New Look

After reviewing many friends' blogs and seeing the new look they have given to their blog, I decided that it was time to update mine.

31 different templates to choose from.....reminds me of Baskin-Robbins. It was a tough choice, I wanted to have a 'new' look without copying someone else's new look ^.^ After spending more time that I probably should have trying to decide which one I wanted, I settled for this look.

I enjoy blogging, I started a little more than a year ago, from a suggestion from a dear friend. It's a great way to allow friends and family a small window into the life that I live and a great way way to keep extended family updated.

I passed the blogging bug to Krystle, who, for the summer decided to stay in Cambridge working at Imagine Adoption and taking a Distance Education course from Heritage. I love that fact that I can read her blog and stay updated with the life of my girl.

I also enjoy journaling and have several different journals on my bookshelf. My latest acquisition has Disney's Tinkerbell on the front. When I take the time to record my memories, journal my prayers, and write down my thoughts, I found that I gave myself a gift to be opened over and over again. I can recall times of laughter, I am encouraged by God's faithfulness in difficult situations, and feel a sense of comfort by expressing and managing the emotions He's given to me. It's feels good to revisit the joys and even the struggles in my life, because God is working through my life and building character through every circumstance. I think it's important to write down on our thoughts - words have power!

Blessings

Security

Kyle got a job as a bouncer for the Gables Bar in Grand Bend. He always wanted to be in securities of some kind. For his co-op placement Kyle worked for the Ben Miller Falls Conservation Area as a Park Ranger and after graduation he looked into attending college for that degree. He then got the job with Ice Cultures and he likes it there, working on the plant floor and every once in a while he goes on job set-ups taking him to California, Washington, Chicago, etc.

So one Saturday he decided to go and apply for a job at Gables, not knowing whether or not they were hiring. He gave them his resume and at 5:00 pm that night they called to offer him a job and he started right that night. He only works a couple weekends a month which is nice since it won't interfere with his other job.


At 6' 3" Kyle can sure look pretty intimidating, although once you know Kyle you'd realize that he's harmless. He's such a gentle man with a sensitive spirit, willing to help anyone in need.

Working at the Gables has given Kyle the opportunity to fulfill his dream of being in security and Ice Cultures gives him great opportunity for travelling, it's the best of both.

Blessings

Holidays

We returned from one week of holidays at Chesley Lake where we were able to rent a cottage. About 1 year ago, I called to see about booking a cottage only to be told that there is a waiting list for accessibility to cottages. So we agreed to put our name on the list hoping to get in. In September we received a letter making us aware of the cottages that were available to rent, so I quickly called and two of the choices we wanted were already gone. After finding out what was left we quickly secured the farm house. It turned out to be a pretty nice place. It had a huge main floor, there was kitchen/dining room/living room and a bathroom, and upstairs there was 3 bedrooms.

It was such a wonderful week, here a just a few of the pictures from the week.
Kyle enjoyed fishing on the dock and was pretty happy when he caught a fish.


Darcy & Wayne played tennis almost everyday. We were fortunate that we were right beside the tennis courts, it was easy to see when the courts were free and they could just head on over.


We borrowed a kayak from Phil & Jen and it was absolutely awesome to go out on the lake. Krystle & I taking a turn.....


..... and Krystle & Gerard.


Wayne & Kyle played in the 2 on 2 Beach Volleyball Tournament and won. way to go guys They each won a gym bag.


Most days we went for walks & rode our bikes throughout the park, and each evening we were given a spectacular view of the sun setting.

We had a wonderful time together as a family, we booked the cottage again for next year and I am looking forward to more wonderful memories of Chesley Lake.

Blessings

Driver #5

On Monday Darcy passed his driving exam to receive his G2 license. It was a proud moment for both of us.

He's on his own now, no more driving him around, or taking him to driver's education, or in car lessons or to his friend's houses or...... you get the idea. Now it'll be about letting him drive on his own. He's a really good driver, so I shouldn't be worried, but.........being a mom I think it just comes with the job.

This is one of those bittersweet moments. I am glad for Darcy to have gained a new kind of Independence, but this a sad moment for me. This is last one of my kids to get his G2 license.

So often in life we faithfully remember and capture our children's 'firsts', so I wanted to recognize and savor this 'last'. Far too many times these milestones can go easily go unrecorded. I didn't want to do that.

Darcy had an appointment in Stratford on Thursday. I first thought that his dad should go with him, just in case, but Darcy made a valid point "what was the use of him getting his license if we don't let him go on his own."
Smart kid. ^.^

The summer season is such a wonderful time for him to be out on his own driving. This will help give him the driving experience he'll need before winter.

Blessings

Summer Fun

I finally relented and let Kyle pull the trampoline over to the side of the pool, so they could jump from the trampoline into the pool.

Kyle jumps in and convinces Gerard to jump over him, unfortunately Gerard crashes into Kyle. Oh what fun!

I also took a few still photos.

SPLASH! Kyle mid-air.

Krystle thought it was so much fun that she wanted to take a turn too.
Beautiful Dive!

Blessings

Father's Day

I had been unable to blog about Father's Day until now. For those of you who are faithful readers you will know that I was having Internet issues at home. The last few posts were from the computer in the office where I work.

We have been celebrating Father's Day at the park in Stratford as long as I can remember. It started out as a potluck picnic with everyone bringing in variety of foods to share. The last few years though we broke from tradition and have starting ordering pizza. Which we all enjoy immensely.


The dads, my brother-in-law,my husband, and my dad.

My brother-in-law Ross is such a wonderful dad to his 4 boys. He is such a patient man and is always willing to play ball (baseball, football or soccer) with his boys.
My husband, is also a great dad to our kids. Wayne has such a good work ethic and supports our family quite well. He enjoys singing at the piano when Krystle sits and plays, playing volleyball with Kyle, and playing badminton with Darcy. He loves to travel and we have been to the Caribbean many time throughout our marriage.
My dad, Grant Kaufman. One the most favourable memories I have about my dad is our Saturday morning time. We would usually spend the morning either baking (usually cupcakes) or we'd be in his fuel truck that he drove for D.H.Jutzi. My dad is such a wonderful grandpa or as we like to call him Papa to his 7 grandchildren.

As the day progressed we went for a walk around the river and came across some ducks.


The park also lends itself to great photo opportunities so I couldn't pass up the chance to take a family picture.

We had such a wonderful day, I look forward next year.

Blessings