PASSION for DANCE through the GENERATIONS!

"Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from what excites you."
-Oprah Winfrey

"When you Dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It's to enjoy each step along the way."
-Dr. Wayne Dyer

"Generations…
Remember the past.
Create the present.
Inspire the future."
-Author Unknown

Here are a couple 3 generation dancer pics!
I know I have many pics of my daughter and grand daughter and I together,
but for some reason could not find many dance ones when searching today!!!
These are both older ones…  when Mariah was 4 and 5!

Here are some mother daughter dance passion pics of Jana and me…
a duo we did when Jana was 7 ,  A duo when she was 17…
a staff pic from when she taught at my studio…
and a photo from about 4 years ago when we adjudicated together
at a dance festival in Kindersley, together.
I've cherished the many stages of dance I have shared with Jana.

Mariah got this special tutu leotard when her brother was born…
How adorable was she here at age 4?

ok… I couldn't stop on these ones… here she is dancing her heart
out at her lessons in that blue tutu she loved so much!

Today while searching for photos… I got so sidetracked
and found millions of cute pics of my two grandkids
along the way… these are just two of the many…
Mariah is 3 here with the kissy lips!
Beau is 2 here… and those big brown eyes get me every time I see him.
Hard to believe these two are now 8 and 4…
time sure flies when you are
sharing the love!
I do not seem to get as many photos of these two as I once did!

Last week at the SPRING STARS DANCE FESTIVAL in the city…
Mariah came and enjoyed watching my niece, ROWEN perform
in her 4 group dances from BSOBAD.
My friend, Gailene and I enjoyed watching together, as well...
Gailene's daughters danced and now teach dance…
and she has dancing grand daughters as well.

My cousin Gwen came one day and watched with me …
she also dances in an adult tap group .
I did not get a selfie of Gwen and me!!!

The adjudicators were both excellent…The top one, Chantelle Whitney,
even danced at my studio a bit back in the day, and shared a place
with my daughter, Jana in Japan when they both performed for Tokyo Disney.

Today I took a little trip down memory lane when
I looked through Jana's dance scrap books…
Not only do they bring memories of her dancing…
it brings  back lots of my love
from my "Diane Will Dance Studio" days…
and all the kids
I taught and called my kids as well!

Below is an old token pic of my worn out tap shoes…
So many memories and generations of tapping
was shared in those shoes!

Last week after positing my weekly blog on Monday…
I realized it was NATIONAL PUPPY DAY, so
for last week here is a picture of my puppy,
SHUFFLE…
who gets her name from the famous Tap Dance step!

While we are doing a big trip down memory lane…
here is an oldie goldie of me and my dad of when I was around 4 years old.
Next week my dad would be turning 89 on the 8th of April.
I will be blowing birthday kisses to him up above on that day.
My dad instilled such a love of music which inspired my dancing.
He was always so supportive and proud of not only me…
but of his grand daughter, Jana, too.
Too bad he was not alive to see the dance passion
live on through the next generation,
with his great grand daughter, Mariah!



Here it is another Monday… and the day I like to write my weekly blog. Today I was off to a slower start as I searched for the perfect pictures to share for this theme. For some reason… the more I searched for photos… the more sidetracked I got… so I know there are many photos that would have suited this theme, but the ones I selected and found will share our passions for dance!
Many of these photos have appeared in previous blog posts.


Last week I spent 4 days of watching a local dance festival called SPRING STARS. It was run by my good friend Brenda and her sister, Debra. 13 dance studios from the province were invited to attend it. It was a fund raiser for
"Choc'la Cure",
which is an annual event to provide equiptment
for cancer patients here in our province.
The festival raised $30,000.00 in the 4 days.
WOW… what a PASSIONATE ACHIEVEMENT!
Their little slogan on the program said:
"DANCE FOR A BRIGHTER TOMORROW"
I am quite sure many tomorrows will
be made brighter from this donation.
It seems everyone knows someone battling cancer
and/or who has lost a loved one
fighting their battle of that horrible disease.


