THANKFUL!

"Each day I am thankful for nights that turned into mornings
Friends that turned into family. Dreams that turned into reality and likes that turned into LOVE!"
-Author Unknown

"The thankful heart opens our eyes to a multitude of blessings that continually surround us."
-James E. Faust

"The more you thank life, the more life 
gives you to be thankful for."
-Author Unknown

So many things about this makes me feel THANKFUL…
My new Thankful shirt I got as a gift for Christmas
 from my daughter and her family…
my hubby and my doggie on Christmas morning by our tree…
some photo books I made  to remind us of many
Christmas memories gone by…
and the fun I had at my daughter's house
this year at Christmas…
feeling THANKFUL!

Some photos of Brian,  Shuffle and me on Christmas Eve…
we are always so Thankful for our little doggie…
and she is Thankful for us… and she loves Christmas, too
she was like a little kid searching for gifts under the tree!!! 

I am forever thankful that Shuffle
has not only been a good doggie for us…
but such a fun one too… she loves to dress up and enjoys
celebrating whatever we are Celebrating!

I am thankful for these two dears…
my grand daughter, Mariah and my grandson, Beau!
Here they are at Christmas time enjoying the
festive spirits and gifts!

We shared a nice visit with my dear mother-in-law, Blanche
on Christmas day… I am thankful for her in our life…
I am so proud of the beautiful artistic photo my niece, Rowen,
 made of my dear father-in-law, Greg to give to Blanche as a gift.
she is so talented and artistic.
I was Thankful for a nice visit on Christmas day from my
brother Brian, too!

I was THANKFUL to be able to share Christmas
with our "CO-GRANDPARENTS"…
Mariah and Beau's Edmonton Grandparents.
We feel so blessed that we got to be such good friends,
and can share our grandkids with such caring and loving people.
We had fun with Nancy and Arvid while they were in town.

Mariah received this very cute book from her parents called "SHE"
… the captions in the book suit her spirit so well…
SHE really is a bright little light… and we are so
Thankful
to have her in our lives year round.

Beau got some binoculars for Christmas…
he is such an observant little guy… he was even opening the
Christmas crackers to check out all the prizes !!!
Oh he brings us so much fun, love and laughs…
We are Thankful
for our little Beau, too, year round.

I loved all our SANTA doggies at Christmas time…
our dog,  Shuffle…
Jana and Nels's dog, Jazz…
and Nancy and Arvid's dog, Jeter.
They had the festive spirit… and I loved it!

It made my heart smile to see Mariah sharing some extra special
times with her Grandma Nancy or Nana as she calls her.
Mariah learned how to make pies and dressing this Christmas
from Nancy… and she also had the table all set
in festive style, too…
So nice to see the kids get to bond
with the ones they love in their life…
for those times I am THANKFUL!

I was honoured and thankful for a very sweet visit
from our dear friends, Courtney, Francious…
and their adorable little girls,
Lily and Violet…
they came on Christmas Eve…
Courtney and Jana were such good friends growing up,
and she continues to come see us when ever she is in town.

Some more dear friends who came to see us at Christmas time…
Friend and special gal in our life, Robin popped by… and
we are also thankful for all the times we have shared with
friends, Bob and Jacquie…
We consider ourselves lucky to have them as friends.

We also had some nice visits from Brian's sisters Bev and Brenda…
but have no photos of those visits...
They also came with some yummy treats!

Ingrid, Nels's sister, stopped by for a visit, too…
we feel thankful for her visits when ever she is in town as well…
and I know she is a very loved Auntie of Mariah and Beau's, too.

Nels's other sister, Erica and family
 as well as his brother, Jens also shared some time with their family
 at Christmas, too...
Family times are always thankful times!

I stopped by my Auntie Mary's nursing home on Dec. 27th…
she was in "MERRY" spirits, too.
My cousin Bev was there as well when I went to visit.
I am thankful for their whole family… we share
many loving memories that go back to my childhood…
I am thankful that at the age of 95 years old,
she is still doing so well.

As I look back on memories from Christmases gone by…
I am reminded how THANKFUL I am for my wonderful
family.
From my parents to my two brothers…and my own kids
and grandkids and extended family and friends…
I feel THANKFUL and blessed for the memories and people
who make my life so special.



