last day of 2010

The end of a another year. 2011, somehow seems so futuristic. So much has changed in the last 100 years. What a difference a century makes!

1910 Ford Model R Here are some statistics for the Year 1910:
Fuel for this car was sold in drug stores only.
The average life expectancy for men was 47 years.
Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub.
Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.
There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles of paved roads. The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.
The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower!
The average US wage in 1910 was 22 cents per hour.
The average US worker made between $200 and $400 per year ...
A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year, a dentist $2,500per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.
More than 95 percent of all births took place at HOME ..
Ninety percent of all Doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION! Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press AND the government as 'substandard.'
Sugar cost four cents a pound. Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen. Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.
Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used Borax or egg yolks for shampoo.
Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering into their country for any reason.
The Five leading causes of death were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke
The American flag had 45 stars .....
The population of Las Vegas, Nevada, was only 30!!!!
Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and iced tea hadn't been invented yet.
There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.
Two out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write and only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school..
Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores. Back then pharmacists said, 'Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health' (Shocking? DUH!)
Eighteen percent of households had at least one full-time servant or domestic help .....
There were about 230 reported murders in the ENTIRE U.S.A.!
Try to imagine what it may be like in another 100 years.
IT STAGGERS THE MIND

Nickelback sings this great song:

If today was your last day, how would you want to be remembered?

Blessings

Cheese anyone?

Who Moved My Cheese? An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life, published in 1998, is a motivational book by Spencer Johnson written in the style of a parable or business fable. It describes change in one's work and life, and four typical reactions to said change by two mice and two "littlepeople", during their hunt for cheese. With all the changes both professionally and personally that I've experienced this year a co-worker shared this book with me.

Wikipedia's description is this: Allegorically, Who Moved My Cheese? features four characters: two mice, "Sniff" and "Scurry," and two littlepeople, miniature humans in essence, "Hem" and "Haw." They live in a maze, a representation of one's environment, and look for cheese, representative of happiness and success. Initially without cheese, each group, the mice and humans, paired off and traveled the lengthy corridors searching for cheese. One day both groups happen upon a cheese-filled corridor at "Cheese Station C". Content with their find, the humans establish routines around their daily intake of cheese, slowly becoming arrogant in the process.

One day Sniff and Scurry arrive at Cheese Station C to find no cheese left, but they are not surprised. Noticing the cheese supply dwindling, they have mentally prepared beforehand for the arduous but inevitable task of finding more cheese. Leaving Cheese Station C behind, they begin their hunt for new cheese together. Later that day, Hem and Haw arrive at Cheese Station C only to find the same thing, no cheese. Angered and annoyed, Hem demands, "Who moved my cheese?" The humans have counted on the cheese supply to be constant, and so are unprepared for this eventuality. After verifying that the cheese is indeed gone they rant at the unfairness of the situation and both go home hungry. Returning the next day, Hem and Haw find the same cheeseless station. Beginning to realize the situation at hand, Haw proposes a search for new cheese. But Hem is dead set in his victimized mindset and nixes the proposal.

Meanwhile, Sniff and Scurry have found "Cheese Station N", a new supply of cheese. Back at Cheese Station C, Hem and Haw are affected by their lack of cheese and blame each other for their predicament. Hoping to change, Haw again proposes a search for new cheese. However, Hem is comforted by his old routine and also afraid of the unknown. So again he knocks the idea. After many days in denial (including a search for cheese behind the wall of Cheese Station C), the humans remain without cheese. One day, having discovered his debilitating fears, Haw begins to laugh at the situation and stops taking himself so seriously. Realizing he should simply move on, Haw enters the maze, but not before chiseling "If You Do Not Change, You Can Become Extinct" on the wall of Cheese Station C for his friend to ponder.

Still fearful of his trek, Haw jots "What Would You Do If You Weren't Afraid?" on the wall and, after thinking about that, he begins his journey. Still plagued with worry (perhaps he has waited too long to begin his search...), Haw finds some scattered cheese that nourishes him and he is able to continue his search. Slowly losing his denial, Haw realizes that the cheese has not suddenly disappeared, but has dwindled from continual eating, and that the older cheese was not as tasty and had been moldy. After a letdown, an empty cheese station, Haw begins worrying about the unknown again. Brushing aside his fears, Haw's new mindset allows him to again enjoy life. He has even begun to smile again! He is realizing that "When you move beyond your fear, you feel free." After another empty cheese station, Haw decides to go back for Hem with the few bits of new cheese he has managed to find.