This dance festival warmed my heart on many levels.
It was so nice to sit in the audience and share the passion with many who also love dancing. When I taught dancing back in the day, I went through many years of sharing my passions with my students and watching them flourish on stage. Now it is nice to sit on the other side of the stage and just enjoy from a different perspective! 
My granddaughter joined me to watch my niece Rowen, along with hundreds of other dancers gracing the stage last week. Sitting with Mariah is another level of passion that we can share together,  as we bond over out love of dance. 
I was very proud to be a part of an event such as this one. 
It definitely brought back that feeling of 
dance festival excitement for me.


Next week my grand daughter will get a turn to dance on stage in a festival my studio attended for years…
The North Battleford Dance Festival. 
She is now dancing with daughters 
of a couple dancers I once taught…
so it is kind of fun to see this next
generation dancing  together.
I just know I will be a proud grandma
as I watch MARIAH strut her stuff!



I still remember going to dance festivals and competitions back in my younger years. Things were so different back in the day I grew up in… but the passions were the same.
I remember my mom and me travelling to the Moose Jaw Dance Festival by bus, as my mom didn't drive back then.
I would sit for hours on end and enjoy watching dancers and felt inspired always  when I left. I was a pretty average dancer for my age … but one thing I always had was PASSION … which I think is the biggest part.
It is something that is hard to teach.
I found watching other dancers created a huge
impact on my life. I was grateful to my mom who helped nurture that passion in me from an early age. She was always my biggest cheerleader… and although she is no longer with me, I feel her spirit in my heart as
I watch dance competitions and festivals to this day.
She was also very proud of Jana and I know she would have loved to have watched Mariah perform, too!



I remember the years of taking Jana to the various festivals and competitions she went to, as well. We have so many memories… and one of the many was making that
"head to toe" list of costume items as we packed up
to go to  the various events we were involved
 in from festivals to recitals.
I always liked to write out little good luck notes with stickers on them and leave them in her dance shoes so when she got ready… they were there for further
encouragement for her performances!


Now as I watch from the sidelines and audiences… I see steps, traditions and costumes being passed on through the generations. It does my heart proud as I watch many of the dancers I once taught , now teaching and or performing themselves. I can only hope I have made an impact on their journey, too. I know through the many generations we all share passions and spirit which... whether we realize it or not
seems to pass along from one generation to the next in some way or another.

I have met so many friends through my passion of dance. It is amazing how the friends we make through our dance journey stay with us forever and when we reconnect, we are always happy to see each other again!


Because this is such an exciting time of the dance season for all dance studios, I can almost feel their enthusiasm as I look on. I have such fond memories of the days I have spent at dance festivals… and hope to watch many more to come.


I can see by the posts and photos on Facebook that there have been very many dance festivals and competitions lately, and so many people sharing
 their enthusiasm and passions for dance, too.


In the end it is all about the memories after all…
so here's to many more…
Keep on Tapping into Your Dance Passions
and sharing them with generations to come.


Tonight I will look forward to
"Dancing With the Stars" on TV.
I am on such a
"dance high" now after last week,
so I'm sure I will really
enjoy the show tonight!
I am always inspired with the dance passions
and choreography shared on that show as well.



 I hope all my blog readers TAP into a
Happy Easter this coming weekend.


Today I wish my twin cousins from the states,
DAWN and GREG a Happy 60th Birthday
and their brother Bob will also celebrate a
birthday on the 2nd of April.


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

In dance it is always really in fashion,
To share your heart and dance with passion.
Strut your stuff with all of your heart,
Right from the get go… right from the start!
Share the love and then pass it along,
The passion for dance has no right or wrong.
The steps are all different, but the concept's the same,
The steps all have history to go with their name.
Dancing from generation to another generation,
Just sharing the love and so much dedication.
Memories of fun and costumes on parade,
Remembering each impact that they all made.
It's just so much fun when we get the chance,
To share our love and passion for dance!

appreciate the little things

"We sometimes underestimate the influence of little things."
-Charles W. Chestnutt

