Happy New Year!

I know I've really slacked off with keeping my blog up to date, and that'll be one of my new years resolutions. Happy New Year to my readers. Here's to hoping 2012 brings more happiness then grief, more success then fails, more love then disappointment, more solid relationships built then lost and friendships blossoming and intact. <3

christmas eve

One of our Christmas Eve traditions has been to take a hot drink and drive around looking at neighbouring lights. We did that tonight .. looking at many different areas of our new town, and we also drove past the cemetary where a fairly new thing has been started. They have someone make (or people make their own)ice candles that are put on every loved ones plot. For those that aren't laid to rest there, they have a memory plaque and area in which you can line up your own. We didn't do it this year, but next year I'm going to make sure there's one for my Mom and Dad. Walking up to see it brought tears to my eyes .. this is a pretty emotional time of year, in that it's the first Christmas since my Moms passing and although she wasn't huge into holidays .. she loved being with family and like a Mama duck, she would draw her ducklings and grand ducklings close .. to her that was a slice of heaven.

These candles show a flicker of love and hope to those missing their loved ones during the holiday season. I miss you so much Dad and Mom!

Dj Earworm 2011 (The Only Time Is Tonight)

A couple years ago I discovered DJ Earworm. LOVE this rendition of this years top songs! Take a listen. :)

2

As of yesterday, it's been two months since leaving my old city and trying to make this new town my home. Sometimes it feels like MUCH longer then two months, and other days it feels like just a few weeks.

Today we woke to abit of a surprise. Slippery/icy sidewalks and streets, and the temps being warm enough that it was actually raining. It was a misty rain all day long and had me longing for 'home'. Whenever the locals mention how this year the snow is slow at accumulating and it just doesn't feel like winter, I always say it's because Mother Nature wants to be gentle on me. :P

Next week is looking to be a busy one with get togethers with friends (already with just the few I've made thus far), school productions and an early celebration with my sister and her family before they head out of town to spend the holidays with her in-laws. I'm looking forward to each event, but getting really tired with working too. It'll be nice to get a four day break next week! I've already put in 10, and have 7 more to go.

weekend

Yesterday I sent out our Christmas cards, and although I had debated about doing them this year, I figured it was a good way of letting some of my long time friends know we had moved and what our new address is.  I have a couple friends from highschool, that only keep in contact over the holidays with a letter/card/photos and those are the ones I wanted to make a point of updating. 

It feels good to have one thing done!  I don't think we'll get around to baking or doing much of our other traditional things only because with my two jobs, I've decided to just go ahead and work every day to get my full time hours.  Next month I'll rethink the whole idea, but I can always use the extra moolah.

It's gotten pretty cold here, no precipitation, but damn cold!  I have times where I just can't warm up .. tho it's still a much different cold from the damp cold I was all familiar with.  The girls don't seem to be bothered by it.  Alissa went out the other day with barefeet in her running shoes .. kinda reminds me of my teen years when canvas shoes were in style and I'd do the same thing. 

I'm still working on the little list of gifts I'm getting this year.  I had such a fantastic idea for Hailey's but had to get it online and cross my fingers it arrives in time.  If it does, she is going to be one freaked out kid!  It's just a piece of memorabilia from a show she's been obsessed with for abit.  Otherwise, I'm keeping it extremely lowkey.

oh the weather inside is frightful!

I have seriously neglected my blog, and to my one reader, I am sorry. :P  I think my excuses are lame, but then one obvious one came to mind when I logged in here.  The new upgrade sucks and makes it so hard to figure out what I'm actually doing.  Why mess with a good thing, Mr Google Blogger?

Anyway, abit of an update is in order.  I've just completed the third day at my new job and I'm quite enjoying it.  I get to dress up and have a slower pace day and it's perfect!  Yes learning all the program's ins and outs is a little overwhelming and tedious, but repetition is my friend and it will sink in sooner then later.  My question is, who uses a DOS program anymore these days? Umm, this company! 
I also have my other 'service industry, uniform wearing, slave to the public' job still because the office job is a three day a week gig (five days while I'm training) and I still need to make ends meat but as soon as I can, I'll be out of there so fast!

I'm lame and took a picture of myself on my first day of work (Monday), just cuz I can. :P It was on my cell, so a tad grainy.


