Tis' the Season

The wonder of Christmas can be seen in the eyes of children.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper! I really love choosing fun colourful paper for kids and nice christmas-ey paper for others

2. Real tree or Artificial? REAL! We always had a real tree growing up and my husband and I have gone to a tree farm and tagged our tree and then return closer to Christmas to cut it down (just got yours today!)

3. When do you put up the tree? its up now, usually 3 weeks before Christmas

4. When do you take the tree down? After New Years Day

5. Do you like eggnog? Love it, but can't drink it :( I have to make it myself with Soy milk

6. Favorite gift received as a child? a stuffed bunny with a little frilly dress that my mom made me and each of my sisters

7. Do you have a nativity scene? No but would love to get one, Christmas gift maybe?

8. Hardest person to buy for? My in-laws

9. Easiest person to buy for? My sister Mandy

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail, shh I'm only finishing them tonight

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? a jacket/sweater thing that it not really me, worn it twice

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Santa Claus and the cartoon Grinch

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? early for some people if i see a gift i like, usually October

14. Ever recycled a Christmas present? probrably

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? all the baked goods only around Christmas -gingerbread men, shortbreads, PB balls, cherry winks

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? depends on the decorations, we have multi-coloured

17. Favorite Christmas song? hehe, all of them! I love Christmas music.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? stay home and only travel in our town

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? most of the time I can, Prancer, Dasher, Dancer, Donner, Blitzen, Comet, Cupid, Vixen and Rudolph

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? angel at my parents but Im thinking a start this year for us

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? we open 1 on Christmas Eve (usually our jammies) and the rest early Christmas morning

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? people who are Grinches

23. Favorite ornament, theme, or color? traditional Christmas reds and greens.

24. What do you want for Christmas this year? New shoes, clothes and a balance ball

Questions from Simply Sunshine and Daisies

My Baby C.

* I refer to all of my friends babies as "my" babies but I dont have any of my own yet just friends who have wonderful bundles of joy and love.

Baby C. - Chloe is my best friend v.'s baby girl

v. is over at The Best Days of your Life

I love this baby girl so much, from the first time I held her in my arms.

I wasnt there when she was born :( even though I called and tried to get around the hospital rules. This is something I will always regret.

When I first met her, my heart filled with love.

She is a sweet tiny baby girl (she will prob be small like her momma) and I am trilled to watch her grow. I wish we lived closer and that I could see her and v. more but I plan to be there for every big event in her life.

Sometime in the New Year they will be coming to visit me and my family (who love v. like she is our family) and I can not wait to show off my little niece to everyone.

I may not always have money to shower Chloe with gifts but I can ALWAYS shower her with love and that is more important.

I want to be as good an auntie as I possibly can!

How I have changed...

Since changes are coming in other areas, I decided to look back to 1 year ago from right now and where I was, and then look at where I am today. I took this from the fabulous v. over at The Best Days of Your Life and adapted it to see where I was 1 year ago.

1 year ago - 2010:

I was Ashley C.

My age 25

I lived with my fiance, renting my grandfathers house

Some of my obsessions were wedding planning for the day off, wedding parties etc. Christmas decorating and online shopping for gifts

I really enjoyed just moving out of my parents, watching the kids and dog across the street play in the snow, skate on the hockey rink

I was watching Man vs. Food (my fiances idea), Cake Boss, Greys'

What made me happiest was being engaged to a wonderful man, wedding planning and details, crafty wedding things

I really hated living too far out of town where my friends were, having to keep the house spotless because it was for sale and not mine.

My excitement was the Wedding!


Today 2011:

I am Ashley P.

My age is almost 26 and a half (eek!)

I live with my husband in our own condo apartment

Some of my obsessions are my babies! well not mine but my friends babies, Brody and Chloe and my friend B.s 3 kids and S. little girl and another on the way. Babies and kids everywhere and my hubby and I are auntie and uncle to all of them!

I really enjoy shopping for kids, my French class (even when it doesnt seem like it), going to Chapters and getting a latte at Starbucks, making our house a home, receiving and looking at pics of ma babies.

I'm currently watching Gossip Girl, Greys, Desperate Housewife, The Vampire Diaries, Dawson's Creek(when I'm making supper).

What would make me happiest is getting a long term supply contract, supply teaching more, and being financial secure.

I really hate that my best friends live away and I dont see them as much as I wish, the current situations for teachers in NB.

