Thanksgiving?!

For all you Americans!
A Happy "Gobble, Gobble Day!"
Us "Canuks" had it about a month ago.....I know WEIRD!
Oh well, enjoy your turkey and football...sniff sniff!

A day at Boomers

Here are the pictures from my time in California. We spent the day at Boomers
( a mini golf arcade center) Afterwards we went to Applebee's for a late happy hour. Thanks you guys for making my time there very enjoyable!
P.S. Sorry about some of the sideways pictures I had a problem getting them straight. :-(

It's happened

This morning we wake up to the kids excitedly proclaiming " It snowed last night!!"

"No, not yet!"  But it's true.....It has snowed...in October! Arrrg. Well, guess we need to prepare for a long winter. Sure was hoping for a bit more of that nice crisp, cool fall, but no winter weather is here to stay. "Time to take out those long underwear," Mommy will say.  Those in warm places! I envy you!

Seminar & Winery

Soon coming

Lots of pictures coming your way, just need time! I'll give you a brief update of my travels. The teachers seminar was all that I expected it to be and more. I am so glad I got the chance to go. I've always had a love for teaching kids and this gave me a lot of ideas and ways to think out side the box in my teaching. I'm very excited about my children's future schooling. To be honest at first I felt very timid that first day, there were so many people and I just haven't been around big crowds in awhile that it was a bit overwhelming. But by the second day and after meeting up with old friends I felt more comfortable and at ease. I also got to meet and hang out with many new friends which was very enjoyable. On the last day they ended our stay by taking 3 buses full of us to a beautiful winery. We got to go on a little tour of the place and then had a bit of wine tasting not knowing that there was a spread like none other just waiting for us out back. So out we went to see a table full of breads, chips, salsa, olives,cheese, and ....yes WINE! It was fabulous, a real treat. We sat there wining and dinning and before we knew it, it was time to leave. Everyone was leaving that night or the next morning so I said my goodbyes and was off to visit friends in California. This is a whole other story to I'll leave it here and post just a few pictures, till I have time to do all of them.

I'm off

Down to a teachers seminar for a week and then spending a few extra days with friends. It'll be great to have this much needed time away. I'll miss my little guy too much though, he's staying back home with his grandma so he's in good hands. It's just hard to be apart from him right now. Please keep my trip in your prayers and that I stay healthy. I will try to keep you posted during my time away.

Sunny south, Here I come!

A new life

It's been a little more then a year since moving up here to Canada. It really is amazing to see how far I've come since my sickness. I wanted to post about it because it's been on my heart to share with everyone how much I love and appreciate those who have care for me and seen me through some of my toughest times. I never would have thought growing up as a young teen and adult that I would be hit with a life long sickness such as Crohn's. I mean, I always was the weaker one in my family and had a lot of problems with my health. But then in my later teen and early adult years I was healthy as can be. So when I found out about my disease it was very hard to take, and to be honest I didn't know how to handle it...no one did. I was certain that I could find natural remedies and be healed within a few months if not less. I went through so many hard times, not knowing how to face a problem like this one. I always considered myself a cheerful, positive person. But with this sickness it really sucked the life right out of me and I felt good for nothing. I became so weak and in such terrible pain I had to stay in bed for the better part of five years.  I felt like such a failure to my family for not handling things better and for being such a burden to them. I wanted to do something in the physical to prove my worth. But as I began to learn during those years to let go of my pride. Could I trust God even if He took away my health, my job, even my family? Would I still trust Him then, knowing that He knew what was best for me? At first I'd have to say no. I couldn't see the good in my situation and I didn't see how all the pain I was suffering and the pain I was causing my family could be for my good. It was a real intense, I fought day in and day out. I was so weak and felt like I couldn't fight any more, it was to much for me to handle. But then that's where my family and friends really pulled me through and helped me to see that even though I was weak in the flesh that didn't mean I had to give up mentally and emotionally. I could still be a help and blessing to those in my life and to others as well. How? Through prayer! That time alone in bed was the time I needed to focus on others. To put them first and uphold them through my prayers. I began to see the good in all of this, there was a purpose for me. I finally stopped fighting and asking Him for my healing. I prayed and prayed and  even if that meant not healing me, even if I had to stay this way the rest of my life. When I came to that breaking point that's when I started seeing good things happen in my life. I wasn't healed over night but I was healed inside. I was at peace with God and ready to what He had in store for me. I saw little glimpses of His love for me. One day after praying so desperately I felt a rush of energy spring up in me. I got out of bed feeling so alive. I walked right into the kitchen and asked for some chicken. I hadn't been able to keep food down for months, So I tried and gobbled down 5 chicken wings and that night I felt just fine. I walked around the yard a bit which was a real struggle as I had no fat or muscle on my body what-so-ever, but that evening I felt the cool breeze on me and it wasn't a struggle at all. I just took that time to praise God for how good He was to me and for letting me experience the beauty of life, even if it was for a short period of time. I was so touched by His love for me as He let me feel that strength once again, reminding me that it wasn't over, that He was going to be there for me. So even after that day, I was still deathly sick I knew God was caring for me and He would see me through it.
Then, slowing after moving up here I began to regain my strength back.  Through the months I was in the hospital I got better each day.
I'm truly thankful for all that I've been through but I know I wouldn't have made it without your help as well. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of you who know me and even those who don't but upheld me in their prayers during my darkest hours. You were my strength that kept me going when I had no strength left. Thank you dear Zech and Hannah, Kelsey and even Vicky and Dante who were there for me, help care, cook and care for Devin during those months. Hannah I won't ever forget your kindness that helped me not give up. Your so amazing. Kelsey you were there for me as a friend and a good cook. Thank you! To John and Sara's home for taking me and my mom in when we first got up here and gave us a place to stay.
To the wonderful people in Canada who took me and my family in with no questions asked and cared for me like I was your own. You showed such concern and love that touched my heart. I will always love you guys! Your the best.

