Manic Monday: Feeling Stressed Out

I have been feeling so stressed out lately.  I mean, things have been tough at home with the 3 kidlets.  I am trying my best, with God's help and strength, but I am getting worn out.  Any prayers would be appreciated.

Since it feels like a Manic Monday today, it is a good day for this meme!!  Feel free to join in!!  Just link back to the Manic Monday Blog!!

How has your life been different than you imagined?
When I was younger, I always wanted to be a pop star.  So I guess that is different.  I don't want to be a pop star anymore, anyway.

Other than that, I always imagined I would be married with 2 kids.  I always knew I wanted to be a teacher.  I always knew that I wanted to stay at home with my kids when they were young.  All of this has happened.
One thing that is amazing to me is the fact that I am eager to go back to school at some point and do a Masters in Education or English.  That is amazing to me!!  I never thought that would happen.

Also the fact that I enjoy writing so much.  I didn't expect that, either.
What lessons have you learned from your relationships?
You need to be honest, accepting of differences and show grace.  Grace is so important.  We are not perfect and neither are the people we are in relationship with.
If you had to move to a city besides the one you currently live in, where would you move?
Well, my initial reaction is Paris.  But that would be expensive and what would I do there?

I guess the more probable answer would be somewhere close to my in-laws so that we could visit them more and the kids would be able to get to know them better.  My in-laws would love that, too!

Since this is such a good question, I ask it of you!! Where would you live??

Manic Monday: Welcome February!!

Welcome February. I can look forward to Spring now. January being the hardest and coldest month (usually), I can now see light at the end of the tunnel. It doesn't matter what the gofer says on Groundhog Day: the end seems in sight even if he does not see it. I will hold on to the little glimmer of hope that Spring is not far away and we will soon be able to walk to school without 4 layers of clothing on!! Even if it is just a glimmer...I will hold onto it!


What was your best day of the week last week and why?
I had a few, but the one that sticks out right now is Saturday. A friend that I had not heard from in awhile contacted me through Facebook. We went to college together (for my BA in English). Her and I would hang out with two other ladies who were like second Moms to us. We would eat supper, talk about literature and soak in the hot tub. Those were wonderful nights that I shall never forget. I am so glad that we are all connected again through Facebook. See, technology can be good!!

What's the longest you've ever gone without sleep?
Well, I have two kids so perhaps I have gone 5 1/2 years without sleep??? When I was a teenager we used to go on Retreats with our youth group at church. I would go on about 3 hours sleep over the course of 2 days. Maybe a bit more, but not much!! Those were the days!!

Is how old you look and/or how old you feel right now different from your actual age?
I am sure I look younger than I am. People never believe me when I tell them I am as old as I am. I feel youthful. There are days when I feel old, like last night watching the Grammys and Lionel Richie came on and I said, "Wouldn't it be nice if he was singing?" (Not that I am THAT old, but I do like his voice and KNOW who he is)! I am not sure I really answered the question, but that's okay!!

Manic Monday: My Head is Spinning....

I have had a very busy weekend. Sang karaoke - Kelly Clarkson "Since U been gone"; babysat; Promiseland; Flooded basement; Spun out; Baby dedication; Chinese food....Bed. I am tired and ready for a nap just reading this list. No wonder why I am feeling quite lazy this morning. Laundry will need to be started ASAP.

So, for ease of mind, I have decided to go with a Manic Monday, again. Tonight I am leading my Bible study group discussion time. So, if you think about it, you could pray for me. I will need it about 6:45-8:30 or so. Try and remember little ol' me!! Thanks!


If you could only have one section of the bookstore to visit, which section would it be?
CLASSICS - hello!! I love me a good classic novel. I read them for fun (which hubby thinks is hilariously funny). It is the English major in me!

If you could only subscribe to one publication for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Hmmm...tough one, but I would have to say either "Time" because of its historical content or "Reader's Digest" for the wonderful stories, jokes and funny happenings.

