I've Been Sitting on Some News.....

This title/post was sitting in my drafts for ages, then I deleted it...and now I decided to do a blog post about it after all.

The short story.....I became and aunty again via adoption in October 2017! My brother and his wife (parents of H) had a baby boy, who they named Judah River Maxwell. The adoption became official in September, but we didn't know that it had until around Christmas! He is the most adorable thing, and H loves being a big brother (and Judah loves his Big Brother!).

I was itching for them to share it on FB (which they did), when his adoption became final, so that I could start saying "the boys" in my blog posts, IG, etc. So, when they finally did, I was super ecstatic!!! Judah has been such a wonderful addition to our family, and is such a dear. I love being his aunt!!!

To The Ends of the Earth

Well, this post has been in my drafts with only a title for MONTHS now....and since it has been, well, months since this happened, I had figured that I had better get this out and published before too much more time passes. Also, as I am writing and publishing these posts from the last few months, the events that I am writing about aren't necessarily in order of my posting them..Ha!

So, the last weekend of August, Anker and I went to my parents' for the last few days of freedom before I went back to work. I will blog more about that later (like maybe in Feb..lol). I wanted to post more about part of the reason WHY we went....:)

If you have been a semi-long time reader of my blog, you might recall my talking about my sister, Vienna going to the Philippines, to do her Midwife course. She was there for 2.5 years, and really loved her time there. She came back March 2017 (you can read about her homecoming here), and since has spent over a year in Canada at our families ranch, working for our bro, hanging out, making pies, and figuring out life :) After A LOT of prayer, etc, she decided to go back there again (in a different area...near Manila), but not primarily to do midwifery (though she hopes to do that eventually), but to minister to a wonderful group of women and children who's lives have been devastated by poverty, abuse, and the sex-trafficking industry. She is working with Safe Refuge International, and loving it.

 She constantly blows me away at her willingness do what the Lord requires of her, go wherever He wants her to go, and to be His hands and feet, and to go to the Ends of the Earth, and to love the unlovable. I love her willingness, and her tender heart for others, and for Jesus. She actually puts me to shame (both in her walk with God, and her adventurous spirit). I am so proud that she has such a spirit of adventure, and that she has chosen this tine of her life to serve God and to serve others. You want to know where I was when I was her age? I was slumming it in Calgary, and working at/in a semi deadens job :) I know that times have changed, and kids are growing up fast (thanks to the internet and social media), but I could no more have been in the Philippines than flown the air!!!

So, on the last Sunday in August, Vienna did her "good bye" speech, and then our church body in Vavenby laid hands on her, and prayed over her. Then, a week later, Mom and I sent her on her way to new (or old) life in the Philippines. Thanks to technology, we talk in at least some form every 24 hours...I think I talk with/to her more now than when she lived two hours away! Well, probably not, but it feels like we do, which is probably a good thing. Even though we are almost 16 years apart, as we grow up, the years' gap matters less :)

Anyway, she does have a blog, and you can view it here. If you feel it in your heart to donate, you may do that on her blog as well. She is essentially a missionary, which means she isn't getting any money for what she does. Thankfully, it is pretty cheap to live (especially where she is) in the Philippines, but any amount of money helps go towards her expenses, etc. Or, if you would like to find out more on where she is (or to donate), you can go to the SR website listed here above.

Weekend Wrap Up-The Birthday Edition

It has been almost a month since I have had my birthday, but I still want to blog about it. I do have a journal, but I often find it easier to blog (and then refer back to it) if I am wondering about what I did, or what happened. I am hoping that I can remember what I did :) Here goes!

This is the weekend from June 8-10, 2018

Friday: I got to school, and there were a few treats for me, which was sweet. I decided to make popcorn balls the night before, as bday treat for everyone :) It was a great idea, and I might do it again next year! It was a regular day at school....nothing major or exciting happened. After school, I don't remember what I did. I probably wen to the library, and then I came home and hung out. I think I watched TV/movies, etc.

