This Is It.....

Hmmmmm...

2008-06-23T20:19:00.002-03:00

The last few months and the fairer weather have found my friend and I out for lengthy evening walks. We push ourselves to walk a fast pace, me often ending up with severe pain in my shins, refusing to avoid the hills. We have decided to alternate biking with walking so tonight we took off on the trail that runs the route of the old railroad. Fifteen kilometers was what we accomplished tonight and neither of us are sure that we will be able to move tomorrow. My wrists even hurt! I'm just wondering if the result will be worth the torture! Off I go to soak in the tub. That is if I can make it up the bloomin' stairs!

playing catch up...

2008-06-19T12:49:00.000-03:00

I'm not really sure where the time has gone over these last couple of months, but it seems to have gotten away from me! We have been busy enjoying life, so I thought I would bring you up to speed in pictures. Lots of what we did was not captured, but I think you will get a good sense anyway...even if it is all in reverse order with most recent events first.

Daniel took part in the Father's Day run for Prostate cancer. Although the group form the school was small, they raised the most money of any school.

Aaron Daniel and Brian right at the start line, ready to take off...Brian ran the 2.5 k and Daniel and Aaron took on the 5 k.

Daniel managed to come in twelfth, beating his run time for the Bluenose by 1:40 coming in at just 23 mins.

2008-06-19T12:42:00.002-03:00

Daniel took part in a track and field meet with five schools participating. He ran the 1500 m placing third, and took fourth in the longjump...

Calire celebrated her birthday with some friends...

and played in her piano recital...

we managed to have a dry and windy-less evening so gathered with some friends for a bonfire...the first of the season.

2008-06-19T12:16:00.000-03:00

I attended Leah's baby shower for long awaited Josie...

I reupholstered a chair...

we celebrated Claire's eighth birthday...

and Daniel went to his first awards banquet. Does he not look impressed?!?

2008-06-19T12:05:00.000-03:00

Sam decided that climbing to the top of the fence was an easier way to talk to Tessa than calling through the fence...

Daniel took part in the youth run...

and the Bluenose Marathon 5km on the same weekend...

I attended Keltie's wedding shower, and am looking forward to her wedding on the 28th. Keltie is a precious girl who I have known for years both as a kid I used to babysit and now as a friend. Daniel carries her dad's name as his middle...Bruce died almost twelve years ago so this wedding will be full of joy and sadness all mixed together...

2008-06-19T11:59:00.000-03:00

we had sick kids...they decided to be sick together in Sam's bed, watching movies and sleeping off and on for a few days. We all had it in fact. This pic was taken just before I was hit...

we had our first road rash...

I went to the annual ladies retreat where our cabin was the Saturday night entertainment!

and we got a new kitchen door... going backwards, that pretty well sums things up for the last few months!

sunshiney, swinging fun!!!

2008-04-25T13:19:00.000-03:00

The last few days have been nothing but glorious, with the exception being this morning which greeted us with wet snow. Sam was thrilled to get the shorts out of hiding, revelling in the appearance of new freckles daily! I love how in the last pic it almsot looks as though he is about to run backwards off of the fence into the neighbours yard!

SHOCK, and a broken heart...

2008-04-06T19:01:00.003-03:00

Beautiful Sandy, beautiful friend.
Sandy and her girls Nova and Quinn. They were her life...yesturday she was ripped from their lives in a tragic car accident. They were with her in the car and their seats saved their lives.

Sandy was an incredible woman who loved God with all of her heart. She was a good friend, who even loved on my kids before she had her own so we could get out in the evenings. She stayed with Daniel and Claire while Sam entered the world. A girl who you could count on. She shall be missed terribly, but never forgotten....

Easter 2008

2008-04-05T17:11:00.001-03:00

2008-03-19T15:33:00.000-03:00

beautiful ice...

Claire went from this...to this...for locks of love...

Daniel enjoyed time at Martock...

Calire tried her hand at skiing...

PAY IT FORWARD...

2008-03-10T10:49:00.002-03:00

Here's a chance to get a surprise in the mail from me. My surprise is coming from blog buddy, Jamie Dawn.

Here are the rules:

1.~Leave a comment that says you want to receive something from me and you want to Pay It Forward. The first THREE to agree to Pay It Forward at their blogs will get a gift from me. I need your home address, so email it to me at hat@ns.sympatico.ca

2.~The three winners must do the same thing on their blogs, so the Pay It Forward challenge will continue throughout Blogdom.

We just started March Break so the kids and I are looking forward to the arrival of Karen and the gang for some entertaining days. Twoonie Matinees, and the Arctic exhibit at the Museum of Natural History and the Seamonsters exhibit at the Museum of the Atlantic are some of the activities we hope to partake in. The rest of the time will be spent laughing, eating, and perhaps reupholstering a chair for Karen...the kids will just be content to tear around, enjoying being together again.

an icy world...

