Summer Favourites Continue: #2

Summertime always brings about time outside, socializing with friends, family and neighbours. The families gather, bring their meats and BBQ together. We drink cocktails as the children play. We discuss what is happening in our lives, our neighbourhoods, schools and community.



Its funny how all winter long we don't see eachother that often, but the minute the sun starts to shine its almost like its everyone invitation to gather and socialize.



I love it. I absolutely love community outside in the sun, with the smell of BBQ's and the sounds of laughter and fun.

Top 10 Favourite..

Summer is not my favourite season at all, however there are aspects of summer that I just can't get enough. There are many versions of the Top 10 Countdown, or Top 10 Favourites, so indeed I thought I would share you mine. I would say for the next 10 days, but I know my life and doubt I will have time to write a blog each day, so I will say, for the next 10 blogs, I am going to share with you, in no particular order 'Hillary's Top 10 Favourite Things About Summer!'

The list begins with- ICECREAM!!!
I scream, you scream, we all scream ICECREAM!!!!

Summer gives us the excuse to eat icecream and to let the yummy goodness of the cold treat into our bellies with no feeling of guilt. The multiple flavours, toppings, and sizes. The multiple ways to eat it- in a bowl, in a regular cone, sugar cone or waffle cone. As a bar, as a cookie or even a cake.

I love watching kids enjoy icecream as it melts from the sun and drips down their cone. I love watching as the icecream magically covers their faces, drips down their shirt, and their fingers are sticky with the icecream goodness.

It is by far my favourite treat, and will have to admit a chocolate mint or peanut butter icecream in a waffle cone is by far my favourite.

And here's a look to see how much Alex enjoyed his cone.









So cheers to icecream. The treat that is perfect to celebrate summer!

Father's Day

I wish I could put into words how much I love you Dad and how highly I think of you. On Father's Day I am always torn at what kind of card I should get you, what kind of gift, what I should do for you Dad. I have always been a Daddy's Little Girl through and through, and the older I get I realize how important and wonderful our relationship is.



Ever since I was a little girl I've always looked up to you, admired all you do, and know I can turn to you whenever I need support, love, care, and a shoulder to lean on. The memories I have of us together bring back tons of smiles and I look forward to the memories that come. I am the luckiest girl to have the best Dad in the world.




Plus you always know when I need a laugh or two.



I am so blessed to be born into a family where I get to call you Dad.



You were made to be a father, and you are so amazing at it. You have helped shaped us four children into beautiful men and women who value our families, ourselves and our environment.



I love you for the amazing father you are and for the amazing father I know you will be for the many years ahead.
I love you Dad xo



And to brother Rob and Grant- Happy Fathers Day to you too! Rob, the boys are so lucky to have such a fun loving Dad like you. Grant, someday you will be an amazing Father. I look forward to the day when I get to watch you run after your rugrats.



Happy Fathers Day Dads!!! You change the life of little ones! xo

It's here...

I just love when seasons change; the weather, colours, and excitement. My favourite season is next and soon you will be hearing me ramble about the fall leaves, pumpkins, and the smell of warm apple cider. But for now, its summer: warm, colourful, bright, and the smell of coconut sunscreen and pool fills the air

Summer continues to unravel and today we splashed into the pool
We had to test out the water to see if it was too cold.



But once we were in, it was all smiles





There is nothing like blowing bubbles in the water.



and the realization that your little piggy's can touch the bottom



But when you're done, you're done.



And that's what I love about summer

I did it!

There is nothing like being a student, heading up to your university house to unpack the boxes, bring up more stuff, take stuff home and try and have some idea of what you need, how much room you have etc etc.
The girls and I moved houses on May 1st so once again I need to unpack and reorganize. I need to try and get my life in order and have some sense of settlement before school starts. Like my mother I am sure you are all saying "You have 2.5 months left, you dont need to worry about that now", however the little bit of OCD in me is saying "Nooo I need to unpack, get settled and know that I dont have to think about it anymore". A part of me hates the fact that I still have a couple rubbermaids stitting in my room, that my desk is here in the garage, and that I dont know where I am going to hang my calendar. Will I get over it, absolutely, but a trip to Brock was definitely in store.

So on June 10th (Cheyenne'e birthday and graduation) I headed down to St. Kitts to do a little bit of reorganization. And boy or boy was I ever glad I did. If I didn't I would never have found this...


or this..



Two sights that completely clash, but just show you the trip in store was worth it. The garbage was left behind from the old tenants, full of maggots and smelled like rotten eggs and more. It was disgusting and as I was cleaning it up I couldn't help but gag. I can't stand 'those dirty, messy students' who live by Western, the last thing I wanted to be was one from Brock. I immediately cleaned up that mess and as I ran to the back to get some 'fresh' air...I found the beauty rose bush. It was in full bloom with beautiful flowers and glorious scent. Amazing how the side of our house can be so dirty, yet there is beauty deep in the back, it may just take some time to find it.