My current excitement is Christmas parties every weekend until Christmas day! K. and her bf coming home in less than 2 weeks

By the time I do this again in 4 months I hope someone reminds me to do this haha! to be a fitter, healthier me, start painting or scrapbooking more.

Check out the original at

Changes ahead

This morning, I went to watch my sister and friend run in the Miss Movember run here in our home town. I was at the finish line waiting for them to finish and felt a pinch of regret and sadness. I was suppose to run in another 5km but my doctor advise me not to because of the pressure on my knees and that I should lose 30lbs and then can consider running.

I have problem with my knees and it sucks and i twisted my ankle last month and the again this month I sprained my ankle and broke a bone in my foot, so I am having more problems.

My goal is to run both races next fall and maybe one sooner. I have started with a dietician and personal trainer to lose weight and change my life.

Changes are ahead and for the better. I am commited to be a healthier, more active person for myself and my future.

Couponing

While watching Extreme Couponing on TLC, I was wondering how many people coupon.
It seems to be easier in the US than in Canada because we don't receive many coupons in the paper/flyers, but lots of people still use coupons.
Do you use coupons?
I do! I have really just started using coupons and I think its great if you can save money but i could never see myself spending the hours upon hours couponing as they do on Extreme Couponing or the amount of stock they have. When something is on sale or I have coupons and we use that product alot then I may get a few but never 20 at a time. I sometimes wonder about the expiry dates and whether people on the show check for that.

I use coupons because its not much work on my part. I have noticed that coupons are not available or perhaps just not common for healthier foods. The most common coupons I receive or use are for cleaning, health and beauty products. For food items, it is usually things like granola bars, puddings, crackers, cereals.
I'll continue to use coupons but will not start obsessing or devoted hours on end to it.

NO!

NO! Its a simple 2 letter word but I often find myself thinking no but saying yes. Its like NO doesnt exist in my vocabulary and others take advantage of this.
There is a lot going on lately and I seem very busy. I have also been a bit cranky. I feel like I need a break, a break for myself. I'm always being asked to do stuff and for a favor that its like I am always doing everything for everyone else, whats left for me? So I have changed my attitude because I don't have to be in this position where theres little to nothing left for me, no time or energy to do soemthing. I have the control and I can say NO! Which I will be doing more often and not to be mean or self-ish but I think its become necessary. So those of you who are used to me being a push-over, expect to hear no. For some people, it will mean that they need to step up. I have heard family members say "oh go ask ash, she'll do it". Everyone assumes that I will. Most of the time I still probrably will but when I want to I will be saying NO!

Letting life happen

My husband and I have decided that there is no reason to say we are waiting until we have this, do that etc. to start a family.

We are ready to be parents when the time comes.

I believe that we will be blessed with a baby when the time is right.

That could be sooner than later or in a couple years.

We aren't "trying" but we aren't preventing...

We are letting life happen :)

Eggs = Energy

This post over at The Glamourous Life of a Housewife could not have come at a better time.

At school we just received packages from the Dept. of Education promoting Eggs for good health and energy and it is a cute egg shaped magnetic calendar for each student.

I for one love eggs a couple times a week for breakfast. btw the BEST breakfast I had recently was at La Haceinda-a spanish restaurant in Toronto and I had a brie and sundried tomato omelet with toast and guacamole - Scrumptious.

Anyway here is the giveway that the Glam Housewife herself is giving away

an egg holder/egg grate, this would look so much better in the fridge than a box

Check out this egg holder too, not very practical for everyday but would be great to hold decorated eggs at Easter

Thanksgiving Weekend

This Thanksgiving weekend has been wonderful so far! Even though I sprained my ankle and have to spend it on crutches...Im being taken care of very well!

Friday evening, we spent a quiet night in. Saturday I went to lunch with my sisters and hubby went 4-wheeling and then we had dinner at my parents. Sunday I made 3 pies with were delicious! 2 classic pies -lemon meringue and pumpkin(with pecan praline on top) and then a new recipe which is like an apple pie/crisp with cream cheese spread over the bottom pie crust - Scrumptious!

It was ticky making the pies but my hubby was a BIG help.

Then we went to r.'s grandparents and spent the afternoon on the patio watching the kids play and drinking slushie drinks(it was very warm out).

We had a wonderful dinner with everyone.

This afternoon we are going to my parents for dinner and our family's annual pumpkin carving. I have the treat bags all ready. I look forward to it every Thanksgiving weekend.

How did you spend your Thanksgiving?


