No Place Like Home

Merry Christmas 2010

2010-12-24T21:54:00.001-05:00

First days of summer are here!! Wish you were too!!

2010-06-18T23:10:00.002-04:00

Lixy and Brian had their Birthday together this year!!

2010-06-18T23:09:00.000-04:00

Our Japanese Restaurant

2010-04-23T07:47:00.000-04:00

We have begun to serve Japanese cuisine every Wednesday

and Saturday evening and so far it is going quite well.

The local people from here in Madoc and the surrounding

towns are very happy to have Japanese food.

Our precious friends in Japan, Mr. and Mrs. Hoshino

sent us this beautiful little Japanese umbrella that has

a light in it, so we put it up right away and it looks

wonderful!

Thank you very much Mr. and Mrs. Hoshino, you have sent

us a bit of Japan to warm up our restaurant!!

Canadian Maple Syrup

2010-04-13T22:08:00.002-04:00

When the sap comes out of the trees it is very thin

like water and looks like water.

The sap from from the trees goes into big steel vats

and boiled for many hours until only thick, brown

maple syrup remains.

Yummy, sweet maple syrup!

Willy stokes the fire.

Annie stokes the fire.

The buckets on the trees collecting the sap that is running

from the taps that are drilled into the tree.

In The News!

2010-03-25T22:07:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Sunny Side Up!

2010-03-02T23:14:00.002-05:00

Today was our grand opening!

"Sunny Side Up" restaurant is now officially the Hatano Wallace's place to cook and serve you.

(The taking down of the old sign)

Paul and Mary Jane, the original owners of "Sunset" restaurant, have been our very own angels! They've passed on all the business as well as the know how and hands on training and experience these past weeks, and though we are all going to miss them, we know God is going to bless them so much for their love and care for Him and others all these years, and our love and prayers and thankfulness is always with them.

(The brand new sign)

A big thank you! and round of applause for Aunt Lynda who gave us her expert talent, time, and skills in creating our logo!! We love you so much! Now you not only have a place in our hearts but right up front where all can see.

The Reeve and Deputy Reeve of Madoc came to do the ribbon cutting and officiated the opening and welcoming of our restaurant in Madoc. We were also presented with a beautiful apron baring the insignia of the township and were each given a piece of the ribbon.

Grandpa and Grandma drove all the way out here on Sunday to be with us and celebrate our restaurant opening together. Chihiro, our cousin from Japan who has been studying here in Canada, also came to be with us on this day! It was such a blessing and honor to be surrounded with family and as well as so many new friends who came out to be with us on this special day.

With the whole family here at the restaurant we all got turns meeting and serving the customers!

Later on in the afternoon Greg's basketball team and coaches came in for 'wings'. Mary Jane came in to help and we served them all you can eat chicken wings with fries and pop!

All in all it was a full day, a new day, a good day :) A big thank you to everyone who made it possible, for your love, for your prayers, for your support! We couldn't do it without you and we will continue to depend on your prayers! We love you so much and will keep you all updated.

And here ends another day which God has given us--a day to rejoice and be glad...and a day to end and get some sleep! Good night!

The Other Johnny

2010-03-02T21:46:00.000-05:00

Jaime Escalante was an immigrant from Bolivia who taught at Garfield High School in inner-city Los Angeles. He accomplished remarkable results with students known to be especially difficult to teach.

There is one story of Escalante having two students named Johnny in his class. One was a straight A+ student; the other was an F+ student. The A+ student was easy to get along with, cooperated with teachers, worked hard, and was popular with his peers. The F+ Johnny was sullen, angry, uncooperative, disruptive, and in general was not popular with anyone.

One evening at a PTA meeting, an excited mother approached Escalante and asked, "How is my Johnny doing?" Escalante figured that the F+ Johnny's mother would not be asking such a question, so he described in glowing terms the A+ Johnny, saying he was a wonderful student, popular with his class, cooperative and a hard worker, and would undoubtedly go far in life. The next morning, Johnny—the F+ one—approached Escalante and said, "I really appreciate what you said to my mother about me, and I just want you to know that I'm going to work real hard to make what you said the truth." By the end of that grade period, he was a C- student, and by the end of the school year, he was on the honor roll.

If we treat others as if they were "the other Johnny," chances are dramatically better that they will, in fact, improve their performance. Someone rightly said that more people have been encouraged to succeed than have been nagged to succeed. This example makes us wonder what would happen to all the "other Johnnies" of the world if someone said something really nice about them.

Sunny Side Up

2010-02-21T20:38:00.001-05:00

Welcome to our soon to be restaurant! The "Sunny Side Up."

For the past 2 weeks Dad has been waking up early every morning

to learn how to open up the restaurant and take care of the morning breakfast crowd and learn how to run the business. Of course, he's made a place for himself there already and can name off

all the regulars and just how they like their morning greeting, coffee, meals and service.

This last week Lixy has started going in as well to learn how

to run the kitchen and take orders and cook up the specials without bringing down the

kitchen and the customers!! She's been doing pretty well, thank God, but please keep

her in your prayers as she has a lot to learn, but is definitely looking forward to learning it!

Greg too has been coming in and learning to waiter, tend tables and run the cash register. We're

also having to learn how to use the kitchen equipment--the big grill, and deep fryer and chicken fryer

and keep them clean and maintaining them! We are really enjoying it though and it's nice to have something like this to do together as a family. We also make some amazingly

good fried chicken! and fish and chips, so come come come!

Our grand opening is on March 1st so this is our last week to train and prepare!
It's scary and exciting. We know the Lord is going to take good care of us and He'll do miracles
for us--He has too, ha! Please keep us in your prayers and you are welcome any time at the Sunny Side Up Restaurant!

The Hatano Wallace News Report

2010-02-09T21:44:00.001-05:00

Hello Konichiwa!

Well, we are now one month into the year, and what a beautiful year it is and has been and will be! The world is still perfectly white, snowy and cold out here in Marmora but our home is always toasty and warm with our wood stove blazing brightly--especially now that I, Lixy, have also learned to start a fire and keep one going all by myself!!

Recently the men folk of this family have been busy doing manly duties, while we, the lady-folk keep the "home fires" running. Brian, Chris and William have taken up the local Thursday paper route with Dad who chauffeurs them house to house to meet the neighborhood and deliver their papers. Greg has a daily paper route that he chauffeurs himself to all by himself, but often when he has basketball practice at school Joe or Dad and the boys charge in to the rescue. These last few weeks dad has been going out to Ajax to work on refurbishing a house to help pay for refurbishing our house! We are hoping to build two rooms in our big family room, one for Lixy, so she'll finally have a place to stay, and a guest room for YOU to have a place to stay when you visit.

BIG NEWS: We might soon be the owners of our very own family restaurant!
It's not for sure yet but it looks like Jesus has a special little restaurant in Madoc, right down the road from Greg's high school, that He wants to give us! The owner right now is a friend and very sweet Christian man who the Lord has been showing that He should pass on the business to us. It's a wonderful opportunity to meet people and also to have a place where we can have fun working together and cooking and planning special events and music and maybe catering to people's homes and events in the future as well! We still have a lot to pray about and work out, but if God wants us there we know He'll get us there and wherever He guides He always provides. So please keep praying for us!!

Here are some pictures from last month when Dad and Mom took us all to Chinese Food for the New Years!!

Anyone Can Make A Difference

2010-02-01T01:30:00.003-05:00

Eldorado Sled Dog Races

2010-01-25T12:47:00.004-05:00

This weekend we all attended the Eldorado Sled Dog Races in Eldorado, Ontario, a small town not too far from our home. It was our first experience but one that was very exciting and educational. Willy, Chris and Brian all got to try their hands at racing a dog sled and they all did very well. We hope that you will be able to join us next winter for a once in a lifetime experience!

週末，エルドラド犬ぞりレースに参加しました。本レースは、50マイルコースを7匹の犬がそりを引いて走るコースです。約3時間ちょっと越えて一番てが帰ってきました。わー、本物を目に見るのは興奮です。ウイリー、クリス、そしてブライアンは犬ぞりでトラックを一周するレースに参加するチャンスを得ました。みんな初めての経験でしたが、とても良くやりました。
来年は、一生に一度の体験はいかがですか？

Willy was first up and he stepped right up without fear.

His dog was a little slower, but nevertheless, Willy and dog

made it safely across the finish line.

ウイリーが、私達の子供たちの中で先頭を切りました。彼の犬はまだ若く初めてなのもあって、ちょっとゆっくりだったけどウイリーを乗せ、無事一周してきました。

Chris had a faster team (also 2 dogs as to Willy's 1).

クリスは2匹が引っ張って走るレース。彼のチームは、速かった。

Brians team were experienced dogs, both having raced

for a total of 33 years between them. They are retired now,

but still love to run!!

ブライアンのチームは、経験豊かな犬で両方合わせ33年の経歴ですが、今は引退しています。でも、まだ走るのは大好きなようです。＜ちょーっとゆっくりですが＞

Go Centurions Go!!!

2010-01-21T09:07:00.003-05:00

Greg is on the basketball team this year and is doing well. They are now 7 wins 1 loss. Last game Greg scored two
baskets for 4 points!! Way to go Greg!!!

Here is Greg going for one of his two baskets!

