Life in our part of the world

Ahhhhh......

2012-02-06T21:00:00.000-08:00

One morning last week when the kids were leaving for school... I looked out
and saw how beautiful the sky was... quickly ran and got my camera
and took a picture.... hope you enjoy it too !! :)

Baby, its cold outside....

2012-01-17T06:53:00.000-08:00

It is minus 40 with the windchill today..... now that is c-c-c-c-cold !!
I have to go out in it to walk one of the kids I babysit to school, and
I dont want to.... can you blame me ??
Have a great day, and .... stay warm !!!!

A gift.....

2012-01-15T20:43:00.000-08:00

We got this picture from our new student. Her Mother painted it, and her Father did the Chinese character writing, which is an art in itself. It is stamped and she told us its worth a lot of money.
She also gave us another one, but we dont have it in a frame yet.
I love it... I love things that people have done themselves... but I especially
love the colour in this.
Beautiful !!!!!

Whats your answer???

2012-01-14T15:14:00.000-08:00

I have had this question on my mind for the last couple of days

I have bloggy friends who's blogs I love to explore, and

the one wrote in her blog about a TV show she watches, where its kind of a trial, but

they get to go to Australia... they are living on the beach etc... its a wonderful life, and

then they get to decide if they want to stay. They would have to go to the nearest city

for a job etc, but compared to Britains rainy weather etc...the weather there is almost perfect.

In my bloggy friends own words...

But then they're shown a recording of their families and friends back home, saying (usually) how much they'd miss them and how they don't want them to go. The parents sometimes say nobly through their tears that of course the family must do what's best for them and if they feel that the opportunities are better in Australia, then they must go. But it's obvious that everyone's terribly upset at the idea. And you see the prospective emigrants, sitting on their Australian sofa in the lounge room, weeping also. But after some wiping of tears, they go back out into the sunshine and say that they're going anyway.

I find this bewildering. While I realise that sunshine is nice, we do have good weather here too sometimes, and beautiful countryside, and interesting places to visit. I'm sure Australia and New Zealand are lovely. But why would anyone want to leave their families and friends to go so far away? This is a genuine question, not a rhetorical one.

She then talked about how she couldn't leave her family... how Britain is full of history etc, etc

At the end of her blog she said But - could you do it? Did you do it? What did it feel like?

It got me thinking... I didn't go to Australia... I left Scotland and lived outside of London for a couple

of years, after that, I moved to Toronto, where I met my sweet husband,we got married and here I am.

Why is it that some people have the wanderlust spirit... some are homebodies.?

I was 18 when I left Scotland... 20 when I came to Canada.

I love my life here, but missed out on a lot. When my father died I couldn't go over..that is

still hard for me... I missed the growing up of my nieces and nephews... my children grew up

with no family around them.. we had each other.

And yet... my heart is always in 2 places... I do love it here... maybe I love what I think

its like there in Scotland

Maybe some of you have parents or grandparents or Gr Grandparents who moved here.... they

also must have had something in them that made them leave their families....so my

question for you is.....could you do it?

Sorry this is so long winded x

I cant sleep....

2012-01-10T22:55:00.000-08:00

I think the reason is........ well its kind of a long story... but...
here's the shortened version....
Our student moved out to downtown... hubby drove down with
all of her things, and there was a lot.
Anyway, I have to get the room ready for a new student coming , it just so happens that its
the old students friend who's coming right from Korea.
Anyway...I went in and was getting everything off the bed to wash...
and I almost died. We have a mattress cover on all the beds.... the mattress cover is burnt so badly
almost black.. the mattress was burnt a little bit, and also the sheet.
It was her electric blanket that did it.
How she couldn't smell it, I have no idea.... the students usually bring
an electric blanket when they come... after all.. this is the frozen north :)
We had to buy a new mattress and cover, and now we have to buy new sheets also.
An expensive time.
I am just so thankful that our house didn't burn down
Now to try and shut my mind off... hopefully I can sleep
G'night all x

Sooooo cute ....

2012-01-09T18:57:00.000-08:00

This is our youngest grandaughter...isn't she cute !!!
She is only 5 months...and she loves her soft dolly.
Because she lives so far away,we dont get to see her hardly...
actually we have only seen her for 1 week... but we will see
her this Spring, with her big brother and her Mom and Dad...
we cant wait !!

These make me happy....

2012-01-08T17:54:00.000-08:00

I love polka dots !!! I dont know why, but I am always drawn to
whatever it is, if it has polka dots.

I love polka dot dishes, clothes, shoes, hair accessories...anything !!
I dont have anything Polka dotted... is that a word ??
I found this picture of the dishes on the internet... love them !!
I also LOVE aprons... I know..doesn't take much to make me happy.
The problem is... I only have one... dont know why.
I have entered apron giveaways, but since I never win anything !!! hehe

Isn't this one soooo cute !!!

What makes you happy ?

ALMOST ......

2012-01-07T17:19:00.000-08:00

We had the opportunity to maybe go to Edinburgh for a couple of weeks..
I could feel the excitement.. I was planning in my head what we could
visit and see there... and as quick as the excitement came.... it left !!
I really wanted to go to Edinburgh house and work on my
Genealogy... to go for even that alone would have been wonderful !!
It ends up that Ken has to work longer than I thought... even trying
to find decent airfares was impossible... and there were other things
that were just not cooperating... should I cry now??
Hopefully there will be other opportunities..
On another note, and talking about Genealogy... someone contacted me.
Someone who is related to my McGowan side... I'm hoping that
she will have photo's, information... anything !!
She grew up in Belfast, so knows where Ahoghill is... she now lives
in Inverness, and she's most definately older... her mother just died
at the ripe old age of almost 104... but I'm optomistic that she can help
me.... fingers crossed !!!!

I DID iT !!!

2012-01-05T11:19:00.000-08:00

One of the things I should have blogged about, but didn't
is the fact that I did do my random acts of kindness before
my birthday.... 2 days before, in fact !!
I feel proud of myself...I finished what I started off doing.
Some of it was easy... because my husband and I volunteer
at The Bishops Storehouse on Saturday mornings... and I counted that.
I loved how it made me more aware of being kind.
Its important to be aware of other people and how we treat them,
or just to be aware if they need a pick - me - up with a kind word
or gesture. I wish I could be like that at all times, but I'm not...
Doing this, made me feel happy... it made others happy.... definately loved doing it !!
Have a happy day x x

SO much time......

2012-01-03T09:14:00.000-08:00

Yep... so much time time has gone by. I have thought about
writing in my blog soooo many times, but just never did it!!
I didn't make it a resolution to do better at it either.
I've had lots I could blog about... some good some not so good,
but just never got around to it.
Right now we have a student coming... hubby has already
picked her up... they will be here any minute...I'm nervous
for a number of reasons... mostly that these days the student thing
hasn't always gone so well. I'm thinking of a break from it all..
not sure... we'll see how this goes.
I feel I need a break from so many things
Anyway... they are here now..
Will try and write again later :)

Walking the Dog ~

2011-10-20T09:37:00.000-07:00

A woman was flying from Melbourne to Brisbane.
Unexpectedly, the plane was diverted to Sydney.
Along the way, the flight attendant explained that there would be a delay.
and if the passengers wanted , they could get off the aircraft, the plane
would re-load in 50 mins.
Everybody got off the plane, except one lady who was blind.
A man had noticed her as he walked by, and could tell the lady was blind,
because her guide dog lay quietly underneathe the seats in front of her
the entire flight.
He could also tell she had flown this very flight before, because the pilot
approached her, and calling her by name said " Kathy, we are in Sydney
for almost an hour, would you like to get off and stretch your legs? "
The blind lady replied " No, but maybe Buddy would like to stretch his legs "
PICTURE THIS....
All the people in the gate area came to a complete standstill when they looked up and
saw the pilot walk off the plane with a guide dog. The pilot was even wearing
sunglasses. People scattered.
They not only tried to change their planes, but they were trying to change their airlines.

True story !!! .... Have a great day and REMEMBER... things aren't always as they appear... x x

Its going well......

2011-10-19T12:20:00.000-07:00

The Random Acts of Kindness, that is :)
I have a couple of people who are joining me in doing this
and I appreiciate that so much.
I also have others who have already done acts of kindness in my name
.. I LOVE IT !!!
I have done 8 things already myself.... please lets ALL get involved..
Can you imagine the kindness and love that everyone will be feeling..

My birthday wish.......

2011-10-17T04:57:00.000-07:00

I will be turning 56 yrs old December 9th.... what I would like is if everyone will do some Random Acts of Kindness in my name, and then let me know what you did.. I'm going to keep a list . I myself am going to try and do 56 between now and my birthday, how many you do will be up to you... this will be the BEST birthday ever !! Some ideas are... pay for someone meal at McDonalds... help someone push their grocery cart etc... just say..this is for Nora !! Cant wait to see what you do..thanks in advance if you do this.
Some other ideas... put money in meters...someone will feel like they won the lottery.. Write thank you notes for your local police etc...do something special for a family member... you get the idea. I promise you that not only will the person you do the kindness for feel good... you will too...... I cant wait to hear all the stories... HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME !!!!

