2011: A Look Ahead

Well, the New Year is almost upon us.  Time for change; new things, ect.  Of course, as we are all well aware, days continue on as they did before the striking of the clock at midnight on the 31st of December.  But, we still long for some sort of change to happen...or do we?

Sorry to be so deep this morning.  Must be the snow falling outside my window, or the fact that I am writing on my hubby's work laptop.  Either way, I am feeling like a writing machine today.  I will most likely blog on my other site today, too (http://walkslight.blogspot.com/) , so be sure to check that out.

Anyway, this year will prove to be an interesting one.  We are heading to Disneyland at the end of January as a family for a week.  That should prove to be an adventure.  The kids are excited.  I am, too!  I think we will have a good time.

Also, my sister is moving in July to Florida to work at Walt Disney World for a year.  She will be working at Epcot in the Canadian pavillion in foods and services.  Her blog of this adventure is here: http://disneyjen.blogspot.com/. This means she is quitting her job at WestJet.  This means less trips for us, but I think this will be a great thing for her.  A great adventure and a good growth experience.

I am going to be on the job search again this coming year.  So that should be something.  I am not sure what I will end up doing, but I am trusting that God has something in store for me.  He really has been helping me to understand what He wants of me and giving me a desire to enter back into teaching of some sort.  I feel it is time to begin again.

So as this year closes out and a new one begins, what do you think God has in store for you?  Will you listen to His call?  What changes do you see in the future?

Whatever your answers, may you all have a wonderful New Year's Eve (whatever you do) and New Year's Day!!

Merry Christmas!

May you all have a very Merry Christmas!!  Many blessings to you and yours in the coming year!!

Fall Into Reading 2010: Wrap Up!!

Well it is that time.  Time to wrap-up our reading challenge.  I have really enjoyed it.  It has made my reading this fall something to work towards.  It has kept me accountable, as well.  Thus, I have been reading far more than I would have otherwise!!

Some things I have learned:
 - I do not need to read everything I think I need to read (i.e. Catcher and the Rye)
 - Also, just because a book is a classic does not mean that it is GOOD (i.e. Catcher and the Rye)
 - Sometimes it is nice to just read for pleasure, simple easy books!!
 - I don't think I will ever be ready for the 'post modern' novel...

So with all of that under my belt, here is my final list!!

1) The Short 2nd Life of Brie Tanner - Stephanie Meyers (Read)

2) The Hangman's Curse - Frank Peretti (Read)

3) Your God is Too Safe - Mark Buchanan (Couldn't get into it)

4) Catcher and the Rye (Could not get into!)

5) Guardians of Ga'Hoole Series (have read 5 of the 8 books)

6) Round Robin (Elm Creek Quilt Series) - Jennifer Chiaverini (Read)

7) Blue Corn Murders - (read)

8) One Hundred Million Hearts - Kerri Sakamoto (read)

9) The Best Christmas Pageant Ever - Barabara Robinson (read)

Fall Into Reading 2010: An Update

I have added and removed books from this list.  I will continue to change it as the time goes on.  I am loving all the reading I have been doing!  It's been awesome!!



1) The Short 2nd Life of Brie Tanner - Stephanie Meyers (Read)


2) The Hangman's Curse - Frank Peretti (Read)

3) Your God is Too Safe - Mark Buchanan (Couldn't get into it)

4) Catcher and the Rye (Could not get into!)

5) Guardians of Ga'Hoole Series (have read 5 of the 8 books)

6) Round Robin (Elm Creek Quilt Series) - Jennifer Chiaverini (Read)

7) Blue Corn Murders - (read)

8) One Hundred Million Hearts - Kerri Sakamoto (Currently reading)

9) The Best Christmas Pageant Ever - Barabara Robinson (Currently Reading with son)

Manders' Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside My Window...traffic is rushing by.  Cars are speeding to work and trucks are making their deliveries.  It is just beginning to get light outside.  I can't wait until this weekend when we move our clocks back an hour...One final attempt to hold onto as much sunlight during the day as possible.

I am thinking...that it is nice to not have to drive my son to school today because he is sick.  It should be a nice relaxing day.

I am thankful for...God's faithfulness and His teachings to me this fall through my study of the Psalms of Ascent.  I am learning a lot and being challenged in the process.  God is good.

From the learning rooms...See the one above.  Beth Moore has been teaching us about the Feasts in the Old Testament.  This is really useful knowledge.  I love her teachings so much!

From the kitchen...Emma and I have been baking a lot of things lately.  (And it shows on my waiste line...LOL!)  She loves it and it has challenged me to bake, even though I do not like to bake as much as my Mother and Sister.

