He Said (On Holding Kate)...

Ben asks to hold Kate a lot throughout the day.  Although their snuggle sessions only last about five seconds, it melts my heart to see how much he loves her. 

Ben: "I hold her Mommy?"

It’s Just Not Worth It

Last September, the Distracted Driving Legislation (Bill 16) came into effect in Alberta and at first, I think the new law really made a difference.  However, as the months passed I began to see more and more drivers using their cell phones behind the wheel again.  This morning one man’s stupidity almost changed or could have ended my life or my child(ren)’s.  

I was driving into Sherwood Park for a visit with a friend when, on a two lane road with a speed limit of 80 kph, a man in a minivan crossed the center line seconds before I passed him in the other direction.  He had his head down and was texting with both hands.  I had just enough time to swerve to the right to avoid a head on collision.  Thankfully, I reacted quickly.  Thankfully, his vehicle didn’t veer a second or two later.  Thankfully, the side road was wide enough to compensate.  Someone was watching over the three of us this morning.  The thing that upsets me the most is that he was so absorbed in his inattention that he didn’t even look up when I swerved, he was completely unaware that his vehicle almost collided with mine. 

I deserve to watch Ben and Kate grow up; to see them finish high school, to dance at their weddings, to spoil my grandchildren one day.  My children don’t deserve to die strapped into their car seats in the back of a vehicle before they have even really begun to live.  A child isn’t replaceable and neither are their mother or father.  However, the truth of the matter is, everyday someone’s life changes or ends because of someone’s stupidity and inattention behind the wheel.  No one deserves to lose someone they love that way.  So get off your phones, stop texting or eating a Big Mac or doing anything that takes your attention away from the road while you drive.  It’s just not worth it.

Robot Dance and Other Crazy Games

Jenny and Darren were in town for a few days since we weren’t able to meet up in Fairmont.  Ben had a blast with his Auntie Jenny and Uncle Darren, tiring both of them out!  At two and a half, Ben has an incredible imagination and Darren really nurtures that side of his personality and is a good sport at playing along.  A few of Ben’s favorite games this time around were “fire extinguisher”, “lost in the forest” and “robot”.  Even though Ben only gets to see Jenny and Darren a few times a year, it’s neat to watch their relationship grow every time they’re in Edmonton.  It also makes it that much harder to say goodbye when it’s time to go...  

Fairmont Hot Springs

The only images I took of our vacation to Fairmont Hot Springs this year were taken in Banff en route.  I snapped a few photos of Boris and Ben at Vermillion Lakes while Kate slept in the car.  We arrived in Fairmont shortly before the resort was hit by a mudslide.  Amazingly, everyone was safe but with limited amenities, we decided to head home early and are currently enjoying some family time in Edmonton instead.  

He Said (On Pool Etiquette)...

Me: "Ben, do you have to go pee before we go swimming?"

Ben: "No worries Mommy.  I go pee in the pool."

Dive In

Every image I take has its own soundtrack and story that stays with it, helping me remember the emotions and events unfolding right before the shutter closes...

Wake up sleepy head

I think the suns a little brighter today
Smile and watch the icicles melt away and see the waters rising
Summers here to stay, and that sweet summer breeze will blow forever
Go down to the shore, kick off your shoes, dive in the empty ocean

-       Dave Matthews Band

Part One: Our New Sandbox - Construction

Yesterday, my brother Michael spent the day building a sandbox for Ben and Kate.  They are two very lucky, well loved kids!  Michael spent seven hours is the scorching heat constructing the nicest sandbox I've ever seen.

Pictures of our finished sandbox coming soon...

A Rainy Morning at Home

This morning as the rain poured down we turned on some music, Ben played and Kate slept the morning away...