Sunday Service

2010-01-17T20:51:00.076-05:00

Today we were invited to "Golden Pond" retirement residence to give Sunday service. We visited once before in December when we did our Christmas performance for the residents and they were very eager to have us back again.

今日は、日曜日の礼拝に呼ばれゴールデンポンド　レジデンスホームまで行ってきました。１２月のクリスマスショー以来で、住居者の皆さんはこの日をとても楽しみにしていたようです。

Dad gave a sermon with little stories and lessons from the bible about God's blessings and love for us and the importance of having a thankful heart to be happy. He then played some hymns,"Through it all" and "How Great Thou Art", which everyone joined in singing together.

パパが、神からの祝福と私たちへの愛、そして感謝する心を持つことの大切さについて、聖書の中からと、いくつかのストーリーの抜粋を分かち合いました。その後、聖歌の中から、何曲かをみんなで一緒に歌いました。

The beautiful Elena then played "Amazing Grace" and "You've got a Friend" while Lixy croaked whole heartedly along in the back ground.イレーナが、アメージング　グレース、ユーガッタフレンズをリクシーと一緒に歌いました。

William and Annie performed a lively happy dance "H.A.P.P.Y" that the ever talented and splendid Cha had put together for them just days earlier

ウィリー、アニーが＜お姉ちゃんのチャーの振り付けで＞ダンスを披露しました。

And of course last but not least, we couldn't leave without sharing lots of hugs
ハグ、ハグ、ハグの励まし

We also enjoyed looking over some happy memories of　pictures we had taken from our visit during Christmas

クリスマスのときに一緒にとった写真をご披露

It was a great day. We went to give love and happiness and ended up also taking so much love and happiness back with us as well.There is no joy like shared joy!

素晴らしい一日でした！愛を与えることで、たくさんの愛と幸せを受け取りました。喜びとは与えるまでは、喜びにならない！！

Loving Hands

2010-01-13T23:43:00.009-05:00

The Rev. Ira Gillett, missionary in the former Portuguese East Africa, tells the story of a group of natives who had made a long journey and walked past a government hospital to come to the mission hospital for treatment. When asked why they had walked the extra distance to reach the mission hospital when the same medicines were available at the government institution, they replied, "The medicines may be the same, but the hands are different!"

“Be kind and merciful. Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness—kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting. In the slums we are the light of God’s kindness to the poor. To children, to the poor, to all who suffer and are lonely, give always a happy smile. Give them not only your care but also your heart. Because of God’s goodness and love every moment of our life can be the beginning of great things. Be open, ready to receive and you will find Him everywhere. Every work of love brings a person face to face with God.”
—By Mother Teresa of Calcutta, In the Silence of the Heart

愛情深い手
東アフリカの元ポルトガル領の国で宣教師を務めるアイラ・ギレット牧師は、ある原住民のグループの話をしてくれました。その人たちは、政府の病院を通り過ぎ、わざわざ長い距離を歩いて、遠くのミッション･ホスピタル（宣教師たちの営む病院）まで治療に来ていました。政府の病院でも同
じ薬があるのに、どうしてわざわざ遠くのミッション･ホスピタルまで来るのか尋ねると、こう答えたそうです。「薬は同じかもしれねぇが、それを投薬してくれる手が違うんでさぁ！」

「親切で, 憐れみ深くあること。人が、あなたのところに来た時よりもうれしく,幸せな気分にして別れること。あなたの優しい顔、目、微笑み、温かい挨拶こそ、神の優しさを示す生きた見本となるのです。スラム街の中で、私たちは貧しい人たちに対する神の優しさの光なのです。子供たちや貧しい人たち、苦しんでいる人、孤独な人にいつも幸せな笑みを投げかけてあげましょう。世話するだけでなく心も与えなさい。神の優しさと愛によって、私たちの人生の一瞬一瞬が偉大なる事の始まりとなるからです。もっと心を開いて、受け入れるならあなたは神をいたるところで見つけるでしょう。すべての愛による働きこそが、人々を神に会わせるのです。」マザートレーサ

Care Hamilton

2010-01-13T17:38:00.007-05:00

This weekend Dad, Mom, Lixy, Willy and Annie, drove into "civilization!!" (Hamilton) once again.
"Care Hamilton" was hosting a dinner party for underprivileged families to celebrate the dawning of a new year. A few months ago Dad was offered a seat on the board of "Care Hamilton" by a friend who is in the process of setting up this newly established charity organization. This was our first opportunity to be involved with such projects and we were so happy to be a part of it
1月10日は、ハミルトンケアの企画で恵まれない家族の人たちの為のニューイヤーディナーショーを手伝う為、田舎町から都会まで出かけてきました。ハミルトンケアは、小さいながらも認可されたチャリティーグループで、何ヶ月か前に知り合いの呼びかけにて、これから一緒に働くことになりそうです。そう、今回初めて活動に参加する機会を得ましたが、何と素晴らしかったことでしょう！

The Italian Restaurant and our wonderful Chefs Frank and Vito!
イタリアンレストランにて、素晴らしいシェフと一緒に！

Arts and Crafts for the kids
参加した子供たちの為の、ぬりえや工作コーナー

Appreciation and New Year's Toast

Feast　

ご馳走！沢山の企画！このうれしそうな顔、

Karaoke and Singing

It was a wonderful evening, thanks to all the wonderful people who contributed and made it a wonderful beginning to a wonderful year
素晴らしい年の始まり、皆様方の助け、どうもありがとう！

Ps. And a special thank you to Grandpa and Grandma who took good care of Willy and Annie back at home making them their own feast and evening full of fun.

Love never fails

2010-01-06T09:49:00.002-05:00

Many years ago a boy of ten was working in a factory in Naples. He longed to be a singer, but his first teacher discouraged him. "You can't sing," he said. "You haven't any voice at all. It sounds like the wind in the shutters."
      But his mother, a poor peasant woman, put her arms about him and praised him and told him she knew he could sing, she could already see an improvement, and she went barefoot in order to save money to pay for his music lessons. That peasant mother's praise and encouragement changed that boy's life. His name was Enrico Caruso, and he became the greatest and most famous opera singer of his age.
   Like it says in 1st Corinthians 13, "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things--Love never fails. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

昔、10歳になる少年がナポリのある工場で働いていた。歌手になるのが少年の夢だったのだが、最初の教師は、こう言って彼を思いとどまらせた。「君には歌えない。全く声量がない。まるで雨戸を揺する風のような声じゃないか。」
      ところが、貧しい農婦だった少年の母親は、少年を腕に抱き締め、心からほめると、こう言って励ました。「お前には歌える。歌が上手になっているのが、手に取るようにわかるよ。」　そして、少年が音楽のレッスンを受けられるようにと、自分は靴も履かずにお金を蓄えたのだった。そして、その母親の励ましと称賛は、少年の人生を変えた。少年の名はエンリコ・カルーソ。少年は、一世を風びした、最も偉大で、最も有名なオペラ歌手となったのである。

Niagra Falls

2010-01-03T13:38:00.005-05:00

A visit to Niagara on a cold winters day--Perfect! The day after Christmas, seeing as we were in Hamilton and Niagara Falls was only about an hour drive away, we couldn't resist stopping in for a peak. Though it was cold and misty the Falls were powerful and beautiful and quite the sight to behold.

　12月26日はハミルトンにいたので、車で1時間もかからないナイアガラまで、皆で行ってきました。寒かったけど、滝の凄さと、滝によって水しぶきの霧が降りかかる光景は、なんと美しく壮大なものでしょう！

After we were good and frozen we went inside to defrost and Daddy and Mommy got us all a nice hot chocolate and coffee from the one and only "Tim Horton's"

　子供たちのにぎわう声を聞きながら、夫婦一緒に飲むコーヒーは、なんとステキなことでしょう！

Elena found herself in her ultimate dream world

And we found some last remaining Christmas decorations of the year to capture memories with

おおー、子供たち！写真とポーズに大忙し。

Happy New Year!

2010-01-02T02:04:00.001-05:00

With so much to be thankful for and so much to look forward to, we pray that this new year will be more blessed than last! God bless you with love, joy and peace!!!

A Family Christmas

2009-12-29T19:07:00.012-05:00

メリークリスマス

お久しぶりです。今年のクリスマスイヴの朝は、おうちで家族そろって迎えました。クリスマスツリーの下で、１日早めのクリスマスプレゼント　オープン。その後すぐに、ハミルトンの両親＜子供たちの祖父母＞のお家に移動。クリスマスの日は、ウォーレス家一同揃って祝いました。

All The Wallace Cousins

This Christmas, for the very first time, we spent Christmas day with all our family.

On December 24th, after opening our presents hidden beneath our own tree here at home, we set out to Hamilton to celebrate with the rest of our relatives. We picked up our one and only dearest sister Elena on our way, and woke up Christmas morning to spend the day all together at last!

Sweet Grandpa and Grandma had a huge (like super duper huge) delicious pizza waiting for us, and made us feel right at home camping out in all the rooms available and sitting in Grandpa's favorite chairs and getting into all Grandma's goodies! We love you Grandpa and Grandma!