I am wearing...sweats and a t-shirt.

I am creating...a Christmas cloth or two from some lovely Christmas wool I found at Wal-mart.  The first one is a Santa cloth.  It is turning out pretty good.  I may try a Snowman shaped one next.

I am going...to a conference for Children's Ministry this weekend.  I am very excited.  Last year it was so good.  I even got to paint (see below) and we started doing Family Night once a week.  I can't wait to see what God has in store for me this year.

I am reading...nothing at the moment.  I want to find my Harry Potter books...

I am hoping...that all of the rides at Disneyland will be open when we go at the end of January.

I am hearing...the furnace, the kids playing in their rooms waiting for Mommy to get them up, and the coffee pot...

Around the house...cleaning has been happening in preparation for Christmas.

One of my favorite things...is Christmas.  So we are entering my favoritest time of year.  I love it.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: a conference, church, small group and some baking.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

This is the painting I made at the Conference last year.  It speaks about worshipping God.  We send our praises up (the color) and He sends His love down (the gold).  Worship is something so near and dear to my heart.  I love leading people in worship, especially kids.

Wordless Wednesday: A Fairytale Halloween

Tuesday Tunes 67: Never Think

I hope you all had a wonderful Halloween.  I have really not been into blogging too much lately.  I apologize.  Life is busy these days, running kids back and forth to school and such.

Anyway, my sister and I used the "Halloween" opportunity to watch "Twilight" again.  I have really been into Rob Pattinson songs lately.  He has some on YouTube that he has performed in clubs and such.  There are a couple of his on the Twilight soundtrack as well.

This one is used in the movie when Bella and Edward are in the restaurant, after her run in with the crazy guys in Port Angeles.  (On a side note:  I was actually in Port Angeles... when I was a baby!  Stayed overnight!)  Anyway, I really like it.

Someone said that they wished Rob Pattinson would have been known for his music before his Edward role.  I agree.  He has talent!!  Enjoy!

Friday Fill-In: Happy Halloween!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!  Here's some Friday fill-in fun!!

1. While the cat's away the mice will run around searching for food, make a mess and generally reek havoc on the cat's territory.  All in good fun, right?

2. Reese Peanut Butter Cups are fabuloso!  That's all that needs to be said about that!

3. Children are a gift from the Lord and I can't imagine my life without them.  Here are some examples of what has been said recently around our house:

Me: "Emma, why do you like Buzz Lightyear (Toy Story character) so much?"
Emma: "Because I just love him!"

Me: "Emma decided to rip the stings off her princess wand!"
Emma: "And I'm sorry!"

Lady that works in Aidan's Lunchroom: "How are you doing today, Aidan?"
Aidan: "Fine.  Thank-you for asking!"

You can't make this stuff up!!

4. The shoes come off when I get home from work or shopping or what have you.   My feet are free!!

5. This may seem odd, but my Mom kinda freaked me out last night in her clown costume.  She looked too realistic!

6. I have nothing to do tonight and that seems like a fine idea to me!  I need a down night!!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to doing nothing, tomorrow my plans include running to the bank and church and Sunday, I want to go grocery shopping and then spend the afternoon at my parent's house and go trick-or-treating with the kids later!

The Amazing Race, Ep. 5: The Fast Forward is Taken?

I know!  I know!  I have missed a few episodes.  Life has been crazy!  But, without furthur ado, here's my recap of this week's episode!

Norway was the scene.  It was filled with snow, gondolas, boats, bikes and rapelling.  I must say that watching them do that rapelling on the bridge really made my arms hurt!  I mean, the whole coordination between your legs and arms is HARD work.  And they had a long way to climb back up!

In the end, Nat and Kat (Drs.) finished first...again.  I am noticing a trend.  They took the fast forward and had to eat a sheep's head.  (Eyes included!)  Since one of them hadn't eaten meat in years, it was an interesting challenge to watch, but not as gross as some other eating challenges.  My father said, "Why are their eating challenges always like Fear Factor?"  This challenge, though, didn't seem that bad.  No one puked.  That's something!

At the detour, they had the choice of biking or boating.  Biking was quicker, but the boating didn't seem to take too much extra time, which worked out well for Kevin and his Dad.  (My favorite team right at the moment!)  They are so funny!  I was glad that they came in 4th place.

And then there was the comedic team of the evening: Tattoo couple, who continually astound and dumbfound us with their 'blondness'.  Last night was no exception.  They arrive at the Road Block and decide to try for the Fast Forward, even though they were second last.  As stated above, Nat and Kat had already gorged themselves on sheep's head and were safely across the finish line by the time the tattooers arrived there.  There was a sign that read "Fast Forward Taken".  If you have ever watched The Amazing Race, you would know that that means the Fast Forward has been taken by another team.  Not our tattoers.  No.  They stood there looking at the sign, wondering aloud, "What does that mean?"  ......Huh?  Wow!  You don't know what that means? 

