Saturday, December 31, 2011

"D"-LiGHTS... and HiGHLiGHTS!

"Time flies when you're having fun!
-Author unknown



Here is a picture of Me with Mariah yesterday at the 3-D
movie "PUSS In BOOTS"

... and here is to a BRIGHT 2012...
Our future is so bright we have to wear shades!!!


A quick little stop at Dollarama with Poppa before the movie! 


My friend from the gym, ELLA...
she had Mariah and me over yesterday and
we had a lovely tour of her beautiful home!
Mariah snapped this photo!


Ella showing Mariah her little gingerbread house! 


Beau and his daddy came for Mariah later in the afternoon.


Mariah holding her coloring at ATHENA restaurant
last night when we took her out for supper with us!
She colors very well for age 5!!! 


Former student Stephanie and her mom, Sharon
joined me in a great lunch on Thursday
at the funky restaurant called
"Souleio"
Steph was here visiting for Christmas,
she and her sister now own their own
 dance studio in Toronto. 


A week ago...
OUT TO LUNCH!!!! (again!)
Here with good friend Jacquie at East Side Marios 


Another BEAU-ment in time... last week smilin' and having fun! 


Here at my friend, Gailene's house
on Dec. 22nd(her birthday!)
We have shared lots of fun times together this year!


Freshly bathed BEAU last week,
looking so much like my son Colin at that age! 


... Another STARBUCKS moment in time
 with my good friend LINDA on December 22nd!
HERE'S TO MANY MORE OF THOSE!!! 


The little journal in Mariah's stocking...
New traditions have been captured! 


Me a day ago in front of the SEEK HAPPINESS
wall hanging in our kitchen!

Here is to a year of HAPPiNESS...
and many more happiness moments in  2012!

"Write it on your heart that everyday is the best day in the year."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

One year ago today I decided to start writing a blog... in fact it was my New Year's Resolution for the year 2011. That blog was viewed 85 times according to the blog stats!

Since that blog post... I have written 182 more posts since then including this one!



The blog has been a way to record memories of the year from day to day... kind of like my little personal journal. It has given me a purpose and given me a reason to stay on a very positive track in my daily life with all I choose to do. I would have to say it has been a very fond memory of this year for me, and I do continue to carry that resolution into the new year of 2012.


Just this past week alone so much has happened with friends, family, outings, celebrations, coffee dates, luncheons... 
etc, etc... the time just blends all together in to many happy memories for me.


Just Thursday alone... I went to Starbucks twice, once with my friend Brenda, and once with cousin Gwen(no photos were taken of those visits!) and that same day I met with former dance student Stephanie and her mom Sharon for lunch! That same morning I did a Weight Watcher weigh in...and it was no surprise I had gained some weight!... so I need to get back with the program in 2012!


Yesterday we had Mariah for the day and she was lots of fun. Brian and i took her to a movie and I took her to visit my new friend, Ella, whom I met at the gym this year. We also took Mariah to ATHENA for supper with us, to use a gift certificate we got from my brother Brian for Christmas!


As I reflect back on the many good times I have seen in the past year it is truly a reminder to always make the most of the best  and the least of the worst. It is a reminder to always enjoy and live in the moment. It is also a reminder to take even the simplest things and make them special.


I consider myself so blessed in so many ways from having good health, to having a loving family and so many wonderful circles of friends to share my life with me.


Once again I thank all my blog readers near and far... according to the blog stats... this blog has been viewed a total of 12,072 times!


Today I wish my mom's one living sister, PHYLLIS and my nephew, LUKE...
 a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!


Belated greetings for the 22nd of December to my nephew, ALEC... his birthday went by 
un -mentioned here!


This morning I am off to BODY VIVE at the gym...and I am so thankful for the gym... especially after all the recent celebrations revolving around this festive time of year!!!


I hope to downsize many things 
in the new year... in fact my New Year's resolution  is going to be...
"LESS IS MORE!"


"Love the moment and the energy of the moment will spread beyond all boundaries."
-Corita Kent


On that quote here is my poem of the day 
with some of the highlights of this past year... ENJOY!
HAPPY NEW YEAR


To Twenty Eleven we say our good byes...
With the year TWENTY TWELVE
now on the rise.
It's time to remember what made last year great,
As we look to the NEW YEAR and all CELEBRATE!
Every day is such a special one...
There is always a reason 
to find some kind of fun!
I captured my year through 
my pictures and blog...
I enjoyed all my family, my friends and my dog!
Each birthday and anniversary 
was one to take note,
And I loved catching up on many a quote!
So many coffees and lattes galore...
With so many visits at STARBUCKS and more!
A lot of good times shared with family and friends...
The very best fun and the most perfect blends.
Jazzin' it up in our beautiful park,
Staying up late and out after dark!
Lots of good shows to watch on TV,
Many a thing I love... you see!
I'm grateful for family who is healthy and happy,
I always love dancing... 
especially the "TAPPY!"
I love my wee comfort zone, here in my home,
And every chance I get to write a new poem.
But mostly I'm lucky for my simple life...
And I'm so grateful to be Brian's wife!
My kids are the best, and I also must share...
My grandkids are great,
no one can compare!
I have many angels up in the sky...
To watch over me, and keep my spirits high!
This year has been awesome,
I'm happy to say...
And now that we are at the last day,
I took this moment to re SPOT all the fun!
Right to the minute that this year's done.
And wish all my readers a 
HAPPY NEW YEAR...
Always stay positive, and keep 
HAPPINESS near!








