Top Ten Fridays: Romantic Things...

We went shopping yesterday. The kids were grumpy as they are still fighting off their colds. I feel better today than I did yesterday. I am trying to take it easy...So hard with 2 little ones and Emma is starting to get into everything...SIGH!

Went out with Jenny last night for supper and shopping (without kids). I bought a new pair of jeans and a sweater. I also got some iPod Socks so I can protect my iPod and my cell phone. We had lovely Cheesecake Appetizers and wonderful cheesecake for dessert. Thanks, again, Jenny! It was lovely and much needed.

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. I don't really get into this holiday. I mean, it is really just another reason to spend money. We should be telling our loved ones that we love them every day, not just on Valentine's Day.

Regardless of my feelings, I feel as though I need to do something to mark the occasion with. So, without furthur ado, I will get sappy for just a moment...(Sorry, everyone!)

Top Ten Romantic Moments in My Marriage: (things Jonathan has done - Chronologically from start to now)

10) Roses - When we first met, way back when...'96?, Jonathan showed up one day with flowers for all of the girls on our music ministry team. It was sooo romantic and made the other 3 guys look really bad. Anyway, I will remember that for the rest of my life.

9) Sang to Me - On Morning Star, again. It was sweet, considering he hates his voice. Somehow that made it all the more sweeter.

8) CD mix - On Morning Star we used to write out songs to each other. We used to keep a journal and we would write letters to each other back and forth. Anyway, over Christmas break he made a tape of songs and put 3 of 'our' songs on it. Hidden in the middle, so no one else would know. When he played the tape in the van, he signalled to me that I should listen to these next few songs, in the rearview mirror.

7) Newmarket, Ontario - The 2nd time that we went to Newmarket (where Jonathan is from) with Morning Star. We had a day off and we spent it together. We went to the mall, out for lunch, hung out with his family (I loved his family right away), watch the X-Files with Jennifer (see I do remember that, Jennifer)...It was just nice that he and I were able to 'be a couple' for that short time.

6) Showing up unannounced - He had a great way of surprising me, when we were dating, of showing up at my school, my home, etc. without telling me. I loved that. The epitome of this was when he drove down to Calgary to visit me without letting me know. He told my parents, of course, but not me. It really made my weekend!

5) Proposal - He shooed me to bed on Christmas Eve so he could ask my parents if he could marry me. The next morning he proposed after I had opened all my presents. I hadn't even realized that he had not given me any presents. So wonderful....

4) Wedding Night - (its not what you think) He gave me the ring (covenant ring) he had worn since he was a teenager and the journal he had written to his future wife. (That was me!!) Tears...

More recently...

3) Grandmother's Death - I was away when she had her stroke, at a Guide camp in Edmonton. My parents had called him and told him that morning. He picked me up from camp on the Sunday and said nothing. He let me go through the rest of the day and night, so I could sleep, eat, etc. He knew that I would be on the next bus to Calgary. The next morning he told me I needed to call my parents. I know it seems strange or weird, but it just show me that he knows me so well...

2) Unexpected Presents - Like the "Friends Scene it" game he brought back from his trip to Edmonton.

1) Presents - Like my diamond necklace, Pride and Prejudice, Tickets to Mamma Mia....

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There are many other things. I could go on, but I will stop. He will admit that he is not that romantic. I would agree. I think it is just the little things that he does for me, for our kids, for our family. Those are the things that I remember.

I hope that no matter how you feel about Valentine's Day and the whole commercialism of the thing, that you would spend some time with those special someones and just let them know that you love them. I try to do it everyday.

Happy Valentine's Day! Thanks for reading my blog. You are all awesome!!

Top Ten Fridays: Disney Movies

Aidan is still sick. He has a fever this morning, so I am sticking close to the house today. My parents are coming over to babysit tonight. I know I should probably stay home and not go out, but Jonathan and I really need a date...So...I am going to go.

Anyway, we have been watching Wall-E lately and so, with Disney in mind, here's my top ten list...

Top Ten Disney Movies: (in random order)

10) Wall-E - so cute and girlie!

9) Cars - "The name's Mater. As in Tamater, without the 'ta'!" He's hilarious!!

8) Beauty and the Beast - My ultimate favorite. I am Belle!!

7) The Tigger Movie - Tigger is my favorite! And Roo is just looking for a big brother!

6) The Heffalump Movie - Lumpy is sooo cute and so is Roo. How can I resist! (Although I could do without some of the weird arrangements of songs that Carly Simon does!)

5) Mary Poppins - Other than "The Sound of Music", this is the other movie that my sister and I used to rent profusely from the video store. We should have just bought it!

4) Toy Story - "Please be a Mrs. Potatoe Head. Please be a Mrs. Potatoe Head!"

3) Robin Hood - I love this movie! I just do...That's all I have to say! "Oooohhh Mommy...."

2) Finding Nemo - Ellen DeGeneres as the forgetful fish is so great! "Are you my conscience?" And then there is the other fishes in the fish tank, Crush the sea turtle "Dude", the sharks "The name's Bruce"... So good! And such a good story about fathers and sons. One of Jonathan's favorites, too!!

1) Monsters Inc. - Seriously, Boo is the cutest cartoon character I have ever seen!! "Kitty!!" And then there is the whole John Goodman and Billy Crystal comedy. They are great together. So good.

