It's been a tough week around here. Sunday we got a call from Christa telling us that Sam (Steve's cousin and good friend) was killed in a motorcycle accident. I only knew Sam briefly, first meeting him at Steve and Christa's wedding rehersal as he was in the party with Dave. He was a very funny guy! I would then see him occasionally afterwards at their place. He was only 27 years old. Steve is having a difficult time dealing with it. I have been trying to encourage Dave to call him, ask him if he wants to throw a ball around and so on, but Dave says No! Ahhhh. Guys are wierd! Tonight we went to the visitation, and I had a hard time keeping it together. There's something when you see a guy cry. Now Steve wasn't crying, but he openingly talked about how he was feeling, and he reached out and got a hug from Dave, and that touched me.

I've been thinking this week about how shocking this all is, and even I can't believe that I'll never see Sam again. There's a lot of younger guys who looked up to Sam that are struggling with this same fact, and I just pray that in all of this, may all these young people who were so impressionable, turn to God rather than get angry with him. Sam was a christian and I believe he's with God now, and that even though it's hard to believe, it was God's timing that Sam be with him now. It's impossible for us to understand why God does things, but because of our faith, we know that he is in control and we need to trust him. All that being said, it's only human to get frustrated with God. He does love us, and he offers us amazing grace.

So tomorrow I endure one more afternoon, as I will go with Dave to the funeral. I've been to one other funeral for a guy who left at a young age and it was tough, this one too will be very tough.

Windy Friday

So I'm sitting here at work, with nothing to do, only to watch the minutes count down to noon since it's my half day. I don't want to start anything new because, well I don't have anything to start.
I'm still sick. Last night I was doing fine. I ate some fruit and crackers, then went to a baseball game. Afterwards we all went to Dairy Queen to have dinner, I had a yummy hamburger and onion rings. We all splurged and had ice cream after. On the drive home, I was complaining to Dave, saying "ohhhhhh I ate way too much." When in reality, it wasn't too much, as I didn't have dinner before hand. Then when we pulled up to the house, I got out of truck and told Dave "oh dear, my dinner is not going to stay for long." He just smiled and said I should just go lay down. Well I just made to our bathroom upstairs when the whole meal came out! The only thing I thought about was, "man what a waste of money" .
I'm wearing flip flops to work today, just got an email from one of the executives of the company to remind all of us that Flip Flops are not allowed at work, they are for campgrounds and beaches, not a business. Jeepers! It's casual day man!
Well I have 13 mins left, then I'm going home, posting this on my blog, have lunch and then find the local MDS clinic to get my blood tested.
Tomorrow I'm off to a Blue Jay game with Dave, Benji and Steve. I'm looking forward to it. I got the tickets from my boss for free, and they are really good seats apparently.
Hope you all are having a good day!

Blessings

This past weekend was a beautiful reminder of how many blessings God has given me. He showed me in my friends, in people I met and in the speaker who shared with us. I'm a very blessed girl.

I just wanted to thank those who took care of me on Saturday when I was feeling my worse. It meant a lot to me. It's public now, I'm carrying a little child in me. Just the other day I was reading Psalm 139 where it says :
For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

It's almost impossible to comprehend that God has this little baby in his sight before I even knew Dave. I'm excited to see God's plan now unfold for this child before our eyes. It's hard to know God's plan for my life, but now I can watch how he unfolds the plans for this little one.

I heard baby's heart beat on Friday and it was so exciting! And I am starting to see Dave get more excited, he rubs my tummy and he makes me giggle when it comes to the whole name issue.

It's time for me to go to bed!

My new Casting Crowns cd is so uplifting! Thanks for the recommendation!

the heat is finally on

Well I've been enjoying this great weather. We've already got the a/c running! Today was Monday. Hmm what else can I say? Tomorrow is Dave's birthday. I feel kind of bad because I didn't plan anything for him. I'm sure it doesn't matter to him, but to me it's odd because it's the first time ever that I haven't planned something for him. I'm getting lazy!

Tonight I think I may go for a swim. I'll see though, I'm kind of tired just thinking about it!

As much as I love

It's been a long while since I've sat down at this computer to update my blog. As much as I love reading everyone's blog and I do get excited when there is new ones to read, I myself hate updating this thing. Well not hate, but because I'm busy at work all day on a computer, I have no desire to come home and use a computer for personal use. I would update my blog at work if I could, but it's one site then have blocked. That and Ebay,....can you believe that Deb!?!?! hahaha.

So I had a nice long weekend. I didn't do much, but complain about the really crappy weather. Saturday Dave and I went to a greenhouse to get flowers, but couldn't plant them because it was too cold, poor flowers!

We did go and see Over the Hedge Saturday night. It was a cute movie. The best part was there was a man behind me that would have uncontrolable ourbursts of laughter, which would get me starting until I was crying! Yes that was the best part!

Sunday we went to my parents in the afternoon and stayed for my brother's show of fireworks. It was fun. There's new kittens in the barn and that is always cute. The funny thing is, there's two sets of kittens and both mothers had them in the same place, so they are both feeding both litters. Needless to say that nothing has changed in the relationship of our barn cats, they are getting nuttier with every new litter!

Yesterday I made a big meal for 8 people. I made chili and a loaf of garlic bread. And then rice to with it. The men all were golfing in the afternoon while us ladies sat around and chatted and watched tv. It was fun. Now tonight is a baseball night, thank goodness the weather is nicer!

Catch ya later....

Tonight is not so bad

Well I spent the weekend at my parents. It was good being surrounded by people the whole time. But then when I got home last night, I suffered withdrawl and cried a lot for Dave. I know it's crazy, but it's terrible when you long for someone. So I planned my week to keep me busy and preoccupied so I wouldn't have another night like last night. Tonight Lesa came over when I got home from work and we watched Alias. Actually we're still watching it, she had to run out for half an hour to get a massage, but she'll be back to watch the rest.

While at the farm on Saturday, we were lucky to see a calf being born. With the assistance of my Dad and two brothers that is. They had to pull it out, and man it sure looked like work! We also celebrated my parents anniversary on Sunday by going to Dragon's Paradise in O'ville. Sunday afternoon I went with my dad and brother over to what we call "the other farm" It's a farm that was on the same property that Dr. Lindsay owns, but sold to one of his daughters. I liked going there as a kid because it was like seeing history right in front of you. There was a beautiful stone house and old barn and shed there. Now they are extending the house and making it more modern (with a indoor bathroom instead of the outhouse they've used since I was born!) and we got to tour it. They have done such an amazing job of restoring the old part, it's so beautiful. It was a visit back to childhood for me.

Dave is having a wonderful time in Vienna and is good at rubbing it in. I'm so grateful that he is having a chance to relax and see that part of the world, we were worried that he was going to have to work extra long days to get this project done, but he's been really lucky. I'm just hoping this week goes fast for me so I get him back sooner than later!

Well, tomorrow I'm headed to Mike and Joy's for dinner, then out to an Adventure Club helper appreciation party. So that will be good. My parents are coming for the evening on Wednesday, and then Thursday is baseball. Friday my Dave comes home to me! yeah!!

I hope everyone is enjoying this amazing weather!

Oh so lonely

I managed to get through this afternoon. My Dave was wisked away by a big white stretch Limo, I should have taken a picture. I was strong for him and didn't shed a full tear until he closed the door. I want him to have a great time there, so hopefully he will enjoy himself.

The past weekend was wonderful. Lord of the Rings was a great show. I really really liked it. The weather was great too, and he spoiled me. He got me a new ring. It's different looking, hard to describe, but it is white gold with 3 little diamonds on it. It's quite lovely.

Tonight Shannon and Kris are taking pitty on me and are having me over for dinner and to watch Lost. Tomorrow I have baseball, and Friday I'm heading to Orangeville. I think I'll be ok. I find the hardest part is the mornings. But again, I shall survive!

Spring again

It’s Thursday, and it’s pretty nice outside. I only know this because for lunch we walked over to New Orlean’s Pizza. This week has been a better week compared to last. I’m thankful for that. Tomorrow is my half day which is nice. I think I am going to Orangeville for the afternoon. I’ll do the Friday night ritual with my parents and the whole family now!
This weekend Dave and I are celebrating our 2nd anniversary. We are going to Toronto. Saturday we’re leaving in the morning. We’re going to see the Lord of the Rings play, then we’re staying at the Hilton. I hope it will be fun. Saturday night we’ll probably find a cool restaurant to eat in. Then on Sunday before heading home, we’ll probably check out the Eaton’s Centre or something like that.
When Wednesday rolls around next week, I’ll be depressed. My Davey is leaving me for 10 whole days to go to Vienna with work. I hate when he goes, and it’s so far away this time, that phone calls won’t be feasible! My friends and small group have said they’ll take care of me, so I’m grateful for that. It will be a long 10 days L
Oh tonight I’ll have to catch up on my television viewing, with watching Alias, Lost AND Survivor. Hmm for some reason I don’t think I’ll get see all of them!

