Monday, August 29, 2011

TRANSiTiONS!

"The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time."
- Abraham Lincoln


"The journey between what you once were and who you are now becoming, is where the dance of life really takes place."
- Barbara Deangelis


"The people who make a difference in your life are not ones with the most credentials, the most money... or most awards. They are the ones who care the most."
- Charles Schultz


"It is in changing that things find purpose."
-Heraclitus



Here is a little picture of Beau looking up to me after his nap on Saturday.
I absolutely adore this little SUPERMAN...
and will cherish all the changes we have gone through in his first precious year of his life. 


Here is BEAU one year ago today in his little bassinette basket
for his very first ever sleepover at Grammie D's!
He has changed so much since this...
amazing the TRANSITIONS one goes through in the first year of life.

Here is a darling picture of Mariah around this time last year on her very first day of TAP...
Not only was that a happy day for her, it was a happy one for me, too!


I remember thinking just how grown up MARIAH  looked in this photo
 of her first day of Pre-school last year...
now hard to believe this week she begins another new chapter in her life as she enters KINDERGARDEN.


This photo was featured on many of my crafted Christmas cards last year.
Beau was a little over 4 months in this pic... and he has changed so much since then.
They have their matching snowman jammees on here!... (SNOW CUTE!) 


Here is Beau just this past Friday sitting on the floor with a balloon on a string!
He is so obsessed with balloons since his birthday and drags them around like a little pull toy now!
He almost looks like he is waving GOODBYE here on
nearly his last babysitting day before he begins full time daycare.


Back to January of 2011... with his poppa Brian looking cozy warm, smiley and content !
Both Beau and Brian look so pale here compared to how tanned they look this summer.


Another cute pic of Beau from last week's 4 day stint here.
He was enjoying the little
"Mickey Mouse softee"  from Japan! 


I LOVE my little BROWN EYED BOY!
I hope he LOVES me back as much as his bib says he does!
He is such a little character now and provided so much lovin and laughin! 


Another TRANSITION at this time of year is the beginning of a new Dance Season,
which means many new bulletin board updates by me!
Here is one I completed this morning, but there are many more others to go... I do about 10 boards through out the studio seeing as it is in an old school  and is spread through the whole building.



Change is good... or so people say!


I have been pondering the whole
TRANSITION-THING this past while.

I knew at the end of a year, my babysitting time with Beau would be done...
and he would move onto daycare.


Mariah will move on from daycare to Kindergarden.
I guess these are all really milestones in a child's life.


There are more TRANSITIONS in a child's life in their first year than in any other.
I feel so blessed to have been a huge part of watching Beau go through
all those first year changes.



Beau and I really bonded in the year, so it is with mixed emotions that I let go of the babysitting duties and move on to a new chapter myself.


I honestly believe, though, that both kids need structure and other children in their daily lives, so it will be so good for all concerned.



I am not quite sure what I plan to do in my next phase, but right now I have the studio bulletin boards to help me transition into whatever comes next for me.


I always loved the FALL as it was like a
new beginning.
It was the start of a new routine and schedule...
a new school year and dance season.
I loved the start of all of that.


Today is the registration day at the dance studio where I work...( well do bulletin boards!)
So because it is a new beginning there it was time for some transitions on the boards, too.
I take pride in doing the boards and enjoy creating them and looking at the fun pictures of all the things that have recently taken place in and around the summer with the dancers from BSOBAD.

I have so many fond memories of my years of teaching dancing both in my own studio for 28 years, followed by my years as a teacher at BSOBAD. This is my 10th season working there, too... wow where does the time go???


My oatmeal package said this today...

Nourish your emotional heart.
Simplify your life.
Prioritize what matters most.


I drank my coffee out of the white mug with black polka dots that says this inside...

LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE

Today as shift to a new chapter, it's all good.
I feel I did the best with BEAU that I could.
And although those big brown eyes
will be missed,
And I will miss his hugs and
how he has kissed...
Change is all good, or that's what they say...
So I'll keep moving forth to the
next brand new day!
Transitions keep us moving
to the fresh and new,
I have many projects that I want to do...
So although it seems different,
I know I was blessed...
This past year with Beau was simply the best!