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Other honorable mentions: The Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty (my favorite old princess movie), The Incredibles (I want our family to have superpowers!!), Aladdin (Who can resist anything with Robin Williams? He's hilarious and really makes this movie! I also love Abu! "You ain't never had a friend like me!")...

What are some of your favorties? I would love to know!!

I hope you all have a good weekend.

Top Ten Fridays: Favorite Romantic Movies

Okay, so I have been very BAD at doing these lately. I will remedy that right now. I have about 10 minutes before it is time to wake the living dead and get him ready for Preschool. Emma was up and jumping around at 4 this morning, so she will be a treat today. Luckily I am hanging out with my Mom (has the day off) and my Sister (this is her 'Sunday' - Weird WestJet schedule!)

I have seen lots of romantic movies, but I try not to watch too many with my husband. Why? Because all I get is moaning and groaning. He is getting better, though - More understanding with age. I am also getting tired of romance movies because the new ones all seem to revolve around sex which is boring. But here are a list of some of my favorites. (old and new)

Top Ten Favorite Romantic Movies: (in random order)

10) The Princess Bride - "My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die"; "As you wish"; "Mawige, Mawige is what bwings us togetha, today...." - If you have never seen this movie, you NEED to watch it. It is hilarious!! (P.S. I believe that Jonathan looks exactly like Carey Elwes!!)

9) Sleepless in Seattle - Meg Ryan, Tom Hanks. It is a classic.

8) You've Got Mail - Same cast as above, more books!

7) Shakespeare in Love - I was an English major! This film makes me remember how much I enjoy Shakespeare. Warning: there are some indecent sex scenes. You can fast forward that part!

6) The Notebook - I was watching this last month on TV. I only saw the last half an hour and I still bawled like a baby at the end. This movie, as well, has a few sex scenes, but I really love the story. So romantic!!

5) When Harry Met Sally - Funny. Who would have thought that Billy Crystal could be the lead in a romantic movie?

4) An Affair to Remember - This is related to Sleepless in Seattle. I love this movie as well. Always makes me cry. Carey Grant and Debra Kerr.

3) Moulin Rouge - Okay, so now we are talking about a burlesque show! But it has singing, it has comedy, it has an evil character that you hate. It has moral issues. Plus it is so sad.... It is worth a watch!

2) The Sound of Music - I know that this is more that a story about love, but the chemistry between Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer still makes me avert my eyes sometimes. (I'm 30 years old!!) Anyway, I love it! Since I was a little girl and we used to put it on all the time. My father used to get mad at us for watching it - Over and Over and Over!!

1) Pride and Prejudice - (A&E Version) I know I have talked about this already, but there is no Mr. Darcy like Colin Firth! Sorry! No one can do it!
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There's my list! What are some of yours?

Top Ten Fridays: Things to Look Forward to in 2009

This is the view of the trees across our road and the very busy 16th Avenue!!

This is the tree outside our neighbor's front door! Very pretty!

Top Ten Things to Look Forward to in 2009:

10) The end of driving to the NW 3 times a week for Preschool... at least for a year!

9) Aidan starting Kindergarten...YIKES!!

8) Potty Training Session #2

7) The unexpected surprises...the things that you don't plan for, good or bad. This makes life...interesting!

6) My parents being home... not running off to Ontario all the time.

5) Getting to know new people...in our small group, at a playgroup in our community next September, in Aidan's new sphere of influence once he is in Kindergarten...

4) Working in Promiseland...doing puppets, worship and helping out in Aidan's room.

3) Doing something different next year...I really feel like God is leading me to go out on a limb and do something different next year. (at church, for sure) He has given me a few ideas. I will keep you posted.

2) My in-laws coming out to visit in June! It will be nice to see them again, and hopefully the flying will cut down on the tiredness from driving!!

1) Our 10th Anniversary...A trip (hopefully) &/or renewing our vows...Something to mark this very special occasion!

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That's my list....I am sure there are more, but most of those will fall under the "unexpected surprise" category. What are you looking forward to this coming year?

Whatever it is, I hope that it is a good year for you all!

Top Ten Fridays: Things I Received at Christmas!

I won't spare you the details of Christmas. My kids made out like bandits - like I knew they would. They are very happy with all their toys (thank-yous to all relatives, near and far). Aidan said it was his best Christmas. (I am sure that he would have thought last year was his best, as well, but he doesn't remember from one year to the next!) Emma has the talking Elmo. She has a love-hate (read: run away from the scary red monster) relationship with it. It is oh so cute!

Anyway, I figured I would tell you ten things that I received for Christmas. Here they are in random order.

Top Ten Presents I Received For Christmas:

10) My husband's Wii - it is a gift for him, but really...I am going to play it, too! So will Aidan. And Emma will one day down the road.

9) Lack of Sleep - I am a kid at heart and can never sleep the night before Christmas. Plus, I was awakened by my parent's cat, Soda (we slept at their house). I got up and was ready to kill her...which brings me to number 8....

8) A Lot of Scratches - on my arm, specifically. I love Soda...

7) Wine - The only time I drink it is on special occasions. This was the special occasion. I will probably have some more on New Years. Perhaps some champagne, as well.

6) A sore arm and back - From number 10. It really is the game that gets you up and playing.