And last but not least...I wanted to save you for last because with out you I wouldn't be here. To my dear, wonderful, supporting family. Dad, mom and kids, you guys are truly the Greats in my book. You were there for me through everything. You fought with me, cried with me and prayed with me. And now once again we are living together, you've taken me in during this painful time.
I am healed and whole once again. Let's make each moment in our lives count. Life is to short to be wasted. Love!

Purto Rico with mom in 2005 ...70 lbs
Toronto Canada, 2007 ...80 lbs
Present, 2008....130 lbs!

Today's Message of the Day is:

Life is short, Stand out, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly, Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, And never regret anything that made you smile.

Every sixty seconds you spend angry, upset or mad, is a full minute of happiness you'll never get back.

(You gotta love Jim!)
Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here we should dance.

There's no victory without a battle

The hurt and pain that I feel is nothing compared to the deep love You have for me.

I feel pain whenever I think about my loss. Nothing reminds me better to run to Your arms than this deep sinking feeling, like the world is going down the drain. The whole world is swaying. You're the only thing that's steady.
Thank You for changing my priorities. Thank You for reminding me that You're the only thing that matters. Thank You for taking away earthly loves so that I can love You more.

Nothing can replace You. Thank You for giving me this time with You and You alone, where You are the only constant, You are my fortress, my strong tower, my salvation.
Thank You, that You know best. Thank You for Your wisdom that is so much greater than mine.

Thank You for being in control of this situation.Thank You for doing what is best for me, even when it seems so contrary to what I might think is best.
You can do anything‚ Jesus, and You allowed this, so I praise and thank You for it.
All things work together for good to them that love God and to them who are called according to His purpose. Thank You for being powerful enough to turn even this painful situation for my good.

Baja Pictures

These pictures are so late in getting posted, but better later then never. Enjoy...I know I did! I miss all you guys xoxox

Niagara Falls

Here's a slide of our trip to the falls!

Devin is 8 today!

Today is officially Devin's 8th birthday! We only celebrated it earlier because his grandparents were up visiting from Michigan. Sorry those pictures of his birthday were all blurry, I didn't have a good camera and couldn't figure out the settings. But I do have some good shots of us when we took Mike's parents to the boarder and we all stopped at Niagara falls. It was a beautiful day! Then later on we took Devin out to play glow in the dark miniature golf. It was a pretty sweet set up, lots of fun! Today we'll take him out to a mall that has indoor car racing and a playground.

I'm so proud of my boy, he's really growing up so fast. He's been through a lot with me being sick for so long but has been brave through it all, such a sweetheart! I'm not sure what the future holds, but now that I'm better I can really pour into him like I want too. and just enjoy our times together more.
So Happy 8th Birthday Devin!

Devin's Birthday and trip to the zoo!

