tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70757967337123785442024-03-12T19:08:36.163-07:00Glenroy Farm Family ChroniclesBetween busy family and farm life, we are enjoying the moments.The Farmhouse Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714349289370382430noreply@blogger.comBlogger165125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075796733712378544.post-21827113543412618522015-10-02T10:38:00.001-07:002015-10-02T10:38:15.224-07:00The Farmhouse Quilter BlogI have decided to merge my two blogs into one that covers my family, farm and quilting life. This will give me more time to create and write... and I won't feel like I am leaving either blog out! I chose my second blog to become my main squeeze... please read my post here:<br />
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<a href="http://thefarmhousequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/09/its-change.html">The Farmhouse Quilter</a><br />
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If you would like to continue following me and my adventures, please submit your email address to that blog (near the top). <br />
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Thanks a million for reading and I promise there is more to come!<br />
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DebThe Farmhouse Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714349289370382430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075796733712378544.post-57028521943436772282015-09-10T11:06:00.001-07:002015-09-10T11:07:50.609-07:00Tying Shoe Laces and Other NonsenseAs we were heading down the lane way to the school bus this morning, I realized something important.<br />
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I have three kids that can tie their own shoe laces.<br />
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I have two kids that are in the "big kid" hall at school.<br />
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How did this happen? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfIrcSB9s1gVSfezMHJaf010H0IXDbhZ1cjWM8BfBbVmUNgGtFQ5DqExEfqehzAg9atT0GevmVgO4H6gY92NeHr2rQasGhyNDKOiq3sNyivJnCqU9g__Hr3c3bA486AY71Kh-0a954mnh/s1600/DSC07552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfIrcSB9s1gVSfezMHJaf010H0IXDbhZ1cjWM8BfBbVmUNgGtFQ5DqExEfqehzAg9atT0GevmVgO4H6gY92NeHr2rQasGhyNDKOiq3sNyivJnCqU9g__Hr3c3bA486AY71Kh-0a954mnh/s400/DSC07552.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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If I think about it too much, I get all choked up. This whole parenting thing hasn't been easy but it's the most fun, fulfilling job out there... and we get to do it three times! </div>
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This passed weekend we were at a beautiful wedding. It was my husband's cousin and we happen to be close to her parents as they are in our life helping us with looking after our kids from time to time, inviting our family over to their cottage and home. They have raised some magnificent children of their own and I was watching them during the festivities. They are so proud and happy but I could see the look of sadness to, only because she is grown up now. Getting married is just another sign of children moving on with their lives. </div>
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That yellow school bus takes our kids away each day to a wonderful place that provides them with experiences I cannot give them myself. As much as I love when they leave, I am always a wee bit sad. Each year, they are getting more independent and I am so proud of them that they are happy to take more freedom. It's exactly what we wish for but it gives me that lump in my throat also.</div>
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So my wish is to continue to savour the moments because some day our kids will be having kids of their own and they will feel what I am feeling. Well that's something to look forward to... I can cuddle their babies but then give them back to them when it's time for bed or I can play with my grand kids but not have to deal with their tantrums.</div>
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Okay now that's looking way, way too far in the future. Enough of that nonsense.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy9vSGVAdBmEghdX2dH1EL6yVlAWOWZTs5rDEBDLV1GuOREojHJyHwDGv26Nv7Pr756mgN_zOxHEQFY3WBeoiM0TYREG3sIQrRwbG0ZzX1GVBUmifU9NKEpvygS687vW0perGdUZT_DotY/s1600/McGregor-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy9vSGVAdBmEghdX2dH1EL6yVlAWOWZTs5rDEBDLV1GuOREojHJyHwDGv26Nv7Pr756mgN_zOxHEQFY3WBeoiM0TYREG3sIQrRwbG0ZzX1GVBUmifU9NKEpvygS687vW0perGdUZT_DotY/s400/McGregor-003.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This sweet photo was taken by my good friend, Rhonda, a few years ago.</td></tr>
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<br />The Farmhouse Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714349289370382430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075796733712378544.post-63071323958298615602015-06-27T16:46:00.000-07:002015-06-27T16:46:12.824-07:00The Beginning of Summer... Scenes From Our Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Raising a family on a farm is a fulfilling thing. We take each day as it comes; there is always so much to do. It's hard to just sit and relax but we try. Our children know no different and my husband also grew up living the farming life. I had the pleasure of having both a farming and town-living childhood and all I wanted was to also raise my children on a farm (although I wouldn't mind living a little closer to town because of all the driving we do). I take my camera out sometimes just to capture what's happening around here and the experiences we are having. Here are some fun photos:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcPEAnd85ziN2KDBq0SsqyfSc5W8St89lbZ6ngfpLgnKp6OyKqPJih-4DJ2Hc0zbxGm4u82m8_6s-gHVRhHuFlgMzN9LZfCg4Y1AMJGjInhOScGe-YGZEfzYH14ajZ5nq1BBtb15W2D9O/s1600/DSC07150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcPEAnd85ziN2KDBq0SsqyfSc5W8St89lbZ6ngfpLgnKp6OyKqPJih-4DJ2Hc0zbxGm4u82m8_6s-gHVRhHuFlgMzN9LZfCg4Y1AMJGjInhOScGe-YGZEfzYH14ajZ5nq1BBtb15W2D9O/s320/DSC07150.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpeQMmGmz5jevylOzUmPM-4ymG-o1SIV-2YKL0oYUm6y1Pmz01yVxSykwxuSiIRZLdoK7wqs2TkMSmO-b32Zw4g48JJdQqdnZJh0ZZHw1_eB-5yzL-DtVmVPtElOUj0LJ5z0ux_QTc67y/s1600/DSC06889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpeQMmGmz5jevylOzUmPM-4ymG-o1SIV-2YKL0oYUm6y1Pmz01yVxSykwxuSiIRZLdoK7wqs2TkMSmO-b32Zw4g48JJdQqdnZJh0ZZHw1_eB-5yzL-DtVmVPtElOUj0LJ5z0ux_QTc67y/s320/DSC06889.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaYiJS6fQ7G71xOClERwVmJgTJ5CApVd_VEwT1wgo-wmVj2fln5YbyXfBX352woW8i8J6pf9nz2990pifCuQHMm366qKsWlCEcn8KOeTjzYnnqKTpdJ1O806ftAP6zW1cZeUEfSMWah4f/s1600/DSC07174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaYiJS6fQ7G71xOClERwVmJgTJ5CApVd_VEwT1wgo-wmVj2fln5YbyXfBX352woW8i8J6pf9nz2990pifCuQHMm366qKsWlCEcn8KOeTjzYnnqKTpdJ1O806ftAP6zW1cZeUEfSMWah4f/s400/DSC07174.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEekaFES5aWkydPQHXsi3vjf3jepYHZPV3OguaSc26rR8aMOkIo7kJaoPRu223L_jWG1QnZ5U1xo6YA3PuffbX6ft4Aihw8AAlbpWSPKfDjFdkCbxcq-rxreaX6QRcnXhhpw-__lezy2C/s1600/DSC07183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEekaFES5aWkydPQHXsi3vjf3jepYHZPV3OguaSc26rR8aMOkIo7kJaoPRu223L_jWG1QnZ5U1xo6YA3PuffbX6ft4Aihw8AAlbpWSPKfDjFdkCbxcq-rxreaX6QRcnXhhpw-__lezy2C/s400/DSC07183.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDQFlVAk73H2auJT0Eqxa3AGAoNUizW5vrgLJkZFTcdho6-2rP9-DNKHMvYpcLQjYHB2beoTC1vusIMHEONcZQYf3zmif4P9JlQKNGbQU1C3vojvgvnpawgwjrnTuFauMOtsBImJj6ivq/s1600/DSC07187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDQFlVAk73H2auJT0Eqxa3AGAoNUizW5vrgLJkZFTcdho6-2rP9-DNKHMvYpcLQjYHB2beoTC1vusIMHEONcZQYf3zmif4P9JlQKNGbQU1C3vojvgvnpawgwjrnTuFauMOtsBImJj6ivq/s400/DSC07187.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We just bought this trampoline yesterday and Ian put it together after a long day of work. The kids are so excited and I hope it is another reason to play outside. We are deep in strawberry season, the busiest time of year for us. It's hard to get it all in and equally hard to stay awake passed 9pm... Off to bed for me. It's another early morning tomorrow. </div>
