journeys...memories… Ooh LaLa… CELEBRATE!

"There is great meaning in life for those 
who are willing to journey."
-Jim England

"The best thing about memories 
is making them."
- Author Unknown

"Enjoy. Breathe deep. Drink to the future but savour the past. Sing an old song. Say a blessing. Celebrate."
-Joanne Seltzer

We had a great time on our journey to Montreal last weekend…
making memories and celebrating with our friends,
Lynne and Mike from Regina… from happy hours to happy suppers,visits,
and so much more… it was a time that left me saying
OOH LaLa… (just like my shirt says!)

Lots of fun couple bonding on our travels!

Lynne and I had so much fun … from our bar work, to shopping and just
doing all the fun tourist kinds of things…
always great to make a memory with a fabulous friend!

A highlight of the journey to Montreal for Brian was his birthday…
"bucket list wish" come true…
an NHL hockey game with his son and friend at the Bell Centre…
Montreal even won against the New York Rangers… double fun!
What a CELEBRATION… What a MEMORY!

Spent 3 out of our 4 nights at Colin and Caro's place…
they are such gracious hosts…
here are some photos of Caro and her darling cat,  Filou!

We really captured a little bit of the world with our ethnic food choices
from Japanese Sushi… to Thailand with Thai food…to East India…
with curried food…
and a Montreal classic… MAPLE PIE for Brian's Birthday!
The food was all delicious…and shared in comfort and great company.

We found beverages of many varieties
 to keep us warm and happy along the way...
Truly HAPPY HOURS were shared the entire journey.

The sights in and around Montreal and the old port… were spectacular
day and night!

And although the weather was some what cool… the spirits were kept warm
with the typical sights and sounds of Montreal!

Captions which summed up the journey were seen
on items here and there…
"Worry Less, Live More"…
might become my new motto!

A special memorable celebration was this lunch outing
with my friends Heather and Ella…
We did a Birthday lunch to Celebrate Heather's birthday the day
before my Montreal trip!
Such a cute little spot called Little Bird.

Jana was here with Beau the day before our trip…
and her and Mariah were at the airport to pick us up after our trip too.
Always special memories made when they are around.

Here are some memories from the past…
with today being Halloween, I thought I would share these photos.
Mom's funeral was on October 30th, 2010… so therefore,
Angels have become part of the celebrations in addition to pumpkins
at this time of year.
The photo of my kids was their Halloween from 1984…
Colin was Michael Jackson at age 5
Jana was Strawberry Shortcake at age 3.
(I used mascara to colour Colin's blond hair…and it took
weeks to wash out after!!! … oh what a memory!)

Shuffle was a BEE in 2011… and we are "BEE-CYCLING" her BEE
again for this year's costume… it was so BEE-LIGHTFUL…
I BEE-CIDED to use it again…
Shuffle loves a costume!

More memories from the past 4 halloweens…
2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013…
the kids and Shuffle were all dressed in fine fashion!
Later today the kids will be by for this year's photos,
likely to appear in my next blog post!

This morning I remembered I had a few little costumes given to me
for Shuffle… so she did her own little Halloween Costume parade…
being the diva she is!
She is already to go now in her BEE-EAUTIFUL costume…
and she is just too cute and will bee buzzing everywhere later!




HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
This week's blog post was very slow coming due to the whirl wind of activities we have had lately… not only were we on a little trip to Montreal… our lives have been like a journey in itself.  Always something going on!!!



What fun we had with our friends, Mike and Lynne, in Montreal. Colin and Caro were such gracious hosts to us all as well. We did stay at the Sheraton Hotel downtown, Montreal, but we dined nearly every day at the kids' at their awesome little place. They thought of everything … including a special celebration for Brian's birthday which was on Saturday, the 25th while we were there. Colin, Mike and Brian attended the Montreal Canadians- New York Rangers game at the Bell Centre and it was a thrill of a lifetime for all of them and even better when the home team ended in victory with a score of 3-1. Lynne and I opted out and watched the game from the hotel lounge over a plate of nachos and coolers… there were several TV screens to choose from… but we were not even sure of the final score when all was said and done! 
We had a great visit, though!!! hehehe


The shopping and sounds and sights of Montreal are always spectacular… we had never been at this time of year… but it is such a beautiful city to visit regardless of time of year.


