That's what the big bright ball in the sky has been like for the last couple days.
Does it look like I'm complaining?, I'm not, I love the heat!
Presently it's a balmy 87 degrees in our house.
I can't believe how quickly June made it's way to the final days.
Slow down Summer!, I want to enjoy every ounce of you.
Yesterday marked the last day of school for our youngest Son.
It didn't stop him and his Brother from arguing about the days ahead.
They left yesterday for what may be a long or very short visit to my
Sister and Brother-In-Law's.
How long they stay will be decided on by their behaviour.
Like a thorn in Liam's side, Aidn kept taunting him saying
"Auntie told me that if I behave I can stay the Summer too"
Oh how that irked our oldest and he responded saying
"Uhhhm No!, I have a say in it and if you're staying then I'm not"
When my Step-Father showed up to take them to the train, they
were still arguing as they left the house.
We said our goodbyes and I told Papa, "feel free to put your foot
up their backside if need be"
I didn't think that any two siblings could scuffle more than my Sis and
I did but these boys have it over us, in spades!
Sayonara my Senors, have fun and try not to kill each other!
So what will I do with all the free time until one or both of them return?
I have not the first clue how I will spend the serenity but you can be
certain that I will enjoy every second of it's sweetness.
I do have plans for this weekend.
Tonight my friend is picking me up for ladies night at her place in Wheatley.
This will be two weekends in a row I spend at her house and I'm looking
forward to it.
I had a real hard time earlier this week and I'm just starting to let the
sweetness seep back into my self.
That familiar feeling of sadness laid it's hand on me and had a stranglehold
on my head and heart.
I know that spending time with my friends tonight will be therapeutic and
I'm thankful to have so many kind, caring souls in my life.
I can almost feel the waters wetness on me now, washing away all my
woes and worry.
It may seem silly to some but "getting my mermaid on" really does have
that effect over me.
I don't always feel comfortable in the shell of myself but I sure do when I'm
enjoying anything aquatic.
That I will be in the water with good friends will be the most comforting I gather.
Yup, gravy in the boat of life, indeed!
Well I've planted my large load long enough and must get the things I need to
do, done.
I'll leave these lines with a picture and a song both Summer related.
Thanks for reading what's on my mind and may you manage well in this
heat wave, I sure am. :)
I had to make that decision this past weekend and I'm still steamed
that I couldn't be in two places at the same time.
Some friends of ours were having their annual reunion roast and I missed the
one they had last year because of my surgery.
I feel awful that I didn't make it to this one either.
The worst part is missing out on all the smiles gracing so many faces I love.
It's always great to see so many you care for all in one place!
I vow that next year I will be there or be dead!
Now that's how you make a promise folks! hahaha :)
Aidn's birthday fell during the week and because our schedule
was booked the weekend before we let him celebrate it with a friend the
weekend after.
Hubby was due to work but that fell through and he was able to take all of us
out to our friends house in Wheatley.
Liam had a party for his 16th this year and much money was spent on his
big day so we had to do something special for Aidn.
I decided that taking him out in the county to sleep over with his friend was
a swell solution.
Our Host and Hostess are always accommodating and welcomed us all
with open arms.
I'm glad that we went because we hadn't seen them in over a year.
I so hibernate when Winter comes calling and I'm glad that Summer surrounds
us now so I can be social once again.
We didn't get out to our friends house until after 7pm on Friday night.
It seemed like the two youngest kids would burst with excitement once
their feet hit the pavement.
Aidn even walked right in the house without knocking and could care less that
I called after him.
I apologized for his assuming attitude while I kissed and hugged our friends.
As always they put me at ease and led me outside to their slice of heaven.
Within five minutes of our arrival we were sitting pool side with Liam
while the other two kids took to the water.
Hubby and I decided that we would supply the pizza and I'm sure glad it was our
Hostess that placed the call because she handled the conversation much better
than I would have.
