Grade 7 1986-87 vs Grade 7 2010-2011

What was I doing for the summer when Grade 7 ended? Yikes...can I remember back that far? I was at St. Micheals school in Moose Jaw, SK. I said good-bye to my teachers Mr. Cater and Mr. Alice. I was recovering from burnt back that was the result of the year end class trip at Buffalo Pound lake. Donna K and I were sitting in a small dingy back to back floating around on the water for hours and we burnt our backs..well let's just say burnt is as understatement. We lived on Ominica E. I know I did my paper route...hung out at my Auntie Ruth's...she babysat my Brothers and Sister. IT WAS HOT! I am pretty sure that was a conserve water summer. I remember that "if it was yellow let it mellow, brown flush it down". Ruth's son Trevor and I road bikes, shot gophers, and tried to stay cool in the basement. We watched the movie Greece a million times, and I watched him play Atary...Just aged myself! I hung out with Charity my BFF and had sleep overs. I listened to my walkman. One of my favorite tapes was the beach boys. There was no downloading music. So I would have to put a tape in my boombox and press record when you heard you song play on the radio. Also we moved to the other side of town and I started at another new school in the fall for grade 8. The cool thing was my school was only 1/2 a block away, the bad news was I knew it was my last year of elementary and my high school was on the opposite side of town...a 1/2 hour bus ride away or 1 hour walk.

What will Adam's summer consist of? Hanging out with me for a week while we wait for Justin's school year to end. Sleep over's for sure with his buddies Shaner and Ben...Video games that are not mom approved, but 'A'-I am letting it go, because like Adam says..."Mom, you have to let me grow up sometime. I can't play Little Big Planet forever". Ya Ya! He loves that game.
'B'- we don't own any of those games....Anyhoo.
Adam loves listening to his ipod, playing apps, downloading new tunes and practicing guitar.
We will have our tenting adventure and take our bikes for the first time. There will be trail rides, hiking, and swimming in the lakes. Days to veg and hang with his brother doing what they love to do...Video Games. Drive-in movies and day trips here and there. Also waiting ever so patiently for the day Uncles and Jenny to come home from planting and finish off the summer. I think that trumps all things.

It will be a summer for reading. Learning about maturity. Teachable moments for me and for him. A summer of growth and realization that Adam is only 4 years away from graduation. Oh my..sniff!

This is a summer I have to soak in cause Adam is so right...he is growing up. He will always be my little boy, but letting go is going to be hard. This is a summer that is going to mean so much. A summer to bring us together and make us a force. A summer to enjoy and to take us back to what we have always had, no matter where we are...each other!

What will your summer bring?

(write me on FB and tell me:o)

Not in the truest of Canadian spirit for hockey

Dear Rioters, Bandwagon jumpers and non-true fans of our beloved Vancouver Canucks...what a discusting seen and complete embarrasment for British Columbia. As Canadians we are a proud country and much MUCH more than this.

Something you should have kept in mind before you started to trash our beautiful city, is that...YOU are not on the team. YOU did not play your butt off or pour your heart and soul into the love of this game and this moment of playing for THEE Stanley Cup. YOU did not feel the pressure from the fans and the hope of winning and the dream of coming this far! So maybe YOU should have been the bigger guys and continued to support our team and represt our country the way The Canucks did, with true passion and love of the game. Proud Stanley Cup Finalists and second best in the NHL.

GO NUCKS GO!

11

11 for Justin is...adventerous, asking silly "What if ?" questions, having a voice, finding his way, being present.

Justin is so absolute!

He knows what he likes. If Justin has his mind set on something,

he just has to do it! be it! invent it!

Somethings I love about Justin are:

How you loved your "swinging baTman". How you wore your super hero PJ's all the time. How you tried to wear your spidey suit to kindergarten. How you had to wear "handsome pants" with a shirt and tie like Peter Parker. How you love your brother as your best friend. That you are a major hugger and so smoochy, like you saved all your love for us. That you have crazy spontaniousness and an energy for life that should be bottled and sold.

