Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia

THIS was a HUGE accomplishment for me!

8.52 km's  completed in just over 2 hours

Just 4½ months ago, following an ER visit and a diagnosis of pericarditis, I couldn’t even walk across my house without pain, extreme exhaustion, and the need for naps. My body has really struggled to recover ever since, which makes this moment mean SO much to me.

For so long, it felt like I was taking 5 steps forward only to take 10 steps back. I couldn’t do much of anything all summer, and that took a toll on me both mentally and physically. It’s hard when your body just won’t cooperate and life for a time doesn’t look anything like you thought it would.

Even though I’m still not 100%, my body can still crash hard, and I still have to rely on medication it’s easy to get caught up in the frustration of it all. It’s easy to whine and complain when life isn’t going the way we think it should. And trust me, there have been moments when I’ve done just that!

BUT, even in the middle of all the setbacks, I’ve witnessed so many small mercies and little miracles along the way. I know I haven’t been alone through this journey, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.

When I step back and look at the bigger picture, I’m reminded that this is just a small season in the journey of my life. It hasn’t been an easy one, but it’s teaching me things I might not have learned any other way.

Just two weeks ago, I wasn’t even sure I’d be able to go on our Cape Breton trip because I’d experienced a small relapse. So, to actually be there, exploring, getting out, moving my body, and enjoying the beauty around me? PURE JOY!

I may not be where I want to be just yet, but today I’m celebrating how far I’ve come. And sometimes, those seemingly little accomplishments really are HUGE!

                              

Until We Meet Again - Uncle Rod

Today we received the sad news that Les's Uncle Rod passed away this morning at Salmon Arm Hospital, surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

We'll miss this sweet, gentle man but happy that he is no longer in pain.

I have no doubt that he was greeted by many on the other side of the veil. What a beautiful reunion that must have been!

Uncle Rod Haddad with his son Chris Haddad in Salmon Arm, BC July 2026

Take Your Parents to Work Day

Les Haddad pictured with the Irving Halifax Shipyard behind him

Its really not a 'take your parents to work day' but when your son phones to say his work is putting on a family event it kind of feels like a 'take your parent to work day'!

This is actually the second time we've been to one of these with Eli but it's been a couple years. This time we were able to see the full process. They had a ship starting to be built (didn't look like much of anything), one in the process (can see it behind Les in the picture above), and one completed (pictured below). These ships are BIG!

Irving does a nice job of opening its door to their employees, family, and friends which includes a huge kids area with bouncy castles, face painting, etc., food from a variety of food trucks, and touring the yard and this time the newly completed ship.

Emily Haddad, Eli Haddad, Jen Haddad, Les Haddad with a newly completed ship beyond us

 

Madagascar Vanilla Extract Progress - 1 Month

 Look at how beautiful that looks just one month later! What a beauty!!

Another Injury

It is safe to say that 2026 has not been my year in the health department. This latest self-inflicted injury is a perfect example of how chaotic things have been. While I am laughing through the pain, I am genuinely looking forward to turning the page and stepping into a much healthier, safer new year.

I Won Something!!

 I NEVER win anything but I can't say that anymore!!

Remember my post from last month regarding making my own vanilla extract?  Well I won 2 oz of beans of my choice and they just arrived!

I selected Gourmet Grade A Uganda vanilla beans this time. Just need to clean a jar and will start the process soon!

Opening Up to Spiritual Growth - Learning Through the Hard Things

These past 3-1/2 months have been difficult. It started with a frightening moment when I truly questioned my mortality. In that moment, I found myself pleading with my Heavenly Father, asking Him not to let this be the end. 

I am so grateful for the power of the Priesthood. I am grateful for Priesthood blessings that bring comfort, peace, strength, and healing. I have witnessed mercies and miracles, and I know that the power of God is real. I am especially grateful for worthy Priesthood holders who righteously honor the Priesthood they hold and are willing to answer when someone is in need. 

