Happiness Is . . .2

Happiness is, having my beautiful grandaughter fall asleep on me.

Happiness is, rubbing my two year old grandaughter's little bare feet.

Happiness is, hearing from our Ladner Momma that her beauty slept the night through.

Happiness is, picking up grandaughter number 1 at Kindergarten all smiley and pink and warm.

Happiness is, knowing Pappa and grandaughter number 2 are going skating.

Happiness is, reading James and the Giant Peach to our grandson after a week's absence.

Happiness is, looking at daughter number 1's baby album with her over tea.

Happiness is, answering the telephone to find it is travelling daughter on the other end and hearing about her awesome adventures in Thailand. They are having a wonderful vacation.

Happiness is, a roasted chicken dinner with enough leftovers for a casserole today.

Happiness is, watching the piles of snow melt in our back yard.

Happiness is, speaking to my mother on the telephone and her relating a 3 word conversation my niece had with her son as she was putting him to bed, telling him how cozy he was in his PJs. The three words tree, box, paper. My great-nephew was telling her that he got his PJs for Christmas! (I believe this is how it went. This story was told to me by my mother, who was told of the conversation by my sister-in-law, about her darling grandson, my Great-nephew who turned 2 in October). He is so clever and so cute!

Happiness is, 32 more days! That's all I'll say about that!

I hope whoever reads this will have a page full of happiness to write or think about!

Lost in Never, Neverland

I didn't realize how addictive having a computer was until my monitor went black! I missed my e-mails and blog updates, my iceburg radio and sitting in my office.

I'm back now though. The monitor was still under warranty and the kind people who fixed it took my husband's concerns for me seriously. He told them we have a daughter treking around Thailand and this is our only means of getting in touch with them. Would you believe by the time we got home that afternoon from dropping it off, they phoned and said we could pick it up tomorrow morning. Now that's service! And sure enough, e-mails from Amy and Tyler were there waiting for us. Those and about a 1,000 spam e-mails!

In the meantime our newest little one was Baptised and we celebrated in style at April and Nick's, Cathy and family are reroofed, (And Cathy I did read the small print-tsk, tsk!) and all is well with the world!

I share some pictures from Abby's Baptism and a picture with a story behind the story that makes me laugh!

In July, Dick and I will celebrate our 40th Wedding Anniversary and it was my bright idea to have a huge family portrait taken. Can't you picture it all now. Dick and I, our three beautiful daughters and their partners, and 7 kids, all dressed in the same coloured t-shirts (ya right Allyson!) Sitting as still as turtles on a sunny rock. Only one problem -- that would be the herding of the cats, I mean, the Grandkids. It probably ain't gonna happen. When we tried to have our picture taken last Sunday with the 6-pack, we had 1 crying baby,wanting her momma, the guest of honour for the day sitting on my lap and in various forms an extra child or two while the others were running away! It's gonna be tough on our photographer but somehow, which I call BRIBERY, we will do it. Did I tell you I'm an optimist?

Amy and Tyler if your are reading this, know we love you and miss you and look forward to more missives on your travels in Thailand. (And if you enlarge the group shot you will see a sign.) Happy Travelling.

No Blackmail Pictures from Me!

The trouble with glasses, being busy and just plain out of it, is this:

On New Year's Day I brought my camera over to Cathy and Cliff's and took these delightful pictures of the family. Cathy and Cliff thought we might use them as blackmail for something or other and I assured them that I wouldn't.

Then just before Amy and Tyler left for Thailand, I took these fantastic shots of them. Moved them so the light wouldn't appear behind them. Placed them just so in our front hallway. The pictures would be excellent I assured them.

Then, the other morning as Dick was shovelling snow, he decided to take a nice shot of the house all draped in sparkling snow. How gorgeous would that shot be!

Only trouble was, all this time, there wasn't any film in the CAMERA! I'm losing it I tell ya!

One thing I know for certain, those pictures would have been ever so nice, so I'll keep them in my mind's eye.

Cheese!

You Be The Judge

I'm crushed to find that Caroline doesn't look as much like me as I had remembered from my baby picture. You be the judge! I couldn't find the finished picture, but I can tell you that the photographer at least made our eyes the same colour - brown! But reality, I have to leave the brown beautys to my Grandchildren, Nanny has blue eyes.

Find the Ruler!

If only I had a digital camera I would try to show you where the foot long ruler is hidden on our back deck! Using one of our daughter's vintage yellow school rulers, I thought I'd just see for myself how much snow has fallen. Much to my surprise it kept going down, down, down, until the top edge was hidden about an inch or so under the level snowcover. Yosers, Yosers, Yosers!