The Farmhouse Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714349289370382430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075796733712378544.post-7244036811546678262015-06-26T18:20:00.001-07:002015-06-27T16:43:37.512-07:00Breathing New Life Into Lochwinnoch Presbyterian Church<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDBVq7kxTkm7145A_HTt4NH5cfBYED6poBLYtRlOuxwPWGAqlgJBRuebAf64wil3jboCKZAbe4imlvhq8-Vq_LGKTvjyAJBx891RsGBjmIRZJT9Oxbt4uGTj4B5BkhK5S3yDnciL-jV4m/s640/blogger-image--2133720638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDBVq7kxTkm7145A_HTt4NH5cfBYED6poBLYtRlOuxwPWGAqlgJBRuebAf64wil3jboCKZAbe4imlvhq8-Vq_LGKTvjyAJBx891RsGBjmIRZJT9Oxbt4uGTj4B5BkhK5S3yDnciL-jV4m/s400/blogger-image--2133720638.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our church is having a resurgence. A burst of energy. I am so happy about it...</div>
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Our faith is important to us and, for me, it gives me peace, strength and guidance. </div>
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Welcome back Rev. Milton. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Ta4wGsYp0dkhB9yc1rAlt2trWAoDnrO5w7JnddOFUgVhpzoyeECPjBp3sgeMqQlYbRsYsIuC8IRl_y80Yw1Fr3NSOdcYVXZcRkRMuw5D-HTbf-jy2e4XcOcBZFGBng6bUgAyNk3rNari/s640/blogger-image--881647789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Ta4wGsYp0dkhB9yc1rAlt2trWAoDnrO5w7JnddOFUgVhpzoyeECPjBp3sgeMqQlYbRsYsIuC8IRl_y80Yw1Fr3NSOdcYVXZcRkRMuw5D-HTbf-jy2e4XcOcBZFGBng6bUgAyNk3rNari/s1600/blogger-image--881647789.jpg" /></a></div>
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These photos were taken on Mother's Day at our church. It was such a nice touch to an already fulfilling church service. </div>
<br />The Farmhouse Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714349289370382430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075796733712378544.post-74195374411072118082015-05-05T18:47:00.001-07:002015-05-05T18:48:05.471-07:00Ramblings...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: left;">As a parent, we can find ourselves deep in the trenches. It's hard to take it all in; to be in the moment and appreciate it. Sometimes I wish I could see what's happening from high in the sky, just for a minute or two. I am prone to saying the word "busy" but I don't mean it in a negative way. It's just that time keep on moving forward and sometimes (most of the time) I want it to slow down so I can take a breath and take it all in. I am thankful to be lucky enough to be in the trenches, don't get me wrong, but the days are going by too fast and I don't always notice the special little things happening around me like these moments:</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Our two girls having fun on the dance team.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">One of our favourite things to do is hike in the bush and each hike gets easier... we started when they were just babies in a carrier. This time we took my brother and his family. <span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">They had their baby in a carrier.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Here's Victor... just woke up from a nice nap next to to his mommy.</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0r7dSRP67nDBCzO5s8GAjeTkrLwKdhp16mGph24QVKLfmpLyA5pIHlWZbSXNZ5K4KYGyGbk5fnYDp5OEjOzj6StrJH9TiHwFRJipR36oBinia3q_q-bX0dYI9Lde_zAz7-Dnqmbuo_cf5/s1600/IMG_4586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0r7dSRP67nDBCzO5s8GAjeTkrLwKdhp16mGph24QVKLfmpLyA5pIHlWZbSXNZ5K4KYGyGbk5fnYDp5OEjOzj6StrJH9TiHwFRJipR36oBinia3q_q-bX0dYI9Lde_zAz7-Dnqmbuo_cf5/s400/IMG_4586.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">The other night I had an evening just with Alex. His sisters were each at a sleep over and Ian was working in the field. We had supper together, we played outside and then we went for a ride on the 4-wheeler around our farm. That was so much fun! Alex drove most of the way on his own with my support behind him - it's a big 4-wheeler but he did very well.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">No, Grace is not driving yet! We got a new truck this spring and it seems to be a favourite place to play. </span> </h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">We have a beautiful, old tree beside our house. It's the only tree on our yard that the kids can climb and even in a dress, Jean can get up and move around the branches. I have a little anxiety over the kids climbing but I know it's what they like to do... </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; font-weight: normal;">and what childhood is complete without climbing a few trees? </span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">I like to play around with some of the features on my camera. <br />This did not turn out the way I had planned but it is interesting anyways.</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvqiypxqvIhPbYomQH_VqNPlYjjYybdpr4GNhyphenhyphen3bjHzIboVgxSLoRZZUkVEyU25KiFXa5XrT2S7VcX2I_QJMV8b-1U6o6xHG50hzjQQ6ABHkjkjsZEhDf-HR8C2cAzVbI6T57zYopmvGW/s1600/DSC06795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvqiypxqvIhPbYomQH_VqNPlYjjYybdpr4GNhyphenhyphen3bjHzIboVgxSLoRZZUkVEyU25KiFXa5XrT2S7VcX2I_QJMV8b-1U6o6xHG50hzjQQ6ABHkjkjsZEhDf-HR8C2cAzVbI6T57zYopmvGW/s400/DSC06795.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">I have a very creative oldest daughter. She moves from one craft to the next very quickly but right now it's all about taking interesting photos. I look on my camera and find all sorts of creative shots, such as this one. I don't know why she wanted a photo of her dirty white sock feet... its a good example of what I find periodically. At least it's not another "selfie" although there are still plenty of those! Sometimes we see her run outside just to take a photo of the sunset! She wants to be an artist and I think she has a flare for it... I love being creative as well and it's fun to see her view the world her own way and create what she loves. </span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmL6oaDC4KuBVkvXU-j-qb8XmIVSUS2xCY0ZxSBw2OikSnQcJBa03OXlBuYkcz8TnHkajHLYKASkqlFqpWEKUfGG4fpGB4zegZYcvT9RWysQ74GRAEd_IxUe7FjW8IGxAslsqKUiKYLQg/s1600/DSC06810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmL6oaDC4KuBVkvXU-j-qb8XmIVSUS2xCY0ZxSBw2OikSnQcJBa03OXlBuYkcz8TnHkajHLYKASkqlFqpWEKUfGG4fpGB4zegZYcvT9RWysQ74GRAEd_IxUe7FjW8IGxAslsqKUiKYLQg/s400/DSC06810.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Another example of a photo by Grace.</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2XHu5eSQTkLMRVXflQy3QGVH-nEXGPkXtM-o0_IXgZ8FSUBebzu4b_Mfd6F6asXrXO0B4Qp5NQjV7krRxUugWto80ga1gHNer6Z1CJQ1XiYRhOkXO14z3BMkb2VlKDcUyIDnOxiiR8p9/s1600/IMG_4545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2XHu5eSQTkLMRVXflQy3QGVH-nEXGPkXtM-o0_IXgZ8FSUBebzu4b_Mfd6F6asXrXO0B4Qp5NQjV7krRxUugWto80ga1gHNer6Z1CJQ1XiYRhOkXO14z3BMkb2VlKDcUyIDnOxiiR8p9/s1600/IMG_4545.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
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So here I am rambling on about our life. My family. My favourite people in the world. I sometimes look in the mirror and see an older face. I am not getting any younger but I am getting wiser, some days. I am going to just keep on loving each day as they come and look forward to the future and treasure the past. <br />
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Enough of the philosophical stuff. </div>
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I should probably go fold laundry and watch tv. <br />
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The Farmhouse Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714349289370382430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075796733712378544.post-20478565659456122942015-04-27T08:00:00.000-07:002015-04-27T08:01:00.727-07:00Featured in the Country GuideOur family farm was very proud to be featured in an article in the Country Guide farm publication; we were profiled about our succession planning. You can read it here:<br />
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<a href="http://www.agcanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/CGW150421.pdf">Article in the Country Guide</a><br />
