Monkey Me

1 Corinthians 13

2010-01-07T16:32:00.003-07:00

The challenge for this week on the Salt Blog was 1 Corinthians 13. I focussed on the verse "Love keeps no record of wrong". I have a past that I am not proud of - stupid things that many of us do when we are young. I know the Father has forgiven me and my parents have forgiven me, but I can't forgive myself. This is a good reminder for me that God, my husband and my parents love me and they don't keep track of what I do, why can't I forgive myself and get past it? Well, I hope you like my lo and if you have some time, come over to Salt and post your own interpretation of the Love Chapter.

2010

2010-01-02T15:13:00.002-07:00

Wow! Its been two months since I have posted - not sure if anyone is even gonna read or see this, but I'm gonna start it up again anyway.

I hope you all had a wonderful holday season and that 2010 is starting out as a good year for you so far. The last week of my life has been extremely eye-opening, heartwrenching, enlightening and by far the best and worst week of my year. Because of this I have removed people from my life that are not uplifting and healthy to my being. This was probably one of the most difficult and painful decisions that I have ever made. It brought many tears and hurt to both Chris and I and will affect our children in the future, but we know we have made the right decisions and hopefully one day Kiana and Malachi will understand that we did what we did for their betterment as well as the betterment of our family.

I have also decided that I want this year to be a year of refreshing and renewal both in my personal and spiritual life. I want to find my joy again.

So, I have started an 8x8 album that will allow me to express myself, what I believe, what I want for myself and my family and hopefully this will help me to heal and grow and be the woman that God intended for me to be.

If after all my rambling you are still reading this - THANK YOU! Thank you for still being here, thank your for your friendship and support and thank you for being my friend. I look forward to sharing my album and my new year with you!

Love to you all!

God is your refuge and strength

2009-11-12T06:00:00.001-07:00

That was our theme for the Salt blog this week. The timing of this one was important to me. This is my beautiful niece Lucy and 2 weeks ago she had a Grand Mal seizure as a reaction to the MMR vaccination. As the ambulance came and rushed her to the hospital and spent many hours trying to figure out what was wrong, her older sister Brianna sat at Oma and Opa's house praying. She knew that God would take care of Lucy and that God was her refuge and strength and that He would do what was best for Lucy, even if that meant she might die. Praise God Lucy is fine, but the faith shown to me by one 6 year old girl who knew that God was her refuge and strength brought me to tears. The faith of a child and the strength of my God!

On the way back!

2009-10-23T06:58:00.004-06:00

Well, we are finally on the way back from a terrible flu bug! I got it at school and passed it on to my whole family. NASTY - and of course with the fear of H1N1, work wanted to be sure that I was clear to work and that it wasn't anything terribly contagious. The kids and Chris were home and sick for a full 10 days before they were well enough to go back to work and school. Thankfully we are on the mend and other than remnants of a cough, we are all better.

But because of this illness Chris and I are trying to figure out if we are gonna get the H1N1 shot or if the kids should get it. There are so many mixed messages out there, I'm not sure what to do. How about you guys? Are you getting it? What are your thoughts on it - any help would be appreciated cuz we're not sure WHAT to do! Gimme your opinion!

Growth

2009-10-01T07:07:00.003-06:00

wow, its been waaaay to long since I have last posted. Here is my lo for the challenget that I did for SALT today. Its about Growth - something that I have been struggling with for the last little while. Come on over and check out our blog and participate in the challenge - it would be great to see ya there.

Life has been crazy over here. I am working alot of hours and trying to get so much stuff going at school for the kids that I have been working alot of long hours and my family is complaining about it. Add to that a terrible cold I have been fighting for about 3 weeks now and you can see why I have been missing for so long.

What have you been up to? I would love to get a message from you - I am feeling so out of touch with everybody these days.

Purpose

2009-08-20T08:11:00.003-06:00

That was the challenge for "Salt" today. Jeremiah 29:11 was the verse behind the challenge. My lo is about how my purpose in life seemed to be different than God's purpose for my life. I only see the here and now in my life whereas God sees the big picture and knows what he is doing. My purpose has changed since he has become the leader of my life and I don't need to know what He is doing, I just need to follow and trust that He does know what He is doing. Check it out and try the challenge yourself!

Success!!!!

2009-08-19T08:44:00.002-06:00

We had a major success this summer - the kids finally learned how to ride 2-wheel bikes. Because of balance issues they were rather agitated whenever it came time to learn how to ride bikes.
They just refused to do it. But one day, they both picked up a

bike and did it on their own. They were so proud of themselves and naturally I was a proud mama too! They over came their fears and their difficulties and they just did it.

On days that weren't quite so nice and warm, we had to find things to do inside, so glow bowling was one of the fun things the kids loved to do. My sisters and spouses and all the kids got together and had alot of fun. Kiana was thrilled because she beat all 20 of us with her high score. I guess Wii Bowling does pay off!

2009-08-19T08:29:00.002-06:00

Even though Winnipeg had rain for most of the summer, we were fortunate enough to have a couple of days of beautiful, hot weather so that we could enjoy the outdoors of Manitoba. We managed to spend one day at Birds Hill Park so the kids could go to the beach. They love being in the water and building sand

castles. But more than that, they loved spending time with their cousins. There is nothing better than splashing and chasing each other in and out of the water.

It's over!

2009-08-16T07:35:00.002-06:00

My summer, I mean. Yep, I am finally back here after a looooong month away. But we are back from Winnipeg, my parents are leaving Edmonton as we speak and I am preparing for getting back to "real life." Its been a long summer, but a good one. Even though the weather in Winnipeg was crap for most of the summer we had fun with my nieces and nephew and did lots of family stuff. I will be posting photos later today.

I am kinda looking forward to getting back into the swing of things. I am probably going back to work this week too.

Anyway, I will be posting photos in a bit, going to check out everybody else's blogs out now. It is soooooo good to be home. Can't wait to catch up with you all!

Prayer

2009-07-13T11:11:00.004-06:00

With the busyness of summer, I haven't had the chance to show you my new challenge lo for the Salt. This challenge was mine to choose and I chose "Prayer". There is no bigger prayer warrior than my girl. No matter how big or small the thought or concern, my little girl always brings it to the Father in prayer and she has taught me alot about that. I wish I had the prayer life that she did. Would love to see you pop by and try to work on this challenge with us - show us what you got!

Summer is going well for us and we are being kept busy with family in Winnipeg. I am hoping that I will get to post a few more los that I am working on this summer. Hope summer is well for you all and I am hoping to check out all your blogs soon. I have really been lacking and I miss keeping in touch with all of you. Talk to you soon!!!

Faithfulness

2009-06-25T05:50:00.001-06:00

This week's challenge on Salt was the Fruits of the Spirit and I chose Faithfulness. My opa was one of most spiritual and faithful human beings I have ever met. He epitomized what a true faith in Christ really was. The Sermon on the Mount was a map for his life and he truly was a man of God. When I think of his relationship with God, I kinda think that he might have been a little like King David - a man after God's own heart.

Check out the blog - play along with the challenge. I would love to see what your take on it is.

Your grace is sufficent

2009-05-14T06:53:00.004-06:00

So, our challenge for Salt this week was from 2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficent for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

This was a good challenge for me - it reminds me that even though I'm going through a tough time right now His strength will shine thru my weakness.

Head on over to Salt - check out the work of the other girls. I'd love to see your take on this challenge!

Have a great day all!

Perseverance

2009-04-30T16:09:00.004-06:00

Here it is, my next challenge for Salt. The journalling talks about how my kids autism is the path that God has chosen for my life and how I need to "run with perseverance the race set out for me."

In other parts of my life, I am persevering my job these days and feeling I am JUST doing that. Can't say to much, but to my friends who read this, keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I try to get through a really tough situation right now.

I am also looking forward to National Scrapbooking day this weekend - hangin out with all my girls and really looking forward to just being with the girls all day. On that topic, I did the Color me Quiz on Creating Keepsakes. Try it out - this is what colour I am and I think it talks about me to a tee:

Red Scrapbooker
You have a real passion for this hobby. Your pages are colorful, bold, lively and full of adventure. You may enjoy travel and have many vacation photos. You like your albums to reflect your zest for life and the varied experiences you enjoy.

Hope you have a wonderful week everyone! i love ya.

Sheep

2009-04-16T05:54:00.002-06:00

that was the theme of our Salt Challenge this week. I used the verse " We like sheep have gone astray" from Isaiah 53:6. I focussed on how we are stupid like sheep and rather than follow the shepherd, follow the other sheep, which can often get us into trouble.

I am really enjoying these challenges - they are making me think outside the box and yet try and figure out a way to instill the Biblical challenges into every part of my life. It is giving me a new look at my life and my relationship with God and taking it to a different level. Check out the challenge and try it - see where it takes you!

Big day!

2009-04-15T06:47:00.002-06:00

Today is my daughter Kiana's big day!!! She is competing at the Conservatory of Music's Scholarship Competition. I am very excited for her, especially because of the song she is singing. The song she is singing is about a child's love for her Lord and Saviour - and she is passionate about the song. She is feeling kinda pressured this year because she won "The Most Promising Student" last year. She competed and won against 14 year olds and she was only 10. Don't know who's more nervous - Kiana or me. Oh, well, it will be fun and she will do great.

If you have a moment, please pray for her at 2:30 this afternoon. Pray that her heart is calm and she does the best she can and not stress about her performance.

Don't forget that tomorrow is the new Challenge at Salt!!!

Salt Challenge

2009-04-02T10:50:00.003-06:00

The Challenge this week is a layout for Easter. The photo that I used is one of a plant called the "Crown of Thorns" that blooms in the spring around Eastertime. It is called that because it's the plant that is believed to have been used for the crown Christ wore on the cross. TFL!

To My Family

2009-04-02T07:40:00.003-06:00

You work so hard every day and don't care what the world thinks. You fight for everything and try to get people to understand you and accept you for who you are. You love each other in a way that most siblings don't. You have taught me so much in this life - much more than I could EVER teach you. You accept the world for what it is, not recognizing color, religion or disability. You take everyone at face value and accept them for who and what they are.

Autism is a family member that we have accepted and have made a part of our lives. Today I pray that others will learn and accept what we have spent the last 10 years working and doing.

Kiana, Malachi and Chris, I love you for what you are. Thank you for showing me a different view of life!

World Autism Day

Spring Break is here

2009-03-30T14:53:00.004-06:00

I am so glad that Spring Break is finally here. I am so in need of a break I am truly enjoying it. My heart has been worrisome for my dear friend Kelsey and her husband Jason. Jason has been in the hospital since late Thursday night and they aren't quite sure what's wrong with him but he is really sick. Prayers are needed as the doctors try and figure out what is going on with him.

On a more positive note, this is what I have spent the last few days doing. I am trying to get our Disney trip finished and I think I am getting a pretty good start on it this week. Hope you all have a great spring break. Can't wait to post more layouts as they get finished!

Be Still and Know

2009-03-19T07:03:00.003-06:00

Here is the lo for my first Challenge "Be Still and Know that I am God." My understanding of the verse was a little different than everyone else's. In the chaos and wildness of life's trials and tribulations, I hear God's still, small voice saying "Hey, quiet down. I'm here and I'm in control. Don't worry so much." I did enjoy my first challenge. Please head over to SALT and check out the other los. The ladies are talented and did quite a good job I must say!

My first Challenge!

2009-03-14T07:11:00.003-06:00

So, my first challenge lo is up at Salt. The challenge was "Friendship" based on Proverbs 18:24 "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

Come check out Salt - we'd love to see you there!

I'm a Saltine!

2009-03-12T06:44:00.003-06:00

I am so pleased that I can finally share the exciting news. I am officially a Saltine - a member of the Salt faith challenge blog. Come by and check it out. We have challenges every other week based on Scripture. I hope you come by and check out some of our challenges. We also have a special challenge happening on Saturday - come and see what's up over there.

