Monday, October 26, 2015

CELEBRATIONS GALORE!

"We believe in celebrations both big and small."
-Kate Spade

"Life is what you celebrate. All of it. Even it's end."
-Joanne Harris

"A good life is a collection of happy moments."
-Denis Watley


Yesterday was a cupcake and angel sort of celebration!

These delicious cupcakes were made for Brian's birthday
by our friend, Judy.

I thought a lot of  angels and my mom yesterday , too,
on the fifth anniversary of her passing.

Tuesday night was a watching day at Mariah's jazz dancing class.
Her dance teachers all do watching week on a different week.
I was super impressed with her improvement from
last year on the first watching week…
Mariah definitely has her mom's flexibility!!!
She loves to stretch.

Wednesday was a very special milestone celebration for my mother-in-law,
Blanche as she celebrated her 90th Birthday.
She had many visitors in her tiny room wishing her well on her special day,

Here are some of the visitors who were there to celebrate with her…
As well as Brian and me… she was visited by my nephews, Sam
and Luke, and his girlfriend, Kirsten…
Also while we were there… were several other relatives and friends.
I know she enjoyed the visits and the celebration!

Thursday… Ella and I celebrated our friend, Heather's birthday…
at a nice lunch at DRIFT… followed by a fun shop at Homesense
where we took some fun little photos on
some of the furniture ...
Note they are moving toward celebrating Christmas
at Homesense already!!!

Later Thursday… Jana dropped Mariah off here for us to get
her to dancing… as Beau's hockey was at the same time.
Beau was excited with his new hockey gloves and headband to
keep that long hair out of his face!

Mariah enjoyed some time with Shuffle before going off to dance!

Friday morning I had a nice coffee visit from my cousin Gwen,
and sister in law, Arleen… (who is not shown in a photo!)
My cousin Bev was to come, too, but ended up with a cold,
 and couldn't make it.
We also babysat our grand dog, Jazz , too.
Her and Shuffle get along pretty well.
Shuffle was hoping to have a cookie off the island here! 

Later Friday… Jana and her family treated us to an early Birthday
Celebration supper for Brian at Manos.
Jana was off to Vancouver on Saturday for her friend, Melissa's
30th birthday celebration
there on the weekend, too!

Last year Jana and family gave Brian the Montreal jersey as his gift…
this year they gave him an Oilers one to add to his hockey jersey collection!
Supper was yummy including the special birthday cake…
which Mariah helped her grandpa eat!

Saturday we picked up Beau after his hockey practice… and took him
to see the dogs at the dog adoption.
My sister-in-law, Bev was there and so was her son, Luke's girlfriend,
Kirsten…. and Sam and Mariah were there, too.

How about that cute little weiner doggie in the hotdog costume?
(I am not sure who is holding him… but he was up for adoption,too!)

Mariah looks forward to her adoption days and helping out
as a volunteer with her Auntie Bev.
She has made some good friends while helping over the year or so
she has been going… above is one of the little fellows she has met .

We had Beau for most of the day Saturday and also picked up Jazz
for part of the afternoon, too!

Later saturday…
 friends… Vern and Ella stopped by for a happy hour with us!

Our Fuddruckers breakfast had a big group to help celebrate
Brian's birthday in style on Sunday!
Good friend Robin and her hubby, Alex, friend, Steve,
Vern, Ella, Jacquie Bob, Dan, Judy… and even Nels and Beau
stopped by, too. Mariah was at a sleepover or she may have come, too!

Later the celebration continued at our house…
when some of our Breakfast gang
came to celebrate Brian's birthday some more
with a fun Chinese food meal.

Thanks to each  of our guests who brought
 a delicious dessert addition, too!
 to Jacquie and Bob for the Angel food cake…
to Vern for the Strawberry- Rhubarb pie and whipped cream…
to Judy and Dan for the chocolate cupcakes….
and to Ella for the yummy strawberries and raspberries!
I don't think anyone left here hungry!!!!!

Kind of nice that we had Chinese food… that was always mom's favourite,
and nice to have angel food cake, too, in honour of not only Brian,
but my mom as well.

Here were all our company waiting for the Chinese food to arrive!
Dan was like the dog whisperer with Shuffle helping to keep her calm
while we visited!

