Wednesday, July 27, 2005

We'll definitely be doing that again...

Les and I headed to the races on Saturday night. I've been to Bridge City a few times before I was married with friends of mine, but this is the first time we've ever gone as a couple. And I'd have to say that I enjoyed it far better than I thought I would! I think it's one of those things, like football, that is more enjoyable to watch in person than on TV. Also, the short track makes it so that you can see all the action. That and the fact that many of the races were shorter distances seemed to keep my attention better too. Probably the biggest thing though that added to my enjoyment of the evening was simply being with my precious man! He thoroughly enjoyed the races and patiently explained all sorts of things to me throughout the evening, so now I can kind of follow what is happening even though I can barely hear the announcer over the roar of the engines! It was a fun date-night...and I think I'd like to do that again! (Who'd a thunk it?!)

Monday, July 25, 2005

Amazing Women!

This weekend was extra-special for two women whom I love very much! Elizabeth Nickel and Gloria Reimer were commissioned as ministers of the Free Methodist Church...(a journey I found myself on just a few years ago as well, but one that is on hold for now:)

Both Elizabeth and Gloria have touched my life in many ways! As I've written here before, Elizabeth has been a mentor, a sister, a friend and even a mother figure to me through the years. She is the Pastor that married Les and I...I believe we were the first couple she actually wed! She has been such an encourager and shepherd in my life, and I wish I had the time and words to really try to explain that more fully!

Gloria has also been a huge encouragement to me in many ways! She is a strong woman and has helped me to grow in many ways through the years (as iron sharpens iron). Gloria is someone who loves learning and seeks to learn through every experience and every person she meets in life. She has made a special place in her heart for my family...and especially my father. I will never forget her prayers whispered in his ear when he was in critical condition, nor her hugs for him when he walks through the Church door. I think sometimes he would try to escape them, but she would never let that happen, and I know he loves her for it!

I wish I had more time this morning to pay tribute to these two amazing women who mean so much to me! My time nor words are sufficient for that though.

Monday, July 18, 2005

Scrapbooking

I guess I'm getting in on this a little bit late, but better late than never, right?! I've been interested in scrapbooking for some time, but always pushed it off as "too expensive" or "something I just didn't have time for". Well this past birthday, my husband and brother set me up with a few supplies, and this weekend I did my first three scrapbook pages! I'm really enjoying this new hobby and hope it is something I can follow through on. I've started working on a portrait scrapbook of Amanda. I'm calling it, "Amanda, Portrait of a Living Dolly!" This way, I have a resting place for all those portraits of our girlie each year (once they have been displayed in a place of honour for their due time:)

I'd love to hear from any of you who are scrapbookers about suggested themes, free resources, etc. I love looking at other people's scrapbooks, and I've been getting books from the library periodically to peruse. I think what I like best about scrapbooks is that they are more than just picture albums, they tell stories! ...Well, back to working on Amanda's story...

Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Summer's Good

Things have been busy, but good (or should I say, work has been busy, home has been good?!) We've been outside a lot enjoying the weather...bike-riding, gardening, bbqing.... Speaking of gardening, this past weekend, Les and I took on a little project and carved out a couple of perenniel beds in the backyard. Boy, that was more work than I figured, but they turned out well. In the first bed (along the side fence) we've planted a rose bush (yes, a rose bush!! deep pink and all in bloom!) and some perrenials (salvia, fox glove(?), bees balm (funky pink daisy like flowers) and...oooh a ground cover with purple flowers that I can't think of the name of). Most of the perenniels came from the church sale in June. In the second bed (along the back corner of the fence) we planted more perenniels (most of which were adopted from Alana:)...painted daisies, a lilly, and iris and some type of ground cover. Hopefully they will all like their new home and bloom! We also bought one new plant...a huge purple cornflower (Echinecea) which is already in bloom, and we rescued some white daisies from homelessness in the back-alley behind our fence (they are also in bloom!) Of course, we picked the hottest part of the hottest day of the weekend to do the majority of the work. Oh well, it feels good to have it done!

Amanda is blooming in her own way this week too. Yes, my tween is taking part in "Fashion Camp" each day and loving it! She's already painted jeans, made a belt and purse and all sorts of jewellry, and that's only after the second day!

Les has been working tonnes, and since we tend to work opposite schedules, I took this past Monday off to spend his day off with him. He, in turn, took me to Earls for lunch (mmmm, I had my bento box even!) We had an awesome day together!!

Yes, overall, summer is good!