Out community hall had its annual stampede breakfast this morning. It was the third year the kids and I helped (since I’m a board member) and it is more enjoyable every year.
This year for the first time we had a dunk tank to raise money for the hall and it was a huge success. Some very good sports volunteered to be dunked in less than ideal weather which was greatly appreciated.
I love our community. I’m so grateful we are back home.
We went to Canmore to watch the Canada Day parade – a tradition we started in 2014 when we were home visiting. It used to be a quiet, small parade and now it seems the word has got out – larger but still a lot of fun.
And the weather was perfect for it.
Then the boy was called into work which ended the rest of the party plans, which was unfortunate, but that’s life with one car when you live in the country.
Happy Canada Day. I love this country, I’m so proud to be a Canadian, and I’m grateful this is where my kids are growing up.
The girl insisted we have a family game night. The boy and I reluctantly left our solo quiet time to join her only to discover she’d chosen the one banned game in the house – Candyland. Banned 10 years ago because it’s the most boring game on earth.
Who would have thought that at 14 and 18 they’d still find it fun. Although it’s a totally different kind of game with teenage vocabulary.
Then we moved to the ultimate family favorite – uno – and took turns kicking butt.
I didn’t know I needed that, but I really did. It was fun to be silly and play games with my two favorite people.
The boy wrote his last final exam and finished his chapter of high school. I’m so incredibly proud of how hard that kid has worked to get to this place.
He is so excited about his next steps on his life path. I’m excited for him, it’s a great time in life – filled with hope and possibility.
How did we get here so quickly?
The girl and I were gifted tickets to Stage West today and got an unexpected but much appreciated girl date today.
The show was hilarious, the food was awesome, and we really enjoyed just hanging together. Part way through the play I looked over at her and was filled with gratitude for the fact that my 14 year old actually was enjoying spending the day with me. As a former 14 year old girl, I know what a big deal this is.
Life is good.
The girl had plans with a friend after her final today – they were going to hang out at said friend’s house. Perfect for me, as it meant I could grab her at regular time.
Well, as it happened, the friends mom apparently came home in a bad mood and turfed my girl out of the house so they could deal with family issues.
The problem with this is we live 20 minutes out of town and suddenly my girl was standing in the rain at the park calling me.
Frustrated with that mom? You have no idea. But we needed to problem solve.
I sent her to The Hub, which is the local coffee shop. We have spent many hours hanging out there waiting for one or the other of the monsters to finish a school activity. It’s warm, welcoming, and a good safe place to be.
The girl walked in, explained that she lived out of town and was unexpectedly stranded and asked if I could give a payment over the phone so she could buy a drink and wait.
He told her to grab her drink, wait for me, and that I could just pay when I got her.
When I picked her up, he made a point of saying that anytime she needed to hang out there she was more than welcome.
It takes a village. It really does. I try to be one of those adults who looks out for other people’s kids, and I sure appreciate the adults who look out for mine.
Father’s Day weekend is a challenging one in our house. We all miss my dad, and the kids see their friends celebrating their dads and it hits home that their dad not only isn’t present in their lives, but is actively trying to sabotage their safety and sense of peace.
Joy and sadness often travel together and Father’s Day is no exception. The best revenge is a life well lived, and that’s the only revenge I am interested in these days.
How can anyone doubt the existence of God when the world looks like this? I get upset with God at times, but I always know he’s walking beside me. I am so grateful that we are back here where we belong. I am grateful every day, but intentionally so this weekend, for the wonderful men in our lives who show my kids that men are good, strong, kind, wise, people of integrity.
My dad would be happy to see the man my boy is turning into.
Mother’s Day is bittersweet still. It’s my second one without mom, I still expect to see her everywhere. But I also celebrate being a mom to these two amazing little turkeys who aren’t little (or turkeys).
We got some yard work done today, it was gorgeous out and it felt good to attack some of the chores we needed to get done. It’s just so nice to be outside and enjoying the warm weather.
Mother’s Day is still kind of a bittersweet holiday. I love being celebrated by my kids, but I sure miss my mom.
I was really grateful that my cousin and her family invited us over for supper tonight. My girl went over early and spent the afternoon helping cook the feast. She did her speciality – lobster bisque – and together they all put together quite the feast.
I am so thankful that we are part of this tribe