Our Uncle Jason and Aunt Karen put some of us older ones up in their beautiful home and we had the best accommodations and service ever during our stay in Hamilton--they didn't even mind that Greg ate all their food, and we girls took over Uncle Jason's computer room! That's real family, that's real love. Thank you Uncle Jason, Aunt Karen and Caitlyn for taking such good care of us. We loved every minute of our time with you.

Aunt Karen brought over a huge plate of all kinds of wickedly delicious homemade cookies which a friend gave her. Every last cookie was gone before the day ended.

Then it was present opening time AGAIN!!

Grandpa and Grandma got the grandsons underwear which they were awfully happy to get

And new pajamas for the granddaughters, and grandpa seemed to have gotten a nice blanket which he took to quite nicely

The Uncles

叔父さんたち

Too many handsome men in one shot...so we added some beautiful ladies and this is what we got

Now that's Christmas Spirit!
All the Uncles and Aunts together
お父さんのお姉さん夫婦たちと共に、

And the Beautiful Christmas Couples

Our Cousin Craig with Melanie and Our Cousin Kyle with Serena
Greg and Our Cousin James gave us a live concert and we can't forget Dante who kept everyone very entertained to be sure!

CHRISTMAS DINNER

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2009-12-24T00:04:00.001-05:00

メリークリスマス！
　お元気ですか。いつも、ありがとう。皆さんからの応援は、私たちにとっていつも励ましです。どうぞ、主から、多くの祝福がありますように！そして、みなさんの健康、心の平和、幸せをお祈りすると共に、お友達やご家族一緒に、楽しく素晴らしいクリスマスを送ってください。We Love You!　　

The Love Goes On...

2009-12-22T19:17:00.003-05:00

　12月は、年寄りの方のレジデンスホーム、老人ホーム、身障者の方々の施設、事故による脳障害の人たちの施設など、9つのショーをこなしました。忙しかったけど、とても貴重な人々と会え本当に良かったです。ちっさな愛は遠くまで広がりました。
These are the pictures of our last show of the season. We visited a retirement home up in Bellville where again we were warmly welcomed and enjoyed an hour of dancing, singing carols and hymns together, hugs, kisses, disco dancing by Jason showing off, and not to be out done, dad told his latest "Forest Gump in Heaven" joke which always gets the laughter rolling. We ended our visit with gifts and refreshments and a tour of their beautiful home. We all had a wonderful time and hope to be visiting again in the New Year!

今年最後のクリスマスショーの様子です。

ダンス、歌、キャロル、そして賛美歌、ハグなど、又孫1歳3ヶ月のジェイソンの大胆なディスコダンスの披露、それだけでなく、パパのジョーク＜天国のフォーレストガンプ＞は、いつも皆の笑いを呼びます。ショーの後のスナックは特別。ここでは、セントリーハウスのツワーまでしてもらいました。凄くステキ！多くのところと同じように、来年のはじめに又招待されました。

God Is Love

2009-12-22T12:57:00.002-05:00

Understanding

It was a cold winter morning. The shopping center parking lot was ridged with piles of fresh snow. I parked my car and headed for the sidewalk, the only exit that had been freed from the drifts of snow. But there was a car left directly in front of the shoveled pathway! I had to trudge around the vehicle, wading into snow up to my knees, to get onto the walk. "How thoughtless can people be!" These words rang through my mind along with a few others. But as I turned to stamp the snow off my trousers, there, struggling along the walk, was a lady with crutches extending from both arms, her legs encased in braces. Slowly, ever so slowly, she inched her way along the slippery pathway, got to the car blocking the walk, tussled herself into the front seat, and drove away. I stood for a moment, ashamed that I had felt the way I had. In seconds I had changed. I saw the woman and her plight. Suddenly I understood!
The absolutely indispensable ingredient to getting along with others is understanding! Differences, displeasures, wrath, frustration, conflict, and separation start where understanding stops.

理解すること

ある寒い冬の朝のことでした。ショッピングセンターの駐車場には、降ったばかりの雪が、うね状
に積もっていました。私は自分の車を停め、入り口に続く歩道に向かって歩き始めました。それは、出入り口に続く、雪かきされた唯一の歩道でした。けれども、その道のすぐ前に車が停められていたのです！　そのため、歩道に出るまで、膝まで積もった雪をかき分けながら、その車のまわりをぐるっと回って歩かなければなりませんでした。「自分勝手にも程がある！」この言葉は、似たような他のいくつかの言葉と共に、私の脳裏を駆け巡りました。けれども、振り返って、足を踏鳴らし、ズボンの雪を振り払おうとすると、そこには、両腕から伸びた杖を突きつき、金具で固定された足を引きずりながらやっとやっと歩道を歩いて来る女性がいるではありませんか。それはそれはゆっくりと、彼女はすべりやすい歩道を少しずつ進み、その歩道をふさいでいた車にたどりつくと、運転席に格闘するかのように乗り込んで、車を走らせて行きました。私は、しばらくそこに立ちすくみ、批判的な思いを巡らせていた自分を恥ずかしく思いました。けれども、私は一瞬にして変わったのです。その女性とその窮状を見た時、すぐに理解することができたのでした。
他の人たちとうまくやることにおいて、決して省くことのできない要素は、理解することです！　
相違や不快感、怒り、欲求不満、摩擦、分離、このすべては、理解が止まるところで始まるのです。

God's Hand

In a prayer meeting a man prayed with great fervor. The burden of his prayer had to do with a family that had suddenly been bereft of the father and husband. "O God," pleaded the intercessor, "do send someone to that grief-stricken family to touch them for You!" Suddenly the man lapsed into silence. Quietly he withdrew from the group. Before the prayer meeting concluded, he returned. Asked why he concluded his prayer so abruptly, and why he withdrew without explanation, he said, "As I prayed that God would touch that sorrowing family, He seemed to say to me, `You are My hand! You go and touch them for Me!'"

神の手になる

祈りの会合で、ある男性が熱心に祈っていました。それは突然、父親と夫を失った家族のための祈
りでした。「ああ、神よ」その祈り手は嘆願しました。「悲しみに打ちひしがれたこの家族の心を慰め
られるよう、あなたの代わりに誰かを送ってください！」　そして突然、この男性は黙ってしまいま
した。そして、静かに立ち去ったのです。会合が終わるまえに彼は戻ってきました。なぜ、祈りを突
然にやめてしまったのか、またなぜ何も言わずに立ち去ったのか尋ねられ、彼はこう答えました。「神がこの悲しみに暮れた家族を慰めてくださるよう祈っていると、『あなたこそ、わが慰めの手だ！あなたが行って、わたしの代わりに慰めてきなさい！』と告げられたように感じたからです。」

Sharing Love

2009-12-19T10:20:00.007-05:00

Jesus says, "Whatever you do for one of the least of these, you've done it for Me."

Since we want to give Jesus lots of special gifts of love, songs, laughter, smiles and hugs and kisses for His birthday, we are doing our best to give as much as we can to others.

Here we are at "Caressant Care", a retirement home here in Marmora. Last week we visited and did our performance for the residents there. We ended with singing some Christmas carols and other classic hymns all together and then went around to give a hug and take some time with each one. It really did feel like a Merry Christmas!

Winter Wonder Land

2009-12-17T07:10:00.000-05:00

SNOW, SNOW, SNOW!! YEAH!!!!!!!!

The kids are loving the snow!! They are out playing in it everyday!!

The Winter Wonder Land. It is so beautiful here!

There is a little work involved though but the snowblower makes it easy. And the kids love it!!

Greg the Russian!

Grampa and Jason going for a sleigh ride. This sleigh is mine from when I was a boy!

Jason loved his ride so much....

he fell asleep from all the excitement! CUTE!!!

God's beautiful creation!

Santa Parade in Marmora

2009-12-15T00:07:00.001-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS! We love you!!

All the kids were cute.

Lots of goodies were passed out and nice, hot popcorn was one of them! Yummy

Blossoming flowers

2009-12-12T13:51:00.004-05:00

A young woman who was a great lover of flowers had set out a rare vine at the base of a stone wall. It grew vigorously but it did not blossom. Day after day she cultivated it and watered it and tried in every way to coax it into bloom.

One morning as she stood disappointed before it, her invalid neighbor, whose back lot adjoined her own, called over and said, "You cannot imagine how much I have been enjoying the blooms of that vine you planted." The owner looked and on the other side of the wall was a mass of bloom. The vine had crept through the crevices and flowered luxuriantly on the other side.
There is a lesson for every Christian here. So often we think our efforts thrown away because we do not see their fruit. We need to learn that in God's service our prayers, our toil, our crosses are never in vain. Somewhere they bear their fruit and some heart will receive their blessing and their joy.

