2016 Additions

Each year I like to add a few ornaments to my tree that represent the year. This year I have three to highlight.

#1 Harley Davidson

This is actually a key chain that is acting as a tree ornament. I got it in York, Pennsylvania when I went for a tour of the HD factory. For some reason, I've always had a fascination with the Hog and when the opportunity arose to do a tour, I jumped.

It was pretty cool to make our way through the various parts of the plant and see the bikes being assembled. An additional fun feature was sitting on the bikes in the showroom. Hey, a girl can dream, right?

#2 Cinderella's Slipper

I actually gave this ornament to my mom many years ago. It just seemed to make sense since whenever the topic of my singleness came up, she would start to sing the song from Cinderella, "someday your prince will come..."

One week after getting engaged and the first time seeing her after the ring was on my finger, she had a tiny red box and a letter for me. She was giving the ornament back to me with the following explanation:

The year that you gave me this ornament, I secretly cried for you, but I placed it on the tree in a prominent place, front and centre. Every time I viewed it, I would pray for the man that would be your "Prince Charming". So now I return this ornament to you... to place in a prominent place on your Christmas tree - a reminder of God's faithfulness, that as we pray believing, things come to pass.

#3 The Fan

This ornament has such a great story behind it, and involves my hilarious Grammie. When my sister Jo-Anne got married, she was the first of Grammie's grandchildren to tie the knot. What happened next started a tradition.

Connie & I hosted an "hour by hour" shower for Jo-Anne. For those of you that are not familiar, all the guests are assigned a time of day and their gift should be used at that time. Just for kicks, Connie & I assigned Grammie to bring a gift for 4am.

When Jo-Anne read the card out loud, it said "For those hot nights. Love Grammie" The room exploded with whoops and hollers to find out what Grammie had in mind for those hot nights. She was perplexed as to why people were laughing. After all, she had just purchased an oscillating fan "for those hot nights".

Each granddaughter that got married since then has gotten a fan from Grammie. I love that she embraced it and it became her tradition. It has been a long-standing joke with us and several years ago, I bought this ornament for her. This year, I'm getting it back for my tree. Grammie has already told Mom that she needs to get a fan for Janice. I can't wait to receive it! :)

The Other Man in my Life

My heart has been stolen by another man. Well, more of a boy actually.

When I met Devin, I knew that he was part of a package. He has a six year old son, Cody. In the beginning, I was anxious about meeting Cody. What if he didn't like me? What if I didn't like him? This was new territory for me.

Before meeting in person, Devin shared photos of me with him and vice versa. What an adorable little red head! On Mother's Day weekend, we decided it was time for the two of us to meet. I knew that I didn't want to take that step until I was certain about the future, but we were ready.

Devin wanted to plan a special surprise for the day we met - so we could both remember it in years to come. He would not tell me what we were doing but said it would be "memorable". I arrived at Devin's house and finally got to meet Cody. At first he hid behind his dad and peered out at me with adorable big blue eyes. It didn't take long for him to warm up and show me some of his toys.

After lunch, we set out for our adventure. We were both surprised and excited to discover we were going on a helicopter ride over Niagara Falls! It certainly was memorable!

One thing I noticed early on with Cody is that he is always telling Devin how much he loves him. By the third or fourth time that afternoon, I looked at him and asked "does your heart melt each time he says that?" Devin replied "Yes, it feels pretty awesome. And some day soon, you will know what it feels like."

He was right. A few weeks later, Cody and I were waiting in the car while Devin ran into the store. I heard a little voice from the back seat.

"Janice?"
"Yes Cody?"
"I love you."

Oh. my. goodness. I melted. And Devin wasn't even there to witness this! It was completely spontaneous and unprompted. When he finally emerged from the store, I got out of the car and told him what just happened. We both got a little misty as we realized the bond that was forming between us.

This weekend Cody & I spent the day together while Devin was at a course. I picked him up at Grandma & Grandpa's house and got the biggest hug ever! Arms & legs were wrapped around me as he buried his face in my neck. Again...heart melted.

I am so incredibly blessed to have this little guy in my life. He is smart, creative and athletic - speaking French, constantly drawing and painting pictures and skating like a pro. He is innocent and sincere. He says things like "You look beautiful today Janice" ...when I've got my hair in a ponytail and wearing my sweats.

I was recently listening to a Focus on the Family podcast and they were discussing the women of Christmas. Elizabeth had waited many years to have a child and probably was wondering if she would ever become a mother. However, she needed to wait to fulfill God's perfect timing. This concept clicked with me and my own circumstance. I have waited a long time to be a mom. It has been a desire of my heart for as long as I can remember. I really didn't know if I would ever get that opportunity. But, God knew that in 2015 there would be a six year old boy that was just waiting for such a woman to be a part of his life. He needs me just as much as I need him. Devin and I are over the moon at how our family has been carefully put together by the Maker, Himself. We cannot wait for what lies ahead!

Engagement Photos

Our friend Brandy generously offered to do engagement photos for us! We spent the better part of a Sunday driving around the Niagara region posing and snapping pics. 

We recently got a disc with the pictures and I thought I'd share a few of my favourites!