TAP into HaPpY & GRATEFUL!

"The best way to be happy is to turn negatives into positives. Don't let anyone steal your joy, be thankful for what you have."
-Kemmy Nola

"Be happy today by living every moment of life, complaining less. love all, being thankful for the little things that are important to you."
-Anurag Prakash

"When you are feeling lost in the SHUFFLE… 
try not to get in a FLAP!"
-me!

There is a lot in this photo to make me TAP into Happy and Grateful…
I did do some tapping this past week… also had fun decorating…
enjoyed a few Starbucks treats… and tomorrow
Brian and I celebrate 39 years of wedded bliss...
And tomorrow my son, Colin and Caro come for a quick visit
and family bond, again.

As mentioned in my previous blog…
our grand dog, JAZZ had to get a hair cut… because he was all matted.
Here is a before and after of JAZZ last Tuesday… either way he is a handsome dog!

My grand son, Beau, also got a major hair cut…
from his hair, half way down his back on Tuesday last week…
to his new "Justin Bieber" inspired hair cut which he was super
proud of last Thursday!
I cannot get over how much older he looks all of a sudden…
Beau is also cute no matter what the hair cut!!!

We were so happy and grateful for many wonderful visits
with  my Niece Emily and her baby, Abby from Vancouver… here last week.
Here are some precious moments with my mother-in-law, Blanche…
when she met her new little great grand baby… such a special day.

A fun little HAPPY HOUR/ lunch at Cactus club… here with
my niece Emily and her babe…
as well as my hubby and our friend Vern.

An evening shared with special relatives…
Mariah popped over for a TAP practice before her dancing…
Emily sharing her special love and bond with her uncle Brian…
and us sisters-in-law sharing a fun night together.
Gail, Bev and Brenda… last thursday night.

As Mariah met her new baby cousin for the first time…
 we recalled when Emily
met Mariah for the first time…
so I found the pics of Emily meeting Mariah back in 2006,
and compared them to Mariah meeting Abby here in 2015...
A special bit of HISTORY repeating!

My big Brother Bob turned 65 last Friday…
I crafted a quick card and whipped up a family favourite …
nuts and bolts to share with him!
He and his wife Arleen… treated us to a supper on Saturday night…
in honour of our anniversary… we also cheered Bob on
for his milestone Birthday then as well.

On Tuesday it was a bit of a TREE-mendous day…
First of all I got up our tree… but the lights were not working…
so took that tree down… went and got a new tree… with  lights  that worked!
TREE-LIGHT-FULL!!!
Then the big Christmas mount began… which always makes me happy!

The new finished and decorated tree yesterday …
and Jazz getting into the festive spirit!!!
I am grateful for all the decor and fun I had decorating…
all of that makes me HAPPY!

Tuesday night was quite blizzard like outside… but my good buddy,
Brenda picked me up and we did a fun supper at Nosh… followed by
a fabulous jazz conceert at the Broadway Theatre…
featuring MATT DUSK and EMILIE CLAIRE BARLOW.

We were in the second row for the concert, so I snapped a few pics during
the concert… and after Brenda bought us some CDs to get signed by Matt Dusk
and he even posed for some photos with us too…
he is a very personable and charming guy… good looking, too!

Yesterday Vern and Brian came back here after a lunch outing… and the two
dogs enjoyed their company!
We have been looking after our grand dog, Jazz a lot lately…
I am so grateful and happy the two dogs get along so well…
and also happy Brian has such a good friend like Vern to hang out with too!



Here it is another blog day… 
and what a busy and fun filled week has just gone by! 
I have TAPPED into many things…
 as the pictures reflect !


Since my last blog… my computer has given us some grief… it was not letting me add any more photos… imagine that… I have TOO MANY!!!!! Anyhow we have now got an external hard drive and I was super grateful to my nephew, SAM, who helped us load it up and organize that for us so I can continue to take photos and add them into my computer and do more blogs!!!


We enjoyed all last week's visits and get togethers with my niece, Emily, and her baby, Abby… as well as her mom, Gail and her brother, Alec… all from Vancouver. With them in town we got in visits with the local relatives as well at the same time… with two evenings of company at our house last week. Always fun to see the relatives.


