wandi

2011-06-04T23:11:00.000-07:00

Hello! I'm still here! I have been silent for a very long time. I want you to meet my new grandson. His name is Isaac. He is the precious gift from God that was given to my daughter and her husband! My daughter and her husband Brian have been praying for a baby for 10 years. The whole family has been praying as well! They have not been able to conceive a baby and have been on the adoption road for a couple of years. After much heart ache and disappointment this little precious guy came into our lives. He is just the happiest baby ever. He laughs all the time. My daughter and her husband have called him Isaac. His name means laughter. He does laugh all the time. They also called him Isaac because of the bible story about Abraham and Sarah and how long they wanted to have a child! Isaac came to us at 6 months old and he is the most precious gift that we can ever have asked for. He also looks like my son in law Brian. A total gift from God. We are so blessed!

2010-07-11T20:08:00.000-07:00

MENOPAUSE OUT LOUD!

Have you heard about this? If not, it is fantastic! On Friday night I went to the funniest musical I have ever been to in a very long time. It is called "Menopause Out Loud". Four women sang and danced their way on stage singing oldies from days gone by, but the words were changed to address the "change" that women go through. It was so funny. I have not laughed like that in a long time.

There were songs about hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, memory loss ..... and all that go along with the change of life. As I sat in the audience having my own hot flash and wanting to pee from laughter.. I truly felt a kindred spirit with the woman next to me having her own private summer and bathroom issues. It was wonderful knowing that I was not alone and that the woman 2 rows down had memory issues and problems with her eye sight. I took comfort in the fact that the girlfriend several rows back also was laughing/ crying because she too had many sagging parts. Mine more than hers but all the same I took comfort that there were many women going through what I was going through. It was just a fun time and I recommend this outing to any one whether you are going through the change yet or not. Cuz one day you will be there and you will understand. Go See it.

2010-03-22T21:26:00.000-07:00

I am so blessed! I have 2 beautiful little grand daughters that I adore and I know that they adore me. I love it when I can go and look after them and they offer me unconditional love. I love it when they ask me for lipstick when I walk in the door. I love it when they shower me with hugs and kisses. I love it when they both want to sit by me when I am invited to dinner. Lucky I have 2 sides! I love it when I can tuck them in to bed and hear the words I love you Grandma from sweet little voices as they drift off to sleep! I love it when they give me power kisses and hugs! I love the joy they bring to my heart just from the very thought of them! They are such a joy to me I feel words are not enough! Abby and Josie are such a beautiful part of my life and are what keeps me going. Thank you God for my precious gifts! I adore them and they adore me and that is the way it it should be! I am a blessed Gramma Indeed!

2010-02-07T17:56:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I am not a fanatic sports fan. I do enjoy watching our local football team play, especially when they make the finals. I have to admit that I do like to follow the winter Olympics when they come around every 4 years. I love figure skating the most! I remember as a little girl watching the figure skating on T.V. with my family! It was so exciting and a fantastic family time! I remember getting caught up in the gracefulness of the skaters and the excitement as the skaters waited for judges scores! After one night of watching the women figure skaters in their puffy costumes, I went in my bedroom and put on my frilly nightie and tucked the hem of the nightie into my undies and pretended to be a figure skater. I danced out into the living room to show my parents. I was so into my make shift costume. My parents just giggled and kinda cheered. I thought it would be cool to be a figure skater. As I have aged and matured, I am positive that was a dream not for me as I totally hate winter, ice, snow and frigid temps! Yes I do live in a place that has very brutal freezing cold winters and I wish every year not to be a figure skater but a bear so I can hibernate! I do ramble on and on! My whole point for this post is to mention the fact that I am excited that in just one week the winter Olympics are coming to our great country once again. In just one week I will be watching the figure skating and cheering for not just Canadians but all the best teams.I cheer for the under dog athletes! The ones that come from poor families and have worked exceptionally hard to get to that moment of glory. I love those stories the best. I will not be putting on my frilly nightie and tucking the hem into my undies. Cute as a little girl but, at my age not so much! But you know what , I live alone so who would know. Enjoy the Olympics everyone.

2010-01-29T12:59:00.000-08:00

Sometimes people try to be funny and they are totally not! Today I was working by myself as my co worker is off sick. I was quite busy putting out printing requests all morning. I had 2 cart loads of paper to show for all my hard work. The new mail gal came by to take the mail(in service mail) and there happened to not be any mail going out cuz it's a friday and many people are off today. She said to me " what's going on here? Is A the only one that does any work around here?" I was taken aback by this comment. Really? You did not just say that to me!.... Right away I tried to defend myself by saying " what do you mean, I have been printing job requests like crazy! " I don't know this woman! She just started delivering the mail for depot 3 weeks ago. The more I thought about it the more upset I became. I don't know if I should confront this person and tell her that I was upset by her comment and that maybe she should think before she speaks. Was she only trying to be funny and make conversation? Does she really believe that A is the only one that does work around here? I'm the type of person that bottles things up and that is not good for me. Maybe I should kindly tell this woman that her comment offended me and clear the air and get on with things. I just don't know! What would you do?

2010-01-04T21:47:00.000-08:00

I'm having a wonderful time with my sweet little grand daughters. My son and his wife Jen are away in Mexico and I have the privilege of looking after their precious girls. I slept over on Saturday night as their flight left very early in the morning. I was a little apprehensive as to how my little 2 year old granddaughter would be without her mommy and daddy. When she woke up I was greeted with lots of hugs and snuggles and " Hi gramma" She did how ever ask a few times where her mommy and daddy were. I just reminded her that they were on a trip and that they would be back soon. She was okay with that. My fear was that I would have to face an inconsolable little babe and I too would be a mess. So far not the case. I am home right now because the girls other set of grandparents came to be with the girls for the middle of the week while I go to work. I will relieve them on the weekend again until Jen and Jordan get home. We have arranged to pick them up at the airport. That will be exciting for the girls and me as well ! I know that Jen and Jordan will be so excited to see their girls greet them as they get off the air plane!

2009-10-26T22:41:00.000-07:00

The snow geese have flown south once again! I'm not just talking about the real snow geese , but I'm talking my momma and daddy! They left this morning! I am kinda jealous. I wish I could pack myself in the back of their trailer and be a stow away. I would love to avoid the harsh winter here in Canada, and end up in Texas! At the same time I am happy to stay behind and enjoy my new job! I really am happy to be here and am thankful that I have a warm home and warm building to work in! Pray for mom and dad as they travel with their home in tow. Pray that all storms will stay away as they go. I miss them already. Oh by the way mom and dad, I found your ironing board. It was in my clothes closet( don't know how it got there) hiding behind my clothes that I hung up. Like I told you before I don't iron often but use the dryer to iron for me. Any way I digress. Happy trails to you momma and daddy!

2009-10-23T21:58:00.000-07:00

Okay people! Are you all scared now? Has the media not made you frightened enough? I'm talking about the H1N1 flu. I work in an environment where the swine flu could be trouble. It's a closed academy where germs are shared due to living , sleeping , eating and learning in close quarters. Our academy has been warned and warned and instructed again about proper, and safe personal germ busting methods. What it comes down to is " Wash your hands People" Wash your hands after you use the washroom! Wash your hands after you touch the public shopping carts, or ATM machines...... Do this before you eat or touch your own mouth, eyes , or nose. If you can't wash your hands then use the antiseptic gels. If I can't wash my hands then I have a bottle of hand sanitizer with me. Hand sanitizer is mostly alcohol and is better to use than nothing at all. The best method however is to wash, wash , wash your hands. Take responsibility for your own health. Okay, I'm getting off the soap box now. :)

2009-10-11T23:45:00.000-07:00

I have so much to be thankful for! Just to name a few things, my kids and grand kids,

My home, a free country, food in abundance, friends who care and most importantly God who makes all things possible! I have to mention an event that has happened more recently. I got a new job that I am so excited about! I have been extended to work in the print shop until 2011. It is a dream come true and I thank God for that. I was in the print shop from May until September on a temporary basis. I had a wonderful summer. I was treated like a human being and I seemed to excel and thrive in that job situation. I just found out on Friday that I have been extended and that I am needed in that job position for a lot longer! I am on cloud nine! I can not stop smiling! I start on Tuesday!

2009-10-03T21:30:00.000-07:00

Summer fun!

Family gathered for mom and dad's 50th anniversary!

Beautiful Abigail! Having fun at Great uncle Johnny's
birthday!

Josie had more fun in the bubble fountain in great
auntie Peggy's back yard!

I think she likes the taste of bubbles. It was fun
watching her play!

I just enjoy my little grand daughters so much!
They light up my life!

2009-09-28T20:14:00.000-07:00

Tiffany and Brian had their 10th anniversary!

Mom And Dad had 50th wedding anniversary!

Abby first day of kinder garden! Awe! It can't be possible!

Josie turned 2! What a sweet heart! Melts my heart!

This is Josie looking for her sister after she went off to school! She kept asking "where Abby go?"

WOW! I can't believe it's been 3 whole months since I last blogged. I have had a busy yet wonderful summer. It started with me landing a temporary job in the print shop at the RCMP training academy. Then mom and dad had their 50th. Us kids put on a wonderful party if I do say so my self. A good time was had by all. We were busy with visiting friends and family. It was a great time! My summer went by so quickly. I enjoyed my time in the print shop! I was busy duplicating documents for RCMP members as well as all the curriculum for all the cadets. I was so sad when my time came to an end and I had to go back to cleaning again. But what a great experience it was! During the summer my youngest son turned 27, and his baby turned 2! My Daughter and her hubby had their 10th wedding anniversary! Yay! And my Abby girl( oldest grand daughter) started kindergarten. Yay! How time does fly. I find that the older I get the faster time does go by! I am so thankful to God for his blessings and for giving me a wonderful family!

2009-07-01T01:39:00.000-07:00

Some wonderful times of momma and daddy over the years! Me being the oldest I of course would have the most. But here are a snipit of the younger ones memories!

Memories of Mom and dad over the 50 years of married life!

I remember the first time I met Gramps. He introduced himself and stuck out his hand for a handshake. I grabbed his hand expecting a regular nice-to-meet you handshake. Instead he started laughing, pulled me in for a hug and said "I don't do handshakes, I do hugs"! I soon found this too be true of both Grannie and Gramps. I'm sure every time I've seen either of them in the past ten or twelve years, they've never failed to hug me at least once! (Jen Beloved grand daughter in law)

My fondest memory of grandma and grandpa is the camping we would do in long beach I remember grannie would help us make somores I loved it. I remember having pine cone fights with grandma in the woods. (Tiffany- First and only grandaughter)

I really enjoyed sitting around the table laughing at supper time or the times we would go camping together it usually rained but we would have so much fun anyway. (Johnny boy. Number one and only son)

It always seemed that no matter how hard the times would be, we as a family had the abilility to laugh. There was always much laughter growing up. Also thier love for God and passing that on to us as kids. (Wandi- First born daughter )

I remember another thing growing up. We moved a lot! One memory is of when we first moved to Dawson Creek B.C . Dad had just graduated from meat cutting school. We did not have a home to live in at first so we lived in a motel very close to the out door pool. It was summer time and we got to go every day to the pool. I thought it was great. Mom probably went nuts, wanting her own home. It was not long after that when we moved into a little house by grandma and grandpa Lobergs house. At first we did not have much for furniture but used boxes and crates for tables and such. But very soon we had a delivery of a new table, chairs, beds and I don't know what else. We sure did have to be adaptable throughout our lives. ( Wandi)

Grannie... Gramps....??? ( Sweet little 20 month Josie asked with a smile. She loves her granny and gramps so much) This is what she asked me tonight when I looked after her tonight.

Mom and dad You are loved so much. Happy fiftieth anniversary!