Anyway, they looked around.  The stayed for a few minutes.  Then they decided to move on, but not without giving us more to look back on and laugh at!

In the end, the Volleyball girls were constantly trying to play catch-up on this leg of the race.  Unfortunately, they never could quite make up the difference and were eliminated in this round!

Next week it looks like they are headed to Russia.  Should be an interesting episode, perhaps with some language barriers!  Should be good.

Fall Into Reading 2010: An Update

Here is an update of my Fall Into Reading 2010 list.  I had to take Catcher and the Rye off of the list because I could not get into it.  I gave it a good try, too.  (6 Chapters)  Still, it did not peak my interest.  So, it was replaced by another Elm Creek Quilters Series book, which I love.  The characters are good.  The story lines are original.  And it is about quilting.

Anyway, here's the updated list!!  Will keep you posted.

1) The Short 2nd Life of Brie Tanner - Stephanie Meyers (Read)


2) The Hangman's Curse - Frank Peretti (Read)

3) Your God is Too Safe - Mark Buchanan (Currently Reading)

4) Catcher and the Rye  (Could not get into!)

5) Guardians of Ga'Hoole Series

6) Round Robin (Elm Creek Quilters Series)- Jennifer Chiaverini  (Currently Reading)

Friday Fill-In: Happy Thanksgiving!

1. My favorite month is December because it has Christmas and my birthday and New Years, all within a week of each other.  I love October, too because of Thanksgiving and Halloween.

2. Today there is a fresh breeze.  It is a beautiful fall day outside.  (I was going to write 'Spring day' because it is so warm outside!)

3. I love to sniff baked good and coffee.  Yummy!!  The question is: Can you just sniff and not eat?

4. A cookie is what I like to have as a treat for breakfast.  That's just because we made some M&M Pretzel cookies this week and they are delicious.  Kim has the recipe here.

5. The hobby I enjoy most is singing.  Then music in general.  I also love knitting in the fall and blogging.

6. Lions and tigers and bears oh my!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a Ranger meeting over fondues (cheese and chocolate) and planning our international trip for 2012, tomorrow my plans include the library, church and whatever else happens and Sunday, I want to knit, relax and have a nice Thanksgiving dinner at my Aunt and Uncle's house!

May you all have a blessed Thanksgiving, my Canadian friends!!  I am thankful that you take the time to read my blog.

Wordless Wednesday and Tuesday Tunes: Faces & Fringe



The Amazing Race 17, Ep. 2: I Want My Mommy!

 Well, last night was the 2nd episode of The Amazing Race.  I was hyped.  I was pumped.  I was ready for action and fun!!  Unfortunately, it was not the best episode.  I mean, it was fine, but a little low on the excitement.

They started off the night flying from England to Ghana...on the same plane.  Any advantage that they had the leg before was completely gone.  That really ticked off some of the teams that were ahead (and would royal rub me the wrong way, too)!

To say that the differences between cultures was huge would be an understatement.  I can only imagine what it would be like to visit some of these other places.  I have not been anywhere too different from my own culture and country.  The closest I have come is San Diego, right on the border of Tijuana, which is a bit of an eye opener, but nothing compared to this!  I think the kids begging at the windows of the taxis will stick in my head for awhile!

Other highlights included selling sunglasses (did you see the part where the woman did this huge dance wearing the sunglasses that the tatoo team had and then was going to refuse to pay for them?), setting up cable tvs, and carting around HUGE, weird shaped wooden caskets.  Now, when I say weird, I mean shaped like a lobster, a camera, a keyboard (which hubby asked if I wanted), a fish...Strange.  Works of art, really.  Not something you would like to be buried in, but to each their own, I suppose.

My favorite part was the taxi driving.  Now I have seen this in other episodes of this show: taxis narrowly avoiding collisions, driving too fast, swerving at the last minute.  There was nothing new here, but the reactions of some of the teams were priceless, especially the barber shop singers.

"The taxi ahead of us has just created a 3rd lane!"

"I want my mommy!"

The doctors, whose cab it was that created the 3rd lane, at one point hid their faces and said, "I just can't watch anymore!"

The taxi cab drivers really ruled the show last night.  With cabs getting lost and breaking down, it was a reminder of how much the show is driven (no pun intended) by luck-of-the-draw taxis!  Always has been and always will be.