Today's celebrations will revolve around all the little ones out trick or treating and dressed in their little costumes. I look forward to seeing my two little ones when they come later. Shuffle is all dressed and ready for the fun to begin.


Halloween has become a mixed bag for me over the past four years… with mom dying on Brian's birthday on the 25th of October and her funeral on the 30th in 2010… I think of angels as well as pumpkins and birthday cakes in this time of the year now, too. She is still in my heart forever and always will be, but I do miss her… and especially on the dates that pertain to her specifically.


This week I picked Mariah up from school and got her to dance lessons… and also this week I watched Beau in his 4th lesson of skating. It just makes my heart smile to  see my grandkids so happy and enjoying their little activities.
Mariah also joined school choir this week, too.
She loves to sing!


I know I say this often… but friends and family are what make the memories and celebrations in my life so fabulous… and might I add OOH LaLa…
(I just like saying that word…
it has a French ring to it,
and being as we just returned from
Montreal it seemed appropriate! )



I had so many photos to share… so the above from Montreal are but a few of the good times we had together.
In this journey of life… we sure hope to have many more trips and memories as well as lots of fun things to
celebrate along the way.


On that note…
 here is my poem of the day!

Life is a great big journey with many a twist and turn,
But life is what we make it and also what we learn.
Celebrating good days and fun times on the way,
Makes our lives worthwhile, every single day.
Memories are the moments that live on in our heart,
And help to keep us going when we fall apart.
Enjoy life's many little things… and let your "happy" show!
Celebrate the memories, in life's journey , as you go.

Special Joys Shared

"To have joy, one must share it."
-Lord Byron

"I count your friendship of the chiefest pleasures in my life, a comfort in time of doubt and trouble, a joy in time of prosperity and success, an inspiration at all times. "
-Edwin Osgood Grover

"A simple celebration, a gathering of friends;
Here is wishing you great happiness, 
a joy that never ends."
-Zahid Abas

Yesterday we had a little pre-birthday celebration for Brian
at Nels and Jana's place.
Jana and kids snuggled in for a photo...
Mariah and her friend Drew shared the special gift
the great Montreal Canadians shirt …

(Nels had the AC on so Brian was under cover to warm up! )

The kids were having fun and sharing special joys…
Beau on his bike with his helmet…
and Drew and Mariah had been
busy crafting rainbow loom bracelets and were setting up a little sale table!!!

Jana stopped in on her way to work this morning,
and Brian modelled his new birthday gift shirt for this photo…
looks awesome… and perfect for our upcoming trip!

Yesterday we shared lots of special fun and joyous visits at our
Fuddruckers breakfast… this photo was taken by Dan who was also
part of our group yesterday.
The little dog suitcase tags, were a special gift Ella gave to Brian in
an early birthday card. Bob and Jacquie also treated us to breakfast
in honour of Brian's birthday next weekend when we will be away.

Last Monday was our wonderful invite to Bob and Jacquies' home
for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. We also shared lots of Joys and visits
with their company too.
They are such gracious hosts…and put on such a nice evening.

Last weekend… our grandkids were off to Edmonton to spend their Thanksgiving
with their other grandparents along with their aunties and uncles and cousins.
Their Auntie Ingrid shared a bunch of fun photos with us by text
 to show us all the
joys they shared while there!

From the special photos Ingrid shared…
 here are Mariah and Beau having a blast with their cousins,
Linnea and Lars …
they always have so much fun when together.

I was so grateful Ingrid shared so many fun photos
with us and here are just a few more
of the cousin fun!

This past Tuesday… I picked up Mariah from school
and later delivered her to dancing lessons, then got Beau from day care
 and brought him here.
I am always happy to help out with pick ups and drop offs…
it gives me a chance to share more special time with the grandkids!

Friday afternoon I popped by my Auntie Mary's nursing home
and had a wonderful visit with her as well as my cousin Gwen.
Auntie Mary was happy to share her cookies with us out of the great
big red cookie tin… so cute!