It was a fun little impromptu celebration…
and I know Brian appreciated all the love he got on his special day.
Earlier both his sisters also popped by, too… very thoughtful of them!

I always remember my mom on October 25th, too…
she passed away on that date in 2010…
so it really is an Angel and cupcake day year after year…
I hold my mom's memories so close at heart…
and I cherish her daily, as she remains in my heart forever more.


Happy Monday everyone!
I look forward to each Monday when I recap the fond memories of the week gone by.
What a week of fun celebrations it was, too!


We truly did celebrations galore this past week as shown in the photos above. I am always so grateful for the wonderful friends and family in my life who can share in all the things we do together to celebrate life in general.


We were pleased to share Blanche's special 90th Birthday milestone day with her last Wednesday along with some of the friends and family who stopped by her home when we did. Later that day there was even a little concert in her home performed by one of our favourite local pianists, Maurice Drouin, along with a singer who works at the home, Jaime Donlevy. Brian and I enjoyed their concert, but Blanche did not go to that. I know she did enjoy all her company that day, though. She felt celebrated.


I am always happy to be a big part of the the grandkids's lives… and just last week I was able to go watch Mariah at her jazz dance class…and was impressed with her improvement from this time last year. This week is Ballet week, I believe… so more watching to come!
Brian and I also enjoyed Beau's hockey practice on Saturday and Mariah's dog adoption that day as well. It is great the kids are so active and keep involved in many things on a weekly basis.


Jana and Nels treated us to a nice meal at Manos on Friday as an early Birthday Celebration for Brian. It was a fun evening. Jana was off to celebrate her store partner, Melissa's birthday in Vancouver when a bunch of friends surprised her for her 30th milestone. I know the girls would have had a fun weekend together in celebration.


Brian felt so celebrated this birthday with many special messages via FB, text, phone calls and visits… he felt the love near and far…and for that he says Thanks to each and everyone who shared some birthday love with him in one way or another… he is a very treasured guy…
not just to me, but to all who know him!


We spent lots of time with friends and family over Birthday celebrations this past week as shown in the above photos. It is always fun to get together with our loved ones whether celebrating birthdays or not! I say this a lot… but I consider myself so lucky to be surrounded by so many loving people in my life. It just makes my life more worth celebrating daily.


I received some pretty sweet photos via email and texts last week of my 3 great nieces…  Baby Abby in Vancouver as well as Baby Jorja and Baby Brielle here in the city, all of them just get cuter and cuter. We look forward to a halloween visit from our in town great nieces this coming weekend… so hopefully I will have some photos of them in costume to share in my next blog! In the meantime… thanks for the photos you send… we truly enjoy them all!


October is full of celebrations… there are many birthdays in our extended family throughout the month… some I have mentioned along the way, while others were missed in my blog… but certainly not on purpose… so for those I missed along the way… I will extend a special wish now on your behalf, and hope that your days were all special!


 The next celebration we have coming up is Halloween this coming weekend. I know the kids look forward to that occasion… and we will enjoy the little ones in costumes as they come trick or treating this Saturday.


My mom's passing in October of 2010… was the reason I began blogging. I decided in December, 2010, to start recording my positive memories in my blog to stay on a positive track after losing her. Both of my parents live on in my heart forever, but I do miss them lots. My blog has helped me enjoy the good moments in my life along the way. I like to consider my blog as a little form of therapy for me. After reviewing photos and memories from week to week…
I realize what a life of celebrations I have…
and for that I am forever grateful.


For those who pop by to read my blog from time to time…
I say thanks for sharing the many celebrations
with me as they happen in my life!


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


Last week was filled with celebrations galore…
So many memories, parties and more!
From Birthdays to dance… hockey and dogs,
And having weekly smiles while writing my blogs.
Forever something special and/ or something fun…
Memorable moments… before each day is done.
Life is a celebration each and every day,
Always lots to celebrate... that is what I say!

Monday, October 19, 2015

friends,family & happiness!