Hockey Playoffs are here

The only reason why I know this is because my husband has got his Calgary Flames Flags on his truck. That and he laughed pretty good about the Leafs not making it.

Today has been a pretty blah day. I've been feeling like crap most of the time. But I'm well now to write in here. I really don't have much to say. Only that it was a very very long week. I'm glad it's finished and that the weekend (although almost gone) is here.

Dave is currently out golfing. He is so happy that he's able to do this again. I'm happy for him, but I'm left home alone. Which is probably good because of the way I feel, I don't want to do much.

Will the sun come out today?

Easter has come and gone

I'm amazed how fast time really goes. It's Sunday night already! So what did I do this Easter weekend? It all started on Thursday night when Dave and I went to Orangeville. We ate at the new Angels Diner, which was so packed (it was after 7pm too) and I really liked the food. Then we made pit stops at Payless Shoes and Future Shop, where I picked up a new pair of flip flops and Dave bought a wireless keyboard for his xbox!

Then at the farm we visited with my famiy and went to sleep. Benji gave up his room for us which was sweet, but man his bed is hard!!! Friday morning rolled around. We got ready and left for the Good Friday service at the Baptist church. It was so great, I have always loved that service and probably always will. I got to see Pastor Mark too, which was so great.

That afternoon we hung out at the farm and celebrated Benji's Birthday. We went for this really long walk, it was so great. I had a good laugh, but at the expense of someone's pain. I'm going to be terrible at being a sympathic Mom. Krista was busy telling me a story while walking through the hardwood bush, when she triped on a rather large rock, and all I could see was her face go straight down while her feet came straight up! She was crying of course and there I was down beside her laughing! Poor thing!

Saturday wasn't too eventful, Dave was busy for part of it, while I crawled on the couch for a couple of hours. Then later that night, we went out with Shannon, Kris & Mason, and met up with Mike and Joy and Steve and Christa and had dinner at Moosewanooskies. It was yummy! Then Dave and I went back to Steve and Christa's and had a bon fire, but I was freezing!

This day was a great one. Dave and I got up early and went to the Sunrise service for 8am. Then afterwards had breakfast that was provided by one of the small groups. Then the regular service was a baptism service. There was only one boy who came forward today. He is 11 years old, and he told Pastor George that he needed to be baptised because he was a Christian. It was as simple as that. I get teary eyed at these services, but on Easter, there was something extra special. On celebrating God's amazing resurrection this little boy out of obedience to Jesus "needed" to be baptised. I love Easter.

After church, we again had a restful afternoon, Mike and Joy were over for dinner, and we just got back from playing baseball! That's right, in two weeks the season begins! We were catching and batting, and I must say it felt really good. I'm looking forward to playing again. Only one team this year! 3 was a bit much!

I think now I'm going to curl up on the couch and watch some tv and nibble on my Easter chocolate that Dave gave me. I hope that you all had a great weekend.

Christ has risen. He has risen indeed!

Work day is almost finished.....

Well I have a new home at work. This morning, my pal from across the wall, went on and on about Michael Buble. I mean it really should be Bubble, but that’s beside the point. I had enough of hearing about him on the phone. I felt like saying "No Buble, no Buble, please I beg you!" (From P&P, Mr. Bennent and Lace!) So just like that I called the computer tech guy and told him I was ready to move when ever he could do it. So now I’m here in my little QUIET cubical, beside a wall. Funny though, now I think I may miss that laughter that she brought into my little world there. But Life goes on!
My Davey is going to Austria on business leaving May 2, for 10 whole days. I can’t believe he’s dumping me for work! Hahaha, poor guy it’s not like he has a choice and besides, what an amazing experience he’ll have, I’m just jealous that I don’t get to experience it with him. But I shall do my best at rubbing it in to him that he’ll be missing out on his first 2 games of the church baseball season – Sucker! (doesn’t work to well does it?!?!)
I’m looking forward to this long weekend. I’m so so tired these days. Maybe there will be a day or two that I could sleep in or something.
Chinese food is good for lunch once in a while…..

I am tired

This will be a brief update, but I just thought I would let you know what's been happening these past few days! We've been busy bees! Our house is painted, both the living room and loft are done, and I hate painting! But it's over with and done now. I've posted a pic of just the living room, before with primer and after the final product. I haven't got a shot of the loft yet, but in time I will! Hope you were able to enjoy this beautiful day!!

Feels like Home

This past Friday was a wonderful time. Having all my friends over to catch up and watch movies was so great. I find it amazing how a friendship can pick up right where it left off, even though in some cases, a year and a half has past before seeing eachother. I also find it amazing that the comfort and ease you have with eachother never goes away. It felt just like that "home" feeling.

Saturday was a busy crazy and wonderful day! Going to the Maple Syrup Festival and then having my family over for the rest of the day. It was really nice. Saturday night, I went to bed quite early because I was tired from the night before. (I didn't fall asleep until atleast 1:30am).

Today Dave and I went to church and then had McDonalds for lunch with Christa. Then Christa and I played Moms for the afternoon because we babysat Mason for Shannon and Kris. Christa wanted to look in the model homes around this area, so we spent the afternoon with Mason doing that. Boy I need to work on my arm muscles to hold that kid! My arms are sore! Some of the homes are amazing and lovely, and expensive. Ahhh to dream. I even encountered rudeness as we went into one model and the sales rep stopped us at the door and asked us our price range, we didn't give her one told her we just wanted to look, she then proceeded to tell us to hold on the Mason please, as all the furniture is on loan! THE NERVE!!!

Anyway, I need to go as it looks like my husband has just gotten home with company!

It's 15 out!

Dave bought me a package of Sugar Free Chiclets Sour flavoured gum. I’m disappointed in them. I totally love the taste when I first get it in my mouth, but in a matter of 4 minutes, the intense sour flavour is gone, taking along with it, the whole taste in general.
It just bugs me!
I’m currently at work. Yet again boredom has crept into my cubical, and no one is emailing me. I’m just not having any fun. It doesn’t help that the time is slowly ticking away too. On top of it all, I have no windows and I can’t enjoy the look of spring outside.
Next weekend is going to be a huge project. We are going to finish painting the house. That’s right, we’re going to paint the loft and the main floor living room. We’ve recruited some help, so hopefully it won’t be as monstrous as it seems. I’m excited about it, but not looking forward to just doing it.
Ahhh there’s a song on the radio that’s really pretty. I have no idea what it’s called but it’s lovely.
I’m going to buy a new camera tonight. Dave and I have been saving up for a new digital one. I’m really looking forward to getting it.
I hope you all enjoy this wonderful weather!

An eventful, beautiful day

It really looks like spring out there and it feels that way too! I feel at peace at this very moment. It's quiet here, and I'm listening to Life 100.3 online, it's Praise and Worship Sunday, and listening to it brings a sweet feeling.

This morning I was at church for 9:30am for Sunday school. Then after the whole service was over Dave and I went to Kelsey's for lunch. Just the 2 of us. It was really nice, and I ate way too much! We then went to National Sports and Dave found a ball glove to replace the one he lost at the very end of ball season last year. I would say in October, which when you think of it, wasn't so long ago, crazy eh. To think he's getting ready to start ball the end of April! I'm undecided if I will play this year. I will for atleast one team I think.

We also bought a paper shredder today, so no one can steal our identities! hehehe.

When we got home, I got an urge to paint, and Dave knows well enough that this never happens so he jumped on the ball, and we painted our ensuite. It's a nice grey colour. I love it. We have to do another coat, probably tomorrow night.

Yesterday I went to my parents. I picked up my Mom and we went shopping in Newmarket. I had a list of things I needed to get, and do you think I was successful??? Nope! I did get things, but nothing that I totally love. But that is alright. It was so nice to just spend a day out with my Mom. When we got home I headed to Orangeville to see my brother and Sally. It was fun, the girls make me laugh. I couldn't stay for too long before I had to head back home. We had to go to Kris and Shannon's that night to play games and celebrate Kris's birhtday. It was fun.

I think I'm going to watch some tv. Here's hoping Spring stays now and Winter finally says it's goodbyes....

Out of Touch

Tonight I got a nice phone call from my brother. Since I didn't get to see them this weekend, he thought he would call to catch up on our weekends. It was so nice.

I'm home alone tonight. Dave is at church for another meeting, and I'm here just in the company of myself, and the two cats! I'm looking forward to a nice night in front of the tv. This past weekend we kept ourselves busy, it is nice to just be home and relax.

It' s funny now because I sat down at the computer thinking I had lots to write, but now as I go I don't feel like doing this one bit. Boredom is an odd thing. I think I may go and wait for creativity to hit me once again!

Burnt Out

I'm sitting here on a Friday afternoon, after giving the house a somewhat extensive clean. I can't believe it's Friday already. This week has been unbelievably busy. I've been out every night this week, and I paid for it last night. Monday and Tuesday I was out with Lesa, we went to Val's place to watch Pride and Prejudice. These 2 girls have never seen it before, and I was successful at making them fall in love with Mr. Darcy too! We had a great time watching it together. Lesa is now constantly using the term "capital". Then on Wednesday night I went with Steve and Christa to Listowel to help Kris and Shannon load up a truck to move.