2008-03-05T15:23:00.000-04:00

so very pretty....

a rather hungry mourning dove, flying solo today...

no words...just the sound of her fingers making music on the aged ivory keys...be still my heart...

2008-02-28T15:26:00.000-04:00

2008-02-28T15:22:00.000-04:00

Attempting to capture the lunar eclipse...

2008-02-21T07:31:00.000-04:00

What a glorious site to behold...it was rather cold so I kept running back and forth from the porch to the house to warm up...I can only imagine how much more spectacular it must have been out in a field!!! The camera did not manage to capture the redness of the moon, but nevertheless one gets the idea, if only slightly...

Welcome Levi...

2008-02-18T07:26:00.000-04:00

A very excited Isaiah!!! Being a big brother is a ton of fun so far!!!

Wee Levi being loved on by Grandad Riley...

So thankful to finally hold this precious boy!!!

A wee chat with Mom...such an alert wee man!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

2008-02-14T11:00:00.000-04:00

Sam and Claire were thrilled to have such entertaining eggs for breakfast this morning... Sam of course loves his pepper!

the old grey mare, she ain't what she used to be....

2008-02-11T18:58:00.000-04:00

nuff said!

2008-02-08T10:46:00.000-04:00

Shannon and her Kylie crafted wirework coffee scoop....

both Kylie and I ordered the choclate terrine with mango and raspberry sauce....

Sannon and Shelley went for the warm banana bread molton something or other~

Celebrating us!

2008-02-08T10:41:00.000-04:00

The wonderful menu for our annual birthday dinner...this year we chose to go to Stories, a beautiful restaurant in the Halliburtan Inn. From the moment we got through the door we were treated like queens! We had our own room where we spent the night laughing 'til we cried...

Shannon was quite taken with the miniscule cornmeal muffins.

Amy our most gracious hostess, who I think we managed to exhaust by the end... although we stayed quite late, she made no effort to remove us, and just let us enjoy ourselves to the fullest!

rather well fed contented souls....

2008-02-08T10:31:00.000-04:00

Shelley's duck...

Kylie and Menen both ordered the bison, deer, and quail...very, very tasty!!!

Shannon's guini hens...

Rosa and I each enjoyed the sesame crusted salmon with lobster mash....amazing!!!!

2008-02-08T10:28:00.000-04:00

Shelly with her candle holder for the patio...

all the stuff I need for a perfect relaxing bath...all by myself. So sorry Sam!!!

Rosa very excited over her beautiful vase!

Kylie set for overnight travel in style!

2008-02-08T10:20:00.000-04:00

Rosa's something or other panna cotta with drunk and sober berries...

Our happy post dinner crew....not wanting to go but the hour was late and we were well past last seating...

One snazzy Rosa! She has come through this year with amazing grace and courage and we pray she will have many more years of the same!

Booga Bag before and after...

2008-02-05T10:37:00.000-04:00

Booga Bag and i-cord all knit and ready to be felted...

All finished after five runs through the machine. Still not nearly as thick as I was hoping for, and it does not stand on it's own like it should. I'm going to try another bag, and see what happens...

Cheesy Message...

2008-01-28T19:23:00.000-04:00

a note to me from Daniel at supper tonight...cheese grated for chili became a sweet message...he was rather proud of his first o...

thankful hearts....

2008-01-18T15:09:00.000-04:00

Many of you may remember that last year our friends Tom and Leah laid their wee Annabelle to rest. Today they gave birth to a beautiful HEALTHY baby girl named Josephine Karen Willett. We are all so very happy and so very thankful for this wonderful gift.

SHE'S AWAKE!!!!

2008-01-17T12:35:00.000-04:00

Head over to Nate's blog and celebrate with them as Tricia is now awake and is being filled in on the goings on of the last weeks. Baby Gwenyth is doing well too with the scan showing no bleed on her wee brain. God is so good!!!

PLEASE PRAY!!!!!!

2008-01-15T12:00:00.001-04:00

A precious family is in need of many prayers right now. Nate is holding vigil over the two girls in his life. His wife Tricia has cystic fybrosis and was preparing for a double lung transplant. They discovered that she was pregnant so things were put on hold. It became necessary to deliver their wee daughter at 24 weeks as Tricia was having serious trouble. Gwenyth weighed only 1lb and 6ozs. She is a beautiful girl and can use many prayers as she has a long road ahead. Tricia is on a vent and is sedated much of the time. The waking process is hard for her and she has a hard road ahead as well... as her husband says, it has been one week that Gwenyth has been awake and one week that Tricia has been asleep. Nate keeps a running story as things progress on his blog and I know he would love to know that you are lifting his girls up in prayer.

