She's Ba-ack!

Check out this cool blog. Yeah, I'm biased, but I think it has potential! ;)

Oh horrors, someone's at the door!

Sunday was our family celebration in honor of oldest son's birthday, and because he loves 80's music so much (thanks to Rockband!), daughter decided we should all dress up in 80's fashions. Wouldn't you know it, just at the point where I had finished applying loads of bold makeup to my face and had on the most hideous of all bright blue shimmery dresses with humungous shoulder pads, along with poofy hair and my huge 80's glasses, the doorbell rang!!! I frantically pleaded for hubby  to answer the door, but he declined. All I could hear was hearty laughter from all the guys downstairs.

Shoot!! That meant I'd have to answer the door! Of course, it would have to be Emma, the Egg Lady, who faithfully delivers eggs to us each Sunday. Why didn't I remember that?! I sheepishly opened the door and peered around the corner, and met Emma's questioning eyes and slightly raised eyebrows. I felt compelled to explain the reason for my 'look'; somehow I wanted to be sure she knew I would never seriously dress like this!  She just laughed and told me to have a good time!

 I was so embarrassed!!

Coincidentally, our church is having a Back to the 80's Valentine's party on Friday.... good thing dressing up 80's style isn't mandatory! I don't know if I'd be able to handle that.

What a Girl Wants

Came across this  fun little video here. I dedicate it to all my friends and rellies who are currently in the 'cute little kids' parenting stage. Hope you have a date night in your future!

Big Little Procedure *update* *update #2*

Two of my YA children are going for Laser Eye Surgery today (in less than an hour!!).
I won’t be there post-op, because they had to drive 3 hours from here to get it done.
I’m a little worried.
If you’re the praying kind, would you send one upwards for them and their doctor today?

** So far so good! The procedures went well, and they are now on Day 2 of recuperation. Besides itchy eyes, nothing too painful (although Day 3 (Sat) is supposedly the painful day). The 'lenses' come off their eyes on Monday. This is a PRK procedure, not Lasik, so it has a longer recovery period. Thanks for praying!! The kids should be home Monday evening or Tuesday morning.



**** Home again, and recovering well. The doctor said tests showed better vision than expected at this point. And they will notice marked improvement in the next few weeks, as well. So, it's all good so far. Thanks for your prayers and interest! 

A Fine Day!

What a wonderful time we had with family and friends over the weekend. It was actually a blur of activity, but a good one. So much had to come together to make M & K’s wedding day a success. No major glitches, for which I am so thankful!

Saturday was a BEAUTIFUL day. The sun was shining, and it was warm. We hoped Sunday would be the same, for it was the BIG DAY.

Sunday morning at about 6:30 I woke up and heard the dreadful sound of water splashing as cars zipped by along the road. I peeked out of the window and it was heavily clouded, grey, and rainy! The kind of day in which you would run from building to car, hoping to avoid getting totally drenched. Not good.

Now I know rain is good at times. But Sunday was not one of those times.

I crawled back into bed, my spirits drooping momentarily. Then I petitioned God. I knew that changing the weather was not a problem for Him. It was a minor thing. So I asked, knowing full well that there were others that could possibly be thanking Him for this foul weather (not many, I’m sure).

An hour or so later, I peeked out of the window again. The rain had stopped and I saw a sliver of blue sky in the distance. YES!!! I just knew it was going to be a great day after that. Oh, we would have managed in the rain, but part sun/part cloud – that was the ideal we were hoping for. I was one thankful mom!

And that’s how the day played out.

We had a lovely, leisurely  brunch with a mixture of Dave’s family and mine in the hotel restaurant.

The ceremony was short (but meaningful)  and so sweet!

I hear the photo session was fun and imaginative – corn fields, park, railway tracks, and more. Can’t wait to see them.

Group shot at the reception hall. Crazy.

Kissing Challenges at the reception. (The Spiderman kiss was my fave.) 

Speeches from family and friends,  and a hilarious video put together by my other children. Had people howling, and Mike embarrassed! ;)

And more… mostly, I know that M & K had a wonderful time, and that is what I wanted for them on their special day.