2009-05-30T20:38:00.000-07:00

MIA

I have been missing in action for a month now. Lots have happened since I last posted. I was approached to go to a new department on an assignment for about 4 months. The position came very unexpectedly. I could not turn it down. It's still with the RCMP training academy, but instead of cleaning, I am in the print shop. ( more money) I print out curriculum for the cadets as well as other printing jobs that anyone else with the academy needs ! I have been there for 2 weeks now and I am loving it so much! It is such a happy place to work. I look forward to going to work every day. I have also been spending time looking after my wee grand babies. They are so much fun and such a joy. They came to spend the day with me today. It was a hot day. Plus 29 celsius. I wanted to take the girls to the park early before it got too hot. So we set off at about 9:30 am with juice and snack and walked to the park, only 2 blocks away. Josie and Abby climbed and ran, and had a great time. On the way home Josie ( 20 months) all of a sudden stopped about half a block away and just seemed to run out of gas. I coaxed her along very slowly to my apartment. By the time we got to the front door of my apartment she all of a sudden just had enough and could not go any farther. It seemed that gramma had made her go too far. Poor little thing. She had a melt down for about 10 or 15 minutes. I was able to carry her up to my apartment where she cried and asked for her mommy. After that she calmed down, had lunch and had a 4 hour nap. Wow. She was tired. Did not mean to tire her out so much. I guess she needed the sleep. During her long nap I was able to spend time with Abby. She's 4 and we watched a movie and played make believe with my many teddy bears! It was a great day.

2009-04-30T20:08:00.000-07:00

Abby is the cutest little chick ever!
She was in a play for her pre- school called the "Little Red Hen". I was not able to make it to her performance but great granny and gramps were there and took some photos on my behalf. I'm so sorry I missed it! I really needed a good dose of Abby and Josie right about now! They are just the best! Love them so much!

2009-04-17T21:30:00.000-07:00

Mom and I made our little grand daughters matching sun dresses. It was fun. Sorry to mom for complaining about all the detail you made me do. I think they turned out pretty cute. At least the models are pretty cute!

2009-04-12T21:36:00.000-07:00

Mom and dad are back from Texas safe and sound. Thank you God! With all the storms and flooding going on in many parts of the states they wondered if they should start back home when they did or wait a few more days. They decided to go ahead when they planned and God took care of the roadways so they could make it through all the way back to Canada safely. The only thing they had problems with was strong head winds but that was okay. Just hard on the gas gage. It sure is good to have them back with us. We are having a family Easter dinner tomorrow and feel truly blessed that everyone can be together. We will enjoy the company of mom and dad for the next 6 months until they fly the coop and head back south in search of warmer weather. My folks are officially called winter Texans . This will be the 3rd year that they will make the trek. I wish I could go along. The winter here was so bad this last year. But maybe next winter will be better. Happy Easter to everyone! It's my favorite time of year.

2009-04-03T19:13:00.000-07:00

Spring slowly seems to be making it into our neck of the woods. I can see brown grass now! And the roads are bare and sidewalks are free from ice and snow! I drove down to our city park today to check out the situation! The lake is starting to melt and there are already geese back from down south! The ice is thin! Signs are out all over saying " DANGER THIN ICE" ! I sat in my car just happy to watch the scene and feel the warm sun shine on my face! It made me happy! Every thing is still so brown and dirty, but when I saw the geese ( only a few) it made me feel hopeful. Many more to come. It won't be long and the lake will be full of geese, ducks and all the babies. It's time! So over the next few weeks I will take a drive to the park and visit the lake to check up on the progress and be thankful that spring it finally here!

2009-03-25T19:23:00.001-07:00

Global Warming? I beg to differ!

We have yet to experience any of that here in my part of the world. Spring sprung last week but the weather has not gotten the message yet. It is snowing like crazy! Has been for the last two days. By now it should be melting and slushy and warm. It sure has been a long, cold, hard winter here. I just can't wait til we get some warm temps. I long to plant a little flower garden on my balcony. When we have weather so cold for so long, it makes me feel like it will be like this forever. Kinda like when a woman is pregnant and her last month seems so long she thinks she will be pregnant forever. At least that's how I felt. I know that spring weather will appear, just like the baby came in due time as well. Just a bit over due!

2009-03-18T20:39:00.000-07:00

This gorgeous couple is my mom and dad 50 years ago. Don't they look so sweet? Ten months later I was born. I was almost a honey moon conception. Okay, I guess you can say that I was a honey moon baby. Whoops, I have just aged myself big time! I'm sure my parents are saying ," where has the time gone". I know that I say that every day! Time sure does fly! My family and I are planning a celebration party for them this summer. Let the good times roll!

2009-03-14T21:40:00.000-07:00

25 RANDOM THINGS ABOUT ME !

1) When I was about 4 years old I tried to run away. I packed a little bag stuffed with a pair of socks and a toy or 2. I was not successful. My auntie stopped me before I could make it off the property!

2) I adore my sister. Sisters are great!

3) I hate macaroni and jello! Jello makes me gag!

4) As soon as I get home from work I change into my P.J.s. I get off at 3:30. It's maybe a little too early for lounge wear, but who cares!

5) I'm afraid of bugs of all kinds! Snakes too. Survivor contestant I would not make!

6) I do not enjoy cold snowy winters! It's just ..... cold and .... snowy..... Yuck!

7) I am paranoid of heights! Even a 6 foot ladder makes me whoozy!

8)If I had lots of money I would love to help others. Especially single moms!

9) If I had lots of money I would love to go to a fat farm or be a contestant on biggest loser!

10) I'm not an organized person. I have many junk drawers .

11) I feel that hugs can mend a lot of pain! Hugs are so important!

12) I cry at the silliest things. Even some commercials make me weep!

13) I believe in re-gifting as a good thing. If there is something I don't need then why can't I
pass it on?

14)I fell asleep at work once! Very briefly and I did not get caught (as far as I know) I was so exhausted and I thought " I just need to sit for a few minutes" and before I knew it I was awakened with a start and could not believe I had drifted off. I'm so ashamed. Sort of.

15) I crave stuffed green olives. I'm not even pregnant! I used to hate them, but now that I am older my tastes have changed.

16) I love teddy bears!

17) I love the British soap opera " Coronation Street"

18) I have been pre menopausal for the last 10 years. Too much info I know, but personally it sucks! Who loves Hot flashes? Not Me!

19)I've sucked up lego in the vacuum when my son was little! I was so sick of stepping on them (owe) Sorry Jordan!

20) The last time I permed my hair was 23 years ago, after I turned up at my brothers wedding looking like a poodle. My friend and I permed each others hair. The results were devastating. I cried, she cried and we vowed we would never touch each others hair again. Did I mention that I was in my brothers wedding party? Imagine the photos! Yikes!

21) I get annoyed when I'm watching T.V. and the network cuts in for a special report announcing something political !

22) My idea of camping is an R.V. with running water, heat , and no bugs.

23) I love, love, love watching movies.

24) I've vacuumed up money. Only pennies! I know every cent adds up!

25) I like to try new recipes when having guests over. I like to pretend I'm a great chef , but I know I'm not! My daughter inlaw is a wonderful chef. I've loved all the things that she has cooked for me!

2009-03-04T19:49:00.000-08:00

Yes the twins are 70! They look so good!

Happy 70th birthday to my momma. It is her birthday today. It's not only her birthday but her twin sister's birthday too. So happy birthday to aunt Peggy as well! It's a big mile stone for the twins! Wow, 70 ! It is also a big milestone year for me too this year. Yikes!!!!!! Yes, I am 20 years younger than my momma. And better yet my daughter is 20 years younger than me. So I guess it is a big mile stone year for my Tiffa honey too! Anyway, just want to acknowledge that my dear momma is 70, and say many happy returns. Love you lots mommy!

2009-03-01T15:41:00.000-08:00

FIRE BELLS AND OLD GALS!

I went to church last night so that today I could look forward to having a sleep in this morning! I was having a nice sleep when all of a sudden I was awakened by the fire alarm going off out side my apartment door. I jumped out of bed in a panic and my first thought was, get dressed. I can't go out side in minus 25 weather in my P.J.s My next thought was I need to go potty. I can't go outside in minus 25 weather having to pee! So I quickly went to the loo and ran for the door grabbing my coat and shuffling into my shoes, not bothering to tie them. I made my way down to the first floor ( from the 3rd) trying to keep my composure and not panic. As I passed the 2nd floor I could see folks slowly poking heads out their doors . It made me question why they were not trying to get out of the building like I was. I got to the first floor and again I saw people standing in the hallways, not in a panic at all. They were not rushing to the exit. It seemed that they were visiting. So I stood at the bottom of the stairs trying to get my bearings. One of my neighbors came walking down the stairs and said " no fire on the second floor how about the third? " I shook my head ( still foggy from sleep I'm sure) and replied " I did not smell any smoke, so it must be a false alarm." If truth be told I did not even stay on my floor long enough to even smell smoke. He said to me " this building is very fire safe so it will take a long time to burn." This is very true. There are thick brick walls between each apartment. So I guess there was no panic to get out as quick as I did. I just heard alarm and thought okay gotta go. The alarm stopped just as the man said that to me. So I made my way back up the stairs. As I got to the 2nd floor there were several people out in the hallway. This is where the old gal comes in. She came up to me with her fuzzy died hair flying behind her. She had many wrinkles, but I noticed that she was wearing a bright red lipstick and a strand of pearls. She must have been in her 80s. She started in on me right away, asking me " has the fire department been called yet" I told her " I think they had. I saw someone on the first floor with a phone in their hands." Little old gal kept on saying " it's against the law if the fire department is not called, and someone could be held responsible for this. The alarm has been going off for and hour now, and I closed the laundry room door then I opened it up, and someone needs to call the fire department" I suddenly felt responsible for the alarm going off. I tried to reassure the old gal that I'm sure the fire department had been called and were on there way. Then she just walked away from me mumbling down the hallway, maybe to call the fire department herself. Just then the landlord came around the corner saying " is everyone up now" and the rest of us just kinda giggled . After I saw the landlord I knew for sure that it was indeed a false alarm and made my way up the last flight of stairs to my apartment. I let myself in and then heard the sirens. I watched out the window as the fire truck pulled up in front of our building. They did not stay long. My heart was still racing and slowing calming down. It all turned out okay. You know when your in a deep sleep and the phone rings and you race to the phone and try to pretend to the other party on the other end that you were not asleep. And they ask you did I wake you and you say no, but you are so disoriented for a few minutes. That's how my day started. I still chuckle at the little dear gal. But I think she was probably just frightened too. Funny how people react when the adrenalin gets going.

2009-02-21T21:58:00.001-08:00

Hugging me Hugging You!

The other day I hugged a total stranger! It was so nice. Before you die of shock let me explain. It was a very frigid cold morning. I was just starting my shift at work and 2 clients came into the building where I work. They are visiting from another province. They were not dressed to protect themselves from the cold winter elements. I heard a groan and a grrr come from one of the men. I looked up from what I was doing and one man said to me " I need a toque.... and a hug" I right away replied " I don't have a toque but I can give you a hug." Well the next thing I knew I was in the arms of a man I had never met before. I could hear the snickers of his mates from down the hallway. I said to him " this will warm you up" . Then the hug was over and I was left with a smile on my face and a giggle in my heart. Later that day as I was cleaning I bumped into my hugging buddy again and he said to me " there's my darling" I just giggled and wished him a wonderful afternoon. There was nothing sexual about this hug that we shared. It was just a fun thing that happened. I think hugs are so important. I don't get hugs too often in my life, since my kids have grown up and left home. I don't know anything about this stranger that I gave a hug too. I don't even know his name. I just know that is was so nice. I hope it made his day as it made mine.

2009-02-19T15:41:00.000-08:00

Reporter Jen ( gorgeous daughter inlaw and mother of my grandbabies) has done an interview with me. I'll do my best to answer well!

1) When you get an evening alone to relax at home, what is your favorite thing to do?

My favorite thing to do is sit on my balcony with a good book. It's kinda hard in minus 20 weather and a balcony full of snow. So in the winter I love to come home and sit and watch my favorite T.V. shows or read a good book or do word puzzles. I look so forward to spring!

2) Besides your grandbabies and ME, of course, what are your greatest sources of joy?

My kids are pretty much my greatest joy. Honestly, my face lights up and I get a wonderful feeling seeing and being around my kids. I now know how my dad feels. He's the same! Some other simpler things that bring me joy are, candles and sunsets and warm summer days. Cliche I know, but those things do truly bring me joy.