"Nothing is nicer than having someone who… Appreciates you in the smallest things… Accepts you in times of hardships… Comforts you when you're troubled… 
Loves you no matter what and is simply happy for having 
you in their life."
-Author Unknown

"Enjoy the little things in life for one day you'll look back and realize they were the big things."
-Robert Brault

Last Friday was not only the first day of spring…
it was declared International Day Of Happiness…
so what better way to celebrate it than  a yummy DQ Sundae!
It may seem like a Little Thing… but I always think of my mom
when I go there, and order her favourite, a sundae with
hot fudge and marshmallow toppings!
My mom loved her ice cream, so she is with me in spirit
when ever I order her favourite at DQ!

Another little thing that makes me happy…
is Celebrating the
special days and occasions…
last Tuesday was St. Patrick's Day, so I dressed my doggie, Shuffle
and me , too in some spirited gear for a selfie!

Also on St. Patrick's Day Tuesday…
my friend, Ella hosted a fun girls night and Arbonne Party at her home.
our gym instructor Peg, did the demo…and also gave Ella and me some
very cute sham-rock socks and hand cream, too, for co-hosoting!

Last Wednesday Brian and I joined Ella and Vern for a Starbucks…
I enjoy those little foursome outings when we get the chance to do those.

Also I  joined cousin Gwen for a starbucks visit last week, too!
Ella and I have had many trips to Tim Horton's  after the gym,
for roll up to win coffees as well…
(but not lots of wins!!!)… although we enjoy all chances for
coffees and visits!

Wednesday evening Vern treated Brian, Ella and me to a yummy
b-lated birthday supper for Ella, at Mano's…
(no photos were taken though.)
Thanks Vern… appreciated the fun and meal.

Last Thursday… I had a day with Beau.
He was pretty excited to make bunny cookies…
he ate lots of them, too!

Every little thing we did together that day was fun…
We went to circle park mall to find Dollarama was not open, so
instead Beau road in the little cars in the mall, followed by
a trip to Indigo where they had the big SEUSS hat, and some
lego, too! We also had a chance to craft some pirate hats
I had still in my basement from last Halloween,

We appreciated the SPRING LIKE weather and got out to play a bit, too.
Beau did some side walk chalk and took the jenga blocks, and set up
a bowling set up to bowl with his football.
I love his imagination!

Saturday, Mariah was happy to work at the doggie adoption again.
We are so appreciative to Brian's sister,  BEV, for always taking her to help.
She had a very cute wee black puppy to care for on Saturday,
and he got adopted by the end of the day…
Mariah is always happy to see the dogs she cares for,
get a new home to go to in the end.

Saturday night the kids came for supper and a sleepover.
Beau wanted to go out to BP for supper and Mariah wanted to stay here.
So I took Beau and we ended up bringing back take out for Mariah and Brian to have
when we got back home.
Beau had fun making set ups and playing with Shuffle, while Mariah watched TV.

The kids had a little iPad time after their baths, before going to sleep.
Sunday morning we went to Fuddruckers for breakfast,
where their mommy and daddy met us and picked them up.

Sunday afternoon, Brian went to watch Beau and many of the kids
from Wheaton play hockey and skate.
Nels video taped some of the fun… and also  some great pics
were captured as well. They had a blast!

These are photos I included back in February… but thought I'd share again.
We gave the kids these shirts and hats for Valentine's Day gifts.
Beau mentioned he wanted to wear his shirt the other day,
but it was in the wash… I asked him if he wore the shirt lots,
and he said he only wore it once… but I was happy to hear he liked it!
Mariah liked her shirt because it made her eye colour pop!!!
It makes my heart happy to know the kids like the stuff,
even though it has apparently got lost in the laundry pile!!!
It's the Little Things that I appreciate the most.



Here it is another MONDAY… BLOG DAY!
I do enjoy recapping my previous week and sharing it here with you from week to week. It is a little thing I kind of appreciate doing, and it makes me happy!
Thanks for popping by to share in my fun.