Cindy's birthday party ... ~

2011-10-13T20:30:00.000-07:00

I'm late blogging about this, because her birthday was in August.
I loved this birthday party... from the planning, to
the cooking and baking, to the making her happy...and
she was very happy, which made me feel good.
She invited a lot of her friends, which was nice for me
to get to know them
I had a cake with her picture on it....we also did
a gift exchange with everyone... and Cindy had presents
to open.. LOTS of them.
Her friends are so nice... it was a LOT of fun !!
Have I said how much I LOVE doing homestay !!

Yep.. I know... a zillion times !!

Thankful.....

2011-10-10T16:31:00.000-07:00

It is Thanksgiving in Canada, but we had our dinner yesterday.
I think I fed about 26 people !!
We had a lot of food as you can see in the picture.
I am Thankful for Family, good friends, a home that I love,
students that I care about, good food to eat, and my church..not
necessarily in that order :).
Are you Thankful?

And what are you thankful for??

Scared of Snakes ??.....

2011-09-27T07:09:00.000-07:00

I am sooooo scared of snakes... but a couple of weeks
ago at our Mall, they had these snakes. I wanted to conquer this fear and I asked if I could touch them.
I started off with a small one.... felt like rubber, really..
I dont understand the fascination with them at all.

Here I am with the small one..To me they are not like dogs or cats...not fluffy or cuddly... anyway I felt good because I actually touched one:)

Look at my face... you can see how nervous I was...I was'nt prepared for what happened next... well what happened next..I cant get out of my mind. The snake's head came up...looked like it was going towards my hand, so I moved my hand away. This wee boy was stood beside me, I all of a sudden saw the snake open its mouth wide,it turned, and was so quick.. it lunged and bit the boys face... from his forehead th the bottom of his nose, he was bleeding.. if I never see another snake again, it'll be TOO soon !!!!

The Richest Man On The Bus......

2011-09-01T21:30:00.000-07:00

He is on my bus only occasionally, a worn man in crumpled
clothing with disheveled hair. His life looks different from the
rest of ours. We are mostly middle income. His face is etched
with exhaustion and he carries virtually no belongings. We drive
ourselves to the parking lot. He appears along a busy road
seemingly out of nowhere. We sometimes wonder where he slept the
night before.

A few weeks ago he boarded the bus, took one of the side facing
front seats and as he typically does and looked down at the
floor.

A few stops later a young woman boarded, a regular rider who
speaks good but not native English. She swipes her bus pass only
to find the machine would not accept it. The driver told her she
would have to deposit the $2.25 fare. "I just bought this card,"
she said, "I paid the money."

The driver said she could take the card back to the sales office
and explain the problem. In the meantime she would have to pay
the fare for today. The woman became distressed and didn't
understand why she would have to pay the fare. The rest of us
just watched wondering how the problem would be solved.

Suddenly the crumpled clothed man rose from his seat, dropped a
jingle of coins into the fare box and sat back down, his eyes
returning to the floor. His act was so unobtrusive that the
distressed passenger didn't even realize what had happened.

"You're good," the bus driver said quietly, "he paid for you."

The bus driver repeated it and pulled away from the curb. A hush
fell over the bus.

The rest of us had watched the woman's discomfort, he felt it.

We wondered absently how the dilemma would be resolved.
He resolved it.

We lawyers, journalists, business people were headed downtown to
help fix the world. He fixed her world. We could have paid the
$2.25 and never missed it. It's easy to imagine that was his
fare home.

You never know when you'll be in the presence of greatness or of
grace. To the world my fellow passenger looked like a man in
need of solutions. I had looked at him and saw only what he
lacked.

By the time he stepped off the bus that morning, it was obvious
that he was a richer man then the rest of us. He had enough to
open his eyes and his heart to a stranger, enough to give of
what he had and trust life for the rest.

I haven't seen him since that day. Some people believe angels
occasionally drop down and move among us. All I know is that I
have a new respect for the simple act of kindness. It keeps the
bus rolling, it speeds us along the way."

Our trip.....

2011-09-01T12:45:00.000-07:00

We had a great time visiting my son, his wife and their
2 children. Its our first time to meet our wee grandaughter...
she is just 6 weeks old, and what a beauty...

Is'nt she gorgeous ???
She is such a good baby, and we
loved spending time with her and her big brother.
He is so good with her... actually I could\nt believe how gentle he is with her... lovely !!!

Here he is being so gentle with her....

UGH ....

2011-08-03T13:51:00.000-07:00

Since last week, it has been one thing after another..

Sometimes your the windshield, and sometimes your the bug
........... I'm the bug !!!!!
needing a break... and its coming soon... just not soon enough

And life goes on......

2011-08-03T11:39:00.000-07:00

Life is soooo busy all of the time.. and I find that

I long for some quiet..

Just a quick 5...

5 Things I Love...

1... Family...

2....Music

3... Special friends

4. ..Memories

5...Chocolate

5 Things I did today...

1..babysat

2.. made lunch

3..talked with Lula

4..worked on something for Cindy's party

5..washed the dishes

5 emotions I'm feeling right now

1.. confused

2.. happy

3.. love

4.. tired

5.. surprised

5 things I have to get done

1.. dinner

2.. preparations for Cindy's party

3..vacuum

4.. some reading

5.. thinking

Just a short list this time... I just dont feel in the mood for

writing.. for anything really... Have a beautiful day ~

number 6

2011-07-22T22:53:00.001-07:00

We have a new grandaughter... she is our 6th grandchild

and is'nt she gorgeous !!

Her name is Paityn.. and we are in love with this

sweet bundle of cuteness.

I'm hoping I can post this, because I have'nt been able

to post anything lately... fingers crossed

Have a HAPPY day ~

Old Friends..

2011-06-29T16:55:00.001-07:00

These are some friends of , not just me.. but of

Stacy, Rosina and Eve also ... we have just all found

each other again via Facebook.. well except for Jim,

He's the one on the lefthand side.... Tom is in the middle

and Ken on the other side. I was just 17 yrs old when

I first met them, but at that time.. it was the most

wonderful time of my life ... :)

The one that was the hardest to find, was Ken.. here

he is in a kilt :) Of course this is in Scotland.

I cant tell you how happy we all are to finally find him.

We have all gone different roads... we all live in different places

but here we are... all brought back together again..

I love technology !!! I love these friends of mine

I am so BLESSED !!! x x x

Mars Bar Squares

2011-05-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

I have\nt written in awhile... still have to put Easter on here
but no time... life is hectic..
So here's a recipe for you try... be back soon x x

4 Mars Bars
1/2 cup butter or margarine
3 cups Rice Krispies

Topping..
1 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup butter or margarine
DIRECTIONS..

Melt mars bars and 1/2 cup butter or margarine in
a large microwaveable dish. Stir in the Krispies.

Stir into an 8 inch pan or an 8x11 inch if you like them thinner
Cool in fridge

Melt 1 cup chocolate chips with 1.4 cup butter or margarine
Spread on top... let set

Beware... these are deadly... :)

April 14th, 2011

2011-04-14T07:23:00.000-07:00

We got dumped on.... AGAIN !!!! I have to go out in this today to see a specialist... keep your fingers crossed for me that all goes well at the doctors...... feeling nervous !!

My Brother...

2011-04-11T08:08:00.000-07:00

Today is my brother Andrew's birthday... he would

have been 54 today. He was killed in a fire in Aug 1993

along with his 5 year old daughter.. she was such a sweetie

I miss him...I love him... and I want to celebrate him

with you today.

5 things about him...

1... He absolutely hated butter / margarine.. so if Iwent

up to him and said " butter, butter, butter ".. it would

make him actually gag... I was older, so could get away with it ..hehe

2. I miss his voice... I moved overseas, but he would call me

up often just to talk.... a couple of days before he died

he called me, just to say " I love you "....

3. He loved his kids... he was strict mind you, but he loved them.

I remember he called me each time his wife was pregnant... he

was so excited !!

4. He would tease me about my accent... told me I did'nt

sound Scottish anymore...I disagreed. But one year I was

in Scotland visiting, and I went for a walk with his 2 older

daughters.. and Louise said to me " Aunty Nora... are you really

my dad's sister " ? I said YES... so she then said" then why

do you speak differently from us ".. when I told my brother

he was roaring laughing... and told me : SEE " :)

5. He was shy ( kind of ) actually, I am too... he was quiet

cept if you got him riled up or upset about something.

......... I think about him lots

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREW... thinking about you so

much today... wish I could give him a hug... thankful that

he is my brother x x

Randomness

2011-02-16T08:45:00.000-08:00

FIVE......

Five random things I love about my husband.....

1....Our whole married life he has always worked hard... sometimes he even had 2 jobs... he's a good provider.

2.... When I ask for advice, he gives it... mostly gently, sometimes not, but always when needed.