I'm feeling a little UNchristmasy this year.  I don't know why, maybe because I've let myself continue to be consumed with the aftermath of our move.  Maybe because upon accepting this new job I learned I'd have to work boxing day and in turn miss spending Christmas with my sister and her in-law family, making it feel odd that our first holiday we can spend together after I've moved here will in fact not be TOGETHER.  Or maybe because I just don't feel like shopping, spending money from a tight budget, facing the crowds, finding time to bake, do traditional activities in a new town, etc etc.  The tree's up and a few select holiday decore and that's good enough.  Maybe the holiday magic will tinsel down on me before it's too late, and maybe not.  But one thing I know for certain?  We'll be having a white Christmas! (whether it's white in the air or on the ground, doesn't matter)

pretty pink

So for the past three years, the girls and I have made it our mission to have a tree decorated in pink.  I haven't wanted to go overboard, but pink and mossy green balls, pink lights, pink and green bows, our sweet little bear (Bea) that my sister gave us, as well as all the other memorable ornaments we've collected or made over the years.  But coming across this tree, with all it's blazing pinkness, even donning boas .. ahhhh soooo pretty!

out takes

On Sunday I decided we better take our annual Christmas photos so I could work on the digital cards and get them sent out. Here are just a couple out takes from my girls .. but I did get some that totally work, are clear and brighter.

Katy Perry - The One That Got Away

I just want to be miserable tonight. :*(

Ask no questions, I'll tell you no lies.

tgif

Well, I got a new job!! One that more suits me and my goals for my future, one that has less coffee involved and more computer and filing instead.

s-n-o-w

We've had a couple snow teasings already, but today it's sticking. The girls are in heaven and Alissa can't wait to wear her new snowpants to school! She's asked every day, but there kinda has to be snow on the ground and now there is.

wall art? check!

This morning I decided to tackle some of the little things still need doing, and putting up wall art was one big one. I had an idea of where I wanted to put certain ones, just wasn't sure how the finished product would look. I put our framed shadow photos up on either side of the window behind the couch, which ended up working out better then I thought they would.

The three abstract paintings the girls and I did a few years ago went perfectly alongside the opposite wall by the window/front door (we don't use) but I'm trying to figure out what will look good behind the TV (along the same wall on the other side of the window). I'm not much of a plant person, but my sister suggested putting a large potted indoor tree so it fills the space. I'll have to think on that.

And then in the 'dining room' (which we've decided to make more of a den of sorts) I put up this really neat painting print of a curved bridge disappearing into fog, and another abstract canvas to fill up space along the staircase wall. I have more photos/art work to hang, but it's looking much more cozy already. I really do love my new house! :)

remembrance day

Today is Remembrance Day, a day we remember those that have served for our country, have fallen or come home safely, to honour those that still serve and keep this country a peaceful and free one that we can be proud of.

My two nephews are with the Air Cadets and had the privilege to join the veterans at the local legion, to show their pride, pay their respects and do their patriotic duty. My brother in law is a Constable with the Ontario Police and donned his dress uniform and attended the ceremony and laying of the wreaths as well. The Army and Air Cadets as well as the OPP that could make it, marched up to the cenotaph laid more wreaths and made their return. I've never attended any Remembrance Ceremonies other then the ones through the schools, and this was a very nice, very respectful one.

ending

Our sister visit is coming to an end, and although we get to spend today yet together, travelling to Winnipeg and doing some shopping .. Faye flies back home to the snowy white world that it has become while she's been here. It's a balmy +8 and overcast here, but the weather I'm completely used to, so it's going to be abit of a shock on her system getting off the plane in -degree temps.

It seems so strange that I've only lived here for 3.5 weeks. I guess all that it took to settle in to our house, start work and such just made the time seem so much longer. Next thing on the list of to-do's is get me a car! I just have to synch up a day or two with my brother in law and go look. Problem is that all the decent ones are in Winnipeg which entails the two hour drive to even go look. We'll line some possibilities up here soon!

candy day

Last night was adventurous .. we went trick or treating with my sisters, brother in law and two of her three kids. It was alot of fun, but reminded me that I do things I don't particularly care for, just for the sake of the girls. :P Last night I could have just curled up in a ball after getting all face makeup done because just after I took this photo and the kids dispersed, Alissa was showing me her tail that was falling off, and as a result, put her foot out and I tripped over it. Smack down onto the sidewalk I went. I saved my camera and face by putting my hands out, but my right hand is scraped up and bruised and my wrist is so very stiff. Try working your second shift at your new job with a bandaid and latex glove all day. UGH!
They ended with alot of loot, which ended up being about half candy/half chips for which I'm thankful because chips can go into lunches, and less candy means less effects to the teeth.

