Road Trip???

Wayne & I decided that today we were going for a drive to Colasantis in Kingsville. Before we left, I did a quick Mapquest search for directions since neither one of us have even been there before. So with our trusty directions we head out, we're travelling along quite nicely until the road we're travelling on has a detour, ok no problem we think we'll follow the detour and be on our merry way. We're driving for quite a while only to end up back where we started at the beginning of the detour - what? how did that happen? I was so frustrated that I was ready to go home. I must mention that I am directionally challenged and can get lost very easy, I joke that I can get lost in a closet. But no, Wayne however wasn't ready to give up, so we headed back to a gas station to purchase an actual map and follow it instead. It seems that the detour people forgot one little sign and took us and I'm sure many others for a nice loop around. Once I had my map I was set, as we're driving along I keep commenting that 'yep this is the right way because there was that sign'. Wayne thought it quite humorous that once I had my map I wasn't so worried about getting lost.

Only an hour later than planned we ended up at Colasantis, it is definitely worth the drive. There is a huge greenhouse - with both annuals & perennials, cacti, bonsai trees; petting zoo; numerous arcade games; home decor, Christmas decorations and a restaurant that serves the best broasted chicken we've ever had. mmhmmm We spent several hours looking around and purchasing a few things. What a great time!


On our way home we also stopped at Parks Blueberries another place I've wanted to go to but haven't taken the time to visit. This place is wonderful, the fresh baking, the blueberries, the unique gift ware, the blueberries, the homemade jams, the blueberries, the quaint atmosphere, oh yeah and the blueberries makes me want to go again - soon. Now that I've been there once, I can hopefully find it again. I'm one of those people who, when travelling go by landmarks not necessarily by roadsigns. Probably not a good idea, because if the landmark is ever gone, I'd be lost. unless I take a map ^.^

It's a fearful thing to be lost, but I guess one of things I learned was always have a map when travelling >.< no seriously, I learned that there is no point in getting all worried. The only thing that happened was we were an hour late, big deal.

Blessings

Falling Behind

It's been a crazy time for me. As many will recall I chose to work at Huron Ridge Acres for the month of May, while their season is at one of it's peaks.

While I enjoy my time over there amongst the flowers, the staff and the welcoming atmosphere, I found myself falling behind around home. With lawn to mow, garden to plant, flowers beds to maintain, not to mention laundry, cleaning, cooking, baking, bookwork (which I am now officially behind 5 months) and still try to have time for me with reading and/or walking the dogs. without feelings of guilt. Did I mention that I also work 27 hours a week at the office? phew! just reading that makes me tired.

I used to think of myself as a fairly organized person but these days for every step forward I've taken, I end up taking two back. I'm not going to get very far ahead that way, am I? So, how does one manage it all?

I've been reading the book "Be Happy without being Perfect" by Alice Domar, in it she reminds those of us with perfectionist tendencies that 'perfection is the enemy of happiness' and that 'we're not perfect and guess what? we don't have to be'.

For those of you who do not struggle with this, you probably cannot empathize with me, but for those of you who check off one of these:
1. I'm constantly aware of what I eat.
2. I think less of myself when my home is cluttered.
3. My fear of doing a project poorly sometimes prevents me from getting started.
4. I find it difficult to forgive people who have wronged me.
5. I feel guilty taking time away from my children to do something special for me.
6. I find it hard to make big decisions.
probably understand how I feel.

I wonder how plausible the quote 'A place for everything and everything in its place' is when living with three men.

Blessings

Celebrating

Today is Krystle's 22nd birthday.


Since she is living away from home this summer we ended up celebrating yesterday with her by going to Woodlands - probably one of her favourite summer spots. (it's an outdoor restaurant that serves the best soft serve ice-cream)
So of course, I called her today to wish her a 'Happy Birthday' and told her again just how proud I am of her. During one of her classes at Heritage the prof stated that we (people in general) tend to be proud of the "what" our kids do, and not the "who" our kids are.

To Krystle:
There are so many things to say and yet as I pause to think of you, I fill up with tears at the love that overflows from my heart. Our first child and only girl - you have so many gifts: your desire to serve God with all your heart, soul & mind; the talent you exhibit at playing the piano; your creative genius; the ambition you have for higher education; your willingness to help others; and the fact that you love me unconditionally even though I've made my share of mistakes are just a few of the reasons I love you.
I know I've said this many times and it's probably tiresome, but I am SO proud of you and am honoured to have you call me mom.
Happy Birthday Kryssi!

Blessings

One at a time

We are blessed to have three kids...although now a days they can hardly fit into the category as kids.
Krystle, Kyle & Darcy are 21, 20 & 19, for about a week, then Krystle has her birthday and she turns 22. (which is coming soon) Each year I take a photo to capture this moment and remind myself what a blessing these three are in my life.

It was a little more challenging when they were younger, trying to raise kids so close together, but now I wouldn't change it for the world. I love that fact they they grew up together and are very close relationally with each other because there never was a big age gap between them. We were and still are able to do things together as a family without anyone being to young or to small to be with the rest of us.

Watching my kids grow into mature, independent young adults leaves me with the feeling of great satisfaction. I've got great kids and I'm so very proud of who they are. Sorry, I know I'm bragging, but hey "it's my blog and I'll brag if I want to, brag if I want to, you would brag to if they were your kids too!" (to the tune of It's my Party by Lesley Gore.)