When did ordering a pie become such a pain?
The girl who took the order made a claim to one thing yet when the pizza place
manager called back he stated something completely different.
Though it was tasty enough, our oldest Son has been bummed in the backside
since eating it.
Never will they get our cash again.
We had a great night and I loved sitting up late under the stars sharing
say so's with my friend.
Kind, generous and easy going is she and I love spending time with her
and her family.
After the mosquitoes made their way to munching on any man, woman
or child, we sent the kids in the house to play.
Luckily our friends nineteen year old Son played pool and video games
with the two younger ones while Liam watched a movie and we sat outside
enjoying the nice night.
Hubby even joined my friend and I for a late night dip but it wouldn't be long before
the itch injecting insects who rule the night would also send us scurrying
to the shelter found indoors.
Sometime around 1am we went to bed and I figured sleep wouldn't need to
be searched for since I was so tired.
I was El Wrongo in the worst way.
Always forgetting to pack something, I was true to form on this trip as well.
Our fan was left behind and I didn't want to ask if our Hosts had one
that we could use.
I sleep year round with a fan but have slept without one before.
Had the weather been cooler, I'm sure we would have slept soundly.
Neither Hubby or I found wink of sleep but I never mind losing shut eye over
Summer's swelter.
A minor stumble in the stroll of the season. :)
Saturday morning found me at the stove making egg in a cup for most of us.
We had to put something in our bellies before we set off to splashing.
All of the kids were well behaved which is always a welcomed gift.
Speaking of gifts, I forgot to make mention of one.
Friday night when I placed our suitcase in the spare room there was a pelican
on the pillow that I just knew was for me.
I called to my friend as my face was beaming and my heart swelling,
Not only does she open her home to us but she offers presents as well.
Thank you, I love it!
I also want to extend thanks to my Godchild for taking over Liam's
responsibilities on Friday night, without her help he would not have
been able to go with us.
Hopefully she will be joining me on my visit to my friends.
Well I must get to my duties around here, how do they pile up when you're
away for a couple days?
Thanks for reading what's on my mind and may this day be a marvelous
Monday for us all.
Of course I'll include a few pictures of the fine time we had.
That's what this entry will revolve around.
It's also the title of the first movie Hubby and I saw together, way back in 1986.
Last night we decided to use a gift card that was given to us at Christmas from
a couple of Cousins.
Their money was well spent because we enjoyed the show.
We all agreed that Madagascar 3 would be the one to see.
There was quite a crowd but considering it was reduced ticket Tuesday it
wasn't that bad.
Some of my Cousins came along and the ten of us entered the theater
to take our seats.
A perfect ending to Aidn's tenth birthday and I'm delighted they decided to join us.
It was three year old Abigale's first time at the movies and it made me feel
marvelous knowing we were all there with her.
I'm not usually a big fan of animated films but this one was pretty enjoyable.
There were many comical crack ups and my favorite character was King Julien.
During the show I tried to wrap my mind around the voices on the screen and
figure out who played which part.
Right off I knew Chris Rock and David Schwimmer's voices but Ben Stiller and
Jada Pinkett Smith had me stumped.
Though it wasn't a sad movie at all, I actually had eye leaks twice during it.
A more sap filled soul you will never see.
Earlier in the day I enjoyed some pool time with my ten year old while
he was home for lunch.
After school Liam and Billy came in to cool off, it was a warm one yesterday.
I'm not complaining about it but many others are.
My Mother and Step-Father stopped by with birthday cake and a beach ball
for the birthday boy.
We sat outside chatting while the kids played in the pool.
I was happy to hear of the long conversation she had the night before with her
Sister, they spoke for two hours on the phone!
It had been years since the last time they talked and Mom is now very excited
to see her Sis, Niece and Great Niece when they come home for a visit in July.
We are all going to a BBQ at our comical Cousins house.