We had a nice week, and lots of time was spent with the grandkids. Beau had been wanting some 'one on one' time with us, since Mariah comes here often. So last Thursday was his turn to share some special Beau-ments with us.
Mariah was doing her Grade 2 ballet exam that morning, so I picked Beau up from the dance studio, and we came back here and shared a day full of fun beginning with making bunny cookies. Beau has such a fun little imagination. He loves to create things and play games involving his mind. I thought it was especially clever of him to turn the jenga blocks into a bowling game with his football as the bowling ball out side. I just had to be on my toes every time the ball went rolling out to the road!


We had hoped to see my nephew, Alec, on his first official day of working at Mano's on Wednesday when we dined out… but his shift had been done by the time we got there. He is apparently loving his new job there. We also enjoyed our supper, which friend, Vern treated us to in honour of Ella's birthday earlier in March.


Ella and I had been asked by one of our gym instructors, Peggy, to co-host a little gathering for an Arbonne demonstration party. It was a nice diversion in my week… and also fun to see other gals I hadn't seen in a bit.
I now have a trial sample kit of the Arbonne skin care… which I am enjoying , but will have to think about, as it is very pricey. I know it is wonderful product, though. Peggy did a nice job of her demo, and brought along her daughter, Hailey, to help her too. It was a fun evening all round.


I was happy to go out for a few various coffees last week… some Tim Horton's after the gym… and some Starbucks.
I had a nice visit with cousin Gwen , who treated me to a latte at Starbucks last week. We were recalling this time last year when her dad, my dear Uncle Charlie earned his angel wings. Time has sure flown by, hard to believe a year has passed already, but Uncle Charlie
remains in our hearts forever.


Any times I can spend with the grandkids is special. We had them for a sleepover on Saturday so their parents could attend a special charity event. Sleepovers mean a little less sleep for Grammie D, though... Grandpa moves into the spare room, while the 2 kids sleep with me… however they are getting so big now… that I actually got edged out this time… and ended up sleeping on the floor!


Last night when I slept in my bed again… I really appreciated my good sleep!
Some other little things I appreciate… are simple days to enjoy my doggie on the couch. Little messages from my good friends and relatives by text, FB, and or email.
Phone calls with fun conversations. Special times spent with my grandkids. Coffee outings. Gym classes to make me feel balanced in life. Great music… poetry… dancing!
TV shows I like to watch… and so much more.
Life is full of LITTLE THINGS to APPRECIATE!



This week BSOBAD is hosting an invitational dance competition, called "Spring Stars" to raise money for Cancer ...  I have been making up signs for that event, and will likely go watch some of the good dancing at Lakeview Church from Wednesday through Saturday inclusive.
I know it is open for the public to go watch and it is in support of such a good cause, too….
lots of dancing for brighter tomorrows!



Although the weather went from SPRING right back to WINTER… I know soon we will be enjoying the warmer days, not too much longer, we hope!


Next monday… my twin cousins, Dawn and Greg will be hitting their milestone age of 60… so I am sending them some Birthday wishes in advance…
I hope they celebrate it big time!


Today in prep for my blog writing I came across this little write up which went well with my theme,
so I will share it here, too…


"APPRECIATE THE LITTLE THINGS"
'Those things that make you happy, those people who make you laugh and smile like a dork. Learn from the past. Don't let it break or define you. Things happen for a reason. Make sure you make the most of what you have. Show family and friends how much they mean to you and how much you appreciate them. Smile and make the most of your life.
Make it what you want it to be.
Don't take the little things for granted.'
-Author Unknown


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

In life there's many little things,
That offer cheer with all it brings.
There's just so much to appreciate,
All little things that are so great!
Look around, there's things so small,
That actually seem real big and tall.
Sometimes it is just a little smile,
That carries us for quite a while!

Lucky & Thoughtful

"May your day be touched with a bit of Irish Luck,
brightened by a song in your heart and warmed by smiles of people you love."
-Author Unknown

"Stop the habit of wishful thinking and start the habit of thoughtful wishes."
-Mary Martin

"Give back in some way. Always be thoughtful of others."
-Jackie Joyner-Kersse

Here are a few little LUCKY St. Pat's related photos.
I took the one of my dog Shuffle this morning… but the other two are 2 years old.
The one of my friend, Linda and me in our SHAMROCK ON look…
and the cute one of Mariah shopping with me in Claires and trying on St. Pat's glasses.