My big brother turned the milestone age of 65 last Friday… and we wanted to celebrate him, but instead he and Arleen treated us to a nice supper out at Manos on Saturday… in honour of our anniversary which is actually tomorrow. We enjoyed that visit as we always do when we get together with them, and our meal was yummy, too!


I have made it to a couple gym classes… but this week even got in some TAPPING, too! I have been trying to help Mariah work on her grade 1 CDTA Tap exam work… 
so we tap together a bit when time permits that…and I have watched her exam classes the last 3 Sundays in a row. 
I also got asked to teach the 3 adult  tap classes at BSOBAD  on Monday night. Although I didn't take photos of that… I TAPPED into a fun night with those classes… 
and thanks to former student, Megan, 
for coming to assist me, too!


Last week I did a little impromptu outing with friend Gailene… we always tap into some fun when we connect…
we did a little starbucks and shopping fun … and had some giggles and silly moments in winners! We did take photos of that as well… but I forgot to load that into this blog… so will share that in a future blog!


Tuesday … winter arrived in full force… and although it looked very festive and got me more into my Christmas spirit… it was not fun for driving!
When putting up our supposedly (PRE-LIT) tree this year, the lights were not working… I have struggled with that over time. I figured I could add more lights to the old tree… but instead chose to purchase a new pre-lit one in hopes it will light up for a few more years to come. 
So that ended up being the perfect solution to the 
TREE-LIGHT-FUL dilemma!!!
Once the new tree was purchased… it was time to start
the decorating extravaganza around here… which is always a big job, but one i do enjoy!


I had tickets to a fabulous concert on Tuesday night…and although the weather outside was frightful… the music inside was delightful! My good dance buddy, Brenda picked me up and we went for a supper first followed by the concert. I was ever so grateful for Brenda being the driver in the winter weather. She also treated me to a meal and 
a Matt Dusk CD… 
she is always so generous… 
and I am forever grateful for our friendship!

Yesterday I went for a new hair do… like Beau and Jazz… I got a lot cut off as well!!! 
Thanks to my fabulous hair dresser, Marla,
 for helping shape up my hair do 
for the festive season to come!


Today is the American THANKSGIVING… so I am wishing all my relatives and friends across the border a wonderful celebration today… I know we all have so much to feel grateful for, not only today but every day.


I was thrilled to watch the DWTS this week and see the new winners of the prestigious MIRROR BALL trophy. I have watched that show from it's beginning and have personally always been a huge fan of Derek Hough and his brilliant choreography and teaching skills… but not only was that great this year… his partner, Bindy Irwin, the darling 17 year old sweetheart from Australia, stole everyone's heart.
I would have been happy for any of them to win… but was truly HAPPY when Derek and Bindy won the whole thing this year. The finale of that show was outstanding, too.

I continue to watch other favourite TV shows, such as 
The Voice, Ellen and Marilyn … when I get the time to do so… but it has been hectic here lately!


I am recalling this time of year 39 years ago when Brian and I were married… it was a Greycup weekend…and there was NO SNOW yet. Since that year we have had snow ever since on our anniversary!!! Tomorrow will be our 39th Wedding Anniversary… and I am ever so grateful as each year passes by that I have the wonderful hubby I married back on November 27th, 1976…
from that day on we have shared so many happy
and loving times together in our marriage.


Tomorrow we are so excited that my son, Colin and his girlfriend, Caro are coming for a brief visit from Montreal.
We will look forward to some good family bonding this weekend. It is so special that Colin remembered on his own that it is our anniversary weekend, and he and Caro are coming to celebrate that with us. I am not sure what I will be able to share photo wise in my next blog, as Colin doesn't like his photos shared. We will see!!! Anyhow… I know we will take some and will capture some
special memories for sure.


My dear friend Linda, in Lanigan, is selling her newspaper business this week… and I wish her all the best as she enters a brand new chapter in her life… I hope she will have more time to TAP into happy times and she will for sure reflect on how GRATEFUL she is for having owned the LANIGAN ADVISOR for many years.
Congrats and Good Luck to her!