What activity always makes you lose track of time?
Other than the computer?? Well, anything that I love to do: knitting, reading, writing, singing, talking with friends...It doesn't matter. On a side note, I never really lose track of time. I love being on time for everything. I wear a watch and I am always checking the time.

Manic Monday: Remember Watching Good TV???

Watched a bit of the Golden Globes last night. Couldn't believe that House, The Office and Dexter were all over looked. (Well, I could, but still...They are my favs!) My sister and I had fun commenting on some of the gowns that the women wore....Especially Jennifer Aniston's HUGE slit!! Not attractive and ALMOST obscene. Avert your eyes, people. Some of the classier dresses were Jennifer Garner and Sandra Bullock's (Even though you could see through Sandra's a bit, it was still GORGEOUS!!)

Other than that, we got to talking about GOOD comedies. Remember?? There used to be ones that were on for 10+ years. They had staying power. They were SMART and FUNNY. They were shows that you could watch as a family. You know what I mean: "The Cosby Show", "Full House", "Family Matters", "Cheers", "Home Improvement", "Mad About You", "Murphy Brown"....I could go on. I guess I just miss those days when you could turn on the TV, watch a show as a family and learn something together. That doesn't happen anymore....

Anyway, I guess I just thought it was amazing when I looked at today's Manic Monday and the first question was about your favorite sitcom. So without furthur ado...


Growing up, what was your favorite sitcom?
I would have to say "The Cosby Show" was the BEST show growing up. I loved it. Cliff and Clare were like second parents. You could learn from the kids' mistakes. We would all sit down and watch TV together. Good, quality TV!!


What's your idea of a romantic date?
Well, a nice trip for supper to the mountains. Perhaps a dip in the Banff Hot Springs. That would be lovely.

What are you most afraid to lose?
My children and my husband would be right up there.

Manic Monday: My Life and Such

Just as I was writing this, Jonathan called and said he had been in an accident. No damage to the car, but there were 2 other vehicles involved. He left the scene and said he would return after he went to work and retrieved his cell phone. He said he was okay, but I was a bit freaked out.

Meanwhile, Emma and Maggie are trying to compete for my attention. I am sometimes glad that I did not have 2 girls when these two get together. There is so much jealousy and acting out that goes on with them, that doesn't happen as much with a boy and a girl. I can only imagine what it must have been like for my parents with my sister and I. At least we started out together, whereas Emma and Maggie are still learning how to be together. It's fun!!

Anyway two days of getting up early and doing devos. I am feeling refreshed, although slightly tired, and renewed. God is good.

What did you get in trouble for the most when you were a kid?
Umm, I am not sure. Probably not going to sleep when I should have. I was never a good sleeper when I was a kid.

Which is your wish that is not yet fulfilled?
Ummm... going back to Paris. I have and continue to want to do this at some point, hopefully with my hubby. It would be a wonderful place to go together!! Some day...

If you have to choose a movie title for your life story, what would that be?
"As the diaper turns" (at least that is how I feel right now); Perhaps "The Princess of the Most High"; Or "A life filled with Grace"...Something along those lines.

Manic Monday: The Beginning...

Tonight is the start of Monday night Bible study - Women of Heart, Evening Edition. I cannot wait!! I have been missing it so much. I can't wait to see some of the women that I have become friends with over the past couple of years. I can't wait to see what God wants to teach me this year. I have been on a journey every year. I can't wait to see what this one will entail!! I will fill you in on how it went...No worries there!!

I don't know if any of you saw this on the MTV awards last night, but it is all the rage on Twitter this morning so I took a look. I just have to share because I really like Taylor Swift and it is so inappropriate what Kanye West did. Like having a temper tantrum in front of the camera. He does apologize on his blog this morning, but that is a little bit late and the damage has been done. Not only does it make him look bad, but Beyonce as well since she just sat there smiling. Anyway, take a look!!

http://www.iviewtube.com/videos/84358/kanye-west-disses-taylor-swift-at-mtv-video-music-awards-(vma-2009)


What's one new thing you tried this summer than you've never done before?
Camping with the kids, which was great. They loved it and so did I. It was fun. Can't wait to go again.