In the end the recently reunited Mother and Daughter team was eliminated.  They shared some nice words and tears together.  I wish them well and hope that they continue to develop their relationship!!

Meanwhile, the father-son team really pulled it out (especially dad selling those sun glasses)!  Again the home shopping divas did excellent coming in 1st (winning a trip to Hawaii), as well as the other 2 blondes coming in second.  We'll have to see how it all plays out.  Still no favorites, but time will tell!!

Friday Fill-In: Yay for Friday!!

Life has been busy, running kids to school and such!!  Sorry I have not blogged as much as I should.  Thank goodness it is Friday and I feel like I can get my head out of the sand for a bit!!  Hope you have a great Friday.  Here's a short Friday Fill-in for the weekend!!  Enjoy!


1. My back still spasms every once and a while.  Just a reminder of my epidural and the blessed arrival of my two children!! LOL!!

2. I would love to see exotic animals in the wild.  (Like an African Safari!  That would be cool!)

3. Leaves are falling all around, and it is just a reminder of how short Fall is as a season.  I love this time of year, but it is over too quickly.

4. I suffer from a ton of forgetfulness.  That's unfortunate!

5. Healing is spending time in God's word and prayer time.  I love that time and it brings healing and renewal and puts things into perspective!  God is good.

6. Homework for Bible study, knitting Aidan's scarf and driving kids around is what I've been up to lately!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to the corn maze, tomorrow my plans include a birthday party for Liam and doing some more homework and Sunday, I want to do more homework, do some baking and just relax with the family!

The Amazing Race 17, Ep. 1: They Don't Call it The Amazing Race for Nothing

So, the amazing race started last night.  One of my ULTIMATE favorite shows.  Remember last season?  The cowboys??  I mean, they will always be up there with the Harlem Globetrotters from the year before! I always expect to have a favorite team.  So far, I am not really IN LOVE with any team, but they are fun to watch!!

I have a few that stick out for me.  First of all are the smart doctor ladies.  Love them.  I love smart women, who will give some of the other teams a run for their money by using their heads.  Remember the Hippies from a few seasons ago, that were all about learning different languages, had PhDs and such?  Yeah.  I think brains take you a long way on the Amazing Race.

That being said, you also have the tatooers.  You know, the couple who have a million tatoos and are trying to show the world that they are not just about drinking and partying?  Well, they said some of the funniest things last night, that I am sure they regret now.   Some examples:

"Are you a battlement?"  (Asked of a peasant at the top of the castle!)

"We're in the county of London, right?" (Said to Phil on the mat!)

All that being said, they did give us a chuckle.  Like the son a couple of seasons ago who went looking for the candlelabra and began asking people if they were in fact a candlelabra.  We need those teams that do funny things.  Makes the show less edgy and dramatic.

I must say that the chick who got her head beamed with the watermelon was quite a trooper.  And for that reason alone I have pegged this team of home shopping network hosts to be contenders for awhile.  They are TOUGH cookies.  She got right back up and finished the task.  "They don't call it the Amazing Race for nothing."

I am always a sucker for the family teams, as well.  I liked how the father-daughter and father-son team ended on the mat at the same time.  Way to keep it in the family!!

I am not sure about the added 'Express Pass' and how that will affect the game.  Should add something or nothing to it.  Probably depends on when and how you use it.  Should be interesting to watch.

I will be keeping track of this on a different page, but I will try and do a weekly review.  I LOVE this show.  Can't wait till next week!!

Fall Into Reading 2010: My Book List

Okay!  As promised.  Here I am with my book list.  It is not too late to sign-up if you want.  click the link above!!

Here is my list of books so far.  I will continue to update the list with new additions and let you know how I am doing!

1) The Short 2nd Life of Brie Tanner - Stephanie Meyers (Read)
2) The Hangman's Curse - Frank Peretti  (Currently Reading)
3) Your God is Too Safe - Mark Buchanan
4) Catcher and the Rye
5) Guardians of Ga'Hoole Series

I may add more as I go on.  I thought I would start with these 5 and see where it takes me.  As you can see, I have already finished one (just the other night), but I am still counting it as I said it was on my list from before.

I will try to keep you updated once a week or so, to let you know my progress!!  Happy Reading, y'all!!

Where am I?

I've been helping out a friend.  I will try to blog tonight, as my list of books is due!!  Hopefully I will be able to blog, or else it will be tomorrow!!  Hope you are all having a good week!!

Tuesday Tunes 66: In My Daughter's Eyes

Today was the first day that I dropped Emma off at Preschool (granted she was only there an hour).  Still something came over me as I walked out.  She's my baby and she's growing up so fast.  I know she is ready.  I am willing to let go.  Still I can't help but think of how quickly life will pass now that she is in school; now that Aidan is in school.  Life will zoom past.  Anyway, here's a melancholy song for your Tuesday.  Just the way I feel today.