I am Thankful for my family, friends, the Lord, all the little children of this world, my health and the health of my family and friends, my education, my life with hubby, and our precious dog.
I am so Thankful for my wonderful husband.....
he takes care of me and supports me, its the little things that make me smile everyday like
these things he did this past weekend....

he heard me say "oh shoot" after a bang and came running because I am on crutches and my hair brush fell.
he rolled over Saturday morning and sang "Good morning beautiful" to me
he helped me with making pies and when I was getting hot and flustered because the oven was on, I was baking and it was 26 degrees out, he put the fan on the kitchen table and aimed it towards me, haha

He does so much everyday and I am always thankful for my husband.

Life

I have been in a funk lately, the start of a new school year got me excited and I love fall but

that soon changed.

I'm a supply teacher, which has many challenges...the primary 1 being that I do not have a steady guaranteed income or work.

The first week went by without any work and then the 2nd and I was completely bummed.

Woke up at 5:45am to check if any jobs were available that day and then would lay in bed waiting for a phone call to work and then I would just not bother getting out of bed. What for?

morning after morning, I went back to sleep or would just lie there because I had nothing to do. I hate having nothing to do.

So I have been in a funk and just looking forward to greeting my little baby niece whenever she decides to come out(now would be good ;) and my trip to Toronto.

This week things started to change a bit, I changed my attitude soon and then I got a call for an interview on Monday!

I am so excited, just the possibility of having my own classroom is making me giddy!

And if I don't get the position, at least I am a step closer with this interview :D

wish me luck!

And remember to never stop living.

I am beyond pumped to visit my best friend in Toronto. I love Toronto, its a wonderful city.

The 1st time I went was many years ago and my sister and I were flying home from Alberta and went to Toronto instead to meet my other sis and mom. We stayed with our aunt (who we had just met and found out about) in Barrie. I dont remember much except going to the zoo! It was amazing!

I went back again for a big Italian wedding in Barrie with r. and my parents. We went to the CN Tower and had dinner at the 360 restaurant and went to Canada's Wonderland with my whole family who came for the wedding, all my aunts, uncles and cousins.

Last summer, r. and I went to visit for 5 days or so because my fabulous bestie k. lives there with her bf and we went to Niagra Falls and MarineLand(everyone should go! I love whales and dolphins :P). We also really got to see the city including Toronto Island and go to the Canada Day celebrations, and just hang out in the city.

This trip is going to be even better because its like a mini vacay for k. and I in the city! We are going to the spa, shopping, going to coffee shops and out for Indian food. I also let her know the 1st night I am there, I wanna go out for some Ceasars and other cocktails. I looking forward to some much needed bestie girl time!

Disappearing....

I want to hid in the corner and cry.

Welcome Fall

Welcome to a new season..prob my favourite

Fall...Autumn

I love the changing leaves and the cold crisp mornings.

I especially love being outside, going for walks, to the park.

Cozy sweaters, knits and tights.


Festive fall decor
including pumpkins, Halloween items, colours of gold, reds, yellows, browns and oranges
complete with cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin pie smelling candles.
*I`ve already started putting up my fall decor!

Fall also means Thanksgiving dinner, pie making and baking all kinds of baked goods, making soups, stews and chilis.
We also have our whole family over for Redneck Olympics and our Annual Pumpkin craving contest and Hubby and I bring our friends kids to go apple picking.

{me and the girls}


{hubby helping pick apples in the orchard}

Goodbye Sweet Summer

Summer was a short sweet blur, it went by so quick.

Hubby and I enjoyed the beach and cottage with family and friends and our dog who is now a beach bum.

We spent almost every weekend away going to a baby shower, family camping, a wedding away and many many trips with the race crew... I spent a lot of time at the race track and with our sweet little nephew, seeing him nearly every weekend.

It was a blissfully wonderful summer but I am ready to welcome fall!

My heart is melting...

Check out this little cutie

{hubby's little cousin m.}

We went to a family wedding in NS for the MacDonalds on r.'s mom's side of the family and hubby's aunt and uncle and their precious little girl were down from Ottawa. We don't get to see them that often but it is always so much fun when we do and we make lots of time for them when they are home. His aunt and uncle are 2 of the nicest, friendliest and fun people you would ever met and their daughter is adorably sweet.

She asked hubby to dance at the reception and no one could do the booty shake better than her. It melts my heart how adorable r. is with kids and even more so than before. He chased her around, pretended to fall over when she splashed him in the hotel pool, danced like a handsome fool.

