Sunday, October 27, 2013

Well CELEBRATED & LOVED!

"A simple celebration a gathering of friends; 
here is wishing you great happiness, 
a joy that never ends."
-Author Unknown

Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, 
make everyday a holiday and celebrate just living."
-Amanda Bradley

"What a grand thing to be loved! 
What a grander thing still, to love."
-Victor Hugo
Brian last night with the grandkids when they stopped by for
cupcakes to CELEBRATE their SPECIAL GRANDPA!

I'm not sure who gets into the CELEBRATIONS more...
SHUFFLE, THE GRANDKIDS ... or ME!

Last night we had a wee party going on in Brian's honour!

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25th...
was not only Brian's BIRTHDAY...
it was a day of celebration of my mom's life,
as she passed away on that date in 2010.
Our friend, Ella brought over a delicious carrot cake in
 CELEBRATION!

Brian's sister, Brenda and our niece, Rowen dropped by on Friday
with some LOVE and a box of Tim Bits to help CELEBRATE!
More photos here from last night's cupcake party, too!

Friday evening we shared a delicious meal at "St. Tropez Bistro"
with our friends, Joan and Gerry.
We also had a lunch at "Calories "earlier in the day
 with friends, Ross and Trona.

Saturday we did another Birthday celebration lunch with friend, Robin
at "Brown's Social House"... here are all our yummy meals!

Saturday morning friends Ella ... and also Steve popped by for
birthday coffees and visits, too!
Today we had a fun group of friends sharing breakfast at Fuddruckers,
Bob and Jacquie treated us to our meal!

Jana and her store partner Melissa have had a big shoe sale at Market Mall
since Thursday... Brian and I stopped by a few times over the first 3 days!
Melissa just recently celebrated her birthday as well...
and yesterday would have been her dad's birthday, too.

Celebrating Birthdays and Angels this past weekend...
CUPCAKES  & HALOS!
...CELEBRATED and LOVED...


These past 3 days have been ones of
LOVE and CELEBRATION.

As you can see by the photos in this blog post, we have been to do lots of dining and celebrating with friends and family. Thanks to everyone for all the wonderful thoughtful wishes by phone, email, Facebook and in person... We all feel well CELEBRATED and LOVED for sure!

We consider ourselves so lucky to have the family and friends we do and that they all think so kindly of us on not only our special occasions but also from day to day, too.
I am ever grateful for who ever pops by to read about my little daily celebrations here on my blog from post to post,
as well. Even if you do not comment, thanks for stopping by!

This last week was a busy one of seeing Mariah's dancing at her viewing week of lessons. She seems to be very happy and is progressing nicely.

We have not seen as much of the grandkids since school began in the fall with everyone's busy lives, so it was nice to connect a few times this week.

We will see them again at the next CELEBRATION which of course will be when they pop by on Thursday this week for HALLOWEEN! I will hopefully capture some photos of them in costume and post on the next blog.

In spite of all the birthdays, anniversaries, cupcakes, etc. this month, we continue to live each day with love, and treat it like a celebration. I am thankful for the gym these days
with all the dining out I have done recently!

Thanks for all the birthday treats, fun and meals...
we appreciated them ... and on that note,
here is a little rhyme of the day...


I think birthdays are for celebration and love,
From family and friends... to angels above.
When one feels loved and special, too...
It makes them feel better with all that they do.
It's even better when we celebrate each day,
With love from all round, in any kind of way.
It's a way to remember, and never forget,
Feeling celebrated and loved is the best yet!

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Friends, Family, Food, Fitness, Fun!

"It's all about quality of life and finding a happy balance between work, friends and family."
-Philip Green

"Food is an important part of a balanced diet."
-Fran Lebowitz

"Time flies whether you are having fun or not. The choice is yours."
-Author Unknown

Last Friday... a trip to Starbucks in Willow Grove, a little dip in Jana's hot tub.
a little fun with Mariah on her Hip Hop day!

Fun with Beau and Mariah last week!

A yummy Japanese supper at OTOWA with our good friends, and former
next door neighbours... Lynne and Mike, when they
visited us from Regina last weekend!