Uncompromising, Hem turns away the new cheese, to his friend's dismay. With knowledge acquired along the way, Haw heads back into the maze. Going still deeper into the maze, impelled by bits of new cheese here and there, Haw leaves a trail of writings on the wall ("The Handwriting On the Wall"). These clarify his own thinking and give him hope that his friend will find aid in them during his search for new cheese. Still traveling, Haw one day comes across Cheese Station N, abundant with cheese, including some varieties that are strange to him, and he realizes he has found what he is looking for. After eating, Haw reflects on his experience. He ponders a return to see his old friend. But Haw decides to let Hem find his own way. Finding the largest wall in Cheese Station N, he writes:

Change Happens ~ They Keep Moving The Cheese
Anticipate Change ~ Get Ready For The Cheese To Move
Monitor Change ~ Smell The Cheese Often So You Know When It Is Getting Old
Adapt To Change Quickly ~ The Quicker You Let Go Of Old Cheese, The Sooner You Can Enjoy New Cheese
Change ~ Move With The Cheese
Enjoy Change! ~ Savor The Adventure And Enjoy The Taste Of New Cheese!
Be Ready To Change Quickly And Enjoy It Again ~ They Keep Moving The Cheese.

Cautious from past experience, Haw now inspects Cheese Station N daily and explores different parts of the maze regularly to prevent any complacency from setting in. After hearing movement in the maze one day, Haw realizes someone is approaching the station. Unsure, Haw hopes that it is his friend Hem who has found the way.

CHEESE- is the metaphor for what we want to have in life, whether it is a job, a relationship, money, a big house, freedom, health, recognition, spiritual peace.

Blessings

so this is Christmas

It has been a busy few days. This year we saw some changes to our traditions. Krystle & Gerard started their own Christmas traditions on Christmas day so we,(Wayne, Kyle, Darcy & I) had a mini Christmas day. We enjoyed Brunch enchiladas, fresh fruit & dip, flavoured coffee and juice. The boys opened their stockings and we spent the rest of the day playing many games together. On Boxing day, Krystle & Gerard came over for dinner (turkey, gravy, dressing, mashed potatoes, baked squash casserole, baby carrots & peas, broccoli slaw, dinner rolls and baked cheesecake for dessert), and of course presents. Last year we started drawing names for Christmas. Wayne had my name I had Darcy, who gave a gift to Krystle, who had Kyle, who gave his gift to Gerard, who had Wayne.
Christmas 2010.

Good gifts...

given in love...

and received with a heart of gratitude...it was a lovely Christmas

Blessings

one more sleep

As our kids were growing up, we used to count down to big events by how many sleeps it was. Each Christmas we'd pull out the Countdown bear that would be filled with treats in each pocket. As each day would pass the kids would move the bear and get the treat. It was never difficult to get the kids up for school through the month of December, because it meant that the first one up got to move the bear and therefore get the treat.

Times have changes considerably. Poor Mr. Bear had sat in Dec 1 pocket for about one week until I remembered to move him. In fact each week he'd jump a couple days to get caught up. Having our boys home over the Christmas holidays has brought back alot of memories of Christmas' in the past, it's been great reminiscing with them. So until the big day......

Blessings

Christmas Card

A few days ago, I posted a picture of the staff from the office trudging through the snow to get a picture to use for the Christmas card we were handing out. Here is the result: From all of us to all of you "Merry Christmas!"

Blessings

Social Network

One of the many blogs I like to follow, www.twentytwowords.com posted this video.



Watching this video, I must admit that I teared up a little bit. It’s often hard to think of Joseph and Mary as just regular people. They become larger than life in our Christmas celebrations. This kind of helped put a face of them in a way, if that makes any sense. No pun intended. The story of Jesus is beautiful, I guess it doesn’t matter how you tell it, just as long as you tell it!

Blessings

Another day in winter paradise

Huron County had been hit with a snow storm that lasted for days on end, closing schools, county roads, and highways. December 2010 will be an unforgettable memory with all the snowfall. Snowmageddon. Six snowdays in the last two weeks. The military helicopters were even rescuing motorists stranded overnight on a major highway not too far from here. We've had at least 5 feet of snow that has fallen since the 1st of December.

During all this, the staff at the office decided to get pictures taken for a Christmas card we want to give out this year, I won't show you the one we're giving but the one that was captured to get the one we're giving. love it!