"Happiness keeps you sweet. Trials keep you strong. Sorrows keep you human. Failure keeps you humble. Success keeps you glowing. Friends and family keep you going."
-Anonymous

If you have a family that love you, a few good friends; food on the table, a roof over your head, you are richer than you think."
-Anonymous

"Friends make bad times good and good times unforgettable."
-Anonymous

Last week when I picked up the grandkids…
Beau was happy to share the art in the hallway
outside of the kindergarten room.
 I loved that they celebrated dot day… also how about
that picture the kindergarten kids created out of bottle caps?!!!

The kids are such little happy lights in my world always!
I loved some of these quotes and sayings on things at Indigo
when shopping there with  my good buddy, Lynne,
 this past weekend!
We were delighted that our dear friends…
Lynne and Mike from Regina were able to join
us for a a fun time this weekend.
They have shared so much HAPPINESS with us over time!


Mike happend to be in town last week on business
 and joined us for a lunch. visit at Broadway cafe, too!
Our favourite waitress, Nichole looked after us too…
She brings happiness where ever she goes!

Former dance student, Justine and her mom, Cindy treated me
to a nice supper outing last week, at Alexanders.
We had a lot of happiness as we shared many
happy memories of the days when Justine
danced in my studio back in the day! 

Oh this dog... JAZZ,
has added so much happiness to our family.
Brian loves to stop by their place… and as you can see, Jazz
loves it when we do, too!

Mariah has grown up so much in her 9 years…
Jana sent us a texted copy of her school photo proof …
she looks so grown up…
we love this kid… she adds so much happiness to our lives.

I am not sure where Beau's photo from school is…
 haven't seen it yet!

Lynne and I had a fabulous time shopping on Saturday…
we enjoy a lot of the same things…
and have so much fun shopping together.
Here are some of the fun things we saw while shopping at Indigo.

I do love things with a quote on them…
they always bring me HAPPINESS!!!
I bought this t-shirt on Saturday… and I have been following
Ellen Degeneres's new page on Instagram, too…
Her merchandise line is great…
how cute are these socks… they are very "me"…
polka dots and smiles!


Last Friday… my dear Auntie Ruth passed away…
she was like the Blue Bird of Happiness…
and I always thought of  blues birds when thinking of her.
I found this little photo and quote off the internet…
which seems  like a perfect sentiment for the loss of my Auntie.
May she fly among the blue birds now that she's earned her angel wings.




Happy Monday everyone.
I typically like to do my blog up on Mondays…
and it always puts me in a happy place as I recall the happy highlights of the previous week.


Although I did my last blog less than a week ago…
I decided to get back to my routine day again this week. We have shared lots of fun times over the past two weekends with some very special friends and family alike. I cherish the times we can spend with the ones we love most.


We had not seen our good friends, Mike and Lynne, from Regina since last April… so it was so much fun to reconnect. We had gone on a trip to Montreal with them at this time last year, too… so we were recalling those fun memories once again while they were here. I did not snap many photos… but we did enjoy a couple delicious meals … get in some card playing… and some shopping and lots of smiles, laughs and happiness. Time went way too fast!


I did not see as much of the grand kids this past week… but did pick them up one day last week. Beau was so proud of the art work in the hallway at his school just outside the kindergarten room. I was especially impressed with the artwork made from bottle caps… he was pretty happy to share that one, too… and told me his class made that one.


We have a couple special birthdays this week…
just today… my neighbour, Heather has a birthday… hopefully later this week… my buddy, Ella and I will treat her to a lunch outing to celebrate that.

On Wednesday my sweet mother-in-law, Blanche,
will celebrate her milestone 90th Birthday.
So far no plans have been locked in for that celebration… but I know we will be doing something special for her,
as she is a pretty special lady.


Sunday is my hubby's birthday… it also marks the 5th year anniversary of when my mom earned her angel wings.
I have a mixed emotion kind of day on the 25th of October, ever since she passed away in 2010.
But I will be focusing on the happiness for my hubby's sake…as it is his HAPPY BIRTHDAY!


Today is the day we all go vote… and as well I am off to get some dental work done… so a busy day with duties on hand.

Later I can enjoy my favourite TV night as I tune into DWTS and THE VOICE… Those shows truly bring me happiness.
I am loving both of those shows this season.