Saturday, August 27, 2011

BuSy... but FuN!

"If you carry your childhood with you, you never become older."
-Abraham Sutzkever


"Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children."
-Alex Palmer Haley


"What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance. They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life, and most importantly, cookies."
-Ruddolph W. Giuliani



On our way to the park... Beau in his stroller...and Mariah in her doll stroller!!!
The arrangement changed before we got home to
Beau pushing the dolly stroller and Mariah riding in Beau's stroller!!!


My grown up soon to be kindergardener! 


Mariah bouncing and giggling! 


My happy giggling Beau man! 


Beau in his Batman t-shirt... climbing up the slide!!! 


The two happy munchkins up in Jana's old room playing merrily! 


Mariah in her mommy's old costumes...
SPOT the fun! 


Another costume in the parade of many... she was dancing to Lady GaGa on youtube! 


My niece, Rowen and Mariah in the red sparkly dresses Jana and I wore for our last tap duo when Jana was 18 years old.... the dresses are a bit big for these two... but they sparkled as they created dance numbers together yesterday! 


Beau pushing his big sister in her dolly stroller... round and round! 


I still see a family resemblance between my son Colin and my grandson Beau! 


Beau ready for a nap  in his sleepers... here with  my brother Brian visiting thursday morning. 


Poppa Brian and Beau... both looking so sun kissed! 


My two little swingers today enjoying the sunny weather and the backyard swings. 


Mariah and I today having some fun and laughs out in the back yard!
The beginning of the week was filled with celebrations and relatives ... with my Aunt's  memorial on tuesday and some gatherings following. 

The last 4 days have been a whirlwind of babysitting fun for me.
I was once again reminded of why I had my children earlier in life!!!


It is amazing how much energy children have... it is just go... go... go!


I had 2 full days with Beau here on Wednesday and Thursday, followed by two more days...
Friday and Saturday with Beau and Mariah.
We booked Shuffle into doggie daycare for the last 2 days...
to cut down on the crazy  hectic pace!!!


I took approximately 100 pics each day so once again hard to narrow down the selection... but in the four days...
we had lots of fun and activities.

We also had some visitors... my brother Brian popped by on Thursday, my friend Gailene popped by yesterday, as well as my
sister-in-law, Brenda and her daughter, Rowen.


Today we popped by my in-laws...
(Mariah and Beau's Great Grandparents!)
I forgot my purse and camera or could have taken  more pics there!
While there, my sister-in-law, Bev was there, too, along with my husband's cousin, Shannon and her little girl, Kiera.


We didn't have any dull moments
over the 4 days...
we ate popsicles,icecream, yogurt,fruit cups, fruit loops,crackers and cheese,pizza,popcorn twists, yellow chips,mumum cookies,oreo cookies,white milk, chocolate milk,grated cheese, cheese strings,blue berries, grapes,and more!

We played with...
balloons,car-cars, stuffed animals,squeaky toys,rattles, grammies's ornaments in set ups, crafted booklets,and pictures with flowers and grass, tried on many of Jana's costumes, made up dances, played on the swings, slide, bouncy ride a roos,paddling pool, many stroller rides, watched lots of fun TV and movies on the computer!


Although I captured many things we did with the camera, the memories will be most cherished in my heart.


Next week we all turn to a new chapter in our lives. I have had the honor of babysitting Beau for his first year of life, and now he is old enough to go to daycare. Mariah has been in daycare since she was one, and is now ready to start kindergarden ...
and the beat goes on!



Although I will fondly remember all the bonding I have been able to do with my kiddies, I am ready to move to
a new chapter too!
I'm not going to lie, though ...
I did shed a bit of a tear while cuddling Beau the other day...
those big brown eyes of his looked up at me
as if to somehow say
"Thank you Grammie D!"


Luckily for me those cuties live in the city...
so I'm not far away from a
wee "grandkiddie-fix" from time to time!



