College kid

Today Darcy & I went to the Open house at Fanshawe College. He has applied and has been accepted into the Law Clerk program. It's a two year program and he has applied to live in residence. We took a tour of the school, the rez and sat in on an info session for the program. It's a pretty big campus and I'm sure it'll take time until he gets his bearings. But just like anything once you're used to it, it won't seem like such a big deal.

It's hard to believe that this year Krystle finishes her post-secondary schooling while Darcy is just beginning. I get a little emotional when I think of Darcy leaving home and going to school. You'd think that with one of the kids having already gone through the post-secondary school system, I'd be used to it. Thankfully I have a few months until he moves out to get used to it.

One of the definite perks is that I get to go back to school shopping this year. I didn't realize how much I missed it when I couldn't go last year.

Blessings

Renovations

ugh! I hate that word ~ it sends me into a chaotic frenzy.....
We've started renovating the back room. This is the room we are in and out of at least 100x a day. It's our main entrance to the house and is in desperate need of re-vamping.

This room was the woodshed of the original farmhouse. Many different Reno's have been done to the house. From adding a room, to opening doorways, changing doorways, creating a veranda, plus many layers of wall-paper, coats of paint, hard-wood floors, carpet, and now laminate flooring. Since I've been here we've done every room in the house at least once and alot of them, twice. Except the back room; I did paint the walls about 15 years ago, so needless to say this room is lo-o-o-ng over due.

We're planning on painting the walls, putting new flooring in, new blinds for the windows and new area carpet. Not alot to do, just a little freshen up as we want it to look nice for the wedding.

It's hard to believe how much stuff one can accumulate. We've got everything from the backroom sitting in the dining room right now and it's stressing me greatly. I am a Type-A personality and I like, no I need, to have everything in it's place. We've just begun the renovations and I am anxiously counting down the days till there done.

And since every post needs a picture, and the room is not close to being done, I thought I'd post this from my favourite house design site: Jenish For that day - in the not to distant future when I hopefully get to pick the next house we're going to live in.

Blessings

#99

What's the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear #99. Do you think of "The Great One" - Wayne Gretzky? Most people do, but for us, today, 99 is the number of days until our little girl will become Mrs. Krystle Zielman. It's been so exciting this past year, helping to plan the wedding. Watching her & Gerard make decisions not only for the big day but also decisions that will affect their life together; has been wonderful.

I must admit, there are days when I think through the specifics of their special day and I cry. Not because I am sad, quite the contrary, I am SO happy, excited, nervous, ..... and then I think OK girl get it together. I'm a little worried though that if I am this emotional now, what will I be like that day? Hopefully I can keep it together.


Blessings

S-P-R-I-N-G

As I am hanging wash out on the line this morning, I see my first Robin. Two sure signs that spring has sprung.

Blessings

Wonder Woman

Remember the 1975-1979 Wonder Woman TV series starring Lynda Carter? It was based on the DC Comics superheroine created by Dr. William Moulton Marston. Wonder Woman is a member of an all-female tribe of Amazons (based on the Amazons of Greek mythology) and was created by Marston as a "distinctly feminist role model whose mission was to bring the Amazon ideals of love, peace, and sexual equality to 'a world torn by the hatred of men.'" Her powers include super-strength, super-speed, super-stamina, super-agility, and flight. She is highly proficient in hand-to-hand combat and in the art of tactical warfare. She also possesses an animal-like cunning and a natural rapport with animals, which has in the past been presented as an actual ability to communicate with the animal kingdom. She uses her Lasso of Truth (which forces those bound by it to tell the truth), a pair of indestructible bracelets, and an invisible airplane. Arguably the most popular and iconic female superhero in comics, Wonder Woman is also considered a feminist icon and is informally grouped with Superman and Batman as one of a "trinity" of DC characters, regarded as especially important.

While I don't even want to begin to emulate this woman as she is a fictional character, there is one woman whom I do try to imitate:
The Wife of Noble Character Excerpt from Proverbs 31
10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Blessings

Being Girl's

We had the Kaufman Annual Girl's Day Spa Retreat Weekend. Friday night Krystle & I created this supper yummy dish, with mixed grilled vegetables, tofu, Thai seasoning with a taste of garlic. My mom and sister joined us a little later in the evening and we spent the rest of our time together playing games, watching movies and chatting. Saturday morning, after enjoying breakfast, we spent time sharing with each other what God has been teaching us. I shared from Philippians chapter 4 verses 6 & 7. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. What a wonderful opportunity to hear and learn from each other.

We then began to pamper ourselves: with foot baths, facials and manicures.
To finish the day off we treated ourselves to dinner.
Blessings

Student Life

Thursday night I had the opportunity to hang out with Krystle at Heritage. It had been several months since my last sleep-over and I was hoping for one more opportunity before she graduated and left the life of dorm and school. I love spending time with her in her environment. To get a complete view of life at school, we (like many others) spent the evening in the Library. Like my previous post I could and we did spent quite a bit of time there, looking for different books. Returning to dorm we retired for the night as we had 'class' in the morning.