Thanks to my cousin,  Gwen, too,
for sending me a very heartfelt Thanksgiving card
with a special little gift certificate to get my nails done…
so very thoughtful.

Beau was really excited about starting Tae Kwon Do
on Saturday… and here he is proudly wearing his little
outifit for his classes… so adorable!

Saturday after Mariah's ballet class we picked her up and took her
to see Auntie Bev and Kirsten at the dog adoption she likes to help at.
My nephew Sam was there too, but missed the photo shoot!!!

Mariah just loves being there with the doggies…
here she is with one named DOM…
to her it is very fulfilling and she is happy to share special joys
both with the doggies and her Auntie Bev, too…
who has been so good about including her there.


Here it is… another Monday…and time for another blog!
I have shared lots of fun filled visits with both friends and family this past week. I do not always get a chance to photograph each and every visit… but above are some of the pics from this past week's worth of fun!
Thanks for popping by to see 
my special shared week of joys!


We are ever grateful for the shared times we have with our daughter, Jana, and with her family, too. Jana has been so good to us lately checking in daily… by phone and or in person. She has checked in with her grandma as well. Later this week we look forward to sharing time with our son, Colin too… when we go for a brief little visit to Montreal.


I have so many good friends and enjoy all the times I get together with them as well. Just last week, my friend Ella joined me when i popped by to see my mother-in-law, Blanche. My sister-in-law, Brenda was there then as well. We all had such a nice visit.

Also last week… we had a delicious meal at friend's
Bob and Jacquies' place. They are such gracious hosts and include us in many of their great evenings 
of entertainment and food.


We enjoy our visits at Fuddrucker's each Sunday morning when we meet friends for breakfasts… and yesterday was a big group meeting for a fun filled time together.


I so enjoyed a nice visit with my cousin Gwen and my Auntie Mary on Friday… always good to see them, even though our visits are few and far between… 
we just pick up where we left off!!!


My brother Brian was by this week, too
and my two sisters-in-law, Bev and Brenda stopped in yesterday as well. I think I am pretty lucky to have such good family as well as good friends!


With going away this week … we will be in Montreal for Brian's birthday on the weekend. We are meeting with good friends, Mike and Lynne… and will see Colin and his girlfriend Caro while there . Colin, Mike and Brian are going to the Montreal/ New York hockey game at the Bell Centre this weekend on Brian's birthday… 
so that will likely be a highlight on our trip!



I love when I get the chance to craft a card here and there and due to the fact there are a few occasions to celebrate in this next week… I may get a chance to craft . Crafting is like therapy for me… when ever I find the time to do it!
It gives me a chance to find joy,
while sharing special joys!!!



Yesterday my neighbour, Heather, had a birthday… so we will celebrate that over a birthday lunch with friends on Wednesday. Today is Jana's store partner, Melissa's birthday. Tomorrow is my mother-in-law's birthday…
Friday is cousin John's birthday… and Saturday is my hubby, Brian's birthday…. 
so a lot of times to share special joys!!! 
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to all of them.


Another thing I will be recalling this Saturday is the 4th anniversary of my mom's passing. Although she is no longer with me, she lives on in my heart as I remember all the special joys we shared in our life together.
I will be blowing kisses to the heavens above that day!


On that note… here is my poem of the day…

Special joys shared are filled with good things,
I love when I can visit, and all that it brings.
It helps pick me up, and gives me a lift,
It's just like receiving a soulful kind of gift.
Visits with loved ones and also with friends,
Are special to achieve the perfect of blends.
Visiting here and visiting there….
It brings special joys… so much fun to share!

A Lot Of GRATiTUDE!

"Gratitude is the most exquisite form of courtesy ."
-Jaques Maritain

"When you focus more on the goodness in your life,
you create more of it."
-Oprah Winfrey

"Feeling grateful or appreciative of someone or something actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate and value in your life."
-Christiane Northrup

Last Wednesday I was feeling grateful for a little road trip
out to Harris to see the church my brother bought last spring.
Here are my two brothers, Bob and Brian in front of it.
and also the nice deck in back.