(A SIDE NOTE: Martina has a hard time keeping it together near the end.  I often wonder how many times she has to sing her songs over again in the studio because of the tears.  Her songs just do that to you!!)

A reflection

I remember everything about that day like it was yesterday.  I will never forget!

--------------------------------

There are no words to describe
The loss I feel inside
The lives that were taken
The people that were broken
The families that were shattered
The ashes that were scattered.

We cannot journey back there
No matter how unfair
No matter how much pain
No matter what the gain
No matter how many tears
No matter how many years.

Still we'll always remember
Our worst of all Septembers
Our family and friends
Our sadness that never ends
Our hopes and our fears
Our long tormented years.

So we have a time of silence
To have this chance
To remember this day
To honor it in a special way
To reflect and go on
To continue waving our banner strong.

We'll not forget

-Written by Manders
September 13, 2010

Some books...

I am still trying to come up with some books for the challenge.  So far I have:

The Short Second Life of Brie Tanner - Stephenie Meyer  (This will take me 2-3 days to read, tops!)
Catcher and the Rye - J.D. Salinger (because I have never read it!!)

That's not very many books.  So, I was hoping you might have some suggestions?  Please post if you do!!  I like to read many different types of books (though no sci-fi or fantasy or romance books)!  Any suggestions would be great.

First Day of Preschool!

Fall Into Reading 2010

 I have been looking for a good reading challenge.  Something not too hard to do, but something I could really do, just for me.  I am going to be doing a lot of reading/knitting this fall, with Emma in Preschool.  She is going across the city, so I probably will just stay over in that area, preferrably at Starbucks or the library. 

This reading challenge is great sinc you only have to do the books you put on the list for yourself.  It only goes from September 22nd-December 20th, which I think I can do.  I already am coming up with a list of books to read in my head.  I will post these on the 22nd when the challenge starts.  Until then, I better finish reading the book I am reading right now, so I can start fresh.

Feel free to join me in this challenge.  I know that Kim is over at Misplaced Midwesterner.  The rest of you may join in, too!!  Just click the graphic above to find out more info!!  Let's fall into reading together!!

Friday Fill-In: A Long Weekend

Aidan is out early today.  It is a Friday on a long weekend.  Ahhh...life is good, at least for today.  Hope you all have a wonderful weekend (long or short) doing whatever you decide to do!!
 
1. Family is very important to me.  Without my family (and friends) where would I be??

2. I may get tired of driving back and forth. (To drop people off at school, that is!)  But, Aidan is really enjoying his new school and Emma will LOVE Preschool.

3. I love a good thinking movie, which is why I absolutely LOVED "Inception".  A must-see for those of you who like to leave a movie still thinking about it.  I need to rewatch it soon because I have so many unanswered questions.  Christopher Nolan is great at these types of movies.

4. Cold pizza makes a good meal.

5. I've got the coffee pot on, the house is quiet and it is just Emma and I, and we are both tired.  Makes for a quiet morning!

6. Another Oil Rig explosion: wth!!!  At least it was not as bad as the previous one, but still...Perhaps we should be taking more time, energy and care to make sure that rigs are in good working condition!!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching some more of the "Tin Man" miniseries on DVD (pretty good stuff), tomorrow my plans include going to the library and church and Sunday, I want to relax, grocery shop, supper with my family and then we are having our first Ranger meeting (Girl Guides - the older girls (high school age))!

Back to School

A fun pose for Grandma (Aidan's words)

All ready to go!!

Open for Business

Dearest followers and readers!  I have been contemplating how to change up my blog a bit.  Tired of the same ol' same ol'.  Also, a bit of extra cash would be good and fun products to try would also be great.

I have been perusing some of my fellow bloggers to see what they are doing.  I don't really want a whole ton of ads on my blog.  You didn't come here to see more advertising.  I hate when people have that on their blogs.

Instead the above program offers me the opportunity to review products/services and then comment on them on my blog.  There are a few other programs like this out there.  A few that deal with book reviews.   I may look into those as well.  For now I will just stick with this one.  I hope you don't mind me reviewing a few products or whatever.  Hopefully you will get some good tips, too!

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know, in case you came here one day and saw an entry about a product or something and were like..."What???!!!???"

I will continue with my regular entries, videos, songs, etc.   Updates on the kids.   I now have a video camera for the computer, so this could pose some really great new blog entries!  I am really excited about that!  

