital Park to walk, talk and see the ducks. Shane got to see his buddies =) It was really relaxing and I love the talks and walks I get to have with Shane!




We then headed over to The Keg for supper. Shane loves steak so this was the prime place to go! We had a lovely meal and more great conversation and the best company!



We headed home to get our Bibles for prayer and arrived home to a nice note and goodies left by my lovely sister!



Off to prayer we went! On your birthday you get a time of individual prayer and prophecy! It was good!

Before the day ended, Steph and Lanney joined us for some of Shane's carrot cake that he was willing to share! A birthday wouldn't be complete without a round of "Happy Birthday" and a candle to blow out!





Happy Birthday Shane!

Happy Birthday to my best buddy!

Today is my husband's 28th birthday and we're going to celebrate! But....it's a secret plan so I can't blog it on here yet because the day has just begun!

We're starting with a nice sleep-in because it's always nice to have a little sleep-in on your special day! Then we'll get the day started =)

Shane is so awesome. I just have to brag a little on here. I could not have asked for a better match for me and I am so very blessed and happy to have him as my husband. He encourages me, truly supports me, causes me to go further than I would have on my own, compliments me regularly, hugs me consistently and prays for me multiple times each day. I didn't know that marriage could be so enjoyable and edifying!

Shane is funny and silly, kind and compassionate, sensitive to the Lord and people, bold and aware of his authority in the Spirit, committed to Jesus above all else, willing to take risks, becoming more gentle and humble as the years go by, and crazy handsome on top of all the awesome internal qualities =) He's great with kids, he's a good preacher, he's diplomatic when I'm awkward, he loves my family and there is no one else I'd rather walk beside through this life!

HAPPY 28TH BIRTHDAY MY LOVE!

Last weekend's fun in the sun!

Last weekend, my mom, my siblings, my husband and myself went to camp for the weekend! We started going to camp when my little bro was 2 and having his 3rd birthday. Well, this weekend he had his 20th! Such good memories there for us as a family!

Shane and I saw each other at camp the summer of 2000 and then had realized that both of us were living in the big city. So, we decided to hang out that summer and the rest is history =) What a summer of hanging out, paint fumes and the hand of the Lord can accomplish!







We had a great weekend! The weather was awesome, the heat at night didn't seem as bad as last year, and the prayer we got from the speakers on Sunday was great! I love when God moves! And He's moving all over the place!

The End of A Long Road...

Today will probably mark the end of a long road. Likely, today will be my last day of my second Back-To-Work Program since the problems with my wrist started. I will know officially on Wednesday when I see the doctor, but, it looks like today is the last buddy shift and then I'll be on my own, in my regular rotation, starting next week.

Cheers to moving on! (But please continue to pray for full restoration for my wrist - I still have pain)

Summer is flying by!

Life is busy around the Farrow household these days! Shane is finishing up a course with the U of M and writing his final this afternoon. He's been doing a lot of studying the last few days!

I finished another week of 12 hour shifts on my Back-To-Work program. I had originally hoped to be finished as of yesterday, but my doc is on holidays and can't sign me off yet. So, 2 more shifts and I may be finished this never-ending Back-To-Work program! I'm emotionally and mentally ready to be independent again and have my patients to myself! There are perks to working in pairs and not so nice parts! I think I'll find the first few deliveries alone a little challenging as there is so much to do all at the same time!

Ending my Back-To-Work program means getting back to my usual rotation. Sadly, it means missing SHOP stuff because I'm back to working every other weekend. It also means getting used to nights again. I haven't worked a night in a year and a half! The positive part about nights is there are usually more opportunities to pray for others in the solitude of night. That's sometimes when the struggles really surface...

This weekend we're off to camp with my family! We started going to family camp when I was 8! Now as adults we still try to get out there together for a weekend once a year! I sure hope we get filled again with the Spirit and awakened even more!

Shane and I are hoping to go camping together Monday to Wednesday. That's pretty much the extent of our summer holidays. At this point, the weather isn't looking great for those days. We'll see what happens come Monday!

So, life has been good, but full! I am quickly remembering how full life feels when working 12s. But, I know that this season is not forever and there will be changes over the years, so I might as well be faithful and claim joy!

