Celebrating

"That's Aroma" was our destination last night when we went out for supper to celebrate Naomi's birthday. This restaurant offers a menu chock full of garlic and it's a favourite eatery of Na's. I'm not such a big fan of garlic but I must admit that the Tarragon Shrimp with Roasted Potatoes was very delicious, as was the roasted garlic and foccacia bread that we had to start. Eating out with 5 little people (Jerry's nieces and nephews) made for a busy, busy time but they were all very good diners.



The birthday girl got to wear this lovely garlic headpiece when she received her complimentary berry cheesecake! (Kind of reminds me of those hats they make for the bride at a shower.)




Naomi and her nephew, Caiden, were studying the kids birthday cake cookbook that she got.




This is Meadow's other gramma, Judy. She has 3 grandsons and 2 granddaughters.




Meadow was fascinated with the garland. She was so surprised when she saw Na wearing it on her head!

Happy Birthday, Naomi!

It's our beautiful daughter, Naomi's, 26th birthday today! It seems just a short time ago that we were busy making silage, I cooked supper for the men (and 3 little ones) and then we went to the hospital and she was born. How time has flown by! This youngest child of ours is a woman of conviction and purpose whose heart is full of love for God. She loves to cook, work in her garden, entertain, read and go fishing. She has always loved the water and swimming(and Meadow is just like her in that way). Happy, Happy Birthday, Na - may your day be full of kisses, birthday cake and lots of laughter shared with those you love. We are so proud of you and pray that God will always bless you. XOXOX




Her first triathalon in Manitoba two summers ago. She was at the top of her class, which would be exactly where she strives to be in any athletics that she undertakes.




Just a little more than a year ago, with her husband, before their lives changed so dramatically!




Almost one year ago our daughter became a mom herself. It's so beautiful to see her caring for her precious little one.




This year of maternity leave has thoroughly been enjoyed by these two. Just a few more weeks and then Naomi will go back to her job in intensive care at the hospital.




Naomi is such an awesome Mom - striving to be the kind of mother that God would want her to be. She is committed to walk with God and be an example for her family. This was taken at Meadow's baptism in October.




As a family, these guys are always on the go whether it's swimming, fishing, riding around or playing at the gym. I love how they are encouraging an active lifestyle for themselves and their family.




Meadow sure does love her mom! She reaches for her and gets so excited when she sees Naomi.




Heather took this picture one day when they met halfway between their homes to visit and hang out with the little girls.

All my pictures of her as a little girl are on the other computer so I will post those another time. I'll share some of her wedding pictures then too.

Happy Father's Day!

It's hard to explain the special place that my Dad holds in my heart and in my life but I really want to honour him today. I just called to talk to him but he's out checking cattle and looking at the crops, which is a typical evening for him. He's always been a farmer and I was blessed to grow up on the farm, where strong family values, Christian life and community service where modeled by my parents. My dad is a quiet man, with a heart of caring and sharing for others. He loves the land, animals(especially the farm dogs and cats), the seasons, anything that grows and being outdoors. Serving at church, as a 4-H leader, on the Camp board and in various other organizations has always been part of his commitment to others. His grandchildren bring a smile to his face and he loves to do things with them, from buying their bicycles to attending graduation ceremonies. I am blessed to call him my dad and I pray that he will continue to be a dynamic part of our lives. Happy Dad's Day!!




And the second set of wishes goes to my father-in-law, Bob's dad. He is a man of awesome woodworking skills and has built many houses, churches and other buildings in our community. He helped Bob build our house and crafted our cupboards and desks. Last year he built cribs for Meadow and Helayna and he's always game to create anything that anyone in the family asks for. He's well known in the community for his beautiful work and for the community service that has spanned his whole lifetime. He also loves growing things, including apple, pear, and plum trees and his latest venture is into mulberry trees. If there's a tree available, he's interested in it!! We celebrate him and the family memories that he's given us!

