Tawse-Smith Family

Summer is almost over.

2011-08-22T20:56:00.000-03:00

Well, summer is almost over and it has been a very busy summer.

Derek and I went to Vancouver Island the first week of June for his parents birthdays. Yes, both parents have their birthday on June 6th. It was a great vacation with lots of sunshine.

Our garden was very successful this year. Lots of fresh veggies, and still lots of potatoes, and tomatoes left in the garden.

Kelsey continues to work at McDonalds, however, her part time hours have kind of been upgraded to mostly full time for the summer. No complaints from her as she likes the money and it helps pay the gas for her car. She and her friends have also been enjoying their summer. I think they made a "Summer Must Do" list. Last week; horseback riding, this week; ziplines.

Cait has been hanging out with friends, and has started babysitting. That will give her a few entry $$$ also.

Josh and Joeye have been enrolled in Summer Daycamp. They usually attend 2 days per week, and they seem to really enjoy their time there with their friends.

Emilee has been here visiting with Mike and us for the past two weeks. She leaves for home on Wednesday.

We, the family, had our annual camping trip to Dunromin campground. A great time was had by all.
There was, Monica, JJ, Kelsey, Caitlynn, Joeye, Josh, Mike, Emilee, Derek and I, Andrea and Tyler, Amy and Mitch, Henry, April, Meaghan, Michaela, Maddison and Willie. This is our 8th year of camping at Dunromin, and I think it was the best year yet.

Derek and I have book an anniversary holiday in Punta Cana for October. We will be spending a week at an all inclusive that was recommended by Brenda. Looking forward to it.

On a more sad note, Monica and Mikes' grandfather, Ralph Marsh, passed away last week. Their Grandmother, Shirley Marsh had passed away less than a year now, and their Greatgrandmother, Jean Sobey, had passed only three months before the grandmother. The past year has been a sad one for the Marsh family. The memorial service for both grandparents were held in Ontario this past weekend, and since Monica and Mike were not able to attend at that time, they will be going to Ontario this week to spend time with their father and the rest of the Marsh family. This means that I get to stay with the grandkids. So, I am really looking forward to that.

Andrea graduated from NSCC, Community College, and has been able to find a job immediately. She works for CAT Equipment, in the sales and marketing department. We were very happy that Dereks mom was able to come and visit with us for the week and was able to be at the graduation.

Grandkids are just about ready for school and they are looking forward to going back. Hard to believe that this is Kelsey's last year of highschool. She only needs two credits to graduate, however, Monica, being the smart mommy that she is, has made Kels take all eight credits this year. Monica says that school is free and that she is going to make sure that the children take advantage of that. You can never get too much education. Caitlynn is starting High School this year. Where or where have the years gone. You know you are getting old when the grandkids start to graduate.

Sorry it took so long to update, but I just seem to be so busy lately. I guess the saying "Time Flies when your having Fun" is true.

Derek and I have been keeping busy with our weekenly drives to the country for picnics and hikes, our trips to the beach, and just getting along with family. The next big family event will be the corn boil at Paul's, Labour Day weekend. We are all looking forward to getting together with everyone once again. Too bad some family members live so far away.

Lots and lots of new pics

2011-04-23T22:13:00.000-03:00

Hello everyone
We hope that you all have a wonderful Easter holiday.
Here are a few pics to show you how we get ready for the Easter Bunny.
Decorating cookies with Kelsey, Caitlynn, Joeye and Andrea.

Monica getting the color mix ready so that the kiddies can decorate eggs.

Monica making sure the colors are all ready.

Candice enjoying one of the cookes that she decorated.

Caitlynn showing off her decorating techniques.

Now its Joeye's turn to show off her decorating skills.

Josh painting one of his eggs. Green is his favorite color

Caitlynn decorating her egg.

Candice is also decorating eggs.

Josh putting the finishing touches on his first egg.

He is so proud of himself for doing this all by himself.

Kelsey is also getting in on the fun.

Another group picture.

This is one of Joeyes creations. Good good Jojo...

Josh is now adding camouflage to his egg. Did I mention Green is his favorite color....LOL...

And here is Josh's finished egg.

An assortment of colorful eggs.

Some of the decorated cookies.

More YUMMY Cookies.

And nothing tops off a beautiful sunny Saturday like a ride in the Wheelbarrow.

Josh enjoying the day working around the yard with Papa/

This was taken on Thursday morning. Mommy went to school with Jojo for the morning.

On Thursday morning, Nanny took Josh to school.

A picture of Josh enjoying one of the cookies he decorated.

Those cookies sure were yummy. White and Green icing. Can you tell that Green is his favorite color...LOL...He sure loves green.

Hope you enjoy all the pics. I will post more tomorrow evening, after we have our family dinner. Wish you were all here with us to celebrate.

We miss you DADDY (JJ) , wish you were here....Hurry Home!... We will save you a cookie!!!

How is this for keeping up with the blog.!!!!! I'm trying, really, I am!!!

2011-04-20T21:41:00.000-03:00

Here are a few more pics for everyone to enjoy.
Monica went to parent-teacher interviews for the three girls and their teachers are very impressed with all of them and they are all doing excellent in school. Their report cards were the best ever. We are so proud of them.
Here is a picture of Cait before leaving for her orthodontist appointment.

Kelsey and Caitlynn having quiet time before supper.

Another picture of Cait after school.

Joeye telling nanny all about her day at school.

Josh checking the calendar and counting the days until Daddy returns... Josh is also wearing the bunny ears that he made at Preschool today.

Josh showing nanny some of his new breakdance moves.

Here is a picture of Mike's new toy. A 2011 Ford something or other ...truck.

Josh cleaning his truck and waiting for JJ to return so they can go cruising through the trails...

Hope you all enjoy the new pics. I wanted to post a pic of Monica but she wouldn't let me take one of her. Maybe I can convince her tomorrow to let me take one.

More pics for Daddy (JJ) and anyone else who is keeping up with the news.

2011-04-18T19:53:00.000-03:00

Hello again
All is going well so far. Had Candice drop in for a visit during her quick turn around time in Halifax. She will be returning this weekend and this time will be staying a few days to visit. We are very excited to have her visit and are making plans to keep her very busy. I will let her have one evening to herself to visit with friends that live in the area.
We are also hoping to make a quick overnight trip at the end of the month, to see Uncle Paul and Auntie Cheryl.
Joeye and Josh got to go to Build A Bear, but, Joeye is still looking forward to her shopping trip with Daddy and says she already knows what she is going to buy. We all miss daddy and are waiting anxiously for his return.
Here are a few more pics that Josh and Jojo wanted me to post for daddy.
Hope everyone enjoys them cause we had fun taking them.

Here is a picture of Joeye with her new Build a Bear - Bunny, She named her Flower.

Joeye making a funny face for daddy.

Joeye waiting only one more minute before it is her time for the computer. She and Josh each take turns.

Josh enjoying a snack before having his second turn on the computer.

Josh is now playing games on pbskids.org

Josh's turn to make funny faces for daddy.

I absolutely love spending time with them. Now if I could only convince Caitlynn and Kelsey to let me take pics of them. I will try and get some of them tomorrow.

2011-04-15T21:28:00.001-03:00

I Promise to update more often, now that I know you look at them.

2011-04-15T20:23:00.005-03:00

Apparently, I SUCK at posting regularly on my blog, as I had promised I would.

I wasn't sure if the blog was being seen, well, I found out this morning that it is. So I promise that I will blog more often until JJ returns home.

Mom is still here visiting and plans on staying until the end of May.

Derek and I will be going to BC early in June to help his parents celebrate their birthdays. Both his mom and dad's birthday is June 6th. His father will be 80 this year, I won't mention his mom's age, and they are hoping that the family will be together to celebrate. Derek's brother Mark ( lives in Toronto) will also be in BC for the celebration.

Candice is here this weekend working on promoting WagJag. I picked her up at the airport this afternoon and we spent a few hours with her before taking her to her motel room.

I will be spending the day tomorrow driving her and her team around and then Derek, Mom and I will meet up at "The Old Triangle Pub" in Halifax tomorrow afternoon before I drive Candice back to the airport for her return to Toronto.

And now, I have a few pictures to post. There is a couple of Joeye and Josh and one of Candice. I will try and get pics of Kels and Cait and Monica tomorrow.

Joeye had PJ day at school today so this is a picture of her in her pj's after school.

This is Josh giving nanny MacAulay a wink.

Here are two picture of Josh and Joeye making funny faces for daddy.

This pic is Josh wanting daddy to know that he is still playing computer games.

And Joeye wanting daddy to see that she still has a beautiful smile just for him.

And finally, a picture of Candice having late afternoon lunch.

Hoping you enjoy this short blog...Until Tomorrow...

More pictures and updates...Especially for JJ (aka Daddy)

2011-03-30T21:07:00.005-03:00

Hello everyone, I will start by showing you a picture that Josh made. He said this was a picture of his Nanny (me). Not bad for a three year old artist. And this is a picture of his Papa (Derek).

You know spring has arrived when it is warm enough for Kelsey to take the top off her Tracker.

Here is a picture of Josh showing off his new Mario T-Shirt. He wanted to show Daddy his new shirt.

Josh enjoying his watermellon.

This picture of Josh really shows how tall he is getting. He may look like his Mama but he is tall and slim like his Daddy.

Joeye wanted to show Daddy that she is learning how to frost cupcakes and will have some ready for him when he gets home....Chocolate or Vanilla, what do you want Daddy????

Joeye also loves watermellon. One of her favourite after school snacks. We wish Daddy was here to share with her and Josh.

Joeye and Josh in the back seat of the Tracker. Kels is going to take Josh, Joeye and Cait out for ice cream. Yummy!!!

Another pic of Josh and Jojo in the Tracker with the top off.

Here is a picture of Cait showing off her new "Hello Kitty" backpack.

Caitlynn is all smiles after talking to JJ on the phone.

JJ called and spoke to the kids today. They were so excited, and happy to talk to their daddy. Joeye is looking forward to her shopping trip with Daddy when he returns.

I don't think Josh quite gets the part about daddy being so far away because after talking to him today he kept going to the door and looking outside and looking out the window. When I asked what he was doing he said he was "Waiting for Daddy". He said, "I talk to my Daddy and he is coming home now". We explained that Daddy was coming home soon but that it wasn't today. He was sad, but I told him that we could make a calendar tomorrow so that he can cross off the days until daddy does come home. I can get stickers for him to add to the calendar each day or something. That may make it a little easier for him to understand.

I will let him take a picture of his calendar so we can post it on here for Daddy to see.

Mom (Nanny MacAulay) arrives here tomorrow. I will pick her up from Melanies when she arrives. It will be nice to have her visit with us for a while.

Candice will be coming to Halifax for work and a visit next week. We pick her up at the airport on Sunday. We are all very excited to have her and we will have lots of fun things planned for her to keep her busy.

The weather here has been beautiful this week. Josh and I had a picnic lunch outside today.

Hope everyone has a great week.

We miss you JJ (Daddy). Hurry home....

2011-03-24T14:48:00.003-03:00

Here are a few pictures as promised. JJ is now at sea and we all miss him lots.
JJ, we hope that you are doing well and not getting too sea sick.

Joeye and Josh waiting for the school bus on Monday morning.

Joeye and Josh waiting for the bus on Thursday morning.

Joshua getting ready to head out to preschool.

Joeye wanted to show Daddy a picture of the new "Build A Bear Catalogue" she just received" in case Daddy wants to go shopping when he returns home. Joeye says she can take him because she knows just where there is a Build A Bear Store. What do you think Daddy???? Is it a date???

And here is a picture that Cait posed for just for JJ. She misses him lots too.

I will get pics of Kelsey and Monica this evening and will post them in the next day or two.

Not much happening around here. The snow is gone and the tulips are now popping out of the ground.

Derek has been working backshift for the past two weeks but tonight is his last shift, so we are happy about that. I like the dayshift much better.

Monica and I are going to a Silent Auction this eveining, in support of Veith House. We are hoping to get some great deals.

We are all trying to keep as busy as possible so that the time that JJ is away will go by faster. We all miss him and hope that he is doing ok.

Until next time, Have a safe and happy weekend.

I will be posting lots for the next 6 weeks.

2011-03-20T21:37:00.002-03:00

Hello everyone,
I has been a while since I updated my blog, however, I will be updating frequently and adding lots of pics of the kids and grandkids over the next 6 weeks.
JJ heads out to sea tomorrow morning and this blog is one of the ways that he will be able to get messages from home.
So, if the messages seems a little strange for you, remember that they may make a whole lot of sense for JJ.
Also feel free to leave messages for him on either this blog or on Monica's blog. I am sure that he will appreciate them.
Hope you all had a great week.....

What does Nanny and Josh do during the day? Take a Look!

2010-11-19T10:58:00.004-03:00

Here are a few pics of what has been keeping Josh and I busy lately.
We found a snowman craft that is so easy and fun for kids to make. Of course I had to make a few for myself also.
This snowman is for an Auction for Cait's hockey team. Their colors are orange, black and white. I am going to add a hockey stick to the snowman to make it fun.

This is a quilt in the making. Josh picked out the fabric. Also an item for the auction.

A gift basket of homemade pickles. Josh helped put the basket together. He loves to help. I think we will make a homemand jam & jelly basket as well. This is another auction item.

A set of cushions for the auction. Nanny makes the cushions and Josh stuffs them for her. He is a great helper.

Here is a pic of Josh and his snowman along with the auction snowman. He is now making a snowgirl for Joeye. Her hat and scarf will be pinks and purples. Real girly girl colors.

A closer look at Josh and his snowman.

Another pic of Josh and his snowman.

Hope you enjoy these.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Hugs from Nanny (Anne) and Josh.

Adding new pics to share with everyone

2010-07-04T11:09:00.003-03:00

Here are a few new pics. Hope everyone enjoys them.

Thank you Berta for the lovely pics of the boys. They are such handsome guys.

Looking forward to seeing everyone in September.

This is Joshua. He loves fishing with his daddy, Uncle Mike and Papa.

Josh and Will

Josh and daddy fishing again

Josh

Josh and Joeye having a picnic at nan's

Joeye enjoying her party

Joeye

Joeye and Maddie

Ballerina Joeye in center. This was taken at her recital.

New pics attached

2010-04-18T21:56:00.002-03:00

Here are a few pics that I took over the past month or so....

We were having nice warm weather until yesterday. It has been raining and snowing and we are expecting more rain for Monday and Tuesday.

It was looking like spring had arrived until Henry and April got here from NewBrunswick. I told them they better take the snow back to NewBrusnsick when they leaves tomorrow.