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The photos are amazing - such a great keepsake (and made even more special because my sister-in-law, Mandy, was in labour during the photo session and gave birth to her son, Harvey, that night). We had a small window of opportunity for the photographer to come and I crossed my fingers it would work... and it did but she wasn't feeling the best throughout it. <br />
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Our farm business and family are committed to keeping our business successful, working relationship successful and family together and happy. This isn't always easy but we try to keep communication open and honest. This is a business article (therefore not everyone would understand what it is about) but we feel it explains our process pretty well. It's exciting to have a few minutes of fame!The Farmhouse Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714349289370382430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075796733712378544.post-65637807815887831372015-04-08T13:49:00.000-07:002015-04-08T13:50:13.904-07:00Spring is in the Air but I Love WinterI have really enjoyed the winter months. I know, I know... sounds crazy, right? Spring is taking it's sweet time arriving (it's -2 degrees right now - bitter, damp cold) and all everyone wants is some balmy temperatures to make the snow disappear so we can all run outside in a light jacket... or nothing at all! <br />
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This is not what is looks like outside my house today but it did look like this just a week ago. It's dreary... the poor wild turkeys are looking for food.<br />
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Other than the cold temperatures, I am not complaining. I love the winter. This is what it represents to me: time to be together as a family without the whirlwind of a busy farm around us. Our business is on hiatus in the winter (that doesn't mean we are not working but at a much different pace and in a different way) so we enjoy being together just playing and having fun. Whether we are away on vacation, watching tv in the evenings or running the roads with the kids to their activities, it is time we spend together as a family. </div>
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The winter months also allow me to take time for myself. I like to create and my latest passion is quilting... oh how I feel energized when I get to immerse myself in all things fabric!</div>
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But...</h3>
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most of us agree it's time for spring to arrive.<br />
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I know the warm days are coming - my house is infested with flies, which means that spring is in the air. It's time to throw open the windows and let the fresh air in!<br />
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The spring is energizing - even for me! I welcome the change of pace and look forward to another farming season for us... I love watching our crops grow and selling them is another passion of mine. As a family, we will still spend quality time together but it is just in a different way.The Farmhouse Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714349289370382430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075796733712378544.post-43072131842238814202015-03-20T19:45:00.001-07:002015-04-08T13:22:55.288-07:00Those Bittersweet MomentsI took our oldest daughter, her two friends and our youngest daughter shopping for the day. Grace, who is 10 1/2 years old, loves to shop and thought it would be fun to go with her friends so we chose a day during the March Break. Jean, who is 6 years old, did not want to miss out.<br />
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The three older girls are good friends and very nice girls to be around. I couldn't be happier with her choice in friends. Normally three can be a crowd but it never seems that way when they are together. I wasn't exactly sure how the day would go but shortly after we arrived, I let them go off on their own. I tried to keep up with them but they were moving fast so I thought it best to give them parameters and time frames and we connected to wifi to stay in touch with Grace's iPod and my phone. Long gone are the days of asking the time from shopkeepers, like I used to do...I didn't always have a watch. </div>
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Jean and I roamed the stores we chose but it isn't easy to shop with her. She felt we should only look for things for her. I didn't buy a darn thing for myself! Her mind was on shoes, of which she already has a fetish for but the right ones were hard to find. We met up with the older girls and they were having a blast. They found things they liked but had to think on it (good shopping rules to have), they browsed through so many different items such as home decor, the Apple Store, high heel shoes, skin care...the list goes on. By the time we sat down for lunch, they were chatting away and exchanging photos that they took. Before we left the mall they went back to a couple more stores to make some purchases and we grabbed a treat and left. We made a quick stop to another show store for Jean and then came home. They had a great time. </div>
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I did as well. One thing I didn't realize is how bittersweet it was and how emotional it made me. My girl is growing up way too fast. She is now enjoying activities that I remember loving to do as a preteen. I was basically the chauffeur for the day and other than paying for lunch and a pair of shoes, Grace and her friends were on their own and could do it all. The shopkeepers were so wonderful to the girls (I did my best to check in frequently) and it was a great learning experience for them. The mall was filled with young girls with their moms trailing after them...I wasn't the only one and it felt very safe to be there. </div>
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I love every stage of parenthood. Each age almost seems more fun than the last but this next stage for Grace is really going to be hard. It's going by way too fast; she still shows signs of being a young kid at times but they are fewer and farther in between. She goes away on her own more than ever - skiing with friends, sleepovers at family members and other activities that take just her away from us. </div>
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I will just have to continue to take a deep breath and be here for her. It's all good!</div>
The Farmhouse Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714349289370382430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075796733712378544.post-57445787054458445742015-03-08T19:21:00.003-07:002015-03-08T19:21:47.869-07:00Some Oldies but GoodiesI have the desire to just put random, wonderful photos in my blog tonight. Nothing much needs to be said for each photo - they are just precious little memories for us. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCToo2w1tdJkToGnt3ljNfCmgiLA7QbaP8hN00I2o4kO9TNfwGYZDqFUw5n0hJhf7GIA3MuYpbaWwflXKp3EnMOKFZlEzktM0S-EZrfC9oQcz-yDobEqsMlqMkhk57J3ZIdEGgvlddnoj/s1600/March+2010+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCToo2w1tdJkToGnt3ljNfCmgiLA7QbaP8hN00I2o4kO9TNfwGYZDqFUw5n0hJhf7GIA3MuYpbaWwflXKp3EnMOKFZlEzktM0S-EZrfC9oQcz-yDobEqsMlqMkhk57J3ZIdEGgvlddnoj/s1600/March+2010+008.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grace: step dancing for a St. Patty's day party.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeL2APpqCJFcM-ar0rWtnbfujajqvwDAdCwaQtzKeAy2Gr2E5oxjx4KuqmFbZSjSlM8M952CTXIDJCRQfjDoeB2F15loyeGyjdoQsehMPyex9NCl26Rioi0yjJR9Zs-1mxY_YWjS1p9LD/s1600/March+2010+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeL2APpqCJFcM-ar0rWtnbfujajqvwDAdCwaQtzKeAy2Gr2E5oxjx4KuqmFbZSjSlM8M952CTXIDJCRQfjDoeB2F15loyeGyjdoQsehMPyex9NCl26Rioi0yjJR9Zs-1mxY_YWjS1p9LD/s1600/March+2010+009.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jean: Always dancing...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNESea3fbmnSTWnb9Rd6GNedxeYeJ0-v7_rBJy0iw3cIYJGOVz0dJAAxirjtKn_dhmVxRgp95AzihkDrEXWXSI6LNaLqGo5S-fnVYH2WZc9zqMmXFqIijGBui9VQlaZ3DfzhVu3Rwl4Tz/s1600/September+2011+088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNESea3fbmnSTWnb9Rd6GNedxeYeJ0-v7_rBJy0iw3cIYJGOVz0dJAAxirjtKn_dhmVxRgp95AzihkDrEXWXSI6LNaLqGo5S-fnVYH2WZc9zqMmXFqIijGBui9VQlaZ3DfzhVu3Rwl4Tz/s1600/September+2011+088.