3) You've been dabbling in sewing lately, making cute jammies and dress up clothes. Is this something you'd like to take up as a hobby? You could set up a nice little corner in your suite and whip off cute matching summer dresses for the girls. :)

A seamstress I am not. I had help from auntie Peggy (the real seamstress). I guess I could try doing matching dresses for our little honeys. I would need auntie by my side though. Plus I would need the use of her sewing machine. I did enjoy making the jammies and silly dress up clothes. Don't look too close at the seams. Like I said. A seamstress I am not.

4) Awhile ago you posted about a book you were enjoying called Fantastic After Forty. What is something you've learned either from that book or from living it in your own life that you wish you could teach young women? Something that they shouldn't bother wasting their time on or some piece of wise advice that would help them along the way.

Our ladies group , "seasoned sisters" is still working on the book.What I have learned from the book so far is, that we need each other. Friends are so important! We all need to lean on and relate to each other. It's great to know that what I am going through, I am not alone. Others are going through the same thing. I also learned that having a sense of humor is so important. We all age and some not too gracefully.(Me) It's so nice to be able to laugh at myself and try not to be so hard on myself. That's the advice I would give. Humor, friends, and forgive yourself! Also don't sweat the small stuff! Things always seem to work out!

5) I know you've always wanted to take a trip to Italy. Do you think that's in the cards for you some day? Who would that ideal trip be with?

I would love to go to Italy some day. Some day when I am out of debt! I think that I would be very fine going by myself. I have been on my own for quite a few years now, and I'm quite comfortable just being on my own. At times it might be lonely, but it would be great to meet new friends.

Thanks for the questions Jen. xoxo

2009-02-13T16:35:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day to every one out there. One might look at me and say that I do not have a valentine! Well I do not have a significant other, but I do have many loves in my life!!! My 2 beautiful children and their spouses. Plus my gorgeous granddaughters are the loves of my life ! They bring me unconditional love and joy. So I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

2009-02-09T15:57:00.001-08:00

Dan was a single guy living at home with his father and working in the
family business.
When he found out he was going to inherit a fortune when his sickly
father died, he decided he needed a wife with which to share his
fortune.
One evening at an investment meeting he spotted the most beautiful
woman he had ever seen.
Her natural beauty took his breath away. 'I may look like just an
ordinary man,' he said to her, but in just a few years, my father will
die, and I'll inherit $20 million.'
Impressed, the woman obtained his business card and three days later,
she became his stepmother.
Poor Dan!

Women are so much better at financial planning than men.
No offense guys out there. It's just a joke!

2009-02-04T15:45:00.000-08:00

My heart is so heavy right now. I feel like it is about to break. It's breaking for 2 of my co workers. 3 weeks ago one of my co workers buried her husband. He was very sick and died of kidney failure. He was only 58 years old. Today I found out that another co workers husband has been diagnosed with cancer of the liver. Doctors have only given him maybe 6 months. He is in his early 40s. He has 3 young sons. So very sad. When I was told this news today it made me STOP!!!!! I STOPPED what I was doing, to say many prayers for my friend and her family! I STOPPED to thank God for my family! I STOPPED ..... complaining about the stupid crappy stuff that goes on at work! Somehow it did not matter any more. I just STOPPED............. and CRIED! It seemed that there was nothing else I could do but that!

2009-01-31T22:46:00.000-08:00

I just watched the movie " Mama Mia". It's a musical of all the songs written and sung by the musical group Abba. It brought back many memories of when I was a teenager in the seventies. I heard the songs on the radio played over and over. So many songs are popular to this day . I loved singing along to all the songs! One song however struck a deep chord in my heart ( I don't remember it to be a popular Abba song). It is the song called " Slipping through my fingers". When I saw this song performed I broke down and cried. It is a song about a mother and her letting go of her daughter who is growing up and moving on in her life. This song truly depicts how I have felt with my lovely daughter Tiffany. My precious girl whom I loved in the womb and right on through first grade, to high school, and her own marriage until this very day. I remember her first day of school. Her first broken arm, her first boyfriend, her graduation, first true love, ( Brian) and her wedding day. I truly have felt that the life I have had with my girl has slipped through my fingers. I am so reminded that life does go so fast and that we need to cherish every moment of it. I just want to say that I am so grateful for the gift of my daughter! Parents out there that read this, let this be a challenge to you to enjoy your time with your precious wee ones, cuz time with them does slip through the fingers like sand. It seems like only yesterday that mine were babes.

2009-01-24T17:15:00.000-08:00

This beautiful woman is my daughter inlaw. I'm so proud of her. She just landed a job as a free lance journalist for the leader post. That is our local city news paper. She is a great writer and I have always loved reading her writings. She is also getting her training to be a Doula. That is someone who is a coach to expectant moms during the pregnancy and right through child birth. The most fantastic part is that she does not have to go to an office ( and be away from her babies) but can do her job from home. I'm so proud of you Jen girl. You are an awesome mom to my grandbabies and an incredible wife to my son Jordan. Love you so much. I'm so thankful that she is a part of our family!

2009-01-13T18:48:00.000-08:00

It's my momma and daddy's 50th wedding anniversary. I should say it was on the 12th of January. ( yesterday) . We are going to have a celebration in the summer when they get back to Canada. My sister and I are planning a dinner for them. We will be inviting many people to this. Family and friends that were involved in their wedding 50 years ago. Many couples don't last that long. Especially in Hollywood. I think the only couple I have heard of making it to 50 years in Hollywood (at least lately) is Paul Newman and his wife Joanne Woodward. So my hat is off to you my momma and daddy. I salute you. Way to persevere ! 50 years is a long time. God Bless you and I pray for 50 more years of wedded bliss.

2009-01-08T17:53:00.000-08:00

Here is a photo of my wonderful momma and daddy. This is the 2nd full year that they have spent down south in warmer climates. I'm so happy that they are away from the frigid ......Cold, cold, cold............. Brrrrrr.

The New Year started out with a big old bang here in Saskatchewan! It has been - 35 and - 40 here for several days. Although it is much warmer these last few days, the snow has started to fall. I'm sitting watching the snow fall for the umpteenth time this winter. I am so looking forward to spring but I'm trying to take one day at a time cuz I know that spring is such a long way off. The snow on my balcony is getting higher and higher. I am very close to shoveling the snow from my balcony onto the ground 3 floors below. Snow is very heavy and I would not want to have my balcony fall down due to the weight of the heavy snow. Maybe tomorrow I will get out the snow shovel and start to heave ho on the heavy snow. I sure could be a bear right now. Hibernation looks so appealing. If I were a bear, I could sleep all day and night until spring. How sweet!!

2009-01-01T02:12:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year from my family to yours!

I want to take this time to wish all a very happy and prosperous new year. I spent my New Years eve looking after my( princess) granddaughters! How lucky for me! Christmas and New years with royalty! Can't get much better than that! It was a wonderful time for me. Although by 9 pm they both were fast asleep, and the rest of the time was spent flipping through channels on the T.V.( what I would have done at home by myself any way). The time from 6 to 9 was wonderful. Playing with the girls and snuggling them and tucking them into bed made my night. I was in heaven! I have to mention that it is also a blizzard out side . So I was happy to stay inside where it was warm and cozy. After the girls were fast asleep, I curled up with a nice hot cup of coffee, and happily flipped through the channels on the T.V. I can't think of a better, or nicer way to ring in the new year. Happy New Year Everyone! What did you do to ring in 2009?

2008-12-29T19:26:00.000-08:00

Are they not the cutest Christmas presents you have ever seen. Abigail just turned 4 and Josie is 15 months and still a bit wobbly on her own 2 legs. I am so thankful for my 2 little granddaughters. They are the best Christmas present ever.

2008-12-28T18:11:00.000-08:00

Princess Josephine

Princess Abigail

My Christmas was spent with royalty this year. Princess Abby and princess Josephine! Don't they look so precious in their tiaras! It was wonderful. Even though the poor little ones were sick with bad colds and runny noses. I felt honored to spend time with these lovely little princesses! I had a wonderful time loving on these precious little ones. So now Christmas is done and the new year is soon upon us. I want to take this time to wish a very happy new year to all of my friends and family from my little princesses and I. God Bless you all!

2008-12-13T22:24:00.000-08:00

The weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful!
And since we've no place to go, let it snow, let it snow' let it snow!
It is darn cold here tonight. Minus 45 degrees! I hate winter!!! It is expected to last right through the week. Brrrrr. I worked today and even though I got home feeling like a frozen icicle, I was so thankful that I had a warm home to go to. I am thinking of the poor folk in some parts of the States who have just had an ice storm and power has been knocked out. So besides the temp being frigid outside, they also have no heat inside. I pray they get it back soon. I also think of my parents who are way down south in Texas, very near the Mexican border. I'm thankful that they are there where temps are warmer. Maybe not as warm as the seasonal norm, but warmer than many other places. Every time I step outside, I wish I was way down south, and I also wish I was a bear. I could very easily hybernate in temps like these!

2008-12-10T16:30:00.000-08:00

THE THREE STOOGES!!

This may be mean and offensive to some of my fellow Canadians, but I just had to post it because I thought it was very funny. Someone else sent it to me. For those of you who are outside of Canada and don't know our politics, I will try to briefly explain. In October there was an election to decide who should be Canada's prime minister. Well Canada voted and a man by the name of Stephen Harper was elected prime minister.
Since that decision, the leaders of the opposing parties ( photo above) have decided to form a coalition against the elected prime minister and take over running our country. Many people are in an uproar. After all, the vote was that Stephen Harper be our prime minister. There are also many people who are in favor of the coalition ( non Harper supporters). Meanwhile the Governor general has decided to close Parliament until January when the budget is brought forth. Are you confused? You're not alone! It seems to be a big mess of fighting children calling each other names and hurling insults.The children involved are not children but grown men and women. It's sad really. When I watch politics on T.V. I get so annoyed because all I hear is yelling and name calling. It just makes me want to send everyone to their rooms for a time out. I guess if you think about it , that is what the Governor general has done. She has given every one a time out until January. Stay tuned! It will be interesting to see what happens. Anyway, the photo above is just a humorous way of relieving stress during a stressful time.

2008-11-26T21:19:00.000-08:00

This is my daughter Tiffany and her husband Brian.

My son Jordan and his wife Jen and daughters Abby and Josie.

Today was a very hard day for me! How many times does a person have to hear "you're not wanted " before they get the message? That is the message that I have heard more than once over the last 25 years. I've heard it from my ex and I've heard it from my work, and frankly I'm so tired of hearing it. After awhile a person can't help but start to take that message to heart and really believe it's true. Today I was given that message from work and it made me feel so disheartened ! I came home shattered and in tears. I mustered up the courage to call my kids , and they rallied around me. My daughter and son inlaw came over and brought me a lovely gift. The other day my micro wave zapped and gave up the ghost. Died as in dead, never to pop micro popcorn ever again. Tonight as I was crying on my daughters shoulders about my boss and her harsh words , I blurted out that my micro wave had died and it was just another thing added to my list of things gone wrong. Next thing I know there she and her hubby were at my door with a new micro wave. They knew that they could not do anything about my work situation , but they encouraged me by bringing me such a kind hearted gift. Shortly after they left, my son called and he too was so encouraging to me. We talked for a long time. I am so thankful to God for my kids. When I say kids this means their spouses , and grand babies too. They are all a blessing to me and help me to keep on going.

2008-11-17T19:11:00.000-08:00

Why do people have to be such jerks and why do I have to be so sensitive?