Perspective of an Autistic

2009-03-01T09:21:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, as time goes ticking by
I wait for someone to see me
Don’t get me wrong, people see me
Just not the way I feel.
I don’t really wish to talk to anyone,
I just wish I could talk with someone
I live my life just as any other would do
But my home seems to be unoccupied.
The little girl you see sitting in the corner
Lines her popsicle sticks in rows
And sometimes appears to ignore the fact that you have brought her something
She’s just not aware that you are at her side
A the picnic, she slops the sauce all over the table,
“Why” you wonder, “How does a butterfly cause her to lose control?”
The movies lead to passers-by staring
For the five year old covers her eyes
The light is so bright
And holds her hears because its too loud
Her mother cries behind closed doors
Her little girl isn’t like the child she dreamed of having
Her daughter won’t even bake with her
“Please don’t cry mommy, the mittens just hurt my hands too much.”
“I’ll help you stir” your little girl screams and cries
Socks and shoes traumatize her, so barefoot you take her out the door to ease her pain
People stare back at you “ That parent has no control over her child”,
I want to speak “Please please be kind to my mommy, you don’t understand”,
You’re walking through a grocery store, once again she blocked the aisle
Throwing her body down to the ground because she wants to feel the cold floor
She hides between the clothes racks and blankets in the mall
Once again the clerks as you to leave
The parade causes too much movement
This time moving her fingers in front of her eyes and making a screeching sound
“Why, Oh Lord” the mother asks, “do you leave her heart like this?”
I dream that my daughter can fly high in the sky
I wish she could eat carrots and apples like her brother, but she gags
She views the world in a different way
“I can’t go into her eyes and see what the world looks like to her” says the mother
She catches a bubble and screams
She even hugs the construction man she doesn’t know
Because he is wearing a good feeling coat
Her memory so sensitive she can repeat whole movies after seeing them only once
“My dear child, how can I show you that I love you so very much?”
“Dear Lord,” the mother says “I no longer ask why you let her be this way.
Instead, I now know that you picked her to be my little lamb.
Thank you Jesus for giving her to me!”

Wonderful weekend!

2009-02-23T16:48:00.002-07:00

Well, this was definitely a fabulous weekend. I was fortunate enough to spend the weekend at a retailer's event this weekend. I met some wonderful people and made some great new friends. I loved hanging out with Julie Comstock and Lindsay Moore from Cosmo Cricket; Erin and Laura from Glitz Design, Lance from Rusty Pickle and Janelle from 7 gypsies. They were fun to hang out with and their classes were great. Didn't get NEARLY enough time to finish all our projects, but they were fun.

Gonna post my projects as soon as I get photos taken of em, but for now I'm off! TTYL!

Trust

2009-02-19T06:58:00.002-07:00

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you" (Isaiah 26:3 & 4).

I am so frustrated right now. For the past month I have been dealing with situations at my daughter's school. She has been mistreated (which she is used to and it rolls off her back). The problem is we have been working with the teacher and the teacher's aide to help us solve the problem, but they are missing the mark on this one. It doesn't matter what the students do to Kiana, somehow it ends up being her fault and she has to apologize for it. I know she has retaliated in the past and we have dealt with that. I know she sometimes lies, but we've dealt with that too. I know my daughter isn't perfect, but since when should she apologize for girls in school calling her a bitch. Her teacher's aide went so far as to ask her "are you sure you're telling me the truth?" before Kiana actually got to tell her what actually happened. The other two girls got their stories straight and Kiana was made to apologize for thinking they called her "bitch" instead of "witch".

I posted this verse this morning, because I need to make that my prayer right now. I want this situation to get better without me having to go into school and start yelling at staff. My dh is going in today to talk to them about this situation for the 4th time in a month. I need to trust that God is going to take care of this and help me find the strength and the right way to deal with it. Please pray for us as we deal with this situation and that Kiana's teacher's aide learns how to deal with Kiana correctly and realizes that it isn't ALWAYS Kiana's fault.

Chris is going in this morning - I'll let ya know how it turns out!

For Today

2009-02-16T07:27:00.003-07:00

Outside my window... is a cold dark morning
I am thinking... how wonderful it is not to be working today
From the learning rooms... I am learning how to deal with Kiana in a way that will be productive and not cause a meltdown of volcanic proportions
I am thankful for... my husband, who spoiled me immensly this weekend
From the kitchen... I am having coffee with a smidge of Cappucino flavoured whipping cream
I am wearing... sweats and a tshirt
I am reading... Scattered Minds - A New Look at the Origins and Healing of ADD
I am hoping... that I will get some new ideas on how to deal with my darling child
I am creating... layouts for my kids scrapbooks
I am hearing... background noise from the tv
Around the house... little bit to tidying today
One of my favorite things... coffee in the early morning before anyone else is up
A few plans for the rest of the week... getting ready for Memories Wholesale event
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

For Today

2009-02-09T07:18:00.002-07:00

Outside my window... it is foggy
I am thinking... how the weekend is far too short
From the learning rooms... God is teaching me to talk less and listen more
I am thankful for...life
From the kitchen... sounds of hubby making breakfast
I am wearing... black jeans and a red shirt
I am reading... Girls of Riyadh
I am hoping... for a positive week with my students
I am creating... layouts for my niece's album
I am hearing... the conversations of my children
One of my favorite things... reading on the corner of my couch
A few plans for the rest of the week... birthday party for my daughter's best friend
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

The Answer to Hostility

2009-02-08T07:20:00.002-07:00

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh words stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1

Before Christmas, I hung out with a great group of scrapbooking girls. We hung out all the time and had alot of fun. Then there were angry words and friendships have been destroyed, possibly permanently. I want to be a person of substance, I don't want to be angry and bitter, so I stepped away from a few of those relationships. It is so hard when they try to suck you into a fight and become very confrontational.

God really spoke to me in His word this morning. This is the verse that he gave me and I feel at peace. My nasty words will make things worse - and what kind of witness is that for the Father? I will continue to pray for them and hopefully their hearts will change. Until then, I will surround myself with people who love me and are healthy people to be around. God will take care of the rest.

For today,

2009-01-23T08:01:00.001-07:00

Lord, restore to me the joy of your salvation" (Psalm 51:12)

FOR TODAY

2009-01-19T07:33:00.003-07:00

Outside my window... it's only -5 today - what a beautiful day

I am thinking... about history being made in the U.S. this week

I am thankful for... a family of love and support
From the learning rooms... Set your hearts on things above, not on earthly things
From the kitchen... my refrigerator is broken and I am waiting for the repairman
I am wearing... my favourite white sweater
I am creating... some layouts for a DT call
I am going... to work
I am reading... my Bible
I am hoping... my meeting with my principal goes well today
I am hearing... my kids chattering
Around the house... everyone is getting ready for a new week
One of my favorite things... sleeping
A few plans for the rest of the week: seeing a movie with a friend and getting my kids Disney albums finished
Here is picture thought I am sharing... I love my kids school picture this year

Canada's Justice System SUCKS!!!!!

2009-01-16T20:32:00.002-07:00

I'm sorry - I know I probably sound like a child, but that's how I feel right about now. Criminals need to be punished for their crimes and in Canada you get to kill someone and then walk away - almost!

In 2005 my cousin Shawna was involved in a car accident. The guy that hit them had a suspended license, he stole a car and then proceeded to drive it (stoned and drunk) into my cousin and 3 of her friends. He killed one of her friends and injured everyone else in the vehicle. And a sentence of dangerous driving causing death and 3 counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm got him 18 months in jail.

I am so angry!!! How is that fair? And after all is said and done, this guy's girlfriend turns around and threatens my cousin with her life. Are you kidding me? This is our justice system - doesn't that just make you proud?

Another day

2009-01-15T07:35:00.000-07:00

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

Back to the regular grind

2009-01-05T07:11:00.003-07:00

So, here we are - its January 5th and time to get back to real life. Getting out of bed at 7 a.m. was EXTREMELY difficult today after 2 weeks of sleeping until 9. Some days I really dislike going back to reality. But, I guess the bills need to be paid.

FOR TODAY January 5

Outside my window... the weather has warmed up and the car is being warmed up
I am thinking... how little I want to go to work and how much I want to go back to bed
I am thankful for... my health
From the learning rooms... how to depend more on God's strength and less on my own
From the kitchen... I am getting my lunch ready for work
I am wearing... jeans and a sweater
I am creating... my kids Disney albums
I am going... back to work today
I am reading... my Bible right now
I am hoping... that a friend's boyfriend recovers from pneumonia
I am hearing... my son singing
Around the house... is the buzz of routine starting again
One of my favorite things... my hot coffee
A few plans for the rest of the week... starting to work out again
Here is picture thought I am sharing... a great photo of a silly friend

So, you saw my last post about my word for 2009. I was wondering - do you have a word? Did you make a resolution? I'd love to know what it is.

Have a good day!

A New Year

2009-01-02T08:00:00.003-07:00

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

I have spent the last couple of days contemplating 2008 and looking toward 2009. What do I want for 2009, what really matters to me? I decided that I want my word of the year this year to be "conviction". Conviction is a fixed or firm belief. Conviction is also the state of being found or proved guilty. This year is about both .

I have been convicted - over and over again and I still continue to dishonor Him and behave in a way that proves me guilty. This year is a year about HIM. I want my life to show my conviction in HIM rather than about what I have done. I want this year to mean something - if I die tomorrow, what will my legacy be? I want my life to be a legacy in which people say they were better off because they knew me - THE REAL ME! I want my life to be a legacy that says they knew HIM because they knew me.

I have decided to focus less on this life and more on the life that is to come!

CONVICTION

Happy New Year!

2008-12-30T16:02:00.006-07:00

Wow, our Christmas was busy and quiet all at the same time. We had a wonderful holiday with the kids and enjoyed lots of family time. We all got spoiled by Santa all around and spent lots of time playing all our new Wii games as well as the new PS3 that my dh got. I also started working on my kids' Disney albums - figured that since I am home, I might as well do as much scrappin as I can before I need to get back to work. I hope you all have a fun and safe New Year's Eve and I look forward to seeing and chatting with you in the New Year.

WOW, it has been forever

2008-12-10T19:15:00.002-07:00

since I have been here! Life has been crazy! Work, Christmas parties, baking, preparing food for Christmas parties, Christmas concerts, Christmas cards, parent teacher meetings - my life is insane. But I figured that it was time to check in.

It has been really busy but fun the last few weeks. My dh is getting really excited for Christmas this year - I think its the first time since we've been married that he's not been ho hum about it. It helps that he did ALL the Christmas shopping this year - what a guy.

We finally got snow out here too - its been snowing pretty steady for the last couple of days and this weekend the cold is finally gonna hit. It's been pretty warm so far, but this weekend we are supposed to get down to -24. BRRRRRR!

Anyway, I just wanted to check in and say hello and hope that somebody is still reading this - it has been awhile after all. Love to you all - off to check your blogs out now myself!

FIRST ADVENT - The Candle of HOPE

2008-11-30T21:42:00.002-07:00

May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace, as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Next to Christmas, Advent is my favourite time of year! The preparation for the holidays and the reminder of the birth of my Saviour is so special to my family. I love the candle of HOPE because that's a great way to start a new year -with hope.

Last week was an ugly week for me - but a ray of hope shone through. Hope of the strength to get through, hope of friendships that are stronger and deeper than I could have imiagined and a hope that the Father is taking care of me.

Thank you to my dear friends Marguerite, Kelsey and Ki for showing and giving me hope! Your friendship is amazing to me!

Love to you all!

The Simple Woman's Day Book

2008-11-18T06:37:00.004-07:00

Check out The Simple Woman's Day Book. I love it!

FOR TODAY November 18, 2009...

Outside my window... it is dark and chilly today.
I am thinking...of how little I really want to go to work today - I want to crawl back into bed.
I am thankful for...coffee at this time of morning
From the learning rooms...I am doing alot of autism reading and getting programs ready for school
From the kitchen...busy making lunches today
I am wearing...shorts and a tshirt - haven't gotten dressed yet
I am creating...a 12x12 calendar for my mom
I am going...to work in a few hours
I am reading...Heart and Soul by Maeve Binchy
I am hoping...to have a much better day today
I am hearing...the news
Around the house...everyone is still sleeping - no one is stirring yet
One of my favorite things...the quiet of the early morning
A few plans for the rest of the week: finishing my calendar, doing a mini album for my new niece
Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Good Monday Morning

2008-11-17T07:26:00.002-07:00

How was your weekend? I hope it was relaxing for you. Mine was quite busy. I enjoyed watching the Edmonton Eskimos get beat by the Montreal Alouettes on Saturday morning. Then I spent most of Saturday trying to get my house cleaned up and then my vacuum cleaner gave up. So, I didn't get all my cleaning done and had to go out and buy a new vacuum cleaner. Yesterday I spent most of my evening getting work done for school. The school I am working at is great, but its a new special needs program, so I am helping to put the programming together. Needless to say that I have to work few hours a night so that things are ready for the morning so that we can work with these kids. I love my job but I can't wait until everything is finally in place and we can just work with the kids.