I look forward to a visit with my sister-in-law, Arleen and two cousins… Gwen and Bev on Friday morning this week for a coffee gathering here. We have not connected for a long time. It will be a fun get together filled with some more happiness, too!


My dad's oldest sister… Ruth recently celebrated her 95th Birthday and on Friday she passed away peacefully in her sleep. I will always remember what a kind and happy lady she was when ever I saw her. Although I had not seen her for a long time… she will live on in my heart.
She brings to mind "The Blue Bird of Happiness"
… and that is the way I will think of her always.


I had other outings this past week… lots of them were not captured in photos… but we did our fun Fuddrucker's breakfast yesterday. We visited my mother-in-law yesterday, too. I also did a nice walk in the beautiful sunshine with my good friend, Ella yesterday. I know my dog, Shuffle loved that walk, as well. To balance off all the food outings we had last week… I did also get to the gym a couple times …
life is all about balance… friends, family and happiness, too!


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

Life is better with family and friends…
When they are around the fun never ends.
They can always add a smile to your face,
They can also put you in a happy place.
Family and friends bring us happiness…
Make my feet shuffle … doing tappiness!
Life is just better when we can just share…
Happiness with loved ones, who truly do care!

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

HoLiDaY… CeLeBRaTe!

"If we took a holiday
Took some time to celebrate
Just one day out of life
It would be so nice…"
-Lyrics from Madonna song

"Stop worrying about the potholes in the road 
and celebrate the journey."
-Fiitzhugh Mullan

"The holiday season is a perfect time to 
reflect on our blessings and seek ways 
to make life better for those around us."
-Terri Marshall

We got away on a wee holiday this past weekend
to Celebrate with our co-grandparents…
Nancy and Arvid in Edmonton at
their lovely and festive home.
They thought of every little detail
from flowers... to personalized cookies…delicious food
and so much more!

Before leaving the city on Friday, we had a quick visit
with My Auntie Betty and my cousin, Steve here on a little
holiday from the states.
We popped by my brother's place where they were staying,
and my nephew, Jeff, his wife and little girl, Jorja
were also over to visit then, too.

We traveled with Jana and her kids as well as Mariah's little friend, Drew
on route to Edmonton Friday afternoon.
The kids were busy crafting Thanksgiving garlands and other fun stuff
in the car, to help pass the time!
I was thankful I had thought to throw in some activities for the kids,
seeing as I was sitting back there with them!!!!

The girls made a real fun holiday out of the weekend…
From just snuggles with Jana… to fun visits… licking beaters…
helping set the thanksgiving table and making  table name tags…
and enjoying Grandma Nancy (NANA'S)
little special toys and trolls, etc… along with so much more!

Saturday the weather was fabulous and perfect for
a little walk with the dogs.
Nels came after work on Friday night
bringing their dog, Jazz.
So Jazz and Jeter loved the little dog walking adventure
together on Saturday!

Not only was the weather perfect for an outing…
it was so scenic and beautiful on the way with
the trees all changing colour.

Grandma Nancy is so at home in her kitchen …
cooking and baking up a storm and she is so good at it, too!
Even Jazz got in on the act and here is wearing an apron, as well!

When the girls weren't dancing… they were shopping!
Here they are in driveway before going to West Ed mall…
and they are seen going in with Grandpa Arvid…
They were doing a leg grab while trying on pants at
IVIVA…and thrilled with their matching
new purses from Zara!
Little girls love to dance and shop!

While the girls shopped… they guys went to the big rink at the mall,
so Beau could have a little skate with his Grandpa Arvid….
I took these pics through glass on the level above!

While in Edmonton we visited a dear friend of ours…
Courtney and her two darling little girls…
2year old, Lily and new born, Violet.
We had a special visit there… and I was honoured that
Lily called me GAMMA… so I spent most of the time
playing with her… how cute is she in her
little Halloween  fairy costume?!
So adorable!

What a lovely meal hosted by Nancy and Arvid…
for the family…
Nels's sister, Ingrid and his brother, Jens were also at the supper.
His oldest sister, Erica and her family were missing from the
celebration.

The meal was delicious and such a nice time to reflect
on our many blessings…
so much to be thankful for.
THANKS NANCY and ARVID
 for the wonderful CELEBRATION!

