Let's Be Friends Blog Hop

Hello again!! Well, I am linking up with Tiffany @ The Dwelling Tree for this weeks Let's Be Friends Blog Up. It has been awhile since I have linked up with this blog hop, and I am really excited.

I am going to give you a couple of links to particular posts, since I am about to head off to work.  Here is one I wrote last Monday. This is what I wrote today for Saturday's TToT. Enjoy!

Sunday Social

Welcome to my version of this wks Sunday Social!

 

 

You mean people have more than one handbag/purse at a time?LOL I currently have one at the moment; the $8 purse I bought at Walmart.

2. 3 things you would buy right now if money was no object?

A house, because I'm SO OVER living in an apartment, a new car, and a vacation house somewhere :)

3. Name a place you would go right now if given a plane ticket to anywhere?

Because of the crazy few weeks we have, I would settle for the hotel/motel down the hill!! I would love to go to Quebec City!! Oh, and maybe England..honestly? Pretty much anywhere!

4. What is the most valuable life lesson you've learned from blogging?

Write what you know, and don't worry about how other people's blogs look, design or content wise. Just do what you love and know!

5. What is the most valuable life lesson you've learned from a friend?

Don't trust them. Sorry, but i have had "friends" in my life (including one who was my MOH at my wedding) who are really no longer in my life (FB friends, and maybe some texts here and there), which makes me really sad. Remember the friend I had connected with a couple of months back? Well, we are hardly texting/connecting anymore. Makes me really sad. I am honestly tired of fairweathered friends, or friends who are only your friends when they want to be. The person who I have been connecting the most with lately? A co-worker! Yes, I know, I am slightly bitter. End of rant.

Next week's questions

These are all about YOUR blog!

1. Introduce yourself and your blog to us

2. What is your favorite form of Social Media and why?

3. What made you start a blog?

4. What do you feel the most meaningful/special post you've written is?

Linking up with Ashley for this weeks Sunday Social!

Ten Things of Thankful-Hubs' Diagnosis Edition

I thought I would combine a couple of posts in one, since I have a few posts that I want to write today. I am linking up with Liz for this weeks Ten Things of Thankful. I thought I would (kind of) explain Anker's diagnosis through this wks TToT.

1. He IS going to be ok (for now).
 We went to the specialist yesterday, and although the biopsy wasn't back yet, he figured from what Anker told him what his symptoms are that the diagnosis isn't a death sentence, at least not right now. As far as how far it has progressed, we won't know until we get the biopsy results back.

2. There are medications to help him (in other words, it's treatable).
Right now, he has been given two medications to help him get and feel better.

3. The Medications are covered by our provincial plan.
'Nuff sad.

4. They have made great strides in the last few years.
10 years ago, this diagnosis would have been a lot different than it does today. There are medications and vitamins that he can be on to help him control his condition.

5. It's Not Cancer.
His actual diagnosis is called Primary Biliary Cirrhosis. Basically, it's scarring of the liver, and also an autoimmune disease. Not the greatest diagnosis, but not the worst, either.

6. This actually may help us.
He is trying to get on disability, and once they find out what this diagnosis is, this actually might help get on easier/faster to his disability income.

7. The Specialist was good.
I wouldn't say he was exceptional, but he was thorough, and asked a lot of questions. He examined Anker, which is always a good thing, and he was pretty good at explaining the condition.

8. He will eventually get his Energy Back.
After he is on his medications and vitamins for awhile, he should get his energy back. As far as going back to work, well, I don't know. Hopefully, disability will be kicking in soon.

9. I know God has a plan in all this.
I am honestly stressing about finances right now. More than his diagnosis, actually. I don't know what His plan is in all this, but I know He will be carrying us through this.

10. God will be Glorified.
I have come up with this conclusion a few years back when I got sick: things don't happen (or not happen) necessarily for us; they sometimes happen to help/teach others. Through all of this, God will be glorified and praised, and hopefully this will touch others, too.

Five On Friday

Just a quick one today, since I am off to run some errands before work, but first one of the girls I like up with, Christina had her baby GIRL the other week, so hope on over to wish her congrats. Caroline Grace is her name..which I LOVE!!