Last night we had our very final volleyball game. We lost all 5 which of course is no surprise to me! Once getting home and ready for bed, I could not fall asleep, I think I saw 2am roll around before I conked out. This morning I woke up with real puffy swollen eyes. I asked Dave if I could stay home from work because I couldn't open my eyes. He kindly said no! hahaha. I was happy to see my 4 hours of work to go by quickly. Then I came home, and talked to my Mom and then watched a bit of tv. I spent the last couple of hours cleaning the house, and now I am comtemplating a nice long afternoon nap!

I don't know exactly what I'll be doing for this weekend, but I hope it takes it's time to pass!

By the way, my Dad is doing ok. It's not a great feeling seeing your parents age, I'm really struggling with that these days. Life is really short.

The sun is shining, I think spring is in the air.

I do remember one thing I was thinking about last night, I was thinking of Amy and Deb, and how much I miss our casual dinner and movie nights. But more on top of that I miss our closeness. I know that I am weak at making efforts to have that back, and really I may never experience that feeling again, but I hold it so dear to my heart. I remember driving into Amy's and Deb coming over on such a regular basis, almost every weekend, if not more. I miss snuggling under the blankets watching tv. I came across the flyer that we three made for the summer end party at my parent's farm for c&c, ahhh memories! I just wanted to let you know that I miss you both and love you!

more pictures of the past

Ok, so here's a few more facial poses for your enjoyment. I just finished my other film in my camera, so I'll get them developed tomorrow. Then post some more.

Yeah for Friday

Hello,
Good news, I just got off the phone with my Dad and he's going home this evening. On top of everything he had, they just diagnosed him with Shingles. Poor guy. They too are close to the infected eye, so he has to be real careful. In light of all of this, he's in better spirits, because he does get to go home.

Dave is going to take me out for dinner tonight, to celebrate my promotion! Should be fun. Don't know what's in store for this weekend, but I'm sure it will be a busy one!

Bitter Sweet

Well today was a mixed bag of emotions for me. I spent the whole day worrying about my Dad. I cleared my evening schedule to go to Orangeville and spend time with him. Just before my day at work ended, my boss called me into her office and offered me a promotion! I excitedly accepted, as I take another step up the corporate ladder. My new title is Group Administrator. Not too flashy, but change at work is exciting for me. Plus I think I get to move from my cubical, ultimately I feel this is the best part of the whole promotion! hahaha

Then I got to the hospital and my Dad looks terrible. I thought I would feel better once I saw him, but not this time. His left eye is totally swollen, almost to the point that he can't see out of it. It looks like he got into a brawl or something. His left gland is swollen too. He just looks terrible. The antiboitics they give him hasn't seem to take the swelling out, and he's almost done them. He's getting them through an IV too. The doctors don't seem too concerned which I guess is a good sign. He had a specialist come in at midnight last night to take a look at his nose and eye. He too said not to worry about things. He's coming back again tonight to look down his throat with a microscopic thing because my Dad says he's been feeling a lump down it. Ahhh so yes I'm definately scared. I really hope and pray that he'll be better soon. Please remember him in your prayers.

My Poor Dad

My Dad is in the hospital again! This time it's because of a serious sinus infection. Ahhh I worry about him. I called Lesa tonight to tell her that I was going to go and see him tomorrow night and can't make it to Adventure Club.

Tonight we had Dave and Ellen Krahn over to interview us for membership. It was nice. I think we're in! hahaha.

And so now I'm off to bed.

Another Beautiful Day

It is so nice out there today. Dave and I got up and we both liked the idea of walking to Church. And that is what we did. After church we walked downtown and had lunch at KFC, not my first choice, but we're kind of limited in Elmira you see! Then we strolled home. It was great. Then we curled up for an afternoon nap. I really have enjoyed my day today.

Yesterday I had Steve and Sally with the girls over and my Mom and Benji. Dave and I took Krista out on her birthday date. We took her to Toys R Us, and she picked out a bride My Little Pony. I also bought a play-doh set to keep at the house for when they do come to visit. I remember growing up, my grandparents and some of my aunts and uncles would have toys at their house for us to play with, so I wanted to do the same for these girls!

We watched the movie Walk the Line. I loved it. I watched it twice actually. Once with my family and then after they left I watched it with Dave. I really really thought it was a great movie, and I'm really hoping that they win Oscars tonight for it.

I have become pretty lazy when it comes to picture taking. I unfortunately don't have any more currently to share with you all. Sorry. I'll try to get my act together!

Tonight I meeting Jay for supper at Kelsey's, thought I should see her before she leaves for Athens. After that I want to just cuddle on the couch with some hmmm Mini Eggs and watch the awards. We'll see how long I can stay awake for!

Hope you were able to enjoy this sunny day!

I'm a Canadian

today is my half day. I went to the Mall and bought myself a nice green team Canada sweater. It's really cute. Now I'm just having fun with scanning in pictures as you can tell. I thought I would send one of me and my baby princess niece! She's super cute, and because of her, Dave is now convinced that when the day comes to start a family, we have to have only girls, because they don't drool! (Mason on the other hand is always wet from drool and that grosses Dave out!) So Everybody, meet Brooke!

Look what I found!!!

I found them. Here are 2 out of all 15 of them. Oh I'm a goof! They made me smile.

That was fun

I was digging through my things trying to find a series of pictures that Lesya took of my many different expressions, and in the midst of my searching I came across that story that Amy and I wrote one night for College and Careers. Cute isn't it?!?!

I had a pretty rough day today. Maybe week. You know, I haven't had a good laugh in a long time, the kind of laugh where I cry, or roll on the floor laughing. That's pretty pathetic. I miss it.

Tonight is volleyball. We're going to lose. But that's alright. Tomorrow is my half day, thank goodness. I think I'm going to do nothing for once! I may go into Waterloo and see if I can get my car serviced, then I may go to Future Shop and pick up Walk the Line. Hmmm I do need new shoes too. Ahhh we'll see.

I think I shall go and give my brother a call. See how his week has been, he started back to work.

you know I never did find those pictures .....

Grace by Amy & Charlene

There once was a girl named Grace. She did walk with grace and ran with grace. She even says grace before each and every meal. When people do her wrong, she shows them grace. She went to Sunday school every Sunday where she graced everyone with her presence. She wrote a poem about God's grace:
Gift from God
Requires no fee
All mankind accepted
Christ's death
Eternal life
~by Grace.
Her favourite Bible story is the Good Samaritan because it is a great example of Grace. For it shows of a man who gives and expects nothing in return. One day Grace's parents took her to the local retirement village. Grace went around and talked to the residents. They were tickled pink with grace. She talked about how God's grace has changed her life. Many of the people's lives were changed and they too accepted God's gift of grace even though they were sinners and felt undeserving. When Grace was on her way to the local food bank some boys chased her into an alley and Grace was in danger. The boys yelled and taunted her. She began singing "Amazing Grace". One by one the boys began to cry. Right then and there in that alley there was a revival. Those boys each accepted God's huge unconditional love. They followed Grace to the foodbank, helped her help those who needed help. Grace stopped and gave thanks to God for displaying His grace through her. Grace changes us no matter who we are for it is by Grace we have been saved.

Beautiful Morning

I went to bed pretty early last night, around 9:30pm. That's early for me, especially on a Saturday night, but I was tired. The night before we had a movie night, we invited about 20 people, and I was so nervous that they would all show up, and thank goodness they didn't. About 13 came. We all got cozy in the basement and watched The Constant Gardener. I enjoyed, but it was a confusing one, it reminded me very much of The Pelican Breif, however this one took place in Africa. It was a late night then.

Yesterday I was a lazy bumb. Well sort of. I did 4 loads of laundry, and made a couple of cards. But other than that I didn't do much. For dinner we went to the Outback with Steve and Christa. I really liked it. My meal was yummy. If you've never been there, it's kind of like the Keg (price wise yikes!) but way more casual. They have a specialty called a bloomin' onion, and oh my it was sooooo yummy. I won't begin to describ it because it was something like I've never seen before, but it was good. Everyone had the steak, but I chose the "Alice Springs" chicken. They all said there was nothing too special about thier meal, but mine was chicken breast topped with mushrooms, bacon and 3 cheeses and had a yummy dipping sauce for it. I liked it. But again the price was steep.

After dinner we went back to Steve and Christa's place so Dave could fix up their computer. On our way, we pulled over to help some kid get out of a snow bank that he glided into. I think he was just going to fast around the bend. Then we came home.

Now it's Sunday. I'm up and will slowly get ready for church. I have Sunday School first, Christa will pick me up at 9:15am. After church we heading to the farm for the afternoon. I'm looking forward to that.

The sun is shining, the sky so blue, the snow is sparkling, it's a beautiful world out there today.

Having the Big One

Mmmm, I decided to make myself a hot chocolate, then I remembered that I had whip cream in the fridge, and ahhhhh, it looked totally like a "Coffee House" hot chocolate, and mmmmm, it's ever so good. It's been ages since I've had a hot chocolate. Boy what I've been missing out on!