The snow continues to fall and if this keeps up we will be hip deep soon. Let's hope the weatherman really knows what he's talking about when we tune in at 6:00 p.m.! Is it just me, or do you think they are way too overpaid for what they do? If you and I did so badly at our jobs, there's be a note put on our files!

Some Things I am Thankful For

As I look out the window as I am creating today's blog, I realized I have so much to be thankful for. Here are just some of the things I came up with on this snowy winter day.

My darling husband, who at this very moment is outside of my "office" window knocking all of the snow off our hedge so that it won't break under the weight.

My cleared driveway courtesy again, of my beloved. (Even though it looks like he'll have to do it again soon!)

That my clever, handsome, No. 1 Son Cliff, made yesterday his last day at UBC and avoided the snowy drive there and back. Who knows how much that would have added to his already very long commute. But not anymore, right Cliffie? xo

That my adventurous Daughter Amy and her handsome, loveable T left for Thailand yesterday in the wind! We haven't heard from them yet, but according to my Time Calculator on my desktop it is only 5:55 a.m. Thursday morning! I hope they are sleeping. They are going to have a wonderful adventure in Thailand and I'm darn certain, it's not snowing there today.

I am grateful for my lovely daughters, Cathy and April and their husbands who love them so. Especially when they say such wonderful things about them in my presence. Those beautiful guys know a way to a M-I-L's heart!

My 6-pack of Grandchildren and T's beautiful daughter, "K" which for us really makes up the Magnificent 7. Especially when she told us on Boxing Day that she wants to call us Nanny and Pappa too. Wow that was very special for us because she is such a joy and a delight.

All of the delightful e-mails I receive from friends and family. And may I say how delightful it is to receive so many e-mails from my daughter's friends, Laura and Cari, Wendy and May to name but a few! I love that.

I have a friend Yvonne of whom I'm very fond! (these were words that I made up for a class project when we were in Grade 7 or 8, I only wish I could remember what followed. ) But the first part is STILL TRUE. My dear, dear Friend Yvonne has completed her last Chemo! YAY. Hang in their my dear friend!

An e-mail from my cousin in Winnipeg, we never, ever would have "written" each other a letter.

Dick and I are grateful to everyone who took time out to e-mail, Blog comments, send cards, leave messages on our telephone conveying their sorrow on Dick's Dad's passing. It was 1 month ago on Monday. We miss you Dad.

I love how the Fab-5, run down the stairs when I arrive and storm me with hugs, calls and kisses. On Monday Carly was the only one at the window awaiting my arrival and that of her mom's so that she could start her first day at her new Preschool! She came home so happy and delighted with her morning. That makes me so happy.

Of picking up Claire from Kindergarten that same morning. How she weaved in and out of other parents, calling out my name "Nanny, Nanny, Nanny" arms outstretched while running to me. Her toasty, warm little hands - priceless.

Sitting together with Catie and Caroline on their little green couch. All smiley and guishy!

Of my 7:00 p.m. nightly telephone conversation with my Grandson discussing the day's events and reading a chapter or two of Charlie and Chocolate Factory to him. I haven't read that since our girls were young and it is wonderful to get reaquainted with books like that and read to someone special. I don't know which of us is enjoying that more, Cameron or I.

For both of our Mothers. How courageous and brave they both are.

Only 42 more days! That's all I'll say about that.

Today I have so much to be grateful for but I can't end this blog without mentioning:

That I will be so happy when my Nephew Kirby arrives home. His Grandmother passed away in Newfoundland so he has been with his Family remembering, reflecting and saying Goodbye. Travel Safe Kirby.

I will be so happy for my Niece Andrea when her Kirby comes home. Snow, Childcare, changing her office hours which means her little man, my Great-Nephew is in his safe, and wonderful Childcare extra hours this week. Pulling all that extra duty-we are thinking of you.

My Brother Rich was supposed to leave for Hinton, Alberta. I wonder if the "blizzard" allowed this, if it did, then my sis, Lilli is all alone during this snowy time! Take care both of you!

My dear friends Silvana and Earl as Earl takes his recovery days, one at a time. Hang in their dear friends -- we keep you in our prayers.

My cousin Alan in Winnipeg, struggling and fighting, supported by his wife Dawn, and sons and sister-in-laws and nephews and nieces! We send out our love and we keep you in our prayers.