I pray God’s blessing on their marriage. May they grow closer to each other and to Him ;  that is  mostly what  I want for them as the years go by.

Who are they doing this for, anyway?

I was reading a few new blogs this morning  and the subject of all day kindergarten came up. As I kept reading, I could feel my heart rate increase. That usually means that I’m getting emotionally affected by what I’m reading.

This  particular mom was relaying that in Ontario  Junior Kindergarten is now offering full day  JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN! (I know all caps means I’m shouting). And she wasn’t happy about it, so she has decided to keep her child home some of those days (good for her!). The poor little guy came home the first day and hadn’t eaten much of his lunch. The mom thought maybe he had forgotten there were more compartments in his lunch kit. Or maybe he was just homesick? Or? 

This precious little guy is only FOUR! With possibly 26 children in the class, how can these youngsters get the help and comfort they need for the simple things that are HUGE in their eyes?  I’m sorry, but that really bothers me. 

And so I ask, who is benefitting by all day kindergarten,  Junior or otherwise? Certainly not the children. I know there are those who say some of the children might be better off at school than at home. I say, since when do we make policy based on exceptions?

Maybe I’m just old fashioned, but I think young children (or even older ones)  could be best nurtured at home with their mom or some other loving adult close by.  It doesn’t take a university trained teacher to give them what they need at this age, educationally or otherwise. Research shows it.

Now that BC children have the option of fulltime Kindergarten, is mandatory full time  Kindergarten, and then Junior Kindergarten coming down the pipe in the near future?

If it is, I truly am saddened for the children. And the moms.

Simple and special

“Don’t you just LOVE birthdays!!?”, my friend asked me.
“Actually, not really.” I answered truthfully. For better or worse, birthdays sometimes bring unspoken and even unrealistic expectations. And with that comes the risk of disappointment.  I’m sure we’ve all been there. So, I guess for that reason, I like my birthdays kept simple. Not too much fuss.
Not that I don’t want to be remembered, mind you. It’s just that  as the years pass, I  feel less need for any hoopla when it comes to my day.  I’m just thankful to be alive and  I’m always very grateful that my family remembers and spends time with me. When I am given gifts and birthday greetings, of course, I feel special. And that is  a really good feeling. 

So, yes, I did feel special today.
I was remembered.
My friend took me out for lunch and gave me this lovely gift. She didn’t even know that I collect tea pots!
My eldest son brought over supper for all of us! I didn’t have to cook! Yay!
Our entire family played bocce in the backyard. Dave and I kept the kids in awe of us..we won--both games  !
I am blessed!

The Island Experience

Thought I’d share a few pictures of our last week spent with Dave’s mom while she was recovering from her hip replacement surgery. It wasn’t really  a holiday (especially not for HER!) , but staying at the condo which is a stone’s throw from the water, listening to the sound of the waves lapping on the shore, and looking out at the ocean --- well, I couldn’t complain too much!  It was still a getaway of sorts. And we were glad to be able to help out where we could. By the end of the week, Mom was doing a lot better.

Smoke for the BC Interior wildfires made its way to the Island. We had a couple of days of very gray, smoky skies.

 

Aaaah…much better. Most of our days looked like this:

Lots of sail boats…

7 juicy blackberries in the hand are worth more than..

 

… 1000 not-quite-ripe ones in the bush!

Along the SeaWalk… near the 50th parallel ..

..sits a bench with a special plaque set in the cement. Dave’s dad (at the age of 23)  and his new bride came to CR in 1953 to set up the town’s first chiropractic clinic--for all of the town’s 200 or so people! Some were skeptical, but he proved himself over and over, building a very successful and highly respected  practice for 44 years.

Strolling along, pushing Mom in the wheelchair. Soon she will be walking it once again!

I never tire of taking pictures of driftwood!