pumpkin patch fun

On Saturday we went, along with my two sisters and my niece, to the local pumpkin patch. They had all sorts of things for the kids to do, and we had a great time. It was a fun couple hours out in the fresh air, doing a stamp maze, wagon ride, pumpkin pick, apple roast, pony ride and a little snack.
Great photo op too! :)

halloween dance

Hailey's school halloween dance was last night and she desperately wanted to go despite the fact that some of her new friends may not be there. She put herself out there and ended up finding some people she knew as well as her older cousin (who despite having his own group to hang with, always kept an eye out for Hailey). She decided to go as a version of a Fairy but is going as something different on Monday. She had a blast and realizes that despite it being a small town, high schools sure know how to put on a dance.

enjoying fall

Today my sisters and I decided to enjoy a little nature after being so busy, so we took abit of a nature walk along a little lake and discovered the perfect backdrop for some photos. I want to return there with the kids so I can get some photos to send out at Christmas time. I love how it looks like a backdrop .. so perfect and serene. :)

life

Boxes everywhere, but we're slowly getting them unpacked and things put away. I have a bookshelf/cubby shelf that needs putting together so I can unpack all the books and the rest of the dvds, but a desk of some sort would greatly help for all the stationary/computer type items and a couple more dressers and then I'd be all set. Those sorts of things come in time and having only been in here two days I think we've accomplished alot. Having such a small kitchen (limited counter space) makes me long for a table and microwave stand but again those are things I'll get eventually.

Tomorrow's the first day the girls will be picked up by the bus from our very own home! :) It stops RIGH IN FRONT OF OUR HOUSE! You can't get more perfect then that!

And I start work on Friday for just a couple hours to catch up on videos I hadn't been able to complete at my old job. I've needed this time off to finish the packing, move and now to unpack and settle in, but it's time I go back to work .. my bank account will be happier. :P

beauty

My beautiful oldest daughter sitting contently in her aunties home. I look at her and am continually amazed at how grown up she's looking and acting, and soon I'll be hearing 'Mom, can I have the car keys'. Guess I better enjoy the next four years until that happens.

High school becomes her. :)

my birthday twin

My sweet little niece is my birthday twin .. we share October 17th as our special day and this year she turned 7. I made her cake in a mad rush, but it turned out beautifully and she loved it!! We had a tea party with a couple of her little friends, my girls, and us aunties and her mommy.

moved!!

I kinda skipped the last few days of my countdown, but it got so terribly busy that I didn't have much computer time. Buuuut .. we're moved!! The moving guys came and within a short time had all our stuff loaded and gone. Leaving me to do umpteen runnings around that last day. On moving day tho, we had such a great couple flights across the country. Our connection time gave us just enough time to go to the bathroom and then hit up the departing gate just in time for preboarding. And we were off again, and let me tell you, flying with satellite tv is the way to go with a 10 and 12 yr old. No fighting, no hearing 'I'm bored', no whining, no nothing .. pure bliss! And Meesha did better then I could have ever imagined he'd do. He had abit of motion sickness where he vomited abit upon landing in Calgary, but other then that, no meowing at all! I'm so proud of him!

And now as I sit as my sisters home, I am anticipating my belongings arriving so we can settle into our new place!! I love it!!

happy thanksgiving

Three days left in this town, this pretty very soggy (today anyway) town.  I had my girls for a few hours today between them getting back from their dads and going off to have last sleepovers with friends.  We talked about how it still doesn't seem real that we're leaving, and how we'll miss our life and friends so very much, but how exciting it will be to make a new life in our new little town.  We'll be going from this place that's about 88,000 (it grew by about 10,000 in the 15 years we've lived here) to our new town which is at about 15,000 in the winter months and grows to about double during the summer due to it being cottage country.  But there's three high schools, and where I grew up with about same population only had one high school.  So not a horrible thing.  I think I can get used to a smaller town if I can get past the lack of certain stores (like Urban Planet as it's the girls favourite clothing store), and the girls will adapt easily I'm sure.  After all .. we're really country folk at heart. ;)

Today is also the Canadian Thanksgiving, and I'm am ever so greatful to my family who have always had my back, cared and loved me through all the highs and lows, my friends who love me unconditionally and let me do the same in return, my two amazing daughters who are my everything, a higher power that has guided my life even when I question it, and my angel parents who watch over me from above.  I am one very lucky girl!!