THANKS for stopping by to read my last blog post of 2015.
I am THANKFUL for my readers when ever 
they stop by to read about my little simple life!
This blog journey has been a good one for me… one that began 5 years ago. I have enjoyed sharing my positive memories here and it has helped me be thankful for all the good things I am blessed with in my life year round … 
year after year.


I hope everyone enjoyed a fun filled fabulous and Merry Christmas however you spent it. We were very fortunate to share times with family and friends near and far. Some people I did not share photos of here… but we enjoyed everyone we shared times with and thank everyone who took time to share greetings with us as well.


Our Christmas was special  this year… we shared it at my daughter's place… so thanks to her and my son in law, Nels,  
for hosting a fun filled family Christmas. Thanks to our 
co-grandparents, Nancy and Arvid for 
travelling to be there, too.
I know the Christmas meal had special love put into it and was sponsored by them. Nancy, Jana and Mariah did lots of work to make the meal tasty for everyone from the yummy turkey and all the fixings to the delicious pies for dessert.
No one ended up hungry I am pretty sure…
so we had a whole lot to be THANKFUL for .


I was spoiled by my hubby, Brian, as well as all others who shared gracious gifts. So for those I say THANKS, too.
 I feel super blessed with all of the love,
kindness and thoughtfulness.


We feel thankful as each year passes and we still have many of our dear ones still with us. 
But the ones who are no longer with us… we are always so thankful for the special memories…  
 they remain in our hearts forever more.


Thanks to Jana's store partner, Melissa, for dropping off a supper for us the other night… very thoughtful of her.
To all our friends and family, near and far, whether mentioned in this blog or not… just know I am thankful for everyone who has touched my life in one way or another.


We truly consider ourselves so lucky daily for all the many things and people we have in our lives
and consider each day as a blessing.


I want to wish two special relatives a Happy Birthday on December 31st… my Auntie Phyllis and my nephew, Luke…
both born on New Year's Eve…
I send them lots of love as they 
add another candle to their cakes. 

Sadly only weeks ago a cousin of mine passed away. 
I will remember my cousin Donald from my childhood as a guy with a great sense of humour who always 
had a bit of fun to share! Always hard to lose loved ones.


As I await the new year to come and 
evaluate the year we just celebrated… 
I have so much to feel THANKFUL for!
To each and every one,
I wish you all the best in the 2016,
continue to follow your heart…
it usually knows where it is going!


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


I have a lot to be THANKFUL for…
My family, my friends and so much more.
At times like these , I have a THANKFUL heart,
I feel the love while together or apart.
I'm very THANKFUL for each and every gift,
And so many memories to give me a lift.
And truly it's the people who always care…
And those who have lots of love to share.
They make me feel special from the inside,
And help me feel THANKFUL with every stride.
I felt very THANKFUL to just Merry on…
And now oh so ready to just carry on,
As the new year approaches…
I'll follow my heart,
Get off on a great foot, right from the start.
To 2015… I give a big toast…
And feel ever THANKFUL
for WHAT MATTERS MOST!

GiFTS of TiME & LoVE!

"Gifts of time and love are surely basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas."
-Peg Bracken

"Time has a wonderful way of showing us what really matters."
-Author Unknown

"Love begins in a moment, grows over time and lasts an eternity."
-Author  Unknown

Some of the most precious gifts in life are ones of family…
and the time we spent with them.

Above are some special memories… my kids back in 1981…
my parents in 1986 at Christmas…
my dad, my uncle Charlie, and my father-in-law at our house
on boxing day in 1991…
and a dear photo of my brother in-law, Bruce with my hubby on Santa's knee
back in the 1950's.

Although some of these people are now in Heaven…
 the gifts they shared over time
remain in my heart forever!!!

I love to wrap gifts… and here are some of the ones I have done this year.
I think everything is nearly wrapped up for this season…
Jana dropped off her gifts just yesterday, so the ones on the bed
in the bottom right are what I did for her yesterday!

I love all the greetings of love  we have received via cards and photos
this season… a couple of the cutest ones were the photos
of my dear Auntie Mary… looking Oh So Merry…
and my darling little great nieces,
Brielle and Jorja…
so Merry and Bright!
Thanks to everyone who has made
TIME to SHARE LOVE
in their festive cards and greetings!

Last monday we decided to get our grand dog for the day…
which ended up becoming a sleepover!!!
We bought Jazz a little Santa suit as an early Christmas gift, too!
these two dogs bring us lots of love over time…
 as well as some mischief!!!!