                                                    My birthday treats that I got at school.

Saturday: My actual birthday! Anker made me pancakes with garden strawberries for breakfast! Yum!! We ended up going to the Farmers' Market. We met up with A and K, and they bought us coffee and donuts. My brother bought me a pair of earrings as a gift. Anker and I went to the dollar store on the way home to pick out/up a few things that I might want for/as a gift. We got home, and hung out for a bit. We spent some time out side in the garden. Then I went to Starbucks for a drink, and to read. I went to the library as well. I came home and got ready for my birthday party with the girls. We went to Kelly O'Bryan's for supper. It was really good. I had their fish and chips. Yummy! Then went to Scoopz for ice cream. I came home around 9 or so, and just hung out for the rest of the evening.

                                                  Anker made me pancakes with strawberries.

Turkish Coffee at the Market.

                                                                Dollar store gifts :)

                                                     The earrings that my brother got me.

                                                    Reading and drinking at The Bucks.

The Magazines I bought.

                                                            The birthday Girl!!!

Ice cream, even in the rain! I think I had salted caramel chocolate! Yum!!!

                                                  Love when your friends get you!

Sunday: I went to church, and then I think I went to Starbucks again, this time for lunch. I had a sandwich (can't remember which one) and a coffee or mocha. I also did some more reading. I came home and Anker and I hung outside in the backyard together again (I think). We repaired our outside swing's top cover. I think I might have even washed dishes or cleaned up. Then I watched a movie called Molly's Game. It was very interesting (at least, I think that is what I watched). I left around 630, as H was having a piano recital. After the recital, I ran to Wal-Mart to grab a few things. I also grabbed a movie that I have been wanting to see (that I still haven't watched yet), and The Greatest Showman Soundtrack. #ohyesidid Came home and pretty much got ready for bed.

                            I probably had the Tomato Mozzarella sandwich, as that is my fave.

                                                             The gifts that I got myself.

                                                      The owl has found its new home!

It was a wonderful weekend, really. It was the best (except for maybe last year) that I had had in while. I went in to it with really no explications. I enjoyed just relaxing and doing whatever I wanted. We all ended up having my bday dinner on my actual birthday (it wasn't really planned like that, but it just happened), which was nice (and probably why I wasn't disappointed when nothing else happened)

Weekend Wrap Up

Happy Monday!!!

I hope everyone had a great weekend!!! My wknd was pretty awesome!

On Friday, we had no work that day, so I slept in, and hung out in the morning, and called one of my aunts, and I went on a planned shopping spree with my mum and one of my SIL's. I thought we would maybe get a couple of pants and a couple tops....we bought (or rather she bought) 5 pants, and four tops (plus a camisole), and a pair of dress shoes, and I bought a casual t-shirt the next day. So, yah...it was a pretty epic trip! I will probably do a post on it, and talk about what I got, etc. First though, we went and tried out a new (to us and to the city) restaurant called Brown's Social House. I guess there are a few in Vancouver (which I didn't know about), and now there is one here. We all gave it a 4/5, as although the food was great, we could have gotten more than for what we (or again, what she) paid for. My SIL and I both at the Lime Halibut Tacos.We went shopping after lunch, then went to Krystle's for tea and danties, and then we went back out shopping.  We went to Costco, where I got TBBT season 9, and I got a Costco Membership again. Then, we went to the mall, looking for shoes for me. We found a pair of shoes that I thought would be semi-comfy, and then they drove me home, and went back to Vavenby. I got home around 7, and hubby had already started dinner, so we ate dinner in our respective rooms (we have a bad habit of that), and I think I just watched TV; Judge Judy, and then I called another one of my aunts, and we talked for quite awhile (at least I think I did this on Friday...it might have been on Thursday..I can't remember..lol), and I ended up watching more TV...I watched some Gilmore Girls. Went to bed (kind of) early.