What is the one thing you miss the most about summer when it is over?
The lazy schedule that you can keep. Not having to get up so early and get going in the morning. Being able to lounge around. That is the thing that I will miss the most.

If you could eliminate one source of anger in your life right now, what would it be?
Hmmm... That is a tough one. I guess that we could find an easier way to get Aidan to Kindergarten. We have to get up so early to have him there on time by walking. He's tired and I am tired and we are trying to hurry to get out the door. That doesn't bring out the best in any of us.
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P.S.
Thanks, Sandra and Tina for the comments. I do not want to be exactly like this woman, but it is nice to remember that even though some of the things I do may not get much recognition or praise right now, they will someday!! And yes, she would be scorned in today's society by both men and women. We are not supposed to be subservient to our husbands and children. Not in today's society, anyway.

Manic Monday: On Time

My weekend was spent doing orientation for Girl Guide camps all day Saturday. I even missed going to church on Saturday because it took so long. I was really looking forward to going, too. I haven't been in awhile because I helped out so much in Promiseland over the summer. Anyway, next weekend I will be there!!

The camps were fine. One of them will have to be closed down because of a leaky roof and TONS of mold. That was not so pleasant. Other than that, nothing unusual. We saw a couple of fruit bats and a dead mouse. Bats=cool. The mouse=YUCK!!

One of my favorite riding stables was closed down. It is on the way out to one of our campsites. We used to go there all the time with Guides. It was the first place where I went horseback riding all by myself...and fell hard on my butt. Big Red and Little Red were my favorite horses. Anyway, they were closed down which made me quite sad. It also made me wonder what other casualties will result from this downturned economy. Kind of a sad thought.

Sunday we spent playing Wii Resort. My sister is letting us borrow it. My arm is just killing me from playing so much. It is fun, though.

It is a full week of school for Aidan, and I am having to walk him every morning. Well, this morning and tomorrow I am going to drive him because I will have the car. Jonathan is in Edmonton for a training workshop. He is renting a car, so I can have our car. That will make it a bit easier for drop off and pick up...Thank goodness! And this coming weekend is the long weekend which is nice.

Here's a wonderful Manic Monday to start things off...(on a side note (for the first question): I wrote this blog on Sunday night so it would be posted on time!!)

Are you usually late, early or right on time?
I am always early. Sometimes I can be right on time, but even when I try to be on time, I am early. It is hard for me to be late. Almost impossible, actually. I am always well organized and give myself plenty of time to make it somewhere.
What would be harder for you, to tell someone you love them or to tell them that you do not love them back?
Surprisingly enough, it has always been hard for me to tell someone I love them. I am not sure why. Anyway, now that I am married and have kids, it has gotten much easier. I would say now that telling someone you do not love them back would be harder. I hate hurting other people (read: I am a people pleaser), so that would hinder me telling them something negative!

Which would you rather have: a high salary or job satisfaction?
Job satisfaction... I would rather have a job that I loved then have to get up and go to "work" everyday. Working is different than doing something you love to do. That's why I became a teacher. Not a lot of pay, but the satisfaction you get from helping someone to learn is worth more than gold.

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Happy Monday!!

Manic Monday: The Lion King

I went and saw "The Lion King" yesterday. It is here for a couple of weeks and my mom was able to get some tickets from a friend at work. It was AWESOME!! I mean, the costumes alone are worth the price of admission. Never mind the acting, the songs and the characters. I liked it so much. It was excellent.

One of the highlights was a girl coming into the theater with her mother. She must have been about 4 or 5. She looked at the stage and said, "Mommy, is that the TV?" SO cute!!

The other highlight was the wonderful giraffes. I would have taken one home with me if I could have. I thought they were so cool!!

Friday night's date night was really good. The mall was incredibly busy, which it supposedly was all weekend long! Crazy. It is a nice mall, though and I am already planning to take the girls there during the colder months when Aidan is in Kindergarten. It would be a great place to hang out for a couple of hours. We'll see...