While left at our house alone for only half an hour last Tuesday…
Jazz managed to eat a full box of chocolates
(which were wrapped on our dining room table as a gift!)…
as well as a box of kleenex!!!
What a dog… so we took him to the vet right away…
that trip cost US... $200.00… yikes…
later that day I saw the above photographed little picture about
dogs at Winners… kind of timely that day!!!!!!

Last Thursday, I was invited to my good friend, Cathy's for our
second annual  Gingerbread decorating tradition.
Her daughter and former dance student of mine, Megan,
supplied the yummy starbucks drinks…
and I managed to not spill mine this year!!!
Cathy gave me a very sweet little snowman as a Christmas gift, too.
I love the gift of time and love we were able to share together!

Friday morning I shared a fun little coffee outing at Bob andArleen's place.
Our time was definitely love filled and shared with…
 Arleen and brother, Bob… as well as cousins, Bev and Gwen…
nephews Brad and his wife Janelle and their wee one, Brielle,
as well as my nephew Jeff and his little girl, Jorja!

Janelle is holding her niece Jorja here…
as well  my nephew Brad
modelling his brother's fun snowman suit!

My brother Bob was loving his grand daughters and
giving them little rides
in the pampers box as well as on his shoulders!

Bob and Arleen are very good grand parents and spend a lot of time
sharing love with their new wee ones in their life!

On Saturday after the gym…
I popped by my friend, Ella's for a coffee
and visit by her tree.
She also shared some lovely gifts with me too…
a beautiful table runner, a tin of baking, and some meaningful
little ornaments with sayings on them which I now have on my tree!

Ella and I have shared lots of time together and this week she is spending time
with her family from the states as they are here for Christmas with her, this year.
I know there will be lots of gifts of time and love shared there for sure!

Yesterday was my good friend, Gailene's birthday…
so I popped over with a little gift for her
and to have a little celebration latte together!
She gave me a tour of her very festive decor in her home…
she put a lot of love and time into that…
and it suits her so well and looks Beautful.

Yesterday when Jana dropped off bag loads of gifts for me to wrap,
Beau crawled into Shuffle's kennel with her…
what a crazy kid!!!

Saturday night I had Beau and Jazz for a sleepover…
they took up a lot of room in the bed…both laying sideways!!!
Sunday morning we did our traditional sunday breakfast at
Fuddruckers… or "FUN-RUCKERS" as Beau calls it!
We enjoy the time and love we share together…
Mariah had a sleepover at her friends, or she would have been here too!

Earlier Saturday … Mariah and some little friends were mannequins
in the window of a store called IVIVA… Mariah is on the left…
I had a hard time capturing this with reflections in window…
but I know it was a fun memory for her!

I picked out some cute little reindeer sweatshirts for the Grandkids and
decided to give them to the kids ahead of time…
These kids add so much love to the time we share with them…
From our house to yours…
I wish you a Christmas full of memories and gifts
oh so DEER and DEAR!




MERRY CHRISTMAS
to all my blog readers,
friends and family near and far!
I want to extend a big hug and thank you to all who take the TIME to check out my blog posts from time to time!
I LOVE to share the positive memories in my life
and when I know others enjoy seeing them, too,
 it makes it even more special to me. 


Five years ago after losing my dear mom, I decided to write the blog as a way of focussing on the positives in my life… and who knew I would love this experience so much… but I do Love the Time I spend doing my blog… and I love to review blogs from years gone by,
 over and over as well… five years later!


My parents instilled so many positive values in my life and at this time of year I am reminded of so many of those time and time again. Even the photo of my mom and dad with the little piano gift, on Christmas day of 1986, shown above shares the love and appreciation they continued to share with us over time. Although my parents remain in my heart year round, it is at Christmas when I miss them most, but I have such comfort in knowing they are smiling  from above and they are with me in spirit in my heart always.
It is hard to believe the last Christmas I spent with my dad was in 1999 and with my mom was in 2009…
I know they spend Christmas together in Heaven,
 though now… with other dear ones
 who are in heaven as well.


As we lead up to Christmas once again… there are always so many things to do… but the things we put time and love into are the best gifts of all! I do love this time of year… but it can be stressful and hectic as well. I have to remind myself to take it one day  at a time. Live in the moment…and enjoy it, too! I do enjoy the decor, the music and the gift wrapping among other pleasures at this time of year.
To me the gift wrapping is as much about the presentation
as what is in the gift itself…
and after all it is the thought that counts most… right?!!!