{with our 'nephew', r.s best friend/brother type's son}

With our 'nephew' hubby is absolutely adoringly caring and its breath-taking to see the future father of my children be so sweet and wonderful with children (melthing here). Its definitely soemthing to look forward too and causes some baby fever. My husband looks too good holding a baby people! I can't get the image of r. holding baby b. in his arms and gently touching his hand against babys' cheek, aww!

Random pics of what I have been up to:

at the beach/cottage with t. and ro-ro. who came to visit, it was awesome

we are loving the sun


the S.S Rubber Boot - our cardboard boat for the boat races
my dad and husband ready to set sail
it was a lot of fun and we are planning to do it again next year


v. at her baby shower which was a success - I didn't forget anything and it was all set for when people arrived and i think she enjoyed it
read about it here

What i'll be up to:

-going to Magic Mountain and the kite festival this week with the kids I watch (wow my job is tough eh)

-dress shopping for ideas and choices for my bridesmaids dress for Magen's wedding! my sisters, my mom and I will be going out Saturday then going for lunch. This is the 1st time I am a bridesmaid, except for when I was 12 in my aunts.

-Sunday the plan is either going to the cottage or friends may be visiting to go to Magic Mountain so I would go again - the waterpark twice in 1 week, woohoo

-Nest week, I hope its nice to go to the beach with the kids, swimming and the splash park

-looking forward to the weekend of the 20th because my family is all going camping/staying at the cottage for the weekend

relax

I feel the need to have a day, a whole day to myself

to relax and lay in bed all day with books and movies

ah to wish....

Where have you been?

{I've been here, not on Blogger}

I haven't blogged in a very long time (wow-over a month) and it is somewhat because I have been very busy and mostly because summer is here (well today it doesnt really feel like it).

What I have been up to:

-going to the cottage

Absolutely love it there, ya the beach! You can see the ocean when you're sitting on the patio, the cottage itself has some charm and weird old figurines and pictures. I love the beach whether its sun-tanning, kayaking, walking the dog, swimming or now going on my sisters 'island' Yup an island, an inflatable one that seats 7 people, has 2 coolers, a platform to jump off. We were out on it all day the last Sunday and everyone of us got a buzz on.

Friends of mine, t. and r. came for a weekend at the cottage and we kayaked, swam, sun-tanned and read on the beach, ate, drank and caught up with each other about life. We set off fire-works, had bon-fires, someone got very burnt and I got a million bug bites (only me tho cuz they like me best...how lucky)

-going to the racetrack to support my hubby in his hobby of being a member of his best friends pit crew and I do love watching the races and being there all day is better this year because of the baby!

-spending lots of time with our 'nephew' Brody who is now 2 months old and the most precious little baby ever! We are so in love with him. Just got our parcel we ordered for him which was Carhart onesies to match his uncle Richie! how cute!?

-I've been planning my besties baby shower and am sooo excited. I hope she will enjoy it! I packed everything last night - the decorations, table-ware, games, prizes, cakes and cupcakes, and othe misc. things needed and now today I will be picking up food which thankfully I am getting help from s. with the sandwiches and someones on the veggie tray.

We are going to PEI for this as well as....

-Carboard boat races. My fam has been diligently working on our cardboard boat and im pretty sure it will float but we are very hillbili-ish with it and spent WAY too much on duct tape but its all for fun right!

-Working, yes I have been working once I finally found a job for the summer and mine is awesome. Im a nanny to 2 little boys who are almost 3 and 5 years old. Its a great job, Monday to Friday 8 or 9 until 5ish. They are very well behaved with me and we have lots of fun, I have brought them to the zoo, Crystal Palace, splash park, other parks, Chapters and on the agenda for next week is strawberry picking and the beach!

What I have been thinking:

-that throwing a baby shower is a lot of work, I was more stressed out last night then I was before my own wedding! I think it has to do with having it in PEI and I dont want to leave anything home. I also spent double my budget on this party, ya double-thats crazy but I think my baby niece will be worth it when she comes which r. and I are very excited for :D

-You could swear we were parents but we aren't, we just happen to be driving around with 2 car seats in our truck and wet wipes on the dash, lol. We have little new born swaddler diapers and bigger sized diapers(for a 2 year old) in our bathroom cupboard and I have pull-ups, wipes and a soother in my purse. Not to mention the wal-mart and toys r us flyers are the only ones that have toys circled-we start thinking/shopping for Christmas early.

