Photos

Derek and Kate

Derek Kate and Zach in Winfield



Derek with Grandma Helen and Papa Dana












Joe in Revelstoke.











Kate and Derek at Roger's Pass.

On the Road - day 14

It's funny, how on days when I think I'll get up early, I sleep in instead....I was awoken this morning at 845...I never sleep till 845...which when you want to get on the road by 10 means you need to boogie.

Try telling that to my kids ... yeah right. Thing 2 was not interested in daddy dressing her, nor in getting dressed in general actually. Finally we are on the road...and actually at the hoped for time. Leaving Armstrong ...bye mommy :( ...leaving Enderby...where hubby realizes he forgot his other shoes in Armstrong...but on we go...leaving Grindrod...leaving Mara...leaving Sicamous. Trans Canada here we are...on to Revelstoke. We arrive, play in the park, wait for dad...phone mom to check on dad...and I'm told I forgot my bathroom bag in Armstrong...yikes...finally there's dad...whom I hit up to put my bag on the Greyhound for Golden tonight.

We had a nice lunch with Dad (aka Papa Dana) then continued en route for Golden. We stopped at Rogers Pass (rain of course) and arrived in Golden around 330 bc time...somehow we missed the sign to change our clocks so actually arrived about 4 30. We ...after a small detour... found our hotel and checked in. It's a nice enough sized room, with a small table for 2, 2 beds and a bathroom...and a bar fridge.

We went to the attached restaurant for supper with two friends from home. Pud and Chris left the Wells over 2 years ago and never got to meet Thing 2...Thing 1 was younger than Thing 2 is now last time we saw them. It was so nice to visit, I've missed seeing them, unfortunately 2 kids after travelling are not a whole lot of fun in a restaurant.

It is now 1025 Mountain time and Thing 1 is about to drive me crazy by not sleeping still. Well at least its a short drive to Calgary.

In Pictures

Katie and Grandma walking down the hill on Friday after supper.









Finally Joe was at the beach on Okanagan Lake









Our time at the cottage......sans children!









At the cottage.












me.









We three at Kal Beach.








Kate at the beach.











Derek at the beach.

On the Road - day 13

Busy day. I love to visit while on holidays, mostly with family, and I normally have 6 weeks to see everyone and get really good visits in. But this trip gives me 8days in Armstrong...so its a bit of a mad rush to see everyone.

So this morning we took the kids to Memorial Park, and invited Gigi to join us. The kids played and ran in the pebbles on grass while hubby visited with Gigi. Then we drove Gigi home and headed for Vernon. Hubby had errands to run at the mall and the kidlets and I went to Gma May and Gpa Field's house for a visit and lunch. We stayed until 1245 to go meet daddy then returned to Armstrong for naps. I was awoken by Gma H to say call Auntie C. We then got Thing 2 up from her nap and back into the car to drive to Winfield to go to the park with Auntie and the kids, then we went to Timmy's for a drink then on to home.

It was bittersweet to say goodbye to Auntie C, it's really hard to leave, but I love coming down to see them....sigh.

When we got back to Armstrong, Papa D started up the lawn mower "tractor" and took the kids for a ride down and back up the driveway! lots of fun.

On the Road - day 12

I awoke to the quiet this morning....why is it so quiet...right cause my children are absent...we left them with Gma H and Papa D...whoo hoo!

We decided to not bring groceries for the morning, but just to drive to Vernon and have breakfast. While there Gma H called to see what our plans were. We arranged to have her bring the kids to us with their beach attire. So off to Kal Beach we went. My plan was to watch daddy play with the kids on the shore while I lazed under a tree in my sundress...that didnt happen, I was in the h2o with Thing 2 for quite a while...which resulted in quite a burn...again...sigh.

We stayed there until about 130, had lunch and returned to Armstrong.

About 530 Gma H and I headed to Vernon to meet a friend of hers for supper at Wrap Zone then head for a movie. I've never been to a Wrap Zone before this, I assumed it was similar to Subway, but I was wrong...the music has a dance club feel, the colours scream coffee house, and most of the wraps have rice. I went with a nice safe Ace of Clubz and a coke. Then off to the movie we went. I will acknowledge that I have been to the theatre twice this trip and both times to see Mamma Mia! however, totally worth it. I have been singing Honey Honey since the last time.

When I got home daddy said the kidlets had been great, had a great bath, no troubles...darn kids, why not for me??