Mom, it's hard not to say that I am hungry at Gram's!!!

2008-01-14T13:55:00.000-04:00

One of many plates of shrimp, note the stuffed cheek as well!!!

A drumstick or two as well.... a few glasses of eggnog and don't forget the sausage rolls and pie and ice-cream !!!!!!!!

It's a shame that all he puts in does not result in a growth spurt! In fact, it doesn't seem to do anything! He still has ribs that stick out, and tiny little arms...

According to Sam...

2008-01-08T10:23:00.000-04:00

Sam: Mom, snowflakes are very calm...

Me: Yes Sam they sure are...

Sam: They are super quiet...

Me: No, they don't make a sound do they?

Sam: Yeah...just like cheese!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

2008-01-02T08:39:00.000-04:00

We awoke New Years Eve to a storm, but were determined not to miss our time with Karen and family. We got everyone out of bed and fed and hit the road. It wasn't too bad at first and going thirty kms below the speed linit ensured that we stayed on the road...

As we kept going it got a bit worse, and what is normally a one hour drive door to door ended up being just under two hours. Not too bad all things considered...

the hilarity started the moment we arrived and didn't stop until we left the next night...Mr Bean marathons, snowboarding, jewellery making, chocolate eating, MASH reruns, a walk in the dark which ended up as a huge snowball fight with kids trouncing parents, fabulous food, tired parents who wonder if we are getting old, hotwings at midnight making us wonder who would be up in the wee morning hours, our traditional hike regardless of season New Year's day in the woods, on and on it went...we made our way home again after supper on New Years day and everyone was snoring within minutes of getting on the road. A fabulous time was had by all, a wonderful way to start the year! Hoping it is a sign of what the year holds!!!

Joseph, Daniel and Adam checking out their crackers...much better treats than when we were kids! The hats of course remain the same...

2008-01-02T08:28:00.000-04:00

enjoying the treats in the crackers....Sam so very hot that he came to the table stripped...

chocolate fondue to hype the kids up...it all resulted in a walk around the resevoir in the dark which proved to be much fun for all...especially the dogs.

Audrey and Claire so happy to have made it into the new year awake and dancing! Moments later they were all ushered to bed and they crashed shortly thereafter. We did too!

First thing in the morning while waiting for waffles, the boys got into a poker game....

2008-01-02T08:23:00.000-04:00

where we start...

what is beside us much of the way until we get deeper into the woods...

trying to find just the right walking stick for Sam...

2008-01-02T08:22:00.000-04:00

Daniel and Adam never stayed on teh path as it was much more fun to leap over water and break a new trail....

Sam managaed to keep up despit the short thick legs...his walking stick proved helpful...

crazy ice formations at the edge of the stream running down the hillside ....

2008-01-02T08:19:00.000-04:00

an old barbed wire fence...seemingly so harsh against the softness of the snow....

water in the woods...one had to be careful not to land in any such spots...

Claire finding it hard walking at times but loving it all the same...

Claire and Audrey stuck together most of the time, navigating the terrain together....

2008-01-02T08:16:00.000-04:00

fox tracks leading who knows where...they were everywhere!

heavy laden branches meeting the water....

such a tranquil spot to settle for a snack...

2008-01-02T08:13:00.000-04:00

Karen getting water from teh stream so we could have hot chocolate and tea...

Andrew's handy hanging contraption so we didn't have to stand holding the pot...

some of the gang enjoying the warm drinks...

water flowing under the ice....

The last few days in pictures...

2007-12-29T15:09:00.000-04:00

My precious wee man, so very tired at the end of each day, glad to hit the tub with some "bubbles" (aka Scooby Doo bath foam) before bed...

evenings of candlelight before and after kids are tucked into bed...games are much funner played in the soft light...such a calming way to end the day....

our hungry Blue Jay who is a daily visitor along with his friends...love the corn still in his beak...

Claire would like everyone to know that she "won" our last game of Scrabble... the games have not stopped since Christmas morning, and I wouldn't trade it for the world!

2007-12-20T17:18:00.000-04:00

LET IT SNOW.....

Catching Up....

2007-12-18T12:53:00.000-04:00

Sam the "angel". This shot was taken just before the next row of kids came on stage and blocked our view of him completely!

Claire one of many decked out in hats and scarves....rather toasty I should think under the lights!

Sam and Annie enjoying their meal together at a Christmas potluck...do you suppose the boy likes shrimp at all?

Enjoying last weekend's snow. I have not got any pics of this weekend's storm although know that the backyard is considerably deeper even with all of the rain that came after....