Along with dinner with old friends, enjoying some time with family, and other little excursions here  and there, the week flew by. Now it’s back to some sort of routine. Before I know it, it’ll be back to school!! I’m not ready!!!!

the Holiday

Well, I think it’s time to reminisce about some of the highlights of our 8 day trip to through Washington, down the Oregon Coast, and into Northern Californ-I-A. And I’ll do it with pictures, for the most part…

Washington – we zipped down to Leavenworth, a little Bavarian-type village nestled in the hills of Washington, about 3 hours south of Osoyoos.

Car show – okay, this wasn’t a highlight for me, but it was neat to see so many perfect looking (and incredibly expensive!) Corvettes in one place.

-

 

Ice cream – licorice was the hands down favorite!

This T-shirt – perfect for the avid fisherman!

Southern Washington – the Windfarm!! So huge, so vast, so… strange!! Almost looked like another planet. Made me feel so small.

more to come…

Just what the doctor ordered

  Well, I haven’t actually talked to a doctor, but sometimes my family suggests things to me that are therapeutic. Sometimes it’s chocolate, and sometimes not. Take Monday, for instance. Outdoor enthusiast son Mike strongly suggested I accompany him and Jill on a hike to the Savona Caves. In all my 18 years of living in this area, I’ve never been explored that area. 

It was fantastic and a much needed break from being home, in the kitchen, near the computer, and just generally around the house. It’s just good to get away sometimes, and especially satisfying to be in the great outdoors.   
A good part of the hike  was … a climb. The kind where you use muscles you forgot you had, and then you lean against a trusty tree and catch your breath, wipe the sweat off your brow,  then continue stumbling upward once more. A good workout. With the aid of my trusty trekking poles, it seemed a lot easier than I had envisioned.  And more enjoyable.

I’ve never explored a cave before. This one was low –ceilinged, so we had to stoop around in it. The view looking out was incredible! I felt like we were thousands of miles from civilization, and I was an eagle on my perch.  In the cavern, we noted  a lot of poop splatted on the rocks -- we think from bats. There looked to be a bear’s sleeping spot at the back of the cave, as well. I could imagine the coziness of this den while snow would be swirling around outside.  

And a little serendipity-- we came across a geocache container stuffed full of interesting ‘gifts’ other hikers had left behind, including a guest notepad and pencil. Hikers are encouraged to  take something from the box (if  so inclined) and leave something behind.. Mike left a pair of 3D glasses and Jill left a note encouraging the recipient to wear them “because the view is so much better in 3D” ha!ha!

 
            

The Man Rules

I've really been enjoying Midday Connection podcasts-- such great topics all relevant to women. I had been looking for something like this for a long time.

Anyway, a few weeks ago, they had an open forum for men to call in and share some rules that would help women understand them better.. (It was all in fun, so don't take offense with any of these, please).

I thought I'd share THE LIST, seeing as Valentine's Day is coming up and we all just want to get along, right? ;)

THE MAN RULES

AT LAST A GUY HAS TAKEN THE TIME TO WRITE THIS ALL DOWN FINALLY , THE GUYS' SIDE OF THE STORY. ( I MUST ADMIT, IT'S PRETTY GOOD..)

WE ALWAYS HEAR " THE RULES " FROM THE FEMALE SIDE. NOW HERE ARE THE RULES FROM THE MALE SIDE.

THESE ARE OUR RULES!
PLEASE NOTE.. THESE ARE ALL NUMBERED "1 " ON PURPOSE!

1. MEN ARE NOT MIND READERS.

1. LEARN TO WORK THE TOILET SEAT.. YOU'RE A BIG GIRL. IF IT'S UP, PUT IT DOWN.
WE NEED IT UP, YOU NEED IT DOWN. YOU DON'T HEAR US COMPLAINING ABOUT YOU LEAVING IT DOWN.

1. SUNDAY SPORTS, IT'S LIKE THE FULL MOON OR THE CHANGING OF THE TIDES. LET IT BE.

1. CRYING IS BLACKMAIL.

1. ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT. LET US BE CLEAR ON THIS ONE: SUBTLE HINTS DO NOT WORK!
STRONG HINTS DO NOT WORK! OBVIOUS HINTS DO NOT WORK! JUST SAY IT!