Milestone Birthdays for the grand daughters

2010-03-20T17:14:00.006-03:00

There has been two important birthdays for me this month.
Caitlynn turned 13 on March 4th and Kelsey turns 16 today, March 20th.

Here is a pic of Cait and Emilee. Cait was about 5 years old in this pic.

And a pic of Cait with Monica.

Cait was 9 years old when this was taken.

And Cait all dressed up for Halloween. She was 10 years old in this pic.

This is a recent pic of Cait and Kels. This was taken in November 2009.

I don't have baby pics of Cait on my computer, but, I did have a few of Kels.
This picture of Kelsey was taken when she was just over a year old.

Here Kels was 2 years old.

And here she is 8 years old.

And here are a few recent pics that were taken of Kelsey.

They have both grown into beautiful, intelligent young women.

We are very proud of them.

Kelsey's soccer team won Bronze Medal in Regionals Competition.

Caitlynn's hockey team (Sackville Flyers) are competing in Provincials this weekend.

There are approximately 18 boys hockey teams in Sackville and I believe one of the teams made Provincials.

There are 3 girls hockey teams in Sackville and all THREE TEAMS made Provincials....

GO GIRL POWER!!!!

Good Luck Cait.

Happy Birthday to everyone else having a birthday this month.

A little bit of chitter chatter

2010-01-31T22:46:00.002-03:00

I know I haven't posted in over a month and there is no excuse, so I will try and do better and post more often....

Derek and I are loving our new home. There is so much more space and I love it. Only problem is that I can't decide what type of window dressing I want.
Our bedroom has 4 windows, a window in the walk in closet and another in the master bedroom. They all have mini blinds. These are custom made, very nice, blinds, but still, I can't decide if I should just leave the windows as they are or put up curtains too. I find that just having the blinds kind of make the windows seem incomplete, however, we have gorgeous, wide, cape cod style trim on the windows, and I don't know if I want to cover that up. So what do you think? Any input would be appreciated.

I have the same question about the other rooms in our home also. Lots of windows and they all have the custom made mini blinds and the nice wide trim, but I still find that the room looks incomplete without something else on the windows. The only window that has curtains is the living room, and it covers up the trim, and I don't seem to mind it.

On another note, mom bought Derek a wheelbarrow for his birthday in September and he says that it is the best gift he ever got. He uses it all the time.

Amy mentions that a Bath and Body Works shop will be opening in the area this spring...Well, this may sound kind of weird but,,,,I think of Lesley every day...that is right,,,,every morning. You see, Lesley, Aaron and the boys, sent me a wonderful gift of bath and body works products...and they are absolutely wonderful...I love them, so now I am also looking forward to this new opening. Thank you to Les and the boys in her life...Love you lots...

Over the past two months I have been trying to lower my BMI. I am happy to say that it did go down a little and I am pleased with the success. Now I have to push myself to exercise and to continue eating properly to lower it more and more. I would love to do a 5 km run in Miramichi this summer, so, I better start running if I am going to attemp this.

I received a parcel from mom and Brenda. Thank you very much, I love everything. Brenda, where did you purchase the socks with the non-skid bottoms? I absolutely love them. They are great for here as we have lots of hardwood floors and ceramic tiles.

I am watching Iron Chef America as I update this post and it is so interesting....Great show.

Derek and I will be celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary in October, we are hoping a return trip to Jamaica, or perhaps a carribean cruise. Therefore we are not planning much travelling this year, except for a weekend trip to Miramichi and a visit to Fredericton for Amy's wedding. We are looking forward to getting together with family again for this special event.

Melanie is due March 29th, and I am sure that Bee and Jerry will be down for this wonderful occasion, so we are looking forward to their visit. Also will be seeing Henry and family this spring for their regular IWK visit for Meaghan. Can hardly wait to have them stay with us. I love their visits.

Mike, Monica and their families had a great vacation in South Africa. It was eye opening for Kelsey, Caitlynn and Emilee.

I am just getting over a cold and strep throat. Taking medication and starting to feel better for the first time in over a week.

I am presently working on a baby quilt and I will post pics when it is complete.
Berta, how is your new quilting machine. Have you had much time to play with it.

Today I bought potting soil and supplies needed to start planting some of my flowers. I am not sure when I will begin this task. I will have to read up on the seeds that I bought when I was at Bouchard Gardens in BC last summer.

I am looking forward to planting a nice big flower garden this year, and a super large vegetable garden. Also will be planting apple, pear and plum trees.
I would like to eventually have grape vines also, but, I know that we can't do it all in one year.

I think this post is long enough for now. I really should post more often.
Hope you all have a great week.

A busy time of year

2009-12-09T14:58:00.007-03:00

I will start by posting a picture of Kelsey with her new braces. She has had them for a couple of months now. The elastics are red, the last set I believe were blue or maybe purple. I don't remember....Isn't it amazing how times have changed. I remember classmates wearing these big wire things in their mouthes.

Here is a pic of our front porch decorated with holiday lights. The pic was taken in the evening so it is dark.

I am keeping busy this holiday season. So much I want to do and so little time to do it.

I completed a baby quilt and a tree skirt for Caitlynn's Hockey Team Auction. Derek and I will be attending the auction this Sunday as we always get great deals.

We have the Christmas lights up on the outside of our home, and I have begun decorating the inside. We will be putting up the Christmas tree this evening. I put the lights on the tree last night.

As you will see by the pics posted here, Monica, JJ, and the children put up their tree last night.

Enjoy the pics

Josh helping his daddy put up the tree.

Joeye being her cute self. She asked me to call her my little reindeer. How cute is that.

Family pic under the tree.

Another family pic.

Joeye posing with the tree skirt I made.

Joeye with her princess elf hat.

Cait posing with her hat.

Another pic of Caitlynn.

Josh and Jojo getting ready to decorate the tree.

Caitlynn once again. She looks so much like her mommy.

Pics from October and November

2009-11-24T22:16:00.006-03:00

Here are a few pics of Josh, Joeye, Melanie and Jimmy's rehearsal party and a couple of pics of the wedding day.
Melanie and Jimmy had a professional photographer so I will try and get a few copies of those pics as I would like to have a nice pic of the bride and groom for framing.
I will ask Melanie to post a few when she gets them.
*********************************************************
Joeye after putting on her makeup. Isn't she gorgeous???

Josh being a super hero.

Joeye aka Tinkerbell, visiting nanny and papa's house for halloween treats.

Josh aka scary dinosaur, also visiting nanny and papa for treats.

Pictures at the rehearsal party for Melanie and Jimmy, Nov 6.

Melanie & Jimmy's wedding day, Nov 7.
Cheryl putting bouteniere on Jerry.

Amanda - bridesmaid

Melanie entering the hall on the arms of her mom and dad. It was a very special moment for her. The bride is beautiful, and so is her mother. Betty looked great.

Melanie with her mom and stepdad and also with her dad and stepmom...

Another nice picture

Josh kept blowing out the centerpiece candles, of course with the help of Joeye.

The bride and groom, cutting the cake

Party after the party

2009-09-07T22:09:00.004-03:00

Here are a few pics of the get together we had at my place on Sunday evening. We wanted Brenda to enjoy our fit pit as much as we will.
Hope you like the pics.

Our new home

2009-08-15T23:15:00.007-03:00

This is a picture of our new home that we will be moving into on August 28th. It is only 3 years old.

It has a very large kitchen.

A beautiful dining room that is large enough for our 9ft dining room table.

This is a pic of the foyer.

The master bedroom had a walk-in closet and an ensuite.

The home has 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms.

I will post more pics later, including the pool room with pool table.

Here is a picture of our new home.

The closing date is August 28th, so we will be very busy until then.

It has 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, formal dining room, and so much more. It even has a pool room with pool table for Derek and the boys to enjoy. There is lots of room for family entertaining. This home is only 5 minutes away from Monica.

Camping Pictures

2009-07-31T09:41:00.004-03:00

Josh

Monica & Mike

Mike

Meaghan

JJ & Josh

Joeye & Madison

Joeye

Josh & JJ

Caitlynn and her friend Sara

Joeye

Amy & Mitch

Amy

Aiden - JJ's Nephew

Updates on party, family and our home.

2009-07-03T11:21:00.002-03:00

I thought it was time I update this poor little forgotten blog of mine.
We have been very busy lately, but that is no excuse to ignore my blog.
The grandkids are all fine. Kelsey and Caitlynn both did excellent in school and they both got an award.
Joeye has graduated from preschool, however, she is enrolled in a summer camp program two days per week, so that along with her soccer should keep her busy. Kelsey and Cait are also enrolled in summer soccer and Cait is also enrolled in summer hockey, so, the sporting events will surely keep Monica and JJ on their toes.
Derek and I, along with Jennifer and Andrea, went for a week's vacation to visit his parents in BC. They live on Vancouver Island. We had beautiful, hot weather the entire time we were there.
JJ's mother and grandmother were here visiting for a week. They enjoyed their time here and of course had a wonderful time spoiling the grandkids.
JJ's father and stepmom are visiting this week. Once again the grandkids are having a great time with their poppa.
Derek and I have decided to sell our home. It will be on the market as of Monday morning. Derek decided he wanted a place with a little more land and I wanted a larger kitchen and dining room. Lets keep our fingers crossed that the house sells quickly and that we are able to find something that we really like just as fast. We did see a few places already and there is one home that we did like, however, Derek wasn't crazy about the layout of the lot, so we are still looking.
Mom's party planning in well into the final stages. The hall, catering, and music is booked. I also booked a photographer. The invitations are completed but I haven't started mailing them yet. I should really get to work and do that this weekend. I am going to send a bunch to Paul and to Henry so they can distribute them to family and friends. So if anyone hasn't received an invitation by the end of and would like one please contact me, Paul, Henry, or any one of the family.
I have some mailing addresses, but, there are still a lot of mailing addresses that I do not have.
We are planning a weekend camping trip in July with Monica, JJ and the kids, Mike, Amy and Mitch, and I am not sure who else, but it should be lots of fun.
Kelsey has found herself a part time job for part of the summer. I think she will really enjoy working and getting extra money.
Jennifer and Andrea are both doing fine. Jennifer is still working and Andrea is planning on attending Community College in the fall.
Gotta go, Cait is having friends over for the afternoon and I have to get crafts ready for Josh and Joeye to keep them busy.

Another wonderful woman has passed on.

2009-03-24T09:00:00.002-03:00

Just wanted to let the family in blog land know of the passing of Shirley Marsh.
Shirley is Monica and Mike's grandmother on their fathers side.
Nanny Marsh (as she is know to many) was a wonderful, caring, loving person.
She always thought of me as a daughter, and we all loved her very much. She will be missed by many.
Monica, JJ, and Mike travelled to Ontario a few weeks ago to visit with her, when she first became ill, and they were able to get one last picture with her.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time.

How am I going to make myself update more often?

2009-03-15T21:28:00.004-03:00

It has been so long since I have updated my blog that I decided I had better put something on here before they kick me out...

Let's see,,,,,what has happenend since my last post?

I babysat while Monica and JJ took Kelsey and Cait to Florida. I babysat while Monica and JJ went to see her nanny in Ontario. I am getting ready to babysit as Monica and JJ are going to Jamaica with Amy and Mitch in April. And, I babysit during the week while Monica and JJ are hard at work. I guess I babysit a lot, and love every minute of it. Retirement was the best thing I could have done for myself.

My back has been slowly improving. I have been able to get back into my sewing and I am looking forward to finally be able to start my seedlings for my garden.

I have been helping Melanie with wedding dress shopping. We went out a few times and will need to go out again soon. I have also been working on organizing mom's birthday party. I have the invitations ready and I now have to complete the guest list and gather more addresses. Of course I will be getting help with the list as I am sure I will not remember everyone that should be invited.

I have gained more weight than I would like to mention last year, but since January I am back on track and I have lost 15 lbs so far. I still have lots to lose, but I am just taking it one day at a time, and with the help of Turbo Jam and Monica yelling at me if I don't Turbo Jam, I should be down another 15 lbs before summer.

Since Christmas I have been shopping. I bought a car ( Malibu), a new dining room set, new beds for Joeye and Josh, ( I just wanted to spoil them), a new cell phone, a WII game console. a dvd player, and a few more items that I had my eye on for a while.

I am looking forward to spring, and being able to get into my garden.

The tulip bulbs that Joeye and I planted last fall are beginning to sprout. Looks like we will have lots of pretty tulips by Mothers Day.

I have a few pics that I will post to show you how the grandkids are growing.

Hope you all have a great week.

Kelsey at one of her wrestling matches. She won silver at this tournament.

Joeye proudly smiles as Caitlynn opens the gift that Joeye helped me pick out for Cait.

Joeye with her snow shovel.

Joeye loves her fries.

Joshua, just being himself.

Joeye and JJ.

Josh - he sure is "Mom's little chick magnet".

Look nanny, "this is what I hit my sister with".

Josh during "Time Out" for hitting his sister. He thinks it's a game....LOL.

Josh enjoying a snack.

Joeye's Christmas concert

2008-12-19T20:06:00.003-03:00

Just wanted to post a couple pics of Josh and Joeye.

Today was Joeye's very first Christmas concert.

She was wonderful......

Josh and Daddy before the concert. Poor Josh has a very bad cold...

Joeye very proud of herself getting ready for her first song.

Joeye singing "Must be Santa".

Isn't she just so cute..... Good job Joeye....Nan is very proud of you.

Just had to post more pics....

2008-11-06T14:37:00.004-03:00

Here are a few pics of our weekend with Josh and Joeye. Also posted a few pics of todays lunchtime....
Enjoy........

Josh and Papa

Lets cover papa with leaves

Joeye loves to play in the leaves

Joeye very proud of the tomato she found in the garden.

Papa's little helpers

Josh has decided that he no longer needs morning naptime. However, he just can't seem to stay awake long enough to finish lunch. His falling asleep while eating lunch has become a daily occurence this week.

Yes, that is a french fry in his mouth, and yes, I did have to pry the rest out of his mouth...YUCKKY!

Joeye finished lunch but didn't make it home before falling asleep either.

Joeye usually falls asleep in the car after morning preschool. Must be hard doing all that coloring and playing.

Anne's Christmas Rum Cake

2008-11-05T10:31:00.002-03:00

My favourite RUM CAKE - as requested by little brother

PREHEAT oven to 350 degrees F
This cake will make 2 bundt or funnel cakes.
Spray cake pans well with Pam. I prefer non-stick pans also.

INGREDIENTS:
1 Cup Butter
1 1/2 cups White Sugar
1/2 cup Brown Sugar
5 large Eggs - beaten
2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon nutmeg
2 teaspoons cinnamon
3/4 cup dark rum
2 cups walnuts or pecans (1 cup if using raisins also)
2 cups raisins (1 cup if using nuts also)

RUM SOAK MIXTURE:
1/2 cup rum
1 cup white sugar
Mix and bring to boil. Let boil for 3 minutes.