I often think that about people. There are some individuals that have an unpleasant odour, that may look like they need to shower and clean up, but deep inside they have a heart of pure gold, they are the nicest, and most beautiful person you could imagine. It just may take some time to realize the outside doesn't matter, we just need to look deep within.

And I had to do that with myself on my adventure down to Brock. I looked deep within to find my most handy of handy skills so I could install some blinds. It may have taken 5 trips to Canadian Tire, a couple swear words and my trusty tool kit, but I did it! I installed blinds!





With a little faith in myself I did the impossible. Now my next task is to screw together my desk...I may need help on this one though. We shall see

Off to my haven

There is nothing like escaping my everyday life and taking an adventure to the farm; my haven as I call it. Although it is a 2.5 hour car ride, I enjoy every minute of the journey. The drive is absolutely beautiful with fields of wheat, corn, and beans on either side of me, and small patches of lush forests and bush. I drive through small towns that remind me of 50's movies, and as I drive I have free range to let my mind wander.




As I drove up this past weekend, my mind was all over the place, but in particular I was thinking about my graduation. Close friends are in the midst of graduation/convocation, finished university and saying "now what?" What are they going to do with their time? How are they going to use their degrees in the world? Where are they going to live? What income are they going to have? So many unknown questions that soon they will be finding the answers to. I still have two years left at University, my next two years are planned for me. But then what? What am I going to be doing after I graduate? Where am I going to live? What job will I have? As all of these questions were stirring in my head I couldn't help but be scared. I live each day to the fullest, try to enjoy the present, but there are days like today where my mind heads to the future. The road seems so long, yet I know the end is near.



Well I arrived at the farm and had a wonderful evening with my cousin William, Aunt Nida and Uncle Grant. There is nothing like sitting down and sharing conversation with your beloved family. For those who don't know the farm was where my Mom, Uncle Grant, Grandma and Grandpa lived. With acres of apples orchards, cattle and crops they made their living. Now that my Grandparents have both passed away, my Uncle Grant and his family have made the farm their home...and offered it to me as my haven. When I head to the farm I get away from the hustle and bustle of life in London, from the noise and commotion of traffic, phone calls and responsibility, and I get to relax, enjoy the peace and be with my family. I also feel like I am treated like a princess when I arrive, although my Aunt disagrees. Who wouldn't love to wake up to this breakfast? Fresh strawberries, bananas, crusty baguette, cheese, homemade jam and warm tea. yummy!



Besides being able to relax we always head into Thornbury and Collingwood for a little bit of window shopping, lunch and fun. This time we got stuck with a Shriners parade that blocked the whole main street of Collingwood. Nothing like watching a bunch of old men ride around on their toys.




I always have such a wonderful time, and for those who say I need to have some "HIllary Time", my weekend at the farm provided me with exactly that.




***and this is the side of the farm with everyone's names scratched into it. I love the farm!

We know its summer when...

Constructions has begun! We often joke that we have two seasons here in Canada, winter and construction. It is highly unlikely that one is able to drive to work, the mall, church or even a friends house without hitting construction somewhere along the line. We see the signs posted, the roads are blocked, pylons are everywhere and traffic is moving slow.

The sound of the beeping as work vehicles back up can be heard from a mile away. We hear the roar as pavement is being broken, as the dump truck empties his pile of dirt, and as the digger empties his load. We hear people complain about the noise, how it starts so early in the morning, and ends so late in the evening. How we can't sleep in, it wakes our babies, or gives us a pounding headache.



It takes us twice as long to get to get anywhere, drivers get irritated, horns start honking, people try to rush, and then we hear "BBBBAAAANNNGGGG" The sound of two cars crashing. We hear crying as people are hurt, swearing as those are frustrated, and then the sound of emergency vehicles.

All of this is happening while construction workers are doing their jobs and fixing the roads for our safety and for the convenience of having the road wider. This is all happening as some are trying to go to work, school, appointments, stores, friends, or anywhere else. And all of this is happening as some little ones discover and enjoy.

So as we travel through construction season I encourage you to plan ahead and leave early, to relax and find your patience within, and to know that our constructions workers are just doing their job to help keep us safe.

If you're happy and you know it clap your hands

I am happy. I am overjoyed. I am excited to wake up and start each new day. I know how cheesy that sounds...who talks about how happy they are? but seriously, I have all the reason to rejoice. This past year has been a wonderful, uplifting, and life changing past 12 months. Ever since I returned home from General Council in BC of August 2009, my world has transformed, and I have felt that myself as a person have changed for the better.

During my second year of University I lived with friends who love me for who I am, I was comfortable with them, and was able to share my joys and my sorrows. I was surrounded my friends who were supportive, fun, loving and provided the year with many memories. I struggled through the academics of University, but I always knew that when I came home after a long day at school, Steph, Nicole, Amanda and Jaclyn would be there to ease my stress, be a shoulder to lean on, and help find the fun in all in the work.