3.... He's a good Father

4.... He's funny... has such a good sense of humour.... our students just love him

A funny story... I was telling him last week that I wish he would say I Love you

more often to me ( I say it all the time :) anyway he said,,, honey, I have an idea

I'll buy you a machine with a tape, and I'll say I Love You on the tape

and you can press it and listen to it every time you want to hear me say Love You

He cracks me up... makes me laugh x

5.... I love that he is PERFECT for me !!!!

Five TV shows I love to watch

Oh my goodness I so love reality shows sooooo

1.... Any Judge show...:)

2.... Survivor... it starts back tonight

3.... Cupcake wars

4....Iron Chef

5...Off the Map.... I could go on.. we're TV buffs here :)

Five places I would love to go to that I've never been before

1...NYC.... .

2... Hawaii

3...Alaska

4... Japan

5...Arizona... I want to see the Grand Canyon so bad :)

Five places I have been

1... Scotland... born there

2...Korea

3... Australia

4... England

5... USA

Five people I'm missing right now

1.... My Father

2... Paul ( and his family too x )

3...Rosina

4... ALL MY STUDENTS .. I know thats cheating :)

5...my sis and cousin

Five things I wish I could change

1...My upstairs bathroom.. no money to do it yet

2...My relationship with my daughter... TT

3...that I did'nt feel the odd one out when it comes to my family ( extended )

its actually not our fault... but I still feel alone ...never voiced

it quite like this before :)

4...My weight

5...all the doors upstairs ( I want to get white ones )

Five foods I love..

1...Pasta... Mmmm

2... seafood

3.. chocolate...its a food..right?? :(

4...most baked goods

5...stir fry

Five things I love about Christmas

1... LIGHTS.... LIGHTS.... LIGHTS !!!

2... The feeling of being together... we have a lot of people over that

we have invited ( students mostly )... I love it !!

3... The walk Ken and I have every Christmas Eve... we can see people

in their homes, families happy together... and we just talk and talk

about the things that have happened for us in that year...love that walk

4...FOOD !!!!! We always do way too much, but rather than not enough

5... Feelings... I love the feeling of togetherness.. of being happy

of making others feel happy...

Well this is enough for right now... have a happy day :) x x

I'm sick......

2011-02-08T08:50:00.000-08:00

Ugh.... I've had a sore throat since Sunday.

I'm achey... my husband is also sooooo sick.

Times like this I wish I could just spend the

day on the couch... but I babysit, so I have to

get on with my day anyway....

We got dumped on again...

2011-02-07T07:22:00.001-08:00

We are getting another big snowfall here..
Oh My Goodness... I have to walk one of the kids I babysit to school yet.

There are cars and buses stuck.... there's ice underneath
all the snow... and we're in for another
10 cm yet,,,, sigh !!

with the windchill it is - 21...brrr!

We have had a terrible winter with extreme cold and
tons of snow

But heh.... Spring is almost here.... right ??????

Stay warm wherever you are... me... well
I have to get going out the door now :)

A Quote....

2011-02-06T09:49:00.000-08:00

LIFE DOES'NT HAVE TO BE PERFECT
TO BE PERFECTLY WONDERFUL !!!!

......Sophia Corbridge

Thank you Tom...

2011-02-05T17:21:00.000-08:00

Tom and his lovely wife Sue....

I learned something today from a friend of mine

who has had heart trouble... but after bypass

surgery years ago, he has'nt had any other trouble.

He said something, that even though it is simple,

was so profound to me... and frankly something

I already know... he said that after his surgery

he thought .. why stress... dont worry about things.

You see, his life, his family is what became important to him.

I'm a worrier... a stresser.... and even though I know

its not good for me, I do it anyway...well I have

decided I am going to work hard at trying to change

this flaw that I have... I want as many years as I

can get with my husband, my family.... I'm going to

try and not sweat the small stuff :)

Anyone else have this problem?

If you do... have you learned to not worry so much,

and if so... how did you do it???

I'll keep you posted on how I do x x

Things I miss...

2011-02-05T12:20:00.001-08:00

Mmmmm Fish and Chips!!
We can get fish and chips here.. but its just
not the same as back home in Scotland
I used to live beside the River Clyde... I could'nt wait to move when I was younger... but now I miss it, and apprieciate the beauty now.. I must be getting older :)

\Cadbury's flakes... ... I LOVED them... just a short post..

What are some things you miss ??

Feelings....

2011-02-04T21:38:00.000-08:00

THANKFUL... that I had Suri and some students over
tonight for dinner.... I absolutely love these girls, and
whenever they come over they always make me
comfortable..

ANXIOUS..... for a few reasons..
My heart was racing so bad this morning..I could
feel it hitting my chest, or at least thats what it felt like.
I took my blood pressure, but it seemed okay, but
my pulse rate was almost at 200..I dont know what
that means, but it scared me for sure.

NERVOUS.... I have a few things going on right now that
for sure I'm nervous about... this too shall pass :)
Actually I have a dentist appointment tomorrow... that's
enough to give me the jitters.. lol

HAPPY.... Because its the weekend.. because I got most of
my house cleaned today, and my laundry almost finished.

SAD.... its been a bit of a revealing week in many aspects.
Finding out what is really thought about you..hmmm!!

EMOTIONAL.... I have cried a few times this week..
I wrote to my Nephew a wee bit about my brother ( who died
in 1993 ).. but I cried when I wrote to him.
I cried because I felt overwhelmed about something... I cried when
I found out some things were expected of me that
I just cant do...

GRATEFUL.... because I know I am lucky in
so many ways.... grateful to be a wife, a mother
a grandma, a Homestay Mom... just grateful

Old Pics...

2011-02-03T12:44:00.001-08:00

I'm on the right hand side in both pictures... long dark hair..

I'm on the right hand side again... this is

Trafalgar Square in London, England

My friend Rosina and I.... Rosina just

posted all these pictures on Facebook..and

it made me feel so nostalgic.... makes me miss those days

sigh !!!

Please Help...

2011-02-02T22:48:00.000-08:00

As you know, I talk about my homestay students a lot...
sooo I have started a blog for Homestay... I dont know
if it will work... and because its just started, its a
work in progress... let me know what you think??
Its on my side bar... any ideas I sould do things differently?
HELP !!

Christmas and New Year..

2011-01-30T12:55:00.000-08:00

Our christmas was lovely, and very busy as usual..
I think I fed between 22 and 24 people...LOVE IT !!

Here are some of our christmas food

Christmas morning... Ashley opening her big present

Eun Mi, excited about one of her gifts

This is the christmas tree on Christmas Eve
I love it when the tree looks full like this :)
We really had such a good day.... loved having
everyone here... spending time with everyone, and

eating till we were so full, we could barely move.

On New Years Eve, we usually dont go out anymore,
we usually just order chinese food and spend the time
together at home, but this year, we decided to go to
our church New Years Eve party... I'm glad
that I did...

We had a blast... the decorations were beautiful...
the food was superb, and the company was
GREAT !! I am soooo glad we decided to
go this year...thanks to Ken x x

Here we are at home all dressed up and ready
to go...

I know it took me a long time to blog about this, its amost
February now... but finally I got around to it

I hope everyone had a beautiful Christmas and an even better
New Year... I hope this year brings each one of you all

the desires of your heart, and that its your BEST year EVER
HAPPY NEW YEAR... from our house to yours x x

Just a ramble .. Ten Things

2011-01-29T17:25:00.001-08:00

I still have'nt even done my christmas post yet..
but soon ( I hope )
So just 10 things I did today..

1.Finished laundry
2. Went to the doctor
3. Went to Walmart to fill my prescription
4.Cleaned the bathroom
5.Cleaned my bedroom
6.Made sure the living room was company clean
7. Went on Facebook
8.Kissed my husband :)
9.Read some of the Ensign
10. Watched TV

9 people I talked to today

1. Ken
2. Ashley
3. David
4. Eun Mi
5. Yoon Hee
6. Paul
7. John
8. Andrew
9. Doctor

8 things I ate

1. McDonalds
2. Kimchi Chigae
3. Cheesecake
4. Beef on a Bun
5. Rice
6. chocolate
7. chips
8. apple
So not a good eating day :)

7 things I'm Thankful for

1 My nice, warm cosy home
2. A husband who loves me
3. My children and grandchildren
4. Having warm clothes in this frigid weather
5. Its snowing softly outside
6. that I got medication from the doctor
7. that its still Saturday

6 things I'm happy about right now

1. Its still Saturday :)
2. My son and his wife will have our newest grandchild in July :)
3. That I have AWESOME students at the moment
4. Our kitchen is all renovated and LOVING it !!
5. Its church tomorrow
6. Ken made dinner ( and it was delicious !! )

5 people I miss

1. My Dad
2. Jun
3. Kate
4. Stacy
5. Andrew

4 things I'll do tomorrow

1. Shower
2. Go to church
3. Relax
4.Make dinner

3 emotions I'm feeling right now

1. Confused
2. Happy
3. Worried

2 things I'm loving right now

1. My students
2. My husband... wish I could clone him :)

1 thing I'm concerned about

My job.... nuff said

January snow storm ~

2011-01-09T09:20:00.001-08:00

It is minus 29 with the winchill... when I went out
to take these pictures, I had ice crystals on
my eyelashes...brrrr

This picture was taken last night at midnight

... see the barbeque in the corner... hehe

Stay warm... wherever you may be !!

