Celebrating Cody

It's hard to believe another year has come and gone and this kid is now TWELVE! In fact, while enjoying a lazy Saturday morning recently, he pointed out that I've now known him half his life.

The past year has been interesting to say the least. Just 8 weeks after Cody's birthday life changed when the pandemic entered our lives. In many ways it was a huge disruption that caused many problems and devastation. In other ways, it was a blessing. I treasured the time I could spend with Cody as we were both home together for months on end. I worked reduced hours so we both finished our work around lunch time and could spend our afternoons going for walks or bike rides. We played board games and worked on a project called "The Grandparent Diaries". Each day Cody would record a video question and send to his grandparents and they would record their answer and send it back. It was a fun way to discover some neat things about some special people.

Over the past year I have watched Cody grow and mature into a very thoughtful and kind young man. He has befriended some elderly neighbours and checks in on them regularly. He is quick to point out when someone is not being kind and shares his thoughts with me on how the situation should be handled. He can see when someone is upset or down and is quick to offer a hug or some encouragement.

I am particularly proud of how Cody has learned to choose his reaction to situations and use more appropriate solutions to problems. Academically he is taking much more care in his lessons and his progress has accelerated! 

Most of all, I treasure the bond we share. I will never take for granted the joy and gift this relationship is and I am forever grateful to God for stitching my family together. Now, we will enjoy this last year before.... the TEEN years! Am I ready?

The Big 4-oh!

Forty is a milestone. I can recall both of my parents turning 40. We had a surprise party for each of them - and they were truly surprised! So, as Devin's 40th approached we talked about how to celebrate. Would we have a party? Go on a trip? We decided on both LOL. 

We thought it would be super fun to have a pig roast and invite our family and friends. We had planned for outdoor games and a fun way to gather all of our people together. In addition, we were planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains. Devin has always wanted to drive the "tail of the dragon" and we planned to drive the Cobalt down to the Smokies for a week.

And then it happened.

We had to change our plans. The borders are not open for travel and gathering together is either not allowed or certainly frowned upon (depending on the day of the week). So, I made alternative plans. I discovered this great service called tribute.co which allows you to gather videos from people and edit them together for your loved one. That was a fun process and Devin LOVED the result. 

We also had the Koiters over for a fancy dinner the night before his big day. It was fun to get all dressed up at home, bring out the nice dishes and eat by candlelight. And, on his birthday I surprised him with a "drive by party". It wasn't quite as big and exciting as in my mind (which is typical) but he enjoyed the day and felt very celebrated.

What is it like being married to Devin? Well, it means I laugh a deep, belly-laugh each and every day. It means coffee is brewed to perfection. It means feeling safe, protected and treasured. It means listening to the same stories over and over. It means meticulously cut veggies in my lunch. It means fearing for my life as he jumps out of his hiding spot. It means falling more in love every day.

I am so grateful God brought this man into my life and look forward to what He has in store for us.

Double Digits

They say time flies when you're having fun. The past four years of my life have been one wild ride that I have enjoyed to the fullest! So, when I look at Cody now and compare to a photo from the first day we met, I can't believe how much he has changed!

He was just a wee little six year old when we met for the first time. It was the day before Mother's Day and Devin planned a special event so we would both remember the day forever. We went on a helicopter ride over Niagara Falls. I don't remember a lot about the ride, but I do remember that sweet little boy sitting next to me.

I am so incredibly proud of how Cody has handled the many changes in his life since then. He moved into a new house in a new community and started at a new school with new friends. He had a new mum in his life and new routines and new traditions.

He is maturing into such a thoughtful and kind young man. He makes his bed each morning and packs his lunch when he gets home from school. He is working so hard on his reading and writing and is astounding us with test results in his Bible, Math, Science and Spelling classes! He holds the door, saying "Ladies first" and helps people put their groceries on the conveyor belt. He is very aware of and concerned for other's feelings and is often there to give me a hug or pat my arm and assure me "it will be ok". He has become the apple of my eye.

Each night I sneak into his room, long after he's gone to sleep, and I watch him. (usually in some contorted position that looks totally uncomfortable) I can't believe how lucky I am. To think that God found me suitable to be his Mum and brought him into my life when I fell in love with Devin... it's beyond my comprehension but I am so grateful.