It has been a crazy few weeks with concerts and shopping and wrapping and knitting and Hud being away and myself being away, mailing of parcels and picking up of parcels, evenings spent with friends and family...it seems to never end.

Sam has been having a rough go trying to solve problems in an appropriate way. He seems to have knee jerk reactions to things that end up landing him in trouble. We are hoping that this will pass, but our hearts are tired trying to help him cope with frustration. Either way, we are looking forward to some down time starting on Thursday afternoon when we can just enjoy being together, with no schedule to speak of really.

Claire and I have been baking, and stocking the freezer. It would never do not to have tons to snack on during this season!

Daniel is so glad that we seem to be headed for a real winter and is hoping to spend lots of time at the hill. I think he's ready for a break as well...

Here's hoping that the rest of you are enjoying the prep time, and the SNOW!!!!!

busy busy busy...

2007-12-08T16:33:00.000-04:00

'Tis the season for crazy days. Hud is away for the weekend in Boston for a football game. He left super early this morning, and of course I couldn't sleep through his prep time. Today has been spent running around trying to get things so I can finish up a few christmas gifts and get them in the mail. Thankfully we have a bit of snow which has occupied the kids nicely. Snowboardning down our "hill", snowball fights with the neighbours over the fence, throwing snow for the dog to catch, all make for well exercised hooligans who should look forward to their beds as much as I am.

I find myself needing to slow down and focus on the season for what it is rather than the busy rush. Time to breathe....in and out, with a hot cup of tea.

Evey...I hope you don't head to Hud's hotel and boobytrap his room for cheering on the "wrong" team!!!!

It's Thursday night...

2007-12-06T20:12:00.001-04:00

just so you know....

Winter is here...

2007-12-02T14:46:00.000-04:00

Nancy, Hoop , and Karen after shopping and lunch at Historic Properties. Hoop wins the prize for getting the most accomplished! The weather changed to winter overnight and it was a gloriously festive feeling to have the snow swirling around us.

The gingerbread church outside the restaurant in the Hotel...

The weekend was a wonderful time full of MUCH laughter as usual, almost wet pants in the hallways of the hotel, being followed by strange men speaking french to us on their way to a party while we were wearing our bathrobes on the way back to the room after a time at the pool, (seems that is a regular occurance in one form or another), feeling awkward on the elevator full of other people as we stifle fits of laughter, waiting forty-five minutes to get into the thai restaurant for supper because we all know it is the best, almost falling asleep at the table waiting for our food as it was past our bedtimes, sitting in the piano bar not listening to the piano because it was so late but feeling like we should at least have a glass of wine, managing just barely to keep our heads off the table, hanging out in our jammies while having super "deep" conversations, watching home reno shows on tv wondering why people spend so much on fixer uppers, enjoying the highest pressured exfoliating shower ever, laughing over attempted chopstick use while eating Japanese food, Nancy finally giving up and me retrieving her a fork, scamming leftover desserts from the christmas party at the church for a snack that didn't get eaten until we got up this morning, wine in our jammies in bed, getting lost looking for Dartmouth Crossing but feeling so fabulous when we got it all sorted out, wondering what the big deal is about the Crossing afterall, snow, snow, and more snow, burning ourselves in the hot tub, getting crowded out of the hot tub by a huge family, a wonderful last breakfast together this morning, and hugs as we said good-bye.

On the road again....

2007-11-29T21:47:00.000-04:00

It's that glorious time of year when the valley girls head my way and we step away from reality for a couple of days. The hotel is calling us, Thai food awaits us, christmas gifts so much more fun to shop for together. Tomorrow I shall be whisked away to spend two glorious nights with my friends. The kids all have sleepovers to go to so they can't wait for me to leave the scene, Hud will enjoy some quiet downtime, and I hope to return home on Sunday rejuvenated and ready for the rest of the season's rush.

Happy Birthday Morgan!

2007-11-18T16:11:00.000-04:00

Because Morgan is a Newfie and it was his birthday, we decided that November's gathering should be Newfie night. For alot of us we were preparing things for the first time as is often the case at our themed dinner nights. This time however most of us had never even eaten what we were endeavoring to prepare. Cooking with salt meats, codfish, pork fat etc were things that we had never done. We were not daunted though as we each set out on our own to make it a true Newfie night. The end result was fabulous. So much wonderful food and laughter that never seemed to die out, even on the way home. In fact I think our van load laughed the whole way home, leaving me with a very sore ribcage. There were moments we were gasping for air, first due to the laughter and second thanks to Jonathan continuously feeling the need to open the lid of the pot that held the last of the Jiggs dinner; the aroma of cabbage and turnip filling the van...need I say more?!? What a night!

Morgan's newfoundland flagged cake that we had before dinner so that his kids could have some before bed.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MORGAN!!!!!

