Rest.

There was a lot of this today...

Crazy hair.
Jammies.
Staying inside.
And good old fashioned REST.

Thanks Grama & Papa.
Needed that big time!

#thankfulnovember

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!

My Mom is the coolest woman to ever roam the earth.
I say that without hesitation.
No kidding!
She is the BEST!!

Circa 2007.  My very favourite photo!

My Mom and I think alike, sound alike, and worry alike.
It is scary.
and pretty freaking awesome!

Today it is her birthday!
Another year of blessings...  of stories, quirky sayings, parties, tears, life lessons and LOVE!

 I couldn't ask for anything better in a Grama to our Bean.
She loves with all her might, all 5'2" of her.

 She never misses a chance to soak in experiences, make messes, and invent fun (back yard DIY rice 'sandboxes').  She encourages everyone who comes along her path to try and experience, and GO FOR IT!!

She is especially good at teaching us all how to make, create, and imagine.
The ideas she comes up with continue to inspire me and surprise me.
How to make a fort with a roll of toilet paper and a light bulb.  My Mom is the Martha Stewart of Good Times!
And she makes a kick ass butter tart!  Although I think mine are closing in on hers...

 She loves and accepts all beings equally.  OK, well,  maybe furry critters are at the top of her pile.

She is Grama of the Year.  Cowgirl of the Year. And isn't afraid to give a little history lesson or two along the way.
You wouldn't believe the useless information tid bits she knows about things.

She works hard, has fun, and you can't help but want to join in, even if you are a mouse in the corner.
You'll catch yourself wanting to be a part of everything she has going on.

SHE THROWS THE BEST PARTIES!
KICK A$$ in the FUN department!  Everyone you ask will agree.
She leaves no details behind.  I'm sure my Dad can confirm this.

A small, correction, tiny back yard gathering of LIKE minded (Norwegian) friends!

She is proud of where she comes from and has never ever let it out of her sight.
My Mom goes to the end of the earth to preserve our rural, farm, western heritage.  It is nothing shy of precious.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

You are my best buddy and such a great influence.

I hope to be a tiny bit as wonderful of a Mom, Grandparent, Friend, Teacher, Spouse as you are.

Happy 43rd Anniversary to my Mom & Dad!

XOXO

You are such kind and generous individuals.
You give the BEST HUGS!
You are selfless and creative in all things fun.
You give the BEST PEP TALKS!
You are honest, and hard working, and always look to the positive.
You give the BEST PARTIES!
You are my parents and I am so grateful for all you teach us and how you respect us for our strengths AND weaknesses.
You give the BEST LIFE LESSONS!

HAPPY 43rd ANNIVERSARY MOM & DAD!
ENJOY A BEAUTIFUL DAY ON THE GOLF COURSE?

WE LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK!!

Back in September...

I've been meaning to post some photos from this year's harvest.
The weather was amazing.
The sunsets were out of this world.

 

The warmth and stillness was something I wish I could package up and feed to city folks!

Harvest.
For Terra Velde Farms.
My family.

Harvest.
A very significant time of year.

Aysha!

My niece Aysha is such a beauty.

Her eyes twinkle and pass out hugs like it is small town parade day.  For real.

From a wee little she has had a grand spirit.

This girl is going places and doing things.  BIG TIME!

Andrew and I had the chance to share Grama & Papa with just Aysha a few weeks back.

With a big family and many grand kids wanting a piece of their generous Grandparents, it is hard to have  'small group time'. 

Don't get me wrong, big group time is also fun.

There is something very special though watching kids have one on one, or in this case, two on one with the Grands.

Aysha was a helper, a cuddler, a singer, a babysitter, and a chore doer.

She loves pink and sparkles.

Popsicles and tea pots.

And all things girl.

Even more special, she rolls her sleeves up and gets dirty.  

You should hear sing while her Grama plays the guitar at sunset.  Heart melting indeed.

This sweet pea goes to Kindergarten this fall.  She's still a bitty baby to me. 

Love her to bits!

AYSHA!!

(and as a wee aside, that popcan in her hand is not hers, she was only helping...)

From my iphone...

A day for Mom?

Mother's Day means many things to me.
This year it was low key just like I like it.  Chores, naps, fence peaking games, and Tim Hortons!
Aside from the men doing the chores and Grama sitting like a Princess in the lawn chair  (well deserved supervising indeed!) I can take two things away from these photos:
1.  Andrew is in need of a haircut
2.  Our fence is screaming for a paint job.
OK, three things...
3.  I'm so happy to have smiling and wonderful family members!
Not a bad way to spend a backyard day.

(Andrew is wearing his Superman swim get-up because it was sprinkler running weather that just happened to be interrupted by chores, dirt, pizza, and fun with Papa & Grama.  I swear I don't dress my child up like a creepy superhero everyday).

At the Farm...

Nature calls.
Super loud!
Gotta love fresh, quiet, clean air!