5) Lots of losses - Again because of number 10. Jonathan is really good at video games and hand-eye coordination. Must be the drumming thing...Needless to say, I have been beaten on almost every game we have played!

4) Lots of Pretend food - Yes, my kids received a kitchen set for Christmas. We have been having lots of pretend food together. They love it!

3) PJ Days - since my hubby is home with us we have been having a lovely time in our lazy day pjs. It is fun to not get dressed and play with toys. *She says, while wearing her sleeping atire at 1:43pm!*

2) Laughter and Tears - I received the Friends Season 3 (laughter) and the first 2 seasons of Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman (tears).

1) Pounds - on the waiste, probably. Turkey, goodies, eggs, eggnog, hot chocolate....My mom's fudge....

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Here are some of the real gifts I received: the above two, clothes, Cd, and gift cards. I also have some nice Christmas mugs and angel dishes for next Christmas, as well as a hot chocolate maker. And a couple lovely books from my in-laws.

Thank-you to everyone near and far. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, as well.

Top Ten Fridays: Ten Holiday Treats

And now (even though there is a winter storm warning and it is going to be freezing outside), another Christmas Top Ten Friday!!

Top Ten Holiday Treats: (Least favorite to Most loved - can't do without - treats)

10) Mincemeat Tarts - I have grown to love these tarts. They are my Dad's favorite so they are always around. They are really good and have a nice spicy taste.

9) Egg Nog - With or without the spiking??

8) Peppermint... - ANYTHING! I love Peppermint teas, hot chocolates, mochas...Yummy!!

7) Shortbread Cookies - Fattening, but delicious! (Especially if they are melt-in-your-mouth, like they should be.

6) Sugar Cookies - It is especially fun decorating these with the kids. Also my recipe is great for dipping into hot drinks.

5) Creme de Menthe bars - I love mint! Mint and chocolate comes second only to peanut butter and chocolate!

4) Nanaimo Bars - My ultimate favorite bar at Christmas. Yummy!

3) Butter Tarts - I can hear my Dad saying that "these can be had anytime of the year", but we never make them unless it is Christmas. I love them.

2) Battenburg Cake - Although I haven't had it for years because we used to buy it from Marks and Spencer, which is now closed down in Canada. I still remember it fondly and my mouth waters...

1) Mom's Home-made Fudge - Sorry! You can't make this one. I've tried, but it just isn't the same unless my Mommy is making it! She has that special touch, which I think runs in her side of the family. (Her uncle was a candy maker and owned a candy store downtown!)
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Ahh the memories that these bring back. My Mom and my aunt would set a day as the "Bake-a-thon" day. We would listen to Christmas music, bake and take short breaks for dancing on the footstool. It was lovely.

What are your baking memories? What will your family be eating this Christmas? Please share! (And pass the egg nog - unspiked!!)

Top Ten Fridays: Favorite Christmas Movies

I apologize for having a late entry. We have had no internet for the past 48 hours. Our internet does this every once and a while. Yesterday I was fed up and called our provider. He told me to try a couple of things that I had already tried on my own. Then he said he would send someone out today (Saturday) to check it out. Murphy's law: I get off the phone and half an hour later my internet was back up and running!! Go figure!!

As promised, I will continue with favorite Christmas things. This week...movies!!

Top Ten Favorite Christmas Movies: (in random order)

10) Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - with those wonderful songs and those characters (an elf that wants to be a dentist!!) this one is just loveable. It is also the one most likely to be shown on my birthday (Dec. 21)

9) Mickey's Christmas Carol - I love this one. It is a little less dark that the originals, so that kids can watch it!

8) Miracle on 34th Street (the newer version) - I have never seen the original (or just bits and pieces), but I just love Richard Attenborough as Santa Clause!

7) How the Grinch Stole Christmas (cartoon) - A classic!

6) How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Jim Carey) - Jim Carey has such a way with bringing the Grinch to life. It is very cute.

5) Muppet's Christmas Carol - Everytime I think of this one, I remember Kermit's nephew as Tiny Tim. He is just so cute. You just want to squish him!! Plus this one is musical and I love musicals!!

4) Little Drummer Boy - I just really like the simplicity of the story. It is what Christmas should be like: simple!!

3) Polar Express - Aidan loves this movie! I do to! I know it is all about believing in Santa Claus, but more importantly: It is about believing in something you cannot see. That is exactly what we do as Christians - FAITH!!

2) Charlie Brown's Christmas - Again, the story is simple! I always feel for Charlie Brown. He's trying to direct the play and no one is listening (Snoopy steals the show, of course). It is frustrating. It is the innocence that makes this one of my ultimate favorites. The Christmas tree, then Linus explaining the true meaning of Christmas.... It is lovely.

1) The Star of Christmas (Veggie Tales) - This one is just cute! I love the Veggie Tales!!
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Those are some of my favorites. I know I have left some out. Please let me know any of yours that I have missed!! I hope you have a chance to enjoy some wonderful Christmas specials!!

Top Ten Fridays: The Grinch and Mrs. Claus

Welcome to my first Top Ten Friday based solely on the wonderful holiday of Christmas.

Let me get one thing straight: I LOVE Christmas! I can't wait to put out my Christmas tree, hang my lights, decorate my house, do Christmas baking and (of course) listen to Christmas music.