On the Road - day 11

Day 11....this is the day I have been waiting for. We have been planning this trip for a while, but this was the day I have been waiting for.

It starts off as any other day, we got up, had breakfast, went to church...a lovely start to a Sunday. It was the Feast of St James, so there was a luncheon after services. Very nice.

Then it happened, our children went down for quiet time...and we ran, we ran as fast as our Toyota Hybrid would take us...and if you know me, that's pretty darn fast.

We ran away to the cottage, we ran away without our children!!!

The Mayfield clan has had the cottage property since the 60s ? They built the cottage per se in 1975...which I know due to an unfortunate story involving me which led to my teenage uncle sitting on a bee...My hubby and I went out there for a mini honeymoon 5 years ago, and that was the last time he was there before this trip.

It is quiet, there is no cable, no phone, no internet...there are neighbours and running water ... or else I couldnt go. We went down to the lake, and Joe got to finally go the beach ...TG no more whining about the beach:)

And we never returned....well not today at least.

On the Road - day 10

Saturday is a nice relaxing day...isn't it?

We were up, however it turns out Thing 2 was up way way before us...like midnight, poor Papa D and Gma H.

We went for a later than expected breakfast at a local restaurant. Then Gma H took Thing 1 for a haircut (again), while I took Thing 2, daddy and Papa D to the Farmer's Market. It was nice walking around, I thought Thing 2 might fall asleep in the stroller though.

We returned Papa D to the house and headed for Vernon, met up with Gma H and Thing 1 and watched her buy him a combine harvester...yeah Wheezy :)

We continued en route to Kelowna...so much for 10 am en route, it was about 1130... ah well, at least Thing 2 was sleeping. We met up with Auntie C sans family to get my glasses fixed then walked to Orchard Park. I have permanently swollen fingers so my rings need an adjustment, so we stopped to get that done, and wandered the mall. We drove to Westbank and picked up Mickey D's to eat at the house...darn restaurant screwed up our order for the 3rd time this trip. Uncle G went to do some work and was gone for a while, Daddy was busy watching a sleeping Thing 1 while I visited with Auntie C and Thing 2 played with Z...which was nice to watch.

After Uncle G returned he took Daddy down to the pub with his friend and we picked him up about 730 en route to Armstrong. We arrived back in Armstrong about 915, so it was a short good night with Gma H and Papa D before bed.

Tomorrow is another day.

On the Road - day 9

Friday started off as a usual day. We had kids up early, fed and dressed in order to be off and on our way to Vernon for my 930 hair appointment. I know all the Norman Wells ladies are jealous, I got to go see an actual hair dresser! However, due to the lack of anyone to maintain it, I went with just a trim. My husband and children went to the barber across the street, so Thing 1 could stop being a mop top and look like a nice little boy. Apparently he did great until he sat in the chair, then the toy flew and the attitude appeared.

We decided to stay and have lunch in the mall so we wandered and wandered until lunch then headed for Armstrong. Thing 2 fell asleep en route, but was awoken by Thing 1 while daddy surveyed the bakery. I tried to put Thing 2 down for a nap again, and daddy took Thing 1 to the park. However, I was the only one who slept.

For supper we went to the chinese food restaurant we always go to and ate with Gigi, Gma May and Gpa Field. It was nice except Papa D was expiring after a very long very hot week of work, so he went home early. When I returned for my boys, I stood and talked to Gpa Field for a while and found out that Thing 1 remembered losing a ball in Gpa Field's yard back in September.

It was a quiet night except for the fact that Thing 1 and Thing 2 were very tired by bedtime. Good night all.

Day 7 and 8 in pictures

Kate and Derek out for a walk at Killiney. Day 7.

Uncle Brian playing airplane with the kids. Uncle Brian did a great job playing with the boys, it was hilarious watching him chase Derek around!
Papa Dana. day 8.
Uncle Greg, Zach, Derek.
The boys playing Train.
Grandma Helen and Ian.
Lauren with me....my only niece!

On the Road - day 8

Our days in the Okanagan continue. Our beautiful sunshine returned.

Today was my day. One thing I love to do when I'm out is get photos done. I had to do some fast talking but I managed to convince 5 adults to bring 6 children to Walmart to get photos done. And they did great! The first photo we took was my package. We took a few more of the 6 plus the 2 babies plus my 2 monkeys....unfortunately we have to wait until mid-August for our pictures to be returned.

