"...I'll find strength in pain...". Mumford and Sons - The Cave.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Vacation....
So begins another family adventure.... tomorrow, my husband and I and the three monkeys will be travelling 4 hours north for our very first family camping trip. From Monday to Friday we will be enjoying the beach, visiting family, sleeping in tents, staring at the stars at night, and hopefully-hopefully roasting 'shmallows around some nighttime campfires - although I think with how dry it's been around these parts, there may be a fire ban.... disappointing; but, totally understandable....
Most importantly; however, we will be together.... that's what family vacation time is all about, right? I'm looking forward to sharing this experience with the littles.... When my husband and I were younger and well before children, we camped.... a LOT!
Now that we're older, we're better prepared for everything.... queen, double and single airbeds are packed, 3 burner stove, HUGE coolers, toys for the kids.... it's going to be fun!
I'll make a full report when we return home, wish me luck.... enjoy your week people ;)
Most importantly; however, we will be together.... that's what family vacation time is all about, right? I'm looking forward to sharing this experience with the littles.... When my husband and I were younger and well before children, we camped.... a LOT!
Now that we're older, we're better prepared for everything.... queen, double and single airbeds are packed, 3 burner stove, HUGE coolers, toys for the kids.... it's going to be fun!
I'll make a full report when we return home, wish me luck.... enjoy your week people ;)
Friday, July 22, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
Reflection....
I haven't really felt much like being around this space for the last few weeks, and I think we all know why. Grief is a tough thing to gauge. I thought of Becky a ton over the past 4 years, everyone who loves her did; knowing that she had this disease; grappling with the reasons why; trying to make sense of everything.... and now that she has gone; we think of her even more.
I guess what I'm trying to understand for myself, is that it's ok to be sad. How many times have I said that very same thing to comfort others in the past? Too many it seems; and here I am saying it to myself. And even more now, I am finding myself stopping before I get short with the kids or anyone or anything, really.... Because in the larger picture, the day-to-day things we get upset about really don't deserve our expended energy.
Life is a gift that many of us take for granted.... we assume that we are going to be around forever. Then something like losing one of your best friends happens and it shakes everything up. Life without that person will never be the same. You will miss them so much and wonder everyday when the hurting will stop.
The pain will subside - eventually. I don't think it will ever go away completely; but, that's ok.
And the issue for me lately has been to stay the upbeat, positive and fun mom that I've always been with my own kids. So, I've resolved to ask myself some simple questions when I find I'm getting stressed or upset:
1. Is this really a big deal? and,
2. Can something be learned from me getting upset?
If the answers to both are no; then I'll just try to move on. Now, I know that I am only human and some things are going to happen (especially where children are involved) that will send me to the boiling point; but that's when I need to step back and try to put things into perspective a little better. A little breathing space.... we all know the little trick of counting to ten first, right? It really does work.... I've tried it ;)
And I know that my pain is just a teeny little fraction of what others are feeling over Becky's passing; and again, that's something I weigh against my own feelings and try also to put into perspective.
Aaanyway, sorry if this sounds like a bunch of rambling mumbo-jumbo; but I feel some relief in getting it out.... thanks for listening.
I'll be back with some crafty fun in the near future.... have a great day all ;)
I guess what I'm trying to understand for myself, is that it's ok to be sad. How many times have I said that very same thing to comfort others in the past? Too many it seems; and here I am saying it to myself. And even more now, I am finding myself stopping before I get short with the kids or anyone or anything, really.... Because in the larger picture, the day-to-day things we get upset about really don't deserve our expended energy.
Life is a gift that many of us take for granted.... we assume that we are going to be around forever. Then something like losing one of your best friends happens and it shakes everything up. Life without that person will never be the same. You will miss them so much and wonder everyday when the hurting will stop.
The pain will subside - eventually. I don't think it will ever go away completely; but, that's ok.
And the issue for me lately has been to stay the upbeat, positive and fun mom that I've always been with my own kids. So, I've resolved to ask myself some simple questions when I find I'm getting stressed or upset:
1. Is this really a big deal? and,
2. Can something be learned from me getting upset?
If the answers to both are no; then I'll just try to move on. Now, I know that I am only human and some things are going to happen (especially where children are involved) that will send me to the boiling point; but that's when I need to step back and try to put things into perspective a little better. A little breathing space.... we all know the little trick of counting to ten first, right? It really does work.... I've tried it ;)
And I know that my pain is just a teeny little fraction of what others are feeling over Becky's passing; and again, that's something I weigh against my own feelings and try also to put into perspective.