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jean: Dress-up and dancing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_66PyOrggqCH6kDs6ps05umL1CgpQG4eTm4FKGkJKXLFJiEtUqp3KQ7qHJNa-mMeOL-EpzDYbxMHfEehaR3lYJ2thvgzGejqLvpky4zeJCh9aT8A66th3vil4S89Te9WgaOOrBcb3ko09/s1600/rs+Alex+at+5+yrs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_66PyOrggqCH6kDs6ps05umL1CgpQG4eTm4FKGkJKXLFJiEtUqp3KQ7qHJNa-mMeOL-EpzDYbxMHfEehaR3lYJ2thvgzGejqLvpky4zeJCh9aT8A66th3vil4S89Te9WgaOOrBcb3ko09/s1600/rs+Alex+at+5+yrs.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex: birthday boy</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jean: more dress-up</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1stw2TYRaBuHD1ii-CbRJJiw6n9NE7yNep6QxwXPPrKsFUCLGCsHhcnr8hfLqPFLF-9SJM4GxnDXYDJ9RwBttb0Xl8OmT_Qqi0f_RdRIwWDMzdojr9dhTrtLyTXyAbzCT2-SzQykKia8/s1600/camping+July+08+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1stw2TYRaBuHD1ii-CbRJJiw6n9NE7yNep6QxwXPPrKsFUCLGCsHhcnr8hfLqPFLF-9SJM4GxnDXYDJ9RwBttb0Xl8OmT_Qqi0f_RdRIwWDMzdojr9dhTrtLyTXyAbzCT2-SzQykKia8/s1600/camping+July+08+017.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex: playing on the beach at Bon Echo park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivI3i6FJCD_IiKpHVGPtaA90kl60lH389SfQ1Ne4Ee-uXwIDSEv2rnK_uOF7V-zoltNiRMbTC-YpiT-G9SzxCFcp0NqGv679QDTevxl0HyLw-8IhC85ICNXTClLXSiGZV1U-6-di83Y_QQ/s1600/playing+dressup+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivI3i6FJCD_IiKpHVGPtaA90kl60lH389SfQ1Ne4Ee-uXwIDSEv2rnK_uOF7V-zoltNiRMbTC-YpiT-G9SzxCFcp0NqGv679QDTevxl0HyLw-8IhC85ICNXTClLXSiGZV1U-6-di83Y_QQ/s1600/playing+dressup+005.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grace: she loved to dress-up as well.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFJEvAonLf6NKL89GXXZ0b5Yc-R6RGJAGrCT_-UoeSHy9g7bVedc_vBQEC184RXifvdEwtyHAQDAnczo4EWQd65l1xeliO9_YMK3JVTRZcMLjSzgKstOTs4pXxLIBr-e_4XLMT4g2m_wa/s1600/Easter08+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFJEvAonLf6NKL89GXXZ0b5Yc-R6RGJAGrCT_-UoeSHy9g7bVedc_vBQEC184RXifvdEwtyHAQDAnczo4EWQd65l1xeliO9_YMK3JVTRZcMLjSzgKstOTs4pXxLIBr-e_4XLMT4g2m_wa/s1600/Easter08+009.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grace and Alex: a sweet moment</td></tr>
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<br />The Farmhouse Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714349289370382430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075796733712378544.post-1357069246000372112015-03-01T13:52:00.003-08:002015-03-01T13:54:14.912-08:00Blessings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I can't stop loving these photos... my wonderful friend, Gemma <a href="http://gemmarobillard.ca/">gemmarobillard.ca</a> did the most amazing job taking snapshots of us last fall. Our winter has been a whirlwind - all good stuff- but just looking at these pictures gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling all over. I am so blessed.</div>
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By the way, I have more to share... but will save that for another day!The Farmhouse Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714349289370382430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075796733712378544.post-55624937836268700192015-02-16T18:59:00.001-08:002015-02-16T19:00:16.001-08:00Warm Thoughts of Florida<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We are in a deep freeze right now. Maybe blogging about our vacation to Florida will warm me up.</div>
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This year our trip to Florida was filled with lots of beach time. Laurderdale-by-the-Sea is special to Ian and I because we spent two vacations there before we had children, spent with some family and friends. We had some good memories of warm weather and beautiful scenery. The beach is beautiful and being on the ocean is amazing. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Mermaids</td></tr>
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We spent five nights at a small Inn just a block from the ocean. We were in walking distance of everything including the beach, grocery store, restaurants, playground and a farmers' market. We spent a lot of time playing in the sand and water. The waves were the most fun! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Sunday morning we walked to the Farmers' Market. We chatted with quite a few vendors and purchased some little souvenirs and some strawberries.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pool area was small but nice. </td></tr>
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The next part of our vacation started with a tour across the everglades with a stop at Everglade Park, just outside of Miami. We went on an airboat ride touring the everglades and we saw many alligators, turtles and birds. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was funny... we got to watch a presentation on some of the creatures that live in the everglades and luckily we were sitting in the front row! Grace got to experience a scorpion close up!</td></tr>
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Next stop: Grandma and Grandpa McGregor's Florida house... we spend many evenings playing dominoes. Now that the kids are old enough, they can stay up with us and play.<br />
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Two weeks of relaxing and spending time together... I wait for this all year long and now it is over for another year. Time to plan the next trip to Florida!The Farmhouse Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714349289370382430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075796733712378544.post-24809030666517624942015-01-22T12:49:00.000-08:002015-01-22T12:49:48.388-08:002015 New Years List (that's a boring name)Is it really almost the end of January? Seriously?<br />
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I have been meaning to write my New Year's list and just haven't gotten around to it yet. It feels like January has been a bit blurry but it's coming into focus now. It started off deep in holiday season with celebrations continuing until January 4. Reality didn't hit until the kids went back to school and even then it took a bit to get on track. I love lists (write them every day, sometimes twice a day) but I am not writing a list of resolutions for this year. I don't even think it is a list of goals but a list of thoughts and wishes for an happy 2015.<br />
1. Make time to be healthy. This doesn't mean I cannot indulge in a few of my favourite things (red wine, chocolate, cheese) but I need to create a bit more balance in my diet and giving myself smaller portions will be helpful. I have some goals in mind to help me along the way to feel better about myself and to be a healthy momma for years to come... I want to be active for the rest of my life.<br />
2. Continue to strive for balance. I once read that there is no such thing and those that are trying to achieve it, never will and should give up on that notion. That struck a chord with me - nothing will stop me from trying to balance my life: in work, home, kids, marriage, me-time. I have never "wanted it all" but I do want to look back and have no regrets. <br />
3. Eat more salads.<br />
4. Run my second 10K. Oh and beat my time from last year. I am definitely a competitive person, especially with myself.<br />
5. Travel somewhere I have not been before.<br />
6. Take time to snuggle with my children. Oh my goodness they are growing up way too fast. I don't have "little kids" anymore and it all happened in a blink of an eye. <br />
7. Swear a lot less. Ian will be happy to hear that! I think I might start a swear jar for the kids and hopefully they don't get rich off of it!<br />
8. Drink more water.<br />
9. Be more romantic because it is a lot of fun. It amazes me how I have been married for over 10 years (13 years this coming summer) and I can honestly say we have been through A LOT together and our marriage is stronger than ever in every way. If you asked me all those years ago if I knew it would be like this, I wouldn't have had a clue and I am pleasantly surprised.<br />