Tonight there was an opening at the laundry room to do laundry. In my apartment there is free laundry but we have times that each unit has to do it. It's a courtesy thing. Tonight I saw that unit 22 had booked a time from 5-8. It was 7 o'clock and I really needed to get some washing done. I knocked on apartment 22 door to ask if they would be doing laundry and if not could I sneak in. There was no answer so I decided to put a load of clothes in since it was near the end of the apartment 22 time and all.At 7:20, I went to get my laundry out of the washer to put in the dryer and who was there to great me? Apartment 22. He was grumpy and mad. He said to me" so your the one cutting in on my laundry time?" I said" I'm so sorry, I did knock on your door to ask if you would be doing laundry, but no one answered!" He did not respond back. I looked around the laundry room in search of my laundry as he was already filling the washer with his dirty clothes. I reached for the dryer , thinking that maybe this man was not so grumpy after all and decided to start my clean clothes a drying. No such luck. As I reached for the dryer, he grumpily grunted at me, " I put them in there" gesturing to the yucky laundry sink. I will not tell you the thoughts that were going through my head at this point. This grumpy man was so ticked I had taken his laundry time that he pulled out my panties from the dryer and plunked them into the laundry sink. I wanted to say " did you have a bad day, or are you always this grumpy?" I did not. Instead, I once again apologized and waited for him to clear off so I could humbly take my clean unmentionables out of the nasty laundry sink and slink back to my apartment and hang them up to air dry all over every piece of furniture that I own. I started to fume, and became upset to the point of tears. How could this guy treat me and my undies like this? What did I ever do to him? There has been many times that others have over lapsed on my laundry time, but I did not sweat it. So why did this guy have to be such a jerk to me? I hope it's because he had a bad day and not that he is a grumpy old man. My human nature wants to go take out his laundry and throw it in the nasty laundry sink. But I will not. Maybe I should get him something nice for Christmas and leave it on his door step. Maybe a free coupon saying that he can borrow some of my laundry time if he feels a need! What do you think?

2008-11-07T18:14:00.000-08:00

I just saw a cool ad on T.V. tonight. The scene was of a riot about to break out. There were many police in riot gear, and of course the rioters. It looked like a news clip after a major sporting event only worse! All of a sudden, just when you think there is going to be major warfare..... A pillow fight breaks out. Before you know it there are feathers everywhere. Every one is fighting with pillows. It struck my funny bone. The advert just happened to be promoting Absolut vodka. I just loved it. If only all major conflicts could be solved with a good old fashioned pillow fight. The world might be better off huh! I think that is the message that Absolut vodka company was trying to get out. Then again I think it's so wrong. Just give everyone a good stiff drink and all will be well with the world. If only! The ad was cool though. Like I said If only major world problems could be solved with a good old fashioned pillow fight.

2008-11-05T15:01:00.000-08:00

I just want to say a congrats to the new president of the United States. History was made last night, that is for sure. There is a huge task ahead of this young new president and I do truly pray for him as I do for all our world leaders. I am feeling some what indifferent to his win. I am happy that a black president was elected. But I agreed with many of John McCains issues as well. We shall see what happens. I'm also happy that I can sit back and watch some T.V. without the yucky smear campaigns. As you heard from my last post, that kinda stuff was getting to me.

2008-10-30T16:08:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you , but I am so ready to have the U.S. presidential vote to be over! I'm not even from the U.S. and I'm so sick of hearing the adds that slam, slander and totally put down the other guy or gal! By now I'm sure people know who they are voting for. Why is it necessary to run the same old campaign smears over and over until the very last day? It makes me want to scream. For the last year or more we have heard nothing but " vote for so and so" and I approve this message". I look forward to next week when we hear who is the president of the united states and move on! I know I'm not alone in this opinion. Don't read anything into this because McCain's photo is first! It's just the way it worked out on this page.

2008-10-21T20:12:00.000-07:00

I must share something that happened last night that touched my heart. I looked after my granddaughters last night while there mom and dad went to see David Copperfield. Before they left, baby Josie was not feeling very well and she was clingy to her mommy. ( She is a mommies girl for sure) . I had also not seen her for quite some time. As my son and daughter were about to leave , my son passed baby Josie to me and of course she was crying and wanted her mom and dad. I stood holding a crying baby, while her mom and dad stood at the door waving goodbye. When Josie realized that her mommy and daddy were not coming to her rescue she immediately reached out for her 3 year old big sister to come and take her and comfort her! I did not take offense but just giggled. Little Josephine just showed me that if her mommy and daddy were not going to bail her out then she was going to turn to her big sis whom she adores. Abby and Josie have a wonderful sweet relationship that began when Josie was born and has grown and will continue to grow. Sweet sisters! I have a sister like that. I adore my sister so much. She is always there for me (even though I am 16 months older)! My sister has always been my good friend.. my best friend.. my kindred spirit. So when I saw how Josie reached for her sister to comfort her , it touched my heart. I know that Abby and Josie are going to be close like that even as they grow old. What a treasure they are! What a treasure sisters are!

2008-10-11T19:19:00.000-07:00

Here is my baby( Jordan) , holding his baby( Josie). She just turned 1 not too long ago. There was a sweet little tea party in the garden, with tea and little sandwiches that my daughter inlaw made , as well as a yummy carrot cake. Josie loved it very much. The day was nice and warm and the little ones had cake and played in the sand box. I still can't believe that my baby has babies. You know what they say, time flies when your having fun. I say time just flies.

2008-09-26T20:41:00.000-07:00

Last Christmas my mom and dad gave me a book called "Fantastic After 40!" At the time I was not interested, so I tucked the book away and forgot I even had it. About a month ago my sister started talking about this fabulous book that she had gotten for Christmas from our parents and that she was going to start a ladies study group called "Seasoned Sisters" based on the book " Fantastic After 40" By Pam Farrel! She was so excited about it. The book talks about being a smart, sophisticated, and savvy woman after 40! At first I said to myself, " ya right". But then I went searching for the book that I was reminded that I had received as a gift so many months ago! I started reading it( only on the first chapter). And so far I am inspired! I can totally relate as the author approaches the delicate subject of aging with humor and truth.
Here are a few fantastic facts about being over 40:

-I can forget peoples names and just call everyone "sweetie" and get away with it.

-At 40 I learned I could use my "blondness" as an excuse for my forgetfulness and slide right into "menopause" as the reason I can't remember where I parked my car!

-I can recognize when my teen is trying to manipulate me with the " mom, you are so beautiful... can I have the car keys? line .

Mostly I have learned to laugh more. I have recently picked up a birthday card for a friend turning 50, which read;
Do the boobs sorta droop and buns sorta sag? Has the chin multiplied and the eyes kinda bagged?
Do your legs kinda ripple as you run toward the fridge?
Have your maiden tresses turned into drab frizz? Let's face it, you're labeled, and there ain't no cure, But for diplomacy's sake, let's just say you're ...... Mature!

The above is from the book "Fantastic After 40" By Pam Farrel.
I'm excited about joining the study and relating to other seasoned sisters who are going through what I am going through. If intrigued go to info@seasonedsisters.com or www.seasonedsisters.com

2008-09-11T17:35:00.000-07:00

I know it's been over a month since I have posted anything. I just have not had anything to share. But now I do. I'm such a proud grandma.My little 3 year granddaughter called me tonight and said" grandma I learned how to read new words"! Then she rattled them off to me. " Cat, mat, sat, bat, pat,.." She's 3 yrs. old and brilliant as far as I'm concerned. Then she put her almost 1 year old sister on the phone and said " Josie can talk too." I heard " ma, ba , ga, ah" At least I think that's what she said. She is also brilliant. She has just cut about 5 teeth in the last little while ( a huge accomplishment, I must say). And both are just soooo cute don't you think! I know. I am a proud grandma. Love those girls very much!

2008-08-06T21:50:00.000-07:00

Well things at work are still in a big mess. The flood clean up crew has now finally left, and the rebuild crew has been set in place. New sheet rock is being installed. The electrical has been restored, and very soon the sanding and painting will begin. Then I guess it will be time for putting things back to dorms. Making beds, cleaning the washroom that have been neglected and dust, dust dusting. Everyone knows that where there is sheet rock (Gyproc) there is so much dust. Not looking forward to that. But we are finally starting to make a few tiny steps forward. It is going to take many more weeks/ months before we are back to normal again. We are slowly making progress. Ironically, the cadets that caused the major flood graduated today. Hopefully they will not cause water damage in their new homes. My advice: DO NOT PLAY soccer in the house!

2008-07-24T20:40:00.000-07:00

Talk about a busy few weeks at work. Let me start with a warning! DO NOT PLAY SOCCER IN THE HOUSE!!
Why the warning ? Well, a week ago I show up for work on a Monday morning. Not me or my co- workers were prepared for what had transpired over the weekend. It all started with a cadet, a soccer ball and a good swift kick to the sprinkler system. That kick resulted in the breaking of the sprinkler head, that broke a pipe, that flooded the building from 3rd floor down. It took 45 minutes to shut the water off. In the end it was about 7500 gallons of water, or more flowing from the 3rd floor to the 2nd, and 1st floor causing damage to computers, sparks and all, elevators, electrical, walls, ........ and the list goes on. In the end a professional flood crew was called in to rip out walls and wiring... and the like. Every day I go in to work there are more walls gone ! The building is pretty much being gutted. The estimated damage is up to 3 quarters of a mil to 1 million dollars in damage. All I can say is WOW! So I say again. DO NOT PLAY SOCCER IN THE HOUSE! These are adults here. We should not have to post a sign saying " NO " outdoor sports indoors. Yeash!

2008-07-05T20:55:00.000-07:00

My vacation has nearly come to an end. I am kinda sad. My time off has been wonderful. I have sat on my balcony every evening ( too hot during the day) and enjoyed the cool evening breeze and nice scent of my planted flowers. I have 2 days left of my holiday and I intend to enjoy it to the fullest. I will be going out to my mom and dads tomorrow for a steak dinner and then on Monday I plan on just sitting back and relaxing before I have to go back to work on Tuesday! I'm feeling sad but yet refreshed on going back to work. Sad because .....well it's obvious....... and refreshed because I have had a very nice time off just relaxing and enjoying my time off.

2008-06-30T23:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Canada day to all my fellow Canadians. I am reminded of a Canada day 26 years ago when I was in the hospital giving birth to my baby boy. He was one day old. Of course I was not able to go celebrate Canada's birthday because I was in hospital snuggling and getting to know my one day old son ( he was born on June 30) Happy birthday son! I say who needs fire works when you have a new born baby to love. No comparison right! I was looking after my granddaughters tonight so that Jordan and Jen could go out and celebrate his 26th birthday. As I'm reading his 3 year old a bedtime story, I am also thinking back on what I was doing on this day when her daddy was born. I still can't believe that my baby has babies of his own. I am so filled with pride and thankful to God for all his blessings. I am blessed because I have a wonderful family and I live in a free country. Happy CANADA DAY! For more updates and photos of my grandbabies check out Jen's blog

2008-06-13T23:38:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe it's been over a month since I have posted anything on this blog. A lot has taken place in my life over the last couple of months. It started with my parents moving in with me at the begining of April. They spent the winter in Texas and, after coming back to Canada this spring we found that mutually it would be good for them and me if they spent the summer living with me. I have had a difficult time of things lately and it has been good to have the support, and encouragement of mom and daddy. Great support but an adjustment at the same time. I am so used to living alone . I must say that for the most part I have enjoyed the company. I think it has been okay for them too since they can get away from their fifth wheel trailer and have a little more space to roam around in. I hope that is the case. So what have I been doing since I posted last? Well I have been focusing on getting myself feeling better and enjoying time with my gorgeous granddaughters. They are the joy and light of my life. Abby is so smart and fun at her 3 year young age. Her imagination is so endearing to me. Every time we are together, we have a lovely time of make believe. Josie is so adorably cute at 8 months. She always has smiles a plenty when ever I see her. To get updates on my beautiful girls check out Jen's
postings. They are cute if I do say so my self. Next I want to wish a great big happy fathers day to my daddy who is the best daddy in the whole world. He truly is terrific. Happy fathers day to my son Jordan . I am so proud of the daddy that he has turned out to be. I always knew that he would be a great daddy. I wish a huge happy fathers day to all the fathers every where. I hope that the day is all that they deserve and more!

2008-05-10T22:49:00.000-07:00

Happy mothers day to all you mommas out there. I have been thinking that no matter how frustrated and upset you may become with your mom, the fact is that she is still your mom and she has done the very best that she knows how in raising you. I hope my kids realize this about me. They may be frustrated and upset at me and even roll their eyes at me sometimes, I hope they know that I love them so much, and absolutely adore them beyond words. I am so blessed to be the mother of my kids. I hope they know that. I am also giving a shout out to my mother whom I love very much. I always pray that God will truly bless my mom for all that she has done for me over the years. Love you momma.