Saturday, I woke up around 10, and Anker had come back to bed, as he was really tired (he has been waking up early), so I went out for awhile. I got a dollar store breakfast, and then went to Starbucks, then to the library. I did some budget and week planning, and then came home around 5. We had pizza (with extra toppings on top!!), and then I went back out to get another t-shrt from the same store where we had said shopping spree, as I could get any one item for 40% off. I went to Wal-Mart, then off to look after H for the evening. I watched GG, and had popcorn. I came home, Fb'd and went to bed.

Sunday, I went to church, and I did nursery (I have just started doing nursery again after 5 yrs of not doing it), and then went to Wal-Mart again. I ended grabbing a few camisoles that I might need for my new shirts. I was going to get Anker and I some McD's for lunch, but I phone ahead, and he said that the had eaten already, so I grabbed myself something, and went to the park. It was GORGEOUS! I ended up going for a 30 minute walk around the park, and then came home. One of my brothers called, and we talked for a half hour.  We also had two (yes TWO) sets of visitors, one to drop off something that I had bid on (I know her well), and other set dropped off some wool for Anker, so we spent a short time visiting with them.  I watched some of TBBT season 9, and last weeks episode, and I relaxed in the evening..watching GG, and Frasier, and organizing my clothes..putting some on/in the bidding site to try to get some money. I went to bed late, as usual, after chatting with hubby for a bit. I managed to do two loads of laundry over the weekend, and I also made some muffins (from a package..but I did add zucchini and carrots), and changed the sheets on our bed. Anker stayed at home for most of the wknd, and knitted and did dishes, and watched TV.

It was a lovely wknd, and here are back to Monday!!

TToT (First of these in A While)

EEEK!!! I haven't done a TToT in, well, FOREVER!!! The last one I did was two TToT's in one, back at the end of December.

So, I am linking up with Liz for the weekly Ten Things of Thankful.

As some of you know, we are in a bit of a rough patch right now. Between work (or lack there of), finances, health issues, etc,  I am finding it hard to think of things to be thankful for. Well, not so much hard, as I am really having to find (and be conscious of) things to be thankful for. And now, it looks like our car will need work, too.


Ok, so here we go...

1. New Hair.

I already posted this on Friday, but bear with me, people. Who says duplicate things don't count? I got my hair cut last Tuesday. I love it!!! You can check my other post from Friday for pics.

2. New (to me) Wardrobe.

My friend and neighbour gave me about two garbage bags of clothes. I love them!!! Shirts, sweaters, and even some leggings and bras. I am so stoked!!! I think they look pretty good on me, if I do say so myself.

3, New Job (s).

I am working two (albeit) casual jobs. I love both, but I wish I had more hours. One is in a group home, and one is as a mother's helper.

4. Anker's Good (at least for now) Test Results.

We had no clue what was going on, but Anker has been sick since the new year. There were some markers regarding his liver, and he had another BT and an US, and so far, everything looks good. We are waiting to hear back from a GI specialist (we just can't make them ourselves in Canada), which we hope won't take too long. He also seems to have a bit more energy.

5. Friends.

A friend gave me season 4 of Downton Abbey. Another friend took me to lunch today. Other friends have taken us for supper and lunch, and given us GC's, and cash to help us out. Our Aunt and Uncle have also been lending us some money to help us along (yes, I consider them my friends, too!!!). We are blessed, even if it doesn't feel or look like it at the time.

6. Getting Closer to Spring.

Yah, it's still chilly out, but hey, at least most of the snow on the ground is gone (well, on the cement, anyway). I can't wait until I start seeing grass (actually I have seen a bit..yay).

7. The Friends I have made through Blogging, my FG groups and Games.

Ok, this is similar to #5, but please, give me a break:) I am LOVING all the new friends I have made through Fluff Friends (well, that game is gone, now, but I have kept a lot of friends), and Trainstation, and of course, from Blogging and my FB groups. I am almost thinking that they are my true friends as of late. They are the ones I often go to if I am having a bad day, or whatever. Love you all!