The other important sidebar is that I married The Grinch. Bah Humbug!

I don't know how it happened. I have always loved Christmas and have always made this known to the world. Of course, my lovely husband has always made his opposition to the holiday known. Perhaps it was our first Christmas where this knowledge really began to sink in. Nevertheless, it has always been and continues to be this way in our household. Which brings us to my Top Ten...

Top Ten Fridays: What I Say, What He's Thinking....

10) Me: "I can't wait to put up the tree!!"
Him: "Will she notice if I burn it?"

9) Me: "I love wrapping presents!"
Him: "Can't we just put a ribbon on it?"

8) Me: "I can't wait to decorate! Can I do it now?"
Him: "If I see one more twinkling light...."

7) Me: "Christmas shopping is great. I love giving gifts."
Him: "Gift cards?"

6) Me: "I am going to send out Christmas cards, okay?"
Him: "Do I have to sign them?"

5) Me: "I love Christmas baking."
Him: "I love eating Christmas baking..."

4) Me: "Don't you just love all the Christmas lights?"
Him: "No...."

3) Me: "Let's listen to some Christmas music."
Him: "AAAHHHH....Run away!"

2) Me: "Hey! My favorite Christmas special is on!"
Him: "Just pretend you don't hear her!"

1) Me: "I love Christmas!!"
Him: "Bah Humbug!!"
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No matter what he says, I know he is glad to be celebrating Jesus' birth. That is the most important part of the season and the reason we celebrate!

May God fill you with His wonder and awe at the miracle of Christmas.

Top Ten Fridays: People In the Bible I Would Like to Meet

****We interrrupt this Top Ten Friday to bring you the breaking news that Emma sat on Santa's lap at the mall this morning. She cried only a little bit, but she did not scream and she posed long enough for the above picture to be taken. We now return you to our regular scheduled programming!*******

(Now if I can only get Aidan to do the same thing....)

Top Ten People in the Bible I Would Like to Meet: (in random order)

10) Paul - He was the first disciple to teach the Gentiles. I am a Gentile. I would like to hear his stories.

9) Mary Magdelene - only woman close to Jesus, among so many men. Very interesting.

8) Mary, mother of Jesus - Can you imagine raising the son of God? What must that have been like for her as a mother?

7) Daniel - The more I study him, the more I want to know him.

6) David - He is human and a chosen one of God. He sinned and yet was still used immeasurably.

5) Jonathan - He loved David like a brother. That kind of loyalty is something I would like to know.

4) Abraham - He continued to be faithful, even when the odds seemed against it. How must it have been for him to believe surrounded by unbelief?

3) Sarah - She raised a child when she was old. She would have lots of stories to tell!

2) Naomi and Ruth - They stayed together through thick and thin. I strived to be like them in my relationship with my mom-in-law. I am lucky to have in-laws that I like.

1) Jesus - There's nothing to say about this one. He is my savior. There are many things I would like to ask, say....Thankfully, I already 'know' him. I just can't wait to meet him face to face.

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Next week begins my Christmas Top Ten Lists. These will continue until Christmas. Stay-tuned....

Top Ten Fridays: Reasons to Drink....Coffee

I think we are all in need of some humor today. So, here's my list for this Friday. Perhaps this will set your mind at ease and will think about something other than the economy for a while.

In any case, grab a cup of joe and relax.

Top Ten Reasons to Drink Coffee:

10) Nice and hot in the morning - It is getting colder outside, so this one should be up near the front of the list. But, I digress. It is a lovely way to wake up to a cold house and drink a nice and hot, fresh cup of coffee.

9) Too early for Coke - Although I have been known to drink Coke on occassion in the morning, instead of making coffee.

8) Goes nicely with breakfast foods -Especially with pancakes from Phil's!

7) Tastes okay, especially if you add sugar and cream - I know there are people out there who like it black...I am not talking about those 'crazies', only us normal people. You know, those of us who like a lot of flavored cream in our coffee to mask some of the taste, but keep the benefits of the caffeine? Don't pretend you are not one of those if you are. There is nothing to be ashamed of.

6) Smells divine - There is nothing like it.

5) Reminder that no one is perfect - Let's face it. We are addicted to the stuff (at least I am) and we crave it daily. Even if it turns our teeth yellow and we get the shakes and headaches if we don't have enough! How perfectly 'human' we are.

4) It's a good drink to have when visiting with friends - Most of us drink it, so it is a good thing to do with friends. Many wonderful conversations have happened in my short life over coffee. I am sure this will continue.

3) Goes great with donuts - This is just for all us Timmy Ho's fans up here in Canada. Sorry to those of you in the States or elsewhere that have no idea what I am talking about!!

2) Gives you a kick - Why else do we drink it? There is no other reason, really, unless you are one of the 'crazies' mentioned above that actually like the taste. For the rest of us, it is a jump start in the morning or whenever we need it!

1) Why not? - What else are you going to drink? Orange juice? Some organic stuff? Who wants to be healthy???

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What's that? You need to go and have some coffee right now? Okay. I'll be waiting until you get back...

Hey...can you get one for me, too?

Top Ten Fridays: Thanksgiving

Top Ten Things I am Thankful For:

10) Nature - trees and especially the mountains.