Once we were done at Walmart we drove to Davidson's Orchard. What a great spot. I took the kids last year with Gma May and Gpa Field and had a great time, last time we spent most of our time in the petting area, this time I didnt make it to the petting area, we played in the playground, went into the shop and went for a tractor ride (I was an apple riding in an apple cart). Thing 1 had a fabulous time (so did 2 but 1 loves tractors!).

We drove around with just Thing 2, Gma took Thing 1 in the car with her. When we arrived back at the house Aunties and Uncles and Cousins were all there before us. We had a short visit then Gigi and G-Auntie and G-Uncle arrived too. We had 11 adults and 6 kids for supper (and boy were they tasty lol) Uncle G bbqd chicken and smokies, plus salads, veggies and buns made a great and easy dinner. We ate early so the entourage could head out before too late. I hadn't seen G-Auntie and G-Uncle in ages so it was nice to see them.

It was such a hot day I feel like I'm melting and might just go to bed when Thing 1 and Thing 2 do.

Goodnight all :)

On the Road - day 7 - the Okanagan

From the depths of my sleep I heard what I thought were tiny feet coming down the stairs to the main floor, I had visions of Thing 1 being lost and sad and looking for mom, so I awoke, and went up to the main floor...imagine my surprise when all there was to be found was Grandpa watching a Wesley Snipes movie at 6:30 am....but now I'm up.

Everyone else joined us about 7:30 and we fed and dressed the kids, packed the car and headed for the beach...I have been having visions of lazing on the beach in the sand while my children play so nicely with their cousins...well hello reality. It was raining. We had 5 adults and 6 kids in a 2 bedroom 600 square foot cottage. We stayed there about an hour then braved the clouds to take 5 kids for a walk to the end of the block then played in the driveway. Auntie had brought paper airplanes to make (biplanes) and it was a big hit. Uncle and Daddy stayed at the cottage and bbqd hot dogs, we had lunch (including a huge platter of fruit) then said our goodbyes. We hadn't even gotten to Westside Road when Thing 2 passed out in her chair.

Thing 1 however never fell asleep, which would later prove to be a problem.

We all returned to G&G's house and mom ran away to see the dentist. I love my time at the dentist, nice clean teeth, no cavities and nobody asking me for anything but to open my mouth wider:)

After the dentist I went to the dollar store then drove around with the family for a bit. We returned to the house a bit after 5 and Gpa was cooking up spaghetti for supper. Gma returned with Gigi and I was able to see her pictures of Saskatchewan and the clan there.

Daddy put Thing 1 and Thing 2 to bed while I ran Gigi back to her place and I again left Daddy when Gma and I went to Vernon to pick up the hard working boy.

After all that driving, and then staying up watching "Angel Eyes" it was quite a late night for mummy.

On the Road - day 6

And here it was. Tuesday morning. July 22. 8 years ago I wore a pretty red dress. I had my hair done up nice. I wore my still favorite shoes (if only I still owned them). All for my sister's wedding.

Today however, we checked out of our hotel (yikes 4 nights in a hotel is pricey). Then on the road...and down 3 blocks...whoo hoo! Breakfast at Mcdonalds. Then back on the road...to Agassiz (sp???) for gas - which for anyone keeping track is only our second fill this trip! Finally we're making time, and we did - gotta love the Coq, I was easily going 130 most of the way. Then a turn into Merritt for a drink and onto the connector.

We arrived into Westbank about 1130 (left hotel about 730) and arrived at my sister's house before she did. I finally found the key and let myself in to a very happy dog, she was so excited to see Auntie that she was bounding almost in full circles. I put the very happy but very large dog into her kennel before letting my dog fearing children into the house. We phoned mom to say we arrived safely and waited for my sister. ...who I was so thrilled to hug when she arrived 20 minutes after us.

Her kiddies (including my one and only niece) were sleeping in the truck so I went and helped bring them in. My 3 year old nephew whom I havent seen in 10 months said when asked if I could help him out of his seatbelt "sure", he showed me which buttons to push and let me carry him out, gave me a hug and told me all about his Diego shoes.

Once inside the house...where he was thrilled to see Thing 1...I stole my 10 month old niece... who mearly whimpered. I walked away from mummy and hugged her tight (but not too tight:). It was nice until mummy offered me something to drink and she saw mummy and auntie was not good enough any longer!