My days have been real hectic,
but filled with lots of fun.
As I babysat my grandkiddies...
and now this week is done.
Next week is the beginning
of a chapter that is new,
My babysitting days were plenty,
but now they will be few.
I'm happy that I've had a lot of time
with Beau to share,
But now he's one, he's old enough to go to his daycare.
Mariah is a sweetie and growing up so fast...
She 's off to kindergarden now ...
her daycare's in the past.
I'll fondly cherish all the times
that I've spent with them here.
The memories are many,
and I'll always hold them so dear.
There is something oh so special
about being their Grammie D!
They'll hold a special spot in my heart,
deep inside of me.
I hope the time that we have shared,
since they've come on the scene,
Will fondly be remembered with all
and where we've been.
Although they're both ready to move on,
my feelings are a mix,
I'm thankful that they live in town,
so I can get a "GRANDKID FIX"!

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Sending Wishes to HEAVEN!

"The love and life we create is the life and love we live." - Leo Buscaglia


"A wise lover values not so much the gift of the lover as the love of the giver." 
- Thomas a Kempis


"Treasure the love you receive. It will survive long after your gold and good health have vanished. - Og Mandino



My Dad and Mom on August 24th 1949
Their Wedding Day 


Today they can celebrate their 62nd Wedding Anniversary together again.
This will be their first anniversary "TOGETHER" in Heaven! 


A photo of their honey moon turned into a Christmas card .
(My cousin Gwen found this one for me... and Jana said my dad's hair do is right back in style again!)

A beautiful photo of my Auntie Frances in front of her library.
This photo was on the cover of the memorial cards at her funeral yesterday.


My aunt's one and only son, David at her grave sight yesterday.
He informed me they are redoing the stone to include mother and father together on it.
The stone will look like a book ... so appropriate for my Aunt  who was a librarian!


My cousin David in front of the Frances Morrison Library yesterday with his four children.
There is a lovely display of my aunt there now that people may go see and sign a book of condolences. 


Here is a cute picture of my Father-in law, Greg and Mariah at the funeral reception yesterday.
I was thrilled that they were both a part of the celebration. 


My brothers later yesterday at a lovely family barbeque
graciously hosted by my
Aunt's brother-in -law, DALE. 


Family gathered in celebration at the barbeque last night to honor the life a a life well lived.
I always love a family barbeque gathering!!!
The food and visits were awesome, too!


Today would have been my parent's
62nd Wedding Anniversary.

So in honor of them today I wanted to pay
tribute to them. This will be their first anniversary celebrated together in Heaven. I do miss them but their loving ways live on through my heart in my daily life. I was so fortunate to have had such wonderful parents growing up. I know they instilled many treasured memories and values in me, and for that I am so grateful.

With their very common interest in music, particularly Jazz and Big Band...
for as long as I could remember,
their favorite song was a song called
"SATIN DOLL"
This song was composed by
Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn
with lyrics written by Johnny Mercer
in 1953.

I never did understand the lyrics... but this song brings so many memories of my parents for me.

The final verse goes...

"Telephone numbers, well you know...
Doin' my rhumbas with uno!
And that 'n,
My Satin Doll!"

We had that played as the final song at both of my parents' funerals in their memory.
I BELIEVE they will have an opportunity to dance to that in heaven today!

I got to thinking last week how in all my years of teaching dancing that I never ever created a dance number to that song... so one day I will! That can be a goal for me!
After researching the song on itunes, I was ever so surprised to find there are nearly 1200 versions of that song recorded!
Interestingly enough... even Stevie Wonder has a harmonica version of that song!!!

My mom's one and only living sister, Phyllis, was also married on this date a couple of years before mom and dad... so they always shared the same wedding anniversary date!
We spoke to Auntie Phyllis last night when we called her in BC ...
she was sounding very upbeat.

"SWITCH-A- ROONY!"

Yesterday was a beautiful celebration of a life well lived. My Aunt Frances Morrison who passed away on August 14th, 2011,
was fondly remembered and honored.

The day started at the grave sight with a private family service, followed by a brief trip to my Aunt's library to view the display of her
and to sign the condolences book there.

