Canada Day 2025

 yes, more than a month late.  a little slack, please.  besides, in ten years it won't matter, even a little.  so here it is.  

Canada Day is sure fun when experienced through the eyes of a five year old.  and we are the lucky ones to get another crack at that.  blessed by this dear boy.  fitting that he enjoyed the fireworks, because he is a firecracker personified, let me tell you.  great day with our youngest.  still, we definitely miss the days when all of the kids would pile on the one blanket with gas station chocolate bars (fit the budget :)) to take in the fireworks display, before piling back in the minivan and crashing at the end of a long day.

great memories then and now...

Joelle's view

 Joelle's photos are incredible.  i can't even believe the beauty she beholds on a regular basis.  so glad that if she must be so far west, she's taking it in intentionally and soaking up the vast and breathtaking creation all around her.  it's ridiculously stunning.  whenever i think a picture can't be beat, she sends something even more jaw dropping.  so cool.  

this last one?! c'mon...it looks like it's AI generated somehow.  the fog, the sun, and then our beautiful daughter right in the middle of it...

way to soak it up, kiddo!  simply spectacular! ❤

47 kms

 yes, he ran 47 kms.  in six hours.  on a blazing hot day.  don't even ask me how.  or why, for that matter.

but still, i'm most inspired by this man's mental grit and perseverance, and most incredibly, his joy in the process.  he is strong and courageous to even consider such an undertaking.  i love him for it.  great job, Jeffrey.  you are a force.  

Texas

 i've been thinking lots about Texas, and the unfolding tragedy there that has shattered so many hearts. it's all unthinkable.  you send your kids to camp.  it's not supposed to end as it did.  it's unexplainable.  it's the ultimate horror and shock, as best as i can truly only imagine.  how do you wake the next day?  the agony of knowing you weren't with your child during those final moments...it's actually too much.  how do you step forward, ever?

 Ann Voskamp blogs about it here. what i loved about her words is her raw honesty.  she doesn't dance around the hard questions.  she doesn't explain away with smooth or far-removed answers from someone who has no inkling of what it is to suffer.  she approaches the topic of tragedy and suffering with tender care and authentic transparency.  it's a helpful read.  again, you all know i love her and might be a bit biased. but helpful~ it still is...

and just a little of my fuchsia hydrangea to end on a brighter note.  how i love me some vibrant pink!

these two

they always have a sweet connection, but i think even more when i'm away.  

❤❤

i am yours

 I Am Yours

just a beautiful song today, by needtobreathe..

"...somtimes i'm walking on the ledge

and i'm afraid to just look down

it's like i think i'm in control

i'm giving gravity to doubt

but you love me where i am

enough for you to not look back

and it's the only kind of love

that i have ever felt like that..."

enjoy ❤

he likes it

 ball hockey has been a real hit.  Cree is always excited to go.  he runs and plays hard and sweats lots every week.  so far, ball hockey is by far his favourite of the three sports he's currently playing each week.  it definitely tops baseball and soccer, so far at least.  time will tell, for sure, but for now Jeff and I are really enjoying cheering him on in all his new ventures. parenting 2.0 has some real perks. :)