Skipping Christmas???

Each year as Christmas approaches I hear grumbles from family and friends about the upcoming season. This year I have even noticed some of those grumbles appearing in blogland and it isn't even December yet.

I just don't understand!!

Christmas is a magical time for me. As December approaches, my excitement grows. What baking will I do? How will I decorate?? What gifts can I make this year???

Being in a new house makes it even more fun because it will all be new...old traditions and ornaments but shown in another way.

This anti-Christmas feeling makes me think about a Christmas movie I enjoy.

Christmas with the Kranks is a lighthearted movie staring Jamie Lee Curtis and Tim Allen. Throughout the movie the two main characters deal with the fall-out of their decision to just forget Christmas. The hussle, the insane buying, the activities...everything (except charity which Jamie's character insisits on). The reason for ignoring this holiday is their only child is gone for the holiday but that changes on Christmas eve when she calls to say she is coming home. Then insanity really does arise as they try to create the holiday season in less than 8 hours.

These two actors add humor and high-jynx throughout the show and in the end you have your mushey ending with Tim Allen's character understanding one of the main purposes of Christmas...thinking about others.

I could watch this movie over and over and often do...LOL
It also gets me in the mood for the season.

This year I decided to read the book this movie was made after. Now I will admit I often read books after seeing movies. I always expect more from the book.

Skipping Christmas by John Grisham didn't really offer me more. I must admit I didn't expect a heart-tugging book from this author and it was a nice read and great for the holiday season. However, I found the movie went into details more and with the added humor of these two actors the story flowed better. Maybe this is the rare case where the book should be read first.

Christmas is a busy time and often we get caught up in the unimportant points.
But could I ever skip Christmas....never!! Christmas is a time of warmth, humor, tradition and sappiness that I look forward to being involved with each year. It is a time when people remember the importance of being human....helping others and spending time with those you love.

Hopefully one day we will be able to expand that warming feeling to stay with us year round.

Which reindeer are you????

Which reindeer are you?

You're Rudolph - the leader of the pack! You are full of Christmas spirit...after all, you lead the way every Christmas eve!
Take this quiz!








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Christmas is coming!!!

The clock is ticking and the season is almost upon us...so to get in the mood...a Christmas meme for you.

1. Egg nog or hot chocolate?Love both but neither likes me....give me gingerbread tea anyday though or tea with bailey's

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree?
Santa fills the stockings and put one unwrapped gift under the tree Christmas eve.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
White lights all the way

4. Do you hang mistletoe?
I love to hang a kissing ball. Last house didn't have a good entrance.
This one does :-)

5. When do you put up your decorations?
They start sneaking into places as soon as December 1st is here.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
Stuffing all the way...LOL
I am a bread fanatic.

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child?
Going carolling in my small town on hay covered wagon and then meeting up at the school gymn for a potluck

8. Favorite movie?
Any Christmas carole movie...especially The Muppet Christmas Carole

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
One gift Christmas eve...usually pjs and a video

10. What kind of decorations are on your Christmas tree?
I have a very eclectic tree. Combination of decorations that I have collected over the years and things my grandmother had on her tree. Nothing matches.

11. Snow! Love it or dread it?
Love the snow but hate the cold.
However just doesn't feel like christmas if there isn't a bit on the ground.

12. Can you ice skate?
I spend more time on my butt on the ice but I can limp around the rink if I need to.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
My favorite gift growing up was a table and chair set my uncles got me when I was 5 or 6.
My favorite gift from my hubby is a green suede coat and silver locket.

14. What’s the most important thing about the holidays for you?
Family time

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert?
White chocolate raspberry cookies

16 What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Lots....mainly the activites with my daughter

17. What tops your tree?
an angel

18. What is your favorite holiday book?
The gift of the Magi

19. What is your favorite Christmas song?
Too many to list

20. Candy canes?
Yum! I like the regular, white and red ones. The Spearmint ones are great too!

Tag!! You're it!

Its Turkey day in the States

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL MY AMERICAN FRIENDS

Gratitude Monday

This weeks affirmation:


Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.