The afternoon was the lovely memorial service held to honor her. A very heart felt tribute was given by 3 of her 4 grandchildren as well as one by her son, (my cousin), David.
The service really captured my
Aunt Frances (FRANKIE!)
She was a very well thought of lady by all who knew her.

In the evening a great gathering of relatives gathered at my Aunt's brother -in-law's house.
Thanks to Dale and his wife Mildred for hosting such a beautiful event so that us relatives could share our memories together.

Today will be another busy one for me, as I am babysitting my grandson, Beau all day...
and due to the fact we had so much fun last night, we decided to have the relatives here tonight to share in a supper and
yet more fun memories!

A little poem for my parents today...

Dear mom and dad, I know it's your day...
So I'm blowing you kisses, and writing to say,
I'm thinking of you, and missing you, too.
But I'm hoping you're enjoying
all the things you can do.
Now that you are together again,
You can recall old times, like way back when.
I BELIEVE today you will have a little dance...
And maybe to SATIN DOLL by chance!
You've likely noticed more family up there,
I know you'll enjoy them and you'll also share,
The LOVE that you shared while here on earth,
I know you valued them and all their worth.
Take care of each other until we earn our wings,
And remember the loving message this brings!
And although I miss you, we aren't far apart...
I'll love you forever, you live on in my heart!


Monday, August 22, 2011

MAGICAL MEMORIES!

"If it's MAGIC, then why can't it be everlasting?
Like the sun that always shines... like the poet's endless rhyme... like the galaxies in time."
-Stevie Wonder


"The universe is full of magical things, patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper. 
-Eden Phillpotts


"When you have a rainbow deep down in your heart, your smile will shine bright. You know you're part of that colorful, magical feeling, you'll find, when you have a rainbow inside."
-Author Unknown



Last night Jana and I attended one of the most "MAGICAL" musical productions I have ever seen.
We went to the musical called WICKED!
We both were blown away by the entire show... from the amazing set design, costumes, and magical show from start to finish... 3 hours went by in the blink of an eye... just like MAGIC!


Mariah is so excited about her new blue sparkly back pack for kindergarten...
There is something truly MAGICAL about this stage of life.
She has it proudly displayed on her doorknob, and keeps her door shut
 to keep all the boys and babies around out!


Yesterday I had Beau and Mariah over for a few hours to babysit
while their mommy was involved in a photo shoot for her store.
I hadn't seen my 2 little munchkins for a week... and even though that is not that long...
they seem to change fast... especially Beau!
They always have me under their MAGICAL spell! 


What is it about popsicles that makes them so MAGICAL to kids?????
Here are my niece, Rowen, and my grandkiddies, Beau and Mariah yesterday having one each. Beau had orange all over his face for a while after that...I almost needed some MAGIC power to get it off!!!


Here is a pic of Jana and me just before heading off to WICKED last night.
Not only was the show MAGICAL, but the memories of having any one on one time
with my daughter are both CHERISHED and MAGICAL.
We both LOVE, LOVE, LOVED the show, too!


TOG (The Other Grandma), NANCY, and the kids and I before going out last night.
Nancy babysat while were went to the show.
Mariah and Beau's daddy, Nels is out of town till tomorrow,
so Nancy is in town for a few days visiting... and BABYSITTING...
I think both us GRANDMAS find our role MAGICAL... but also TIRING, too!!! ...
(that is why we had our kids while we were much younger)
*there is a MAGICAL REASON for that! 


Today I picked up Mariah from her mommy's store and took her for a lunch at Boston Pizza.
She finds that place one of her favorites... she was doing funny faces here!
I love what a little character she is... one on one time is magic for her lately, too!


I had a little pizza and Mariah had her favorite meal there called BUGS & CHEESE!
She loves to color and eat her pasta... she is becoming so grown up lately!
I know this is another magical memory I will hold dear! 


After lunch I returned Mariah back to Grandma Nancy who is still on her babysitting duties for one more day! Beau was enjoying another popsicle today, but we were smart and chose a
WHITE one today!... Won't take as much MAGIC to wash that color off his face!