I haven't done this in awhile so I thot today I wanted to get back to doing this again. Here are my Monday 7:

1. I love my job. Alot of people can't say that. Not only do I love my job, I have a great boss who is very supportive, understanding and laid back. I love that I enjoy going to work every day. I am so grateful that I have such a wonderful place to work.
2. There are days that I would rather pull my hair from my head and my nails from my fingers than deal with the issues of my children. But most days, I love autism and what it has done for my family. I am grateful to have 2 of the most amazing kids in the world!
3. I am so grateful that it is +2 degrees outside, we have no snow and it is already November 17.
4. I am excited about the fact that Christmas is only 37 days away - the Christmas season is always an exciting time in our house.
5. I am soooooooo grateful that my Christmas shopping is done and that I can truly enjoy the holiday.
6. I am so grateful for my daughter's sense of humour - she is a real card. On Saturday my husband was singing in the car on the way to see the doctor for an ear infection and my daughter asked my husband to stop singing. Chris said "But Kiana, I thought you loved my singing" and she replied "I do daddy, but I have an ear infection and my ears need to rest."
7. Every man's work, whether it be literature or music or pictures or architecture or anything else, is always a portrait of himself. I am grateful for scrapbooking!

Hope you have a wonderful week!

For fun!

2008-11-15T16:17:00.002-07:00

Saw this on a friend's blog and thot I'd do it too:

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland /world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo.
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort.
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michaelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasm
a65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicoptor
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone's life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Lest We Forget

2008-11-11T07:03:00.004-07:00

Whether you believe in it or not, I hope that you spend at least a moment today remembering those whose lives were lost so that we could have the freedoms we so richly enjoy. Whether it was in WWI or II, Korea, Europe or today in Afghanistan, I am so grateful for the sacrifice made by the millions of men and women for my freedom.

Thank you Paul and the millions of others past, present and future who sacrifice everything they have and are for the rest of us.

Good morning!

2008-11-04T07:24:00.008-07:00

How are you doing today?! Well, life is finally back to normal here - its like were were never even gone! Chris and the kids are back at school and I started back to work yesterday. I really lucked out. I got called for a job interview for a junior high school last week Thursday and Friday they hired me. And its permanent, so I will be there for awhile! I am VERY excited to know that I am going to be at the same place long term. Makes me feel a little more secure that's for sure. I enjoy the students and the staff are a wonderful group of people to work with.

I am getting our Disney photos printed so hopefully I will be able to start on the Disney albums for me and the kids. Hopefully by the weekend I will have something to show you.

Outside my Window...is a dark, clear morning
I am thinking...a hundred and one jumbled up thoughts
From the learning rooms...ASL for communication purposes
I am thankful for...a God that that takes care of me even when I am so busy with life that I don't take care of myself or take time for him
From the kitchen...a wonderful hot cup of coffee
I am wearing...black jeans and a red wool sweater
I am reading...Heart and Soul by Maeve Binchy
I am hoping...to reach someone who I am having difficulty communicating with
I am creating...Disney layouts
I am hearing...sounds of lunches being made and kids getting ready for school
Around the house...Christmas presents that need wrapping and finishing ones that are being made
One of my favorite things...a glass of wine at night with my dh
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...getting my house in order, having a sleepover with dd's girlfriend and hopefully catching up on a good movie
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
I love this photo of the ocean - its so strong and peaceful at the same time - I love the way the
ocean makes me feel!

Home again!

2008-10-28T08:23:00.013-06:00

We are finally back home from an amazing holiday! The drive was long but absolutely stunning! We went through Montana, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Nevada and California. Between the mountains and the Grand Canyon the view all along the way was breathtaking. And Disney, well if you take a look at Kiana's face - I think that says it all. Every penny we spent was worth the trip just to see how the kids enjoyed it. I have added a few photos today and will continue to add a few more so you can see the fun that was our trip. All I can say is that it definitely is the happiest place on Earth!

The time has come

2008-10-16T07:47:00.001-06:00

for us to leave. Tomorrow at 4:00 a.m. we will be on the road to California! I can't believe its finally here - I'm not sure who's more excited me or the kids. My gf was saying its HOT out there - like 30 degrees. Huntington and Laguna Beach are only about 1/2 hour from our hotel room, Disney is across the street and shopping is just down the road. I am sooooooooo excited - can you tell?!

I hope you all have a wonderful couple of weeks and I look forward to sharing photos and everything we did with you when we get back!

Ciao for now and we'll see you in a couple of weeks.

2008-10-07T11:43:00.002-06:00

For Today...

Outside my Window...is a beautiful, sunny day

I am thinking...that I have let people down today.

From the learning rooms... nobody can make you feel inferior without your approval

I am thankful for... a husband that loves me anyway

From the kitchen...a hot, steaming cup of coffee

I am wearing...sweats and a tank top

I am reading... "In the Grip of Grace" by Max Lucado

I am hoping...to get over myself

I am creating...a mess that is my life

I am hearing... "Change Me On The Inside" by Brian Doerksen

Around the house...is a huge mountain of laundry

One of my favorite things... curling up on the couch with a good book

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... coffee with an old friend, cleaning up my place and packing for Disneyland

Here are pictures I am sharing with you... its what I have been working on!

Monday 7

2008-10-06T09:45:00.002-06:00

1. The power of Grace - today I am learning that the grace and mercy shown by my Father is an amazing gift and rather than fight it I just need to embrace it! I can't do anything to earn his love and forgiveness and I just need to remember that!

2. The beauty and wonder of a new baby is always amazing to me. My sister had a beautiful little girl named Lucy on Friday and I am already in love with her.

3. What would I do without my fabulous husband? Chris strengthens me, believes in me and lifts me up when I don't even believe in myself.

4. Vacations are always a good time for me to enjoy my family and to rest my spirit. Its only 11 days until we head to Disneyland. I am so excited that Chris and I are able to fulfill the dream our kids have had of going for the last 5 years.

5. Friends are so important in our lives. I got to catch up with some friends this weekend that I hadn't seen for a long time and have missed alot. I also got to meet some new friends who only know me thru my blog and scrapbooking and it was so wonderful to get to put names and faces together in person too - you know who you are. It was such a pleasure and a joy to meet you in person this weekend!

6. I love my job and the hard work that it entails. Helping little beings be all that they can is so fulfilling and more often than not, they teach me so much more than I could EVER teach them.

7. No one can make you feel bad without your consent - ENOUGH SAID!!!

Hope you have a wonderful day - leave me a comment - I'd love to hear from you!

The Simple Woman

2008-10-01T07:22:00.003-06:00

For Today...

Outside my Window...the sun is rising and the potential for another beautiful day is awakening
From the learning rooms...I am preparing a layout for some women that I am teaching a class to on Friday
I am thankful for...the fact that my dh didn't get hurt when he walked in on a robbery at the store across the street last night
From the kitchen...homemade egg mcmuffins for the kids for breakfast
I am wearing...favorite pair of jeans and a button down shirt
I am reading...nothing right now
I am hoping...for a hot, sunny day
I am creating...not very much right now
I am hearing...the chatter of children
Around the house...the busyness of getting ready for work and school
One of my favorite things...is coffee and the computer before work
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...getting ready for my class on Friday and helping my dear friend Kelly at the Creative Stitches and Crafting Alive Show!
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... there is nothing that I enjoy more than seeing my children reading - with a book you always have a friend nearby.

Saw this

2008-09-24T18:31:00.005-06:00

on Crystal's blog and I found "The Simple Woman" inspiring so I decided to participate.

Outside my Window... is a beautiful sunset
I am thinking...I am glad I am feeling better and glad to be going back to work tomorrow
From the learning rooms...special needs kids teach me more than I could ever teach them
I am thankful for...phone calls from friends who call when they are shopping because something reminds them of you
From the kitchen..hot homemade lasagna
I am wearing...Betty Boop sweats and a tank top
I am reading...the newest book by Danielle Steel
I am hoping...that I am being a good mom and dealt with a discipline issue the right way
I am creating...a (hopefully)great layout for my all about me book
I am hearing...the news
Around the house...dirty dishes from dinner - feeling too crummy to wash
One of my favorite things...watching Criminal Minds on Wednesday night
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...working with some amazing kids
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

This is a photo from my girlfriend's wedding. It is one of her favourites

Tagged by Sherri

2008-09-23T07:50:00.002-06:00

Wow - two posts in one day - that's a record for me. I was tagged by Sherri, so I thot I'd do it now before the day got away from me and I forgot.

The Five TAG:

10 years ago I:
1. had a 9 month old baby and was 3 months pregnant with my second.
2. was stressing about my husband's new job with IKEA and the hours he was working
3. starting to wonder if I had a child with a "problem" - she wasn't developing normally
4. loving being a SAHM
5. spent alot of time between Winnipeg and Edmonton so my parents could get to know their first grandchild

Five things on today's to-do list:
1. "Calling Cinderella" to confirm reservations for lunch
2. Getting travel insurance for our trip
3. Organizing my bathroom
4. Encouraging my children to get their rooms cleaned up
5. Working on a CJ

Five snacks I enjoy:
1. Glutino chocolate wafer cookies
2. Glutino Pizza Bread Stix
3. Popcorn
4. Flavoured Rice Cakes
5. Cucumbers and Green Peppers

Five things I would do if I was a Millionare:
1. Get a second car for my dh
2. Travel with my dh
3. Move home and buy an acreage
4. Help my dh open the consulting business he's always wanted
5. help my family

Five places I have lived:
1. Edmonton - the apartment we live in now
2. Edmonton - the apartment we lived in previously
3. Edmonton - the townhouse we had
4. Edmonton - dh and my first apartment
5. Winnipeg - my parents house for the first 25 years of my life

Five jobs I have had:
1. Teacher's Aide for the public school system
2. Daycare worker
3. Nanny
4. Willson Stationers - Cashier, Customer Service
5. Chinese Restaurant waitress

Tag Five Friends:
1. Stacy
2. Carmen
3. Ki
4. Laura
5. Crystal

Happy day!

2008-09-23T07:21:00.002-06:00

It has been awhile since I have updated my blog and its LOOOONG overdue! So, I had a wonderful birthday with my family. My husband and kids took me out for dinner to The Keg and had a wonderful evening together. I got a fabulous "Game ready" Winnipeg Blue Bomber jersey from my family. I had been eyeing them when we were home in July but they were sooooooo expensive (what with us going to Disney sooon and all) that I couldn't justify getting one. I think my husband and children are pretty amazing to get that for me.

And yahoooooooo - only 24 days until we leave for California. I am soooooo excited -totally like the kids. My dad and Chris are being cool and nonchalant about it, but my mom, the kids and I are insanely excited.

So, since I missed it yesterday, here is my list of 7 for this week:

1. Season Premieres - I am sooooooo glad that regular tv is coming back on. I look forward to the start of my shows every fall
2. Family holidays - only 24 days until I get to fulfill one of the biggest wishes the kids have had for years. DISNEYLAND - every kid's dream.
3. A generous husband and children who spoiled me this year for my birthday!
4. Special needs kids - I am having a wonderful time working and I love my job. Its amazing what these little beings can teach you - far more than I could EVER teach them.
5. Government funding - in the last few years the government has provided more funding for special needs kids than has been available before. Every little bit of extra money helps and we are so grateful for that.
6. Reminders - in the last week I have had a ton of reminders that I am being cared for and that God is keeping his eye on me and my family. I am thankful for every little glimpse I get that the Father has His hand on me and is so aware and involved in what is going on in my life.
7. You - my dear blogger friends I am grateful for you. Thankx for coming and sharing a bit of my life with me and letting me share a glimpse of your life as well.

Love to you all!

A new week!

2008-09-09T08:08:00.002-06:00

Well, I started working again this week - a little rough, but I'll get through it. It's only a week after all.
So here are my seven for this week:

1. We went to a wedding last Sunday - on our 12th wedding anniversary. What a wonderful way to remember our special day and remember all the reasons I love the man I married. I am thankful every day that God brought him into my life.

