Category Archives: personal

Just thought I’d check in. It has been a busy few days. My mom’s funeral yesterday was lovely. Just as she would have wished it to be. The words at the service captured her perfectly. It all still seems a little unreal. Very real, but at the same time, not. I know that I will miss my mom for the rest of my life. I was going to say more, but right now, I just don’t feel I can. I just wanted you to know, I’m doing OK.

 I received the most beautiful vase of white lilies on Sunday from my dear friends Lindsey, Michele and Trudee. Thanks so much, my friends! I was so touched by your thoughtfulness and care. Sometimes it is hard to believe I’ve never even met the three of you!

Thanks so much to all of you who have supported my family and I and taken the time to post your condolences. I’ve gotten a lot of comfort from your words. So many of you have gone through similar circumstances and I apprecitate you sharing them with me.

Today I’ve spent my day being with my two little boys. The older three are back to school. Exam time here at the high school and my daughter’s elementary school graduation next week. I’m holding my little ones close and enjoying spending time with them again. The past few weeks and especially the past few days, I’ve hardly been here and they are feeling a little unsettled. I’ve promised them I won’t leave the house again for a few days.

As for designing, I haven’t had the time until today and I’ve been busy trying to get the house back in order. I’m hoping some inspiration will strike soon. I have projects and deadlines to complete in the upcoming weeks and I think, once I get started again, it will be a good outlet for me. I’m just taking it one day at a time, taking the time to enjoy my family and my memories of my mother and best friend.

(image downloaded from internet)
 

Yesterday , my mom passed away peacefully at 2:10 in the afternoon. I was able to be there, holding her hand. My mom had been diagnosed back in May 2005 with melanoma and fought a valiant battle. I’m so glad that her suffering is now over and she is at home with the Lord.

 My mom was also my best friend and I just can’t find the words to express how much she will be missed. Mom was so many things…generous, kind, loving, courageous, smart, witty… the central part in our family, a wonderful mother and grandmother. Mom was always there. I was thinking the other day of the Proverbs 31 woman and how much my mom exemplified that.

Thank so much for all your thoughts and prayers. Some of you have known of my mom’s illness for almost two years and have sent cards to her as well. She found a lot of joy & strength receiving them. We have been so blessed with so many people praying for her and our family.

I will sing of Your mercy
that leads me through valleys of sorrow
to rivers of joy

when death, like a gypsy
comes to steal what I love
I will still look to the heavens
I will still seek your face

(Jars of Clay)

Tagged again….this time by Sherrie! It’s taken me a few days to get around to it but here it is. For this tag,  I had to copy the list and provide my own ONE WORD answers! Ever tried to answer in one word…a little more difficult that you would think. LOL Maybe I’ve just gotten a little too “wordy” lately! My entries just seem to keep getting longer. Maybe this is a sign to type less! LOL

Yourself: Blessed
Your Partner: Wonderful
Your Hair: Brown
Your Mother: Treasured
Your Father: Loved
Your Favorite Item: ?
Your Dream Last Night: bizarre
Your Favorite Drink: French Vanilla
Your Dream Car: SUV
Dream Home: Large
The Room You Are In: Office
Your Fear: Claustiphobia
Where You Want to be in Ten Years: here
Who You Hung Out With Last Night: family
You’re Not: organized
One of Your Wish List Items: Storage
The Last Thing You Did: Hugged child
You Are Wearing: skirt
Your Favorite Weather: sunny
Your Favorite Book: Bible
Last Thing You Ate: sandwich
Your Life: busy
Your Mood: content
Your Best Friend: Husband
What Are You Thinking About Right Now: deadlines
Your Car: Astrovan
What Are You Doing At The Moment: write-ups
Relationship Status: Married
What Is On Your TV: Veggietales
What Is The Weather Like: Overcast
When Is The Last Time You Laughed: Today

Now usually after being tagged, you need to tag 5 more people. I hope you’ll forgive me…I know that a lot of bloggers have already been tagged and I just haven’t had the time this past week to go looking. If you haven’t been tagged yet…this one is for you! I’ve tagged you! 🙂 If you take me up on it, make sure you post a comment here that you did and I’ll come take a peek! 🙂 Have a great week!

Edited to Add… Sharlene took me up on the tag. Check out her blog here! 🙂

This past weekend was the Canadian Victoria Day long weekend, the first long weekend of the summer. The weather was gorgeous both Saturday and Monday, just a little cool and wet on Sunday but we didn’t mind. 🙂 Victoria Day is also called the May 24 Long Weekend here. What we are actually celebrating, I had no idea until I Googled it! Any excuse for a day off suits us fine and usually we are just celebrating the beginning of wonderful weather, although that is not always the case. One year we went camping in tents and it actually snowed. I said…never again! Victoria Day is the day that we (apparently) celebrate the reigning monarch’s birthday. Now it doesn’t seem to matter when the Queen or King of England was actually born…we celebrate it on the Victoria Day weekend. 🙂

We managed to get to the beach on Saturday and play in the sand. The kids had a great time, especially the little boys. It didn’t take Joshua too long to get used to the sand again. LOL About 5 seconds! He was too young last year to remember it but as soon as he saw the water, he was yelling “boap” at the top of his lungs. (Translation: boat) I did promise some photos although I actually didn’t get many. Only the lake and the two smallest boys. My husband was busy at my parent’s cottage doing yard work and I spent most of the time running after the little boys. I did pull it out for a few shots but then put it safely away. It seemed the project of the day was to see how much sand they could get airborne and I was more than a little concerned about the health of my camera!

Monday was a great but busy day as well. My daughter and I headed off to the garden center. Not a great idea as it was packed. The May long weekend in Canada is traditionally the weekend when you plant your annuals. The danger of frost (we hope!) is past and time for our gardening. I was so excited to get quite a bit done. The garden has been rather neglected the past couple years and we bought some annuals and lots of new perennials. I love how they come up every year and I’ve learned to choose ones that are easy care and I just cannot kill. LOL Hostas, daylilies and irises work great for me and this climate.

To finish off a great long weekend, fireworks are always fun. I managed to get Joshua asleep early as he is scared of the noise but the older kids were having a great time running around the yard. My husband had bought them sparklers and some small fireworks. We are also close enough to see the large fireworks display in the park and were able to enjoy the best of both and still get everyone into bed at a reasonable time. My oldest son is on the archery team and came up with the bright idea to attach a sparkler to an arrow and shoot it. It actually worked and was quite a lot of fun although I’m not too sure on the safety issues! I fell into bed last night quite happy but exhausted. I had to laugh when I woke up in the middle of the night, still glowing. I had fallen asleep with a glow bracelet on my arm. 🙂