There have definitely been some MAGICAL moments and memories this past while for me!
I must say, I was kind of getting used to the simplicity of no kids around ... but kind of missed seeing my kidlets while they were at the lake last week!

Yesterday it didn't take long to fill the house with a little MAGIC again... and less simplicity while Mariah and Beau came over for a few hours.

My niece Rowen and her mommy, Brenda came over and my brother Brian also popped by to see us...and the kids! I always enjoy our visits.

Last night was a fun night for Jana and me as we just thoroughly loved the musical WICKED together. It was definitely MAGICAL!

Today I enjoyed some one on one time with Mariah...and a short visit with Beau and Grandma Nancy too.

I know Mariah is getting excited for her new kindergarten to begin...not long now...
 it starts next week already.


Daycare is closed this week... so thank goodness for GRANDMAS... is all I can say!
I hope Jana and Nels realize how lucky they are that us Grandmas have been doing lots of babysitting lately! We do enjoy it... but I know why we had our kids when we did...
some how my energy always runs out long before the kids' does!

I am doing 4 days in a row of sitting this week... Wednesday through Saturday...
I am sure there will be many MAGICAL moments and memories then!


Tomorrow I am celebrating my
AUNTIE FRANKIE
who passed away on the 14th of August.
She is a cherished and respected lady and one who lived a wonderful and fulfilling life...
she was very MAGICAL to me!


Wednesday would have been mom and dad's 62nd wedding anniversary and I have hopes to do a tribute to them in my Wednesday blog, too.
( I hope I have a chance to do one then)


Today is a BIRTHDAY...
my nephew SAM is 22 today...
I think it is MAGICAL when you turn the same digit as your birthdate!
I believe that is called the
"CHAMPAIGN" birthday!

Beau and Mariah's Auntie Ingrid is 32 today.

So I am sending "MAGICAL" Birthday wishes to them both from my little blog world!

Sadly Canada lost a political great today...

"My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear.
Optimism is better than despair.
So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic.
And we'll change the world"
- JACK LAYTON

May the MAGICAL MEMORIES stay with us!

Magical memories... I have had quite a few,
And more magic memories coming up, too.
Wicked was awesome right from the start,
And pulled on emotions and also my heart.
I saw the grandkiddies, after a break,
I enjoy the fun they bring... and they make!
Tomorrow a celebration for an auntie, so dear,
And so many relatives will also be here.
This week has a few other MAGICAL dates,
Of special occasions for family and greats!
I'm booked to help out
with the grandkiddies, too,
More MAGICAL moments...
oh yes, quite a few!





Saturday, August 20, 2011

the SiMPLE LiFE!

"It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all."
Laura Ingalls Wilder


"It is always the simple that produces the marvelous."
-Amelia E. Barr



This picture is SIMPLY adorable!
Here is Mariah gathering sand for yet another castle...
and Beau is headed toward the water pulling the happy face beach ball on a string.
CHILDREN are real reminders of the  true SIMPLE things that make life SPECIAL!


Brian and Mariah looking for
SPECIAL STICKS, STONES and SEA SHELLS
along the Waskesiu beach!
SIMPLE...and SPECIAL!


SIMPLY SWEET as CAN BE! 


Here Mariah is pretending to snap a photo of her little stuffed pets with a flash light!
She played with this little light all weekend, and she would take a pic and then pretend to show the photo to her subjects after snapping...
SIMPLY PICTURE PERFECT! 


There is SIMPLICITY in a baby wearing footed sleepers holding a baby bottle!
Here is BEAU at the cabin in Waskesiu last weekend looking SIMPLY like a SWEET PEA! 


AHHHH... the SiMPLE LiFE!
Here are Mariah and Beau hanging out together as
 SIS and BRO in the loft of the cabin where they slept! 


Mariah having a teeter totter ride on the beach
SIMPLY having fun going up and down! 


Here are Mariah and her little buddies on the beach SIMPLY playing and having FUN! 