Kitchen Reno

2011-01-06T10:49:00.001-08:00

Oh my goodness... I had no idea what I was in for
when we decided to renovate the kitchen...UGH !!

We had the old fan and fluorecent light taken
down, and pot lights put in... this was right
before christmas...

3 out of the 4 walls were taken down.. and it took
almost 5 days for the electrical work to get done...I had
no patience with this whole thing... soooo stressful!!
We had no sink or countertops for over a month

We had white cupboards before.....I love the new look!!

We had new bamboo flooring put in..
we love this too !

These pictures dont do it justice..but the
kitchen looks soooo good. We had the granite
counters and sink put in 2 days before christmas

I had 23 people at my house on Christmas day
so I needed the counters and sink.... so thankful
it was done. On Christmas Eve, someone came
and started the tile.... just did'nt get it finished.. so
on New Years Eve, he came back and finished the

grouting. We absolutely LOVE our new kitchen..but

I told my husband... if I want to do another

reno.... shoot me !!!! haha

More about Christmas and New Year soon ~~

Sorry..

2011-01-04T10:16:00.000-08:00

I have'nt blogged in so long, and I have so much
to blog about, but I have'nt been up to it..

In October we went to visit my son and his
family in the States... it was lovely!
The picture above, is when we were driving there,
See the Hay bales in the field... I love living here

Here's Grandpa with Andrew... we sure
love this little guy, and wished we lived closer.

We loved being with our son and his family again
Our daughter in law ( I did'nt put a pic on here ) is also
lovely...we love them all so much.

I could'nt resist taking a picture of these pumpkins
I love the colour...it brightens this picture, and my
day up..

On our way home, we stopped to visit my friend
Stacy... even though we dont see each other
for years, when we see each other, I love it that

its like we were never apart...I love the
kind of friendship we have.. :)
I'll write again in a couple of days...

REMEMBER...

2010-11-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

In Flanders field the poppies grow

Between the crosses row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks . still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below

We are the dead, Short days ago

We lived, ,felt dawn, saw sunset glow.

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

in Flanders fields.

Take up your quarrell with the foe:

To you with failing hands we throw

the torch, be yours to hold it high

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

~Thank You ~

I'm just wondering.... ???

2010-10-24T19:44:00.001-07:00

Has anyone started their christmas shopping
yet??
What kind of things do you look for?
Do you do themes for your christmas shopping
for others?
We already got for our Utah family, and
took it to them when we went to visit them.
I have a few other odds and ends...but no-where
near done..
You see..I am the christmas queen... I heart christmas..
but..... for some reason I cant seem to get
organised the last couple of years...sigh !!!
Anyway...like I said.....I was just wondering :)

A new start

2010-10-19T17:44:00.000-07:00

I'm baaaaack !!!. but I have no time
to write about our trip yet..but I will soon.
I have decided to start my own Family History Blog
to document my own history... I already made
the blog, but have'nt started a post yet...but
hopefully soon. I'm hoping that this will be a good experience for me
My blog is on my side bar...it wont be interesting
for others, but I'm hoping that my family will
benefit from it.... here goes !!!

Au Revoir..

2010-10-08T14:16:00.000-07:00

We are leaving tonight to go on holiday..

Yep.. just the hubby and I.

We will drive to the USA to visit our son and family..

I am sooooooo excited !!

Still babysitting today though..trying to get my house in order before

we leave...still doing laundry and packing, although

the laundry is almost done now

Cant wait to snuggle our wee grandson...

When we get back our downstairs bathroom will be

getting done...and I'm hoping that shortly after, our

kitchen will get done also.

Till I get back...take care of each other x x

Christmas in October...

2010-10-04T13:25:00.001-07:00

Our 2 students Jun and Kate are leaving...how
sad for us !
Anyway, we decided to have a christmas party
as they wont get to experience christmas...what a fun
time we had.

We had 22 people here...that was including our family..
I think everyone had a good time
at least I hope so..

We even had a visit from a special someone..LOL
Here are Jun and Kate on his knee

I wanted a picture of our whole family with Santa
In the back is my son David,,then me, Jun and Kate

(in front of Jun ) is Suri, Santa ( Ken ) haha.
our grandaughter Ashley and last but not least is Dayoung

...our family !!

I had to sneak a kiss from the big guy...lol

We had soooooooo much food...here are some

pics of the desserts

the main meal....YUM !!!

More desserts....

I was baking for a few days before
the party... in this pic

there is cheesecake and Danish Dessert...

I had quite few decorations I took out

although I did'nt bring them all out.

I made this pinecone basket
quite awhile ago

I also made this block christmas
tree... this was in the days when
I actually liked doing crafts...
Umm...not so much anymore...haha

I had such a great time... I love having

people over...but I especially love having

students. They are such fun to be around..

Makes me feel young again...and since I am the

Christmas Queen... I absolutely LOVED doing this.

I made lists of things I needed done..and made lists for

my lists... I know ...obsessive :)

I LOVE being a Homestay Mom... if you want to

learn from another culture...have a good experience

and make someone happy , by showing them what

life is like here, I absolutely encourage having

students. It has its moments of course, but on the

whole... its GREAT !!!! at least for me.. :)

Want recipes for anything... I can post some later

Now...off to make dinner.... x x x

He's all mine....

2010-10-03T08:37:00.001-07:00

He's RETIRED !!!!!
He came home on his last day of work, and
our students waited up for him with this gift of a new
jacket and also........

this cake.... it has his picture on it !!

He was sooooo happy and surprised...they
even put candles on it for him....so cute !!!

He did'nt expect this, and was so surprised..

and he loves his new winter jacket....I

sure love him x x x

Birthday Party...

2010-09-28T07:40:00.001-07:00

We were invited to this little cutie's birthday
party on the weekend... it was such fun !!

She loves the toy that we got her...she even
cried when Mom tried to get her off

Here she is wearing traditional Korean clothes
..having a 1 year birthday is important in Korea..

the food they had was delicious... there was filipino
food ( her dad is filipino )and also some

Korean food ( her Mom is Korean )

There were lots of her cousins at her birthday
What alucky girl...

They are opening gifts here... and she just wanted

everything !!! haha

Our student Dayoung came with us, and I think

she had a good time..at least I hope so

Here is the lovely family......she's

a very lucky little girl to belong to such

a lovely , caring family....

Thanks for inviting us guys...we had a lovely time !!

How kind..

2010-09-27T17:18:00.000-07:00

Today, we recieved a card from the veterinary clinic
that we took our wee dog Kernal too..

I so apprieciate their kindness in sending this card..
It made me feel thankful for them..and it
was just a lovely gesture..

Next weekend ...

2010-09-26T20:42:00.000-07:00

I have such a busy week ahead.
You see, next Saturday..October 2nd
I will have a Christmas dinner here at
my house...I know its not even Halloween
yet, but on October 6th 2 of my students
will leave, and I want them to experience
Christmas, as they wont in Korea.
So next Saturday, I will decorate for christmas
( take it down the next day )and make a
big dinner, loads of desserts, and Santa will
even come.
I will feed around 21 /22 people.
I know its a lot of work, and I'll be tired
but I'm excited !!!!
Will definately post some photo's
Sounds crazy...right ?? !!

Fall...

2010-09-25T21:34:00.001-07:00

I could'nt sleep well last night, and ended
up getting up very early...especially for a saturday
morning, and when I looked outside, the sky was the
most amazing colours..I ran for my camera...but I
could'nt capture the beauty of it at all..

it was orange and pink...but the most beautiful
colour of pink....you can see that even the clouds
were pink... it was the most beautiful sight,,

I even tried to capture the beauty of the moon...but
I could'nt

so even though I did'nt sleep well, and got up early..

I'm glad that I did...... it was worth it !!

Ou airport date ( kind of ) ...

2010-09-19T19:48:00.000-07:00

Suri works at the airport, and since my husband
likes airplanes, we decided to go there for a date.

We had a hot chocolate

and a doughnut

Dayoung was bored ..so she came with us..we all

really enjoyed getting out..

We were sitting waiting for Suri to finish work...and

then we would bring her home.

I was snap happy..taking pictures here and there...I

did'nt post them all :)

Here I am with Suri and Dayoung...we

were on our way home here...it was

cold and rainy outside...

We really did have a nice time, can you

tell, by my happy smile...I know going to

the airport doesnt sound too fun...but we LOVE

it.... you see so many interesting people, and

because it was night time...it was

a bit quieter too...

Kernal

2010-09-17T09:49:00.000-07:00

We will be taking our wee dog Kernal

to the vet in a couple of hours to

be put down..

I dont expect you non dog lovers to

understand...but he has been part of our

family for a long time....he feels like one of

our kids to us, and it breaks my heart..

