Cottage Country

After a very long sickly week, yes, we were ALL sick in this house all week long.  It was horrible, weather was beautiful and I was stuck inside sick.  Thankfully, this glorious weekend has provided ample sunshine and warmth and we have been able to enjoy some great outdoors.  Yesterday, we took a trip to Grandma 2 and Papa 2's cottage.  It is such beautiful country, we had  such a great time and enjoyed tons of fun with everyone.  Jackson LOVED the boat ride, the last time "Captain Jack" was on that boat he was two weeks old, so yes, it was a long overdue visit.

It was a beautiful day for pictures, so this could be a lengthy post, but enjoyable:

On route, the trip to the destination is as beautiful and enjoyable as arriving:

Captain Jack:

Our Destination: Beautiful Isn't It?

Pucker Up Butter Cup:

Some Great Conversation:

What are you looking at:

Ahhh, the beautiful scenery:

We Played:

And Visited Friends:

and ended our day with a beautiful sunset ride home:

I know little man, I didn't want to go home either!

The Bench

After the passing of my dear mother in law this past February, in the midst of a memory of her with her grandbabies watching the boats near their hometown, I had an idea, a wish.  I recalled seeing benches in another town in a nice quiet park, tranquil and peaceful, a bench, there for those passing by, who needed a rest and for those to come and spend some time with those living and passed.  My mother in law loved bringing the lawn chairs down to the waterfront with the kids and spending time with them there, watching the boats go by, just spending time together.  So, I embarked on a journey to bring my idea to reality, a gift for everyone, a place they could go to play with the kids and tell stories of grandma, a place where friends could come and spend time with her, alone or with other friends and enjoy the surroundings.  I thought it was a perfect gift to give, one she would have loved, a bench to give comfort and to carry her family and friends as she did in her life.  

This bench was kept a secret from most until this past weekend, it was kept a secret from my father in law until the moment we arrived to show it to him for the first time.  Although the weather did not cooperate with us, we were all able to come together, another reason my mother in law would have loved this idea, it brought us together again.

To you mom...

Happy Mother's Day - Our Angels

I used to think, I mean truly think that my mother was an angel on earth as no one could be that loving, giving and have that big of heart unless they were.  Now, I BELIEVE she is an angel.  There is truly no one she wouldn't open her heart too and give anything she had to give to help another.  My mother was a single mother during our growing years, she was a pillar of strength, working two jobs most of the times to give us not only what we needed, but everything we wanted.  As I am now a grown woman and a mother, I realize there was no better lessons or role models for young growing woman, like my mother.  She has been through a lot in her life and therefore we have been through a lot with her, but she has always shown us how to stay strong and to face life's ups and downs, no matter what they are with dignity.  We have a lot to thank our Mother for today, but mostly just thankful she was OUR mother, she is our angel on earth.

Our Angel in Heaven:

We lost our very loved mom this past February when she lost her battle with Cancer.  There isn't a day go by that we don't miss her and especially on days like today.  We know she is with us and we take comfort in believing we are sharing this day with her in our hearts and in spirit.  She was a remarkable woman who put her everything into loving and caring for her family.  Her grandchildren were her pride and joy.  All that came into contact with her loved and remember her with a smile.  I definitely did not get enough time on this earth with her, but I was blessed to have her in my life.  She was a phenomenal grandmother and I am truly heartbroken to know that Jackson will miss out on that relationship and the many plans she had for them.  We miss her with all our hearts, today and always.

                 

Happy Mother's Day Our Mommy Angels - We Love You!! and Miss You!!

Mother's - Grandma Judy

Grandma Judy is my Dad's wife and my Stepmother.  She has been a part of our lives for, well as long as I can remember, so to me forever and therefore a part of who I am today.  I have been very fortunate to have such wonderful woman in my life to look up to and contribute to the woman I am.

Judy is a special part of our family and a loved Grandma to all of our children.  She is usually the picked on one, out of fun of course and takes it like a champ and gives it right back :-)  She is always good for some laughs and fun, oh and hors d' oeuvres.

Happy Mother's Day Grandma Jude... We Love You!

Mother's Day - My Sister

My beautiful sister Tanya.

During our lives she has played many roles in my life, sister, mother and friend.  With 6 years between us, she often mothered me, not always to my liking of course, but nonetheless, a mother.  This year, as always, I thank my sister for all the lessons learned, the love, the encouragement and the friendship.

Most importantly, I thank her for not only mothering me, but now my son.  She brings so much to both our lives and we are so thankful to have her.  I couldn't imagine a better caregiver for my baby, than my sister.  She is the parent I strive to be.  Her advise in parenting is invaluable to me as a mother and I thank her for guiding me in my most important life role.  She witnessed my son's birth and shared in the most incredible experience I will ever know, she was there for him that day and is now there for him everyday.

A letter written to our family from my sister the day Jackson was born:

Hey! He's here!! What an amazing day. Thank you both so much for letting me be apart of this incredible experience. He is so beautiful. Besides the birth of my own children there is nothing second to what I experienced today. The honour of the whole thing and just being there to see him take his first breath goes beyond words. I'm in tears just thinking about the day. God Bless all three of you and you couldn't be loved more!!! Cherish every moment and kiss him for us. His cousins are dying to meet him. See ya soon guy's!
Love Auntie Tanya and Uncle Brian. Brandon, Katie, and Ryley!!XOXOXO

We Love You!!  Happy Mother's Day!

Mothers

In the spirit of Mother's Day coming this weekend, I am going to share with you, the special women in my life that have contributed to the woman I am today.  All week, I will profile one of these special women.


First and foremost, my grandma.  This is my mom's mommy, my Grandma Skinner.  At the age of 80, she is still as spunky as ever, always has hugs when needed, a simple "I love you" and much laughter.  I have always referred to my grandmother as the queen bee and that she is, as without her I wouldn't be here, nor wouldn't be ME :-)

I love you Grams, Happy Mother's Day!