Curtains from Elsie

Last Fall, our quilting group at church lost a special lady - Elsie. Her husband had dropped off all her quilting material awhile aback and I helped sort threw them all . She had some lovely patterns in all different shapes. There was a piece of plaid material that caught my eye in which both ends was tubed where you would insert a rod for hanging. My basement was being renovated at the time and I knew I had a burgendy bedspread. So in the back of my mind I thought this material would be perfect for curtains. Well, tonight we finally get to see how they turned out.

I had bought a curtain rod a month or so ago and realized afterwards that the rod was too thick. So tonight with the help of my sewing teacher Brenda from quilting group, I ripped out all the seams, figured out how much I needed to cover the rod, repinned it for sewing. To make the ends neater, I turned the material over and pinned that down for sewing. And... yes I sewing everything back together again. Above is the end result - it is my first sewing project since I took Home Economics in Grade 7!!!! (my mom was my great helper for that project too - she got the A and I got the C - that is how the teacher wrote!)

I have three more windows in the basement, so I am sure I will have some other smaller sewing projects that I can do at quilting Mondays that can get my feet wet and get comfortable at this new crafting skill I am attempting. Thanks Brenda - I love how it turned out.

Sierra and Journey - cousins and friends

Before the supper was served, we had all gathered in the living room, watching TV and catching up on things. I was sitting at the other end of the room, I caught this great quiet moment with cousins Sierra and Journey. Sierra with her arm around Journey providing comfort and just the hug you need.

I must admit, this looks like similar photos my mom took of me and my sister when we were around Sierra and Journey's age. In my previous entry, I mentioned that the day after John's birthday, the newest addition to their family arrived - a baby sister name Casendra. Looking at this photo and just being around Sierra - I think Casendra is a lucky little girl to have a caring sister like Sierra (and to have a big brother like Ethan too).

Bathroom Reno

Before photo - evident of paint bubbling and ripping off the drywall. (it was soaked to the bone). I have found out that the lining around the tub was improperly sealed creating wetness which caused the drywall to remain wet and the paint to crumble basically.

After the reno done last week.

Same tub but all new tiling around the tub. I am quite happy with the results. I also received two new cold air returns that were not cut out when the basement was originally renovated. I also got my toilet to work with out me having to plunge it everyday. So the renos to the inside of my house, I would consider now complete - YIPEEE!!!

Happy Birthday John!!!!

"Enjoy the Journey - Happy Birthday John"

Whoops - we missed a candle - had to make sure that all 42 candles were lit before blowing them all out!!!

Wow - you did it John - blew all the candles out in one breathe - Awesome!!!

Now the fun part for the kids - licking off the icing from all those candles!!

What's in the bag Uncle John???

Journey looking over Uncle John's shoulder to see what present is in the bag. Ethan and family friend Mike does too.

What was in the bag Uncle John??? - A nice warm black bath robe!!!! With the hot tub outside, this will definitely keep him warm after enjoy that soak in tub after a rough day.

John trying on his black robe.

Journey and her family gave Uncle John this steering wheel cover. I didn't get a close look to it, but parts of the wheel has bumps on it sort of like for massaging your hands. That is always good for long drives especially in the summer when John drives long distances to make bins for the farmers. Ethan looks on - your funny daddy!!

More photos of Family and Friends

John and Sara's friend Matt with his daughter Lydia.

Solomon having some cuddle time with his dad Garron

Lydia found a chair that fit her just right. Her parents Matt and Pam giving their happy faces to Lydia.

Amy and Solomon observing from the back of the room all the going-ons of the living room.

Family Gathering

We all got together on Saturday for lunch to celebrate John P's Birthday (Feb 16). When I arrived with Amanda, the gang was watching Discovery Channel - as you can tell some were into the show and some were having their own conversation. (L to R) - Garron, John P, Sierra, Journey, Char, and Jon J.

Solomon having a moment with his Uncle Jon

Ethan, Sara, Solomon and Jon. (News flash - this was the last pregnancy photo I took of Sara. Sara delivered a beautiful baby girl the following day (Feb 17). I hope to meet Casendra Faith in person this weekend.)

Something is intriguing Garron, Amy and Jon on the tele (think we are still on the Discovery Channel).

Mount Royal Cougar's #1 Fan!!!!

After the first quarter of the basketball game, one of the contests was to find the #1 fan of the Mount Royal Cougar Men's basketball team. You had a bunch of gals (they were in the majority of the screaming) in the stands trying to win the free hotdogs, popcorn, pop and water. Sierra (along with Ethan), bobbed up and down, screaming to their hearts content. I noticed that a guy seating near the aisle keep on pointing at Sierra. Well - she was the winner!!! Here she is with her hot dog and Pepsi to show proof. She is the best cheering squad for her Uncle Peter. When Red Deer was trying to put in a basket, all you heard was "DEFENCE, DEFENCE!!!" coming from Sierra (I was amazed on how many times she did that and RD did miss the basket - it was cool to watch). And when the Cougars were heading for their basket - all you heard was "GO COUGARS!! COME ON COUGARS!!!". Yes, Sierra is definitely a #1 Cougars fan!!!

Sierra giving her Uncle Peter a big hug. This was the last home game for the regular season (26-5 was their final standing), and Peter is a 5th year guard (so this is probably his last year playing with the Cougars), his coach has some kind words and a presentation of a plaque for him. It was cool to be there to enjoy it.

Peter with his number one fan - Sierra!!!!

