Five on Friday/Weekly Update

Hello, Friends! I hope u had a great wknd. My/our wknd was pretty sweet. Nothing too exciting, but not too boring, either, which is good. But I will update you on my wknd tomorrow.

My week went pretty well. We are struggling in a few areas a bit, but God is good, and I am thankful to have lots of family and friends I/we can rely on.

It seems that this week was a busy one. I was always going somewhere or doing something.  I worked a night shift Monday night, which was good. I don't normally like doing them, but this one actually went pretty well.

Here are a few of my highlights of my week:

1. Date Nights

Monday, hubby and I had our flu shots together. I know. Fun times. We then ran to the dollar store, to grab a few things. I then went home to take a nap, since I found out at 10 that morning that I had to work. I managed to sleep a few hours. We then grabbed supper at McDonald's before we went to see Mocking Jay, Part 1. I already had bought the tickets the day before, so we really couldn't get out of NOT going (I guess I could have try to sell them on one of our FB selling groups, but Anker did really want to go), so off we went. It was a good movie, actually, and even though I lost sleep by going, I am glad that we got to spend some time together.

2. Christmas Parties!

On Tuesday night, our ladies Bible study at church had our Christmas party. I already have posted pictures, but I thought I would mention it anyway, b/c it was one of my highlights. We had a lovely time. Lots of fun food, fellowship, and gifts. Due to the weather, only 15 people came, but it was still a great time.

                                                                        The food!!

                        The tree with the gifts. We were each told to buy a gift worth $15

                                                          I loved their centrepieces

                                                  All of us singing some carols.

3. SNOW DAYS.

Ok, I really don't like it when a big dump of snow hits, but it was pretty to look at.  I also conquered my fear of driving in the snow. I HATE winter driving, especially at night. So, every time I do drive, and I don't get into some sort of accident, I kind of feel like a rock star!

4. Baking Afternoons.

I spent Wednesday afternoon (after the big dump of snow) making cookies. We had such a fun time. We made two batches, whipped shortbread, and raspberry (plum) thumb print cookies. Yummy.

5. Spending time with H

I got to spend time with H two times this week. Wednesday afternoon, while we baked, and Friday, morning, I met him and Adam at the mall. We had a fun time. I helped him find a coat, and we shared some fries. Fun times.

5.1 Black Friday Sales

Even though we don't have Thanksgiving in November, Canada has taken to having Black Fridays the last few years. I personally think it's a bit ridiculous, but I guess if you really need something, then I guess that is a good time to get it. I got two coats at a local thrift store for $21! I did take pictures, but they didn't turn out well, so I will have hubby take some more again.

5.2 Getting things Done.

I spent a couple of days this week cleaning and getting rid of stuff...and I also went to our storage shed to try to clean most of it out. It sure feels good to throw stuff/give stuff away. Even hubby cleaned up in and around his computer, and around all our plants.  I also watched The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I actually found it a bit boring this year. I have watched it every year for the last few years..mostly b/c I want to see Santa at the end..and b/c I am 1/4 American.

Just a bit more on my week...Thursday night, my friend K and I went out to the Light in the Night Christmas tree event in town. The stores were open late, free hot chocolate, extra stuff going on, and they lit up the tree in the square. We were planning on going for a couple of hours, but her dog didn't really enjoy all the attention, so we just went into a couple of shops, and then went to London Drugs, and then grabbed some supper. I went up to her place after to help her dye her hair. It was a fun evening. Like I said, I spent a lot of time on Thursday cleaning up our place. I have two bags to give away, and probably more that I SHOULD give away...I also gave away a bag already. We also put up our Christmas tree yesterday...well, "up" is all it is...with a few lights that somehow got left on it from last year. But hey, it's up! Anker and I also put up the lights outside.

 The centre of our balcony. The middle tree is what Anker brought to our marriage. It's butt-ugly, but I insist we put it up every year. AND IT STILL WORKS!