As the festive times are upon us… I want to wish all my blog readers all the best as they enter this time of family, friends, and all we have to be happy and grateful for in life.
Thanks for stopping by to read my blog and have a peak into what I have been up to lately.


On that note here is my rhyme of the week!

This week has been filled with many things happy…
Including my tap shoes to make me feel tappy!
It's the season of festive…and the season of love,
With many snow kisses sent down from above.
Family and friends have gathered together…
In spite of the bite in this nippy weather!
This is the season that I love the most…
So much to be grateful for and just to toast!

SnOw Much Going On!

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: 
it goes on."
-Robert Frost

"When I no longer thrill to the first snow of the season, 
I'll know I'm growing old."
-Lady Bird Johnson

"Friends are like snowflakes. All different and all beautiful."
-Author Unknown

I continue to go to STARBUCKS for the seasonal favourites
from the RED CUPS!!!
I met Ella and she treated me to a celebration latte on Monday…
Last week Brian and I met Vern and Ella at a different STARBUCKS,
and enjoyed sharing what was going on together,
while the" buy one -get one" offer was on there.

Last week there was so much controversy over the red cups at Starbucks,
that even Ellen did a spoof on how ridiculous that was!!!
She created some HOILDAY VISION GLASSES, too … hehehe
(I love Ellen, she always makes me smile!)

I photographed a pic of last year's STARBUCKS Red cup
along side one from this year… not a huge difference to me!
It's what is in the cup that counts… or at least that's what I say!

Last week we stopped by Jana's store where
 Beau was there helping his mommy briefly…
 so we picked him up and brought him with us and later met Jana for lunch.
I love the TREE in the window of the store beside Jana's…
it is made from doilies… so simple yet so pretty.

I shared some fun times with special friends last week, too.
Cathy and Kellie stopped by and we shared a fun visit
while enjoying yummy treats and drinks from Starbucks they brought.

Later I went to a Christmas Open house at a little store called DETAILS…
with friends Ella and Heather… where things were all  bright and merry,
and after enjoying that we went for a nice tea outing, too!

I have such good friends!

I had a few practice sessions with Mariah to work on her up coming
TAP EXAM work. It is a special bond we can share together as
Grandma and Grandaughter… she worked hard for me…
in our messy basement where there is truly …
SO MUCH GOING ON!!!

Thursday I took Mariah to her ballet lessons after a little tap practice here.
She was cute showing me how she could climb the walls!!! 

Mariah had a little snack before ballet… and then we met Jana and Beau
for a Boston Pizza supper after Beau's hockey game.
He was not impressed that they lost their game!!!

We had Beau here with Jazz on Saturday… while his sister was at
a dance workshop in the city.
We spent lots of time doing set ups with the smurfs and the Jenga blocks!
The two dogs sat calmly and watched for part of the time!

Saturday night we had the kids for a sleepover… and Sunday…
Mariah did day 2 of her dance workshop…
followed by  extra lessons for her tap exam.
The dance studio has a very nice tree up now which I snapped a pic of here.

I hope to get my tree up soon, too!

Last night Beau showed up in a little police outfit originally
bought to use for Halloween!
Later… we had lots of relatives over to meet the newest family
addition… my little great niece, ABBY, from Vancouver.
She was such a hit with everyone who came to meet her.

My niece, Emily is proving to be a super mommy to her new little
sweetie, Abby. We made some very precious memories last  night here.
Abby is such a calm and laid back baby, too…
she was so content being passed around all night!

My sister -in -law, Brenda was enjoying her turns for cuddles here.
We had some enjoyable snacks and visits with all who came over.

Our grand dog was dropped off here this morning in the snow…
we were to get him to the groomers later.
Jazz likes the snow…
while Shuffle prefers to enjoy it from inside instead!

Just this morning I received a cute text from our friend, Courtney…
sharing pics of her darling little one… very close in age to our great niece…
this is "BABY VIOLET"…
also born in September of this year.
Pretty cute, too…
in her little "SPARKLE ALL THE WAY" top
with "POLKA DOT" Bottoms.
In a world where there is so much going on…
BABIES bring out  the happy in everyone.