2. Tough long days remind me how much I love the easy days and how thankful I am that not every day is like that.

3. Cool fall weather - I think this is the first time that I have actually looked forward to the fall. The smells, the coolness. I am really enjoying it all.

4. Voice lessons started again and I love how excited Kiana gets when she starts singing. She started working on some High School Musical 2 stuff yesterday and she loves it.

5. Fresh veggies from the garden - living in an apartment I don't get them very often, but last weekend our landlords gave us some fresh veggies and there is DEFINITELY nothing better.

6. Working - as much as I HATE getting up at 6 in the morning, I love working with the kids I am working with. I feel so very fulfilled.

7. Friends - I have a wonderful friend named Anne who was willing to watch my kids on the weekend so that Chris and I could go to a wedding. I am so thankful that she would do that for us so we could go out for an evening!

Have a wonderful day everyone!

I'm In Here

2008-09-07T21:45:00.002-06:00

12 years!

2008-09-07T10:04:00.003-06:00

12 years ago today I married the man of my dreams. I can't believe that it has been that long already. He is my champion, my supporter, my cheerleader, my strength. He supports me when I am weak, he makes me laugh harder than anyone I know, he makes me feel safe when I am worried and afraid. Chris is my best friend and these have been the best 12 years of my life.

Scrapbooking

2008-09-03T18:33:00.003-06:00

Well, I actually got to do a lo today - probably the first time in over a month. Just wanted to share it - this photo has been sitting on my desk since I got my "li" tattoo almost 12 years ago. Li means strength!

This is an important lo for me because my husband really wanted me to get it. He believed that it was important for me to realize the strength that he believes I have because of the hand that I have been dealt in my life. Everytime I look at this tattoo, I am reminded of the woman that I am!

Wedding photos

2008-09-03T07:36:00.007-06:00

Here are just a few of the photos we took at the wedding last weekend. I am exhausted and destressing as the bride was definitely a bridezilla, but its over and the couple is ridiculously happy! They do make a beautiful couple though. Sorry that the one photo is turned - I thot I had it right but I guess not!

And I am doing my 7 today since it was a long weekend and I didn't get to do it on Monday like I normally do:

1. I am so thankful for my amazingly patient family. They spent all weekend getting yelled at from the bride and from me and they were soooooo understanding and forgiving - something I definitely didn't deserve. But they love me and after lots of tears and hugs life is good again!

2. There is nothing like a wedding to make you appreciate your family and all the love and support that surrounds all of that.

3. It's Back to School time - I am excited for the year as it is laid out for our kids. They have wonderful teachers and aides and I am so thankful that they love my kids so much.

4. Disneyland - in 5 weeks we will be heading to California and I am so grateful that we can do this for our kids. This has been their dream for the last 3 years and finally we are able to take my parents with us and go.

5. My husband's staff is an amazing group of people that I have become so grateful for. He has been working alot of long hours and life has been so stressful, but not only are they supportive of him, but calling me and checking up and making sure that we are all okay. Its so much easier being a boss when you have employees who are supportive and willing to help out at any turn.

6. Scrapping - I am actually going to get some time to scrapbook this week and I have MISSED IT!!!! As you can tell, I haven't posted any los for quite a long time. Summer will do that to you, so I am so thankful to be able to get back into the swing of routine and all that it entails.

7. My dear friends - thank you for letting me rant and rave about the wedding last weekend. I was so tired and so stressed that I just needed to have a good cry and talk to people who loved me and didn't think I was totally useless! You know who you are - THANK YOU!!!!

Have a great week everyone!

Monday 7

2008-08-25T08:18:00.002-06:00

Well, I haven't done this all summer and I need to get back to doing it again. So here we go, today I am posting the things I am thankful for:

1. God gives you what you need when you need it. I had forgotten that and then yesterday a long lost friend came into my life again and reminded me of that. God never forgets us, even though it sometimes feels like it or I forget about him.

2. I have an amazing husband who gives me a ton of love and support when I am feeling less than loveable. Not having a permanent job(such is the life of a substitute TA) makes it difficult to know when you are going to start working again.

3. Marguerite turned 40 last week. I hope I look and have the attitude that she does at 40. She is a wonderful friend who is always there when I need her.

4. I LOOOOOOVE carrot and zucchini cake. Marguerite's talented husband made it for her birthday and it is sooooooo yummy! I think its my new favourite cake.

5. I have missed scrapbooking terribly the last two months. I finally got to do some on the weekend. The nicest thing about it is that I am able to do things that (using my dd's words) MAKE MY HEART SMILE, rather than doing a job for someone or finishing up a project for someone else.

6. Only one more week until school starts and life returns to routine. I am so excited not only for my kids to go back to school, but to see where I am going to be working this year. I LOVE my job!

7. I have 2 weddings in the next two weeks: one at which I am the matron of honour on the long weekend. The other is a co-worker and old friend of Chris. I am really looking forward to the second one as it is being held on our 12 year anniversary. I love weddings - and I can't think of a better way to spend my anniversary. I LOVE WEDDINGS!

So, tell me one thing that "MAKES YOUR HEART SMILE" this week!

Tag Time

2008-08-22T10:02:00.005-06:00

So I was tagged by Stacy and Laura, so I figured if I didn't do this now I would forget so here goes:

The Nitty Gritty details:
It’s a random tag and here are the rules!

1. Link to the person who ‘tagged’ you!
2. Post the rules on your blog!
3. List 6 random facts about yourself!
4. Tag 6 people at the end of your post!
5. Let each person know they have been tagged by commenting on their blog!
6. Let the tagger know the entry is posted on your blog!

1. That would be Laura
2. Done - see above
3. - I was in a movie (documentary) that was shown all around the world when I was 12
- I caught a hockey puck and was on Hockey Night in Canada on the very last game the Winnipeg Jets ever played, thus fulfilling 2 dreams I made as a 12 year old kid.
- I hate the colour pink and anything frilly
- People without common sense really annoy me
- I can't live without coffee in the morning
- I tell my family things about other members of my family just to see how long it takes to get back to me and cause trouble.
4. Done - see below
5. Done
6. Done

And I was given this lovely award from Stacy:

The rules of this award:

1. Only 5 people allowed.

2. 4 have to be dedicated followers of your blog

3. one has to be someone new or recently new to your blog and live in another part of the world.

4. you must link back to whoever gave you the award. Quite simple really it is a way of saying thank you to those who take time out for wonderful comments to boost your day.It's hard to choose only 5!!

So, I tag: Carmen, Ki, Sherri, Lacintha and my friend Karen who, after not having spoken for about 20 some odd years, I finally touched base with again!

Catching up!

2008-08-21T09:42:00.025-06:00

It is so good to be home and finally catching up with all my wonderful friends after a long time away. As nice as it is to go away, its always nice to be home again. The weather in Winnipeg was soooo nice - we got alot of beach time to splash around in the lake and spend time making sand castles and sand boats:

When I was a little girl I used to love to go to Kildonan Park and check out the Witches' Hut from Hansl and Gretl. Obviously it was better in my mind because my memories are that of a preschool child, but the kids had fun checking it out anyway:
And as we usually do we headed to Fun Mountain waterslides again this year. This is Malachi's favourite place to visit and if we didn't go every year I think his heart would be broken. Kiana actually got the courage up to try the slides this year - a HUGE step for her!
Another of the kids favourite places was this place:
it has the yummiest food around! All in all a pretty good trip I think. I think that's all I'm going to share for now.

Laura and Stacy I haven't forgotten that you tagged me - I will hopefully get to that this afternoon, but I still have a ton of stuff to unpack and hopefully you understand.
Off to clean my house and hopefully get some scrapping done today - its amazing how much you miss it when you haven't done it for a month! Kisses!

A loooooong time!

2008-08-05T07:02:00.005-06:00

It seems like its been years since I have updated here! Life has been crazy for the past weeks - summer in Winnipeg is always busy. But its been alot of fun too! We got out here on the 19th of July and its been nonstop ever since. We celebrated my parents 40th wedding anniversary on the 20th of July by taking them out for dinner. It was just my parents, siblings and spouses, but it was alot of fun. I can't believe that my parents have been married for 40 years. Through good, bad and ugly they are still together. I guess that says alot, hey?!

Chris and I also took Malachi to his first Blue Bomber game - thankfully it happened to be the one game that they actually won. I even got a new jersey which I have been coveting for quite awhile. But Chris' time with us out here didn't last long as he had to leave on the 26th and get back to the dregs of IKEA. So, the kids and I have been here without him since.

We've been busy without him too. Spending time with family, going to movies with friends and even going to the Witches Hut (from Hansl and Gretl)have been some of the things we've been busy with. Isn't this a cute little cottage - I remember coming here with my preschool class when I was a little girl and really wanted to show it to the kids. They seemed to enjoy it too.

There has been one sad note this summer though. As many of you know, last year at this time I lost my best friend to cancer. Well, tomorrow I am going to celebrate the life of her dear husband Ray who died of cancer last week. Chris and I have sad hearts as we think that he is gone now too.
Anyway, I hope you are all well. I miss you all and hope that I can catch up with you all soon. I will be home on the 16th so I plan on catching up with everyone the best I can. Hope your summers are all going well and that you miss me as much as I miss you. Love ya!

I am SOOOOOOOOO ANGRY!!!!!!

2008-07-06T20:12:00.002-06:00

In today's paper it said that the Smitty's in the West Edmonton location kicked out a family from Wainwright because their daughter was autistic. They didn't have the food that she normally ordered and when she kicked up a fuss the manager asked her family to leave. When they explained that she was autistic and that they were handling the situation and she would be fine, the manager had the audacity to tell the family that if she was autistic they shouldn't be taking her out in public!!!! Can you believe it?!?!?!? Since when is it okay to discriminate against special needs people? This guy is a retard (I don't mean this offensively, but I am pissed off!!!!!) but his family still lets him out in public!!! I know that Smitty's isn't a phenomenal restaurant, but when you have autistic or sensory issue kids, those kinds of restaurants are usually safe for your kids to eat at - they have something that these kids love. I often take my kids there because its one of the few restaurants that we can frequent where they will eat. Now I have one less restaurant to take my kids to for fear that we will be kicked out!!!!

I HATE PEOPLE WHO ARE INTOLERANT!!!!!!! Kiana was heartbroken when she heard me telling Chris about this. She said "Mom, do people do that alot to autistic people?" and I had to tell her that this is becoming more and more common. In the last 3 weeks 2 children have been kicked out of planes while crying because they are autistic. How do I tell my kids that this behaviour is becoming the norm and that people think its okay to treat autistic kids this way. If we don't stand up for these kids, who will?!

Alright, I'm done with my rant. But I am not done with being angry - and I won't be done until society accepts autistics for the people they are.

Hey all,

2008-07-02T13:15:00.002-06:00

hope you are all enjoying your summer - I know I am. It was bittersweet for me to end my work for the summer - I am going to miss the kids. It broke my heart when they realized I might not be back at the same school next year. The tears and hugs touched my heart. It boggles my mind to see that I actually reached somed of these kids.

Life is busy this week. Kiana has Musical Drama camp all week. They are performing "Alice in Wonderland". I am so excited for Kiana - her amazing voice teacherTaylene Lyon has created such a passion in Kiana to sing. I am so grateful to her for all her work with Kiana this year and Kiana and I are both sad that she will not be teaching her in the fall. So, we are on the hunt for a new Voice Instructor.

Malachi is enjoying Kiana being at camp because it gives him exclusive one on one attention from Dad. Kiana talks so much and is soooooo full of energy, Malachi barely gets a chance to get a word in edgewise, so for 7 hours a day, mom and dad are all his.

I am pretty busy too - gotta get ready for home. The kids and I are spending 4 weeks in Winnipeg this summer. It'll be interesting to see how Chris copes without us for a month - he hates being alone.

And a huge shout out and congratulations to my dear friend Rhonda on the birth of her new baby boy. Congrats to you Regan and the kids - I can't wait to see photos.
So, what are your plans for the summer?! Going anywhere exciting? Doing anything? Let me know - I'd love to hear from you.

This is where I am right now

2008-06-28T11:44:00.001-06:00

Good Monday morning!

