Dear Jack

You're barely two ...
wanting control of the spoon,
zip your own boots,
decide on whether or not you will wear a tuque,
or even take a nap.

But when you fought that dreaded sleep
I was gifted with a treasure.
As "Jesus loves me" came out in a hushed and broken tune
I felt my last baby grand relax and fall asleep.
Sweet sleep. Sweet Rest.

Life will have it's challenges,
things you will fight,
but my prayer is that you always rest
in the knowledge of the truth
that calmed you when you were two.

(February 2019)

♡♡♡

Accents that Make me Happy

This is my view from my kitchen eating area into the family room ...

and I want to share some small tweaks that came about over the past few weeks.

Maybe I should have taken some before pictures, but

I was just too eager to replace the old(er).

The family photo we had over the mantle was outdated, with three kids missing,

so I'd been thinking of getting a wall verse.

My only fear was that putting this light colored art on the dark painted wall

would look too stark,
but once I added the wreath with the dark berries

and scattered an assortment of light colored cushions 

on the dark couches ... it felt good.

This may sound easier than it is, but it took me several tries.
(It's a good thing stores are good with returns)
Marrying the colors and styles of an old home with updated accents
is harder than starting with a clean slate,
but it is still a fun challenge. 

A couple of plants made their way into my grocery cart 

and they were just what was needed for color.

For perspective ... the black cabinet is right behind the couch.

The huge clock in our eating area was added last year,

via a Hobby Lobby gift card for my birthday. 

This was the beginning of a switch in wall decor. 

And the plaque ...

well if it gets you singing it has fulfilled it's purpose. 

♡♡♡

A Visit to Papa's Shop

 The family flooring business is where my H started working,

when he graduated from high school, thinking it was a temporary fix.

He never left and took on ownership in 1985.

So, as it happens, most of our immediate family and in-law children 

have worked here at some time or another

as drivers, sales consultants, in accounting, in estimating or installing.

And all of our grands have had their visits to the shop

to see what treats Papa might have for them.

At this point in time
I wonder if Jack will have the memories that the rest share
so I'll add his first visit here to include him in the line-up.
Being intrigued with tools, he was shown how the fork lift and pallet jacks

are used to move stone and tile. 

 In Papa's office he helped check out the important stuff.

And, as with all the grandkids before him,

he took to drawing on that unique pad of paper -

a lifeline for hand drawing floor plans,

especially in days gone by.

Looking at him there I note

 that now they have all had their turn at drawing on that grid paper

which will likely always remind them of Papa's shop. 

Happy Birthday, Teddy!

Yesterday we had our birthday date with Teddy.

As we sat at Tim Horton's (her choice)

I couldn't help but remember a similar date

when her baby sister was born.

It's hard to believe how time has changed many things,

but with it also has given us so many precious memories.

Dear Teddy,

How we love your beautiful smile,

the twinkle in your blue eyes when you tease,

the way you like to have fun 

but also work hard to finish what you begin.

You are soft spoken, tenderhearted, creative

and have so much to give.
Happy 7th Birthday and

may God bless and keep you.

Love, Papa and Mimi

♡♡♡