Girls' Day

Girls' Day has been a monthly tradition since January 2004. It all started with monthly girly outings with my bridal party 5 months before our wedding. It expanded right after our wedding to include women from different parts of my life. Now, 4 and a half years later, there are a number of different ways I know the ladies that come to girls day. 7 of these ladies are from school days (elementary through high school), 1 through blood, and 2 are past roommates of mine. I love seeing these ladies whenever they can make it!

This month we went to Shauna's beautiful house and all brought goodies, to eat, talk and pray together. Generally we meet at a different restaurant each month but this month we thought to have girls' day in a home so we could pray for one another. Well, we only got through 2 people and there are 10 of us if everyone can make it! So, I guess we'll likely create some more space to pray!


Showing a teeny bit of creativity in the dessert I brough =)


Shauna's beautiful house!


Some of my lovely friends!

The Prayer Movement in Baby Language

As a house of prayer, we have often heard things from the Lord in baby language. What I mean by that is God has spoken to us in dreams and words that have to do with the birthing of a baby analogy. That is great for me because I think in baby birthing language!

As we build wisely and pray for the prayer movement to be "birthed" in Winnipeg, God has been faithful to give us understanding and revelation in the moments we need it!

I happened to open an old journal the other night and read an entry, which I never do. It was totally encouraging for me as a reminder of how to posture my heart. I thought I'd share it with you....whomever you are!

September 24, 2007 - "Right now, Sanctuary is "pregnant" with something bigger than what we can see in the natural. We are always so eager to get to the delivery of the "baby". But this time is invaluable. This time is so special and is to be cherished. Life changes when the baby comes. It isn't a bad thing but it is different. So, cherish the times we have now. I want to cherish the empty prayer rooms, the intimate prayer meetings and devotionals in our living rooms, the ability to still gather at the Guses, the close and small feelings of a small core group. This time is so very special. I don't want to be so very focused on the "birth" that I don't cherish and enjoy the present season which is nearing the end more and more each day and week. I also don't want to not have the birth somewhat on my mind. The awareness allows us to prepare correctly. We need both. So, Lord, help us to enjoy and cherish the present season while having longing turned prayer for the coming "baby". Birth the prayer movement in Winnipeg in a greater way in Your timing."

On our way home...

We've watered the flowers for the last time. Some pretty ones are starting to bloom in the front yard.

We have one last walk with the dog which, to my delight, means only one more experience of picking up nasty, warm dog crap! Yuck!

We've fed the dog for the last time. Boy, that sounds a little morbid =)

We've had our last night's sleep in a wonderful, air-conditioned environment and this I will miss the most.

We're completing the last bit of laundry in free laundry facilities! That will be missed too!

We had our last BBQ yesterday night! We BBQ'd so much that we had to replace the propane tank!

So, we're doing a good clean this morning/afternoon and then we're taking a final load back to the apartment.

Heading home....

L & D Fun!

Yesterday evening I got the pleasure of delivering another baby! It has been quite a while because of being off with my wrist. Actually the last 2 shifts before my medical leave, I delivered babies on my own both nights! That was way back in February 2007!

So, baby was almost coming and I was prepared and feeling nice and calm. We got the resident there in time, but not the obstetrician. When the resident walked in the room, before I could chicken out, I asked her if I could do the delivery! I surprised myself by being so bold! I thought, what better a refresher than having a doc there to take over if something goes wrong! That sounds more comforting than having my first delivery in a long time when I'm all alone again =)

Oh, what a rush! And what fun! A slippery, wet, naked, beautiful baby caught in my two hands! I love it!

Prayer Ministry 101....

You know you've been doing a lot of prayer ministry when....

...when you're in the midst of petting the dog and you pause. Then you realize that you really are laying hands on the head of something and find yourself starting to pray "More Lord!"!

Life in the Farrow household....

Well, the summer is flying by. We are still house-sitting and loving having a home! We're here until Sunday and have enjoyed our time! Our desire for a home of our own has definitely been heightened! So, we increase our prayers =)

We got to host Tuesday night prayer here last week. It was nice to host again and not worry about neighbors being disturbed! My brother and sister both spent a night with us over the weekend which is always fun! I love having people over! Saturday night we had some SHOP friends over for a potluck BBQ. The pictures to follow are from Saturday night!

I continue to be itchy. Yes, itchy. It's a weird problem that I've had for the last 4 weeks or so. Very annoying problem. I went back to the doctor's today and will go again on Wednesday after my bloodwork is back. I have no idea what is triggering the itching!

