Scheduling

This scheduling things isn't working.    Between dark clouds and snow showers this lovely blue sky above appeared.   Which made me sad because yesterday was so overcast and I had booked day care providers so I could get out and take photos.   Today was a day to get caught up on housework.  Laundry,  clean floors,  etc.   I seem to be always doing this lately.   Scheduling in things so I can do work one day and then family the next.   Every time the weather does the opposite for me.   I know farming can't always have lovely weather photos.   The ones where the weather is horrible are just as hard to get and tell more of a story sometimes but a blue skied photo every once in a while would improve my mood.  

Noni

After having spent the morning taking photos of babies calves.   Then have a lovely lunch with a new friend at a new restaurant.   I had a few moments to browse a store by myself while Owen was still at drop in care and the girls at school.   I spotted these above shoes and grabbed them with glee one because they were my size and not black (because when you start hitting size 9 1/2 and above they start to not be so cute)   and two they reminded me of my Noni or grandmother.  They aren't exactly like the ones she had but I remember her always having a light blue pair of shoes during the summer months she visited from England when we were kids.   When I went to the UK in my 20's I had lovely memories of walking with her to the village centre looking at shops,  getting some groceries or sneaking some candy even though she wasn't to have a lot.   Then a big adventure on the bus to a neighbouring town to shop for shoes.   She always had a great style as does my mother.  I wish that had passed to me.   I would like to be dressed in cute little dresses that I see my mom and my grandmother wearing when they were as old as me and with kids.   But I am wearing jeans and nothing terribly cute or stylish.   Must work on that for my 40 year.    So maybe that is why I grabbed these shoes.   To remember my Noni,  to remember to work on dressing better.   So now to go shopping with the shoes to pick an outfit.   I'm thinking some cute capri pants and a nice white blouse.   Oh to me close to my mother.   I would love to go on a shopping adventure with her.   Even if she's just downsized her closet!!!!!  XO to my Noni and my Nona to my kids.

Wordless Wednesday

Tongue-tied Tuesday

Tired and tongue-tied on this Tuesday evening.   Which if you know me well I'm usually tongued-tied.   

Wipe Out!!!!

Hannah,  scooter,  hill........wipe out.     I didn't see it or hear it.   Only noticed the neighbours walking up the hill with scooter and a crying child.   Pant legs ripped.   Underneath......   Black dirt and lots of sucking in her breath as we cleaned out the injury.   She's stiff today.   Still Hannah though. 

Daddy's Little Helper

Owen has been following around Eric all weekend.   Helping in the garage,  in the pond,   testing out the new winch on the truck.   A little helper. 

Blow out the Cobwebs

Everyone going a little stir crazy.    We have been running around in and out of the house enjoying the sun or snow depending on the day.    But haven't been anywhere.   So with the bribe of some ice cream after a bike ride.   We all packed up the car and went for a blow out the cobwebs from your ears adventure.    Poor Owen he can never quite keep up to the girls and was always yelling wait up!!!    Even if mom and dad were the slow ones just walking after them instead of biking ourselves. 

Bathroom Light

I know this is so horrible to interrupt a person on the toilet.    This little voice called my name and I went in to see what he wanted.     Nothing much just to say I love you.   Which is ever so sweet.    As I was looking at him the light was just so nice that I had to grab my camera.   He'll hate these when he gets older,  even if I couldn't help myself.    We was also telling me that he likes Nona's cakes better then mine!!!   Amazing random thoughts while alone in the bathroom light.  

Swather Memories

For those of you who do not know what a swather is it is a farm implement that cuts hay or small grain crops and forms them into a windrow.   In Australia this is called a Windrower.    This was the first farm equipment I learned to drive on.    One memory of riding around on the swather was a  summer with our hired hand - Carolyn -  (dad always had female hired hands he said they listened better and didn't break equipment as frequently!!!!)    This swather didn't have a cab and I don't even think it had a fancy glass window like the above photo.   We had an umbrella so we didn't get burned to a crisp.   (we eventually upgraded when dad built his own cab with air conditioner - bliss- I think farmers have all done a stint riding around with out air conditioner - I did it pregnant)    So while riding up and down with Carolyn probably talking her ear off I suddenly became very quiet and she turned to look at me.   A huge grasshopper had landed right on my nose!!   Boy did we get a good laugh out of that.    Eventually years later another hired hand Jasia taught me to drive the swather so that dad could have more help around the farm.     Last summer while with my dad I saw the latest greatest swathers.   Man can they fly down a field.   I think my mouth dropped.   I didn't even get the camera out in time.   Probably a good thing we didn't have one of those when we were teenagers. 

9 kids and counting

and counting, and counting,  and counting.   So I didn't lose anyone.   Thank god they ran around in packs of three so it was easier to keep track of them.   Really only worried about the little ones.    If you had 9 kids it would never be quiet.    I can't image the food budget.   These guys were great.   No crying or fighting.   Awesome huge play date on the March Break.  