Also on the weekend… a little trip to the Cheese Cake Cafe…
how about those polka dot cakes?!!!
The grandparents had one table and the kids sat at another…
we all had fun and yummy food… but too full for cheese cake
when all was said and done!

The Grandmas and the Grandpas hung out…
Jana was helpful with Nancy in the kitchen…
and the girls
enjoyed the dogs and every thing else they did, together!

Beau had fun… whether in the car… or outside ringing Nana's special bell,
The girls helped Nana make pies…
and played some Trouble with Auntie Ingrid…
or AUNTIE INGRA as Beau calls her.
She also took the kids to the park a couple times…
and gave Jazz a hair trim, too,
 as well as taking part in lots of fun visits and sharing.


We checked our dog into doggie day care for the weekend, before going away,
But their doggie, Jeter and Jazz enjoyed all the attention they got all weekend.
Mariah's friend, Drew snapped a few family photos for us on some of our cel phones.
Beau got a new Halloween costume and was happy to model it…
meet "Kylo Ren"… a new Star Wars character, apparently,
one I was not familiar with!
He was pretty proud of his costume…and stayed in character
in the family photos as well!!!!!

I had so hoped to be home in time for my Auntie Betty's
Birthday Celebration on Monday… and trip out to visit my
Brother Brian in Harris, too… but my cousin
sent the top photos to me… as we missed those celebrations!

Yesterday my cousin Steve and Auntie Betty popped by here
for one more visit before leaving… they crammed a lot into
their little celebration vacation.
Jana came over briefly too.


Another couple highlights for us this weekend…
were meeting up with my Lanigan buddy, Linda… and her daughter, Teresa,
who now lives in St. Albert. We traditionally love to go to
Starbucks where and when ever we can.
The one by the rink in West Ed mall was super busy
this past Saturday, but we visited through the line up,
and the wait was worth it!!!

Both Brian and I were thrilled to see my father-in-law's
Barn Photos displayed in Arvid's office space in their basement.
We know Greg would have been so happy about that too!
Arvid and Greg did a few road trips visiting barns
together a few years ago… and share some
special memories of that.



Here it is blog time again… thanks for stopping by to check out what a busy week and weekend I have had since my previous blog post, too!


We had my Auntie Betty, from Chicago, and her son, Steve from Salem visiting over the weekend… but while they were here… we were on a little holiday to Edmonton… so everyone was vacationing  at the same time! I was thankful to have had the chance to see my out of town relatives a little bit,  in spite of us being away. It is hard to do everything and be everywhere at once. It sounds like Betty and Steve crammed a lot into their short stay while here.


We also did lots of fun adventures while away, too. Jana's in-laws… and our co-grandparents… Nancy and Arvid, had invited us to share in their Thanksgiving Celebrations in Edmonton. It was quite the road trip from start to finish with many fun highlights and memories to cherish for years to come. They were such gracious hosts and made it look easy to have a house full of guests while baking and cooking up a storm among many other fun things. Brian and I feel so lucky that both of our kids have such loving families connected to them through their partner's parents.


We were so grateful to meet Colin's in-laws, in Montreal last summer… Colette and Jean -Paul also hosted a lovely meal when we visited them in July. Just this past weekend… they shared another wedding Anniversary together… which Colin and Caro were in attendance at. I hear it was a lovely celebration, too. I wish I could share more memories of Colin and Caro… but Colin prefers I do not share too many photos of him… nor do I have many to share!
But I have to say we could not be happier for who he has chosen for his partner in, life… Caro… is a real sweetie.
We love her dearly and are looking forward to visit later this fall from her and Colin when they come here for a little vacay together to see us again.


Our trip to Edmonton was special on many levels…
Nels's family has become so close to ours… and we not only love Nels and Jana and their kids… but are happy to share the grand parent role with Nancy and Arvid.
Not only do we share the same grand kids… but we all adore that crazy adopted dog, JAZZ, who is the newest addition to the family.


Nels's sister, Ingrid, went to school with our son, Colin back in the day… so we actually go back to before the days of Jana dating Nels… we knew Ingrid first! She is not only a dear friend for us… she is such a great auntie for Mariah and Beau …and seems to enjoy every minute she can spend with both of them and the dog. She even gave Jazz a trim this weekend!
Ingrid also went to the Madonna concert in Edmonton on Sunday night… and said it was awesome and ended in her famous hit song, called "HOLIDAY"… which kind of gave me a little inspiration for today's theme title!