Everyone is tired today. I think we did too much this weekend. Even Maggie is whiny and tired. She's not usually whiny, so I know she is tired. It is rest time for awhile. Hopefully everyone (excluding Aidan) has a nice long nap.

It is nice to have Manic Mondays again!!

What is the first thing you notice about people?
Shoes! I notice every one's shoes. Well, I notice there eyes and hair, too. But shoes is right up there. I love shoes!!

What song always makes you happy when you hear it?
"With or Without You" by U2. I just love this song!! I love all U2, but this will always be my favorite.

What fashion trend do you just not get?
Well, it is sort of going out of style again, but the thong showing above the jeans in the back??? I never understood that one. Also, really baggy pants that are being held up by a belt??? Not sure why that looks cool. Perhaps I am just getting too old!
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I have sent this video to a few people, but I think it is worth sharing here. It spoke to me so much. Days later, I am still thinking about it.

Manic Monday & Tuesday Tunes: Painting Stories on a Happy Day

It is done. Well, except for Emma's purple stripes, it is done. The colors are lovely and Aidan really loves his new room. I think Emma does, too, in her own 'terrible two' way. (She is really coming into that stage now...Anyone want to have a two year old for awhile??)

Jenny and I managed to continue to speak with one another, despite being siblings and hanging out together for hours on end. You know...sisters. We can handle each other for awhile, but...

Jonathan was a big help just running errands, doing dishes, holding paint brushes, hanging curtains. He was really trying to get out of the painting part, and he didn't have to do any of that, so I think he was happy. He said the rooms looked really good, so I know that he thinks we did a good job.

Our hotel room was wonderful. (Except there was no hot tub!) The rooms were spacious enough and we had a fridge and microwave. (But there was no hot tub!) The bathroom was tiny, but it was nicely done. We had free internet (if we had a computer with us) and the beds were fairly comfy. (Only there was no hot tub!) The continental breakfast was really good. They shook it up a bit, too. It was nice. Did I mention there was no hot tub?

On Saturday we stopped for lunch and headed out to Subway (I was not making anything this weekend!). We got into the Subway and there was this stinging of the eyes. Everyone kept looking at each other (the customers) and rubbing our eyes. No one said anything. Finally one of the guys said to Jonathan, "hey are your eyes stinging?" Then the big guy from behind the counter explained that they had been cutting onions in the back room. YIKES!! Needless to say, none of us put onions on our subs.

Our second stop was to the 7-Eleven. It was a million degrees outside and we were all sweating up a storm. We pull into the parking lot and park beside an 80s red corvette. Jen and I got out and looked into the nice red leather seats with those tiny holes in them. You know...the leather that looks like it has been poked with tiny pins? We made some comment about it and proceded into the store.

The guy who was the owner of the corvette was inside at the teller. We walk in and he says to Jenny, "Hey, you just hit the side of my car with your purse." Jen said, "Oh, I'm sorry!" He replies: "Are you really?" (As if she meant to hit his 80s corvette...) She said, "Yes, I am". He finishes up at the till and then leaves the store. We watch him as he exits and takes a long examination of the side of his car.

Now you have to understand that Jenny's purse is a small quilted bag that goes across the chest. It is no bigger than a large wallet, with nothing on it to do any damage. Yet, he still went outside and took a long look at the side of his precious car. I still can't believe it....

Anyway, there was not too much else that really happened. A couple of killer storms with hail and wind. Our recycling bin ended up in our neighbor's yard. There are some trees that got some extra pruning. And lots of lightning.

I will take some pictures of the rooms tomorrow and post them here for you to take a look at. I am really proud of them.

And now for something completely mindless...Manic Monday!


Would you rather go a week without bathing, but be able to change your clothes, or a week without a change of clothes, but be able to bathe?
A week without bathing. I have gone that long and it is not bad. As long as you have clean clothes, you are fine. My hair is the only thing that would really get to me. Oh well. I am going to be going for 10 days without bathing next summer at Girl Guide camp. Perhaps I should practice beforehand.

