Where is your cell phone? - in my pocket
Your hair colour? - brown with the additions of blond and red
Your mother? - is Ninja Nanny and loves me
Your father? - likes things done right and loves me
Your favorite thing? - don't know
Your dream last night? - didn't dream
Your dream goal? - to cherish and be cherished
The room you're in? - rec roomY
Your hobby (hobbies)? - Reading, walking,
Your fear? -
Where do you want to be in 6 years? - happily married
Where were you last night? - at work and then home
What you're not? - thin
One of your wish-list items? - my own home
Where you grew up? - Belleville
The last thing you did? - ate chips
What are you wearing? - brown cords and a lime green sweater
Your TV? - not on
Your pet? - don't have one
Your computer? - keeps sticking
Your mood? - mellow
Missing someone? - lots of people
Your car? - my van is in the driveway
Something you're not wearing? - a hat
Favourite shop? - don't really have one
Your summer? - went too fast
Love someone? - lots of people
Your favourite colour? - lime green, brown, etc.
When is the last time you laughed? - today at work...I laughed so hard I started to cry
When is the last time you cried? - today
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
Just For Fun - Follow-up!
Side Note: I was just reading my "Just For Fun" post and realized I have given up one of my bad habits. I quit biting my nails. This is major for me, so I'm quite happy about it.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Jana's First Apartment!!
Jana and I went to Ottawa yesterday in hopes of finding an apartment for her and her roommate, Katie. Katie and her mom met us today and we started looking. There were so many things to consider, and yet not a lot of choices out there.
How long will it take to walk to the campus? How safe does it seem? Is it seedy? Will it clean up good? How close is their church, the laundry facilities and grocery stores? (This one will be interesting because the closest of each will be at least a 20 minute walk.) Can you imagine them carrying their laundry or groceries that far?
Anyhow, what they decided on does have a wonderful view. There is only a road between them and the canal. Also, the price was reasonable for Ottawa. It's a triplex, and they have rented a two bedroom apartment with free parking! Woohoo! Of course, neither of them have a car, BUT I do (for when I go to visit and be their maid and cook for a couple of days.) Okay, okay...I'll try not to overdo it.
I am happy for them, and it is a relief to know they won't have to live in a cardboard box. That's been the joke! My prayer is that God will bless them in their new "home" and protect them as they travel from point to point.
How long will it take to walk to the campus? How safe does it seem? Is it seedy? Will it clean up good? How close is their church, the laundry facilities and grocery stores? (This one will be interesting because the closest of each will be at least a 20 minute walk.) Can you imagine them carrying their laundry or groceries that far?
Anyhow, what they decided on does have a wonderful view. There is only a road between them and the canal. Also, the price was reasonable for Ottawa. It's a triplex, and they have rented a two bedroom apartment with free parking! Woohoo! Of course, neither of them have a car, BUT I do (for when I go to visit and be their maid and cook for a couple of days.) Okay, okay...I'll try not to overdo it.
I am happy for them, and it is a relief to know they won't have to live in a cardboard box. That's been the joke! My prayer is that God will bless them in their new "home" and protect them as they travel from point to point.
Monday, June 23, 2008
It's Time To Be Done!
Okay...it's time for me to be done doing! I am a doer and I like to try to fix things and situations. It's my nature, but it's got to go. I need to pull back and fully let go of my need to do. You may think I'm talking in riddles, but I'm telling you something big, yet giving very little information.
What I need everyone to do, is to keep reminding me to let go and let God! I am determined this time, but am asking for your gentle support in keeping me on track. I know it won't be easy, but it's time!
What I need everyone to do, is to keep reminding me to let go and let God! I am determined this time, but am asking for your gentle support in keeping me on track. I know it won't be easy, but it's time!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
WOW! Jana is 19 tomorrow!
Well, my oldest child is turning 19 on June 4th. It's so hard to believe. I remember when I was that age.