THIS IS WHAT YOU DO:
In a large bowl:
Cream butter well. - Do not use margerine
Add eggs - and mix well
Mix white and brown sugar together and add to egg mixture. Mix well.

In another bowl:
Sift flour
Add salt, baking powder, nutmeg and cinnamon.
If you are adding nuts or raisins, add those to the flour mixture now.

Mix 1/3 of the egg mixture with 1/3 of flour mixture and add 1/3 cup of rum.
Add another 1/3 of egg mixture, flour mixture and 1/3 cup of rum.
Add remaining egg mixture, flour mixture and 1/3 cup of rum.
Blend well.

Pour into well sprayed pans and bake for 1 hour.

When cake is done, Mix 1/2 cup rum with 1 cup sugar and bring to boil . Pour this mixture over the hot cake. It will soak into the cake. If you don't think it is soaking fast enough you can always make small poke holes in the cake with a fork. But don't worry, sometimes it just takes a bit of time for the rum mixture to soak through.

When cake is cool, take it out of the pans and, wrap in foil . you can now put them in the freezer until needed. I recommend waiting at least 24 hours before cutting cake. The longer the cake is stored the better it will taste. I always make mine at least a month before the holidays.

Once the cake is completely cooled, I always wrap it in cheesecloth that is soaked with rum, before I wrap it in foil. The extra rum gives it a little extra flavouring.
If you don't want to use rum, you can always use 2 tablespoons of rum flavouring and omit the cake soaking part at the end.

Hey little brother, let me know how this turns out for you and just wanted to let you know that I will be making my cakes this weekend. I will make an extra one for you. I will send it with the Christmas gifts later this month.
Enjoy!!!!

Halloween pic of Emilee

2008-11-04T09:58:00.003-03:00

As I was on facebook, I saw that Les posted a halloween pic of Emilee.
Here she is.....Nice picture
I hope she gets to come and visit again soon.

Had a great weekend

2008-11-03T09:55:00.002-03:00

I had a wonderful weekend. Papa and I had a sleepover Saturday evening with Joeye and Josh. We played with barbies, building blocks and watched Treehouse TV.
On Sunday morning Josh and Joeye helped Papa rake leaves in the back yard. I will post pics later this evening when I get home.
Halloween was very quiet this year. We only had about 300 children come to the door. That is about half what we would normally get. I think the reason is that our subdivision has grown so much that there are many more homes and the little ones are easily tired with all the walking.
I also noticed that there was not many older kids that passed this year. We usually have the older teens at the door until 9pm. This year the street was empty by 8pm.
Therefore, Papa gets to have all the leftover treats. We will be giving most of it away to Andrea. I just need to call her and tell her to come and get it. I want it out of my house ASAP.
I am back on my diet kick again. I am hoping to lose 8 to 10 lbs by the end of the month. That is 2 to 3 lbs per week. I will keep you posted as to how I do.
Not much more happening around here right now.
I will try and post more pics tonight...

Halloween Pics

2008-10-31T21:04:00.003-03:00

Here are a few pics from Halloween. I was able to get pics of Joeye, Joshua and Caitlynn, but, didn't get any of Kelsey. Maybe Monica got some....

Joeye

Joeye

Joeye and Joshua

Josh, asking daddy to play hockey

Josh

Josh

Caitlynn

Caitlynn was lucky enough to have nanny make her halloween costume this year. This was the only costume that I made this year as my back still gives me problems....

Just had to add a few more pics

2008-10-26T20:50:00.003-03:00

This is a picture of Josh. He found a container of cherios in the cupboard and decided to bring them into the living room and have a snack as he watched Treehouse TV.

This is a picture of Josh getting caught in the act. The look on his face was precious.

This is Joeye all dresses in her princess costume. She was trying on her outfit.

Another picture of Joeye in costume.

A few pics

2008-10-24T20:54:00.006-03:00

Here are a few pics that were taken with the camera that I bought Derek for his birthday. Thank you everyone for the anniversary wishes.

Josh enjoying a warm day outside.

Joeye also enjoying the park.

Cait in hockey mode.

Caitlynn

Kelsey with her friends Melanie and Melinda, also known as "The Twins".

Our dining room with new paint, drapes and tile flooring.

Derek and I at Point Pleasant Park.

White Point Beach Resort, this is where Derek and I went for our anniversary.

White Point Beach Resort.

White Point Beach

Derek on the Beach.

Back into retirement for me!

2008-10-06T19:33:00.002-03:00

That's right!
Monica is no longer on vacation, so I get to go back into retirement and play with the babes.
I didn't mind working for her, but, I did notice that my back was much more sore this week, as I was doing some filing and computer work.
It will be nice to get back into a routine. I love being organized and I find that it makes life so much easier. Not only for me, but I have notice that the children do much better when they are on a schedule also. I know it certainly makes it easier to follow who has what game or appointment and at what time, when things are organized.
I began working on a patchwork quilt this week. I have most of my squares already sewn together, so I will soon be putting the batting and the backing together, then tackle the task of doing all the quilting design by hand. I will post pictures a little later.
I have some of my Christmas shopping completed for the grandkids. I still have a few things to get, but I should be done with their shopping this weekend. Then all I will have to worry about is the grownups.
Derek has been doing some renovations around the home. This past weekend he began replacing the stairs going from the front door to the living room with oak stair treads.
It was time to rip out the ugly carpeting. The oak stairs is so much nicer and cleaner. His next task will be to replace the stairs going down to the family room, and finally, replacing the carpeting in the family room with laminate flooring. We are also planning on taking out the laminate flooring in the living room and hall and replacing it with real hardwood floors.
Renovations are taking some time as we are paying cash as we do them.
Joe and Alberta will soon be celebrating their wedding anniversary, so Happy Anniversary from us to you.
Derek has been working the night shift last week and this week. The guys at the shipyard each take turns doing this, so he only has to do a two week shift every three months or so. He really doesn't like working from 3pm to midnight.
Monica and Mike had a wonderful visit with their father, David Marsh, and his two young sons, Wesley 10 and Bradley 6. They leave to return to South Africa this evening. David and his wife, Michelle, are planning on retiring to Nova Scotia, and they will begin that process next summer. David thinks it will take about two years to transition from there to here. They are thinking of moving to the Valley or South Shore area.
I am looking forward to Henry, April and the children's visit at the end of the month. I love having the little kiddies around.
Joeye asked me to make a new nightie for her and one for her friend Maddie, so my quilt project will be on the back burner for the next couple of days as I do what all good nannies do, and make a couple of nice, soft, comfy, flannel nighties for a Jojo and her friend Maddie. Josh and will may even get a couple pair of flannel jammies out of the deal. I will have to wait and see how much pain my back gives me. I am able to do some sewing, but I am very restricted on the amount of time I spend at each sitting. I usually only sew for about 20 to 3o minutes at a time before my back begins to get sore.
Not much more happening around here. Hope everyone is well.
Later,

Out of retirement for the week

2008-10-02T09:05:00.002-03:00

Well, I am back at work, covering for Monica, as her father and his youngest sons, Wesley and Bradley are visiting from South Africa.
Monica decided to take some vacation time to spend with them, but, as most of you probably know by now, the start of it wasn't much of a vacation.
Nanny Sobey, her fathers grandmother passed away. She was 91.
It was a fast whirlwind trip to Miramichi for the wake and funeral. As sad as the situation was, it gave Monica and Mike a chance to spend a little time with Nanny Marsh (their grandmother), with their aunts, Jeannie, Barbara and Myra, and to visit with Uncle Paul, Auntie Cheryl and to see Nanny MacAulay before he heads back to Ontario.
Kelsey and I also went to Miramichi with Monica and Mike.
Then yesterday Monica received a call from John and Susan (her bosses at Marathon, Monica is like a daughter to them) that John's mother passes away. She was 92. Monica would often be called upon to take the grandmother to appointments when John and Susan were preoccupied with other stuff.
On an up note, Monica is enjoying the rest of her vacation days at home with the girls and Josh, and I believe JJ may even be on vacation for a day or two. So lets hope they get to spend quality time together without any other interruptions.
I have new ceramic flooring in the dining room and kitchen. It was time for new flooring and since my stepdaughter Andrea's boyfriend knows how to do this, all we had to do was buy the supplies. I will have to post pictures later.
Derek just celebrated his big 50. We went out to supper with Jennifer, Andrea and her boyfriend Tyler. We will be celebrating with Mike, Monica, JJ and the children next week. Once her dad has returned home and things settle down a bit.
I think I will post this now and finish Monica's filing for her as I am suppose to be working.
I bought Derek a new digital camera for his birthday, so I will have to play with it and post the pics.
Until then, Hope everyone has a great week.

I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, not yet anyways!

2008-09-21T18:07:00.003-03:00

It has been months since I last updated, so I will give you the short version of what has been happening with us since May.
Started off with lots of birthdays in May. Amy, Monica, Joeye. Then in June, JJ, Josh, Mom & Dad Tawse-Smith.
Then it was graduation time and proms, Junior High for Kelsey and High School for Andrea. Also had a nice visit with Mom Tawse-Smith that was here for Andrea's graduation.
Next was July and a visit to Calgary for Heather and Jeffs wedding. It was nice to see Joe, Berta, and the rest of the family. Les, Aaron, Joey and Alex were the super best hosts anyone could ever ask for. Thank you so very much for your hospitality. Les also introduced me to Stampin Up. I am having a wonderful time playing around with it right now.
Thank you Les, I will have another order for you soon.
In August we celebrated Mike's 30th birthday. We were also thrilled to have Emilee with us for a week. Also had Henry, April the children visit for a week. I absolutely love having them visit.
And I cannot forget my beautiful mommy. She was here for a week visiting. Derek and I took her to the valley for the day. We stopped and veggie markets along the way, picking up fresh veggies. Mom and I then made chow, mustard pickles and pickled beets.
Mom, you can come and visit any time. We love having you.
Kels, Cait and Joeye had a great summer of soccer. I went to as many games as possible.
Josh is learning so much and definitely keeps me busy.
Retirement is wonderful. I enjoy spending the time with the children. I was able to take the kids to the beach a few times this summer.
In August. Derek and I also went to an outdoor concert in Weir Field. It was called Weir Rocking. The featured bands were Haywire and Chilliwack. There was also a couple of local bands that played. It was a great concert. The weather cooperated for the outdoor concert. It was funny to attend a concert were 99% of the people attending were couples were in their 40's and 50's.
I went to Miramichi for the July 1st weekend to visit with family and to see Mitch run in a Marathon race.
We had a small birthday get together at Monica's for mom's birthday September 4th. Derek and I also went to Fredericton to the family corn boil in September. Andrea and her boyfriend, Tyler, also came with us. It was nice to get together with all the family once again.
I attempted to plant a small veggie garden this year. Joeye helped me with it. It didn't do so great. I think it was because of all the rain we got. We did manage to get a few tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce and potatoes. So, I guess it wasn't that bad. My flower beds did great this year. Joeye and Caitlynn planted my bulbs and flower bed for me. They did a super job. I have sunflowers that are well over 8 ft tall under the bedroom window. I will have to take a picture.
I do have all kinds of pictures that I should post. I will try and get them uploaded tomorrow.
I know there is much more that happened this summer, but my mind is drawing a blank right now.
Hope you all had as wonderful a summer as I had.
Have a great week....

New pics

2008-05-23T09:34:00.007-03:00

Here are a few new pics for everyone: Hoipe you enjoy them!
Kelsey

Another nice pose of Kelsey

Kels, Cait and Joeye

Kelsey posing with Joeye who is wearing the bronze Medal that Kels won at Nationals (Wrestling)

Joeye loves to pose for the camera

Josh enjoying a chocolate cupcake

And he is willing to share

Do you really think he needs a bath....

Joeye gathering dandelions for her mommy

I think I got them all mommy

A nice sunny day on the swing set

Cait posing for her nanny

Another nice pic of Caitlynn

Ready for another road trip

My list of 50 Things to do when I am 50.

2008-05-13T22:51:00.003-03:00

I decided that it was finally time to post my list of 50 things that I want to accomplish the year that I am 50 years old. As of February 9, 2008, I turned 50.
I have crosses off the items that have been completed to date. I am hoping to have them all crossed off before I turn 51.
The lilac color items are completed. The red is my updates on the item, and the black still needs to be completed.
I only have 10 items completed. I better get moving and work on this list.

Lose 50 lbs- Lost 16 lbs so far
Read a good book - In the process of doing that now
Buy new comforter set for our bed
Walk a 5km race
Run a 5km race
Spend all day in PJ's
Organize my sewing area
Make new flannel nightie for Joeye
Take a vacation out of the country
Get a mammogram
Donate to charity
Take swimming classes
Take dancing classes
Organize linen closet
Organize bedroom closet
Update address book including birthdays and anniversaries
Go camping
Watch the sunrise
Update my Grandmother book
Update my daughter book
Stop biting fingernails (that is going to be a hard one, any suggestions?)
Make a new recipe I've never made before
Try a new food I've never eaten before
Spend a day with Kelsey at the spa
Have a mattress party with Cait - I will have to do this again, it was super fun.
Take Joeye to the movies
Archive all photographs
Take first aid/cpr course
Make a time capsule
Buy a new (GOOD) weigh scale
Create a cookbook of my favourite family recipes
Learn to knit
Attend Neptune Theatre
Go to a museum
Send three books out on Bookcrossing - Reading book 1 now
Make a new party dress of Joeye
Be reunited with Emilee (don't know if I can pull this one off) - thank you Monica and family, they were able to get this for me as a surprise birthday gift.
Visit Cabot Trail
Buy new digital camera
Take Monica out to dinner
Have a spa day and spoil myself - Thank you Paul, Cheryl, Amy and Mitch, this is booked for June 7th. What a wonderful birthday gift.
Go on a 5 km hike
Have master bedroom painted
Have kitchen and dining area painted
Get eye examination
Take a University course
Make surprise candlelight supper for hubby
Give Monica and JJ a special night to themselves
Get a kitty
Make a new list for next year

Joeye moment of the week

2008-04-27T22:28:00.002-03:00

What can I say. My little Jojo is so funny and at the tender age of two is way too smart for her own good. She always does or says these hilarious little things, so I decided that I will post a Joeye moment of the week as often as possible. Some weeks it may be a Josh, Cait or Kels moment, but, I am sure that most of them will be Joeye moments.
So as I am brushing her beautiful long hair I asked her if she was nanny's little "Chickie Poo"? and her answer to that was: "Nanny, Josh is your little Chicken Poop, not me. Josh is the one who is always pooping and stinky. I am your Princess Diva."
So there you go. I now have a Princess Diva and a little Chicken Poop.
hehehe

