What a month...August 2011

Wow...August was a blur!

Some major changes in our family's lives this month.  With the amalgamating of the two lumberyards, Cory working full time at the lumberyard, I working full time at the liquor store AND us both carrying on our other careers in the meantime, not to mention family life...there was alot of adjusting for the 5 of us in August.  Thank goodness for our nanny Kelsey who kept things going on the homefront as we sorted things out at work.  We went from a staff of 6 to a staff of 16 and had 5 people down in one week (3 quit and 2 sick/injured).  I definitely asked myself 'why are we doing this' several times and just kept thinking...it's going to get better.

I'm glad it's over, I'm glad we survived...we're so lucky to have each other and hopefully we'll look back one day and think fondly about our accomplishments.

2011|8|31

Melted Crayon Shapes

Made a little craft today with the kids on their last day of summer before school begins.

2011|8|30

Happy birthday to our little lady COCO!

2011|8|29

Cory's Grandparents were so sweet to make a special trip to see us to celebrate Coco's first birthday.  Scarlett was so happy she got to pose for a photo with Great Grandma!

2011|8|28

Coco's turning ONE...we celebrated tonight with a family celebration!

2011|8|27

Our first trip to the beach this summer...and Coco's first time putting her toes in the sand.

2011|8|26

My sister and I packed up all of our kids and headed to Minot ND for the day.

2011|8|25

We whipped up a batch of KoolAid Play Dough this morning...here's the recipe.

2011|8|24

Headed to the ice cream shoppe for a treat after supper tonight

2011|8|23

A trip to our local Co-Op grocery store...just a snap of everyday life around here.

2011|8|22

I remember how much I loved coloring with my Mom as a kid, so it's so special to see Mom coloring with my children!

2011|8|21

Oh those smiles...so cute!

2011|8|20

On another lovely summer walk with the munchkins, we stopped to take some photos (imaging that).

2011|8|19

I loved seeing my friends during summer holidays when I was a kid...because when there's no school, you just don't see your friends as much.  Ace and his friend Dominic at the moble playground program.

2011|8|18

Coco is WALKING!

2011|8|17

Life is made of moments, small pieces of silver amidst long stretches of tedium. It would be wonderful if they came to us unsummoned, but particularly in lives as busy as the ones most of us lead now, that won't happen. We have to teach ourselves now to live, really live…to love the journey, not the destination.  - ANNA QUINDLEN

2011|8|16

I'm at home to enjoy the kiddos for a week!  I have been missing them (and my old life) like crazy since we've taken over these local businesses 2 months ago.  Last week I came to the realization I was overwhelmed, so this break is definitely needed.
On a walk today with the kids, we stopped to admire this very full apple tree.

2011|8|15

During this busy busy month of August we are undergoing...I like that our calendar reminds us to slow down in life and 'spend some time' (with a good glass of wine).

2011|8|14

Naptime...don't you just love when they're out cold like this and having a great sleep!

2011|8|13

It's so nice to have a Saturday-night bbq supper on the deck in this nice weather!

2011|8|12

We had a little impromptu performance from Scarlett this afternoon...she broke out in song and dance from her recital 2011.  She makes me smile!

2011|8|11

Taking time today to capture the little things.

2011|8|10

Ace had a sleepover with his friend Kyle tonight...the kids had a blast!

2011|8|9

Coco is taking her first steps!  Love that she's wearing all of Scarletts old clothes...just love this summer outfit.

2011|8|8

We were guests at my Aunt Loelle's home tonight as she hosted a family bbq.  I just could not resist taking a photo of her dining room chandilere...it's so elegant!

2011|8|7

Summer Raspberry...capturing a bit of the season's sweetness.

2011|8|6

It was adorable to see these two playing together in the empty laundry baskets this morning while I was getting ready for work.  Ace doesn't play with Coco as much as Scarlett (since he's usually playing with boy toys) so it was good to see them bonding.

2011|8|5

Sandy hands on this fine summer afternoon.

2011|8|4

The kids baked cookies with their Nanny today.  Scarlett is such a sweetie, she wanted to deliver them all to the neighbours.

2011|8|3

Preparing a special gift for some friends today.

2011|8|2

Ahhh, nothing beats a beautiful Saskatchewan sunset!

Bow Valley Jamboree 2011

Amazing entertainment in Oxbow this weekend!  And from what I hear, the Bow Valley Jamboree is going to be an annual event. (top left) Hangin out with girlfriends from highschool. (top right) Corey and Christa (my sis) and their sunburns. (bottom) Bands playin in the valley!

2011|8|1

This is probably the BIGGEST news of our year...we have amalgamated the two lumberyards in Oxbow under our ownership.  The new location for Oxbow Building Supplies will be here, the former Smith's  Lumber Yards location...just on the West side of town on the South side of Highway #18.  We are very proud and excited about this new business for our family.  Lots of hard work and sacrifice ahead, we look forward to serving the community in this new way.

 Today was the day we received keys for this location, we went for a tour of the new building.  Lots & lots of building/home products.  Cory will be stationed here and I will remain at the liquor store, just down the road.  This big change is overwhelming and exciting all at the same time...we are so thankful for the awesome support we've received from the former owners, family, friends and the community!

August Updates Are Coming!

Hello everyone!

Hope your summer was fabulous!  I am still managing to keep up with photo-of-the-day...just have been so busy I haven't had much time to share.  I hope by catching up on a few things I will be able to share soon!

Thanks for stopping in and would love to hear from you!
Starr