I am SOOOOOOOOO ANGRY!!!!!!

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,

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

Good Monday morning!

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!

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

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

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!

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

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!

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!!!

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!!!

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!

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

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

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!

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!

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!!!

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

Happy St. Patty's Day!

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

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!