As the snow continues to fall, I count my blessings for all of the people in and out of our daily lives. You are all like snowflakes, unique, individual and beautiful. Drive safely. Happy Snow Days everyone! And Amy and Tyler if you are reading this, Travelling Mercies-talk to you soon!

Happy New Year!

Happy 2007 to each and everyone. May it be healthy, happy and joyous!

I know for Pappa and I and hopefully Cameron too, we have had a blast this weekend, eating bridge mixture, juices mixed with 7up, oatmeal for breakfast with brown sugar and cinnamon, Swiss Chalet for lunch with GG and Auntie Maddie, Church this morning with Pastor Ken preaching at Trinity. Going down the big hill on 104th that can be very scary, and seeing the huge Canadian flag hanging down because there wasn't enough wind (a novel idea especially lately). Tonight's dinner consisted of homemade Pizza with Pepperoni, just the way Cameron likes it.

Cameron and Pappa had several games of chess, Pappa said he is so much better at than the last time. Countless games of Kerplunk (Thanks Aunty Amy for the vintage game!, even G.G. had a go with Cameron and lost!) We read several chapters of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory--we cut it off tonight just as we were about to meet the Ooompa Loompas. All in all -- a pretty darn fine weekend to celebrate the new year. We rang in the new year with New York via CNN blowing horns and throwing streamers and the party animal is now asleep! God Bless Him.

I include three pictures here, and as I never know what kind of order they will come out in here's a brief description. One is of our very first New Year together when Cameron was only 4+ months old, we brought in a brand new Century together. The other two are from last year 2006 wearing paper hats, and tonight's photos ( you can tell which one this is as we look a little older (that would be Pappa and Nanny!)

May you all have happy memories of New Years past and present, God Bless Us Everyone!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

New Year's Is Almost Here!

How do I know? Well, our Grandson is here a day early. He got his haircut today and skipped the skating in lieu of a trip to the Mall with Pappa and then a few chicken mcnugs at you know where! Pappa 2 days in a row, what happened to you?

Here are a few crazy shots of our beloved Grandson with new haircut! He looks so much older with this cut.

We just finished a Christmas like dinner of roasted chicken, broccoli, mashed potatoes, gravy and cranberry sauce and buns. While I'm blogging Pappa and his Number 1 Grandson are washing and drying the dishes-I like having 2 men in the house! As soon as they are finished, Kerplunk and hillarity will ensue.

Well, they are done now, so I'm blogging off.
. . . Now where did I hide the Bridge Mixture!

Light Four Candles to Watch for Messiah

Light Four Candles to Watch for Messiah, Let the Light Banish Darkness

Today the fourth candle will be lighted today at our church and in our home in anticipation of the Nativity of Our Lord.

My work at Trinity Lutheran is done, the bulletins are ready for the morning service and the 2 candlelight services to be held tonight and Christmas Day worship. Our Pastor, Terry, was so excellent, he produced hard copies of all of the Christmas and post-Christmas bulletins, which made it so much easier for me to get out of the office early yesterday.

At home, the majority of our preparations are done, we are ready to receive our family on Christmas day. If it weren't for our family coming over, our house would look like it were any other day of the year, but as we have our Grandchildren and children coming, we couldn't disappoint.

Pappa put up lights and snowflakes in my office, also known as the children's dining room. The jewels for the jewel pie are ready, the nanaimo bars are made. I usually do more. Not this year. All of the presents are finally wrapped. We went out for a nice dinner at the White Spot. We reminisced and reviewed our year, just Dick and I. It was nice. When we came home I wrapped the last 2 presents and sat down in the living room with Dick. You know, we don't use this room nearly enough. Note to self, be sure to take time out and sit in there more often. Dick had some Kalua (spelling), I my scotch and 7.

I still haven't found the hidden pickle in our Christmas tree. Dick has hidden it extra well this year, but I'll bet Claire with her eagle eyes will find it right off, perhaps--I had one scotch too many!

We call Claire, Claire-voyant. Weeks ago Claire told her mommy that Nanny has bought her the doll she wanted for Christmas. How did she know that? Could it have been when Pappa measured her in the doorway, on a wall in a closet under the stairs and the dolly was sitting right there, in a bag, with the top showing? Probably. But she will be happy to get it no matter what. Isn't it amazing though at the age of 5 she didn't say, Nanny why is that dolly in the closet? It must be the magic of Christmas.

To each and everyone reading my blog, I thank you for checking in. May your Christmas festivities bring you some magic too.

I wish each and everyone of you a Very Merry Christmas, and a Joyous, Healthy New Year!

