bitz and pieces of my world

1 Izzy, Kes and Grampa are all finally healed and well. So I guess it's my turn to experience this particularly nasty cold. Here's hoping vitamin C and Greens will make it either disappear or be short lived.
2 Mr P is home and gets an extra 5 days because of a Stand Down order at the site. This is good bad news. Bad because it means there were some unsafe work issues, but good because they will be addressed before he's gone back. And a double good for extra days off.
3 We've been seeing someone for a variety of issues but today is particularly difficult. Sometimes you can't see the forest for the trees. And sometimes you don't want to.
4 She says, "You can either be right or you can be part of a relationship". Those were pretty heavy words with a big impact. I wasn't surprised but I felt the sting of her words regardless.
5 Izzy has been doing wonderfully at school. A few times this year she's been the Student of the Week. She got to go to the front of the gym and accept an award for good behaviour.
6 We share the duties for the day. I make dinner, he does dishes. I really like this arrangement because dishes just aren't my favourite thing unless I'm needing some "cleaning therapy time" 
7 We play a word association game today. Some find it difficult at first to associate a word and a letter but because we do the harder one first the second is much easier. Soon we are zipping along and laughing and finding commonalities and humour. 
8 I have neglected to plant any spring bulbs. There isn't much coming up in my small front garden. No buds on the lilacs or rhodos yet either. I'm thinking I'll have to get big of colour this spring to fill the gaps. I'll miss having my own but I do know we'll be working on the yard this year and hopefully the gardens will be part of my world again.
9 Kesler is starting to enter the world with words. It's amazing how different our relationship looks like and feels with a new type of communication. I'm happy to look into his eyes and see him, really see him. And then he smiles back.

hello my friends

Oh I'm missing you all so much... sometimes life just takes over and things take a back seat to others. Life is finally settling a bit so I am taking ME time and this is one of the very best things I can do for me. So sit back and relax, this might be a long post!!
1 Mr P has come and gone. He's working away so often that his time at home is invaluable. But fighting a cold means he's not up for as many adventures and so I work while he recovers.
2 Izzy and Kesler are happy kidlets these days it seems. They are both involved in school and are thriving. Kesler is in a program called Strong Start. This introduces children to organized play and structure. He has a designated Behavioural Interventionist who work with him to connect and communicate. And I'm happy to say he's making exceptional progress and aping words but every now and then he using it in context and that gets him great accolades and cheering. Izzy is in kindergarten and also has a worker with her. She is a lively girl and the days can be long for her but she's a trooper and doing great too.
3 Miss Tula scared the daylights out of me the other day. She brought in a LIVE vole. It's a creature that is like a mole but smaller and like a mouse but bigger. And of course she let it go inside the house. Needless to say, I can scream, and scream loud!!!
4 Izzy and her mom play with makeup and paints. I think Izzy will be an amazing leopard don't you?
5 Kesler is learning to read. He's recognizing the letters and when they're put together he can read, cat, dog, pig.
6 My business consumes a big part of my day now. I'm enjoying a few days of respite but then back to it.
7 As I do some fall cleaning up outside, I find 2 black widow spiders and a giant brown recluse!!! Although the easiest thing to do is to get a spray can of raid I think it's healthier to find a natural, organic solution. Please feel free to share yours here! Thanks in advance.

work, away, and shooters

1 Work, work, and more work. It seems like some weeks this is what life is comprised of and it fill the void and makes time go faster. That is just what I need when Mr P is away.
2 Miss Izzy and Mr Kesler are away visiting their family in California. Oh, I miss them so much it hurts.
3 I've started taking Greens in the morning and really like that it gives me energy, takes away the full feeling I sometimes get. I'm still not great at drinking green drinks, so I'm taking it as a shot with a water chaser!!!

my lovies, you can hear a pin drop and I like it, and brrr

1 My two lovies were here for a visit and dinner. Izzy made a very large picture for her mommy and Kesler decided a dip in the hot tub was more fun!
2 The house is quiet. I listen to the sounds of rain, a clock ticking, the dryer spinning or the cat sighing and I'm thankful. I'm thankful for the many blessings I have in my life.
3 The weather has changed. Suddenly and without warning we are into fall temperatures. The night temperatures are never that low seeing as we are in a desert climate but daytime is chilly and I notice almost everyone is wearing a sweater well, except for the two young guys in shorts and tanks totally oblivious to anything but their headphones and whatever is playing on their phones.

summer loves

Well holy it's been a very long time since I've spoken to you all. Life just seemed to take over and there was barely time to eat and sleep. But wow have we had fun!!! Our son Nick and his wife and 3 Chinese students have been visiting since the beginning of July!! To get caught up I am just going to post some photos and get reconnected with you all again.