2008-05-03T19:26:00.000-07:00

Home again, home again, jigiddy jig . Mom and dad are back in town, after a long winter away. They were down in the south of Texas. They came back tanned and with a bag of grapefruit in hand. The grapefruit were from where they were staying. All the grapefruit free on their side of the fence. They were so excited to tell of the happy stories from way down south. I could tell they had a great time by the expressions on their faces. They seemed to looked different, happy even. I am so glad that they were able to get away and travel like they did. We all missed them so much here in Canada.

2008-04-16T21:02:00.000-07:00

Spring has truly sprung! Boing boing! It is so nice here lately. We do not have the flowers that some of my blogger friends have , but we are on our way. We have had the typical April showers that bring May flowers. On Monday it was plus 28 degrees. A total tease I must say. We all wanted to turn on the A.C. for sure. The next day it was cloudy, rainy and cool. Weather we would expect for April. Aside from that I do notice that things are starting to bud. I know that we are many weeks behind many others, according to photos posted on my friend Wanda's blog. She has many beautiful photos of blooming things. She also is way more south than I am here in the North. Any way, I am pleased to report that it is looking more like spring everyday. I adore spring! I not only adore it but I'm in love with it! I love to see things bloom right before my very eyes. It's one of my favorite seasons of all. I enjoy every day that spring has to offer , rain or shine. So I want to wish all my fellow friends in the north, "Happy Spring"! Don't you just love it?

2008-04-01T21:58:00.000-07:00

Okay ladies and Gents. This photo was sent to me from a cousin of mine . Apparently it was taken just out side of a town I grew up in. The place is north of the town of Ft. St. John B.C. Do you believe what you see. In all my life I have never seen an albino moose. Regular ,brown fur, long horn moose, yes. Moose that my daddy as a butcher would make into sausage, roast, and steak. I never was a fan of that type of meat. I think I take after my momma. She was never a fan of wild game of any type. I say me neither. Any way, what an incredible sight this albino moose is, don't you think?

2008-03-30T00:39:00.000-07:00

Okay I spoke too soon. It is still snowing in our neck of the woods. However it does melt by afternoon. It is March 29 and we should be over the snow bit. At least that is what most of us think. My theory is, the more we complain about the bad weather, the longer we will get it. What is the saying " march comes in like a lion and out like a lamb or visa versa..... Well it seems that march did indeed come in like a lion so it would only make sense that it should go out like a lamb. Right? I know ... God is in control of the weather. Soon enough it will be blooming every where. That reminds me, a co-worker of mine just came back from a weekend in Victoria B.C. She said it was blooming every where. Fruit trees, and daffodils, and crocus.....I knew it would be. I myself (having lived there) have experienced the lovely blooming things in Febuary and March. How I miss it. Okay so aside from the snowy weather we are having here, my happy sunny day is when I can spend time with my grand babies. It does not matter what the weather is outside, it is always sunny in Abbyville. She is my sunshine and so is her 6 month old sister. They truly bring joy to my other wise gloomy day. I got to spend time with them this afternoon and it was delightful as usual. Abby was feeling a little bit sick with a cold as was I, so it was just nice to snuggle on the couch and watch some kiddie shows while baby sister had a nap. I am so thankful for my little grand daughters. They are a happy part of my life.

2008-03-19T11:29:00.000-07:00

GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT! WHY ARE WE SO IMPATIENT? IT LOOKS LIKE SPRING HAS FINALLY COME TO THE PRAIRIES. THE SNOW IS SLOWLY MELTING AND THE GRASS IS A NICE SHADE OF BROWN. SOON IT WILL BE GREEN. THERE ARE NO FLOWERS OR BUDS ON THE TREES YET BUT IF THE WARMER TEMPS KEEP UP, WE'RE SURE TO HAVE COLOR IN NO TIME. DAYS LIKE TODAY MAKE ME WANT TO THROW OPEN THE DOORS AND WINDOWS AND SING. WELL MAYBE NOT SING, BUT IT DOES MAKE A PERSON FEEL IN A BETTER MOOD THAT'S FOR SURE. I THINK I MAY EVEN GO DO SOME HOUSE WORK. OR MAYBE NOT. I'M FEELING KINDA TIRED FROM A LONG DAY AT WORK. PERHAPS TOMORROW. HAPPY SPRING:)

2008-03-07T15:33:00.000-08:00

IS IT SPRING YET????

2008-02-29T15:49:00.000-08:00

Meet me at the net... cafe!

I was watching an interesting episode of Dr. Phil the other day. It was about a woman who was engaged to a man that she met on the Internet and for 3 years had a relationship with him. They even became engaged. The thing is this couple had never met in person. The woman was lured into a deceptive web, even to the point of her giving this man 5ooo dollars. She sent him a check! When I heard this I was almost yelling at the T.V. It turns out that this woman was lied to. With the help of Dr. Phil and his team of investigators the man was exposed as a fraud and even had a significant other. His name , age, occupation and photo were false. The photo he used was of a not so known actor from many years ago. For 3 years he led this woman to believe that he was a pilot for the US air force and was stationed in Iraq. Of course this man did not want to go on the Dr. Phil show to try to explain himself. He was caught. What made me astonished even more was this woman tried to defend him saying that she did not want to destroy the connection because she was hoping to get her 5ooo dollars back. Dr. Phil told her that she would probably never see that money again and that she should move on. While I shake my head at this crazy scenario, I have to say that I know of 3 people in my life who have gone the route of the Internet dating thing and so far have been successful. These 3 couples are happily together. Kinda funny don't you think. I guess that it's okay to take a chance as long as you are smart about it. Like maybe meet the person a few times. Get to know them before sending them money. One of the couples I know did meet someone else online and when it came to her actually meeting the guy she knew right away that he was only after one thing and one thing alone. Her money. She quickly ended the relationship before it could even get any where. Good thing she did because she met a wonderful guy who has now become a part of our family. She met him on the Internet too. She lived in the States and he in Canada. But after several months of chatting and such they met. And the rest is history. So I have witnessed first hand that a net romance can work. But I also know that a person must be cautious. What do you think about the whole Internet dating?

2008-02-25T20:47:00.001-08:00

Scattergories This game brought to you by Wanda

Not me but the other Wanda(see link)........Answer the questions begining with the first letter of your name.

What is your name...........................Wanda (Wandi)
4 Letter word....................................Wand
Vehicle................................................Wheelbarrow
City......................................................Wolsely Saskatchewan
Boy Name...........................................William
Girl Name...........................................Willamena
Alcoholic Drink...................................Wiskey
Occupation..........................................Washer
Something you wear..........................Watch
Celebrity..............................................Winona Ryder
Food......................................................Wasabi
Something found in a bathroom........Wash cloths
Reason for being late...........................Weekend off
Cartoon Character...............................Wanda the witch.
Something you shout...........................What the heck?????
Animal....................................................Wombat
Body part...............................................Waist
Word to describe you............................Wacky

2008-02-25T20:09:00.000-08:00

Lately I have been faced with stuff in life. I have had to ask myself some very difficult questions. Those questions are as follows......

If I had a chance to do it all over again, would I????
My answer to that is a resounding yes, yes, and by all means yes!!!!!! I seem to have so many regrets in my stage of life right now. As I think of the long list , many things stick out to me.

1) I would yell way less! ( Except if it is into a pillow or out on the lone prairie where I know I am alone. My poor kids! I do realize that a person can't keep it all inside and not bust. I am famous for stuffing things under the rug. A dangerous thing I know!

2) I would trust more! Or at least I would would try my very best. Trust is very huge thing for me and I have been betrayed many times in my life!

3) Love deeper! Although I do not know how to love my children, grandchildren, and daughter, son, inlaw more than I already do. I love them so much that it hurts. I would give my life for them!

4) I would take more risks! This too is so huge as I am a very cautious person.

5) Exercise more and eat less! Need I say more?

6) Exercise more and indulge less! Need I say more?

7) Take the risk of making friends (even though they always leave). I now realize that friends can be long term or for just a season. I seem to have friends that I get so close to and then leave. It is so painful.

8) I would be more patient! I have had a hard time being patient in the past. I want it now.!!!!!!!

9) Trust God more! After all I do realize that God does know best!

10) Even though I know God knows what's best for my life , I always take back control. What the heck is wrong with me??

11) I would matter!!!! I do matter!!!! I think I matter?????? I feel I don't matter. These are all lies....... In actual fact I do matter...... RIGHT!

2008-02-09T18:19:00.000-08:00

I dream of somewhere warm and sandy. A place to sit and reflect and drink a cocktail of choice.

My what weird weather we're having! Yesterday was only -2 and today it has been minus 30 . All I can say is, What the ????????? I do know we are lucky here in our neck of the woods though. I am hearing about the tornados in the States. How awful. It makes me feel ashamed when I complain about cold temps, when peoples homes are destroyed and lives are lost . I am so thankful that even though it is cold outside, it is warm in our homes. Then I think about the folks that are homeless, even in our own city. I do pray they are okay. I hope they can find shelter somewhere. Lord forgive me when I whine about it being cold when I have a warm home to live in and I work in a warm building. We are a bunch of whiners though. Really we are. Not just me. Everyday when I go to work I hear other co-workers complain too. So I want to end on a positive note and say that I truly am thankful that I have a warm home to sleep in and an equally warm building to work in. I also secretly, positivley, wish that I can be somewhere warm so I can sit outside and enjoy a nice cocktail while dipping my toes in the sand and surf. I have been told that it is okay to dream.

2008-02-01T15:47:00.000-08:00

With the Superbowl coming up this weekend I thought why not post this. This is dedicated to all you die hard football fans.

SuperBowl Seat!

A man had 50 yard line tickets for the Super Bowl. As he sits down, a man comes down and asked the man if anyone is sitting in the seat next to him. "No", he said, "the seat is empty". "This is incredible", said the man. "Who in their right mind would have a seat like this for the Super Bowl , the biggest sport event in the world, and not use it ?" Somberly, the man says, "Well... the seat actually belongs to me. I was supposed to come here with my wife, but she passed away. This is the first Super Bowl we have not been together since we got married in 1967." "Oh I'm sorry to hear that. That's terrible. But couldn't you find someone else , a friend or relative or even a neighbor to take the seat?" The man shakes his head, "No. They're all at the funeral." Ha! Ha!Hee! That's one super, diehard, superbowl fan. Enjoy the game everyone.

2008-01-30T19:40:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of shagya-blog.blogspot.com

A blizzard is a heavy snowstorm with very cold temperatures, sustained winds of at least 35mph, and visibility of less than 0.25 miles. When a mass of polar air and warm air meet, the polar air pushes the warm air up and settles in the atmosphere where the water vapor forms snow clouds. Then winds and low temperatures combine with the snow to create a blizzard. Ya ya ya ya. That was a scientific expalination. In my own words, it is stormy and minus freakin cold. and you can't see very far cuz of the blowing snow and cold. We had a blizzard here in our city on monday that lasted for about 36 hours. Every time I looked out the window , I could not even see accross the street at times. Eventually the snow stopped falling and the temperature dropped to minus 38 with a wind chill of minus 52. So for 2 days now our city has been in what you call a deep freeze. I only remember a winter chill like this once since moving to this province. It was the first winter we were here actually. The kids and I moved here from the mild climates of B.C. just after my husband left. I did not have a car that first winter and when I needed to get groceries or go to appointments it was the bus. Sometimes my sister was available to drive us where we needed to go. One night much like tonight my son was invited to go to a birthday party at a school mates home. I called to asked my sister if she could possibly drive Jordan to the birthday party? The answer I got was " no I don't think so." I was somewhat miffed at that answer. Only because I'm the type of person that does not ask for help unless I trully need it. So when I was turned down flat I was feeling dejected and disappointed. We were new to the community and for my son to be invited to a class mates birthday was a big thing. My son was determinded to go. The only other option was to walk. I was not about to let him go out at 12 years old all by himself in the dark , in minus 38 winter weather( -50 wind chill). So we bundled up as best we could(it was dark at 6 oclock) and started off walking to his school mates home . We only walked 2 blocks and we were freezing. We stepped up the pace and made it to the party house. In all it was about 7 blocks away. I left my son at the door and I had to face the long walk home. By the time I arrived home I was frozen and in pain. Every where the skin was exposed was numb. My feet and legs were hurting so bad. As I began to unthaw it hurt so much. I sat and cried. I think that was the coldest I have ever felt in my life. I had never experienced the Saskatchewan winter deep freeze before. I had a warm bath, a cup of tea and wondered how my son was feeling at the party. I'm glad he did not have to walk both ways with me. Luckily my son got a ride home after the party. When he came through the door he was all smiles and happy. He had a great time. We survied that frigid time and I know that we can survive this frigid time as well. I have a vehicle now and am not expected to walk in these freezing temps. I wonder if Jordan remembers that time. I'll have to ask him. Maybe he remembers things about that night in a totally different way. Or maybe he doesn't remember it at all.