Time to start update on a regular basis

2008-04-17T10:25:00.002-03:00

Hello to everyone in blogland.
I haven't forgotten about you, I just have been very busy (NOT). Guess I am just a slacker.
It is time that I try and update everyone on all the events of the past few months.
I turned 50 in February, and thanks to my wonderful family, I received a super special surprise birthday party. The shocker was when Monica told me to open a special gift (as soon as I got there). So I open this photo frame and it has a picture of the grandkids. Looking at first glance, I saw what I first thought were too many grandkids, but then it occured to me that Henry was there and maybe his girls were in the picture too. But no, cause then there would have not been enough faces. So I started naming them starting with Kelsey, Cait, Joeye, Josh and EMILEE. Then it took a second to register that the only way they could have a picture of Emilee with Joeye and Josh was if she was there. That is when Emilee came through the door and the waterworks started. I just could not believe my eyes. It was definitely a birthday to remember. I was able to spend a wonderful week with Emilee before she returned home, and plans will soon be underway to have her visit us for a couple of weeks this summer.
As most of you know, I retired at the end of December, and I am loving every minute of retirement life. I have been babysitting ( but you really can't call it that), for Monica. I love being near the grandkids. They grow up much too fast.
Everyone here is doing great. Andrea (step-daughter) will be graduating June 26th, therefore, we will have my mother-in-law visiting us for a week or so. His dad is not able to make the trip due to medical reasons, so we are hoping that we may be able to visit him in BC sometime this year.
Jennifer (other step-daughter) is doing well also. She is visiting a friend in Germany. She will be there touring Europe for a couple of weeks. Lucky her.
Kelsey is doing awesome with all her sports activities. She has another volleyball tournament this evening. I think it is the last one for the year. She is on the Sackville Sonics volleyball team and she was also on the school team. Her wrestling has been super wonderful this year. She has won gold at every competition she attended. They included regionals for school and for the club, Provincials, Atlantics, Eastern Division and on May 5th weekend she will be competing in the Nationals in PEI. Way to go Kels. She has also been involved in all kinds of other sports and has been given the Female Athlete of the Year award at her school. She will be attending a formal banquet at the World Trade and Convention Centre in Halifax at the end of the month. We are very proud of her.
Caitlynn is also doing super great in Hockey. She was in a tournament in PEI and won the Sportsmanship Award for her team. Her hockey team The Sackville Flyers also won Bronze in the Provincial Championships.
Kelsey, Caitlynn and Joeye are all registered for the local soccer team this summer, so it will be another busy year for Monica and JJ.
I got a call from Joe and Berta this week. Great to hear from you guys. I will be going to the wedding and it is very possible that Derek will be coming also. We wanted to bring Jennifer and Andrea, but because of work schedules, we are not sure if they will be coming. We should have a final decison by the time we get the wedding invitation.
I have been taking lots of pictures of the kids and I will upload some in a few days.
I want to say Happy Birthday to everyone that had birthdays this month, Melanie, Lisa, April, and any anyone else.
Also, Brenda I will be sponsoring you for your run. So you can look for that this week.
I have a busy weekend ahead, I have about 15 income tax returns to prepare. I volunteered to do them for some of the clients at Veith House.
Derek took me on an escape weekend last week and we went to Cape Breton and toured the Cabot Trail. I know everyone says it is beautiful in the fall, but, it was so beautiful last weekend. There was a new dusting of snow on the mountains, and the water coming down from the hills were so beautiful. We stayed at the Alexander Graham Bell Inn in Beddeck (kind of like a B&B) and it was so nice. It was a very relaxing weekend of rest and sightseeing. Thank you dear Husband.
Well, I must go for now, and I promise to start blogging more often.
I check the blogs every day to read updates from Les and Berta. Keep them coming.

A special picture

2008-02-05T23:03:00.000-03:00

Monica and I, along with Joeye and Josh went to visit Henry and family in Fredericton for the weekend as Kelsey was competing in another wrestling tournament at UNB. Kelsey did great! We are very proud of her.

While there, Joeye took a liking to baby Will and wanted to bring him home with us at first but then decided that she should leave him home because her friend (Maddi) would be sad if she took her baby brother. Besides, Joeye didn't want to trade Josh for Will.

Here is a pic that April took of Joeye and Will nuggling (as Jojo calls it) (snuggling). I have to give the pics to Monica but decided to scan this one first.

Mom (nanny MacAulay) is here visiting with us. I kidnapped her from Henry for a week or so.

Dave and Paula will be stealing her from me tomorrow or Thursday.

All is going well here.

Hope you enjoy the pics.

Anne

I am still here

2008-01-30T20:53:00.000-03:00

Hello to everyone,
So here is what's happening.
I decided to retire at the end of 2007. I have decided that it was time for me to take care of me. My back wasn't improving as long as I continued computer work. So, I decided to stop using the computer for a while to see if it helped, and sure enough, that was just what I needed.
Since I stopped spending 4+ hours a day on the computer my back has improved so much.
I am no longer having to take oxycontin for the pain. I haven't taken any since Christmas.
I am sleeping much better and haven't had to take sleeping pills in a while also.
So you see, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
I have been babysitting the grandkids for Monica. I am having so much fun. I go over there in the morning so that she doesn't have to take the kids out. This was such a great decision. It works out great for both Monica and JJ and for me.
I have decided to try and do something to lose weight. Now that I am not on so much medication and that I haven't had cortizone injections in a while, it should be a little easier to see the pounds come off. There is nothing more discouraging than watching what you eat and still gain weight, only to find out that the side effects of the medication you are taking is weight gain and lots of it. Oh well, as I said, now that I am off some of the medication I can now dedicate myself to this weight loss.
There are so many reasons I want to lose weight. First it makes me feel so much better and I have so much more energy when I exercise. And, this summer is going to be another fun summer for me. Vacation in Calgary and Vancouver Island. Andrea also graduates this summer so I feel that we should host a small graduation party for her.
I will soon be 50 and Monica has decided that she is in charge of planning the celebration for this. I was fine with just having a quiet day, but, Monica decided that she wanted to do something more exciting, so I can just imagine what is going to happen.
I have started a list of 50 things I want to do this year as I am turning 50. I have most of the list written out but I still don't have 50 things. I guess I better get to that list and finish it this week. I plan to begin crossing things off my list Friday, February 1st, so I guess I better finish that list tonight.
Now that I am officially retired, I will try and post more. Perhaps I can start a Jojo and Josh story of the week. Believe me, they definitely keep me amused, especially Joeye. She catches on to everything, hears everything and remembers it all. Yesterday she was listening to this childrens program where a butterfly was singing a song about losing her river. Well, after that, Joeye went around all day saying "Nanny, I lost my River, help me find it, please Nanny".
You can just imagine how hard it was to help her find her river. Finally, when she was having her snack in the dining room, I put a quilt on the floor in the family room and called her in and told her that I found her river. We then sat on the quilt and played in her river for a while.
The things that she comes up with are unbelievable. You would never know that she is only 2 and a half year old.
Well, I better go for now. I promise to post more often and to also post weekly pics of the kids.
Cait is doing great with Hockey, making goals and all, and Kels is doing super with wrestling and other sports as well. Kels has another big tournament in Fredericton this weekend and we will let you know how she does. Cait also has hockey games this weekend so I will let you know how those turn out as well.
I will be having Henry and the family and mom visiting soon and I can hardly wait. I love having kids in the house. Joeye is excited about having her friend come back and play with her. She called Maddi her friend.
We got a new pellet stove for the family room and it is soooooo nice.
Hugs to everyone.
Anne

Thank You from Anne, Kelsey, Cait and our Christmas Family

2007-12-18T11:40:00.001-03:00

Thank you everyone,

We could not have done this without your help.

The saying "Ask and you shall received", such strong words...

Here is the proof:

For Alena (4 year old little girl).

Baby Bratz doll house and doll and playdoh kitchen set.

Bratz doll, we also got another doll but I forgot to take the picture before I wrapped the gift, also pink pj's.

Jogging outfit, shirt, and cabbage patch doll.

Tigger game that can be played by one or up to four players, and a big beige fluffy teddy bear.

Bratz hat and gloves, and a giant coloring book and crayons.

For the mommy we purchased:

A new London Fog winter coat, red, (her wish list gift), and black scarf and gloves

A big, long, fluffy red bathrobe, slippers (wrapped before I remembered to take picture, and a basket of bath spa items.

Christmas stockings for both mom and daughter, a basket of goodies, (ribbon candy, chocolates, more christmas candies, can of butter cookies, mixed nuts)_, also all the food required for Christmas Dinner, such as potatoes, carrots, turnip, corn, a fruit basket, YuleLog Cake for Dessert. Also added extra food such as soups, stews, crackers, pizza mix, pasta and sauce, and a couple more items to get mom throught the holiday season.

We (all of us as a family and friends,) also gave the mom a nice gift certificate from Sobey's so that she could go out and purchase her Christmas Turkey.

Disposable camera with flash, processing included, (unwrapped), so that mom could take photos of the holidays, and a Holiday Season Photo album.

There are also a couple of items that I did not have photo's of. These were items that Caitlynn bought for the mom and daughter. She took some of her own money and went out and bought a gift for the mom and little girl. What sweetie's I have for grandchildren.

Once again, I would like to thank you to everyone who contributed.

These gifts are being delivered on Thursday morning while the daughter is at preschool.

Hope everyone has a Very Merry Christmas, as I know our family will have.

Hugs to everyone,

Anne, Kelsey, and Caitlynn

Am I suppose to be this happy, when so many are sad?

2007-12-13T11:47:00.003-03:00

Here is the situation!
I decided that since I was turning 50 in February, that it was time for me to retire.
My back is still not what it should be since the accident 3 years ago, and I want to be able to enjoy some time with my grandkids, as they are growing up so fast, and I don't know if I will have any others. Monica and Mike says that they are not having any more grandkids for me. Monica I can understand, but Mike, I am still working on him. I think that he should consider giving me at least one more....
So, I am really happy about retiring. My last day of work is December 21st, however, I am still on payroll until December 31st. Everyone at work is really sad because I am leaving. The preschool kids and their parents, the Board of Directors, co-workers, they really don't want me to leave.
I love my job, but, my Type 2 Diabetes is getting the best of me and I was told by my physician that I need to start taking care of me or I will have to have inculin injections. My blood pressure is way too high, my good cholesterol is much too low, my bad cholesterol is way too high. You get the idea!
On a more positive note, Monica is going to replace me at work!...Yep, they hired her. I guess if they can't have me they wanted the closest they could get and that was her. She is looking forward to the new challenge.
Well, I must go and say goodbye to the preschool kids before they leave for the holidays.
I will try not to cry too much....
Have a great weekend!

Am I suppose to be this happy, when so many are sad?

2007-12-13T11:47:00.001-03:00

Happy Halloween

2007-11-01T17:55:00.000-03:00

We hope everyone had as Happy a Day as we did.

Here are a few pics of Joeye and Josh. For some reason Derek didn't get any pics of Cait or Kels, but I am sure that Monica has some that she will post.

What a wonderful weekend

2007-10-28T19:56:00.000-03:00

Hello everyone

The weather has been absolutely gorgeous this weekend. You will see by the pictures how nice and warm it has been.

I had the pleasure of having Joeye and Josh for a sleepover Saturday night. Joeye arrived at 10 am Saturday and Josh arrived at 4 pm. They stayed at nanny's and papa's until mommy and daddy came to pick them up Sunday morning.

Here are a few pics of our fun day:

Joeye getting ready to help Papa rake the leaves in the backyard.

Picking up the leaves with papa.

Nanny and Jojo decide to make a punking person.

Here we are stuffing our pumpkin person.

Putting on finishing touches on Gak. That is what Joeye named her pumpkin person. (She just could not say Jack, she kept calling him her Gak).

Here we are getting ready to paint our pumpkins.

The big pumpkin is for nanny and the little pumpkin is for Joeye.

We also made some pumpkin lantern.

Jojo and nanny also made other crafts and played with Playdoh.

Here is Joeye painting her little pumpkin.

Nanny took some time out to play Barbies with Joeye.

Joeye had some of her favourite foods, speghetti, pizza, meat and cheese.

This is a picture of Josh and Andrea.

Here is another picture that was taken of Joshua on Sunday when JJ, Monica and family went pumpkin hunting for their pumpkins.

This week supper was compliments of Amy and Mitch. Next week supper will be at my place. I am going to be making Chili, Nacho dip, and Uncle Paul's famour Jumbaliyah. I will have to call him for the recipe. Please uncle Paul. I need your recipe. Everyone loves your Jumbaliyah.

I had a great vacation week, I wish I would have taken two weeks off instead of only one. Oh well, I will probably take another week off when mom come to visit us.

Amazing how I haven't had much problem with my back since I stayed off the computer for the last ten days. I will see what my back is like this week when I go back to work.

I will try and post more pics as we take them.

Atlantic Superstore had a no tax night Friday and Saturday, so that is when I went to buy the treats for Halloween. We usually get between 500 and 600 kiddies.

Hope everyone has a very Happy Halloween. I am looking forward to pictures of all the little family ghosts, goblins, witches, princesses, super heroes, and what ever other pics everyone has.

Have a great week.

Wonderful month of October

2007-10-25T12:57:00.000-03:00

Hello everyone,

We have had a great month so far. The weather has been nice and the leaves on the trees in the backyard were absolutely gorgeous.I am on vacation this week and loving it.

We have decided that since there are so many of us (family) living near each other, that instead of having our regular Sunday supper here at our home, that we would alternate. This is how the cycle goes.

Week one I had Sunday supper, week two was at Monica and JJ's, week three was at Dave and Paula's, week four was compliments of Amy and Mitch (at Mitch's apartment), and week five at Melanie and Jimmy's.This works great as we only have to make Sunday supper once every six weeks. Mind you, we do have about 25 people for supper, but it gives us a chance to get together.

We had the wonderful company of Henry, April, and the girls. I had a small surprise Baby Shower for April on Friday evening. It was a family shower where I also invited the guys to come along. It was like having Sunday supper on a Friday.

They received some very nice baby gifts. They were very surprised and very appreciative. Henry was very surprised because he didn't know about the shower either. It was really nice having everyone together.

I have a couple of pics from the shower that I will post.

And I also have two other pics that I came across that are among my favourites, so I will post those too. One is Joeye and I and the other is Mom and Joeye.

Derek and I celebrated our wedding anniversary yesterday, the 24th of October. We went out for supper at this very nice Italian Restaurant called Chianti's. The meal was delicious.

