Tuesday Afternoon Abandon

This afternoon my beloved and I took in a movie at Colossus in Langley. The Bank Job.

The movie has almost disappeared from the theatre, and the crowds too. Just minutes before it was about to begin, we were the only two in the theatre. At the last minute 5 others slipped in making it a grand total of 7. That works for us because we don't like crowded theatres anyway.

When the final credits started rolling there were only 4 of us left in the theatre. One man on crutches and the person accompanying him had difficulty navigating the stairs. They were very busy trying to exit the theatre. The music Give Me Money started playing and so did the dancing, as in my beloved and I! It was awesome. It was fun. We were laughing and having a wonderful time together. It is the best time we have had together since I can't remember when. Just breaking out and having fun together. I tell you I am lucky to have such a great man to go through the journey with. Thanks for the dance honey!

Take Care Of It!

ImageChef.com Flower Text

Gratitude

If you hadn't heard the news, yesterday was my birthday and I tell you I have been blessed with well wishes.

They came via Facebook-status updates and notes on my wall and messages.

They came through the mail, so many cards with so many wonderful words.

They came by telephone--Happy Birthday songs, the well known rendition, sung in duet and solo, no singing but by messages and of course live. My mom made up this beautiful song titled Happy Birthday Baby, because even at 61 I am still her Baby!, and stupid me, pre-new specs, I deleted it by accident before hearing it! But today sometime, my mom left it on our answering machine and of course I've saved it. It was wonderful Mom thanks for the encore presentation.

They came via e-mail.

They came in via my Blog.

They came by snail mail. Cards from all over the place. I want to share one that came in today. I was wondering why Cathy hadn't put the kids' names on their card, today I know why.

Signed by each child in their own unique way-what a treasure!

You know I really wasn't looking forward to celebrating yet another year. The days of party hats and balloons and cake and ice cream have gone the way of the dodo bird in my life, but I want to tell everyone that I feel well and truly loved. Tell you that I am ever so grateful for all of the love and warm wishes, but most of all for your friendship. You made it a glorious day. Thank you one and all. How did I get so lucky?

Birthday Girls

I have always lamented the fact that our daughter April wasn't born on my birthday. We missed it by by a mere 7 plus hours. Ordinarily in most families it wouldn't be such a big deal but you see April's sisters were both born on their Daddy's birthday and like in a game of Yatzee, if it had been so, we'd have had what you call a "full house".

Today, in a round about related sort of way, that has changed. April's sister-in-law, Jolene and b-i-l, Dave welcomed Ella into this great big world of wonders. So darling little Ella welcome to the family-you chose a mighty fine day to make your appearance. Can't wait to meet you face to face. In the meantime, you take good care of your momma and we'll see you soon.

Welcome Miss Ella!

Happy Birthday April!

Today is our daughter April's Birthday. It was a sunny spring Saturday afternoon 4:44 to be precise. We fell in love with her from the moment we laid eyes on her. She is our treasure and we love her so.

April, Daddy and I wish you a very happy birthday and blessings and best wishes for a joyous new year!

xxxxoooo

Hey Ho Away We Go!

My beloved and I had a most wonderful visit with our middle daughter April, and coffee making, cake eating, wise cracking husband, Nick today :). And of course the biggest joy was seeing our adorable little Copper Top, Abby. I didn't even take my camera out of my purse. In fact, I had all but forgotten I'd brought it along, that is until I put my glasses case back in the purse that hides a million things. Note to self: buy a smaller purse! One thing led to another and before you know it, the visit was over, kisses and hugs all around. Hearing our names spoken in the sweetest way "nanna" "pappa" is enough to make mush out of this old nanny. We left their home both happy and sad with promises of a Saturday afternoon lunch and walk in The Grove for later on in the month.

As we were driving eastbound I spied a firetruck up on the corner of the highway and the main road out of Ladner.

This is what we saw:

A case of: Hay No-Off We Go!

PS: Hay April, err I mean, Hey April, please send me copies of the pictures you took of us today!

We Haven't Won the Million Yet!

I woke up this morning with the Abba song, Money, Money, Money in my head. I guess it was because yesterday I dedicated this song to our daughter April on Facebook. Did you get that one April? It didn't show on my "home page".

I always thought as your children grew up and moved away from home, your duties and worries and responsibilities were at an end. Not so. As a mother nearing her over 60th birthday, I find instead that my daughters pop into my head at the most unexpected times. I'll wake bolt up say at 5:00 a.m. and I'll be thinking of April getting ready for her day--it's too dang early. Or 11:15 a.m., ah Cathy's picking up Carly, I hope the in-laws are watching the kids so they don't all need to go out in the rain! Or, 6:45 p.m., Amy is probably sitting at her station at E-Comm ready to begin her 12 hour shift. And so it goes.

But back to the Lottery. I thought perhaps hearing that song first this this morning was a sign, "buy a ticket! buy a ticket!" When I win, note I didn't say, if I win, April will be able to stay home with her precious little girl, Cathy can hire a limo driver and Amy you can pull part-time shifts instead, but only if you want!