2007-11-18T16:02:00.000-04:00

Lisa and Susan chopping the pork fat for scrunchins....

bacon has nothing on this as far as fat goes!

smelling heavenly if a bit smokey!

Newfoundland Screech... cheap jamaican rum traded for cheap Newfoundland fish becomes a Newfoundland tradition...we saved this 'til the end up the night...one shot was plenty for each of us. YIKES!

2007-11-18T15:57:00.000-04:00

mmm...frying bologna....

birthday boy in charge of the bologna...

oh how tasty...

Darrel and Terrance sharing the love!

2007-11-18T15:54:00.000-04:00

Todd loading up on the Jiggs dinner...I would make it again anytime!

looks great Todd!

fish and brewis...gotta love the scrunchins and fat poured over top!

cod au gratin...

2007-11-18T15:51:00.000-04:00

mmmmm....fishcakes!

Morgan and Vaughn giving us some Newfie music to tap our feet to....

Hudson post screech...not so sure he loved it!

Shelly is Screeched! YIKES!!!!

2007-11-12T18:29:00.000-04:00

Home again....

2007-11-11T15:50:00.000-04:00

Our weekend started out like any of our other weekends, with the exception of Yolanda coming late. She came bearing margarita mix, and champagne...we had much to celebrate as she and Paul had gotten engaged the night before. There was much shrieking and many happy tears when they arrived and we discovered what had transpired. Some of you may remember that two and a half years ago I mentioned a man in our church who had lost his wife suddenly. This past spring he and Yolanda started a beautiful friendship and now they are getting married. All of their girls are thrilled, and we are so happy for all of them. Some of us have had this couple on our hearts for a long time, and it is soooo wonderful to see how it has all worked together... Our getaway turned into a celebration, one I was so happy to be part of.

Beautiful Yolanda with our champagne that we didn't get into until breakfast this morning!

Good morning sunshine.....Paul came to pick her up this morning so they could share the news at church together...Emma is Paul's daughter...doesn't she looked thrilled?!?

Paul does not wear pink himself...just so you know....

2007-11-10T09:27:00.001-04:00

Off I go with the girls for an overnight adventure...what shall we get ourselves into this time I wonder....

NOEL....

2007-11-03T16:44:00.000-03:00

...and I don't mean the Christmas kind. The rains are here and the wind is blowing. The hatches if we had them would be battened down, the deck furniture is all put away, and now we just wait and see what comes. We are in for a doozie! Daniel left for the valley last night with Karen and told us that he would be safer than us as he was headed to the Holy land! What a nut! He will be thrilled if he is not able to come home tomorrow and ends up staying a few extra days. Me, I'm just content to curl up with the rest of the family here watching movies and eating popcorn unless the power goes out. Board games by candlelight is always an exciting option...

2007-11-01T11:35:00.000-03:00

black cat cookies thanks to Tee's recipe...

a pre trick or treating visit to Grandmother's... Daniel's tie not quite right' but we got it sorted before he went out for real...he is supposed to be a wind blown man...

Craig and "Harry", the family witch and pirate...jake felt the need to get in on the action...

Counting up the stash before Claire decided that she needed to head out again. Sam had brought them home early as he was eager to partake of the goods.

2007-11-01T11:29:00.000-03:00

Claire and Autumn enjoying the warm fall weather..

Sam and Mike dive bombing the pile...

2007-10-30T10:48:00.000-03:00

IT'S SNOWING!!!!!

The Trenholms, thanks to Emily....

2007-10-28T19:50:00.000-03:00

My Montage 9/22/07

I couldn't have been more touched...what a wonderful surprise!

Sarah Harmer Video

2007-10-27T11:34:00.001-03:00

A brilliant mom!

2007-10-22T11:59:00.001-03:00

THIS is BRILLIANT!!!!!

IT IS FINISHED!!!

2007-10-20T08:30:00.000-03:00

Rosa and her Double D's!!!

Laughing over the thought of adding a "HENRY" tattoo....

Rosa has finished her chemo and her radiation, her hair is growing back, she has eyebrows again and she was reaady to celebrate. Last night we gathered for a fun night of food, MUCH laughter and of course, a boob cake! With a house full of celebrating girls, I guess I don't really need to tell you that there was much hilarity, and that the tears flowed from laughing!

I thank all of you who have lifted Rosa up in prayer, as it was an encouragement to her. I ask that you continue to remember her as she continues to heal, that the pain in her shoulder would subside, that her energy would come back in full and that there are no other complications.

CHEERS! IT IS FINISHED!!!!

Field Trip to Prospect Bay...

2007-10-18T20:18:00.000-03:00

My three boys ready to head on the trail...

