Occupied

It's an understatement saying that a lot has been on my mind and that the past month and a half since my last post hasn't been a busy one. So again I give you the month in pictures.

Saying good -bye is hard to do.

The Airpark...one of the best places to walk Charley.

Keira and the new little guy in her life...Jordy.

Rebecca graced us for a weekend visit with Keira.

Catching up with old friends...Vera, Bernie and Ilona.

Charley time in the backyard.

Art and Bloom at the Woodland Gardens.

Crossing that bridge again.

Keira and the pups at Miracle Beach.

Miracle Beach

Backyard BBQ.

Sienna with one of her first genuine smiles...can't wait to see it for real!

April 3, 2009

Let me introduce to you my newest pride and joy.

Sienna Lynn Mellis
Laura brought this bundle into the world on April 3rd. 2009 after a relatively short labor. Sienna is 7lbs. 4 oz. and about 20 inches long. She has her mother's chin, eyes and lips. She has her father's ears and blonde hair. She is absolutely beautiful!

My son will make the most amazing father. He is already doting on his little princess. He even slept in the hospital the first night so mama could get some sleep. Yesterday afternoon they brought her home!

She looks so content in her own home in the arms of her daddy. She is wearing her special coming home outfit from her mommy and daddy and is wrapped in two blankets, one from her Auntie Keira and one from Oma.

I have yet to meet her and already have an overwhelming love for our special little girl. Laura and Trevor....you done good!

The little Aries is something of a handful. This energetic child will walk and run as soon as possible and perform daring feats of exploration. Any caregivers will need to be vigilant, since this small individual does not know the meaning of fear and is especially prone to head injuries. Many children born under this sign appear hyperactive and easily frustrated when they cannot get their own way. Since they are always in a rush to get on with life, they are prone to violent temper tantrums and dramatic physical displays. Nevertheless, the natural enterprise and curiosity of the Aries child does need to be encouraged and it is important to place as few restrictions on this little one as possible. Explain to the Aries child...reason with the Aries child...but never complain. Persuade the little Aries to take up a hobby which requires the development of patience, for those born under this Sign are the least patient of the Zodiac and will need such self-control later in life.
The Aries child loves to take things apart and may break toys easily. With encouragement, however, he or she will develop formidable coordination. The bossy tendencies of this little one should be molded into leadership qualities rather than allowed to become bullying in nature. Otherwise, the "me first" Aries will have many clashes with other strong-willed youngsters. Since the Aries child is usually vocal in expressing needs, any caregiver should have no problem in discerning what this little character most desires. The key emphasis should be on helping this child to control his or her temper and develop self-discipline and respect for authority. It is important to be vigilant, but the Aries child must be allowed plenty of space. It is also important to emphasize good manners and consideration for others in order to help the willful little Aries to get along socially with playmates. Aries children should be persuaded to take out their aggressions and frustrations in active, competitive sports. Indeed, this is where they usually excel.
Essentially a direct and uncomplicated individual, the little Aries rarely suffers from hidden anxieties or psychological difficulties. However, stimulation and a sense of achievement are vital to this child. Without these two things, this little one can easily turn into an extremely difficult child to live with. Blessed with deep resources of determination, the Aries child is able to face any challenge, but does tend to act before thinking. Since he or she will be passionate about absolutely everything which is of personal importance, there is liable to be a great reluctance to share. There may also be a tendency to make loud and/or unkind remarks about a playmate. Unfortunately, the Aries child will rarely consider such behavior to be selfish, perceiving this as nothing more than an assertive right to do and say as he or she pleases. As a general rule, Aries children with younger siblings learn to deal with their inherent selfishness much better than those who are only children or who happen to be the "baby" of the family.
Blessed with a retentive memory and quick flow of thought (to say nothing of the abundant ambition inherent in this sign), the Aries child normally excels in scholastics. However, this little one is high-strung and will expend much energy in trying to accomplish too many things at the same time. Thus, a great deal of sleep at regular intervals will be most beneficial to this child. Restless and inquisitive, the Aries child is seldom content with any one thing for a great length of time. It is important that the plans of this little one not be interferred with, since such interference will often cause him or her to lose all interest in the task at hand. He or she should be left alone to work out things out in his or her own way...and, by so doing, develop individuality. As the Aries child grows to be a teenager, the competitive side of his or her nature will gradually become increasingly apparent. A certain degree of freedom of choice will be necessary in order to maintain the peace, particularly since a fight or argument will be the very spice of this child's life, and it is important to bear in mind that the young Aries (much like his or her older counterpart) will never acknowledge defeat.