My work anniversary is this weekend. Four years. It's hard to believe that - so much it seems has happened in the last few years. This year, however, was the year of the most changes; people leaving, others transitioning into other roles and new positions were created.

Even though there has been many changes, one thing stays the same. The genuine appreciation that I feel from co-workers not only for what I do, but also for who I am! Looking forward to many more years!

Blessings

Christmas..... peanuts style

This Christmas marks the 45th year of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and its shining moment of Linus reciting from the gospel of Luke.

In a year where neighbours are objecting to private nativity displays, where Christmas trees are about to be renamed to a more "politically correct" term, and where commercialization is squeezing the last breath out of this holy day--here comes Linus to tell us all the real meaning of Christmas. In this day and age, it almost takes your breath away to think that a TV networks is willing to broadcast the precious words of Scripture on national television.

I was fascinated to find out that a documentary filmmaker was at the bottom of it all, producer-director Lee Mendelson. He and "Peanuts" creator Charles Schulz worked with animator Bill Melendez to create this television special. According to the Post, "Charles Schulz was long viewed as a man plagued by anxiety, self-doubt and fear of rejection. Yet when it came to the production of 'A Charlie Brown Christmas,' Mendelson says, Schulz was the epitome of confidence and assured cool." He was also the one to hold the line about the shows focus, according to the newspaper. Schulz insisted on one core purpose: "A Charlie Brown Christmas" had to be about something. Namely, the true meaning of Christmas. Otherwise, Schulz said, "Why bother doing it?" Mendelson and Melendez asked Schulz whether he was sure he wanted to include biblical text in the special. The cartoonist's response, Mendelson recalls: "If we don't do it, who will?" To Coca-Cola's credit, Mendelson says, the corporate sponsor never balked at the idea of including New Testament passages. The result -- Linus's reading from the Book of Luke about the meaning of the season -- became "the most magical two minutes in all of TV animation," the producer says. Mendelson also credits part of the power of the scene to child voice actor Christopher Shea, whose tone of wise innocence, the producer says, fits the moment perfectly.

Note how when he gets to the verse about "fear not," he drops his beloved security blanket. A wonderful example for us all this holiday season!

Perhaps there's a glimmer of hope to be found there, for what is now rare may actually carry more weight and meaning. Perhaps because it is so unfamiliar, the idea that a Savior was born will provoke curiosity instead of the contempt of the overly familiar. This is my prayer.

May the Holy Spirit impress that truth upon hundreds--even thousands!--of viewers as they watch. Hallelujah, our Savior is born!

Blessings

Take a walk on the Boardwalk

We've been hit with an true Canadian winter storm. School and roads have been closed off and on for the past two weeks. Up until now it's been great, but, I'm starting to panic, we still have some Christmas shopping to do, our food supply is starting to dwindle and one can only play so many games of Monopoly. The history of Monopoly according to Wikipedia can be traced back to 1903, when a Quaker woman named Elizabeth (Lizzie) J. Magie Phillips created a game through which she hoped to be able to explain the single tax theory of Henry George (it was intended to illustrate the negative aspects of concentrating land in private monopolies). Her game, The Landlord's Game, was commercially published in 1924. Other interested game players redeveloped the game, some changing its name to Auction Monopoly and later to plain Monopoly, and many making their own sets customized for their own cities. Several people, mostly in the U.S. Midwest and near the U.S. East Coast, contributed to the American version of the game's design and evolution. Phillips herself patented a revised edition of the game in 1923, and similar games of this nature were published commercially.

Charles Darrow is known to have played an Atlantic City variation of "Monopoly", created by his friends, the Todds, who lived in Philadelphia. He became unemployed in the 1929 crash and decided to sell copies of the game taught to him by the Todds. He launched it in 1933 and it quickly made him rich. In 1935 Parker Brothers bought the rights from Darrow and started manufacturing a slightly updated version.

By the 1970s, the game's early history had been lost (at least one historian has argued that it was purposely suppressed), and the idea that it had been created solely by Charles Darrow had become popular folklore. This was stated in the 1974 book The Monopoly Book: Strategy and Tactics of the World's Most Popular Game, by Maxine Brady, and even in the instructions of the game itself. As Professor Ralph Anspach fought Parker Brothers and its then parent company, General Mills, over the trademarks of the Monopoly board game, much of the early history of the game was "rediscovered".