Coloring is a SIMPLE way to pass the time while waiting for the food to come in the restaurant!
Here is Mariah and her daddy coloring together . 


Sometimes just the SIMPLEST things bring HAPPINESS! 


OK I cannot take credit for this photo!
I only snapped a "pic of a pic" off of FACEBOOK.
Jana had an adorable photo shoot done by a photographer here in the city
named CHELSEA KLETTE.
These are not on her website yet... but possibly soon will be at
www.chelseaklettephotography.com
Her photos have a very unique artsy flair...
and well one can SIMPLY not go wrong with such cute kids as
BEAU and MARIAH as subjects!


Out for a great lunch and visit with a dance teacher friend of mine
BARB JACKMAN from Moose Jaw.
Our visit was far from SiMPLE...
we managed to talk away 3 and a half hours in the restaurant!!!
I love catching up with friends I haven't seen in a long time.
It was SIMPLY DEVINE!

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things."
-Robert Brault


I have certainly had many reminders in my life lately as to why I am enjoying the
SIMPLEST THINGS.

I was once very busy at this time of year heading toward a new and busy season of school and or teaching dancing. Having lunch with a good dance teacher friend of mine the other day reminded me of how hectic but exciting this time of year is.

I am glad I "TAPPED" out of the dance teaching when I did. I truly love my simple life!
I do however CHERISH all the memories I made in my earlier chapters!

When I watch Jana and how busy she is with her kiddies it brings back so many memories of when I juggled my life for the balance between family and work. I can't believe how busy I must have been... but I wouldn't trade 

those years for anything.

I now can sit back and enjoy the SIMPLE things as I watch my two grandkids,
MARIAH and BEAU
and absorb how the SIMPLE THINGS
in life are really what life is all about!

I babysat BEAU for his first year of his life, and now he is old enough to attend daycare with his sister. I loved every minute of my bonding with BEAU over this past year. Although I may miss the days of looking after him, I will fondly cherish the many I did share with him.

Now I am ready to SIMPLIFY once again.
Give me the SIMPLE LIFE!

I have had a week of reflections on many things from complex to simple. With the loss of my dear AUNTIE FRANKIE
this past week, I have had many memories of my life growing up in and around her and other family members as well.

Yesterday I met my cousin GWEN at STARBUCKS for a latte and visit. 

We seem to be on the same page of our lives and  were comparing notes on just what thoughts and things we seemed to be going through .

Because we were born in the same year, we are definitely in the same stage of life. We were discussing lots about how it is now time to go SIMPLER!

We were sharing how we enjoyed our careers and are ready for a new chapter to begin. We are not ready to grind to a hault... but we are wanting our lives to just be a bit more about SIMPLICITY.

One of these days I do truly plan to downsize and now that my babysitting duties are nearly done with Beau on a regular basis... I think downsizing will be my next focus!

There is a saying that
"LESS IS MORE"
and I think there is something to that thought!

Tomorrow I am excited to attend the show "WICKED" with Jana. I am looking forward to the show and spending some quality one on one time with my daughter, too... because that is something I SIMPLY cherish always!

"We do not remember days,
we remember moments."
-Cesare Pavese




"The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything;
they just make the best of everything they have."
Author Unknown


...and here is my poem for today...

SIMPLEST THINGS!
When I stop to think what's
most important in life,
Besides being a grammie, a mom and a wife...
It really has come to the simplest things,
That makes my heart smile
with the joy that it brings.
It is time I spend with family and friends,
And the list could go on...
it just never ends.
It's filling a pail to the brim with sand...
To begin to build castles, the best in the land!
It's finding the sticks and stones on the beach,
The kind, in the city, that are far out of reach.
It's sipping my coffee from a polka dot mug,
It's knowing  I'm loved, and getting a hug.
It's often the things that are simple and pure,
Like thinking of memories,
and how things once were.
My happiness comes from inside my heart,
And from following where it goes from the start.
Less can be more... that really is true,
And as we get older, it's much truer, too.
I'm reminded that the things in my life
big and small...
When kept very SIMPLE,
are the BEST ones of all!