*4*

We're at day four in the countdown .. and this morning I'm taking time to watch Corrie and enjoy my coffee before I get started with things again.  I realized that when I get going without any distractions, I sure can get things done.  Last night in just one hours time, I packed three boxes out of the kitchen.  It's all the in and out and running around, having people drop by for this or that, that makes it slow going. 

Yesterday's lunch out with two friends was just perfect.  We talked about so much and it made for a time I can tuck away in my memory.  Love my girlfriends so much! <3

5

The girls are gone and other then meeting up with friends here and there, I'm packing up a storm.  I also have people coming for different furniture items .. but am getting down to the very last items, so it's looking pretty empty in here.  I did turn on the heat for the first time this fall .. it's so frigid and even with pants, sweatshirt and slippers on, I was chilled.  I guess there goes my little game I play with myself every year .. I caved!

Kay, back to packing, then lunch with two awsome friends!!

6

Today  marked six more days until we move.  Today also was my last day of work and the girls last day of school.  And I know now how much we are loved.  My work buddies send off only their favourites with a whipped cream pie in the face, or wherever else they can make it land and in my case it ended up on the front of my shirt, the back and on my head/viser/ear.  Gag!  It took me awhile to clean it up, change shirts and get back out to the front to finish up another hour and a half looking like crap!  They also took the white waxy pen we use to time the coffee pots, to my car windows, saying their goodbyes, drawing pictures and signing their names.  So sweet!  I took pics of the car that I will upload, but none were taken of me and that is  more then okay with me! :P

The girls last day of school was so bitter sweet for them.  Alissa's class threw a party and invited Hailey to come over for it.  Because A's teacher also taught H, it was more important for him to send them off in the right way.  H's teachers are new this year and have hardly gotten to know her, but the one did give her three books and a card telling Hailey she will be missed and she's enjoyed her quiet, sweet demeaner and noticed how Hailey is very involved with her reading and writing of short stories and so hoped she'd like the books.

And so when I got home, I hardly had any time to console the girls (Hailey was still in tears) before their dad came to get them for a three day Thankgiving weekend.  And then upon their return to me, they both have last sleepovers with friends, and they leave me to do ALL the packing! But I don't mind because quite honestly, its easier.  Their stuff is pretty much all packed anyway, aside from clothing that's going in suitcases, it's the rest of the house I need to tackle!!

seven

{8}

v++v

I so wish I could get this for Hailey (the vampire lover), but the place that makes these don't mail to Canadian addresses. *sigh*

hello october

Autumn is one of my favourite seasons, maybe because October is my birthday month, or maybe for several other reasons .. so I decided to list my top 20 of why I love October so.

1. fall colours (reds, oranges, browns)
2. deep earthy smells
3. fallen leaves
4. thanksgiving
5. my birthday
6. halloween
7. cool evenings and warm'ish days
8. slippers
9. warmer clothing
10. cozy evenings
11. pumkin spice lattes
12. stews, chilis and soups
13. baking
14. new tv show lineups
15. pumpkin carving
16. little squashes
17. candles burning
18. movie nights
19. bringing back the red wine after a summer of coolers
20. tea

13

Today marks 13 days left until we fly east!  I am over the top happy, but also have SOOOO much to do between now and then that the excitement is kind of muted right now.  I'm slowly working at all the little things on my list, from canceling untilities, having new ones hooked up in the new place, selling off furniture still, packing a box or two a day for now until it gets closer to the date, working every day, making a list of what to pack in luggage with us to use for the two weeks until our belongings arrive via moving company, even right down to finding the calming drops for Meesha so he can travel more comfortably without any anxiety.

I'm excited, YES .. but I can't wait until we land in Winnipeg, head to our hotel room and get a good swim and hot tub soak in to relax after weeks of going going and more going.

it's her style!

My sweet little fashion diva definitely has a style all her own. She will throw whatever accessory she feels an outfit needs, with it .. like these glasses, hat and vest. I just let her do whatever since by grade five, I'm pretty sure the teachers know it's not their mothers dressing them anymore. :P

*what Alissa wore today*