2008-01-27T20:01:00.000-08:00

Fourteen years ago my husband of 16 years left me . I took the kids to a park and told them the news. We then prayed together and asked God to bring us rainbows to help us through the difficult times. That same day a friend of mine picked the kids and I up to take us to her house so that my ex could have a chance to clear out his things. As we got into her car my son announced(He was 11) "mom, look it's our first rainbow". He was pointing to a decal on my friends car window of an actual rainbow. I started to cry because, even though it was a picture of a real rainbow, our true rainbow was my friend Angela who took us in and comforted us with food, tea and love. I don't know if Angela knows this or not but she was our first rainbow in a stormy time. I was reminded of this by my dear blogger friend Wanda, who captured an amazing rainbow and I hope she paints it one day. I am reminded of Gods faithfulness and his promises to us. Over the years God has brought many rainbows to my life through people like you, and you and you. You know who you are.

2008-01-25T17:29:00.000-08:00

Our church is having a class on mentoring, and how important it is to have one. I have never thought much about this. It made me start to think about who I would want to be my mentor if I had one. I was wondering if a mentor could be someone that I have never met yet admire very much? The person I think of also lives many miles away. Actually I think of 2 people. I've only gotten to know them through my blog. Just reading about them and their lives makes me want to get to know them even more and meet them in person. I love the fact that they love God and want to serve Him. I also love the time they devote to the bible and others. They also have a positive attitude and seem to enjoy life very much. The more I read about them the more I think I have in common with them. What do you think about mentoring? Do you think it's important to have a mentor?

2008-01-23T21:30:00.000-08:00

What a boring life I lead. All I do is work, sleep, and go to work again! Who wants to hear about that? It's the same thing every day. The only thing different about my day is that I am still sick with a very bad something...... I still have not got a voice. I guess it's called chronic laryngitis. I will be off to the doc again in the a. m. to see what is up. This time I will have him listen to my breathing and not just look down my throat from afar and tell me yep I do indeed need antibiotics. That's what the last Dr. did. He sat about 6 feet away from me and told me to open my mouth wide. Then he shone his Dr. light in my mouth and said " oh yes you need medicine". What the heck is that? I was feeling too badly at the time to confront him on it. So I just went on my way trusting that the Doctor knows best all the while knowing that no the Dr. does not always know best. I am so frustrated with the medical profession right now. They have not helped me at all. I have been sick since Christmas. Does anyone out there have any advice for laryngitis and a dry cough that my doc could not give me. I have tried, hot tea, hot showers, silence (not using my voice), antibiotics,... Vick's on the neck ...... What am I missing? Perhaps this is just something that has to run it's course. I have heard that this is a nasty virus and it takes a very long time. I have been known to have laryngitis before but not for 4 weeks in a row. It feels like I will never have a normal voice again. Does it sound like I am wining? It feels like I am. I don't mean too. I feel very guilty especially since I have just heard that my cousin who is my age has had 4 strokes in a row. She is now in hospital with loss of sight in one eye and has been sedated because she can't stop crying. Poor Belinda. Please pray for her. It put things into perspective does it not. I feel bad for getting frustrated cuz I am feeling poorly over a long term viral infection. On the very positive side of things, enjoy my precious grand babies. No matter how bad of a day I may be having, these sweet little ones brighten my day every single time. God bless the little children. How precious they are.

2008-01-07T16:22:00.000-08:00

I know that people are probably tired of hearing about these quizzes. A cousin of mine sent me this and I thought I should respond. I like reading about them when others answer. It lets me get to know ya better. I'll try to be creative. Hope I'm not a snore.

1.WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Not that I know of .

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Yesterday.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Yes!

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Turkey!

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yes, 2 by birth , 2 by marriage, and 2 by the grandma route. ( gotta love it).

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
I think so.

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM ALOT? Not a lot. Only occassionally.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
If I had the chance , No freakin way. So afraid of heights!!!!

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Don't care for cereal.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Absolutley not. I told my kids, don't do as I do, do as I say!

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
No! Weak weak weak.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
None!

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
The expression on the face.

15. RED OR PINK? Red for sure, or maybe pink... I like blue.

16. WHAT IS THE THING THAT YOU LIKE LEAST ABOUT YOURSELF? Every thing from the neck down. ;)

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My parents living in the states.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Sure I do.

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Bare feet and cotton pj bottoms.

20. HAVE YOU EVER RE-GIFTED?
Many times. Isn't it the in thing these days. I hope so cuz I'm broke. Not cheap, just broke. ;)

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
the hum of my computer.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Blue, my fav. But I also love color. I don't know, can I be a rainbow?

23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Fresh baby.( granddaughter) and home cooked meals, plus fresh laundry.

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My daughter Tiffany.

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
Yes. Avery nice person who I am not able to be with much cuz of miles.

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Football! Go Rough riders go. Yay for the grey cup.

27. HAIR COLOR?
Brunette spiked with a tint of grey.

28. EYE COLOR ?
Green

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
No.

30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Nachos. No Turkey dinner. No Chinese food. No, Pasta. Have to be honest I am torn right now. Could you tell. I guess depends on my mood.

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS ?
Happy endings of course!

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Mr. Beans holiday. Silly but funny. Dear dear Mr. Bean.

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
white.

34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer, summer, summer........ Winter is yucky!

35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Can never get enough of either especially from my grandbabies.

36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Cheese cake.

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Your guess is as good as mine .

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND
Your guess is as good as mine .

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
"The Demas Revelation" by Shane Johnson

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Nothing but the desk.

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT?
Greys Anatomy. Love that show.

42. FAVORITE SOUND?
Grandchildren and happy children sounds.

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Beatles! Hey Jude.....

44. WHAT IS THE FURTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Hawaii. Italy in my dreams.....

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
No!

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Quesnel B.C. Canada.

47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?
Anyone interested in responding. Actually I hope that Wanda, Susie, Andrew, Carol , Imran, Robyn, Kim and Jen pick this up and post so we can get to know them better too. Anyone else would be great too.

2008-01-01T15:34:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to everyone. Here is a photo of my mom, her twin sister Peggy, and my grannie. They are all gussied up to celebrate New years Eve. My mom is the twin on the right and my sweet adorable grannie is 92 years young. I think she looks fantastic. We were unable to ring in the new year with them as they are still down in sun, surf and sand. I did go to sisters house and although feeling very sick and not having a voice(I'm sure the family was thankful for that) we ate, played a game and watched a movie stopping it halfway through to say Happy New year to everyone. I left early. About 12:30 and the kids stayed on to watch more movies. Today I woke up feeling worse than ever. My throat is all tight and I cough so much my ribs hurt. I wanted to go to the Doctor today but of course none of the clinics were open today. I'm not so bad that I needed to go to emergency at the hospital, so I stick it out until tomorrow. Any way enough of my ill woes. My wish for everyone is that you have the best, brightest and happiest 2008. God Bless.

2007-12-26T20:08:00.000-08:00

Boxing day,..... Sell sell sell.... Buy buy buy......!!!!!! I find this to be such a sad tradition. My son in law works at Best Buy and he had to work today. The sales were expected to be a million dollars just for his local store a lone. Good for the company but I am sad to say not for the consumer. People are spending money they don't have....... I remember a time when stores were closed on Christmas day and boxing day. Even gas stations were closed. Folks had to plan ahead. It was a mad dash to get to the bank, grocery store and gas station to stock up for 2 whole days while every thing shut down. We all survived. It was great just to slow down and spend time with family and friends. Not any more! Stores are open even on Christmas day and the boxing day sales are getting far too carried away. It's all about the money.... Even the Christian book stores stay open just in case they can make that last minute sale. How sad. People are known to line up at 2 in the morning just to be first in line to get the fantastic boxing day sale. That 37 inch flat screen TV that they just can't live without. I think they must be crazy. You would not catch me waiting in line in minus below freezing in the wee hours just to get my hands on any electronic device for any good deal. I do not get it. Some how people have lost the whole meaning of this Christmas tradition. It's not about the money and the gifts and the spending. What would bring me great joy during this holiday season would be to give and serve others less fortunate than I. Next year I want to go and put on a turkey dinner for people who are truly without. I have an aunt who does this every Christmas. Her and her hubby go out on the streets on Christmas day and give out food to the street people. That is my goal.

Okay, aside from my feelings on boxing day and the crazy retail biz , I want you all to know that I did survive Christmas with my ex. What was especially sweet was that my son was right by my side at all times. Him and his gorgeous wife were my champions. They never left me for a minute. And My Abby was so lovely. What was so sweet was during dinner she said out of the blue " I love you Gramma" It did my heart good and is what I needed to hear. So yay, it's over and I survived and I know that my babies love me and it's all good. Happy holidays to everyone and a wonderful wish for the best in the new year. Above is my to little grandbabies. They are so sweet are they not!

2007-12-18T16:15:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday to my sweetie pie. Abby is 3 today. Love that little girl. My how time flies when you're having fun. I can't believe she is already 3. It seems like only yesterday that her daddy was 3 and I was taking him for walks and kissing his boo boos. I think back 3 years ago when Abby was born and I feel bad for my daughter inlaw. Abby was born exactly one week before Christmas and Jen and Jordan brought our sweetness out to family christmas dinner. She must have felt so overwhelmed with a new born and adjusting to a new baby(first one). Sorry Jen if we freaked you out. I remember what it was like to have a new born (the first) and being so upset going to dinner with family and friends. Everything was so new. I am so grateful for our little girl. Thank you Jen and Jordan for Abby.. She is such a joy and delight to our family. Anyway, like I said time truly does fly when you're having fun. Happy birthday Abby darlin. Gramma loves you so much!

2007-12-15T20:47:00.001-08:00

I know I have not been around much. I just don't seem to know what to post about. Then I thought , why not post about my beautiful little grand babies. They are truly my joy and what keeps me going. In fact all my kids(inlaws included) keep me going. Some days it is hard, but when I see my kids and granddaughters all is right with the world. Christmas is only a week away and I approach it with much anxiety. This year I have been invited to my daughters for Christmas. She is so excited about hosting Christmas at her home this year( for the first time). She has also invited her dad to join us(my ex) and his new wife and new family. This will be a first. I don't know how the day will play out. I pray that it will all go smooth. There has been a lot of hurt that has come from this divorce. Hurt mostly on my part, so I don't know how it will be. I hope it will not be too stressful. If I feel too overwhelmed I will just have to excuse myself and quietly withdraw. My kids do have a right to be with their dad too. So we will see what happens. Are my grand babies cute or what. I adore them.

Abby will be 3 in a few days and Jo will be 3 months on Christmas day. What sweet granddaughters I have.

