Death

I know bit of a weird dark topic for the Christmas season, but something I've been pondering.

There's never really a good time for a loved one to pass on, but it seems to me that Christmastime heightens the sadness of the situation.

The media has been filled with tragic images of death these past couple of weeks, from Connecticut to Syria, Israel & Palestine. I attempt to avoid the media hype because I'm a very visual person & I don't like those images in my head.

Death is no respecter of persons. Young or old, sick or healthy. Kind hearted or wicked. The senselessness of children dying and the expected passing of the elderly, difficult on varying degrees, but difficult nonetheless.

News of a longtime family friend passing on has brought the issue of death a little closer to home. It's made me think of my own dear family and how precious they are to me.

What I would say to you this Christmas season is cherish the moments you have with loved ones. Don't get lost in the busyness of this season and forget the true meaning of Christmas & togetherness. Be thankful for the time you have it is surely a blessing.

Remember those who are in mourning and may find it hard to see the joy this season. May they find comfort & peace!

I am thankful for family and friends and the wonderful moments we will spend together over these next few days and weeks.

I am thankful for The One that came to bring life everlasting.

Happy Thanksgiving

Well I'm Canadian, but I do love the whole idea of American Thanksgiving. In true American style it has that "go big or go home" type attitude about it. I love how it represents time together with family, relaxing, watching football and the Macy's parade. It's about tradition, I like tradition.

Sometimes I feel like as Canadians we are afraid to say we like tradition, it would be very unCanadian of us! Isn't it possible to keep traditions of the past and be accepting of what others observe? Just a side note to what I really want to say.

I really just want to say that I'm grateful for the abundant life I lead. It doesn't always make sense, it isn't perfect all the time, but it's pretty darn good. When you consider what truly brings happiness in life; family, friends a place to retreat from the world, a place to call home with people I love and love me unconditionally in return. Faith to cling to in good times and bad that doesn't depend on me always getting it right (I'm sure I get it wrong more than I do right). I live in a free country where I really want for nothing. How blessed am I? How blessed are we all as North Americans?

On American Thanksgiving this Canadian girl is thankful for every blessing big and small.

This Little Creature

This little creature who lives under my roof, eats my food, drinks my milk, leaves a trail of mess behind as he goes. Who is he?

Once there was this sweet little baby who cooed and snuggled, and occasionally cried when he was hungry or wet. He took naps & melted my heart with his little smile. I'm not sure where he's gone?

This other little creature can be equally sweet, but also talks back & every so often gets on my very last nerve. He has an opinion about everything, doesn't like being told what to do & sometimes he shouts at me if he doesn't get his own way.

I'm thankful my sweet boy is growing into a little man. Such precious moments watching him learn new words & gain understanding. But still some days I long for those quiet, cuddly times where he depended on me for everything, from comfort to a warm bottle of milk.

It's overwhelming at times, trying so hard to do it all right...not always knowing what "right" is.

Thankful for grace & forgiveness, for not having to do it alone. Thankful that God hears the heart of this Mom & loves me & my sweet boy more than either of us can fathom.

Confessions of a Bad Blogger

Okay so I guess you could say I've been on a bit of a hiatus; truth is it's been a very busy summer & although I should be able to spare a few moments each day to state what I'm thankful for- I started to find it all too much. I know kinda lame when you think of the state of the world.

Here's what I'm going to sum it up as, part laziness, part not wanting to think so much, part being tired, part being a bad blogger. Here's what it's not... me any less thankful for this life I enjoy & the countless blessings I've been given daily- many seen, more than I can imagine unseen.