Happy Wednesday everyone…
and a SNOWY one it is at that, too.
Yesterday was easy to get around…and today after the rain and snow… it is pretty treacherous out there…
but beginning to look more like winter
and Christmas is coming!


I have had a lot going on in my life since my last blog post just over a week ago. The photos above are only a glimpse of what we have been up to around here… but we have had many things going on and lots to celebrate, too.


Unfortunately there have been some things going on in the world that are very sad such as the tragedy in Paris over the weekend. My heart goes out to anyone who has lost a loved one in the horrific events there.


In between all the fun times I've spent with my loved ones… and friends this past week… we have been to quite a few appointments and were delighted with the outcome of some of those, too. It is hard to believe how much has been going on in and around us this past week.

Jana and Nels had a furnace that wasn't working on the weekend… so we suggested they come and share time in our cozy house as a family. When Jana and Nels came with the kids and dog to do that… they ended up dropping the kids with us…and going out instead and then toughing out the cold at their house… so our offer for a family bond… ended up in a babysitting job instead… still a bond… but a different one than anticipated!!!


We had a family gathering here last night… and  it was nice to see our relatives from Vancouver… sister-in-law, Gail, and niece Emily with her new baby, Abby and my nephew Alec… who flew back home again today… his visit was brief.
We hope to see more of Gail, Emily and Abby before they head home on weekend.


The weather is chilly and icy and snowy today… but with the white outside, it does make me feel more in the mood for the Christmas season to begin. Soon I will be getting out all the festive decor and enjoying that along with the Christmas tunes which I am already into.

This week was a week of ballet exams at BSOBAD… so I was able to throw another exam theme together on a modified scale for those. Usually I do up a name for each exam student in theme, but did not have time on short notice so did up a general theme for the dancers to all be
BRIGHT LIGHTS in their exams!
Wishing them Good Luck today and tomorrow for those.


I feel so fortunate to always have so many friends and family around through the good days and bad to share in all that is going on around here. And there is a lot going on always.
Thanks to all who share in our lives we appreciate all you do.

Brian has been so good to our grand dog Jazz since he came into our family in the spring. Today he got dropped off to go get groomed… and Brian took him to the groomers. He just now picked u him up from there…and it is amazing how much smaller he is under all that fluff!!! I sent a photo by text to Jana at work to show her… but she didn't seem impressed with the cut. I did think it was especially good of her dad to take time today on this not great driving kind of day to get him to and from the groomers for them, though.
I actually think he looks handsome…
and is now wearing a tie, too...So cute!
My photos for this blog were in already… so watch for a before and after photo of JAZZ in next week's blog.


I am glad to be able to follow the shows I like on TV,  thanks to PVR…and then I can tune in when I do get the time to watch them. I sure enjoyed DWTS this week… great dancing and choreography. I do love that show.


I am wishing my big brother BOB a wonderful 65th birthday this Friday… I know he is keeping it low key… but I just want to say how lucky I have been all my life to have such a "great" big brother. He deserves a good day in honour of his special milestone.  Hope he is able to celebrate by doing something special.


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

Lately there has been SnOw much going on…
Now winter has arrived and fall is gone.
SNOW makes the driving a little more scary…
But also more festive and maybe more merry!
We've sure had a lot going on around here,
And many things caused for sharing good cheer.
We celebrate the good while accepting the bad,
And just make the most of what makes us glad.




 

REFLECTIONS

"The state of your life is nothing more than 
the reflection of your state of mind."
-Author Unknown

"Life is truly a reflection of what we 
allow ourselves to see and be."
-Trudy Vesdsky

"In a mirror is where we find a reflection 
of our appearances, but in our heart is 
where we find a reflection of our soul."
-Author Unknown

I love these two to pieces …
my grandkids, Mariah and Beau.
Jana posted this photo last night on her Facebook and instagram.
Apparently she had to bribe them for this one…
 the end photo is sure a reflection of two loving siblings!!!