More fun with friends... Lynne and Mike...
shopping, card playing Fuddruckers...and more!

Shuffle modelling her new Halloween costume...this doggie has more fun in
clothes than any dog I know...and how cute is she as a pumpkin???!!!

A little early family birthday celebration for Brian at the Keg last
Sunday. Beau got mistaken for a girl again... hehehe his hair
is getting pretty long, but as he says...
"Long hair, don't care!"

Another fun outing for Starbucks... with friend Ella
and met up with our friend, Nancy there, too.
She was the owner of "The NOSEGAY" flower shop before it closed.

Mariah had watching day at dancing on Tuesday...
here she is in her jazz class, which has 12 kids in it...
she is learning her Jr. 1 ADAPT Jazz and Tap.

I have had a few occasions to craft cards for this past week...
My niece Emily's birthday, my in-law's anniversary, my mother-in-law's birthday,
and my neighbour, Heather's birthday, too!
Tomorrow is another special birthday to craft for, as well.

The new launch of the BODY VIVE class at Goodlife Gym
on Tuesday... taught this week by both Theresa and Trent...
"T & T"...a DYNAMITE DUO for sure... they make Fitness more FUN always! 

A special birthday lunch outing for friend, Heather with  my friend, Ella,
yesterday at TASTE BUDS ... was fun and tasty, too!

I made another book on the computer, and it arrived yesterday.
This was of our Montreal trip this summer...
here are a couple of the pages!

More pages from my Montreal book. I took nearly 700 photos on our 9
day trip in July... lots with Colin and Caro, too... but can't share those pages
here... Colin prefers to not be shown on the internet!

Mariah at her ballet yesterday... watching day...
she has 10 little dancers in her class... tutu cute!

Beau at Mariah's Ballet class yesterday... having fun with Grammie D's phone!



Well hard to believe more than a week has passed since my last blog post! As you can see I keep fairly busy with the perfect balance of...
FRIENDS... FAMILY...FOOD... FITNESS...
and FUN...along with all the other important stuff, too!

It seems when ever I plan to do a new blog post to fill you in on the latest... I get sidetracked along the way doing other FUN stuff... but it's all good!

We loved our visit from our Regina, FRIENDS, Lynne and Mike last weekend. We always love when they come to visit us. They were once our next door neighbours, and their kids and ours were close in age and interests. Their girls danced, too. Now we share the common interest of our grandkids.
It seems months can go by and when ever we reconnect we just pick up where ever we left off, without skipping a beat.
We always have time for a few rounds of Kaiser too... which is always FUN!

Jana and Nels decided to do an early celebration for Brian's Birthday, which is actually tomorrow. We went to the Keg on Sunday night...and had an enjoyable evening there together.
We feel so blessed to do things with them always.

We talked to Colin this weekend, too, and he is excited about his upcoming trip to Vietnam in December.
We feel grateful to hear from him often, too.

This week was watching week at Mariah's dance classes, so I was able to pop by and see those. she seems to be progressing very well at those, and she loves her dancing.
I'm so glad she has interest in that... nice to see her tapping into her mommy and grammie's footsteps, literally!

There have been many celebrations lately... from birthdays to anniversaries in the family. We have popped by to see my in-laws, Blanche and Greg this week a couple of times, too.

Today we were at Market Mall for a big footwear sale which Jana's store SWANK SHOE LOUNGE is participating in.
We ran into my sister-in-law Bev there, too, so we went for lunch with her after as well.

I have enjoyed my classes at the gym lately... mostly
Body Vive and Zumba. But all the classes are good when ever I can fit them into the schedule! All the instructors are excellent there which makes the classes more fun to attend.

I tend to squeeze in lots of coffee and lunch type outings with friends... and always feel so blessed that I have so many friends who are not only fun to be with but also very supportive at all times!


Tomorrow is a celebration filled with mixed emotions...
First of all it is my hubby, Brian's birthday... so we will do something FUN-FOOD-FAMILY-FRIEND related I am sure!
Secondly it is the 3rd anniversary of my mom's passing.
A day does not go by that I do not feel her with me in some way... she is always in my heart.