花を咲かせること

それはそれは花好きの若い女性がおりました。彼女はとても珍しいつるを石垣のところに植えま
した。それは勢いよく成長しましたが、花を咲かせることはありませんでした。来る日も来る日も、彼女は水をやったり、肥料をあげたり、花を咲かせようとして、あらゆる手立てを尽くしました。ある朝のことです。がっかりして、そのつるの前に立っていると、肢体の不自由な隣人が彼女を呼んで言ったのでした。その人の裏庭は彼女の庭と隣り合わせになっていました。「あなたが植えてくださったつるの花を私がどれだけ楽しませていただいているか、あなたには想像もおつきにならないでしょうね。若い女性が、石垣の反対側を見ると、そこには花がところ狭しと咲いているではありませんか。つるは、隙間から向こう側へ伸び、そこで華やかに繁茂していたのでした。ここに、すべてのクリスチャンへの教訓があります。私たちはあまりにしばしば、その結果を見
ることがないゆえに、自分たちの努力が水の泡になってしまったと考えるのです。私たちは、神へ
の奉仕において、自分たちの祈りや労苦や犠牲が無駄になることは決してないと学ぶ必要がありま
す。どこかで、それは実を結び、誰かの心がその祝福や喜びを受取っているのです。

Greg the Actor

2009-12-12T11:41:00.007-05:00

School Play "Oliver Twist" opening night!

Greg played the role of a rich gentleman, Mr. Brownlow.

Dad, Mom and Chris went to see the play and were so very very proud of Greg! I didn't go so I don't know the plot. Dear Mother was supposed to blog about it, but since she is taking so long I will do my best to improvise until she comes to save the day and write a proper accounting.

The Hero of the day, Mr. Brownlow

Late one night while escorting his gentle wife home from the theater...

A beautiful damsel in distress appeared seeking the help to rescue Oliver Twist who had been abducted by the monstrous poor house task master

"Don't worry Ma'am, I'll save the boy!"

"Black Jack! You vile villain. Unhand the boy!"

The kidnapper wouldn't listen so Mr. Brownlow fired

Jack Black fled in panic letting the poor boy fall to the ground where Mr. Brownlow quickly stooped to revive him

Mr. Brownlow and his wife decided to adopt the boy so that they could live happily ever after, and that is just what they did.

The crowd applauded wildly. We all love happy endings

PS. Plot and characters in this accounting or purely the result of a Lixy imagination

2009-12-08T17:32:00.000-05:00

The time has come to light this season up

so everyone will know we are celebrating Christmas.With lots of lights and lots of hands to help, we got our home all ready to shine and welcome Christmas in style.

Jason and Willy first had to get into the groove by decking themselves out

The next step was getting all the lights pulled out of storage and out of a big tangle

Greg brought his cute girlfriend over to help out...and to show off his decorating skills of course

William worked hard to get the lights up all nice and neat

Not to be out done of course by Chris, Dad and Jason who made sure all the lights were in top working order

2nd Show

2009-12-06T23:52:00.003-05:00

Another merry Christmas day!

On Friday evening we were invited by a friend to join them at their annual church Christmas party dinner. We enjoyed the wonderful turkey dinner with many assorted dishes and home baked deserts, but most of all with the wonderful people there. Everyone was so welcoming and it felt just like Christmas with the spirit of love, thankfulness, and celebration of Jesus' birthday together.
金曜日の夜、友達の招待で教会のチャリテーディナーに行ってきました。おいしいターキーやその他いろんな種類の食事、ホームメイドのデザートなどなど、食事を満喫しました。でも、一番素晴らしかったのは、参加者の人たち！皆で感謝と愛をもってイエスの誕生を祝うことができ本当にクリスマスがきたみたい！
There were a number of different people who took the stage to sing carols and recite the Christmas story and there was even a very humorous but touching puppet show with the reminder of WHO Christmas is about.
いろんな人がステージにたち、キャロルやクリスマスのストーリなど披露しました。でも、人形劇は真のクリスマスの意味を思い起こさせられとても心に触れました。
We were able to do our Christmas performance as well, and once again it felt so good to be able to sing and dance and share happiness with others.ここでも私達のショーを披露しました。皆さんのうれしそうな顔を見るのは、私達も励まされます。

Michael, our friend's son, joined us in singing jingle bells

私達の友達の息子、マイケルと一緒にジングルベル歌いました。

Annie and the boys sharing a Christmas message of love from Jesus　　　　アニーと男の子たちは、イエスからの愛のメッセージ伝えてるところ

Greg with Sherilyn and her brother Michael　　　　　　　　　　　　　　グレッグと友達シェリリンと兄弟のマイケル

What are you made of?

2009-12-06T23:34:00.000-05:00

A young woman went to see her mother and told her about all her troubles. Life was hard, and she felt like giving up. No sooner had one problem been resolved, it seemed, than a new one took its place. She was tired of the constant struggle.

Her mother took her into the kitchen and filled three pots with water. In the first pot she placed a carrot, in the second she placed an egg, and in the third she placed some ground coffee beans. She lit the stove and set the three pots to boil without saying a word.

Twenty minutes later she fished the carrot out and put it in a bowl. She pulled the egg out and put it in another bowl. Then she ladled the coffee through a strainer and into a cup. Turning then to her daughter, she asked, "What do you see?"

"A carrot, an egg, and coffee," the young woman replied.

"Feel the carrot," the mother said.
The daughter tried to pick it up, but it fell apart between her fingers. It had turned to mush.
"Now the egg," the mother said.
The daughter cracked the egg on the edge of the bowl, peeled away the shell, and pronounced it hard boiled.
"Now try the coffee."

The daughter smiled as she lifted the cup toward her mouth and breathed in the aroma, and she smiled even more broadly after the first sip. It tasted rich and full.

"So what's your point, Mother?" the young woman asked.

"The point is that the carrot, the egg, and the coffee all faced the same adversity—the boiling water—but each reacted differently. The carrot went in hard, strong and unrelenting, but became weak and fell apart. The egg had been fragile, but after sitting in the boiling water, it became hardened. The coffee beans were different. When they sat in boiling water, they changed the water. Which are you?" the mother asked. "When adversity knocks at your door how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean? What are you made of?"

あなたは何で出来ていますか？

ある若い女性が母親に会いに行き、色々悩みを打ち明けた。一つ問題が片付いたかと思うと、また新しい問題が出てくるので、もうすべてを投げ出したい気持ちだと。人生は辛く、彼女は苦労の連続にうんざりしていた。
すると母親は娘をキッチンに連れて行き、3つの鍋に水を入れ、最初の鍋にはにんじん、2つめの鍋には卵、3つめの鍋には挽いたコーヒー豆を入れた。それから、一言も言わずに3つの鍋を火にかけた。
20分たって、母はにんじんを取り出してボウルに入れた。次に卵を別のボウルに、最後に茶こしでコーヒーを濾してカップについだ。それから娘の方を見て言った。「これは何？」
「にんじんと卵とコーヒー。」　娘は答えた。
「にんじんをさわってごらんなさい。」
娘はにんじんをつまんだが、柔らかくなっていたので、ぐしゃっとつぶれた。
「今度は卵」と母。
娘はボウルの縁で卵の殻を割り、むいて、「固ゆで卵だわ」と言った。
「じゃあ、今度はコーヒー。」
娘はにこっと笑ってカップを取り、口に近づけてその香りをかいだ。そして、一口すすると、さらに笑顔を見せた。深くまろやかな味だった。
「お母さん、何が言いたいの？」
「にんじんも卵もコーヒーも同じ逆境にあったわね。煮立ったお湯の中にずっと入っていたから。でも、それぞれ結果は違ったわ。にんじんは最初、堅くてしっかりしていたけれど、煮たら弱くなって崩れたし、卵は割れやすかったけれど、しばらく沸騰するお湯の中に入っていたら固くなった。コーヒー豆は違ったわ。お湯で煮立てたら、そのお湯を変えたの。あなたはこの内、どれかしら？」　
「逆境に見舞われた時、あなたはどう反応するかしら？　にんじん？　卵？　それともコーヒー豆？　あなたは何で出来ているのかしら？」

2009-12-05T19:32:00.000-05:00

Christmas 2009 Show Team

Our First Show

2009-12-03T22:32:00.006-05:00

This evening we did our very first Christmas show! We were nervous and a little scared, especially when Mommy got sick and Daddy woke up this morning and wasn't able to open his eyes. Our show was for the "Lion's Club" in our town and we wanted to give them a special gift of Christmas cheer, so we were all praying really hard. Dad was in bed all day and Mom had a bad headache, but by faith we, the fearless children, we're ready to go in alone if we had too--Joey was even ready to take on the manly job of being our Master of Ceremonies and fearless leader. And then the miracle happened. Less then an hour before we had to leave Dad got up and suddenly the piece of debris that had gotten stuck in his eye disappeared and he was able to take off his patch. We headed off together to the community center where we were given a warm welcome and were greeted by friendly cheerful faces.今晩は、今年初めてのクリスマスショー！私たちは、特にナーバスでちょっと怖かった。なぜなら、ママは病気、パパは朝から目が痛く開けれない状態。ショーはライオンズクラブ。クリスマスの喜びを分け合えるようみんなで必死に祈ってました。でも、パパは一日中ベットにいなくちゃで、ママも頭痛がひどく、最悪の事態に備え私達だけで信仰によって出かける心構えをしました。ジョーも男性として覚悟を決め、いざ出陣という、ちょっと前に何と奇跡が起こったのです！パパの目に入っていたゴミのかけらが出てきたのです。パパは、立ち上がり眼帯を投げ捨て先頭に立っていざ出陣！＜ふゅー＞　