Tomorrow is my Friend, Linda's Birthday on St. Pat's day…
I always consider myself so lucky
to have her as my good buddy.

Over a week ago my neighbour, Heather and I treated our friend , ELLA,
to a birthday lunch at D'Lish. I am Lucky to have such good friends.
It was a yummy lunch and good visit, too!

Later another friend (also named Heather) … offered to snap a pic of
Ella and me at Starbucks… we were both lucky and
I thought that was very thoughtful of Heather to offer, too.
Ella and I have been going to Tim Horton's a lot
lately too, but not often Lucky on the Roll Up the Rim to Win!

I felt Lucky receiving these flowers… and gifts.
The colourful ones by the bird picture were from my hubby and still
look as beautiful as the day I got them 3 weeks ago. The bird painting
is a thoughtful gift I received from my niece, Emily… one she painted for us.
The tulips were ones my friend Cathy dropped off for me,
I love tulips…
so thoughtful of her.

The Charlie Chaplin journal is one Jana brought me back from
her recent trip to Mexico… so sweet… and it is hand made.
I consider myself Lucky for all these Thoughtful gestures.

My nephew, Alec recently moved here from Vancouver,
and thoughtfully he popped over for a visit last week.
We felt happy to see him and were pleased to hear of his new job, too.
He was Lucky to get one so quickly after moving here…
Shuffle enjoyed the visit as well!

A few recent pics of Mariah… the one on the left was at her brother's hockey
a week ago. The 2 on the right were taken just this past Friday
when Mariah spent the day with us…. we made a little trip to
Circle Park Mall, and took a couple pics in Claire's once again!
I always consider myself so lucky to have her in my life,
we share so much in common.

Some recent pics of Beau…
the one on the left was when his sister got dropped off here on the weekend.
We also have one of him on route to Tae Kwan Do…
and one from his hockey, too.
Thanks to my Brother Bob who helped him gear up for his hockey
a week ago, and for staying to watch him play, too.
Nels was away, so, Jana felt Lucky Bob was able to help Beau out!
We feel lucky to have little Beau as our grandson always!

This past weekend… our good friends, Mike and Lynne were in town for
a business related trip for Mike, and we felt lucky to connect with them
while they were in town. We always enjoy our good times together.

Jana was in Vancouver on a business buying trip on the weekend…
and felt lucky to connect with friend, Carly and her new baby, UNA…
I thought it was thoughtful of Jana to text this great photo of her and babe!

Yesterday we did our sunday morning Fuddrucker's tradition and just as we were leaving,
Vern's son, Jason along with his wife, Andy and their little girl Carmen arrived,
so I managed to snap a couple pics of our group there…
But see I cut off Ella in this photo, oops!
We always enjoy our sunday breakfast outings with friends.

I have 3 different quote calendars… and often enjoy the quotes of the day…
here are just some I enjoyed recently!
As the one on top right says…
LIFE is what you make it!



Happy Monday everyone…  hard to believe it has been two weeks since my previous blog post. Thanks for popping by!
We had a week of ups and downs around here, so a little blog break was in order for me, but here I am back at it again. I feel so lucky for all the thoughtful 
friends and family in my life.


I always love times I can spend with my grandkids when ever that happens. I enjoy little gym visits, and coffee outings as well as the occasional meal outing
here and there, too.


I have been entertained by some of the shows I like to watch on TV… like "Ellen" and "Marilyn" during the day… 
and "The Voice" and "American Idol" in the evenings. Tonight I look forward to the start of season 10 of 
"Dancing With The Stars", too… 
hard to believe I have been watching
that show that long!

My friend, Cathy, thoughtfully loaned me the entire 
5 season run of "Downton Abbey" as well to watch, 
when I get a chance!