We celebrated his big day by having dinner at Subway. Of ALL of the restaurants, that is where he wanted to eat. It was a great deal for us plus he was thrilled to get TWO six inch subs AND chips! LOL. The next day we hosted 10 little boys for a party and had family over in the afternoon. A great time celebrating this great boy.

Double digits. Time flies.

Happy Birthday Mum!

As my dear mum turned 70 this year, I wanted to share some words about this incredibly special lady. It's impossible to articulate how I really feel about her, but I'll share the toast I wrote for her birthday dinner.

What a wonderful privilege to call this woman our mum and Grammie. From a new wife with three under three to a loving Grammie that has expanded her flock to 14…your life has been spent pouring into and building up the people around you.

Mum, your caring and nurturing traits are what got you the nickname Mama Ellen at Meadowview and they’re what are at the very essence of who you are. You started off helping out with a brood of five brothers, picked the perfect profession when you became a nurse and spent 30+ years caring for others. And each one of us got the benefit of having you as our MUM.

I dare say I had the best spot in the family – as the “baby”. It meant that I got to spend one on one time with you while the rest were at school.  These memories include baking bread, trips to town, learning to read, many many songs and the time you took me to see my hero – Mr. Dressup.

Honestly, it wasn’t until this past year that I fully realized the sacrifices you made for us. When I remember my days at home, I don’t remember you having many hobbies of your own or nights out with a friend. You were old faithful. Preparing a meal for the family, cleaning up from the meal, helping one of us with a homework assignment, counseling another through some tears, repairing a ripped pair of pants, and making lunches before calling it a night. Mum, you gave everything you had for your family and we are all here tonight to say THANK YOU.

One thing that I’m so grateful for and as an adult have such an appreciation for is our spiritual upbringing. Through it all, you never wavered - faithfully taking us to church on Sunday, Family night on Tuesday, youth group on Fridays all while building a strong foundation of faith in each of your children.

We’ve had many laughs over the years as well. You aren’t afraid to be silly and enjoy a good belly laugh. Actually, a lot of those laughs came on family vacations. Who could forget the squeals of terror on the Cabot Trail or the famous “row boat” incident at Rainbow Valley? Your first trip down the waterslide was one to remember but we were all thrilled that you were brave enough to jump in!

Mum, you truly reflect the meaning of love shared with us in First Corinthians 13.

Mum is patient, Mum is kind. She does not envy, she does not boast, she is not proud. She does not dishonor others,  she is not self-seeking, she is not easily angered, she keeps no record of wrongs. Mum does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Mum always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Mum, tonight we want to celebrate who you are and who you’ve been. We are all so grateful for the unfailing love and support. Happy 70^th birthday and we look forward to celebrating many more with you.

Eight is Great!

This little guy turned 8 years old today. I told him this is where he stops getting bigger! He's at such a fun stage - exploring and discovering new things, his is personality starting to form, he still loves giving and receiving hugs and kisses... I want him to stay here forever!

I never dreamed it was possible to love someone else's child as my own. But that is exactly what happened with Cody. He has become such a huge part of my life, worming his way into my heart and grabbing hold!

I love the moments in the truck when we share a favourite song or when he recognizes a Paul McCartney song. I love it when we see a Beetle driving down the street and we call out "love bug" and blow each other a kiss. I savour the moments cuddled on the couch with a book. I am so grateful for the tender moments we share, the times he grabs my hand and tells me he loves me or wants to run and jump into a bear hug. I am blessed to have this little life to pour into and it spills back onto me.

So, today we celebrate this wonderful redhead that God has blessed us with. He is truly special and I can't wait to see what's in store for him.

Birthday Boys

To celebrate these two cuties, we spent the day at Eastpark in London. Jesse & Liam are 2 years and 2 weeks apart, so when they both wanted to go to Eastpark for their special day, I decided to break the tradition of one-on-one and we all went together. What a fun day!


We started at the batting cages. They were eager to start swinging but in the beginning it was tough to make contact with the ball. But, by the time we were done they were actually doing pretty good! I tried my hand at it as well and I was not prepared for how much it hurt my hand when I hit the ball! I had a ring on and with each crack of the bat, I would wince as that ring was getting pinched and hurting my finger. Ouch!

