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!

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!

FALL in LOVE with CHANGE!

"September when leaves start to blush and turn red. May fall be a time to realize what great adversities you've endured and how much stronger and wiser you are. May this new season bring loads of love, happiness and blessings."
-Rubyanne

"Just like the seasons, people have the ability to change."
-Author Unknown

"Love isn't something you find. 
Love is something that finds you."
-Author Unknown

I LOVE FALL…
for it's colourful beauty…
as captured on a walk this past Friday…
Also last week I got some lovely colourful flowers…
they are always an nice change in a room as well as a pick me up!
Brian and I even managed to have another happy hour
on our deck… not too many more of those this season!!!

Friday was a beautiful day for a walk with my good friend, Ella.
A nice couple passing by took some photos of us together
here by the beautiful fall trees… Ella and I have
shared so many things together over time…
and she is one who helps me adapt to change always!

Here is one last look at our living room furniture of over 35 years!
We got rid of it last week… and I have to admit
I was sort of attached to it… and it was so comfy to sit on…
but truly did not owe us another day! 

Yesterday we transformed the living from old to new…
when we transferred the inherited furniture
from my inlaw's sold house… to our house…
and although it is not as broken in… it sure looks fresher!
I am loving the change already!!!

Shuffle loves to lay in the morning sun in our living room…
here she is without furniture yesterday morning…
and with our new stuff this morning…
dogs just adapt to the changes they are given!!!
She looks a little 'stripy' from the reflection of the blinds. 

Last week we went to pick up Jana's dog, Jazz for a little visit.
Jazz is so cute on the car rides… we have loved the changes he has
brought to the family… and he fits in so well…
not only a cute dog… but such a good one, too!

Friday we babysat Beau and Jazz for the morning…
Beau turned the furniture-less room into a little picnic set up!
I also captured Brian and the dogs in family room…
as well as Jana and Jazz when she dropped them off. 

Jana brought Beau's bike for him to ride when we babysat…
but he is a little wild and crazy on it…
next time I hope he comes without it!
Brian, Jazz and Beau all enjoyed the sunshine out front
on Friday, too!

When Jana picked up Beau and Jazz we decide to
go with them for a lunch at Montana's.
I think our front flowers are looking better then they did all summer,
… maybe they are intended to bloom in fall!

Saturday we babysat Mariah… while Beau and his dad went to the
Oiler Hockey game in the city… and Jana worked.
We took Mariah out to a few places where her grandpa spoiled her,
buying her a new book and Swell water container
 as well as a booster juice, too!
She enjoyed browsing through Indigo and also setting up in our
furniture -less living room for some tv!

Also on Saturday… my good friend Cathy dropped by
with a lovely bouquet of flowers and some home made spaghetti
which we loved… it was such a delicious change from
what we have been eating lately!
Mariah was inspired to turn the living room into
a little theme restaurant… this bottom photo was her
"a day in heaven" themed corner!!!

Also last week I dined out for lunch with this lovely
looking group of ladies…
Lto R…Diane, Eleanor, Karen,  myself and Jacquie.
Then Jacquie asked me in on route home
to show me her new boots which she bought
at Jana's store last week!
She said they are a real change for her…
and I think they will really suit her!

Yesterday breakfast was in a couple shifts at Fuddruckers…
We were joined by friends,  Ross, Trona, Jacquie, Bob, and Steve and
after they left… more came… here are friends…
Dan , Judy and Ella…
as well as Jana, Nels and kids.
Fuddruckers is undergoing some changes too… it
is mid renovations… but will be very nice when done.

Because my mother-in-law, Blanche's house has finally sold…
and possession date is October 1st for the new owner…
it was time for the family to come and clear out the remaining things
 and furniture in the house, yesterday…
My nephew Jeff was the realtor…and it was nice to see" SOLD"
on the sign out front… but it is a bitter sweet change
for the family… who owned the house for 57 years!
Here are Beau, Mariah as well as my niece, Rowen
going through the empty rooms and closets!
Beau was cold so trying to make his short sleeves
longer in this photo of him!!!

Here are a couple of framed photos we inherited from the move…
Jana in a ballet costume… and Colin when he was 2 years old.
These photos hung in prominent spots in my
in-law's home for a long time…
they were gifts we gave them.
Now they have changed locations…
 and are hanging in my dining room!
I do love these memories of my kids.