I hope everyone has a Happy Halloween, which reminds me that I must go out and get more treats. We usually get between 500 - 600 kiddies looking for treats.

I will try and update more often, I promise.

Here are the pics

It is about time that I update this blog

2007-08-30T11:18:00.000-03:00

Where do I begin. I went for my appointment with the pre-diabetic clinic. They took all kinds of bloodwork and we had a three hour meeting, going over all kinds of info about Type 2 Diabetes. They also took my blood pressure and told me that it is much too high, so I had to go and see the doctor again, and now they want to look into doing more tests for my liver.

The doc says that the high blood pressure could be a result of all the medication that I am taking, but, they still want to check a few things.

I am beginning to feel like a pin cushion....

We will be going to NB ( weather permitting) for the corn boil. We all got together at Dave and Paula's for supper on Sunday, so this week is my turn. We have decided to all take turns making supper. This way, we get to be together on Sunday and we only cook once a month or so. Melanie, if you read this, supper is at my place, Sunday, at 5 pm. We are having Lasagna, Ceasar Salad, and Garlic Bread with Cheese. Let me know if you, Jimmy and Jacob are able to join us.

I have a few pics that I will post to show you how Josh has grown. He is such a cutie.

I have decided that I am going to semi-retire this month. As of September 15th, I will no longer be working in the afternoons with Monica. I will still continue to work mornings. I find that my back gets very painful whenever I do any amount of typing, therefore, I have decided to cut down on the workload and take care of my back.

Here are the pics:
Joeye

Mike and Josh

Papa and Josh

I have decided that I want to accomplish 50 things before I am 50, therefore, I have begun working on my list of 50 items. One of them is going to be to do a 5 KM run. I will post my list once I have it finished.
Hope you all enjoy the pics, and have a great labor day weekend.

It is definitely a BOY

2007-06-30T09:03:00.000-03:00

AND HE LOOKS LIKE HIS DAD

Yes, Baby Joshua was born on June 20th, at 3:07 am. Mommy and baby are doing well
If I remember right---he weighed 9lbs 12 1/2 oz and he was 22 3/4 inch long.
Monica did great, no epidural at all.
Kelsey and Cait were at the hospital with her as well as JJ and myself.
I was asked for Monica and JJ's home address , so here it it:
387 Heatherglen Rd
Beaverbank NS
phone number is (902) 864-8607
I will post pictures later today.
have a great weekend

Childhood memories

2007-06-20T09:31:00.000-03:00

There are times when Derek and I just sit home in the evening and talk about childhood memories.

One that I remember well is the tree swings that we had. I remember grandpere had made us a tree swing in a poplar tree not far from the house. This was before mom and dad had bought us our little swing set. You know, the one that had two swings and a seesaw. I thought it was the biggest swing set ever. Of course now I know that it really wasn't that big.

We want the grandkids to have memories that they will remember years from now, so, Derek decided that our little dancing clown, Joeye, needed a tree swing. So here are a few pics.

My new swing.

Now if I could only figure out how to hold bunny and swing at the same time.

Spending quality time with my Nanny and Papa.

Thank you Papa for my new swing.

How you all enjoy the pics and have a great week.

How many more birthdays can there be?

2007-05-28T10:41:00.000-03:00

If I remember correctly, the May birthday parade began with Amanda.

Then Amy on May 27, cousin Lucie on May 30th, Monica on May 31st.

Lets not stop there. Next is Joeye on June 1st, Derek's parents (yes, both of them) on June 6th, JJ on June 10th, the Joe on June 13th, Emilee on June 19th, and lets not forget Jeremy ( I think his is the 19th or 20th). And of course we will also have another birthday to celebrate as soon as little Joshua decides to come into the world.

With all of this I must remember to pick something up for fathers day for Derek, and JJ.

I think I will go out and pick up a couple dozen cards and sent them all out at once.

Please forgive me if I have forgotten anyone. I know there must be more, but my brain hurts right now.

Here are a couple of pics that Amy took at our place last weekend. She printed them off as postcards so that we could send them to Emilee. I mailed them this morning.

Thank you Amy. I am sure that Emilee will love them.

Another letter from Emilee

2007-04-04T10:42:00.000-03:00

Yesterday, I received another letter from Emilee. With the letter were pictures.

I have decided that I would post the letter so that everyone could keep up with the news.

If any of you would like her address just let me know and I can send it to you. She loves to receive mail.

Her letter said

Dear nanny

Thank you for writing me back so quickly. I really like the pictures you sent me.

Tell Auntie Monica and JJ congratulations on the baby boy. My Auntie Tammy is having a baby boy at the beginning of July. Today was report card day. I got 8 A's and the rest B's and B+.

My mom is very proud so we're going out for a special lunch. Here are my grade 1,2,and 3 pictures.

The pink with blue is grade 1. In grade 2 I wore black and in grade 3 there was a turquoise background.

I sent 6 pictures of me in each grade. Please give one set to my dad, one set to Auntie Monica. Keep on set for you nanny and the rest to Amy, Auntie Sheryl and Uncle Paul.

On March brake I went to pony camp I had lots of fun. My horse was mini. I hope you like my pictures.

Ilove you all, miss you lots

Love

Emilee

PS hope you can write bac soon.

XXOOXXOO

And here are the pics of Emilee. Grade 1, 2 and 3.

Paul & Cheryl and Mike, I will need updated addresses so that I can send you your pics. I will also have a few extras make for anyone that would like one.

Mom, I have one for you and Brenda too.

In the grade 3 picture I really see a resemblance to Caittie. Does anyone else see the resemblance.

Grade 1

Grade 2

Grade 3

Hope you like the pics as much as I do.

Wrestling pics as promised

2007-02-14T11:21:00.000-03:00

We are very proud of you Kelsey.

Kelsey's wrestling match. She had three matches and did super in all of them.

I had a wonderful weekend with Kelsey. It began on Thursday evening. Derek was away for the evening working so Kelsey and I went to Jack Astor's for dinner.

On friday, I drove Kelsey to school and picked her up at 4:30 p.m. then we (Derek, Kelsey and I) went to May Gardens (chinese food) for my birthday Dinner.

On Saturday we went to Lunenburg with Kelsey for her wrestling match. She did extremely well. She had three matches. Her first match was going great, but then the other girl pinned her down. It was still a great match and the other girl was much taller than Kels. For the second match Kelsey lost by one point, again a good match. The opponent was about Kelsey's size but you could tell that she was a seasoned wrestler. The third match was the best and Kelsey did lose by one point but only because the ref wasn't doing his job. They had already thrown in the towel and Kelsey was two points ahead of the other girl, but the ref said that he didn't see the towel and had already given the opponent three points, which meant that she won by one point. Kelsey's coach even went up and tried to dispute the extra points but he ref would not change his decision.

Anyways, Kelsey had lots of fun, she was very happy with her matches, and we were very proud of her. Her school did very well in the tournament and Kelsey is really looking forward to the next tournament which is at the end of the month in Cape Breton.

Hope you enjoy the few pics of the tournament. Most of you will regcongnize Kelsey but for those who don't, she is the one with the two pigtails.

I am looking forward to seeing her wrestle again in the near future.

On a funnier note, on Sunday, Derek was telling Kelsey that she could practice her wrestling on him, and I kept telling him that I didn't want him to hurt her, so eventually I gave in and said, OK Kelsey, if you want to wrestling him lets go to the family room downstairs where there is carpeting.

So, downstairs we went. Well, Kelsey got into position, grabbed Derek by the legs and flipped him onto his back. He was stunned and all I could do was laugh. They got up and in position again and Kelsey grabbed him and put him down a second time. That was it. Derek got up and had to admit that Kelsey could kick his butt at wrestling.

It was really funny. Wish I would have had the camera ready for that.

What a great birthday gift

2007-02-08T10:03:00.000-03:00

Yes, it was a great birthday gift. Ultrasound pics of my grandson. It doesn't get much better than that. I would have been just as happy with another grand daughter, however, I think it was time that I had a little grandson. I want to start buying blue.
On another note, we had Henry, April, the girls and Mom visit last weekend. It was nice to see them and I had lots of fun with Maddy. She helped Derek fix the refrigerator. And a big help she was.
Monica, JJ and the children (I guess I will have to get use to not saying the girls, cause there is a boy there too, hehehe) as well as Amy and Mitch also came over for Turkey and Ham dinner on Sunday. It was nice to be able to get together. Melanie and Jimmy were invited but were not able to make it. Hopefully they will be able to come to the next get together.
I have had Joeye for an hour here and there while Monica and JJ were busy with house things. I always have so much fun with my little Dancing Clown.
Jennifer and Andrea both had birthdays in January. Andrea's friends used our home to have a surprise Birthday Party for Andrea. She was really surprised. Andrea has also started working part-time. She now works at MacDonalds. This is her first job and I hope that she does well.
I have completed the 2007 Budget and the Audit is on Monday or Tuesday. Once they are completed, my work week should not be so busy. I am also working on a Fire Inspection Plan. I have more than half of it completed, and I hope to have it done by the weekend. It is approximately 50 pages, so there is a lot of typing and research that goes into making this Plan. We need to have one in order to pass our fire inspection here at Veith House. I don't know why there was never one before, but, now that we know there was none, I have to make one. The fire inspector was very nice and he gave me an inspection guideline that I could use as a model, so that has made it a little easier for me.
I dont think there is much more happening right now, except that Derek is gone a lot for work, but he tries to be home on weekends.
This Saturday we will be going to Lunenburg with Kelsey as she has a wrestling tournament. This will be very interesting to see, Derek and I are really looking forward to it. I will let everyone know how it was and post pictures when we return. Hope everyone has a great weekend.

What happened to winter?????

2007-01-06T22:55:00.000-03:00

I can't believe that it is really winter! Today I was outside without a jacket. The temp was like +12. It was raining and windy, but the rain and wind was very warm. Reminded me of when Derek and I went to Jamaica in October of 2005.
I hope this is not the calm before the storm. I keep telling myself that old man winter is playing hide and seek with us here and that when he decides to come out he is going to get us with a vengence. I am hoping that spring has really arrived early, and that old man winter has forgotten about us completely. My tulips and daffodils are out about three inches, so if we get any cold or snow, I am going to lose them all. I have been keeping a close eye on the weather station and as soon as I hear that we will get cold, I will have to cover them with plastic and put buckets over them. Even my apple trees are beginning to show signs of budding. NOT GOOD!!
Besides for that I am very busy at work. Usually am this time of year with Budgets, Audits, year end reports and beginning a new year. I also do between 50 to 75 income tax returns for clients each year, so, they should start coming in soon also.
We had a super great holiday and hope that everyone else did as well. I would like to say belated birthdays to everyone that had birthdays over the past few weeks. Meaghan, Cheryl, Alberta, Heather, Candice. And anyone else that I may have forgotten.
I continue to work on the family genealogy and have been doing a lot of research. I will be sending a copy of everything I have to Alberta and to Paul. If anyone else wants copies, please let me know. I have been able to get a few pictures of Ardencaple Castle (The MacAulay Castle) that was in Scotland. Only the South Tower remains, but I was able to get a few pictures of what the Castle looked like before it was demolished. I will be sending copies of those also when I send out the info.
I will post a couple of them also.

And a great Escape Weekend it was!!!

2006-12-13T08:59:00.000-03:00

Time for another short update.
Where do I start.
Not much happening around here.
I got all my parcels mailed by the first week of December, so that was a great accomplishment.
Kelsey and I had a special escape weekend to Fredericton for Henry and Madisons birthday party. We left here at noon on Friday December 1st. It was raining in Halifax when we left. When we got to Truro it was freezing rain, and in Moncton it was snowing. By the time we got to Oromocto it was raining again. We went shopping on Saturday to buy birthday gifts for the special birthdays, had fun at the birthday party they had for Henry and Maddi. Got to visit with mom, Aunt Betty and Aunt MaryAnne. It was really nice to see them again. Kelsey bought a couple of books for Caitlynn and Joeye. On our way home, Sunday, it was very warm and sunny. It was a wonderful time for both Kelsey and I. I love to spend special time with my grand daughters.
I want to say Thank You to the Fredericton clan for helping me get back into the Christmas spirit. I was kind of thinking that I would only put up a tree and not do any other decorating this year, but, when I got to Henry's and saw how beautiful April had decorated her home, I wanted to go home and decorate mine also. So, before I left, I was given a gift bag with a christmas music cd, a bottle of fine, beautiful candle arrangement, tart burner and wonderful smelling tarts. It was the perfect gift to get me into the mood. And thank you mom for the beautiful Christmas Angel that you bought me.
I also had my special time with Cait this month. I went to her school with her to help the class decorate their little gingerbread houses. Each student had their own house. It was really fun and Cait and I had a great time. I also got to spend some time with Cait when I went shopping with her to buy new shoes, and accessories to go with her beautiful Christmas dress that she had from last year. We did buy a new silver sash to go with the dress.
Every so often I will pick Joeye up from the babysitters and take her shopping on a Friday afternoon. It is soon time to do that with her again.
This month has been very busy for me at work. There has been major plumbing problems and I had to coordinate the work to have that repaired. Had our yearly fire inspection, also had the furnace replaced. Working on next years budget and trying to get paperwork organized for yearly Audit that will happen in early February. Yep, this is a busy time of year at work for me.
On the bright side, I have all my Christmas shopping done. Gifts are all wrapped and hidden throughout the house. We will be decorating our Christmas tree this evening.
Derek and I will be hosting Christmas Dinner this year. I love having everyone over for Christmas Dinner. Our office is closed between Christmas and NewYears, so, I will have lots of time to relax after Christmas.
Andrea just got her report card and did absolutely wonderful. High 80's and 90's. Jennifer continues to work at the call centre and seems to like it. At least its a job and she has her own money.
If I remember correctly, Candice should be coming home soon, on the 17th I think. I bet Brenda and Garry will be glad to have her back. Welcome home Candice.
Well I must get back to work now.
I will try and update more often, but, I won't promise anything, cause this is a very busy time of year for me.

Pics to share

2006-11-22T20:28:00.000-03:00

Caitlynn and her long lost friend at the Christmas Parade of Lights. She hadn't seen Brittney is quite a while as she had moved away. They moved back.

Joeye trying to share her fries with Kelsey.

Joeye at the Christmas Parade of Lights.

Joeye loves the playground.

Derek says this is our little trunk gnome.

Time for another update

2006-11-22T11:10:00.000-03:00

My beautiful, intelligent, daughter told me it was time to post an update, so here goes.

Thank you Lesley for the email. A small parcel has been put in the mail for you, Aaron and the boys this morning. I also have a small parcel on its way to Heather and Jeff. I mailed a parcel to Emilee, to Derek's sister Liana and her family. I have another ready for his brother Mark and his family, and I am just about done getting the parcel ready for Derek's parents.