The Monopoly board consists of forty spaces containing twenty-eight properties (twenty-two colored streets, four railroads and two utilities), three Chance spaces, three Community Chest spaces, a Luxury Tax space, an Income Tax space, and the four corner squares: GO, Jail, Free Parking, and Go to Jail.

It's been fun to play multiple games of Monopoly these past few days, and even though I tend to lose more games than I win; it's not about winning or losing it's about creating memories!

Blessings

Mr. Scrooge

Another snow storm and another day for book work. oh goody! {note the sarcasm} As I sit here entering data into the spreadsheet program, I'm hunched over and rubbing my hands together trying to stay warm, feeling a bit like Bob Cratchit in the movie "A Christmas Carol". With this latest storm hitting the area it's hard to keep the house warm. Not for lack of trying though; Wayne has our corn stove burning at full capacity. Living in the country has its benefits but one definite drawback is that without having other houses close by it's difficult to keep the house warm. Wayne's not really a Mr Scrooge when it comes to heating my office space, I couldn't resist the title of this post. Well, this is enough of a break, I need to get back at the books. ^.^

Blessings

Special Surprises!

Krystle & Gerard came over yesterday as Krystle wanted some help with her Christmas baking. When she first called to ask if I could help her, I figured we'd be doing it at her house, but no she said, "mom, your kitchen is so much more roomier than mine - can we do it at your house?" How could I refuse? So they came and brought with them this beautiful bouquet of flowers! What a wonderful surprise - not only did I get to spend time my daughter and son-in-law but I get to enjoy the beauty of these flowers for days to come. How awesome is that?!

Blessings

O Christmas Tree

Hurray! Our Christmas tree is finally up and the rest of the house is decorated too! With both boys away at school and Krystle & Gerard having their own home; I found it alot harder to get everything ready this year. It was always alot more fun when the kids were around to help. As each box was opened we'd share our memories of Christmas' in the past and decide together where to put all the decorations. It's so much more fun when someone helps.

Blessings

Snow Storms & Blessings

Can a snow storm be a blessing? Sure it can be, it's all about your attitude. There was a time when I used to be angry about snow storms. After all I had plans for the day, places to be and things to do and nothing was going to stop me, not even a whiteout blizzard - ah how things have changed. Now I relish the thought of not being able to get anywhere giving me the opportunity to stay at home. It's kind of nice to have some forced relax time. With the storm raging outside, and not heading into the office I decided it was good day to get caught up on some things around the house. One them being bookwork - you'll remember back in October when I blogged about falling behind? If not you can read it here.

As I am going through the many files entering all the data into my spreadsheet that I prepare for the accountant, I came across my "blessings" file. It's a place where I keep the cards given to me throughout year from different friends & co-workers. This file was started based on a suggestion from a dear friend and I'm very grateful, as it serves as a gentle reminder to me that I am loved.

Blessings

Winter Wonderland

With the fresh fallen snow the view of the evergreen trees outside my window is gorgeous, simply gorgeous! While winter is not necessarily my favourite of the seasons I must admit that on days like today I enjoy this season a whole lot more. How can anyone say this is not beautiful?

Blessings

Flashmobs

A friend shared this yoututbe video with me.

LOVE IT!

We're hearing more and more of these 'flashmobs'. Even though this one was staged, I can't help but wonder how many people will be inspired to create one spontaneously.

Most of the Christmas songs that we hear sung give glory to God. As more and more 'flashmobs's are spreading the good news, it excites me to think that this scripture: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2: 10 - 11 is being fulfilled.

Blessings

Let the countdown begin.....

Can you believe that we're already counting down to Christmas? And here I am, not even started with decorating the house, let alone having the Christmas tree up. Hearing all the people that have decorated, made their cards and started their baking, I tend to get so frustrated with myself.

In fact, more and more of late, this time of year really stresses me out - all the things we're to do to get ready for Christmas...... mmhmm makes me wonder "if I spent as much time getting my heart ready, how much more would I be ready to do all the other stuff?" So I've decided to slow my life down and take time to read 1 chapter a day of the book of Luke to help my heart get in the "Christmas" spirit.

Blessings

Sunny side up

After travelling more than 12 hours, we have returned home safe & sound from our holiday in Cayo Coco, Cuba. We stayed at the all-inclusive Tryp Hotel Resort, we'd been there about 2 years ago and were looking forward to returning. It was interesting to find out that alot of the staff were still there and that they remembered us, well more specifically Wayne, he's little more memorable. ^.^

We thoroughly enjoyed our time away, and having no responsibilities other than deciding what to wear it was a very relaxing holiday.

