Happy Birthday!

Yes!! My youngest is a teenager today! Unbelievable, after a few short years, here we are with our youngest being 13 years old. Happy Birthday, Kyle! My recollection of this fine young man being born, are, being admitted to hospital the evening before and preparing for a scheduled c-section. Kind of planned. In utero, this child caused me difficulties-turning, tossing, flipping-when he should have been staying put. This moved up his birthdate to being the 29th, the first section of the day for the doc, coming back from holidays. Being checked my my local doc every other day, to finally having this young man being born safely and without any difficulties was a miracle. And wasn't he the cutest little baby. Round face and little fuzz for hair-light blond with a hint of red. Beautiful blue eyes. And a very short stubby, square tongue. When he scrunched his face to cry, I smiled. (for the first few days). The cute little baby grew into an adorable toddler, who loved to smile by day, and screamed by night. 2-3 hours of screaming a night turned an otherwise wonderful child into a nightmare in the dark. Countless of appts later, the resulting diagnoses of esophageal reflux, finally gave him some meds for this, and the insanity for the parents seemed to have an end. The toddler grew into a fine young lad, blond hair and blue eyes. The likeness of his dad, other than the color of hair and eyes. He loved to smile, play, laugh, and share with his brother. Endless hours of playing hockey, tractors-he kept himself busy. Blondie started kindergarten with a grey front tooth-having bumped it during some sporting event with his brother. And now here we are with my 'baby' almost grown up. Starting grade 8 this fall. He is an inch shorter than I am. No more bending down for hugs. He is still willing and wanting to hug and kiss mom and dad good night. He is still rubbing my back when he hugs me. He still smiles with his beautiful smile, and gets away with too much because of it. He still shares easily with the people around him, cuz thats just who he is. He still gets up early in the morning, and prefers to go to sleep early. He still loves to play his favorite sport of hockey. He loves to spend time with his brother. He adores his brother, but won't admit it publicly. :-)
I'm so proud of my youngest son! His loving spirit is such a blessing. He truly cares for the people around him-I can only hope to guide him through the next few teenage years, and keep his true self intact. So, Happy Birthday to the new teenager!

Can you believe this is my youngest???!!! He was just born the other day.

Happy Birthdays!!!!

Almost thru this month. So far so good



Friday evening was Kelly's bridal shower. I'd post pictures, but I only have four on my camera, and they're not that great. ( thought my camera was being used to take pics, but my nieces camera was being used. We have the same one! So, Hopefully Alyssa will post some) Anyway, I thought the evening went very well. Kelly is sooooo sweet. So grateful and appreciative for anything done for her. She oohed and aahed over everything. Had a good turn out-about 30 adults and 10-12 kids. So hard to know what to expect when you have an open invitation, on a summer Friday evening. Everyone had a chance to mingle and meet. Plenty of food for everyone-at least I brought leftovers home, so no one can say they didn't have opportunity. Kyle was extremely pleased when I brought home the leftovers!! Thank you to Laureen & Michelle for all the help with the event!! And to Alyssa, Stacey, and Dayna for helping with setup. And to those who stayed for clean up. Takes a good team effort to pull off a successful event!!

The evening made some special memories. It actually was a bit difficult planning and getting ready for this event, as this was my moms specialty. She loved to do this!!! So, she was in the back our minds continuously. And on Friday evening, we wished so badly for her to have been there. She would have been beaming with pure joy. Her table clothes covered every table there, and that was our way of including her presence.



Yesterday was the 1 year anniversary of Katelyn's passing. What is a good way to honor this??? Beats me!!! STopped at the graveside last night, as obviously many had already during the day. Then, we spent the rest of the evening at Roger & Anita's. Still so hard, but time does heal. What a precious family!!!



The sun is out today. Need to hang out my clothes on the clothesline. Nothing beats the smell of clothes dried out on the line. And since the forecast is for rain to start tonight, we need to make the best of the sun while its here.



July is the month for birthdays in my family. Started on the 20th with Nathan & Rowan, and we progress thru Roger, Laureen, Kyle, Bria, And end with Ty on Aug 2. Hoping to head over to Roland & Laureens today to spend some time with them. Big 50 for Laureen yesterday-Rolands is coming up in October! Happy Birthday to all these special people!!



Yes, Kyle has invited friends over for Wednesday to celebrate his 13th! I am working MOn, Tues, and Wed night, but will make this work. Have to. He is so excited!! Remember the days of being excited to get one year older??!!



I'm off to make lunch and catch up on the rest of my day. Have an awesome and safe day out there!!

20 years of together!

July 22-Happy Anniversary to me!!! And Del. It is now 20 years of married bliss. Ha Ha......Ups and downs just like anyone else. But, the joy is its still special being together. For me. I guess I shouldn't speak for Del. I'm at work, and Del is at work. What a way to spend the day. We did go out for supper last night. Was wonderful! Improptu and all.