Yesterday was the date I met Brian 42 years ago…
so we went for a celebration supper at
The Granery.
We were served by a former dancer I taught years ago.

Heddy, as well as her 3 sisters, Wendy, Mandy and Laddy,
 were all prominent dancers in
my studio back in the day, so it was so nice
to catch up with her again…and she gave us such
wonderful service, too!

A couple selfies of us yesterday in honour of the day we met
September 27th, 1973 on a blind date!

We didn't have a pic from that date…
no cel phones back then!!!

Last Thursday was National Daughter Day…
so being as it was also Throw Back Thursday on
Facebook… I chose an old photo to post of Jana and Me.
This photo is about 5 and half years old.
It is one of us when we adjudicated a dance festival
together back in 2010.
Lots has changed since then…
but our love for each other
and dance is still strong.
Jana was pregnant with Beau in this photo, too…
and the changes he has brought to our lives are wonderful!



Here it is another blog writing day… and lots has changed in my world since last week… mostly the look of our living room since then! Thanks to all of my blog followers for always popping by to see what we have been up to around here the previous week.


I am the very first one to admit that I struggle with CHANGE… and this last week was no exception.
I was just not ready to get rid of our furniture of 35 years to replace with new. I know our furniture was well lived on and owed us nothing… but truly I was attached to it.
However, that being said… we had to take the furniture which we inherited recently and needed a place to put it.
My inlaw's home finally sold after being on the market for the
past 7 months. We were able to take on their lovely leather much more modern furniture to go in our living room.
It is like new and looks awesome in the place where our old stuff once was… and in time we will wear it in and make it as comfy, too, I am sure. I did re arrange some of the Jazz pictures we own and now have them all hanging in our our front room, too. They are special to me… not only because they were all gifts to me over time, from my hubby, Brian…
but because I do love Jazz music,
 as well as the artist who painted them, named BUA.


It's funny how just by re arranging things a little our living room feels fresh and new again… so I am falling in love with the new look!


Brian and I met on September 27th, 1973 on a blind date in Edmonton. We like to celebrate the date each year. Brian was feeling up  to a couple meal outings yesterday, so not only did we go to Fuddruckers in the morning with some really good friends. We also went to The Granery for supper to celebrate our special day. We have not been there for years… but both enjoyed the meal and salad bar very much… it was a nice change from our normal.
Also it was so nice to reconnect with a dancer I taught years ago, Heddy… not only did we get brought a bit more up to date on our lives… but she was an amazing and very caring server to us as well last night, making our dining experience even more special.


The weather has been a bit cooler but so beautiful and scenic out lately. I do enjoy occasional walks throughout the city where there are lots of trees to see. It is such a pretty season… and actually one of my favourite times of year.
Shuffle enjoys walks, too… so we often go together and or meet my friend Ella to walk.


We enjoyed the grandkids one on one this past week when we babysat Beau on Friday and Mariah on Saturday. I do find them so much easier when we can have them one at a time. Beau was busy with set ups indoors and out… and Mariah did a little shopping adventure as well
as some indoor fun too.
She made up an imaginary restaurant in our furniture-less living room, too… setting up little theme related corners…
She had one called "Lazy Day"… one called "A Day in Heaven"… one called "A night in Paris" and one called "Love Bug". She turned her hoody around and tied it around her waist to make it an apron and she had fun creating a little menu for each theme… I love that she has some creativity to her… she is very self motivated!


This weekend Mariah has been asked to speak at the banquet fund raiser for the Dog Adoption where she volunteers. It is a real honour they asked her to speak… I hope she is confident enough to follow through, as she does have a shy side as well. The "We All Need a Canine Rescue" fund raiser event is an eighties night theme… so should be a fun evening… banquet with meal and dance.


My friend, Cathy, brought over a nice meal and bouquet of flowers just on saturday. This is not the first time she has come over with thoughtful gestures … she is such a kind and generous friend,… Thanks Cathy… we really enjoyed the yummy spaghetti you made for us…
and the flowers are lovely.


Our lives have seen many changes in this past couple years… and although not all of the changes are easy to take… we have learned to accept them. Dealing with ongoing health issues is difficult always, but we learn to to make the most of the best and least of the worst.
It is amazing how in many ways we have become stronger and more positive through the changes this journey has created for us.