The way you are passionate about things that interest you like Ironman, Transformers, and Lego. You are a researcher, investigator, and planner.

The type that could take over the world someday.

You are an honest kid and treat others the way you want to be treated.

You are kind and thoughtful. You aren't afraid to be YOU!

Justin, you make us laugh with your quirky sense of humor and random thoughts.

You are the boy of a million expressions.

Your strong personality will take you to BIG places.

We are so proud of who you are and the loving boy you are. Thank you for making our life so exciting. Don't ever let anyone tell you who you are, because you are amazing.

I love you Bubba Jones, My Boo Boo...my boy.

Firework

I am deeply inspired by a music artist these days.

Katy Perry has put out my theme song for the year.

Firework.

So I dedicate these words to all of you waiting to light your spark and let it shine!

Do you ever feel like a plastic bag, drifting through the wind, wanting to start again?

Do you you ever feel, feel so paper thin like a house of card one blow from caving in?

Do you ever feel already buried deep? Six feet under screams, but no one seems to hear a thing.

Do you know that there's still a chance for you?

Cause there's a spark in you

You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine just own the night like the 4th of July

Cause baby, your a firework

Come on,show 'em what your worth

Make'em go "ah ah ah!"

As you shoot across the sky-y-y

Baby your a firework

Come on let your colors burst

Make'em go "ah ah ah!"

You're gonna leave'em fallin down-ow-ooown!

You don't have to feel like a waste of space

Your original cannot be replaced

If you only knew what the future holds

After a hurricane comes a rainbow

Maybe the reason why all the doors are closed

So you could open on that leads you to the perfect road

Like a lightening bolt, your heart will glow

And when it's time you'll know

You just gotta ignite the light and let is shine

Just own the night like the 4th of July

(CHORUS)

Boom, boom, boom even brighter than the moon, moon, moon

It's always been inside of you, you , you

And know it's time to let it through ooh-ooh!

Cause baby you're a firework

Come on show'em what your worth

Make'em go ah ah ah

As you shoot across the sky-y-y

Baby, you're a firework

Come on let your colors burst

Make'em go "Ah ah ah!"

You're gonna leave'em all in Awe awe awe!

By: Katy Perry

To inspire you to leave'em with there jaws on the floor!

Thirteen

13! OMG...I can hardly believe that my first born, my baby is a teenager. Adam you are such an amazing young man. Looking so handsome and grown up.

Some of the things I will always remember about you: How your soother went with you blanket. How you love soft things. Your school bus was one of your favorite toys. The way you used to line up all your toy cars in a row. Baking cookies with you and having you stand on a chair when you where so little and now we stand side by side. Mostly I just watch as you cook and bake on your own now. I loved watching you learn to read. Use your imagination and play with your little brother. You still do all these things...it's just different now. It's watching you play guitar. Draw with detail and more character. Play video games with your brother.

You value your own space. Take pride in the things you own. Love your puppies so much. The way you love your family and open your heart to others. Bring laughter and smiles to our lives. You are constantly surprising us and yourself. I hope you always feel free to be yourself. Stand strong for what you believe in. Dream bigger than you could have imagined. Do what makes you happy and know we are always here for you.

To guide, to support, to cheer on!

I just want to thank Pam Dykstra for capturing this moment for me.

Because it really wasn't about Adam. It was more about me. I remember the 1st pictures we had done at Sears. Sitting back and watching Adam from afar. Not really having a chance to look at this beautiful kid. As the pictures were being taking of my 1 month old boy and popping up on the screen to view. I really got to see Adam in a different way. That was my baby...my boy...OUR SON.

Pam, you recaptured that moment again. I got to stand back and not be in control...I got to enjoy the moment. Really look at this child of mine and see the changes and how this is my boy...our son. He's just older and bigger, but all ours. Born into our lives with so much love. I was definately not perpared for that kind of love...who new a heart could be so big.

For my Adam...I love you. We love you! You are one on a kind and all ours forever.

Thank you for YOU!

A day for love

Valentine's Day for us isn't about a night out for dinner,

a date at the movies or all that other stuff.
Valentime's Day is about Love.