The performance went great and everyone loved it! We were also able to give everyone a beautiful Christmas message and sold 6 Christmas CD cards. Less nervous and scared, we are now looking forward to tomorrow where we were invited by a friend to her church for their Christmas dinner party where we will perform for them! Yay, it really is a merry Christmas.皆さんからの、暖かい歓迎。そしてショーは愛らしく素晴らしくかったですよ。もう、恐れは半減。明日は、友達の教会のディナーショーに招待され、そこでショーをする予定です。いぇー！これこそクリスマスだ。

A Brother Like That

2009-12-03T21:49:00.001-05:00

   A friend of mine named Paul received an automobile from his brother as a Christmas present. On Christmas Eve when Paul came out of his office, a street urchin was walking around the shiny new car, admiring it. "Is this your car, Mister?" he asked.
   Paul nodded. "My brother gave it to me for Christmas."
   The boy was astounded. "You mean your brother gave it to you and it didn't cost you nothing? Boy, I wish…" He hesitated.
   Of course Paul knew what he was going to wish for. He was going to wish he had a brother like that. But what the lad said jarred Paul all the way down to his heels.
   "I wish," the boy went on, "that I could be a brother like that."
   Paul looked at the boy in astonishment, then impulsively he added, "Would you like to take a ride in my automobile?"
   "Oh yes, I'd love that!"
   After a short ride, the boy turned and with his eyes aglow, said, "Mister, would you mind driving in front of my house?"
   Paul smiled a little. He thought he knew what the lad wanted. He wanted to show his neighbors that he could ride home in a big automobile. But Paul was wrong again. "Will you stop where those two steps are?" the boy asked.
   He ran up the steps. Then in a little while Paul heard him coming back, but he was not coming fast. He was carrying his crippled younger brother. He sat him down on the bottom step, then sort of squeezed up against him and pointed to the car.
   "There she is, Buddy, just like I told you upstairs. His brother gave it to him for Christmas and it didn't cost him a cent. And some day I'm gonna give you one just like it. … And then you can ride around and see for yourself all the things that I've been trying to tell you about."
   Paul got out and lifted the lad to the front seat of his car. The shining-eyed older brother climbed in beside him and the three of them began a memorable holiday ride. That Christmas Eve, Paul learned what Jesus meant when He said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
--Dan Clark

理想の兄

友人のポールは、クリスマスイブにお兄さんから新車をプレゼントされました。ポールがオフィスから出て来ると、みすぼらしい格好の少年が、そのピカピカの車のまわりを歩き回っています。よほど気に入ったらしく、ポールに話しかけてきました。
「これ、おじさんの？」
「そうだよ。兄貴からのクリスマスプレゼントさ」
「ええー！　こんないい車、タダでもらったの？　僕も…」
少年がそこまで言いかけた時、ポールは思いました。
（僕もそんな兄さんがいたらなあ、と言いたいのだろう）
ところが、少年の言葉にポールは耳を疑いました。
「僕も…そんな兄さんになりたいな」
ポールは驚いて少年を見ると、思わずこう言いいました。
「車に乗ってみたいかい？」
「本当？　乗せて！」
車を走らせてまもなく、少年は目をきらきら輝かせながら、ポールに尋ねました。
「おじさん、僕の家まで乗せてってくれる？」
ポールはニヤリとしました。
（なるほどな。きっと、こんな大きな車に乗って帰ってくるところを、近所の子供たちに見せたいんだろう）
しかし、その憶測はまたもやはずれたのです。
「前に石段がついている家があるでしょう？　あの家の前で、ちょっと待っててくれる？」
少年は車を降り、駆け足で家に入って行きました。しばらくすると、今度はずいぶんゆっくりした足取りで出てきます。足の不自由な弟を背負ってきたのです。少年は弟を石段の一番下に座らせ、車がよく見えるように弟の身体を支えました。
「ほらね、すごい車だろう。おじさんのお兄さんがクリスマスプレゼントにくれたんだって。タダでだよ。いつか、僕もお前にあんな車、買ってやるからね。そしたら、お前だって僕がいつも話してやっているいろいろなものを、自分の目で見られるんだ」
それを聞いたポールは車から出ると、少年の弟を抱き上げ、助手席に座らせました。少年も目を輝かせてその横に乗り込み、三人はドライブに出かけたのでした。一生想い出に残るドライブでした。クリスマスイブの日、ポールは、このイエスの言葉をしみじみと実感したのです。
「受けるよりも与えるほうが幸いである」
ダン・クラーク

"Santa Claus Is Coming to Town"

2009-12-01T17:53:00.003-05:00

サンタクロースパレードがやって来る！！さっそく、子供たちを連れて行ってきました。

Well, Santa didn't come to OUR town, but when we heard their was going to be a "Santa Parade" in Madoc (the town where Greg's high school is located) we drove out to see it.
Because some of us were a little too excited, we arrived a whole 2 hours early, but we suffered happily in the freezing cold coldness rather then risk missing anything. And at last our patience was rewarded as the parade began and we had bands, police cadets, horses, clowns, decorated and colorful floats, and lots of strange and festive happy faces wishing everyone a merry Christmas full of good cheer.

Richly Blessed

2009-11-30T09:30:00.003-05:00

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health, that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy;
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all men most richly blessed.

—By an unknown Confederate soldier during the American Civil War (1861-1865)

私は神に強さを求めた。ゴールを達成できるようにと。
すると、弱さを与えられた。謙虚に従うことを学べるようにと。
私は健康を求めた。偉大なことを行えるようにと。
すると、病が与えられた。それによって、より良いことが行えるようにと。
私は富を求めた。幸せになれるようにと。
すると、貧しさが与えられた。私が賢くなれるようにと。
私は力を求めた。人からの賞賛を得られるようにと。
すると、弱さを与えられた。神が必要であることを悟るようにと。
私は全てのものを求めた。人生を楽しめるようにと。
すると、人生を与えられた。全てのものを楽しめるようにと。
求められたものは何一つ与えられなかったが、
望んだものはすべて得られた。
こんな私なのに、言葉にしなかった祈りが聞かれたのだ。
私はすべての人の中でも、もっとも豊かに祝福されている。
－米南北戦争（1861-1865年）の最中に、連合軍のある兵士が書いた詩

Happy Thanksgiving day

2009-11-25T22:52:00.009-05:00

Happy Thanks Giving!

感謝祭　

それは、１６２１年にピルグラムがアメリカに渡った時にインデアンの助けによって、沢山の収穫をえることが出来ました。そこで、皆で神に感謝を捧げることから始まりました。

でも、知ってましたか。アメリカの収穫祭は、11月26日。でもカナダの収穫祭は10月12日。そう、私たちは、先月、デービットの両親と言語留学の為にトロントにホームステーしているいとこの息子、チイーちゃんと感謝祭を過しました。

In 1621, the Pilgrims arrived in the United States. They were able to not only survive but to have a plentiful harvest, with the Indians help and God's provision. This is why they were so thankful to God for His faithfulness, in providing for them even in this strange new land among strange new people, that they made "Thanksgiving" an official day in which to give thanks. In America the celebrate this holiday on the 26th of November, however in Canada we are bursting with so much thankfulness that we celebrate it a month earlier on October 12th. So last month we had the grand grandparents and Chichan (Our relative who is living in Toronto on homestay from Japan) over for a wonderful feast that God supplied and we cooked (except sweet Lixy who was still in Japan).

朝、さっそくターキーの調理からスタート。ターキー、色とりどりの野菜、ポテト、パンプキンパイは、感謝祭に欠かせません。んんんん！いいにおい！おいしいターキーの出来上がり！グランマーありがとう。

神様、秋の紅葉のなか、素晴らしい食事を家族共に祝えることを感謝します。素晴らしい感謝祭を過すことができました。そして、私たちがどんな状況にいても毎日を感謝することができますように！！

First thing in the morning we stuffed that turkey with Grandma's grand stuffing, and cooked up lots of colorful vegetables, pumpkin pies, and mashed potatoes. All those things make thanksgiving something to be even more thankful for. Super yummy yummy.The turkey smells so good for my tummy. Thank you Grandma.

And thank you, God, so much that in this wonderful Autumn weather, surrounded by beauty and family, that we can celebrate your love and goodness together. We had such a wonderful thanksgiving together (even without lixy) and please help us to be thankful, no matter what the situation, because we know you are good and you love us.

ELENA

2009-11-24T20:40:00.005-05:00

イレーナ、We love you and we miss you!

私達のイレーナが、ダンスチームに参加する為トロントに行っちゃってもうすぐ1ヶ月。ここのところ、ショー、キャロイングで忙しそう。＜私達も4ショーが待ち構え、まだ増える予定です。＞Sweet Elena,8人兄弟の4番目、16歳、頑張ってね。いつも、祈ってます。

My sweet daughter Elena has been gone for a month now to join her dance team in Toronto. It looks like they already are and will continue to be very busy with shows and caroling all through the Christmas season. We have four shows booked too! So we all will be busy and happy together even though we are apart for a little while. Sweet Elena, my fourth child in eight, in her sweet sixteen--I'm praying for you all the time!

...And to my sweet sister Elena, Lixy loves you lots and lots too. We all miss you a lot, but especially me and Cha. We will plan lots of ways to tease and bug and love you up when you return home so don't worry. Mom did this whole post for you all by herself (even the pictures and comments, so blame her if you don't like them ok, hehe), she really is always praying for you and thinking about you. We're sending you lots of love and hope you are having fun there. Have a wonderful Christmas and I hope Jesus does something special to make you as happy as I know you will be making many others.