These are the highlights of what I'm so thankful for this summer...
~Camping with my wee little family, even though one trip included a fire ban.
~Health- we've had a round of whooping cough which wasn't especially fun, but does make we realize how fortunate I am to have good health more often than not.
~Trips to the nursing home to visit my Grama, bittersweet but I'm glad she is safe & pleasantly confused. It's fun to watch her interact with my son, I'm thankful for the moments he brings her so much joy & happiness.
~Selfish one, but I'm glad my son did not have to start school this year, I'm just not ready for that & thankful he was a January baby!
~To my last point I am exceedingly thankful he's finally getting the idea of potty training, though still a ways to go for my sweet, stubborn, smart boy.
~Thankful that a sweet little boy named Benjamin was born & has exceeded doctors expectations...thankful that he was created in God's image & his life is precious... God has a purpose & a plan for this wee one!
~I'm thankful for my job, though it's been a busy summer...sometimes I feel guilty that I actually love what I do...working Mom guilt...love my family...like my job an awful lot.
~I have to say I'm thankful summer is coming to a close...I'm sorry summer lovers, but I've had enough hot days, enough air conditioning...it's time for the fall, my favourite time of year...crisp air & beautiful colours.
~Thankful for adventures just around the corner.

Silly Soccer Guy

Just a quick little thought tonight. It's been a real struggle to get Liam, my 3 year old to play soccer at all with his soccer team. The past few weeks he hasn't wanted to go on the field or really even associate with the other kids.

Well, this proud Momma is happy to say tonight things turned around. My silly little punk all the sudden decided yes indeed he does like soccer & he knows what to do. He was the winner of the "Player of the Game" award.

Now this may not sound too exciting for a "thankful moment" but it really is. I was considering bowing out of soccer the rest of the season because he really didn't seem to like it. I'm glad...thankful we went to soccer tonight & that Liam had fun! The award was just the icing on the cake.

"Speed. I am Speed"

Yup and today speed is going to cost me because I got a speeding ticket! That is how this fabulous day started for me.

Yes I know my own fault! In my opinion it was really not necessary to pull me over. I mean I was in the middle of nowhere driving to one of our satellite offices, minding my own business! All of the sudden the friendly passer by driving in the oncoming lane just happened to be a cop. I knew I was in trouble when she did a u-turn.

It is rather difficult to draw a thankful moment in this incident, but I think I can manage. I'm thankful I didn't get caught driving any faster. I'm very thankful all the right paperwork was in the van, since we did just transfer the ownership. There I did it...now that's it.

Oh and I will be leaving earlier so my lead foot can take a break!

Oh dear...it's been awhile

Consistency, I can't say it's always my strong point. I mean well but don't always follow through long term. My plan for this blog was to write a little snippet of something I'm thankful for everyday; as you can see it started off great, but I've been lacking a little recently.

Here is something I'm strong with, never giving up! Although it would be easy to abandon this little project, I'm going to carry on & get back at it!

On that note, this week we celebrated Canada Day; our wee little family went camping & enjoyed our time together. It's definitely something I'm thankful for, being Canadian & having a little family to celebrate that with.

Happy Anniversary

No doubt of what I'm thankful for today, my sidekick aka my hubby Chris.

We've been married for 8 yrs today. He's been my constant companion through thick & thin. What I love about him is he is kind & caring. He loves me just as I am; perhaps that sounds cheesy, but its true. Its been said I have a strong personality & he knows how to let me be me without being a pushover. That's a blessing for sure.

I feel I'm a blessing to him too. He has his own unique character & I hope and pray I challenge him just enough to be a better man, with enough tenderness to love him for who he is.

Marriage may not be all butterflies and romance, sometimes it's jogging pants, no make up & watching cheesy sci-fi shows. I don't hear the romantic theme music play when he walks in the door from work, but I enjoying hearing his stories from the day & telling him mine.

This cheesy little love story wouldn't be complete without the addition of our wee man, our love bug, our son. Having him has only brought us closer together & allowed us to express love more deeply.

My heart is so grateful for what God has done in both our lives & for His plans for us as a couple & a little family.

Making Hot Chocolate

Just a silly moment before bed, making hot chocolate. Thankful for fun little moments with my wee man!

"The world has changed..."

"I feel it in the water. I feel it in the earth. I smell it in the air. Much that once was is lost..."

I didn't write an entry yesterday because honestly I didn't feel like it. I received some news I didn't want, nothing serious just a little disappointing. It was just an all around kind of crummy day.