8. Family.

I am really missing my family lately! Esp the little people. I need some serious Skyping time!!

9. Canada Kicked Butt at Sochi.

I am SOOO proud to be Canadian today!!  We did well! 25 medals, baby!!! Not mention we took Gold in mens/womens curling and mens/womens hockey!!

10. Favourite Returning Shows.

Amazing Race and The Little Couple are back!!

Wknd Shenangigans; over 10K Views, and 24 followers ( SO close to a draw!!! )- GIVE AWAY!

 Linking up with Sami for this past wknds Shenanigans!

Well, I had quite the wknd, and not in a good way (well, it didn't seem that way).

Friday: The day started out ok. I watched movies and was in my jammies when I got a call from the place that I was planning on working for/at; hopefully in the next wk or so. I got a call from them saying that they couldn't offer me employment. I was not happy. I asked them why, and one of the reasons was that they felt that I was too "aggressive" in pursuing the job in the last couple of weeks since my interview. Well, I was very upset. I don't know if I have never been that upset re: a job in my life!

I got dressed, threw stuff in my purse, slammed the door, and left. I also had a good cry in Anker's arms. I left and went to the church, to talk to my friend who works there, and I also had a chat with one of our pastors. If you have been following me on FB, you will know how the rest of the wknd went...but if you didn't, here is the rest of it...

I went to the mall and had some New York Fries:) They were VERY GOOD! It was Black Friday (yes, Canada has some sales this wknd, too), and the mall was NUTS! I didn't stay too long at all. I came home and just hung out. I watched some Grey's Anatomy, and called mom/dad. My aunt called, which was really sweet:) My dad was nearly crying, he was so upset.  I spent the rest of the afternoon/evening being upset and eating:) I did go to my friends place on Friday night. We went to Walmart (it will only be open 24 hours for the three days before Xmas); it is currently open til midnight:) We had fun wandering around. I didn't spend a dime:) Came back her house and hung out and vented.

Saturday. I slept in and relaxed in the morning, and then my friend called and asked if I could take her to the bank. Mom also called and asked if I could go to the store and get a few things for her for the seminar that afternoon. Dropped my friend off and met up with mom and Val at Sw!ss Cha1et. I went to the mall for a second, as I thought that I had lost something (I ended up finding it in our couch), and then off to the seminar. I had no idea that there were going to be that many ladies. There were about 10 paying ladies for the SOF seminar. It went well. As we were all leaving, my aunt gave us some money to watch Catching Fire. I think we will go this week to watch it. I just came home and watched some movies. I hung out with my friend for a bit in the late evening.

Sunday. I went to church alone (after talking with hubs for a few minutes), and then went to the mall to grab something to eat. I did wander the mall a bit this time. It was still pretty busy, but not as bad as on Friday. I came home and relaxed all afternoon. I did fold some laundry, and organize our room a bit. I hung up some pictures on our wall, and watched way more TV than what is good for me. Hubby and I watched some DVDs from the library; The Company Men, and Guilt Trip. Hubby went to bed, and I watched a movie (well, I finished a movie), then ran up to my friends for an hour.

Please note that the entire weekend I did not succumb to Starbucks ONCE! I did go and grab a snack, but NO Starbucks!!

This morning, we woke up to SNOW! I think I will be staying at home today:) It is after 1, so I should probably get a few things done.

 I also should say that I have had now over 10K views on my blog!! I am very happy!! That was a long time coming, and I am very proud!!!

 I also have 24 followers. Once I get to 25, I will do a random draw for a small Avon product.

Happy Monday!

TToT-Rememberance/Veterans Day Edition

Since it is Remembrance/Veteran's Day in most parts of the world, I thought it would be fitting to do a Thankful Post on, well, remembering...