Little House in the Big Woods

  If I had a remembrance book, I would mark down how it was when we left our little house in the big woods to go west to Indian Territory.
- Little House of the Prairie - 

I think the Little House Series was the first books that I read and remembered after the Littles.    So loved these books.   My daughters haven't gotten into them.   Sad

Grocery shopping started in the 1700's

So women getting the groceries for the family has been going on for over 300 years.  British life started to breed the materialism we see today.   Though the grocery shopping way back then would have been very different.   No box stories,  just open markets and some small merchants shops selling wigs, fabric and more well to do items.     I would love to step back in time some times.    I have been reading the Outlander series again by Diana Gabaldon.   I think my favourite books by far.   Pushed me to go back to Scotland where my family history began.  To see the land ,  to feel the wind in my hair,  and step in the foot steps of my people who had walked there before.    I loved it there and it is a place that seemed to sooth my soul when I had really need to.   I am itching to go again.    Oh to escape the grocery shopping grind but I couldn't today.     Kids to feed and some extras too this week.
The life of a 2000's grocery shopper.    

Sneaky

He silently crept up to our room last night before we settled for the night.    Good job Murphy keeping him pinned down until we could put him back.  

Company Weekend

Friends that we have known since living in Red Lake Ontario came to visit.  Dinner enjoyed and great conversation.   Though no photos of them.   I struggle when company comes to my house to take a photo.   To get the memories and the event on camera to remember.   I want to just visit,   to cook,   to enjoy some wine while talking.   Not take out the camera.   I must work on that.     The events in our lives.   I can do that with the kids.  They have been programed to get use to the camera around.   But I don't always think to do it with other people and our friends.   I hope I can get better at that.   To get the moments.   A goal that I have set for myself right today!

Date Night

Babysitter booked.  Outfit picked out.   Cleaned up and prettified.  (stupid idea to wear 4 inch heels - oh my knees)   4:30 meet up for a Sunshine Fling Martini at the bar,   followed by a mouth water dinner at 6pm.   Dessert:  Creme Brulee.    Quiet time with my husband.  Priceless.    Next time his turn to organize and plan it all.  

Strom

When we first came to Kamloops.  I  saw the name Strom Rd.   I thought it would be neat to live on the same street as your last name.    There wasn't any houses for sale when we came on Strom Rd.    But I think I almost had Eric in on my plan.    Probably a good thing as it is within walking distance of a Tim Hortons. 
Strom is swedish meaning current, stream,  river.   The name was probably adopted from someone living by said stream, current or river. 
I do get a phone call at least once a month looking for some Strom or other but so far we can't link them back to our line. 

Feedlot Memories

I love going out to this ranch.   Reminds me of home and my childhood.   My parents, brother and I would say it is nice not to have to do this job of cattle feeding everyday , twice a day sometimes,   but I love that this was a part of who I am as a person.   I'm proud that my family has this as a career and a family history way way back.   I miss it.   I'm glad farmers around this area let me come around talk to them and let me snap away.    Dad:   There was a mixer feeder wagon but I missed that photo op.   they feed grain first and then the hay last.  

My Three

The scene.   Temperature cooling off.   Silly kids thinking it's spring in t-shirt and shorts.   Bribing them outside.   Owen standing on a foot stool.   Daddy holding the umbrella light so it wouldn't blow away.  Kids saying you have three shots that's all mom!   So this is the best of the three.

Oldest

I'm playing with some new ideas,  new techniques,  continuing to learn.  So am quite happy that my oldest was the first one to raise her hand and come with me to play.   She thought this was very cool.   I'm hoping she comes up with some more ideas so we can play some more.

Weekend Breakfast

I love that on the weekends daddy is in charge of the morning meal.   Makes all the weekday sitting back eating his breakfast watching all the chaos around him and not helping worth it.    Reminds me though I need to clean the stove top.

Mommy I need help........

Was totally not expecting this.   Usually this call is for a new toilet paper roll,   or occasional let's see if mom will still wipe my....     But handcuffed to the toilet paper holder that's a new one.    Yes they do make life unexpected!!!!   (and he is so going to hate this when he gets older!)

Love, Beauty, Luxury, and Strength

My horoscope for my birthday said that this is the year of positive actions and intense focus.  You will find a balance between your need to focus on the goals that matter and unlocking the door to blessings,  making this a truly special time.  It will be a great year.   Enjoy.  
I have posted an orchid as they mean love, beauty, luxury and strength and my horoscope is hinting that way too. 

Cooking

I love cooking.   Creating new meals.   Having a hit when everyone eats everything without complaining.    Or a bomb where you learn what doesn't go well together.   Send me recipes I love trying things out. 

Sleeping Children

Some days the best moment of the day is when these people in my house are quiet.    Don't get me  wrong.   I love them.  I love that I'm "mommy".    But I bet you if your boss at work said your name about 3000 times a day you'd not want to hear your name anymore that day either. 