A visit to the Toronto Zoo

Yesterday my mother in law, my mom and me took the kids to the Toronto Zoo. My mom told me she took me there when we were just toddlers, so it was nice to be able to come back and take my son to it. It was a beautiful day when we arrived around 3:oo and spent 4 hours just walking around and enjoying all the animals. We got to see one of the younger tigers who was the active one, chasing a tire and prance around while the other ones looked on in amusement. The snow leopard also gave us a show while he paced back and forth and jumped up on some wooded ledges. He was so beautiful.Then there were some pretty crazy monkeys that were only around 3 inches long all jumping around like...well ..like monkeys, they were pretty funny to watch. The seals gave a good show swimming around in their pond. Then we went to the Australian Exhibit that had some amazing colorful coral and beautiful fish swimming around. They also had a case of jellyfish which were pretty cool to watch up close. I think that area was my favorite part. But they also had a great set up for the mountain goats. It looked like a part of Arizona with all the red rock formations and caves. The kids had a blast climbing all around that area. It's amazing to see how those goats can balance their big old bodies on tiny little ledges. It was pretty cool. I only had my small camera on me to the pictures so some didn't come out clear at all. I'm so disappointed. I should have known better, that whenever you go to a zoo or any fun outing with the kids to always remember to bring a good camera so you can capture the moment. But I am thankful I have something instead of nothing. So as soon as I edit them I'll post them up.

Time to think

Well Mike and the teens are gone for a few days for a camp so I'm alone for awhile, which I guess is good in a way. It gives me time to think about things. Sometimes when I'm in the middle of a difficult situation I get emotional and confused. Things haven't been easy lately and I'm not sure what my future looks like at this point. I glad for this alone time to get my thoughts together and figure where to go from here.
Mike's family came up here from Michigan to visit and attend the camp. His dad and older brother and sister went to the camp and his mom and younger sister are here with Devin and me. So we're planning on spending some quality time together, also since their up here we are thinking of having Devin's birthday this Friday so they can be here for that. He's birthday is not for another 2 weeks but it'd be fun to have it while his grandparents are in town.

I've been reading up on Meditation lately as I feel my mind is awhirl with so many thoughts and feelings that I can feel overwhelmed at times. I need that outlet and ways to relax and focus .
 Here is a quote I read

Meditation has physical benefits, especially for the nervous system. Stress and tension negatively impact our health in various ways—raising blood pressure or accelerating the aging process, for example. It stands to reason, then, that relieving stress would pay off in better health, and it does. Resting the mind has a profound effect on brain activity, which results in a slower heart rate, lower blood pressure, and a reduction in stress hormones—and the nervous system gets temporary relief. If meditation is practiced regularly, these beneficial changes become relatively permanent.

Andre's Birthday pictures

I'm home

I had a wonderful time at the seminar. I've very thankful to all those who made it possible for me to attend. I'll be working on posting lots of pictures that I've promised all of you for so long but have failed to do.....sorry for my neglect! Working on it!

Happy Birthday Andre

Yes, today is your day bro. I love you lots and wish you all the best this coming year. So please everyone if you'd like to wish him many good things ...comment here! The night before I left for the seminar we had a good time with our family for Andre's birthday, my sister Christina came down with Dan and Cassie. Had some beer and pizza and played some great games. I took some pictures that I don't have with me so I'll post them later. But for now I just want to say Happy happy 18th Birthday Andre, your the best! Have a wonderful, amazing year!

Going to a seminar

Things have been pretty busy lately, don't have much time to post these days, still lots to do but a bit more relaxing. Last week I found out I'm taking Mike's place at a seminar since he's paper work didn't come through fast enough. Poor guy, I do feel bad for him as he was really looking forward to going. I myself just got my paper work in order, a bit of running around but I'm glad it's done. I'll be leaving this Sunday for a week so probably won't write till I get home.
I'm looking forward to seeing all you lovely people down there! Love you xoxo

family get together

Well a few weeks back I went up to visit my dad because my older brother James and his wife were coming to visit. So we wanted to have a small family reunion. Sad to say not all of us were able to make it. (We missed you guys) But Devin did have a lot of fun swimming in dad's cold pool. Ha! Actually Mike was pretty brave a got in as well.
The Guys: Older brother James, Dan (sister's boyfriend), Dad, and Mike


Then we had a wonderful BBQ . Thanks dad and Jaana for making everything so good.
I know Devin sure enjoyed it!Here's baby cousin Clarie. She was so cute and Devin was so happy to meet her.
My sister Christina beautiful and funny as ever.

Enjoying the moment
Devin did his best to take care of Claire, although he was a little rough. Not use to smaller children, but he did well.
After dinner, we sat around the new fire pit my dad made. Pretty nice no?
A little more talking, drinking and roasting marshmallows
Jaana caught Devin and me getting tired and starting into the fire.
We had such a good time there guys. Thank you again for inviting us all up. Hope to do it again soon.
(Still working on Kids camp photos!)