2008-06-23T06:39:00.002-06:00

Wow, what a weekend this turned out to be! Spent all day Saturday doing wedding shopping with my girlfriend. We needed to find her wedding dress and my Matron of Honor dress (did I mention that I hate the word "Matron"? It sounds so ooooooold". Well, because its a beach wedding and they can't afford a whole lot we decided to check out a consignment store first. Well 1 1/2 hours later my gf had her wedding dress, veil, necklace and shoes and I had my dress and shoes. And it was really inexpensive!!! One more fitting and both dresses should be ready - its pretty exciting actually!
Yesterday was a day of laundry and cleaning. It was the perfect day for it since it was cloudy and rainy all day.

I know its stupid, but I am going to complain about something really annoying right now. Starting today, every phone call you make in Alberta now has to include the area code. What a pain in the butt.

Well, since it's Monday, here are my seven for today:

1. Sleeping in - I only have 4 days of work left and then I am on holidays! Nothing makes me feel better than NOT hearing the alarm at 6 a.m.
2. Warm, sunny days - after a grey, rainy day I love to wake up to a warm sunny day and the smell that accompanies it
3. Weddings - we have invitations to 3 weddings this summer and I am so excited for all of them. It's so exciting to watch new couples begin their married lives together and commit themselves to each other. It's neat to think back to what Chris and I were like waaaaay back then.
4. Scrapbooking - with the holidays comes scrapbooking. I am so thankful that I am going to have the time to do that now that the holidays are upon me
5. Wedding clothes - believe it or not, the Matron of Honor dress that I am wearing actually makes me feel kinda pretty. I will never wear it again, but since it makes me look like I lost 20 lbs. the second that I put it on, its worth it!
6. Babies - I got to see the ultrasound picture of my new niece/nephew and I am so excited. I am in love with this little creature and am so thankful for him/her!
7. My kids - they get so excited at the littlest things. Makes me appreciate all the little things in life.

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-15T08:24:00.004-06:00

to all the amazing dads out there!!! My kids have a fabulous dad and they are so lucky he's their dad. He's a fun, loving, caring, strict guy who is just as silly as they are. I am so blessed that he and I have some amazing children together.

Usually I wait til Monday to do my 7 but I am going to do it today cuz its Father's Day and I am feeling very blessed:

1. Chris - to an amazing husband and father. Every day that I spend with you I realize just why I married you and what a wonderful man you truly are. We are lucky to have you.

2. Dad - until I met Chris, you were the most important person in my life. You have given me strength, support and love and I thank God that he gave you to me.

3. Family - when you have nothing else, you always have family. And my family is my strength.

4. Movies - there's nothing more fun than taking your kids to see a great movie and today is no exception. The kids decided that for Father's Day we are taking dad to see this movie

5. Sun - especially after a week of clouds and rain. The sun is like medicine for the soul - it makes all things good again.

6. Church - I think we have finally found a church that we enjoy and I am glad to be back. After months of dryness, I am really happy to get back into fellowship again.

7. Summer - only 9 days of school left and then I am on holidays. Where I will be this fall is unsure at this time, but God will take care of me and put me where I need to be. In the meanwhile, I am going to enjoy the plans we have for the summer!

Happy Father's day to all the dads out there! Have a great day!

Good morning

2008-06-03T06:39:00.003-06:00

to another beautiful sunny day! How are you doing?

I can't believe there are only 18 days of school left - where did the school year go? I love my work but I am looking forward to the summer break. I think I am more excited about heading home for a month and being with my adorable nieces than anything. I miss them terribly. I also am really looking forward to seeing my sister and her big baby belly.

Even tho its Tuesday, here is my thankful list. I am finding that I have to do it when I remember because life is so crazy these days. Anyway, here it is:

1. My work - I love the work I do and the fact that I have ability to help people.
2. Weddings - as much as they are work, I love weddings and all the things that are involved in planning them.
3. Coffee - I am in love with my coffee this morning - especially since I had a very large 10 1/2 year old in my bed at 2 a.m. which didn't make for a productive sleep situation.
4. Music - I love the gift that God has blessed my daughter with - she is a natural.
5. Growing up - its bittersweet that my little girl is growing up. We just signed the consent forms for the sex ed class and my poor husband nearly had a heart attack. It's neat to watch her growing up.
6. Scrapbooking - I am making wedding invitations and I am happy that I am able to make someone else so happy with the gift that I have.
7. I LOVE MY LIFE!!!!!

I will post the wedding invitations when I am done with them - I hope you all have a wonderful day!

Good Monday Morning

2008-05-26T08:01:00.002-06:00

and how was your weekend?! Mine was less than perfect - I was all hyped up for a crop on Friday only to have dh have to work. He put in a TON of extra hours this weekend so we didn't see a whole lot of him. Oh well, after 10 years with the same company I should be used to it.

So its Monday and back to work. This week is going to be a crazy one - tooooo much to do and not enough time to do it in. On top of my daily work routine, I have wedding invitations to make, a retirement album to finish, a wedding dress and bridesmaid dress to shop for, doctor's appointments, a gift album for my daughter's voice teacher, 4 cjs to work on and samples of music, centrepieces, decorations and wedding favours to prepare. UGH - I will be so glad when its all over.

Here are my Monday 7 today:

1. Friends - they are family that you get to pick!
2. Sleep - haven't had alot of it lately and I really miss it! Funny thing to be thankful for, but I love it when I get it
3. My kids - dh was working last night and they crawled into bed with me because I was all alone. I love that cozy feeling
4. music - I love listening to my music when I feel low and alone. Nothing makes me feel better
5. My job - there is no better feeling than knowing that you are getting through to someone who doesn't seem to understand what's going on around them
6. A great boss who appreciates your work.
7. A beautiful warm sunny day!

Hope you all have a wonderful week - and if you could send some love and prayers my way this week, I would really appreciate it. I need the extra support this week!

2008-05-13T06:51:00.002-06:00

So, I finally got a few minutes to scrap yesterday. This is the May kit from my gf Jayme's website Scrapbooking Fanatics.

Have a good day!

Another Monday morning

2008-05-12T07:45:00.002-06:00

Wow - I can't believe the long weekend is almost here. The year is flying by - we only have about 6 weeks of school left. CRAZY!!!

We had a wonderful weekend here. One of Chris' childhood friends was in town, so we had him over for dinner. Chris hadn't seen his friend Chris in almost 20 years and I had never met him, so it was alot of fun. Of course there was alot of reminiscing about all the stupid things they did as kids.

Mother's Day was wonderful. My kids made me some wonderful things for Mother's day. Malachi had his picture taken and he made a frame for the photo. He also gave me a card with a poem in it. Kiana made me a pitch pot and she wrote me a letter about all the things that she loves about me. It really made me cry because all the things that she loved about me were at times that I was at my weakest and my worst. Funny how those are the things that make her love me the most.

And, of course here is my Monday 7:

1. Weddings - I love weddings and I love that my dear friend Sue has found her soul mate and is getting married this summer. I am thrilled and blessed to be the matron of honor and I hope that God blesses them with many years of happiness. I am so thankful for her love and friendship.
2. Friends - I am so thankful for the amazing friends that we have. We are so lucky that God has blessed us with supportive, loving people in our lives
3. My work - I love going to work every day and having a great staff to work with. There is nothing better than having a supportive group of people around you.
4. My kids are terrific. I am so lucky to have kids that love me unconditionally and tell me virtually every minute of the day. My life is filled with their laughter and hugs and that makes everything okay.
5. Spring - the weather has been so wonderful the last few days. I love the sun and the heat.
6. Chris - I need to thank God every day for the amazing man he put into my life. He is my support and strength. A more amazing man I have never met.
7. Family - there is nothing more importan than family and I am so blessed to have an amazing one.

Well, I hope you all have a wonderful week. What are your plans for the long weekend? LMK!!!

Good Monday Morning!

2008-05-05T07:42:00.002-06:00

Another week has started and it looks like spring is FINALLY here!!! The weather is warm, the sun is shining and I have finally pulled out my spring clothes. Its been a long time coming and I am so glad that its here.

The weekend was interesting - I spent most of it in bed because I have put my back out. Not sure what I did, but I am headed into the dr. today(hopefully) to see what the problem is. I'm in ALOT of pain and I can't really move.
We are also in the process of finding Kiana a new voice teacher - hers is moving at the end of June. Taylene is an amazing woman and we are going to miss her very much. I hope that she is able to help us find one as amazing as she is.

The most exciting news tho is the fact that we are finally in the process of getting our trip to Disneyland planned and booked. We are soooooooo excited.
So, here we are with today's 7. I was feeling badly because I didn't do it last week and I DEFINITELY didn't want to forget to do it today:

1. Common Sense - I always thought that common sense was something that everyone had. Today I am so grateful that I have been blessed with common sense and knowing what is right and wrong to do.
2. Beautiful weather - spring is finally here - I love the way it smells in the air. The weather is beautiful and I am so happy that I can finally put my sweaters and cords away.
3. Old friends - in the last week or so both Chris and I have reconnected with friends from the past. Neither relationship ended well, so to renew these friendships has been interesting. Funny how no matter what happened in the past, you can go back home again!
4. My amazing husband - he has been so worried about me and taking care of me. When he sees I am hurting he really does whatever he can to help. He is my strength and support - I can't imagine where I would be without him.
5. Babies - there is nothing more amazing than a beautiful little baby. I get more excited every day at the prospect of a new niece or nephew. October can't come fast enough for me.
6. Changes - I used to be one who HATED changes in my life - especially when it meant people coming in or out of it. But I have learned to embrace the changes and realize that people come into my life for a reason or for a season and that I need to love the time they are there and let them go when they move onto new and exciting adventures in their lives.
7. Today - I am so grateful that God allowed me to wake up and enjoy another day. He didn't have to give it to me, but He did. I thank Him for today and every day that He continues to give me.

I hope you all have a wonderful day! LOVE YA!

It's finally stopped!!!

2008-04-23T06:42:00.002-06:00

Well the snow has FINALLY stopped and by late afternoon it even started melting a little. Hopefully that will be the last of the snow this spring.

My poor husband had his first accident on his bike yesterday. He was biking to work and was on the sidewalk(because of all the snow) when he hit a large hole. (He didn't see it because of all the blowing snow) He fell in with this right leg right up to his groin (he is 6 foot 5) and had a terrible time getting out. When he finally pulled himself out, he checked to make sure it wasn't broken and then headed off to work. By lunchtime, he was in so much pain that I had to take him in to make sure there wasn't serious damage. He has serious spraining/bruising on his thigh muscles and he needs bedrest for the next 3 days. It'll take a full month for him to heal but at least nothing is broken. He wants to go back and make sure that the city has fixed that hole because a small woman or a child could fall in and nobody would know they are even in there.

So, I am taking Kiana to the Kiwanis Festival this afternoon - hopefully she performs well. I'll have pictures and let you know how she does. Have a good day!

WINTER IS BACK!!!

2008-04-21T07:30:00.003-06:00

I can't believe how much snow we have again! We got almost 2 feet over the weekend - and to think that a week ago we were at 24 degrees C. UGH - there are days when living in Alberta REALLY SUCKS!!!!

Anyway, we have a busy week here. The Kiwanis Music Festival is going on for the next 3 weeks and Kiana has competition all week. She performed at the Spring Scholarship Winners Concert on Saturday and had ALOT of fun. She looks so tiny when she is singing on stage, but she just loves it.

Since I missed last week, I wanted to be sure that I didn't miss my Monday Seven today:

1. Spring - getting as much snow as we did this weekend makes me so grateful for warm weather and spring. I loved the beautiful weather we had a little better than a week ago.

2. Feeling great - since starting on the Celiac diet I have never felt better. Its great not to feel tired and sick all the time.

3. Coffee - I can't imagine my mornings without it. I have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning, but the smell of coffee is a sure way to get me going. There is nothing better than a hot cup of java right before getting my day started.

4. My crazy kids have been going shackwacky having to be inside all weekend(because of the storm) and at times I have wanted to kill them both, but I love them so much and am so grateful for them it overwhelms me.

5. I am so thankful that I am at home, safe, rather than driving the highways and byways of Alberta trying to get home after a weekend away.

6. My amazing husband - he had to walk to work today because I needed the car for work myself. I was going to get up to drive him, but he worked at 4 a.m. and didn't want me and the kids to get up that early.

