Tag Archives: kids

happiness

First day 2017

We were back at it this morning. For the first time in 6 years the kids are going to the same school again and I am thrilled. The girl was pretty nervous – worried about being the new kid yet again. Her brother was so good about letting her know he’d stick with her until she knew were she was going. 

It ended up she had 2 friends from her old school also transfer and made one new one – so as she said she already has a group to hang out with. 

After school they were both full of smiles and excitement for the year ahead. It al just makes saying goodbye to summer ok – almost. 

I’m so proud of these two turkeys. They are happiness. 

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Light at the end of the tunnel

I took my boy out for a special one-on-one end of summer thank you for helping out lunch in Cochrane this afternoon. If you haven’t been to the Fence and Post – go – seriously – the food is amazing. When he took a bite of his dessert (the tart) he made faces I’ve never seen before. When I asked if he was enjoying it he said I feel like I should share this with you, but it’s so good I don’t want to. I have never tasted anything quite this good before and my body is confused by all the happy feelings it has. Much as I enjoyed my cake, obviously next time I’ll have to try the tart.

And a grilled cheese to die for – brie and apple with other yummy things inside. The boy had pastrami. And OMG the corn chowder. My stomach is still thanking me.

 

And while this could have very well been the happiness moment of the day (and it really, truly is a happiness moment), I had an unexpected one come later on. I was having a serious conversation with the boy about how I was feeling like I had let them down this summer by being hurt, how I had to ask them to do so much more, and how I was feeling overwhelmed by all the things that needed to get done. His response (and this was in the middle of him being mad at me, so it came as a huge heart happy surprise) was this: mom you think you’re a burden to us? You’re our light at the end of the tunnel. You’re what holds us up, you’re the only person we have we can count on. You brought us out of the darkness and have shown us a life full of light. 

Overwhelmed by his words. I always feel like I haven’t done enough, I wish I could remember to see things from his eyes more often. I would be a lot kinder to myself.

 

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That’s a lot of bull

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

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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. 

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Girl day 

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. 

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She’s growing up 

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 

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Donair Poutine 

I picked my boy up from work and we had to go try Donair Poutine at Donair On The Run – it’s their new special. And who knew it would be so good!?! That place is addictive. It’s so awesome that we have found a place we love, that serves good food, and is pretty darn cheap. 

Cooking these days is pretty much impossible, and we have been so lucky to have people drop off food, but we have also snuck in the odd meal here. 

One thing about this broken shoulder is it’s really forced me to have quiet time. And with that has come a lot of quiet time with my boy. And I love that. It’s happiness. 

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My boys 

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. 

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The man stuff 

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. 

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Tidy up

We spent part of the day making sense out of the chaos that the house has become. It feels good to have some order again, better in every way. It amazes me how clutter causes me anxiety, yet clutter comes naturally it seems. 

I appreciate so much how well the three of us can work together. It may not be the family I had always dreamed of, but I also couldn’t ever wish for better kids – so it’s the family I need. 

And now we have a little more peace of mind. It’s one of those little things I can control. I feel it of control the more I see the support payments fall behind, the more I wonder about the future, but when I focus on the present it is all good. It is happiness. 

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Well loved

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. 

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