Saturday, July 25, 2015

Still Here


******Edited July 28, 2015******

******Since I didn't link up on Friday, I thought I would link up with Tiffany @ The Dwelling Tree for this weeks Let's Be Friends Blog Hop*****

 


I have a TON of posts that I want to write, but I have either been too busy, too tired, or too lazy. Or I just haven't wanted to. I keep perusing over my PLETHORA of blogs that I follow, hoping to get inspiration, but I just end up doing other things (like Facebook..lol).

Here (in no particular order) are just a few things that I/we have been up to. I was going to make a Friday Link up post, but again, back to the lazy excuse! Ha!

We have been having cooler weather this past week, along with some rain. We love it.

On Sunday, I went to church, while hubby cleaned up (he didn't want to go..he's been in a funk about church lately), then we had A, K and H over for pizza. We had a lovely chat, then after they left, I went out grocery shopping.

Monday, I had a meeting at work, then I came home and relaxed outside in our yard, and read magazines, then I looked after H for a couple of hours. We went for a walk/bike ride, and man, can that kid go! I was RUNNING to keep up with him!

Hubby is really into the Pan Am Games this round. I am not, which is kind of weird, but I have been paying a bit more attention in the last few days. We have over 200 medals now! Love it!

I made blueberry pancakes the other morning (well, me and Aunt Jemima did!). They were SO GOOD! I topped (as well as made with) BC Blueberries, and Summerland Sweets Black and Raspberry syrup. Oh, and just to make it healthy, I added Greek Yogurt :) YUM! And yes, I took a picture, and no, you may not see it :) ha!

I am SO OVER infertility. I have had a few rough days with it (among other things). I saw a Huggies commercial, and I was depressed for the rest of the day. True story. I was 14 days late, and I even took two PG tests (cause, you know, one of those little suckers COULD get through, you never know!), but they were negative. Sadness.

Hubby and I had a couple of date days this week. Well, we had one (we had one a week or so ago, too...we went to run a few errands...including trying to change our address at the Driver's place, and BCAA/Insurance ). We have also had some good talks. Tuesday, hubby had appointment to get his Enhanced Driver's License address changed. (An ED allows him to go drive into the US without a passport, and he thought he would try to have this, since we want to drive into the US sometime)This was the second time we had gone up there to get to changed, as the first time, we were told that we had to make an appointment to get it done. This was AFTER I called, to change the address, and they said that they couldn't do it over the phone, and to go into the Drivers' Services to get it done. But they didn't mention that we had to have an appointment. Well, they wanted him to get a new Birth Certificate, which he hadn't done. I honestly didn't think much of it, since I had kind of forgotten about it, and I guess so had he. Well, they wouldn't renew it. Ugh. I looked at his BC again, and there is nothing wrong with it...just a bit shredded (it's no longer laminated). So now, I have to fill out a form, pay $40, and mail it to AB so that they can ship him his new BC. This may or may not take 3 months. (This also reminds me that I have to do mine, which is WAY worse than his.) Yah, we weren't too happy about that one. Honestly, don`t get an ED. It's not worth it. Well, we managed to change our address on our ICBC, and we went for lunch.

We will be celebrating 8 years of wedding bliss on Monday! We have beat MANY a celebrity marriage (and, well, other marriages, too, of course!). I think I will do a separate post on that. But yes. 8 years. Wow. Even I can't believe it sometimes. The traditional gifts are bronze or pottery, and the modern gifts are linens and lace. We have finally figured out what we are doing. We are going out for lunch (I think), as my gramma gave us some $ to go and do something with, and then we are going to my parents' for a couple of days. We are staying in one of their B&B cabins. We have to clean up after we're done, but hey, it beats paying for a hotel! I have been working lots (or it feels like it), so I am looking forward to three days off. It would have been four, but I took an extra day shift for Thursday.

Starbucks gave me a two for 1 drink last night. I drank the second this morning. Happy girl, was. I.

....and yes, I did buy this week's People Magazine (which I enjoyed while drinking my Caramel Macchiato) even though it wasn't pay day week. I had to, you know, well with Blake and Miranda being on the cover and all (we beat them, to, btw. Just sayin').

I thought I had an ear infection, but it's just a build up of wax, but my Dr. gave me my ear drops anyway.