-we need to get our fiances in order because I DO want to have a baby in the next couple years and I really want a house first. We figure we will start trying April 2013 when we are in Cuba for my sisters' wedding...dont get the room next to us, haha. I have started our Cuba savings fund for April 2012 and a plan to pay off as much as our credit cards this summer as possible and then in the fall we will do a more concrete budget for house savings as well but I'm happy we have $3,000 for our future home! Hoping to buy our home Fall of 2012.

-I need some girl time! My sisters and I are always going to lunch and I have coffee dates and now play dates with b. and her kiddies but I want more girlie time so we are going to the spa for my mom's birthday so my sisters and I and mom will spend the day together getting pampered! I also figured that I need some quality girlie time with my bf so I devised a plan to go visit her and presented it to r. for approval....well I didn't realize it would be so easy. He said ya you should go visit, here and gave me his credi card and I booked my flight to Toronto! Spet. 29th woohoo and we are also going to a Scandanavian Spa with hot springs and I think I wanna go to the Toronto Zoo again, I went years ago and love animals!

I also need more time with v. and plan (although she doesn't know yet) to go over for 4-5 days when the baby comes to give her a hand and of course r. and I will be there when our niece comes. I anticipate a 3am phone call and a quick driving trip over the bridge.

-I have been thinking about regrets, well one in particurlar really but you can't dwell on what you didnt do but after a wonderful weekend at the cottage with friends I felt awful for not invited one of my sorority sisters to my wedding. Of course I couldn't invite them all and r. and I cut the list down by 40 people for our wedding. We didn't invite everyone we wanted to and I cut some people who I'm more friends with through other friends and dont really hang out or speak to them on an individual basis BUT the only person I wished was there that wasn't should have been, because anyone who reads your horoscope because she remembers when your birthday is and knows things about your husband REALLY cares and I feel horrible I didn't realize this before and although we may not hang out and talk just ourselves, she has always been around with other close friends and obviously has paid attention and cared enough. Whereas, some people who I am around a lot, came to the wedding dont even care as much as she does.

dreaming......of our future baby(ies)

I have had friends who have had children for a while but that number is multiplying and fast!

a best friend of mine has 3 beautiful children, whom I am very close with and love

another friend has an adorable 1 year old

another a new born baby - not even a month old (so sweet and cute)

and another friend who is gorgeously pregnant

and others who are trying to get pregnant (maybe even as I write this ;)

not to mention the young kids in my family and my sister trying to get pregnant as well

It surrounds us and I love children!

I can't wait to have my own and have been dreaming of when we have our own children.

BUT, we aren't ready yet, both r. and I know this.

We aren't ready to have our sleep disturb at all hours, lose the freedom to come and go as we please, to be responsible for more than ourselves and each other, to critically think about the smallest decisions (breast feed vs. bottle, organic fruits and vegs or not, making homemade baby food, cloth diapers vs. disposible, etc.)

We will be ready in the somewhat near future but in the meantime we enjoy thinking about our future little family and being the best Uncle 'itchies and Auntie Ash EVER!!!

dreamin.....of my very own classroom

I am dreaming of my very own classroom because I enjoyed my internship so much. Yes I was in someone else's classroom but I got to do lesson plans and programming and establish procedures. I loved it!

I enjoy supply teacher because of the various classrooms and grades I teach but there is something about the comfort of a familiar school, which is why I am thankful that I have 2 regurlar schools where I teach frequently.

But supply teaching is inconsistent and can make it frustrating to plan and save $

I can't wait for the day I have my own classroom.

I would take a long term supply position for now though,

beats going from day to day.

dreaming.....

Today...no lately I have been dreaming.......

ah day dreaming and having sweet dreams

about everything I want in life.

Why can't I just appreciate what I have right now?

Here are the things I'm dreaming about. I will do a post about why I want each of these things and how I am constantly dreaming of each one of them.

{dreaming of my very own classroom}

{oh no, yup I'm there - dreaming of our future baby(ies)}

{dreaming of our home, which seems so much further away....NEED to save $ - LOTS!}

{dreaming of Cuba - oh how I miss your hot sun, warm breezes, white sand and turquoise water, is it April 2012 yet?}

{dreaming of being at the beach/cottage reading a book, relaxing on the proch,

sun-tanning, kayaking. I will see you this weekend!}

how do you handle this?

There's someone in my friends life, who I really don't care for. How do you handle this?