Brian was showing Bob some of the inside renos he has done since
moving in in July.
A couple little neighbourhood cats have taken a liking to Brian,
and he is actually putting out cat food for them now!
The 2 little cats are Wizard, and the one shown here is named
Sandwich!

Here is a little selfie of me "sandwiched" between my two older brothers!
I was feeling lots of gratitude for them this wendesday…
I do not get many chances to just hang out with only the 2 of them…
they are two GREAT GUYS!
I am the lucky little sister!

Thursday I was invited to join these lovely ladies at Mano's
for a luncheon fashion show.
Above … Diane, Brenda, Ella
Below… Me, Jacquie, Sylvia

on our way out from the lunch we were grateful to share…
Brenda , Ella and I realized our outfits co-ordinated, so we decided to take a
couple more little selfless!!!!
hehehe… our outfits didn't even show up in the pics… but I
am still Grateful we snapped these… these are such dear friends!

Earlier this week… I continued to help Mariah practice her TAP…
I also picked her up from school and got her to her dancing lessons, as well.
I am so grateful she loves to dance…and the family tradition can continue!

Beau had his very first ever skating lesson on thursday… and he wasn't
the only PROUD one… his mommy, daddy, and grandma and grandpa
were all there to share the pride!
I am also grateful this family tradition will continue as well…
Hockey and skating has been in our family for at least  the last 2 generations.

Brian and I went to the local jazz music place called
"THE BASSMENT" on Friday night.
Our drive was slow going … there was a lot of traffic out, so I snapped
a pic along the way out the window of our beautiful fall scenery  on our way.
Brian's Brother, Bruce's friend, RAY was the artist playing piano that evening,
and we were grateful for a little visit with him and his girlfriend, Allison
on his break… the music was awesome, too!

Saturday morning we had a little surprise visit from Jana's store partner, Melissa,
on her way to work… she made some goodies and packaged them up
and dropped them off for us to enjoy for Thanksgiving.
We are always grateful for all the love she shares with us…
such a thoughtful gal.

Yesterday we shared a little pre-thanksgiving meal
with my brother, Brian… and later with my mother-in-law, too.
We made ham and scalloped potatoes and veggies, with pumpkin pie for
dessert. We ate early, and then I delivered some to Blanche after.
So grateful they all are doing well, and enjoyed the yummy meal, too.

This photo was taken last Thanksgiving when we were invited to our friends,
BOB & JACQUIEs place to share a delicious meal with them.
Later today we are invited to share another Thanksgiving meal with this lovely couple.
They are such gracious hosts… and have shared their Thanksgiving
with us for the past few years… it is becoming a new tradition!
For that I am ever so GRATEFUL!



HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all my Canadian friends and family celebrating today…
I know I have so much to be grateful for… and have a lot of gratitude to share!



Another week has gone by since my previous blog post… and it was one that had many events in it once again. I feel my life is filled with so much and for that I am ever grateful.


Tuesdays I often have to get Mariah from school and get her to her dancing lessons… we have a chance to get in a short little run through of some of her tap steps before she goes. I am so grateful that she enjoys her dancing, and also that I am able to help her practice a bit, too. I am pleased to see the dance tradition continue through to her generation, as well… Tappiness does bring happiness!


Wednesday, I went with my brother Bob on a little road trip out to visit my brother Brian who bought a church to live in and moved in during the summer. Bob and I were so grateful to see how happy Brian was in his new surroundings. He has not only done lots of work to the church itself, but he has met many new friends and pets out there as well.
I have a whole lot of gratitude for my two big brothers… and it is not often I get to bond with just the two of them, so this day meant a lot to me. They are both such great guys, and the day was such anise fall day, too… lots more to be grateful for.


Thursday I chose to go to Zumba at the gym… after doing Body vive on Tuesday… it was a nice little change. I am just always so GRATEFUL for Goodlife Gym… Friday I did Body Flow and Saturday back to Body Vive…
I am ever grateful for the awesome instructors there…
Thanks this week to Trent, Nicole, Peg, and Theresa for the awesome classes… you make my life awhile lot better!


Thursday, I was invited to join some lovely ladies out for lunch at Manos where there was a luncheon fashion show going on while we ate and visited. Such a nice outing. I am always grateful for all the many friends I have and for the little diversions they bring to my life along the way.