If you had to be trapped in a TV show for a month, which show would you choose?
Well, if I wanted something easy to do for the month I would choose "Friends" or "The Office". I mean, as long as you are into your social game, you could survive quite easily on those shows for a month. Plus, I really would like to meet all of the characters on those shows, so that would be good.

If I wanted something a bit more difficult to do for the month, I would choose "Fringe" because at least my brain would have to be working hard and it would be challenging. Plus you would get to meet all of those characters and I would LOVE to do that.
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Since it is almost Tuesday, I will post a Tuesday Tune here, too. This is a song that Jonathan has done on worship team and Aidan has started to learn it in his new class in Promiseland. He thinks it is pretty neat that Daddy plays the same songs that he sings in Promiseland. Anyway, this song has been going through my head a lot lately, so I thought I would let it run through yours!! (Plus, I think she has a really cool voice for worship music!)

Manic Monday: Deep

Camping was fun...I am SOOO TIRED, though. It will take me a couple of days to recover. I should have slept like a log, too, but Jonathan has a cold. So, he was coughing and tossing and turning. I did not sleep well.

I will write more about camp tomorrow, when I upload some of the pictures. The kids were having such a good time that they both asked to go camping again next week. Even little Emma!

Today I am resting up. The kids will be, too. This coming weekend we will be painting the bedrooms. Jenny, Jonathan and I, that is. The kids will be hanging out at Granny and Grandpa's for the weekend. It works out well because they are going away for 10 days after that to San Francisco and Las Vegas. I am glad they are going. It has been a hard couple of years for them and they need a nice trip!

These Manic Mondays are getting to be a little bit deep lately. Anyway, I am sorry if they are seeming a bit much. I am just speaking from what I believe...


What is one thing that you would change about yourself if you could?
Perhaps I could be more like Jesus. I know that sounds so "hallmark Christian-y" but that is what I would really like. Everything else is not as important as that. That is most important to me, anyways.

Name three exotic countries you would like to visit:
Well, we have been watching the "Long Way Down" documentary with Ewan McGregor. They ride motorbikes across Africa. It has reminded me that I really want to go to Africa sometime.

Also, I think it would be fun to travel to Australia and see kangaroos in the wild. And perhaps Asia...If I had to choose an exotic place...

What do you think the secret to life is?
Having a relationship with God. (or coffee...Just kidding...)

Manic Monday: Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant

It is a short week for me this week. I only have Maggie for the first 3 days. Then this coming weekend we are going camping. My Mom asked me if I had planned the menu yet. This just goes to show you that I am the organizational freak of the family. I love planning, making lists, labelling things, etc. I could be a professional organizer. I could be Monica from "Friends"!

Maggie is walking up a storm right now. Needless to say, she needed to have a morning nap at 9:00 this morning. She was so tired from walking all over the place. I would rather her go down early, though so that she will have a bit of a nap before Daddy comes to get her at 3:00pm.

I was going to try and write some yesterday. Unfortunately I don't know where the story is going next. I just am dabbling with a story right now. Every once and awhile I will go back to it and write some more. Today I am feeling like a poem is coming, so I may have to crack open my Poetry notebook or a new journal I received and start crackin'.

Anyway, I hope that you are all enjoying your day whatever you are doing. And now...time for a Manic Monday. I believe that we will be going to heaven when we die, so the last question I have thought about a lot. Anyway, without furthur ado...

When and with whom was your first kiss?

I was 6 years old and I was playing house(does that one count?) and it was with my best friend at the time. He was the Dad and I was the Mom.

My first real kiss happened in elementary school with my first 'boyfriend' in grade 5. Behind the dumpster on the playground.

Do you believe that everything happens for a reason?