9) Canada - We live in a wonderful country with many freedoms and luxuries that other countries do not have. We take it for granted, even during an economic crisis.

8) Books - What would I do without something to read??

7) Coffee & Chocolate - Though this may seem trivial, it is important to me. I am sure I could live without them if I had to...

6) Music - What can I say about this? I am a singer and music has always been a part of my life.

5) Friends - They are there for you when you need them. They love you and they are not related to you - they do it by choice. That is amazing and wonderful.

4) Family - They support me in everything - both my family and my in-laws. They are wonderful.

3) Children - What a blessing it is to be able to have two wonderful children that God created. What an awesome resposibility, as well. I love them both so much and can't remember life without them. I wouldn't trade it for the world!!

2) Husband - What can I say...He is my rock. My heart. My best friend. My soulmate. My love for him continues to grow everyday. Who knew that I could love someone so much?

1) Jesus - The ultimate gift. The ultimate blessing. There is none like You, God. None who would send their only Son to die for a sinless people. You are amazing and I am in awe of Your love and grace continually. Thank-You for Jesus. You are amazing!! I am unworthy....
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To all my Canadian friends and family, Happy Thanksgiving! Have a wonderful time with your families and eating that delicious turkey!

Top Ten Fridays: TV Shows Present

After taking a trip down memory lane for the past 2 weeks, I continue to think of TV shows. I would just like to point out that I did not just watch TV when I was a kid. Some of these shows I didn't watch until they were on reruns, when I was a teenager. (Just so you know!)

This week we will talk about my favorites right now. These are the shows that I watch right now. So, without furthur ado....

Top Ten TV Shows - Present:

10) Survivor - Although this season seems to be a little bit (shall I say it?) BORING!! I think it has almost run its course.

9) The Office - We just started watching it this year. Very funny.

8) Life - Very good acting, with funny parts. I like it, so it will probably be cancelled soon. I always like the shows that aren't very popular.

7) Heroes - Watched the first season this summer. Was totally hooked. Now we are trying to get through the 2nd season, but it SUCKS!! Sorry, but it is not as good as the first season. My sister said the new season is better. So we just have to keep plugging on through. (We are taping the 3rd season right now! NO SPOILERS, PLEASE!!)

6) Dexter - We got hooked to this series during the writer's strike because CTV picked it up. Now?? It is no longer on our stations. I just thought I would mention it because I would watch it if it was still on.

5) Criminal Minds - This is my show. Jonathan does not like this one at all. I do like him to be home when I watch it because it does get pretty scary sometimes. (And dark, Jonathan would say - Although he watches The Shield!)

4) Amazing Race - LOVE IT! That's all I have to say!

3) CSI - There is nothing like the original. Plus, they keep us waiting for the season premiere...like forever. This is William Peterson's last year, so I suspect he will end up with Sarah Sidle in the end!! YEAH!!

2) Fringe - My new FAVORITE! It is on after House. Jonathan calls it "the poor man's X-Files", but I really enjoy it. A show that has many secrets and reveals them over time is always good, but this one does it very well. It is a thinking show, though, and sometimes those don't fair well. We'll see. (And it has Joshua Jackson...Need I say more?)

1) House - I never watched this show till I was living with my parents. Now I wish I had. I am sad that Wilson is gone - for the time being, but the show must go on. It is brilliant and the phrases that House comes up with are brilliant.
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Thanks for joining me on this TV journey. I will think of something else next week...Ahhh, to have to be original.

Top Ten Fridays: TV Shows Past II

Okay. The second installment. Without furthur ado...

Top Ten TV Shows Past - Part 2: (in no particular order)

10) Golden Girls - I loved this show. I used to watch reruns of it all the time in college. (And reruns of the spinoff, Empty Nest) They were hilarious and had perfect timing. Good show.

9) Night Court - Bull - remember him? That show was so good. I wish they would rerun that!

8) Full House - Who didn't grow up on this in the 90s? DJ and I grew up at the same time. We faced the same things at the same time. I felt like she was a friend.

7) Friends - I have been collecting these. I need 3 more seasons in order to have the complete collection. I also grew up with these and watched every season, except the season where I was on Morning Star. I still love watching the episodes over and over again. My favorite show of all time.

6) Arrested Development - This show wasn't on for very long, but it was hilarious. Very dry. Very funny. Very smart humor. I guess people don't want to think with sitcoms. I loved it. Jonathan has started to collect it. We have 3 seasons. I think we are missing one.

5) Alf - Who knew we would laugh so much with an alien? He was hilarious.

4) Webster - I don't need to say any more about it. It speaks for itself.

3) Kate and Ally - They were really good at making us laugh.

2) Different Strokes - "What you talkin' about, Willis?"

1) Facts of Life - I loved Joe. I wanted to be an individual like her and not let anyone boss me around or tell me what to do. I guess that is where I got some of independence and resolve from.

There are many more that I have thought of: Designing Women, Punky Brewster, Blossom, NYPD Blue, Rags to Riches, Silver Spoons, Matlock, Murder She Wrote, Twilight Zone, Different World, Head of the Class, 21 Jump Street, Night Rider, Neon Rider....Okay enough.

Thanks for taking this trip down memory lane with me. Next week we will look at my favorite shows right now. If I missed anymore you can think of, let me know.