I feel terrible that I made the decision, although

I have no choice really...

I love him so much !!!!

2010-08-29T16:38:00.000-07:00

I have some things that are happening
in my family, that I dont know what to do about it.
It involves my daughter, and I'm really at
my wits end...
Its sad.. upsetting..absolutely terrible,
and I wish I had someone to talk to... I dont !!
A couple of years ago, I felt like we have
just a normal family... these days I'm
just feeling stressed, and have a
zillion feeling going through me
I need this rollercoaster to stop

Today I am thankful for my husband and
that I didnt have to make dinner tonight
( my students made it )

our summer so far in pictures..

2010-08-27T13:29:00.001-07:00

It has been a busy summer... here is mine
with some pictures.. :_

My grandaughter Ashley

With more students
Sanghee. Yu Jung, Emily and Kate

Jun had a birthday..shout HOORAY !!

We got new bamboo flooring in

the Family Room in the basement, and

also one bedoom downstairs as well..

We went with our students to Waterton. and saw a bear and caribou

Saw the Prince of Wales hotel...wow !!

Kate, Dayoung and Suri in Waterton

We had friends from England over visiting

we gave them all a steak dinner..yummy !!

There were actually 5 of them

Hubby was an extra in a movie....

he loved it !!!

This is Emily and Kate... they came over to visit

us a couple of times... they are also students

We took some of the children I babysit

to the waterpark, and then fo

Dairy Queen afterwards..

We still have my grandaughter and her big dog staying with us..

smoke, smoke and more smoke...

2010-08-20T17:28:00.000-07:00

I didnt take this picture...but click on it
to see how bad it is...yuck !

For the last couple of days, we have been getting
smoke blown in from the Forest Fires in BC..
I babysit a couple of kids with Asthma..so dangerous
for them. They said that anyone with breathing problems, heart
problems etc should try to stay indoors.
I myself ...my eyes are burning and I have had a headache
for 2 days now..
Anyway, hopefully it should be gone soon.

It is getting dark sooner at night, and darker
longer in the morning.... I think Fall is almost here..
I love the cooler days and nights...but
does that mean CHRISTMAS is around the corner???
Love it !!

A thought...

2010-08-15T21:19:00.001-07:00

One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men .No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man.

Boo

2010-08-04T09:07:00.001-07:00

Boo is my granddaughter's dog... they

have both been staying at our home for the

past month. She is sooooo attached to Ashley, and

just waits for her when Ashley goes out.

She is such a good dog... and so gentle

Still waiting and watching out the window

She'll be home soon Boo Boo ~

Lonely.....

2010-07-29T20:06:00.001-07:00

Poor Ken...

2010-07-28T04:45:00.000-07:00

He had a back tooth pulled...

But because of the way the roots were. it ended
up being surgery to have it removed..
He looked kinda rough, and I'm sure in
pain right now.... he still went to work though.

Rambling this and that ~

2010-07-15T09:19:00.000-07:00

On another blog that I frequent quite often
it kind of gave a challenge to just write on
our blog... even if we dont have anything to say... just
do it anyway... so here I am !!

What am I doing right now?
I am here listening to the kids play outside.
I went to the dollar store and I bought 2 beach balls..
they have been the best investment EVER!!
I think I only paid $1.25 for each one, but it has given
the kids hours of fun and pleasure.
And even if they pop.. it is'nt a big deal.
The only thing is... my husband has been working
nights, so talk about stressful... I want the kids to just
be kids .. but they have to be somewhat quieter
because Ken needs to rest ~~
They are such good kids anyway... of course they get
their moments.. who does'nt.. lol
Anyway... they have been passing these balls back
and forth.. I can hear their giggling, and having fun ,
and it warms my heart.
There are days when I wonder why do I babysit
but most days, I am thankful that I can... they keep me
young.. I know all the latest groups and singers,
and they just teach me so much.

Also.. right now we have our granddaughter staying with us.
She moved to Ontario with her big Golden
Retriever called Boo, but it has'nt worked out, so she gave me
a call that started off.. Hi Grams... and then told me what
was going on and asked if she could stay here... how can I say
No to this beautiful granddaughter of mine... I could'nt.
We have no room, so she is on the couch... but keeps
telling me how comfortable she is... and how comfortable
her Boo is also.
She warms my heart...I love her!!

My granddaughter Ashley...
and...
her puppy

Have a wonderful day ~

Sleeping..

2010-07-13T18:51:00.001-07:00

I am having a hard time these days sleeping... which
in turn makes me a wee bit TOO sensitive.
I'm at my wits end...
Last night I had some warm milk and honey

I have tried going to bed early

I have even tried taking melatonin..

nothing is working... I know it'll
eventually sort itself out... but in the
meantime, it sure is hard !!

On another note... Ken met Mantracker!!!!!!!

He was sooooo excited !!
I was jealous... I am always watching
that show, and love it... so I would love to meet him !!!
Hope everyone is having a good week.. x x

My Hottie ~

2010-07-07T15:47:00.000-07:00

I am married to a Hottie... and by
that I mean.. he is always TOO hot..sigh
That's okay, but the rest of us are not too bad.
We have central air in our house, but sometimes I dont
feel like we need it on yet, but Ken ( Hottie ) does feel
like we need it on.
It has been on since last night ( again )
anyway... to keep the heat out of the house,
he has set a table up outside... took the deep fryer
out there ( so we dont get the smell of oil in our house )
and he is deep frying chicken and french fries for dinner
to prove it... here are some pics...heh heh

I'm sure the neighbours for miles can smell
our dinner cooking...
And what is he doing while cooking this
gourmet meal... cough, cough !!

I sure LOVE this man !!

Canada Day and weekend ~

2010-07-06T07:14:00.000-07:00

July 1st is Canada Day, and this year it
fell on a Thursday, which meant for an extra
long weekend for me, as I also had Friday off.
Ours was not your typical Canada Day celebrations.
Actually , ours was more like a baking or making
Kimchi extravaganza... but I LOVED it !!

if it looks spicy... thats because IT IS !!! haha

This is the girls first time to make Radish kimchi
and they really did a great job

I just helped putting it into the jars

I already had Kimchi jars from when i bought
some, so we just used them....

On the weekend, Dayoung also made cinnamon buns

And Suri made some bread thingies with Kate

On Saturday morning our Church had a pancake breakfast,
so hubby, Dayoung and I went to that.
Its almost Stampede time... so there are
pancake breakfasts everywhere.

We had fun...
Suri also made some bagels.... its the first time
for her, but oh...so delicious !!

dont they look good..

They also played a Korean game called Go Stop

its a noisy but fun game.
its also really hard to learn, so i just watched

even my puppies got in on the action...haha

Ours was not the typical canada day weekend...but...
I would'nt change a thing.. ~

Summer Fun ~

2010-07-04T13:39:00.000-07:00

Well school is out !!!

What to do... what to do ....

Last week .. the kids had a good time...just
running and playing outside..
But... I really need ideas.

Their pretty good kids...so I'm very lucky..

This is my last summer with some of them... because
some are going to a different school , next school year.

Summer is for FUN... and they were really
enjoying themselves this day...

Hope you all have a happy summer !!!

Amazing Race..

2010-07-01T20:13:00.000-07:00

Our church had an activity called amazing race.
We had a group of 4 come to our house and stain
our playhouse.. I babysit, so sometimes the
kids like to go up here and tell stories, or just
make up games... its fun to watch them.

the playhouse was looking so tired and worn out..
and hubby and I have been meaning to get out and
paint it... so it was lovely when we were asked if we
had anything needing done..

We jumped at the chance to get this done.
When they all arrived.. we gave them an envelope
and inside was a note telling them what to do.
They go to it straight away !!
They had only 30 mins to do what they could..
And I must admit... they did a great job.
Afterwards I gave them another envelope, and inside
it told them where to go next.
I know they had canoeing and other things to do.

The group that came to our home... WON !!!! Yeah !!!
anyway... here is the finished job.
It went from being tired and worn... to being
brought back to life ..
THANK YOU !!
One less job on my honey to do list... heh heh !!

Fathers Day

2010-06-27T09:20:00.000-07:00

I should have done this sooner...but...
I'm getting to it now.. :)
For Fathers Day this year, I made my husband look for
his pressies.
I made up different clues and sent him on a
treasure hunt. Our students were like his
cheering section... they loved it. !!

Here he is reading a clue..

Looking for another present..
and....
here he is with his last gift...

I think I did about 7 clues altogether...it was FUN !!
For dinner, I made Prime Rib... hubby LOVES that.

We had Prime Rib, new potatoes, sweet potatoes.
carrots. mixed veg, salad... it was yummy.
and for dessert , we had

A Fathers Day cake, and Pecan pie that the
students bought for him.. I also made

a Danish Dessert..

We put candles on the fathers day cake, and
he blew them out... this was HIS day !!

He got this from our students..

and from me..

He really enjoyed his day... afterwards we went
outside to take pictures..

I took this one...
and Kate took this one..

And here are Hubby and I together

LOVE YOU !!!