Yesterday, I went to my friends house for coffee. She was the one who lost her husband 8 weeks ago.
Of course, I had seen her since then, but this was the first time that I had seen her alone (I went once with my sister), in her house, without anyone else there. We had a nice chat, and I got chat with the kids, which was good. I think they're doing ok, but I am sure they are having a rough time. Even their dog misses him!!!

My gramma is in the hospital tonight, as she had a burst appendix. She nearly died. She has been sick for about 6 wks. She went to the ER twice, and yesterday, they FINALLY figured out that it was her appendix. We are all just floored at why it wasn't caught sooner. She had surgery today, and is also having a drainage system to clean out of her toxins in her system. We were all pretty scared there for awhile.

My family took the sheep to the mountain today. It is a 1-2 day trip, and it involves trailing them usually) on a logging road. It is a fun time. Anker usually goes on one trip a year (they move about while they are up there..usually 2-3 months).

I may or may not have had Tim  Horton's new Reece Donut tonight. I am glad I tried it, but I won't be getting in again.

I have been PINNING a lot again in the last few days. I love it. I pin more than is healthy. I have way too many pins and boards, and I rarely look at the pins after I have pinned them, but hey...it's fun to to!

Well, I think most of those were what I was going to put in my Friday Link ups, so there you go!!!

Hope you're having a great wknd. I worked today, and I work tomorrow, then I am off on Monday!

PS...my heart breaks for the recent shootings going on in TN, and LA right now. I don't understand, but I know that there will be justice, and that God is Sovereign

I have added a few more things (I mean words), and for that, I am sorry/not sorry!.

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Friday Link Ups

Yes, I am two days late. But, I really don't care :)

I have about 10 blog posts that I want to write, that are in my little head...so I hope get some done this week. Maybe.

For now, though..here are a few of my favourites from this past wk. I was going to post pictures, but I think I will just the text for now.

1. Free stuff at 7-11.

In Canada this last wk, 7-11 was having their birthday bash, and if you downloaded their app, you got something for free every day. I missed two days, b/c let's face it, who wants to get free water? And I forgot the other day. But 5 out of 7 days isn't bad.

2. Cooler Temps.

Well, until yesterday, they had been cooler, but yesterday and today were HOT! It is now raining, so yay!

3. Drugs.

Or more accurately, sedatives. I had a dental procedure on Thursday, and since I flipped out during the last cavity filling fiesta, I decided that I would go the sedative route. I used to think Sleep Dentistry was creepy. I don't anymore. I may or may not have sent some questionable texts to my SIL during the day.

4. Tim Horton's Creamy Chocolate Chill.

When I die, I am going to be buried in this. Thank you for coming into my life, CCC. It is just like a chocolate milkshake. With whipped cream. And chocolate drizzle. You're welcome.

5. A Brother Who Understands My Job.

I love all my siblings, but when one understands what you do, they truly are a treasure. Well, again, they all are. But you know what I mean. The other night, I was able to chat with him about it on my way home from work. He was able to offer me insight, and be encouraging, which is awesome.

...and two bonus ones..

5.1. More Money

I took five shifts this month, and I have worked 3...only two extra shifts to go! At any rate, the last two cheques have been SWEET!!! Oh, and we also got our GST cheque, and my gramma gave me $ for my birthday, so I am kind of stoked about that.

5.2. Summer Holidays.

I think we have narrowed down where, we are going for my second set of holidays (or vacation, or however you all say it). But I am not gonna tell yet :)

5.3. Good Music.

Now, I love my country music, don't get me wrong, but when I am work, either in the van, or if we have the radio on, it is usually on one either two stations (unless I switch it back to the country station.I know people LOVE for that one..lol), both of which are soft light rock, etc Anyway..I am loving Andy Grammar's song...Honey, I'm Good. Love it. I also love Elle King's (who's like, half-Canadian) X's and O's. Yup. Some good songs. Oh, and I picked up two cd's on Friday....Country Heat 2015 (See, I told you I love my country music. I have gotten a few CH's in the past, but I haven't gotten the yearly one since 2007, so when I saw it, I thought it was high time I got myself a current Country Heat CD), and I also got Kelly Clarkson's Greatest Hits Chapter 1. So, good music on the radio, and good music in my hands.