Ok..on to this weeks FoF.

1. McD's Iced Coffee.

I am loving it. Just sayin!!

2.  Boston Pizza Gift Card

We actually got this last week, but I forgot to put it on the list. When Anker left his job, they gave him a BP GC, which we are going to use when he gets feeling better.

3. Another $8 Purse

I am cheap person. I think purses that cost than $40 are stupid. But when I find them for less than that, well, I am happy. My other purse that I had bought for $8 broke, so I had to buy another one. Yes, I am aware that this will have a short life, too. Oh well. They just don't make purses like they used to.

****Edited very late Friday night****

When I first started this earlier today, I thought had (in my head) the 5 that I had wanted to (had planned) on posting, but when I got to 4, I totally forgot! So I am just going to "make up" two more things.


4. Made My First Stew. Ever.

Ugh! I can't believe that I am the age that I am and I have never made a stew. Ever. Maybe it is because I have never liked them (sorry, Mom!). They have always tasted gooey to me. I have never had the desire to make them. Well, all that changed when I was to make a chicken stew the other night at work. They didn't have the recipe, so I found one online....I found and made this recipe for Potato/Chicken Stew, and it turned out really well! EVERYONE loved it. I was happy. The End.

5. Seeing lots of family this Week
Got to hang out with three of my aunts this week, and enjoyed some great visits. I also got to see my sister for a few minutes.

5.1. This Cheesecake

I ordered this Wednesday night. It is SO good! I was "good" and only ate half that night, and half the next morning for breakfast! Wanna have one for yourself? Check out Montana's Steakhouse!

I will update you on hubby's condition when we get he results (hopefully) on Monday, or at least after we see the GI specialist.

Stressed

Right now I am pretty stressed. We find out tomorrow when we visit our GP the results of Anker's biopsy. As much as I don't want it to be cancer, I don't want it to be "nothing". I just want it to be  something fixable.  You know; with diet and exercise. Anker has been in pain off and on all week. I nearly have taken him to the hospital a few times. He refuses to go; saying that they can't do anything for him there. Ugh! So he continues to live in pain, and I continue to hear and see him in pain. It is a lose-lose situation. Trust me.
y j
I am near tears pretty much all the time, b/c I don't know what the results will be. The other nighI had an anxiety attack. I couldn't sleep. I was worried about Anker, and then I was worrying about finances. We can't live on my job alone (well, if I were working a lot of shifts, we could...but just barely), and there has been no word on when or if his disability will be approved. There are a lot of unknowns right now. I hate that. I like knowing what is ahead.

I am trying to stay strong. I try not to cry much, or tell people our problems (ok, I may stress a bit on FB, but I try to only say the basics), other than to tell a few members of our family, but even that is few and far btwn. I am tired of bearing everything. I don't mind working; in fact, I really do love my job, and I am SO happy that I have it, but there are other things in my life that require my attention, and things I want to do, but we just don't have the money to do them (or the time). At any rate, the next couple of days are gonna be stressful.

At any rate, I know that the Lord has plans for us, and we just need to trust him. But it's hard!!

Just a quick re-cap on our week; Monday, I slept for most of the day, since I worked Sunday night. I got up in the afternoon and just relaxed. We watched TV, and just lazed around. I worked Monday night, which was good, and I went to our doctor's office to make an appointment. I went to bed and met up with one of my aunts Tuesday afternoon for coffee, which turned into lunch (for me) since I hadn't eaten in 18 hours. My aunt was so sweet and treated me to lunch. Stayed at McD's for awhile and I read. Went home and enjoyed the sun on our green space. I got cold so I had a bath, and visited my neighbour. We had a nice time of visiting, and I watched while our other neighbour dyed her hair. Wednesday, I relaxed in the morning, and we met up with my aunt and uncle and they treated us to Opa of Greece for lunch. Yum. Grabbed a Purdy's Ice Cream Bar and some chocolate bars and came home. I relaxed for a bit, and decided that I still wanted a bit of a nap. I woke up and met up with my sister and her friend as they were in town for a meeting (which ended up getting cancelled), so we met up at Montana's and I just grabbed a Shirely Temple and Cheese Cake. Both were delish! My other aunt ended up meeting me there, where we had a nice visit, and then visited in the van for a bit. It was nice to chat with her, and to just "dump" on her a bit.

