My Garden

I love my garden. Barbara wrote about her happy place. Right now, my garden is my happy place. I have really enjoyed it this year since we have so much rain that my flowers have stayed fresh and colourful. I can't wait for next year and the following years as the garden matures, especially when the tree and bushes get bigger and create more privacy.

Family Reunion

This past weekend was wonderful. I loved having my extended family visit. I enjoyed watching everyone interacting. It is something that does not happen enough. As I get older I realize how much I appreciate my cousins, aunts, and uncles and I miss the times when we were little and would spend more time with them. When I think back to those simpler days I realize how each person helped shape who I am today, even if it was in a seemingly insignificant way.

I also love looking at people and seeing family characteristics and mannerisms that we have in common and which bind us together even when so much time passes between visits and over long distances. It is even more interesting to see those samae characteristics apprearing in the next generation. We look like family. My only regret is not having enough time to talk to each and every person. I was just too busy with organizing the event, my role for the day. I look forward to the next time when I can spend more time with those that are special to me. I just hope the time is not too long away.

A special thanks to my husband, Don, who took care fo running the BBQ. Thanks to Barbara who was the BBQ assistant and kept Don "happy"!

To see more photos, visit Barbara's blog. She has included family photos.

Life Graduations

Recently I have been to two graduations, of sorts. First I attended a graduation within the church of Spencer becoming a Senior Soldier. I am proud of Spencer for the decision he made to make his love of Christ the first priority in his life and for making a stand by becoming a soldier. This was my first important life decision and it has solidified my life since. I know that it is the beginning for Spencer and I will keep him in my prayers as he goes forward throughout life and uses his talents and gifts in amazing ways. *Barbara, I hope you don't mind me using two of your pictures. Getting good pictures of Spencer is hard to come by these days!

I also had a lovely time at Jason's military graduation on Friday (May 31st). I enjoy the pageantry and the marching they do. I am so proud of Jason and the hard work it took to get into the military and complete the courses. Doing it with such flair (three awards - what an honour!) is the icing on the cake! I know it has been a challenging year for both he and Alison being away from each other so much and each completing courses. I hope they will both be able to look back and say it was all worth it. No matter what happens in his life I just want him to know that he is in our prayers and we couldn't be prouder of him.

As the nieces and nephews are getting older I am really seeing how they are all coming into their own - making life decisions with good maturity. They all have their own gifts and talents and using them in an honourable way. An aunt couldn't be prouder of each and every one of them. No matter where the decisions take them I know that they will all be our prayers.