Look mom

This morning we woke up to this outside....
Can you say...
"I'm dreaming of a white Christmas?"






















Devin is just loving it that it's already snowing, so are all the kids and they can't wait to get outside and play in it. Everyone's a little shock that it's snowing this early but they say every year has been different so it's really hard to say! Mike gets to brave the cold as he goes out today . Hope he won't catch a cold.....poor hunny! But it sure is pretty to look at as long as your inside in the warmth of your house!

Pictures

Here's a few pictures I promised you. The first ones are from a night BBQ we had for Davida who left the area just as I got here, I didn't get to know her so well but she seemed like a sweetheart. She's the last one on the right with the beautiful smile!
The other ones of us ladies are from Gabe and Ali's going away party!



Laila, Abi, Alison and me

C-C-C Cold!!!

It's officially getting VERY COLD here. We woke up yesterday morning to find the balcony covered in a thin blanket of snow, just half an inch...but still..burrr! Then today we had flurry's all afternoon. It's wet and cold and I miss the cool autumn weather. I hope that we can survive the Canadian winter. Ahhh!

I've been keeping myself busy with teaching school to Devin and his new from Laura, their good students and I enjoy it. Also the wonderful Christmas season is upon us and we're getting ready with singing, caroling, baking and decorating etc. I'm thankful for the new place we're in and all the wonderful people we're getting to know.

So little time

There's been a lot going on here that I'd love to blog about but don't have the time to.
Here are some of the highlights:
*Mike and Devin arrived safe and sound
*Been busy unpacking and getting them settled in
*Had a good bye party for Gabe and Alison
*Went out for a Thai dinner with some old friends
*Had a big Sushi dinner with other friends in the area.
I know there were pictures taken so I will do my best to locate some to post for you all.

My health has been making steady progress. I've now gained 20 lbs. since I've moved up here and am hoping for another 20 by New years. It's so wonderful to be up and around, taking care of Devin and living life again. Being sick and in bed for so long sure makes you thankful for all the little things in life that you other wise maybe would not have notice. I still feel weak and go at a slower pace then most but I'm happy with what I can do.
Please do continue to pray for my strength and that I can stick to my diet and gain weight that I need. Love you xoxo

On their way

Today is the day! I'll be seeing my boys tonight...I can't wait!
Mike is not so keen on flying. Pray for him to feel at peace and not to worry and that Devin will be well behaved. Also for their protection and that our luggage won't get lost or damaged. That the boarder crossing will go smoothly and without any complications. Thank you !

Halloween at Woodbridge

The other day there was a Halloween party at a friends house, so I thought I'd tag along just for fun and help with the games. It was also a birthday for Sonya who will turn 17 in a few days. Thanks Woodbridge for hosting a fun party!

The whole gang



Chris, Danny and Jonny

Jonny

Laila, cute bunny

Angelic Alison and random me


Me in a mask
Sonya....Happy Birthday!

Sushi and Catan

I spent the day with Laila, Steve & Abi. And they had the great idea of getting some things to make sushi and making an evening of it, so we went out shopping bought some nice fresh salmon, came home and Steve made some incredible sushi rolls for us ladies as we sat around and played a game of Settlers of Catan. It was such an enjoyable evening with good friends and food. Steve and Abi introduced me to the game "Catan" when I got up here and I've played a few games and have gotten hooked, especially since the other night I won and beat Steve who is always the champ. I still need more practice and help remembering all the rules and work on my strategy but I think I'm getting the hang of it and it's a lot of fun. Today everyone might go out for a game of soccer since the weather is nice and sunny, while I just watch and enjoy the fresh air. Soccer is their passion here and they play almost every day. Laila was able to snap a few shots of them playing which I'll post here for you as well as cute little Jude and the beautiful park we go to that's just around the corner. It's really nice having a park that's walking distance from the house. I've been doing good and feeling healthy,just still working on gaining weight. I believe I've gained 4 more lbs in the last two weeks so that's good! Oh and Mike and Devin will be here in just one week....! That makes me happy! :-)

Apple picking

The kids went to a apple orchard the other day and had a great time picking apples, playing in a barn full of hay and going on a hay ride and walking through a corn maze. I was able to snatch some photos from one of the moms so my poor blog won't be so pictureless.