Next up was the go-karts. So fun! Liam is too young to go by himself, so went together. What a hoot as we raced around the track - pedal to the metal. We stopped for some lunch and then hit (quite literally) the bumper cars. I wasn't expecting them to be so fun but we had a blast slamming into each other. We wrapped up the day with a rousing game of mini-golf and ice cream.

These two boys are each unique but both full of energy, curiosity, and plenty of love for Auntie Janice. We had such a good time.

Happy Birthday Peanut!

It's hard to believe that an entire decade has passed since this little Peanut entered my life. I can clearly remember the day he was born...

First of all...he was two weeks early! I was in the middle of the biggest project to date at work. Not only were we rebranding from The New PL to A-Channel, but we were also changing graphics systems at the same time. For the Graphics Coordinator of the newsroom...that was a tall order. But, I felt confident and up to the challenge. Until I got the phone call. We were just finishing up the evening newscast when Jo-Anne called to let me know they were on their way to the hospital. What?!? Seriously? If this is a joke, it's not funny. No, it was definitely not a joke. She was in labour.

I cleared my schedule with my (accommodating) supervisor and headed for St. Joe's. This was a moment I had been anticipating since finding out about the Peanut on December 24! Despite arriving "early" he took his time with the delivery. We spent many hours on those hard benches in the waiting room. However, it was all worth it when I entered the room and saw that adorable little bundle.

Jesse has always had a special place in my heart. He's the only kid that I've been in the waiting room for. He is curious - asking questions and being "hands on". He is loving and sweet. He is funny. He loves science and exploring and is really great at figuring out how things work.

I am so blessed to have Jesse Harding Koiter for my nephew. We have had some super fun moments over the years and I look forward to many more!

16 Candles

There are milestone birthdays in everyone's life. I clearly remember turning 16 because it meant I could get my driver's license. I turned 19 in France. Of course turning 30 carried its own consequences!

Today, my niece Abigail Elizabeth marks a milestone as she turns 16. I am so proud of the beautiful young lady she has grown to be. I realize that calling her a "young lady" makes me sound old...but that is what she is! John & Karen have done an awesome job parenting and stewarding this girl to where she is now.

I became an auntie when Abby was born, so she holds a special place in my heart. We've had lots of fun over the years with sleepovers, picnics, special outings, etc. I'm thrilled that she has developed such a love of music (playing the guitar, piano, trombone and learning more!) and is quite the little performer!

Happy birthday Abigail as you mark this milestone. Now, stay off the roads everyone! :)

Mr. Liam

It's hard to believe but eight years ago today, this little firecracker was born. I clearly remember getting a call from Jo-Anne. She needed me to come over to watch Jesse because they were headed for the hospital. It was around dinner time, so I packed an overnight bag and hit the road. When I arrived at their place, they were just finishing up Swiss Chalet take out. I stayed with the Peanut while Jo-Anne and Nick set off for the hospital.

When he finally arrived (just before midnight) he had a shock of dark hair and the cutest little face. We were all thrilled to meet the newest member of our family. Since then, I've watched Liam grow into quite the little character. The things this kid comes out with are hilarious! He makes some very interesting observations sometimes and it's like he's an old man trapped in a little boy's body.

Liam has a great sense of rhythm and music and is constantly bee-bopping to his own beat. He is passionate about food and loves helping out in the kitchen. This little guy has added much joy and laughter into my life and today I'm happy to celebrate his 8th birthday.

90 Reasons to Celebrate!

This weekend we gathered to celebrate a very special lady. My aunt Peggy turned 90 today!

When you speak to anyone that knows her, it's obvious what a treasure she is... much loved sister and mother, special aunt, cousin and neighbour and a cherished grandma and great grandma!

Peggy was twenty years old when my Dad was born and has always been more like my grandma than my aunt. She was present for most birthday parties, Thanksgiving and Easter dinners and special moments like a graduation or piano recital.

She is the most giving person I know and willingly sacrifices her own comforts for those that she loves.

She's a fighter. She entered the world as a "preemie" and proudly tells that they used a man's handkerchief for her diaper. She hasn't stopped fighting. During her days working at a factory in Windsor, she lost her index finger but that hasn't stopped her from crocheting and quilting!

She has proven more than one doctor wrong by overcoming an aneurysm, heart attack, broken ribs, broken hip and cancer. During one of these hospital stays, she told me that she would need to live until at least 90 to get everything done that she wanted to do. Well, she did it. And this week she told me that she's now aiming for 100.