He is a nice enough guy and can be really funny when he isn't being rude and anti-social, but he is not good enough for my friend. Ever feel this way? It's natural because your best friend is special to you and important and you know how great she is but he doesn't so that makes you worry. Worry...oh yes it does and I don't think he is good enough because he doesn't treat her well enough, not how she deserves to be treated. He's one of those kinda nice guys who are selfish and the person there with always gets left out because he is too worried about what he wants to be bothered to do nice things, support and contribute to the relationship.

It ends up being all one-sided, where she is always giving and doing and he just takes.

When I 1st was weary of him, wasn't because he was a new guy and we didn't know his story (still don't and this doesn't help, cuz you need to get to know someone to like them)

but it was when he lied to me! Hello, don't lie to the best friend and then get caught at that.

He said "I bought her a new iPod for her birthday and its in my desk at work, do you think its a good gift, will she like it?"

I knew she would love it and told him job good and I was actually really impressed......until her birthday came around and she got a different gift, one that was more for him than her. So I was like uh what about the iPod. He told me "We were in the store and I pointed it out and she said she prefers her old one better, so I didn't buy it and went with this instead".

Say WHAT?! he lied to me saying he already bought it but his story changed to I didn't bother buying it and bought this instead.

Yup, caught ya! right in a lie.

Well this wasn't the 1st time and probrably won't be the last time, he lies and his stories change.

It's so hard for me to respect him because of this and I honestly think he needs to step up and be a decent man because right now he's not good enough for her.

But what can you do? Except linger by and be there for your friend when she needs you and continue to support her whether its with him or not.

Of course, I will be nice to him and make him feel welcomed in the conversation etc. but I can't and don't respect him, not until he treats her well and her friends.

We're MARRIED!!!!

May 7th 2011 was the BEST day of my life!

I married my Best Friend, my soul mate.

The one who I have loved from the beginning.

Who I gaze into his eyes and see my soul, feel his touch when he has gone,

hear his voice lingering in my ears.

The one who is on my mind and in my heart each moment of the day.

{reciting our vows to each other}


{my wonderful Bridal party}

These girls helped me through EVERYTHING!
Planning and wedding preparations, attending all the wedding parties.
Each one of these girls made my wedding day even better by just being there.
Standing beside me to show their love and support.

The wedding ceremony was beautiful and so meaningful.

We choose our own readings, wording and music and it made it all the more special.

LOVED "Bless the Broken Road" on piano as the wedding party walked in and then changed to "Canon in D" for me as I enter. We had a wonderful friend e. play a piece on the piano and we were bagpiped out of the church - AMAZING!

We commemorated our union together with the sand ceremony, which both our parents took part in.

It rained, so what!?! we got our pictures done anyway, just happened to be inside is all.

The Limo was awesome, really gave a special touch to the celebration with beer and champagne, plus our driver had umbrellas!

When we enetered the Reception hall, I was giddy with excitement and nervousness, thinking wasn't the hard part done and now its time to party. The decorations were beautiful, my favourite being the white lanterns and green tissue paper pom-poms. Although, the decor wasn't exactly what I had wanted and paid for (make sure you get what you are told when going with a decoration company) it was lovely and really didn't matter at this point

because we ARE MARRIED!!!

The evening was PERFECT! The meal was good, drinks were better and the speeches...oh the speeches were emotional, sentimental words that made perfect sense and had everyone in tears. Part of my sisters' speech welcoming r. into the family was particularly emotional and sincerely true. My mother's speech made everyone feel emtional and see the GOOD man Richard really is (if they didn't already know). The Best Man's speech, ok let's not even go there. for a bear of a man he was pulling on my heart strings and his own. My MOH had me remembering fond memories and reflecting on our wonderful friendship for the past dozen plus years and r.'s father said some things that meant a lot to both of us.

After the emotional roller coaster of speeches, we had the 1st dance. People told me they were crying or saw others who were but we didn't notice as we gazed into each others eyes and sang every word to one another.

*My Best Friend by Tim McGraw*

When I danced with my father, he only wanted to talk about the weather which he did ALL day so he wouldn't cry. He cried all day anyway.

We continued dancing, cut the cake and served it, tossed the bouquet and gather, said thank you for coming and gave hugs, took pictures with family and friends and caught up with people who live far away. We danced even more, drank, laughed, smiled, loved and enjoyed.

My husband kept looking at his hand and saying "I have a ring on my finger, I'm married!" - this was after several drinks and doing a shot with my mother (my mother doesn't do shots)

We danced into the wee hours and talked with friends even after the hall closed and then went to our hotel

as husband and wife.

In your eyes, I see my soul mate.

In your arms, I am home.