Here's one of the twins, Anika (7) in the pumpkin patch
The other one, Ryan (7)


Apple trees
Kyle(5)

Silly Steven

Ryan, Anika, Mikey, and Brandon on a hay ride.

Miss You mom

So my mom left the other day to go back home. She's been gone from her home for 6 weeks and I think my dad and brothers and sisters were going crazy with out her...ha! Well now she's home and I'm sure everyone is very happy. I just want to say mom that I'm so thankful for your help during those 6 weeks in getting me set up here and being the support and help I needed. You have been such an encouragement to me and I can't thank you enough for your love and care. Your wonderful and you will be missed dearly! I love you!

Canadian Thanksgiving

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Yes, Canada celebrates Thanksgiving a whole month earlier. It's weird having it before Halloween, but hey at least I get to have two this year as Mike and me will hopefully go down to see his parents in Michigan during Thanksgiving weekend, so that should be lots of fun!
As I'm feeling much better now,I offered to help bake some pies so this morning I got up, had breakfast then began baking with my mom. We crushed some graham crackers and made pie crusts for the key lime pies and later on today we'll do the pumpkin pies. I love baking for the holidays, it's so much fun. But since I don't have a lot of baking to do today I might do some arts and crafts with the kids and make indian and pilgrim hats.
The guys here will most likely go to the park later this afternoon and play a game of soccer which is the "in" thing to play here and not football....ahhhhh!
Then there will be food, food and more food! Peter is a wonderful cook and can cook up just about anything you like, it's wonderful we'll be having a feast! So I'm off to eat, drink and be merry!
Hope you have a wonderful, thankful day too! :-)

Oh so beautiful!

I love Autumn

Went in for a doctors check up the other day. The little clinic was packed with people of all nationalities. That's one thing about Toronto, there's a large variety of people from Indians to Chinese, to Italians.
Anyway, the doctor I was suppose to see wasn't there. We waited for about an hour to be seen and then when I was see the lady just asked me a few questions to see how I was doing and the progress I've made, it all took around 10 mi. and then that was it. They made an appointment for me to see my doctor next week so we'll see how that goes. He sure dose need to get a bigger clinic or more help that's for sure ha! But the good news is I'm making steady progress and have gained another 2 lbs. 

Besides that I've moved into this area, and will probably be here for awhile. Such a nice house and 
I'm so grateful, Mike and Devin should be joining me soon, hopefully by the end of October....can't wait! I hope they get here before it gets to cold and they can enjoy the beautiful Canadian autumn weather. The air here is so fresh and crisp. And when you drive and see the scenery around here with the trees and all their colors and fields of golden corn, it's really breath taking, I love this time of year! If I had a camera I would post lots of pictures for you.
Wish you were here.....xoxox

Weekend

Just got back from visiting my Dad and my older sister, Christina for the weekend with my mom. It was so good to see my sister again as it's been about 4 years since the last time I saw her. We just hung around and had a lazy Saturday together talking, eating, sitting by the pool just relaxing, it was really nice. My Dad and his wife Jaana were perfect hosts and cooked us some good food. Which by the way everyone... I've gained 4 lbs. this week!!! YEAY for me! I'm hoping to gain at least 5 lbs. a week so I'm making good progress! Well that' s it for now, I'll keep you posted....love you and miss you baby! xoxox

It's hard to be apart

I miss my little guy! I dream of the day we will be together again so I can hold you in my arms and tell you how much I love you! Your in my thoughts!