1. YES OR NO ARE PERFECTLY ACCEPTABLE ANSWERS TO ALMOST EVERY QUESTION.

1. COME TO US WITH A PROBLEM ONLY IF YOU WANT HELP SOLVING IT. THAT'S WHAT WE DO.
SYMPATHY IS WHAT YOUR GIRLFRIENDS ARE FOR.

1.. ANYTHING WE SAID 6 MONTHS AGO IS INADMISSIBLE IN AN ARGUMENT. IN FACT, ALL COMMENTS BECOME NULL AND VOID AFTER 7 DAYS.

1. IF YOU THINK YOU'RE FAT, YOU PROBABLY ARE. DON'T ASK US.

1. IF SOMETHING WE SAID CAN BE INTERPRETED TWO WAYS AND ONE OF THE WAYS MAKES YOU SAD OR ANGRY, WE MEANT THE OTHER ONE

1. You can either ask us to do something Or tell us how you want it done. Not both. And if you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.

1. Whenever possible, Please say whatever you have to say during commercials...

1. Christopher Columbus did NOT NEED DIRECTIONS AND NEITHER DO WE.

1. ALL MEN SEE IN ONLY 16 COLORS, LIKE WINDOWS DEFAULT SETTINGS. PEACH, FOR EXAMPLE, IS A FRUIT, NOT A COLOR. PUMPKIN IS ALSO A FRUIT. WE HAVE NO idea what mauve is.

1. If it itches, it WILL BE SCRATCHED. WE DO THAT.

1. IF WE ASK WHAT IS WRONG AND YOU SAY "NOTHING," WE WILL ACT LIKE NOTHING'S WRONG.
WE KNOW YOU ARE LYING, BUT IT IS JUST NOT WORTH THE HASSLE.

1. IF YOU ASK A QUESTION THAT YOU DON'T WANT AN ANSWER TO, EXPECT AN ANSWER THAT YOU DON'T WANT TO HEAR.

1. WHEN WE HAVE TO GO SOMEWHERE, ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING YOU WEAR IS FINE... REALLY.

1. DON'T ASK US WHAT WE'RE THINKING ABOUT UNLESS YOU ARE PREPARED TO DISCUSS SUCH TOPICS AS BASEBALL, HOCKEY OR GOLF.

1. You have enough clothes.

1. You have too many shoes.

1. I am in shape. ROUND IS A SHAPE!

1. THANK YOU FOR READING THIS. YES, I KNOW, I HAVE TO SLEEP ON THE COUCH TONIGHT; BUT DID YOU KNOW MEN REALLY DON'T MIND THAT? IT'S LIKE CAMPING

Warning… graphic post

Here’s a logo for an outdoor mountain gear company. I think it’s pretty awesome. And it has nothing to do with the fact that my son designed it. Okay, well, maybe just a little.

It’s just a sampling of the many interesting and stellar projects he has completed in his Digital Art and Design studies at the local university.
Some other  work:
 
That’s my boy.

Hiking in the Woods on a Snowy Afternoon

I needed to get out today. As much as I love to putter around at home, sometimes these four walls seem to close in on me and the only solution is to leave them behind for a while.  Clear the head, breathe in some clean, crisp air, and get some aerobic conditioning going!
So, when Son suggested we go snowshoeing for a bit this afternoon, I agreed. He is lots of fun to be around (most times), has the patience of a saint (sometimes),  possibly has the knowledge of Bear Gryll and Survivorman  wrapped in one (although maybe not all of their experience), and the gear to prove it! 
We drove up the back roads of B’vale until we reached the Lake, our starting point. We parked off to the side of the road,  and hiked along the logging road , then turned left up a sloped trail into the woods.
A couple of  observations about this short excursion into these lovely, dark, and deep woods:
a) I have a very teeny tiny adventuresome bone in my body. So tiny, you would hardly know it’s there. Some would say it’s nonexistent. Especially when it comes to trekking into the woods mid afternoon, up a trail that has been cut by a snowmobiler, with no cell coverage available. Oh, and the starting point is  10 km up a logging road. Somehow having my very capable son with me didn’t ease my tendency to worry. What if it gets dark and we can’t find our way back? What if son has a heart attack and I’m on my own? What if we meet a wild animal?  Looking back, these worries were probably unfounded, but in my mind, a number of scenarios could happen. You find stories like this in the news every week, don’t you?
See any fear in these eyes? :


b) I have a patient, good- humored son, who also enjoys psychoanalyzing me. I think, if his digital art and design career doesn’t work out, he should go into psychology. Sport psychology. Major: the mind in midlife.
My fearless Sherpa:

Anyway, here I am on the computer once again, so you all know how the story ends. Actually, once we reached the summit (albeit a low one), I was all smiles, exuding confidence all over the place,  as we followed our tracks back down to the main road. Son has coined  a psychological term for that syndrome (major apprehension on the way out, nauseating confidence on the way back). He calls it the J.M. Syndrome, not to give away any names for those of you who know my relatives.  ;)
Confidence regained: 

What have I been reminded of, thanks to this expedition?
I need to worry less and live fearlessly more!
Snowshoeing is hard work!
We live in a beautiful part of the world! On our way home, we saw about 10 deer standing together  in a clearing. (my camera battery died, so no picture!)

Getting outside is a good thing, generally speaking.
I appreciate my son’s expertise and will gain more confidence as I get out and do more of these types of things.
I should value and cherish this experience today, because there is the possibility that my son will NEVER take me out to do that again!

Giving and Getting

In the past few weeks and days, we have probably all had our minds full of thoughts related to giving and getting.
I  think one of the most important truths we all can learn is that it is in giving that we receive . There’s something about giving (of ourselves, our possessions, our time, etc)  that naturally rewards both the receiver and the one who has shared what they have. I think it’s because we, made in the image of God, have a natural desire to give, and this is what fulfills us in some way.  It’s just the way we are made.
Don’t you just love to see thankfulness and joy on the face of others? I think as we get older, we realize that it really is more blessed  to give than to receive.  Really.
One of the best gifts I received this year was JOY at seeing my young adult children anticipating Christmas morning like the excited little kids they once were. All stresses of life were pushed aside for a few days, and it was so nice!  
Reminiscing and chuckling about past years’ traditions (like sleeping near the  tree on Christmas Eve) and being excited about giving to each other  because they truly wanted to, not reluctantly or out of compulsion. Laughter, hugs, and smiles Christmas morning was great!   It put a lump in my throat. Of course, seeing them give cheerfully to family, friends,  and others when they may not  have a lot of money made it even more special.

Christmas is truly all about the heart.

Alternative to Spanking

You know spanking is a controversial subject. When someone finds an effective alternative, I sit up and listen. Check out this blog post. 

I wish I had this information when my (near perfect, but needing a little reminding to obey at times)  children were younger.

All About Him

1. He’s sitting in front of the TV: what is on the screen? probably a WW 2 movie or maybe Man vs Wild or maybe a Chick Flick, if I'm watching with him.

2. You’re out to eat. What kind of dressing does he get on his salad? Ranch

3. What is one food he doesn’t like?  Jello. He HATES jello.

4. You go out to the bar. What does he order?  Bars, no.. . the pub sometimes... beer... don't ask me what kind.

5. Where did he go to high school? in Campbell River, Vancouver Island

6. What size shoe does he wear? size 9.5

7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? tools

8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? Roast beef loaded... like something at Subway

9. What would the Husband eat every day if he could? MiniWheats (he almost does) steak and potatoes

10. What is his favorite cereal?  MiniWheats. frosted.

11. What would he never wear? a pink shirt


12. What is his favorite sports team? Vancouver Canucks (I'm just guessing here). He's pretty loyal.

13. Who is his best friend? me (most of the time :)

14. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn’t do? be indecisive about whether I'm going to do something

15. How many states has he lived in? none. He's Canadian through and through.. he's lived in BC and Alberta

16. What is his heritage? Irish/Scottish 

17. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind? lemon pie

18. Did he play sports in high school? rugby

19. What could he spend hours doing? chopping down trees, whacking back overgrown bushes on his mom's island property or watching movies on our big screen TV