Humble and sweet! Willing to go along with Dad's wishes!

Such a tender heart, our Ton-chan!!

Ton-chan loves her little bugs!

スケート　スケート

2009-11-23T23:54:00.003-05:00

みなさん、お元気ですか？今日は、子供たちと、孫を引きつれ隣町のスケートリンクまで行ってきました。月曜は、この地域のホームスクーラーの人たちのスケート日。ディジョン家に知り合ったのをきっかけに、参加、こんなにホームスクーラーの人たちがいるなんて、ビックリ。みんな、それぞれにクリスチャンでやさしいく、子供たちもすぐにフィット。私達の子供のスケーティングは、地元のスケートリンクの方からの寄贈です。明日は地元のスケート日＜火、木は、午後ただで入れます。凄いでしょ！＞イエスは、私達の必要に応じていつも供給してくれます。＜今日は、大切なカメラを忘れちゃいましたので、前に撮った地元のリンクでの写真です。＞　　　　　

　　Hello Everyone. Today we went skating in our neighboring town. Every Monday the homeschoolers in the comunity have a "skating gathering". Since we met the De'Jong family we have been also been meeting up with other homeschoolers and often participate in their activities. I was so suprised and happy to see how many homschoolers we have here in the area! It is such a blessing. They are all Christian's and very good people with such sweet and precious children...just like the wonderful children the Lord also blessed me with, ha. A man who has a skating rink in our town gave our kids skates for free and we can skate there twice a week. We are so thankful. Jesus takes such good care of us! 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

We forgot to bring our camera today so here are some pictures from when we skated last month. We love you and Jesus loves you too!

Loving Kindness

2009-11-21T21:03:00.011-05:00

A class of eight-year-old boys was asked to explain the meaning of loving-kindness; one youngster replied, "If I were hungry and someone gave me a piece of bread and butter ... that would be kindness, but if they put lots of jam on it ... that would be loving-kindness."

愛情深い親切
８歳の男子生徒ばかりのクラスが、愛情深い親切とは何かという質問をされました。一人の男の子はこう答えました。「もしぼくがおなかをすかしている時に、誰かが、パンをくれて、それにバターを塗ってくれたら、それは親切。だけど、その上に、ジャムもたっぷり載せてくれたら、それは愛情深い親切になります。」

The lost shoe

   This story is told of Mahatma Gandhi. He was standing in the doorway of an open railway carriage as it moved slowly out of an Indian station, when one of his shoes slipped off and fell on to the track. Quickly he took off his other shoe and dropped that on to the track, too.
   Seeing the puzzled look of a fellow passenger, Gandhi said, "A poor man may find a pair of shoes now. One wouldn't be much good to him."
   It's wonderful to think not only in terms of how things affect ourselves, but also in terms of how they affect others.

なくなった靴

このお話は、マハトマ・ガンジーによって語られたものです。彼は、ある時、インドのある駅を出てゆっくりと動く貨物列車の、開いたドアの所に立っていました。彼の靴の片方が脱げて、線路に落っこちてしまったのです。すると、彼は、すばやくもう片方の靴も脱いで、線路に落としたのでした。
一緒に乗り合わせていた人が驚いたように見ていると、ガンジーはこう言ったのでした。「誰か貧し
い人が今ごろは靴を拾っているに違いない。片一方だけでは役に立たないからね。」
物事が自分にどんな影響を及ぼすかだけでなく、どのように他の人にも影響するかを考えるのは素晴しいことです。

Coffee House

2009-11-21T00:46:00.010-05:00

Everyone who knows Greg knows he loves the spot light, and tonight the spot light was all his and man, did he ever shine.

His school held their annual "Coffee House" event in which the students volunteered to do performances to help raise money for their school. Greg signed up to do three songs, and Dad, Mom, and Lixy went to be his cheering squad. When we arrived Greg already had his own fan section and was surrounded by three lovely adoring ladies.

グレッグを良く知っている人は、彼がいかに注目を浴びるのが好きか知ってることと思います。今日は、彼のための日でした。どんなに輝いていたことでしょう！コーヒーハウス、これは学校が資金調達のため、学生達がボランティアでパフォーメンスをおこなう、一年に一回の行事でした。グレッグも3曲かってでました。パパ、ママ、そしてリクシーは応援隊！私達が着いた時、彼には自分のファンコーナーがあって3人のかわいい女の子達に囲まれてました。

The performances were all creative and wonderful, but Greg was most certainly the King of the night...and not just because we are his family, but because he really was fantastic. With his handsome face, charming nature, and God given talent, everyone loved him. Dad and Mom were so so proud, and Lixy greatly approved of her big little brother. Way to go Greg!
この日の皆のパフォーメンスはとても創造性に富んで素晴らしかったです。もちろん、我がグレッグは、今晩のキングといって良いくらい！家族だから言ってるだけではなく、本当に素晴らしかったのです！！チャーミングでハンサムな顔立ち、神は彼に素敵な才能を与えられました。みんな彼のこと、大好きでした。誇りに満ちたパパとママ！リクシーも彼女の大きな弟のこと、認めざるをえません。

Treasures From Japan

2009-11-19T23:15:00.005-05:00

今晩は、ジャパニーズナイト＜ウォーレスハタノガールズ手作り＞
カナダでは、そうは簡単に手に入らない素材、恋しい日本食。でも、リクシイーが日本から帰ってくるとき、素敵なお友達のみなさんが持たせてくれたので、大事にとってたけど、今晩は特別！ありがとう！使用させてもらいましたよ。　　　　　　　　

Tonight the Hatano-Wallace chicks made a special genuine Japanese dinner. We've been missing Japanese food sooo so much as it's not so easy to find the ingredients here in Canada, but our dear friends and loved ones back in Japan sent us some goodies with Lixy. So tonight was an especially special night to which we owe all our wonderful Japanese family. Thank you all so much! Our tummy's were happy and so were our hearts. We love you.

それから、Sumie,日本から送ってもらった海苔、ふりかけ、まだ残ってたので使いました。使うたびに、素敵な微笑み思い出してましたよ。

みんな、久々の日本を満喫しました。　　　　　　　　　　　

Japanese Goodies

Mom brought out her special stash

Cha caught sight of it and wanted it

But Mom didn't want to share

Cha gripped mom's neck but still mom's grip on the snacks was stronger

So they fought on and on

Finally Cha gave the knock out blow

Cha got her "precious" but felt bad--Violence never pays

Little Willy who had been looking longingly on the sidelines all the while found the treasure fell right into his lap. Life is fair and God is good :)
＜皆さん、この素晴らしい日本からのスナックは、後で皆で仲良く食べましたよ。心配しないで！！＞

Christmas is Coming!

2009-11-19T12:00:00.009-05:00

わあー、クリスマスシーズンがやって来た。
１９９7年以来のカナダのクリスマスを沢山の新しい場所、新しい人たちと一緒にイエスの誕生を祝えるなんて！素敵で幸せな気分にさせられるクリスマスダンスの数々を他の人々に分かち合えられようにと、私たちの才能豊かなチャーが、子供たちの振り付けをおこなっています。１２月に入ると、チャリティーイべントや老人ホームなどでショーが出来るようにと予約をとっているとこです。この素晴らしいシーズンに、キャロリングもできたらと思ってます。素晴らしいクリスマスでありますよう、私たちは皆さんの心と共にいます、そして祈りの中でも一緒ですよ。
Yes, it's almost that time of year again--CHRISTMAS! This will be our first Christmas here in Canada since 1997 and we are all excited and looking forward to celebrating Jesus birthday with many new places and faces surrounding us. Our very own beautiful talented directors, Cha and Elena, are putting together a number of happy festive dance routines to spread the happy festive spirit to others. Dad will be calling the different charity centers and retirement homes in the area to see if we can perform for them in December. We are also hoping to do some caroling and make the absolute most of this wonderful special time of year! We will be with you all in our heart and prayers too, wishing you a beautiful Christmas--even if it's not white, at least that it will be bright!

リトルジェイソンも、ダンスが大好き、おじさん、おばさんの真似で大忙し

Little Jason loves showing off his talent in dancing along with his Uncles and Aunties

Be Happy

2009-11-17T19:35:00.006-05:00

Happiness is in the heart, not in the circumstances.

There is a story told of a king who was suffering from unhappiness, whose astrologer told him that the only cure for him was to find a happy man, get his shirt, & wear it night & day. So messengers were sent through the king's realm in search of such a man, with orders to bring back his shirt.
Months passed, & after a thorough search of the country the messengers returned, but without the shirt.
"Did you find a truly happy man in all my realm?" the king asked.
"Yes, O king, we found one, just one in all thy realm," they replied.
"Then why did you not bring back his shirt?" the king demanded.
"Master, the man had no shirt," was the answer.

He who is not grateful for the good things he has would not be happy with what he wishes he had.

