A New Chapter

 I hadn't spent too much time with my younger siblings in awhile - wanted to do something fun with them. Original plan was to go canoeing, but the weather didn't look too promising so Mark and I decided that a bike ride might be a better option! Mark getting the bikes all fixed up - handy man:) Tried to get a picture of the group, but Manny decided to get in front... Some of the group - was thankful Mark came along - really helped keep everyone together and led the group much better than I ever would have been able to! It's just easier to keep 7 kids with another adult... plus it was nice to be able to spend the time with him!  Stopped for a picnic and got a birds eye view such a great shot! Was a great day and the kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves - we went back to the Windmill and they had a great time playing hide and seek!  Then it was rush home for me for a dress fitting then off to look after my cousins little girls! Will be spendin...

We were all together for one evening (minus Mark) so we packed a picnic supper and headed to the park - the original plan was to head on over for some mini-golf, but decided just to walk around the park - was a nice evening together!  Daniel and his followers!  Trying to pose for a picture Daniel and I goofing off... turned out okay:)

Terri-Ann and Alex - July 26th, 2013 Tom Patterson (Stratford) Island Wedding We were asked to play at their out-door wedding and we were so blessed with a beautiful day   Us  Have you ever noticed how super hard it is to concentrate on your music when there is an incredibly cute flower girl walking down the aisle and everyone is ooohing and aaahing! Maybe it's just me:) The Bride and Father    Witnessing the Ceremony  They barely had time to go stand in the shade when it was time to come back and play - was a super short ceremony -seriously the shortest one I had ever been to.... Make a joyful noise unto the Lord all ye lands...

 The Dream Center (Ray of Hope - Soup Kitchen) was this past week and Jenelle and I were able to make the meal together (thankful for these times... don't happen too much anymore:( ) Don't have too many pictures, but wanted to remember this time! Picking up a few of the last groceries (didn't realize we were half matching till I saw the picture)  Pasta, Pasta Sauce, and Bread - got some looks:) Faith and Ally came and helped prepare the meal as well! Was a great evening.  Trust that it was a blessing to all the guests and praying that His light was able to shine out through us to impact even those we weren't able to speak with! Such a depressing state of people - their only hope can truly come from Him!

Tavistock Bible Chapel hosts a truck stop meeting every Sunday night in Shakespeare - it was the Heikoop's night to sing and a lovely job they did! Touched many hearts! The speaker of the night also gave a very clear  gospel message - praying it sinks deep into the hearts of the listeners!  Laura loving listening to her parents!  Katy was all concerned about her bouquet of flowers falling apart Erik... loved the refreshments!  Thankful for the opportunity to re-connect with some very dear friends whom we haven't seen in awhile... also good to meet new people! God's family is such a wonderful thing!

Went to a beautiful wedding w. Mark and  forgot to pull out my camera - this was the only picture I took:( Was a beautiful ceremony and the minister gave a wonderful exhortation to the couple! The reception was very different - they rented the whole "New Jerusalem" Restaurant, the food was super yummy! Great day...

So on July 21st, 2013 Micah D. Toman was baptized and these are just a few of the pictures that were taken that day. Some of the people who came to witness this life changing event  Micah giving his testimony  Rebecca V. was also baptized and wrote a lovely song for the occasion  Giving her testimony  Ready... And well.... since we were matching we had to get a picture together!:)

The return of Alexandra and Jose-Manuel! They finally received their visa's after the Canadian Embassy went on strike in Mexico and were on the plane to Canada. They are only able to stay for a month this time, but it's good to have them around! Trusting this time is fruitful and beneficial in many ways! The one super hot day I was doing some baking for a girls night (invitation stuffing night) and Manny wanted to help me so he made the individual trifles Ally made the pudding And... everyone worked together on the watermelon bowl. I so appreciate Manny's willing attitude to pitch in and help wherever needed - such a blessing to have!

  The evening started out with a really special twist! Mark and I were able to work on a cake together so enjoyed that time:) Then it was rush-rush-rush to get to Niagara-on-the-Lake half on time!:) The evening started out with a tour by horse and carriage lovely time:)  Never really seen Niagara-on-the-Lake before (during the day). Really cute town, jam packed with history! Heather and Co. put so much time and energy into this evening made all the name place settings by hand - did the table arrangements and Nelly did an amazing job on the flowers! Henry & Heather organized the evening and did an amazing job! Rented a room at "Prince of Wales Hotel" and put together a super program!  Heather put all the names into a hat and pulled them to figure out where everyone would sit - so smart!  In Celebration of Mr.& Mrs. Henry Heikoop (Cake looks super small in this picture) Waiting for the car & visiting - such a lovely even...

One of the beautiful evenings last week I took the younger ones biking down the Grand River Trail - so beautiful - looking forward to many more bikes down this trail!  never a dull moment

Aaron and Daniel - bound for Costa Rica. They took part of my heart with them. A strong desire to go yes, yet... didn't happen this time. Many memories though!  I drove them down to the airport - was nice to be able to see them off Daniel's first time to Costa Rica - trying to quickly brief him:) He'll do amazing there - He's just so well suited for this type of thing! Blessings to you both as you give of yourself to serve others and our Lord! 

 This past weekend was a crazy one - people rushing here and there, coming and going... every minute was so enjoyable and so thankful for all of it! I love it when we have a full house... however there is a lovely thing after all that hustle and bustle called peace! Can be just going for a walk, finding a quiet corner, or looking into a sunset!   Captured with my BB - so its a far cry from quality... however it was a beautiful sunset!

 Almighty love by thy mysterious power In wisdom guide With faith and freedom dow'r Be ours a nation evermore That no oppression blights Where justice rules from shore to shore From lakes to nothern lights May love alone For wrong atone Lord of the lands make Canada Thine own Lord of the Lands make Canada Thine own After brunch July 1st, 2013 those that were here went out to the flag pole and had a small devotional and singing time. May God bring revival to our needy nation Yes, the wedding is only 3 months away!!! Waiting w. smiles  The river was up quite a bit - the river was moving nicely  Taking a break  Looks a little out of proportion:)  *smile*  Was a great canoe trip:) Jonathan kept us entertained - wanting to tip anyone that came in sight!  Some of Mark's nephews were down - so they joined us - our boys loved having them We got back from the canoe trip and all the boys wanted to go...