Aaanyway, sorry if this sounds like a bunch of rambling mumbo-jumbo; but I feel some relief in getting it out.... thanks for listening.
I'll be back with some crafty fun in the near future.... have a great day all ;)
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Comedy of errors....
To the best of my abilities, I will recount the events of last evening as they unfolded.... For all intents and purposes, names have been changed to protect the identity of those involved....
It all began with a phone call. "Hay-ay. It's me." It was.... Katrina. She called, ummm, Juanita, everyday at least once just to say, uh.... hey.
"Hey!" Juanita replied.
"Whatcha doin'?" Katrina asked. "I was just wonderin' if you wanted to go for a ride.... we can take some flowers, Bella loved fresh cut flowers from the garden."
"I was thinkin' of doing the same thing, sure let's go." Juanita said.
So the girls grabbed a coffee and a tea and off they went, searching for a friend at dusk.
Upon arrival, the girls drove the rows looking for freshness, not really knowing where to start. After several minutes, they came to a spot that was covered with beautiful fresh flowers that had been so obviously laid with love. Could this be the place? They took an initial inspection and after several minutes of rumination, they decided that this must be it.
Just then, a police car drove up slowly with high beams shining. Katrina approached him while Juanita stood back a bit. To their understanding, places like this didn't have hours of operation, it was just known they were always open.
Juanita could hear the two discussing why the girls were there, and heard the police officer offer an explanation for his approach. It seemed there had been trouble with some young hooligans toppling stones. The officer just wanted to make sure that wasn't the case.
After the brief exchange with the officer, Katrina and Juanita grabbed their drinks and a lantern from the car. Once again they approached the mound of flowers.
Katrina rested on the grass on one side of Bella and turned on the lantern. Juanita took the other side.... They started talking.... to Bella. They told her how she was in a beautiful place, and Katrina noted to Bella that at this time of the evening there were lots of mosquitoes.... Juanita had said she should have brought her mouthwash mosquito repellent, and the girls both chuckled because they knew this was a 'Bella thing'.....
Just then, Katrina sat up very quickly and wide-eyed, "What was that? Do you hear that? I think I saw black and white.... Is that a skunk?"
"What? Where?" Juanita asked. "I can't see anything at this time of night."
Though they could still hear rustling in the trees, they went back to chatting with Bella.
As the animal sounds grew louder and drew closer, Katrina slowly started to rise to her feet. Then, in an instant, one rather large skunk, followed by three smaller skunks, emerged from the brush and seemingly took notice of the girls.
By this time, Juanita was on her feet and observed that the mother and her brood were starting to charge the girls. "Oh my gosh! They're coming at us!" Juanita shouted.
"They're coming! Run!" Katrina cried out as she grabbed the lantern and her coffee. The girls were running full tilt toward the car, the whole time laughing at the ridiculousness of the situation.
"You're gonna step on that dirt!" Juanita yelled to Katrina, and as stealthy as Katrina was, she averted the bare plot with a couple of quick side steps. And still, the girls could hear the rushing of the pack behind them, and the loud clanging of Katrina's lantern as it was jostled about.
Juanita was the first to reach the car. She tore open the car door, jumped inside and slammed it shut again. She felt safe, then noticed Katrina fumbling on her side of the car with her coffee and lantern and keys. It hadn't occurred to Juanita to open Katrina's door for her.... instead, Juanita broke into uncontrollable laughter. Katrina hopped into the car in a flurry of clinking and clanging sounds.
The girls sat in the car laughing hysterically and saying that this was definitely Bella at work. She wouldn't have wanted the girls crying over her grave.... they had fun together in life and so it must continue after Bella's passing.
And that's the story, as it was told to me by, a-hem, Katrina and Juanita....
Have a great day ;)
It all began with a phone call. "Hay-ay. It's me." It was.... Katrina. She called, ummm, Juanita, everyday at least once just to say, uh.... hey.
"Hey!" Juanita replied.
"Whatcha doin'?" Katrina asked. "I was just wonderin' if you wanted to go for a ride.... we can take some flowers, Bella loved fresh cut flowers from the garden."
"I was thinkin' of doing the same thing, sure let's go." Juanita said.
So the girls grabbed a coffee and a tea and off they went, searching for a friend at dusk.
Upon arrival, the girls drove the rows looking for freshness, not really knowing where to start. After several minutes, they came to a spot that was covered with beautiful fresh flowers that had been so obviously laid with love. Could this be the place? They took an initial inspection and after several minutes of rumination, they decided that this must be it.