Did you know that pineapples grow from the ground? It's true, they sure do!

Today I found not one, not two, but three big mistakes that were done by my co-worker. Two of them were really bad. There's 3 people to our team, and I'm the Junior, and then there's a "group" and a "senior" administrator. These mistakes were done by the "group admin." and she never makes mistakes. I found it very odd that I found 3 of them in a row. The 2 that were really bad, I had to hand it over to the senior to call the company it involved, because I didn't feel comfortable doing that. All the while I didn't know how to tell Sandy about her mistakes, I guess I was just worried that she would take them the wrong way. Ahhh so I didn't.

That was my dilema of the day. Now that it's over, I could care less. I'm such a careless person aren't I? Lately I find myself really bored at work. I mean really, how can anyone find insurance exciting?!?! huh?! So I make events interesting, like the million personal phone calls the lady makes who sits across from me makes. Some days I really think she's going to die, I mean 2 weeks ago, apparently she thought she was having a heart attack. She left work early that day. Returning the next day, she could barely move because she threw her back out. So she left early that day as well. She returned the next day, making very important phone calls to different people, all the while believing that the ink in her new tattoo got in her blood stream and she must be having a very bad allergic reaction....although she didn't leave early that day, strange.....

I admit there are some days, when work is scarce, I spend a lot of time emailing. Last week I spent a morning emailing Kris back and fourth jokes, like this one:
Why can't lepers play hockey?

......because there could be a face off in the corner.

The more I work in an office the more I feel like I have the starring role in that movie "Office Space." I just take comfort in knowing that it's a good company, it's only 3 mins from home, and the benefits of working there is worth it......I guess!

It's over

Today was a very busy day. I hosted a "welcome home" party for Steve and Sally. I spent most of Friday cleaning the house, and then yesterday some tidying up, even this morning I got around to vaccuuming. My parents arrived first at around 10:30, and then people started to arrive later in the afternoon. It was fun, the guys spent the majority of the afternoon in the basement watching Canada get their butts whipped by Finland, while us girls talked upstairs.

It's not easy being a host, for some it can be, but for me, I'm always looking for things that need to be done, or offered or prepared. I feel like I just ran a marathon. But I liked it. I wish my family lived closer, so they could just come and hang out here, because I want them to feel like my home is their home. I know that with time, they will feel like home here, and will make themselves at home when they come. But now everyone is gone, and the house is cleaned and put back together, Dave is watching "The Family Guy" yuck!

This week is my full week at work. I hate Sunday nights, at around this time when I know that tomorrow is Monday, and it could potentially be a very long week. But I try not to dwell on it.

My eyes are getting very heavy at this point. So I think I may get into my jammies and crawl into bed!
Goodnight!

What a messy day!

The alarm went off this morning saying that it was one of the biggest days of cancellation this winter. Even the universities were closed. The funny part was when I looked outside it didn't look bad. So off to work Dave and I went. It was a pretty normal day all around. This afternoon the power went out twice, that was exciting!

Volleyball was cancelled tonight, I was looking forward to having a night home to relax, but our satelite is out, so I can't even watch survivor! Oh well.

Valentines was nice. Dave took me to Whistle Bear Golf club for dinner on Saturday night. It was funny, because the appetizer was something odd, but strangely good! It had beets and mushrooms and baby sprouts. Odd eh?!

I feel a loss of words right now, I'm not sure why. Some days it's hard to come home and get back on the computer, maybe that is my problem.

This week at work, it's been Winter Spirit week, where each day had a theme. Today was Vegas day, I of course didn't participate today, because I wasn't creative enough, but some of the ladies that came in were hilarious, one as a bride, a couple as trailer trash gambling old ladies. It was hilarious! Tomorrow is beach day, I think I'll skip that one too! It's too cold out to wear shorts!

Ahhh it's Friday night

Considering it was a short week at work, it still seemed to be long. It's snowing out right now and it looks really pretty.

My Davey got home late last night, it was so good to have him home. He was a real sweetheart while he was away. He sent me a flower arrangement with a 12 red roses to brighten my day, and he brought me home a real nice t-shirt. Ahhh he loves me:) He likes his nieces too, as he bought Krista a Dora cup and Brooke clothe blocks.

Steve and Sally are settling in well. Steve was able to get his job back, he starts the end of the month. Krista is in school, she's going to Princess Elizabeth.

Last night was an embarassment and disgrace on the volleyball court. Dave wasn't there, and so the rest of them decided to just goof off. Now I have developed a competitive bone and boy oh boy I was bitter at my team last night.

I was introduced to another delicacy of Mennonite culture today. On my lunch break today, the girls took me to Floridale to the tiny variety shop there. Tucked in the back of the store was a tiny room that said bakery above the door. If I went in there on my own, I would have never found it. So we bought what they call "Long Johns" To me, they look like eclairs minus the chocolate on top. I didn't think they look anything special, but once I bit into one, I was in love! Yum Yum. The cream inside is soooo good! They also sold molases cookies called Yum Yums. Next time I'll have to try them!

Ok Steve and Christa are going to come over tonight to watch a movie. Hope you have a great weekend!

Snowed In

Well it's been an emotional day. Some of you may laugh and think I'm silly, but my feelings are from the heart. I've been at my parents since Thursday. Dave drove separately and come yesterday when there seem to be a break in the snow, he left, knowing that he couldn't risk missing work today. I took the day off, so I planned to stay. It was a hard decision, because I didn't know what today would bring. In hind sight I wish I had left with him. It has snowed non-stop here all day, and as of 7:28pm it still is snowing. The roads all in this area have been closed, even Airport Road is closed, and this is a rarity.

So why am I upset you may ask. Because I'm stuck here. I can't leave until tomorrow, and tomorrow Dave leaves for Milwalkie for a couple of days. I'm upset, because I still value every second I get with him and I can't see him before he leaves. I had a hard day today. Between him calling me, and my family asking me what I was going to do, everytime I thought about it, I got upset. I know that being here and not on the roads is the best decision, but sometimes the best decisions suck! So I'm hoping that tomorrow I'll get to say goodbye quick to Dave before he leaves for the airport. My Dad is going to get up early and blow out the drive, then we're hopefully going to take Krista to school, and then I'll try and head home. I think I may call work and tell them I'm not coming in, but I haven't decided that either. I guess it will be determined on how well the drive is, and if I'm emotionally stronger when I get home. Oh dear.

My family is good to me, and have cheered me up. We just got in from playing out in the snow with Krista. The funny part was watching Suzie get lost in the snow, as it's way over her head. I don't know how much snow we have, but it comes up to the door handles of my car! We have lots!

I don't know what I'll do to pass the time tonight, other than this, maybe I'll go watch one of the millions of movies my brothers have, who knows, but I hope that you all are home safe and surrounded by the ones you love.

Winter Came Back!

Well I can't believe the weather out there! It's nuts! Steve and Sally arrived home safe on Thursday night. They have settled in great, even the girls don't seem to be effected with the time change. Friday we all went into Orangeville and shopped for the winter necessities and it's a good thing we did, come yesterday we needed them!

I'm kind of sad because Dave had to go home and brave the weather, tomorrow is supposed to be worse apparently, and he couldn't risk missing work as he needs to prepare for Milwalkie on Tuesday. I have tomorrow off, so I'm still here and will risk the drive home tomorrow. Dave did make it home safe, just took an extra 45 mins that's all.

We're having turkey dinner tonight, as a Christmas meal really. I'm looking forward to it, the smell is delightful!

Anyway, that's about all that's new. I'll write more later.....

At work....

I’m getting so excited. Tomorrow I’ll get to see my brother again, and meet my new little niece! It’s been awhile, although they haven’t gone all that long, a year and a half, they’ve been gone longer than this. But I guess it’s different some how. Or maybe it’s not. I’m always excited when they come. Tomorrow at work is going to be a long day, especially as I begin to think that they are on a plane!
I’m at work as I type this, I know it’s bad! I’m actually typing this up in word, and I’ll save it and then forward it to home and then I’ll post it! Just things are really slow for me right now, and I need do something or time does not move.
Tonight is Bible study. I always enjoy it, but I don’t enjoy having to go home and do a fast clean up, I’m always exhausted by the time everyone shows up.
….OK, I just was approached by the woman I struggle to love. I did some work for her just after Christmas, and she was missing something that I supposedly filed. So I offered to go looking for it, because I initially believed that perhaps I misfiled it somehow. I spent about 10 minutes looking the box where it should be, and went through every piece looking for it. I was upset with myself because I couldn’t find it. I then tell her that I looked through the whole box and couldn’t find it. She then picked up a small pile on her desk, and low and behold there it was, she had it the whole time. You can imagine the smile I have on my face at this moment……
Anyway, I’m going to have a long weekend in Orangeville with my family. There will be 10 of us sleeping in the house, perhaps 11, but I think Denise is going to go home at night, we’ll see. Dave and I may go and stay there as well, but I think it would be fun to be all piled around for the weekend.
Well my day here is almost done, so I’m going to go now. I’ll post this when I’m home!