With love, Allyson xxxooo

Christmas Memories

This is a picture of my sister Madeleine and I taken at a McGavins Bakery Christmas Party. When I look at my sister (on the left) I can see how much her son Bryan looks like her, super amazing. I saw him the other day at my dear father-in-law's memorial and when I looked at him it was like looking at my dear Dad. But I digress, what else is new?

I must have been 2 nearly 3 or possibly, 3 nearly 4, when this was taken and if I was 2, Maddie would have been 5 or, 6 if I was 3. My hard working mom made the lovely outfits for us. I don't know what colour they were, I should ask her that shouldn't I? But I know the leggings and coats were made out of one of her old winter coats. I wonder whose old coat the muffs, collars and buttons covers and hats were from?

Ah the good old days of yore!

The Third Sunday in Advent

Light Three Candles to Watch for Messiah, Let the Light Banish Darkness

It is so hard to believe that tomorrow the third Advent Candle will be lit.

This month of watching and waiting has also turned into a To Do List 100 items long. So much to do, so little time seems to be the cry of most of the people you talk to. As organized as we were with the bulk of the shopping list ticked off, it feels like I'm running on a gerbil wheel.

However fast your gerbil wheel is spinning, I hope you have time to reflect, dream, love and be loved.

Thinking of You

THINKING OF YOU

E and S,
Our family sends its love. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
xxxooo

The Second Sunday of Advent

Light Two Candles to Watch for Messiah, let the light banish darkness.

It is so hard to believe that we are now officially half way to our Christmas celebrations. And in so little time how life has changed for our family.

Last Sunday we celebrated my dear father-in-law's 90th birthday, you may have read about it in one of my darling daughter's blog. We were all so very happy to all be together, with the exception of our youngest, Amy and Tyler. So many lovely pictures were taken, there were laughs, there was tenderness, there was happiness tinged with sadness as our beloved Opa was frail, but he was smiling and enjoying himself so. Very sadly by Tuesday morning Opa was taken to the hospital after he had a fall during the night and sadder still, in the early hours of Friday morning he slipped the surley bonds of earth.

These last few days have been a rush of emotions, memories and planning for his Memorial on Wednesday. If you are reading this, we ask that you remember Opa's entire family in your prayers.

We loved you deeply Opa and we miss you so very much. May God comfort all who mourn.

This Is Not A Christmas Wish List!

With visions of Sugar Plums dancing in most children's heads, my darling, my one and only Grandson wrote out his New Year's Wish List! How I love that boy!

Last year we had the pleasure of his company and we played games, made pizzas, he had a haircut earlier in the day, we laughed, we pretended to direct an orchestra, the whole 9-yards of fun. And here's the thing, he remembered more than I did about the day, so I asked him to write me out a list to remind me of what it was we did. Hence the wonderful Wish List.

Interpretation:

Kerplunk, Aunty Amy's old game

Pizza (homemade) Pepperoni-for him

Origami

Chess (with Pappa)

Ice skating (optional)!!!!!

Hair Cut

Colouring

Crafts

Chocolate covered Peanuts (and other stuff) = Bridge Mixture

I don't know about the rest of you, but I can hardly wait for New Year's Eve day.

Advent Is Almost Here!

Is it only me or is it had to believe that the First Sunday of Advent is this Sunday?

My well worn but ever present bits of wood holding the candles for our Advent celebration are waiting on our buffet, waiting to have the first candle lit on Sunday. We will go to church on Sunday morning and sing the first verse of Light One Candle To Watch for Messiah while they light the first candle. Christmas is just around the corner.

Watching and waiting during this lovely time of year anticipating all that Christmas means to our family and yours too. The celebrations, the traditions, the music and remembrances are just up the road a little bit. As you prepare for the Christmas season, try to stop and enjoy, remember and reflect on the true meaning of what Christmas really means.

The Snowflakes Worked or, Who Do You Blame for the Snow? I Know Who I Do!

Last Saturday afternoon Pappa and Nanny were so lucky to have two little sleepover girls named Claire and Carly. The snow had just begun to fall after they arrived for our weekend adventure. When Claire looked out the window she got so excited and exclaimed "The snowflakes worked!" When I enquired further about this comment she explained to us that they had placed snowflakes on Nona's window. I'm guessing that they discussed the possibility that maybe by hanging these on the window it could encourage the real thing. I'd say that their supposing was correct and now I know who to blame for all of the difficulties travelling to and from work and going to the grocery store. But then, when I really stop to think about it, I must really thank them too for the beautiful picture postcards of snow on trees, and lawns and roofs and also for the Christmas card look of the land. But please Nona Carly, Catie, Claire and Cameron, take them down as soon as possible because Winter isn't officially here yet!