10. What can I say... be in the moment! <br />
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The Farmhouse Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714349289370382430noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075796733712378544.post-2312503279754485972015-01-08T12:49:00.001-08:002015-01-08T12:56:03.504-08:00It Was a Happy Holiday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This blog post is going to be filled with pictures... all wonderful memories of our Christmas season 2014. It was AMAZING.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All throughout December the kids asked to make gingerbread men. We finally got around to it close to Christmas day.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Day supper at Grandma and Grandpa McGregor's. </td></tr>
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Every child is excited for Christmas morning but so are we even as parents. The look on their faces as they open up that special gift (or two) is priceless. This year the night before Christmas was the windiest night in a long time. It was the first time Ian felt our house windows just might break - it was so windy and stormy. Needless to say we didn't sleep well so getting up the next morning was difficult but we were downstairs by 7:15am and had lots of coffee. It was a wonderful morning full of joy. The BEST part was the gifts the kids each gave to each other and to us... they seemed even more excited about doing that. It was so sweet and makes us so happy that they know how it feels to give. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedq3OrTOqi_vRSQfblCwdNsctYJjESiIBV3stFxZICmbf8PJCgCZx-R-WYR4dQ1yaQrdNR5vuLQpNmZtLqXmuvi4aQO62d9rySkqrZJemor6V46OKLcd7f21xCRyiDcx-U191u3qo2ku-/s1600/DSC05510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedq3OrTOqi_vRSQfblCwdNsctYJjESiIBV3stFxZICmbf8PJCgCZx-R-WYR4dQ1yaQrdNR5vuLQpNmZtLqXmuvi4aQO62d9rySkqrZJemor6V46OKLcd7f21xCRyiDcx-U191u3qo2ku-/s1600/DSC05510.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were really excited to give Grace her Ipad mini. I love the picture I got of them!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPbNGcYGxMagD82JI6zGNorRaJaY32nl4XBhuIrfRi6Fh41rVEvOdmVGHkk0I3w2ZIjMQPupLtweKKZUXWGEnXHItXWDVCbvxwCngrZTkDWC7Dm6DQqxkJjQarfy5_sjfH5ufEtSQzEXg/s1600/DSC05514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPbNGcYGxMagD82JI6zGNorRaJaY32nl4XBhuIrfRi6Fh41rVEvOdmVGHkk0I3w2ZIjMQPupLtweKKZUXWGEnXHItXWDVCbvxwCngrZTkDWC7Dm6DQqxkJjQarfy5_sjfH5ufEtSQzEXg/s1600/DSC05514.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex was totally surprised by getting a beebee gun. <br />
He was wishing for one for his birthday but Santa wanted to bring it for him. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmvMp7G9a-Dxc4MnsaVqelWRIX_U7PrRpOWE6Q3at9uXcK1ZHzOf2Ixs75D8LsrM8X3rgMvQdoDCSiOgmzGqMulUk6Q5p5HCiIq0q_oRjgfDq2Ac9TM-jtBbbZ3NzO-0PNbK7XqemWU3f/s1600/DSC05523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmvMp7G9a-Dxc4MnsaVqelWRIX_U7PrRpOWE6Q3at9uXcK1ZHzOf2Ixs75D8LsrM8X3rgMvQdoDCSiOgmzGqMulUk6Q5p5HCiIq0q_oRjgfDq2Ac9TM-jtBbbZ3NzO-0PNbK7XqemWU3f/s1600/DSC05523.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The theme for Jean this year was anything "Frozen".<br />
I think almost every gift she received, little or big, was related to the movie.<br />
Her Elsa gown is magnificent.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHFNUYPp6POr5HPaZuMnJdK2mqOz4vV3ZH8kmPzlTXBWnAlIzh79xdUAdSlK12M9h4rA8l9B6ZLSK0EcsAqcw1a1wwueBbtrXit53BgZ1mfe1o1Lqpg77u2eMmfByNZHsN6hFfZbuKJZb/s1600/DSC05519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHFNUYPp6POr5HPaZuMnJdK2mqOz4vV3ZH8kmPzlTXBWnAlIzh79xdUAdSlK12M9h4rA8l9B6ZLSK0EcsAqcw1a1wwueBbtrXit53BgZ1mfe1o1Lqpg77u2eMmfByNZHsN6hFfZbuKJZb/s1600/DSC05519.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was another special gift - Sens jerseys and tickets to a NHL hockey game: Senators vs. Pittsburg. <br />
These two teams are Alex's favourite teams. The girls got tickets to see Taylor Swift in concert in July. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8AVo_UHlIyEVjUPrxMFUMNMgCUZ5uw27NKGzerOJcIvQ1VB2LuYV3W55ic_lBXwWcjDqxz4Ms_KpRLZCt6xOOmR0tgoTS6pJfwt4ryFCo4ZB78VKZxjrlvU2x61HhCTrxNN-a6Xckrq7/s1600/DSC05569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8AVo_UHlIyEVjUPrxMFUMNMgCUZ5uw27NKGzerOJcIvQ1VB2LuYV3W55ic_lBXwWcjDqxz4Ms_KpRLZCt6xOOmR0tgoTS6pJfwt4ryFCo4ZB78VKZxjrlvU2x61HhCTrxNN-a6Xckrq7/s1600/DSC05569.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We spend much of our time with family and friends throughout the holiday. <br />
It's two weeks of socializing... and by that I mean two weeks of eating, drinking, playing games,<br />
and spending time together. Here I am with Grace and my sister-in-law, Sarah.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1XBPllcLHVe_UtdOZdjO0kTTz5oRZE9ABfRX3DM0jdDXNzCLVDFJ9BtZaTzWxXPNpxMdmez2uEZH4-w9_hpKhCp-ejc5l16iYLX2ijVa6pYZfbPwmHYTpLqe4bye9xMqfnNaPi1P7BqD/s1600/DSC05570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1XBPllcLHVe_UtdOZdjO0kTTz5oRZE9ABfRX3DM0jdDXNzCLVDFJ9BtZaTzWxXPNpxMdmez2uEZH4-w9_hpKhCp-ejc5l16iYLX2ijVa6pYZfbPwmHYTpLqe4bye9xMqfnNaPi1P7BqD/s1600/DSC05570.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma Ann has Grace play the piano on Christmas day.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIVtpvaP-Pv4vGz4cmQCq31ilLWX-ZG9Xu1kz6ThEm3HigSEL2GU1y896g0iw-oVYcNtIdznbM5n8FTwFluGnI9K_AturImDipn0o_do3xdxej4W3dqJ6Q-VxLx-ScNjyaC9tfwLuXVZf/s1600/DSC05587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIVtpvaP-Pv4vGz4cmQCq31ilLWX-ZG9Xu1kz6ThEm3HigSEL2GU1y896g0iw-oVYcNtIdznbM5n8FTwFluGnI9K_AturImDipn0o_do3xdxej4W3dqJ6Q-VxLx-ScNjyaC9tfwLuXVZf/s1600/DSC05587.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We went on a Boxing Day hike through the bush, stopping at the McLaren sugar shack, for a snack. <br />
We walked through the woods and fields in just our boots; it was a beautiful day with not a lot of snow on the ground.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LvOzQIEBHl85Fwlb8ygSZ5hHcnkXVyTS0Dm0TdAuiaAQDu92jcGZPWdl4FSbziMoPV6gbm93tcUkg-A4Dm30aomVFHHwCSitqIN_9F6Q7lat9Fl2q9CcxzocaaZ6wPE4OCuknLfcody9/s1600/DSC05595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LvOzQIEBHl85Fwlb8ygSZ5hHcnkXVyTS0Dm0TdAuiaAQDu92jcGZPWdl4FSbziMoPV6gbm93tcUkg-A4Dm30aomVFHHwCSitqIN_9F6Q7lat9Fl2q9CcxzocaaZ6wPE4OCuknLfcody9/s1600/DSC05595.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In all my years with the McGregor's, every Christmas consists of pond hockey and skating. <br />
This year the ice was not ready for Christmas so on Boxing Day we played road hockey instead. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-WDxEmON3Nj1WEGTD7c9FZkG6Hmue-mBHNGoGJ_wWBzYKq5n5MIwe6RsBs9pz2X3T17JH0A50OC9rQ2GeM7xUESisEfSrYaGXYbVIvGJZz-UYd6Q4o0qhXDEVT7FsVc6bnJIPbv-9T1r/s1600/DSC05598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-WDxEmON3Nj1WEGTD7c9FZkG6Hmue-mBHNGoGJ_wWBzYKq5n5MIwe6RsBs9pz2X3T17JH0A50OC9rQ2GeM7xUESisEfSrYaGXYbVIvGJZz-UYd6Q4o0qhXDEVT7FsVc6bnJIPbv-9T1r/s1600/DSC05598.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here are a couple of tired and bored fans... of road hockey.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6idJ2hoJRCIWiEMy8MaKRwgtJTk-IXE24fqFkeOkP4yBQN6zp1BrtXM1twe7JswY6PQtKfEDS7nihyqmlU8k3oF9ZlY3R2WqrwySOKtXhn7GYY4b1HYWWcmCRuaE5lI9N3sS8UWk0ULpx/s1600/DSC05600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6idJ2hoJRCIWiEMy8MaKRwgtJTk-IXE24fqFkeOkP4yBQN6zp1BrtXM1twe7JswY6PQtKfEDS7nihyqmlU8k3oF9ZlY3R2WqrwySOKtXhn7GYY4b1HYWWcmCRuaE5lI9N3sS8UWk0ULpx/s1600/DSC05600.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like I said, we do a lot of eating and drinking over the holidays.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqTWPnLxlf5O7QskSbBIyxEBVNXVSDfT6-poX4zuRZqdx7GeuJVNbIdxwXriEaFs1GNsn8FtMsK0DMX-BqfIqqa8o76Is0xN-t8vkAM2QYQptUTdpU1Nv7Ab8ujO11wdAP21HySQWsi0X/s1600/DSC05610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqTWPnLxlf5O7QskSbBIyxEBVNXVSDfT6-poX4zuRZqdx7GeuJVNbIdxwXriEaFs1GNsn8FtMsK0DMX-BqfIqqa8o76Is0xN-t8vkAM2QYQptUTdpU1Nv7Ab8ujO11wdAP21HySQWsi0X/s1600/DSC05610.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys playing near the Christmas tree: Alex, Ross and Noah.</td></tr>