I did manage to make it to the gym today and that song, just happened to be in the mix at the gym class, too!
It is a good thing I made it to the gym after a week break from it… and all the calories I have recently consumed!!!
The class I went to is called New Body… I am always hoping for that new body any time… but hard to achieve!… hehehe
Life is a balance…
lots of celebrating with a bit of gym mixed in!
I enjoyed a coffee outing with some of my gym friends following class today as well… I have made many friends there and am lucky to not only have met them, but to have so many awesome instructors and classes
to attend at Good Life Gym.


I was delighted my friend, Linda, from Lanigan, happened to to be in Edmonton while I was there, too. We are in touch with each other daily via FB… but do not see one another often. I met her in the 90's when I used to teach dance summer schools and stay at her place
out in Lanigan for the week.
Her daughters, Kim and Teresa, both danced, too.
Teresa even did a few seasons of driving in to the city to dance at my studio in her high school years.
Now Kim has 3 little boys and Teresa has 2 little girls…
so not only do Linda and I have kids and dancing in common… we have lots of fun grandkid stories
 to share now too.
We seem to have a lot in common. I am forever grateful I met her and our friendship has grown over time.


Jana's friend, Courtney, went to school with her from grade 3-8 and the two girls, as well as Courtney's
 sisters all danced.
We became close friends with Courtney's family and have continued to stay in contact where ever we can.
I am guessing Courtney's two little girls might be dancers some day, too… and that tradition will live on as well.
We felt delighted to connect with her this weekend,
now that she lives in Edmonton… and meet her newest little addition to her family born in September.


We have so many special connections in life and I am always grateful for all of them in my life. This past weekend was a time to reflect on just how lucky we all are in life in which ever directions our journeys are taking us.


We have some more celebrations coming up in the next weeks as well… The 17th of November would have been my in-law's 65th Wedding Anniversary. I am sure Greg will celebrate it in Heaven. My sweet niece, Emily, from Vancouver will celebrate a birthday on the 18th.
My mother-in-law, Blanche will be hitting a milestone birthday, turning 90 on the 21st of October, and my hubby will celebrate his 63rd Birthday on the 25th.
Also on the 25th I will be recalling the day my mom earned her angel wings 5 years ago, hard to believe she has been gone that long. I still hold all the memories of both her and my dad so dear to my heart always. With Thanksgiving this  past weekend … I was recalling just how thankful I was to have them as my parents, and what awesome role models they were for me growing up.
They are with me always in my heart and my spirit.


I was feeling very grateful and blessed on Thanksgiving for many reasons… family, friends, good times and memories.
I consider myself so lucky to have all of those in my life.


It took me a while to filter through the nearly 400 photos I took since my last blog post, so this post is only a fraction of what we have stored up in the photo memory bank!

Once again I say thanks to Nancy and Arvid for being gracious hosts and thanks to Jana for driving us to and from Edmonton, too… it was a special memory.


Always celebrate the moments…
whether it is a holiday or not…
Life is the ultimate reason to Celebrate!


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

Be thankful for life's journeys every day…
Whether at home, or when getting away.
Enjoy little breaks and holidays,
You will find that they truly amaze!
Live in the moment and celebrate…
Whether or not it's a special date.
Make little things … add up in amount,
Make each and every moment count!



Monday, October 5, 2015

MANY GRATEFUL SPECIAL OCCASIONS!

"Nothing is more honourable than a grateful heart."
-Seneca

"Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other."
-Randy Pausch

"There are exactly as many special occasions 
in life as we choose to celebrate."
-Robert Brault

Last Tuesday we babysat Beau when Mariah went to her dancing lessons.
The two kids were cute wearing their fun  little glasses here!!!
I took Beau to Boston Pizza where he had his "Bugs n Cheese" meal
and a cookie for dessert… the kids add lots of
"SPECIAL" to many days of ours… we are always so
GRATEFUL to have them close by!