Nineteen years ago I became a Mother. What a feeling that was. Jana was a beautiful baby. I remember the nurse bringing her to me the first night to feed. When they came back to see if I was finished, so they could take her back to the nursery, I told them I wasn't. I was finished nursing, but I was not finished looking at her and holding her. The feelings and thoughts I had are still fresh in my mind. I just couldn't believe that beautiful baby girl actually came from me. It was an amazing feeling that I'll never forget!
When she was a toddler, she was a tiny little thing with a squeaky voice. She became quite the little boss around the house. She looked so sweet in her little pink dresses, etc. Funny, she doesn't like wearing pink at all now, and says I dressed her in it too much then. When she was almost two, her brother was born and she loved helping out with him. She took the responsibility as a big sister, very serious.
As a very young child, she had quite a busy social life. She constantly had her friends, Dobba and Bobba over. She called their parents, Razza and Dazza, quite frequently to see if they could come and play. They were of course, her imaginary friends, if you hadn't already guessed by their names. She forgot them at Nanny and Poppy's cottage one day and was very upset, until Nanny said she'd get them on the next train home. This satisfied Jana and she was happy once again.
She took piano lessons, was in gymnastics, took canskate, and played toddler ball. She tried hard at whatever she participated in. I remember when she was in Kindergarten and track and field was coming up. I believed that participation was what counted, not how you placed, so me being such an encouraging Mom, signed her up for all events, including the 400 m race. Obviously, I don't know much about distance. When we got to the event, I found out the 400 m race was all the way around the track. Did I ever feel awful. Well, that day I was so proud of Jana. I think she came close to last, but she made it all the way around and crossed the finish line into my arms with a beautiful smile. I was so proud of her, and knew I probably couldn't have done it myself at that time.
Through the years, Jana did well in school, always giving her best. She played basketball on an intramural team a couple of years, and even tried hockey a few times. After graduating from grade 8, and receiving the "Servant's Heart Award", she had the opportunity to travel with one of her friend's family to California and back that summer. She was gone for 7 weeks, and I missed her so much, but was thrilled at the opportunity she was given.
In highschool she maintained marks at the Honors level. She made the Field Hockey team for two years, as well as played on the badminton team. I loved attending games and tournaments.
Now, she has finished her first year at the University of Ottawa, where she is majoring in Criminology. It is a blessing to have her home for the summer, before she heads back to Ottawa to attend her second year. She loves God and is seeking His will for her life.
Happy Birthday Beautiful!
Love Mom
Saturday, May 17, 2008
BRANDON IS 17!!!
It's unbelievable how quickly they grow up! Brandon, my youngest , and now a young man, is 17 today, May 19th.
I can still remember the day he was born. I had to have an emergency C-section and he had a very tramatic birth. The cord was wrapped around his body, cutting off his circulation. He was black and blue when he was born, but no permanent damage was done. Thank you God!
As a baby he was a screamer. There were times I couldn't get him settled and couldn't figure out what the problem was. As moms, I'm sure you know how frustrating this can be. All it would take sometimes, was to be held by someone else who had the patience to deal with him.
As a toddler he was very mischievous. He did not like to stay in bed when put there. We would hear him out of bed before we'd even reach the end of the hall. One night we thought the problem was conquered. HA! No way! About ten minutes later we heard him giggling. When we went to see what he was up to, he was in Jana's room and she was covered from head to toe with clothing piled on top of her. He had emptied all her dresser drawers and had started on his! When we asked him what he was doing, he said that he wanted to keep Jana warm so he covered her up. At that point you couldn't even see her face. She slept through it all and knew nothing until she woke up in the morning and saw clothes all over the floor. Brandon was also the first grandchild to pull the curtain rod off the window at my parents. The crib was just in reach of the curtains. Funny how the next time he was there, the crib was in a different spot, and remained there for the rest of the grandchildren.
As a child he was very lovable and very talkative. One time when going to the Silver Stick hockey tournament in Pembroke, he started talking when we left Napanee and never stopped until we arrived in Pembroke. He talked to us, his hands, the windows, whatever was in sight. Wow! He was also very talented in sports. He played goalie on the Napanee Stars team, and one year he won a trophy for being the shutout champion at a tournament in Kanata, as well as his team won the Red Lobster Cup (which is just like the Stanley Cup to kids). He also won the Golden glove award on his softball team. He played the piano some and had a wonderful singing voice. He sang solos, duets and in groups for school concerts. I know I'm bragging, but who doesn't think their child is wonderful?!? He was also a bright student, and yes, quite often managed to talk a little too much in class.