Mt Royal Cougar #11 - Peter James

Peter (jersey #11) with his coaches and teammates on the bench watching the floor

Peter shooting a three-pointer

Peter's position on the Mt Royal Cougars is guard - here he is in act guarding #2 of SAIT all the while watching out for #11 of SAIT. These photos were from the Friday night game in which they beat SAIT 76-46. The Cougars won Saturday night game too by the score of 92-54!! So they are off to the Provinical playoffs beginning this weekend coming up. The aim is for the Nationals which are being played in Montreal at Champlain college from March 13-15.

Tea with Amy and Journey

The tea has steeped and ready for pouring, now it is time for the cream.

A little spoonful of sugar to make it just the way you enjoy it.

Now stir it altogether - a perfect cup of tea!!!

On Feb 3, I met up with Amy and Journey at the Three Hills' Tea House for afternoon pie and tea. It was a wonderful afternoon. Journey loved having her tea and chocolate pie. After finishing at the "big table" she sat at the kids table and just observed everyone coming and going. She was so good. It allowed for Amy and I to have a visit and remember my sister Kathryn. I couldn't have thought of a better way to spend an afternoon. Thank you Amy and Journey for a wonderful day.

Journey with her Lammie looking at a book near the fireplace. The Tea House even have crayons for colouring too. They have thought of everything. I am so glad that it has re-opened.

Remembering my Sister, Kathryn

A hug from big sister Laura before heading to Barcelona, Spain to represent Canada in backstroke and freestyle swimming at the 1992 ParOlympic Games.

Kathryn turns 21 years old

A birthday celebration

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

14 years ago today, my life changed forever. February 3, 1994 I lost my sister Kathryn. It is funny when you put a number in front of the years, it seems so long ago but at times it seems like yesterday that I had to come to gripes my sister was gone.

For 21 years, she was a wonderful example to me of just by believing in yourself and your faith in God, you can face the challenges that life throws your way. Surrounding yourself with family and friends who gives you those encouraging words to help you over that hump; who are there with you at the finish line celebrating your accomplishments - big or small; to realize the inner strength you have within you to reach those goals you have set for yourself. In the end, loving you for just being you.

My relationship with Kathryn was more than just being sisters - she was my confident, she was one of my best friends. Since her passing, so much has happened with my own life - good and bad - and I missed those long midnight talks we used to have to work out our feelings or problems, or to let the other person know how proud they were of them. I know that Kathryn will always be with me, in my memories and in my heart - a song I might hear or sharing stories with friends we both shared.

Today, I remembered Kathryn by sharing her poetry with you. It is amazing how putting words together can make you sit back and ponder what the words mean to you. I went up to Three Hills to share a special afternoon with Amy and her daughter Journey at the Tea House. I shared with Journey that when I was around her age, my sister and I would play house and have tea time like we had this afternoon. They had a little kids table at the Tea House, so while Journey enjoyed colouring and looking at books, Amy and I shared stories and memories we had of Kathryn. Thank you Amy and Journey for making this afternoon so special for me. Thank you for letting me share with you through this blog, someone who I loved very much.

Take time to listen...

TAKE TIME TO LISTEN

I love to look out from my window at the trees passing by...
To see their colourful display...
I can almost hear their gentle voices as I gaze upon each rustling leaf.

A red leaf softful says, "love always"
A yellow one then adds, "smile and let the beauty within brightly shine"
"Remember, life is fragile - enjoy your days to the fullest cuz you never know, mankind is not immortal" cries the green leaf

Finally, the last voice speaks so sweetly. It is the voice of the orange leaf. i have to listen with great concentration to each tender and distinct word, "Be Yourself... Be Yourself... No one says you have to fit into the mould man dictates... what you possess is special - you're special - never forget"

I marvel at the wisdom of nature... so simple yet so rich with insight and knowledge... people can learn no much... so much ... if they only take time to listen.

- Author: Kathryn Lorraine Rutherford
(this poem was inspired after leaving the panamoric views of Switzerland - Nov 2, 1992)

Laugher is a Wonderful Thing

LAUGHTER IS A WONDERFUL THING

Laughter is a wonderful thing.

It makes you GLAD,

It makes you SING,

It fills your heart with sheer DELIGHT,

It makes your eyes shine so BRIGHT,

It heals a wound,
It heals a tear,

It's always great friends are there.

When times are tough, if you feel a bit rough,

One suggestion I can give is to laugh at this life we live.

You can't take it too seriously or you'll find that you may start to lose your mind.

So laugh, have fun, do the best you can because life is fragile, just ask any wise man.

- Author: Kathryn Lorraine Rutherford (Nov 14, 1992)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I just love this photo - pure laughter, spending a special moment with family. How cool is that!

From One Friend to Another....

A POEM INSPIRED FROM ONE FRIEND BY ANOTHER.....

I'm glad to know that I have you to talk to...

It warms my heart to know that you care...

I love to laugh with you - to be silly - even bizzare - to be myself and to know that you accept me - all of me (mistakes and all)

I love it when I smile and you wink back.

I love it when I sing and you join in....

The slaps on the back, the hugs, the kind words - the meaningful talks...

All these things make our friendship extra special

You're a very wonderful part of my life and its nice to know we will be friends forever

-Author: Kathryn Lorraine Rutherford (Oct 26, 1992)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I couldn't have said it better myself of how I feel about my second family - The James Family. Above was taken at Andy's birthday (we are missing David from this photo). Thank you for being a part of my life.