I have no doubt that in 10 years we will be gathering for the celebration of a lifetime!

Showing off her new wrinkle cream :)

Dad's Big Day

Happy Birthday Dad!

Things I love about my dad:

• the quiet way he sizes up a situation
• his years of experience spoken as advice
• he knows how to do most things I need help with :)
• he's a farmer
• the love of country music he instilled in me
• when he plays a practical joke
• his sentimental side
• the values that shape who I am
• when I was little and I could "style" his comb-over LOL
• teaching me to appreciate a good steak
• touring us around the countryside when we were kids, giving me the travel bug
• my big head (inherited)
• the way he does things like clean out rain gutters, just because he loves me

Reflections on Birthdays

It's March 16th and that means it's time to mark another year in the life of Janice Mills. As the number gets higher, there seems to be less enthusiasm about celebrating a birthday. A lot has changed over the years... birthday cards are exchanged for facebook posts and texts, birthday parties (including games, cake and loot bags) turn into a nice dinner and counting down the days loses the thrill that is once held!

However, in the wise words of a good friend, I'm going to embrace my birthday! And in the words of another friend, it's been a great year for Team Janice. Looking back on the past 365 days, I've got a lot to celebrate:

• Paris for Christmas! How cool is that?
• A new job! (includes great hours and a boss that actually appreciates what I do)
• An amazing family trip to the Smokey Mountains. Did I mention Dollywood?!?
• A fantastic party celebrating my Dad's farming career. I'm still impressed by our Farmer's Daughter song.
• Reconnecting with several friends I haven't seen in years.
• Welcoming new friends into my life. I'm lucky to have such amazing people surround me.
• I got my picture with David Spade, Hugh Grant AND Jim Halpert (AKA: John Krasinski) at TIFF
• Another year of "special days" with my nieces and nephews including the introduction of Auntie Janice's Christmas Extravaganza

Sometimes life doesn't quite turn out the way you plan or expect it to but that doesn't mean that it's not worth celebrating!

Here's a look at birthdays past: 

Happy Birthday Peggy

I am happy to be celebrating a day that I wondered would actually arrive. The past year has been particularly hard for my Aunt Peggy but today she is marking her 87th birthday!

The majority of this year was spent in and out of hospital, a colon cancer diagnosis and surgery followed by 3 more months in hospital. During this time, I realized that attitude really is the most important aspect of recovery.

I can clearly remember sitting on the edge of Peggy's hospital bed in June. She was telling me about sorting through some things at her house and discovering how many projects she had to do. In fact, she would need to live until she's at least 90 to finish them all! I do not doubt that I will be celebrating her 90th birthday in three years.

After losing my Grandma Mills when I was 6, Peggy has played a "grandma" role in my life. She lives about 10 minutes away from my parents and I was at her house several times a week when I was a kid. She was a part of our family and was at most birthday parties and celebrations. Her kind nature and giving personality makes her a real jewel. Every single member of my family thinks so!

The reality and seriousness of the many hospital visits hit me over the past year. During this time, I struggled with the thought of losing someone so incredibly close to me. The very idea terrified me. It is not something I wanted to think about but sometimes when I was driving home from the hospital, it inevitably filled my thoughts. I decided not to dwell on what could happen but rather enjoy the times we could spend together. I must say, I walked away from those visits feeling encouraged and amazed by this tiny little lady and her attitude.

Peggy got to go home just before Christmas and her health has been constantly improving since. One of the "projects" mentioned earlier is to make a "Bible Quilt". She made one once in her youth and decided she'd like to make another. Apparently it is made up of 12 blocks that are embroidered with a scene from the Bible and then pieced together in a quilt. We talked about this quilt a lot during her hospital stay - something to look forward to. I promised that I would come over and spend a day working on it. I guess she'll have to teach me what to do, because we've booked next Saturday as the day! I hope she hasn't finished it yet, as she's been working on it every day.

So, today I'm celebrating one of my favouritest people! Happy birthday Peggy!

Olga Murray AKA: Grammie

Yesterday marked a special day. It was eighty-five years ago that my Grammie was born!

This adorable senior holds a very special place in my heart. From playing with barbie dolls when we were little to traveling to a warbride reunion with her, we have shared some very special memories (just search "Grammie" at the bottom of the blog!).