Also Thursday… we watched Beau on his very first ever time on ice with his new skates and helmet. Although he has a very long way to go to become a good skater… he has to begin somewhere … right???
He was just so proud out there on the ice, and we shared his pride and enthusiasm as well. I am grateful he will continue on with the hockey traditions that have been in our family for years. He will be a cute little hockey player, too!


We have been checking in with my mother-in-law, Blanche lots lately, too. I do not get many photos, but we go and visit a lot. She is doing pretty good on her own and is soon to move into her new assisted living complex in less than a month. I am grateful that my two sisters-in-law, Bev and Brenda have been such a huge help to Blanche, too, since Greg's passing in August. They are such a nice family, and I am so grateful to be a part of it. I enjoyed a little one on one with Blanche last night, when I delivered a little ham supper to her, after my brother Brian went back home. I took it on my own, so I enjoyed my chance to have a little visit with her by myself.


Friday, Brian and I decided to take in a little "Happy Hour" at the BASSMENT here in the city. We were delighted to be entertained by one of Bruce's good friends,
Ray Stephanson, on the piano…
and even got a nice visit in with him
and his girlfriend on the break, too.
Ray even played a special song he played at
Bruce's life celebration just over a year ago,
"When Sunny Gets Blue"…
which brought back a very special memory for me.

Jana, Nels, and the kids have gone to Edmonton for the Thanksgiving weekend and are sharing lots of fun with Nels's whole family there. I know the grandkids love any chances they can get to be with their other grandparents and their other aunts, uncles, and cousins, Lars and Linnea, too.
Mariah even packed extra panties cuz she said her and her cousin do lots of giggling when they are together, so sometimes they need a wee change... so funny!
Judging by the photos I have seen on Facebook this weekend, Grandma Nancy has had the kids busy crafting and doing lots of fun family bonding!

Yesterday we cooked up a ham and scalloped potatoes and    had my brother Brian over for supper here. I have felt grateful to have seen him a bit more this past week. 
We were always very close as siblings growing up. 

        Today we are invited to our dear friends, Bob and Jaquie's place for a lovely Turkey Thanksgiving dinner. They are so great about including us year after year… and for that I am very grateful… Jacquie is not only a wonderful friend and good cook… she loves to decorate and entertain… so I am sure I will have some new photos to share in my next blog of our evening out. 


This morning I was feeling lots of GRATITUDE when I received a lovely text from Jana in Edmonton sharing her gratitude with us for all we do for her in her life… what a sweet daughter. Only a little over a week till Brian and I will get a chance to see Colin in Montreal too. We are always GRATEFUL for our kids… they are very special to us.

Yesterday my Auntie Betty had a birthday… coming up this week… on the 17th… would have been Blanche and Greg's 64th Anniversary… on the 18th, my niece, Emily , has a birthday… and next week on the 21st, my mother in law, Blanche will turn 89. So many  celebrations… and reasons to be grateful… Well wishes to everyone…

On that note… here is my poem of the day…

I often feel like I've been blessed…
My life is really simply the best!
When I keep a positive attitude,
And fill my life with gratitude.
I have lots to be grateful for…
Family, friends and so much more.
My heart is filled with so much love,
For those still here, and those up above!

GRATEFUL for Connections!

"Cherish your human connections: your relationships with friends and family."
-Joseph Brodsky

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

"I'm grateful for always this moment, the now no matter what form it takes."
-Echart Tolle

Last week I met my friends, Ella and Heather at Starbucks…
I am always GRATEFUL when we connect to catch up on our lives
especially for a Starbucks!

I also enjoyed a starbucks later in the week with my hubby and
a friend, Rod for a nice visit… and connection, too.

I know Jana and Nels are GRATEFUL they have the grandparent
CONNECTION when they need the kids picked up from school
and daycare on short notice!
We picked up the kids last week and they enjoyed TV and iPad games
till their parents were done work and got them.

I was GRATEFUL for a great lunch outing with my friend
Claudette, who actually treated me to lunch…
and who I haven't connected with in a few years.
Her daughters danced at my studio back in the day, and we
became good friends as a result then… we had a great visit.