As a teenager, he faces many challenges. Some that go along with everyday life and some that don't. He still excels in sports, and does very well academically. Although, he has moved on from his singing, he has learned to play the bass and guitar and enjoys playing in bands at the church. He has a very artistic and creative mind. He loves computers and has built a few, as well as fixing ones of friends and family members. He is amazing and I am very proud of him. I pray that the challenges he's facing today, will only help to mold him into the man God desires him to be.
Happy Birthday Brandon! You are a wonderful blessing and I love you!
I can still remember the day he was born. I had to have an emergency C-section and he had a very tramatic birth. The cord was wrapped around his body, cutting off his circulation. He was black and blue when he was born, but no permanent damage was done. Thank you God!
As a baby he was a screamer. There were times I couldn't get him settled and couldn't figure out what the problem was. As moms, I'm sure you know how frustrating this can be. All it would take sometimes, was to be held by someone else who had the patience to deal with him.
As a toddler he was very mischievous. He did not like to stay in bed when put there. We would hear him out of bed before we'd even reach the end of the hall. One night we thought the problem was conquered. HA! No way! About ten minutes later we heard him giggling. When we went to see what he was up to, he was in Jana's room and she was covered from head to toe with clothing piled on top of her. He had emptied all her dresser drawers and had started on his! When we asked him what he was doing, he said that he wanted to keep Jana warm so he covered her up. At that point you couldn't even see her face. She slept through it all and knew nothing until she woke up in the morning and saw clothes all over the floor. Brandon was also the first grandchild to pull the curtain rod off the window at my parents. The crib was just in reach of the curtains. Funny how the next time he was there, the crib was in a different spot, and remained there for the rest of the grandchildren.
As a child he was very lovable and very talkative. One time when going to the Silver Stick hockey tournament in Pembroke, he started talking when we left Napanee and never stopped until we arrived in Pembroke. He talked to us, his hands, the windows, whatever was in sight. Wow! He was also very talented in sports. He played goalie on the Napanee Stars team, and one year he won a trophy for being the shutout champion at a tournament in Kanata, as well as his team won the Red Lobster Cup (which is just like the Stanley Cup to kids). He also won the Golden glove award on his softball team. He played the piano some and had a wonderful singing voice. He sang solos, duets and in groups for school concerts. I know I'm bragging, but who doesn't think their child is wonderful?!? He was also a bright student, and yes, quite often managed to talk a little too much in class.
As a teenager, he faces many challenges. Some that go along with everyday life and some that don't. He still excels in sports, and does very well academically. Although, he has moved on from his singing, he has learned to play the bass and guitar and enjoys playing in bands at the church. He has a very artistic and creative mind. He loves computers and has built a few, as well as fixing ones of friends and family members. He is amazing and I am very proud of him. I pray that the challenges he's facing today, will only help to mold him into the man God desires him to be.
Happy Birthday Brandon! You are a wonderful blessing and I love you!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
JANA IS HOME!!!
Well, I'm very happy to have Jana home from her 1st year at Ottawa University. My sister and I went to pick her up last weekend. We had the van packed full of things that she actually fit in her little room.
I can't believe the year went so fast. Jana has gained more independence, and (don't tell her but...) she's still my little girl. I know, I know..."Let her grow up!" She actually did that and is an amazing young woman, who loves God.
I am so proud of her. I wish I had some of her insight and wisdom, as well as her strength.
She is now in pursuit of a summer job. She is taking Criminology and would like to find something relating to her field of study, but is willing to work wherever. If any of you know of any openings, please let us know.
I can't believe the year went so fast. Jana has gained more independence, and (don't tell her but...) she's still my little girl. I know, I know..."Let her grow up!" She actually did that and is an amazing young woman, who loves God.
I am so proud of her. I wish I had some of her insight and wisdom, as well as her strength.