The wknd was ok..I don't remember what I did...Just relaxed for most of it, which was nice. Sunday, we went to church and came home and relaxed and watched TV. I loved the Amazing Race finale!!  Saturday, we watched the first season of Call the Midwife. I love that show!!! I worked Sunday night, which was a good shift.

 Opa's of Greece! Yum!! Can you tell I am a Carbs girl? (I am actually an "everything" girl)

Purdy's Chocolatier's Ice Cream bar!!! Yum!!!!

 Shirley Temple..YUM!

Cheesecake..I ate half last night and half this morning!!

Well, that is all for now...am working a post for FoF, and maybe even TToT. Have a great one! Oh..here is a pic for #TBT

Mom and Dad's wedding. May 1974.

Ten Things of Thankful-Mothers Day and Regular Day Edition

Linking up with Liz for this weeks TToT.

Yes, I aknowledge that it has been awhile since I have linked up for a TToT. I have missed it so I figured that it was time. Since I didn't join in on the MD one last wk, I thought I would do half of this dedicated to my mom, and half to regular life.

I am so thankful that:

1. My Mom chose to stay home with us.
I am so glad that Mom chose to be a stay at home Mom while we were young. Yes, she would get quite busy with things in the church, but we kids were her #1 priority, and I am forever thankful.

2. That she chose to home educated us.
We were in school for the first few years, but then Mom decided (and Dad too) that she would home educate us. That was before homeschooling was popular, and we were considered weird. You would think that living on a farm would keep ups isolated, but it never did.

3. That she taught us the Word of God.
Obviously, Dad did that as well, but we are talking about moms here. At any rate, she loved (and still does) talking about about the Bible, Christianity, pretty much anything related to God. She can spend hours talking about it. We had many a breakfast talking to the parents about the Bible, and our own personal walk with God.

4. We Could talk with her about Anything.
Anything. Life. Friends. God. Sex. She always said that nothing was off limits.

5. She (and Dad) Modeled a Good Marriage.
Obviously, their marriage isn't perfect, but they have fought to have a great marriage. They are always quite affectionate with (and front of us) each other, and as we got older always explained the value of a good marriage, what books they were reading and felt that helped them, etc.

....Regular life....

6. Hubby FINALLY had his Biopsy this week!
After weeks of waiting, he finally got it done on Thursday. He only had local freezing, and was not put under, so we were only there for a few hours. Hubby said that it didn't hurt as much as he thought it would. Now we just have to wait to see either our GP or the GI. Ugh! At least the results are already in :)
  
7. Long Weekend
It is a long wkd in Canada (we call it Victoria Day wknd). I am just relaxing today, and working some of the wknd, which I don't mind. The idea of a long weekend seems make me slow down a little and relax and enjoy life (wait, don't I do that already??)

8. Repayment Relief
 For the second time since having to pay off the loan, I have asked for repayment relief. And I was approved. Yay!

9. I worked 2 Days this wk ( and more in the next wk or so).
I am glad to be back after two weeks of not being called in. I missed everyone at work.

10. My Neck is getting Better.
It has almost healed up. I hope the soreness NEVER comes back. I still have no clue as to what brought it on.
 

Five (times two) on Friday

Linking up with Natasha and the girls for this wks FoF:)

1. Hubby FINALLY had his Biopsy this week!

After weeks of waiting, he finally got it done on Thursday. He only had local freezing, and was not put under, so we were only there for a few hours. Hubby said that it didn't hurt as much as he thought it would. Now we just have to wait to see either our GP or the GI. Ugh! At least the results are already in :)

2. Long Weekend
It is a long wkd in Canada (we call it Victoria Day wknd). I am just relaxing today, and working some of the wknd, which I don't mind.