We had a nice visit over lunch, though the boys were too busy playing to eat. Then about 2 we headed back on the road. Thing 1 and 2 were sound asleep by Kelowna and Thing 1 didnt wake up until Vernon downtown, Thing 2 at the fruit stand when we stopped for daddy's cherries!

We arrived to Grandma and Grandpa's house and had a nice visit, the kids were a bit quiet around them at first, but had smiles. Then we had homemade pizza for supper and things were great by then. After playing outside with the excavator, dump truck, pond, wading pool and hose it was time for bath, movie and bed.

They were both so exhausted they passed out no trouble.

I however didnt stay to see that, I stole Grandpa's new truck and went for a drive. It's been a while since I drove a stick shift and did not too bad if I do say so myself!

Good night from Armstrong!!!
which as usual smells like manure downtown lol

On the Road - day 5

Monday was once again a beautiful sunny day. My sister in law's husband had to work, but she, along with the kids and my mother in law, met us at IHOP for breakfast. Seating for 7 is a bit of a wait. We had a nice breakfast, with the exception of the two oldest boys making mean faces at each other.

We drove to my sister in law's after breakfast and started doing some laundry. We had a nice visit in her dogless back yard before decided to go to the water park. I returned to the hotel for the bathing suits and back to the house to change the kids. 40 minutes later we arrived at the waterpark. Ironically, my kids don't really like the water. Thing 1 was convinced by dad to try it, but Thing 2 stayed in the playground instead. I enjoyed laying on the blanket on the grass...however the sun enjoyed my chest too much and now it is a lovely shade of pink.

Joe decided to buy himself a shirt (with his own silly quote) and had to go pick it up, so we decided to head for the mall around 1 to pick it up and have lunch. My sister in law and nephews joined us after checking on sleeping Nana. We rented a double mall stroller in the shape of a school bus and Joe had to wait for his shirt which wasn't done on time. We had a nice lunch then I took Thing 2 back to the hotel for her nap while Thing 1 and daddy hung around the mall then walked to Auntie's house.

Thing 2 slept late (430) then we went up to Auntie's house for a beautiful bbq steak dinner. Uncle Jeppy joined us and for the second time Thing 2 went right up for a hug!

We said our goodbyes, I yanked Uncle Jeppy in for a hug...yeah right you're getting away with a handshake...plech. Then back to the hotel to pack the car up for an early departure.

Thing 1 fell asleep on the drive to the hotel, but woke up once in the hotel, which meant a LATE night.

On the Road - day 4

Sunday morning was nice and quiet, we had a quiet breakfast in our room, then we drove over to his mom's apartment and I stayed to visit for a bit before leaving the entourage to head to St Matthew's Anglican Church. I went their once before - back in about 1991. It was nice to be in an Anglican communion again, but don't get me started on the sermon!

I returned to the apartment to pick everyone up and we drove over to his sister's house. She had been busy since the end of Mamma Mia. She had strawberries, pineapple and watermelon all cut up...she had made hashbrowns and bacon and sausages. She had the mix ready for waffles and had eggs on the go. It was a delicious buffet!

After lunch I took the kids back to the hotel for a nap, while they all went to the mall. After nap for thing 2 but not thing 1 we went to Walmart for a bit. Dad got a ride back from his brother in law and followed us into the parking lot. We wandered there and then decided that we were too full from brunch to go out for supper, we called and cancelled - which worked out for them too - and after I went swimming in the hotel pool - mostly alone, but part way through a man and his son came in - the man looked remarkably like Hugh Grant.

After swimming, we went to A&W for a light supper then Joe napped while the kids and I went to the playground again. Thing 1 was desperately sad that we didn't feed the ducks!

On the Road - day 3

Saturday arose to sunshine. My early rising husband had coffee at A&W then called his sister regarding breakfast...she had suggested we all eat together, but our kids are on NWT time still and were ready for breakfast at 7, her family was still in bed. We decided to go to Walmart and have McDonalds. We also decided to leave the car and walk...one thing I've noticed about the south is you drive your car somewhere and then walk there...I'm more used to Norman Wells where I walk to get places.

We had breakfast then told the kids we were going to walk around the store, but weren't buying anything...such liars we are...$50 later we left Walmart. We went back to the hotel and lazed around watching tv and playing. I dozed in front of the tv, then off we went to Auntie's house. We were there maybe 15 minutes and back in the car heading for Zellers. Which ironically means drive back to Sumas Way and turn south rather than north...Zellers is maybe 10 minutes from our hotel...I did contemplate driving for the border instead :)

We were at Zellers so Nana could buy the kids new shoes...for one of 2 reasons a) she buys the cousins things regularly and wanted to buy my kids something not from a catalogue or b) she thought they didn't have any shoes...which reason it is depends whom you ask.