Thank-you to those of you who regularly follow me, read my blogs and comment.  You are awesome!!  I love blogging because of you and your feedback.  Keep it up!!

Now for some lunch....

Saturday Blogthingy: Hanging At Home

Slept in this morning. Felt great to just be at home today. Not have to go anywhere and do anything. Tonight I am working in Promiseland. I will rest up until then.

Here's a fun Blogthingy for your Saturday perusal!! Enjoy!!

Relaxation Feels Like Home to You

You believe that your home should be your sanctuary. Life is stressful enough in the outside world. You take it easy when you're at home. It's the place where you feel like you can truly be yourself. You are the type of person who has deep hobbies and interests. You treasure your alone time. You could spend all day at home if you had to. You always can find plenty to do around the house.

What Feels Like Home to You?

Blogthings: Our Quizzes Weren't Written By Bored 12 Year Olds

Tuesday Tunes 65: Then

In Nelson, British Columbia

Yes, I am back, but EXTREMELY busy this week with Vacation Bible School.  It's going great and the kids are really getting into it.

We had a great few days away.  It was lovely just the two of us.  Amazing how much you just NEED that time alone without the kids.  It was great.  I will share some pictures later, but for now a Tuesday Tune.  Sorry it is so late, but this is one song that I am just in love with right now.  Anyway, I hope you enjoy!

Monday and I'm Outta Here

Road Trip by Mommyajg featuring Fantas

I'll see you all next weekend.  Right now I am packing up, cleaning up, resting.  Trying to get ready for the big road trip tomorrow.  I am really looking forward to it.  It should be great fun.  An adventure.  Time alone with the hubby...Should be great.  Hope you all have a great week.  Here's some music that has been stuck in my head for you to listen to.  Some old songs, but ones I love.

Friday Fill-In: Here Today, Gone in a Few

Yes, I am alive!!  Camping was great.  The kids had a blast.  They LOVE camping.  Will have to do some more at some point.  Perhaps take Emma with me on a few more Guide camps.

I will be gone again on Tuesday till Saturday.  Hubby and I are taking a tent (yes, a tent) and heading for the hills.  (Literally...We are going to the mountains.  The Kootenay Mountains in BC to be exact!)  It should be fun.  I can't wait.

Needless to say, my house is a bit of a disaster.  Keeping bags around to repack for the next adventure.  The kids are staying at Camp Granny and Grandpa.  They should have a good time, too!  Lots of spoiling.  No worries there!!

I don't know how much I will be on here before I leave, so I will leave you with a lovely Friday Fill-in.

 

1. Music is so integral to my being.  I am constantly singing, humming or thinking of a song inside my head.  The soundtrack of my life, I like to say!  I am so glad that God created music!

2. Coffee is what I like first thing in the morning.  Is there anything else?

3. The first thing I said this morning was: "Have a good day!  I love you!".  I was saying goodbye to the husband as he left for work.  I also gave him a kiss, but I am not sure that counts as 'saying' something.  Although very important to our mornings!! :-)

4.  I have no idea; it's what's for dinner tonight.  Any suggestions?

5. It's all been a little rainy here since summer began.  They say we are getting the normal amount of rain, but it seems like it has rained every day.  I mean a day or two of rain is good.  But a day that starts out sunny and then rains EVERY afternoon is a bit much!!

6. Curling up with a good book is what I feel like doing right now.  Instead we are going out with Granny to do something, probably related to Vacation Bible School, which is sneaking up on us.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to hanging out with the family and hubby, tomorrow my plans include packing, registration at Sears for Guides and church and Sunday, I want to go grocery shopping for our trip (snacks and things), have supper with the family, pack and just rest!

Friday Fill-In: Unlively and Unenergetic

 
1. Life is an adventure.
2. Sometimes it is hard to  keep going.  But, we must.  So up we get and start the new day.  (Today was one of those days!)

3. My last text message (or IM) ended in these three words: Bye, love you lots and lots.  I was typing for my son who is 6.  He was talking to his Grandma.  Yes, they grow up fast these days!! LOL!!

4. Chinese food/Omelets is what I'm thinking about for dinner sometime soon.  Probably will try the omelets tonight.  Never made them before, but I am determined to try!

5. On the 1st day of August I slept in late and ate cinamon buns.  T'was a good day.

6. I do not feel very lively and energetic.  I could use some more sleep.  Staying up too late reading my book!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to just hanging out with one of the kids and the hubby (other kid is going to a sleepover), tomorrow my plans include going to a birthday party for Maggie and then church and Sunday, I want to get to the lake and enjoy the wonderful outdoors with the kids, my mom and my sister!