幸福は、心の中に存在するのであって、状況の中にあるのではない。

ある所に、幸せになれないで苦しんでいた王様がいました。占星学者に尋ねたところ、その苦しみをいやす唯一の方法は、ある幸せな人を見つけて、その人のシャツをもらい、一昼夜それを着ていることだと言われました。そこで、王様の権威の及ぶあらゆる所に使者が遣わされ、そのような人を探し歩いたのでした。幸せな人を見つけたならば、必ずその人のシャツを持ち帰るようにとの命令を携えて。

何ケ月かたち、国中をくまなく探し歩いたというのに、使者たちは手ぶらで戻って来るだけでした。シャツはどこでも手に入らなかったのです。

「私の国中で本当に幸せな人を誰か見つけてきたか？」王様は尋ねました。

「はい、王様、たった一人だけいました。全国でただ一人だけです。」

「それならば、どうしてその人のシャツを持って帰らなかったのか？」王様は強い語調で言いました。

「王様、その人はシャツを持っていなかったのです。」

自分の持っている良きものを感謝しない人は、手に入れたいと思っているものを手にしても、幸せにはならない.

Weekend with the Relatives

2009-11-16T21:35:00.006-05:00

Hi, this is Lixy. This Friday, I went with Daddy, Mommy, Annie, and Willy to visit Grandpa and Grandma in Hamilton. It was a long way away and took way too long because the traffic was bad, but it was worth it, and Grandma had her famous spaghetti and meatballs waiting for us when we arrived. We also got to see Elena on our way through Toronto. She has been staying with friends for the last two weeks preparing for their Christmas concerts, so we have missed her back at home, and I was so so happy to see she was still sweet, tall, and beautiful as always.

これは、リクシーです。金曜日、ハミルトンの祖父母のところに行きました。おばあちゃんの有名なスパゲッティーミートボールがまちかまえてたので、遠く離れ交通渋滞もかさなったけど、行く価値がありました。行く途中で、今クリスマスのショーの練習をする為、トロントの友達のところに滞在しているイレ－ナに会いました。かわいいイレーナ、会えてとってもうれしかったよ。

It had been 11 years since I'd been in Canada and I was so excited to be in Grandpa and Grandma's house again, but as we pulled into the driveway I noticed the house looked smaller. It used to look twice as big, but Dad said that's because I was twice as small, hah. The house was still lovely, and Grandpa and Grandma of course are still lovely and grand! They took such good care of us the next 2 days, and on Saturday my Uncle Jason and Auntie Karen, Gramma Flo, and my cousins, Craig, Kyle and his girlfriend Serena, and Caityln with her boyfriend Joe came over to have dinner with us. Craig was my hero and got me some "girly" cocktail drinks because I told him I missed the ones we had back in Japan. Grandpa had brought home some super duper hot dogs and buns which we all enjoyed together. Gramma Flo brought over some of her amazing peanut butter cookies and butter tarts, and Auntie Karen made potato salad and deviled eggs which was just perfect. Everything was wonderful and I was so happy to be with everyone again at last and it was one of the best evenings I've had.
カナダを離れて11年、祖父母のおうちは、昔の思い出より2倍小さく感じました。お父さんから、なぜなら私が2倍小ちゃかったからだと言われました。でもお家も祖父母も今でも素敵です。2泊3日お世話になりました。土曜日は、お父さんのお姉さん夫妻とご主人のお母さん、従兄弟たちとその恋人たちも集まって夕食会をしました。従兄弟のクレッグは私のヒーロー、なぜなら日本の飲み物が恋しいと言ったら女の子用カクテルを買ってくれました。みんな持ち寄りのディナーでどれもおいしくパーフェクト！とっても幸せで、素晴らしい夜をみんなと過しました。
On Sunday Dad drove us all down to Limeridge Mall which was my most favorite mall when I was 12 years old. It still seemed just as big, even if maybe just a little less spectacular, but I loved it just as much. We also drove by our old home and neighborhood which was literally a trip down memory lane. When we got home Grandma made us up some pizza and chicken nuggets while Grandpa and Dad watched the football game--Hamilton tiger cats vs BC lions. Our tiger cats lost, but they seemed to have put up a good fight considering all the whoops and screams Dad and Grandma kept shouting out. After the game we loaded up our car and trailer and said our goodbyes to the grandparents who we will see again soon at Christmas--I can't wait!

日曜日には、お父さんの運転で昔大好きだったライムレージモールに行きました。昔の私の感じてた凄さとは違ってたけど、今も大きく素敵です。その後、昔住んでたお家や近所を見てきました。懐かしいー。お家に戻ると、お父さんとおじいちゃんが地元ハミルトンタイガーキャトのフォットボールゲームを見てる間、おばあちゃんがピザと、ナゲットのランチを用意してくれました。地元チームは負けちゃったけど、お父さんたちの、興奮した大きな観戦声！の様子から、とても緊迫したゲームだっようです。見終わるとすぐに帰宅の途につきました。さようなら、またクリスマスにあいましょう！
Thank you Grandpa and Grandma and everyone! We love you all so much and are so happy and blessed to have a family like you! You make life a good life to live :)

Winter Wood

2009-11-12T11:24:00.007-05:00

With a Canadian winter right around the corner we need to be sure we have plenty of wood stocked up for our wood stove to keep our house nice and warm. Daddy and the boys have been faithfully chopping up lots of wood that we ran out of space in the wood shed! So our Super-Daddy decided to build an extension on the wood shed. Daddy "can do all things through Christ which strengthens him" too, just like Mommy, and like we all can do with Jesus' help...and a little hard work too of course. THANK YOU DAD!

カナダの冬がもうそこまで来てます．そのためには、ストーブに必要な十分な薪をため込まなくては！！お父さんと弟たちが、忠実に切り集めた薪が一杯になって場所がなくなったため、スーパーdadは、薪置き場を広げることにしました．お父さんも、キリストによって何事でも出来る！　お母さんと同じように。私たちみんな、キリストの助けによって出来る！もちろん、ちょっとのハードワークは必要。お父さん、ありがとう。

Dad making the wood shed roof　薪置き場の屋根作り

Our friend (and Joey's Boss) "Johnny Roofer" came over to bring some shingles for our shed and showed dad how to put them on. We like Johnny, he's a good guy!
私たちの友達ジョニー・ルウファーがカナダ用カワラをわけてくれ、お父さんに仕方を教えてくれました。ありがとう、ジョニー！
Daddy did a super duper job! The shed is perfect and beautiful. That's our Dad!
さすが私たちのお父さん！物置は、きれいで、完璧。すごい仕事をやってのけた。

Good Ol' Hockey

2009-11-10T10:29:00.002-05:00

デービットは、恵まれない環境にいる子供たちのために、手助けしてあげるためのボランテア活動をすることになり、その一環でホッケーのチケットをいただきました。ヤホー！！さっそく４人の子供をつれてホッケーの観戦！

Recently Papa volunteered to help be a "Big Brother" to children in difficult family situations. Like the verse "Give and it shall be given unto you", it turned out the volunteer corporation had extra tickets to the upcoming OHL (Ontario Hockey League) game. So Papa took Mama and Annie and the boys to watch the game and cheer on those brave fearless men! Woohoo!

OHLリーグ、将来のNHL スターを目指しガンバッテ
ワオー、スコワ

The Praying Hands

2009-11-09T20:31:00.001-05:00

From childhood Albrecht Dürer (German artist, 1471-1528) wanted to paint. Finally, he left home to study with a great artist. He met a friend who also had this same desire and the two became roommates. Both being poor, they found it difficult to make a living and study at the same time. Albrecht's friend offered to work while Albrecht studied. Then when the paintings began to sell, he would have his chance. After much persuasion, Albrecht agreed and worked faithfully at his art while his friend toiled long hours to make a living for both of them.

The day came when Albrecht sold a woodcarving and his friend went back to his paints, only to find that the hard work had stiffened and twisted his fingers and he could no longer paint with skill. When Albrecht learned what had happened to his friend, he was filled with great sorrow. One day returning home unexpectedly he heard the voice of his friend and saw the gnarled, toilworn hands folded in prayer before him.

"I can show the world my appreciation by painting his hands as I see them now, folded in prayer." It was this thought that inspired Albrecht Dürer when he realized that he could never give back to his friend the skill which had left his hands.

Dürer's gratitude was captured in his inspired painting that has become world famous. And we are blessed by both the beauty of the painting and the beautiful story of gratitude and brotherhood.

"But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant" (Matthew 23:11, KJV).

　　アルブレヒト・デューラー（ドイツ人芸術家、1471-1528）は幼少の頃から絵描きにあこがれ、やがて家を離れて偉大な先生の下で学び始めました。そこで、同じ志しを持つ友人と出会い、二人はルームメイトになりました。貧乏暮らしをしながら学業に励むのは並大抵の事ではありませんでした。

　　アルブレヒトの友人は、君が学ぶ間、ぼくが働こうと申し出ました。アルブレヒトの絵が売れ始めたら、今度は自分が学ぶ番にすればいいと。アルブレヒトは、友人の強い説得に負けてそうすることに決めました。それから、友人が二人のために長時間働いて生活費を稼ぎ、アルブレヒトは熱心に芸術の勉強に打ち込みました。

　　ついにアルブレヒトの木製の彫像が売れて、友も絵画に戻れる日が来ました。ところが、重労働のゆえに友の指は硬くねじれ、思うように動かなくなってしまっていたのです。アルブレヒトは、友の身の上に起きたことを思い、悲しみに沈みました。

　　ある日、いつもより早く帰宅すると、友の声がしました。のぞいてみると、友は疲れ切ってねじれた手を合わせて祈っていました。

　　「祈りのために合わされたその手を描くことで、全世界に僕の感謝を示そう。」　友が、かつてのような巧みな芸術的タッチを二度と取り戻せないことを悟ったアルブレヒト・デューラーに、そんな思いがわきました。

　　友への感謝にあふれるその素晴らしい絵は、世界的に有名になりました。ですから、私達は、その美しい絵と共に、感謝と兄弟愛についての美しい実話という恵みにあずかっているのです。

特別の日

2009-11-09T11:50:00.000-05:00

November 5th:
Joey's Birthday and our first snow of the year! The snow didn't last long but we loved it and know their will be lots more to come.
And Joey, he's lasted 21 years and we pray we will have lots more to come as well filled with love and happiness.