Mariah had a few days of dance lessons last week, that I could view.
Here she is in tap with a little friend, named Payton.
Payton's mom grew up dancing at my studio…
fun to see the next generation
of dancers together.
Beau found the tap class a bit loud, so he is  covering his ears.
Notice he had some leftover halloween treats to
keep him occupied as well!

More dance classes last week… and Beau was a good sport to watch…
He found it entertaining to put stickers on his arm during the lesson, too!
hehehe… stickers are always a reflection of something happy, to me as well!!!

I don't know what it is about the red cups at starbucks…
but for some reason, I get excited when those come out.
As you can see I had a few this past week.
While strolling through indigo…
while waiting to get kids from school…
At home… and a few other times!

I like some of the new festive stuff in Indigo as well, as seen above,
and some of the festive treats seen through the reflection of the glass at
STARBUCKS,  too!

Friday I made some little Pilsbury cinnamon buns…
they always seem like a treat…
I even packed up one to take to an appointment that morning.

I always like little quotes here and there…
like the one on the napkin and
the little polka dot bag…
sometimes it's important to reflect on the little things in life!

Friday afternoon… I went out galavanting with my friend
Gailene… and our adventures included stops
at a couple of fun places …
above a couple photos from "Garden Architecture Designs",
and below a couple photos from a place  called
"Up Sheep Creek!"
Both those stores reflected on the festive season to come,
with plenty of fun Christmas things out…
including the beautiful trees all decorated at GA!

I did not get a photo of Gailene and me, though…
we also enjoyed a starbucks as well.

Other fun reflections from last week…
My niece, Emily sent another cute photo of her baby, Abby.
Next week we will meet baby Abby for our first time, when they come to visit.

A cute little gal named Elliot gave Brian a mandarine orange yesterday
at Fuddruckers… and then she took the red tissue wrapper,
as she was saving those… so cute!

We had Jana, Nels and family for a supper here last night,
Mariah was watching her shows on TV in the other room at this point!

Also we had the kids and Jazz here a few times last week,
here is a pic of Beau eating  a dilly bar by Jazz!

Yesterday I received some very cute photos
and an email from Colin's girlfriend,
Caro's mom, Colette. …
Her message was as cute as the photos…
it read…
"The new music movement has arrived. The name of the group is "C".
Colin Raskob has accepted his invitation into Montreals
newest and most popular band which is taking the town by storm."

(I didn't include the photos with Colin as he prefers to not be shared here,
 but how cute is this one of Caro and her mom?)

Here are a couple of photos of Brian on the living room couch
this morning with Jazz… and the bottom photo with Shuffle, too, who
blends in to the background a bit here!
We have enjoyed lots of time with Jazz lately,
and the two dogs get along perfectly.



Happy Monday everyone… another day to REFLECT on what I have been up to this past week.
It seems many of the events have revolved around the grandkids, the dance lessons, the dogs… and sweet treat outings… as well as many appointments…
(which I won't reflect on in my blog!)


I have found that over time my blog has become like a journal of the fun things and goings on in my life. I look forward to my blog writing days
when I can not only reflect on the fun…
 but share them with whoever cares to read along.
I did not capture as many photos this past week, but we had a busy and full week of events none the less.


With REMEMBRANCE day coming this week… it seemed appropriate to choose a title and theme for my blog that could include mention of that. Many of us will be reflecting on  our loved ones who fought for our country in years gone by.
We will see many poppies and the poem
"In Flander's Field"
 will be reflected upon,
as well.


Last week… we had a nice visit with one of Brian's cousins who was passing through town on route to a wedding in Regina. His cousin, Trish and her daughter were at my mother-in-law, Blanche's place last Wednesday.
I could not help but think how much Trish looks like her mom, and apparently she gets told that statement often. I had not seen her in a long time, but we had a very nice visit, and reflected on lots of cousin times gone by!
I forgot to snap a photo of that visit.

I was also reflecting on this time last year when we moved my mother-in-law, Blanche, into her current home…
it has been a perfect place for her to live since she has moved in. I cannot believe a whole year's time has passed since then already.


