Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Winding Down

I am hopeful that now summer is here, school is completed, other activities have wound down... that we will be able to slow down a bit. It seems that we have just been in a constant flurry of activity for weeks on end. I do like being busy, to an extent, but it has been so hectic, I've been feeling stressed! So now that summer is here I shall take a slow, deep breath and blow the stress away! for a few days anyways!
On Saturday my ladies group held a TEA and sewing/bake sale at the hall. I was asked to organize it. So I was busy with that all week. Working every day, then coming home making phone calls, sewing and baking. I don't know what possessed me to take that task on ! Any ways, it was a big success and we made $1000. which goes to good causes such as the cancer project.
In a few more days, Kayla's younger Brother and sister will be joining us. Her other brother Troy, is already with us since September. They have been looking forward to coming to BC for months. They had hoped to be here with Kayla for her final time on this planet, but of course that didn't happen due to her health deteriorating so quickly. The only thing that has gotten them through the last few weeks, is knowing that their dad was bringing them to BC when school finished.
We want to make this a wonderful summer for them. We are planning lots of trips to the lake and the beach. Sleepovers at the different cousins. We have lots of cousins locally for them to spend time with. Home base is my place though, as their Dad stays with us . So that will bring our household tally to nine. My three kids are all grown up and working so they will be a big help. I dont think they will have to worry about being lonely!
This weekend, Heidi and I had a girls roadtrip. It was a spontaneous decision. On Sunday morning we just decided to drive up to visit Grandma and Grandad. With a load of CDs we headed out for the 4.5 hour drive. It was gorgeous weather and the roads were great. We got there in time to crash Grandmas party! We stayed there the night , had a nice visit with my sister and her family who live next door to Grandma. Then at 230 we headed back home, as I am working night shift tonight. We brought back a couple of boxes of the most wonderful juicy cherries that Heidi and Grandad picked this morning. Did I mention that Grandma and Grandad live in orchard country?
That drive used to feel so long, but after experiencing the frequent 16 hour drives to Edmonton to visit Kayla, this little journey seems like a short ride in the country!
My mom comes down to us next weekend for a couple of days, then she will take Heidi and Troy up to her place for about 10 days. They are really looking forward to it. Also it will give the little kids a chance to make themselves at home here without Heidi and Troy bossing them around!
So expect lots of posts and photos of kids over the summer!
Have a great week Everyone. Hopefully I will be able to post more regularly now.

11 comments:

Dick said...

I, too, am glad to finally see summer arrive. Our local newspaper is calling for 85 degrees Sat! It is late but really coming in with a vengeance.

I lost a favorite cousin to lung cancer a week ago today. When she told me about it last Oct I was worried because I think that is one form of cancer that is very hard to beat but she was trying. She was only about a year and a half older than me so that is also alarming. I doubt that there are any families that haven't been affected by some form of cancer.

Walker said...

You have been busy and it looks like you're going to be busy all summer but more of a fun kind of busy.
The kids will have a great time being in a new envroment for the summer.

Penny said...

Your summer sounds like a good busy. Glad your grown kids are a help because mine really aren't. I'm looking forward to seeing some great pics this summer.

senbazuru said...

I've been thinking of you, and of Kayla's family much, even though I haven't written.

Juat today I got an email from a friend asking about Steven's hair and hairpiece, and they noticed he shaved his head in February and they were wondering how that had gone and how it affected his hairpiece.

And all I could think of was Kayla and how she shaved her head too.

Kayla was something special, at least that's how we think of her at Casa Bell.

I'm glad you're hosting her siblings for a bit. Don't you think she might approve?

Prayers for all...

Anonymous said...

hi susan, thanks for coming over. i have been here, but have not commented in a while.

yes, i hope that joan sees it. :) enjoy summertime. we have had pretty hot weather again here lately. right now with humidex we're looking at 30C. hmph.

mom's moving date is fast approaching. we are having a yard sale again this saturday with more stuff. so much to do so little time, and such small cars we have to do it in. (for the yard sale stuff, not the move, we're contracting that big job out).

take special care of yourself, susan.

Fred said...

I don't mind being busy with the kids and family. I think it's great you're doing so much.

Anonymous said...

Hi Susan,
I'm glad Kayla's siblings will out for a visit. They need this down time as all the family had a very stressful year. It's sad that Kayla passed away so suddenly and won't be there.
Our son and daughter-in-law are now in BC too. But they are far north-east of you up in the Dawson Creek area.
I know from experience that organizing any event is a lot of work! I try to keep away from it now but do help. My husband always seems to be at the hub of organizing for our church or community. Right now it is Canada Day preps.
Glad the benefit brought in a tidy sum.
Hugs, Faye

Dina said...

I think we all slow down in summer. With us too it's no school, no ballet, so no more driving here and there all week morning and afternoons, plus the normal stuff ofcourse. But hey come summer we do wind down, however here on the maltese islands we are having heat galore!! yesterday we had a high of 38 degree and it left us going to the beach at 5.30pm and staying there until 8pm!!! this will be our routine of summer evenings . Is there a chance that you post some photos of the sewing and bake sale?

Walker said...

I hope you and yours have a Happy Canada Day

sharon said...

It sounds like you have a great Summer planned, Susan. I'm sure if anyone can show them a good time, it's you!

Andrew said...

It seems that every season is my favorite season, but after a looooooooong winter, I'm very glad it's summer. I hope you and your family enjoy every minute that you can.