One of the things that helps us deal and cope with the changes along the way… is the support we get from friends and family. Even though things change… it is amazing how people are always there for us through the ups and downs. I need to just say thanks for all you do everyone… and you all know who you are!


I am forever grateful for the good evenings of TV I watch during the week. I am now  enjoying DWTS and THE VOICE as well as some other recorded shows I watch here and there. When I watch the Dancing on DWTS, I think how much those people have to deal with changes from week to week… but I also see them falling in love with dancing as they adapt to learning new dances week after week.


It is hard to believe how fast this year has gone by… and soon we will be changing our calendars to October, too. Wow… where does the time go? I like to enjoy it one day at a time and that is what I try to do… and not jump too far ahead on this journey we are on.


October is the start of a series of family birthdays… which I will mention in the next blog… and soon it will be Thanksgiving as well… and believe me, I have so much to be thankful for… and through the many changes this life goes through… I do fall in love over and over
with many things!


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

I love the fall and all it brings…
It's kind of like a song one sings.
The changing leaves on all the trees,
The crispness in the autumn breeze.
As time goes by, we all sure change,
And some things have to rearrange.
We strive for strength in all we do,
Our love stays strong as we age, too!

Live in the Moment!

"Live for the moment because everything else is uncertain."
-Louis Tomlinson

"Live in the moment … 
Treasure the doing a little more
and the getting it done a little less."
-Author Unknown

"Live every moment,
Love everyday,
'cause before you know it,
precious time slips away."
Author Unknown

Last night Jana and Nels were taking the kids to
Homestead for ice-cream and
called us to join them… it was hard to get a happy photo of Beau
as he was just living in the moment doing crazy faces!

Earlier yesterday we enjoyed our Sunday morning tradition
of breakfast with friends at Fudd's…
here with Brian, Vern, Brenda, Ella and Bob...
our friend Ross joined us, too but had left by time I got the pics.
Jacquie wasn't there this week… we missed her in our fun little group!
We really do enjoy the living we do in the moment when sharing time
with good friends.

Yesterday was the perfect day for a nice fall walk with my doggie, Shuffle.
I took her through the Lakeview park
and saw a few other friendly people out
enjoying the day as well.
Later I took another walk with my friend, Ella, too
 in another area of the city.

Thursday… Jana's store partner, Melissa, stopped by
with some Tim Horton's coffees and a box of donuts and cookies from there…
such a sweet and thoughtful
gesture of her!

Later Brian and I had some lattes at Starbucks...
Often we do a coffee outing… spur of the moment!

We shared more coffee outings this past week, too…
once with Friends , Vern and Ella…
and later with the kids… who also happened to pass through
the day we went with friends!

Thursday night we did an impromptu pizza supper here with
Vern and Ella joining us for a fun evening together.

Saturday… Beau spent the day with us… we did lots of
playing, snacking, tv watching doggie cuddles, etc…
we basically lived in the moment!

Saturday was the perfect fall day to take Beau to the park to play…
he enjoyed it, but wished there were some others to play with there.

When we returned from the park on Saturday…
Beau noticed the little guy across the street playing outside.
We went over and Beau and our little neighbour, Beckett, who
is also 5… hit it off perfectly and played by the hour riding
bikes, scooters, and cars, etc. … as little boys do…
So cute that Beau now has a new buddy to play with
when he comes to our house, too!

Mariah volunteered at the dog adoption again on Saturday,
and Brian popped by to visit her there.
Later when her dad came to pick up Beau,
Auntie Bev dropped off Mariah here then as well
after her dog adoption day.

Time flies…
Last Friday, the 18th… my son-in-law, Nels, celebrated a birthday.
I crafted  him a card with a nice photo from about a month ago.

This week my oldest of my nephews , Brad, will celebrate a milestone
birthday when he turns 40. I still remember the day he came into
my life… and now he has a babe of his own… here he is
holding his little girl, Brielle.

More moments in time this past week…
I got the grandkids from school on Wednesday and fed them snacks
while they watched TV...and later
got Mariah off to her dancing.

Saturday my newest great niece…
Baby Abby turned a week old… and they texted this
adorable photo of her having her very first bath.
What a precious moment in time that one is!