Thing 1 got Cars shoes an outfit and a toy. Thing 2 got 2 pairs of shoes and 2 outfits. We took the kids home for naps after, only Thing 2 slept. We went back to Auntie's house a bit later and had pizza for supper with them...Auntie's downstairs relations have a dog ... a very cute sweet, excitable dog...Thing 2 decided to scream everytime said dog came within breathing range.

Uncle came by the hotel after our return and kiddies were very excited. Uncle used to live near us and we saw him infrequently, but they remember that and were very happy to see him...big hugs and smiles. Daddy and Uncle went for coffee until 9 when Daddy had to return cause I went to the movie with Auntie. We went and saw Mamma Mia! Very funny, entertaining!

We went to the late show, so it was after midnight when I returned to the hotel, but as all you mom's know that doesn't matter to Thing 1 and Thing 2...he decided to get up before 7!

On the Road - day 2

Friday morning I woke up in the beautiful quiet mountain town of Valemount. I felt very much at home...then I realized I could hear a train...wait, Norman Wells doesnt have train tracks...then I could hear a transport truck...wait I can hear transport trucks in Norman Wells, but not that many of them...right....I'M ON HOLIDAYS!!!!!

We had breakfast in the cabin, then packed up our stuff and stopped at A&W for the worst coffee I have ever paid money for. We continued on our way...stopping to double check we didn't forget the computer. We stopped only a few times, until Clearwater, then stopped for gas...we only had used 3/4 of a tank by then, and it only cost $65 to fill it.

We continued on to Kamloops and had Wendy's for lunch...well 3 of 4 did, Kate fell asleep on the outskirts of Kamloops...right about the time I stomped on the breaks since I was going 20 k over the speed limit and I saw an RCMP vehicle laying in wait, luckily he was generous and ignored me. When we got to Wendy's Joe stayed in the car and ate while Derek spent more time commenting on vehicles driving the #1 than he did eating.

We got back in the car and headed off for the Coquihalla. Other than a minor accident with the window we headed for Merritt with no major issues. We stopped in Merritt to strech our legs and look for a belt. We spent $15 in Extra Foods - no belt and $50 in Marks Work Wearhouse but at least this time got a belt ...lol

We had a minor detour to Princeton looking for a bathroom and arrived in Abbotsford about 4. However, Abbotsford proved tricky. We found Sumas Way no trouble, we could see the hotel no trouble...however, getting in the parking lot didnt work. Instead we were in the A&W parking lot...turn around, back north onto Sumas Way, thinking I'll do a square up South Fraser Way and around again, but no, South Fraser Way ends up in the same parking lot, just by the grocery store. After 5 lights we finally get around the corner heading south on Sumas Way and into the hotel after another detour...

We have stayed at the Coast Abbotsford Hotel before. The first weekend I met Joe in Abbotsford and met his family we stayed there. The second time was the night we got engaged ...New Years Eve 2001. This is the first time with the kids. We have a lovely 2 bed room. It is bigger than the one in Edmonton, but doenst have a balcony.

Joe called Jen right after we arrived, but I needed a rest before manouvering to find Jen's house. We arrived at Jen's about 530 and had a bbq supper. Derek was playing with the cousins right away, Kate took a bit to warm up. Max had a soccer game so Jen and Ben and Nana went with us to Mill Lake Park where we went to the playground then walked to the lake. Other than the crazies it was a nice time.

Then back to the hotel and an attempt at sleep.

Tomorrow is another day :)

Days 1-3 in photos

Derek and Kate at Ramada hotel first night







Shannon before leaving home

Derek at BC border

Joe Shannon and Kate at rest stop
Joe at Valemount cabin

Derek playing at park in Abbotsford

On the Road - day 1

Because I am me, I have a file folder all organized by date with mapquest printouts of our entire journey from Norman Wells to Abbotsford to Calgary and back.

We woke up Thursday morning, packed our bags and were headed into the car before 9. We stopped for breakfast at the Pantry then headed on our way. The directions say take Kingsway to 118 which turns to x which turns to y...I don't know what we did, we decided to follow the big green signs that said Jasper...and we got where we were going. I think the first "I want to go home" came before the Anthony Henday, and the first "are we there yet" came before Stony Plain.