Today is my cousin John's birthday... so I wish him a happy celebration too.

Next week is Halloween, so the grandkids will be gearing up for some FUN then as well. I am not sure if their costumes are confirmed yet... but I will be sure to get pictures to share of those next week.

On that note, here is my poem of the day...

My week was filled with food, fitness and fun.
I shared time with fam and friends and enjoyed it a ton!
I squeezed in some time for TV in and around,
I seem fairly busy lately, I've found.
Busy doing the things I enjoy to do,
And fitting in time for important things, too.
Time sure flies when I'm having fun,
The days race on by from the start, till they're done!


Wednesday, October 16, 2013

More GRATiTUDE!

"At times our light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us."
-Albert Schweitzer

"Develop an attitude of gratitude, give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation."
-Brian Tracy

"Consistently expressing sincere and heartfelt gratitude for what you already have is the underlying and often overlooked force which opens doors to immeasurable abundance and happiness."
-Author Unknown



I had lots of GRATiTUDE this past weekend...
here on a lovely walk through the fall beauty down by the river,
with my hubby and our friend, Vern.

I think FALL is my favourite season... even though it is the start
of the colder weather to come... I have GRATITUDE for the beauty
it has... and even better when I can share that love with the one I love most!

More fall beauty... more walks... more GRATiTUDE!

I am ever grateful for outings with friends... whether for
out for coffee or out for meals!
Here I am at different STARBUCKS with Ella and also with Brian and Vern,
and out for lunch with Brenda.

a" LATTE" GRATITUDE!
... here celebrating over a pumpkin spice at Starbucks,
and a Cafe Broadway at the Roastery!

GRATITUDE for our Sunday morning traditional breakfasts
here this past sunday with Bob, Jacquie and Vern...
with Brian and me at Fuddruckers.

TWO THANKSGIVING DINNERS!!!!
So Much GRATITUDE!
Sunday at our house for ham, scalloped potatoes, sweet potatoes,asparagus...
Bob & Jacquies' Monday for Turkey potatoes and gravy, dressing, carrots,
beets, and dressing... both meals with delicious desserts, too!

Sunday Thanksgiving with 3 of my favourite guys...
Father-in-law, Greg, brother, Brian and of course
my hubby, who made the delicious supper.
I always have so much GRATITUDE that he enjoys cooking!
(Greg took some supper home for Blanche, too!)

Monday Thanksgiving supper at friend's Bob & Jacquie's
in their lovely condo with friends... Vern and their friend, Grey.
So much GRATITUDE for friends and fabulous food!


Today as I sat down to do up yet another blog post,
I realized just how GRATEFUL I am to live the life I do.
The older I get, the more GRATITUDE I have for all the things I am lucky to have.

I always have GRATITUDE for this blog itself, because it is a reflection of my journey through life since I began writing it nearly 3 years ago. I also have lots of GRATITUDE for those who pop by to see what I've been up to lately.

I always have so much GRATiTUDE for my family, friends, and all we are able to share in our many walks of life along the way. I do take many photos, too, which is my way of remembering the journey from day to day ... whether we are doing a big or small celebration. To me every day is really a celebration of sorts... some times the little things are as important as the big ones in the end!


This past Monday on THANKSGIVING we were so GRATEFUL to be invited to share in a delicious Turkey meal at our friends, Bob and Jacquies' lovely  condo.
They always are such gracious hosts, and do up a tasty meal in a beautifully decorated surrounding.
Not only is it fun to celebrate with them, it is such a spectacular place to be in with a wonderful view of the Saskatoon skyline.
We share lots of GRATITUDE with them for including us for Thanksgiving this year.

Also on Saturday night we shared a great meal at our friend, Vern's condo. We are lucky to be included for so many meals and visits with him. He is a good friend, for sure!

As well I am grateful for outings recently with friends, Ella and Brenda. I have so much gratitude for the very many friends I am lucky to have and always enjoy the chances I have to share with them.