With my brother, Brian now living out of town,
I do not connect with him as often as I once did.
I was GRATEFUL for the little visit and meal connection
 we shared with him on the weekend.
I plan to get out to see his new place this week as well.

We have tried to make many connections with my mother-in-law, Blanche,
lately to check in on her. We are GRATEFUL she is doing so well.
Here she is with my sister-in-law, Bev's dog, Jake,
and my grand daughter, Mariah.
Blanche will be moving into her new home in a month…
I know we are all grateful and excited for her and that move.

We are always GRATEFUL for the fun connections we make
with a varying group of friends each Sunday morning at
Fuddruckers… yesterday was a big group!

On the left are friends, Joyce and Jacquie at breakfast yesterday…
and on the right… Brian and I were out for a mall walk yesterday,
and we took a break for little booster juice and starbucks…
while we caught up with some connections on the phone!

The grandkids popped by for a visit yesterday… their mommy was tired
and fell asleep while the kids played office and watched some TV and youtube.
I have a hard time re CONNECTING back to the computer sometimes after
Mariah has been on it!!!…
(which is what happened to me today preventing me to get my blog up!)

I am always GRATEFUL for our little "BUG" doggie, SHUFFLE!
Today she posed so nicely for a little photo shoot
beside our pumpkin I just brought up from the basement
for the month of October!


Today as I was organizing for another blog post, I was slower to get it going. I was trying to think of a theme to tie this week's events together. I realized I had made some fun connections this past week… and with Thanksgiving coming up… the title GRATEFUL and CONNECTIONS sounded good. Then coincidentally I couldn't connect to the internet, after my grand daughter had been on our computer yesterday! So then once I finally got connected… I added the word "for" into the title of the blog, too!!!


I have had another week filled with outings with family and friends as well as some routine meetings etc., and some gym connections as well. We have also had the grandkids here a couple times, too.


Yesterday Jana came for a visit… but her and Brian were both sleepy so both proceeded to fall asleep in the family room while I ended up doing the visit/entertaining the kids.
Mariah likes to pretend she has her own office, and gets on the computer, and then Beau feels he wants to do the same, so we turned an old adding machine into his computer! Each child is cute with their little setup, but each one demands a fair amount of attention, too and they both compete for my fullest attention!


I was delighted to connect with some friends last week out for lunches, breakfasts and coffees as shown above in the photos. We are always grateful we have so many wonderful people we can connect with in our lives.


This is also a big month full for many celebrations in the family from birthdays to anniversaries as well as Thanksgiving and Halloween…and a little holiday.
Lots of reasons to be grateful and to connect.


Just today I made some coffee outing connections, too… I was at friend, Ella's briefly this morning and at my sister-in-law, Arleen's this afternoon with my cousin Gwen, as well.
More Grateful connections!


Arleen had a birthday on Saturday. Her son, Brad and his wife Janelle just moved into a new home this past week, too. Janelle has a birthday this Thursday, as well.



Also celebrating birthdays this week…
Auntie Ruth, Auntie Betty, Cousin Bev, and my nephew Maxwell. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to all of you.


Coming soon are birthdays for my mother-in-law, Blanche, my niece, Emily and my hubby Brian.



This month we will think of Blanche and Greg on what would have been their 64th wedding anniversary. And I will think of my mom on the 25th too, which is the date she passed away 4 years ago. Some celebrating in heaven even this month!



I am looking so forward to the connections we will make with our good friends, Mike and Lynne from Regina… as well as our son, Colin and his girlfriend Caro… when we travel to Montreal for a special and brief little get away at the end of the month.



Tonight… is my favourite TV night so I will be grateful to settle in and watch my shows I tape weekly.


This weekend… we will celebrate Thanksgiving…
I have no plan as of yet… but I know we have lots to be THANKFUL for that is for sure!

On that note, here is my rhyme of the day…


I'm so grateful for so many things,
The connections to people and all that it brings.
Fun to connect to friends near and far,
And also to family where ever they are.
October is a month so full of fun,
So many occasions, until it is done.
I do have a lot to be grateful for…
And a lot to be celebrateful for!