I am also deeply grateful for my patriarchal blessing. Our patriarchal blessings can serve as a personal compass, helping guide us as we navigate the journey of this life. During difficult moments with my health, mine has brought me tremendous comfort and reassurance, particularly as I have reflected on the promises and counsel it contains concerning my health and longevity. It has also caused me to pause and reflect: Am I following the direction my Heavenly Father has given me? Or have I, at times, wandered away from the path He is trying to lead me along?

We have a loving Heavenly Father who knows each of us personally and individually. He knows us in ways no one else can. He knows our hearts, our struggles, our fears, and our deepest desires. He also sees within us strength and capabilities that we may not yet recognize in ourselves. He sees the whole picture when all we can see is the difficult moment directly in front of us. I know that He is always there. Even when we feel weary. Even when we are discouraged. Even when we wonder how much longer we can endure. He has not abandoned us. He has not forgotten us. His love is constant, unwavering, and personal.

I am so grateful for personal revelation. I know that prayers are answered. Sometimes those answers do not come in the timing we would choose, or in the way we had hoped. But I have learned that Heavenly Father knows me perfectly, including how stubborn and thick-headed I can sometimes be! Perhaps, at times, He needs to stop me in my tracks so that I will finally pause and face the things I need to face. Through all of this, however, He has lovingly reminded me of one powerful truth: I am not walking this journey alone. He has reminded me to trust Him. But in order to recognize His voice, we must cultivate and nurture our relationship with Him. We must make time for Him. We must seek Him. We must turn to Him—not only when life becomes frightening or difficult, but in our everyday moments as well.

These past 3-1/2 months have not been easy. There have been moments of fear, exhaustion, frustration, and uncertainty. But they have also been filled with tender mercies, Priesthood power, answered prayers, personal revelation, and reminders that my Heavenly Father knows me and loves me.

I testify with all my heart that He knows each one of us. He is aware of our struggles. He hears every prayer, even the prayers that are spoken through tears or whispered when we don't have the strength to say much at all.

We are never alone. He is there. He loves us. And if we will trust Him, turn to Him, and allow Him to guide us, He will strengthen us through the very experiences that may sometimes feel as though they are too difficult to bear.

Of this, I testify, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

1st Try At Making Vanilla Extract

Bought some Gourmet Grade A Madagascar vanilla beans from Spiceland-Orchid Vanilla, to try my hand at making my own vanilla extract. So excited!!

Some say to leave it for a year minimum but others say you can start taking from the 'mother jar' within 4-6 months. I think I'll watch the process and go from there.

The bag that the beans came in smelled sooooo good so I decided to put white sugar in the bag and let it sit for a bit. I'm sure it's going to be the best vanilla flavoured white sugar ever! I can just taste that cake now - YUM!!

I'll keep you posted on the progress.

It's Been a Minute Since I've Made....

 Jalapeños were on sale and its been a minute since I've made Cowboy Candy (candied jalapeños).

I've been using the Candied Jalapenos recipe from The Chunky Chef. Love it!

Again, I now have to patiently wait for at least a month before diving into the jar. 

Opening Up to Spiritual Growth - Count Your Blessings

 

Today in church, we sang 'Count Your Blessings,' and it hit me so hard I almost started ugly crying. The past few months have been incredibly heavy, and I really needed that reminder. Focusing on gratitude and remembering God's goodness is such a powerful cure for worry, burdens, and doubt. It encouraged me to find hope in my struggles by trusting in Him and reminded me that recognizing our blessings brings real comfort, spiritual strength, and the power to keep going.

These two verses in particular....

V2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings; ev'ry doubt will fly,

And you will be singing as the days go by.

Count your blessings;

Name them one by one.

Count your blessings;

See what God hath done.

Count your blessings;

Name them one by one.

Count your many blessings;

See what God hath done. 

V4. So amid the conflict, whether great or small, 

Do not be discouraged; God is over all.

Count your many blessings; angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

Count your blessings;

Name them one by one.

Count your blessings;

See what God hath done.

Count your blessings;

Name them one by one.

Count your many blessings;

See what God hath done.