A wee bit of a traffic jam...meandering through the "bush"

A perfect place to find a picnic spot...

2007-10-18T20:05:00.000-03:00

Stopping for a mid morning snack...

Checking out the clouds....

Bugs here are great!

2007-10-18T19:59:00.000-03:00

Pitcher plant...growing in the cranberry bog....

Sam found a hole of course....

2007-10-18T19:52:00.000-03:00

Almost at our lunch destination...

Just a bit of a climb...

Such a fabulous view...

2007-10-18T19:49:00.000-03:00

After dinner mountain climbing...

such a long way to go still...

It got so warm that layers of clothes were shed....

A very tired bunch wiating for the rest of their class so they could load on the bus....

Thanksgiving weekend in reverse....

2007-10-09T09:55:00.000-03:00

Claire setting the thanksgiving table with place cards that she made... our thanksgiving tree on the door gets new leaves each night with each family member writing something for which they are thankful. The kids love it, and so do we.

A rousing game of UNO with Uncle... one would not normally be wearing tank tops for thanksgiving dinner, but the we won't complain that it was too warm...

Sam wearing Uncle's sweatshirt having a most intellectual conversation about the merits of brussels sprouts. Sam likes them, Uncle detests them... I guess you can't win 'em all.

Karen and I on Saturday enjoying a hike with the menfolk and kids... a glorious day spent with "family" in the valley.

2007-10-09T09:46:00.000-03:00

Claire and Audrey enjoying a chilly wade in the river...

Sam wanting in on the action...

Adam, Daniel and Sam hiking the hill. Watching the descent was entertaining.... lots of slippery leaves and loose rocks made for an interesting endeavor...

A tranquil spot... we hikied alongside the river in the trees.

2007-10-08T07:51:00.000-03:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Today we walked, and ran for Rosa....

2007-09-30T16:09:00.000-03:00

Our team all geared up and ready to go....

warm up excersie time...go Rosa go!

the team at the end of the run...we all finished, the older kids ages before the rest of us...

Rosa and her family. Henry, Rebekah, Amy and Matthew.

What are the odds...

2007-09-11T09:41:00.000-03:00

That a garbage truck would pull into our church parking lot with a flaming load of trash? I would have said slim to none until yesturday afternoon when we received an e-mail from the church secretary filling us in on the afternoons entertainment. Hud was enjoying his day off at home so missed all the fun. The driver dumped the flaming load, Alice called the fire department who were on site within five minutes and the fire was out soon after. Cleanup took place last night and by all reports this morning, the newly resurfaced parking lot looks fine. This will be a tough one to top I should think! the sooty load as seen from Alice's office window.... I can only imagine the stentch!
Alice and the load....
last nights clean up crew....

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure 2007

2007-09-08T08:08:00.001-03:00

On sunday September 30th a team of Rosa's friends will take part in this run. If you would like to add your support to this cause, you can do so at www.cibcrunforthecure.com and click on the donate to a participant link. Type in Alison Trenholm and click on the Halifax run site. Your support is greatly appreciated. Rosa is coming to the end of her treatments and knowing that there are people that she doesn't even know supporting her gives her great strength! Thanks!

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure 2007

2007-09-08T08:03:00.001-03:00

A new chapter begins....

2007-09-05T12:32:00.000-03:00

Daniel heading off bright and early (7:16) to catch his bus to Middle School....

Claire and Sam geared up and ready to go....

Autumn and Claire glad to be in the same class this year...

Sam getting his name tag...we are thrilled that he has Mrs. Dellapinna! Claire had her and she was fabulous!

Today I sent my Daniel off on another adventure. Middle school, in another community via bus. He was soooo keen this morning that he had no problem getting up at six. Perhaps tomorrow I'll let him sleep in. Today Claire got to get back in the routine she loves so much. Piano started yesturday and school today, so she is a very happy girl. Today Samuel started primary. The past five years have flown by, and I can't get them back. I am so excited for him and all that he will experience this year but I am sad also. I am home alone for the first time in eleven years and it is far too quiet! Volunteering at the school will likely start up next week and I am looking forward to that. However, I realize that another chapter has closed and a new one just begining. I wonder what the next number of years will bring, how the kids will change, how I will change. I wonder and I wipe away a stray tear. Change is good but it is also so hard on my heart....

This man...

2007-08-23T17:41:00.000-03:00

...is my birth father. I have only known him for the last six years. It has been six years of getting to know one another, realizing our differences and celebrating the ways in which we are alike. Acceptance of everything about one another even if we disagree. Our ideas are rarely the same but we're ok with that.