Wordless Wednesday: Dreaming in French

Dreaming in French again...Can't wait to go here.  One day....

Tuesday Tunes 64: God Gave Me You

A little break from fan vids.  Had the chance to do some song writing this afternoon.  Loved every minute of it.  May go back downstairs and do some more writing later.

Here's a song that I personally love on Christian radio right now.  Since this is my hubby's and my anniversary (on Saturday), thought this fit very well.  Especially with how life is going: ups and downs.  Anyway, enjoy!

My love

Saturday Blogthingy: Books and Road Trips

Well, it has been decided, since last blogging, that hubby and I are going away (childless) for a few days in August.  We are doing a road trip of the Kootenays in B.C.  I am very excited.  Hubby has even said he will sleep in a tent, mostly because we are doing this on a limited budget.  So, we have been excitedly planning and such.  I grew up going to BC for two weeks during the summer.  My Granny lived in Vernon, so we would make a trip of it, spending a week with her and a week touring around.  I can't wait to show Jonathan some of the things that I love about BC.

Needless to say, I stopped off at AMA yesterday for some books, maps, etc.  While there, I also picked up some books for my sister, who is going to North Carolina for a couple weeks in Septemeber.  (Willmington to be exact!)  She loves Nicholas Sparks books, as well as the art that is down there.  I am glad for her.  I think she will have a great time.

By the time we walked out of the AMA our hands were loaded with books, maps, etc.  I LOVE the AMA for that reason.  So much stuff!!

Since I am on this book theme, I thought a little bit of a quiz about books would be good.  So, here's one that fits me to a tea.  I am totally Old Fashioned.  No question about that.  Be sure to post your answers!!  Can't wait to see them!!

You Are Old Fashioned

You think that the best things come from the past. You love anything vintage or retro. You are a generous and compassionate person. You are as responsible and helpful as you can be. Art excites you. You try to bring it into your everyday life as much as possible. You're going through a phase where nothing seems particularly interesting to you.

The Bookstore Test

Blogthings: Learn Something Surprising About Yourself

Wordless Wednesday: Unseen History

Taken while on Maid of the Mist in Niagara!!  Old Hydro plant.  Cool...

Tuesday Tunes 63: A Classic Love Story

My favorite Disney princess movie of all time is Beauty and the Beast.  I love that one.  I love Belle.  She is smart, loves books and wants adventure.  Just like me!!  And she has brown hair.  That is a bonus!  Also the love story is a bit different.  The princess (Belle) saves the prince (Beast).  But I think he saves her, too, from her ultimate fate of marrying Gaston...yuck!

Anyway, I also LOVE this song from Moulin Rouge.  (Especially Ewan McGregor's voice!  So nice and warm!)  So without furthur ado, here's the cute fan video I have found of Beauty and the Beast.  Enjoy!

Back from Camp

On Maid of the Mist!!  Was SOOO cool!!

I am back!  Had a great time.  Am still tired and camp ended on Saturday.  They say it takes about a week to recover.  I am not there yet, I guess.

I will post some more pictures here in the coming days.  Lots of stories to tell, but the one that I really want to tell is about our GREAT group of girls.  Despite all of the hardships, the programming problems, the long walks to the island and the many other organizational problems, the girls hardly every complained.  They trucked on, doing their thing, having a great time.  I am proud of them all.  They were great.

Tuesday Tunes 62: In The Twilight...

I saw Eclipse last Tuesday night (thanks to my sister and Westjet, we saw it at 7pm before it opened at midnight!!).  It was great.  You have to see it if you are a Twilight fan.  SOOO GOOD!  The best out of the three, I think.  Anyway, here's a bit of Twilight for you.  (And let me just say for the record that the books are better than the movies and I am on Team Edward!)

A look at Psalm 23

On my other blog!!
http://walkslight.blogspot.com/2010/07/i-shall-not-want.html

Friday Fill-In: Disaster Zone Before Camp

Well, only 6 more days till I go to camp for 10 days.  I am starting to pack a bit.  Getting things together.  Should be an interesting time.  I am not sure how I will do leaving my family behind for that long, but I'll take it one step at a time.

I also wish I had my small bible back.  I am not sure where it went to.  Somewhere in the house.  Just not sure where.  I am going to look and see if I can find it somewhere.  I would like to have a Bible with me, just not my big one.

Since my house is in a disaster, birthday presents to buy and send away, etc., I am doing an easy blog today.
 
1. When it's quiet I like to spend time with God, coffee and my bible and journal.  That is the best thing and it leaves me feeling refreshed and re-energized.

2. I haven't really watched TV in what seems like a month.  I have been catching the odd show (America's Got Talent and Last Comic Standing), but nothing else has really caught my eye.