Now it's back to reality......

Blessings

ps. more pictures coming soon

Leaving on a jet plane

but I know when I'll be back again.... in exactly one week! Wayne & I are leaving on a much needed and long overdue holiday. We're headed to Cuba for sand, sun and surf. See ya when we return.

Blessings

Bleckh

ohhhhh, the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is mhmm delightful... ugh! what an icky day, one that makes you feel you don't want to leave the house but rather stay home and not do anything. It's amazing how the weather can change the way I feel about things. On a bright sunny day even in winter, I like to get outside and go for a walk, and can feel pretty good! But on dreary days like today, all I want to do is curl up beside my warm corn stove and read a book.

These days I've got a few books on the go: James Grippando's When Darkness Falls , Jonathan Kellerman's Private eyes and Max Lucado's Fearless. Plus, I just finished James Patterson's Step on a Crack. This website is a great resource to finding new books and learning about new authors. It's one I use regularly, I find it extremely helpful when I'm trying find different authors to add to my collection. Now I have a stack of books on my to read list, hopefully I can read alot of them while we're on holidays.

Blessings

Indian Summer

After a wonderful week of Indian Summer, I find today to be a little depressing. With the heavy gray sky and dampness in the air, I find myself wishing for the warmer weather of Autumn. Did you know that an Indian summer is a meteorological phenomenon that occurs in autumn, in the Northern Hemisphere? And that it is characterized by a period of sunny, warm weather, after the leaves have turned following an onset of frost, but before the first snowfall.

Most often I like and even enjoy each of the four seasons we have; each season having their pros's and con's. It's the transition from season to season that I dread; especially at this time of year, I find myself struggling. Knowing that I have SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) which dictionary.com explains as 'depression associated with the reduction of daylight during the shorter days of late autumn and winter', helps to explain alot of why I feel the way I do. It's during these times that I've had to learn to base my decisions on what I know and not how I feel.

Blessings

Card Making 101

A number of year ago, we were introduced to Stampin' Up, a rubber stamp company with everything you can think of needed to make your own cards. This afternoon, Krystle & I spent time making a few Christmas Cards. Normally I am not a creative person, but using the stamps, paper and ink pads that all coordinate together, makes it alot easier. Plus, Krystle is truly talented and usually I just end up copying what she's already created.

It's hard to imagine that Christmas is only 42 days away, normally I don't even begin to think about it let alone start anything. But hurray for me, even if it is only with a few cards, it's a start.

Blessings

Remember

This song makes me think of all the soldiers fighting in the war.



Growing up in we never really made a big deal about Remembrance Day. At school of course we did an assembly and had different veterans come in. But it really never meant anything to me. War seemed so foreign to me. In a way, it still does. None of my extended family is serving in the military.

About a year ago, my youngest son was trying to decide what to do after highschool. He came to his Dad & I and talked about joining the Armed Forces. Even though he choose not join the forces (he's at Fanshawe College in the 2yr Law Clerk Program), it's made me really think about those who are serving their country and the families they've left behind.

To all those who have served and are serving our country ~ I will remember!

Blessings

Lunch Date

Who doesn't love a lunch date? ... especially when it's with your son who's away at college. I met up with Darcy at Fanshawe and we headed over to Swiss Chalet for lunch; where we not only enjoyed a delicious meal but where I was able to chat and catch up with him.

Darcy tends to be a little on the quiet side. Usually letting his siblings do most of the talking when we're all together. So this was a nice reprieve to have a little one on one time with him. During our time together he filled me in on life at school, dorm life and life in the city. He was telling me about catching the bus and learning how to maneuver throughout the city. As I listened I couldn't help but think about how my quiet farm-boy is slowly becoming a city-slicker. I'm so proud of him!

Blessings

Be our Guest, be our guest......

Lumière - The kind-hearted but rebellious maître d' of the Beast's castle, in the Disney movie "Beauty and the Beast", has been transformed into a candelabra.

In this scene

Lumière show his gift for hospitality.

The Gift of Hospitality as described by Wikipedia and Dictionary.com, is the relationship between guest and it involves showing respect for one's guests, providing for their needs. The quality or disposition of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way.