11月５日　ジョーの誕生日、今年始めてみる雪！雪は長く続かなかったけど、これからが楽しみです。それからジョー、２１年目に入り　これかも、もっと続き愛と幸せで満たされますように！

Country Mama

2009-11-09T11:37:00.000-05:00

Kakoiiokasama
Mommy is so cool. At the beginning of the year she would never have imagined herself standing outside by an open fire, yet today Mom can make a real fire all by herself!
ママは、すごくクール！今年の初めに、オープンファイアーの前にたってる自分の姿なんて想像してなかったでしょう、にもかかわらず、今自分で火をおこせるなんて！！

I was impressed and told Mom I was so proud of her. She answered、"I know, imagine me the pastors wife, sugoi desho! *amazing right*" But then we decided it's not actually so amazing, because when you're married to the pastor, you're married to Jesus, and when you're married to Jesus you can do everything and anything. 　
とっても感心し、ママに誇りに思うと言いました。答えは、”そのとうり、牧師の妻なんてここから想像できる？！凄いでしょう。”でも、考えたらそんなに凄いことはない、なぜなら、牧師の妻になることはイエスキリストと結婚するようなもの、と言うことは、何でもどんな事でもすることが出来るのだから。

Mom cleaning the fire pit　火をおこすために、お掃除

Mommy fetching　wood　　　
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　木の枝集め　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Moｍ hiding behind the wood　恥ずかしく、薪の裏隠れ

Mommy taking care of her fire　　自分のおこした火の世話やき

Love Reaches Out

2009-11-06T19:50:00.000-05:00

愛は広がる！

大きな愛があれば、

必ず大きな奇跡が起こる！

ある朝、勤務先の病院に近づいた時、私は、腰の曲がったか弱い老人が、同じ方向に向かって歩いているのに気づきました。老人は、とても急いでいました。「こんな時間に、あんなに急いでどこへ行くんだろう。それに、見るからに病気だというのに、一人で外出するなんて危険じゃないか。」　私はそう思いました。

　　その日、私は、同じ老人が病院の廊下を歩いているのを見て驚きました。その人の楽しみは他の人達を助けることで、ある日、病院でボランティアとして働きたいと言ってきたのだそうです。週に２日、その人は午前中、何でも助けが必要なことをやり、職員や患者、また患者の家族達との会話を楽しんでいます。他の人達を助けることで、その人は自分の病気のことを忘れられるのです。自分自身を与えることで、その人は、生きる意欲を取り戻し、朝起き上がることに立派な目的を見いだしました。

あなたにできるあらゆる善を行いなさい、
あなたにできるあらゆる手段で、
あなたにできるあらゆる方法で、
あなたにできるあらゆる場所で、
あなたにできるあらゆる時に、
あなたにできるあらゆる人に、
あなたにできる限り。

¯ジョン・ウエズリー（イギリスの神学者 1703-1791）

Where there is great love, there are always great miracles!

One morning as I neared the hospital where I worked, I noticed a frail, stooped, elderly man hurrying in the same direction. I wondered where he was going in such a hurry and at such an hour. I also questioned whether it was safe for him to be out alone in his obviously poor state of health.

Later that day, I was surprised to see the same man walking down a corridor in the hospital. I found out he had always enjoyed helping other people, so one day he had come to the hospital and offered to work as a volunteer. He comes two mornings each week to work in whatever way he is needed. He enjoys the interaction with the staff, the patients, and their families. By helping others, he has been able to forget his own health problems. In giving of himself, he has found a new lease on life and a new reason to get up in the morning. —Author Unknown

Do all the good you can.

By all the means you can.

In all the ways you can.

In all the places you can.

At all the times you can.

As long as you ever can.

—John Wesley (English theologian and evangelist, 1703-1791)

Apple Cider

2009-11-06T10:36:00.000-05:00

Today we learned how to make apple cider! The De' Jongs, another homeschooling family that lives in our town, came to teach us how.

　

今日は、同じ町に住む、同じホームスクールラーのデージョン家と一緒に、りんごジュウスの作り方を学びました。

First Step: Have tons of apples
　　　　　　　　　　1.りんごたくさん必要　８００ｌｂ使いました。　
Second Step: Throw the apples into the apple grinding machine (watch out for your fingers!)　　　
　　　　　　　　　　　　　２.　りんごを、グラインディング　マシンに入れます。
Third Step: Scoop ground up apples into cloths and then load them onto the pressing machine
　　　　　　　　　　　　　３.グラインドしたりんごを、布の中に入れ押しつぶすための機械に入れます。
Fourth Step: Layer the apple filled cloths on wooden platforms. Place them on top of each other and then press all the juice out.
　　　　　　　　　　　　　４.布のなかにっ入っているりんごを、木のフォームと交互に５，６段に積み重ねます。そして、重しをのせプレッシングしていきます。　
Fifth Step: Fill the wheelbarrow with the remaining dry, useless apple junk and dump it in the woods.
　　　　　　　　　　　　　５.終わったかすは、ウイルベローにいれ、捨てます。
Sixth Step: Line up the bottles and bottles of jugs, all filled with juicy goodness, and enjoy all winter long.
　　　　　　　　　　　　　６.プレッシングマシンから出てきたジュウスは、ホースを通して容器にいれ、できあがり、ただ、お水できれいに容器をあらい、仕上がり！！

My Little Princess Angelina Ai-chan

2009-11-04T17:30:00.000-05:00

私のプリンセスたち
愛ちゃんは兄弟姉妹一番下！お姉ちゃんたちみんなそろい、初めてのカナダでの誕生日

Mommy's Princesses
Angelina Ai is the youngest sister in the family. Surrounded by her beautiful loving sisters she was able to celebrate her birthday here in Canada for the first time.

実を言うと、愛ちゃんの誕生日１０月２４日は、病気だったため２９日にlixyも一緒に誕生日をいわえました。このうれしそうな顔＜全てが働いて益となる。と言う聖書に言葉のとうりですね。＞　　

Angelina's birthday was actually on the 24th of October, however she came down with a sickness on that day. But what seemed like defeat was really a blessing as Lixy was able to make it in time so we could all celebrate the happy happy occasion together as one big family. See how happy we all look? Jesus worked all things together for good.

瞑想：決して変わらぬもの

2009-11-04T08:10:00.000-05:00

わたしはあなたの人生で決して変わることのない存在だ。誰もが、そして何もかもが敗れ、失望させ、過ぎ去るが、わたしは決して敗れず、失望させず、世の終わりまで、またその後も永遠にあなたと共にいる。わたしはあなたの土台となる建築用ブロック、隅のかしら石だ。わたしはあなたの信仰の礎、アルファでありオメガであり、あなたの始め、終わりであり、あなたの人生の愛だ。

わたしは絶えずあなたを愛し、気遣い、あなたのために生きる。だから、わたしを「決して変わらぬもの」と呼んでいい。わたしはいつもそこにいる、すべてを合わせた存在だから、あなたはそこに宿ることができる。わたしは命そのものよりも確かだ。それを励みとしなさい。これによって信仰を築き、強めなさい。あなたの人生を、わたしの絶え間ない、決して尽きることなく、いつまでも続く愛で溢れさせてあげよう。

I am the constant in your life. Everybody and everything can fail, disappoint, and pass away, but I will never fail, never disappoint, and I will be with you until the end of the world and beyond—for eternity. I am your basic building block, your cornerstone. I am the foundation of your faith, the Alpha and the Omega, your beginning and your end, and the love of your life.

I constantly love you, care for you, and live for you. That’s why you can call Me your Constant, because I am the Ever-Present in which you can abide, the Sum Total of everything. I am surer than life itself. Let this be your comfort. Let this build and strengthen your faith. Let Me flood your life with My constant, never-ending, continuous love.

おかえりなさい

2009-11-03T21:40:00.000-05:00

ドキドキ
　lixyが、帰ってくる。淳はリクシーを迎えにいく為に、早めにスクールを終え、空港までお出迎え。
無事に出てきますように。

６ヶ月ぶりの再会。またみんな一緒！イエス様、感謝します。
　これからは、lixyと一緒に、カナダの生活のアップデートをしますね。楽しみにして下さいね。じゃ皆さんのためにいつもお祈りしてまーす。
Gambarimasu! We Love You! Bye Bye!

Hatano Wallace Blog

2009-11-02T10:59:00.001-05:00

よろしくおねがいします！