She always makes me laugh... without even trying. She takes life as it comes and adapts to whatever is thrown her way. She came to Canada when she was just 19 years old and pregnant with her first of 6 children. A whole new way of life - new country, new husband, new traditions.

I know she doesn't think so, but she has been an inspiration to me and so glad when I see an "Olga-ism" pop up in my own life :)

POST SCRIPT: Grammie's birthday was actually January 5 but by the time I got the photos uploaded to this post, it's posting on January 11.

Happy Birthday Laurie Lane

Today is my dear friend Laurie's birthday. Well, December 28th is her birthday. I fear it is after midnight and the date stamp will show December 29th.

Anyway, Laurie is a kindred spirit that I have shared both laughter and tears with. She is the perfect blend of hilarity and heart-to-heart confidante. We share many of the same hobbies and passions - music, CBC radio, photography, blogging, the list goes on.

So my friend, happiest of days. Much love.

Celebrating the Man I Call Dad

The month of June always brings my dad's birthday followed by Father's Day. So, naturally it's a time to reflect on one of the most important men in my life.

My dad is many things: a farmer, a butcher, a carpenter. He's a jack-of-all-trades, therefore he can do pretty much anything that needs to be done. (at least in my eyes!) He's quiet and shy but can speak his mind. He dropped out of school at a young age to help out his aging father on the farm...but can do mental math like no one I know.

As a kid I can remember riding in his pick-up listening to an orange 8 track cassette of Johnny Cash. (still a favourite) Helping on the farm was just part of the deal, so spending time with Dad usually meant picking up rocks (with thrilling rides in the front end loader), hoeing milk weed, handing him tools or just catching a ride to the mill when it was time to pick up or drop off. One of my most memorable chores was waxing the combine. Yes...I waxed a combine!!

As a farmer, Dad was an early-riser and expected you to be too. Many Saturday mornings I woke to the sound of the constant clink of his spoon in his coffee cup - not so much to stir his morning java but to ensure the household was rising from their slumber. Occasionally he'd really out-do himself and ring the doorbell, which would ring in every room in the house. (thanks to our 80's state-of-the-art intercom system!)

My dad has gone through a lot of personal challenges in his years. He had lost both parents by the time he was 40 and three siblings by his mid-fifties. He has endured the ups and downs of depending on the land to make a living and survived raising four kids. (including three girls!) Although we don't always agree on every issue, he is my dad and has made me who I am today.

Yesterday I had the great pleasure of walking the aisles of Home Depot with Dad as we shopped for things for my new house. I was a little surprised at the great nostalgic feeling I had as I pushed the cart and listened to him explain where we needed to go next. Perhaps part of me remembered those trips to the hardware store or "Websters" in Wyoming as a kid and perhaps part of me realized how much has changed in those years.

So, this June I wanted to pay tribute to my dad...John David Mills.
Love you dad.

My Dear Aunt Peggy

CELEBRATING AN AMAZING WOMAN

On this day, 86 years ago, a tiny little baby was born. My grandparents' first daughter. She entered the world prematurely and although I don't know exactly how much she weighed, I've often heard her say they used a man's handkerchief for her diaper. They named her Cathleen Irene Mills, but when one of the Irish neighbours came by for a visit, he told my grandparents that name was too big for a little thing like her and she needed a good Irish name like Peggy. Believe it or not, that name has stuck with her for 86 years! Some folks call her Cathleen, others call her Kay but to me she will never be anything but Peggy!

Peggy grew up on a farm and worked just as hard as any of her brothers, helping her dad with work in the field and her mom with work in the house. Her self-sacrificing spirit meant she was always there for anyone that needed her. When she was a bit older, she became somewhat of a midwife. There was no training involved, but she would go and help deliver neighbourhood babies and then stay for a few weeks after to help out the mom. I thought it was really cool when I discovered that she actually lived at the Petrolia Hospital for a time. We were driving by the older part of the hospital one day (which used to be a house) and she pointed at the turret and said "oh, I used to live up there". Awesome.

Since I can remember, Peggy has been an important part of my family and I am so proud to call her my aunt. (although she is more like my grandma) She is a strong woman of faith and the most giving person I know. Her determination and courage has been an inspiration to me, as I think I've blogged about before. So, I'd just like to take this space to wish her a happy birthday! Love you lots Peggy!