In our world, we found a love to last forever.

WEDDING TIME!!!

The Royal Wedding

Kate looked beautiful and it was lovely,

now mover over......

We have been joking that the REAL Royal wedding is happening this weekend,

talking about our wedding.

We are both thrilled that the day is finally here.

We have last minute preparations to do and then the wedding fun begins on Thursday

when we go to my sisters' hottub for a pampering girls night,

followed by Friday which is filled with appointments and our Rehearsal.

And then the big day!

Saturday May 7th, in just 4 days

I will be marrying my best friend, the man of my dreams,

my true love and I could not be happier.

We are perfectly meant for one another and it is a joy to spend it with everyone we love.

EASTER

I love Easter!

It marks that Spring is here.

The memories of Easter when I was a child are always cherished...

the jump rope, side-walk chalk, skip-it, bubbles, chocolate eggs, trails of eggs and

notes to find our Easter treausre.

We go to church and have a big family dinner, carrot cake and pies.

Happy Easter

I'm off to an egg hunt, enjoy your weekend.

The Count-down is On

I am going to need a Drink!

The count-down to the wedding is on, 18 days to go

and there is still lots to do, like the seating plan, favors etc.

And my wedding shoes do NOT fit me :(

the next size down is way too small and I tried inserts to make them snug but it

looks like I will have to borrow some or buy a new pair.

Final Wedding preparations are consuming my life between teaching, cooking, cleaning,

helping out with Sunday School, exercising and cake class.

I am looking forward to the 4-day Easter weekend to relax a little, spend time with family, have a much needed drink and do LOTS of wedding preps!

{cake I made for my cousin's birthday party, raspberry vanilla}

what is a friend?

what is a friend?

by definition:

friend

- 1. a person attached to another by feelings, affection or personal regard

- 2. a person who gives assistance; patron; supporter

Are you a good friend?

If you answered "I think so" then you may have some work to do because the answer should

always be... "Hell ya I am", "YES", "damn right", "absolutely"

Being a good friend is more than just saying you are there for them, its about showing it.

If a friend is going through a difficult time with a divorce, break-up, lay-off from work etc.

then you need to be there and show that you are there.

You get in your big ass truck and GO, you visit and are truly there.

If a friend loses a close family member

then you go to the funeral visitation, the funeral, make casseroles and at the very least send your consolescenses and are truly there.

If a friend is going through a life changing event, like getting married or having a baby

then you check in on how they are feeling, how preparations are going, help with preparations like painting the babies' room, shopping for dresses, addressing invitations, folding teeny tiny baby clothes, putting favors together and are truly there.

I have 27 days until my wedding. A life changing, huge, memorable, important event in mine and my fiance's life. BE THERE FOR US!

I have been feeling like some friends aren't there during this special and important time.

I'm not asking for anyone to commit time to putting favors together or anything at all, I just want them to recognize that I am getting married! to ask how things are going, to call or send a quick message asking "how's the planning/preparation?" Everyones' own lives are busy and I understand so its not necessary to offer if theres anything to do to help but it IS necessary to acknowledge this exciting and exhilarating time in our lives.

Take an interest please and be there, be a good friend.

Spring = New Beginnings

After having a very down week

I'm trying to look at the positives.

And that is basically Spring!

Spring is always the time of new beginnings and a time to refresh.

We are now in our new place, all unpacked and set up.

(it makes me at ease)

We went to the dog park last night and things seem to be looking up

after a bad week.

I am happy........

that I have started another cake class

we have a place to REALLY call our own with all our stuff

that we are getting into an evening routine

that I love in town and can enjoy long walks (without getting run over)

Our new beginning is in 30 days!

I can't believe that we will be married in 30 days :)

It makes me giddy, anxious and beyond excited, estactic, happy.

I have amazing Bridesmaids that will be there with me all the way and great sisters and family that are supportive.

Here is to new beginnings!

8 Wonderful Years later

This past Monday, March 21st my fiance and I celebrated!

We celebrated our 8 year anniversary.

Sure there were bumps in the road, living in different cities from one another

and challenges along the way but we have made it

through 8 wonderful years.

We are were we are today...getting married in 6 weeks

because of our relationship with one another, because of the bond we share

and the eternal love we have for one another.

For our anniversary this year, as our last dating anniversary,

I got fancied up, and planned and cooked a romantic dinner

complete with wine glasses for water, candle-light and soft music or songs that all mean something to us.

He walked in the door from work and was surprised, especially to see me all dolled up just to stay home. I told him to go have a shower and supper would be ready in 30 mins.