-Dr. Seuss

I am grateful for......
1. a loving husband
2. the smile of my daughter
3. the ability to be a stay at home mom if I want
4. going out with a friend for coffee
5. crafts
6. memories of my grandmother
7. christmas traditions
8. the ability to see the positive even when things are overwhelmingly negative
9. crisp mornings
10. the quiet of the morning with a good cup of tea

Peeping Friday

It's Friday!!
Then end of the work week.
All I want to do is knit lately...not complete projects....just knit, knit, knit!!!

Over-zealous behavior can be a disaster.
Has this ever happened to you???


Knitting along happily. Making lots of progress and then it happens. A mistake is found. Be it a dropped stitch. Too many stitches. Pattern doesn't work. Sigh.
Here it is too many stitches and after 20 minutes of looking the project over and over and over....


I had to frog the project. All that beautiful work reduced to a pile of yarn.
But then I saw a positive in the experience. Why knit the sweater in pieces.
So I wound the yarn back into a neat ball and cast on stitches to make it in the round.

I think it looks much better this time around.

I also found some gorgeous novelty yarn. I showed it some time last month.
It was a light greeny-blue with pieces of yarn and fabric woven into it.
Well I finally made it into a scarf.

I love it!!!
And this one is not going to be gifted to anyone but me. LOL
Now I am thinking maybe I should go back to the LYS and see if they have some more. Make gloves with it on the cuff and maybe a hat in a similar color.
Would make a stylish set for the oncoming winter.

And finally I want to introduce you to a new friend of mine.
Sheridan turned 11 last month and as part of her gift, we visited Build a Bear
This is one of her favorite things to do. I believe this is her third or fourth time. While there I saw they had Harley clothes. So what did I do....I made myself a stuffy as well.

May I introduce to you....Harley the Bunny

And the winner is........

Emmitt Smith and Cheryl Burke. YIPEE!!!

I, like many of your viewers out there, was sucked into the hysteria of "Dancing with the Stars". I religiously watched the show both Tuesday and Wednesday...cheering successes and mourning losses.

When Vivica Fox was voted out....I was saddened.
When Jerry Springer finally limped off the show....I had mixed feelings. It was his time to go but his humorous approach would be missed.
When Sarah Evans opted out I was heart-broken. She had come so far.

Then came the semi-finals....Joey, Emmitt and Mario.
I didn't know which way to cheer. I loved Emmitt's charism, Mario's passion and Joey's innocence. It was difficult seeing Joey leave...but he left with his head held high. He had done well and had no regrets.

Down to the last two. Who would win???
I must admit I leaned towards Emmitt. Mario was passionate and commited...but a bad boy...breaking rules. Emmitt was noble...gracious....consistant.

The announcement was made...Emmitt won...and his first statement was to thank Cheryl and Mario. How gracious and humble can a man be. Sigh
And let us not forget that Cheryl was part of the winning team last season as well


It will be interesting to see season 4.
Will Cheryl be back and if so...will they pair her with someone with two left feet.

I guess we will all have to wait until March to find out.

No time to waste

Let us not forget!!

So far behind......

I think I'm catching up.

Have you ever had one of those months where you are doing lots but it appears as if nothing is ever accomplished. Sigh!! That has been my life lately. I have every intention of blogging. Putting up pictures. Having witty things to say. And what happens. NOTHING!!!


Who enjoys presents??? I do! I do!
I admit it shamelessly. I love to be spoiled. The wonder and the surprize of packages that are unopened. It makes me feel like a kid again...all the awe and amazement of it all.

This is one reason I love swaps. Oh don't get me wrong. I love to spoil others too. But who doesn't like to go to the mailbox and have something inside waiting to be opened.

Boo-ty Swap was my latest to arrive. I am late posting here...but as a good spoilee I notified my spoiler of its arrival and my great pleasure (late of course...LOL)



Lissa was very generous and took time to get to know me and my many likes.

In my box of surprizes I had two balls of wool, a book of puns, earrings, cake topper decorations, a tablecloth/napkin with a Halloween theme and my absolute all time without a doubt favorite



This angel windchime is just breathtaking. I am a HUGE angel collector and this one just fits into my collection so nicely.

Thank you so much Lissa for all the presents you sent my way.

Gratitude Monday

Weekly affirmation
The best portion of a good man's life: his little, nameless unremembered acts of kindness and love.