We have been looking after Jana's dog,Jazz this past week, quite a bit as she is getting renos done at her house and thought the dog might be in the way for the workers.
We have actually enjoyed having Jazz here and in fact having him helps keep Shuffle more mellow… she must be following Jazz's example!


I have had lots of reflections over the past couple weeks on many things and issues around here… lots I won't share… but there are many it seems!


A few weeks ago, our dishwasher pump broke causing a leak under our flooring… so the next thing is we need to replace the pump in the dishwasher… then the floor will be next to be replaced!!! I have been hand washing dishes around here the last couple weeks… and while doing so, have reflected on many memories
of the days before dishwashers!!!


I am quite excited about a couple of upcoming visits…
My sister-in-law, Gail… her daughter, Emily and her little baby, Abby, are coming out from Vancouver next week. I am so excited to meet my newest great niece, Abby, then.
It will be a special visit, I am sure.


The following week we are looking forward to a visit from my son, Colin and his girlfriend, Caro. Colin is not one to get into all the excitement that surrounds Christmas, but they will be for our anniversary instead, so we will do something special to celebrate that while they are in town. Because they are only here for 4 days… they may not get a chance to visit too many family members while they are in town…
but we will play that by ear.


I have enjoyed watching Mariah's progress at her dance classes. It has been a reflection of the years gone by watching Jana grown up in dance. I am now seeing other kids of dancers I taught back in the days of my studio… so that is a nice reflection on years gone by, for me as well.
Funny how some steps and things never change along the way. Now Mariah is training for a tap exam, so I am looking forward to helping her practice that. Once again that will feel like a bit of history repeating. I will reflect on how I used to drill Jana for her exams back when she was Mariah's age.
Mariah also began her very first ever, competition solo…
 in character ballet… she is going to be a dog walker for that… which suits her perfectly, and will reflect another love she has… DOGS!
This weekend she is going to a dance workshop here in the city called GROOVE STREET PRODUCTIONS…
workshops are always fun for kids, I recall
many of those over the years I had my dance studio.


Beau has been doing well with his hockey practices and is soon going to be playing games and tournaments.
Once again that will seem like history repeating…
as I remember so well all the rinks we spent time watching my son, Colin, playing hockey in as he grew up.
The other day I told Beau what a good skater he is becoming. I went on to tell him how he reminded me of his Uncle Colin with his skills. Beau went on to say… he thought he was probably even better than his Uncle Colin!!!!!… Beau seems to have lots of confidence
already at the age of five... wink, wink!


I am grateful for my friends and family who help keep my days filled with fun things weekly. I always enjoy the gym classes I make it to, followed by some coffee outings with my good friend, Ella, as well as some other good friends I have met at the gym recently, too.
I also feel fortunate for people like my friend, Gailene… who last week I spent a fun afternoon with. We have lots in common and enjoy a shopping outing together always.
Our sunday morning Fuddrucker's breakfasts add a lot of good times to our weeks, too…
and we look forward to those each week.
Tomorrow my friend, Cathy is popping by for a coffee. She has been more than generous over the past couple years bringing food and special things by for us. I look forward to a visit with her and hearing about her recent trip.
I am just so lucky for the many people in my life
who always help me reflect on the positives.


Tomorrow I am wishing my nephew, Jeff and his wife, Savannah a Happy 3rd Wedding Anniversary. I still remember their wedding day like it was yesterday…
There was tons of snow that year, and
Mariah was their little flower girl
and looked so sweet at their story book like wedding.


There are so many things I could reflect upon daily… but  soon I will be off to pick up the grandkids from school.
Tonight is another night of my favourite TV shows, where I will reflect upon song and dance once again while watching DWTS and The Voice!


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

This time of year is filled with reflection,
As the months move on and change direction.
Time to reflect on loved ones lost in war,
Then focus on the festive times and so much more.
Reflecting on many things old and new,
Thinking of all the things that we've been through.
Keeping hope and faith for the next little while,
Reflecting on all things that help bring a smile!

Many PuMpKiNs & SWEET TREATS!