I have wrapped Jana's gifts to her family the past few years as she is very busy… and although on Sunday she told me she would do her own this year… yesterday she decided she could use my help… I just wish she had the time to share with me and we could do it together. But I gladly wrapped her gifts for her, as I know she is super busy.


I love all traditions old and new… just this past week, my friend Cathy had me over for our second annual gingerbread decorating night with her and her daughter, Megan… we had fun and it put us all into the spirit of the season!


We have traditionally shared Christmas time with our co-grandparents from Edmonton… and until now we have alternated who shares the grandkids on the actual day.
This was to be our year… but this year the grandkids will have all the grandparents together as a bonus!
Arvid and Nancy are going to be here in town for Christmas, and we will spend  Christmas Eve, Christmas morning, as well as the turkey supper all at my daughter's house with the family. I know we will make some pretty precious memories together with the family at my daughter's house.
Mariah and Beau will enjoy not only having all their grandparents together at once… but will enjoy being in the comfort of their own home. This will be their first year with their doggie, Jazz, too! I hope Jazz doesn't find any more chocolates to get into… hehehe… hohoho!


I enjoy times shared with many of my friends and family members and feel blessed to have so many caring people in my life always. May I add how blessed I am to have my dear husband, Brian,  share yet another Christmas together…
We were married in November of 1976… so this is actually our 40th Christmas together as a married couple… and every one has been very special to me that is for sure!


One tradition we used to have was a drop in open house at our place on boxing day each year. We cherished the time and love we could share together every year. Although we will not be carrying on this tradition this season… we do welcome people to call and stop by if they can sometime in the holidays if it works out. We still enjoy seeing you all, and value the time and love we can share together,
whether at Christmas time or other times of year.


Yesterday was not only my good friend, Gailene's birthday but it was my nephew, Alec's 22nd birthday as well…
I hope they both spent their day sharing time and love with the ones who matter most in their lives.


I am going to share the message on the little gift from my dear friend, Ella… it states…

 TREE of LIFE
This tree of life symbolizes our family's strength and love, with sheltering guidance from heaven above.

Our family roots help us to become the best we can be
planting seeds of hope in times of adversity.

The branches connect us and wherever we may go
traditions are passed as love continues to grow.
-A. S. Waldrop


On that note may I wish you all the gifts
of time spent with love this Christmas!


and… here is my rhyme of the day…

At Christmas time... for me, a favourite part,
Is doing things that come from the heart.
From carols, to decorating and wrapping up a gift,
All of those things just give me a lift.
The gift of time spent with the ones we love,
Remembering our dear ones from up above…
Cherishing memories… both old and new,
Making the most of all that we do.
Sharing greetings both far and near,
Oh so Merry and oh so DEAR!
Festive feelings from within our heart,
Truly are gifts and just the best part!

JOYFUL & FESTIVE SPIRITS!

"Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are."
-Marianne Williamson

"A joyful spirit is evidence of a grateful heart."
-Maya Angelou

"Hope your holiday season is fun and festive."
-Author Unknown

Yesterday we attended the annual Wheaton Kiddie's Christmas party
where our grandkids got to see Santa and do many fun things.
This is such a special…
JOYFUL & FESTIVE
 tradition each year for us.

There is so much for the kids to do at the Wheaton party…
from crafts, to tattoos, to photos in the photo booth, a meal,
musical chairs, Santa gifts, and piñata …
as well as bonding with many we see there
from year to year!

Thanks to Wheatons for their generosity  once again.
Mariah received a fabulous bracelet  crafting set, and Beau
got a couple of cool cars that light up as they race around…
both the kids loved their gifts.

We enjoyed a few days with my dance mentor and good friend,
Brian Foley, who stayed with us aver a week ago.

Above we are seen here, out for lunch at Broadway Cafe…
and visiting Jana at her shoe store, Swank shoe Lounge, too!

Note… the photo in right hand bottom is one of
us from back in 2006…
but we go back way further than that even,
in fact we figure we go back over 40 years,
and remain good friends to this day.

A week ago we attended the Wheaton Staff Christmas party…
 here we are with friends, Dan and Judy… Robin … and Jacquie and Bob.

Such a great evening that was as well… filled with
joyful and festive spirits all round...Another generous evening.

Thanks to sister-in-law, Brenda and her husband Mark
for driving us to the party too.