I believe that we make choices and because of those choices certain things happen. God gave us free will, to make the choices we make. He knows what we will do, but He still lets us decide. Then He uses what we choose for His glory. If we are in tune with God and His Word, than the choice that He would like us to make (I'm talking BIG decisions) will become more clear. (Like when I heard God whisper in my heart that Jonathan was the one I was going to marry!) This is getting to be like a theological lesson. Sorry. I have no idea if this answered the question or not.

What would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

"Well done, good and faithful servant!" "Welcome home my daughter. I loved you before you were ever born and am so glad to have you here." At which point He will embrace me with a huge hug!! That is what I want!!

Manic Monday: Happy Birthday, Sandra!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my wonderful Mom-in-law!! We all love you and miss you out here!! Hope you have a wonderful day and that God blesses you with His love, mercy and peace this coming year!!

Today we went to a Stampede breakfast. The line-ups were not too bad since we arrived there right when it started. We ate pancakes and sausages and juice. Then the kids received a whole bunch of free stuff and they both rode on a pony. It was Emma's first time and she was grinning from ear to ear. She LOVED it!! Aidan did, too. Maggie slept for some of it!

Now the kids are all resting. I am tired, too. It is also pouring down rain, so it is a good thing we are done with the breakfast!!

Tomorrow is laundry day, which excites me to no end...Really. Anyway, it has been a manic Monday so far, so why not continue??

Name two things you consider yourself to be very good at:

Well, singing, which goes without saying - although I did take a beating last year when I tried out for worship team. I still know that I can sing!

Organizing - I love to put things in their place: people, books, movies, etc. I don't like to clean, but I do love to label and organize!

Name two things you consider yourself to be bad at:

Being calm in stressful situations is not my strong point. That is why Jonathan is so good for me. We balance each other out.

Being Extroverted. I would rather not have to be the first one to make conversation. I would rather you do most of the talking.

Name one thing not many people know about you:

I have 2 different colored eyes. No really, I do.... See:

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Manic Monday: The Cross has said it all...

Okay. So the inlaws are visiting. We have a lot of things planned. I am also getting ready to go to San Diego this coming weekend. Also, I am babysitting Maggie a few times this week. So, you think to yourself, well, this would be a great time to get sick, right? Not so much. Yet, that is what happened. It started with Aidan, then me, then Emma. This flu thingy..just a flu, cold thinngy.

If I hear someone say that it is the Swine Flu one more time....

Anyway, we are all doing much better after a good night's sleep. I feel human again. I am still a bit stuffy and have a slight cough, but I will be okay. I am not feverish anymore, so that is good.

My inlaws are in Canmore visiting Banff and Lake Louise today. I am just the tiniest bit jealous of such a trip. The weather is lovely and the mountains...well, they are beautiful. I am in love with mountains, hence the name of this blog. (And my last blog!) They will be back tomorrow and we will do a supper together. On Wednesday we will do Heritage Park and then Thursday they leave. Time marches on...

Well, it is Monday so I thought we would do the Manic Monday thing. Today is a good day, not very manic like for me. I hope you enjoy anyway!!

What is the last song that was stuck in your head and how did you get rid of it?

"Love Story" by Taylor Swift. Basically I had to listen to anything else and NOT that song. Even just mentioning it right now is like asking for it to come back into my head and get stuck!!

If you had to say what one thing in your life best represents your freedom, what would it be? That one is easy. The Cross. It represents the only true freedom we have in this life. Well, at least what I believe anyway. Without it I would still be a slave to sin and this world. There would be nothing but this life and then death. Yet, I have the ultimate freedom in Christ to know that my life has a higher purpose and that this life will not end in death, but in life everlasting. There is nothing more important than that.

If you were invited to the White House for dinner tonight, what would you wear from your current wardrobe?
First of all, me get invited to the White House?? For what purpose?? To talk to Michelle about raising kids?? I digress...(or perhaps I am just avoiding the question) I don't think I have anything. I would end up borrowing something from my sister. Does that count? Or wearing my favorite skirt and shirt...