grateful for my life

1 We had the grandkidlets for a sleepover this weekend. It's been a while and they are more than excited about it. Dinner, hot tub, and a short movie before bed. Kes falls asleep very quickly but Miss Izzy finds it a challenge. 
2 We indulge in a large breakfast in the morning. Kesler ate 3 platefuls of scrambled eggs and an hour later is wanting a snack. Boy, can this boy eat!
3 We thought we'd go shopping later but in the end a warm sunny day meant we napped instead.
4 Tea and cookies. Tea that's hot and cookies that are just hard enough to make them good dippers.
5 Mr P took me to get dirt! Huge truckloads of dirt in his new hydraulic dump trailer. 
6 Playing in dirt, just like a kid! Oh I love dirty boots!
7 Mother's day was wonderful. We went to a morning class to learn about Heart Math. (spiritual thinking), then home to a bbq with the kids and grandkidlets. It was a no drama day. Ahhhh, yes. 
8 Working at the Recreation office is always relaxing. It's mostly arts and crafts and this week is no exception except that I get to close each evening. Three nights I have someone there to help if needed. But come Thursday as my boss says, "I'm cutting you loose!"
9 I am addicted to chocolate... yes you heard me. I love Brownie Bark from Costco.
10 The week has flown by and each night I try to get my thoughts down on paper...but each night I'm too tired to finish. Tonight I shall finish.
11 Mr P is working hard to get the back yard filled with soil. Coming home for work today and I see he's hard at it still, using his big one tonne truck to flatten and settle the soil.
12 Miss Tula isn't as impressed. When that big truck turns on she's scoots inside and finds a nice quiet spot near the window to watch safely.
13 Viruses have attached themselves to my big computer but Mr P puts on a new antivirus on my computer and it's doing a sweep, a fix and making it all healthy again. LOL! Sounds like I'm talking about a human doesn't it? 
14 Gaile and Frank will be here on Friday for the weekend. It's been ages and I'm really looking forward to spending time with them both.
15 Mr P and I share kettle bells and do our workouts together. I am pleasantly surprised at the ease and fun involved. He's really happy. He's been wanting to do this together for ages.

family ties, our day, and It Works

1 What a great day spent with family. I'm so grateful we moved to the interior. It's been a year of big personal growth and healing, time with family and being able to contribute to the lives of the wee ones and be a part of their lives.
2 There's time for lunch, a few Toopy and Binoo shows, then a grand time in the hot tub, bath and snacks before Kesler and Izzy both have naps. Oh, and let's not forget Daddy. He had a nap too.
3 We work on business and marketing ideas for my It Works business. thebeautifulbody.ca. My daughter in law was creative, helpful and really put it together for and with me. She created business cards, sample cards and then we made our own samples! We took straws and heated and sealed one end, filled the straw with gel and then sealed the other end. Next we punched holes in the cards and attached it with double sided tape and ribbons! Tomorrow I'll see how it goes over at Book Club. Feeling hopeful.

the day, mac and cheese, little, wrapped up, tea, how many more sleeps?

1 My birthday is quiet and gentle. The kids come for a visit in the late afternoon and we have a chance to visit and watch the kidlets play.
2 Kesler loves mac and cheese. His face shows all his emotions and the anticipation is pure excitement.
3 Izzy and I share the chicken noodle soup. She says she's happy to have a little bowl with a little spoon for little girls.
4 I love the look of a package covered in simple brown wrapping paper. Crisp, clean and tidy.
5 Egyptian licorice tea. A nice big teapot that lasts the evening.
6 The countdown has started. Mr P is laid off as of Sunday night. I'm so looking forward to having him home. 6 more sleeps.

gripped, B, meds, healing hours, bday, voice and woohoo

1 Oh dear, this cold has me in it's grip. I'm resting and resting, drinking tea, and resting some more. I'm thankful for the peace and quiet of my home.
2 My friend, B has relocated to the area and is working at the hospital as well. We catch up over the phone and find out we have so much more in common that we even thought. How fun!
3 Medicine. Yes, I am very grateful for the medicine that is bringing some relief. Sorry to whine about my cold but hey some days it's difficult to find the positive. Okay, today's really hard, but I am here and hoping to turn the corner.
4 Twelve hours of sleep. Wow, that was amazing and healing.
5 It's my birthday today. I'm enjoying the Facebook messages, a couple of calls and texts and of course a visit from my family who brought me chicken noodle soup and tea. Love them.
5a Izzy says, "Grama, your voice sounds like a real Papa Bear." She means it's so deep I sound like what she thinks Papa Bear from the Berenstain books would sounds like!
5b Kesler is enthralled with the snow globe. It is definitely the train that runs underneath that he is drawn to.
6 Mr P calls and we have a fun and flirty (as flirty as I can be when I am sick) conversation. I'll be so happy when he's finally home.