2007-12-04T21:22:00.000-08:00

My blogger friend Wanda has started me thinking about nativity scenes. I recently viewed her show case of unique sets. She has very beautiful ones. I have 2 sets. One from Mexico that a client of mine gave me over 17 years ago , made of rustic plaster. Very small and important just the same. The other set is one that I have been collecting since 1988. It is a set made by the Fontanini family from Italy. My ex mother in law started me on this set by giving me Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus. The beauty of this set is you can add a figurine when ever. Each one is sold separately, with a gift card that has a brief story about the charachter. My family has been giving me a figurine or 2 every year since 1988. I have a total of 50 figurines to my set and counting. The Fontanini family have been in business since 1908. Today Fonatnini Heirloom Nativities are acclaimed for their life-like sculpting, painstaking painting by hand and meticulous detailing. You may remember seeing the virgin Mary featured in the Mr. Bean Christmas special. When Mr. Bean is in the department store with the toy chopper..... If not familiar with that scene then forgive me for ranting. I love the fact that Fontanini is a family business that has passed on the traditions from generation to generation. I have continued on my own tradition by starting my daughter and sister on sets of their own. It's fun to see what figurine is added each year on Christmas morning. My sister has also started her sister in law on this Fontanini journey. The other nice feature about the Fontanini collection is that the figurines are not breakable, so my grandchildren can touch and experience the nativity hands on. Each year if I don't put out any other Christmas decoration, at least you can be sure that my Fontanini nativity set will be set out. It makes me happy.

2007-11-26T18:04:00.000-08:00

I am so excited. Our home team (football) won the ultimate prestigious trophy for all of Canada.The Grey Cup. It has been 18 years since our team won the last one. Last night it was their turn. Today they returned home to a chilly temp of minus 20. Of course we have to factor in the wind chill. With that it felt like minus 34. Can you say Brrrrrrrrrrr! Even with the frigid temp our team came home to waiting fans all bundled up. How can you tell we have the best fans of all. When you show up to greet our team in minus 34 weather (outside) and show our love and gratitude for winning the trophy for us. It was amazing. Last night after the game people were out in the streets in the cold and snow cheering till all hours. I went to bed around ten and still heard car horns and people yelling wee into the early hours. It was a great time. Great job Saskatchewan Rough riders. It truly was your turn to win. Yahhhhhhooooooo!!!!!

2007-11-22T15:51:00.000-08:00

You know how some parents live their lives vicariously through their kids! Well I am living my life through my folks.

Here are my beloved parents enjoying themselves in Texas, on the gulf of Mexico. I miss them very much ,but I am so happy that they are able to travel and experience new and different things. The positive side is that they skip the cold Saskatchewan winter. Mom has been swimming in the ocean, and dad( who does not like water too much, unless it is a hot tub.) has become a beach bum. When my parents broke the news to my siblings and I that they were going to sell the house, buy a fifth wheel trailer and truck and head to warmer climates, I have to admit that I was a bit anxious. Okay a lot anxious. I call it separation anxiety. After a few weeks I finally had to come to terms that I would have to cut those apron strings and give my parents their independence. It has been an adjustment but things are okay. I am so happy for them. They deserve to be enjoying life. They have worked so hard and put many dollars towards the government pension. It's about time they cashed in. Good for you momma and daddy. I miss you so much but am so happy for you and love seeing the

photos. Like I said I am living my life through my parents.

2007-11-15T20:11:00.000-08:00

Shame, Shame, Shame! Someone has been caught with egg on the face!

This week my manager was caught in an embarrassing situation. She made a racial comment to one of my co workers. The thing is that this comment was made in front of not only my co-worker, but in front of many more. I was witness to this racial slur. I could not believe what I had heard. When my co-worker stood up for himself and put my, our manager in her place, she began to apologize. By then it was too late. The damage had been done. She then tried to explain to the rest of the group that what she had said was wrong and she should not have said what she said. So now my manager is left to eat crow so to speak. I feel so bad for my co-worker. He was not only slandered by harsh, racial words, but he was told so in front of many of his peers. I'm sure he must have felt very small. This is not the first time that my manager has made staff feel small and doubt their self worth. She has made me feel insignificant a time or two in my time working for her. I really hope that this does not continue. I hope that she will be stopped once and for all for what she tries to pull. Our policy at work is zero tolerance to harassment of any kind. I hope my manager will be put in her place once and for all. Enough is enough already. Harassment is harassment whether it is in jest or not. My manager did send out an apology saying that she was only joking and that she should not have said what she did. But like I said the damage has been done. Words hurt!

2007-11-10T21:42:00.000-08:00

Today I spent a couple hours with my granddaughter Abby and her baby sister Jo. While Jo slept, Abby and I played a world of make believe. She told me stories about " Once upon a time there was this little girl named Athena and Poppa and gramma and Athena colored on the walls and gramma cried and ..... ..I found it so cute. Some of this may have happened. Like perhaps Athena did color on the walls but I don't know if gramma cried or not. ( she meant her other gramma). Abby has lots of grammas. I just found it so lovely to hear my little granddaughter tell me stories. We also pretended to go on a trip to visit Athena. We got in our make believe car , put on our seat belts, and set off on our trip with map in hand( that Abby had made prior to our trip) and gifts to give . The gifts were chocolate and shoes. Flip flops( Dora ones) and all her idea. Of course all women love chocolate and shoes. Along the way we saw many things . Elephants , Tigers and Wombats. We had to honk the horn to warn the animals to move out of our way. It was so good to play make believe with Abby. At first she thought that her gramma was kinda strange when I said come on Abby get in the car and drive. The car was the couch and we had a pretend steering wheel and made sure we buckled up. She was shy at first and then she totally got into the whole pretend trip. I enjoyed playing make believe with her. I hope she had fun too. Then baby Jo woke up and needed to be changed and then needed her mommy to feed her. But it was fun while it lasted.

2007-11-06T19:27:00.000-08:00

And another one falls!

Today we were informed of another RCMP officer that was shot and killed in the line of duty. This is the 2nd one in less than a month. Over the last 2 years that makes 8. This young constable that was killed last night was only 20 years old. He just graduated from training 6 months ago. How very sad! I know it touches those of us who work for the RCMP, but I can not even imagine the horrible sadness it is for those family members who are left behind. I do know that it affects the cadets who are going through training right now. It does fill them full of fear! It makes them stop and think about what they are doing here. I try to encourage the troops as they pass through our facilities. I tell them I am so proud of them and I tell they that they are so needed. Training to become an RCMP officer is very strict and brutal at times. There are many that pack it in part way through training because they can't cut it. So it is very sad to hear that a cadet makes it through training only to be killed 6 months into his career as a police officer. This coming up weekend is "Remembrance Day" here in Canada. It is a time we remember the lives that have been lost in the wars, and those veterans still alive who fought, and those who still fight. I also take it one step further and think of all those who fight the good fight every day keeping us safe from crime. I REMEMBER!

2007-11-02T19:19:00.000-07:00

Well momma and daddy hooked up their home on wheels to their big red truck and took off down the highway heading south. They have officially become Canadian geese. Or snow birds as many call them. Corpus Christi Texas is the destination of choice. Near the sand and surf. They are now dipping their toes in the warm sandy waters as I speak. I am so jealous. I say good for mom and pop for being able to take on this adventure in their golden years. They so deserve it. I am happy cuz they are able to do this, but sad cuz I won't see them for 6 whole months. Come spring , like the geese, they will fly north for the summer. I am not only longing for spring , but also seeing the folks again. I am thankful once again for the internet (instant messaging). I can keep in touch with them daily.

2007-11-01T19:43:00.001-07:00

Down but not out.

After a week of being out of the internet loop I am back. I have not had internet for a week and boy have I missed it. I will now get back to catching up on all my freinds posts. Hope all is well with everyone. Glad to be back in the loop. Oh how we come to depend on things instant.

2007-10-22T20:12:00.000-07:00

PLAY DOH AND DORA CARDS! Does this sound like fun? It was to me! I played with my grand baby Abby for hours today with play doh and then with Dora cards. I was educated on the characters of Dora the Explorer. Benny the Bull is not Benny the cow as I called it. I asked Abby who the cow was and she said " Benny" I said "Oh Benny the cow" and she said "No Benny the bull" Of course it would be Benny the Bull. I am so out of the loop. I must get with it as far as Dora the Explorer goes. Come on Gramma keep up, get with the program. I had a great time with Abby today. What fun with the brilliant Dr. Abby. She did tell me what the longest bone in the body was. I am so glad cuz I did not know. I don't know if you all know this, but my
Abby girl is brilliant. I can brag cuz I am Gramma.

2007-10-19T20:04:00.000-07:00

Twinkle Twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are. I was reminded of this little tune as I sat watching the night sky. Last night it was so clear and the stars shone beautifully. When I was a little girl I remember sitting in the back seat of my families car going home from somewhere, late at night. As a wee little one I was only big enough to see up into the sky from the window where I sat. The sky was so clear and gorgeous. I do recall singing the song Twinkle Twinkle little star. As a very young child I thought this to be so amazing . Amazing because the night sky was so much bigger than I. It was so vast and went on forever. As I sat the other night with my memories, another recent memory came to mind. Last time I looked after my sweet granddaughter Abby, she was singing that very song. I hope that she will soon be able to truly look up in the great big sky and see all the beautiful diamonds.

2007-10-08T22:01:00.000-07:00

I had a fantastic thanksgiving weekend. ( I agree with one of the other Canadian bloggers, when they said the US Thanksgiving is way too close to Christmas) Our thanksgiving in Canada is a perfect time to be thankful. So as far as my weekend goes.. it was a fantastic weekend. It started with my kids being away for the weekend ..... That is not happy.... It was a fact. They were not in the city to celebrate with me. So me, mom and dad planned to just go out for Chinese on Sunday lunch after church. Early Sunday morn we got the invite to go for Turkey lunch at a great friend of families place. Even though I had my taste buds set on the Chinese dinner, it was so nice to get together with friends instead. Later that same afternoon we went to sisters house for coffee and pumpkin pie. We ended up staying on through dinner time and was invited to stay for turkey left overs. It was not intentional. It just happened that way. It was such a nice time. Then today my daughter called me up and invited me over for a visit . I ended up staying all afternoon and watched a show called " The IT Crowd" I thought it was a very funny show. Had a real giggle. We then went for Chinese food with mom and dad and Tiff and Brian( favorite daughter and son in law) okay only daughter and only son in law. I must say it was a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. Instead of sitting in my apartment staring at the walls all day( cuz kids were away) I had a great time being out with family and friends. I enjoyed it very much. So hey, US, how about changing your Thanksgiving day so it is not so close to Christmas. ;)

By the way the above photo is of my granddaughter Abby playing in the leaves last fall.

2007-10-05T20:11:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving in Canada

I am thankful for many things. My family. Mom and dad for all the love and support they have to give. My children, and granddaughters , they are my light and joy. They light up my life. I'm thankful for my sister . I adore her and she is such an encouragment to me. My nephews (all 5 of them) who make me laugh always. My brother inlaw who is an example of one who is an amazing dad to his sons and loves God with all his heart, and he shows it regularly. My brother who has a wonderful sense of humour and also loves God. My sister inlaw who is an amazing hostess and has a gift of hospitality. She takes such great care of my brother and her boys. I am so very blessed to have such a wonderful family and I never take them for granted. I love them all so much, I am truly thankful for them all.

2007-10-04T21:23:00.000-07:00

More photos courtesy of Jen and Jordan. Love the little baby and her sister.

2007-10-04T21:02:00.000-07:00

Okay I just have to post some clearer photos of my liitle grand baby. ( courtesy of Jen and Jordan) So here she is. My little lovey and her fantastic big sister. ( her mommy too) xoxoxox

2007-09-25T18:33:00.000-07:00

She's Here, she's finally here! Josephine Lauren arrived at 1:53 am. Sept. 25 2007. Almost 2 weeks overdue according to Doctors calculations. Right on time according to Josephine. She weighed 8lbs 10 1/2 oz. I got a call to go look after Abby just before 1:00 am. I hurried over and my son and daughter inlaw left for the hospital. From the time they arrived at the hospital, got registered and in a room there was only 13 minutes to spare. Jen was fully dialated and ready to push. I was just getting myself settled in for the night when the phone rang a few minutes past 2:00 am. It was Jordan saying "mom she is here". I thought I was dreaming. I said "but you just left here"! Talk about cutting it close. If they had waited any longer to call me, Jordan would have had to be the doctor and deliver his daughter at home or in the car. Whew! All is well. Mom and baby are doing fine. I am now a grandma to 2 beautiful girls. I'm so happy and proud. I got to go to the hospital this afternoon to see her and hold her. She is adorable. Lots of dark hair like her sister had. Jen gets to come home from the hospital in the morning already. Gone are the days when we had to stay for a week straight( when my kids were born). I'm tired tonight as I did not sleep much. That's okay. I had more sleep than my son and daughter inlaw got. I can catch up easy. Not so easy for parents of a new born. I'm so happy that I got to go look after Abby during this time. It was so lovely spending time with her. She is going to make a very wonderful big sister.