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After we celebrate with our McGregor family, we travel to southern Ontario to spend time with my family and some friends. This year we left on New Year's Eve for 5 days away.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtO4Rt5VHkULzeZaas2HR-XPwgKra__7O8AWDKLOidOKNpzVUv11_Kpmbe9zNQbhO2voqiz2a_IqPj_kY3LTKTxA4ONp55KJVOvC2EffpaUeM8aEOMxNgC1yYHOiYw4fi67-4_IC0-IdEc/s1600/DSC05648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtO4Rt5VHkULzeZaas2HR-XPwgKra__7O8AWDKLOidOKNpzVUv11_Kpmbe9zNQbhO2voqiz2a_IqPj_kY3LTKTxA4ONp55KJVOvC2EffpaUeM8aEOMxNgC1yYHOiYw4fi67-4_IC0-IdEc/s1600/DSC05648.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We spent New Year's Eve with our good friends and all their children. <br />
It was relaxing and fun - kids were all asleep by 11pm and we stayed up playing games until 2:30am. <br />
That was a late night!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshVTRzDYa4icl8wtmUACFfoLieBh9NOoa_pZ9O2wfr5RddMbkSvLp7HlDhcPCgNOFpTQPJqUwB0FHe8ua63iNOdjzc4RadeguKNYBQ8kLktZfGcfHz8WukF7twnprBZ82E5Jci81N2NzN/s1600/Clare+and+Alex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshVTRzDYa4icl8wtmUACFfoLieBh9NOoa_pZ9O2wfr5RddMbkSvLp7HlDhcPCgNOFpTQPJqUwB0FHe8ua63iNOdjzc4RadeguKNYBQ8kLktZfGcfHz8WukF7twnprBZ82E5Jci81N2NzN/s1600/Clare+and+Alex.jpg" height="311" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex and Clare reading together.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGq0h2F4gcsYUq_QJYh07QPWeRV5XPfBUxaJDYwdZsKk-RVsbvF1Nj6xVo8AWtL-t2vwB4aqdkgFEATplGEv5VrZPHePIMIcp5UQsyNYh-WbPW2qILRkpPqFpdj_hYfLfu0yRZtlRLZ_g/s1600/DSC05733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGq0h2F4gcsYUq_QJYh07QPWeRV5XPfBUxaJDYwdZsKk-RVsbvF1Nj6xVo8AWtL-t2vwB4aqdkgFEATplGEv5VrZPHePIMIcp5UQsyNYh-WbPW2qILRkpPqFpdj_hYfLfu0yRZtlRLZ_g/s1600/DSC05733.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like this image despite the fact that it is a little blurry in places.<br />
It shows the essence of Christmas at my mom's house. <br />
Every part of the photo tells a story, especially if you were there.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4pUSK16WhJhVddcEy0rlHLW7nBQLl2IN7v6cktYTdDxsPqypWu2VIOFGvCt6boZCFM_yyZ3zGLmzKC9lbY3O7hw4aOei3abuv-suaMKJmr9_4opOIJS3w60abEd3HdHO-AemEdDH_PJH/s1600/girls+with+Victor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4pUSK16WhJhVddcEy0rlHLW7nBQLl2IN7v6cktYTdDxsPqypWu2VIOFGvCt6boZCFM_yyZ3zGLmzKC9lbY3O7hw4aOei3abuv-suaMKJmr9_4opOIJS3w60abEd3HdHO-AemEdDH_PJH/s1600/girls+with+Victor.jpg" height="247" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have a new addition to our family. Until this past August, Alex was the only boy cousin on<br />
my side of the family but luckily he was joined by Victor<br />
.Imagine being a little baby boy surrounded by girl cousins. <br />
I love this photo.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdv8IEBWuvSFiImhlHVBhaBbUB7wVn4Q6DAyyBfdXoDJEuoy5-HPPyANQO6lcqosbmB0UjKoiG7Jrxs9EiiXhZaE0iGf2MDiEiXEALEbBlVFWOgNqVpaHZCqrUDw_-UsV6xXg97rsUfech/s1600/clear+pic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdv8IEBWuvSFiImhlHVBhaBbUB7wVn4Q6DAyyBfdXoDJEuoy5-HPPyANQO6lcqosbmB0UjKoiG7Jrxs9EiiXhZaE0iGf2MDiEiXEALEbBlVFWOgNqVpaHZCqrUDw_-UsV6xXg97rsUfech/s1600/clear+pic+1.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's Jenga time! This might have been the tallest Jenga tower around and the longest game played. <br />
I will admit that I ended up losing to Matt but it was a close one... </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTzGLdod62ZuSQ1YbgKWSQtTPHhH1QEhe7HCPa0ulR_YqfffyQXiZX4SIC8pGzLIwHeZYpQe1bbIqpUbVxbBOqFM0xd2QCmbqHmYpUHe2onAvlgi9oxrIIgXRtmB1jrX96cb4iAdp9MRC/s1600/from+iphone+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTzGLdod62ZuSQ1YbgKWSQtTPHhH1QEhe7HCPa0ulR_YqfffyQXiZX4SIC8pGzLIwHeZYpQe1bbIqpUbVxbBOqFM0xd2QCmbqHmYpUHe2onAvlgi9oxrIIgXRtmB1jrX96cb4iAdp9MRC/s1600/from+iphone+2.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We went skating at Storybook Gardens in London. It was a beautiful day.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUfHiaBI-ZYIBw2mOZhdF90WElBpo8cD6o855qYQsvkvQpervQ0HdycHk4iNzv6-juQtpYt-GjxOtlN8iKiD1o6wcvmS2dBL0U-dU50JdaY7YWYaGUEkY9TYg7XSbrOXwPcEp-RkQyE84/s1600/kids+acting+funny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUfHiaBI-ZYIBw2mOZhdF90WElBpo8cD6o855qYQsvkvQpervQ0HdycHk4iNzv6-juQtpYt-GjxOtlN8iKiD1o6wcvmS2dBL0U-dU50JdaY7YWYaGUEkY9TYg7XSbrOXwPcEp-RkQyE84/s1600/kids+acting+funny.jpg" height="400" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sillies have come out! Look at baby Victor!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCVsFRpq6Ahmlu0enWBwFQwIqL0IRZ_Q08uxIXGmfVhOpncDiGgD4e2mBh67iDwcQbptQw-5jdIsyYYoax7WrEtgt4yhBEPfmOKidnoUpyU_JHrxhZkV4A6e6KVRhBIBDWKbrXVeeyAZc/s1600/sepia+me,+Jean,+Victor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCVsFRpq6Ahmlu0enWBwFQwIqL0IRZ_Q08uxIXGmfVhOpncDiGgD4e2mBh67iDwcQbptQw-5jdIsyYYoax7WrEtgt4yhBEPfmOKidnoUpyU_JHrxhZkV4A6e6KVRhBIBDWKbrXVeeyAZc/s1600/sepia+me,+Jean,+Victor.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were so many sweet moments this past Christmas but this just might be one of my favourites. I got to have so many snuggles with the best little gift of all... Victor started his little life with many struggles and the last time I saw him, he was still very tiny. He is a strapping baby now, growing like a weed and giving his parents so much joy. I am so happy for them. </td></tr>
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It was a happy, joyful Christmas season.</div>
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<br />The Farmhouse Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714349289370382430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075796733712378544.post-13070766543126983402015-01-01T19:08:00.001-08:002015-01-08T12:49:45.733-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
This is how I am feeling as 2015 begins...</div>
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The Farmhouse Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714349289370382430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075796733712378544.post-30557997489288474822014-12-23T07:05:00.002-08:002014-12-23T07:05:58.796-08:00Our Annual Christmas Letter<h2>
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">McGregor
Christmas Letter 2014</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have about 10 minutes until the kid are racing
through the door to drop their coats, hats and school bags and will invade the
pantry. I find myself wishing for more
hours in the day to myself but by the time they get home, I am very happy to
see them. It seems with each passing
year we become more thankful than ever for our health and happiness. Being busy is a blessing and we are BLESSED.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Looking back on this past year, it seems mostly
uneventful. We were away last winter to
Florida, as we have been doing for many years.
That trip included some unfortunate events, such as blowing a tire on
the freeway, illness, cold weather and leaving our passports in Florida but
overall we are happy we were able to go and enjoy some time away with our
family. The winter was long but we had
fun spending much of our time inside hockey rinks and on outdoor rinks. We had to wait patiently for spring to arrive
so our farming year started off slowly (which is challenging) but in the end,
our produce season was very successful.
Our field crops didn’t fare out as nicely but as they say, there is
always next year. We welcomed a new
niece, Madison (Sarah and Randy) and nephew, Victor (Ben and Marieve) into our
family…there can never be enough babies!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Grace is now 10 years old and in grade five. She is still dancing for the Arnprior School
of Dance Competitive Team; last year she performed in three dances: tap, jazz
and ballet and had three competitions all within the Ottawa area. This year she is in four dances: tap, jazz, lyrical and a large production and
she is also an assistant teacher for a ballet class (Jean’s class). Grace is having an amazing school year; she
has a teacher who I would consider a kindred spirit to her. They “click” in so many ways and therefore
Grace rises to her challenges and is excelling.