She is now in pursuit of a summer job. She is taking Criminology and would like to find something relating to her field of study, but is willing to work wherever. If any of you know of any openings, please let us know.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
JUST FOR FUN
What I was doing ten years ago:
I was a mother of two, ages 6 & 8 and helped our at their school. My husband was a truck driver and usually gone from Sunday to Friday. It's too long ago to remember much more. Sorry, age showing!
Five snacks I enjoy:
chips and dip
chocolate chip icecream
chips and dip
doritos - nacho flavor
pizza
Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
Take my family on a vacation
Pay off mine and my families' bills
Buy a house
Pay off church debt
Set up a retirement fund
Give, give, give!
Five jobs I have had:
Church Secretary/Treasurer
School Secretary
Suzie's Place - Home for handicapped children
Managed and ran a camp book and CD store
Teller at a Credit Union
and many more jobs!
Three of my habits:
Coke is my favorite bad drink
Singing in the van
Asking questions
Bad Habits:
biting my nails
very messy with paper work
stock buying of groceries
Four Places I have lived:
Belleville
Peteborough
Napanee
Belleville
Five things not many people know about me:
It would take a long time for me to get tired of pizza and coke
I like to act silly
I love to lay in the sun and read
I never liked having to send Jana and Brandon to school...snow days and holidays were the best
I would love to travel
Now it's your turn....
I was a mother of two, ages 6 & 8 and helped our at their school. My husband was a truck driver and usually gone from Sunday to Friday. It's too long ago to remember much more. Sorry, age showing!
Five snacks I enjoy:
chips and dip
chocolate chip icecream
chips and dip
doritos - nacho flavor
pizza
Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
Take my family on a vacation
Pay off mine and my families' bills
Buy a house
Pay off church debt
Set up a retirement fund
Give, give, give!
Five jobs I have had:
Church Secretary/Treasurer
School Secretary
Suzie's Place - Home for handicapped children
Managed and ran a camp book and CD store
Teller at a Credit Union
and many more jobs!
Three of my habits:
Coke is my favorite bad drink
Singing in the van
Asking questions
Bad Habits:
biting my nails
very messy with paper work
stock buying of groceries
Four Places I have lived:
Belleville
Peteborough
Napanee
Belleville
Five things not many people know about me:
It would take a long time for me to get tired of pizza and coke
I like to act silly
I love to lay in the sun and read
I never liked having to send Jana and Brandon to school...snow days and holidays were the best
I would love to travel
Now it's your turn....
Thursday, March 27, 2008
ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING
The following was posted in a newsletter at work this week, and I thought it was terrific, so I decided to pass it on.
There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head. "Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today!" So she did and she had a wonderful day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head. "Hmm," she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today." So she did and she had a grand day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. "Well," she said, "Today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail." So she did and she had a fun, fun day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head, "Yeah!" she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today!"
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass......It's about learning to dance in the rain!"
There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head. "Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today!" So she did and she had a wonderful day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head. "Hmm," she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today." So she did and she had a grand day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. "Well," she said, "Today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail." So she did and she had a fun, fun day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head, "Yeah!" she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today!"
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass......It's about learning to dance in the rain!"
IT'S GOOD TO LAUGH AT YOURSELF!
Okay! Here's the story. I started my new job last week, and on Tuesday something happened, and I couldn't help laughing at myself. I shared it with some other girls in the office today and they kept passing it on and laughing some more. I didn't mind. It was just one of my shining moments, and here's what happened...
...I took my van to Canadian Tire to have it fixed. I figured it needed a new battery and that's what it was. I left my work number and extension, so they could let me know the problem, how much it cost, and when it was ready. In the morning at work, the main receptionist stepped out of the office for a while, so I sat at her desk (which is just around a corner from mine, but in the same office). I was answering the phone lines and doing some other work. Then...the phone call came. The man on the other end said, "Hi, can you put me through to extension 3042 please." I replied, "Sure, just one moment please." I transfered the call, and you'll never guess what happened! The phone at my desk started ringing! I then realized what I had done. I didn't know my own extension number and had to go around the corner and answer (the same man of course), "Cathy speaking"...Do you think that maybe he didn't recognize my voice? He never let on whether he did or didn't. It was Canadian Tire calling to say my van was ready. Oh well, if he did recognize that I was the same person, I'm sure he had a good laugh too!