-William Wordsworth

I am grateful for
1. quiet mornings to reflect
2. the clean white look of fresh snow
3. giggles drifting thru the house
4. the feel of soft yarn pulling thru my fingers
5. a good book
6. security
7. the love of a good man
8. figuring out what works for me and my life
9. knowing I have support whatever my decisions
10. friendships

Something silly and fun

I saw this on Knit2blog1 and couldn't resist. Laughter is the best medicine for anyone. Therefore I challenge anyone who reads this to join me in being silly :-)

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: ( pet and current street name) Sierra Sheep River

2. YOUR MOVIE STAR NAME: (grandfather/grandmother on your moms side, your favorite candy) Sarah Callebeut

3. YOUR "FLY Guy/Girl" NAME: (first initial of last name, first three letters of your middle name) P. Lyn

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal) Red Dog

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born) Lynette Lethbridge

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name, first 2 letters of mom's maiden name and first 3 letters of the town you grew up in.) Peijaharay

7. SUPERHERO NAME: ("The", your favorite color, favorite drink) The Red Green Tea Frapaccino

8. NASCAR NAME: (the first name of both your grandfathers) Peter Donald

9. FUTURISTIC NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne and the name of your favorite shoes) Lovely Sneakers

10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother/father's middle name ) Ann Ray

Peeping Friday

I've been thinking a lot about my grandmother lately.
She was a gentle soul and a true blessing in my life. It took me many years to realize how lucky I was. She was an only child who left school early to work and help out her mother, when her father disappeared. Having a strong faith in a higher power, she lived her life through kind words and acts. Married late in life (was 28 in 1944...an old maid...gasp!!) and still had 6 children. Then she had the heart to take in a small baby and raise her too (that would be me) LOL

She was of the old school who believed that a girl should know how to knit, crochet, sew and cook.....but progressive enough to talk about anything and everything. Our home was always open to the kids in the neighborhood and she was called "mom" and "grandma" by those who frequented our door. My uncles and aunts always talk about on "bread day" my grandmother always made a couple extra pans of cinnamon buns because she knew that her visitors would appreciate them.

One of these cooking traditions was puffed wheat squares.


Every year about 2 days before Halloween, my grandmother would pull out this old black caldron style pan. It was huge!! She would line the counter with pans, margarine, puffed wheat, cocoa, Roger's syrup, brown sugar, and vanilla and then she would start to work. She would work all morning filling the pans with the chocolately creation. Then once cooled and set, the squares were cut and placed into baggies with the treat of the year. One year it was tootsie pops, the next it could be chocolate bars or gum.

We handed out these treats of love every year and kids always knew what to expect at our house. We didn't worry about if the treat was safe or could the "old lady" be trusted. It was a tradition.

To this day it isn't Halloween until I pull out my baking supplies and create this dessert for my family. It makes me feel close to a special lady that isn't here in body anymore...but I can feel her spirit everyday in the little things I do.

Puffed Wheat Squares

1/2 cup margarine
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup Rogers Syrup
2- 3 tbsps cocoa
2 tsp vanilla
Bring to a boil...let bubble for a couple of minutes
Add 8 cups puffed wheat
Stir
Pour into margarine greased pan.
Press. Cool. Cut. Enjoy!!!


This same lady taught me to knit and crochet. At the age of 7 she pulled out some knitting needles. They were huge to me! I remember my grandfather cutting one in half and melting the tip. She also pulled out a small bag that was big enough to hold one ball of yarn. The bag also had a small hole on one side, which the yarn was to be pulled thru.

She sat me down on the couch and patiently taught me the simple skill.
With the patience of Job she taught me the stitches over and over until I got the hang of it. A knitter was born. LOL

Admittedly this obsession comes in streaks. I can knit nothing for a couple of months and then BAM! I am off knitting up a storm again. That is happening again.

I went into a local yarn store I love. Don't visit it much because it is a long drive. Anyway....Went for a couple balls of wool...and came out with this.


Then I went in search of more Bernat Marsala. The blanket I am crocheting obviously was meant for a pygmy because I wouldn't call it a blanket of any kind. LOL
And while picking up more yarn for this blanket I found some pretty pink to make one for my daughter too...