If wishes were horses . . .

I am just going to keep on buying tickets, sucker that I am, and one day. . . In the meantime my beautiful girls, have I told you lately how very proud of each and every one of you I am? The way you handle all the curve balls tossed at you, you are all so amazing. I won the lottery the day you came into our lives.

Lights Out for Earth Hour-Pass It On!

TURN OFF YOUR LIGHTS FOR AN HOUR TONIGHT!

8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Why Lights? Because our use of fossil fuels is contributing to global climate change. In 2007, the people of Sydney, Australia, decided that they could send a powerful message for change by turning off all their lights at the same time. More than 2 million citizens and businesses did so. Now, the World Wildlife Fund is taking Sydney's history-making moment global by encouraging people, business, and communities all over the world to turn off their lights and demand action on climate change.

If you don't agree wish to participate, it's okay. I'm doing it for my grandchildren's grandchildren.

Candle Power!

Welcome Little Girl!

Just heard the fantastic news that Cynthia's baby girl arrived today, all tiny, soft and pink! Congratulations Cynthia and Mike and Big Brother Ben.

I was always rooting for the Think Pink Team. So happy for you all. xxxooo

Is It Really Spring Already?

As we had to make a little trip into White Rock today, we thought it would be nice to go down to the beach for a walk. The wind was just blowing in as cold as cold could be. In fact, it had been snowing just 10 minutes before we arrived at the beach! As you can see from these pictures, there were only a few people braving the elements. And even though there was plenty of parking, we hadn't brought any coinage along, so we walked from the top of the steep hill down to the water. Down was okay, but uphill was slow slogging!

The Wonder of Spring

We have lived in this house for almost three years now and you'd think from year to year I'd remember what happens outside in my garden, but I don't. To me, that too is the wonder of Spring.

I love looking out my kitchen window into our back yard especially at this time of year. Over the past few weeks first snowdrops, then crocuses, probably planted most likely by the first owner, a gardener of some repute I've been told, have popped up on our lawn. There is a name for throwing down bulbs --no not lazy!!--I believe it's called natural gardening--and planting them where they land. It is a nice concept but one I always fear. At this time of year you start hearing the lawnmower engines come roaring back to life in the neighbourhood and I worry that the cutting bug will be caught by my beloved too, and he would have no choice but to mow them down! So far so good.

But I digress. On Monday when I looked out of our window I saw little patches of purple all over the lawn and it was right then that I remembered-the Violets have returned! They are so tiny and delicate. I've never had them in any of our former houses, nor actually seen violets before except for the ones you can buy in the veggie market. I just love them. I grabbed my camera and took a picture of just one little cluster.

Aren't they something? I happily share mine with you just in case your lawnscape hasn't been naturally planted. Happy Spring everyone!

Happy Easter Everyone

Wishing everyone a joyous Easter!

My Grandson is now a Blogger!

I invite you to take a walk over to the newly created blog created by my grandson. The name?

http://murrayvilleson.blogspot.com/

Welcome Cameron. You are off to a great start with lots of links too. Nanny will need to learn a thing or three from you that's for sure! Can't wait to read all about his life as a big brother to five sisters! But first get rid of the flu that's hit all but three in your family. Love you Cameron.

The End of February-I Hear a Collective Sigh In My Family!

As Cathy, April and I at some point all reported, we aren't too keen on this month called February. To make matters even worse, 2008 brought us an extra day in the mix, Leap Year. The good news? Well tonight we bid February adieu! Tomorrow morning when we awake blustery March comes in and with it, good things will come, I'm positive. I mean, March is already a starting off great, especially for the Monday to Friday-ers, March 1st is a Saturday.

This Sunday at church the new church council will be installed, and that mean's that my beloved may or may not be voted in as council chair again. For his sake I hope he is, for me, well it will mean a little more "secretarial work", but that's okay.

On Thursday our church is hosting World Day of Prayer, and two wonderful, talented people from our former church, our retired Pastor Ken, and one of the very uber-talented pianists from the church will help us through that service.


And then next Sunday, our darling little Courtney will be Baptised with her Aunty Amy and Uncle Tyler standing up as her God Parents.

The beginning of the month also spells birthday wishes to a dear friend, Marilyn, then Eva and Ann, and one of our fabulous son-in-laws turns 30-yippee, and the month ends with my dear sister-in-law's birthday, all good things to celebrate. And smack dab near the middle, Holy Week ending (well really the beginning) with Easter Sunday and all the wonder it holds if you are like me, a christian. And our dear friend Cynthia will also celebrate a birthday near the end of the month. To me the big question is, will the little "kicking bump" be born on her birthday? She is carrying a little "trickster" who wants to surprise her mommy and daddy and big brother, Ben. We sit tight, waiting to hear the delightful answer.

We turn our clocks ahead one hour and enjoy longer, hopfully, sun filled days.

I've already seen the sun shimmer on a bluebird's glorious back.

Ornamental shurbs are starting to show their true colours.

Crocuses, daffodils and tulips.

The tender new buds and newly unfurled leaves on trees.