It's a quiet Sunday night.

What a day it has been. Raining all day. It makes me sleepy.

I'm talking to my Mom while I'm working on this. I don't really have anything new to say. So we're just talking about Thursday. She's really excited, as am I! I've booked Friday off and Monday. My poor honey is working on Monday, then he flies to Milwalkie for business on Tuesday, I hate when he has to go, but he gets back on Thursday, so I should be able to survive.

Today we were talking about Lake Superior. We are again going this summer. The first week in August, this time without Mike and Joy, and with Kris, Shannon and Mason. Steve and Christa isn't sure yet. We may have a large group this year, because Dave's aunt and uncle are going and another family from our church. It should be fun.

Well I'm tired. I really hope my week goes fast!

I'm so glad it is Saturday

Well this I found to be a long week. But I'm so happy it's over with. I had a few issues to deal with on the phones at work, and they really ruined my week. Some people can be so demeaning.

Less than a week until my brother is home. That is very exciting for me! I've been counting down the days.

We have been to the mall and back already. Dave's new xbox finally came in and we picked that up, along with some groceries for some food to take to Jay's tonight. Dave just went out to the card shop for the rest of the morning, so it's just me here.

It's quiet here, just the sound of the dryer running. It's beautiful outside. The sun is shining and it's warm, you wouldn't think it's winter! I just hope there will be snow on the ground when Krista gets here, she's been telling us how much she wants to make snow angels.

Last night the church rented out the bottom of East Side Marios. We went and played pool and had some appetizers. It was a lot of fun, and lots from the church came, so that was encouraging.

Dave and I are going to become members of the church soon. It's been weighing on Dave's heart these past few weeks, and with all the change that will be happening, we want to be apart of it. He pulled out the Purpose Driven Life again, and was reading me some of it, and yes, we need to be members. What pushed us this week, was two of our couples that attend our small group told us that they were leaving the church because they weren't getting anything out of it. This upset me. That is definately not a reason to leave. The first line in that Purpose Driven Life is "It's not about you." I know that I feel that way a lot of the times lately that I get nothing out of the worship or sermon, but I've realized that I'm not receiving because I'm not giving. The 2 couples who are leaving, I think their number one problem was they never plugged themselves in, they never got involved in any ministry. Ahhh sorry for venting. Needless to say we kicked them out of our small group and spit on them......I'M KIDDING!!!

Well I guess I should put another load of laundry in.

Shorter do

Today on a whim I went over to Christa's and had her chop off a good 6-8 inches of hair off! I know, crazy! She put layers in it, and even gave me slight bangs, but I love it. My hair looks even curly some ways too! She was telling me that it would be fun to perm it, there's a type with big curlers, but I told her that I was too chicken to do something like that! So yep, I'm lighter on the head! Dave likes it too, which is nice.

Tonight Dave took me to Montana's for a treat, then we wandered around Walmart for a bit. I bought a present for Krista, since we'll be celebrating Christmas with them when they get home. Dave bought some toys too, only for himself. A couple of hockey figurines to set up in the basement.

I was watching Billy Graham earlier, it brought back memories of seeing him in 1995 at the Skydome. I love his messages because they are simple and are just to the point. This past week we studied being salt, and how salt does two things, it adds flavour and also preserves things. I have decided that I need to work on being more flavourful, as I'm here on the earth. I'm preserving, by having my faith, and keeping Jesus alive in my heart. But as far as being a flavour, sharing the gospel and standing out and being different because I have God in my life, that is something I need to work on.

I'm getting anxious for my brother to get home. I just can't wait for it. I watched Amelie last night, all alone. But I got giggles. Oh tonight I had a real good laugh, so much that my tummy hurt. Dave and I were just on the bed cuddling, and talking about things, when I started trying to play fight with him. Now I'm good at wrestling considering I had 3 brothers, and I miss it sometimes so I try to get Dave to wrestle me. But he never does, he tells me that he'll hurt then all his buddies would be the crap out of him for beating his wife. I laugh at this and say whatever. But I have discovered a way I can get him to wrestle. I try to pick his nose! I know it sounds gross, but that freaks him out, so he then gets defensive and that is how I get to wrestle with him, but it's true I suck at it now, because I start laughing so hard that I can't breath and I lose everytime!

Well that's all I'll share now....it's not the most exciting entry, but I guess it doesn't have to be.

Deb I miss your giggles, and hugs
Amy I miss your generousity when it comes to doing my hair
Jay I miss telling you no to trivail pursuit and showing you spills on your shirt
Yvonne I miss your big heart and smile that goes along with it.
You four girls will always have a special place in my heart.

It's a Beautiful Morning

I woke up to a very bright room, It's so nice seeing the sun shine like it is today. This weekend seems to have gone by so fast. Friday night I went to my friend's tupperware party, only for moral support. I did leave home with an amount of money I could spend, but I didn't get a thing, even though there was new things out, I just didn't feel compelled! Dave was proud of me for that.

Yesterday we had the big plan to go to the zoo. We set the alarm and everything, but when we got up, it was really windy and snowing at the time. So I decided that I didn't want to be out in that wind all day looking at animals. So Dave was good and still took me on a date. We first went to Swiss Chalet for lunch, then we went to Canadian Tire, where I purchased some ice skates (I didn't own a pair) they are cool, they are figure skates with the picks on the front, but they look like the guy skates, only grey. Then we went to Chapters ( I know I know, the big evil) and looked around for a bit, I just loved the smell of the store! I bought a couple of things, and Dave did as well. Then we headed to Galaxy for a matinee, we saw Memoirs of a Geisha. It was so good, I really enjoyed it a lot. Even Dave liked it! I would reccommend it!

After that we headed home and made some dinner, and then I started working on invitations for my family and Stephen and Sally's welcome home party which we're going to host. I think it's going to be fun, it's a Welcome home/Olympic party! Dave found the Olympic hockey schedule, so we chose a date from that! hahaha, atleast all the guys will enjoy that, it's funny how I look at my mom's side of the family, and how most of us cousins are married now, and our spouses are all big sports fans! Dave fits in really well!

Well today I don't have Sunday school, but I'm still up early. We are going to go to church and then this afternoon we're making a quick visit to Dave's aunt's and uncle's place, then I hope to try out my new skates at RIM park! Looking forward to it. Tonight I think I'll just relax at home, as I like to do before having to return back to work tomorrow.....

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and that you're out enjoying this sunshine!

Oh white

I'm sitting here giggling like a little girl right now. I was watching Gilmore Girls and they were buying a wedding dress, and I got this big urge to pull mine out and put it on. So I did, and I was a bit worried that it wouldn't fit anymore, but, it totally does, I mean I've got my pj's on underneath and I'm braless right now, which means it's loose on top and snug on my waist, but it fits, and I'm twirling around and Dave thinks I'm a goof! He just got home from a meeting and I told him to come and look at me, and he comes and says, "That's your wedding dress" Well DUH!!! hahaha. I forgot how pretty it is. And I totally love it.

hahaha, I don't want to take it off yet, it's fun! Oh if only you could see me now. I feel like a princess too! I'm going to have to do this more often!!!

It's almost over?

Well it's Thursday. Dave and I have had this whole week off and it's almost over. We didn't do much this week, alot of organising and moving things around. We had a successful trip to Ikea on Monday and bought some shelves and such. Dave as I type is in the office upstairs organizing the closet!

Last night we watched Cinderella Man. It was good, sad in some area's I cried my one contact out at one point! hahaha. Hmmm, it seems kind of sad that we haven't done anything too exciting this week, but we just wanted to have a break from work, and be at home with eachother for a bit.

Tonight we have volleyball, first in a long while, I wonder if I'll remember how to play! hahaha. So new year resolutions have been on our mind this week. And even though this is so typical of a news years, we decided to ride the bike 3 times a week. I've done it once so far. I will do it again today, probably after this.

Tomorrow I'm off to Orangeville to see Lesya once more before she flies back to BC. Well I hope everyone is doing well and keeping busy, but most of all I hope everyone is happy!

Happy New Year!

2006 has arrived! Although for me it started with a frustrating moment! More and more Dave and I realize that we are burdened with a troublesome neighbour. At 6am this morning, I heard the music, beating loud! So I turned on the fan, and that didn't drown out the noise, so I moved to the spare bedroom and even still, I heard the music. In my tired anger I stormed downstairs, grabbed my jacket and put on shoes and marched up to his front door and stood there ringing his doorbell a couple of times. No one ever came to the door, so almost in tears I crawled back into bed just hoping it would shut off. It did shut off, around 7:30am in the morning, and then I fell back asleep.

I'm just dreading tonight. I'm really tired, and I'm afraid of what I'll end up doing if it happens again tonight. I'm so tempted to get the police number and leave it by my phone.

We rang in the new year at Kris and Shannon's place. We had a good time, playing many games and just being with everyone. We played Balderdash and we were laughing so hard we were crying, it was so great.