I don't often get to see many on my Mom's side of the family and these folks
flying in from out West haven't been seen since I was a teen, well not be me anyway.
When I think about family members that don't speak and often can't even recall why,
it pounds a pang in my blood pumper.
I have a few friends that are in that situation and it's not for lack of trying on their part.
How do things get so sour between siblings that they choose to no longer speak?
I think it would be especially stinging if you wanted to reconnect and the other
person didn't.
Are there some walls that can never be knocked down no matter what effort
or forgiveness is offered?
Personally I pray that my heart is always bigger than my mouth even though I
super size my say so's sometimes.
Maybe that's why I talk in type so much about the branches in my tree, I truly feel
blessed to have all of them in my life.
That doesn't mean I don't get miffed at some on occasion, I do and I know
many of my family members would like to pop me in the kisser on a regular basis.
When I was younger, I never understood why it would bother my Father, Aunts
and Uncles so much when folks were feuding.
I thought, if someone is so bothered by something about someone else or their
actions, isn't it right for them to speak up?
Experience I have in the way of bottling things up and I know first hand the
harm it can do but sometimes we should stay silent instead of spilling our say so's.
Why?.....well, for the sake of peace keeping and precious time trickling away.
I know that now but had no idea back then.
Well this entry is wordly enough for me, wouldn't you agree?
I'm adding a few pics from the festivities of yesterday.
Thanks for reading what's on my mind and I hope today is a sweet start to
Summer for you.
At the start of this day that's what's moving around my mind grounds.
So many joyous jubilation's do we have in June.
Topping the list are my two Sons birthdays.
Our youngest Son turns ten today!
I could go on about how the time has flown in the past ten years but
we are all wise to the speed years gain as they fly by.
Aidn William Vincent made his way into the world on Wednesday June 19th 2002
with a weight of 7 lbs 3ounces.
It was a bright, beautiful day just like when his Brother was born, six years earlier.
I had an easier pregnancy for Aidn and he left my womb wailing and whining.
Much like the way he spends most days now.
From the time he took his first breath he's been a fiery little Fella.
Always on the go with an endless amount of energy, our little fireball is full of life!
We were blessed with two healthy and for the most part, happy babies.
Aidn was a damn side easier when it came to eating and wasn't the puking peanut
that his older Brother was.
He slept well enough and was a smiley little guy until he discovered he could get
his way with most everyone by way of arguing his case.
Something that still serves him sweetly with some in his life.
Though he's been a handful since the age of one, I wouldn't change a
wee bit of his wild ways.
He keeps us on our toes with his daily doses of determination!
I'd like to share one of my favorite stories about Aidn.
Back in 2005 we were on a camping trip at Falls Reserve with
my Uncle and Cousins.
Aidn wasn't quite three yet but that didn't stop him from discovering
the grounds freely.
Billy, Liam and the others were at the campsite while Aidn and I made
a trip to the toilet.
I had him in the stall with me but he complained and cried to be free
from the small space so I let him leave to stand in front of the stall.
That worked for about two and a half seconds.
I remember scolding him saying "you have to wait for Mommy, don't
you leave the bathroom!"
That was the last thing heard before the slamming of the door to outside.
I knew instantly that my tricky tot had made his escape.
Out I ran looking at the open space all around me with no sign of Aidn in sight.
The only thing I remember thinking was "Oh dear Lord please don't let
him get near the water rapids"
Running as fast as my legs would take me back to camp, I yelled for everyone
to hurry and help me find him.
With tears running down my face we frantically found him at the waters edge
safely with a concerned stranger.
Never in my life was I more terrified than I was when we searched for his whereabouts.
Ever grateful we were that he was safe and sound but boy was he firecracker quick!
I know it was my fault he escaped and more stupid I couldn't feel knowing
that but it surely showed me to shorten his leash in life.
Since that day, I always know where Aidn is at every moment.
Last night Hubby Bub and the boys set up his big day present.