Just then, a police car drove up slowly with high beams shining. Katrina approached him while Juanita stood back a bit. To their understanding, places like this didn't have hours of operation, it was just known they were always open.
Juanita could hear the two discussing why the girls were there, and heard the police officer offer an explanation for his approach. It seemed there had been trouble with some young hooligans toppling stones. The officer just wanted to make sure that wasn't the case.
After the brief exchange with the officer, Katrina and Juanita grabbed their drinks and a lantern from the car. Once again they approached the mound of flowers.
Katrina rested on the grass on one side of Bella and turned on the lantern. Juanita took the other side.... They started talking.... to Bella. They told her how she was in a beautiful place, and Katrina noted to Bella that at this time of the evening there were lots of mosquitoes.... Juanita had said she should have brought her mouthwash mosquito repellent, and the girls both chuckled because they knew this was a 'Bella thing'.....
Just then, Katrina sat up very quickly and wide-eyed, "What was that? Do you hear that? I think I saw black and white.... Is that a skunk?"
"What? Where?" Juanita asked. "I can't see anything at this time of night."
Though they could still hear rustling in the trees, they went back to chatting with Bella.
As the animal sounds grew louder and drew closer, Katrina slowly started to rise to her feet. Then, in an instant, one rather large skunk, followed by three smaller skunks, emerged from the brush and seemingly took notice of the girls.
By this time, Juanita was on her feet and observed that the mother and her brood were starting to charge the girls. "Oh my gosh! They're coming at us!" Juanita shouted.
"They're coming! Run!" Katrina cried out as she grabbed the lantern and her coffee. The girls were running full tilt toward the car, the whole time laughing at the ridiculousness of the situation.
"You're gonna step on that dirt!" Juanita yelled to Katrina, and as stealthy as Katrina was, she averted the bare plot with a couple of quick side steps. And still, the girls could hear the rushing of the pack behind them, and the loud clanging of Katrina's lantern as it was jostled about.
Juanita was the first to reach the car. She tore open the car door, jumped inside and slammed it shut again. She felt safe, then noticed Katrina fumbling on her side of the car with her coffee and lantern and keys. It hadn't occurred to Juanita to open Katrina's door for her.... instead, Juanita broke into uncontrollable laughter. Katrina hopped into the car in a flurry of clinking and clanging sounds.
The girls sat in the car laughing hysterically and saying that this was definitely Bella at work. She wouldn't have wanted the girls crying over her grave.... they had fun together in life and so it must continue after Bella's passing.
And that's the story, as it was told to me by, a-hem, Katrina and Juanita....
Have a great day ;)
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Vintage pattern....
Sunday, July 10, 2011
It's not good-bye.... it's, I'll see you again....
It is through tears and much sadness that I am sharing this.... my friend, our friend, our beautiful kind-hearted Becky, has left her earthly body and gone to be with her God....
We will never forget the beautiful person you are.... and you will live on forever in our hearts and memories....
Be comforted in knowing that you've left us so many special gifts.... the greatest of those was letting us into your heart....
You loved your family so deeply, and that showed in so many ways.... I loved hearing you call your babes "little goofs" and listening to you talk about how you and Greg would tease each other.... your playful spirit will be something they will hang on to throughout their lives.... and know that while you're no longer here in body, they will feel your presence every. single. day.
You are our Angel now.... and, likewise, we are now yours here on earth.... be comforted in knowing that everyone who loved you will now be watching over your family....
We will miss you so much, and in time we'll heal.... but you have changed us all forever - we are better people having known you....
Thank you, Becky, for being the true, genuine daughter, mother, wife, sister, niece, friend and teacher that you are.... we will carry this with us, forever....
xo.... 'til we meet again ;)
photo source: stephanie eidt photography
We will never forget the beautiful person you are.... and you will live on forever in our hearts and memories....Be comforted in knowing that you've left us so many special gifts.... the greatest of those was letting us into your heart....
You loved your family so deeply, and that showed in so many ways.... I loved hearing you call your babes "little goofs" and listening to you talk about how you and Greg would tease each other.... your playful spirit will be something they will hang on to throughout their lives.... and know that while you're no longer here in body, they will feel your presence every. single. day.
You are our Angel now.... and, likewise, we are now yours here on earth.... be comforted in knowing that everyone who loved you will now be watching over your family....We will miss you so much, and in time we'll heal.... but you have changed us all forever - we are better people having known you....
Thank you, Becky, for being the true, genuine daughter, mother, wife, sister, niece, friend and teacher that you are.... we will carry this with us, forever....
xo.... 'til we meet again ;)
photo source: stephanie eidt photography
Saturday, July 9, 2011
On friendship....