Here I am now, its Summer 2010, and each day I wake up and I have a smile on my face. I am doing what I love most. I am with people who I love. I am extremely happy...and here is why.

...i am living at home with Mom and Dad and after two years of university, i appreciate all that they do, and they appreciate all that i do.
...my family loves me and i love them.
...i have a job as a nanny/babysitter and each day i am greeted with a big hello, smile and lots of excitement. i get to play. i don't have a uniform. i love and i am loved. we play outside. we play inside. we do what we want to do. going to work is fun.
...i have a job where i am outside in the garden centre. i work with flowers. i see sun. we have laughs. and our customers give us hours of entertainment. going to work is fun.
...i have the opportunity to sit on the patio and have a drink with friends. we catch up on eachother's lives and i am constantly reminded that i have a huge support system around me. whether near or far.
...i am proud of my friends. for those who have graduated. who hope to graduate. who have jobs and families. for each their own. whatever path you may take. whatever journey you are on. i am proud of you for sticking to your path that is best for you.
...my toes are painted. they are pretty and shiny and wonderful.
...i have a flower in my hair. who cares about doing your hair in the summer when i can throw a flower in and feel like a million bucks.
...summer is the season for birthdays and there is so much excitement in celebrating the birth of someone special. i love birthdays. i will admit on July 21st it is the one and only day that i take and claim an "all about me day"
...i am in Blue Mountain. the air is clear. the sky is blue. a part of heart and soul lives here.

The list goes on and on but for now I am exhausted and will end here. I can just say. I am happy.

let's cooperate and create

Our society tends to go over the top, to go above and beyond, and to constantly want upgrades and the new and approved. We want want want, but dont appreciate what we already have. Gadgets and fiddle farts, odds and ends tend to consume our life and the more complex something is, the more we idolize to have it. But when we look at our young people they are showing we dont need all the bells and whistles. We just need things simple. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Our young people teach us so much about life, we just need to stop, watch and listen.

Last week when I had the opportunity of hanging out with Alex, Grace and Iain I got to watch the magic happen between these three kids. All at different ages, all at different stages, all completely different. They amazed me at how well they interacted and how well they worked together and cooperated.

Grace was by far the supervisor and just wanted to make sure both the young ones were having fun and playing safe together. And Frodo was definitely the security on hand incase anything going out of hand.


But what amazed me was how well Iain and Alex played together. Iain just being 18 months old, and Alex 3 years, they were still able to sit down and play together with the toys. They shared, cooperated, and were able to wait their turn as they waited to play. With no explanation needed, no telling either to stop, or wait, they just automatically did. How I wish adults could do that. We never have enough time, patience or energy to wait for our turn. It seems that we are always in a rush and need to go now, get things done so we can move on with life. Can't we just cooperate and work together to create a little bit of fun?

And speaking of fun, boy did Grace and I have fun building some towers. It is funny how she didn't need noises and gadgets, small pieces and batteries all Grace needed were some blocks. Sure these were different sizes, colours and shapes, but even if they weren't I still think we would have had just as much fun. It was about using your imagination, and creativity, to create a masterpiece.

And that is exactly what Grace and I did. We created a masterpiece and were ever so proud!

Short one...

Next time I think about going to the bar, I think I just need to invite Alex over. He has the moves that's for sure!

Just a little laugh to brighten up your day :)

Noticing...

One thing I love about my job is noticing the little things. The little things that I notice, but also the little things that the wee ones notice. On Wednesday's I spend my evenings with a fun little guy, JD. He is 21 months old and just a ball of smiles, energy, and love. He is at the parrot stage in life, constantly repeating what you say, and as he continues to grow and develop his vocabulary, he continues to notice small details that others may not.

I pick him up from his babysitters, and the first thing I hear is "Hill-rees car". I am then greeted by a huge smile, as he continues to point and shout with such excitement "Hill-ree's car". At first I couldn't believe that is what he was noticing, not me, but my car...great. Then it began to hit me. The car is his cue that we are leaving one place and going home. It is our safe transportation to allow us to get home so that together we can have fun. In the car its just the two of us. We 'talk' about our day, and sing 'The wheels on daddys bus'. JD notices Hill-ree's car.

This past week JD was sitting in the back of the car and looks over and says "Hill-rees toes" "Hill-rees pretty toes". And we all know how much I love pretty toes...so having him sit in the back seat pointing and shouting with excitment "Hill-ree's toes" that pretty much made my day. JD notices Hill-rees toes.

Lastly but in my mind more importantly JD notices the small details. Two weeks ago I had a boo boo on my leg, he kissed it better. He notices buttons on an article of clothing, the details of a phone and last week I had a flower in my hair, he noticed it and kept saying "pretty". He notices the small things that we often don't pay attention to. He embraces the enjoyment of each new thing, and he notices that we can celebrate the beauty of each small new thing. We have a lot to learn from our young ones. Just take the time to listen