2007-09-09T00:39:00.000-07:00

The Bathtub Test It doesn't hurt to take a hard look at yourself from time to time, and this should help get you started. During a visit to the mental asylum, a visitor asked the Director what the criterion was which defined whether or not a patient should be institutionalized. "Well," said the Director, "we fill up a bathtub, then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket to the patient and ask him or her to empty the bathtub." "Oh, I understand," said the visitor. "A normal person would use the bucket because it's bigger than the spoon or the teacup." "No." said the Director, "A normal person would pull the plug. Do you want a bed near the window" DID YOU PASS, OR DO YOU WANT THE BED NEXT TO MINE?

2007-09-06T20:54:00.000-07:00

Well my new baby granddaughter is due any time now. Her actual due date is not til the 13th of Sept. but she could arrive any time. I am so excited to meet her. My other grand baby Abby is also looking forward to meeting her new sister. Her mommy and daddy are too. I have been asked to be the middle of the night call to come look after Abby if Jen should go into labour. I said (without hesitation) of course! So I will be waiting by my phone expectantly. I may be sleeping but I will still have one ear to the phone. Can't wait.

2007-09-01T01:41:00.000-07:00

Girls night out. It was a very nice time. 6 of us met at my sisters house tonight for a girls movie night. We watched "Dream Girls" A total chick flick. My sister has three boys and (since they were away for the weekend ) it was nice to watch no boys allowed. In attendance was Carla who is the wife of our youth pastor, and mommy of little one year old Memphis. Sarah, wife of our senior pastor and mommy to 10 month old Joshua. Pam and great friend and mommy to 2 teenage children. Tiffany, wife of Brian, and wonderful daughter to Moi. Sister Peggy, mommy to 3 teenage boys and wife of Ken.( great brother in law) and then me. Invited was my sweet daughter in law( who is due to give birth soon). She declined, understandably. Maybe next time she will be able to join us.We had snacks of nachos and diet coke, and enjoyed a great movie. It was decided that we need to do this more often. Not just when sisters boys are away. We need to make this a tradition. It was a very much needed event. After the movie we just stayed around and visited. I think we will make this a common tradition. It's so good to get together.

2007-08-25T20:20:00.000-07:00

Does anyone know who this is? I was a young girl when I saw him on screen for the first time. For anyone too young to know, this is Topogigo. He is a Spanish mouse. I saw him at the movies when I was maybe 6 or 7. I can't even remember if it was a film about him or if I went to see another movie and Topogigo was the pre movie filler. I think I can recall him on the Ed Sullivan show. Maybe Ed's mousy sidekick?? I did not watch too much T.V. as a child so I'm not sure. But the mouse does stand out to me. I don't know what sparked this childhood memory. Maybe it is because we have mice at work and I don't like mice. I do however like Topogigo. Not so scary. He was a cute mouse. Not so much fur and was quite charming. So I ask again. Does anyone remember this mouse? Please say yes and help me feel not so old.

2007-08-14T21:12:00.000-07:00

A TRIP TO WALMART

You are in the middle of some kind of project around the house. Mowing the lawn, putting a new fence in, painting the living room, or whatever. You are hot and sweaty. Covered in dirt or paint. You have your old work clothes on. You know the outfit, shorts with the hole in crotch, old t-shirt with a stain from who knows what, and an old pair of tennis shoes. Right in the middle of this great home improvement project you realize you need to run to Wal-Mart to get something to help complete the job. Depending on your age you might do the following.

In your 20's: Stop what you are doing. Shave, take a shower, blow dry your hair, brush your teeth, floss, and put on clean clothes. Check yourself in the mirror and flex. Add a dab of your favorite cologne because you never know, you just might meet some hot chick while standing in the checkout lane. You went to school with the pretty girl running the register.

In your 30's: Stop what you are doing, put on clean shorts and shirt. Change shoes. You married the hot chick so no need for much else. Wash your hands and comb your hair. Check yourself in the mirror. Still got it. Add a shot of your favorite cologne to cover the smell. The cute girl running the register is the kid sister to someone you went to school with.

In your 40's: Stop what you are doing. Put a sweatshirt that is long enough to cover the hole in the crotch of your shorts. Put on different shoes and a hat. Wash your hands. Your bottle of Brute Cologne is almost empty so you don't want to waste any of it on a trip to Wal-Mart. Check yourself in the mirror and do more sucking in than flexing. The spicy young thing running the register is your daughter's age and you feel weird thinking she is spicy.

In your 50's: Stop what you are doing. Put a hat on, wipe the dirt off your hands onto your shirt. Change shoes because you don't want to get dirt in your new sports car. Check yourself in the mirror and you swear not to wear that shirt anymore because it makes you look fat. The cutie running the register smiles when she sees you coming and you think you still have it. Then you remember the hat you have on is from your buddy's bait shop and it says, "I Got Worms".

In your 60's: Stop what you are doing. No need for a hat anymore. Hose off the dog crap off your shoes. The mirror was shattered when you were in your 50's. You hope you have underwear on so nothing hangs out the hole in your pants. The girl running the register may be cute but you don't have your glasses on so you are not sure.

In your 70's: Stop what you are doing. Wait to go to Wal-Mart until they have your prescriptions ready too. Don't' even notice the dog crap on your shoes. The young thing at the register smiles at you because you remind her of her grandfather.

In your 80's: Stop what you are doing. Start again. Then stop again. Now you remember that you needed to go to Wal-Mart. Go to Wal-Mart and wander around trying to think what it is you are looking for. Fart out loud and you think someone called out your name. The old lady that greeted you at the front door went to school with you.

In your 90's: Stop what you are doing. Stay home.

2007-08-08T21:58:00.000-07:00

You know it's hot in Canada When you see sights like this. My cousin sent this to me. I thought it was so great.

2007-08-03T21:02:00.000-07:00

The Lone Ranger and Tonto went camping in the desert. After they got their tent all set up, the men fell sound asleep. Some hours later, Tonto wakes the Lone Ranger and says, "Kemo Sabe, look towards sky; what you see?" The Lone Ranger replies, "I see millions of stars." "What that tell you?" asked Tonto. The Lone Ranger ponders for a minute then says,"Astronomically speaking, it tells me there are millions of galaxies. Time wise, it appears to be approximately a quarter past three in the morning. Theologically, the Lord is all powerful and we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, it seems we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. What's it tell you, Tonto?" "You dumber than buffalo shit. Someone stole tent."

2007-07-20T20:31:00.000-07:00

Man it's hot. I'm not complaining! It is just so hot. Even at 9:30 at night, the air is so hot and humid. Plus 30 Celsius. I do love summer. I am experiencing so much stress at work that I have been forced to take a stress leave. Yesterday I went with my mom and granny to the valley . (Granny is visiting from B.C) www.dallasvalley.com where dad is cooking for summer campers. He invited us out for a turkey dinner during the lunch time. I enjoyed it very much. It was so peaceful to just sit and look out at God's creation. It was hot but there was a nice breeze blowing so it was not unbearable. The time away from work was so what I needed to forget about the strife and focus on the beauty surrounding me. I am thankful for the time I was able to spend out in nature and enjoy the beautiful landscape and summer weather. It made me forget the strife at work. I must say it was wonderful.

2007-07-19T20:35:00.001-07:00

Two doctors opened an office in a small town and put up a sign reading"Dr. Smith and Dr. Jones, Psychiatry and Proctology."The town council was not happy with the sign, so the doctors changed it to"Hysterias and Posteriors."
This was not acceptable either, so in an effort to satisfy the council they changed the sign to"Schizoids and Hemorrhoids."No go.
Next, they tried"Catatonics and High Colonics."Thumbs down again.
Then came"Manic Depressives and Anal Retentives."Still not good.
Another attempt resulted in"Minds and Behinds."Unacceptable again.
"Analysis and Anal Cysts?"Nope.
"Nuts and Butts?"Uh uh.
"Freaks and Cheeks?"Still no go.
"Loons and Moons?"Forget it.
Almost at their wit's end, the doctors finally came up with:" Dr Smith and Dr. Jones, Odds and Ends."

And the town loved it.

2007-07-08T18:45:00.000-07:00

Tonight I sat out on my balcony enjoying the gorgeous summer night. I looked in the blue sky and caught a glimpse of a bird soaring over head. For one brief moment I wished that I was a bird. Oh to fly free with out a care. What would that be like? To have wings to just fly away from all the cares of the world. The wind catching my wings and lifting me high above the clouds, up towards the heavens. In the middle of my day dream, my eye caught sight of a fluttering moth. One that I am familiar with as it has been twitting from leaf to leaf on my tree outside for days now. It doesn't appear to know where it's going. It flies between leaves softly touching down , then off it goes in an instant. I think the moth is lost, trying to find a place to land. I relate more to the moth than the bird soaring. In my heart I know the answer. I know how to become a soaring bird and not a fluttering moth. It's just the journey that I find so difficult.

2007-07-06T18:17:00.000-07:00

For weeks now the TV has been advertising this great music concert , with fantastic music stars, to promote our world in crisis. Al Gore is at the fore front of it. A great cause this going green. But has no one else asked the question on how much energy it takes to put all the music stars together? How much power does it take to plug in the sound systems, guitars, microphones..... and for all these places all over the

world. And not to mention the media coverage it will receive. As I sat watching yet another plug on TV for this " SOS" "Live Earth concert" I could not help but think about all this! I see

other ads coming forth telling us to save energy by changing our light bulbs, and recycling, and driving environmentally friendly cars, or taking the bus, and Go green world. I mean really. So this message that Gore is trying to get across is a great one, I feel he is going about all wrong.With all these concerts all across the world you and I know that energy is not being saved one bit. Am I the only one to think about this? Am I totally out to lunch here thinking that all this effort and energy is so not the right way to grab peoples attention? I find it so much an opposite of what the world( Al Gore ) is trying to prove. I'm all in favor of going green. There has to be a better ,more energy efficient way to getting that message across.

2007-07-04T21:58:00.000-07:00

I'm just busting a gut right now. I don't mean to be disrespectful, but I just heard the news tonight. It was a report on Al Gores son being arrested for the possession of drugs and other substances. That was too bad. That's not what I'm laughing at. For anyone who does not know who Al Gore is, he is the ex Us vice president and is now on a campaign against global warming. A very good cause! The news report that made me laugh was, "Al Gores son was arrested on the possession of drugs , but he was driving a hybrid, environmentally friendly vehicle. " That is what made me crack up. What an oxy moron. Sorry I do feel bad for Al Gores son. After all We all make mistakes. Sometimes the media does take snippets of stuff and run with it. When I heard the report it did give me a giggle the way it was worded. I only wish the best for the son of Al Gore.

2007-07-01T19:12:00.000-07:00

Well it was indeed my son's 25Th birthday yesterday. Happy Birthday Jordan . I am so proud of you. You make me so happy! I know you make your wife and daughter happy too. God bless you richly as you continue on in your married life. Love you son.

2007-06-23T19:39:00.000-07:00

A week from today that little blonde haired, blue eyed boy will be 25 years old. He's my baby. I can't believe it. He has been my calm and comforting little boy. I remember when he was 6 months old and I was sad, he would just snuggle me and look deep into my eyes, and even though he did not talk I would feel he was saying to me " mommy it's okay, everything will be okay." Then years later when my husband and I divorced he was still there comforting me , and giving me the strength and courage to keep going. He has always had such a tender heart. Now he is a daddy and I am so proud of him. I have always been proud of him. He is a wonderful daddy. Every time I see him with his little girl, I see his eyes light up with love. They just shine whenever his Abby girl is near. I understand the total feeling of joy that he feels towards his child. That's how I feel about him! Whenever I see my children , my eyes light up and my heart skips a beat. I am so blessed to have a precious child like Jordan. He is not a child any longer but a man, with a child of his own. He is still my child though. Happy birthday Jordan my son. I love you more than you will ever know.