 

To be honest, my life hasn't been touched much by the military, and war in general. None of my close family fought in the war. My dad made it quite clear that he preferred that none of his kids went into the army, unless we absolutely wanted or felt like we had to. However, that doesn't mean we don't appreciate or remember them any less. My grandfather (my mom's dad) was a cook on ship in Canada's harbour, but he never went anywhere (much to his chagrin, I think!!). My great uncle (still alive) did fight in WW2, and my gr-great Uncle Jack fought in WW1, and never came home. I just called me dad to get the particulars:) He said that he fought Vimy Ridge, survived, and died shortly after.

 

 

1. I am thankful that I have never seen a world war.

2. I am thankful that war has not touched our country.

3. I am thankful that war has not touched our (immediate) family.

4. I am thankful that I don't have any family members fighting overseas right now.

5. I am thankful that God is BIGGER and MORE POWERFUL than any war.

6.I am thankful that I don't live in a war-torn country.

7. I am thankful for the freedoms that I have from the wars that were fought.

8. I am thankful for our men and women who fight (and fought) for me on my behalf.

9. I am thankful that country recognizes this day; by way of poppies, stories (on the news/news paper,etc), and services.

10. I am thankful for the MANY resources that are out there, in the way of documentaries, movies, books, articles, stories, and of course the people who fought who can tell the stories, and the history of the past wars.

Five on Friday/Random 5/SUYL-Reading Lists

Happy Friday, ya'll!

Yes, I am still around:) Just haven't been much into blogging lately. I have a few posts that I have going around in my head, which I hope to share with you this weekend, along with CYGPP, so be prepared for multiple daily posts.

So, without further ado....here is this wks 5 on Friday.

1. I cleaned out several places in our house this week, and I will be doing more. I attacked our closet, and our bookshelf, plus I gave away (and threw out) several items in our kitchen. The feeling is better than a health/cleanse detox, let me tell you!! Here are a few pictures that I took.

Our new clean bookshelf.

This doesn't look clean, but it really is better than it was.

 

I took out 5 bags of stuff to give away.

 

We each have a bin. There is junk in that bin. I don't care, since it is in there, and I can't see it.

2. I Skyped with my lil sister, my niece and nephew this week. Oh, and their parents too. Such fun! (FYI, I still have stuff embedded in my computer from downloading the "bad" Skype..eek) I have actually been connecting lots with family this week. My mom is away, and my dad is lonely, so we have chatted a few times.

3. Girls night (in)! Last Saturday, my neighbour and I had a girls night in. I didn't take any pictures, b/c I didn't feel like it. We had fun, though...Walmart run, then we came back and watched WNTW, and I introduced her to Extreme Cheapskates. Oh, and we had yummy food! Oh, and we looked at magazines, too:) I came home around 1 am (thankfully, I had an extra hour of sleep that night). Speaking of magazines, there is another Celebrity Magazine out there..called Closer. I bought it for .25. True Story. Tonight, we are celebrating a friends bday at our other friends place. I love girls get togethers!

4. I met up with my aunt and uncle for coffee the other day, and besides the great visit that we had, after they left, I spent the afternoon in/Ch@pters reading magazines, and books. SUCH FUN!!

These were only some of the magazines that I had looked through. I had looked through a few earlier by the magazine rack. I am so glad that they still have chairs.

 

5. Christmas has come to my favourite place:)

Last Saturday, I grabbed an Eggnog Lattie and a breaky Sammy!

I love their Decorations/window art/motto this year. I had to take a picture of it. I still kind of wish that they would wait until after Nov 11 to bring out the merchandise, but I have no problems with them starting their drinks early:) McD's also has their drinks. I had a Peppermint Mocha the other day, which was good.

 

5.1. Snuggle/TV dates with hubby. Yes I know TV dates aren't the best, but at least we are together:)

The other night, we watched a few episodes of The Big Bang Theory. We had fun snuggling on the couch cuddling with kitty. We also watched the BC Lions game last Friday together (I am not a huge FB fan, but I will watch when "we" play). We also had a Border Security Marathon the other night.

 

Linking up with Nancy

 

1. BIG CHANGES this happened this week! That is all that I will say for now.

2. We got snow the other day. Nice. It is early for our region.

On our car.

