Balance

This is the end of a very long week and I've noticed that there seems to be a slight imbalance going on in my life right now.

This time of year (Spring) is always a little more busy for us. With Wayne planting, haying, stone picking, scuffling, milking cows (both morning & night), driving bus..... and on it goes. I find myself very busy too, not only do I work at the office, but this time of year I lend a hand at the greenhouse, plus there's the laundry, cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping add to that the lawn needs to be mowed, the flowerbeds, gardening..... it never seems to end. ugh! It seems we're constantly doing something and the cycle just continues. Till I get through the list it's time to start back at the top and run though it again.

The kids too are busy:
Krystle is currently working as a retail sales clerk in a shop in Grand Bend, plus in the final stages of planning the wedding and getting their apartment ready.
Kyle is working at two jobs for the summer; 1 for a landscaping company, 2 as a bouncer at the Gables , both in Grand Bend. He's also getting all the necessary paper work in order to attend Georgian College in the fall.
Darcy works at the Little Inn of Bayfield, and he too is getting all the necessary paper work together to attend Fanshawe in the fall.

With all this going on it feels like the scales have tipped; too much is going out and not enough coming in and yet..... here I sit >.<

Blessings

one month

In exactly one month from today, Krystle and Gerard will be getting married. WOW! If this next month goes by as quickly as last month did, the day will be here probably before we're ready for it.

There are times, I must admit, when I feel overwhelmed with all we've yet to do to be ready for this super special day. Not only has it been physically challenging to get ready but also emotionally challenging. My emotions have been ranging anywhere from super happy to a wee bit sad. Then I feel guilty for feeling that way and then it swings to being excited again. Talk about an emotional roller coaster!

Blessings

happy birthday, Krystle

We celebrated Krystle's 23rd birthday today. Can it really be? ..... where has all the time gone? As is our family tradition the birthday person gets to choose the dinner menu. So tonight we enjoyed Stuffed Mushroom Caps and Pad Thai (of course we had your choice of Shrimp, Chicken or Tofu): and for dessert we enjoyed Angel Food Cake, fresh Strawberries, and French Vanilla Ice Cream.

Blessings

Holiday Weekend

Growing up I have fond memories of the long holiday weekend in May. We used to spend the whole weekend (because it was such a long drive) up at Uncle Dave's and Auntie Carol's. My dad would busy himself with working out in the greenhouse and my mom would be in the house cleaning, cooking and of course making homemade donuts.. mhhmmm YUM! Us kids, would be be busy too, out in the barn playing, hiding in the tree house, listening to music in the playhouse or hanging out in the basement. It never really mattered what we did, just being together made it memorable.

After getting married the holiday weekends gave my Mom & Dad a different opportunity. Rather that work over at the greenhouses they would faithfully come to our farm: where the work it seemed never ended. Dad would help Wayne and Mom would be busier than ever giving me the much needed help with housework, yardwork, gardening and of course helping to care for her grandchildren.

While a long holiday weekend is not as relaxing as it was when I was a kid, I still enjoy getting that extra day to get caught up with all the 'chores' that a farm requires.

Blessings

Country Living

There is just something about country living. Growing up in a small town I would have never thought it possible that I would become a country girl. It's kind of ironic, my mom was raised in the country who raised her family in town. Her daughter (me) then raised her family in the country and with Krystle & Gerard getting an apartment in Exeter it looks as though they might be raising their family (when that time comes) in a small town.

Our property is on the corner so we only have one neighbour and with 15 acres separating us, it's pretty seclusive around here. Which lends itself to give us the quiet, the tranquility, and quite possibly the best view around. After reading Krystle's posts about her experiences out here in the country with this post and this one it really got me to thinking. I too love it out here.

We've been blessed to be able to raise our family on the farm which has been in Wayne's family since 1927. Blessings

Teenagers no more.....

It's official, there is no longer any teens at our house. We celebrated Darcy's 20th birthday on Monday and for one short week Krystle is 22 (until her birthday next week), Kyle is 21 & Darcy is 20. For years I've been taking a photo of them during this time to remind myself how quickly they grow. I remember being super excited when they were 13, 14 & 15 and having all teens at home. People were/are astonished at how close our kids are and I wouldn't change it for anything. Of course we weren't without our disagreements, but overall, I loved that time together. In fact it only keeps getting better. The relationship we have with our kids is great, we've all become such good friends.