Linking up with:




Friday, July 10, 2015

Friday Link Ups

Hey everyone. In case you haven't noticed, I haven't really been on the Blogging band wagon. There are many reasons, some of what I won't post here, but some of them are.....being too busy (work, reading magazines, you know, the important stuff..lol, errands, last wknd at the ranch), too hot, no internet for almost two days (gasp!), and to be honest, just not really into blogging. But I know I get that way, and in/after a few days, I get back on it again. I should be in bed, as I work a 12 hour day tomorrow (it's my work wknd...I joke that I always have long wknds...I either work them, or I have them..all three days...off.). The laptop is burning my legs, and making me (and the room) twice as hot as it normally is...but I will do a short Friday link up post.

Here are some things that I have been loving (and doing) the last week or so...

1. Canada Day

I didn't do a heck of a lot for/on CD. Vienna came with our aunt and uncle, and we all ate lunch together, then V, A and I went to the Park to take in some of the festivities. We got some Bannok, drank some lemonade, and relaxed, and walked around, then we just came home. We were too tired to even go and check out the fireworks.

2. Pita Chips.

Vienna brought some, and let me tell you, they are awesome!

Parmesan and Garlic, and Cinnamon. So good.

3. Mango Iced Tea (and Slurpee's, and Coolers)

I noticed that Starbucks had a new iced tea/lemonade, so naturally, I had to try it. I didn't like it the first time (well, I did, but it was just too sweet), so the next time, I ordered it half sweet. Yum. Much better. And yes, I have been having too many slurpees, and I also being indulging in the odd cooler. Yes, I know, so bad, but SO good!!

4. Fan/A.C/ My parents' pool/The River

Seriously, y'all. I don't know on how I would survive without it. I am loving going to work right now, solely because we have air conditioning. And the fans. We have two fans in our house. We may have to get another one. As I said, I went out there last wknd (more on that in another post), and I spent a bunch of time in the pool. I have yet to go have a "swim and sun" (an odd term I coined for myself a few years back...lol) at the beach this summer...other than at Kal Beach...but I hope to do it on Tuesday...or maybe next wk...who knows...I am working lots..or busy, so am not sure when (or if!) I will get to it this summer.

5. Summer TV

Y&R, Amazing Race Canada, and Duck Dynasty are awesome,, and back on for the summer, respectively. Love them all. I also may get into The Astronaut's Wives' Club. I saw the first episode on TV last night while at work, and it looked good, so I got Anker to record it. I also just saw a couple of shows on CBC that look great as well.

5.1. Our Civil Servants/City Workers/Constructions Workers

During a flash flood (again, more about that in another post), our police and Firefighters came out in FULL force! They were quick to come on to the scene, and were AWESOME at directing traffic. We have had MANY forest fires, but more so in Northern SK. I don't know the exact number that are burning in BC right now (let alone all of Canada), but there are a lot. There are a lot of fire fighters, both on the ground and in the air that are fighting the fires 24/7. I also just read that someone has lost their life while fighting a fire. We are also experiencing A LOT of construction in Kamloops right now, and the works and flaggers are doing an AWESOME job, especially in this heat! Anyway...I just want to take the time to thank EVERYONE who does their job well! You all rock!


Told you I'd be short!!! Have a great wknd!! Think of me while you're having fun with your families!!!






Post 500, and My Little Brother's Wedding

Yay! I am at post 500!! I am so happy! I know, I know...it's not a lot, but to me, it is pretty cool. I love on how my writing has changed (gotten better) since I started 8 years ago!!! Speaking of which, it will be our 8th wedding anniversary next month, and my/our 8th Blog-aversary in August! Crazy!

Anyway....so last wknd, my little brother Seth, married the love of his (short!) life!! **** this part was done on July 8/15. I realize that I am way too many posts behind, but I have been either busy, or not into blogging..but, never fear...I will get to them, eventually..**** They are both young, but love is love, right? LOL.

The weekend was wonderful, in part because I got to see N and L :) Of course, it was great seeing everyone else, too!!! But you know..I don't see N and L near as much as I'd like.