Hum, on Friday Benji came over and spent the night, we went out with Steve and Christa and watched The Chronicles of Narnia, it was awesome, I really really enjoyed it so much. After the movie to my pleasant surprise I ran into Christoph Kesting! It was so good to see him, he still looks the same, and he's done well for himself. It was funny because he gave me a huge hug and kiss on the cheek, and afterwards I was explaining the Steve and Christa that I've known him for such a long time, and Steve responded saying "Well I should hope so, I would hate to think that you would let just any guy come up and kiss you like that!" hahaha.

Well I'm off this whole week from work! (Deb, you know that email I typed you at work, could you respond....if you respond to my home address?? Thanks!!!) Tomorrow Dave and I are going to Ikea with Mike and Joy, then as for the rest of the week, I don't know what I'll get upto! I'm sure I'll see Lesya once more before she heads back to school.

Law and Order:Criminal Intent is on, it looks good, so till next time....

It's come and gone!

Wow, I am always surprised at how fast Christmas comes and goes! It was a great time, as always too! Saturday, Dave and I got up and left home around 9am. We made it to the farm and settled in. After lunch is when all the relatives started to arrive. There was 24 of us this year, we had a good time, we each all brought a $6 gift and played the gift exchange game. Dave and I did great and ended up leaving with the things we wanted, he with golf balls and me with a sign that said "Dashing Through the Snow". My cousin's baby was the hit this year. My other cousin's wife is pregnant, leaving only Dave and I and my other cousin with out kids, and we never heard the end of that! Then once all the company left, we later then played the "penny" game and then put our presents under the tree and then went to bed.

Christmas morning we got up around 7:20am and started opening up gifts! Here's what I got:
Outburst Remix from Benji
Coldplay cd and a Willow tree angel of love from Buddy
The Polar Express and Superstar from Denise
Necklace with a heart charm and saphires and socks from my parents
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (old and new), Willow tree ornament of a husband and wife, socks, fish bowl, the Polar Express, Satsuma cream and chocolate and a home made card from Dave.
Then we ate breakfast and played Scene It (Buddy got that for Christmas) then Dave and I packed up and left for Elmira to be with his parents. There I got a few more things there, like Corner Gas dvd's more socks and decorative plate set from them. I was spoiled! Dave too was spoiled as I broke down and bought him his table top hockey game he so loves. So Christmas night Mike and Joy came over and Joy and I watched my Superstar movie while Mike helped Dave put his game together!
We had a wonderful Christmas together. Yesterday my parents and Buddy and Benji came over for the day, we watched The March of the Penguins and ate food! Today, Dave and I are basically doing nothing. Tomorrow we're back to work for 2 days and then we'll be both off until ummmm Jan 8th I think. We're not going anywhere, we just wanted to have a break away from work.
Anyway, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and I'm looking forward to hearing all about it.

ps movie season is good, we went and saw Harry Potter #4 and it was one of the best so far I think, and we're planning on seeing Narnia this week, and when Lesya gets back I'm hoping to see Memoirs of a Geisha.

Having fun on Dave's laptop

Hmmm there's something cool that I love about this laptop. I'm not sure if it's the way the keyboard sounds when I push the keys or if it's the way I can relax on the couch and type this all at the same time! I'm watching Everwood (which I hardly ever watch) it's a nice show really. Hmm yep I love that I can relax on the couch and type this!

This week has been a good one. It's been a good combination of busy and relaxed. Monday night after work, I went to Orangeville and had dinner with my Mom, Dad and Benji, then I met with Lesya for a short visit. It was good to see her, her hair is a bit longer and I just loved laughing with her. She gave me hilarious "I love the Office stickers"! Ohh if you could only see them!

Last night was a gathering for all Adventure Club helpers. It was funny, we played MadGab and I nearly wet my pants laughing, it's hard to explain, but we would say the words and not even know it! hahaha. Then tonight I'm here, helping Dave sort his hockey cards and just watching tv. Tomorrow is my last day of work, I expect it to be a very long day, but I'm totally looking forward to having some time off, and hey CHRISTMAS IS ONLY 3 DAYS AWAY!!!! It's starting to sink in. Like I'm now starting to bug Dave about what he's gotten me for Christmas!

I got a few more Christmas cards today, one was from Tracey and she got a new dog! She sent a picture of Ruby. She's so adorable. My kitties are doing good. Sunshine more and more becomes cranky, but that's just her age. Ahhhhh Lost is a re-run! Again! I'm not surprised, this is what happened last year too.

So I'm just rambling now, I think I love the sound of the keyboard! hahahaha.

Well if I don't get a chance to write again after this, I hope and pray that you all have a wonderful Christmas! 2005 is gone, and 2006 is almost here, it's exciting to know that another year is around the corner, a year that will be filled with many more opportunities and experiences, and memory making events!

Bye for now!

Day with my Dad

Today was a very nice day. My Dad had mentioned that he wanted to go to Listowel for a horse sale, and since I completed my Christmas shopping officially yesterday, I told him I wanted to go with him. We had a good time. We watched 103 horses sell, there was over 200 up for sale, but he only had so much time. He wanted to see how well #103 would do, because that's the one he would have liked. He sure can pick a winner though, it went for over $2700! I was shocked! Considering most horses were going for well under $1000, most under $500! He didn't get anything, but a part of me wishes I could have gotten him one! There was one he was really fond of , and it sold only for $450. But he didn't raise his hand, and I wasn't going to push him. I think the next time he goes, I'll tell him I'll go halves on it, but he can look after it for me. We both were a bit frozen once we left, but I'm glad that we spent the day together.

I survived the Christmas party at Dave's boss's house. It wasn't so bad, but glad for it to be over. Lots of crammed people and forced small talk, very awkward.

Tonight Dave and I just finished watching Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events. It was odd, which was as I thought it would be, but I don't know, I got bored, not my favourite.

Blessed and Overwhelmed

Well I just got in from our last Adventure Club of 2005. It was a parents night, so I got to meet some of the parents of the kids at my table, and I even got spoiled with some presents. Tonight was one of the first nights that I actually feel the Christmas Spirit. It's so hard these days to find joy, when everything is so busy and things are coming at you a mile a minute!

But we've been blessed completely this year. Dave has been rewarded with a big bonus come January which will change our course of life for a bit, debts can be paid off and a trip is in our near future I think. We're thinking end of February or March sometime.

I just had a great weekend with my friends which was so nice, just to be in their company was just awesome. And Lesya returns to Ontario Friday so I'll get to see her!

We have a couch now in our basement which is so nice. I broke it in on the weekend and ended up watching movies most of the time!

This week is full of Christmas celebrations. Beginning Sunday night, our Sunday school play happened, and to my surprise was a success, my kids were very cute, the 3 girls were sheep and 2 of my boys were a cat and dog (they refused to be sheep) and a Shepard. They were so adorable. They ate fruit loops the whole time, and I think were the hit of the play because they were just so cute! Then on Monday, our department at work were taken out to the Keg for lunch, it was very nice and a good 2 hours from the office, always nice to get away! Tomorrow night our small group is having a fun night with gift exchanges and food! THen Thursday is our big work party, we get out at lunch and then have an early dinner, presents and Christmas bonuses! To finish it off, Dave's annual party at his boss's house is Friday night, I don't look forward to this one, it's very uncomfortable, but it's nice to be on the arm of Dave!

I just left a message for my Krista, she turns 4 on Thursday, but only got the answering machine. I miss her lots, and can't wait until they are home again! woo hoo!

Lots of Snow!

Today Dave and I left early for Orangeville, and the drive there was nice and dandy, until we reached Orangeville, and there was a dark cloud, snowing atop of the town. It was great really. The drive slowed down a bit, but I was ok with that.

My Mom, Benji and I went and chopped down the perfect Christmas tree. We had lots of fun doing it too, the trees were covered with snow, so we had to shake them off in order to get a good look of them, but made it easy to see which ones we passed by! It was fun! Then got home and just relaxed, the boys played some hockey and stuff. Then Steve called so I talked with him for a bit. But then we had to leave.

Joe is here for the evening, he's moving to the USA, and leaves on Wednesday, so this is his last night to hang out with Dave. They of course are in the basement watching the Leaf game, that's why I'm here! Actually I missed an opportunity to see Pride and Prejudice with Jay today, so I'm going tonight with Christa and Jolene. It should be fun, but a late night for sure. I'll have to order a diet coke just to stay awake!

I had a good week really, it was my long week at work, but I had my annual performance appraisal, and it was a glowing review. I quite honestly was surprised how well I did, I was beginning to wonder if my attitude towards my job was started to reveal itself to others around me, but I guess it doesn't. My manager thinks I'm a wonderful person, who is a great encourager and is always seeking out ways to help others. I thought "oh!". So in the end it looks like a get a tiny increase in salary, which never hurts! This month at work is fun, with Christmas celebrations going on, everyone is in a happier mood. My secret Santa gave me a reindeer that poops! It's funny!

One last thought, last weekend on itravel2000.com there was an all inclusive 4* resort holiday to Jamacia for only $539 each! hmmmm, can you say hot vacation coming up soon?