Last Wednesday was a special visit day from Brian's cousin Glenn from
Calgary… he came and met us at my mother-n-law, Blanche's home…
we also enjoyed a special Chinese food supper that night together
with family too.

Earlier that day I got a couple cute photos texted to me from
my niece, Emily, of her darling wee baby Abby, born in September.

Many special occasions are highlighted on the Calendar…
just last week there was World Ballet Day as well as Throw Back Thursday!
In honour of those days I posted some photos of Mariah in her little TuTu
from pages in the book I made her in 2008 called
"Beena Beena Ballerina"
I cherish those special memories of Mariah when she was only 2,
and I loved creating this special book for her, too!
I cannot believe just how fast she is growing up.

In addition to the many special occasion days…
 last week also had
National Coffee Day… so I had a perfect fall specialty coffee from
Starbucks called Pumpkin Spice Latte…
I love their new saying on their coffee sleeves…
"Warmly Fall!"
I am always grateful for Starbucks!!!

I was thinking of my son Colin, too, when
last week had World Vegetarian Day, on Thursday.
Colin has been a vegetarian since he was in his late teens.

Friday Night our family attended a very special occasion…
and fund raiser banquet and dance in an 80's Theme.
We pulled out our leg warmers, shoulder pads, neon colours,
and sported some high hair and side pony tails to get into theme!
I even still had my Fluevog shoes from way back then, and
of course  Converse runners were in fashion then and still are now!!!

At our family table setting we had… Mariah beside me and Brian…
then sisters-in-law, Brenda and Bev, then my nephew, Sam…
as well as Jana, Beau and Nels.
Beau was making a little tower out of the cups…
luckily they were empty still!!!
(he is famous for spills!) wink wink!

They had a hired professional photographer to take pics
of everyones' get ups with additional accessories available to
use in them as well… fun doing our little family poses there!

Mariah was honoured to be asked to be a guest speaker
and share her experience of volunteering as a helper at the monthly
dog adoptions held by the WE ALL NEED A RESCUE
(K9RESCUE) organization… "W.A. N. A. R."

I took a picture of the very special speech she wrote and read
at this special event… she did such a great job and the family
was all so proud of her on her efforts
both for helping each month
and for her speech and delivery of it too…
she is a pretty mature 9 year old girl!

There was a silent auction in addition to gifts to be raffled off.
The kids walked away with some pretty awesome
Lute!
One of our raffle tickets was the matching number
to the drawn number for the big prize filled with doggie goodies
from Cowtown. Also Beau was pretty happy his poppa
kept upping his bid on the silent auction Tractor…
the sky seemed to be the limit on some of his bids… but it
all went to a good cause!!!

Mariah and Beau had so much fun up dancing to the 80's tunes…
Mariah even had her Grammie D up for a few time steps and other
fun steps like shovel diggers which were prominent in the 80's.
Mariah danced the night away and was in her glory…
I think she felt like a little celebrity at this event…
she even told me this night was way more fun
than spending the night watching TV at home!!!

Some of the volunteers from the dog adoption got some group photos
done… my sister-in-law, Bev and nephew, Sam were in that group…
as well as my grand daughter, Mariah.
Later Mariah was asked to make the draw for the 50/50
ticket winner… and she is seen here with MC of the night,
Jeff Rogstad and owner of the WANAR dog rescue, Brent….
who had a fun mullet wig on!

Saturday we had the grandkids here for the afternoon while their parents were
working. We treated the kids to a lunch at Grainfields…
then they had fun doing crafting in the basement.
They crafted special name necklaces and some other things, too.

Even though it was a very rainy day on Saturday…
Nels still had a big pumping job lined up…
above is his COOL Pump truck!
It was a good weekend for making chocolate chunk cookies, too!!!

Saturday night our friend, Ella treated us and our good friend, Vern
to a delicious Chinese food supper…
we always love our little foursome  impromptu
special occasions when they happen!
Thanks for the yummy supper treat, Ella! 

Another colourful morning at Fuddrucker's yesterday with friends!
As well as friends, Ella, Joyce, Jacquie, Bob and hubby Brian…
our friends, Vern, Dan and Judy were there, too,
and Jana, Nels and Beau came as well…
Beau refers to the restaurant as FUN-RUCKERS!!!!
we always have FUN there too!
How about the adorable seasonal little pumpkins on display...
I loved them… so special for October!