I feel as though my life revolves around eating and going for coffees... especially this blog post! Maybe it is just the follow up to THANKSGIVING

... but we have certainly
been well fed lately!



I am so GRATEFUL for the gym for that very reason... it adds the perfect balance to all the dining out I have been doing! Just yesterday I decided to do another two class "TWOS-DAY" at the gym in my attempt to help burn off the TWO THANKSGIVING SUPPERS!

I have so much GRATITUDE for "GOODLIFE GYM", as it does help me to have a good life indeed.
Thanks to Trent and Theresa for the great Body Vive classes, Peggy for the awesome Body Flow and CX works classes, and to Nicole for the fun Zumba classes.

I am ever grateful for my wonderful family...
I do not see all of them often but I do appreciate each and everyone in my family.

Two of those very special people are my parents... and even though they are no longer with me on earth, they live on in my heart and my daily thoughts... they are the reason I am here in the first place! They both always stressed the importance of appreciation and gratitude throughout my life.



I am also grateful for two very loving parents-in-law, as well, and tomorrow they will be celebrating 63 years of wedded bliss! I wish them a fantastic day of memories
on their special day.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BLANCHE & GREG!

Friday my sweet niece Emily turns 17...
Happy Birthday EMS!

Each day is a gift... and for that we all should be grateful!

On that thought here is my rhyme of the day...

I love the simplest attitude,
Of gratefulness and gratitude.
Things are better when I appreciate more,
Enjoy what I have, friends and family galore.
The more gratitude that I can share,
The more gratefulness, will always be there.
I appreciate lots, and try not to be slack,
The more I give away, the more I get back.

 

Friday, October 11, 2013

GRATEFUL and CELEBRATE-FUL!

"Choosing to be positive and having a grateful attitude is going to determine how you're going to live your life."
-Joel Osteen

"When you are grateful- you unlock blessings to flow in your life."
-Suze Ortman

"Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, 
make everyday a holiday and celebrate just living."
-Amanda Bradley


Here is a little GRATEFUL & CELEBRATE-FUL
gathering at my dance friend Brenda's last Friday... in honour
of Dance teacher, Miss Cara's new baby... held by Miss Joanne in this photo!

Here is Miss Cara getting her little girl, OLIVIA LILY,
to smile...and friend, Kellie, grateful for a chance to hold the new born sweetie!

A photo of Cara and me at the little baby CELEBRATION,
Friday night.... I'm wearing pink in honour of the BABY GIRL!

BEAU was celebrating that he could help his daddy pour some cement
on Saturday... note the keys hanging from his waist... he likes to copy
everything his daddy does!

Here are my niece Rowen and grand daughter, Mariah
together enjoying the Woman's World Exhibit
last Saturday... they were GRATEFUL
to share time together as they always are!

Wednesday here is BEAU coming to the car from his daycare... (behind tree!)
I spent some time entertaining him in the car, while his mommy closed her store,
then back to his house after, where he was showing me some of his stuff!

Mariah after her ballet lesson this week...
she wanted to show me some old glasses of her daddy's...
here she is looking very "STUDIOUS!"

A little CELEBRATE-FUL and GRATEFUL lunch outing
this week at LEYDA'S Restaurant
with friends...
Ella, Sylvia, Diane and Jacquie.

Supper at home last night was yummy...
shown here with some flowers my friend Ella brought us earlier this week.
Last night friend, Robin stopped by for a little celebration visit and some
pumpkin pie... I wanted a "RE-ENACTMENT" of those photos!!! hehehe
And Shuffle grateful for the cozy blanket on the couch!

I continue to post updates and help BSOBAD
with all CELEBRATIONS... that
"TOAD"-ALLY ROCK.



First of all I am GRATEFUL for this blog, as it gives me a place to share all the things,
I am grateful for and things worthy of celebrating!
This month happens to be a very FULL month of CELEBRATIONS.

In our family many people are celebrating birthdays and anniversaries of things this month.
I will run those by you at the end of this blog post.