It was gone just like that!

Well my weekend was so much fun. We had a blast. All of us get along so well. They are all older than I am, I’m the kid in the bunch, but that’s ok with me, they’re like older sisters really! Ikea was good, it wasn’t busy, but nothing really jumped out at me saying "buy me buy me". I got a few things, for a gift exchange and around the house. Then we made to Niagara Falls and into out hotel room which was quite nice. We went to the Rain Forest Café, which was awesome! I’ve never been there before, but it was so cool. Being there made me think about being a cool aunt to my nieces, so in order for me to be that I have to take them there for a meal one day! Then we watched the movie Just Friends. Very silly, retarded movie, good for a few laughs, but wouldn’t recommend it, definitely a rental!
Saturday we all slept in until 9am!!! Probably because we were up late girl talking! We went to Denny’s for breakfast!!! WHAT A MISTAKE!! It was a total rip off, for my orange juice and scramble egg sandwich I had, it cost $20!!!! Too much money!!! Then to the PenCentre Mall. It was big and crowded, but fun, I got new shoes and some Christmas shopping done. It was really fun. To finish it off we had Kelsey’s for dinner, and then laughed all the way home about Mennonites calling cats pussy’s and oh it was hilarious!!!
Sunday I just relaxed really. I taught Sunday school and then went home, I didn’t stay for the service, I was just so tired! But all in all, I had a great weekend. I’m really in the Christmas mood now! It’s coming!!!!
My secret Santa gave me a reindeer that poops out jelly beans!!! Hahaha, whoever it is must know me!!!

To the Falls!

I’m off for a weekend away. I’m going with the two ladies from Church who also got me my job, Cindy and Lesa. And Valerie, who also works with me. We are going to Niagara Falls for the night. First we’re going to make a stop at Ikea, then to our hotel. We’re going to go out for dinner at the Rain Forest Café and then out to see a movie. I’m so tired today, because I was up late preparing and just excited about going! Then tomorrow we’re going to head into St. Catharines to shop for the day. Should be a fun time! I’ve never spent this much time with these people, so it will be a learning experience too! Wish me luck!

It was a busy weekend

Well I can't believe how fast the time is going. This past weekend we kept ourselves busy. We finished projects around the house and started some new ones. Dave started painting the upstairs bathroom. We're both not sure whether we like the colour or not, but it will have to do. It just needs one more coat, but it won't take too long to do. We also sanded and primed the one wall in the living room on the main floor. I still want to do that room in a red colour, but we haven't fully decided that. Then Dave's dad was over and we now have a bar sink and bathroom sink flowing with water in the basement which is exciting!

Still anxiously waiting the phone call about our furniture for the basement!

My parents were over Sunday afternoon. I had won a free nights stay at the Best Western in St. Jacob's which I gave to them, so they used that last night. We went out to the Crossroads for dinner and then looked in their shop which has tonnes of really neat Christmas stuff! Then we just hung out at home and watched tv, it was great to just do that with Mom and Dad, it's been awhile!

Today at work I was humiliated by some JERK on the phone. I think he must have said my name in our conversation more then Dave has ever said to me in our time together! I would read to him exactly what it would say on a form and he would interupt me with "Charlene, Charlene, I know what you're reading but it's not what I'm after....." Grrr I was so upset, and furious, I was red in the face and ahhhh I just didn't know what to do with this man, I mean I actually had to tell myself to remain kind and nice, because that's who I am. I've never had to tell myself that. So what did I do?, I took it to another lady to deal with! I mean I did what I had to do, and could do, I mean he had questions that I couldn't answer because they weren't in my job description and I wasn't qualified to tell him. BUT STILL he belittled me and that's not a good feeling at all.

So now that that is off my chest! hahaha I get home these days and get so excited about Christmas, this week sometime I'm going to get the tree out! ohhh it's exciting! Plus we're supposed to get snow for the next 4 days! woo hoo!

It's a winter wonderland out there!

Ok I'm getting really excited, I have definately got the Christmas excitment now. It snowed all day here, to the point where the roads are bad and we had to cancel our volleyball game tonight. Dave normally has a 15 minute drive to work, but tonight it took him 45 minutes to get home. Winter has come that's for sure. I got a new winter coat just in time!

This week has been and gone fast enough. I was home Tuesday because I had a terrible headache when I woke up and it was right behind my eyes, it was not good. I still have some bit of an ache behind my head, but I'm ok.

The candle party was fun. Val has such a nice house. All those candles are so expensive, I bought just one.

Right now I'm listening to some worship music and I'm about to start on my Christmas cards again. I'm almost finished making them which is exciting. Next week I'll probably start decorating the house. I'm not so talented at decorating, but I love Christmas decorating! Everyone at work is in a CHristmas mode too, we were talking about our Christmas lunch today, and it seems like it's going to be at the Keg, which is cool, especially since the company foots the bill! Plus we have secret Santa's and I got something from mine already. It was a banana dressed up as Santa, a creative idea that's for sure. Because I don't know many people at work I have no idea who it could possibly be!

The other good thing that happened at work this week is I got the results from the hockey pool and I'm not winning, but I'm beating my rival Susan, who has no idea about anything hockey wise, and last time we were tied! But now I've got a huge jump on her! I would have been so mad if she was beating me! hahaha, YIKES look at me, I'm never that competitive, what has happened to me!?!?!?

Hope you're enjoying the snow....or the beach :) Right Sally?!---Miss you! (my mind is still wishing that circumstances would be different, cause if they were, I'd be there in January!)

Oh Knots!

I am so tired today I had knots in my stomach. I didn't sleep very good last night, probably because I had caffine before bed. But I'm now home from one day at work, and it wasn't so bad today, I made it through. I had some laughs early on in the day, so that was good, I know I'm not having a good day when I don't have at least one laugh!

I'm going to a Party Lite party tonight at my co-worker Val's place. Should be nice. I'll have to write more later. I'm getting even more tired just looking at this screen more!

later.....
Happy Birthday MOM!

Dancing is fun

Dancing is fun with Oompa Loompa's! Benji is over for the night, so we decided to rent Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, I just love this movie! At the end the special feature is the dance moves of some of the Oompa Loompa songs. It was hilarious, but Benji or Dave didn't want to indulge me and participate, that was no surprise, they just laughed at me and then got bored of me knowing that they are missing a hockey game on tv.

Today was my half day, Benji came out and we checked out some stores and did some Christmas shopping, well Benji was more successful then me, I only got a new Christmas cd for myself, isn't that terrible! But tomorrow I'm going home with Benji and then my Mom and I are going to shop in Newmarket for Christmas, that will be fun. Plus is a week full of Birthdays, my Mom's is on Monday, so we're celebrating with her on Sunday.

Hope everyone had good birthdays!

Connecting

Just got back from a nice walk. Dave and I walked to the IGA to do our shopping, we had such a small list this week, plus I didn't feel like getting wet by going out swimming tonight, so a walk was nice. Plus I got to talk to Dave. It's seems funny to say that, but in our crazy schedules, sometimes we don't get an opportunity to just talk. It was so great.

Our dinner last night was a success. Then afterwards we played the penny card game, and I kicked everyone's butt! It was so great, poor Dave, he can't take it when I beat him, he had every excuse for me! hahaha.

I think it's time to watch Corner Gas. That's a fun show.

More Than a Friend

Ok, I now have something very important to share. You are Wonderfully Made! You are wonderful! I know that you probably don't ever think this about yourself, I don't think this about myself hardly ever. We had a guest speaker today at church, and he focused on this fact. It doesn't matter how we look, what we wear, God loves us the way we are, he made us this way. And at this moment it's hit me. I'm told this quite regularly, but it's at this moment where I feel it, and it's so beautiful. Everyday we go through tough times, stress filled days, trying our hardest to be our best, and at the end of our days, we're worn out, we're tired and sometimes we feel used and neglected, but this is all nonsense when we get this concept that whatever and whoever we are, Jesus loves us, more than we now. I searched for this song this afternoon, because I knew that it was pretty and I was in the mood to listen to quiet music, but I never listened to the words until now, and I'm going to share them with you. If only you could hear it, because it's even more amazing with the music. I hope the words can touch you in the slightest way.

More than a Friend

In the quiet of my Soul
In the stillness I hear your voice call
And I'm overwhelmed, and I'm lost for words
To describe you

Jesus you're more than a friend
Jesus you're more than my heart could ever express
Your love and your grace never fail me
Your merciful touch always heals me
You bring joy to my soul

My heart longs to worship you my King
And I long to bring you a pleasing offering
And I am overwhelmed, and I am lost for words
To describe you

That's it. If we're just quiet and hear Him, we would understand and see the joy he gives us, just by putting our "stuff" away for a bit, we would hear and feel Him. Just remember, you are a wonderful creation.

Nap Anyone?

Ahhh it's a windy dark day here, and I fell pretty tired. I was up early this morning making a potato dish to put in the slow cooker, then out to church to teach sunday school and then church. Tonight we've invited Kris and Shannon with Mason over for dinner, and since Steve is wifeless for dinner, we're feeding him too. I'm still really new at the whole company over for dinner thing, so Valerie at work gave me two recipes to do that are easy and by the smell of it tasty too. I also whipped up a cheesecake for dessert, I'm all over it! It's been fun, but I don't think I could do this much prep everyday!