I have decided to visit Madison and Henry for their birthday's.

That's right. Auntie Anne is going to see Maddy for her birthday. Auntie Anne will also be hand delivering parcels to Henry and his bunch.

I haven't decided if I am going to deliver the other parcels to NewBrunswick or send them by bus or mail. So, Matthew, Paul & Cheryl, Bee & Jerry, I need mailing addresses. I would also like to send a little something to Bradley and Steven, so once again. I need addresses. Send them to my annemac@ns.sympatico.ca email please.

I have to make a trip to PEI soon also to deliver gifts to my super wonderful son Mike and to Lisa. Hey Mike & Lisa, what are your plans for the weekend of December 8th or 15th. You know, you could come and visit us and I will pay your gas and bridge fare. I will even go to the casino with you and give you a few dollars to win us lots of money.

We went to the Santa Parade last weekend with Monica and the girls. A fun time was had by all.

JJ gets home tomorrow. I know Monica will be glad to have him back and I am sure that he will be glad to be home also.

Derek has started putting the outdoor Christmas lights up, and he has more to do. I wanted him to finish them this weekend but, I also have other plans for him. We had a water leak in our preschool ceiling at Veith House and that needs to be repaired by December 1st, and since every renovation place I called are booked up until the spring, Derek kind of got stuck with the job.

I do appreciate all the work he does here for me. And speaking of work, we are still having major plumbing problems. Our office will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week, therefore, I will get a few days rest. I told Monica that I would go in and work for her on Tuesday if she wants. I am sure that she could use a day off to stay home and play with Joeye, or to just have a day at home to rest.

I think that is about all the update for now. Jennifer is still working and seems to like it and Andrea just got a super great report card. I guess we can't ask for much more.

Hope everyone has a super duper week.

Ghosties and goblins are over for another year.

2006-11-01T10:06:00.000-03:00

Halloween is now over for another year, so I guess I will put the decorations away this weekend.
We had a few more children than last year. There seems to be an increase each year, perhaps it is because the subdivision is growing in leaps and bounds. I had enough treats for 600 children and I probably had about 20 or 30 left at the end of the evening.
The young children began just before 5 pm and the last of the teens arrived just after 9 pm. There was a lot of spiderman costumes for the little guys and little mermaid or princesses for the little girls,. I also found that there was a lot of dinosaur costumes this year.
I was also impresses with the costumes of the teens. Most of those were last minute put together stuff, but some were really creative. One guy had a garbage can over himself and it had "White Trash" written in big bold letters on the can. Another had herself wrapped in a big clear plastic bag and the bag was filled with balloons, really creative and cute. And then one guy had a big box over himself, and the box was made to look like a big screen TV.
Any treats that were left was sent home with Andrea as I didn't want to have those treat bags in my house. Out of sight, out of mind.
I didn't get a chance to see Joeye, Kelsey or Cait in their costumes, so I am hoping that Monica will posts pics soon, and, Alex looks very handsome in their costumes.
I have about half my Christmas shopping completed and wrapped.
Betty and Henry, you will both be getting parcels by the end of November and it will have a fruitcake in the box for you. Paul, you will also get a parcel by the end of November and your will have 2 fruitcakes and a rum cake.
You never know, I may just make the trip to deliver the goods instead of mailing them. It depends on the weather.
I will keep you posted and let you know when the parcels are in the mail or if they will be delivered.
Brenda, there will be a parcel going your way also by the end of November. I won't be sending any fruitcake as you have mom and she has already made some for you.
Two parcels will be going out west, one for Joseph and Alex and one for Jonathan.
Derek and I will also be sending parcels to his family, but I am not sure when he wants to send those.
Busy season is about to begin at work, therefore, I have taken Friday off as a me day. I am going to stay home and relax and spend the entire day on me. I was thinking that I might even kidnap Joeye for the afternoon. I always have lots of fun when I have Joeye.
Better get back to work if I want to have everything completed by tomorrow afternoon.

I really need a vacation!

2006-10-19T10:48:00.000-03:00

Yes, I need a vacation away from work. I have decided that since I am taking a few days off that I will not bring my cell phone with me, and hopefully no one will be able to find me. Of course, Monica will have a phone numbers for emergencies, but I am so looking forward to a few days away from Veith House.
It all started with having to have the furnace replaced. I guess being the book keeper also qualifies me as head of maintenance, so anything that needs to be taken care of is going to come to me. That isn't so bad, and I really don't mind. But when I am told that it is going to take two days tops, to install a new furnace, why can't it be done in two days. There has been no heat here since October 12th. I was told that the furnace would definitely be up and running by the 17th. Well today is the 19th and they are saying that hopefully it will be ready by tomorrow afternoon. And to top it all off, we had a problem with the draining pipes for the sewer.
Yep, I did say the sewer pipes. I got a call at 4 pm yesterday, saying that there was water coming into the furnace room and no one knew what to do about it so they called me. Well, my first instinct was to call the plumber......How hard is it to figure that one out? Anyway, I end up coming in here at 5:30 pm and staying until 9:45 pm last night, only to find out that the drain pipe was still completely plugged and that the plumber would return in the morning. OK, fine, The place was really smelly and I just wanted to go home and shower at that point anyways.
This morning the plumber shows up and and is finally able to fix the drain problem..... The furnace guys are downstairs and says that they will do their best to have heat for us by tomorrow.
Gee thanks, but I start my vacation tomorrow. So I won't be here anyways.
Like I said, I am so glad that I will be getting away for a few days. Lets keep our fingers crossed that I can return to work on the 26th with heat and a toilet that flushes. Is that too much to ask?

Time for another update

2006-10-16T22:26:00.000-03:00

Seems like I haven't updated in a while, so, here goes.
First I have to say that I have been quite busy the past month or so. Once I returned from visiting Ontario, I decided to make salsa, pickles and chow. I have enough to keep us going for the entire winter. I also told mom that I would wrap the christmas gift that she sent home with me. So, I have those almost all wrapped. Once that is done, I will have to plan a short trip to NewBrunswick to deliver them before Christmas.
I also told mom that I would make the fruitcakes for her this year. I got her secret recipe and I have made 8 fruit cakes so far. So please let me know who wants fruitcakes and how many you would like. I am also planning of making rum cakes this year. I made one last year ad it was sooooo goood, that I decided that I would make a couple of those this year too. I also have to make a few meat pies. I think 8 to 10 meat pies should be enough to keep us going this year.
Derek and I will be celebrating our first wedding anniversary next week, so , we have decided to go away for the weekend. Just a quick romantic escape from the city. We are going to this tiny little community somewhere in Nova Scotia, called Meteghan. Derek has been there for work in the past few months and has found this very nice country inn that he wanted to take me to. So, that is where we will be going. It is along the Evangeline Trail somewheres, not too far from Digby, so it sounds like it is going to be a nice, quiet, romantic weekend for us....YIPEE.
Really busy at work getting ready preparing next years budget and getting funding proposals ready for different places. I will soon have to begin preparing all my year end reports for the auditor. He usually comes in the first week of February to do the audit, but, I like to have as much ready as possible before he come in.
I will try and keep the NB gang updated on when I am able to do my Christmas deliveries. Of course, any of you can always come to visit us in Nova Scotia. We have lots of room.

Pickles, pickles and more pickles

2006-09-29T10:14:00.000-03:00

Well, you know that winter will soon be here when I start making pickles, salsa, and chow. My next project is going to be to make meat pies, pumpkin preserves and apple jelly.
Derek is finally home again, after being in NewBrunswick for the past week or so. He goes back to NewBrunswick again next week. Oh well, can't complain too much. He likes his job and the most important part is that he has a job. Monica told me that she had problems logging onto my blog. I hope that the problem is corrected, cause I didn't make any changes or anything. Lets hope that it was just a minor glitch.
Today is Derek's birthday. Happy Birthday to my hubby.

Home again

2006-09-26T09:28:00.000-03:00

Well, I am not home again and I have to thank Brenda, Garry and Mom for the great mini vacation. Brenda and mom kept me busy. We went to a few fruit stands to gather veggies and then we made Salsa. Brenda's home made salsa is soooooo goooood. I have decided that I will make some too. We do eat a lot of Salsa here, so why not make it!
I came home with much more luggage than when I left. I have everyones Christmas Gifts and I will be coordinating a quick trip to NewBrunswick before winter to deliver them to everyone. Mom also gave me her fruitcake receipe, so I will be making a bunch of those. So, for those of you that want fruitcake, put in your order and tell me how many you want.
I have to thank Garry again for hospitality. I woke up to Tim Hortons coffee every morning and had Tim Hortons coffee after supper and a few other times also. It was great. I told Brenda that she should really clone Garry and sell him, or rent him out as "Rent a Husband". She could really make a ton of money. Brenda has a gorgeous home, and a beautiful big yard. Her flowerbed is really pretty and I look forward to seeing the back yard flowerbed when she has that completed. I went with nanny when she had her blood tests and she then took me with her to visit her friends Marlene and Shirley. They are very nice ladies. Monica picked me up at the train station as Derek is away in NewBrunswick this week. He gets back on Friday, his birthday, so with that I will cut this short as I have to get ready for work and I have to go birthday shopping for him.
Thanks again Brenda, Garry and Mom

Here are a few wedding pictures

2006-09-07T21:02:00.000-03:00

More wedding pics

2006-09-07T20:56:00.000-03:00

I am not done yet!

2006-09-07T20:54:00.000-03:00

Still have more pictures

2006-09-07T20:51:00.000-03:00

And still more pictures

2006-09-07T20:49:00.000-03:00

And more wedding pics

2006-09-07T20:47:00.000-03:00

More wedding pics

2006-09-07T20:45:00.000-03:00

Wedding Pictures

2006-09-07T20:34:00.000-03:00

Birthdays and anniversaries

2006-08-25T08:50:00.000-03:00

I am hoping that everyone can help and send me their birthdate (including year) and anniversary dates (including year). I have started working on my family genealogy again. I had this information before, but, somehow it was misplaced, so I decided to start over with the little information that I do have. I have some birthdates but not the years and there has been new additions to the family since I last worked on the family history.
Derek and I were thinking of going on a cruise or back to Jamiaca in early spring, but, instead we have been talking of going to Britain. He has an Aunt and family in England and they have invited us to visit any time, and I really want to go to Scotland, so we are re-thinking our vacation plans. May just wait and go next summer.
Hope to hear from everyone soon with all the important dates.

Vacation is over

2006-08-18T08:34:00.000-03:00

Well, vacation is over and I am back at work and very busy before preschool begins in September. One of the programs at Veith House is a subsidized preschool for children in the area that cannot afford to pay for preschool. The children are ages 4 to school age.
The wedding is over and I think it was one of the most beautiful weddings I have seen. Everything seemed to go off without a hitch, and there was lots of partying and getting re-aquainted with family members. It was nice to be able to see everyone. Derek has been away at work all week but is expected home tonight (Friday). I think we are just going to stay home this weekend and relax. It was nice to have family visit with us before the wedding. I just wish that we had more time. There was still so much that I would have liked to have done but just didn't have the time. I have been thinking of perhaps taking another weeks vacation later this fall and going to visit Brenda. I still have vacation time that I have to use before the end of the year. And I have 5 overtime days that I have to use also, so this gives me enough days to take a few for our anniversary in October and still take a week to go to Ontario. I have wedding pictures and I will post those later this week. Also, if anyone else has pics, I would really appreciate if you could email me copies. My next big project is a baby blanket for Tic-Tac. Not sure what it will look like yet, but, it will definitely be for a boy. I must say that it was great to have Alex and Joseph visit for a couple of days. Now if Monica would just hurry and drink the water that she received from out west, I may get a grandson after all. Hurry up Monica and JJ. What are you waiting for. I was only joking when I said no kids for two years! Derek and I are looking forward to hearing more about Heather and Jeff's wedding plans. Keep us posted on the wedding date and so on. Well I must get back to work. I will try and post the pics this weekend. It was nice to see everyone and you are welcome to come back any time.

Accommodations for the wedding

2006-07-17T14:15:00.000-03:00

I decided that I would put this little blurb on my blog for anyone that may be interested.
When we travel to Miramichi for Henry's wedding, Derek and I have decided that we will be staying at The Wharf Inn. Monica and JJ will also be staying there with the children.
I have booked rooms for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. August 10, 11 and 12.
The Wharf Inn has also blocked off a section of 10 rooms for anyone that may want to make reservations. I thought this was a good idea for guests, like people from Henry's work, or for anyone else that may be looking for a place to stay. I know that we could probably all stay with Uncle Paul, Bee, Aunt Mina and other relatives if we wanted to, but Derek and I wanted something close to downtown and felt that everyone will be very busy trying to help with wedding stuff, so by having a room, we will be out of everyones hair, and can still have quiet time when we need it. Here is the information for The Wharf Inn.

The website.
http://www.cityhotels.ca/hotels/wihotel.html

The block of rooms are being held until July 30th. So if you want a room you must call and tell them that it is for the MacAulay/Long wedding. The rooms are $99 + tax, however, if 10 rooms are booked, we are able to get them for the discount price of $75 + tax. Monica and I already have 4 rooms booked.

The Address and phone number is
The Wharf Inn
1 Jane Street
Miramchi, New Brunswick
E1V 3M6
Tel: (506) 622-0302
Fax: (506) 622-0354
TOLL FREE 1-866-612-8600

Happy Birthday Joeye

2006-07-16T20:22:00.000-03:00

Today we celebrated Joeye's 1st birthday. I just wanted to post this picture cause it is just so cute. I am sure that Monica will post many more later this week.

Vacation pics as promised

2006-07-14T12:10:00.000-03:00

Here are a few pics from our vacation in BC. This first one was taken in Pacific Rim National Park. A very pretty place to visit. The trees are so big and tall.

This next picture is Derek with his Aunt Norah (from SanDiego) and Aunt Sheila (from England). Aunti Norah is the blonde and Aunt Sheila brunette.

Derek near the rapids on our way to Tofino.

Derek with his sister Liana and brother Mark. This was the first time in 28 years that they have been together.

I will name the ladies from left to right.
Jill (Derek's sister in law), Linda (his cousin), Shae (his 9 year old neice), Aunt Sheila, and me. this picture really shows me how much weight I've lost so far. I will post a before and an after picture this weekend. I have lost another 5 lbs since this picture was taken.

I will post more pics later.

And the countdown starts.