This week started out in a very CELEBRATION kind of way when we received very good news.
My blog readers will know what that is all about!

I have enjoyed outings of all kinds this week... from routine types like attending gym classes... to fun types like going out for lunches and coffees with friends, to celebrating the birth of Mariah's former dance teacher, Miss Cara's baby, who was born on August 10th. In addition to all of that
I have shared some fun time with my grandkids and amy sisters-in-law... Bev, and Brenda, too when we attended the Woman's World exhibit last weekend.

I am truly GRATEFUL for times I can share with any and all friends and family... whether over an everyday type CELEBRATION or a BIG IMPORTANT ONE!

I went to Mariah's school last week when the kids were out being active doing some ZUMBA to CELEBRATE fitness...
(I could not post those photos, do to school rule)...
I also tagged along with Jana and Beau for Mariah's ballet class this week.

I loved each and every outing I had... with more to come...

I met up with friends for lunch on Wednesday... and today am meeting friend, Brenda for another lunch, and a possible coffee later with friend, Ella!

This weekend we will be CELEBRATING THANKSGIVING, and feeling very GRATEFUL for everything in our lives, 

of GREAT IMPORTANCE and VALUE.

As many of you know,
I am always one who loves a reason to
CELEBARTE  all things...
and I tend to try to capture each and every event along the way. I am always so GRATEFUL for my camera...and even my phone, which I take the majority of my
photos on now a days!

OCTOBER is filled with many 

reasons to CELEBRATE...
Here are some of the
BIRTHDAYS

I can think of among family and friends...
4th- Sister-in-law, Arleen

6th-friend, Ross
7th- Auntie Ruth
8th- Cousin Bev
9th- nephew Maxwell
12th- Auntie Betty
18th- niece Emily
19th-friends, Heather and Diane
21st- mother-in-law Blanche

24th- Cousin John25th- hubby Brian


Other Special CELEBRATIONS...
October 14th- THANKSGIVING
17th- My in-laws,
Blanche & Greg's 63rd WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
31st-HALLOWEEN

Sadder moments in time but still ones to remember
in CELEBRATION...

8th- Uncle Rudy (27 years ago)
11th- brother-in-law, Bruce (2 months ago)
25th- my mom (3 years ago)

Although these people are no longer here on earth, they remain in our hearts... and we were GRATEFUL for their time with us... and CELEBRATE them always.

So as I record all those dates... I realize just what a month it is to be GRATEFUL and CELEBRATE-FUL!

Next weekend we look forward to a visit from Regina friends,
Lynne and Mike... and we will CELEBRATE some more!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING...and THANKS for stopping
by to read what I am
GRATEFUL and CELEBRATE-FUL for!

On that note my poem of today...

In life there is so much to make me feel real grateful,
And many occasions to make me feel celebrate-ful.
Thanksgiving is one among those very special days,
To be GRATEFUL and CELEBRATE-FUL
in so many ways.
This time's a reminder to always appreciate,
The very many things in life that really are so great.
From the food that I eat,
to family and friends all around,
There's lots of CELEBRATIONS,
all truly so profound!

Friday, October 4, 2013

From PUMPKiN SPiCE to PUMPKiN PiE!

"Good bye flip flops and lemonade... 
hello hoodies and pumpkin spice!"
-Author Unknown

"Variety's the spice of life,
That gives it all it's flavour."
-William Cowper

"Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake,
zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie."
-Jim Davis


One of my favourite things at Starbucks is their
PUMPKIN SPICE LATTES.
these are only out in October till around December.
Above is also the pumpkin cookies at Starbucks,
and PUMPKIN PIE from our supper at friend, Vern's last night.

There is no limit to the amount of times I go for a little Starbucks
latte in a week... here are two of those visits from this week...
Wednesday with my cousin Gwen,
and yesterday with my dance friend, Kristy.
I am lucky to always run into some one who is willing
to capture the moment for me, too!
(imagine that?!)

Friends and cousins add SPiCE to life!
Here are my cousin Gwen and my neighbour Heather, wednesday at
Michaels... and our friend, Vern last night when he had us for
a delicious supper at his place... here he is serving up some pumpkin pie!