I'm at work today. Steady day so far, and needed to escape for a few minutes so I'm jotting a quick note. Ever wonder if you're doing or employed in the right job? Doing what you're good at? I often wonder if I am. Maybe I should do something else? Am I doing my job to the best of my ability? Ugh!!!! Maybe change careers? It's interesting, cuz I think alot of people go thru this 'phase'.........wondering if, what, when, and where. If only there was a clear cut answer somewhere. Maybe I should drive truck. Be a pig farmer. Waitress. Lawyer. Saleslady. Telemarketer. Veterinarian. Physician. Chef. Teacher. There's so many options!!! Can you imagine? Why is it we think once we have a career we can't switch to another? Many variables, I guess.



So off I go to be the best nurse that I can be today. Don't laugh.

Rambling at 5 am

This is a random blog-I'm musing at this interesting hour. Hopefully most of you are tucked into cozy beds, snoring. Those of you who aren't asleep-I hope all is well. I'm at work again, and thinking. Its rather interesting what you think, and what comes up in conversation at this time of day.

I had an awesome visit with a very dear person tonight. My niece to be stopped in and we caught up on our lives. I'm so proud of Kelly & Ty. They've matured beautifully. Their wedding next month will be such an exciting celebration!

Topics of discussion tonight with my co-workers were across the board. We can talk about anything. From gardening to intense discussions regarding deepest worries/feelings. It truly is a blessing to work with people you can do this with.

It makes me think-how many people have someone they can actually talk to??? Do all of you have a close friend that you could share any information with, and know, that you are loved and accepted regardless of what you've brought into the relationship? Do you have someone who will love you despite the baggage? How about someone to just talk over the nitty gritty things in life? Who will not try to solve your problems, but will just listen and actually hear what you're saying? (There is a difference between listening and actually hearing). For some people it may be a spouse or a partner. For some its a close friend. Some may have have a professional tohelp them with issues. And then there are those that just don't share with anyone. I know it. Yes, there are so many people that simply do not feel the trust and confidence to share their feelings and thoughts with anyone. Very simply put, they feel alone. Now that makes me sad. Cuz everyone needs someone. Its more than just the words to a song. Its a basic need of every human being-to feel love and acceptance. Imagine a mind full of thoughts and words and worries/anxieties/concerns, and no where for those thoughts to go. They just swirl around in your head, and they seem to go faster and faster-like a merry-go-round. Eventually it feels like your brain cannot stop the pace-it just picks up speed, as more and more concerns are added onto the tilt-a-whirl. Eventually, the circuits start to overload, spark, fizzle, and what happens? I think this is where burn out occurs. Quite simply too much, without enough having been unloaded. Onto someone elses load. Thats why friendship seems to be such an important aspect. A true friend is someone who will help unburden that weight. And love no matter what. To help in time of need. To be there thru thick and thin. And still be there when the day is done. And not judge whether decisions being made are right or wrong-just be there cuz its the right thing to do. Cuz we love someone.

And thats the kind of friend I wish and strive to be. I can only keep trying to be the person that people want to be around. And be the person that will love without reservation or conditions.

Thats my rambling for now. I've now successfully dumped/unloaded some of my thoughts. :-) I've found to write out/or type out thoughts actually is quite helpful in sorting out some of my dilemnas/opinions.

Two hours and I'm hoping to head out of here and head home to a warm bed. It will be wonderful!!

mid july update

Made it half way thru this month. So far so good. Even have some exciting news. Have a niece who got engaged last weekend!!! Yay! A wedding is always exciting.

This last week has been spent away from work for me. It has been wonderful to be away and relax. We set up the trailer at a local campground and camped for 4 nights. Had my cousins 2 girls with us. We went home a couple times to shower and water the flowers. Then we went back to the campground to cook over the campfire, relax by the fire, lay on the beach, visit with friends who happened to also be camping, etc.... Was wonderful. Saturday night, Del & I enjoyed spending time with people from Del's work, celebrating the 100th anniversary of their farm. How interesting to hear the family history that made the farm work. I pulled the trailer home early on Tuesday, cuz the weather was not cooperating for us to stay the last day. We managed to clean up camp before it rained, and it started raining 5 miles from home! So glad I packed up when I did!! Set up the trailer at home, and the kids have slept in it since.

Managed to work on my tan on Monday. The one nice day that was sunny and warm, and no stiff breeze blowing us away!

I picked up some clothes for my dad the other day. His were getting kind of sloppy looking. And he actually tried them on and accepted them yesterday. Roland told my dad shortly after mom died, that we had made a deal with her to look after him. And obviously this has impacted dad, because he has brought it up a few times, to question whether this actually happened. I keep telling him yes, and then he behaves again. :-) I think he was actually proud of his hot new jeans I picked for him. He was going to wear them today when he was going to work at the Thrift Shop.

That was my week at home. Awesome. I felt so lazy!!!! I did do laundry and cleaning and such, but no major projects. And wasn't home enough to work on the yard. Next time.

Tonight I'm back at work. First shift of four. What can I say about work???!! Busy, full. It's like you never leave!