Here's a little something to remember this wonderful journey we've made:

Top Ten Fridays: TV Shows Past I

I am sick (a mild cold) and heading to camp in a few hours. Here's a quicky for all you blog followers out there. I have started with the past and will do another segment next week. (There were too many to fit on this list!!) I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Top Ten TV Shows Past I: (in random order)

10) Cheers - "Norm!!" We want to go where everybody knows our name!

9) Murphy Brown - I loved this show. So did my dad. It was one of his favorites. Such a strong woman as a main character. It was awesome.

8) Degrassi Junior High - For all of us Canadian born children, we were allowed to watch this show because it talked about many of the issues we were facing at the time. It provided safe answers, as well. Who can forget Joey Jeremiah? Snake? Spike with the baby? If you have no idea what I am talking about, click here.

7) Star Trek: The Next Generation - Yes, I was a Trekky when I was growing up. I did watch the original after school in elementary. Then in Junior high I would come home and watch Jean-Luc and his crew in The Next Generation. "Live Long and Prosper"!

6) Perfect Strangers - I loved Balky. What a great comedic duo. "Now we do the dance of joy!"

5) Family Matters - Ahhh, Erkel. Need I say more? This was part of the famed TGIF tv night on Fridays. It was nice to be able to watch TV with the whole family. You can't do that very much these days.

4) X-Files - Mulder and Scully! Will they ever get together? Who is the smoking man? The truth is out there.

3) Growing Pains - Kirk Cameron....

2) Family Ties - Alex P. Keaton...

1) Cosby Show - Again a wonderful show that you could all sit down and watch together. I love Bill Cosby. They just had such wonderful chemistry on that show. You can still watch reruns (which I do on occasion) on some channels.

Like I said. There are still many more that I have not even touched yet. I will do Part II next week, so stay tuned. What are some that you liked?

Have a great weekend.

Top Ten Fridays: Favorite Fall Things

I apologize to those of you who regularly read my blog. This was the first week of Preschool, so it has been quite a ride, without much time for blogging.

It feels like fall outside. There are even some leaves on the trees. (Global warming...yeah right!!) Anyway, I really love this season. I thought I would share this with you all.

Top Ten Favorite Fall Things: (in random order!)

10) The colors - They are lovely. The oranges, yellows, greens and browns. (A few reds, but not too many here in Alberta.) Gorgeous! They remind me that God makes beautiful things, including me.

9) School supplies - Even when I am not in school, I love the smell of sharpened pencils, erasers, paper, binders, notebooks, pens...I love school. One of the reasons I became a teacher.

8) New fall clothes - It's always fun for me to go through my closet and see all of the clothes that I have not worn for half a year. And you always seem to need a few new things, even though you are not in school anymore.

7) Sweaters - I love sweaters.

6) Thanksgiving - I love getting together with family, eating turkey and catching up. One of my favorite holidays.

5) Halloween - I know that it is not a favorite for many Christians, but it has always been a fun holiday for me. I get to dress up and be someone different. For the past couple of years I have been a witch and a clown. The clown has stuck. I love being a clown. I am going to be one for a long time to come, I think.

4) Crunchy leaves - Who doesn't like walking through the leaves and hearing them crunch under your shoes and socks? It is just like being a kid again.

3) Pumpkin Pie - My favorite of all pies. I LOVE it!! Especially topped with lots of whipped cream! (I feel the pounds being added to my hips as I speak.)

2) Birthday - My birthday (Dec. 21) is actually the first official day of winter. We usually have had at least a snowfall or two by then. But many times it is a brown birthday. I love my birthday, I just wish it was further away from Christmas.

1) Time change - I love the "fall back" hours in October. I love the fact of waking up to darkness and having supper when it is dusk. Many people don't, but there is something about it. Perhaps the quietness of life, even though we are awake. Perhaps it is the idea of getting up with the sun. I have always been a morning person, which probably helps.

What season is your favorite? What do you like about fall? I'd love to know!!

Let's spend some time this season crunching the leaves. Shall we?

Top Ten Fridays: Things Heard At VBS

And now, without furthur ado....

Top Ten Things Heard at VBS:

10) "As God's children we..." followed by various verbs including: share, give, love...

9) "Mommy, can I talk to the people?" as Aidan reaches for the microphone so he can talk to everyone in the sanctuary....Our little star!!

8) "Ranny!" as Emma runs after Granny in the church. She was all about Granny this week and is currently having a sleepover with Granny and Grandpa.

7) "I'll help Granny with the computer, Mommy!" as Aidan goes to the laptop and starts helping Granny with the powerpoint slides. He is a techno wizard.

6) "I'll wait until everyone is listening before I start..." as I wait for the kids to stop talking and listen to me as I talk at the front of the church. I have a lot of patience.

5) "Hands out, and up, then together and then put the apples in the basket" as we fold our hands to pray for the morning or for the rest of the day.

4) "Mommy, I'll sing and you do the tricks(aka actions)" as Aidan stands up besides me on the platform and sings the songs perfectly. I was NOT allowed to sing at this time because he could.

3) "Today's treetop critter is...."as I describe our little animal figurine the kids would get to take home from VBS each day.