I was just finishing things up, when he came out to the kitchen dressed in a black button up shirt and dress pants, freshly shaved and smelling heavenly.

*It means a lot to me that he played along and got dressed up to.

We sat down to dinner and chatted and whispered I love yous'

r. got up from the table and came over to me and took my hand and we danced....

just right there next to the dinner table.

It was very sweet.

Everday we become a day closer to being husband and wife.

and even more in love.

Epic Bachelorette Weekend!!!

I had the most AMAZING Bachelorette!

It was one of the best nights/weekends of my life.

Right up there with when I snorkelled the Great Barrier Reef in Australia

and the night my love proposed.

It was so much fun and I felt over-joyed the entire time.

The weekend started on Friday, Friday, gotta get down on Friday

when I walked into my house and was greeted by my fabulous sorority ladies,

already into the wine.

We went for supper, hung out, chatted, did mud masks and some nails.

Saturday morning my mom, sisters and Maid of Honour hosted a bridal brunch.

It was very nice to have my aunts, cousins and friends there.

We played games, had mimosas, shared some laughs and eat some yummy snacks.

Then it was time to hit the road for the real party-ing to begin.

We arrived in Halifax at our hotel (actually we went to the wrong hotel 1st)

then found ours and set up the drink stations and filled the tub with booze and ice.

After getting ready, a lot of wine and shots, a couple small games, dressing me up with a sash, feather bowa, tattoo, tiara and Waldo.

Our ride arrived...

A fab limo with our driver Drew, who popped the Champagne and we were on our way.

We drove all around town and stop for some great photo ops.

we even made our way back to the hotel to run to our rooms and get more wine.

Then Drew dropped us off at Taboo Nightclub.

We were VIP b**ches with our Sex and the City package

soo....

we were taken up stairs to our private booth near the dance floor

and brought 2 martinis each!

{booth at the club}

We danced the night away, I did some dares. One of my fab ladies and I bought a bottle of wine each to share with everyone.

Then Drew picked us up in a different limo, we drove all around downtown again, yelling obscentities as we hung out the window, cranking up the tunes. We had the best limo driver ever! We was great and even brought us to MacDonalds.

Then it was back to the hotel to sleep.

We went to breakfast in the morning and then headed back to reality.

It was an unforgettable weekend with the most amazing friends!

C

C - the letter C
it's the 3rd letter of the alphabet
it's between B and D
it can be a big C of a little c
this letter is also the beginning letter of the scariest word


that word is cancer
with a big C or a little c
it's still a big word


You hear it often enough
someone who knows someone has cancer, beat cancer or died of cancer
or maybe a distance relative
Never anyone close to you
well at least not to me.



The word cancer can paralyze you
make you re-think so many things.
Realize that it doesn't matter if the house is in perfect order
or that you spent too much money at the store.


When you hear this word,
you are terrified and nervous;
you can't help but think about life without the ones you love
and are literally paralyzed at that thought.
Your heart hurts and the tears can't stop.
You sob and cry.
there is no comfort.


Tonight I found out my grandfather has cancer.
I never heard that word the way I heard it tonight.
He can't have surgery to remove the tumor,
so he will do chemo and radiation.
It makes me scared and nervous.
I cried and sob and cried more.



But I know that I need to be strong,
for him and my mom.
We all have to be strong and pray and hope for the best.
We are a strong family and can support one another.


I hope that my grandfather will beat it and be around for a long time to come.

30 Pics - Part 2

11. a person you can tell everything to:

v.

k. - she's not as crazy as she looks here

12. a picture of your everyday life

I wait each morning and the night before for this to ring so that...

I can do this!
Supply teaching means waiting for the phone to ring and never knowing what school you will be working at each morning - I live for that ringing!

13. a picture from a place you love:

Cuba!

14. a picture that reminds you of great times:

the lead singer of Shameless plus fabulous birthday parties!

all those times in my Vanier dorm room

15. a class photo:

Bachelor of Education class

16. a picture from the best day of your life:

since the wedding day hasn't happened yet

seeing these beauties -* this is an actual picture taken underwater,

they were that colorful and that close
snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns Australia!
Best Day!

17. a picture that always makes you laugh:

best friends + roadtrips x lots of laughs = GREAT TIMES!

18. a picture of your spare time:

at the dog park

19. a photo from a great night:

Ladies night with free champagne served by topless men

20. a picture of the people who are closest to you:

my crazy family