On the green space at our complex. At least the snow is gone now.

 

3. Having a bad/sad day? Google Rob Ford, and instantly your day will get better. True Story.

 

4. I still have problems putting on/in a poppy. They either prick my skin, or come off, or both.

 

5. I am about half way through Season Three of Downton Abbey. I am going to write the writer. I do not like him/her. LOL. It is a great show, however. I may have to ask Santa for all three seasons for Christmas:)

 

 

This week, is Reading Lists:)

 

As I think I have mentioned before, I go through time (up to months) without reading, then I will read, read and read for months. It is a very odd pattern, but I guess it is normal, right?

 

Danielle Steel-Winners. I love her books. I never buy them in hardcover, I usually get them from the library, then I usually buy them in soft cover (and usually second hand).

 

 

This was one of the last books I have read. I also read Nights in Rodanthe, and Sarah's Key.

I have shared this picture before. The left one is my mom's book, and the right one I am still half way through it. Both are excellent.

 

I also want to start on A Walk to Remember, and I have a couple of WW2 books that I may start.

 

I think that is all for today (or at least for this post). Have a great wknd.

 

 

TToT

Happy Saturday/Sunday! I hope everyone is having a great weekend. Today was fun, but busy!

I thought I would do my TToT (or at least start on it) tonight.

1. Nail Deco Art.

 I got these a few weeks ago when I went to our district sales meeting, and I just now finally tried them on tonight. I thought I did pretty well for someone who has 1) put them on myself and 2) who has never had them on before. EVER.

 

2. My family and friends that bought coffee and dinner for me today.

 

We have NO MONEY for nearly another week. True story. I couldn't even buy my mags yesterday. It was a sad day. BUT today, I met up with three different people (for different events) and they all bought me coffee, iced tea and dinner. #thankful

 

3. I am growing more confident.

 

In order for me to grow my Avon business (more on that in another post, maybe), I have to be more confidant in asking people if they want brochures, or dropping off my business cards, etc. Today, after meeting with my Avon mentor (and new found friend), I decided to ask two ladies who were sitting at table behind if they wanted an Avon brochure. They both said YES, with enthusiasm:) I am normally not like that. I must be growing up:)

 

4. We haven't had any snow yet.

 

I am sure in some parts of B.C have had some (mountains) but we haven't got any. Love BC, and I love where we live!

 

5. Christmas is less than 2 months away.

 

I love Christmas. 'Nuff said. And most of my siblings all be together.

 

6. Awesome (even though they are dated) Shows, like FRIENDS.

 

There will never be another show like FRIENDS (well, there is usually not another show like another show, but you know what I mean). I love it. I am watching it at night as I go to bed. Love it! I am watching season 3 now. I think my fav is well, I can't even think of who my fav character is. I just love them all! Their lines are classic!! And yes, it is getting dated, but I think that is why I love it all the more.

 

7. We have awesome parents/friends/mentors/family for sounding boards.

 

I love having friends, family, parents, mentors that we can go to and ask for advice, or if we have an idea they can be a sounding board. I also love hearing their different ideas and answers/suggestions.

 

8. My (Little) Nieces and Nephew.

 

Yes, we actually have two nieces. I miss them all. I can't wait to see them again. I love it when Bebop calls. He and Adam called me ystrdy, but I missed it, so when I called them back, only Adam was around. Oh well...It was awesome talking to him. We usually connect about once a week.

 

9. My Siblings

 

This leads me to number 9. I LOVE my siblings! I miss them when I do see or talk to them. My lil brother told me that he love BBT, and we may have to sneak downstairs at Christmas to watch a few episodes:) I got to see my younger brother and his wife for awhile the other day. We had a nice short chat, and he bought me coffee (I am poor, remember?)

