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