                                             The left side (looking out) of our balcony.

                                                     The right side of our balcony.

                 We bought this tree a week or so ago from our neighbour. We love it!

I think that pretty much covers the week that I do wish to share (that you all wouldn't find boring).

Here is a couple of pictures from our Thursday evening stroll downtown.

                                                                  I loved their tree.

 One of the shops we went into had a model train set, and some of the toys were inspired by/from "A Christmas Story".

Hope you all had a great week/end!

Linking up with Darci, April, Christina and Natasha

Well, it is now 9:24 pm..hours from when I started this, which is weird, since FoF posts usually don't take very long. I am on my 4th TV movie (2nd Christmas one), though I don't think I started this post when I started my first movie (at 4pm). But, it has still taken me awhile.

Phone Photo Dump

Well, it's not so much of a phone dump, as a post-photos-to-Facebook-then-save-them-to-my-laptop-dump. But you get the picture.

On November 11, my friend and I took a drive to a small community 20 minutes away. She is a property manager, and she had to check on a few houses, so she asked if I wanted to come with her (I think I actually asked her, but same difference).

Here are some pictures from that day...

                                                      The day was gorgeous!

 

                               The view of Kamloops Lake from inside one of the properties.

                                                                  Another view.

Afterwards, we went for a bite to eat. I really wanted to try the Holiday Turkey Sandwich at Starbucks. I was a bit disappointed, mainly b/c it was so dry, but it was still good.

Last Saturday, I spent time re-arranging our room, and also did I bit of Christmas decorating.

 I actually have had this display up all yea;; but I have just started turning the lights on. I also changed up a few things.

 I bought this homemade wreath at a school craft fair last week, and since we already have a wreath on the (inside) of our door, and it has lights with it, we (or rather I) decided to put in our room. Loved the results.

                                         The side view of our Christmas display (the top part.

A picture of the full display. I know, I am no Martha Stewart, but hey, it works for us.

On Tuesday, our church's Ladies Bible Study had our Christmas Party.  Only 15 came, which was a bit disappointing, but it was still a great time anyway.

                                                      Some of the pretty decorations.

I have more pictures on my camera that I still have to upload to my computer.

We also had a light dusting of snow the other day.

On Wednesday, we got our first BIG DUMP of snow of the season. Oh goody. It started out as freezing rain on my way home from our Christmas party. When my friend/neighbour told me that it had snowed 8", I thought she was exaggerating, but when I stepped outside..I knew she hadn't exaggerating one bit.

              This was actually taken later that night.The snow had still not melted off the trees.

                                                          Our railing at a lot of snow!

                                                        At least it was pretty.

This is looking out from our balcony to the complex below. Yup. It snowed, alright!

Well, those are the photos from my phone! I do have a few more pictures, but those will be going alone with my FoF post.

Last Week/end's Update

Happy Friday, Friends. And a belated Thanksgiving to all my American friends, wherever you live. I hope it was wonderful.

The last couple of weeks (including wknds) have been busy, and productive, which makes me feel very happy.

I won't do an update on last week, but her are some of the highlights.

Went to a work meeting, then a budgeting seminar at Anker's support group's association. I worked last Thursday, and last Friday, went for my chiro appt, and rand a few errands, and then had a sushi date with my friend. We went to Arigato Sushi again, and it was delish! (FYI...there are two sushi restaurants by the same name in this town, but COMPLETELY different - different owners, etc))

I can't even remember what it was....but it was so good! I also had the prawn tempura, but I forgot to take a picture of that. Also very good!

I ended up grabbing a Starbucks, and meeting a friend at a local craft fair, where I bought a few things..(pictures to come in another post). Went back to her house (we live in the same building), for wine, and another friend joined us. We "helped" her decorate her tree. And when I say helped, I mean, we sat and played on our phones, chatting, and drank wine while she decorated :)

The result was amazing :)

 She actually had three trees, which were totally awesome!!