3. The Lilacs are out!

I love these flowers, they are my favourite!! They bring back so many memories of home!! I found that there is a lilac bush at work, and I found a few on the way home from my walk (which I have also been trying to do more of).

4. Mocha Light Frappiccino.

I love this frap. I am sure it isn't as healthy as it sounds, and how I wish it were, but it is good none the less.

5. Homemade Iced Coffee

I have made this a few times at home; it is delightful. It is basically coffee with ice, but hey, it is cheaper than Starbucks and just as good.

6. Repayment Relief

For the second time since having to pay off the loan, I have asked for repayment relief. And I was approved. Yay!

7. Summer is here!/Spending time Outside

 I have been able to spend some time outside this week, reading and enjoying the sun.

...and this is the temperature's we have been having. Hubby has been cleaning and organizing our patio, and buying herbs making it pretty. I bought two chairs the other day, and I will post them next week (or in another post).

8. Organizing
 The one thing I did manage to do this week (other than work) was organizing our movies. Yup, I am a geek. Even more? I organized them in/by genre, and DVDs in one area and VHSs (yes we still have them) in another.

 VHS's and TV series to the left.

Our DVDs to the right. We have more than that; there are more behind those ones.

9. I worked 2 Days this wk ( and more in the next wk or so).
I am glad to be back after two weeks of not being called in. I missed everyone at work.

10. My Neck is getting Better.
It has almost healed up. I hope the soreness NEVER comes back. I still have no clue as to what brought it on.

Bonus:

Hubby Went to to church for the first time in Months with me last week! And he says he is going again this week!


And just because it's my blog and I can:

I found these childhood and young adult favourites of mine this week. I had to buy them!

Mother's Day Wknd and a Photo Dump

I am not going to do a Sunday Social, and I don't even know if I am going to do TToT, but I thought I would recap on our Mother's Day weekend.

First, though, I was going to dump some photos on the short trip to the ranch TWO Thursdays ago. I went mainly get away from our noisy apartment complex, and I had to grab meat, eggs, and wool/yarn. I also wanted to play with some baby lambs

It was a super short trip, barely 24 hours, but it was great to get away. I actually don't mind driving on my own, and the trip both ways was good, but a lot of traffic. Here are just a few pictures from that trip.

 Getting some lamby love.

 How can you not love that little face?

I love me some lamby love!! They were so sweet!! I love the orphan lambs.

Ok, so this past wknd, we went to the ranch to buy KK (along with my aunts cat, Benji who also died this winter), and to spend MD with Mom and the fam.

****edited/upated May 17/14****

Yes, I seemed to have fallen off the blogging wagon. Again. Well, I am hoping spend some time catching up on some posts today. So, let's continue with last wknds post shall, we?

So, as I was saying LAST wknd we wen to the ranch to the ranch bury KK and to spend Sunday with my mum. We had a great drive out ; the weather was lovely.

After some time wandering around, we were able to bury our kitties; here are a few pictures..

 Catnip.

Starting to cover up the hole.

Mom has gotten into Downton Abbey (yay!) so we watched a couple of episodes. We had a very nice supper and relaxed in the evening. It was a nice time spent with family. Watched another DA (season 4) with Sister, and chatted with S who is now home from college. I didn't have a good nights rest, which is rare for me when I am at my family's place. Woke up and had a great (early!) breakfast with Mom and gave her her gifts. Actually went back to bed for a bit, as I was tired and cold, and Anker had gone back to bed as well. Woke up just in time to go to church. Anker went to church for the first time in MONTHS. It was a nice service and EVERYONE got flowers :) Came home and helped V with getting the picnic ready. We went to some property across the river and had a lovely picnic and walk.

 Sandwiches and cookies for our picnic.

 Some awkward family photos..ugh!

Clearly, I am not related to these yahoos...lol.

All in all it was a great wknd! I am really glad we went. I think Mom was glad we came too :)

Ladies Retreat/Our Awful Week ***Edited*** May 12/14

Since there are a few blog posts that I want to write, I am going to combine these two in one.

Last weekend, our church in town went on our annual ladies retreat. I hadn't been in the last two years, so I was looking forward to it SO MUCH. We went to Rock Ridge Canyon about two hours away. The weekend didn't disappoint!