I look forward to the blog day posts… as I can review all the precious and special moments in time that I have had the previous week. We basically did a lot of impromptu things and LIVING IN THE MOMENT this past week.
Often the most fun memories come from
the little things and moments in time!
I do love sharing them here in my blog with
who stops by, too.
Thanks for popping by today
 to see what I have been up to.


I do enjoy the little things along the way and like to try to capture what we have been up to from day to day. Sometimes the photos do not do the moments justice, but the memories attached remain strong
and cherished in my mind.


Between various coffee/meal outings and some get togethers and babysitting our week seemed full enough!
I love this time of year and especially enjoy a walk in the park as the trees and scenery are just so colourful and pretty with the the changing leaves everywhere.


I do enjoy hearing my music as I walk… I let the tunes play on Shuffle as I Shuffle through the park with my doggie Shuffle!… The songs dictate the soundtrack to where I am at that moment in time… the perfect tune for today is a favourite song by the group 'Earth, Wind and Fire'
called  "SEPTEMBER" …
where the lyrics specifically refer to
"the 21st night of September."
I haven't gone for a walk yet today, but am guessing that song might be in today's shuffle when I do go!



We have enjoyed the times spent with the grandkids this past week as we always do. They seem to be growing up so fast. Mariah still loves volunteering at the
"We All Need A Rescue" (WANAR) Dog Adoption
and she goes with her great Auntie Bev who takes her there each time. They have created many special
 moments and bonds over that.
It has developed a lot of character in Mariah too.
So very special for her and Bev and the dogs they are helping out each time.


Beau is loving his Kindergarten experience… and seems to be getting a little more social with other kids… he is especially into playing with some neighbours in his neighbourhood … and just this past weekend met the little boy across the street from us… named Beckett.
I had fun watching from my front yard as Beau and Beckett road bikes, scooters and cars around their cul de sac.
Both little guys are 5 so they really did hit it off great!


We sort of take things moment by moment around here and do things impromptu as we feel up to doing them. Yesterday we stopped by Brian's moms for a visit, and I dropped off some banana muffins for her that were just fresh out of my oven, too. She is feeling very relieved now that her house has officially sold after it was on the market since last March. Thanks to my nephew, Jeff, for looking after the real-estate duties on that. Now we will need to remove remaining furniture, etc that is still in the house before the new owner moves in October 1st.


Birthdays and special occasions come and go in the moments of time and we continue to all grow older!
Just last Friday my son in law, Nels celebrated another birthday. He and Jana were out to celebrate that then, too.
I enjoyed another chance to craft another card, as well.
This wednesday, my oldest nephew, Brad,
will hit the milestone age of 40.
I still remember becoming an Auntie for the first time when he was born. Since then I have 5 more nephews, 2 nieces and now 3 great nieces to add to that special list!
I have been fortunate to spend many special moments with all of them … with the exception of the newest great niece … but hope to meet her one day soon.


I was thrilled for the winners on the tv shows I watch…
both SYTYCD… and AGT last week.
I was also pleased the tapper won SYTYCD …and was the first tapper to win on that show, too.
I loved the winning act on AGT… the ventriloquist…
I thought he was excellent.
Now I look forward to DWTS weekly and will get out my judging book and practice my judging skills as I watch the moments unfold on that show!



Brian loves his grand kids and his grand dog, Jazz, too.
Just today he drove over to let Jazz out and ended up bringing him here to spend some time here today.
We are sure enjoying that dog… and thankfully both
Jazz and Shuffle get along great too!


This coming Sunday, I will be recalling the date I met Brian for the first time on a blind date back on September, 27th, 1973… when I was in Edmonton attending a Brian Foley Dance Workshop weekend! We have pretty much been living in the moment ever since then… and making many memorable ones to share along the way, too.
I am grateful every day for the life I get to share with him…
and glad we can live in the moment together now as well.



This Wednesday, September 23rd… is the first official day of FALL as my nephew tuns 40… Happy Birthday Brad!

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

I think it's so important to enjoy all we can do,
Because in this life's journey…
we are all just passing through!
So live it in the moment
with loved ones and each friend,
Make a treasured memory with
each moment  you can spend.
Cherish all the moments and all the little things,
Value all the memories that every moment brings.
Make each moment special with music and with song,
And live life to the fullest…
as you dance along!