A 12x30 pool was purchased and I will be enjoying the first dip
with my determined little birthday boy when he comes home for lunch. :)
He was so excited when he left for school this morning.
I can't wait to get my mermaid on with him!
On the weekend we will be having a pizza party at a friends house and
Aidn is bringing along a friend for the festivities.
Before I head out and dive into this day I want to lay a few lines
about this past weekend and the fabulousness it was filled with.
On Friday we spent the night at my Aunt and Uncles.
It seemed like every five minutes Aidn was asking about going swimming
later in the lake at Aunt Pam's place.
I delivered on his desire and took him for a swim when we got there.
We didn't get our gills wet for long because they were having movie night on
the beach and we wanted to be dry and comfy for it.
Journey 2: Mysterious Island is what was shown and a decent enough movie
it was to watch but the best moments for me were being with my loved ones
by the lake.
Did I mention there was also a fire pit flickering for everyone's enjoyment?
Later that evening after the kids were sleeping soundly, Billy and I took
the paddle boat out for a late night swim
Any of you who know me well can testify to the fact that I'm aquatically
nocturnal by nature and never enjoy being in the water more than I do
when evening is upon us.
2am is a terrific time to get your mermaid/merman on, I'm just saying. :)
On Sunday we got together with the other branches in our bunch for Father's Day.
Two weekends in a row my Cousin and his cool as cubes companion opened up
their home for all of us yahoo's.
I'm ever thankful that they took the time, money and energy to do that.
It was fantastic spending the day with family once again and though we've been
doing a lot of it lately, I haven't tired of the terrificnesss in each of them.
One of my most marvelous memories of the day was when Aidn had baby
Chaz-Ma-Taz in his arms, taking him for a swim around the pool.
Though it made me nervous to see, he did a swell job and was proudly pleased to
be taking care of the toddling Tot.
Like always, everyone brought something to the feast and my waistline thanks
go out to all who contributed to the marvelous meal.
Another wonderful weekend was had by my families fineness, thank you all!
Well I must go prepare the birthday boy's lunch but I'll leave these lines with one of
his favorite songs and a few pictures from this past weekend.
Thanks for reading what's on my mind and may the remainder of your day be divine!
I'm happy to be reporting from the nest on this joyful June morning!
Okay that may have been a bit much.
Sometimes I make myself sick with my own sweet says, I'll put a sock in it for now.
I really don't have anything of importance to type about but I was feeling
full of fire and very frustrated when I went in search of slumber last night, so I
figured serving up sentences here may be helpful, it usually is.
Nothin' at all is what I felt like last night but I'm in a better way today.
What the heck was so bad about yesterday you might be asking?
Nothin' at all yet I found a way to fumble it up, I always do.
The sun was shining and I was in a well enough way but after a few minor
mistakes made by my Husband and children I let go of the handle I had on
my lid and lost it.
You see, I am one of those easily fired up fools that lets the little things in life
get to me.
I often find fault in how I release my feelings far to late and never seem to be
able to stifle myself before someones feelings get hurt.
Seriously, I could do far less damage if I could only remove my tongue in time.
It would be wonderful if I could somehow sew my mouth shut.
Think about it, no spitting sours and my shape would be a damn side slimmer! :)
Well until they come out with Velcro mouth straps, I'm gonna have to find a way
to silence myself when I'm steamed.
Today I will be doing many of the same things I did yesterday, like riding my bike,
playing outside with children and serving up supper for a few loved ones.
I vow to use wiser words and make the people in my life that matter, know about it!
Full of liveliness and love I'm feeling at this moment in time.
Gotta find a way to keep it close always.
One of the things I enjoyed most about yesterday was visiting with my Meme.
She will be 90 tomorrow and every time I am with her my mind grounds
wonder off in thoughts of what kind of woman she was before my memories of her.
Don't you think it would be wildly wonderful to be able to look back on ones
life like a film being projected or a play being performed by all the people
who made an appearance in it?