"If you want a tasty treat…
Be sure to holler trick or treat!"
-Author Unknown

"Sweets to the sweet."
-William Shakespeare

"The best things in life are sweet."
-Author Unknown

Here are some of the treats I put together
for some of the special pumpkins
in my life!
The polka dot bags were for Beau and Mariah
filled with treats and books!
I also found the cute little Pumpkin teddy bears and books
for my little great nieces in the city! 

Halloween has had some mixed emotions for me in the past bit…
Mom's funeral was on October 30th, in 2010… so since then…
it has some angels mixed in with the pumpkins!

I love this little halloween memory of Colin and Jana
when they were little, too…
Colin was in Kindergarten here… (same age as Beau!)…
he loved Michael Jackson then… so he was him.
Jana was 3 here and in preschool dressed as Strawberry Shortcake.

I seem to have a harder time each year capturing my grandkids
in their costumes! I actually took this photo of Beau on the day
he got his Star Wars costume of a new character named Kylo Wren.
I got Mariah in her Turtle costume over at my nephew Brad's
on Halloween.

The two little great nieces in the city…
Jorja and Brielle looked so SWEET!
Their mommys did, too…
Savannah is holding her niece, Brielle…and
Janelle has niece, Jorja in the photo with the 4 of them

How cute are these two little cousins…
Jorja is the tiger and is my nephew, Jeff and wife, Savannah's little one.
Brielle, is a little stripy bug…
and is my nephew, Brad and his wife, Janelle's little one!

Great Uncle Brian is here on the couch, too… in his Oiler's Jersey,
that he got as a birthday gift the week before.

Jana, Nels and Mariah were all in costume here… Beau didn't join the family
for that pic… but I got a pic of the two grandkids  with the two great nieces
along with Nels and Brad on the couch at Brad's place…
and the kids getting into their treat bags, too!
Lots of fun and chaos on Halloween!

My niece, Emily, in Vancouver sent a photo
 of her baby pumpkin, ABBY,
on Saturday.
It brought to mind Beau's first halloween… when I crafted
some cards of him in a little pumpkin sleeper!

We popped by Blanche's home on Saturday, too, where there
was a lovely display of Pumpkins in the lobby.

I decided to recycle Shuffle's  Pumpkin costume again this year.
Our grand dog, Jazz wore a costume Nels wore in grade 2 or 3,
 that his mom made for him. He made a pretty cute dinosaur, too!

Last night we popped by Nels and Jana's and Jazz was hanging
out on his bed with his poodle pillow ( his little girlfriend!)
… so sweet!

Shuffle and I were both in pumpkin theme
 as we waited for the trick or treaters to arrive on Halloween night.
I had a little drink in my "Ghostess with the Mostess" glass, too…
out of the skeleton straw…
we were in the 'spirit' of things!

I packed up several little treat baggies in addition to
the many bars and cheezies we had to give out…
but we had many left over when the night was done.

In addition to the Halloween treats this past week…
we were  on many outings.
The first was last Tuesday with Jana and her store partner,
Melissa who treated us for a belated birthday lunch for Brian.
Melissa recently had her 30th birthday, too…
so I thought we were treating her… but she treated us instead!

Wednesday my nephew, Jeff and his wife, Savannah
and their little one, Jorja
all treated us to another lunch also on behalf of Brian's recent birthday.
Jorja was so cute and good in the  restaurant, too…
she was modelling some little cool shades Savannah had in her purse as well.
She is such a little sweetie… and so expressive!

I actually missed a lunch that day with some ladies from the gym,
but couldn't be everywhere at once!

Two more treats this past week…

I was treated to yet another lunch with good friend, Brenda, on Friday.

Yesterday at Fuddrucker's here are girlfriends…
Ella, Jacquie and Trona… the guys were at the other end of the table.
Trona's hubby, Ross treated everyone to breakfast, too.

We were busy sharing halloween photos on our phones here…
lots of fun!

I found it a real treat to watch Mariah's ballet class on Thursday
this past week, too.
She is very focussed and has improved a lot since this time last year.
She loves her ballet and her teacher, Mrs. Stark, too!

Friday was watching week for Mariah's Hip Hop class.