Manic Monday: My Circus

Hello everyone! It is quiet around here lately, but I will continue to blog. I love it and don't really care who reads. I know there are some lurkers out there that read, but do not comment. I don't mind. Do what you gotta do!!

Aidan has 2 days left of Preschool. He is very excited about it, especially graduation on Friday. I am excited for him, too. He has grown up so much in the past 2 years. We are having less temper tantrums and more grown-up responses to things. Let me say, though, that he will never lack in passion. He will probably always be sensitive, unless he grows a thick skin. He is like Jonathan in that regard, I think.

Emma, on the other hand, is turning into her own independent little person. (read: she's becoming a Terrible two!!) It's a good thing she's cute!!

Took Emma shopping today. It was nice to just have our last little bit of alone time. I will miss that part of our week. I am sure she will, too. I will have to make sure to set aside time for each of the kids when we start babysitting Maggie full time. I try to, anyways.

Tonight I am off to the Cheesecake with my Small group women. We are leaving our husbands and children at home. We haven't done this yet this year. It will be a nice change. Perhaps we will get to visit more!! That will be good.

Tomorrow night I am going out with a lady that organizes the worship/teach time at Promiseland. We tried to get together last week, but she was having some issues with car keys and shopping with her son. We are going out for supper, which will give us a lot of time to talk and visit. I am really looking forward to it.

Wow, I have a busy social calendar this week!! That's okay, though. It is nice to visit with people my own age as opposed to 2 year old and 5 year old conversations. (Although Aidan's conversing is highly intelligent!!)

Well, it is only 2 more sleeps until the in-laws arrive. My house still needs some work and I am babysitting Maggie for awhile tomorrow. No worries. Somehow everything will get done. Until then, enjoy the Manic Monday!!

If you joined the circus, what act would you most want to perform?

(Who needs to join the circus?? Don't I live in one already??) I would like to be a trapeze artist, although I am afraid of heights. So, I guess I would be a clown. It is fun to be a clown, especially when Jenny and I do it together!!

Would you generally be overdressed or underdressed at a party?
Probably over dressed. I like to dress up when I go out. As a stay-at-home mom, getting to dress up in girly, adult, non-play clothes is a lot of fun!!

Do you feel that children should be sheltered from unhappiness?
Ummm, no. Listen stuff happens. Things happen. Life happens. No point in trying to sugar coat everything. It will not help them later. (Man, I am a cruel and horrible parent!)

Manic Monday: Happy Victoria Day!

Happy Victoria Day to all my Canadian friends!

Off to work a Casino in an hour or so. Really need to have a shower and some breakfast. So, without furthur ado here's today's Manic Monday post! Enjoy!!


If you could completely redecorate any room in your house at no expense to you, what room would you choose?
Our bathroom. It is old and outdated and needs a whole new makeover. The ceiling paint is pealing off and the shower doors and bath tub are disgusting!!

Which hour of the day do you feel goes the slowest?
The hour right before the kids go to bed for the night. It seems to drag on and the kids are just looking for something to do.

If your birthday could be in a different month of the year, when would you have it?
Any month would be better than December and four days before Christmas. I don't care. Perhaps the summer...

Weekend in Review: It is a Manic Monday!!

Good day everyone! It is Monday. I can feel it in my bones. Our weekend was very busy:

Friday - supper at the Cheesecake Cafe for Mother's Day. They have Callebaut Cheesecake right now, which was simply divine.

Saturday - swimming in the morning; Aidan had a birthday party in the afternoon (he was the most well behaved boy!) and then I worked in Promiseland that night.

Sunday - Jonathan got up with Aidan and made me pancakes. Then he went and cut my parents' lawn. I bought a few groceries. Then we had small group in the afternoon. After supper I had to go to the airport and pick up my parents.

I did not get to spend Mother's day with either of the two Moms who mean the most to me. (My mom and/or Jonathan's) We tried to call Sandra yesterday, but no answer...(I hope you are alright, Sandra and not trapped under something heavy!!) We will call later today again.

Anyway, I am tired and it is no wonder. Look at what we did! Crazy!!