I babysat Beau last week and we made cookies…
he got so messy that he ended up in his underwear,
while I washed his clothes that were covered in flour and stickiness!

He had lots of spirit for the whole afternoon through each stage of the cookie
making fun!

I went to Tim Hortons after the gym with gym friends one day last week…
love the big snowman there… also made a few stops at Starbucks.

Beau, Jazz and I tried to build a snowman last week…
but the snow wasn't sticky that day.

And I found this FESTIVE sweater while out shopping…
and wore it yesterday
to a couple Joyful outings!

Mariah and Beau's other grandma… NANCY… made these
special and festive aprons for the kids. They are both reversible …
Mariah's has tea sets on one side and chocolates on the other.
Beau's has hockey on one side and cars on the other side.
Apparently they picked out the fabric…
That grandma Nancy is really talented and puts lots of
spirit and joy into her festive aprons and
other crafty things that she creates.

We enjoyed a few days with my good buddy,
Lynne visiting us from Regina last week.
We did lots of shopping, visiting and lots of other fun stuff.
WE always have fun whenever she is in town,
either with or without her hubby, Mike.

Last Thursday was the annual kid's school Christmas concert.
Beau was the smallest one in the kindergarten kids ,
and was right out front and centre…
here in his black and red checkered shirt, and green tie… so cute as
he sang a couple songs with his class!
These photos were taken from the balcony so not as clear as I would like.
The grade four kids set up props instead of performing in the show…
so Mariah was behind the scenes working, this year!

Friday my good friend, Linda joined Lynne and me for a Starbucks sister friend
bond, while she was in town, too briefly .
We managed to have a few pics together there as well as some yummy
lattes and a great visit and catch up.
These are a couple of my best buddies…
wish they both lived closer… but as the sign says…
"Our hearts and cups were filled!"

Yesterday I attended a Joyful and Festive Christmas concert at
St. Joe's Theatre put on by BSOBAD Dance studio.
My niece, Rowen, (in grey here), performed in the show, with her buddy,
as well as many dancers from her studio…
they were fund raising for a future trip
in the new year to Disney World, with their dance troupe.

The show was an ambitious effort… and there were many other things, too,
from silent auction times, to baking, Princess photos , and cappuccino bar.
I am sure the day raised spirits as well as funds!

Rowen turned 16 last week, too… she is such a sweet gal,
growing up so fast!

I got out Shuffle's Santa suit today so she could get into
her joyful and festive spirit once again… she loves to dress up!

WE got Jazz a Santa outfit, too,
and he was enjoying the festive look as well… both in door and out!

Here are the two SANTA DOGGIES… hanging out inside and out today!
They add both JOYFUL and FESTIVE to our SPIRITS for sure!!!
We truly enjoy having Jazz here to keep Shuffle company…( well and us too!)



Welcome to my second blog post of December for this year… wow… the time is sure going fast!
Hard to believe it has been 10 days since my last blog post.
I have sure been busy enjoying all the
JOY and SPIRIT of this FESTIVE time of year.


As my photos reflect, I have had lots of company and fun doing the things that make me happy. In addition to the photos above… I have done some shopping and wrapping as well… and those things are some of the things I do enjoy at this time of the year….especially wrapping. I know I will be helping my daughter wrap her gifts too… as soon as she sorts through her many purchases…
 It is becoming tradition I help her wrap it up!!!!


We have been so fortunate to bond with some of our favourite friends and guests this past while with many things such as parties, as well as at the gym, and concerts, shopping, dining out , coffeeing, etc.


The older we get in life… the faster this season rolls on by. I still remember when I was a kid it took forever for Christmas to actually arrive. Now it comes and goes way too fast!
I do enjoy the festive decor at this time… and look forward to turning on our tree lights and the lights we have here and there throughout the house…it makes my spirits feel joyful and festive with all the lights twinkling. I do love Christmas tunes playing in the background as well.


I like recalling some of the favourite memories over the years at this time of year… and I do have so many to even mention any of them. I do still put out a cute photo of Brian and his brother Bruce, with Santa that was taken when they were very young around ages 3 and 4. It sits by my computer at this time of year and reminds me of seasons gone by. I was just recalling another favourite memory of mine the other day. When my daughter, Jana, was in Japan on her second contract as a performer in Tokyo Disneyland,
she sent home a filled stocking for me at Christmas time. It actually arrived to me from Japan right on December 24th.
The little trinkets in the stocking were all so cute and meaningful to me… and the thought she put into it was so special. It is all about the thought after all!!!