I think I have lots to keep me going for awhile anyway.

Questions answered

Shelby ,my SP9 hostess, has asked that we answer a few questions. As usual I am running late...but not too late!

1. Where is your favorite knitting spot?
I knit lots of places...in the car waiting for my daughter from school, at work, but my all time favorite place is curled up in front of the TV watching a good movie, snuggled with a blanket and having a good cup of tea. Sigh!!

2. If you suddenly could never knit again (shudder) - what would you do instead?
God forbid that this should ever happen but I would just pick up one of my many other crafting projects. As long as I can create, I am happy.

3. If you could travel anywhere in the world - where would you go and why?
I would either travel the Southern States...big civil war sucker.
Or I would travel the British Isles. My grandmother's family came from there and I grew up with stories of knights and ladies fair.

4. When you were little - What did you want to do "when you grew up?" Are you doing it?
I wanted to be a teacher and most of all a mom. In a way I am both....because isn't a mom just a teacher who isn't paid???

5. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
When I cheat and have ice cream...I LOVE tiger!! Yummo!!!!

List your favorite:

Actor -How can I chose...hmmmm
I like the old classy actors...Cary Grant, Clark Gable, and in that way I find Sean Connery falls in the same category.
Actress - Once again...how to chose. I like things of Bette Davis, Vivian Leigh, Katherine Hepburn. Modern actresses...I like Sandra Bullock, Ashley Judd, and Julia Roberts
Animal - Puppies all the way
Band - Barenaked Ladies
Book - Harry Potter Series and Tin Flute
Bubble Bath - Absolutely! Oh you mean the kind...probably a floral scent...roses, jasmine
Candy - Chocolate and peanuts combined. I love the salty/sweet combo
Color - Red, red and oh did I mention red...LOL I also like oranges, rusts...anything vibrant.
Drink- Green tea frappacino or French vanilla cappacino
Flower - Carnation
Food - Shrimp or a good steak dinner
Lip Balm - Simple blistex
Lotion - Jergens
Movie - Gone with the Wind
Place- Home....I love the colors, the prairies, and the mountains. Nothing like having it all. As Dorothy said "there is no place like home."
Song - REO Speedwagon Can't Fight This Feeling
TV Show - Any CSI or Law and Order show. Kate and Allie
Yarn- Anything soft to the touch and colorful
Vacation Spot - Anywhere the motorcycle can run. Really like going thru countryside on the bike looking at the views and enjoying the company of my hubby.

Who doesn't like Presents???

I want to send out a huge thank you to Angela She was my spoiler from Knitters Tea Swap 2

This morning was a bit sad and slow because my daughter left for camp. I was dragging. Didn't know what to do and then I found a card in my mailbox for a package. Could it be? I wondered. So off I drove to pick up whatever it was. When they handed me a box...I must admit I felt like a kid with at Christmas.


I came home and slowly unwrapped my treasures.


It started with a gorgeous handmade card, followed by two bags of loose tea by Nokaido (Asian Pear and Vanilla Orange), 2 packages of wafers, a magnet, a package of tea wrappers, a book called Tea: the Essence of the leaf. Then I found a cute teapot and cup and two balls of Naturally Landscape yarn in a rust/red combo colors. I just feel so loved right now.



As I type this note I am enjoying the Asian Pear green tea (yum) My dog, Scout, decided which to try first...she smelled both and licked this package (LOL) A sign of choice.

The pot and cup have brought back great memories of my grandmother who was a devote tea drinker. We always had tea atleast 3 times a week. Nothing hit and miss. She would warm the pot, and then let it steep the necessary time. The amber liquid would be poured into a china cup and we would sit and drink this with the cookie of the week that sat on a lovely china plate in front of us.

Thank you so much Angela for the gifts and sparking such wonderful memories of years past.

Creative juices

This time of year is always the same....my knitting obsession comes out in full force. I see patterns I want, yarns I must have and I just can't get enough.

Season always starts out the same...scarves.
I went to one of my haunts last Sunday and found some new novelty wool.
Can't explain why I love this stuff so much....I have more than enough scarves to keep my little neck warm...but here I am knitting new scarves for the season.


Also on one of my LYS searches I found this pattern....