2) "Let's find out what's for snack, Emma"...Emma: "Nack" as she toddles off to the kitchen leading the way. She ran up and down that church, putting miles on. Of course everyone loved her. Who wouldn't??

1) "How old is your son, Amanda?" as Aidan entertains everyone before and after the mornings with the microphone.

Some runners-up:

"This program is not good!"
"I don't want to organize next year!"
"I miss organizing this!"
"Every tree in the forest will join in the chorus..."
"Get your homeboy self ready!!"

All in all it was a great time, but I am wiped. My mom will be back to organizing it next year. The lady that did it this year, did a really good job for her first time...but said that my Mom could have her job back next year. She did offer to help, so that's good. We always need help. I may even tackle the dramas next year...

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. I am going to be resting up. So tired....

Top Ten Fridays: Some Favorite Love Songs

Welcome to today's top ten. I had no idea what to do with this today. I have a love of music, in case you haven't noticed. I thought I would do something with that. I chose a few of my favorite love songs, which somehow are all related to Jonathan in some way. It's funny how that happens without you even noticing it. Hmmm....

Anyway, I am sure there are more, so I may have to do another top ten of these. Here are the ones that really stand out in my mind. Enjoy!

Top Ten Favorite Love Songs:

10) Runaway - The Corrs - From our Morning Star days. Brings me back to Halifax for some reason.

9) Celebrate You - Steven Curtis Chapman - Jonathan put a few songs into a mixed tape that he made on Morning Star - a few songs for me!! (Since we weren't supposed to have 'relationships' on Morning Star, this was very tricky!!) Anyway, I remember that day in the van. Most people were sleeping, but Jonathan was driving and I was sitting a few seats behind him. This song came on and Jonathan caught my eye in the review mirror to tell me to listen up. It was wonderful. This was one of them.

8) The Way I Am - Ingrid Michaelson - A recent find. I love this song and it's simplicity. Love should be that simple. Sometimes I think we make it more complicated than it needs to be. (Click here)

7) Falling in Love (at a Coffee Shop) - Landon Pigg - Another more recent find. (Gotta love those songs from commercials!) I just love the acoustic-ness of this song. Lovely. (Click here)

6) The Day Will Never Come - Carolyn Arends - I love her. She has some really great songs about being a mom, wife and a follower of Jesus.

5) Worth Fighting For - Paul Brandt - Off his latest album. A totally marriage song. Love it. Have been here before: you know - the crossroads. You can continue to fight or move on. I love the way he just wants to move on.

4) I Still Do - Paul Brandt - Another Paul Brandt. He's really good. This one is just a song that we found and both loved. It says it all.

3) Faithful to You - Bryan Duncan - This was another one that Jonathan added to his mixed tape. At the time I had totally opened up to him more than I had to anyone else. He felt powerless, as the song suggests. Anyway, it was a real blessing to me and continues to be. I play it everytime I need a reminder of his constant love for me.



2) In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel - Jonathan loves Peter Gabriel and this song, at first, reminded me of "Benny and Joon". Now, it is all about us and our first few years of marriage.

1) If You Could See What I See - Geoff Moore and the Distance - This is the song we danced to, so it is always going to be my favorite. I love this song and it's words. So, I will definitely share it with you. See below for lyrics. (for a sample, click here)

all of my life

i have dreamed

that somehow love would find me

now i can't believe you're standing here

If beauty is all

in the eye

of the beholder then i

wish you could see

the love for you that lives in me

Chorus:

And you would know you have my heart

If you could see, what i see

that a treasure's what you are

if you could see, what i see

Created to be

the only one for me

If you could see, what i see

I know there are days

when you feel

so much less than ideal

wondering what i see in you

It's all of the light

and the grace

your belief in me drives me to say

that i promise you

a faithful love, forever true

(Chorus)

if you could see

then you'd understand

why i fall down to my knees

and i pray my love

will be worthy of

the one who gave his life

so our love could be

if you could see

what i see(x2)

You're created to be

The perfect one for me

If you could see

What i see

if beauty is all

in the eye

of the beholder then i

am beholding...true beauty

Top Ten Fridays: Favorite Guide Camp Foods

In honor of today being the first day of registration for Guiding Mosaic 2010 (a huge national camp in Ontario - this time celebrating 100 years of Guiding), here's my top ten list:

Top Ten Favorite Food at Guide Camp:

10) Sub Sandwiches - Especially when you are hiking on a trail.

9) Trail Mix with Extra Smarties - YUMMY!

8) Baked Apples - Cut up, stuffed with butter and cinnamon, covered in tinfoil and roasted in the fire.

7) Tin Foil Chicken - Seasoned with Shake n' Bake and covered in tinfoil and roasted in the fire.

6) Bannock with Jam - Cooked on a stick over the fire, then stuffed with jam.

5) Hot Chocolate - Warms you up right before bed.

4) Hot Iced Tea - Really good on a cold day!

3) Banana Boats - Slit down the side, stuffed with marshmellows and chocolate chips, wrapped in tinfoil and roasted in the fire. Eat with a spoon!!

2) Smores - Traditional camp food: graham wafer, chocolate bar and roasted marshmellows. Yummy!

1) Strawberry Squishies - Everyone kept telling me this was the best thing I would every eat...They were right. Frozen strawberries, cool whip, and 2 graham waffers in a ziploc bag. Squish up the waffers first (in the bag). Then add the strawberries and the cool whip. Mix them all together, and then cut a corner of the bag. Suck it out! Delicious!!