Our love created a family.

So the table was set for 4 with candles, chocolate treats, and cinnimon hearts. Aaaaaawe how romantic, right? Then the door bell rings and dinner is delivered. The boys are called and peel themselves from there pleasures of TV or computer to join us.

"Happy Valentine's Day!"...

We ate a delicious meal. Something special for everyone. Jay even went out and surprised us with one of my favorite desserts. Mmmmm....DQ ice cream cake!

The best part of the evening was watching some of our home videos. The kids so small, only 6 and 4 years old. Listening to the way there voices sounded. Adam reading his kindergarten book. Justin being a complete goof. Seeing the boys excited about bringing there 1st puppy (Brady) home. Our boys loving each other and playing together.

Here we sat so many years later, the 4 of us AND the 2 dogs snuggled up on the couch, enjoying the old memories while making a new one.

Oh my gosh...we laughed till we cried.

Our Valentine's Day may not have been as romantic as some,

but it was DEFINATELY filled with LOVE!

Change of pace

Ok! So I have decided that New Years Resolutions are bogus. Why do we set ourselves up to fail? I mean it's all good to set goals, but seriously. (I can barely stay committed to my dogs and we've had them for to long as far I am concerned.) When you look at the grand sceme of things and factor in life, well that's just a big fat "Thhhhhh"...raspberries.

I have realized I am a short term committer. Although I plan to accomplish ALL my 2011 goals. I think something more realistic is maybe taking it month by month.

One of my goals this year is to have a positive attitude. I have to admit that's a really hard one. I don't think I am a negative person...I think I am a realist. The thing is everyone goes through struggle and I know not everyday can be rainbows and sunshine. I am grateful for each day and try to see the good in all things. I cherish the moments when my heart is touched by something special and enjoy the blessings in my life. I think sometimes I put to much pressure on myself, and when struggles come I lose all faith and the knowledge that this to shall pass. SO...my goal is meditate in those moments and reset. To see that this is just a moment. There is something I can take from it and learn....and do better. I want to live a positive life for me and my family. Look for the one blessing in that stuggle and see the light is there at the end of the tunnel and then rejoice!

I have realized that my journal is not quite as full as I would like it to be and with only 2 entries...well I better get going. The point of that was to record the things in a day that made it better or that milestone I knew was coming, but somehow still managed to sneak up on me. To go back a re-read the great things that happened to me in my life. So that is goal #2! Journal and count blessings.

I also have to have more "stop everythings"...this is something my 2 BFF's and I used to do back in the days when our kids where little and we were all on mat-leave and all you ladies out there know how important that support is. So we would do the random call and say, "STOP EVERYTHING! I am coming over and we are doing something special". I miss those days. However, I can recreate them for myself.

My goal #3 is to STOP and sit. Drink a hot tea and read.

Because I am tired of drinking cold tea.

I have got to take time for Denise. As great as it is to chat on the phone. It's never as good and having a girls night. Just sitting, having wine or tea. Planning or venting. The point is just to be where she is makes my heart happy.

Goal #4 girls night!

Also, I am determined to learn the ins and outs of my camera. Really become one with the Canon 30D. Goal #5 learn and challenge myself!

Goal #6 is to just breathe!

These are the things I aspire to do. Goals that will hopefully become habits and leave room for something new. All I can do is my best. Have good intentions and aspire to be more than average. We all have greatness in our destiny.

The journey is the adventure!

My Martian Children

A movie inspired me and opened my eyes to something so simple

and I had an "A HAAA!" moment.

The movie: Martian Child

The Quote: "Children are like martians and it's our job as parents to teach them to be descent human beings".

How true!

I have tried so hard to be a successful parent. Reading to my boys while they still grew in my belly. I got down with them on the floor to play, tea parties, forts, playdoh, coloring, shapes, numbers, letters, drawing....walks, playgrounds, and baking.

I watched there imaginations sore.

Falling so in love with my boys more every moment, every day, every year.
Even through the struggles, the arguments, and the changes. At the end of the day there was snuggles and love. There is LOVE.

