Camping

The past weekend was glorious for camping with temps sitting in the high 20’s, few clouds in the sky and just enough of a breeze to whisk the sweet freshness of the Canadian Rockies across your face.

The kids and I jumped aboard the trailer and set out for some fun.

We had so much fun hiking, biking and making campfires.  We also went to the hot springs which I would like to say we enjoyed… but can pretty much be summed up as ... Parent’s don’t let your kids drink the pool water!  After only 10 minutes in the pool a kid (not mine) vomited everywhere from drinking the pool water and we all had to evacuate … $20 down the drain … the pool drain ...

As summer comes to a close, although we didn't get a ton of camping in this year, we sure had fun!  Hopefully next summer we can take a long camping trip down through the north of the US of A.! 

A Day With My Dad

When I moved back home last year I moved in with my parents.  They are giving me some time to stay with them to help me get back on my feet after my separation.  As difficult as it may be to move back in with your parents when you're almost 30, it has also been great to spend some time with them as adults and appreciate my parents more than I did when I moved out 11 years ago after high school.

Very shortly after I moved home my dad was diagnosed with cancer.  It has been a great blessing moving in when I think my parents needed us (the kids and I).  My dad and I don’t spend a lot of ‘quality’ time together but today … on this beautiful Sunday afternoon … my dad took me out for a drive through the prairies showing me the homestead of where his family settled and where he grew up.  He named every farm (for what seemed liked miles) and told me little stories along the way.

Cancer is scary stuff and even when they are doing well, it's still really hard on the patient, and also difficult on the family.  I have watched both my parents struggle over the last year but am happy to say that my dad has been so strong and is fighting his battle well!  I love my dad so much, he’s always been there for me when I've need him most.  It was so nice to spend time together and I will always be grateful and thankful for having such a nice man to call my dad.

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you”

 Exodus 20:12

Summer Holiday's

I picked up my kids on Friday (July 19^th) and we headed straight up to Edmonton, AB to visit my sissy and enjoy some MUCH NEEDED family time with her, my bro-in-law and the most adorable little niece around.

Our four days were filled with fun!  Swimming, rides, movies, walks, good food and loads of laughs.

This summer has been hard with my kids being gone for most of it, 7 out of 8 weeks… insert sad face here…  so the 8 days they are here with me I want to spend some great time with them.  As any parent knows, our kids are our lives and we want to give them the best we can and this weekend was just that for us, making some awesome memories.

Although our days were filled with activities, it was also filled with loads of cuddles and pure happiness just to be together.  I truly believe they deserve to live happy and enjoy the novelties of childhood.

 

“watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live”

Deuteronomy 4:9

Birthday's

Well here it is, my first post!  Very exciting, my first journey with you all and what better way than with a party!

As you will learn though this single mama gig… just like most things… there are ups and downs.  This past weekend was some of both.

My dear Hudson had a “real party for his fake birthday” as the celebration ended up being called.  Hudson turns four this summer but unfortunately, for me, he will be at his dad's during his birthday… which breaks my heart… so we had a big HOOPLA before they left and here are some pics from the fab celebration!

  

Like every good party there were presents

And more presents

There was a piñata (Look at him eye that thing up)

Trampoline and sandbox fun 

Secret Wishes & Birthday Cake

Family love & Special friends

All in all the weekend was great with so many happy memories added to the books and we couldn't ask for a better group of friends to share our joys with.

Happy Summer!