The church held their annual baptisms in the creek at the ranch today. It was at my favourite place on earth and it was fun to see people come to God in what for me has always been a holy place.
It amazed me how much the water had dropped since the last time I was there. The dam the kids were building a month ago had been totally under water then. Not so much now. It sure has been dry.
No matter what it’s like, it’s always my happy place there.
The kids and I went to the Cochrane Fair tonight to watch the youth rodeo. I love that kind of thing, especially the little kids. Goat tying, steer riding, pole bending, and a few other events. I’m holding out for mutton busting though.
As we were waking through the grounds the kids saw the mechanical bull and grabbed the opportunity to give it a ride
They had so much fun and it’s awesome that they’re experiencing more and more of their Alberta heritage. They both felt pretty pleased with their rides, and tough as I talk I’m not sure I could have done any better. I have that broken shoulder to prove that.
It was a really fun evening at the fair – laughing and creating memories. That’s happiness.
My girl and I spent a much needed afternoon together. That one on one time is precious and I don’t feel like it happens enough. I know she’s a young lady because I see her all the time, but when we are alone together like this I am reminded of the depth and beauty of her spirit. She is a wonderful soul. Happiness.
We had a family sush supper tonight for my niece who turned 15. I am aware it makes me old, but I can’t believe how fast these kids are growing up.
But they are all amazing humans and I am honoured to share my life with them.
It was a fun supper. And I sat beside my uncle and got to have a little catch up which doesn’t happen often enough.
This tribe – its happiness
My day started and ended with special time spent with my boys.
My human boy took me to the farmer’s market so I could fill up on fruit and so he could fill up on waffles.
I miss having a teenage digestive system.
The evening I spent with my equine boy. We are working on bonding which sometimes feels like just me spoiling him. But in reality I’ve only had him for four months and we’re still getting to know each other. The more I get to know him the more I love him.
I’ve been kind of wore out the last few days for keeping focussed on the things that are important really helps me keep going.
And these two boys – they are happiness.
Over the last two weeks almost every single day a meal has been provided for us my friends, family, or neighbours. It is so humbling and I feel so incredibly blessed.
This morning I went over to my moms place and the lady who helps look after her was cooking some food for my mom’s return. I told her what an incredible gift it was to have all of this food ready and organized. I said until the last couple of weeks I hadn’t realized what a big difference it made when you were overwhelmed or injured or unwell, having your meals ready. It’s just one less stress and one less thing to do – it’s a huge gift.
It’s a good reminder to always pay it forward when you can. And it was a moment of happiness.
The handle came off our screen door a while ago. Like a long while ago. Sigh.
We went to the hardware store today and got a replacement handle and the boy decided he was going to fix it.
Sometimes I feel bad that I can’t show him how to do that kind of stuff It fate lumped in with sometimes I feel sad that he doesn’t have a live in male role model.
But you know what? You have to deal the hand you were dealt and our hand is still a winning one.
He laid out the instructions (this is how you know he was switched at birth) and figured it all out himself.
Because of the somewhat sideways nature of our house, there are a couple of glitches, but he did a great job.
I am so incredibly proud of the man he is becoming.
When we walk to the car he runs ahead and opens the door for me so I won’t hurt my arm. He is just a good soul.
And that is happiness.
I had a lot of different love emotions today. This would have been my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary, that brings some joy and some sadness. I miss Dad, I’m sad for mom, I’m sad that I won’t ever have a 50th to celebrate either. Im happy they had and loved each other, I’m happy they provided a safe and loving family for us to grow up in.
On that note, I was at the grocery store today and the checkout lady commented on how amazing my kids were at helping me out. She said I bet you’re a single mom. Those kids look like they know how to pitch in to make a family work. She went on to say how just when she starts to think there’s no hope for the future she sees kids like mine and she knows it will all be ok. They are fantastic humans and I’m always glad when other people see how brightly their lights shine.
My mom’s cousin and her granddaughter made us home baked buns and cookies and we stopped by their place to pick them up. The more I get to know this lady the more I really like her. She’s a rare gem – a very kind heart. I got home and some neighbours dropped by with roasted chicken and vegetables.
I am well loved. I am actually overwhelmed by the love. That is happiness.
And to keep it real, Jacob saunters in the room gnawing on a chicken leg and says
If this is how we eat when you’re injured, imagine how we’ll eat when you kick the bucket.
Lovely. But it al goes back to my tribe. You look after each other in the good and the hard times.
The kids tried out the new pool at Spray Lakes this afternoon. We have been waiting for this to open for a long time
I think it’s going to become a well used place for us. And I’m hoping to spend a lot of time in the pool this winter as I rehab.
Another one of those things that makes me glad we are home. Happiness
I decided this morning that I was done with the pain meds. They make me feel terrible – to the point I’d rather deal with the pain. I pulled out my essential oils and made my own pain reliever. Marjoram and frankincense in a rollerball on my shoulder and also taken internally. It’s helped significantly with the pain and I haven’t had to take a pill all day. I’m hoping my head and my digestive system clear up in the next couple of days. That’s happiness.
Tonight I played a Frozen game with my niece, nephew, and mom while my sister played Uno with my kids. Happiness is found in these little moments – it’s where the memories are made.