 

10. When I become "friends" with my aunts, uncles, friends mom's. etc.

 

Tonight at dinner, it struck me (tho not for the first time) on how neat it is to become "friends" with my relatives. It is so neat that ALL my aunts are now married, but tonight as was visiting with one of them at Mom's book launch (more on that in the WS post), that my aunt (among others) is in a way in the same place as me; we talked about s*x and realized that we are both in that place (yes, it had a bit of a yucky factor, but it was still neat). Also my mom's friend was there, and it was to talk to her on an adult level (yes, we have talked before, but I was again struck by that fact). I guess I am growing up!

Linking up with Liz @ Considerings

Weekend Shenanigans/Life Lately/Misc Monday/Tell Us Tuesday/Wild Card Wednesday!

Happy Tuesday!!!

Yes, I am going to do all 5 link ups today! Is that greedy? Maybe. I like to think of it as getting it all done in one post:)

So, our weekend was nutz!! But it was good, too. I took 251 pics on my camera, and I have about 150 left to prove it.

Saturday; We went to a wedding! It was of a good friend of ours and her American Love!!!! Yes, we had a fun time ribbing our new American friend! We don't know him that well, but we have heard so much about him, and we know from what others say that he is a good guy. He is a youth pastor at a church that meets in our building.

Got up around 9:30 or so and hung out and relaxed. I had a shower, folded some laundry, ate breakfast, did some dishes, and got dressed (not necessarily in that order). We made it to the wedding with only minutes to spare. The wedding was so fun! I don't know the last time I have ben so excited for a bride! I believe she is around the same age as I was when I got married, so I can identify with her a bit. Here are some pictures that I captured of the fun day.

The Groom, and his Groomsmen.

 

The Bridesmaids. And yes, two of them were pregnant, and one had just had a baby a few months ago.

 

Saying their vows.

                                                                      The Bridal party.

Their first kiss (ever!!)

We had coffee with friends btwn the wedding and reception.

 

Got back around 4:30, and the reception started at 5 or so.

Our church`s gym was transformed into a wedding fairy land!!!

Their colours were Tiffany Blue and white, and their theme was rustic/country but elegant.

                                                    They had a sweet/candy table! Yum!

I loved their candles!

 

I took these next couple of pics for my American readers!

They had Canadian Iced Tea and on the right was the Texas Sweet Tea. They ran out of the TST VERY quickly! I did manage to get a sip of it, however, and it wasn't bad!! But I still love our Canadian Iced Tea better!

Apparently, there is a difference btwn American Oreos and Canadian Oreos. Who knew? (PS, the CND ones tasted better!!)

These, my American Friends are Naniamo bars! THE BEST dessert EVER!!! Just sayin'!

They gave away coffee as their party favours! I heard it was from Starbucks. We may or may not have come away with more than two allotted bags! They also encouraged us to colour the table!

And yes, we heard a few "ya'lls" that evening! There were about 200 people (including kids and babies!) that night; and probably half were from the US. Such fun! I am telling you; I don't think I have seen that many babies and small children at one event in some while, if ever. I had a few baby pangs, that's for sure!!

 The wedding itself was short, which was nice. There were only a few short speeches, and the cutting of the cake, and a funny song, and that was about it. The dinner was very good!

They even had biscuits (that were a bit sweet..yummy) with gravy!

 

Here is one final pic of the night, of hubby and I.

 

 

Anker and I cleaned for about 3 hours after (that is with help!), and came home around 11. After a few minutes of downtime, we went to bed.

 

Sunday;

We slept in; we were SO tired!! I got up and packed, and did some more cleaning (or something), and packed up. Packing for the two of us is pretty simple and quick.

In Canada, Thanksgiving is in October, and to get anywhere, we have to travel by dogsled. Ok, I am kidding about the last part, but TG IS in October:)

 

Because they (my parents included) were looking for a man from our little community, we had no idea on when and if we were going to have a turkey dinner. The discussions/plans went a bit like this: Turkey Dinner, TV dinners, Turkey Dinner, eat at 2, eat 6, Turkey Dinner at 5, TV Dinners whenever people come in. Yup, it was crazy! I nearly had a flip out. Just a little bit. Ok, I may have. A tiny bit. In the end, however, it went well. We got to the ranch around 2 on Sunday (no church; bad, I know), after a very lovely drive.

