Playing...

While the girls had fun skating with our friends on Saturday (and the moms had our own fun catching up, exchanging mom wisdom, offering support in all the areas of our busy lives), I played with my new camera.

It was an odd day...cloudy, dark but as we spent the afternoon on the pond, brilliant blue sky began to appear. As I tried out the camera's different settings, I was happy with many of the results (as my sister says, take a hundred shots, get 5 or 6 great ones).

Here are some of my favourites...

More practising needed but I think this camera is going to allow for some great photos on our upcoming adventure to China.

For more pictures and commentary of our fun day with friends, see Shauna's blog here.

Celebrations

Wow! The Olympics are ON!

Not sure why, but this is the year I am REALLY into them...maybe because I feel so much thankfulness for EVERYTHING after mom's close call this week...

So, we stayed up for the opening ceremonies on Friday...well, Bryanna called it a night at 10:15 but Cassidy was determined to see the lighting of the cauldron and made right through till the end! Well, other than shutting her eyes every now and then (okay, during the speeches)...

We loved the technical pieces with light and images and flying the best!

Then yesterday, we headed out to the Mandarin to celebrate Chinese New Year a little early and had a WONDERFUL evening. The renovated restaurant near our house is lovely...

...Bryanna can still wear the silk outfit purchased on our last trip to China...

Cassidy pulled out the chopsticks and dug right in to rice and crab salad...

It was just a wonderful celebration...

...with those we love.

Thank you thank you thank you!!!

On our knees...

Just over a week ago, my parents' car was stolen. A couple of days later the police found it with little damage. Repaired and returned this week.

Today, my wonderful mother was driving that same car when another vehicle hit her and sent her off the road and into a tree.

Airbag deployed. Windows shattered. Car totaled.

My mom? A slightly swollen nose and knuckles, and bruising on her chest from the airbag.

When I reached the hospital after receiving the call (and having left the girls with good friends) I found my resilient, strong irish mother lying on an ER bed with a big smile (and her feet hanging over the side of the mattress so she wouldn't dirty the linen with her shoes).

I love her completely.

And I am thanking God every moment for protecting her and returning her safely to our arms.

Amen.