Saturday, I went to sit down to have some coffee and relax, when my SIL called and asked if I wanted to meet up for coffee. We met a local coffee house, and of course, H was there. We had a nice visit, and I stayed to journal. I spent Saturday evening cleaning and organizing our bedroom, which took 6 hours. No kidding. It was a very productive time, and I muchly needed. I also did a bit of decorating in our room, too, which was nice. Again, more pictures in another post.

Sunday, Anker wasn't feeling well, so I went to church alone. I totally forgot that there was a fundraiser lunch after church, so I stayed for that. Soup and buns/wiches, and cookies for dessert. Yum! I picked up hubby, as he was helping with the props for the play, and he had to be back at the church for 2. I went to meet up with a friend that wanted to buy a few things off me that I was selling, and then back home to pick up a few things, then it was off to my friends to babysit her kids (super easy), and their friends (also super easy) 3 kids. So, 5 kids and a box dog. It was a fun afternoon/even and some of the easiest money that I have ever earned. I got home around 1 am Monday! Thankfully, we are very close to each other, which helps

I will write about this week in another post :) Have a great weekend!

After a Long Pause.....

Yes, another break in blogging :) I am still around, though.

I have struggled the last while of where this blog should go. Should I continue? Should I just do blog hops? Should I only blog when I feel like it? Do people even care what I write about? Or even that I write at all? I love blogging. I love writing. I love words. I ALWAYS struggle with being too wordy. I always write longer than needed notes. I write more than I need to at work. So, this is a great outlet for me. But really..does anyone really read this? Does anyone care? Is it all just about kids, travel, fashion, home, food, etc?

So, I think I will continue to blog...just not as much. Or maybe I will still continue. To be honest, btwn, TV (I watch way too much..more on that in another post)/movies, Facebook, cleaning (again, more on that in another post), life with hubby, work, errands, and meeting people for coffee, and reading my endless pile (either from the library, or the few that I have bought)I am a bit overwhelmed, so blogging has taken a bit of a back seat. I have also just plain felt uninspired and and unmotivated to to even bother to blog. I have been reading a few of my favourites, though..in hopes to be inspired. I say.."oh ya...that makes me wanna blog"...then I find something else to do...or I just continue playing Train Station on Facebook. Yah, see, I told I felt uninspired and unmotivated!! So,  hope that people will read my little blog, and I hope that people will be blessed, and encouraged, and to know that you're not alone; especially in the infertile world!

So, I guess you could say."I'm BAACK!" I actually never really left..I just wasn't posting as much.

Well, clearly, it takes me more than an hour to do a simple blog post. I started this Sunday at around 10:30 pm and it is now Monday at 4:50 pm.

Even now, I am probably problems trying to figure what what I should say in this post. Should I continue, or start another post? At any rate...I am still around...and that is pretty much why I did a post :)

Five on Friday/Oh, Hey, Friday/Update on our Week

Happy Saturday!!!

I am going to do the two link ups as an update on our week, cause I like it, and it seems to work, and because I can.

So, here we go...

1//Work (Monday)
Not sure if I posted this last week, but I worked last weekend, and Monday. They were both 12 hour shifts, and Monday's was a 5.5 shift. Monday morning, I changed our bed with new sheets, did a load of laundry, did dishes, and then I relaxed pretty much until I had to work Monday, which was nice. Work went well, and I came home and relaxed.

2//Bible Study, and Great Friends (Tuesday)
Tuesday, Anker had glass class, so I drove him downtown (we didn't have any change for parking), and I had breakfast at Tim Hortons. I also scoured our local London Drugs. Did you know they have clothes now? Weird. The rest of the day was pretty lazy. I went to ladies Bible Study, which was a great time, and then I called my friend and "told" her I was coming for tea :) Well, not really, I did ask :) We had a nice hour long visit, and I may or may not have found her kids' Halloween candy bags and had a few pieces! I LOVE having her back in town :) If I weren't so lazy, I would walk there.