 

  First however, as I was running and getting frozen dinners (remember, at this time, I thought we were doing frozen turkey dinners..you know, to keep it simple), and gassed up, I HAD to grab a coffee of each of us, and bran muffins, because, you know, we hadn't eaten yet.

Lovely site, no?

 

I love the drive up to our place! 2 hours of pure bliss (unless traffic is being silly)!

There was a fire here 10 years ago; it is sad and exciting at the same time. Looking forward to seeing new growth, but sad at the devastation that it caused.

 

Got to the farm, and played with puppies (of course!), and picked apples and plums! Oh my..I can't remember the last time I had fresh picked apples. Maybe not even last year?

Facing our driveway.

 Anker picking apples! I had two in a row! They have already had a couple of frosts, which make the apples sweeter..yummy!

No pesticides and GMOs on these babies!

My parents an apple and a plum tree in their yard.

Fresh fruit in fall:) Is there anything sweeter?

The plums we picked.

Me holding one of the puppies.

2 of the 5 puppies that are left.

 

Hung out and relaxed in the evening. I drove my brother to and from his friends, and we had popcorn and Anker watched an X-Men movie on TV. Had a short visit with mom and dad when they got back, and went to bed. I actually did some of m FB group stuff, since I had been neglecting it for awhile.

 

Woke up around 7:30 yesterday, and had breakfast and just did whatever until I felt let starting dinner. By this time, we had decided to skip the frozen dinner, and eat a turkey dinner, since there was one that was thawed in the fridge. I know. Don't get me started:)  In the midst of all this, mum wanted me to make cookies for the searchers (well, mom was asked by my aunt if I could make them). Thankfully, it was as simple boiled raisin cookie recipe that didn't take long at all. First, though, I had to start gathering stuff up for the stuffing. I then took a trip to our small store, then drove to the next town to grab some things that the store didn't have, only to find out that the larger store was closed. Came back to the smaller store to grab a few more things. I settled on Cherry tarts with frozen tart shells. I don't do pastry.

 

Came home, started the stuffing. I didn't really do a recipe, I just added stuff:)

Doesn't it look DELISH!??  Apples, cranberries, raisins, onions, shallots (or whatever that thing was sitting on mom's counter!!!), garlic, bacon, onion sausage, and celery (which was what I went to the store for!)

The Turkey!!! Yummy!!! We added Sage/Poultry SSNG, and melted butter.

It may or may not have been slightly overcooked due to my forgetfulness to take it out..OOPS!

 

The cranberry sauce:) My lil brother did an awesome job!

 

We also had potatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli and Brussels sprouts, and gravy. It went well, and tasted delish!

 

I did find some pumpkin pie filling in the cupboard, and I ended up making tarts. They turned out well. I also had lots of filling left over, so I made my own version of Frozen Pumpkin Squares. Basically, it was the filling, some ginger, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice,  about 2 T of custard powder, and some condensed milk,  and for the crust, I used graham crumbs. I have no idea on how they tasted, because we forgot last night to bring them out, and when we brought them out this morning to try them, they were frozen solid. I told mom to save us a couple of pieces.

Tarts in front of the fire:) Bliss!

....made even better with tea.

Frozen Pumpkin Squares.

.

   I had fun organizing and pretty much single- hand idly making my first Thanksgiving Dinner alone! Even before they started searching, Mom had asked me to be in charge of it. I had fun raiding mom's fridge and pantry!!

 

This morning.

 

A couple of extra puppy cuteness pics!

 

Isn't he adorable??

 

Linking up with Wild and Precious

Linking up with Carissa

 

It is hubby's bday today, not sure what we will do, as everyone we have asked is busy. We may just do it another night this week.

 

Happy Tuesday!