7. Snow - I have to find a good thing about the storm this weekend and I must say my dd is like a kid in a candy store. She loves the snow and I love how excited she gets and how she can't wait to get out in this weather as soon as she can. She has been sitting with her nose pressed to the window waiting for it to stop blowing long enough for her to get out in it.

Well, I hope you have a wonderful week and I look forward to posting Kiana's results of her competition this week. Love ya!

PROUD MAMA MOMENT!

2008-04-12T07:02:00.003-06:00

As some of you know, last September my daughter Kiana began to take Voice Lessons at Alberta College. She LOVES to sing and she LOVES to perform even more, so we know we have found her niche. Anyway, she competes 2-3 times a year at festivals. Yesterday, we got a phone call from the College telling us that Kiana won a $150 Scholarship for "Most Promising Student" thru the College. She thinks she is a superstar - I am just having a really proud MAMA MOMENT!

A late start this week

2008-04-09T07:24:00.002-06:00

Man, this week has been absolutely mad!!! Spring Break ended and I was hoping for a good week. Then Sunday at midnight (15 minutes after I had gone to bed) my ds came down with a stomach bug and I was up with him most of the night. Thankfully my mom was here and was able to be home with him so that I didn't have to call in sick. And my dh is gone to Toronto this week, making life busier too. And tonite Kiana has a Scholarship Competition for Voice at Alberta College. It would be nice for her to win some cash, that's for sure.

Well, since I was sooooo tired and unable to do it before now, I am doing my Monday 7 today:

1. Weather - its finally getting warmer out here - by Sunday its going to be 20 C and I can't wait. Hopefully spring will finally be here.

2. My mom is here and I am so grateful. With Malachi having a stomach bug and a PD day on Thursday, I otherwise would have only had a 3 day week this week. Thanx mom!!!

3. Babies - I am excited and looking at baby clothes, wishing that I knew what my sister was having so I could start baby shopping. I LOVE baby clothes - they have some of the greatest stuff.

4. Relationships - I am so thankful that a friend that I had a falling out with over a year ago have been able to reconnect and I am hoping that we may be able to regain our friendship despite what happened. I've missed her alot and she was a good friend to me!

5. My craft - there is nothing better for me than getting my emotions out with paper and glue. Some days its really therapeutic for me.

6. Work - I love my job and I love the kids that I work with. They are a sweet bunch and I just love helping them.

7. Today - I am grateful that I have today - I don't know if I will have tomorrow, but today is enough for now!

Love ya, bye!

Monday Seven

2008-04-01T07:46:00.003-06:00

just a little late:

1. Health - I am so thankful for my health, especially when I don't have it. I am thankful for the days that I feel good

2. Spring - I can feel it in the air - that means summer is near

3. Babies - I love babies and in October my sister is having her 4th. I love the smell, feel, and taste of a newborn baby. I am one excited tante!

4. I have been reading 2 fabulous books in the past week: The Shack(as mentioned in my last post) and So you don't want to go to church. What amazing books - they truly inspire.

5. My mom - she is coming to stay with me next week. Chris needs to go to Toronto so she is coming out to help me out. With me working, I love that she is flying out to do this for me. Thanx mom - I love you!

6. Chris - for keeping me calm and relaxed when I am scared and worried. He makes me see that sometimes I panic and worry needlessly.

7. Reminders - I have been so worried about my health in the past weeks, that I have forgotten who is in control of all that. I was on the Salt blog and I saw posted this verse:

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.(Jeremiah 29:11-13). What a blessing to remember that I am not the one in control of my life and that whatever happens is the plans that HE has for me. I needed that today!

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Amazing read!

2008-03-30T12:34:00.001-06:00

I just finished reading the book "The Shack". Its a moving book that really made me look at my faith and my relationship with God. What a touching story of love, forgiveness and relationship through Christ. Thank you Welma for the amazing gift!

Happy Easter Monday!

2008-03-24T08:18:00.003-06:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter and that it was a blessed weekend for you all. We had a very busy weekend - my mil flew into town for the weekend for Easter and for Malachi's birthday. It was a busy time. I can't believe that my baby is 9 years old. He is such a wonderful child - I am definitely blessed. Remebering back to the day he was born I remember how scared I was to have a son - I didn't even have brothers. I had no idea what to do with a boy. But he taught me along the way and so far we are doing pretty good I think.

We went to see "Horton Hears a Who" for his birthday - definitely a good movie for the kids. We also saw the movie "Enchanted" this weekend - really cheesy, but cute. Kiana got it for Easter and totally loves the movie.

And since today is Monday, its time for the Monday 7:

1. Airplanes - I am so grateful for airplanes because they can fly my mil back home today!

2. Doctors - I have been sick for about a month now and I am grateful for a wonderful doctor who is able to figure out what is wrong with me so that I can stop losing weight, start eating again and start on the road back to full health.

3. My children - you never appreciate and love your children more than when someone is picking at them - especially if that someone is their grandmother.

4. My faith - Easter is always a good time for me to reflect on my faith and what I believe.

5. Coffee - I am always grateful for coffee after an 8 hour fast for bloodwork.

6. A good book - there is nothing better.

7. Weight loss - whether good or bad, I am still kinda happy that I've lost 20 lbs.

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

He is Risen Indeed!!!

2008-03-23T08:04:00.001-06:00

I want to wish you all a wonderful Easter! He is Risen - He is Risen Indeed!!!

Happy St. Patty's Day!

2008-03-17T18:04:00.002-06:00

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and that today was a good day for you. I had another busy day at work. We are having a "Fairy Tale Tea Party" at school so we are busy planning for that. The kids are very excited about it - they made crowns and are all princes and princesses. They all look great. The weekend was pretty good too - watched "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium" with the kids. It's a very cute movie. And this weekend we are fortunate enough to have my mother in law visiting us for Easter.

Here are my 7 for today:

1. I love new babies and I am so thankful that I am an auntie again. Chris' "brother" and his wife brought a little girl into the world today. She is 9 lbs. 4 oz. and is 22 inches long. We are so excited and can't wait for pictures.

2. The warm weather has returned. I am tired of the snow so I was so grateful for the warm weather today - melting all the snow away!

3. I have so many pictures that I don't think I will ever run out of things to scrapbook. Between my kids and my nieces I can never get enough. I love my hobby and all the things it allows me to do.

4. My dear friends - it's my girl Kelsey's birthday this week, so the girls and I are all hanging out and doing stuff with Wii and food and drink. A good time will be had by all!!!

5. The generosity of friends always amazes and surprises me. I got an email from a special friend who works at a bookstore and she got 2 new books for me. I am thrilled and touched that she felt I was special enough to buy some books for. Welma, you are a loving and thoughtful woman and I am glad you are in my life

6. I am thankful for Easter and the reminder of the great gift that my Father lavished on me. My faith is the cornerstone of who I am and I am so greatful for this reminder of the gift He gave to me.

7. My beautiful baby boy turns 9 this weekend. I can't believe that he's not a baby anymore. I love his smile, his laugh, his silliness but most of all I love his spirit and his heart. He is my heart and I am grateful for every second that I have had the title "Mommy"

Well, I hope you all have a wonderful day and I would love for you to leave me a note to say hi! Love to you all and I hope you all have a blessed Easter!

I know, I know

2008-03-11T07:54:00.002-06:00

today is Tuesday and I'm doing my Monday 7 late, but I had a terrible cold last weekend and I ended up in bed until late yesterday. It was horrible - I had streaming eyes, a stuffed head, my chest felt like I had an elephant sitting on it and my nose was running like a faucet. Oh, isn't that a pretty picture?! Anyway, I am well enough to head back to work today. My thoughts are with my dear friend Marguerite today, who's grandfather isn't doing very well. Hugs my friend - hang in there.

So, here are my 7 for yesterday:

1. I am so grateful for my health. Being sick - no matter how minor an illness, makes you appreciate the days that I am feeling good. It makes me grateful to be alive!!!

2. Guitar Hero III - there is nothing that makes my dh happier than fun, silly video games and we were able to find this game for him for the Wii!!! You should have seen his face lite up - like a kid in a candy store.

3. Safe travels - my dh was able to make it out of Toronto on Friday before the storm caused the airport to be shut down. He got home 2 1/2 hours late, but at least he's home and not still stuck there.

4. Disneyland - as I am planning our trip I am excited about a place that makes my kids faces light up as if I were offering them the moon. There is nothing that makes me happier than knowing that I am making Kiana's "Dreams come true" (her words not mine)

5. Medicine - I have two friends back home who are having babies - one in the next week and one in the fall. Thanks to the advances of medicine both are being blessed with healthy babies and I am so excited and thankful for them. They have both tried for a looooooong time to have children and it isn't always easy. Bu their dreams are coming true and I am sooooo grateful for that.

6. Friends - I am so thankful for my blogging friends this week. You have sent me messages of love and encouragement here, my email and on your blogs. I love you all and I am so thankful for you and that I in turn can encourage you. I love you all!

7. My faith - in the last couple of days I have realized how lucky I am to have everything I do and that I owe it all to my gracious and loving God. Without my Father I am nothing and I am thankful every day for every breath of life He has given me and the blessings that he has filled my life with. If you are reading this - that means you! thank you!!!

Love ya, have a good day!

It's Monday again...

2008-03-03T18:39:00.002-07:00

and that seems to be the only time I have to update my blog. But at least it gets done once a week. We had a busy weekend around here. Because Chris was going out of town this week, we spent the weekend with the kids. Took them out for dinner, did a movie and just hung out with our kids. It was a nice weekend at home. I did take some time out to have dinner with my dear friend Marguerite - it was really nice. I am teaching another class this weekend for my friend Kelly. She wants me to do a baby shower where the women are each doing a lo page and presenting it to her when they are finished. Should be fun.

Well, since it's Monday again, here are my Monday 7:

1. I am so thankful for parents who anticipate your needs and offer to help before you even realize that you need it.

2. I am thankful for a daughter who is being difficult. Kiana is having a hard time adapting to my work schedule and she is difficult because she misses me so much.

3. Hot lemon tea - nothing is more relaxing after a long day than sitting with a good book or a good movie and a nice cup of hot tea.

4. Telephones - I am so grateful that I can communicate with Chris every day while he is gone.

5. Books - there is nothing like a good book while curled up in bed to make you feel cozy and good.

6. Glitter - Kindergarten kids and glitter always make me laugh and feel good.

7. A great job - there is nothing better than being at work and loving the kids you're with.

Have a great week all! i love you all!

Happy Monday

2008-02-25T07:45:00.002-07:00

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. We had a crazy weekend. Our car broke down and needed to be repaired - $800 later its all done. Then my computer decided it had enough of its life and gave up. There is more money out to replace it. UGH - lots of money going out of my bank account this weekend that's for sure. But all is well in the world again, and I got my first paycheque so that helped a little too.

And since it is Monday, here are my list of 7 for today:

1. Having a great job that gives me a not so bad paycheque so it doesn't hurt so much when everything goes wrong all at once.

2. Weekends - there is nothing that I love more than sleeping in

3. 3 day weeks - Teacher Convention allows me to have Thursday and Friday off this week!

4. Banana Sour Cream cake - I'm not sure what I love more - the smell in my house when its baking, or that first bite after its ready to eat.

5. Two amazing kids who drive me amazingly crazy!

6. My girlfriends - I can't wait to hang out with them on Saturday.

7. Cuddling with the kids in the bed in the morning because my dh is heading out of town for a few days.

And finally, my children chose my dear friend Rhonda's name for the RAK. Rhonda, I don't have your snail mail, so if you could email it to me that would be great!

Have a wonderful day everyone! Love ya!!!