I was thinking tonight of something to write about & had it all planned. Then I was watching the news & changed my mind. The world around me is in such turmoil; the particular news item I saw was about Syria. I saw disturbing images of children that had been used as human shields. What struck me the most was seeing a little boy lying in the back of a pick up truck, I'm not sure if he was alive or dead, he looked to be around the same age as my son, three or four years old.

I saw other images of mothers running down the streets from gunfire grasping their children for dear life. A man very candidly said "why will no one help us, we are people not animals".

Kind of puts my world in perspective. Maybe things didn't go the way I was hoping, perhaps I was inconvenienced by events in my day, but all in all my world is pretty great. I have much to be thankful for, a free & safe country I call home, a wonderful home to live in, a family, knowing my son is lying warmly in his bed & I have food in my fridge, just to name a few.

I cannot explain why these things happen in our world. I know where hope & peace comes from, but my heart and mind have a hard time processing such atrocities.

"The Quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little, and it will fail, to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains while the Company is true".

What I come away with tonight is a thankful heart, but a troubled heart. We cannot cease in praying for justice & peace in the world.

(Quotes are from Lord of The Rings)

Church

Just wanted to say I'm thankful for our little church. Love the fact that they've been doing a series on families & parenting. Learning a lot, meeting lots of great people & feel like we are part of the family. Most of all feeling blessed at what God is doing in our little family- God is faithful.

Swimming Lessons Complete

It was the wee man's final swimming lesson today. Thankful he made it through with a few tears but mostly fun.

This was his first real group lessons without me, so I think he did pretty well. He doesn't really like water in his face or being told what to do, so some weeks he wasn't too happy. Who can blame him, yet all the things he learned in some small way will prepare him for life apart from me. His first lesson I just wanted to pick him up & say "it's okay you don't have to stay", but I knew this is something he needs to do to learn and grow.

Thankful for the new skills my wee man learned, beyond just swimming & thankful that I'm learning along with him, when to protect & when to let go.

Late Night Owl & Friends

I've probably mentioned this before, but just in case you missed it, I am a night owl. Which for the most part I am thankful for; it's only a little challenging on early mornings.

Which brings me to my next point, friends coming for breakfast. I am so thankful for my crazy friends from near and far that are coming tomorrow. With these particular friends I can be myself & I don't even mind if they see my house a little on the messy side. Now that's when you know they're good friends, they can see you & your house not at their best. (morning is definitely not when I'm at my best- haha).

On that note I'm thankful I've got some pick me up to get ready for tomorrow & very grateful to have friends to share my Saturday morning with.

Hope you have a blessed Saturday with good friends too!

Paully

It's my youngest brother Paul's birthday today! What better time is there to say how thankful I am for him.

He is a unique character, always has been. He's kind hearted, caring & generous, not to mention a little on the rowdy, daring & just ever so slightly rebellious side. He's dependable and fun; a big hit with my 3 yr old because he's always up for being over the top silly. He has a style all his own!

I'm so thankful for my little bro... thankful we always have a great time together & thankful for who you are!!

Now for some very silly old photos...

Last but not least...if you ever become a criminal this is the shot we'll use...

Sunshine

It's been a little cloudy & gloomy here these past few days, so the beautiful sunny day was a welcome change. I'm glad we had some rain because everything was starting to look crispy and brown due to May being such a dry month. A sunny warm day does just lift the spirit somehow & today I'm grateful for that.

Camping Season

Bring on the campfire! We finally got some camping booked for the summer. July long weekend is our first camping adventure of the season. We usually stay at a provincial park, but they were so booked up basically anywhere within 5 hours of where we live, so we found a private campground that looks great.

We have a tent trailer & really enjoy getting away in the summer. We've been many miles in our little camper, all the way out to Newfoundland and back. We've seen a lot of our beautiful country, mostly on the East Coast; someday we'll make it to the West Coast.

Camping really is a great way to spend time with your family & to just let kids be kids, get dirty & discover something other than what's on T.V. Not to mention instilling the true meaning of becoming a pyro! (haha)

I'm thankful for all the time we've spent together camping as a family & looking forward to the start of another great summer!

