THE MOM's PROMISE

I wish ...

that I was the perfect mom, that I never yelled, I never lost my patience, I never got upset when there was a mess...

but I am not

I wish ....

that I was a perfect person, that I never lost my cool, that I always knew the right answer, that I never made a mistake....

but I am not

I wish...

that I had always been patient, always relaxed, always calm, always smart,

but I was not

I wish....

that I loved you the best, that I cared the most, that I was always there for you ....

but I WAS......

and always will be.

Know that I did my best, with the resources that I had, in that moment of time, on that particular day.... I always did my best.... it was all that I had to give on that day.

And I will keep trying to be the best, to be better than yesterday, until the day I die, for you my kids.

"FAMILY DINNERS...."



This past weekend we celebrated Easter and Brittany's Family Birthday dinner all in one. Lot's of presents, lots of laughs and lots of food. A typical Sunday night family dinner.

I purchased a Easter Gift for each of the kids and the boyfriends and had it at their dinner plate.

And of course, Brittany had her Birthday card and gift (money!!). Brittany picked out the menu of her favourite - ham, hash brown potatoes, peas, broccoli salad, rolls and cherry cheesecake. I have made this menu so many times I hardly need a recipe. So the preparations were very easy to do.

While preparing the meal on Sunday morning, I reflected over the past few months and how crazy busy work as been. I determined that this party also signifies for me the end of the peak months at work. The chocolate business is fast and furious from October to after Easter and then it slows up considerably in the summer. So for me, this party signifies a much slower past. And much less travel. Thank goodness as it is much better weather and I love to be home on my porch.

But I will be busy still. I have so many projects that I want to complete at the house and several personal projects & goals. Of course I will continue to have many things on the go. And most importantly, I am thinking about where do I want to live after Chelsea finishes high school and is off at University. Hmmm..... I have no idea. Where is home... it certainly is not here in town.

But one thing is for sure.... I want to be where my kids can meet easily for Sunday night dinners. Oh I know that the odds of all 4 of them being within a 1 hour radius is unlikely but it is possible. Perhaps I should wait until they all settle to decide where to go? Hmmm.

At the end of the day, I thought about these loud and vivacious adults and think to myself, what fun. What craziness but what fun. Even though with these many people there is usually some drama of some sort but I still smile. I will continue to make these family get togethers a top priority in my life. As "the MOM" I am the glue that holds these people together. Lucky me.

Life is good when "the MOM" has the kids in her home for dinner on SUNDAY NIGHT!!

Love ya all!!!

Brittany turns 21 today

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRITTANY"

APRIL 4th, 2009

Today is Brittany's Birthday. 21 years old!!

This blog is a tribute to my daughter Brittany.

First off... she is beautiful and she sure loves summer.

A beautiful blue eyed blonde who loves nothing more than to play and bask in the summer sun.

Brittany always loved to dress up and still does. Look how her outfit and Brent's tie match!!... She has an eye for colour and fashion and the need for perfection and of how things should look!! That will serve her well in the future. Not many have this eye for details!

Brittany with our little 5 lb. dog Chloe. We are never too sure who she will say hello to first when she comes into the house, Chloe or us.

Brittany loves to eat. She always has -even as a baby. She especially loves a good assortment of appetizers. Kinda goes with her party spirit I would say.

This is actually Brittany in my kitchen baking my birthday cake this past year. As Brit loves food it is good that she also loves to cook and bake. And most importantly, the cake tasted great!!

Brittany is always my right hand for helping and cooking the big family meals!! (She especially loves to stir!!!! lol)

Never a dull moment when Brittany is around. She gets bored very easily so she is always up for a great game of cards!!!

Laughing is what she loves to do the most. Her laugh is contagious and makes everyone else join in laughing. Having a great time comes very easily to Brittany. And when we are with her, we also have a great time!

Brittany can makes friends with anyone! She will laugh with you, drink with you and dance with you .... ANYWHERE!! Such a wonderful free spirit!

Brittany is very good at sports and is very competitive. Be it the WII fit, baseball, hockey or snowboarding... she loves it all. She was so excited about her new snowboarding goggles at Christmas she started to wear them!! Good looking even in them!

And presents - I can't forget about presents. Brittany loves loves loves to get presents. And the more the merrier! Here she is at Christmas with her very large deluxe make up box. Yes that is a makeup box. For all those dress up days.

And who could forget that beautiful perfect smile. WHITE WHITE WHITE TEETH! She will always be remembered for the perfect smile!

And the smile is sometimes a bit crazy. We all know how Brittany loves to be goofy and make funny faces!!!

And no matter where she goes - Brittany loves to leave her mark... sometimes even her name!!

But most of all, Brittany is loved by MANY!!! Here are just a few!

Brent

The Sisters (brother is missing)

and THE MOM!

Happy Birthday Brittany.

I love you very very much. And most importantly, I really like you. I wish you a great life now and forever.
Love... The MOM!