Thinking of my Dad Today

My dad has been on my mind since my alarm went off this morning. Had he lived, he would have been 91 today.

At dinner last night with my mom she said, dad wouldn't have wanted to live that long. He didn't want to become a burden to anyone. Before he died he was a robust, strong man. He gave the best hugs. He always said he loved me.

I remember his last birthday, his 87th. It just so happened that I was caring for Cathy and her kids, perhaps it was her gall bladder, whatever the reason, I am so glad I was there. I brought the Happy Birthday sign and balloons and hung them up and set up the dining room table where the three of us ate breakfast together. It was so nice, he in his PJ's and his thining hair a little mussed up. Mom and I sang Happy Birthday to him. We ate our Porridge and toast, we drank coffee and he ate his morning banana which he cut up with a paring knife. We reflected on all the good things about life. And because I was staying over, my mom decided the entire family should go out to dinner to celebrate-her treat! As it turned out, this was the last time all of the immediate family were together. Following the dinner only my beloved and I returned to their home. We talked late into the night, shared a few laughs, stories and sighs. It was a wonderful day.

Dad was wise. He was honest. Fiercely independent and private. He knew when to keep his counsel and when to share. He had such a nice way about him, and was so well thought of by young and old alike. He was in love with my Mother until the day he died. He loved and was especially proud of we 3 children, all 7 of his grandchildren, and was blessed to live long enough to see 3 great grandchildren whom he greatly loved and enjoyed. Dad was a real "gentle - man". I was blessed to have him for my dad and I will miss him forever.

Photos Hidden Away in my Camera

Finally, we got 2 rolls of film developed. It's scary how the time flies. Some predate Cameron's 6th Birthday! That's the trouble with old technology. You have to wait until the roll is finished to share the shots. Here are a few of our new favourites of our 6-pack!

One our Baby girl sent us from a recent Halloween Party. TDM and Amy alway find some "famous" couple to go as. Can you guess who? Her initials begin with B.S. and his K.F. I can't tell if she's chewing a wad of gum though!

The other pictures are ours, Mae Mae with the big, big eyes! A recent visit with Abby. And Some summer fun!

This is the stuff that that gets you through the wet November days! Stay dry everyone.

A Day with Our Newest Grandaughter!

We had such a wonderful day yesterday.

About 10:00 a.m. yesterday morning we finally got to have a loooonnnnggg visit with the newest member of the "Aporta" family. When we first arrived, April and Abby were on the couch looking the picture of elegance and beauty. There is nothing more beautiful than a baby nursing at a mother's breast.

Pappa, the baby-hog got to hold and caress Abby first and I was really wonderfully proud of how restrained I was not to rip her out of his arms, but I finally got my turn! We sent him to the swimming pool so that I could get down to some serious adoration.

Sitting there all snuggly, with this tiny, perfect being sleeping on my shoulder, put me in Nanny heaven. This child of my child, so helpless and precious. The squeeks, the sighs (hers and mine), the sneezes, all take on such significance.

I did manage to do an odd job or two around the house, I mean it's only fair, I couldn't very well sit there all day long with her, but I would have if I could! I made a huge pot of chicken soup for future days or nights when cooking isn't an option, and I cooked them a chicken dinner, with all the fixings. I think they'll let us come back. My son-in-law Nick said the nicest thing, which I will paraphrase, "that it was a nice way to start the weekend." Thank you Nick, I was very much touched by your sentiment. I know it was a wonderful start to ours too.

After final hugs, pictures and sighs we took our leave. It is a day filled with memories I shall cherish forever.

Life is good. We love you baby Abby.

Nanny and Pappa xxxooo

Time Change Blues

Hi Mommas,

I was listening to a pediatrition this morning on CBC radio. She made the following recommendation about feeding your little ones so that by Monday hopefully their schedules will be in sinc with the "real world".

Beginning tonight, feed your children 20 minutes later than you usually would. And put them to bed 20 minutes later.

Do the same tomorrow night (Saturday).

On Sunday, put them to bed at their usually scheduled time, forget the 20 minutes.

She reminds listeners, no carriage rides, no car rides, during this time, as you well know, they will be sleeping on you!

She says babies especially should be ready by Monday morning to have their schedules revised to the new time change.

GOOD LUCK ONE AND ALL! I hope it works.