I know Grace will never forget Mrs. Miller as she gets older – there is
always that “one” teacher and she is it for Grace! In her spare time Grace can be found looming
with yarn, rainbow looming or chatting with friends on her ipod. Our phone lines are never tied up! This past summer Grace worked with Grandpa
Jim on Saturdays at the market and earned herself a nice paycheque. They seem to love working together… it’s a nice
bonding experience as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Alex just turned 8 years old in October. He is also having an amazing year in school
so far; he is in grade three and has a teacher that is wonderful and he rises
to her challenges. He works hard and
plays hard… he doesn’t want to stay in for recess because then he misses the
“big game” of whatever is going on outside.
His pants come home muddy and he doesn’t like wearing winter boots – he
just can’t run fast enough in them! Alex
is playing hockey again this year and loves it even more than he did last
year. He plays for the Arnprior Packers
which keeps him (and us) busy with practices and games all over the upper
Ottawa Valley but we love being a hockey family! We enjoy time with our other hockey families
and Alex has a great team of buddies and coaches. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jean turned 6 years old just a few weeks ago. She likes to role play “teacher”, “mom and
dad”, “librarian” and whoever else makes an impact on her. She also loves to sing and dance. Right now the movie “Frozen” is a big deal in
our house with Jean loving “Elsa” everything.
She is hoping Santa brings her an Elsa dress. She is in grade one, has a very sweet teacher
who she loves and is also having a good year so far. Jean has joined the competitive dance team in
Arnprior as well, dancing in ballet and the same production dance as
Grace. She has met some nice friends in
her dance classes and enjoys class but finds it “hard”… her dance teachers find
her adorable. She is still a very, very
picky eater which we have no clue how to conquer but hope that someday it
changes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After describing what our kids are up to it almost
seems like Ian and I are taking a backseat on this family ride right now. We are happy with that! Ian, his brother and dad work hard to make
our business successful and living and breathing McGregor’s Produce for a few
months is all worth it when we can spend more downtime together in the “off”
season. Ian plays hockey and basketball
on a weekly basis. I am thoroughly
enjoying my quilting habit and find my fabric is taking up more space in our
house all the time. Our days go by
quickly – it seems like I send the kids out the door and the next thing I know
they are back in the house after school.
I conquered one goal last spring to run my first 10K race. I am so proud that I did it and plan on doing
it again next year. I am slow and steady
but the main thing is that I am moving!
Ian and I have been fortunate to take some big and small trips – Ian
goes hunting in November for a week every year and this fall I went to
Vancouver for a few days to meet up with some good friends. We also went to Eagle, Colorado this past
August, with Ian’s parents, for a friend’s wedding. That was definitely a highlight in our year!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As we head into the Christmas season, we have
never felt more thankful for our health and happiness. Lately it feels like we need to live more
intentionally; making time for ourselves, being kind to others and to each
other and making moments count. It’s
easier said than done but trying is important.
We wish all of our friends and family peace and love – CHEERS!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Deb, Ian, Grace, Alex and Jean</span><o:p></o:p></div>
The Farmhouse Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714349289370382430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075796733712378544.post-45755391356636241212014-12-22T05:13:00.000-08:002014-12-22T05:13:16.436-08:00You Can't Do This in Florida<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Big hills or small... sliding is fun! Grandma and Grandpa McGregor have some hills out back so yesterday afternoon we found ourselves there. The hills was short but steep and the snow was fast!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimv2MRcCmhyphenhyphenpveebZdZUwIET0nGDMmvYOdtRjsB5ctebflo-asfzlzInlYGMDqfylJikY0fDPmPDRScwBkTM7WCJUEI5meBdMmI5hLi_sQG9JRvxaM_vVfE6Kh6TO917uWCeBr1pGkWhJH/s1600/DSC00020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimv2MRcCmhyphenhyphenpveebZdZUwIET0nGDMmvYOdtRjsB5ctebflo-asfzlzInlYGMDqfylJikY0fDPmPDRScwBkTM7WCJUEI5meBdMmI5hLi_sQG9JRvxaM_vVfE6Kh6TO917uWCeBr1pGkWhJH/s1600/DSC00020.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />The Farmhouse Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714349289370382430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075796733712378544.post-42223214945440108542014-12-18T05:56:00.001-08:002014-12-18T06:12:17.445-08:00Festive ExcitementIt's almost Christmas.... And in the spirit of being 6 years old, let's celebrate!<br />
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Here is our wee Jean, dressed up for her Christmas concert today.<br />
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Her older brother and sister were not interested in having their picture taken. Jean was definitely the most enthusiastic today. </div>
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Enjoy the day! I will be wrapping presents and then heading on over to the school. </div>
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The Farmhouse Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714349289370382430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075796733712378544.post-26191050709822053092014-12-16T11:40:00.000-08:002014-12-18T06:14:41.684-08:00A New BlogRecently I have been taking some time to fill myself up with inspiration for creating new things. I love to quilt and I want to share. Today I created a new avenue for sharing my quilting journey:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thefarmhousequilter.blogspot.ca/">The Farmhouse Quilter</a><br />
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It's forecasting freezing rain today and it looks ominous out there. I can't wait until the kids are home safe from school. I need to get back to preparing for the Christmas holidays - take care!<br />
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<br />The Farmhouse Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714349289370382430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075796733712378544.post-19878075091159009632014-12-10T16:48:00.001-08:002014-12-18T06:15:31.553-08:00Crab Apple Liquer<br />
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For the past few years, early in the fall, I make crabapple liquer. Basically it is crab apples, sugar and vodka. I loosely follow this recipe:</div>
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CrabApple Liquer</div>
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4 quarts Crabapples, washed and quartered. I don't core them because they are so small and I am going to strain the liquid anyways. </div>
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4 cups white sugar</div>
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3 cups vodka (I just try to make sure the apples are covered with vodka in the jar)</div>
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I wash and sterilize a few large glass jars. Make sure they have lids that don't leak. I put all the ingredients in the jars, leaving room to shake the liquid around. Place the jars in a cool, dark spot, on their sides and shake the jars every week to move the sugar, crabapples and vodka around. Do this for about two months. I always jar it before Christmas. </div>
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Strain the liquid out of the jars into a large sauce pan. Bring to a boil. Meanwhile, wash and sterilize small jars that will be used for the final product. </div>
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Once the liquer has boiled, strain it again in a funnel, using cheese cloth, into the smaller jars. Close the jars. </div>
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That's it! Now you can enjoy it on a cold, winters evening! This year I make eight 250ml jars. </div>
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The Farmhouse Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714349289370382430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075796733712378544.post-53571870630506336952014-12-05T12:34:00.000-08:002014-12-18T06:17:36.668-08:00Writing LettersToday I finished our annual Christmas letter... to be shared in a few days. We have been sending out a letter for 11 years now and today I decided to print them all off. I want to make sure I collect our memories and having a hard copy just might prove to be important someday. I read each one. <br />
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I came upon this tradition from Ian's mom and aunts. They send out Christmas letters each year and it's always a treat to receive them. I love to write and even though writing and sending our own letter each year can seem like a chore, I am always happy that I take the time. We actually send out more than 80 Christmas cards and letters each year. It doesn't take long to have that many between family and friends, new and old. It's nice to recap what has been happening and I have a sneaky suspicion that someday we will look back and love to read them. I can see myself sitting in my comfy chair when I am quite elderly and reading them on my high-tech Ipad... from the cloud! <br />
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Have a great weekend!<br />
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<br />The Farmhouse Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714349289370382430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075796733712378544.post-81803476035925833082014-11-30T10:15:00.001-08:002014-12-18T06:18:25.344-08:00A New Roof<div>
Here is our home. It's a beautiful, old stone home. </div>
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For the past few years our roof has been showing its age but it was challenging to find someone good to replace the steel and also to make sure we could pay for it. This was the year and this fall they arrived to do the work. </div>
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The weather conditions were tough for the guys to do the work. Roofing isn't easy and it took longer than expected but it is done. The guys worked hard and keep the yard around our home tidy. </div>
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It's all done and it looks beautiful!</div>
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<br />The Farmhouse Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714349289370382430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075796733712378544.post-71721252553619699612014-11-25T19:22:00.000-08:002014-11-25T19:23:13.193-08:00Jean's Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For Jean's 6th birthday I decided to made this butterfly quilt. </div>
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I admired a butterfly quilt that was hanging in my local quilt shop... I admired it for months thinking that it looked difficult to make but after chatting with the owner, she felt that I could definitely make this quilt on my own and if I needed any assistance, to just ask! She had kits of fabric put together that included the quilt pattern so I took the plunge and bought what I thought Jean would love! </div>
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Here is a link to the design studio that provided the pattern.</div>
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<a href="http://traceybrookshier.com/brookshier-design-quilt-patterns.html">Brookshier Design Studio</a></div>
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I found the instructions and diagrams very easy to follow and before I knew it, I was done the blocks of the quilt. It is so pretty!</div>