Happy October everyone…
and thanks for stopping by to read what we have done this past week! I cannot believe how fast the weeks go by.

 
October is a month full of special occasions and celebrations galore. In fact just today I am reminded of our dear friend, Jaime, who will be celebrating her 37th birthday in Heaven.
She passed away in August of 94 at the young age of 15, to brain cancer… and we I think of her every year when her birthday comes again on the 5th of October.
I hope her celebration is as special as she always was…
she dances on in the hearts of many!


Our biggest event of the week last week was the special 80's  themed fund raiser banquet and dance to raise money for the WANAR dog rescue. My sister-in-law, Bev has been taking my granddaughter to help at dog adoptions monthly now  for over a year, and they have developed such a loving bond for each other and for all the dogs in the dog rescue. Mariah was asked to be a special guest speaker at the event, and she did such a super duper job. We were all so proud of her efforts. There were only a couple of other speakers at the event… so it truly was an honour to be chosen. I believe she is the youngest volunteer they have
at the dog adoptions, so that made it pretty special to be asked. The event was amazing and I am sure they raised lots of funds for those hundreds of rescue dogs. There was an 80's band playing when we arrived... there were many silent auction items as well as raffle prizes and a 50/50 draw.


In addition there was a great buffet meal and a dance, as well as a photographer on site to snap extra photos of everyone in their 80's attire. All in all it was a very special occasion to be grateful for on many levels. I am so grateful that Bev started taking Mariah to help at the dog adoptions… it has been such a wonderful character builder for Mariah. She does love dogs, too… and it is where they adopted their dog, Jazz, from as well.


It was a special occasion to finally say good bye to the Raskob home of 57 years… when the new owner took possession of the house on October 1st. Although it was bitter sweet in many ways… the memories of the house and all the special occasions celebrated in it will live on.


A cousin of Brian's, Glenn, was in town for a very special visit last week…and he shared an evening with Blanche, Brian, Bev, Brenda and my niece Rowen, too.
Lots of fun memories were brought up during their visit… making it an evening to remember, as well.


Mariah had wacky hair day last week… which I meant to include in the photos… but forgot to transfer it from the texted photo her mom sent me! So…. many special occasions!!! Today is picture day at Mariah and Beau's school… so it is also a special day to take note of.


Last week Beau began his hockey again for a new season. Thanks to the babysitter for getting him there  and for my nephew, Jeff, getting there to help get him in into the hockey equipment. The new babysitter at Jana's is working out great… she has lots to keep track of picking up from school and getting the kids to their various daily activities, too. Their babysitter, Kailey… also works part time at
SWANK shoe lounge for Jana when she is not babysitting.


As mentioned earlier in this blog post…
October is filled with so many special occasions worth celebration… yesterday was my sister-in-law, Arleen's birthday. Also this week on the 8th is my cousin Bev's birthday. On the 9th is my nephew Maxwell... as well as my niece in law, Janelle's birthday. This weekend is Thanksgiving and it will also be my Auntie Betty's birthday on the 12th. So I want to wish all the Birthday relatives a happy celebration on their special days.


My Auntie Betty and my cousin, Steve are coming to visit for the Thanksgiving weekend, too… which I am very excited about as well… we always enjoy their visits.
I say this often… but it takes the out of town guests to bring the in town relatives together it seems!!!


In addition to all the birthdays and thanksgiving coming up this week… October has many more reasons to celebrate … but I'll save those for the next blog or two…
we will be celebrating all month!!!


I am a person who doesn't need a  birthday or occasion to celebrate… I like to be grateful every single day for all of life's blessings along the way…
there is truly lots to celebrate daily in life!

Happy Thanksgiving
to friends and family near and far!

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

This is a month filled with grateful celebrations,
Many special days for friends and relations.
Lots to be grateful for this thanksgiving,
Grateful for our lives and for all of our living.
Really feeling blessed this time... this year,
To have so many people, so dear and so near.
There's no need to wait for a special date…
Take time everyday to just celebrate!
Live with intention and with all you've got,
Always be grateful in words and in thought!