3.// Time with Aunties (Wednesday)
Wednesday, I had a staff meeting, and because I somehow messed up on the time, I was a little late. Oops! They were cool with it, though, but I still felt bad. My aunt had a test at the hospital and since she had come in with Mom, and that she was going to be busy all day, she asked me to come and pick her up, so we could hang out together. We had lunch at Subway, and we hung out at our house for a bit. She took us for supper at BP, and Anker and I shared a pizza. Yum!! After Mom came to pick her up, we just hung out and watched shows that we had recorded on our PVR. We also watched CMA's and Grey's (which now comes in in Canada on Wednesday).

4// Lazy Days

Thursday was a completely lazy day, and I loved it. Anker went to his doctor's appointment and had a meeting with our church's play director. We watched TV, played our Trains Station Game and pretty much did nothing at all. Loved it. We watched Big Bang, and other stuff.

5// Productive Days

Friday (yesterday), I slept in, and then went off to our storage unit to pay it down, and to organize it. I spent nearly two hours going through stuff and it was really fun. I did take a couple of pictures of what my car looked like, but they didn't turn out well, so I won't post them. However, if you follow me on IG, they are on there. I drove around town trying to find a garbage that I could put my junk in, but you had to pay, blah, blah, so I ended up bring the garbage home. I threw out/gave away 200 magazines, and other stuff. It was still hard, but it felt good, too. I gave it all away to Value Village. We are hoping to get rid of our storage at the end of the month. I ran errands (which may or may not have included a Starbucks stop), and came home. I made two suppers, one for me, and one for hubby, b/c I really wanted the lamb chops, and hubby doesn't usually eat them, so I made him meatloaf, We just relaxed all evening, which was nice. We watched Falling Skies and some of the BC Lions game. Sadly "we" did not win. Boo. I did organize a bit in the evening the stuff that I am keeping (and that I had brought in), and journalled.

So , that was my/our week. I am going to publish it now, and hope to either add pics or do another "picture only" post from what I posted this week. Hope you have a  great weekend!

Natasha

THe Farmer's Wife

Monday Morning Gossip

I wasn't going to join this week (I don't like ONLY linking up with linkups), but I still had some things to say!

My brother went back to ON for his convocation for his Masters of Social Work. I am SO proud of him. He was the first of we kids to fully be home schooled and he had such a struggle (even in college), but he is a success story if I ever saw/heard one!

K and H flew over a week or so prior to visit and make their trip worth while, and Mom and Adam flew on Thursday. Mom got a few pictures...

Here are some pictures of the Family Fall Fair last Wednesday...

                                                    One of the two games that I manned.

                                                     They had two bouncy castles.

                                                               Me all in black.

                                                The other game that I manned.

                       The Starbucks drink (free!) that helped me get through the evening..lol :)


I even got a (fake) tattoo...

                                    FrankenFrap...I am not sure how I liked it...but it was fun to try.

The major thing that happened in Canada was that two weeks ago the terrorist attacks that happened in Quebec (Monday), and Ottawa, ON (Wednesday). It shook our country (and the world) to it's core, but even though we Canadians have a reputation of being nice, you don't mess with us :) So, like all good Canadians, we banded together, wore red and white, the flags at half mast, and said a prayer for the two soldiers that were killed. I was actually very upset and angry at over what happened. I am appalled and even a bit embarrassed that it happened in our country, but I am also equally proud to be Canadian, and on how "we" all handled it.

I loved on how our church brought out the Canada Flag on the next Sunday..

They even had one in our bulletin...

I know that Remembrance Day will have special meaning for all of we Canadians this year, and the poppies even came out a week or so early (yes, I got mine).

Last Sunday (not yesterday), I wore a scarf/necklace that I got for my birthday, but that I hadn't had a chance to wear it yet...I am not a big scarf person, but I do like and enjoy wearing them when I can...so I was kind of glad that I had the chance to wear it the other day. here is what it looked like...

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