I left Friday morning (I was able to take is a lieu day..Yay!!), with two of my SILs, and L.  The wedding was a couple of hours away, so it was a short trip. We had a lovely time with Naomi and her friends and family in the morning. We had a bit of a bedroom shower (FYI: Having kids there is a bit awkward..lol). We had a lovely brunch and spa time, then it was time to help get things ready. Then the rehearsal was at 5 and the dinner was at 6 (or something like that). N was the flower girl, and she wasn't too sure about it at first, but after the first try, she actually kind of enjoyed her self.

Anker was planning on coming up the next day, so I spent the first night by myself. I actually stayed at Seth's Land lords, and they are so nice, and the place was amazing!!! I didn't bring my laptop, so I did internet on my phone, and read, and called people.

Anker picked me up the next day, and we got to the church around 12. It was about 25C (I think), despite it being cloudy. The church was HOT! And though the guys didn't wear full tuxes, they were still dressed up (jeans and long sleeved shirts), so they were pretty hot. H (who's 4) refused to take off his vest (and he also had a long sleeved shirt on..go figure!!) But other than the heat, it was a wonderful wedding! I loved Naomi's dress, and N did great as FG. I ended up helping with the guest rocks (instead of a guest book..cool idea), and placed the gifts. Even hubby got into it, and had fun directing people.

Both of the dads (Naomi's dad is the pastor of the church where they had the wedding), did the ceremony, so it was very nice. And it was relatively short, which was great. I think if it were any longer, people would have fainted. Ha! Then we all turned the sanctuary into a reception hall, and it was wonderful (but still hot). They only wanted a few pictures with family and the wedding party (smart idea, btw), and no receiving line (even smarter idea!), so after the pictures, people got the sanctuary transformed, and Luke and Amanda took Seth and Naomi for a few pictures with just the two of them. I got to hold L (who's four months), and who screamed. A lot. Ha! Actually, she did pretty well, and N did awesome.

The reception was nice, but again, quite hot, and it was over at 6 (Seth wanted to leave at 4...when the reception started at 3..ha!! He then said they could leave at 5....well, they left at 6..lol..and ended up getting lost on their way to the resort they were staying..poor kids). After the wedding, some of the family congergated at the house where some of the family had rented a house for the wknd. We couldn't quite afford it, but it sure is a good idea when you have young kids. H and N loved it!!! It is situated in Vernon, and very easy to get to. We just chilled and hung out, and visited with everyone. Did I mention that H and N got along SO well!! They had SO much fun!!! And we aunties (esp Vienna and I) had SO MUCH fun hanging with the kiddies!

***well, it is now July 10th. I just haven't been into blogging much lately, but I will try to get this finished up tonight***

Sunday morning, we all met at the house around 12 (after a  nice relaxing morning at our place, and my going to the dollar store to grab a few gifts), and we all went to the beach. I think that was the best part of the wknd. I have many memories of hanging out on Kal Beach, so it was fun to go back. We came back and had a LOVELY bbq of Lamb chops! It was SO good! We ended the evening by starting a movie, thought it was dumb, and started another one, only be so tired, that we couldn't finish it.

Monday morning, we all got together to say goodbye, and we all went our separate ways.

So...here are some pictures...

 Saying their vows.
 I thought this was such a cool idea.
 Seth and Naomi saying thank you.
And yes, she is from Haiti. I like to refer to her family as "my international friends". I grew up with her dad, and her mom is from the US; their two boys where born in the States, and her and her sister Noelle were adopted from (while they were in) Haiti. They have all since lived in Haiti once after that (if not twice), and they have lived in the States, and most recently, our hometown, and now they live in the Okanogan, where her dad is a Pastor of a small church.

The theme was Grecian Rustic, which I had no idea that that was what it was until Naomi referred to it in her thank you speech. 

 Vienna spent hours gluing the feathers to the jar.
The food...Yum.

 The food at the BBQ.
 I did my hair myself.
 Kal Lake and Beach.
 Grecian Rustic.
 The room where I/we stayed.
 The kids wanted us to bury them. Even N was ok with having herself buried in sand.
 The only decent picture of inside of the house. We had some friends over as well...so the older kids are theirs.
 Sisters! Naomi was long gone, but she will get in on the next one.
 The pictures of the house!


Of course, I have more, but these are the ones I thought looked the best (well, sort of)  to put on the blog.

A Little Catch Up & A Small Rant(and a Surprise!)

Howdy! Well, as my aunt says, "I'm so far behind, I'm ahead", so I think I will take a page from her play book and just st...