There is something wonderful about family!

There are many who are uncomfortable with Mother's Day, as well as the other invented celebrations. There were many Mother's Days when I was far from my children. I know I am not alone. The kids 

have always been good about it. Phoning, at least, if we were apart. I remember one year I had three kids in three different universities, in three separate cities! There are times when this happens. My son in Vancouver phoned me. He is happily awaiting the birth of a daughter! (Due May 5th.)

Many have a loss

I feel badly for some. Those who do not have children have this day front and foremost, shoved in their faces. It is a personal choice for many, a life fact for some. None of my beeswax. What irks me are all the charities we support who choose to send e-mail challenging me to give more, for my mother. (She died on Mother's Day weekend, 2006. Hubby's mother died the same weekend, as have several friends of mine. Very bizarre.) BTW I met my birth mother. It didn't go well. We do not have any further communication! Family are the people around you - who love you!

My children keep this highly-marketed day in perspective. My kids have always been frugal, and they recycle kids' clothes. They buy 2nd-hand clothes, when the occasion warrants. They, like me, eschew Cheap-Mart, who takes 20% of the profits on a $9 t-shirt, keeping workers overseas in poverty, and Canadians out of work. They are all conscientious about Reduce, Re-use, Recycle!

Kitty Litter cake!
How creative!!!

Happily, some of us were together this year! May 7th was Isabelle's birthday, as well. Then, J-L's birthday is coming up in June. We had a party! 

 Firstly, they always bring a cake, auctioned off at their school community event. This year's was a perfect one! (Last year, it was one with chocolate bugs!) It was a chocolate cake, with white icing and crushed crackers on top. With 4 cats in the house, it was hilarious.

Next, Caitlin, though she is terribly busy, made two salads. I had some peppers, and other veggies to grill, as well as homemade chicken/turkey burgers. It was a lovely meal.

Our meal over, it was time for presents. I could not believe mine from Caitlin! She had gone to an evening of painting. They hold it in a pub, they have liquid libation, and an artist teaches them how to paint a picture! I haven't had hand-made gifts since my third child was in grade 6 (1995)! My grandchildren are wonderful, and make me art all the time!

 Outdoors we went. Josee and I compared our new shoes.

There was some outdoor play, despite the mosquitoes being out. And Isabelle helped my plant some peas within the newly-painted veggie garden fence! I hope you appreciate our outfits! She might look like a princess, but she is a tough little cookie!

I really need to rent a rototiller, but with my sore foot that isn't going to happen! My asparagus, planted when we moved here in 2010, have already gone beyond picking stage, and they are about 2' tall. Oops. I really have to weed it, too. The rhubarb looks pretty good. I need to pick some and build something!

 We played soccer, and made slow-motion videos on Papa's camera. What a fun time! Caitlin got cold and I have her my sweatshirt! What a change in the weather – from 25C. in the morning, to <20 C. in the afternoon. This morning, Monday, it's only 10 C. (50 F.) and quite cool!
The green grass is wonderful and I am always amazed by how large our backyard is, when they get running around on it! We are grateful for our little sanctuary. The fountain is running well, with the heat we've had, hubby tops it up every morning.