Creative People

It is day two of BC teacher's strike.    My little ones have been visiting with friends and being creative.   Paint is flying all over this house.  (and in many places I don't want)  I really don't mind though because when I look over a my youngest and see him starting to draw things that look like what they are suppose to I get amazed all over again.    They all love to create and though I don't keep it all in original form.   I do have photos of the best ones that I print and put in their scrapbooks. 

Yellow Roses

My favourite colour is yellow.      I also love flowers and will buy them for myself whenever I can.   I used to forgo a food item just to get some fresh flowers in my apartment when I was single.     So last  Wednesday I bought myself yellow roses because they just called to me.    ( I didn't have to give up a food item but the kids don't need ice cream!!!)

Vancouver

This will be one of those posts where I'm torn between ages and times in my life.    Went to Vancouver with visions of exploring,  getting some creative juices running,  and just getting out and about exploring  BC.       We've done Vancouver before and spent a month living there when Ciara was 3 and Hannah about 4 months.     It was easy to just explore and entertain them.   They were little.   Nap time in the stroller  I and a cocktail while they cleaned the room,  it felt like an adventure.   Now.....   well my vision didn't include 3 kids.   This is when I wanted to be just Eric and I again before kids.   Strolling,   spending money only on a coffee and neat pastry.    Looking at all the shops and dreaming of maybe buying this and that.   Trying on clothes that you could never afford (when you are 20ish) 
Now though we have 3 kids that say I want I want every 3 minutes.   Trying to teach them that the next store has different things.   The next stall has different food.   Just lets look at it all choose our favourite and come back to it.   Yah..... that worked!  It didn't sink it.    And though I was happy that they were all excited and running around.  Wide eyed looking at all the neat things, that is what I wanted from this weekend.   I was also angry because this was suppose to be about me!!!  My birthday.   I make their days.  Even Eric's a big day.   Favourite meal,   balloons,  presents,   etc etc.    So yes this is selfish of me to think that to expect that but I wanted that too.   I wanted to try on expensive Fluevog shoes that I can afford now,   with out everyone rolling their eyes.   I didn't want to hear I want every 3 minutes.   I wanted to get a new outfit.   I wanted more then just cake on my day.   (yes you have read right I didn't get presents!!!)  
From past experience just in Kamloops I know I can't take them with me if I want to just get a bra and grocery shopping well...      So why did I expect differently this time.   Is this just what happens?   That mom never gets an all about her day on her birthday anymore???      Or is just this family?  

I don't know but even though 40 didn't go as it did in my head.    Getting out and away from Kamloops for the weekend,   eating some wonderful food (well the extra 8 lbs it's just water I could do without!),   and feeling creative again was worth it.  

Silage in a Bagel

Man my husband can make me laugh uncontrollably still after almost 12 years of marriage.   We were at the kids market at Granville Island in Vancouver.   While our "we want,  we want" children  were climbing all over the indoor play centre.   (giving our ears the first break in 3 hours!!!)   We were grabbing some caffeine and experimenting with new gourmet items found in the public market.    First we tried a potato stuffed pastry and it was very very tasty.  (should have got two)   Then came the spinach stuffed bagel as seen above.   We both took a bite and Eric said well a horse would have a great meal.    Which caused  me to sputter and reply that it tasted like silage and smelled that way too.   He agreed and we laughed for quite awhile.   Just when I thought I was under control he then said isn't it sad that we also know what silage smells and tastes like to compare this too.    In which I started giggling all over again.  

Naughty 40 Club

The Naughty 40 Club.     I like that title.   One of my girlfriends from Australia welcomed me to the club.     I've had some lovely emails and notes from wonderful women who have been in this club before me.   It helps to get out the of the little pity party I was having.   Knowing that these amazing women that have come into my life for various reasons and are enjoying life even more.
My mom sent me two lovely cards and a letter about my birth day.     Even her card was on the theme naughty 40.

"Forty is knowing what you want and making it happen.   Forty is learning from the past and moving forward with strength and confidence.   Forty is old enough to know better and young enough to do it anyway.   Forty is a wonderful place along the pathway of your incredible life. "

Time for a lot of cake and an adventure to Vancouver for the weekend.  

Personal Project

So this is me at 39.  (rebelling because tomorrow I turn 40)   So I decided to do a personal project since 40 is hitting me.   My family blog is being overrun with agriculture photos.  So I will put family and personal stuff on this sight.   I don't know what I want to accomplish.   Maybe to see all I have accomplished at 40 and make it a good thing instead of feeling that I'm not 20 any more.     The knee pain is from 20 years of rugby playing.   The no longer firm belly is from 3 children.   The wrinkles around the eyes are from many years of laughing and farmer squinting in the sun.      A 365 photo journey into the mind of a mid life crisis women.   It may be a weird journey.  It  may feel like you are following a split personality as I bounce back and forth between the young person that existed and experienced,   the sappy mom ,   the creative photography visions,   and the 40 year old that is adventuring and experiencing now.   Stay tuned it's going to be interesting.    ( at least I hope!!!)