We stopped for lunch in Edson - which I didn't really like...the food or the town. Then we drove to Hinton...which we did like. We continued on into Jasper Park and stopped at the Robson Tourist Info booth...this is not taking into account the times we stopped so Derek could pee, nor the time we stopped after Derek unbuckled himself in the car!

We left the parks and continued on to Valemount. We found our hotel right away... it helps that its on the East side of Valemount. We checked in, and found that it is the cutest little spot. There is a log house with a managers office, then you go up a round curve in the hill and there are 3 log cabins and a house. We stayed at the first cabin named Bear. You walk down a cement block path and up 2 steps into a beautiful wood door with a stained glass window. You then are in the foyer, there is a small bathroom with a beautiful white curtain to your right, forward is a bedroom with a double bed and bunk beds...old fashioned hanging from the ceiling bunk bed...to your left is the main room, a kitchen/living room idea. A fake wood gas stove, a plate hutch a hanging tv a table for 4 a couch and a bed in the wall. We put Thing A in the bottom bunk, Thing B in the double bed and we slept on the bed in the wall.

After we arrived we enjoyed the deck and hung around the cabin, then drove into town and drove around for a while. We had supper at a large log restaurant called the Caribou Grill. I had a steak that was the most fabulous I have had in ages! Joe had the special and the kids had KD Delight...which lucky for us was just regular KD not fancified.

We went to the grocery store for some cereal and bread then back to the cabin for bath and bed.

Have a good night:)

Shannon's no so Northern Adventure begins...

Well here I am, sitting in civilization. I am in a very quiet room, listening to a lot of traffic...I heard 3 ambulances in 7 hours...which really isn't too much - though I may have slept through a few :)

I came to be here because it is holiday time. I love to jokingly say that I am currently unemployed...which is not untrue. I had my last day at the daycare on Tuesday...and not a full day at that. Then I begin my new job in mid August...so until then...unemployed I am.

Since my husband is on holidays for July we have flown on a small company jet to the big city of Edmonton. The flight left 40 minutes late, leaving our beautiful and warm (27 degrees) home and friends to fly towards projected rain shower. We had a turbulent landing in Rainbow Lake and due to extra passengers had our 2 year old on our laps for the second leg. The 4 year old chose to nap, the 2 year old refused.

The second leg was more turbulent than the first, I was in the front row which means no window....which seriously irritated the 4 year old. I could however see out the pilots' window. I saw clouds....I saw rain....we all felt the hail. On our descent into the Edmonton area we hit a patch of hail...which I later saw on the Global news...and did a fast up and over to get away from...which almost caused my lunch to reappear...or would have if I had had lunch.

We landed safely. We got our luggage. We got in a taxi...and almost had a car accident as our taxi tried to turn into another lane which was currently occupied by a car. Minus that little scare, we arrived safely at our car rental...we got a Toyota Corrolla Hybrid...I love the idea of driving a new vehicle...but driving a Hybrid is super cool!

We found our hotel, checked in, and then found the mall. It was almost 6 and we hadnt had a real meal since breakfast. We had A&W....which doesnt sound interesting, unless you know I'm a fast food junkie, and I haven't had a fix since October! We wandered the mall and did some shopping...couldn't find what we were looking for...can you ever? Returned to the hotel, watched some TV, put the kids to bed...and 90 minutes later the 2 year old was finally asleep!

I however, had a fitful sleep, as I usually do in a hotel.
But I'm thrilled to be here.
And we're heading for BC in 2 hours......whoo whoo!

Patience....

Patience is a gift, patience is logic, patience is harmony....
yet I have none.
I have no patience for slow drivers.
I have no patience for lound noises.
I have no patience for rudeness.
I have no patience for this.

How did this happen, how did I end up without patience? I have parents who are much more patient than I am, and were more patient when they were my age, and when we were my children's ages.

I have no patience to wait.
I have no patience to listen.
I have no patience to empathize.

This sounds worse than it is (I hope). I have patience while you cry after being hurt. I have patience while you struggle to understand. I have patience to rock a sick baby for hours.

I do not have patience for repeating myself.
I do not have patience for the same errors again and again.

I try to learn.
I try to grow.
I try to stay calm.

God grant me serenity.
God grant me patience.