Christmas times are about family… the ones we still have as well as the dear ones in heaven. I always remember what a cherished time Christmas was for our family together year after year. Although my parents have been gone for a long time, their spirit lives on in my heart not only at this time of year, but all year round.


I am forever grateful for the friends we have made in life. They continue to keep our spirits warm and bright. Just yesterday I spent the afternoon at a festive Christmas dance show put on by my good friend Brenda from BSOBAD, and I sat with many dance moms from my past who have remained my friends ever since my teaching days.
Thanks to my friend, Cathy for driving to and from the show.
Later this week she has invited me to make cookies with her and her daughter, Megan… another joyful and festive memory for us to come!


Also later this week, I am going to share some festive spirits with my sister-in-law, Arleen and two cousins, Bev and Gwen. I look forward to all little outings in and around the hustle bustle of this time of year.


We have had company over the past 3 weekends… and enjoyed visits with all our company. We had my son, Colin, and his girlfriend, Caro, from Montreal… followed by Brian Foley, dance mentor, from Toronto…
and then my good friend, Lynne, from Regina.
All of those house guests were so fun to have and we enjoyed each and every visit we fit in while they were here.


We do continue to enjoy times we can spend with our grand kids and our doggies in our life, as well… I have taken Mariah to her dancing for the past month or so as she prepares for a tap exam. I have had Beau here a few times to babysit… and we often have our grand dog, Jazz,
 sharing time with us, too.


I have to remember to fit in some of the routine things, too, such as classes at the gym… and some good nutrition and extra rest so I don't wear out with all
 the festivities of the season!


Thanks again to all who add extra JOY and SPIRIT to our lives… not only at this FESTIVE time of year but all year round. Thanks to many who have shared good cheer in  wonderful Christmas cards, too… so appreciated!


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


This season is always filled up with joy,
With thoughts of Santa for each girl and boy.
Festive looks on many a sweater…
It's just so much fun... nothing much better!
Lots to do from concerts to shopping,
With on going things, it's always non stopping.
Sharing times with the ones we love most,
Baking some cookies and jammed up toast.
Sparkle and glitter and lights everywhere,
Sharing spirits with all those who care,
Gifts and parcels to wrap up for the tree,
With lots of  love for you right from me!

LOVE Begins at Home!

"Love begins at home, and it's not how much we do… 
but how much love we put in that action."
-Mother Teresa

"Home is where love resides, memories are created, friends always belong and laughter never ends."
-Author Unknown

"Love builds a happy home."
-Author Unknown

On November 27th, 1976… I married Brian and since then
our love has continued to grow and multiply!

We were fortunate to share a fun lunch outing with our good friends
Vern and Ella on November 27th, this past week…
we just happened to be seated in front of a sign that said LOVE…
and even the menu had LOVE on it at the Milestones restaurant.

Later on our anniversary our kids and grandkids shared some celebrations with us, too.
Beau picked out this special cake from Dairy Queen with Transformers on it!
Kind of cute and appropriate, too… and since our wedding day
we really have TRANSFORMED into a one big loving happy family
where we have shared so much love under the roof of this home!

Saturday we shared a very special celebration with our (adult) Kids…
while the grandkids were with a babysitter!!!

So much family love was shared when we dined together at one
of our favourite local restaurants …
St. Tropez Bistro.

We received this very cute crafted card from Colin and Caro…
(her mom is a card crafter and makes beautiful cards!)
...along with a brisket from the famous Schwartz's in Montreal

We got some lovely flowers for our anniversary…

and Caro got some new boots from Swank Shoe Lounge,
as an early Christmas gift while visiting us!

So many cherished visits were shared with our family
while Colin and Caro came to see us…
Time was spent bonding with the kids, the grandkids …
the girls… the guys!

From making special meals together…
sharing time enjoying old family treasures… to entertaining us…
we had a fun weekend all round!

Another special celebration we attended last weekend was a big birthday party
for my GREAT NIECE, JORJA. who is actually one years old today!

My brother Bob and nephew Jeff showing off the birthday girl…
Jorja opening gifts with her mommy, Savannah, and cousins, Beau and Mariah
looking on…
and my sister-in-law, Arleen, holding her other grand daughter,
my great niece- Brielle.

Many family visits took place at our house last weekend…
With my niece, Rowen, and sisters-in-law,
Bev and Brenda popping over.