How do you measure friendship?
Is it by how much you see a person? How much they are willing to do for you? Is it by the presents they give you, or is it by how much of your crap they'll endure?
For me, it's none of those.
For me, friendship is measured by the feelings I get when thinking about someone. It's measured in the way someone embraces me when I've had a rough time with my kids. It's measured by how much laughter there is at girl's night (and also how much food is brought, no just kidding)....
It can be measured by the gifts one receives.... and I'm not meaning 'stuff'.... I'm meaning the gifts of love, the understanding, the emotional support, the strength they see in you when you don't see it yourself, the overwhelming need you get to be a better person because of them, the rallying, the 'hey, my door is always open', the knowing that someone's got your back....
Friendship can be measured by someone simply.... holding your hand....
I am so fortunate to have forged the friendships I have.... because they are so much more than friends, they're sisters.... and in times of trouble we come together to help each other, no questions asked.... we just do, because.... that's what we do....
Thank you to my friends, my sisters, my strength.... you all know who you are....
And thanks so much to you, B.... thank you for holding my hand today, I really needed that from you.... xo ;)
Is it by how much you see a person? How much they are willing to do for you? Is it by the presents they give you, or is it by how much of your crap they'll endure?
For me, it's none of those.
For me, friendship is measured by the feelings I get when thinking about someone. It's measured in the way someone embraces me when I've had a rough time with my kids. It's measured by how much laughter there is at girl's night (and also how much food is brought, no just kidding)....
It can be measured by the gifts one receives.... and I'm not meaning 'stuff'.... I'm meaning the gifts of love, the understanding, the emotional support, the strength they see in you when you don't see it yourself, the overwhelming need you get to be a better person because of them, the rallying, the 'hey, my door is always open', the knowing that someone's got your back....
Friendship can be measured by someone simply.... holding your hand....
I am so fortunate to have forged the friendships I have.... because they are so much more than friends, they're sisters.... and in times of trouble we come together to help each other, no questions asked.... we just do, because.... that's what we do....
Thank you to my friends, my sisters, my strength.... you all know who you are....
And thanks so much to you, B.... thank you for holding my hand today, I really needed that from you.... xo ;)
Friday, July 8, 2011
Friday night video....
A great song from a great band.... Tighten Up by the Black Keys. I must warn you though, this video is wrong in so many ways, and does contain material that probably shouldn't be viewed by children... but; I. LOVE. IT! You've got to appreciate a humourous look at life.... Some days we just need that injection of laughter, right?
It's the weekend... run with it ;)
It's the weekend... run with it ;)
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
The Road Not Taken....
TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
~Robert Frost~
No regrets ;)
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
~Robert Frost~
No regrets ;)
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
A note for a beautiful friend....
"A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles."
-C. R.-
We all love you B.... xo ;)
-C. R.-
We all love you B.... xo ;)
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Thifty fun....
So, while perusing Value Village, looking for clown costumes for my boys, I spotted this baby....
My first thought: "I must have it."
My husband's reaction: "What?! Where are we gonna put it?"
I don't know. Does it matter? It's perfect.... to go.... ummm, it'll fit.... somewhere?....
It reminds me of an early television set, I love the legs, I love the concave shape of the drawer fronts, I can live with the colour.... but seriously, why, when I have such a great source for spray paint, thank you Home Depot....
But, really, I think I've found another addiction. I can't pass up little pieces like this. I know I'll find the perfect spot in my home for this little cutie.... and if I don't, I'm sure one of my friends will.... although, truth be told, we all know this will NOT be leaving my house.
This thing is solid with one little blemish on the top.... nothing that can't be fixed with a little elbow grease and sand paper. Living in a small house, I think you're forced to seek out anything that will be able to house 'stuff'. That, for me, is certainly criteria for a piece of furniture coming through my doors.
Aaaanyway, drumroll please, the sticker price on this amazingly retro feeling stick of wood....
$9.99 .... cue fireworks....
Have a great day everyone ;)
My first thought: "I must have it."
My husband's reaction: "What?! Where are we gonna put it?"
I don't know. Does it matter? It's perfect.... to go.... ummm, it'll fit.... somewhere?....
It reminds me of an early television set, I love the legs, I love the concave shape of the drawer fronts, I can live with the colour.... but seriously, why, when I have such a great source for spray paint, thank you Home Depot....
But, really, I think I've found another addiction. I can't pass up little pieces like this. I know I'll find the perfect spot in my home for this little cutie.... and if I don't, I'm sure one of my friends will.... although, truth be told, we all know this will NOT be leaving my house.