Below is a peak at some of the fun we've had camping together!

Where it all started...me & my Grampa Mac! :) Miss him!! xox

The Weekend's a Wrap...feeling blessed!

My weekend started out at a Friday night concert of an old friend's, old band..Rise. It was a lot of fun. I did in fact chase my 3 year old around for most of the show, but honestly I count that a blessing. I remember being a young teenage girl & going to events just like this one & dreaming about the day I'd be married & have my own little family. I recall seeing Mom's chasing after their little one's & wondering if that would ever be me. Being at the concert, with hubby & son in tow, what a great feeling.

In addition to the show being a lot of fun & reliving some old memories, it's great to have friends that I've kept in touch with for a LONG time! Feeling old, maybe a little, but mostly grateful. I always thought it was amazing when my Grama Mac would tell me about friends she had stayed in contact with from her days as a young girl; I hope when I'm 80 something I will be telling my grandkids similar stories.

Saturday was filled with the usual routine of coffee with another great long time friend & then off to swimming lessons. After that I dropped Liam off to spend some quality time with Daddy, while I went to check out my new Costco membership with my Mom. My Mom & I had a good time just wandering the store, aimlessly for the most part just checking out the bargains & the people.

Here's what I observed while people watching at Costco; such busyness & generally not a lot of happy faces. I know it was a Saturday & all, but I found it a bit overwhelming in some ways; not so much the volume of people, but the many who seemed so dissatisfied with life and all this stuff surrounding them. I wonder what would happen to all these people, to me, if all the "stuff" was suddenly gone.

Now I'm not a doomsday believer or constantly thinking of the end of the world, but when I look around and see all the things going on in the world it does make me wonder. The world as we know it is really very fragile & sometimes I think we get so caught up in the day to day race that we forget how truly blessed we are.

In contrast to the busyness of my Costco trip & the volume of stuff, I watched a show called "Secret Millionaire" Saturday night. The show's premise is that a millionaire moves into a poor part of the country for a week & finds deserving people or organizations to give some of their money to. They volunteer & connect with people & conceal their true identities & wealth. They are given the same amount of money to live on as food stamps or government assistance would provide for someone in that same neighbourhood.

What I found so amazing about the show, based in the USA of course, is how poor some of the neighbourhoods really were. This was not some third world country, it was right in the middle of the land of dreams, the land of plenty. One of the stories was based in Los Angeles & I found it so sad that there were many people sleeping on the streets and just trying to get a handout of something to eat. This scenario taking place in the shadow of some of the richest people in the world really amazed me.

The message that I want to give from all this, to myself more than anyone else is I am blessed. I have a roof over my head, a family that loves me, a job, & health; these are the things I need to remember the next time someone cuts in front of me at the grocery store or the line I'm in is taking to too long. I am part of the blessed minority, I have peace. I know my blessings are not of my own doing & I never want to take that for granted.

Now I don't have bundles of cash sitting around to give away, but I don't believe that's what's asked of me either. Even time is precious to me due to my work schedule & having a family, but there's always something I can do to help someone in need. Volunteer when I can, give financially when possible, pray & really give of my heart. Remember the poor, we have so much & yet in the province, state or country you live in there are those who will go hungry tonight or will fight just to have a bed to sleep in.

Thankful for all I have, but I don't want it to end there I want to give back- I just need wisdom & a willing heart to do so!

Cooler Weather

I am not a fan of our mega muggy hot weather. I have Scottish blood in me & curly hair that frizzes the more humid it is.

As far as I'm concerned our cooler, no humidex value type day was beautiful. I could do with a whole summer like today! Thankful for relief from the heat & having the windows down in my car!

Best Greeting

My hubby got a job (very thankful for that), which means I've been taking my son to his babysitters. This is my first week dropping him off & picking him up. I have to say picking him up after work is the highlight of my day. Walking in the door, seeing his little smiling face & hearing him say "Mommy...I missed you", words really cannot describe how that makes me feel.

Thankful for that little moment when I feel so loved & needed! It really makes the stresses of the day disappear in an instant.