We left (we all carpooled) around 2 on Friday afternoon, and stopped at BP half way for lunch/supper (they don't provide supper on Friday). After a quick trip to Starbucks, we were on our way!

  We go there around 6 or so, and as soon as we registered, they gave us sweet little gift bags.

 We then got organized in our room. They were camp-style rooms with bunk beds, but surprisingly not bad to sleep on.

We had a great evening of worship and a great speaker who I would HIGHLY recommend!! She speaks ALL over the world, but is from Toronto area.  She founded Foundations Ministries, and is such a sweetie. Her name is Marie Miller, and you can find her speaking videos on YT. After the evening service, we had nachos and fruit and went to bed.

Had a great breakfast the next morning; the food was amazing! This was breakfast on Saturday Morning.

After our morning session, the afternoon was spent relaxing, Ziplinig, sleeping, and whatever anyone felt like doing. On Friday evening, there were about 10 deer below our cabin..

This is what our cabin looked like..there were about 5 rooms (plus a foyer) on the main level. I don't know what was on the top level, since we didn't get up there.

There was also a hotel that people could stay at.

The afternoon was windy but sunny. I did grab a few pics. Sadly, I left our camera in our car, so I only had my phone.

 View from the lawn.

 The trail around the lake.

 The main hall.

The littlest Lady :) Her mommy brought her because she was nursing her. This is our friend Kim holding Miss C.

I have a few more pics, but I won't bore you....but I think you get the jist of what it looked it looked like.

Here is what we had for supper.

Greek food...ooh ya!!!

Yup..chocolate cheesecake. It was too rich, even for me.

We had a great Saturday evening service followed by a fun bonfire and marshmallows. After a good sleep, and a great breakfast, and worship and preaching, we were all on our way home.

As soon as we got home, I noticed that our cat, Kitkat was not well, at all. He wasn't walking, and Anker said that he hadn't eaten much, and not really drunk much over the weekend. I noticed that he wasn't able to walk far, if at all. We made the decision to put him down the next day.

Monday, I woke up with my neck super sore, and in spasms. This was the second time in two weeks that this had happened. It was worse than that last time. THANKFULLY, I wasn't scheduled to work (I didn't work at all this week), but I was still upset, because, well, who needs a sore neck, right? We got KK in around 3 to the vets. It was really sad seeing him being put down, but we know it was for the best. He had lived a long life, and just wasn't getting better.

The vet was so great, and allowed us time to say our goodbyes, both before and after he was put down. I had never seen an animal put down before (we usually would just shoot them..well not me, but other family members), and it was actually quite moving. He just left us before our very eyes. Poor Anker was crying, and even the vet was a little sad. He gave us a box to take him home in, and we moved him into another box so that he could fit in our freezer, and we buried him on Saturday. It is so odd not having KK here to great us when we get home, or having him around. Here are some last pictures of our KitKat.

 When KitKat was fat and sassy :)

 Anker saying his goodbye. He has had him since KK was 6 months old...so 15.5 years he has been his kitty.

 KK doing his "pretty Kitty" pose.

 The last one at the vets. Poor thing.

My cousin drew this picture of KitKat from the cover photo on my FB page. It was SO sweet!! We got it in the mail on Thursday, and it was a total surprise.

After we put Kitty down, we grabbed us each a Frap, and watched Grey's to dull the pain.

Anker has been really sick all week, and of course, sad about KK. I have been stressed, with Anker being sick, my neck being sore, and just the general happenings of life. Anyway, there were good days this week, however. Anker had I ran errands and went to appointments this week, so we went for lunch out one day, and went for a snack another day. He got his glasses checked, and I saw our regular doctor about my neck.

Yesterday, as I was driving, I had a bit of a meltdown about everything. Yes, even about missing our kitty! I had a few moments of crying, which I felt better after.

I will hopefully do some more posts this week. I would love to do an SUYL post about graduation, and maybe an SS, and maybe a TToT-Mom Edition. I also went to the ranch the Thursday before our retreat, and I had fun with some lambs :) I will post those at another date.