I finished 10 hour shifts at work and now am graduating to 11 hour shift on Thursday. Work has been insane and crazy busy! My wrists have been doing very well in spite of the craziness and the long hours. I still have achy, burning and stiff days, but they are doing pretty good which is encouraging! At this rate, I'll be back to my regular position by mid-August. I'm especially going to miss having every Sunday with my SHOP friends when I return to working every other weekend =(

This week we're enjoying our last number of days in this house, giving our apartment a really good clean before we're back, heading to the beach, getting haircuts, visiting my mom, studying, praying and I'm working Thursday and Friday! It should be good but I think this week is going to fly by!



More fun with the Wii!


Look at the determination and focus!


More Wii fun!


Relaxing and chatting upstairs with these beautiful ladies!

Friends

Yesterday, Shane and I had some friends over to enjoy their company. Johan, Corrie and Eli came by to talk, play and eat together. It was good to catch up and be together socially, where we can say more than a quick hello in the prayer room!

These folks are great! I am excited about the little princess that is in the oven and waiting to make her appearance towards the end of the summer! I even got to feel her position yesterday and that was fun! I always need practice on my Leopold's Maneuvers! Thanks Corrie!

Here's some pics of the playtime in the evening!





Look at that cute bum! Had to get a shot of that!




Also had to get a shot of Corrie and Caitlin doing DDR together!

Corrie, Johan and Eli....we like you guys! Thanks for coming over!

BBQs, Friends and Family!

On Saturday, we had a BBQ with some friends and family! It was nice! We ate together out on the patio, laughed and chatted at the table, and got moving with MarioKart and Dance Dance Revolution on the Wii!

I must say, I do enjoy hosting. I've realized that fact over the few years that I've been on my own as an adult. I love having our Christmas party each year, even though we stuff 20-30 people into an apartment living room! I've loved hosting Tuesday night prayer for the 2-3 years that we have and seen ourselves outgrow our place. I love inviting people over for supper and having people eat and talk around my table. I do love to host! I've been limited living in an apartment, so I think I'll be in my glory when I have a house of my own to host in! Woo! Hoo!

Here are some pics of Saturday evening! Starting with supper on the patio!







Now for the pics of MarioKart and DDR!

Date Night!

Tonight I took Shane out on a date! We had a great time together going out on the town! Often our date nights are low-key and often around home. Tonight we went out!

First for a round of mini-golf at Grand Prix! That was fun! I was so winning the game and then threw it all away the last 3 holes! Bummer!

Then we headed to BDI for ice cream! Shane had his favorite "Goog" for the first time this year. We walked around the beautiful homes, dreaming of what we'd like and laughing about silly things! Ahh...it was lovely.

Then to top off the romance, we made a stop by Superstore to pick up what is becoming my closest nighttime buddy. Benadryl. This itch just won't stop!

I love my hubbie more and more all the time! Boy, do I love date night too!

WE DID IT AGAIN!



Why not when it is so much fun?

We had another BBQ for supper last night and again ate outside on the patio! I'm loving it!

Yesterday's 10 hour shift was good! I hope today's is even better! Then it is the weekend and I'm taking Shane on a date tonight! Yippee!

BBQ on the patio

Last evening, Shane and I barbecued and had supper on the patio! It was great! Mmmmmm...ribs and salad! The weather was awesome and Zoey (the dog) loved that Shane would even play ball as he ate his supper! Amazing!






Here's a pic of our little, furry friend. She got a haircut last week and we love it! She was quite the hairy girl last time we saw her!

Summer is here!

Shane and I are really in holiday-mode. The way it worked out I worked Wednesday and Thursday last week and don't work until tomorrow, so I've had a whole week off which has felt like holidays, even though it technically wasn't! That has been great!

We've been really busy since moving to my aunt and uncle's but we've been doing fun stuff! Thursday we moved, Friday we went to a wedding outside the city, Saturday we were at the Guse Gathering, Sunday was Sanctuary, Monday we went to the beach and had Girls Day and Tuesday we were at a family BBQ! In the midst of all that, we had my brother over for 2 nights, went on many walks with the dog, played piano, enjoyed having friends over to play the wii, and much more!

Here are some shots from this week's Monday afternoon at the beach! Such a fun way to spend Monday afternoons!





We are home from a meeting and some errands this morning and plan on relaxing and studying for the remainder of the day, which I'm really looking forward to! I'm back to work tomorrow and starting 10 hour shifts this week.

It has been a great 7 days here so far and we still have 18 to go!