Finally, on the 5th of July, I got some of the annuals put in the beds.
So many things have changed in the last few years, but one constant is the geraniums off the veranda. I don’t even like geraniums, but this is where they belong, where they have been my entire life.
The girl laughed me as I complained of the geranium smell while we planted them together.
But they bring me a lot of comfort. With so many changes, it’s important that some things stay the same.
We did some more organizing today. I have too much clutter, I’ve been holding onto clutter that isn’t mine. We all need to create more space in our lives.
I’m working at finding the balance between getting enough done and not letting us get overwhelmed. It’s a fine line and it seems to change moment by moment.
But my goal for the summer is that we come out of it better rested and more able to cope with the curves life throws.
We took advantage of cheap movie Tuesday and saw the new Incredibles movie. The kids said it wasn’t as good as the first, but I heard them belly laughing most of the way through so I’m not so sure that’s true. It was pretty funny.
These little family moments are important. The good times help us bump through the rough ones.
The girl is sitting quietly at the kitchen table mixing borax and glue to make slime. The boy is binge watching Castle. I am watching Chevy Chase and crew in Family Vacation.
Quiet evenings at home. They’re the best.
For the fifth year in a row the kids and I went to Canmore to watch the parade. Things didn’t go exactly as planned and we ended up leaving early, but still it’s awesome that we have these traditions. We also ended up missing my aunt’s annual party, but I’m learning to accept that life doesn’t always go as planned.
We still ended up having a nice and quiet Canada Day. I’m so grateful we live in this country 🇨🇦.
We went to one of my favorite family parties tonight. The hosts throw the absolute best parties and are some of the kindest people I know.
Added bonus is there’s a lot of extended family who goes to this party who I don’t get to see at other times of the year.
Canadian/American tug of war 
Tonight was the awards banquet for the kids’ 4H club. Our club is small enough that each kid gets at least one award, which is awesome considering how much work everyone does over the year.
I was feeling very blessed as we were there tonight. For a few minutes I was overwhelmed with sadness as I looked around at the grandparents and relatives from other members who were there to celebrate. But then I realized that since we are related to half the club, my kids also had family there! I’ve been really missing my parents lately and I think this is how it came out
However, the evening was a huge success and much fun was had by all.
I met my soul sister tonight for a long overdue supper and some laughs. These last few months have exhausted me and I haven’t made time for my friends like I needed to.
But tonight we talked about serious things and laughed about stupid things. It was exactly what I needed.
I’ve got some great people in my tribe 💖
The girl and I took a road trip to Waterton today. It’s a happy place for both of us – we love the mountains but at this time of year the wildflowers are spectacular.
I find it amazing how quickly my soul resets to a peaceful state when we enter the park. It’s so beautiful there you never have to doubt the existence of God. Who else could have created this place?
I was at school today while the kids cleaned out their lockers. A teacher came up to me and asked if I was the girl’s mom. I said yes, and he sat down beside me and told me how much he liked my kid and was looking forward to having her in class again next year.
He left and then came back and sat down and said he needed to share a story with me. He went on to tell of a day when kids weren’t behaving and not only did my girl listen, but she came to him and showed empathy for his frustration.
It’s important to share these kinds of compliments. It warmed my heart, and when I told the girl it warmed hers too. I love the school they attend.