Have to finalize shower plans for next Friday. Kelly's bridal shower. Michelle and I are working together on the weekend, and we need to assemble our food lists. Its going to be a good time!

Thats our July so far. Del working, the boys doing their thing, and me doing whatever! :-) Now if we could find some summer weather, it would be wonderful!

July, here we are!

Ahhhhh, how sweet it is.......to come home after work today. Finished another round of shifts. A week off coming up. And, I came home today to find my house being cleaned up. The kitchen help was scrambling to clean off the counters. The dishwasher was being loaded. This was after the hired help had worked in the pasture, pulling out old fence post, for four hours. Then they even cleaned out all the garbages. I love my workers. Yes, my boys did a fantastic job of maintaining 'stuff' while mom and dad were at work. My floors have been washed and vacuumed. The grass cut. All that jazz....... Trying to keep them busy so they can't get into trouble while we're away. And, I didn't cook ahead this round. The family is becoming independent! Yay!!!

The last four days of work have gone really well. Worked with my wonderful niece, Michelle, the last couple of days. Thats an added bonus! Seriously, I work with an awesome group of people. (for the most part)! We play music, laugh-even when its not funny-, cry, work, and pool food. Hugs, tears, sharing of issues, and everything else......well, it makes you appreciate each other. When you spend the amount of hours together with only a couple of people, it bonds you like nothing else can. You're dependent on each other for making a healthy work environment. And for healthy relationships. So, I miss the good friends when I'm away from work, but it makes you look forward to go back when its time.

We are looking forward to going to the city, camping, attending an anniversary party-all in the next week. This along with Del working every day, and maintaining the yard at home. My cousin, Kathy's kids, are coming out on Thursday, and are spending 10 days with us. This is going to be interesting. Two girls, to complete our little family. Should be fun!!!

My nieces are helping me plan/organize a bridal shower for my niece-to-be. we've planned a community shower for July 24. Lots of work, but it will be worth it! They're an awesome couple, and it will be good to honor them. So, have to get my head into that next.

My oldest brother and his wife left on a holiday today. I'm so excited and happy for them! They are planning to drive without a plan. Stop whenever they want. I'm wondering if they're going to make it out of the province! Hope they have safe travels!

I do have to admit I'm a little nervous. It is July once again, and that makes me a little leery. The last few years of July have really sucked, and I'm wishing for a safe month for all. I can tell I'm tense-when I hear running footsteps, I wonder, whats happening! I have to make a concerted effort to relax. Can't let this crazy phobia ruin such a wonderful summer month!

Del & I are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary in a couple of weeks. How do you celebrate 20 years together? I have to work that day! That should be fun! Lots of good things to anticipate in the next while.........

My friend and the C

It's a record, I'm writing two nights in a row! There's a reason. Have to get this out of my system.......My head is full......to the point where sleep was difficult today. The ride home from work this morning was rather emotional. My heart is heavy. Actually, it feels like its breaking. And not for me, either. A friend called me into a side room this morning, and after the good mornings were out of the way, she informed me that the 'Big C' had struck their family. Her spouse was diagnosed with the dreaded 'C', and further testing was underway to decide how to procede. You know, this makes me so angry and so sad, all at the same time! Why is it every way you turn, this disease is taking someones quality of life and shredding it apart. Yes, I'm an advocate for fighting the disease and winning-you don't necessarily lose the battle when you're diagnosed. But the process is so painful and emotional. Why does a vibrant family, with wonderful summer plans, have to go through this???!! This changes everything. It changes the way you get dressed in the morning-the way you go through even the minutest things in your day. This disease doesn't seem to care who or what you are. Doesn't care how old or young you are. Doesn't care of skin color. Doesn't care how much money you have tucked in the bank, or how much money you can spend in one day. Doesn't even seem to care if you've looked after yourself in the most healthy fashion. Doesn't seem to discriminate between differing belief systems. Doesn't wait till its convenient-actually seems to rear its ugly head when people are least able to 'handle' it. This disease makes me want to kick its a**! Yes, it does make me want to use some foul language. Its an ugly disease! Yes, it can bring people closer, it can make people re-evaluate their priorities. But, can't there be an easier way to accomplish this??! I'm so sad for all the unfortunate souls who have to battle this disease. I feel for the families who have to stand by and support the patient through this crippling disease. Seems to me that I know too many people who are experiencing the ravages of this illness. Life just is not fair. I've copied and pasted the following poem-its been on my mind all day.

What Cancer Cannot Do
Cancer is so limited...
It cannot cripple love
It cannot shatter hope
It cannot corrode faith
It cannot destroy peace
It cannot kill friendship
It cannot suppress memories
It cannot silence courage
It cannot invade the soul
It cannot steal eternal life
It cannot conquer the spirit.

I guess thats the perspective I have to take-there is always hope, faith, and love. Family, friends, community. And so, my friend and her family need extra love and attention. Plenty of prayers. And extra hugs.........

And thats another day dealing with living in this generation!