I've been tagged

2008-02-19T07:46:00.002-07:00

so here goes the 5 faves:

5 things you cannot live without under $10
1. Rolo Chocolate
2. Tim Hortons Coffee
3. Thickers
4. Fresca
5. My favourite adhesive

5 favourite moves
1. Walk the Line
2. Memoirs of a Geisha
3. Moulin Rouge
4. Napoleon Dynamite
5. Save the Last Dance

Baby names you love(but won't use)
Girls
1. Olivia
2. Noor
3. Isabella
4. Faatema
5. Elizabeth
Boys
1. Ethan
2. Benjamin
3. Kaleb
4. Luka
5. Jake

5 songs you could listen to over and over:
1. I Come to the Garden Alone
2. You're Beautiful
3. Blessed Be Your Name
4. Your Faithfulness
5. It is Well With My Soul

5 people who influenced your life in a positive way:
1. Opa Hein
2. Ma Horsman
3. my dh Chris
4. Jesus
5. Juanita

5 things that stay in your purse all the time:
1. Wallet
2. Sunglasses
3. Keys
4. Lipgloss
5. Tampons

5 moments you knew changed you forever:
1. When Opa Hein died
2. My parents marriage problems
3. When I got married
4. When my kids were diagnosed with Autism
5. When Ma Horsman died

5 obsessions you have right now:
1. Scrapbooking
2. Photography
3. My Work
4. Our Disney Trip
5. Shopping

5 places you would really love to go:
1. Las Vegas
2. California
3. Cuba
4. Dominican Republic
5. Europe

5 people you would love to see do their top 5:
1. Sherri
2. Carmen
3. Rhonda
4. Mylene
5. Lacintha

Happy Family Day!

2008-02-18T09:49:00.002-07:00

Its so nice to have a long weekend once in awhile. The kids actually let me sleep until 9:00 this morning. Its been a pretty great weekend actually. Kiana sang at a Family Day Festival on Sunday with 5 other students from the Conservatory. She was the hit of the performance - she was the youngest one there. She totally ate up the whole "cute factor" thing. She did very well and its was good for her. She really needs to get comfortable performing in front of an audience. And last night, dh and I watched "Knightrider" the movie. Man, I am such a dork!

Today is Family Day and we are all home. The kids are playing Wii and dh and I are doing our own things as well. Treasured Memories has a sale on, so I will probably be heading over there in the next few minutes. Then I am watching a "Gene Simmons Family Jewels" marathon - see I told you I was a dork!

And finally, here are my seven for Monday. Hope you all have a wonderful day - whether its a long weekend for you or not!

1. Sleeping in - I have really begun to appreciate this since I have been working. The weekend have become much more precious to me.

2. Slush - that means that spring is in the air. As messy and dirty as the roads are this weekend, I love the warm weather. I am hoping that spring will be here soon - and even if its not, I am enjoying the springlike weather for right now.

3. Being a dork - thanx to my dear friends for making me see its okay to be a dork and like dorky things

4. My husband - reminds me every day that not all men are assholes and jerks

5. Family Day and the realization in my child that family is important and that we need to be nice to each other ALL THE TIME!!!!

6. long hot baths - no explanation necessary.

7. chocolate.

2008-02-14T06:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday Morning

2008-02-11T08:03:00.001-07:00

So, I am starting my second week as a Teacher's Aide at school and I LOVE IT!!!! The kids are wonderful and my days just fly by. It helps that the teacher loves me too - makes working so much more enjoyable.

I had an interesting weekend too - I taught a class on Saturday night and I got some scrapping done too. I worked on my dad's heritage album this weekend. I will post more of what I did later.

And since today is Monday, its time to post my Monday seven:

1. I love kindergarten - the kids are so sweet and they still think you know everything and are the most beautiful person ever.

2. Warm weather - after the last couple of weeks that we have had, -13 seems balmy. I don't mind recess supervision in this weather.

3. Good health - thru rumours, someone thought my dad was dying of cancer. It reminded me of how thankful I am that my parents are alive and well and are of reasonably good health.

4. Our wealth - I have never considered myself wealthy, but I have the ability to give my children everything they need, as well as many things they don't.

5. Jack and Hank - some mornings there is nothing nicer than having kitty curled up next to you.

6. Coffee - always need to be thankful for my coffee.

7. First moments after you wake up - there is nothing more enjoyable for me than the first few moments after Kiana and Malachi wake up. They are full of hugs and cuddles and have that warm, sleepy feel to them.

And, finally, since Valentine's Day is this week, I want you to share something loving about someone in your life. Then my wonderful children will pick a name for a lovely RAK! Have a good day everyone!

Good Monday morning!

2008-02-04T07:11:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful weekend this weekend. I spent all day Saturday in Spruce Grove with my girls and we had a wonderful time. Lots of sugar, music and scrapping. What more could a girl ask for? It was alot of fun.
And today I am (hopefully) starting a substitute position at a school just a couple of blocks from my house. If they accept me, I will be working there until June which is fabulous. It's nice thinking that I will be in the same place for the next 5 months.

Here are my Monday seven:

1. The phone woke me at 6:00 a.m this morning. Normally I would be complaining but not today, because it was the school board. I am grateful for my new job. Its such a great feeling being able to help kids who need a little extra help.

2. The warm weather - I never thought that I would think -20 is warm, but after the frigidly cold temperatures last week, I really love this weather.

3. Music - nothing makes me happier or puts me in a better mood.

4. Friends - hanging out, singing, eating, laughing and scrapping. I can't imagine my weekends without these amazing women.

5. My sweet little girl - I woke up this morning to a note that said: "Dear mom, I love you soooooooooooooooooooooooooo muchhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! Love Kiana!

6. I love being able to express myself through my scrapbooking. I have been given a gift that allows me to show my emotions and creative side through my pages.

7. Coffee - I can't imagine my life without coffee. Monday morning isn't my favourite day of the week at the best of times and now that I am working, getting up at 6 is tough. Thank goodness for that first cup of coffee in the morning.

I am teaching on Saturday and so I am really excited about that. Here is a photo of the Bo-Bunny book we'll be working on:
I have always wanted to try this book so I am excited about it.
Have a great Monday everyone!

A looooong week!

2008-01-31T09:45:00.000-07:00

Man has this been a long week. I got hired by Edmonton Public Schools and I get to start work tomorrow. In the meanwhile I have been back and forth to the School board, police station and child and family services to get all the paperwork done that I need to do to get started. I am very excited though - I haven't worked in 10 years so it will be great to work again.

I am also pretty excited to be teaching my first class next week. I will post pictures of the book I am doing after I finish taking photos of it. I think it will be alot of fun. I am also heading to a crop in Spruce Grove this weekend with all the girls. Looking forward to that too.

Sorry that I haven't posted much this week. I only hope that my blog doesn't suffer to much with me going back to work. Kisses to you all!!! LOVE YA!!!

Good Monday morning

2008-01-21T12:59:00.000-07:00

and how are you all doing today? Start of a new week and I am actually excited about the week ahead. I am headed to Stoney Plain to visit my girl Kelly tomorrow. She is a wonderful friend who I love to pieces. I am also hoping to hear from EPS this week - the waiting is killing me. I can't believe how quickly the government works(didja note the sarcasm?)

Well, since today is Monday, I am listing my seven thanx again today:

1. There is nothing better than a movie with the kids. The kids and I went with a friend to see "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" The kids totally loved it - especially the "Rock Monster" video at the end(spoof on "Rock Lobster" by the B-52s). I am so thankful that I had my kids to enjoy it with

2. I am thankful that I have the ability to work out every day. I am healthy enough to do it and I love the way I feel after I have done it.

3. The faith of my friends - they believe in me and I am grateful for that every day. They believe in me and my abilities even when I don't.

4. I am thankful for childlike enthusiasm. My kids get excited about the littlest things and they have such excitement for it. I am giggling like a little kid when they are like that.

5. Playing the game "Sorry" with my kids. I can honestly say I have NEVER EVER won this game against my children and they joy they get from beating me every single time is hilarious. I have not laughed that hard in a very long time.

6. My faith. I am learning about myself and my relationship with God more every day. I am figuring out who I am in Christ and prioritizing what the important things are to me. Without God I am nothing.

7. My amazing Chris. I am thankful every day for finding a man who loves me as deeply and wholly and unconditionally as he does.

Hope you have a wonderful day! I love you all!

Happy Monday!

2008-01-14T11:12:00.001-07:00

Well, its the start of another week - how is yours shaping up to be? I am up to my eyeballs in laundry today. I am trying to stay on top of the housework just in case I get a job in the next couple of weeks. Its a quiet week so thats kinda nice too. Looking forward to cropping on the weekend with the girls at Urban. That's always alot of fun.

Here are my Monday Seven:

1. Coffee - especially after my sweet child woke up, got dressed and had breakfast at 3:00 a.m. It's a great way to keep me awake and functioning today.

2. Clean laundry - there is nothing I like better than the smell of clean laundry coming out of the dryer. I think it might be the OCD side of me.

3. Being married - watching friends and family date and meet their "possible" mate reminds me of how wonderful it is to be married and how I am so glad that I never have to date again.

4. Dinner with my kids - its amazing how big a thing this is when you have autistic kids. I actually have 3-4 meals I can make that the kids will eat. I don't have to make 3 different meals and we can have a stress free dinner time.

5. Chocolate - I am convinced many problems could be solved if we did it over chocolate. Nothing makes you feel better.

6. Singing in the shower - nothing makes me smile like listening to my son sing in the shower. He sings at the top of his lungs with happiness in his voice. Its a beautiful sound.

7. Cropping Fridays - what a great way to relax with my friends, hang out and enjoy doing what I love.

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

A productive week

2008-01-12T11:47:00.000-07:00

I have been on a roll the last few days - the juices are just flowing. I have been playing "Telephone Tag" on ScrapFan for the last few days and its been alot of fun. Its neat to see what everyone comes up with when you are lifting the person before you. I think I've been able to come up with so much stuff because I know that I am going back to work soon so I won't have the time to scrap that I do now. Gotta enjoy the time of scrapping while I have it!

Goodbye, my friend

2008-01-10T08:05:00.001-07:00

You were such a special woman. You always had a smile on your face and were always laughing. You looked at the positive side of everything. You always made the person you spoke to feel like the most important person in the room. You were so excited that you had graduated from Nursing and were proud of your accomplishments. You loved your work. And you loved your friends and family more. I loved sharing my birthdays with you. The Olive Garden was always our place - how many hours we sat and caught up on life over "Soup, salad and stix". Hanging out at your place, visiting me in Edmonton, bonfires, shopping - whatever it was, it was always fun. Even when you had rough days and you just sat and cried, even then you managed to find something to smile about. Lydia, you were a dear friend and I will always love you. You made my world a better place because you were in it. I am grateful every day for the time I had with you because I am a better person because of you. You accepted me and helped me to accept myself. Life won't be the same without you. I love you and wil truly miss you! Goodbye, my friend!

It's Monday again

2008-01-07T07:51:00.001-07:00

Hold your loved ones close today. Tell them how much you love them. Don't let another minute go by without calling your friend/family member/significant other up and tell them how much they mean to you because in a nanosecond that could be gone. On Saturday morning, while working as a nurse at the hospital, my dear friend Lydia dropped dead of a heart attack. One minute she was here and the next she was gone. She was only 41 years old - tooo young. And so suddenly. So my dear friends, please appreciate every second you have on this planet for it may be the last one you have.

And since it is Monday, here is my list of 7 for today:

1. My dear friend Lydia - I am thankful for 20 years of friendship, laughing, shopping, sharing, caring and just being. Thank you for you and for sharing yourself with the world

2. Today - I am thankful to wake up and have another day with Chris and the kids.

3. Sherry, Dawn, Renee, Marguerite, Andrea, Kelly, Tammy etc. - I am thankful for my friends. They make me laugh and feel good every day!

4. My kids - I am so thankful that they have soft, caring hearts and know just how to make mom feel better.

5. A new year - I am thankful to have the opportunity to make this year better than the last. I can right the wrongs and be a better person than I have been

6. Scrapbooking - I am thankful that I have a creative venue that I can share with others and get my feelings out on paper.

7. School - I am so thankful the kids are going back to school today!

Have a good day!

Happy New Year!

2007-12-31T09:53:00.000-07:00

So, are you making any New Year's Resolutions this year? I usually make the same one every year - eat better, exercise more and lose weight. I think I have a head start on the 3rd one tho - this is the first Christmas where I started out 20 lbs. lighter than I did a month ago. Hopefully I can keep it up.

Christmas was nice - it was good to be home with family again. I missed my beautiful nieces - I love spending time with them. The weather driving down and coming back could have been better. The highways were clear(thankfully) but the visibility was crummy. And then poor Kiana came down with a stomach bug halfway thru Saskatchewan. There can't be anything worse than being sick on the road. Oh well, we are home again.

Seeing as today is Monday, I am posting my 7 things today again:

1. I am so grateful for good health - we have colds and stomach bugs at our house and you really appreciate feeling good when you don't!