I've been making good progress up here. I'll be back to my normal spunky self in no time ha! While up here,my health card that has been expired for 10 years all of a sudden be reactivated so I was able to stay in the hospital for a week without having to pay. And then all the sweet nurses caring for me.  Then there was this really sweet, funny,old lady that was beside me while in the ER room, who Hannah (a friend of mine that was staying with me) got to talk for awhile, as we were stuck in there for 24 hours before they had room to move us into the hospital. She was so lonely and really appreciated having someone to talk to.
Also during this time I got to visit some old friends I haven't seen in years so that's been real nice. I've been able to get around a lot easier then before and it feels so good as I feel my body getting strengthened day by day. Well that's about it for now, I'll try to keep you posted of any more little miracles and progress that's being made.

Two Posts

Well first of all I'd like to say I'm finally leaving for Canada. It's been in the works for a while now but I was always still to weak to fly. But now I feel stronger. Soooo we have tickets booked for....tomorrow! Yes I'll be flying out with my mom early tomorrow morning, so please keep us in your prayers that all goes smoothly and I can make it the whole trip without any problems, for a safe flight and peace of mind. Thank you so much!
Secondly, Devin's birthday is coming up, my little man's turning 7; and since I won't be here we had an early birthday party for him. The kids got to dress up and Kelsey made this wonderful treasure chest cake for him, it was very well done...thanks Kelsey! I'm glad I got to enjoy that time with Devin before I leave, I'll miss him sooo much that I can't think about it or it makes me to sad. But I know he's in good hands and will be well cared for, it's just that I haven't been away from him for more then 2 weeks so this will be harder. But I know Ill get the grace for it. Anyway here are some pictures of Devin's party I got from Victoria (thanks for letting me use the camera!)

Horray!!!

My brother Andre and Tania are coming home today. I've missed them so.

Up coming Graphic designer?

I've noticed Devin developing his artistic side. He gets on Paint during part of his rest times and here's some of the pictures I found that he made and saved on My Documents. Pretty good for a six year old, no? Maybe it's something he will continue showing an interest in and become a graphic designer! Art does run in the family. He's growing up so fast and seems to learn and pick up things pretty quickly, he's so smart. But I guess every mom thinks that of their kids.

I'm guessing this first one is of our family, don't you just love our hair-do's?

My Angel

She really is....an angel! These past few weeks when I was so sick,she was there to help care for me and make me my meals. She's a wonderful cook and whenever I need something to eat she is always there ready with a smile to make it for me. I know it's a big job and she's already a busy person so I just want to say " Thanks Kelsey, for your love and care in helping me while I'm sick." Kelsey is one of those special people that make the world just a little bit better with her smile and cheerful disposition. I love sitting in the dinning room and hear her singing songs as she works in the kitchen or when she randomly gives hugs to those around her. She really knows how to make you smile and feel loved. I love living with her and count myself blest to call her my friend. Love you lots Kelsey poo! xoxo

To Mom

Happy Birthday Mom! You mean so much to me, not only are you a great and caring mother but you have been a dear friend to me through these past years. You've been there for me when I felt like giving up and have been a source of encouragement and strength during my weakest moments. Thank you for your love and care and not giving up on me. You are truly a mother to be proud of and I hope I can follow in your footsteps. I love you!

Another year older

Life sure seems to fly by. I know for most people 26 doesn’t seem old but for me it seems ancient, closer and closer to 30 it’s kinda scary. But I guess you can be young no matter what age you are. Besides I have so many cool/hip/crazy friends who are in their 30’s so maybe it’s not so bad after all, right? I just hope this year will bring good health and happiness, a time I can really get back on my feet and enjoy my family and life to the full. Not that I haven’t in the past it’s just been harder too.
I have been very thankful for everything I’ve had to/and am going through these past years, because I know theres a reason for it all even if I don’t see it right now. I just have to hang on and not give up.
I do want to take this time to thank all of you who have kept me in their prayers. You have been my help and support and I know I won’t be able to make it without you. Such true friends and I miss you all ever so much and pray you have a year full of love, happiness and joy! You’re in my thoughts always.


It's hard to get a 6 year old to smile with his two front teeth missing without looking cheesy, ha!