Regrets

2010-06-22T14:55:00.000-07:00

Do you have any?
I do..
There's something that happened a wee while
ago, that I wish was different... wish I could change it !
I guess I could, but afraid to try
Guess I'm just having a blah day... thinking too much

Our Wonderful Day Trip ~

2010-06-20T17:32:00.000-07:00

We had such a great day yesterday..
We went with our students on a day trip.
I remember when I was a kid, we used to go to
Millport or Helensburgh. It was always lovely to get
away, but especially to get away with my family ~
Anyway, yesterday we went to a few places... we were gone the
whole day, did'nt get home until after 8pm.
First we drove a few hours, and went to BC.
We stopped at Spiral Tunnel

We needed a potty break....lol
It is so cool here... there are all these tunnels cut out
the mountain, for the train to go through..
The scenery is awesome.

We then went to...

oh my goodness... it is so awesome here

Any picture I took, does'nt do it justice..
And the scenery around here was awesome..

We stayed here and had a picnic.
We brought our portable BBQ, and had hot dogs
and hamburgers, potato salad, and other things also.

After we left here , we went on our way back, and to
also stop at Lake Louise.
But while on our way there, we saw a Grizzly bear.
Stayed in our van... but one guy was out of his car.. we
were freaking out... he could be killed.
It was'nt a full grown grizzly, but it was'nt a baby either.

At one point he looked like he was going after the man
It made the guy jump.. but still he stayed to get a photo
crazy !!
We also saw Elk..

and some mountain goats...lovely !!

Lake Louise was also beautiful. I never get tired
of going there or to the mountains.. just love it !!

Chateau Lake Louise in the background.
Afterwards, on our way home, we decided
to go to Johnston Canyon... the scenery is awesome, and was
better than battling some of the traffic.
Castle Mountain is there.. so majestic looking

dont you think so?
We ate watermelon here, and just enjoyed everything

On our way home, we stopped off and got
some pizza for dinner...

I took this picture as he was making our pizza. :)
Wow... 2 posts in one day....haha
I will post our Fathers day pics tomorrow... we have had
the BEST weekend... so enjoyable..but tomorrow
is Monday... back to work again..

Chloe's visit...

2010-06-20T10:36:00.000-07:00

On Friday, my students friend Chloe ( her English name )
came over to visit and stay the night.
She is such a lovely girl, and I was happy to meet her.

Here is Chloe ( sitting down ) with Dayoung.
They all made a lovely dinner... it was all Korean
food, but oh so gooood !!

Chloe's birthday was also a couple of weeks ago,
so Kate bought the cheesecake that you see on the table.
Mmmmmmm !!!
It was a lovely evening...

Left to right, here is
Kate, Chloe, Jun, Dayoung and Suri..
Chloe was supposed to go on a trip with us
the next day, but was'nt able to make it....
hopefully next time !!

Rain, rain, go away...

2010-06-17T07:55:00.000-07:00

This is Summer right??
It has been raining here for days... as much as I
like the rain, I am also ready for some sunshine, and
for summer to be here.

The school park, when I was taking this
wee cutie that I babysit to school...

But seeing these wildflowers in my neighbour's
yard.. did bring some sunshine to me.. :)

I hope wherever you live that you have
a bright, bright, sunshiney day... :)

Life is Good ~

2010-06-15T14:26:00.000-07:00

Our wee grandson went swimming with his mom and
her friend and son... oh my goodness... I LOVE
these pictures of him !!!

My daughter in law said that he loved the water..

He is just toooo cute !!!

Our students gave my husband his Fathers Day present..
I know that it is'nt until Sunday... but they did it
already.
They also gave me a gift at the same time, because
they did'nt do anything for Mothers Day...
It is a beautiful shirt... I will take a picture
of hubby's on Sunday with all his stuff.
I have something special planned for him..well.. because
he's special. I apprieciate him as the Father of our children,
and because I love him !!
Also, our student Suri, gave Ken and I a picture of us
that she drew... it took her a whole day to draw, and she put
it in a frame... we LOVE it !!

Life is good ~

A wedding ~

2010-06-12T23:35:00.000-07:00

Here I am writing again..
A friend of ours has a son who got married today.
We went to Cheesecake Cafe first for dinner
with some other friends who were also going to the
wedding reception... it was a lovely meal
The wedding reception were having an ice cream dessert bar,
so thats why we went for dinner first.

Here is the new Mr and Mrs..
What a lovely couple they are... I was excited
to be able to go.

My friend and Mom to the Groom....

And the hubby and I..
Oh... I wish I could get rid of my many chins...Hmmm !!
Its already almost 1am and I have to get up
early for church...
Have a lovely Sunday ~~

For Hire....

2010-06-12T13:59:00.000-07:00

Just kidding... :)
Suri decided she wanted to help Ken
cut the front lawn... it was harder than she thought.

I think Ken told her she missed a spot..haha

Good Job !!!

She only did a little bit, but after she was
done, she told Ken... that'll be $5.00... haha
She loves to tease us..

Rambling thoughts ~

2010-06-11T07:17:00.000-07:00

Its Friday already... yeah !!
This week has gone by fairly quickly..
Our weather has been strange all week...
cold and rainy, but the sun is supposed to come out
today, although it still looks dreary out right now.

I ended up with a migraine that lasted 3 days this week.
I dont often get them anymore. but I think the weather
brought it on.
Now I just have the after affect feeling from it... better
than the migraine itself.

The babysitting kids are done school soon.
Public school is done on the 25th... and the Catholic
school is done on the 29th... then I'll be busy for sure.

I have to buy something for hubby for Fathers Day, and
I have to do it tomorrow... but what to buy???
Please...anyone with any ideas?
What will you get for your sweetheart???

Sorry for the boring post.... Have an AWESOME day

What to do `

2010-06-08T08:43:00.000-07:00

I sent off for what I thought was my Aunts certificate,
but when it came yesterday... it is'nt hers...Grrrr !!
Money spent for nothing.
But I dont want to throw it away... on the other
hand... what do I do with it??

New Door ~

2010-06-07T09:40:00.000-07:00

It seems there's always constant
renovations needing done to a home.
Last year we had a new roof put on our
our house and the garage... and also new siding
as well.
We had a pathway done and we put lights on
either side of that up to the house...
Well on Friday, we just had a new front door
put in... we had it ordered since February...soooo glad
its finally here and done.

The inside...

The outside..

Now if I could just convince hubby that
the kitchen needs done... now !!!!! :)

Suri and Dayoung ~

2010-06-06T13:29:00.000-07:00

These are 2 of my students..
We have a married couple also ( Jun and Kate )
I am so glad that I went with my feelings to
get these students... we absolutely love them.
Last night Suri and Dayoung were going out to a
party, and its the first time I saw them all done up
with make up on..
They were excited, and really had a fantastic time.

This is Suri ,,, and..

This is Dayoung.....

I'm glad that they had such a good time.
They are such good girls... caring, kind,
funny, beautiful... I'm happy to be their Canadian Mom...

More Genealogy ~

2010-06-05T16:41:00.000-07:00

This is the gravestone of my Gr Grandparents
George Walsh McCulloch and Helen Edwards.
A very kind person ( Thelma ) who I found
on a site , took this picture for me.. and did'nt ask for
any compensation. She has gone above and beyond
just doing this for me... she has found information
for me on some other members of my family tree.

This is the gates going into the cemetary....
I would love to go there someday, and leave some flowers
at the gravestone....
So thankful for people like Thelma... who help people
like me...so happy to have these pictures

I'm Scottish and proud of it !!

2010-06-03T13:18:00.000-07:00

Two posts in one day.... yep... but I have been
thinking how my life has gone..

I was born in Dundee in Scotland... but after my
parents were divorced, we ( my brother, sister and I )
moved to Greenock, but mostly Port Glasgow
area in Scotland.

I actually had an okay life growing up..but like most people
wanted to move away.. you know.. the grass is always
greener on the other side, which in some ways
for me it was true.

I came to Toronto as a Nanny..

In this city I met my husband..
After we were married a year, we moved to here..

I love it here...
I think when you move away from your birth country
your heart is always in two places..

I love my life here... I have a husband who I adore..
I had my children here..I also have grandchildren..but
through it all... I'm always proud to be Scottish ~
Working on my Genealogy, I have found out I am
also Irish and now this week, I found out that
my Gr Gr Grandfather is from Lancaster, England,
so I have some English blood through these veins also.
Some things I miss about Scotland are..

Cadbury's Flakes... Mmmmmm

and 99 cones..which are ice cream cones with
a piece of flake in them

I miss the bagpipes, and people getting
married in kilts

and the green hills...

and going to the chippy

to eat these

I used to have mine wrapped up in newspaper
with loads of vinegar and usually a pickled
onion in with it.. Mmmmm

Yep... proud to be Scottish, but glad to bloom
where I'm planted now ~
I'm just a Scottish girl living a Canadian life..
( Love the girl part.. haha )

WOW

2010-06-03T05:06:00.000-07:00

Well... after my previous post.. I now
know the year, and how old Alice was
when she died... it is so amazing !!
Tried for years to get information..and WOW
.. now I have a wee bit... and even more
on some other family members.
It really feels good !!