2. Wealth - we got alot of wonderful gifts from family and I am so grateful for everything we have. I so often take what I have for granted and only want more. I forget to thank God for what I already have

3. Family - I got to meet some of Chris' family for the first time this holiday season. Chris hadn't seen his cousin in 26 years and I had never met her. It is great to meet and get to know his family - and they are so wonderful.

4. Chris - my wonderful husband is so patient with me - some days I drive him to the brink but he still waits my tantrums out and listens to me rant and rave.

5. Snow - I really don't like the winter or the snow, but the past few days has been so beautiful. While we were driving through Manitoba and Saskatchewan it was really foggy. The fog had put a layer of hoar frost on everything and it was just magnificent. It was the most beautiful drive I have ever experienced.

6. A new year - its a time for new beginnings and fixing old mistakes. Its like I've got a clean slate and I get to try to make it better this year - to be a better person this year. One of these days I'll get it right. Until then I keep trying and am continually thankful for the forgiveness of the Father.

7. Friends - I always post this one, I know, but this is consistantly true. I have been blessed with so many wonderful people who love me and bless me in so many ways. I cannot imagine a day of my life without all of them in it. I am a truly rich woman!!!

Well, I hope you all have a wonderful New Year's Eve. Don't party too hard - have a drink for me! Cheers all - I love ya and look forward to seeing you in 2008!!!

2007-12-19T14:37:00.000-07:00

Wishing all my dearest friends near and far a blessed Christmas and lots of new and exciting adventures in the New Year. I love you and will miss chatting with you for the next few weeks. I look forward to chatting with and seeing you all again in 2008. I love you all very much.

Its Monday again

2007-12-17T09:18:00.000-07:00

and I am manic. Only 4 days left until we leave for home and I have a MILLION things that need to get done. Today is laundry and packing day. It would be a ton easier to get things done if the kids weren't both home sick with colds today. Good thing its a quiet week at school and they won't be missing much. We had a nice weekend tho. We spent some time with a friend of Chris' and his wife. Darren and Chris have been friends since they were 16 - they even lived together for awhile. So having them in Edmonton is pretty cool - feels like home.

I am kinda nervous and excited today - I have a job interview with Edmonton Public Schools as a Teacher's Aide. I REALLY hope I get this - its pretty exciting. I figure with my experience with Autism, ADHD, ADD, GAD and SID I might actually have a shot. It's this afternoon - keep your fingers crossed for me please!!!

Here are my seven for the day. You might see a theme here today - I am like a little kid when it comes to Christmas. It's my favourite time of year so alot of my thanks today is Christmas related!

1. My girlies - I am so thankful for all the girls that I get to crop with every month. Went to Urban on Friday night and had a wonderful time exchanging Christmas gifts, eating and laughing.

2. Coffee - waking up in the morning to the smell is enough to get me out of bed in a REALLY HAPPY MOOD!!!!

3. Traditions - the comfort of Christmas traditions and the good memories and feelings that come with them.

4. Wrapping gifts - the excitement of knowing that you got someone EXACTLY what they wanted and how excited they will be when they open that special gift.

5. Chocolate - there is nothing better than comfort food - especially at Christmas. That's when the best chocolates come out.

6. Christmas carols - filling my house with the sounds of Christmas makes me feel all comfy and cozy inside

7. Going home - there is nothing better than spending Christmas with family. No matter what happens during the year, its the greatest place to be!

Hope you all have a wonderful week!!!

Another week is coming to an end

2007-12-14T09:01:00.000-07:00

and I am very happy about it. It has been a crazy week of finishing Christmas gifts and getting the kids hither and yon for all their activities. The kids had their Christmas concert at school last night and they had so much fun. Kiana and Malachi both love being on stage and being the centre of attention. They did really well and it was a wonderful evening.

I am very excited as well. I have a job interview with Edmonton Public Schools as a Teacher's Aide. I figured that since I have experience with Autism, ADHD, ADD and a variety of other disorders and disabilities I might as well try and put my knowledge to good use. I applied yesterday and got an interview for Monday afternoon. Please keep your fingers crossed that this works out for me.

And finally, I am hanging out with my girlies tonite - Urban Crop!!! Haven't seen them in almost a month and I'm going thru withdrawl. It'll be the last crop before the holidays. I can't wait to hang out, exchange gifts and just get some good scrapping in!!!

Have a wonderful weekend all!!!

Good Monday Morning

2007-12-10T09:36:00.000-07:00

The start of another week is here. Only 15 days until Christmas - are you ready yet?! We certainly are. We are heading back home to Winnipeg for Christmas this year again. Because we are, we did Christmas early at our house cuz we didn't want to fill the car with all our gifts for the kids and then bring them back again. Just doesn't make any sense, so we did Christmas with the kids this past weekend. The kids figured they are lucky because they get 2 Christmases this year. They loved all their presents and got spoiled terribly. I, of course, got spoiled from dh as well. Got a diamond heart pendant necklace and my new tattoo. Its an autism symbol that I had done on my ankle. And yes, it is EXTREMELY painful to get a tattoo on your ankle. But I love it and it was TOTALLY worth it.

And seeing that it's Monday - here are my Monday 7:

1. Coffee - I love the smell of coffee in the morning. There is nothing better than a good cup of coffee first thing in the morning.

2. Bath bombs - I got some yummy bath bombs from Lush Cosmetics . What a wonderful luxury.

3. My relationship with the kids - I am so lucky that I have such a wonderful and trusting relationship with my kids. I realized yesterday that they are comfortable talking to me about all sorts of stuff. It isn't a big deal now, but as they are entering the teenage years I am setting the stage for it continuing as they get older.

4. Nieces - I have the sweetest nieces ever. They called from Winnipeg to tell me that they were excited that I was coming for Christmas and staying with them. I love them and miss them terribly!

5. The Weather - I LOVE that its only -5 outside today. It is sooooo warm. This part of winter I LOVE!!!

6. Christmas - I love the feeling in the air that comes about 2 weeks before Christmas. I love the smell, the sounds, the spirit. I love it all.

7. Work - I am looking for a job for the first time in 10 years and I am thankful that I had the ability to be a SAHM for as long as I was and that hopefully I can get a great TA job with EPS!

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Missing Ma!

2007-12-06T09:54:00.000-07:00

See these beautiful wall hangings? My dear friend Ma gave them to me for the past 3 years as Christmas gifts. She was such a gifted quilter and she blessed me dearly with her craft. I put them up in my house this week as I'm getting ready for Christmas. I think that's why I miss her so much - I feel her love in every stitch. She spent looong hours making these beautiful gifts for me because she knew that I would love and appreciate them. I really wish that I could have just 5 more minutes with her just to tell her how much I love and miss her.

Christmas has come

2007-12-03T14:11:00.000-07:00

to our house. We decorated the tree on Friday and the kids had lots of fun. I love these two pictures of my kids. I have the greatest kids ever. We had the IKEA Christmas party this weekend too. It was alot of fun - didn't win any prizes but free food and wine is always fun. It was snowing when we left the party last night and it hasn't stopped yet. We will definitely be having a white Christmas this year. And Kiana had her 10th birthday yesterday too. WOW - I have a tween - man, that makes me feel old. I can't believe it!!!

Well, since it's Monday, here are my 7:

1. My amazing tween. I can't believe I gave birth to my little girl 10 years ago. Wow, is she growing up. She has an amazing heart for everyone around her. She is loving and giving. And she has a prayerful spirit. If anyone or anything comes to her mind she prays for them or prays about it. She has taught me so much in her 10 little years. Blessings my little girl! Thank you for being my heart.

2. Malachi is happiest for the little things. He thinks that I am his new hero. I found him the Bumblebee Transformer and he told me I was the best mom in the world. What a $15 toy can do.

3. My husband is amazing. He has a work ethic and a selflessness that warms my heart. So that his employees could have a good time, he worked during his Christmas party so the disturbances going on wouldn't affect everyone else at the party. Everybody had a great time and they barely even noticed that he was gone and dealing with a potentially dangerous situation.

4. Christmas is coming and I am so blessed by the season. I put out my Nativity scene and now I really feel Christmas. I feel thankful that my kids love and focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

5. My amazing friends. I know this is an oft commented thing, but every day I am blessed by the messages, phonecalls and thoughts that they send my way. God has truly blessed me with a plethora of love and support. Just a phone call to say "Hi" or "Oh no, what happened to your windshield?" always brings a smile to my face. Love ya my girls!!!

6. Finding a new church. I always hate trying to find a new church, but for the first time the kids are EXCITED to go to church. They love it and that's reason enough for me. They are meeting the needs of my kids and that's the most important thing.

7. Love of family - my parents and nieces and nephews called Kiana on the webcam yesterday and sang her "Happy Birthday" It makes it feel like they can be here for her party even if they aren't physically here. I LOVE technology - it makes you feel not so far away. I also love that my dad is (in his own little unchanging way) changing just a little and adopting some of this technology!

Hope you have a wonderful day! Love to you all!

It's Monday again

2007-11-26T18:49:00.001-07:00

and MAN is it coooooold. Its -25 with the windchill. It's amazing how the temperature can get sooooo cold so quickly. And we have snow - so I guess the winter is officially here. On a sad note, my Blue Bombers lost the Grey Cup yesterday. Our guys were great - they gave the Riders a run for their money, but it just wasn't to be. Maybe next year guys! And Milt - here's to praying that you'll put in one last year with the Blue and Gold. We're not ready to lose Turtleman yet!!! Please come back!

Today is Monday, so here are my 7:

1. I am so grateful for Kiana's enthusiasm. She had her singing competition last weekend. It didn't phase her that she was the only one in her voice class, she was thrilled with the fact that her certificate had 1st place on it. She scored an 83 on both her pieces and did quite well. Her confidence is soaring. She is ready for her next competition - I think we have created a monster.

2. I am so pleased with Malachi's determination. In June of last year he was at a grade one reading level, even though he was in grade two. We tried to encourage him to read more and in 5 months he has improved up to a grade three reading level. I am so proud of him and his perseverance.

3. I am so grateful for a God that loves me no matter how I screw up. Without grace and mercy I don't know where I would be.

4. Sherri is an amazing woman. In the last month she has been sweet and loving and supportive and bringing me out of my shell again. I love you for the person that you are!

5. Kelly is an amazing and encouraging friend. She is funny and makes me laugh. She is an inspiration to me and I love that I can tell her anything on the phone and she just listens. I love you too girl!!!

6. I so admire my husband's work ethic. I'm not sure that I could get called into work between 1:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. and still have such a positive attitude about it. He is a far better person than I

7. I appreciate the teachers and teachers' aides that work with my kids. It's Parent Teacher this week and I so appreciate all the understanding and support they give to my kids. So much of how my kids are is because of the teachers they work with. They have so much love and compassion for the kids - it just fills my heart.

Hope you have a wonderful day!

It's Monday again

2007-11-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

and I am a happy camper. My Winnipeg Blue Bombers have made it - they are going to the Cup!!!! We are ONE WIN AWAY!!!!!!

Alright, now back to my sane side. Since today is Monday, here is my list of 7 things I'm thankful for:

1. Chris is still healthy and bloodclot free after 2 years. We had a scare last week that he might have another bloodclot, but his health is good. He has to make a few minor changes in his life to be healthier, but that is much easier than worrying about bloodclots and the like.

2. Kiana has her voice competition on Saturday. God has blessed her with a gift and a natural ability and I hope she does well on Saturday. Please keep her in your thoughts this week.

3. Mom is getting better every day. She is still really sore and really bruised but she is getting better every day. She can't go out in public yet because she scares small children with her bruises, but she says that she is feeling much better.

4. My favourite season will soon be upon us and I can't wait. Christmas is such a wonderful time of celebration. Its a great time for me to contemplate the past year and the blessings God has bestowed upon me. It also gives me time to ponder what the next year will hold. I am grateful that God has given me another wonderful year with my family.

5. How is it that your friends always know when you need them? Thanx to Joey for being an amazing man and friend to both Chris and I. We love ya man.

6. Malachi is my soft hearted little boy. He and his best friend Polar(a stuffed puppy)sat in my lap and cried because he didn't want to grow up, get married and move away from me. I asked him what he wanted to do. He said "I want to grow up, live with you and Polar and just be myself. " What a kid!

7. my coffee - I cannot live without it. There is nothing better than waking up in the morning and smelling my coffee brewing.