I saw this cute little seasonal ornament at Winners when there
with cousin Gwen on Wednesday...
I took a photo of it to show Jana in case she might like it
for her shoe store for the month of October!

Yesterday Jana's shoes store partner, MELISSA, stopped by
to drop off these Lillies along with some bagels, cream cheese,
and Starbucks Coffees for Brian and me.
Too bad we were not home when she came, but we so
appreciate her very thoughtful gesture!
THANK YOU MELISSA!

Monday I picked up Mariah from school, and Beau from his daycare.
It was a breezy day as you can see by these photos!!!
The two kids spent some time crafting in the basement, too.

Here is Mariah showing me her tricks on the monkey bars at her school
when I got her monday!

Wednesday Beau and his mommy came to take Brian for a little outing,
while I was off to meet my cousin Gwen for a girlie bond!

Wednesday night we were treated to supper by friends, Cindy and Steve
at Original Joe's restaurant.
Yesterday, Jana and I met dance friends from way back...
one of Jana's duo partners, Christine, and her mom, Judy
as well as another dance mom, Heather.
We all had fun reminiscing!

Monday night supper here with the grandkids...
cheese and veggie pizza...and ginger ale!

Last night after a delicious supper at friend, Vern's, we popped by Jana's house
 to check out the first night they spent in the newly installed hot tub.
They were loving it!




Since my last blog post, the weather has taken a drastic turn for the colder... so what better way to WARM things up than going for some nice HOT and SPICY drinks and meals with some of our many friends!

I feel as though our lives have revolved around dining out a lot lately, but really... it is one of the things we have been able to enjoy together. I figure... life is short... so why not enjoy it with good food, friends, family and fun!

I have been enjoying the TV reality shows as well in and around some of our other adventures.

Wednesday I had a long over due get together with my cousin Gwen... we started at Starbucks, then did a little browse at Winners, then had a bagel at Great Canadian Bagel... followed by a trip out to Michael's where we were joined by my neighbour, Heather for
lots of fun and good times.


I honestly have dined out a lot this week, for some reason.
Sometimes it just goes like that... but I do hope to reconnect with the gym tomorrow... and I will need to kick it up a notch at the Body Vive class I will go to with friend, Ella.

Yesterday was a fun filled day from start to finish...
I met friend Kristy in the morning for coffee, then some good old dance friends for lunch, and a delicous supper invite to our good friend, Vern's place, and a quick little drop in on the kids enjoying the first night of their hot tub.

While we were out... we had the nicest drop off...
Jana's store partner, Melissa, decided to drop off flowers, coffees and bagels for us. She was hoping to just surprise us... but unfortunately we were out when she stopped by.
How thoughtful of her to think of us like that, though...
she left the stuff on our steps for us
to find when we got home.

My social calendar continues to fill up day by day...and I live life in the moment doing the things I so enjoy to do.
Tonight I will attend a little gathering at my dance friend, Brenda's to meet and greet dance teacher, Miss Cara's new baby girl, Olivia. She was born on August 10th.
So from PUMPKIN SPICE to SUGAR & SPICE!

Tomorrow after the gym I plan to attend the Woman's World at TCU with my sister in law, Bev. I am pretty sure we will stumble into some Pumpkin Spice lattes there somewhere!

As mentioned in my previous blog post... there are many birthdays this month to celebrate, too...
celebrations are the SPICE of life!

On that note here is my rhyme of the day...

I love a latte and I also love pie,
So it is no wonder, really just why I...
Seem to be going upward on the scale,
The numbers are climbing higher, without fail!
But truly with the calories that I consume,
Things could be much worse... I presume.
I make the most of my best, and least of my worst,
And try to put love and happiness always first.
Life is short, so enjoy everything,
Each day is a blessing with all it can bring.
So I use each chance for each pumpkin spice,
I enjoy all the people who do stuff that's nice!
I take many photos and document each day,
I capture every memory along the way.
I love my family and every friend...
And savour every moment until the end!