MMM!! That makes me want to go to camp right now!!
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Big announcement: My parents are coming home tonight. They are done. They have to go back in 3 months for a check-up, but they are back!! I am so excited for them to be done. They are, too!

We are not doing anything today. Hanging out. Watching TV. I am not feeling well today, so that is what happens!! I have made peace with it.

Emma is teething away. Her top molars are coming in. I felt one last night, but it seems to have retracted (as they always do!). Hopefully she will feel better soon.

Aidan is doing well. He is tired today, so that's why we are just hanging out. He is tired of Emma sometimes and they always want each other's toys. Sibling rivalry is well underway.

I am in need of new glasses. My eyes have been really sore and tired at night. I made myself and Jonathan an appointment for next week, since he has not had his eyes checked in a long time.

Well, that is all the news for now. Not much happening. Have a wonderful weekend. Take care.

Top Ten Fridays: Things I Love About the Olympics

Some pictures in honor of our anniversary yesterday:

The flowers I received yesterday from the wonderful man of my life.

I wore my mom's wedding dress and my colors were pink and baby blue.

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I just had to share a few pictures. Now on to my Top Ten for Friday.

Top Ten Things I Love About the Summer Olympics:

10) The atmosphere - since having the Olympics here in 1988, I have always felt the electic atmosphere that these days bring. I can feel it even though I am miles away.

9) The Closing ceremonies - are usually a great big celebration, but they are so bitter sweet. That's why it is my number 9 and not closer to the front.

8) The Entry of the Althletes - the outfits are all so different. The countries are so varied. Even the smallest countries, that come out with a few athletes. They love coming to the games and see it as an honor. That's great. (Oh and the snapping of their cameras!!)

7) The Global Community Coming Together - despite cultures, governments, beliefs - We all come together.

6) The Focus of the World on These Games - there is some good news for awhile. I like good news.

5) Seeing Other Cultures - The opening ceremonies is a good place for this, as the hosting country does an excellent job of blending in their culture.

4) The Track and Field Events - The running and sprints, especially. Jonathan has me hooked on this now. I even know a lot of the runners who will do the longer runs.

3) The Opening Ceremonies - What a great way to start the Olympics. The music, the dancing, the songs...Then the lighting of the torch. Excellent.

2) The Competions and stories of the Athletes

1) The National Pride - as a very humble country, we don't usually boast about our Canadian-ness. At the Olympics, all bets are off. I love it!!

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I hope you all will watch some of the wonderful Olympics. What a great thing to be a part of, even if we are halfway around the world.

Top Ten Fridays: Reads I've Studied

Sorry this is a little bit late. I completely forgot to do this on Friday morning, and then it slipped my mind for the rest of the day. Better late than never, I suppose. So, without further ado....

Top Ten Reads I've Studied in my B.A. Degree in English:

10.) Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf - This book was read with my closest friends in the same class. We had many great discussions over all of our assigned readings, gathered round my friend's table and in her hot tub. This book was one of them.

9.) Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys - A prequel to Jane Eyre and the crazy woman that lives upstairs in that novel. This is how she came to be so. Very good!!

8.) Romantic Poets - specifically Samuel Taylor Coleridge - The other poets are quite good as well. (Wordsworth, Blake, Byron, Shelley, and Keats) I also quite liked Blake.

7.) Twelfth Night by Shakespeare - I had never read nor studied this play before. I took a whole course on Shakespeare, which was excellent. I got to read a lot of the plays that I had not read before. This was one that I particularly enjoyed. It is funny and a love story. It is the one that Shakespeare describes in the end of the movie "Shakespeare in Love". It is well worth the read!!

6.) Hamlet (also by Shakespeare) - You cannot beat all of the soliloquies (speaches to oneself) in this play. It is brilliant.

5.) Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf - This was a compilation of lectureds done for a women's college or university by Virginia. I love the topics and things she discusses here about women and what we can do. My favorite quote being: "A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction."

4.) The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver - Her best book, I think. I have tried a few of her others, but they were not as good. This was studied in my Postcolonial Literature class, which was my favorite, (with the above study group I was talking about in number 10).

3.) Paradise Lost by John Milton - This was studied in my 17th century class in which there was 4 students including myself and the proffesor. We met in her office and had tea and treats. It was lovely. There were more great pieces in this class, but this was a highlight because it is so hard to understand and once you do, it is brilliant!!

2.) Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe - Loved it. Another piece of Postcolonial Literature that is very good.

1.) Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad - This was the highlight for me, and what I will go back and do my Masters on if I ever get the chance. PLEASE!! Read the book do not see the movie "Apocalypse Now" first and then judge the book before you have read it. The book was way better. Trust me! The descriptions, the imagery...it is haunting and will leave you feeling haunted.

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I loved my first degree more than I thought I would. It was amazing. I love reading and learning. There is so much to learn in books and to experience. So much depth to novels that I never really examined until I began to read the above books.

I am planning on starting a book club this September because discussing books is so important in taking meaning from books and understanding them. I am very excited about this and can't wait.

Hopefully I have inspired you to read some more books and to dig deeper into the books you are reading.