Blessings

happy birthday, Darcy

We celebrated Darcy's birthday today - it was 20 years ago today that this handsome young man joined our family. Can it really be 20 years already? As is our family tradition, the person celebrating their birthday gets to decide the menu for their day. So tonight we feasted upon, Greek Pasta Salad (minus the olives), Fried Green Pepper and Bacon Sandwiches and for dessert Pumpkin Pie. Not your tradtional birthday supper, but a birthday celebration nonetheless.

We gave Darcy a George Forman grill as his present. I realize that this is not your typical birthday present; but for him this is perfect. He's heading off to College in the fall so this little item will help keep him fed while away from home.

Blessings

A Day to Rest

It's been mentioned before that for the month of May I'm working at two jobs. As an administrative assistant at the church and as a greenhouse technician at Huron Ridge Acres. Combined these to two jobs take up 47 hours of my week each week, add to that my regular list of things; cleaning, laundry, cooking, grocery shopping, plus during this time of year; there's lawn to mow, flowers & garden to maintain and of course I still like to take time for just me by either reading, kitting or walking. Needless to say, its busy, so much, that sometimes I need to just rest.

Thankfully today was that day for me. After lunch I spent a gloriously relaxing afternoon sitting outside on the patio, soaking up some sun and reading my book. Wayne had given me a beautiful planter with pink petunias and white bacopa that sits on the picnic table and while I was sitting outside today I had this teeny little visitor. I didn't bother trying to get my camera, I figured as soon as I moved the little guy would be long gone, so I 'borrowed' this picture from the Internet. He was as busy as can be visiting each flower, I wonder if they ever get to rest.......

It makes sense to take a day every now and then and just rest. Resting from everything you normally do can you give you not only the much needed break from work but also, can help put things back into perspective. Today gave me the time I needed to re-evaluate what it is I do and where I want to see myself end up. I don't want to look back at this time with regret but to enjoy this season in life.

Blessings

Bridal Shower

Last night we were overwhelmed by the love and support from our family and friends as we hosted Krystle's bridal shower. As each guest came they were encouraged to sign her apron. What a night! We welcomed over 65 ladies to our home who blessed Krystle with an amazing array of gifts, from baking pans to mix masters, towels to a beautiful and lovingly hand-made quilt from Grandma G. Our guests enjoyed a variety of fresh fruit that could (or not) be dipped through the chocolate fountain and a delicious mix of squares. The buzz of noise from all the chatting and laughter filled the house. What a wonderful evening! and blessing it is to live in such a community.

Blessings

De-Clutter

Krystle decided it was time to de-clutter the front of the fridge: she said that if I could name 10 things on the fridge I could keep them. I think I shocked her when I listed almost everything on the fridge. >.<

After it was cleaned, we were trying to agree what to put back on, Krystle thought that only 10 things should go back on: however, I kind of like the clean look. Next on the de-clutter list: the desk, the cupboards, the drawers, the cabinets, the closets.......

So much to do, so little time!

With this wedding coming quickly, we have had to do alot of clean-up around the farm. Not only the outside like the t.v. tower, flowerbeds and such, but also on the inside. The re-decorating that we've done so far has been extremely helpful. As we empty each room to paint or whatever, I've had to decide what to keep and what to be rid of. It's been hard, I would have never realized how attached I was to stuff.

After cleaning, Krys & I sat and enjoyed a cup of tea, she reminded me that it's only stuff and if the house was on fire what would I really want to take with me. To which I replied that when the barn was on fire and we were minutes away from losing the house I got the most important "stuff" - my kids out.

Blessings

Sasha and the Bee

As I was hanging out the laundry today, I noticed our little puppy found a new playmate.

I couldn't resist taking a video ~ too cute!

Blessings

A Mom's worth

According to one report, $117,856.40 a year. That's the figure in a study put out by Salary.com, which calculates the wages that would have been paid a stay-at-home mom, if she were compensated for all the elements of her "job."