This thing is solid with one little blemish on the top.... nothing that can't be fixed with a little elbow grease and sand paper. Living in a small house, I think you're forced to seek out anything that will be able to house 'stuff'. That, for me, is certainly criteria for a piece of furniture coming through my doors.
Aaaanyway, drumroll please, the sticker price on this amazingly retro feeling stick of wood....
$9.99 .... cue fireworks....
Have a great day everyone ;)
Friday, July 1, 2011
Friday night video....
Happy Canada Day! Here's a little something from my favourite band on this planet.... for me, they epitomize what it means to be Canadian.... The Tragically Hip - It's A Good Life If You Don't Weaken....
Have a great holiday weekend everyone ;)
Have a great holiday weekend everyone ;)
Clowning around....
School is officially over and summer holidays have begun.... and my 2 best boys are moving on to grade 2 and 3....
For my big guy L, grade 3 means moving from the primary floor to the second floor. This is a big deal in the life of an 8 year old.... I mean, he's going to be upstairs with the big kids! While I'm so excited for him, it just reminds me even more that I can't stop the passage of time. He's growing into a little man right before my eyes.... and there's nothing I can do about it. He has a mind of his own and uses it (very well) to form his own opinions.... we all know what that's like, right? He's my caring spirited child.... always showing concern for others emotions.... a very admirable quality that I am so very proud of.
For my little guy, grade 2. Another year to be cradled in the arms of teachers who haven't yet been jaded by strong-willed children; and comforted by classmates who think it's ok to wear your heart on your sleeve but still able to roll-on-the-floor-laugh at poop and fart jokes.... He's sensitive, empathetic, and a kidder.... this guy laughs. all. the. time. I love it about him....
Last year, our school started a talent competition to mark the end of the year.... this year, my guys tried out with a clown act and made the cut! They worked so hard at practicing a little skit that Daddy wrote.... together, we came up with names; Mr. Giggles and his sidekick Bert.... Mommy and Daddy had so much fun shopping for clown costumes and came up with 2 hilarious outfits that our clowns were proud to wear.
As a parent, you worry that they'll get a sudden case of stage fright, or forget their lines.... but not these guys.... from beginning to end, the crowd was laughing and they fed right into that.... voice projection was fantastic, body movements and exaggerated emotional gestures were perfect! Everyone gave them a huge round of applause and of course.... when Daddy was tucking them into bed that night, I heard L ask Daddy, "Did Mommy cry?". Daddy laughed, "Yes. She did buddy." Do they know me or what?! Tears because I'm overjoyed by what you're capable of doing all on your own.
Congratulations boys! Mommy and Daddy are so proud of all your hard work this year.... we love you so much xoxo ;)
For my big guy L, grade 3 means moving from the primary floor to the second floor. This is a big deal in the life of an 8 year old.... I mean, he's going to be upstairs with the big kids! While I'm so excited for him, it just reminds me even more that I can't stop the passage of time. He's growing into a little man right before my eyes.... and there's nothing I can do about it. He has a mind of his own and uses it (very well) to form his own opinions.... we all know what that's like, right? He's my caring spirited child.... always showing concern for others emotions.... a very admirable quality that I am so very proud of.
For my little guy, grade 2. Another year to be cradled in the arms of teachers who haven't yet been jaded by strong-willed children; and comforted by classmates who think it's ok to wear your heart on your sleeve but still able to roll-on-the-floor-laugh at poop and fart jokes.... He's sensitive, empathetic, and a kidder.... this guy laughs. all. the. time. I love it about him....
Last year, our school started a talent competition to mark the end of the year.... this year, my guys tried out with a clown act and made the cut! They worked so hard at practicing a little skit that Daddy wrote.... together, we came up with names; Mr. Giggles and his sidekick Bert.... Mommy and Daddy had so much fun shopping for clown costumes and came up with 2 hilarious outfits that our clowns were proud to wear.
As a parent, you worry that they'll get a sudden case of stage fright, or forget their lines.... but not these guys.... from beginning to end, the crowd was laughing and they fed right into that.... voice projection was fantastic, body movements and exaggerated emotional gestures were perfect! Everyone gave them a huge round of applause and of course.... when Daddy was tucking them into bed that night, I heard L ask Daddy, "Did Mommy cry?". Daddy laughed, "Yes. She did buddy." Do they know me or what?! Tears because I'm overjoyed by what you're capable of doing all on your own.
Congratulations boys! Mommy and Daddy are so proud of all your hard work this year.... we love you so much xoxo ;)
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