I was happy to see my nephew, Alec last week, when he stopped by. He recently got himself a job as a sever at Mano's Restaurant, too. I was happy for him… hope that goes well for him.


Last week, my nephew, Jeff, listed my mother-in-law's house on the real estate market after months of prep and going through the house and downsizing stuff. The family is all hoping it will sell well… Even though it is a bit of a new chapter for all of them, I think they are ready for that.
It will be different to have it owned by someone, new.


I like to only share the good news in my blog… so the last couple weeks have been a bit of a mixed bag. I consider myself lucky always for all the wonderful people in my world… who continue to do thoughtful things for me.


Tomorrow is the famous St. Patrick's Day celebration… it is also a birthday for two special people in my life…
my brother, Brian… and my friend, Linda…
I hope the Luck of the Irish is with them as they celebrate another Happy Birthday and year in their lives, too!


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

I feel lucky for so many good friends,
I have lots of kinds and all different blends.
So many thoughtful and willing to be there,
All very helpful and showing that they care.
When the going gets tough, they help cheer me up,
Sharing a laugh…and often over a cup!
My family members keep me smiling , too,
They are always there for me, and all I go through.

hApPy!

"Very little is needed to make a happy life; It is all within yourself, in your way of thinking."
-Marcus Aurelius

"It's not in how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes our happiness."
-Charles Spurgeon

"Happiness comes from the capacity to feel deeply, to enjoy simply, to think freely, to risk life, to be needed."
-Storm Jameson

Last week Brian picked up these colourful flowers …
they not only made me HAPPY,
Mariah thought they were beautiful…
and was HAPPY to pose with them for me,
for a few HAPPY  little photos!

Over the past 10 days grand daughter, MARIAH, brought
so much HAPPY to our every day! 

While his parents were away in Mexico…
and his sister spent the time here with us…
grandson, Beau, spent the time at his other grandparents
in Edmonton … everyone enjoyed their little VACAYS!
I enjoyed the photos posted on Facebook and stole a few to share
here of Beau from  his Edmonton Grandparents.

Mariah enjoyed our little routine … at night she was HAPPY to spend time
writing her day's events into a journal and Shuffle would sit by her when
she did this… those two shared a really special bond, too!

Mariah and I enjoyed some crafting time while she was here, too.
She crafted the top two cards here…
I made a little word of the day note to tuck into her daily lunches, and
a birthday card for my friend Ella, who celebrated her day yesterday.

Last week I had a day of HAPPY with some friends…
Ella had my friends, Gailene, and Heather  and myself
over for a delicious lunch
and girlfriend bond  following a morning of
happy galavanting!

Mariah was so happy to go with Auntie Bev and work at the dog adoption
on Saturday again in the top left photo.
She got lots of practice dealing with our dog, Shuffle, all week!
Mariah and Shuffle became real soul mates while she was here.

Saturday night… we did a supper at Boston Pizza for Mariah's last night
with us. Yesterday morning we met at Fudrruckers for our little sunday
morning tradition. It was Ella's birthday, too!
Friend Brenda also joined…
but missed the pictures before my phone ran out of photo space again!
Our friends who often join us , Bob and Jacquie are away now…
but Bob also celebrated a birthday this weekend.

I closed my studio in June of 2002…
and joined BSOBAD as the TAP DIRECTOR…
but retired from that job in May of 2008.
However… I continued to TAP into a HAPPY passion by doing
the BSOBAD bulletin boards and exam themes ever since joining
that studio in Fall of 2002.
Mariah was HAPPY to help me hang some shamrocks
 in place of February's hearts.
Also we hung 101 names on BUMBLE BEES for this
week's ballet exam theme, too.
Here are some little dancers "BEE-LIGHTED"
to point  out their names at yesterday's exams.
Although I have used the BEE theme many times
I BEEcided to BEEcycle it once more!!!

Mariah was such a HAPPY camper while here this past week.
She read this little "INSTANT HAPPY" book on route to school a couple of days.
She was HAPPY to do many things…
including getting her grandpa's old phone,
...to dancing,...
and stopping for steamers at starbucks, among many other fun things!
I really missed my little "SIDE KICK" this morning…
she added a lot of HAPPY to the start of every day while she was here!