Moving Day

We're helping Naomi and Jerry move from this lake house to Jerry's family home today. One trailer is loaded and over at the 'new' place ready to be unloaded and the second trailer is getting the last few things put in it and will go this morning. The trucks may need to go back for one more load of the last 'couldn't fit it in' stuff and then the unpacking will begin. It's going to be a busy day!!

Friends

When I was in Calgary, we dropped by to see Heather's friend (and former band teacher), Kim and her precious little girl. Oh, and her husband was there too! I think it's so amazing that a teacher student relationship has developed into a friend to friend and mother to mother relationship now. They only live a few minutes away from each other and are a mutual support team. A woman can never have too many friends!



Helayna and Amyah - only 7 weeks apart in age and so, so cute together!




They were so excited to see each other - talking and laughing - just so sweet to see!!!




These two are going to be quite the pair together as they get bigger, I think!




I love the look between Helayna and I that Heather captured here! I was amazed at how much Amyah has grown up! I think it was all her blond hair that struck me the most. Thanks for the visit, Kim!

Happy Birthday, Brent

It was my little brother's 50th birthday yesterday so this post is in honour of him. He was the one who had the all the plans for climbing trees, robbing birds's nests, hunting gophers and all the kinds of play with which farm boys keep themselves busy. Many evenings after supper, my brothers would wrestle on the kitchen floor, coached on by my Dad. Life was never dull with 2 brothers, almost exactly 1 year apart in age.



Our family portrait, taken in 1960, before my youngest sister was born. (Sorry, E!) I can still remember how un-impressed my dad was to have to go to the studio for this picture! Brent is the little guy in the sailor suit.




If you could read the logo on his hat, you'd see that it says "Wetaskiwin Aerial Applicators" which is his crop dusting business. He's a pilot and is in love with planes and flying - has been ever since high school!




Out in the cattle pen with Cory, his son, and our dad. He is involved in the beef cattle business along with my parents.

I know this summer will bring lots of excitement to your life, Little Bro, so travel safely and enjoy all that life brings you. Many more years of good times and happiness are wished for you!

Calgary

When we go to Calgary, we are so lucky to be able to stay in this lovely place that Kelsey's family has. They are so wonderful to share it with us - thanks H & R!!! I've noticed some cool buildings in this area so on the weekend I captured a few images.



This is the awesome view from the condo.




Can you see the tip of the Pengrowth Saddledome in this?




Kelsey gets some very yummy things at this bakery, I think.




Such an appropriate painting on the side of a bakery, don't you think?




This one's for my friend Carm! It's a beautiful Italian restaurant by the same name as her blog. I love the way they've painted it on the building. I'm sure the food is great but we haven't had the opportunity to eat here yet.




There's a beautiful domed church up the hill and the sun glistens off the copper roof.

A Little Visit

It's always a treat to see our kids and their families and this weekend was no exception! These 3 made me feel so welcome and let me hang out, just smiling and having a good visit. I've already told them I'm coming for a whole week this summer but I probably still won't want to go home! Thanks for the visit, Guys!!!




Helayna got her high chair all set up and thoroughly enjoyed sitting in it to eat and to watch everyone else.




I got to feed Helayna supper twice and lunch once - she's such a good eater! It was fun just to sit with her and sneak bites into her mouth while she chewed on her own spoon.




Just doing a little reading while waiting for Gramma to load the stroller so we can go out for a walk




We went for a very long walk while Heather and Jonathan went out for brunch. The trails around their home are perfect for strolling and picture taking.




Helayna loves to swing and I am very happy to go with her to the playground every chance I get!




This was our self-portrait while swinging!!

Going to

visit this little one in Calgary today!! Be back tomorrow - with lots of new pictures and stories!!

I'm sending a huge congratulations out to my friend, Audrey, who's riding her bike in the MS Bikeathon this weekend. 168 miles to Camrose and back, whatever the weather - she's got a headlamp handy just in case she has to limp in after dark - just kidding!! I totally admire her ambition and perseverance for keeping herself physically active - you go, girl!

Little Things

Just a few closeup images of nature today - little green bits of growing to soothe your soul!