I would love to see the relationships she had before I came into her life.
She was in a well way and was able to eat all of her dinner with ease and
even spoke with her Daughter on the phone for a few minutes.
She doesn't do that often anymore and I always enjoy seeing her do things
she's always loved.
It amazes me at how little she has left in life yet how happy she is by just
seeing a loved one or hearing their voice.
She was still speaking about her beautiful birthday party this past Sunday and
it tickles me terrifically knowing I took part in it.
Later today I will kiss her with genuine love I never would have dreamed I'd
have for her if someone would have told me as such twenty years ago.
I'll plant one on her cheek and hug her gently while I state " I love you, my Memeness!"
Well this day is calling for my participation outside the computer screen, time
to dive on into it!
Thanks for reading what's on my mind, I know it's mixed up but I appreciate
your effort in trying to translate it. :)
I'll leave a finely fitting tune that happens to share the cyber stage here with the
title of today's blog.
Last night as Hubby and I spoke in the nest we exchanged our favorite
moments from this past weekend.
Gravy in the boat of life describes perfectly how I felt after spending Sunday
with our family.
It started off at the nursing home celebrating our Meme's 90th birthday.
She doesn't mark the actual big day until this Thursday but the weekends are the
most convenient time for all of us to gather.
Like most other times, everyone contributed to the feast we shared and everything
was delicious!
Meme had a good day and was happy to have us all around her.
Thankfully we were in the room that has an outdoor patio attached to it.
The kids were able to roam in and out freely and the weather was indeed wonderful!
Hot and full of sunshine, just the way I like it!
My Superwoman like Sister made two angel food cakes that were not only pleasing
to our palettes but they were dandily decorated.
She used strawberries in one and raspberries in the other while both boasted
rose blossoms.
The chocolate iced one was my favorite and brought back childhood memories
of Meme's angel food cakes with every bite.
There were only two of us missing from yesterdays gatherings but I kept them
close in mind as the day went on.
Soon will be the family vacation and for that they will be joining us.
As I mentioned above, it was a very hot day and my Sister suggested we all go
over to one of our Cousins for a swim and supper.
Thankfully it was agreeable for everyone so off we went to get our mermaid on!
The water was not only refreshing but also down right relaxing.
It's a new pool though not huge like an in ground one , we sure put it to the test.
At one point I thought the sides would buckle from all the bodies bouncing about in it.
I wanna share with you one of my favorite moments from yesterday.
While my Brother-In-Law and I were conversing with a couple of Cousins my
Hubby Bub and the kids were in the pool with my Sister and Cousin Shonna.
A big volleyball game ensued.
Like most pool games that involve a ball, bystanders are often asked for
assistance in fetching the said circle.
More than once did I collect the ball for them only to see it clear the side of
the pool yet again once I planted my large load in my seat.
All of us who fetched that ball swore it would be the last time we would get it
for them but continued to go gather the damn thing once it slipped away from
the slap happy swatting swimmers.
My Husband started chanting "we have a friend, we have a friend!" whenever
one of us would get the ball for them.
Before long all the people in the pool were joining him in his encouraging chants.
It pleased my blood pumper perfectly when I saw Cousin Shonna joining in and
laughing along with everyone.
You see, she has been stuck in sadness since her Father passed away in
October and it truly was terrific to see her laugh and enjoy the moment.
It was a wonderful weekend and in my heart I know all of our dearly departed
loved ones were there with us and as Hubby and I chatted in the nest I offered
up thanks to not only the Big Guy but to all of those we've loved and lost.
I know they must have had something to do with the holy happiness we shared yesterday.
It really was a gravy in the boat of life kind of day!
Big thanks to my Uncle who keeps going on about Liam's birthday dinner.
He is never one to praise in a positive way but he kept beaming over the
Chicken Soo Gai my Husband made and it hasn't gone unnoticed.