Tuesday, December 27, 2011

FAMiLY, FRiENDS, FOOD and FUN!

   From Christmas Eve through Boxing Day
    there have been ongoing FESTIVITIES 
            around here all with plenty of 
         Family, Friends, Food and Fun!
I took many pictures, too... as you can all well imagine... so I will post several in this blog and let the pictures speak for themselves!... 
                 ENJOY a little peak into 
                CHRISTMAS TIME 2011!



Here are Brian and Me modeling our new home made aprons!
These were thoughtfully created by Beau and Mariah's
other Grandma for us
and given in matching homemade gift bags, too!
They represent all the FOOD we consumed over the past 3 days,
and we had FUN wearing these while we had
FAMILY and FRIENDS over!

Special THANKS to GRANDMA NANCY!!!




CHRISTMAS EVE at
BLANCHE and GREG'S...

Beau and Me

Brian and Beau having a "HUP-HUP"
Greg, Nels and Sam in background


Rowen and Mariah pretending to run a little restaurant in the basement! 


Jana and Greg with their family photo gift from Jana's family. 


My sisters-in-law
Brenda and Bev with Beau and his new truck toys 


Greg showing Beau around...
My son Colin in photo on wall behind when he was around Beau's age! 


Mariah getting a hug and kiss from her Great Grandma Blanche







CHRISTMAS MORNING
At NELS and JANA'S House...


Mariah with her Mrs. Claus Build a Bear gift! 


Proud Poppa Brian with some cuddle time with his grandkiddies! 


Beau enjoying the whole Christmas thing! 


Me dancing with my daughter and my grand daughter
to a new dance video game Mariah got from her daddy,
who is watching from behind!






CHRISTMAS SUPPER
AT OUR HOUSE...


A few more things for Mariah and Beau in their stockings here!
A new tradition... little Christmas memory journals. 


My brother Brian,
 With Jens and brother Nels
waiting for the turkey feast to begin! 


Jana making gravy and Brian carving the turkey in the kitchen. 


A little after supper entertainment! 


A little family photo opp...
Beau wasn't into sitting still for any longer than he needed to!!!!! 


Mariah's new Build A Bear on it's new chair
wearing a Christmas Cracker hat complete with stickers!!!
Mariah's new Christmas journal
with this year's memories in it , beside.






35th Annual
BOXING DAY OPEN HOUSE
at our house...


Mariah and the new bear sitting with my brother Bob. 


My father-in-law, Greg  watching hockey,
while my sister-in-law, Arleen visits! 


Greg and Beau! 


My cousins, Bev and Gwen with our friend Julie in the middle
... seeking happiness in the kitchen! 


My nephew Brad and his sweet wife, Janelle,
enjoying some of the food and snacks! 


Brian and friend Steve joking around in the kitchen! 


Friends, Jacquie, and Cindy joining
sisters-in-law Brenda and Bev and my niece, Rowen
in the dining room for dessert and visits! 


Friends Steve and Cindy's boy, Billy played with Beau
 and the two were entertaining!








FOOD FOR THOUGHT!!! 



All these books I received as gifts this Christmas,
and I love them all  with their positive quotes and messages.
Also in photo a couple of the newest polka dot tree balls
 I received from my grandkids, and a cute little polka dot food timer from my cousin!




The above photos give you an idea of the FUN that was had around here throughout the past 3 days. Starting with a nice evening of appies and family visits at 
the Raskobs on Christmas Eve.
Christmas morning was spent with Jana, Nels and their kids, Mariah and Beau...and nothing makes it more fun than being around children on Christmas! There were no shortage of gifts there...and photos taken as well along the way... the above are only but a few!

Christmas supper was delicious... my hubby did his magic in the kitchen and cooked up a scrumptious turkey and all the trimmings, with a little assistance on the gravy from Jana. Mariah told her poppa that his potatoes were awesome, which made his day!

I decided to start a new little tradition this year by writing some Christmas memories into a little journal for Mariah and Beau and it will be in their stockings here for them each year as we continue to add more memories to it year by year. They also got little sock monkeys and a book and balloon along with some candy in their stocking here, too.

We hosted our 35th annual boxing day open house here yesterday, too. We had lots
MORE FOOD and enjoyed visits all day with family and friends.

Today I was feeling Fairly Filled with not only lots of Fun memories... but a bit too much FOOD!!!!  I headed to the gym for a class in hopes of FIGHTING off some of the FLUFF around the middle from all the FESTIVITIES!!!

