Quick Three Before the New Year

I got this idea from my sister-in-law, Sheri. She posts seven events or happenings currently in her life. I wanted to send out a 'quick three'. So here goes my '3' I am thankful for in my life...

1. Little voices that love to sing Christmas songs even if Christmas is already over and they don't know all the words. It just makes it all that more precious to hold onto every moment you spend with them.

2. A little package tucked into an envelope found in the mailbox that says 'I'm thinking of you' from your mom.

3. Puppies that love you unconditionally and are always happy to see you no matter what.

here we go a carolling.....

In 'Smalliver' the fire department decorates the old fire truck with lights and a huge sound system and drives around town the week before Christmas with lots of dancing and singing 'elves' to spread a little Christmas spirit throughout the community. Tonight was my first time being a part of the 'Carol Truck'. I loved it!! So much fun to walk about the streets with the old time carols playing, handing out candy canes, giving shouts of well wishes and sipping on hot cocoa to keep warm. I think this is a new tradition that I need to add to my Christmas must do lists. Have I mentioned lately that I am very happy to have moved to 'Smalliver'. It feels more and more like home every day.

Dreaming of Hawaii

While we were down in Vegas, I came across this CD from my favourite Hawaiian recording artist. I popped it into the CD player tonight and starting thinking of our trip to Hawaii we have started to plan for Sept '07. My sister had sent me this website of some cute little cottages that remind me so much of the islands and the feeling of home, we like the Tradewinds beach house in Waimanalo. Scott and I plan to visit my birthplace in the fall, hopefully with family to share our time of relaxation and fun. We love that the beach houses are so close to the water and they provide you with water gear and info on the stores and their favourite eats etc. We hope to finalize plans soon as they are pretty popluar places to rent. But for now I must get back to the winter cold and wrapping of presents. That just leaves me dreaming of Hawaii and the warm island weather. Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas)

Where's your Spirit...

I'm a little late in the shopping this year. I usually have cards all mailed by the first of December and all shopping done by the end of the first week. But I'm okay with that. I have been enjoying Christmas and the spirit of family and friends so much more this year than any other I can remember. I think it's because it is the first year that I am not working in a crazy retail environment where the real meaning of Christmas so often gets lost. It's about sharing an extra moment with that friend who just needs to talk or taking that drive around the neighbourhood to look at the beautiful lights in your pjs when you have so many presents that still need wrapping. Reading that classic Christmas tale while sipping hot cocoa with extra marshmellows eventhough you already brushed your teeth. It's living in the moment and soaking it all in because you don't when you will have another like it. Happy Holidays

Too Much Weather is Not a Good Thing

Well, we are back in Canada from our adventures in Vegas. I will update you on how the trip was but we need to get home first. It seems that Mother Nature has decided to extend our 'vacations' just a little while longer. This is what the highways back to home greeted us with on Thursday late afternoon. So we did not venture past Hope as we did a couple of 360's and decided to find a motel until the storm had passed. Since the winds started up the next morning with damage and gusts up to 90 km/hr, we headed to my parents' house in the Fraser Valley and will try again in the morning. I'll be praying for a safe passage home as it was a frightful night the last time we set out.

it's official, probation is over

The last three months has been full of new experiences and information. And at long last I have survived my probationary period for my new job and they still want me. I am so greatful that my sister-in-law, Sheri, recommended this new career path. I am enjoying ever day of it and look forward to what new people I will meet each day I work. I am excited about this new chapter in my life and where it will take me. This is the season to count our blessings.... I am thankful that I have been blessed with a great job in a supportive company in which I work with wonderful people. What blessing are you thankful for today?

Vegas Virgins

Very excited that we will be leaving in 4 days for Las Vegas for a get-away with my sister, Joy and her husband Scott. None of us have ever visited 'Sin City' but we are all in need of a little vacation from the everyday. We will be staying here and seeing this show. I am counting down the days...

'Tis the Season

When I got home from work yesterday, Scott has the tree assembled and the lights all strung. It was decorating time! So we pulled out the ornaments and spread a little Christmas cheer around the house. Here's a picture of the result of some time well spent together in our first Christmas in our new home in Oliver.

Cards A Plenty

So here it is Dec. 4 and we have just begun making our cards. Scott has the Charlie Brown Christmas CD playing for inspiration as we make this year's cards to send to our friends & family. Tonight is cutting & folding, tomorrow we stamp and personalize. Then in the mail by the week's end if all goes as planned. A new tradition we started to send a little extra to the ones we love.