Jonathan

Butting heads, rolling eyes,
mother's tears and tired sighs.

You were my baby, first one of my own
I hadn't imagined how strong the feelings would be
I had never felt that connected to anyone
You were mine, I was yours, heart and soul


Every new thing you did was amazing, and newsworthy
each smile, burp and coo

Then school, off you went on the bus, all alone in
your too big blue jacket.
Did you hate it? Were you scared? I didn't ask,
you didn't say.

You hate it now. I see it in your face, you aren't afraid to tell me
But you are so smart
Your teachers see it
your friends are drawn to you, even the older ones,
there is something about you, in you, just you
A gift
A gift for what? For what purpose? To what end?

You don't see the gift. What do you see?

I see a young man, I see my baby grown
I see hurt, fear of failure, fear of rejection and ridicule

I see strength and gentleness, together and at war
hope, joy and optimism together with
depression, fear and failure.

Who are you really?
Wonderfully and creatively made, a child of the King
precious, irreplaceable and incredible

Jonathan means gift from God
that's why we chose your name
You are my gift and I will do all I can to protect you
encourage you and provide opportunity for you to become the gift
God intends for you to be.

He has a plan, he gave you your abilities and interests, he sees your
pain and struggles and loves you completely
Where you are, as you are and
as you can be

My heart breaks with you and for you,
when I see you struggle, when I see you hurt

I love you, I am praying for you
Jonathan, my gift

My Mom

I wish I had the words and ability to tell you how much my mom means to me and how much I admire and respect her.

Unique, real, genuine
family is first
my champion, defender, cheerleader
encourager

sees my potential, knows my faults
and weaknesses but loves fully
hurts for me and with me
loves to see me succeed and acheive
(for my sake, not hers)

there is no agenda
there are no strings
just freedom to be, to try, to fail
and to keep going

there was no judgement when I reached the end
just an arm and a shoulder to cry on
and the words "I think you're amazing"

I think you are amazing, mom
Thank you.

Home Owner!!!

Well its official. I now own my own home. I got the keys on Friday and Jon and I spent some time wandering through, talking about possibilities, making lists and picking apples off my trees. I made a delicious apple crumble with them today. If anyone has good crab apple recipes. I have a ton of those to pick as well.

It has been an interesting journey this summer as I applied for and gathered all the necessary information for my first mortage. God has been very gracious. This is something I've wanted and dreamed of for many years now and it has happened way earlier than I ever imagined!

I will be posting some pictures soon but Brad had my camera for school and I forgot to get it back from him! Next weekend the kids and I are going to spend 3 days working in the yard and ripping up brown shag carpeting. Amy discovered that the carpet was covering hard wood floors, yeah! The "jungle" bathroom will be gutted and redone first. Then Garron has free reign to renovate to his hearts content. He'll never be bored! Mark and Mae want to come visit for a few weeks and give some advice? Blog at you all soon.

Ocean's first day of School

The school now has all three Keatley kids attending! nothing like when all James or Pawluks take over a place but we make an impression! Ocean's first day was great. The face she has on in the first photo is how she looks whenever she sees me in the hall. But her teacher assures me that in class she is great and doesn't even ask about me.

I am in the very next classroom and try to keep out of sight. 

Jake

Jon's dog, my loyal companion. He loves to walk, I love to walk. He's quiet and a good listener. He keeps my feet warm in bed. Last night we watched the northern lights together on the balcony. Jake is a good friend!

His only fault is his week stomach which presents me with very smelly, yucky piles to clean up once in a while.
 

Giuseppe

These are some self portraits. Giuseppe was using the camera on the way home from Calaway. As you can see he is not as shy as Jon! For those of you who didn't get a chance to meet him, this is a fellow bin builder and friend of Jon and Sara's. He's a great teacher, fun to be around and great with the kids. Ocean and Sierra are fighting over who gets to marry him in 15 years. Doubt he'll still be available!

We are looking forward to hearing about his skate boarding adventures in Ecuador and wherever else he may travel. He has been adopted into my family as an honorary son.

for those that keep up with the Dorion rumours, maybe this is the boy I gave birth to in England?!! Doesn't really look like Rick but.....

for those out of the loop...just kidding!

Calaway Park

Amy, Journey,Solomon,Myself, Jon K. and Giuseppe all went to Calaway on Labour Day. It was gorgeous and sunny. Amy and I took turns on this ride(called the Storm)this car spins around in the air and upside down..no seat belts! But it is surprisingly gentle and relaxing (if you close your eyes. The highlight for Journey was the flavoured ice and even Solomon had a good time (until the end) Jon and Giuseppe got me up on the roller coaster and I loved it. Would have gone again but the line was soooo long. Sorry I didn't get pictures of them but they were off on their own most of the time. My Jon is elusive.