As we sat in Dr. Wilson's History class, I soon realized I am not cut out for school. Students quickly tapping on their laptops taking notes, trying to decipher the importance of all he says. I always found if difficult to know what was important to write down and what wasn't important. I'm also a very sloppy writer and trying to re-read what I've written and to remember the text in which it was written confuses me. Having a laptop would have been very beneficial, and a great way to improve ones typing skills. I was quite astounded though that the majority of the class still took notes the old-fashioned way. After sitting through a 2 1/2 hour lecture, we enjoyed lunch at the cafeteria. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to see what it's like. Never having the opportunity to attend post-secondary school; it's been wonderful to catch a glimpse of it with Krystle.

Blessing

Library

Our local library has become one of my favourite hangouts. I could and do spend countless hours there looking at books, trying to decide which one to borrow. Sometimes I feel like Belle in the Disney's Beauty in the Beast movie where she goes to the bookstore looking for a new book and when there is nothing new she borrows her favourite ~ AGAIN. I have several books in my own home library that I love to read again and again.

There are times I must admit that I judge a book by it's cover. Sometimes I'm lucky and the book is phenomenal, other times I start reading only to be disappointed and end up not finishing the novel. I've learned that there are too many good books to waste my time reading bad books. I don't give up however, I continue to visit the library weekly and continue to borrow many books. These days I've several books on the go too ~ The Last Surgeon by Michael Palmer, Forgotten God by Francis Chan and The Flirt by Kathleen Tessaro.

Chapters is another place I love to spend time in. It combines my love for books and my fetish for Chai Tea Latte's. The only thing better would be if you could borrow books from chapters either that or I need our librarian to make a good cuppa tea, then I'd be set. ^.^

Blessings

Birthday Blessings

Yesterday, we (my brother & sister) gathered together to celebrate my sisters birthday. Three times a year we get together, just us, to celebrate each of our birthdays. My brother actually came up wth idea and I love it. Even though as a whole family we get together for the special holidays (Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving et al.), the time we spend for birthday celebrations is special. It's a great way for us to re-connect. We all live such busy lives, this is one simple way of saying you're important to me.

Blessings

New Layout

So I spent more time than I probably should have trying to decide on a new layout for my blog. I had been thinking about changing it for a while now, but just didn't like any of the choices offered at the blogger website. Today as I was reading Krystle's blog I noticed her new layout and loved it. She found hers after googling "free blog templates", so I did that and after looking at 168 pages with 10 templates per page, I finally settled on this one. When I asked Gerard what he thought, he said "yah I like it, I can see you sitting under that tree busy writing". I like that, cause I too can totally see me sitting under a tree journaling, and autumn is my very most favourite season.

After looking at it in the view blog window there were aspects of it that I didn't like, the biggest one being there were no dates on each post. ugh!

So I, well actaully Krystle changed it again and again, until we came to this one. It's nice too, what'cha think?

Bessings

Family Fun

When our kids were younger we would spend Friday nights together at home playing games, or watching movies. As the kids grew older, our games changed too, it didn't matter what we played, only that we were together. As they became involved in other things, like MYF (youth at church), school sports, going to friend's for sleepovers our family fun Friday nights came to an end.

Last night however, was the rare occasion that all our kids were home. It was wonderful to sit around the table playing different games, talking, laughing, snacking, spending time together. I hadn't realized just how much I was missing our family fun Friday nights, until it returned.

Blessings

My one flaw

A dear friend sent this via e-mail to me and I just love it, so I thought I'd share it.
One Flaw In Women

Women have strengths that amaze men.....
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in..
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what
makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas...
They give moral support to their
family and friends.
Women have vital things to say
and everything to give.
However, if there is one flaw in women,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Well said!

Blessings

Decisions

Ever feel like you're living your life in a maze? Walking along not sure which way to go, turning left or right not knowing if it's the right way. You either end up at a dead-end or it's another turn and you continue guessing which way to go.

We make decisions everyday in our lives. Some are easy, others, more difficult. How do you make decisions? Do you write out the pros & cons? Do you ask a friend's advice? Do you flip a coin? Or do you turn to the good book and read:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6 & 7 (New International Version)

Our trip

Wayne & I left on February 14 for a cruise vacation get-a-way. Excited was an understatement. Arriving to the boat I was overwhelmed by the sheer size of it.
Our stateroom while tiny was quite comfy.
We enjoyed many beautiful sunsets, much like this one:
In the very centre of the ship was 'the piazza' a beautiful double marble staircase; this was the first thing I saw upon entering the ship. Absolutely stunning!
Here's Wayne at one of the swimming pools on the Lido Deck. We spent most of the time on the boat around this pool.
It was totally amazing docking at the different ports of call. As we got closer to St. Thomas U.S. Virgin Islands it was amazing to see several other cruise ships already there.
We booked a tour for Maegan's Bay beach get-a-way. We were taken up the mountain to get this view of the bay.
Then spent several hours lounging on the beach, playing in the sand and soaking up the warm sun.
We enjoyed dinner each night with our dear friends, Dwayne & Claudia and Matt & Jane at either the DaVinci or Michaelango dining rooms. Fine dining at it's best! Here is just one of the fancy dessert's we enjoyed.

It was an amazing opportunity to cruise. It's something we've wanted to do for a while.

Blessings