And the best news was the required yarn was on sale :-)
I love the tank version....will be great under a jacket in cool weather or by itself in warm.
So of course it had to be started right away...LOL


Another curse of the knitting bug is Christmas is just a little ways away.
I enjoy making gifts when I can and came across this great blanket pattern.


The crochet version had more character so I dusted off my crochet hook and went to work. My skills are a bit rusty but its a lot like riding a bicycle...you never forget. I am already half done and its only mid-October. YIPEE!!!



So that's it for now...but I am itching to start something else...hmmmmm?
What should I make next????

Peeping Friday

Now the question is....am I serious or is this just a funny? ;-)

New challenge

The autumn leaves are falling and cooler weather has arrived.
As things prepare for the long winter ahead, my desire to knit re-awakens. With a bang!!

Around this time of year I get the urge to knit. Its uncontrollable! I spend hours drooling over pictures of knitwear. Think about yarns, colors and patterns. It is a cycle that I have accepted.

So to warm up my fingers...remove the kinks and rust from non-use....I pull out the needles and some novelty yarn that has caught my eye and start knitting....scarves! I just love novelty yarn. There are so many. Yesterday I grabbed one at a local yarn store and I am in heaven...LOL It is similar to an eyelash but so vibrant and soft. Sigh I will show a completed picture later.

As I was browsing patterns...this caught my eye.


At first I wasn't sure about this style. Who wants a knitted skirt? And ribbons on my butt...are you insane!! But for some reason I kept coming back to it. So I did the ultimate test....I showed it to my hubby. This is a man who plays Switzerland on almost everything. When asking for an opinion on what I look like in an outfit...I usually get "as long as you like it dear." Grrr!! Not really want a girl wants to hear (but that is another story)

I was curious - would I get a response of any kind. And you could of knocked me over with a feather when I did. He had a positive response. Shocker!!!
Said it would look quite nice on a lady with curves. HMMMM?!?!?

This got me thinking. I must be returning to this pattern for a reason. What would it look like on me? And I realized two things. One...I had to make this skirt. And two...I needed to start taking care of myself...lose some weight and tone...
I know I would love this skirt for work.

So I went out and bought this.....

and an exercise ball and resistance band.

I read the book....customized an exercise plan to achieve my desired goals...which was to lose some weight and focus my attention to my core.
I know I can do this. Goal one: Lose 15 lbs by Christmas.

I will post my measurements and weight every two weeks to show my progress...for myself mostly.

Starting weight: 165lbs
Measurements: chest: 41 1/2
waist: 36
hips: 39 1/2
bicep: 12 1/2
calf: 15
thigh: 23

Then the next hurdle will be to find the bamboo yarn to create this beauty.
But of course that is a challenge for another day........

Happy Thanksgiving

Hope you all have a wonderful day!!


This week's affirmation:
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.

-Aristotle


I am grateful for.....
1. a day to spend with my family
2. Crisp mornings
3. birds singing
4. smells the envoke strong memories of my childhood
5. a compliment from a stranger
6. the eyes of my animals as they look at me
7. a hug from my husband
8. a clean kitchen
9. moments of complete laziness :-)
10. fuzzy slippers

SP9 questionaire

First let me start with an apology to my spoiler.
Sorry its taken to long to get this poster....life just gets in the way sometimes.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I love yarns that are soft and fun....I am not a yarn snob...love the novelty yarns as much as the silk, and handpainted. Just hate anything scratchy.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

Right now a drawer...but have fabric cut out to make a couple rolls

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

Have been knitting since I was 7. OMG!! that's 34 years. My grandmother taught me all the fun lady crafts. I am a knitter who is still learning.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

No...just in my head

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)

Love jasmine and lavender....fruity smells....vanilla....I just love pretty smells.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

OMG yes!! Love chocolate, jelly bellies, things that combine sweet and salty.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

Crochet, scrapbook, bead, paint...you name it...if I haven't tried it I would love too. Haven't done spinning yet...but thinking it might be fun.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

Like 80s, country, musicals, classical....almost everything. Not crazy about rap.
Yes I have an MP3 player.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

I love vibrant colors...mainly reds, rusts, yellows, blues, greens....LOL okay I just love color

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

Married with one daughter
2 cats, 1 dog, hamster and beta fish

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Yes to all but ponchos...haven't found a pattern I like yet


12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Knit almost anything. Like sweaters when I have the time to concentrate and scarves or dishclothes when I need something mindless

13. What are you knitting right now?

afghan for FIL, sweater for me and swiffer cloths to use at home

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Love them!!! They are given with love.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Like them all...but are starting to like bamboo the best

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

No to both

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

I have a sweater that I just keep frogging and starting over...been 2 years now

18. What is your favorite holiday?

I love all holidays but if I have to chose just one I would say Christmas.

