Belle Papier {pretty paper}

This past weekend was the Canadian Victoria Day long weekend, the first long weekend of the summer. The weather was gorgeous both Saturday and Monday, just a little cool and wet on Sunday but we didn’t mind. Victoria Day is also called the May 24 Long Weekend here. What we are actually celebrating, I had no idea until I Googled it! Any excuse for a day off suits us fine and usually we are just celebrating the beginning of wonderful weather, although that is not always the case. One year we went camping in tents and it actually snowed. I said…never again! Victoria Day is the day that we (apparently) celebrate the reigning monarch’s birthday. Now it doesn’t seem to matter when the Queen or King of England was actually born…we celebrate it on the Victoria Day weekend.

We managed to get to the beach on Saturday and play in the sand. The kids had a great time, especially the little boys. It didn’t take Joshua too long to get used to the sand again. LOL About 5 seconds! He was too young last year to remember it but as soon as he saw the water, he was yelling “boap” at the top of his lungs. (Translation: boat) I did promise some photos although I actually didn’t get many. Only the lake and the two smallest boys. My husband was busy at my parent’s cottage doing yard work and I spent most of the time running after the little boys. I did pull it out for a few shots but then put it safely away. It seemed the project of the day was to see how much sand they could get airborne and I was more than a little concerned about the health of my camera!

Monday was a great but busy day as well. My daughter and I headed off to the garden center. Not a great idea as it was packed. The May long weekend in Canada is traditionally the weekend when you plant your annuals. The danger of frost (we hope!) is past and time for our gardening. I was so excited to get quite a bit done. The garden has been rather neglected the past couple years and we bought some annuals and lots of new perennials. I love how they come up every year and I’ve learned to choose ones that are easy care and I just cannot kill. LOL Hostas, daylilies and irises work great for me and this climate.

To finish off a great long weekend, fireworks are always fun. I managed to get Joshua asleep early as he is scared of the noise but the older kids were having a great time running around the yard. My husband had bought them sparklers and some small fireworks. We are also close enough to see the large fireworks display in the park and were able to enjoy the best of both and still get everyone into bed at a reasonable time. My oldest son is on the archery team and came up with the bright idea to attach a sparkler to an arrow and shoot it. It actually worked and was quite a lot of fun although I’m not too sure on the safety issues! I fell into bed last night quite happy but exhausted. I had to laugh when I woke up in the middle of the night, still glowing. I had fallen asleep with a glow bracelet on my arm.

I just wanted to give you an update on my mom (Kathleen) for all those who are interested. Many of you know that she has been fighting Melanoma (the most agressive type of skin cancer)  through 2 major surgeries as well as interferon and radiation treatments. She is still having chemo treatments…3 days every three weeks. Next Tuesday she will start her next round. After that they may give her 6 weeks off. She is quite exhausted from it all. We appreciate your continued prayers.

I also have a prayer request for my Mother-in-Law, Arlene. She was diagnosed with Breast Cancer a couple weeks ago and is having surgery on Friday and then treatment to follow. If you could remember to pray for her, we would most appreciate it as well.

 Thanks so much for your support! We strongly believe in the power of prayer.

Just checking in to let you know that Benjamin’s appointment with the Cardiologist went really well. He was a very brave boy and the doctor was fabulous. We are so thankful that everything is fine! Thanks so much everyone for your concern!

It is April, right?! I’m not dreaming? LOL Didn’t we just have some nice balmy short weather a couple weeks ago?! This is the view out my front window this morning….and a photo of two of my guys waiting for the bus! I had to dig out the snowpants and boots…again! This IS South-Western Ontario…we are even way south of many parts of Michigan. I just can’t believe this is Easter weekend! Not quite as pretty as all those Texas Bluebonnet pics I’ve been seeing on some of the blogs! Please! Send some of that weather up here!

Just thought I’d give you all a little update on my mom. She just finished her second round of chemo this week and is doing well. She is exhausted but her spirits are really great and we are so thankful that the anit-nausea meds have worked really well for her. Thank you so much to all of you who are praying for her. I can’t express how much it means to me and my family. We strongly believe in the power of prayer.

Angel of Hope by Willow Tree

My good friend Lindsey sent me this beautiful Angel of Hope from Utah. I was so touched to receive this beautiful gift in the mail, I must confess, it brought tears to my eyes. Thanks so much Lindsey! I put it on a desk I have right in the middle of my house so that I can see it as I go about my day. Everytime I see it I am reminded of God’s goodness and think of my mom.