My Great Aunt...

2010-06-01T15:35:00.001-07:00

Her name is Alice O'Brien..
She is my Grandmothers sister.
I dont really know anything about her, except
that she never married.
This picture was taken in July 1956, at the wedding of
her nephew ( my uncle ) James wedding, in Dundee, Scotland.
Her parents were Patrick O'Brien and Elizabeth Christie.
I dont know her birthdate or when she passed away...but
I am feeling a need to find out, but have no idea where to
start...
I feel good that I have at least a picture of her...
I love her... yep... never met her...but she is
my family...

My Ancestors..

2010-05-31T08:08:00.001-07:00

I have such a deep Love for Family History, especially
when it comes to my own or my husbands.
But I also love listening to someone else's stories.
Anyway I have just found more twigs on my family tree, and
I am more than excited.
I wrote to someone who will take pictures of the gravestones
She needed some dates which I dont have... so she gave me
the email of where I could write.
I did that, but it kept getting bounced back.. I must admit
that I felt a wee bit discouraged.
Anyway, today Thelma ( who will take the picture ) sent me
an email, and she was able to get through to the lady that would
have the information..and here is what I have...

24/9/1896 Margaret E O'Brien age 2 years 9 months

20/1/1903 Robina C O'Brien age 3 months

5/6/1908 Robert Christie age 52 years

31/3/1912 John O'Brien age 11 months

25/5/1940 Patrick O'Brien age 70 years

3/12/1954 Elizabeth Christie age 85 years
Can you imagine how my Great Grandmother Elizabeth would
have felt to lose a child.
She lost a daughter at age 2 years and 9 months old,
Yet another at the tender age of 3 months, and another
child at the age of 11 months old...
I Love my family... past and present... they are mine..I am theirs

Here is a poem.. hope you love it too

Dear Ancestor

Your tombstone stands among the rest; neglected and alone.
The name and date are chiseled out of polished marbled stone.
It reaches out to all who care, it is too late to mourn.
You did not know that I exist; you died and I was born.

Yet each of us are cells of you in flesh, in blood, in bone.
Our blood contracts and beats a pulse entirely not our own.
Dear Ancestor, the place you filled one hundred years ago.
Spreads out among the ones you left who would have loved you so.

I wonder as you lived, I wonder if you knew
That someday I would find this spot, and come to visit you.

Author Unknown

FAMILIES ARE FOREVER...

SNOW ~

2010-05-29T14:19:00.000-07:00

So I enjoyed my walk in the rain..but now..
its SNOWING !!
Oh my.. is'nt it going to be June in just
a couple of days ???
Is'nt it supposed to be summer?
Here are some photo's... 2 from my
backyard, and 2 from my front yard

But here's a video of my wee grandson
to put some sunshine in your life..... :)

My walk in the rain ~

2010-05-28T08:38:00.000-07:00

I am originally from Scotland..it
rains there a lot...so I LOVE rain !!
Our weather here has been so wacky... it feels
like Fall, not Summer...and get this...after
I had my walk in the rain..it SNOWED !!!
Yes... you are reading this right.
Anyway, I felt so relaxed walking around and
taking some photo's... yep it was cold, but I came home
wet and cold, and had a lovely hot shower... luverly !!

May Long Weekend, and some Bread ~

2010-05-27T07:32:00.000-07:00

We have 4 new students and Ken took them
to Elbow Falls a couple of weeks ago.
They had an awesome time , and they even saw
a Moose...wow !!!

Here they are...
Dayoung, Jun , Kate and Suri...
They are all just lovely and apprieciate EVERYTHING
They even like our dinners, which inspire me to try
new things... Love them !!

This past weekend was a long weekend here, so we
decided to go go to Banff..
Sure it was cool, but it was FUN !!

We stopped at Two Jack Lake...
and..

Lake Minnewanka... does'nt it look peaceful here !!

Hubby and I...sooo thankful for this man !!

Here we all are again... my grandaughter Tey stayed with
us the long weekend...she also adores our students

We stopped at Upper Bankhead for a picnic... and then...

Here we are in Banff...

We had a great time...

We always go to this candy store... hubby loves caramel apples..

We went down by the Falls near the hotel..

and then.. up to the Hoodoos.
here we are

and...
with our students again..

I never tire of going here...always enjoy it !!
Even in wintertime...just love it
On the way home, we stopped at Peters for a milkshake.
These are THE BEST !!

You can mix and match the flavours
I had chocolate/banana

This week I also made some bread..
it was DELICIOUS...even if I do say
so myself...Mmmmm

Have an awesome day ~

Busy.... babysitting...and boohoo

2010-05-06T16:55:00.000-07:00

I am soooo busy...
All the time busy !!!
I babysit for a living...
We have students... well just one at the moment..
But things are changing... yep they are !!
Student wise... we have two more coming tomorrow.. they are a married
couple.. we have already had her brother, sister and cousin
stay with us at different times... so I am excited to have them
be here also.
5 days after they come, we will have another girl come..
Life is busy !!
But today, I had a phone call from the vice principal
of the school across the street from me.
I babysit children from that school.
She told me that I should'nt take kids from out of our
area, because they wont allow them to go to the school...okay
But what is worse is... she told me that the children that I have
who live out of our area... cant come back next year either..
I feel so sad / mad.
The twins would be going into grade 3 in August... I have looked after them
since before they even started school... they have made friends
at this school... and of course it affects me...can I find more kids??
Also the little kindergarten girl lives out of our area also. Oh.. soooo sad...
I feel frustrated right now because of this.. I have bonded with
these children, but there's nothing I can do about it... helpless..
Onto other things... we just have another couple of days left
with my son and his family... boo hoo !!
Elisha is a wonderful cook, and has made dinner most of the time
they have been here, which honestly... has been great for me !!
I have had a lot of days off... and LOVED it !!
Especially, since she cooks soooo well.
I am for sure writing down some recipes before they go home... Mmmm mmmm
Tonight I am watching Survivor... Love this show !!
And... it has been soooo good this season
Love all the twists and turns..

Soooo happy ~

2010-05-05T19:05:00.000-07:00

Why???
Because my son , his wife and our grandson are
visiting us from the USA...

Here is the little munchkin with Grandpa...
Hmmm.. I wonder who is more tired ???

And with Uncle David.. who is'nt used to holding
wee ones, and looks just a tad uncomfortable
doing so... heh heh

I love this picture... ha ha
Family is so important.. I wish we could see our son
and his lovely family more often... but I guess it makes
us apprieciate each other more often.
They came last Friday, and will leave this Saturday..
just a week, but we are enjoying every moment..

Trying again..

2010-05-01T09:58:00.001-07:00

I want to document my Family History, I used
to do something before on my blog... but these days
my get up and go, had got up and gone... but here I am again. ^0^
This picture is of my Father Archibald ( Archie ) McLeod Newman.
He was the youngest of his siblings... he also had a twin sister,
who died shortly after her birth.
His mother died about a week later... I would imagine that it
was due to complications of the twin births.
He was born in Greenock, Scotland.. he met my mother
in Dundee, Scotland and was married there, but during their
divorce, he moved back to Greenock with us three children.
He died May 14th, 1988
My father was a quiet, gentle man, who I miss and love dearly.

Just Dreaming....

2010-04-20T16:22:00.001-07:00

If only........

These were done by Sarah Richardson... if I beg..
do you think she'll come and do mine?? !!

2010-04-13T15:47:00.000-07:00

Why is it.. that in the midst of trials...
I feel like I'm drowning...

Sorry..

2010-04-12T10:44:00.001-07:00

I have been neglecting my blog for some time now.
I have lots I want to write... but cant..
Loads I want to say... but dont think its appropriate
to do it here.. but really need to get it 'OUT '...sigh

I was at the hospital a few weeks ago.
I have high blood pressure, and even though I took
my medicine in the morning, my blood pressure was
198 / 102...
I had'nt been feeling ' right ' for the whole week.. but at the end
of the week, when I decided to check it, my heart was racing..
pounding almost out my chest.
My fingers and feet were tingling, and to be honest
with you, I was scared.
Anyway, tomorrow I'll see my doctor, maybe a change
of medicine will do the trick.

I guess that'll have to do for now...

Life in General...

2010-03-10T07:21:00.000-08:00

There was Teachers Convention for 2 days, so I took
the munchkins to the park... believe me, they needed
to run off some energy !!!
They were pretty good actually... just sometimes
a little wild.

It was a good day.. they dressed up warm, although the
weather was'nt too bad out...
Oh to be a child again !!!