On Sunday he had a mini stroke. Tuesday he was told that he has a brain aneurysm. Yesturday he received a call from the neurologist with additional concerns based on the location of the aneurysm. September sixth he meets with the specialist. He has been told that he will live or he will die. There is no inbetween. Please pray that the specialist will know exactly what to do for him, and that Lord willing he gets to live.

wee little man...

2007-08-21T18:35:00.000-03:00

precious Dylan Carter....breathing on his own!

WELCOME...

2007-08-20T20:47:00.000-03:00

to wee Dylan Carter...who decided to arrive seven weeks early via c-section. A whole three pounds and twelve ounces of him to love! He was airlifted to our children's hospital and my cousin Kelly will join him tomorrow. We can't wait to meet you littlest of men! You have a whole gang of cousins waiting to make your aquaintance!

PEI...in pictures....

2007-08-19T08:07:00.000-03:00

the thirteen kilometer bridge...poor Hudson! not sure I'd be happy to see the red light...they have them all along the bridge...I guess in case of high wind they stop the traffic...

and it goes on and on....

coming to the end....a sigh of relief and much excitment from the kids!

we have arrived!!!

2007-08-19T08:02:00.000-03:00

Daniel setting up his tent with such helpful onlookers....

three frozen boys trying to get warm in the sun....

an intense game of sleeping queens....Rebekah is such a good sport!

Sam and Matthew enjoying smores the first night....

2007-08-19T07:58:00.000-03:00

Sam contemplating life while waiting to get on the water...

the rest of the gang ready to go as well...

Matthew just a little bit excited!

Sam is made for life on the water....

2007-08-19T07:55:00.000-03:00

mmmmm....salsa chicken in the fire...

nice windy day...cooking took much longer than usual most days thanks to swirling wind that was hard to avoid at any angle...fabulous for one's hair!

Claire taking a break from biking to help with the dishes....the soap was blowing all over the place...

tha scrabble game that seemed to go on and on....

2007-08-19T07:50:00.000-03:00

what happens after rolling in the sand just after the application of sunscreen...he'll have the most well exfoliated skin of the bunch!

dune jumping...

the girls digging deep....

Sam and Matthew loving the dune sliding...

2007-08-19T07:46:00.000-03:00

the little boys loving the dunes....the higher the better!

group effort to start the BBQ...we left the lighter at the campground, a boatride and car ride away....Henry ended up finding three old matches on the boat and thankfully they worked and we only had to relight once thanks to the wind...

Rosa's solution for turning the hotdogs as we forgot a fork....Henry decided a knife might work better...

make yourself comfortable Daniel...

2007-08-19T07:42:00.000-03:00

Sam waiting for the guys to get the boat launched....we had a wee bit of trouble as it grounded while we had our picnic...that's the trouble with waves....

Rosa and I just before the guys decided they needed our help and we all heaved until the boat was out of the sand and in the water ready to go....too much fun and laughing, but we're tough and in it went....

loving the wild ride back...a ton of salt spray never hurt anyone!

well...don't I look thrilled!

2007-08-19T07:37:00.000-03:00

Daniel ready to tube....

this is a piece of cake....

2007-08-19T07:36:00.000-03:00

Hud all set to try the tube...only a little anxious....

pretty tame ride so far....

there he goes.......

and he's off....

2007-08-19T07:33:00.000-03:00

the Trenholm and Visser kids along with some Visser cousins in Charlottetown at the Gold Cup Parade...

Sam making friends with a pirate...

nightly wagon ride at the campground...

2007-08-19T07:30:00.000-03:00

Daniel enjoying a whole spoonful of Nutella....the best way to eat it really!

Matthew as seen by Claire....

the last morning trying to get warm while waiting for the gear to get loaded into the van...

rain didn't bother the little boys as they rode around the campground on their bikes!

Pain...

2007-08-13T19:50:00.000-03:00

Almost two weeks ago I got a call from Hud while helping my friend settle into her new house. He had called to tell me that my grandmother had fallen and broken her hip, and dislocated her shoulder. It had happened the day before but the nursing home overlooked the phone number for the cottage, and when they didn't get anyone at the initial contact persons number they didn't bother to call anyone else in the family. So there poor Grandmother had spent over 24 hours in the emerg and hospital room before any family even knew that she was there. I arrived shortly after my birth mom to find Grandmother in traction. This all the day before we were to head away. Her surgery was scheduled for the next day. I was encouraged to go regardless. After a good visit and much assurance of my return, I left. The surgery went well, her hip repaired, her shoulder relocated or whatever it is they do.