2006-07-07T09:02:00.000-03:00

Well, now that I am back from BC, it is time to start my list and planning for the family visit. I am so looking forward to having everyone. I have a few questions that I am hoping will make your stay a very pleasant one. When is everyone arriving, and do you have any plans for your visit while you are in NS. I have a carseat and a booster seat, so you don't have to worry about those. Are there any allergies that I should know about? We do not have any pets at my home, so, if anyone has an allergy to cats or dogs, you won't have to worry. We do have a couple of fish, but I don't know if I will still have them by the time everyone arrives. Derek and I do not smoke and we prefer that there is no smoking in our home. However, you are more than welcome to smoke on the patio or outside. Are there any foods that you really do not like, such as onions, spinach, seafood, etc. Are there foods that you would really like to have while you are here, such as shrimp, lobster, clams, etc. If you wish I can pick up a package from Tourism NS and brochures for sightseeing. Hope I didn't scare anyone with too many questions, but, I just want to make your stay here comfortable. Oh, I promise that I will post pics of my BC vacation this weekend. Derek has then on the computer at home, now I just have to upload them into photobucket.

I'm back from BC

2006-07-05T09:32:00.000-03:00

Well, we made it back from Vancouver Island early Tuesday morning and I had to be to work at 7am. I was really tired and just wanted to go home and go back to bed, but, I did manage to stay and work all day. When I got home at 6 pm I went to bed and slept until 7 am this morning.
We had a wonderful time in BC and the 50th wedding anniversary was great. I got to meet so many relatives that Derek hadn't seen since he was just a little guy. We learned a lot about the family history and how the family name Tawse-Smith was originally Smith, and how the family went from England to Bogota, Columbia, then a few went back to England, but, most stayed in Columbia. Also learned about how Derek's parents met, and so many other details about the family. A very interesting history lesson.
To make the vacation even better, when I got home and stepped on the scale, I saw that instead of gaining weight, I lost another lb. I know it isn't much, but, it was better than gaining a lb.
I will post pics as soon as Derek has them downloaded on the computer.

And it all began with the soup diet.

2006-06-12T22:14:00.000-03:00

The next week is going to be a busy one for me. I have to begin packing for our vacation on BC. I took out all my summer outfits that I bought to go away with last October and discovered that most of them no longer fit. I had gained a lot of weight last winter when I was taking pain medication for my back, so I decided to join LA Weight Loss Centre and have been doing great. It all started with the soup diet. I did really well and lasted 6 days and lost 7 lbs on the soup diet. I think that was the beginning of my weight loss. I have since lost a bunch more weight and hope to lose a lot more. Believe me, I still have lots to lose. My first goal was to keep off the 7 lbs that I lost on the soup diet and I did. My second goal was to lose 15 lbs before going to BC on June 24th, and I have definitely surpasses that. Now my next goal is to not gain any weight while I am on vacation for two weeks. I am all psyched and ready to take on the challenge. Then my next goal is to lose another 15 lbs before Henry and April's wedding. Once I have done that, my goal will be to lose the last 10 - 15 lbs to bring me back to what I should weight. It is still a long road ahead but my weight loss councellor says I should be down to my goal weight by my anniversary October 24th. I hope so because Derek and I are thinking of going on a cruise or maybe another all inclusive in Mexico. We will just take it one day at a time and see what happens.
So, am I the only one that is still doing the diet thing or is there anyone else out there that is trying to fight the battle of the bulge. Let me know how you are all doing. Maybe I will get Derek to take a pic so I can post a before and an after to show everyone how I am doing.

Happy Birthday Monica

2006-05-30T10:47:00.000-03:00

My baby girl will be 30 years old tomorrow. Here are a few pics that I just had to share with everyone. I will find more pics this evening and post them tomorrow.
Happy Birthday Monica.

Also, Happy Birthday to Lucie. Her birthday is today.

Monica and Caitlynn

Monica with Grandmere, Heather, Les, Mike, Amy and I think the baby is Melanie.

Monica and Mike

Monica and her famour red helmet. She use to hide her pink bunny under her helmet. I know another baby (Joeye) that loves her pink bunny.

Monica and baby Kelsey.

Another update

2006-05-15T09:14:00.000-03:00

Thought I should post another update.
Hope all the mommy's had a wonderful Mother's Day. I know that I did. Spent the day doing some gardening and had a barbecue for supper. Monica and the girls came over for the barbecue and gave me some lovely gifts. I received a gorgeous vase of flowers, a very fancy wooden photo box with lots of pics to put in it, and a very pretty throw cushion. The girls have been giving me decorator throw cushions for the past couple of years and I love having them on my bed. I also got some lobsters compliments of my son. They were delicious. I also got gardening tools and rose bushes from Derek. And speaking of Derek, he is gone again this week. Last week he was all over Nova Scotia and this week he is in Saint John. I think I will visit with Monica and the girls for a couple of days. It is always fun to have sleeepovers with the girls.
I am still doing great on the diet. I find that I have been doing much better since I stopped taking the lyrica and ametriptylene. My back seems to be getting better. I am able to do some gardening for longer periods of time before the back pains begin. I still have to be careful and not lift anything heavy or do too much sewing at one time. So I just kind of pace myself when doing heavy chores. Not much more happening around here. Looking forward to my trip to BC in June and having family get together in August.

Joeye's visit with Nanny

2006-04-29T21:49:00.000-03:00

Bounce Tigger!!!! I said Bounce!!!!

I wonder what trouble I can get into now????

Peek A Boo!!!!

Peek a Boo!!!
I see you Nanny!!!

I'm not sleepy Nanny, honest!!!!

As you can see, Joeye had a wonderful visit with Nanny and Grandpa Derek. Hope we can do this again soon, and maybe, we will be lucky enough to have Kels and Cait sleep over too. Nanny would love to have a craft night with her girls.

More pics

2006-04-29T20:39:00.000-03:00

Don't know if you know the entire story about JJ's homecoming, but, I will give you a short blurb and Monica can go into more details when she posts her pictures and video.
JJ came home for two weeks. He arrived on Easter Sunday. Monica didn't tell Kels and Cait cause she wanted it to be a surprise. So, with the help of Amy this is what happened.
Amy and Mitch pick the girls up from Monica's and takes them to Chapters to buy a book before coming to my place for an Easter egg hunt. Monica and Joeye goes to the airport to pick up JJ and they arrive here just minutes before Amy, Mitch, Kelsey and Cait. The girls knew that they were going to have an Easter egg hunt. So they have to find plastic eggs that have letters in it and they have to unscramble a secret message. It said "Secret message on computer". So they run downstairs to the family room and the computer screen says "Easter surprise in bedroom".
So, they run into the bedroom and find a big box and the rest of their Easter treats.
Kels and Cait knew that their mom had some kind of a surprise for them and they thought they were getting hamsters. Amy said they were so sure they were getting hamsters that they were naming them in the car on the way here.
Here are a few pics.
Kelsey's first thoughts were, "Isn't this kind of big for a hamster", but she didn't say anything. We told them that they had to open their gift. If you look real close you can see the surprise on Caits face. The girls were so surprised. I am looking forward to seeing Monica's pics and video.

Results of my bloodwork

2006-04-29T20:30:00.000-03:00

Ok, so the doctor sent me for bloodwork because I told him that I had gained a lot of weight in the past 3 months or so. Well, he told me that I was on the edge of having Type 2 diabeties and that if I didn't change my eating habit I would be injecting myself with insulin within the next 5 years. Then he tells me that I have a 20% chance of having a heart attack within the next 10 years. That was enough to make me realize that I have to do something or I am in big trouble. I will be seeing a dietician. The physician is sending me for more bloodwork in 4 weeks and he said that if things didn't improve, he will be putting me on medication. I will update once I see the dietician.

Do you recognize this home

2006-04-23T16:36:00.000-03:00

As I have mentioned before, Dereks mother is an artist. She does watercolor and oil paintings. I asked her if she would do a painting for me of Grandparents home and she said she would be honored to paint the picture for me. So, what do you think. I took a couple of old pictures that I had and I gave her a description of what I could remember of the house, and this is what she came up with. Let me know what you think. I had the painting done for mom. I hope you like it mom.

I can't believe it's snowing

2006-04-19T08:42:00.000-03:00

That's right. Snow. Just yesterday I was telling Derek that I was amazed at how fast my daffodils bloomed this year and that my tulips will be in full bloom by the weekend. It is usually the second week of may before the tulips bloom. BOY DID I EVER JINK MYSELF. Woke up this morning and when I looked outside it was snowing. Looks as if it had been for a few hours as everything was covered in this white blanket of snow. It is the really wet kind. You can't even use it to make a snowman or anything. The weather is supposed to change to rain at some point this morning, and the snow isn't going to accumulate to anything. It just made for a really slushy and messy to drive to work. I left home early so it's only 8:30 am and I still have a few minutes to update this blog. I guess I will go and have my coffee and call Henry to let him know that it is snowing as he is on his way to Halifax this morning. Hope you all have a happy happy day.....Without snow!!!!!

Do I really have too much time on my hands

2006-04-17T11:41:00.000-03:00

The weekend was a huge success. The great weekend started by having Derek home and not having to work on Friday. I took the opportunity to take my time and clean my home. Because of my back problems I am only capable to doing a little at a time and I am not suppose to lift anything that weighs more than a couple of lbs. So I took my good ole time and was able to do all the housework. Yes, it took all day but I didn't have much else to do. And, of course Derek was here to carry the laundry, sweep and mop the floors and to help with a few other chores.
Saturday I decided to be real brave and go shopping for more easter treats. I didn't buy as much as I usually do, but I still wanted to have a little chocolate for everyone, I made little easter baskets filled with treats as my namecards for easter dinner. They were really cute and a huge success and it saved from saying "you sit here, you sit there, you can sit here", and so on.
I also decorated one of our little apple trees with pastel colored foam easter eggs. It was really cute, and I also ensured that we put out our lawn sign that says "Easter bunny please stop here". When Monica came over on Sunday morning and saw that I had everything decorated, she told me that I had way too much time on my hands. Maybe I do, but it was still fun. We only had 12 people for supper. I love cooking for a crowd.
Sunday was the best. Monica had told Kelsey and Cait that they would be doing their easter egg hunt at my place before supper. Little did they know that they were in for a big surprise. Sunday morning Monica dropped off plastic eggs. I use small pieces of different shaped wood chips and wrote the letters "Find secret message on computer" on each shape and put one letter in each egg. Kelsey and Cait had to find the eggs and unscramble the words to find out what it said. They then ran to the computer which is downstairs in the family room, and the message on the computer said "Look in Jennifer's Bedroom".
When they ran into the bedroom, there was a huge box that was gift wrapped and had a big bow on it. They were told to unwrap their gifts and they were really exited and started tearing at the paper. All of a sudden the box began to tear apart and out popped JJ. They were so surprised. They had no idea that he was coming home.
Monica had it set up so that Amy and Mitch picked up Kelsey and Cait early sunday afternoon and took them to Chapters to get them books as their easter gift, and while they were with Amy, Monica went to the airport with Joeye to pick up JJ. Once Monica picked up JJ, they came to my place and Amy showed up with the girls a few minutes after Monica and JJ. It all worked out just perfect. It was great. Monica has pictures that I am sure she will post. She also has it on video, however, I haven't seen any of it yet.
I don't have to work today either so I am just lazing around and taking it easy.
I took Tuesday and Wednesday off also, as I had overtime hours that I had to use or I would lose them. I told Monica that I would go and work for her Tuesday and Wednesday so that she can have a few days to spend at home with JJ. I hope that Monica soon posts the pictures she took on Sunday.

And it is a Happy Easter

2006-04-13T10:57:00.000-03:00

Just a quick update. Seems I am just so busy lately, but when I look back at what I did all week, it doesn't look like I was busy. Oh well.
As most of you know, Derek and I are going to Vancouver Island a the end of June for his parents 50th wedding anniversary. Well, I got an email from his mom this morning and she says that the formal invitations will be in the mail soon. It sounds like it is going to be a wonderful time. Last time Derek and I went to BC, his parents had sight seeing tours for us every day. I got to see a lot of the island and it was so beautiful. Now, if I could only lose weight before that, I will be happy.
I had a few overtime hours that I worked during Audit time, so I decided to take Tuesday and Wednesday off next week and I am going to go in and work for Monica on those days. I think she could use a break, and it will be nice for her to be able to have a couple of days off.
Henry and the gang will be coming for a few days next week. I am looking forward to that. It is always nice to have family visit. I think I will make a big turkey dinner with all the trimmings while they are here and I can get to use my chocolate fountain again. Everyone seemed to really enjoy it last time I used it. It is so fast and easy to throw dessert together when using a chocolate fountain.
I have to start thinking about organizing my summer clothes this weekend. I really need to start making my list of what I want to bring with me to BC. I am such a list person. I have a list for absolutely everything. Monica often jokes about my lists, but, she must admit, it does help me stay organized.
I will try and take some new pics to post this week when the family is together.

Sunshine and Daffodils

2006-04-02T12:28:00.000-03:00

It is Sunday morning. The sun is shining and my daffodils are beginning to bloom. They are so pretty. A sure sign of spring.

Well, I lasted 6 days on the diet and I lost 7 lbs.
I went in for my cortizone injections on Friday and was questioning the doctor about all the weight that I had gained since I began taking the new medication that he prescribed 3 months ago. And I come to find out that YES, the two new medications do have weight gain as side effects, and yes, the cortizone injections may cause me to gain weight. I just couldn't understand why I had gained so much weight in two months, since I knew that I really hadn't changed my eating habits enough to warrant the gain. So, he has decreased the dosage of my medication. He feels that my back has improved enough that he wants to try and decrease the dosage until I am able to cope without medication at all. I must say, that my back is feeling much better since I have began the injections. It still is not 100%, but it is much better. I also start physio again next week. I will just wait and see how that goes before commenting on it, as the last time I was doing physio, I would have more pain after doing it than before I had started. The doc has also told me to resume some of the activities that I was able to do before the accident, such as gardening, laundry, floors, sewing, etc. He said not to overdo it, but, to start incorporating some of it back into my regular daily routine. Yipee, lets hope that I can do some gardening this summer. I have Derek to thank for the daffodils. I just gave the orders last fall and he did the planting. I guess someone had to be boss.

Found more wedding pics

2006-03-31T11:26:00.000-03:00

Here are more wedding pics that I had saved on my computer.

This was me goofing around.

This was where we stayed. Our room was on the right, on the bottom floor. We had a one bedroom, waters edge, honeymoon suite, with concierge service. I would definitely get the same accomodations again.

Derek and I on the beach.

Here is another picture of the beach.

This is a picture of me just before we went for your candlelight supper. And I would be happy to be this size again before the end of June. Lets keep our fingers crossed. Between the gym and the soup diet, I should be able to get back to this size.