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Angels, angels, oh and did I say angels....LOL
Like cookbooks and knitting pattern books.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

Bamboo yarn from SWTC (just love Intolerable Cruelty)
Patterns by SWTC...Diamonds in Bamboo, Bobbie, Balleria Tank and Sweetheart (these are difficult to find in Canada)
Addi Turbo Needles (Interesting)
Cast On magazine (once again hard to find)
One Skein
Stitch Bitch Nation
Mason Dixon Knitting

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

Would love to do a project that included knitting with beads

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Tried once and didn't do well. Have bought a new book and am going to try again.
shoe size is 7 1/2 measurement of foot from heel to big toe is 9"

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)

August 1st

Peeping Friday....have you ever noticed....

how when on vacation we "ooohhh" and "aaawww" over the beautiful countryside....the views. Oh how breathtaking - is a common phrase out of my mouth when visiting other
places.

Well today I decided to really look at the place I live. And you know what?
It is just as awe-inspiring here as anywhere else.

Wanna see????







I am so lucky...I have mountains about an hour away but can view them on a clear day from home. We have a river surrounded by trees flowing thru out town and we have flat prairies with trees that now are colored with yellows, and oranges.

Viewing home thru a tourists eyeglass helps me appreciate what I have right here.

When I come back in another life....

I want to be a cat :-)

What a life!!
Sleep all day....enjoy the sun...ignore people unless I really want to deal with them...and be fed all kinds of treats.




And with a face like this...all melt who see her (let's not discuss her personality)


On another note....I just have to share.
I had coffee with a girlfriend today. Her daughter is 4 and has stolen my heart from the day I first met her. Today she drew me a picture.
This is her rainbow for my fridge.


I was one of those mom's whose fridge was never seen because it was always covered top to bottom with Sheridan's "treasures" of the week. I loved displaying her art with pride. There is still a picture she painted back in grade one showcased in my kitchen.

I am her biggest fan!

But the days of the simple abstracts are finished. She now has content and form, color, shading and method. What joy to relive those simple pleasures with my friend Makenna.

Back from the great beyond......

OMG!!!
Has it really been 3 months since my last post. Where has the time gone???

In that time, I have moved, survived reno "hell" and taken two great mini-vacations.

I figure the best way to come back from the beyond is to start with my gratitude list. So here we go....


Weekly affirmation:
Dreams are but thoughts until their effects be tried.
William Shakespeare


I am grateful for....

1. a loving family
2. a new home
3. crisp mornings
4. studying new things
5. my desire to create
6. a positive attitude
7. my daughter's fresh outlook on life
8. vibrant colors of autumn
9. the ability to travel and see life in other places
10. my husband's enthusiasm

Peeping Friday

Well the day is fast approaching...
What day you ask? Moving day of course. House is piled high with boxes.




Fridge is getting more bare by the minute. I have a large assortment of items for the Canadian Diabetes Association They take small household items like dishes, linens and knick knacks and sell them to a local thrift store for money for their cause. Also have junk guys showing up any minute to take away all the stuff that can't be reused.

Moving is definitely a way to clean house...LOL
And I am saying that in the new house everything will have a home. Sure hope I can stay true to my plan.

Even our inquistive kitty is helping by packing herself...LOL


However I cannot say the same for our little ray of sunshine.
She is getting tired of the process. Always asking "how many more days?"
Her treasures are disappearing daily. Her playdates are dwindling as I don't want kids over and her precious trampoline is being dismantled by the end of the weekend.
Moving is NO FUN in her opinion!