Pussy willows.

The warmth of the sun on your face.

Children playing outside, laughing and squeeling with delight, breathing in the promise of warm summer days to come.

I am already feeling the optimism of spring and all of the wonders it brings.

Goodbye gloomy February - Welcome March!

Wonderful Wednesday!

A patient little girl waiting for her daddy!

Our beautiful little girl safe and sound on Canadian terra firma

Tyler's parent's and my beloved overjoyed that the travellers are home!

Some of the gang

A family reunited

My heart is full tonight, our kids, Amy and Tyler arrived home after 45 long days (for us) in South America. Cathy and Cliff took 2 of their kids out of school, and brought the whole wonderful brood of grandchildren to the airport. My beloved and I, as well as Tyler's parents, and his darling daughter "K" came out to greet them. The only 3 missing were April and Nick and Abby. They had been sick, sick, sick (not Abby thankfully) for the past 3 days so they didn't come, but in their hearts I know, they were at the Airport with us! We watched them come through those international customs doors a sight for sore eyes I tell you.

I had my camera, but I think it was on a weird (as in unknown to me setting, so the pictures are weirdly bright-but they captured the joy).

Welcome home world travellers, after approx. 30 hours in-transit, your very own bed will feel mighty fine tonight. Sweet dreams!

The only shot of Cameron, showing off his gift from Aunty Amy. Note Additional artwork on leg!

Our little dumpling wearing her new souveneir shirt, she was very happy to receive "only a crumby T-Shirt!"

Suits you Uncle Tyler!


You too Aunty Amy!

xxxooo

Two beautiful sisters!

Sunny Sunday!

What a glorious day out. The sun is shining and I'm imagining April and Nick and Abby out for a walk, Tyler and Amy relaxing on a beach in Chile and the Cathy and Cliff's house in full throttle because:

TODAY IS CLAIRE'S BIRTHDAY!

Our beautiful Claire is 7 today and she's having an all-girl birthday party. I think I had my very first party when I was 6 possibly turning 7, and it was so noisy in the house that our goldfish died! Now that was a party.

You are a dear little girl, so tender, so loving, with the greatest laugh. You bring great joy to our hearts just thinking about you. You have learned so much this year at school. Just had a 100 day party at school and on Thursday you read your book to me before I could even read it to you. Wow, that was impressive. I love how much you love broccoli and Nanny's mac and cheese and the thoughtful, intentional way you go about accomplishing a request for help. I smile at how you get Caroline out of her crib and bring her downstairs.

Claire Bear, Nanny and Pappa hope that you have a wonderful day today filled with fun, happy laughter-filled things, and that if you had goldfish in a bowl, well, we won't go there. One thing is for sure though Claire, we love you very, very much! Happy Birthday sweetheart.

YYYYYYY

Claire tiny enough to fit in her Great Aunty Madeleine's Doll Buggy

This is one of my favourite pictures of Claire

Our 7 Year Old!

We can see the future!

Moody Monday

Here is one little child that lifts the spirits and makes your heart sing.

Courtney giving Nanny her first smiles ever!

I Don't Heart February!

February used to be a lovely month. A month for lovers-Valentine's Day -- how divine. But February has lost its' blush. When February rolls around I just want to say - February BE GONE! This year is no exception.

We aren't even immune on our walks. Today we walked and talked with our neighbour's children's Nanny. She just returned from the Philipines where her husband and children live. She is so homesick and lonely.

It started 5 years ago when on February 14th my dad was admitted to the hospital and 5 years ago today, he died. Slipped away in the early hours of the morning. Our family, though we go on, hasn't and won't ever be, the same again.

Over the past two weeks the sadness has been building. First by stumbling upon an obituary in the newspaper. Joan McMeiken, our daughters' Preschool Teacher. Such a loving and wonderful woman who gave Cathy especially such tender love and care. Then my mother's and Cathy's wonderful Doctor, lost his 60 year old mom. How sad. My friend Dawn lost her Daddy, Charles, then dear friends at our former Church--George lost his beloved Grace, John his Mother, and my dear friend Marion her newborn grandaughter, how crushing, my heart aches for them. All of this sadness and we await news of our dear friend Earl. We hold Silvana, Cliff, Cathy and their children in our prayers.

All my beloved and I can do is offer our love, our hugs, prayers and support to all who need comfort and care. February may be the shortest month of the year, but for those we love and care about, worse there is none.

Fun Friday-Updated!

Here is a picture of my beautiful mother sitting at her computer. I love receiving e-mails from my mom and I know her grandchildren do too. The "wallpaper" on her computer is a picture of my dad and mom standing in my Uncle Ernie and Aunty Myrtle's garden at their cabin at Lake Winnipeg. For some reason or other this picture keeps disappearing, right mom? At least for now we have it captured "forever". See you on Facebook Mom!
xxoo

Just returned from Cathy and Cliff's, it's in the genes I tell ya! Look at our Catie girl, just like her G.G.! Soon she will be helping Nanny with Facebook! xxoo

To Dickie with Love!