What a blessing our kids can be. This short time we have with them. Although some days seem longer than others. I know that in a few short years when my house is empty and there are no kids shows on TV, no stomping up the stairs, no loud music, no cooking in the kitchen dance parties, and I have all the peace I wish I had now....I know I will wish to have all those moments back again.

So for now I will take the arguments and the challenges.

The hugs and kisses.

The moments that shine.

The laughter and the silliness.

Each I love you...

and I will hold onto that as long as I can.

Also, I will be proud of the job I have done raising my boys to be wonderful human beings and look forward to building on the relationship right now, cause it doesn't end, it continues.

My boys, how I love you so. You have stolen my heart and made me who I am. You fill my life with so much love.

To our journeys and the adventures to come!

Over Drinks and Skittles

As I sat at my kitchen table last night, with my ladies. I realized something....I AM TOTALLY NORMAL! This realization comes to me more often than not. It's strange though how we so often think that we go through our little struggles and say, "Am I the only one who feels like this"? I think as women, wives and mother's we all to often feel this way. Then you hang with your faithful supporters, your comrads, your sounding board and hash out the details of your lives over a couple of drinks and a bag of skittles. You plan for the future, set goals for the near future, and laugh about the events in your life, that in the moment you thought you might just go postal and snipe out someone. Then you relize in that moment all is right with the world and you are doing a good job and mostly YOU are never alone.

Thank you D and T for helping me see all the great things in my life. For laughing the insanity of everyday life away and for being great friends. We definately have to do this again soon, but this time I'm bringing M&M's and Hersey Kisses!

There are not enough words

Inspiration comes from many places for me. Sometimes in the simplest things...in a quiet moment...a lyric from a song...a movie... a person. I am sure that is the same for many of you out there. It's amazing what can enlighten the heart.

This paticular time my inspiration comes from this ray of sunshine. My former younger superior...my friend, Corinne ( or as I refer to her...Corinnee-poo).
You Corinne are an amazing young women. You never seize to amaze me and continually inspire me. You are a hard worker, a student, an Auntie, a sister, a daughter, a wife and an amazing friend. You stop at nothing to make others come first.

You have inspired me to leap! Reminded me to enjoy what is right infront of you. Embrace the moment...seize the day...dream BIG! Challenge myself. Believe I can.

You have joined a world only so many know of and become a great supporter. You have choosen to sacrifice a bit of everything you know for a great adventure. Not only in life, but in being with your hubby. I am so glad we have this special connection between us. I hope you embrace this time. Take it for what it is. Know that you are only a phone call or IM away.

Some memories I will always cherish are: Off tune singing...loudly at front cash. Movie in the park. The way you joined my family when you stole my boys hearts with your awesomeness. The stories...the laughs and the HUGS! If you know Corinne, you know she hugs like no bodies business!

You are a all around beautiful individual and I feel so bless to have shared these last 4 years with you. I know our friendship will continue to grow.

Always keep that sparkle in your eye. You have the power to touch peoples lives and leave an imprint on there heart.

I love you and miss you so. Till we meet again...
Hugs from my heart and gropes, too:0)

Going back in time

So I am going back in time. Not to far though. I just want to talk about what a blessing this Christmas was for me. For the 1st time in a VERY long time my family was here for Christmas. My Mom, My 2 Brother's and my Sister. We even had an addition to the family...Jenny (my baby brother's girlfriend)! Although some of our family was missing. Jay's Mom, Dad and Sister were in the USA celebrating together. We thought of them. Even though they were there, they were here in our hearts.

Having family here was the best gift.

Sometimes, when we get together I hear circus music. We laugh till we cry! We chat about everything, play cards, hang out, laugh, laugh, and laugh some more. It is completely wonderful.

Our little boys were on cloud 9. They enjoyed playing video games, drawing, and playing Basketball with 'The Uncles' and Auntie Bec.

I truely think the happiest person, although it could have been a close tie, was my Mum. She had all 4 kids, 2 grandkids and Jay all under 1 roof. I think if I listened really hard I could have heard the clouds part and angels sing. Aaaaaaawe!