I'll be laughing about this for a good, long time. I hope this story at least made you smile!
...I took my van to Canadian Tire to have it fixed. I figured it needed a new battery and that's what it was. I left my work number and extension, so they could let me know the problem, how much it cost, and when it was ready. In the morning at work, the main receptionist stepped out of the office for a while, so I sat at her desk (which is just around a corner from mine, but in the same office). I was answering the phone lines and doing some other work. Then...the phone call came. The man on the other end said, "Hi, can you put me through to extension 3042 please." I replied, "Sure, just one moment please." I transfered the call, and you'll never guess what happened! The phone at my desk started ringing! I then realized what I had done. I didn't know my own extension number and had to go around the corner and answer (the same man of course), "Cathy speaking"...Do you think that maybe he didn't recognize my voice? He never let on whether he did or didn't. It was Canadian Tire calling to say my van was ready. Oh well, if he did recognize that I was the same person, I'm sure he had a good laugh too!
I'll be laughing about this for a good, long time. I hope this story at least made you smile!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
"A Woman And Her God" by Beth Moore
I am reading this book and came across a passage that seemed like a great prayer for me to start every day with...and thought I'd share in case it speaks to anyone else.
"Lord, You know me. You know my natural personality is given to fear. You know all my insecurities. You know that I have need to be loved and to feel significant and to feel affirmed. And Father, I'm not going to ask my family to do that for me today. They may or may not, and if they do, that's wonderful. But Father, You are my sole satisfaction, and I ask You to satisfy me this morning with your unfailing love."
It was a great reminder to me of what I need to strive for each day!
"Lord, You know me. You know my natural personality is given to fear. You know all my insecurities. You know that I have need to be loved and to feel significant and to feel affirmed. And Father, I'm not going to ask my family to do that for me today. They may or may not, and if they do, that's wonderful. But Father, You are my sole satisfaction, and I ask You to satisfy me this morning with your unfailing love."
It was a great reminder to me of what I need to strive for each day!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
My Friend, My Blessing!
When I think about enjoyable summers, it was when the kids and I spent most of our time at Lakeshore Camp. The best part was the friendships we made. God brought an amazing friend into my life. Esther is from Toronto, and without being at camp we probably would never have met. My life would have missed out on a great blessing. Our children connected before we did, and now our families are wonderful friends. Though they say opposites attract, we are so much alike (except that she breeds dogs, and I don't particularly even care for them).
I just talked to Esther today, and I was reminded that I'm not a total oddball. I asked her what her dreams and goals are for life. She said just to have a happy family. Not ambitious, people may say, but I answered, "Your dream is exactly like mine." I have been wrestling with myself about what I want out of life. Work is something I have to do. Having a healthy, happy family is my "dream". As life unfolds, I need to hold on to my dream and trust that God will honour my faithfulness.
Below are a couple pictures of my wonderful friend!
I just talked to Esther today, and I was reminded that I'm not a total oddball. I asked her what her dreams and goals are for life. She said just to have a happy family. Not ambitious, people may say, but I answered, "Your dream is exactly like mine." I have been wrestling with myself about what I want out of life. Work is something I have to do. Having a healthy, happy family is my "dream". As life unfolds, I need to hold on to my dream and trust that God will honour my faithfulness.
Below are a couple pictures of my wonderful friend!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Weak, Yet Strong
Over the past several months, life has thrown me more curves in a
short time than I had thought possible.
One thing that never waivered is my faith in God. He has been a constant at my side, and ahead of me for each step I've had to take. Starting a blog is definately another big stretch for me, but I'm hoping it will help me to continue to grow. Reading the blogs of my friends has made me cry (usually because they are so uplifting), and encouraged me in different ways. Keep writing ladies! I am in persuit of my dreams (even though I'm still figuring them out).
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