The Aries girl will be full of verve and something of a live wire. With an abundance of energy to burn, she tends to attract many admirers. There is a fiercely independent streak here and any girl governed by this Sign will chart her own course. It would not be unusual to find the Aries girl adopting a leadership role at school and, since this Zodiac Sign rules the head and face, she will always be extremely particular about her make-up. Aries girls can be rather selfish at times and will probably balk at exchanging clothes with a younger sister. There could be some major sibling feuds here and it may be necessary for the parents to intervene on occasion. This is a hyperactive youngster...forever rushing from one activity to the next...and given this girl's energy, she is likely to be actively involved in sports, usually of the physically demanding type. Aries girls are self-sufficient and pursue what they want with much willpower and determination. This girl will "think big" and is likely to attend academic institutions which are the most beneficial on a personal level. In short, this is an achiever who is definitely "going places."
http://www.novareinna.com/constellation/arieschild.html

Four Months Fly By

A white Christmas for a change.

With My Girl

Charley and I.

A lot of time spent at home.

My New Toy

Haircut.

Old Friends.

Parents-To-Be

Almost!

Getting Ready

Another Birthday Girl

Beach Walk

My Favorite Place

Charley

Reconnected with childhood friends after forty years!

Snow Bunny

Wishing you the happiest of birthdays. I remember the day you were born, I felt such joy looking at your sweet face...so perfect. You've grown to be such a fine young woman and you make me proud...and you're still perfect.
I love you my dear Keira! XOXO

It Stops Here

This is the first time I've been 'tagged'. Reading one of her last posts on keira-anne.com, I had been requested to reveal six of my quirks or habits. Seeing as I have virtually no one on my blogroll, the tagging stops here. So here goes...

1. I always have to eat my Chinese food with chopsticks....never ever cutlery. I even have a special bowl and sticks at home.

2. I can never listen to a new CD in the presence of someone else. I crack the case and always play it in my car...loud.

3. My morning ritual is always the same and in the same order every day.

4. I can't seem to stop giving advice....thanks, tips ;)

5. I carry my camera with me every day and if I forget it, I worry that I will miss a 'good' shot.

6. I can't leave the house without putting my 'face' on...even to take away the recycles.

In Praise Of The Younger Man

Charley had a date the other day...with a much younger fellow. What a lucky girl. At first they eyed each other a little warily, sniffed around and she tried to ignore him. He was persistent but then after all he's only nine weeks old. He wouldn't let up. I think he liked her or he just needed someone to play with. We took them on their first play date into the woods, down a winding path covered in leaves through a deep forest near a rushing river. By the time we finished the walk Charley was starting to come around. Maybe this young guy wasn't so bad after all.

A couple days later they went on another date. This time it was to the beach on a blustery Tuesday. This was the first time Charley was let off leash at the beach and it won't be the last. She really surprised me with her obedience and the joy she showed at being able to frolic with her new buddy.

Lex is a German Shepherd and before long he'll be four times the size of Charley. He is already demonstrating his intelligence in his behaviour and attitude. Being a puppy and so playful did finally irritate Charley and she snapped at him a couple times...but then every male needs to know his place!

Today is just the start of many visits between these two sweethearts. I think they'll become fast and furious friends. Charley is such a little tease...a kiss on the second date...shame!

The Constant

Fifty odd years ago two sisters were born...eleven months apart. One was fair and looked like her mother and one was dark and looked like her father. They grew up in the NWT and had a very close family. Throughout the years they celebrated many birthdays.

The birthday parties were always combined into one right in between the two actual birthdays. They always had a bunch of friends at the party and always at least two cakes and or cupcakes. Mother always made it such a formal affair with her best (only) china and a lacy tablecloth.

They spent a lot of time together as a family, camping, fishing, hiking and going for many picnics. Much of the time they had the same friends and spent endless hours hanging around with them.

As they grew older they maintained their closeness for the most part. Typical teenage garbage came between them on occasion and they had quite the fights...emotional and physical. They always made up.

When they finished school, they took a European holiday together. For two months they traipsed through a number of countries...and what a time they had!

Throughout the next twenty-five years they lived their separate lives but were never further away than the phone. Always there for each other through thick and thin until circumstances brought them together again into the same household. Now they again celebrate their birthdays together but with one difference...two dinners and two cakes on the actual birthday!

Another birthday has gone by for both of us and I am so happy that she has been the constant in my life for over fifty years...and I hope for many more to come.