Raindrops on strawberry leaves




Wild strawberry blossom




Something white, blooming in the ditch

Everything but the parsnips, spaghetti squash and pumpkins is up in my garden! Even the tiny carrots and dill are showing now. I hoed around the little seedlings and the potatoe plants that I could see today. I am determined to stay ahead of the weeds this year, which will be a challenge with the rains we keep getting.

Oops!

What did you have for supper tonight?

I bought groceries at Safeway's 10% Tuesday tonight after school and while I was packing them into the house, I dropped the watermelon!! It split pretty much in half so I was able to salvage it without too much mess. Bob and I ate nearly half of it for supper - not exactly how I had planned to serve it but it was delicious! It didn't look quite as good as this one :( Man, I can be such a klutz!!

And if you could say a prayer for Heather and Jonathan and their neighbors that would be great. The house just 3 doors away from them was struck by lightning during a storm tonight and caught on fire. The fire department came and it was raining so I don't think it spread. I haven't heard from them in the last hour or so - hopefully it wasn't too bad and everyone is safe. Heather thought the people weren't home at the time. I'm sure she'll update us tomorrow.

Happy Anniversary, Heather and Jonathan!

It's been 8 years already! I looked at your wedding pictures today and it seems like it was just last week. We have so many beautiful memories from that day and from the years you've been a couple. We pray that you will always delight in one another and that you will share joy and love always. ((( HUGS )))

P.S. I'll babysit on the weekend so you can go on a date again!

Happy Birthday, Kelsey!

This very special woman came into our lives just 2 years ago and she quickly won our hearts. We are so glad that she has a special place in our son's life! May your birthday be filled with cake, flowers, presents and special moments! And may you always be surrounded with love and filled with happiness! We love you!



Thank you for being such a good sport (even when we tease you about the Flames and the Stampeders and make you wear their logos!!) and for bringing your helpfulness, caring and warmth to our family! It's a joy to have you in our home and in our hearts!



Just hanging out together!




Opening gifts at Christmas time




With Meadow, who is wearing a cute dress that Kelsey bought for her. Kelsey is one awesome shopper and she spoils all of us!




Taken at her parents' place - notice the gorgeous view in the background!! Thanks for sending me this photo, K!

A Review of May

I used this cool mosaic maker to create a little review of last month. I think it would be cool to do one of these for all 12 months of a year. I'm combining this with the Let's Get Real Monday challenge from Randi - "Five Senses".

In May:
I saw rain, snow, flooded farmland, dandelions, mayday blossoms.
I heard birds outside the window, Helayna's laughter, Meadow's motor sounds, the lawnmower at work, quads on the trail.
I felt cool frosty mornings, hot sunny days, the warmth of the sun, cool dirt over seeds, brambles on the raspberry canes.
I smelt mayday blossoms, lilacs, the water of the lake, newly cut grass, burgers on the barbecue.

It was a great month!

Creating

I combined this so cute picture with one of Jessica Sprague's computer tips (use an oversized photo) to create this layout about Meadow and the baby chicks. It's always fun to be in my studio and make stuff - total therapy for me!

Concert Time

I just ordered tickets for Josh Groban's concert in Edmonton!!!! I love his singing and we haven't been to a concert for ages so we are going to take our friends for their 10th wedding anniversary celebration in August. It's going to be so much fun!!!!

Quote of the Day

"To do nothing is sometimes a good remedy."
Hippocrates

Doesn't that sound like a good plan for the weekend!!
I'm off to a long service and retirement event tonight that will honour 4 of my colleagues from this school. They've each been teaching for 25 years - wow! No wonder they amaze and inspire me.

And summer is here! +30 degrees this weekend so it will be a beautiful one. Enjoy, wherever you are!

Date Night

Our good friends, Audrey and Aime', took us to see Oliver at the Citadel tonight and we had a marvelous time. The play was wonderful - music, acting, sets, everything! I love live theater so every time we go, it's a big treat. We started our evening with Vietnamese food which we all love too. All in all, a great double date night!!