Yesterday I scrapbooked all day, it was a blast. I got started on my Christmas cards and did a page in my book. There's a new store in Waterloo that is so awesome and has tonnes of cool paper, I wish I had the time and creativity to do it more often, but once a month is good for me!

We got trees on our street this week!

Ok I guess I don't have much to say, or I'm just to tired to talk about anything interesting, so I think I'll find my man and see if he wants to nap with me, it's always nice to fall asleep being cuddled.

In my Element

I'm really excited about tomorrow. It's Halloween, and I am going to wear my pajama's to work. I even went out and bought a new funky pair to wear, however, I love too many of my jamies so I've laid out 3 different ones, so that when Christa comes over to put rags in my hair I'll model the 3 for her and have her tell me which of the three are the most wackiest! Dave has thrown in his two cents and voted for my mushroom ones. I'm swaying to my cows ones, but then my news ones are well...NEW!!

Today was a very special day at church. It was a bastism service, where 3 people had planned to be baptised. I always enjoy these services, but the pastor opened it up for anyone who needed to be baptised (needed I used because anyone who has accepted Jesus as their saviour would in tern take the step of Baptism, because it's the least we can do to honour him, and an amazing thing we can do to witness to others our commitment) or felt lead to be baptised to come forward. Well I lost it, a young teenager girl appeared into the tank with the pastor and her parents were sitting right in front of me, and I lost it, there's just something about when a grown man cries, it totally gets me going! Her Dad was just weeping with joy, and there I am crying for him too! It was awesome, and I could totally feel the spirit of God there, with every word that these people shared as they were baptised, it was just amazing.

Yesterday I went to my parents for the morning, then to my aunts for a baby shower, my cousin and her newly born baby weren't there, because she was still in the hospital with him, but it was fun.

After church today, Dave took me to this new Thai resturant in Waterloo, it was nice, then we went to the mall and started our Christmas shopping. Worked on Benji this week. We hope to a little here and there from now one instead of all at once. Easier on the pocket book this way I think.

Well I should go and see what's for dinner....

A pea from my plate

Hi, I'm just memorizing my lines for tomorrow night, I get to flick a pea at my uncle Ed, the kids are going to love it! I'm very happy though, there isn't that many lines this week, which releaves pressure!

I just got back from swimming. I came home from work tonight feeling really tired, I told myself that I wasn't going to go swimming, it's windy, raining and cold out! I even fell asleep on the couch, but I made myself go, and now I feel good that I did. Another 20 laps, hooray!

So girls in my department are getting excited about Halloween. One lady suggested that we all dress up with a 50's theme, with poodle skirts and so on. It was an alright idea, but I had nothing that would suit, so I made another idea and threw in the air to see if anyone liked my idea. They all did. We are all going to wear our pajama's and pretend we're all at a slumber party, bringing our pillows and teddy bears. I'm going to get Christa to put my hair up in rags, and I came up with the idea of putting a green face mask on too! It's going to be a blast! My favourite part is I get to be comfy all day!

Well off to read more woes of Josephine B.

Overwhlemed

The Tupperware party was a sucess, although all week leading up I was very doubtful, about who was coming and if people would buy anything. By Thursday, I was pretty confident in my numbers considering I was getting last minute cancellations. My mom came with my Aunt Cathy, and my cousin Jody with her little girl Emily. Then my Aunty Heather came too. Jay and Yvonne came, which was nice to have that comfort of my close to my heart friends there. Then my supporters were there, Joy, Christa, and Suzanne, when I need people to fill the place, I can always count on them, Amamda came too, I'm still getting to know her. Dave's cousin Sharlene was there, that was good. Then Dave's mom Fern, came and I got her to recruit a couple of her co-workers which she did. My house was full.

A few of the girls that were invited but couldn't mke it, sent in pre-orders that totalled over $200, so I knew that I would earn some credit to get a couple of things. But Dve and I sat down before hand to look at the catalogue and we only chose 3 things we thought was enough.

Wel Gloria, the rep at the end of the night sid to me that she hoped I had a big wish list, I told her no, and that I thought the party was going to be a bust. Now Gloria has been doing this for 12 years, so I'm not sure whether she fed me this line, but she told me that this was her second biggest party she's ever done.! Dave and I have to go through this catalogue again, because we have big time money to spend. Gloria caculated all the bonuses and free product and tupperware money we get, and my party earned me $818 worth of free tupperware product. THIS IS INSANE!!!!! Never would I have imagined that I would get this chance. I mean Dave and I picked out 3 things for pete sakes! I don't know how we'll figure this one out, definately gifts in the future.

Christa, Suanne, Joy and Amnada all stayed afterwards and we watched Mona Lisa Smile. I didn't get to bed until 1:30am, but I was up at 6:30am, with things running through my head, one being homesick, my Mom was there last night, and I ddn't get much time with her, so I'm waiting to call her this morning, plus I"m going to see her today too, but still.

Anway , I'm really overwhelmed. It was a wonderful night, with a shocking ending with how much I earned, IT"S CRAZY!!!!

Ok maybe I should go back to bed and try to sleep some more!

I was talking to the girls at work today and we were discussing age, and how none of us wanted to experience living in an old age home. I just plainly stated that I didn't want to experience death at all. I want to be the generation when God comes again. I really don't like death, even though my loved ones go to Heaven, they are still taken from me. I don't ever want to be with out Dave or have to think about him being alone, that would be just terrible. But it's not upto me.

Last night I got an opportunity to just watch people and listen to them, I find it very interesting how people are and how they've changed, or sadly never change. I was tired, and we walked over to Steve and Christa's for dinner, Christa used her good dishes, which I'm very proud of her to do that, but she invited over another couple, and they did most of the talking while I just sat and listened. It's amazing what listening and observing showed me. It was irretating, and funny, sad and amusing all at once. I think what irretated me, was the change factor. I don't understand how someone can't change even though life changes every second. It's almost ignorance or stubborness. But for me very frustrating. Ahhhh, I just thought about how lucky am I that I've had life altering changes that have changed me, through everything things have changed me, I'm proud of that.

Looking forward to Dave coming home....

The Thanksgiving time spent

Well it's Monday night, it's over, although it didn't go too fast, which is always a nice thing, but I'm in that "oh no tomorrow I have to go to work" mood. It was a really enjoyable weekend. Friday night we started it off by playing badminton, again, it was lots of fun, and quite the workout. Saturday Dave was in the Octoberfest Ball tournament. My mom and Benji came over and we hung out, watched one of Dave's games and then they took me home with them. It was so nice, going out for walks, checking out the leaves, the pets, the wildlife. Sunday Dave joined us. Him and I and Benji went out 4-wheeling. It was so much fun, were gone for atleast an hour maybe more, up and down sideroads, and "not through roads" I was the passenger so I got to do all the looking around, there are some outrageously huge houses in places I never knew there would be. It was definately exploring!

This weekend was also my brother Steve's and my Dad's birthdays, so we celebrated my Dad's Sunday night and Steve called then too, it was so great hearing his voice, and so exciting hearing him talk about coming back!

Monday we got up to the cows kicking up a fuss because the calves were getting vacinated. We really didn't do much what so ever today. It was kind of wet out, and we all seemed tired. Dave's parents were over in the afternoon to share with my family the nice huge thanksgiving meal my mom made for us. It was awesome.

But now that I'm stuffed with turkey, I'm really feeling the tired effect. Plus I have to memorize my lines for Adventure Club. So I better go....

when you take it to heart

You love listening to music and even sing along, but do you really hear the words and understand their meaning? One song that has hit my heart today is the following:

I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say

Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see Your majesty
To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak

I'm finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice

I wish I could put these beautiful into practice right now.

Waiting is not fun!

So our phone wasn't working since yesterday afternoon. Dave called Bell last night before going out and they told us that someone would be out to fix it between 8am to 6pm! Can you believe that time frame! Well I was up pretty early, Dave and I decided to clean out the garage, and I dug up the flower bed. It was a pretty eventful morning. But then the afternoon rolled around and I got bored. But I haven't been bored in quite some time, so it was actually nice for a change.

Last night we played our first night of badminton. It was lots of fun, I just can't get over how much of a workout it was. I was sweating good! There was lots of jumping and running and hitting, hahaha, it was great. But I'm slowing starting to feel the after effects of it. But we really enjoyed ourselves so we aim to be there next week too.

So much time has past since the last time I wrote. But nothing really new happened. Our small group started up again on Wednesday nights, and I really am glad for that. I love the group I'm in, we're all newly married couples and we're all good friends. One thing I love about the small group is Dave leading it. He is so gifted in doing it, I love just listening to him, to his sincerity and honesty and wisdom. It's so easy for everyone to realize Dave's heart when he talks about each subject, that's one thing that I totally love about him.

Well enough of that! hahaha