Hummingbirds in December!

My sister Tricia wrote the following:  "There are so many things that remind me often of my Grandma Cross, but my sister and hummingbirds are two very important ones!

Grandma would be shocked and thrilled, as we are, to see hummingbirds at this time of year and in this cold. She would also be proud of us for defrosting the feeders and providing them with food (even if Jen didn’t use her formula for it😳) Jen, just like Grandma did so often, is getting her afternoon enjoyment from sitting and watching the hummingbirds 😊 The cat has joined her but has a different agenda!"

Trip to Nova Scotia

 Loved Nova Scotia!  More details coming soon......

Hirtle's Beach, Nova Scotia

Crooked Lake, Italy Cross, Nova Scotia

Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia

Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia

Les at Port Prim Lighthouse, Digby, Nova Scotia

Jen at Port Prim Lighthouse, Digby, Nova Scotia.  COLD and WINDY!

Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia

Storm Chips - where all 4 flavour's are in one bag!

The Earthworm

This old video (click on the link below) came up in a conversation with the kids the other day. Had completely forgotten about it. Our superstar, Eli (grade 2), is the TMNT shirt-wearing cutie (1:00)!!

Kanaka Creek Elementary The Earthworm with Lyrics

Inflatable SUP

It has been soooooo hot here this summer.  A couple months ago I ordered an inflatable SUP from Vancouver Life and was able to pick it up this morning!!!!! Super excited!!

Les Presents Save-On-Foods Scholarship on Behalf of His Father

 

My FIL was unable to make it in person to present a scholarship in his name. Guess who stepped in and presented on his behalf…..

Fly Hills Adventures

On our way back home, we decided to drive up Fly Hills.  I've often heard the Haddad family talk about Fly Hills but had never been. On Fly Hills, you can look down at Salmon Arm and into the valley.  Such beauty!

Cherry Picking

A visit with Les' parents and we decided to do some cherry picking at Tasty Acres in Salmon Arm. Yummy!!!!! 

Guess whose bucket was 4lbs and whose was 2lbs?!

Promoting Diversity, and Acceptance at Maple Ridge Secondary

As we come to the end of Pride Month, I want to share a couple of thoughts… 

The high school my kids graduated from recently completed a mural in the front entrance of their school. Artwork promoting diversity and acceptance. I. Love. It. Way to go MRSS!! 

We often think of high school as the worst place to be as a teenager, for some forever feeling inadequate, etc., but when this (pictured) is seen and read every day can it change one’s perspective? Can it lift that cloud that hangs over some? 

We need to know that school is the one safe place for many students. A place where they can be their authentic self, a place where the adults are their only allies. A place where friendships, clubs and teams help them feel like they belong and are part of a family. Nobody should only be loved and supported 8 am to 3 pm, 5 days a week, 10 months of a year. NOBODY. 

Maybe instead of looking at someone and judging, we should educate ourselves and learn to accept all people who come across our path. Imagine how much better our world would be!

Mount Woodside Adventures on Father's Day

Unusual in our household to have Les home on a Sunday AND on Father's Day! Got to spend time doing one of the things he loves to do.... adventures on the backroads (FSR). We spent the day on Mt. Woodside. This is between Mission and Agassiz where you'll often see hang gliders taking off. The road was rocky, dusty and steep but the views unbelievable (Fraser Valley views, Harrison Lake Views, etc.)!

Agassiz to the far left

Fraser Valley

Stacey Lake

Harrison Lake

Gender Dysphoria

Gender dysphoria was once described to me as the following, ‘looking in the mirror most people are fine with what they see, maybe a little grumbling…. but what if you woke up one morning and suddenly you see yourself as a different sex - you have body parts you should not have.  You would panic. You would wonder what is wrong? Why is the outside not matching the inside?! Someone with gender dysphoria experiences this every. single. day.’ 

A person with gender dysphoria is constantly working on different strategies to help them ease their dysphoria. It can be debilitating, some need to transition, attempted suicide and suicide is high.  

NOBODY would choose this.

We need caring teachers, friends, church family, and extended family who see beyond their gender identity.  We need to show love and kindness. How can we do this?  Use their preferred name and pronouns. 

My village will always be accepting, loving and kind to all.

These are my reads right now and highly recommend! Listen Learn & Love I've recently re-read, A Better Heart I'm currently reading and Love Boldly is next.

Back Road Adventures on the Lost Lease Forestry Service Road

We headed out on the logging roads today!  Checked out Sylvester Road / Lost Lease Forestry Service Rd. just passed Mission.

Salisbury Lake

 

Stave Lake in the distance

Parenthood - LGBTQ Support

 Parents have been shamed for loving unconditionally and parents have been praised for disowning their children. I don’t understand. I do understand this. I’m very grateful my children know they are loved and that our home will always be a safe place for them. Love is love. Far too many of our LGBTQ children don’t have that. I hope any LGBTQ child I interact with knows I’m an ally.

LGBTQ Ally & My Faith

June is Pride month. Two years ago, the LGBTQ community became a larger part of my life and at the same time I hit a faith crisis - hard.  It was overwhelming. I could not understand how I could be true to my faith AND be an ally to the LGBTQ community. I need both. We all have the right to have faith in a higher being should we choose, but that doesn’t give us the right to judge anyone, to treat each other unkindly and sometimes with such cruelty! There is a line in a church song that constantly comes to mind, ‘Jesus said love everyone, treat them kindly too…” I do know that we have a God that loves and commands us to love. The LGBTQ community has taught me we shouldn’t expect anyone to apologize for living an authentic self, we all have that right and it isn’t a one size fits all! Its really pretty simple, but our imperfect world just doesn’t get it. Everyone needs to love and be loved. I am an ally! 

 

Couldn't Resist!

 

Allium Season - My Favourite!

 

LOVE this time of year when the Alliums are in full bloom!!

Logging Road Adventures - Norrish Creek Forestry Rd.

 Back on Norrish Creek Forestry Road checking out some different areas.  We truly do live in a beautiful part of the world!!

Happy 22nd Birthday, Damian

 

Happy 22nd Birthday, Damian! You are one of my super heroes, you have more strength, stubbornness and tenacity than any person I know. If someone tells you you can’t then you prove them wrong. The journey from point A to point B might take a bit longer and there may be struggles, but you will do it! You’ve taught me that no matter what comes in ones path living your authentic self is vital and very important to live a safe, long, and happier life. Remember, I’ll ALWAYS be your #1 ally. Love is love, there is never any conditions to it. I’m so proud of you and honoured to be your mom. Love you, and Happy Birthday!

Tinted!!

 My little ev's looking pretty awesome thanks to Elite Tint. 

Happy 20th Birthday, Eli!

Happy 20^th Birthday, Eli! You are the kindest, loving, most thoughtful person I know. Doesn’t matter if you’ve known someone your whole life or you’ve just bumped into them on the street. Everyone is treated with the same amount of care and respect. As a youngster you taught me to give up on personal space because lots of hugs and cuddling was a must. You’ve taught me to give – no questions asked if someone is in need you help. You’ve taught me that saying ‘I Love You’ isn’t embarrassing and can be said at any age (yes, even a teenager) with no one around or one hundred people around. You’ve taught me that sometimes it takes a while to find one’s journey in life and that’s okay – with a plan (that parts me).  You’ve taught me lots of life lessons in your 20 years but bottom line is, I love you, I’m so proud of you, and I’m honoured to be your mom.  Happy Birthday!!   

Golden Ears

Can't complain about this view at work!!