Happy Mother's Day!!!

I just would like the opportunity to say THANK YOU to my mom. Thank you for your encouragement, your love, your understanding on how I am becoming as a person (more of an independent person). Showing me my strengths and helping me through my weaknesses (that is a tough one for sure). I know we had a rocky childhood mom-daughter relationship, but I am so happy that we have a great adult mom-daughter relationship. It has been so neat sharing different stages in my life including this huge move to Calgary. Your support has been super and I so appreciate it. Wishing you a Happy Mother's Day!!!! (sorry that you have to work that day though).

Last night, I helped a little watching Char's 4 grandchildren (two are 5 and two are 2). It is amazing how she got their supper's ready and got them ready for bed too. Oh did I tell you she was cleaning the rooms inbetween? The two year olds were playing the piano and singing - it was so adorable (you almost need a camera on your hip to capture moments like that). Ethan would look over to me with this huge smile making sure that I was still watching them play. Journey was pointing at the sheet music like she knew what she was doing all the while playing the piano with one hand and singing. How could you not smile and laugh at that? Ocean and Sierra got a turn on the piano too. Sierra wasn't feeling all that well so she rested and watched TV, but Ocean played quietly with her dolls.

Yesterday, I told Amanda (who was away this weekend) that I would do whatever laundry needs to be done. I was doing my own anyway. Having three children, it definitely keeps you busy in the laundry dept. I would like to say my hats off to all you moms. I am just doing a fraction of what you do on a regular basis. Living with the James family these past months it has given me a handons view of what it is like to have a family of your own. Working full time hours, maintaining a home, preparing & cooking all the meals, being there for your children, having to discipline them when needed and still trying to find time to refresh yourself. Being single and no children, especially around this time, you just want to say Thanks Mom. To all the Mothers out there - wishing you a wonderful and relaxing Mother's Day on Sunday.

Inside of my house

I am standing in the 2nd bedroom looking into the master's suite. Looking at them now, the master's can hold the queen size bed, but the 2nd bedroom can only hold a double comfortably.


This is the Kitchen nook where the dining table would be going. The sliding doors will lead to my future deck. So excited as if I build the deck passed the house, I can see the city core from the deck. That would be so neat at night when it is all lite up.

My gas fireplace is now in, which is in the living room just as you walk up the stairs. I will be having a mantle on top - probably for the TV or one of my collectibles. It was good walking threw it as now it gives me an idea where I can put things. Having a head start on that will make it easier when the movers from TB come with my stuff.

 

The Blushing Bride!

Here is Kate in your Plan B wedding outfit. With the ribbons and streamers we have her hat, then added her sunflower apron and purple/white flowers. She was such a good sport wearing the new outfit too. Glad you had a great time Kate. 

A Laura Original

This was the gift I gave Peter and Kate for their wedding and shower gift. It was an autumn photo in Kootney National Park, BC. I was standing on a bridge leading to the trail that took us to see Stanley Glacier. It is one of my favourite pictures of the ones I took last summer on my hikes. 

Gifts for Kate

Grandma Char help organize Ocean and Sierra in giving the gifts to Kate for her to open. They were great helpers. Sierra was taking a peek at one of the gifts (casserole dishes). Gifts in a laundry basket is a great idea too for wrapping gifts. Kate received two - already has a his & her set!! Of course, what is a bridal shower without lingere (sp?) - Kate received a couple at the shower. She received plenty of cooking supplies and cookbooks - we are all looking forward to a great meal at their place now (no pressure Kate and Peter!) 

Do you know what is in your Spice Rack?

For the shower I was in charge of the games. I did your standard Wedding scramble. We had questions of "Do you know your Bride?". Some of the answers surprised us. Guess what? After the shower we tested Peter - he was good - got 8 out of 10 right!! Way to go Pete! These photos was the Spice Rack game. You have 10 ziplock bags with different spices or baking supplies and you have to guess the correct spice. Well, I stumped them pretty good - I think the top scorer was like 5-6! It was lot of fun putting it on for her. 

Bridal Shower Hosts

On Sunday afternoon we hosted a bridal shower for Kate (and Peter too). Peter's family (mom Char, sisters Amanda, Sara, and Amy, his nieces Ocean and Sierra, and myself) played host for the event. It was great meeting some of Kate's family and friends too. We had lots of fun. 

I have stairs!!!

On Saturday I drove by my house to see if there was anymore progress. I found the blue trimming and stairs have been added. Very excited about seeing the stairs as that means I can now call for appointments so I can see the progress "inside" the house. You probably can't tell by the photo - I experimented and now have blonde and red highlights. It's called Sunrise blonde - thought I would try something new. The red is light so it compliments the blonde and brown hair. I met one of my neighbours, Sara and her daughter Ashley. Sara was the one who took the photo of me in front of the house. 

In crammed room

Was visiting Sara, John and the kids last week. Ethan decided to play hide and go seek with us. We found him!!! He was hiding in the lower cupboard in the kitchen. When I took the top photo, he even said "cheese". Funny little guy!