3. My heart is feeling happy today.  It has been a nice relaxing day with the kids and I had a friend over for coffee with her little guy.  It was nice.

4. I have a feeling that time will pass by quickly this July.  I can't believe it is already the 2nd!! LOL!!

5. In the town where I was born I live again.  It is SOOO expensive, though and our rent just went up again.  Sigh.  Life is tough in this city and money does not go as far as it did other places I have lived.  Calgary is a money hog!!

6. The wonderful way my husband makes me laugh and understands me is something I really love about my significant other.  God really did create him for me.  I have learned so much from him and continue to learn from him.  He has challenged me, which is great.  Also, the fact that I still feel unworthy of his love and continue to try and earn it, is good.  I think it has kept us healthy.  And he is hot!  So there!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to cuddling with the hubby, tomorrow my plans include a date day somewhere...hopefully the mountains and Sunday, I want to relax, finish getting ready for camp, helping Mom with more camp stuff, and basically focusing on camp stuff...ALOT!

Wordless Wednesday: Oh Canada...My Home!

Friday Fill-In: School's Out

Aidan is done Kindergarten.  I am in mourning?  I am feeling a bit nervous about him being at school all day next year?  I KNOW he is ready.  He needs more challenge.  He needs a different environment.  Less play.  More work, but in a fun way.  High interest.  That's what he needs.  So this is good.  He is moving on, growing up...Mommy just needs to let him!!

Here's something fun for your Friday!
 
1. On vacation, I like to do and see interesting things.  Go on tours of places, have picnics, and just explore.  Keeping busy and lounging around.  A nice balance is good!!

2. I am not big at swimming in the ocean.  I mean, I don't mind it, but I HATE the feeling of seaweed in the water.  YUCK!!  I would rather make a sand castle or collect sea shells.  That would be great.

3. One of my favorite vacation spots is anywhere in the mountains.  The mountains remind me of how GREAT and MIGHTY God is.  He is amazing.  I could just stare at them for hours.

4. I still pretend to see a man's face on a full moon.  The man in the moon still exists in my mind!

5. Up, up and away is what I will be doing in 13 days.  Flying to Guelph, Ontario for a camping trip for 10 days (tenting) with over 2500 other girls (ages 11+).  I am not sure if I am crazy or just insane.  This is what I am doing for FUN this summer???

6. Bananas are yummy with peanut butter.  Gonna have some for lunch.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going out for supper to celebrate the end of school and maybe watching "Twilight" and "New Moon", tomorrow my plans include a picnic for church and then working in Promiseland at church and Sunday, I want to hang out with the family...then I have to work one more Bingo for our trip (Sigh)!  MONDAY I AM GOING TO SLEEP IN!!!

Tuesday Tunes 61: The Great Season Finale

Went to see Toy Story yesterday.  It was really good.  I think you should go and see it if you have the chance (3D is not important to the story line)!  I cried, even, so take some kleenex.

It was Emma's first time at a movie.  She was so cute in that huge chair, with her kid pack of popcorn and her 3D glasses on.  Would have taken a picture, but it was WAY too dark in their for that!  She really liked it.  Aidan did, too!

I am tired today.  Need to go take my vitamin.  That will help.  Just trying to push through till Friday.  Only 3 more days of school, then we can hang out in our PJs.  That will be nice.

Here's a little House (House and Cuddy - with scenes from the season finale this year) for your fan video pleasure, on a Tuesday Tunes day!!  Enjoy!!

Tuesday Tunes 60: Star Wars

Aidan is sick at home today.  He is complaining that he has a sore stomach.  So, I am not going to push it today.  It has been going around his class, so I don't doubt that his body is fighting something off.  I think he is run down from school, too.  I have been feeling this way for the past week or so.  When is school going to end?  Oh right...next Friday.

I have 2 words for today's Fan Video: Star Wars!!  I grew up watching it, playing it, loving it.  Almost time for Aidan to watch it, I think.  He's 6 (which is about the time I first watched it).  I think he can handle it now.  Not too much inappropriate humor or anything, at least in the first 3.  Of course my husband KNOWS every single line of the first 3 movies.  It is cute watching him watch the movies.  Like a little boy in a candy shop.

When we were kids it was always a fight to see who would play what character.  My sister and I would fight over Leia.  Always.  I would usually win because I was older.  Just the way it goes!!  Then my sister would end up playing something else.  Boys always wanted to be Han Solo or Luke Skywalker.

Jonathan and I first got to know each other during a Star Wars marathon while on Morning Star.  He is my Han Solo.  Anyway, I hope you enjoy!!