Upon our return, Daniel and I went to see her at the nursing home. She had arrived back there the day previous. She was in her bed, looking so peaceful as she slept. We woke her gently, and listened to her explanation of her fall. My cousin arrived shortly so we said our good-byes. We went again on Sunday, and I went today. I got there before she was finished her breakfast to find her in a wheelchair at the table. She was so uncomfortable it broke my heart. It hurt her to lift her tea cup to her mouth, it hurt her to cough, it hurt when she put her foot down when they wheeled her back to her room and it jarred her hip, it hurt when they took her sweater off. It hurt me to watch her in so much pain. The tears rolled down my face and I had to walk away until they got her into the bed. We visited for a wee bit and then I left her to read her paper. I hate good-byes!
Today Karen and the kids came. It is always fabulous to have the gang here. Daniel is always thrilled to spend time with his "brother". He always hates to say good-bye. More pain! As I type this, he is crying himself to sleep, far ahead of his bedtime. My heart hurts as I listen to him, but my words do nothing to ease his pain.

I am hoping that tomorrow is a better day. We head to PEI to go camping with Rosa and her family. She had her last round of Chemo last week, and although she is tired we are looking forward to a wonderful time together. Her body hurts and her heart is tired but she is so strong!

Not really sure what else to say except that I look forward to a day with no pain....for anyone!

OK then....

2007-07-30T19:56:00.001-03:00

Camping and the like...

2007-07-26T17:09:00.000-03:00

Claire and her Joseph....

looking for jelly fish....

This has been a glorious week spent with my dearest friend! It was nice to just have the younger three, and neat to see how the dynamics change when a few are missing. Daniel returns home tomorrow and will be excited to get into Harry Potter...looking forward to the next month of just being able to relax! off now to have some iced tea and find a spot of shade!

2007-07-26T17:01:00.000-03:00

Claire supervising the set up of the tent....

Sam doing his part...

a study in ants....

2007-07-26T16:59:00.000-03:00

loving the fresh cool lake....

somw funky game only between Joe and Claire....

2007-07-26T16:55:00.000-03:00

roasting marshmallows the first night....

blowing out the flames just before it fell off and landed on his leg causing blistering second degree burns....thank heavens the water faucet was just outside our site.

mmmm these eggs are grand!

the squirrel thought that they were even grander! brazen creature!

2007-07-26T16:52:00.000-03:00

Mom, this tree is growing right out of the rock!!!!

looking for fish...

2007-07-26T16:50:00.000-03:00

building the great wall of china....

there is sand in my burn!!!

digging for treasures!

heading back to the campsite well refreshed!

2007-07-26T16:48:00.000-03:00

bedtime snack with new friend from the next campsite....

charades....

the last breakfast...oh so yummy!

Just a fabulous day!

2007-07-17T06:40:00.000-03:00

Daniel and Sam enjoying the "cliffs" at Point Pleasant Park

Hopefully the only "ride" Sam will ever have with a police officer!

Just some jumping fun!

neighbourhood headstand hooliganism...

2007-07-07T20:36:00.000-03:00

Sam seems to have a talent for many activities...fearing none of them...

His mother and Leonard from across the street are not too bad themselves! Mind you, the head-rush was a bit much to deal with!

My first born son!

2007-07-06T12:02:00.000-03:00

The precious boy that made me a mom for the first time turns eleven today. I cannot begin to fathom where the time has gone. He is an amazing boy who loves life and all those he meets in it. His sense of adventure is grand. Always up for a bike and hike along the trail and through the woods with friends or a quiet time alone enjoying Gram's lake.

Daniel's humour is second to none, and his ability to use sarcasm without getting into trouble is astounding. This road we have travelled together so far has been a fabulous adventure and I have enjoyed learning the ropes with him.

Daniel, you have been a joy from the start, and I hope we will have many more wonderful years of exploring life and all that it holds together!

our wishes for you on your birthday!

2007-07-02T09:57:00.000-03:00

Hoping that this next year is a good one with much less heartache and many more happy memories! I'm glad you're my sister and I wouldn't trade that for anything. You are never far from my thoughts. Love Alison

Marg, you are the best sister-in-law that I could wish for...even though you smell like the Stinky-Cheese man and steal ice cream from all the little kids in Hamilton. Ok, seriously, I really love you lots and have so much fun with your sense of humour (how disturbing is that!). Make sure that you give lots of cake and ice cream and presents and down time, etc. to Pernell because thats what I'd want on Alison's birthday. Hud

Happy Birthday. I hope you don,t get cake. muw huw huw ha!!! love Claire

Have a happy B-day, I love you . Have lots of cake ( but share with the kids) have a great year! Sincerly your oldest nephew, Daniel

Hi Mrs. Potato-Head. I love you a lot, Mrs. Potato-Head. I'm not really telling you that because it's a secret. Bye-bye Mrs. Potato Head. And this is what else I want to say, Hi Mrs. Tooters. Bye, bye Tooters. From Sam.