I am sure the smile will return once the day is over and she starts feeling at home in the new place.
5 days left....but who's counting? ;-)

A to Z meme

I saw this on another blog and just couldn't resist.....

A = Age: 40

B = Birthday: August 1st

C = Career: Wife, mother, reflexologist and front desk service at drycleaner

D = Dad’s Name: Donald Raymond

E = Essential Item to Bring to a Party: Dessert...anything sinful!!

F = Favorite Songs at the Moment: Rhianna (SOS and Unfaithful) or

G = Goof-Off Thing to Do: Watch movies, read...just veg out

H = Hometown: Raymond, Alberta

I = Instrument You Play: Nothing...always wanted to play the piano or guitar...just never had the time or money

J = Jam or Jelly You Like: Peach jam

K = Kids: 3...one walks with me and two walk with God

L = Living Arrangements: Moving from a 2 storey to a bungalow backsplit with my hubby, dd and zoo of animals

M = Mom’s Name: Dorothy Ann

N = Name’s of Good Friends: Cindy, Peggy and Nadine...plus some online buddies who touch my heart

O = Overnight Hospital Stays: When I was born and for the birth of my children

P = Pets: Siberian Huskey= Scout, 2 cats = Sierra and Patches, Beta fish = Ming and soon to be a hamster

Q = Quotes You Like: Maya Angelou

One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

When you know better, you do better.

R = Relationship Status: Happily married to the man that befriended me and captured my heart.

S = Siblings: 7 half/step brother's and sister's....long story LOL

T = Tea: Jasmine green tea

U = Unique Trait: compassionate heart

V = Vegetables You Love: Corn on the cob, beets, kalurabi

W = Worst Traits: pushy and emotional

X = X-Rays You’ve Had: Yes on my knee

Y = Yummy Food You Make: Cheesecake, fudge brownies, doughnuts, lefsa

Z = Zodiac Sign: Leo

If you'd like to do this, consider yourself tagged.

Gratitude Monday

This week's affirmation
It is not the cards you are dealt but what you do with them that counts.
-Anonymous

I am grateful for.....
1. the small things that re-remind me why I feel in love with that special someone over and over again
2. empathy and an understanding ear for friends when they require it
3. the ray of sun that appears after a hard rain
4. a couch, 3 blankets, 3 people snuggled in and the peace of the moment
5. boxes
6. the time with my 2 boys even though it was a blink of an eye in this world
7. visiting with family from far way
8. the ability to understand other's points of view even when I don't agree
9. creative urges
10. time moving along quickly until the day we move to our new home :-)

Birthdays, scarey bikers and big hearts

Raining again :-(
Hopefully this isn't a return of last year and all the floods...sigh

Indoor play always leads to computer time and what fun I am having.

Check this out....

Your Birthdate: August 1

You are a natural born leader, even if those leadership talents haven't been developed yet. You have the power and self confidence to succeed in life, and your power grows daily. Besides power, you also have a great deal of creativity that enables you to innovate instead of fail. You are a visionary, seeing the big picture instead of all of the trivial little details. Your strength: Your supreme genius Your weakness: Your inappropriate sensitivity Your power color: Gold Your power symbol: Star Your power month: January

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

What a hoot! A leader? Me???? Everything about my birth sign says yes. Leo's are supposed to be leaders...stand out in the crowd...loving attention. And while this is true sometimes, I often avoid the limelight. Does this mean I need to grow into who I am??? Hhmmmmmm!!!


This past weekend there was a Charity ride in Lethbridge, Alberta. Bikers were to gather stuffed animals that were to be donated to the local hospital. Since we acquired our first motorcycle, hubby and daughter have participated. Great family tradition.


This is Clay's and his dad's bike loaded up for the ride



One guy challenged all those at his place of employment to donate. This is his bike showing how generous his workmates were.


After riding thru town from the Harley Davidson Shop to the hospital all participants gathered to collect the precious toys.



It always amazes me to listen to people talk about bikers. When you hear the name the mind conjures up images of scarey looking men, nasty personalities, and people gone wild. But my experience has been much different. While many may look scarey (LOL) or different from the norm, they can have some of the biggest hearts you will ever encounter. This is just one of many events that occur thru the biking season. As you can see many children will be made a little happier because of the generosity of those scarey bikers :-)