Hopefully I will be able to tackle my garden this weekend. That is the plan, anyway. My mom thinks there are some tulips and some daffodils growing in my garden already. We'll see how they are. I will leave them this year. They never bloomed last year. We'll see.

Okay, so I thought I would do the Manic Monday thing again today. It should be fun...or not!! Anyway, without furthur ado...



How old were you when you learned to tie your shoes?
I think I was in Kindergarten or Grade one. I know I did wear velcro in Kindergarten. I had a doll that I used to practice things on like tying shoes, doing buttons, snapping snaps...

Have you ever snooped in somebody else's medicine cabinet?
I wonder if anyone hasn't. Sometimes you are just curious. I know I am. So I have looked.

Who do you think you are?
Obviously I think that I am someone who needs to know what is in other people's bathroom cabinets. I don't know why...

Other than that I think I am a Daughter of the Most High God, Mom, Wife, Daughter, Sister, Friend, Singer, Writer, Reader, Girl Guide Leader and Mountain lover!

Manic Monday: Summer Job, Bad dates...

Snowing again. When will it be Spring? I hope soon. I am tired of this weather.

Emma did not sleep well last night and then she had a huge temper tantrum in the middle of the mall. (Lying on the floor, kicking, screaming, crying...You get the picture!) It is lovely having a two year old again... NOT!!

Here's a little something fun in my rought day!!

What's the best summer job you ever had?
One summer I worked for the company that Jonathan works for, when we lived in Edmonton. I was in charge of putting their new catalogue together. I learned a ton of things about computers, programs and publishing. It was great, albeit slightly bad for my eyes!!

Tell me about the worst date you ever went on.
That would be the date I went on with my first boyfriend to Calaway Park. He decided to tell me that they were moving away to Edmonton while we were on the top of the Ferris Wheel. (How romantic!!) That was very sad because it was my first boyfriend.

Or there was the time that I went to a Rod Stewart concert with my horrible boyfriend in grade 12. We sat on the floor and Rod proceeded to kick and throw out soccer balls during the concert. One of them my boyfriend caught and said, "I'm going to give this to my mom..." Yeah...He was a keeper... NOT!!

Do you think the age for a driver's license should be raised (currently 16 here in the U.S.)?
I think it should be raised, even in Canada. I doubt it ever would be. We do have graduated licensing here in Alberta now, but it still would be better if teens couldn't drive...

Manic Monday

Describe to me your favorite lounging clothes.
My blue PJ pants which are flannel with snowflakes on them.
An oversized T-Shirt from my Prego days
A ratty old sweater that I have "borrowed" long-term from my mom.
A nice warm pair of socks (in the winter).
My blue, fuzzy, Cookie Monster-type slippers. (Not really Cookie Monster, but the color and fur of him!!)

If you promised to never lie again in your lifetime, in what area would it be hardest to uphold the promise?
I try not to lie, as a rule. Plus, I am not very good at it to begin with. I do not have a poker face, so people can pretty much tell that I am lying right away. I guess the place where it does happen sometimes is when people ask for your advice and you feel better about lying to them then telling them the truth. I like to protect people and not hurt them. (i.e. "Do I look fat in this?", for example...)

Give a one word answer to the question "why is life worth living".
I have two... GOD/CHRIST and LOVE, these sort of go hand in hand for me.

Manic Mondays: 1 Week till Vegas!

I am doing the Manic Monday thing today! I am severly tired!!

Are you a saver or spender?
I am more of a spender than my husband. I think on average, though, I would be a saver. I probably spend way less than most people.

Do you prefer to walk around barefoot in your home? Socks? Shoes?
I try to walk around in slippers and socks, otherwise I am too cold and am always complaining. In the summer, though, it is barefeet all the way!

Do you talk to yourself?
When I am angry...yes. That's about the only time.

*********************************
I am going to do some Vegas stuff and then take a rest this afternoon. Aidan is fighting this cold thingy and I have a feeling we are all fighting it to some degree.

Have a great day!!