HAPPY MONDAY everyone!

I know just recapping my previous week makes me smile and and makes my heart so happy recalling all the fun memories we made along the way!


While Jana and Nels enjoyed a HAPPY little vacay in the sunshine of Mexico… their two kids also enjoyed
little HAPPY vacays of their own with their two sets of grandparents. Beau got dropped off with his Edmonton grandparents for the 10 days while Mariah stayed with us.
After comparing notes throughout the week with
GRANDMA NANCY and GRANDPA ARVID
via text and Facebook, we all felt we shared such
HAPPY times  in our separate places.


Mariah was a busy girl the whole week. We were up early during the week in order to get her lunches packed  and her delivered to school by 8:35 AM daily. She was always HAPPY upon waking up and added such happiness to our everyday.  In addition to the car rides to and from school… I made 12 car rides to her dance studio to get her to and from lessons all week. She loves to dance, and I was always HAPPY to get her there.


Mariah was HAPPY keeping a little journal of her weekly events to share with her parents when they got home from their vacay. She also enjoyed times spent with not only us, but with Shuffle and some times with Auntie Bev and cousins, Sam and Rowen, too.


Mariah and I did some special and fun crafting in addition to watching lots of fun TV shows and movies.
Mariah got so excited when she saw John Travolta on the Oscars, as her all time favourite movie is "GREASE".
So we decided to go get her the movie
"SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER" yesterday as well.
(I forgot how it was really not a child type movie…
but it did have her idol, John Travolta in it! )


Mariah and I watched THE VOICE and AMERICAN IDOL and kept an on going score rating the singers on a note pad.
Her comments were always so cute. I love that she and I have so many common interests… we really are a lot alike!


Another HAPPY thing we did last week is create a word of the day… I put one in her lunches… but she also chose her own. By Thursday she chose HAPPY as her word… and then used HAPPY again the rest of the stay!
Our theme song of the week was the famous song by PHARRELL WILLIAMS entitled "HAPPY".
We would often brake out just singing it for no reason on our many car rides to and from school and or dancing!
Mariah chose to wear her hair in pigtails for many of the days as she told me it was just such a HAPPY hair do!
I love that kid!!!!


Mariah made a huge impact on our lives not just this past week, but since she was born. There is something extra special about being a grandparent that brings out the HAPPY in us!… I know Nancy and Arvid said the same thing about having BEAU all week. We all feel the void a bit today now that the kids have returned to their parents back at home again. I do know that everyone is feeling some what refreshed after their little HAPPY breaks!


This week my niece, Emily, and her mom, Gail are here to get my nephew, Alec settled in to live in Saskatoon for a while. They arrived on the weekend from Vancouver, so will do a brief and hopefully HAPPY wee vacay, too.
Emily and Gail return to Vancouver tomorrow.We hope to connect with them later today.



This week I will go from driving Mariah … to driving my niece, Rowen to her dancing!!! Her mom, Brenda, has a busy week, so I will help out a bit with the driving. I enjoy my visits with Rowen, too, she is also such a happy girl. I am always HAPPY to help out when and where ever I can!


As TIME "MARCHES" ON…
I will be acknowledging more HAPPY BIRTHDAYS…
My friend, Ella, had a birthday yesterday.
This week… my cousin Don has a birthday on the 6th…
My good buddy, Lynne has one on the 7th and
her daughter, Carly, has one on the  8th.
So with that in mind  I will wish all of them a very
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!


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

Last week was HAPPY from the very start…
It left me feeling grateful, and with a smiling heart!
Having a week to bond with my sweet side kick,
Was the perfect reason for "HAPPY" to be our pick!
Mariah was so much fun, from the start to the end,
We really truly bonded and shared a common blend.
It's funny how many interests the two of us shared,
I loved how we connected, and just how much she cared.
She made a huge impact on me that made me smile,
I know the fun memories will keep me
HAPPY  for a real long while!