Friday, October 30, 2009

I am...

very excited to announce that Marcy Penner (of MSS, Marcy Penner Photography, and Red Star Studio) and myself will be teaching a holiday online class together!!



It's entitled "12 Days of Christmas" and is a mix of paper and other crafts that are perfect for holiday giving.
There will be 12 crafts throughout a 4 week period (plus a couple of bonuses), starting November 9th, 2009 and running through December 4th, 2009.

Please join us for 4 weeks of crafting fun!!

See here to sign up, and join us in Winkler for My Scrap Shoppe's open house (10-2 at the Shoppe) for a chance to win free enrollment!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Monday, October 19, 2009

Nostalgia...

I've been thinking a lot today, about the way things used to be.  Before I had kids.  Before I had committments.  Before I had responsibilites.  This can be a dangerous line of thought, particularly when I'm having a bad day, so I don't let myself do it often.  However, today, I'm feeling okay with the world (for the most part) and am allowing myself this little trip down memory lane. 

I worked in a job I hated because the money was good.
I went out every night on the weekends, and not at all during the week. (I have always been a home body...it has to be really really worth it to get me out of the house)
I was in love with many things...one of which was a man whom I knew would never love me back...
I spent time with people just because I wanted to.  It wasn't an effort to try to fit people in. 
I drank one Diet Coke and ate one bag of jalapeno and cheddar kettle cooked chips for breakfast every morning.
I was lonely.
I drove in a car I LOVED, listening to my music too loud with the windows down.
I watched movies about martial arts.
I weighed only 100 lbs.

Not all of these things were good things. I remember a lot of crying.  I remember being very dissatisfied.  I remember not wanting to sleep in my own place, so I drove to a friends place, and not wanting to bother them, parked my car up the street and slept there all night. (and yes, I realize that was completely stupid, not to mention potentially dangerous)

But, that was my life for many years.  It is a time I look back at fondly, wishing I could relive some of those experiences.  It is a time I look back at thankfully.  Thankful that I no longer have to be alone. Thankful that I now have someone (many someone's) to spend my time, energy and life on.

But, people grow up.  They mature.  They change.  I did.  I had to. 

and I'm not sorry I did, which is why I can take these trips down memory lane. 

Because I'm pretty happy with the way my life turned out.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

today.

Today Khai, Declan and I went to Costco with my parents.
Conversation between Khai and my Mum on the way to the car when we were done shopping.

Khai: It's sunny out today.
My Mum: Yes it is! and windy too!!
Khai: Yes. It's sunny and windy. It is a sunny and windy day today.
My Mum: ...and cold! don't forget cold!!
Khai: No. I don't think I'll add cold to my list.

I love you Khai.

Friday, October 16, 2009

a wonderful morning...


just when I needed it. 

Today was the first day this week that I didn't have anything specific that HAD to get done. Which is a great feeling.  But I was still feeling a bit down. So, when a new friend (one of the mom's at school) said she was going to Costco this morning, I invited myself (and Declan) along. 
We went to Starbucks, where we enjoyed non-fat pumpkin spice lattes with whip and caramel drizzle, and then headed to Homesense; where we wandered through the aisles of Christmas decor and chatted and bonded (not to mention shared the entertaining of Dekkie).  It was great.  We did not have time to get to Costco...which was just fine with both of us!

I really appreciated you letting us tag along!! Thank you!!

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Yesterday...

I received a package that I've been waiting for. 

THESE...

3 movies which I have been looking for in stores for years, and finally found online (which is probably where I should have looked in the first place) .

Clue: the Movie
Without a Clue (which I am watching as I type)
and
Murder by Death

All three of these movies my Dad introduced me to many many years ago. I fell in love with these movies, and am so happy that I can now watch them whenever I want!

On a separate note, I am posting on the My Scrap Shoppe blog today.  Check it out!

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving may well be my favourite holiday of the year.
I love cooking all day (and often the day before).  I love sharing the time with my friends and family.  I love being deliberate about being thankful.  I love the smell of apple, pumpkin, lemon meringue and peach pies baking.  I love baking the pies from scratch. 
I love that the air is chilly outside, but that I have apple cider warming me inside.
I love crisp autumn leaves and the soft glow of candles.
Yup.  I LOVE Thanksgiving.

Usually.  This year, it has been a hellish experience that I would rather not talk about or repeat.  Suffice it to say this will be the LAST year I do Thanksgiving at my house.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Yesterday and Today and Tomorrow

Yesterday, we drove up to our front lawn to see this:


Most of the branches had been cut off of our tree out front.  The city was doing their annual pruning, and apparently they decided to prune most of the tree. Brett said our tree looks naked. :)

Khai had his first skating lesson last night.  He did SO well! We are so proud of him.  I think he did an awesome job getting up, and I love that they teach them how to fall.  He doesn't quite have the gliding thing down yet, but he's balancing and staying on his feet.  Plus it's all just so adorable to watch!


(sorry for the bad photo, the light sucked in that arena!)

Today, started off irriatingly (is that even a word?), and didn't get much better...and I've still got quite a bit to do yet tonight.
I woke up extra early because I wanted some time to do my devotions, and have some quiet time by myself before the kids woke up.  I got up, got straight into the shower and got out to see both Khai and Declan waiting for me. This was at 645 am.

The rest of the day was pretty much the same. I didn't get a lot done.  I feel very unproductive and tomorrow is Wednesday.  Wednesday is not usually a good day around here.

Three more photos before I go to bed...




(Brett took this last one of himself in the car...super cute!)

I'm off to bed!
Sweet dreams to you all.

Monday, October 5, 2009

I probably didn't tell most of you, but I recently applied for a design team position with My Scrap Shoppe.  I found out last Thursday that I was chosen for one of the two design team spots.

I can't tell you how honoured I am to have been chosen.
Or how EXCITED I am. 

I'm really looking forward to contributing to the team.  Thanks Marcy!