This is our new student Su Jin..she sent this pic
to us when she was still in Korea.
She is a nice girl...but...
Actually, we dont know yet, what to make of her.
She came on a working visa... found a job within 10 days and starting
working. Stayed 1 day and quit..Mmmmm
She said that her mind is so confused being here.
She did'nt expect to get a job so quickly...so felt
embarassed???
I told her how going to school she would make friends.
She made one friend with another Korean girl, who lives
close to my house... but she has been here 3 months and has
made no friends either... so the just have each other, and just
complain about how boring they are here.
She gets out of bed at Noon or later... I just feel a wee bit worried
about her... what to do.... what to do ???
Personally... I think she'll leave... she wont stay here..
I know she has already asked our other student about moving to
Vancouver... I dont think anything will change for her there either.
Oh well... time to get going... so much t do... so little time.. :)

Valentine's Day

2010-02-15T10:39:00.001-08:00

I got these beautiful roses from hubby... looooove him !!!

For Ken x x

I even had a heart tablecloth on the table :)

I bought for Annie ~

And for Jin ~

Ken and I got this from Annie... so sweet
Hope everyone's day was AWESOME !

Frosty Days ~

2010-02-14T13:12:00.001-08:00

We have had a few real frosty days... actually its
been for more than a month, so I have taken
quite a few pictures. It just looks soooo beautiful
Maybe you dont agree... :)

I love the way the trees look.. even the signs..

This is near my house... the whole street looked
like this..

I loved the combination of the blue sky and
the frosted trees..

The sun peeking through... there is so much beauty
around us... we just need to stop and notice..

I wish I had a better camera, to be able to take
and capture everything better...
Life is good ~

Paul and James

2010-02-04T16:25:00.000-08:00

This is James... he stayed in our home for
9 months .. but yesterday he went back home to
Korea... happy for him... sad for us..
Some things we'll remember are... he LOVED milk.
He drank a lot of it.
He is a GREAT cook.. well when it comes to cooking
Korean food. It was always totally delicious.
He always had a smile on his face... even if I was upset
with him about something... he always smiled !!
My heart is sad that he is'nt here anymore

This is my son Paul...
It was his birthday 2 days ago.. he turned 29 years old.
I cant believe that he is already that old... surely I'm
not old enough to have a son that age ??? !!!
He was 8lbs 8oz when he was born, and 21 1/4 ins..
He was the quietest baby EVER !!
Growing up, he was still quiet.. somewhat shy..
He served a mission for our church.. and that helped
him to come out of his shell a bit.
He is now married to Elisha.. whom we also love.
They have an adorable son.. Andrew whom we adore.
I'm proud he's mine

My Puppies...

2010-01-27T11:51:00.000-08:00

Well they are not puppies anymore.. they
are both 12 years old.

Is'nt she lovely... this is our Besse.
I like to think we saved her, because hubby got
her from the pound.
She was 4 years old at the time. and she was huddled
in the corner afraid of all the noise of the barking dogs.
Her owner knew she was there... she had ran away, and they
were called, but I think she did it too many times, and
they decided not to get her... their bad... and all good
for us.
She is lovely... so gentle.. even her eyes are gentle.
We love her so much.

And this is our Kernal

He was such a mess when we got him... but after
a trip to the doggy beauty parlour, he looked lovely !
He has always been so feisty.. but is really acting
his age these days.
He has gone blind in one eye, and is going blind
in the other... but he still follows me around.. when I go to
bed he has to go to the bedroom with me.
I dont know what I would do without my puppies
here around me....
I think whether your a cat, a dog a hampster or whatever lover
its good. Animals bring such joy into our lives..
What is your favourite animal ?

Thankful Thursday ~

2010-01-21T05:11:00.000-08:00

I have decided to participate in this again... its
always good to think about what your Thankful for... makes
you realise how blessed you really are.

1. I am Thankful for my husband who is back at work again.
He has been very sick, but is doing so much better now.

2
I am Thankful for good friends and good family.

3. I am Thankful for crunchy snow :)

4.I am Thankful to have a New Year... hoping its better than
last year...

5. And lastly, I am Thankful for the new book I have, that
I recieved as a gift.
Its on Fibromyalgia.. which even though I have, I did'nt
know much about, and its an eye opener.. light bulb moment
when I read it !!

I'm Thankful for YOU ~~

Well he;s going back....

2010-01-20T14:48:00.000-08:00

Hubby is still not well, but he plans on going back to work tonight.
This has made him think about retiring even more... but still dont know when he;ll do it.
We have discussed before, that its better to retire before his health gets worse..
I mean we want to have some fun if he retires.... just go away somewhere, just
because we can..
Its something to think about..
He is still dizzy and unwell... I'm not sure that going back to work is the best
thing for him to do... hope he'll be okay.

Valentines day is coming !!
Does anyone do anything special on that day... I REALLY want
to know, and need ideas !!!!
Last year, I sent Ken on a treasure hunt, and he LOVED it... we had
never done that before, so he enjoyed it a lot.

I have more than my fair share of trials and stress going on...
some of it makes me think.... whodathunkit !!!
I feel helpless... I just feel stress

Have a happy day ~

Moods...

2010-01-18T10:53:00.000-08:00

Ever had one of those days?
Or one of those weeks , to be exact ??
My husband has been sick for more than a week, but we're not
exactly sure what is going on.
We have even had him at the hospital.
He had a mini stroke 2 years ago... his blood pressure
last week was really high, then low, and to me that
is so dangerous....sigh
Anyway, at the hospital everything seemed to be okay.
But... he was still dizzy etc... just under the weather.
He has had inner ear infection a few times...so we thought
maybe it was that, but he is'nt throwing up.
The hospital could'nt find anything... everything on the
tests turned out okay.
Today he went to the doctor... he also is'nt sure, but
gave him medicine for inner ear... hopefully that works.
I the meantime.. I am babysitting... walking to 2 schools
6 times a day... making lunch... thinking of and making
something for dinner... cleaning... doing dishes...
and every night, I have 4 lunches to make.
I am up at 5:30am... I'm getting to bed late.. I cant
sleep well... and on Sunday, I had to do a sharing time
for Primary.
I got to bed at 2am while trying to prepare my sharing time on
Sunday, because I tried to do it for weeks and could'nt.
I stress every time about sharing time..
where am I going with all of this... well I dont need sympathy..
I just need a sounding board, and thought my blog will do the trick.
I walked home from church yesterday.. there was ice everywhere..
I'm in a skirt... and I am sliding everywhere... I was tired.... no.....exhausted..
and when I came home, my one student had a huge pot of curry on
that he was making. He had cut up some meat etc, that maybe I needed for something
else... I had a huge roast out for dinner, and I'm thinking
" Whats the point "
They started eating at 2pm... they wont want to eat at 5pm..Grrr
And of course they did'nt... they went to the pub close
to our house for wing night.
Even Annie went... I hit the roof..... I was angry... but
too much so.
Even the dishes they washed were left all over the
counter for me to dry... so I was making LOUD comments
about that.
I would'nt talk to them... I keep thinking... if they want to always eat Korean
food, then they should just move out... I did'nt say it..
just thought it !!
Even though..yes.. I should have been a bit upset... I feel I
should'nt have been SOOOO upset like I was.
I am drained... fed up... .
I dont know how to act when they are home tonight.
I feel emotional...
Sorry this is just a so so post....

Haiti..

2010-01-17T17:12:00.000-08:00

Like the rest of the world.. I feel saddened.. I
feel helpless.. I feel like my heart hurts for
the people there.
We can help by giving to the Red Cross. or even to our church.
I know that a couple of the kids I babysit for... their school
is taking donations, and will have it go to help
the people of Haiti.
They are certainly in my prayers... x x

Life in our part of the world

Ahhhhh......

Baby, its cold outside....

A gift.....

Whats your answer???

I cant sleep....

Sooooo cute ....

These make me happy....

ALMOST ......

I DID iT !!!

SO much time......

Walking the Dog ~

Its going well......

My birthday wish.......

Cindy's birthday party ... ~

Thankful.....

Scared of Snakes ??.....

The Richest Man On The Bus......

Our trip.....

Leave a comment :)

UGH ....

And life goes on......

number 6

Old Friends..

Mars Bar Squares

April 14th, 2011

My Brother...

Randomness

I'm sick......

We got dumped on again...

A Quote....

Thank you Tom...

Things I miss...

Feelings....

Old Pics...

Please Help...

Christmas and New Year..

Just a ramble .. Ten Things

January snow storm ~

Kitchen Reno

Sorry..

REMEMBER...

I'm just wondering.... ???

A new start

Au Revoir..

Christmas in October...

He's all mine....

Birthday Party...

How kind..

Next weekend ...

Fall...

Ou airport date ( kind of ) ...

Kernal

our summer so far in pictures..

smoke, smoke and more smoke...

A thought...

Boo

Lonely.....

Poor Ken...

Rambling this and that ~

Sleeping..

My Hottie ~

Canada Day and weekend ~

Summer Fun ~

Amazing Race..

Fathers Day

Regrets

Our Wonderful Day Trip ~

Chloe's visit...

Rain, rain, go away...

Life is Good ~

A wedding ~

For Hire....

Rambling thoughts ~

What to do `

New Door ~

Suri and Dayoung ~

More Genealogy ~

I'm Scottish and proud of it !!

WOW