Friday fun and not so fun

1 A busy day at work with a head cold. ugh, but I am grateful it's over and I made it through~
2 Our sweet Kesler turned 3 today! He had a small party with his family and I'll go over tomorrow and have some time with them to celebrate just a little bit more.
3 There was a lovely invitation to an Christmas party with one of the other jobs that I do as a casual. How very nice to be included even if I had to say no because I was working!

the week in review

1 Gaile and family are here for the evening and she's spending two extra days with me. We talk, laugh, eat, drink and shop, watch movies and give and get best friend hugs. Perfect!
2 Our early dinner was amazing, delicious and just the right amount for each of us. The restaurant decor is a combination of soft comfy seats, concrete and huge, and I mean HUGE light fixtures. I'll be sure to post a photo next time we eat there.
3 It's cold and windy but we quickly find our spots near the fireplace.
4 A heated blanket for keeping warm. It's been on a chair for many years but now moves about the house, warming me.
5 The sun shines so brightly that we have to close the blinds to see each other while we chat about just about everything.
6 Morning comes early and with it a sliver of sunshine through the foggy clouds.
7 The grandkidlets and I make chocolate cake with tons of icing and star sprinkles for their daddy and mommy.
8 Kesler slowly and deliberately spreads the icing on the cake and then all of a sudden his fingers are covered in icing and he plunges them into his mouth to lick every last bit.
9 Two grandkidlets with chocolate icing on their cheeks, noses and lips.
10 Another friend comes for a visit and we enjoy Thai food and green tea until we float out of the restaurant and head home to talk into the night. So good to catch up.
11 It's so cold you can see your breath.
12 I think I'm falling in love. Yes, you heard me right, I love toasted blueberry bagels smothered in cream cheese.
13 Voted.
14 The lady at the polling station looks at my ID and says yes, you're fine. And I smile and reply, "Yes I am fine" and we laugh at how that sounds.
15 The skies are a pinkish hue now but each time I look out the window the shade is different until it's just blackness.

grandkidlets, redone, and book club

1 Izzy and Kesler come for a short visit today. They had been at our house for an hour before I arrived home from shopping and she's so excited to see me that she can't sit still in her chair one minute longer and runs over to give me a big hug. Kesler is too busy eating mac and cheese but later I get a bit of a hug and then it's off to nap time for them both.
2 Coffee table remade done! It was a wood table that I repainted black and put black and white photographs under glass!
3 Dinner with Book Club! Tonight it was my turn to host and it ended up being a great evening for all of us. A few came early, some came late with lots of laughs, great food and my book, well some liked it, some found it depressing and a few even rethought it.
3a Here's an appetizer recipe that Helen brought. It was A-MAZ_ING!

Creamy Shrimp Scampi

8 oz. Medium shrimp 

4 garlic cloves

2 tsp fresh parsley

2 tsp fresh squeezed lemon juice

3 Tbsp mayo not miracle whip

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

2 Tbsp butter

4 oz. Cream cheese

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

2 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese

1/4 cup sour cream

1/4 cup white wine

Method:

Preheat oven to 350. Lightly oil a 9 inch baking dish. Melt butter in skillet over medium high heat. Add shrimp, garlic, red pepper flakes. Cook until shrimp turns pink stirring occasionally about 2 minutes. Stir in wine, lemon juice and season to taste with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, remove from heat and stir in cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, parsley, 1/4 cup mozzarella and the parmesan. Spread mixture in the prepared pan, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top. Place in oven and bake until bubbly and golden brown. 10- 12 minutes.

good morning sleepy head, ouch, and quiet please

1 The grandkidlets wake up later than usual. Kesler is up, fed and dressed by about 8 but Isabelle sleeps in until 9! We make quick time of it to get her ready for her Daddy to pick them up. He's got a busy day so it's a quick hello and out the door they go.
2 Ouch, my head. It's been a while since I've suffered with a bad migraine but today it rears its ugly head. It's extra bright out today so I pull the curtains in the bedroom and sleep from 11 fo 12:30 then from 1:30 to 3:30 and again from 5 to 6:20. My headache is easing up but I still feel rough. It's only 7:30 but I think it's almost time for bed again.
3 Some of the sounds around me are rhythmic and soothing like the ticking of the clock, the wind chimes and the wind itself. I desperately need stillness and quiet to heal my head.

barbie and dirt, bugs, and napping on me

1 Izzy and Kes come over to our place and spend the day with just me. Most of our time was outside except for nap time and well, I guess just nap time because we ate outside as well. Izzy loved her Barbie table and chair set that I picked up through a Facebook Used site and Kes, well let's just say he's happy with dirt and a hose.
2 Izzy spent quite a bit of time today looking for bugs to put into a jar. Using Grampa's magnifying glass she looked for clues!
3 Kesler lets me hold him like a baby when he's ready for sleep and that feels special because he usually is a shoulder guy.