Last year I received a nice necklace from my hubby with the word DREAM
on it for Christmas,
and this year many DREAMS
have come true!

This year he gave me a necklace with the word BELIEVE on it, and a bracelet with the words...
"IMAGINE  BELIEVE ACHIEVE"
on it... and I am IMAGINING this coming year will be filled with BELIEF and ACHIEVEMENT!

Now some quotes from my new "LIVE GOOD" book  that I received from my 

GOOD BUDDY LINDA in Lanigan!


"Fill each day with life and heart. There is no pleasure in the world comparable to the delight and satisfaction that a good person
takes in doing good."
-John Tillotson

"We must find time to stop and thank people who make a difference in our lives."
-Dan Zadra

"Let nothing dim the light that shines
from within."
- Maya Angelou


On those quotes... my poem of the day!


FOOD... family, friends and fun...
One more Christmas, and a festive one!
So much to be grateful for...
I feel so blessed, and couldn't ask for more.
It's always fun to celebrate,
In fact it truly is just great.
It brings on such a natural high,
Even when it's over and gone by!



We also received a nice "JOYEUX NOEL" phone call from Colin in Montreal... he always remembers to call us on every special occasion which means a lot to us!
He was sounding very upbeat and happy, which added to our day!

Saturday, December 24, 2011

BELIEVE in the MAGIC!

"Believe in love. Believe in magic. Hell, believe in Santa claus. Believe in others. Believe in yourself. Believe in your dreams
-if you don't who will?"
-Jon Bon Jovi


"Never doubt in magic. The purest honest thoughts come from children, ask any child if they believe in magic and they will tell you the truth.
-Scott Dixon


My Seize the day calendar says this today...
"Appreciate Family & friends and time spent together."
-Robin Pickens



The kids dancing to Justin Bieber's
Christmas CD yesterday! 

Beau finding when Santa comes on the calendar!
the saying on December says...
"ALL THE HAPPINESS YOU CAN HANDLE!" 


My niece Rowen and grand daughter Mariah
crafting Christmas stuff yesterday,
 and having a magical time together! 


Beau dreaming up what mischief to get into next!
... I Believe he got into a bit here and there, too!


The 3 building a fort in the upstairs hallway
with cushions off the couch! 


My little cookie monster strapped into the stroller. 


Movie watching! 


Playing behind the couch and watching out the window 


Playing peek a BEAU! 


Making cookies was more magical cousin filled fun! 


Playing with Grammie's magnets on the fireplace!
Shuffle in kennel beside!


Iced cookies!
 

Shuffle having her pre- Christmas bath...
 lookin a bit like Santa!
HOHOHO!!!


Shuffle can hardly wait for the gifts to come out!!!
Infact I put a few out this afternoon...
and Shuffle ripped two of them open,
so I needed to wait and put them out again later!
SHE LOVES CHRISTMAS...
She definitely BELIEVES in the MAGIC!


Yesterday I babysat my two grandkids for the day along with Shuffle!My niece Rowen came along, too to help me out... Mariah idolizes her, and she is such a great role model for her!

As you can see we had an action packed day from start to finish...and  after stirring the whole house up from top to bottom, I think I have things all back in place now and ready for the excitement of the next couple of days!

Tonight we visit my in-laws for appies and a
CHRISTMAS EVE FAMILY VISIT!

Tomorrow morning we will head over to spend Christmas morning with Jana, Nels and the kids for our gift opening. Later we will host this year's turkey supper with them plus my brother Brian.

Monday we will host our annual
BOXING DAY OPEN HOUSE,
from 2PM onward and all are welcome to join us for some holiday cheer... the more the merrier!

My previous blog entry was my Christmas family update and greeting for an EXTRAORDINARY
Christmas and 2012... but once again I will extend my biggest wishes for a
MAGICAL CHRISTMAS...
and BELIEVE that 2012
will be the best year yet!

I BELIEVE in the MAGIC...
and MAGICAL LOVE this time of year
... so on that note...

Believe in the magic and all it can bring,
Delight in the special of each tiny thing!
Even a dangler hanging on a gift,
Can give that nice present such a big lift!
Watch for the wonder
in small children's eyes,
They help us to believe, too,
and make us feel wise.
Though Christmas time comes around
one time a year,
It always reminds us to hold
all our loved ones so dear.
Keep believing in things
that are merry and bright.
And carry those thoughts...
so the new year takes flight.
Live each day with the belief it is great.
Celebrate MAGIC on every date!
Remember to dish out lots of gratitude,
BELIEVE in being grateful,
it's the kindest attitude!
Share LOVE with loved ones wherever you go,
And even with people you don't even know.
It's hard to believe how
 that love can grow wings,
Flying right through the air
with the magic it brings!
Christmas comes quickly,
and soon it is done,
So keep on BELIEVING...
and also have FUN!!!