The job descriptions that Salary.com used to determine a mom's salary includes 10 jobs that moms do on an average day: housekeeper, day care center teacher, cook, computer operator, laundry machine operator, janitor, facilities manager, van driver, CEO and psychologist.

What do you think? Is there value in assigning a dollar value to all moms do? Of course there's no putting a value on the myriad responsibilities in a mom's day. Between all the listening, teaching, cleaning, cooking, driving, fixing, loving and lecturing she does on any given day, taking care of the kids, cooking meals, keeping the house clean, taking kids to soccer practice, etc., stay at home moms probably work anywhere from 12 to 18 hours a day. Every mom is absolutely priceless. That said, it is nice to know one's worth, and I’m not talking in messy kisses, macaroni necklaces, dandelion bouquets or Popsicle stick frames. I’m talking in cold, hard cash. The truth is that there’s no real value we can put on all of the hard work that stay-at-home moms do.

So, how many roses would you have to buy this Mother’s Day to pay mom for her Mom Jobs? According to the calculations of Salary.com ... Your stay-at-home mom should expect 5,893 dozen roses this year, and working moms: get ready to enjoy the aroma of 3,593 dozen long stem beauties. Happy Mother's Day!

Blessings

Birthday girl

Today is my mom's **th birthday. I'll let you ask her her age. >.< My mom was born to Serenus & Esther Schwartzentruber; she is blessed with 6 sisters and 2 brothers no that's not a typo, she's 1 of 9. We've had many family reunions with the Schwartzentruber family over the years. With aunts, uncles & cousins and later adding cousins-in-law and their kids, if we were all able to gathered together we'd total over 100. What an amazing legacy to Grandpa & Grandma! We contribute 14. With Mom's special day falling on a Thursday we were unable to get together, but this weekend should more than make up for it. We're planning to go to the Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls for the weekend. Having never been then we're super excited. Doesn't that look like alot fun!

Happy Birthday Mom, I love you!

Blessings

yawn

It's 4:45am and I'm awake...... ugh! how frustrating! It seems more and more of late, I am having trouble sleeping, which could explain why I am so tired all the time. But then if I am SO tired why can't I sleep? Sometimes I wonder if it's because I have too much on my proverbial plate, or is it because I have too much on my mind and then cannot rest properly?

For me, journalling is a great approach to clearing the mind which can give a cleansing to the soul. Knowing that I have all the necessary info written down somewhere can give my mind the 'rest' it needs rather than trying to remember it all.

Faithful readers will call the post Irony, where I admit that sleeping in has become almost non-existant. I'm hoping that this even earlier rising does not become a habit. I need my ZZZ's.
Blessings

Greenhouse GURU

Today, I started my second job. For the month of May I'll be over at the green house busy ~ planting, cleaning, and thoroughly enjoying the beauty of the spring season. I must admit though that I find it a little daunting that once I put on the Huron Ridge Acres t-shirt, I transform into (according to some customers) a greenhouse guru. {smirk} Dictionary.com describes guru as any person who counsels or advises; a mentor; a leader in a particular field.

It's easy for me to decide what I like and what I would plant together, but for others it makes the task a little more daunting, especially if pansies are involved. I have this unrealistic fear of them, bizarre? I know, I think it stems (pun intended) from the movie Alice in Wonderland. >.< With this being my third year at the greenhouse I have become more confident with the knowledge I've learned from Carol... the true greenhouse guru.

Can it really be work when you love it so much?

Blessings

conGRADulations

It's hard to believe that today is the day we celebrated Krystle's graduation from Heritage Baptist College & Seminary receiving her Bachelors of Religious Education Professional: Human Services.

Family & friends gathered together to help us celebrate. We were/are proud that Krystle was given the opportunity to give the valedictorian address to the 2010 graduating class.
During the program each degree was recognized with the faculty advisers placing the appropriate graduating coloured scarf (hood) onto each student.
Krystle receiving her hood from Dr. Cheryl Belch the faculty advisor for the department.
Krystle receiving her diploma from President Brubaker and graduating cum laud (with praise); which means her AGPA (average grade point average) is over 3.5.
This accomplishment marks the beginning of something new for her; the first step on a new journey. Krystle, Dad & I are so very, very proud of you.

Blessings