get busy Mr, chatterbox, sleeps, and peachy keen, love him

1 Days are always busier for Mr P when he's getting ready to head away to work and this day is no exception. He gets the security cameras up and running, (I like that he put one out on the deck so he can look at the view from home when he's away), truck is fixed and we even went out to Lake Country and picked up a new to us dresser for our bedroom.
2 The grandkidlets are with us in the afternoon and we enjoy Isabelle's constant chatter. I especially enjoyed her comments about the fields of flowers we saw. She loves pink and these were row after row of lovely pinks.
2a Kesler looks very angelic sleeping in his car seat. A tiny bit of drool slips out of the side of his mouth and even in his sleep he lifts his hand and wipes it away.
3 Peaches! It's that time of year when fruits and vegetables are ripening quickly. Izzy picks some large peaches to eat right off of the tree. She delicately eats around the stone then buries it in the driveway and is so pleased with herself because as she puts it, "I made a peach tree!"
4a Chris visits with us and we have a lovely dinner together. I love that son of mine!

today, rocks, and letting go

1 We make plans for the day but they take a turn for the better and pick up Izzy and Kes to spend the day with them. First we come home to make tuna melts and mac&cheese, then water park fun, naps (as always), dinner and a few episodes of Super Why before their Daddy picks them up.
2 Kesler likes to play in the water, loves throwing rocks.
3 It feels good to relax in our big bed and feel myself slowly drift off to sleep. It's an unusual feeling when you think about it. Totally giving up control of everything to dream and recharge.

double dipper, sisters,and something's fishy

1 We wake up early, all of us. Breakfast is eggs with bacon and strawberry jam on toast. Everyone gets to taste the jam but Kesler thinks that the jam is a dipping pot and repeatedly tries to dip in his toast.
2 We have lots of fun at the farmers market and playground. Izzy meets a few girls her own age and tells them, "We're sisters because we're all the same age!" They suddenly are jumping up and down and hugging each other!
3 Dinner with the parents of the grandkidlets is outside and relaxing. Mr P bbqd salmon on a cedar board. Very tasty.

Cherry pit, putter on, a/c, and tradition

1 We spontaneously stop into a restaurant right beside the Buckerfields shop. It's called the Cherry Pit and when we open the door to enter we're pleasantly surprised at the casual decor and see how full of people it is. Usually that's a good sign that the food is good right? We decide we're hungry but not starving so we share a breakfast of eggs, toast, hash browns and bacon. Great decision! It's a place we'll come back to and definitely kid friendly! Plus...they did the bacon just right!
2 And the puttering continues. Mr P puts up more towel bars and toilet roll holders, mirrors and some framed photos. I water the plants and wash the deck and front entry. We both tire in the heat <not acclimatized yet) so we nap.
2a We try out the air conditioning and are shocked at how quickly it cools off!
3 Family dinner on Sunday is a tradition now. The kids come in the early afternoon and we have a chance to visit and let the kids play. Kesler always loves the water but today he's drawn like a moth to a flame to the geranium plants. He likes eating them so we spend half our time saying no and pulling it out of his mouth! Isabelle has decided she doesn't want to get wet so she climbs onto my lap and covers herself with her little fuzzy white blanket that she calls her "mimi" and looks up at me and says, "Can you hold me like a baby Grama?" We cuddle for a bit then it's Grampa's turn.

getting creative, opportunity knocks, and peony

1 Chris, Isabelle and I spend some time this afternoon making Mother's day and birthday cards for Izzy's mom and Lola (other Grandma). We draw, cut, colour, write letters and put on stickers. What fun! Izzy and Daddy make the cards for Kesler because he's sawing logs (sleeping!)
2 A surprise phone call this afternoon leads to a job interview. It's set for this coming Monday morning. I'm excited that there's suddenly an opening at a local hospital. I'm thinking of a list of questions to ask at the interview. I've worked in healthcare before in a job almost identical so those are coming easily to me.
3 The peonies are so big that they need peony rings to hold them up. This surprises me because I dug them up in February to move them and they're still in pots. Apparently they don't like being moved but these ones are all happy and have blooms on them!

down by the bay, snuggle, and stump-b-gone

1 Izzy's new song, "Down by the Bay":
Down by the bay
Where the watermelons grooooooow
Back to my hooooome
I dare not goooo
For if I do
My mother will say...
"Have you ever see a bear, climbing up a tree?"
Down by the bay!
Good try Izzy xo
2 Kesler is full of energy and isn't ready for a nap but Isabelle grabs blankets and pillows and put them all beside me. She says she's making a nest and wants to snuggle with me. I feel her twitching and know she's fallen asleep.

3 The stump is gone, most of the branches from their backyard are gone too. It was very productive at the kids place.