It is kinda cool that in her class of about 20 kids ranging in age…
there are two other kids whose moms danced at my studio back in the day,
In the bottom left photo the gal in from and back of Mariah… (both in black)
are Payton , daughter of Kathy and Jorden, daughter of Jennifer.
I found it hard to get photos from the angle we were sitting…
but all the kids seemed to be having fun… Mariah loves her hip hop,
and her teacher, Miss Danielle.

Since 2002, I have been hanging stuff on the
BSOBAD dance studio bulletin boards.
Yesterday I took down the pumpkins I hung a month ago…
soon it will be time to hang snowflakes and Christmas stuff!
I enjoy that job… it is one that lets me keep my foot
in the door, as well as being creative…
there are several bulletin boards throughout
that studio to decorate !!!

Last night Brian and I popped by to see Mariah and Beau's new room set ups.
Mariah inherited her cousin, Rowen's old bed…
so Beau then got Mariah's old bed…
The kids seemed happy with their new rooms and beds.
Mariah still had her halloween costume on!
Beau enjoyed some TV with his grandpa and Jazz
in the living room, as well.



Where does the time go?
Seems like only yesterday when I was sorting through photos for my last blog!!! It is always a treat for me to go through what fun we have shared with family and friends in the previous week, and share my fun
with my blog readers as well.



This past week was one full of pumpkins, costumes, sweets and treats galore, too. From all the lead up to Halloween as well as many birthday lunch outings and a couple of dance classes to watch as well. There were some other things in the week… but I won't share it all!


As I get older, Halloween is not as much of the occasion it once was for me. But it is still fun to watch the little ones having a good time and enjoying it. We sure didn't have many trick or treaters here this year in spite of the warmer than normal weather and the day falling on a weekend night. I kept count and we only had 32 at our door, total.


Earlier in the afternoon we had gone to visit my
mother-in-law, Blanche at her home…
and then to my nephew Brad's to see the two great nieces in costume along with my two grandkids there as well.
It seemed like a good idea to all meet in one place so we could enjoy the costumes and try to snap a few sweet pics for our memories. Beau wasn't quite as co-operative at joining in the photos…and had his mask and full costume off before he left there. Mariah changed her mind on her costume a few times before deciding on being a turtle…
she looked cute and still had her costume on all the next day apparently, so it was a comfy one, I guess!


As well as seeing my two in town great nieces, Jorja and Brielle… I received a text with a cute photo of my great niece, Abby, in Vancouver,  who was adorable in her little pumpkin costume. I can't wait to meet her in person… when she comes to town to visit… we hope soon!


We have dined out lots this past week…and I have consumed way too many sweet treats around here…
so this week… time to get disciplined and get back on track with some healthy eating again. This afternoon I am off to my third monday of dental appointments in a row… so maybe that will keep me out of the leftover treats for a bit.


Later this week it is more viewing at Mariah's dance studio… with a ballet class to watch today and a tap class tomorrow and wednesday as well. I am excited to see those. She seems to be coming along nicely with her dance lessons.
She got invited to be in the exam tap this year, too… which made her grandma happy!
I hope we have time in her busy weeks to come to practise a little together as well. It is a fun way we can bond together and tap into some fun at the same time!


I have been enjoying the TV shows with competitions, too…
DWTS as well as The Voice are both excellent this year. I happened to find an older version of the UK X-Factor, too… which I am also really into as well…
lots of talents on all those shows.


We manage to keep busy doing many things… some are more fun than others… but we take life one day at a time, and enjoy the good along the way. This week we are dog sitting a bit… our grand dog, Jazz is here hanging out with our dog, Shuffle, while Jana and Nels get some renos done at their place. Never a dull moment.


Hard to believe it was nearly a year ago that my mother-in-law, Blanche, moved into her new home… it has been such a great place for her to live and for us to visit her at, as well.


Time continues to race on…  we will soon be into
Christmas stuff… a season I always look forward to!


Thanks to all my blog readers who stop by to check out the adventures we share from week to week!


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

Halloween was filled with pumpkins and treats,
Lots of cute kids in costumes with sweets.
Halloween holds many memories for me…
But when it's all done… I fine and happy!