There were so many blessing to count. I am truely greatful that we had this time together. You never know were life takes you and these are some of the moments I will look back on and cherish!

That's what Christmas 2010 was for me!

Happy 2011

Well, it's a new year and I have desided to change the way I use my blog. I put this blog up to inspire me and really...I think it did, but it also detered me a little. I think I put pressure on myself to take photo's and post them. This year this blog is for ME! It is simply a way for me to express how I feel about everything. Life, Family, Friends and my Passions.
I have a lot of things I am doing this year. I have decided to celebrate who I am. I have had a fabulous life that has given me many ups and a few downs. I have been blessed to be a stay at home mom and still continue to do that and work. I want for nothing. I am always aspiring to be a better person. This year though I need to be more confident, take charge of the thing I want. This is MY life and I want to live it!
In 2011...I will make time for my friends, spend more time with Denise, STOP EVERYTHING! Relax, Learn, Read...Meditate, Journal. Be inspired by life and take the world by the cahonies!
Really embrace the moments when Life Whisper's. What will you do with the moments when Life Whisper's to you????

Wedding Party

My 1st Wedding

This was a very exciting nerve racking day. My 1st WEDDING! I was the first and second shooter. In charge of the whole shabang. How amazing. Capturing all these special moments.
It was honestly the perfect day. The clouds parted and God shone his glorious light on us. I started the day with a drive out to the train station to capture and few pics of the groom. Leving was so adorable waiting for his bride. We had a lovely chat as we waited...and waited....and waited. I mean seriously have you ever known a bride to be on time...Pleeeease. Then the moment came. Jenise was here. The look on Levings face as he saw her for the first time. Those first pics so full of emotions and love. LOVE! That was really what the whole day was about.

Moments at the Bridal Shower

Bridal Shower

Bridal Shower

This was such a fun day for me. I was lucky enough to be invited to this beautiful Bridal Shower. It was so fun being a fly on the wall. Being creative and taking those shots that captured the moment so perfectly. It was lovely to see the bride with her sister and there mom...what a connection. They had fun laughing and teasing each other. It was a beautiful sight to see.

The food was fabulous, the crowd made me laugh, and to be a small part of this lovely gift from one sister to another...a blessing.
Thank you for the oppurnity. I hope our paths cross again someday soon :o)

A Horse Lover!

On a beautiful overcast day Ms. M and her mom (my BFF) came for a walk with us in the hopes to find some horses. Well, we did better than that...we found horses she could feed and pet! Did I mention the donkey family...HEEELLO! Bliss!

Seeing the joy on her face is such a gift. I feel so blessed to still have little ones in my life. They find pure pleasure in the simplest things. She reminds me that the smallest things are sometimes the biggest gifts!

Ms. M had a smile from ear to ear and that's the moment when Life Whispered!

Birchwood Dairy Farm

I scream, you scream...we all scream for ice cream! Aaah! Our favorite summer past time. Who doesn't love a scoop of there favorite flavor in a yummy waffle cone, regular cone or a bowl?
This is our favorite ice cream shop in the summer. The drive through the country is wonderful. The view is spectacular. The farm is fun for the kids. Old fashioned tractors to sit on. The animals in the petting pen...Goats were there this time. To top it all off the yummies ice cream treat. The are the things that make me smile!

35th B-day

35! What does that mean to me? I'm not really sure. I thought I would be so many thing by now. I thought I would have gone to school, started my own business...capturing those perfect moments with my camera. Life has certainly taken a turn. Transferring here and there...

I guess 35 means I am where, I am in life because that's the plan. I have sacrificed to be a good Mom.
I HAVE captured moments...of my family, of things that matter most to me. My time to shine will come. Someday...I hope. Until then I will feel young and heart. Dream larger than myself. Know I made the right choices....and have FAITH in myself. My Mum did and does...that's why my middle name is Faith. She always knew!

Soooo Happy Birthday to me...a celebration of things to come and a future that goes beyond my wildest dreams!