grade 8 grad

Coming from N.Ireland, I never had the opportunity to graduate from grade 8.  We just finished primary school and went on to the "big school", at age 11, without any celebration or hullaballoo.  I have to say I feel kind of ripped off that we didn't get all the cheesiness of a grade 8 grad.  Last night we went to see our son gradute from senior elementary school.  The procession was led by pipers, and we watched as our boy walked down the aile, in his midnight blue suit, with a big (showing teeth) smile on his face.  We looked on as each child had their diploma presented to them by their grade 8 teacher.  We sang  O' Canada and I cried as I always do during this anthem "the True North strong and free" (how can you not?) and then we stood and applauded as they did the recessional out, and on to high school.  They grow up so fast, we must treasure every moment.  Love you Dr. T.xox

Father's Day

We took ourselves off to the lake with my Yummy Hubby's (YH) new snorkel gear.  We had a great time splashing around and hanging out with the family across the lake.  I had to stop and pinch myself a few times because it felt surreal to be sitting there at the picnic table, in Canada, at the lake, with my family; realizing I was living the all Canadian Dream.  I am blessed.  Can't wait for my dad to make it over here to live this dream too.  Love you daddy xoxox.

Dr.T put on quite a show for us with his Sunfish detection and bmx bike flips into the lake.  Yes that is a life jacket you see on the bike.  How else would we retrieve it from the lake after a 360?  My little dare devil, you never cease to "wow" me.

handstand champion

Well done Little M.  We are so proud of you!

"this must be under water love..."

I just got an under water camera.  Very exciting.  Although today was not very warm Little M and I braved the elements to test it out.  Here is the best shot she took, with a little photoshop from me, don't forget she's only 11, I think she took a fantastic photo!

And here's a cute, happy-snappy, I took of her.  More under water love to follow over the next, hopefully hot, months.

Track and Field

It's so enjoyable to take the day off work to go and see your kids doing what they love.  With Little M it happened to be high jump and long jump.  She placed 3rd and 8th in the regional competition.  Well done!

lovely lavender

I dream that one day I may have lavender beds as beautiful as this (sigh). http://rachelashwellshabbychic.blogspot.com/

pink and green birch

Here's my latest painting.  I woke up on a Firday morning full of inspiration.  I was actually, lying in bed, thinking about my friend's mum's house, it was the colours of her living room that inspired me.  I had to get up, before I had coffee or anything (much to my teenagers disgust as he awoke to me clanking around the basement), sorry dear steppy, and finish this piece that had I already re-worked about 3 times.  Re-working over and over seems to be a pattern of mine but I reckon I get there in the end.