For many people, they dread the teenage years, but I've enjoyed them thoroughly. Probably the best years so far! I'm not saying it was always easy, sure there were challenges, arguments, tests of patience and disappointments, but all things considered those are the times that have made us who we are today and for than I am thankful.

Blessings

19 and counting....

It's hard to believe that it was 19 years ago today, that Darcy Grant (named after my Dad) joined our family.

We celebrated for most of the day eating BBQ'd hamburgers out on the new (to me) patio table. ohh it was wonderful!
Then in the afternoon we played the game "Disney's Scene it", I couldn't believe my luck when I found this at the public library in the donation section. Krystle & Kyle were team, Wayne & Darcy were a team, and Gerard & I were a team, it was a pretty close game, but Krystle & Kyle won. way to go guys! It was such good fun.

We began a new tradition when Krystle turned 19, we took our kids out to a restaurant of their choice and we bought their first drink. Well it wasn't exactly Darcy's first drink but rather is first 'legal' drink ^.^ - Darcy chose Red Lobster. We had such a wonderful time together, chatting & laughing and what a meal, oh my it was tasty!

I think back to where we were 19 years ago, bringing this little (well he was 8lbs 14 oz) boy into the world and I think to myself how quickly that time has gone by.

It's been an amazing journey together so far... I look forward to many more birthdays and years together.
Happy Birthday Darcy!!!

Blessings

Bloomin' Wonderful

ahhh.. the smell of spring, I think it's finally arrived.

We have a Harvest Apple tree in the backyard, and it has the most beautiful blooms on it. It's a sure sign that spring, even though it's late this year in coming.


The weather has been putting a damper (quite literally) on me. I read my friend Melanie's blog and she echoed exactly what I was thinking and feeling. In short it's about having periods in your life where things are not all that they should/could be. That everyone around you seems to be going in full force and you're stuck in the crowd just following along. Not really paying attention to the details, but just getting by.
We can get so caught up doing life that we don't live life. But how do we slow down or may I say it 'stop'. Society today wears busyness as a badge of honour; you ask anyone how they're doing and the most common answer will be 'busy'. How sad is that.

Well not me, at least for now, I'm going to begin by adding white space into my daytimer and allow myself a slower lifestyle and take time to smell the flowers.... especially the ones on the apple tree and dream of warm apple pie.

Blessings

A whole latte love!

Krystle gave me this beautiful flower and a gift card for Starbucks for Mother's Day.

I told my family that I really don't appreciate the commercialism that surrounds so many of the holidays and rather than buy me something for Mother's Day, I would prefer to have my family home for breakfast and that I wanted to make brunch.
Well, I didn't quite accomplish brunch but we did enjoy homemade chocolate chip waffles with strawberry sauce and whipped cream....YUM!

Still...it was such a wonderful surprise. thanks Krys!

Blessings

Mom-sense

Funny but true, we as moms have probably all said atleast one or two of these things, I stopped counting. ^.^

Today is a day in which we are honoured as moms and to honour our own moms.

As a litle girl I remember being asked what I wanted to be when I grow up, I'm sure many people were surprized that I would answer 'a mom'. There is so much pressure on women these days, to have to choose between a career, or be a stay-at-home mom. I remember when I decided to stay at home, there wasn't much support. I always felt that I had to defend my decision. Therefore I've become an advocate for the stay-at-home moms that I am in contact with, to support them with their decision. Society doesn't seem to acknowledge Motherhood as a profession. sad, isn't it.

I am one of the lucky girls to have two moms in my life. Of course there is my biological mom Sharon, who nurtured me through the first 17 years of my life, but there is also my Aunt Ginny whom I lived with for a year before I married Wayne. I adopted her and my Uncle Ken as my Ma & Pa. Both of these women have greatly influenced my life. So here's wishing " A Happy Mother's Day", to both my mom and my mama. I love you both!

It seems unfair that we take one day out of the year to thank our moms for the... well, everything they've done for us.

I love being a mom to Krystle, Kyle & Darcy, for the opportunities that each one has given me. They've taught me so many things, to love unconditionally, to stretch my faith, to test my patience, they've given me more joy than I could ever imagine, and to laugh, oh how we laugh! They've given me some of my best memories. I am more than blessed to have these three wonderful kids call me mom, there's nothing more precious than that.

Blessings

Bittersweet

Today was one of those bittersweet moments in my life.

As post-secondary schools come to a close, most students begin their return to their perspective homes, my daughter however is not one of them. Even though Krystle has completed her 3rd year (way to go Kryssi!) at Heritage Baptist College & Seminary, she is not returning home. Krystle is choosing to stay in Cambridge again this summer continuing her work with Imagine Adoption (an international adoption agency).

I'm very proud that Krystle has become such an independent young woman who is ready to be on her own. Yet..... I miss her. She was home this weekend and planning to come home again the next, but it's not quite the same as living here.

Blessings

Down & Dirty

I've started my 'job' over at Huron Ridge Acres.

For the month of May the greenhouse has extended hours and therefore more people are needed and I am lucky to be one of them.

Last year, Lorraine & I were talking about the craziness that happens during the spring season at the greenhouse. She told me that it's so difficult to find someone willing to work practically full-time for a month and then only as needed afterwards. I thought this would be something that I could do. So last year I began to work in the retail area - working from 4-8 in the evenings, Saturdays 11-4 and a couple of Sundays 1-4.

This year I'm working 16 shifts in 31 days, mostly evenings & Saturdays with a few Sunday afternoons ..... adding that with my other part-time job should keep me busy. ^.^

Blessings