We were guests at the Roes' home last night where we enjoyed visiting each other, eating together and playing many games. Our hosts were most hospitable, creating a welcoming atmosphere and served a super-scrumptious spread.

Thanks Tom, Lynette, Lucas, Sarah, Jillian, Carrie & Naomi for including Wayne & I at your dinner table, it was a wonderful occasion to gather together. While we didn't have any singing cutlery or enchanted dishes to entertain us, our time together was delightful.

Blessings

Wine & Cheese

Could there be any better combination? I think not! Krystle hosted a lovely girls only wine & cheese party at their apartment. Each guest was invited to bring their favourite wine and enjoy a delicious variety of cheeses. Krystle & I were busy as can be making Hot Cheese Dip, Tex-Mex Cheese Fondue, Baked Brie with Apple Mango Chutney, Garlic Cheese Ball, Red Pepper Jelly & Cream Cheese, Goat Cheese and of course a Cheese tray with a scrumptious variety of cheeses.

What a delightful evening it was as guests came to visit, see their apartment, sample the different wine and enjoy the trays & trays of cheese. Thanks Krys ~ we should do this monthly. ^.^

Blessings

Seasons

In Ecclesiastes 3:1 is says: "To everything there is a season" and it continues on to list the different "times" of opportunity. This time of year as we begin to settle in for winter, I get a little downcast ~ time to weep?

At my Lectio class this was shared:

Without the changing seasons, vineyards would never bear fruit. Likewise, our spiritual growth demands an ever-changing climate - seasons when God's work is tailor made to our personal circumstance. Seasons designed by the Father as he nourishes our lives toward fruitfulness. Seasons that bring a healthy balance of joy and challenge, of diligent effort and renewing rest.

We must learn not only to embrace the season we're in, to enjoy its gift and confront its challenges, but also to let it go when the seasons change. The cycle of God's care is always dependable. Even when we can't see it, He is working to bring fruit in our lives. The key to remaining in the Vine is to look for the way God is working in our lives at any given moment.

It's God's vineyard remember. He determines the seasons of our lives when to prune, when to feed and when to harvest.

He loves us in each moment, just as we are. Even if we aren't making any attempts to change or "do better"... His love is not conditional upon our performance. He is a good gardener that deeply cares for the growth you experience.

This expresses exactly what I was feeling, so what season do you find yourself in? Is it Winter? Spring? Summer or Fall? Blessings

Question?

Smarties the colourful sugar-coated chocolate confectionery that comes in eight colours: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, pink and brown. So the question.. ."When you eat your Smarties, do you eat the red ones last? Do you suck them very slowly, or crunch them very fast? Eat those candy-coated chocolates, but tell me when I ask, when you eat your Smarties, do you eat the red ones last?"

Blessings

Monday, Monday, .. . ...Monday

Monday ~ A time to reflect on the weekend. Kyle & Darcy, (both are away at college this year) were home and Krystle & Gerard came over making this past weekend awesome! Friday night, we spent most of the evening sitting in our new hot tub, chatting, soaking and sipping a glass or two of fine wine.

Monday ~ The beginning of what could be a very long week. After having Kyle home for his reading week from Georgian College, I'm afraid this week could be tough as we get back to our 'empty nest' routine.

Monday ~ Cleaning, doing laundry, and running a few errands, I hope to get things back into order. Blessings

Party for three!

One of the newer traditions we began in my family is that my brother, sister & I gather together to help celebrate each other's birthdays. It's probably been about 5 years or so that we've been doing this and I love it. My brother, bless his heart, was the one who came up with the idea. Since I recently celebrated my birthday I got to choose the restaurant where we gathered. So we meet up in Stratford at Kelsey's (totally forgot my camera) where we enjoyed a great meal, even better conversation and totally enjoyed our time together. We continued our time together by heading over to Coffee Culture and continued to catch up with each other and our ever-so busy lives.

Family is something I tend to take for granted, it's one of those things that I've always had and today really realized how grateful I am to have a brother and a sister. Thanks guys for a great afternoon, I'm really looking forward to February when we get to do it again.

Blessings

A time to relax

Our hot tub arrived, and is strategically placed just off the deck on a small patio that Wayne built.
He's a pretty handy guy, I think I'll keep him ^.^ I'm so looking forward to using it and taking the time needed for relaxation.

Blessings

Sasha

Our puppy celebrated her 2nd birthday today, and I couldn't resist posting a blog about it.