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I am so happy with how it turned out! It was surprisingly very simple (I would say that I am an intermediate level quilter... passed the beginner stage which is exciting) and the blocks turned out really nice. I love the fabric! I chose to use flannel for the backing so it would be soft for cuddling with. The only downside is that I chose to make the lap size quilt (it had instructions for a baby, lap or bed size) and it doesn't quite cover her bed but I have a large, warm, pink blanket for under this quilt and it looks nice. <br />
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By the way, Jean loves it and is looking forward to when we can paint her walls... purple! I will be choosing white instead!The Farmhouse Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714349289370382430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075796733712378544.post-28304046537604238002014-11-21T06:43:00.001-08:002014-11-25T19:23:55.172-08:00Loving LifeThis is what stuff of parenting is made up of.<br />
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It's a crazy, awesome life we are living right now but I wouldn't change it for the world. I am bursting with happiness and pride. I have said this before but again, I love every stage of parenting...so far and I think Ian and I have done a great job embracing it all. We made it through sleepless nights because we knew the cuddles the next day would be worth it. We went with the flow as the temper tantrums came and went (truthfully I don't remember many). It was difficult but exciting watching each of our children start school but they all love their school life which we are so thankful for. </div>
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These days we are not home as much as we would like. Our children have opportunities that we don't want to pass up and despite the amount of commitment required as in time and money, we are more than happy to support them. Each one of our three children has amazing opportunities right now - between competitive dance and hockey we are running the roads most days. Time management is key but you know what? They are learning that skill very quickly. There are actually so many skills they are learning beyond how to dance and play hockey. </div>
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We appreciate our days off and relish in it's peacefulness. We are looking forward to our family vacation in January/February (farmers travel in the winter) but surrounding all of that are memories being made and experiences to embrace. </div>
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Today we leave on a mini-family vacation aka an "away" hockey tournament. Our first. We have been anticipating it for quite some time. Our bags are almost packed. Alex will work and play hard and the girls will have some good times with the other rink rats otherwise know as the sisters. Ian and I are looking forward to spending time with the team parents whom we are really enjoying their company. </div>
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Sometimes I wonder what others think of us; the whole idea of our kids not having the chance to be bored, of our family being so busy and having a schedule that is out of our control. We don't feel any of those things very often. No doubt there are weeks when we feel like we travel the roads too much and some days the kids just want to stay home but then we talk and they decide that they do want to go and they love what they are doing. Alex NEVER complains about going to hockey. Grace loves being part of the dance team and understands the commitment she needs to have. Jean is still young and we are starting slow for her - just a little bit of dance commitment and more time to be at home just playing. The time they decide they don't want to do it anymore is the time we are done. </div>
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One more thing: the families that have done all of this; have run the roads like us for years, taking their children from practices to games to competitions... They have no regrets. They tell us those were great years and that they miss those times. They raised some great kids as well!</div>
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I am so thankful for our life. Now off to pack!</div>
The Farmhouse Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714349289370382430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075796733712378544.post-40874936412357015802014-11-07T05:09:00.001-08:002014-11-25T19:24:18.337-08:00Christmas Gifts<div>
I have been thinking about Christmas gifts for our family and saw this blog post shared on Facebook. I want to keep it so I can reread it... It has some really good ideas for homes like ours that want less toys and more meaningful presents. </div>
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<a href="http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/6108036?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000037">http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/6108036?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000037</a>The Farmhouse Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714349289370382430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075796733712378544.post-21195280693919207912014-11-02T09:54:00.000-08:002014-11-25T19:24:45.800-08:00Vancouver with Friends... and a baby!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am writing this blog post with a full heart.<br />
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Kelly, Trisha and I have been friends for... oh about 18 years to be exact. Holy smokes I just did that math and it doesn't seem right - that is a long time! I met these two in the fall of my first year of university and right from the start we became fast buddies. Kelly and Trish were best friends from high school and they just scooped me into their friendship and away we went. Those university years were fun, fuzzy and adventurous... we had many crazy times... too many to count. All I can say is that a girl couldn't have better friends during those university years! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kelly, myself, Trish - our first selfie!</td></tr>
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After we graduated, we all went our separate ways. Kelly got married (Trish and I were in her wedding party) soon after we graduated and settled in southern Ontario, Trish went to Teachers' College and then traveled the world ending up in Vancouver and I went to Teacher's College and then moved to the Ottawa Valley with my university sweetheart. Needless to say, we live very far from each other now but over the years we have tried to meet up periodically.<br />
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Trish and her husband, Randy, had their first baby last June so it became the perfect opportunity for Kelly and I to take a trip to Vancouver to see them all... and provide Trish with out parental wisdom of course.<br />
I am just home and had a fantastic time. <br />
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Helen is 5 months old now and such a sweet little baby. Motherhood had come so naturally to Trish... I am so happy for her. Helen is the apple of her daddy's eye. They are such a happy little family and I loved being able to spend time with all of them.<br />
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Trish and Helen were our official tour guides for Vancouver and area. Helen loves taking public transit and being in her carrier. She does not like driving in vehicles for very long. We took it all in stride and saw as much as we possibly could! Trish knows the transit system really well so we got to really see most of Vancouver.<br />
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The day after I arrived in Vancouver, I met up with some family that we don't see very often. Melissa (Ian's cousin) lives in Vancouver with her partner, Bill, and they are expecting their first baby very soon. Her nieces, Montana and Paisley, were visiting her for the weekend so I got to spend some time with them all for a nice morning having brunch. <br />
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I arrived a day before Kelly so Trish and I walked around downtown, had gelato and I saw some of the Olympic Village.<br />
After Kelly arrived we went to Stanley Park (by train and bus) and walked around the park and sea wall. It was a beautiful day - perfect for walking. We saw a coyote really close, the Vancouver Aquarium, walked along the sea wall and saw totem poles. Once we returned to their home, Randy made us a delicious supper. It was a great start to our trip.<br />
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On the second day we drove to Squamish (1 hour drive) to meet up with a cousin of ours to tour herbeautiful store. She sells many locally produced items along with really nice gift ware, an indoor pumpkin patch, and other small stores including a coffee shop. It has been open 2 1/2 years and Natalie has done very well with her dream for this store.<br />
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On our way back to Vancouver we stopped at <i>Shannon Falls</i> and went for a small walk. I was in awe with how beautiful the BC forest is - so different than here in Ontario. The trees are very very tall and there is so much moss covering everything. The forests are magical... or they seem that way!<br />
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No trip is complete for me without finding a farmers' market. I was really excited about going to Granville Island! We took the train and a bus to this part of Vancouver. It was a rainy day so our first stop was the <i>Umbrella Shop</i>. Only in Vancouver! This was actually quite comical - the store clerk was very knowledgeable about umbrellas and I realized that I didn't know there was so much to know about these useful tools!<br />
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We had lunch in the indoor market (fish and chips - so good!) and then wandered around. The produce was amazing!<br />
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Amidst the market, boutiques and Emily Carr University (all part of Granville Island) there is a cement plant but even it was creatively decorated.<br />
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We left Granville Island with treats, presents for our children and SALMON. Both Kelly and I bought a whole salmon to take back home with us!</div>
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Our last day of touring Vancouver started with a trip to the <i>Dutch Wooden Shoe Cafe</i>... it was like taking a trip back to my childhood. The food was delicious!</div>
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After our huge meal we toured the Cambie Road area, where Trish and Randy used to live. Then we headed to Trish's favourite gelato shop, which has 218 flavours of which some we could sample. Not only did we see many sights in Vancouver but we had many types of food as well - it was like we were on a foodie vacation! I loved it.</div>
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We then drove to a suspension bridge in North Vancouver and went for a much-needed hike, especially after all that amazing food! I am not a fan of heights or suspension bridges but I made it across...twice. Again, the scenery was beautiful.<br />
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By that evening we were tired. We stayed at home for supper and had greek food delivered. It was really good and then went to bed early to be up early for our flight back to Ontario.<br />
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My trip to Vancouver was perfect! I am so happy I went and coming home was really wonderful. I got many hugs and kisses when I saw my children and husband. I hope Trisha, Kelly and I can plan another vacation together in the next few years again.The Farmhouse Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714349289370382430noreply@blogger.com1