Lots of sibling visits and sharing.
My brother, Bob and sister-in-law, Arleen
also stopped by... (no photo of them was taken!)

We had a chance to really get in some very
cherished memories with Colin and Caro
before they flew home again on Tuesday

I have continued to drag up more of the family Christmas
traditional decor over this past week…
and the home is not only feeling full of love, but so many fond
memories of seasons gone by.

The traditional mugs… with the very special one from my kids when they
were young.
The wreath with photos of my kids when they were wee,
and the famous tin reindeer trio!!!!
So much more around my house right now… I love it all!

Last blog... this photo was missed…
this was from a couple weeks ago when I was out
having fun with my friend, Gailene.
She and I share the passion of FUN…
we love this season and have so much in common
when it comes to family, love, home, friends… etc!

At this time of year for many many years …
we have been honoured that our dear friend, and my dance mentor from
years gone by, BRIAN FOLEY, chooses to stay with us
while in town on Dance Business!
We often share some TAP TRICKERY in our kitchen…
but this morning he enjoyed watching my little tapping
Santa and Snowman while he ate his breakfast.
He is in town doing choreography…
and will stay with us for a few days.
I know we will TAP into a few good times
and memories while he is here!!!


Welcome to my first blog of DECEMBER!!!!
Wow… where does the time go???
We have very full hearts following this past week, after having some very special family and friend visits here!


What a wonderful anniversary we had this year. Brian and I were married on November 27th, 1976, so here we are 39 years later… still in love, and so full of love for so many people who we share our lives with.


Our son, Colin, and his dear girlfriend, Caro, flew here from their home in Montreal to be with us for a few days during this special occasion this year. We not only enjoyed their visit, but all the visits that revolved around their time here.


Our daughter, Jana and Nels…with their kids, Mariah and Beau and their dog, Jazz… were over each day to share some family loving, too!


Colin managed to visit his Grandma Blanche as well as see his nephew, Beau play hockey in addition to the other events that took place this weekend. I know time flies when one is having fun… and we could have done so many other things but time ran out!  We were happy for the visits from my sisters-in-law, my niece and my brother, too
during the weekend.


Last Sunday my first great niece, Jorja was celebrated in her big birthday party entitled… ONE IS FUN!
It was decorated in a Monkey theme and held at a local hall.
They had many guests invited so it was a very big day for little Jorja. She celebrates her actual birthday today…
hope it is a happy ONE!
Since she was born, I have become a GREAT AUNTIE to two other Great Nieces as well…
with their first birthdays coming up in 2016.
It has been fun to be a "GREAT AUNTIE"…
and an honour, too!



For many years of my "Diane Will Dance Studio" career,
a dance mentor of mine, Brian Foley, from Toronto has come to teach workshops, choreography and do dance exams in Saskatoon with many of the local dance studios in and around town. Although my studio has been closed since June of 2002… Mr. Foley continues to stay connected with us. I feel very grateful and flattered he chooses to stay with us when he comes to town. We go way back and have so many fun memories that go beyond dancing… to decorating at Christmas… tap dancing in our kitchen… dining in and going out together. Not only is Mr. Foley a fabulous mentor of mine in my dance career… he continues to mentor dancers and teachers as well as dance parents across the country with his famous dance syllabus called ADAPT.
I know while he is here this weekend, we will ADAPT to many fun memories and TAP into some good fun!


Our home has definitely been like a little hotel this past bit!
With our visits from Colin and Caro last weekend… to Mr. Foley this weekend… and on to a good friend, from Regina, Lynne, who is coming next week for a girlfriend bond!
Friends and family truly fill our home with love that is for sure… I enjoy when we can share time year round,
but this time of year is more fun and festive it seems!


As I listen to some Christmas tunes, I get even more into the mood for the season…and hope to actually get shopping and wrapping next… more fun things I love to do!


Next week my youngest niece, Rowen celebrates her 16th birthday on the 10th. I wish her a happy day and year to come!


To all who stop by to check out my blog from time to time,
I say thanks … I do enjoy recapping the positives in my life, and I feel I have so many! As I gather the photos and thoughts from week to week it reminds me of how much love we have in our home… and beyond.


On that note… here is my rhyme of the week!


Another week… another poem…
About our love filled happy home!
A lot of passion this past while,
With family and friends who make us smile.
A loving home just fills me up…
And love is shared in every cup,
So much warmth goes in that blend,
With our family and with each friend!