Here is a picture of when we first got her... .. ... and another one of her now. She is such a sweet little puppy and greets everyone she meets with such excitement as if to say "you're here, you're here!" Though she is a dog, she is definitely part of our family!

Blessings

Life is like a Box of Crayons

Colouring was one thing I enjoyed doing with my kids. We would and did spend several hours sitting together coloring. I found that when we were focused on something else, like colouring, the conversations we shared were some of the best. I loved colouring, opening a brand new colouring book with a new set of crayons, would a bring a smile to my face. Sometimes I wish that I still had little people around to colour with, it's just not same doing it alone.

Introduced in 1903, a box of Crayola crayons sold for a nickel and included eight of the same colors available in today's palette: red, blue, yellow, violet, orange, black and brown. We could learn a lot from crayons; some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, while others bright, some have weird names, but they all have learned to live together in the same box.

Blessings

Shopping spree

Krystle & I just returned home after a very long, afternoon and evening of shopping. Not my most favourite activity, but one that was very necessary. After losing 20 lbs, I found that my clothes were not fitting anymore, thus a shopping spree. I really hate shopping. The looking through all the racks trying to decipher what to try on. The pressure of the sales people to buy the things you're trying on, whether they look good on you or not. And the time it takes to try everything on. Having Krystle along made it much more tolerable. Thankfully we found a few clothes that when added to what I already have at home will give me some new outfits.

Best part of my day??..., no it's not coming home with new clothes, it's being able to spend time with Krys ~ thanks doll, you made the whole experience wonderful, let's do it again... um.... but not for a while. >.<

Blessings

Sundays + Starbucks = Smiles

We headed to London today to run a few errands, visit our son (who's attending Fanshawe College) and of course treated ourselves to something special. ah yes, I love starbucks - my favourite ~ a venti tazo soy chai tea latte, extra hot.. . ... Sitting, sipping and savouring not only my tea, but time. Time that I choose to set aside. It's easy to get caught up in the busyness of life, the comings, the goings. It definitely takes discipline to sit and to be. Great ending to a great day! Blessings

Happy Birthday! - to me!!

On my facebook account several of my friends wished me "Happy Birthday" and a few even congratulated me on turning 29 - again!

However I am not 29, as much as I'd like to be, it's just not true. So today I celebrated my 40th birthday - again ^.^ In fact my son said to me, "Happy Birthday, Mom. I legit don't know how old you really are." That's ok, I don't plan to reveal my age, ~ I know, I know it's just a number but... .. ... until the math no longer works with the ages of my kids, I'll keep it a secret.Blessings

Saying good-bye

Both our boys live away from home while their attending college. With Kyle in Orillia and Darcy in London, today was a day of good-byes. This weekend was wonderful having everyone home for Thanksgiving. Unfortunately all good things must come to an end. So I drove Kyle to Stratford where thankfully my Mom & Dad were willing to take Kyle back to Orillia. Later then, Wayne & I drove Darcy back to London; and here I sit a little down-hearted. But as Dr. Seuss says "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.” So I'm trying to smile... .. .. .

Blessings

Happy Thanksgiving

We celebrated Thanksgiving today with the whole family, not just my kids, but my Mom & Dad, my brother, my sister and her family, all 15 of us were gathered together. After our delicious dinner we took a walk back to the bush... and took some family photos. Unfortunately we didn't have an extra person to take the photos of all of us, so my brother & I took turns taking the photos. As we got closer to home, I quickly snapped this picture as I was suddenly overwhelmed with thanksgiving for all that I have. My family, and our home - a place of refuge from the world - our haven.

Blessings

Road trip anyone?

No, not for me, anyway. I just returned home from being on the road for 10 yes, count them 10 hours. With Thanksgiving just around the corner our two boys who are away at college this year came home. And who should be the lucky chauffeur, yep that's right, me. So I left at 10 am this morning, drove to London to pick up son #2, returned home and headed right back out to drive to Orillia to pick up son #1. Thankfully my dad was able to come with me the second time, as I wasn't looking forward to doing that drive alone. Sitting here typing this blog, I find myself grinning from ear to ear and listening as my boys re-connect with each other. It's so nice to have them home.

We'll be celebrating Thanksgiving on Sunday and the whole family will be together again. That's one thing I know I took for granted - having family at home. With the boys gone to school and Krystle married, Wayne & I find ourselves as empty nesters, it'll be a nice change to have the nest full again this weekend.

Blessings