We appreciate every word Uncle Eddie! :)
As I sought after slumber last night I counted every single blessing of
yesterday like I hope to be doing at the end of this day, as well.
I'll leave these lines with a few pictures from the festivities.
Thanks for reading what's on my mind and may this day do right by you!
Today marks sixteen years to the day we found out what sex our child was.
After eight ultra sounds we finally were able to see that he was most
certainly a male!
I had been in the hospital for three and a half weeks and already knew what day
our Son would be born on but we didn't know if he was a boy or girl until today,
the day before he was born.
Though it was many moons ago I can't forget all the excitement of that
time in our lives.
Hubby Bub and I had tried unsuccessfully for five years to conceive a child.
After exploratory surgery and feeling morning sickness almost immediately, I was
indeed with child.
Rushing through my mind grounds now are the thoughts of Hubby Bub's worry
over the health of his Wife and unborn child. I lost fluid all through my pregnancy
and my Doctor did everything he could to avoid an early delivery.
He pleaded with me to rest and not be so mobile but sleep wasn't something
I could enjoy back then and I'm always in motion, even when I'm sitting.
More than once did he find me on my way outside at 4am.
"Gerene you shouldn't be up at this hour, get back to bed and don't let me
find you in the halls at this time again!"
It did nothing to deter me and I just found another exit out when I was antsy
and in need of fresh air.
Hahahaha, ya fresh air, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Happier we couldn't have been but it would prove to be very trying.
I didn't have a good pregnancy for my first but he was worth all the ounces of
everything I upchucked during the time he grew inside me.
My Mother was with me during my last ultra sound and though I wished Hubby Bub
could have been there, I'm grateful that someone I love was.
We couldn't afford for him to take the time off work while I was hospitalized
so he saw me daily after work.
I had always dreamed of having a boy as my first child and my Mother and I
shared eye leaks when the technician told us the sex of my baby.
He wasn't an active baby in the womb and had me terrified more than once when he
didn't roll around inside me.
I guess it was just the start of ongoing worry that's never ending when it comes to our children.
Hubby Bub was there with me on the night before Liam was born and we talked
endlessly about the plans we had to introduce him to everyone in the coming weeks.
He kissed me goodnight and said he'd be back at 5am with bells on.
He didn't return with bells but I wasn't bothered by it because I knew that soon we
would have the Son we had both dreamed of.
I was induced with a Foley catheter at 6am and in labour by the time 9am rolled around.
We wouldn't be alone in the delivery room.
My Doctor let us have one other person join us and I asked Aunt Pam if
she would do us that honor.
You see, my Aunt and her Husband weren't able to have children and she has
always been like a Mother to me.
I wanted her to experience the beauty of a new life being born into the world.
More wonderful it could not have been.
Liam Charles Francis joined the planet we're playing on at 11:37am on
Wednesday June 5th 1996 at 6lbs 7oz.
Billy and I couldn't have been more overjoyed and proud than we were at that moment.
My Husband has never been an emotional man but he couldn't stop the waterworks
from flowing that day, none of us could.
Damn, my eyes are leaking yet again by the memory of it all.
We were so lucky to have many members of our Family and friends be there
at the hospital waiting to meet him.
Two of them have since passed away and one is up so far north that I can't
even stand to see snow pics he often posts on facebook.
I really would love to have them all here on Liam's big day tomorrow but I shall
cherish every single second I had with each of them on that day.
Thank you to those that were there, then and now.
This young man that turns sixteen tomorrow has had a hold on
my heart since that first day I saw his handsome face, I pray he never lets it go.
You'll be in mine forever, I love you and have never been prouder of you Liam!
Lippiness and all. ;P
I'll leave these lines with a couple of pictures (sorry about the poor quality)
and the song that always brings Liam to mind.
Thanks for reading what's on my mind and may the magic of memories fill your soul with sunshine!