Day 4 and still going strong

2006-03-31T10:04:00.000-03:00

So after 4 days of being on the crazy soup diet I have lost 5 lbs. Sounds great right! But when you consider that I have gained 3 times that amount since early November it isn't so great. I was telling Derek that I don't understand how I gained that much so fast. I very rarely eat red meat, and I hardly ever use fat, and I don't think that I eat that much fat either. It then occured to me that weight gain is one of the side effects of both medications that I am taking, and I started gaining when I started taking the medication. So, is it possible that I am retaining water or it has just really slowed down my motabolism. I am going to start the gym again this week and see if that doesn't help. I have been going a couple of days a week, but, I need to go at least 5 days a week to see if it is going to help take off the pounds before summer. After all, I have a whole new summer wardrobe that I bought just before I went to Jamaica in October, so I want to be able to wear those this summer. I have a doctors appointment next week and I am going to ask him about he weight gain. And I will keep everyone updated on the diet situation.

Pictures of my step-daughters

2006-03-29T23:48:00.000-03:00

I just realized that I don't have any pics posted of Derek's daughters, Jennifer (age 20) and Andrea (age 16). So here they are.
Jen is very quiet and shy. She is presently attending Community College, and Andrea is very outgoing and not shy at all. She is in High School (10th grade) and loving it. She is doing very well and is on the honor list. We are very proud of them.

More family pics. This is for Melanie

2006-03-29T20:23:00.000-03:00

I just had to post these. This is a picture of Jeremy.

And pictures of Melanie, when she was so cute and innocent. To me she is still cute.

I need to find a picture of Amanda to post also. I know I have one of her as a baby. I will keep looking.

Day Three and all is well.

2006-03-29T20:06:00.000-03:00

This is day three of the diet and I am still at it. Haven't cheated yet. I think it is because first-I love soup; and second-I love fruits and veggies. I really dont think that I eat that much fat anyways. My weakness is the carbs - cake, chocolat, bread, pasta, chocolate, ice cream, and did I mention chocolate.
I am finding that I am craving sweets today, so I am substituting with melons. They are really sweet and seem to be doing the trick, although I find that I am always thirsty. Drinking water has not been a problem. I am drinking 5 to 6 bottles each day. I hope that I am not drinking too much water.
On another note - The Audit is completed and signed, as is the 2006 Budget. And, our Annual General Meeting was last night, so now I can just relax for a week or two and then get into the tax season. It is nice to have a small break in between Audit and Tax time. I am looking forward to having everyone visit this summer and to anyone that knows me, I am a list person. I have a list for absolutely everything. So, I have already started my list for this summer. I have a list of what I need to pack for our trip to BC. I have also started my list of who sleeps where when everyone comes this summer. I absolutely love have visitors. We have a three bedroom split entry home and we have a large family room downstairs that has a sofa bed. We have lots of room for everyone. So to any family (and their significant others) that want to visit, we would be delighted to have you. Well, I must go and start a list of the places that I want to see while we are in BC. Hope everyone on this diet has lots of success, and willpower.

Diet Soup for Brenda

2006-03-22T21:03:00.000-03:00

SACRED HEART MEMORIAL HOSPTIAL 7 DAY DIET

SOUP:
1 or 2 cans of tomatoes ( stewed )
3 large green onions ( leeks) or one large cooking onion
1 large can of beef broth (no fat) or chicken broth, or 3 tbsp each of chicken and beef soup base
1 pkg lipton soup mix (chicken is best)
1 large bunch of celery
2 large cans of green beans or lots of fresh green beans
2 green peppers
2 lbs of carrots

Season with salt, pepper, curry parsley hot sauce or whatever kind of seasonings you prefer. Put soup bases, soup mix, tomatoes, and 4 cups of water into a large pot. Cut veggies into small to med pieces. Add to pot. Add enough water to cover the contents of the pot. Boil for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure that nothing is sticking to the bottom. Reduce heat to simmer and continue cooking until the veggies are tender.

This soup can be eaten any time you’re hungry during the week. Eat as much as you want whenever you want. This soup will not add calories. The more you eat, the more you will lose. (Eat it for breakfast if you want) Take it to work for lunch.

Drinks: Unsweetened juices. Tea, ( also herbal ) coffee, cranberry juice. Skim milk or water, water, water

DAY ONE: Any fruit except bananas. Cantaloupe and watermelon are lower in calories than most other fruits ( makes them a very good choice.) Eat only soup and fruit today.

DAY TWO: All vegetables. Eat until you are stuffed with fresh, raw, cooked or canned veggies. Try to eat green leafy veggies. Stay away from dried beans, peas, or corn. Eat veggies along with the soup. At dinner time tonight, reward yourself with a big baked potato and butter. Do not eat and fruit today

DAY THREE: Eat all the soup, fruit and veggies that you want. Do not have a baked potato, If you have eaten as above for three days and not cheated, you should have lost 5-7 lbs

DAY FOUR: Bananas and skim milk. Eat at least 3 bananas and drink as much milk as you can today. Along with the soup, bananas are high in calories and carbohydrates as is milk – but on this particular day, your body will need potassium and carbs, proteins and calcium to lessen cravings for sweets.

DAY FIVE: Beef and tomatoes. You may have 10-20 oz of beef and a can of tomatoes or as many as 4 tomatoes today. Eat the soup at least once today

DAY SIX: Beef and Veggies. Eat to your heart’s content of the beef and veggies today. You can even have 2-3 steaks if you like with green leafy veggies. No baked potato. Be sure to eat the soup at least once today.

DAY SEVEN: Brown rice, unsweetened fruit juices and veggies. Again. Be sure to stuff yourself and also eat the soup. You can add cooked veggies to your rice if you wish

By the end of seventh day. If you have not cheated on this diet, you should have lost 10-17lbs. If you have lost more than 17lbs stay off the diet for 2 days before resuming the diet again.

This 7 day eating plan can be used as often as you like. If correctly followed, it will clean out your system of impurities and give you a feeling of well being as never before. After only 7 days of this process, you will begin to feel lighter by at least 10 and possibly 17lbs. You will have an abundance of energy. Continue on this plan as long as you feel the difference.

This diet is fast, fat burning and the secret is that you will burn more calories that you take in. This diet does not lend itself to drinking any alcoholic beverages at any time. Because of the fat build-up in your system, you must be off the diet for at least 24 hours before any intake of alcohol.

Everyone’s digestive system is different, this diet will affect everyone differently. After day 3 you will have more energy that when your began – PROVIDING THAT YOU DO NOT CHEAT) After being on the diet for several days, you will find that your bowel movements have changed. Eat a cup of bran or fibre. Although you can have black coffee with this diet, you may find that you don’t need the caffeine after the third day.

The basic fat burning soup can be eaten any time that you feel hungry during the 7 days. Eat as much as you wish. Remember- the more you eat, the more you will lose. You can eat broiled, boiled or baked chicken instead of beef. (Absolutely no skin on the chicken) If you prefer, you can substitute broiled fish on only one of the beef days. You need the high protein in the beef for the other days.

Any prescribed medication will not hurt or affect you on this diet. Continue the diet plan as long as you wish and feel the difference both mentally and physically.

DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT
No bread, alcohol, carbonated drinks (including diet drink) Remember- absolutely no fried foods.

DO DO DO

Drink plenty at least 6-8 glasses of water a day, as well as any combinations of the following: black coffee, unsweetened tea, unsweetened fruit drinks, cranberry juice and skim milk.

This diet comes from the Sacred Heart Memorial Hospital and is used for overweight heart patients in order to lose weight rapidly- usually prior to surgery.

Nothing screams I love you, like CASH

2006-03-16T11:26:00.000-03:00

Those are the famous words of my beautiful sister, Brenda. (Of course, I must mention how everyone says we look alike...LOL).
I was trying to figure out what to give Henry and April for a wedding gift. I just could not see myself spending money on something that they will not use, or need, so I have decided that I will get them a somewhat smaller sentimental gift and just give them the cash.
I know that paying for the wedding is not going to be cheap, and by giving them the cash, they can use it to help pay for a mini honeymoon by themselves, a vacation with the girls, something for their new home, or to help pay wedding expenses that they may have incurred.
I know that it won't be much of a surprise to them and some people say that giving money isn't very personal but I am sure that they will appreciate the cash anyway. So, I think that the idea of gift certificates is great if you are near the stores and there are things that you really want that you can't pay for, like a lawn mower, but I know Henry and April and if they want something, they just go and get it, and as far as a lawn mower, I don't think that Henry will want to wait until August to be able to mow his lawn, or use his patio set.
Please remember that this is just my idea and I hope that I haven't offended anyone. Like I said gift certificates are a good idea also, but, as Brenda would say, "nothing screams I love you more than cash".

Another quick update

2006-03-15T12:57:00.000-03:00

Well, I have finally completed my part of the Audit with our Auditor. He was very impressed with my work and asked if I was looking for extra accounting work. He has clients that are looking for someone to do their accounting for them. He said that I could work from home if I wanted to. I told him that I was happy working for Veith House and I work with Monica in the afternoon, but, I would let him know if I ever decided to do extra work. I am also planning on taking evening courses at university beginning this fall. I have been telling myself for the past two years that I was going to do that, so, now is the time to start.
I had fun at Cait's birthday surprise. She loved the heely's that I bought her. It only took a couple of days for her to get the hang of it, but now that she has, she is all over the place. I will take pictures and post them. She also loved the gifts for nanny and uncle Mike, as well as the gifts she received from out West and from the rest of her family and friends.
Tonight I am have a turkey supper for everyone and I have a birthday cake that says Happy Birthday to Caitlynn and Kelsey. I decided to have a cake for them as Derek's daughters were not with us the weekend of Caits birthday and they are not with us again this weekend of Kelsey's birthday, and they didn't want to miss out on birthday cake, so I just bought one for tonights dessert.
I am trying to lose the 8 - 10 lbs that I gained since returning from Jamaica last October. It is going to be very hard as one of the side effects of the new medication that the doctor gave me for my back pains is weight gain. I guess I am going to have to really watch everything I eat and start going to the gym much more often. Derek and I are going to Vancouver Island at the end of June for his parents 50th wedding anniversary and I really want to fit into my blue dress that I bought for our Jamaica holiday. I think I may have lost two or three lbs. I will have to check the scale tonight.
I guess I better get back to work. I have all kinds of report that have to be passed in by the end of next week and they will not be ready if I just sit here blogging all day.

More pics, Sorry Monica, I just had to post these.

2006-03-09T23:29:00.000-03:00

Here are a few more pics.

Steven

Bradley - Love that smile Brad.

Mike - 5 years old

Henry and Monica clowning around again

Monica and her helmet. She use to hide her favourite pink bunny under her helmet. One day she forgot that she hid it there and was so upset when she couldn't find it. I had that pic too but can't find it now. Perhaps Monica knows where it is. Sorry Monica, I just had to add this pic to the blog. It is one of my favourites.

Found some old pics

2006-03-09T23:16:00.000-03:00

Here are some pics that I was able to scan. Hope you like them. There are many more to come.

Joe, Heather and Les

This is a very old pic of Joe

This is Heather and Les. I am not sure where I got that one.

Isn't this a cute picture of Amy.

Here is another oldie but goody. Brenda, Garry and Candice.

Trying to keep up to date is really hard

2006-03-06T10:35:00.000-03:00

I really really really want to keep this blog updated, but I just find that I don't have time to do anything. And then when I look back at the week, it looks like I didn't have anything to do. So why am I so busy?
Well, Derek has been travelling a lot with work. He went to Ohio for a week, then when he returned he had to go to NewBrunswick for 2 days, and then PEI for two days, then when he returned he had to fly to Toronto for a family funeral. When Derek is away overnight, I usually go stay with Monica and the girls, so if I am not home, I don't get on the computer much.
I am very busy at work. Still waiting for a date to complete the audit with the auditor. We have our Board of Directors Annual Meeting at the end of the month, and I have lots of stuff to prepare for that. I had to complete our 2006 Projected Budget, so that keep me busy for a while also.
I am working of the dresses for Henry and Aprils flower girls (Meaghan, Michaela, and Madison). So I have been spending some time doing that. I am hoping to have them all complete (except the hem) before Henry and April come up next month. Hey guys, what day are you coming up anyway?
I found some pictures that I have of Kelsey when she was just a baby, and they look so much like Joeye. I will try and get them scanned this week and post them. I also have a few older family pics that I will scan this week.
Thank you Les for the photos that you sent.
Hey Les, and Heather (and eveyone else coming this way), if you are planning on staying in the Halifax region (when you are here on vacation) you are more than welcome to stay at our place. There is no need for you to pay for a motel.
Looking forward to seeing everyone this summer.

Wedding pics

2006-02-22T12:07:00.000-03:00

As I am looking for stuff on my computer at work for the Audit, I ran across some wedding pics and a few of the girls that I must have put on my computer so I will try and post them. I am not sure if I am posting correctly so I will try and see if this works.

He's gone again

2006-02-20T11:53:00.000-03:00

I am way overdue to update this blog. I wish I wasn't so busy all the time. Well, Derek is gone once again. This time he is in Ohio for a week of training on some new kind of scale or something. Because Derek is gone, I have decided to move in with Monica and the girls for the week. I just didn't see the point in my staying by myself for an entire week when I could spend the time with her and the girls. Thanks for putting up with me Monica.
This is going to be an exciting week, if nothing else. Monica and I decided that we really had to get on the bandwagon and start exercising and watching our food intake if we are going to lose any weight at all before summer. So, to get us motivated, Monica went out and bought a cd on bellydancing exercise or something like that. Well, last night we decided to watch the video to see what we were in for and as the video is playing, Monica looks at me and says "Did we miss the practise version on this, or what"?????? All I could think of was how do they move their hips like that, better yet, I have to find my hips first. As I said, it will be funny if nothing else. I am sure that Kels and Cait are going to have a blast laughing at Mommy and Nanny doing their bellydance exercises all week. Lets keep our fingers crosses that I don't break a hip or something. I am not a spring chicken anymore.
I had lots of fun dress shopping with April, Myra, Monica and Amy. It is always more fun when you can spend someone else's money. Good choice on the dresses girls. They look amazing on all of you.
I had so much fun with Joeye over the weekend. Our new thing is learning to sing and play the itsy bitsy spider. She laughs and tries to sing the song with me when I sing it and she is now putting her hands together to mimic me when I go thorough the motions. It is really cute and funny to watch her. She looks a lot like Kels, but she definitely has some of Caits traits, like her attention span, but after all, she is only 8 months old. I am so blessed to have 4 beautiful granddaughers. I just wish that Emilee was closer. I miss my little carrot top.
Well, I must get back to work. I will try and update more often. Hey, maybe I can get a picture of Monica doing her bellydancing. Bet JJ would love to see that.
Hope everyone has a great week and stay warm.