Our unexpected Christmas guest has FINALLY left(Wednesday night)......

Poor guy................he didn't leave the same way he came!!!!!




Thank goodness he's OUT OF HERE!!!!

FRIDAY'S IT'S A WRAP.....breathe everyone!!!!

Well I'm sure at this stage of the game everyone's every minute of every day is filled to the MAX!!!!!!! Here's hoping you all have a GREAT holiday season!!!!!

~*~*~*~MERRY CHRISTMAS~*~*~*~

Be sure to enjoy the precious little faces as they enjoy the WONDER of CHRISTMAS!!!

Eat LOTS, have a FEW shots(if you wish), and most importantly BE MERRY!!!!!!!

To all my family and friends that I cannot be with on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or Boxing Day(that's right folks.........3 days in a row).................please know I will be thinking of you wishing I could stretch myself just a little further!!!! ((((HUGS))))

WEDNESDAY'S FUNNY on Friday......

The following are memo's sent out to the staff of a large corporate organization!!!!
(re: Christmas staff party)
as you read you will see MD, I am guessing MD means management department(not sure)?
.....................here goes!



FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: 4th November 2004
RE: Christmas Party
I'm happy to inform you that the company Christmas Party will take place on December 23rd, starting at noon in the private function room at the Grill House. There will be a cash bar and plenty of drinks! We'll have a small band playing traditional carols........please feel free to sing along. And don't be surprised if the MD shows up dressed as Santa Claus! A Christmas Tree will be lit at 1.00p.m.. Exchange of gifts among employees can be done at that time, however, no gift should be over $10.00 to make the giving of gifts easy for everyone's pockets. This gathering is only for employees! The MD will make a special announcement at the Party. Merry Christmas to you and your Family. Pauline

**************************************************************************

FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: 5th November 2004
RE: Holiday Party
In no way was yesterday's memo intended to exclude our Jewish employees. We recognise that Chanukah is an important holiday, which often coincides with Christmas, though unfortunately not this year. However, from now on we're calling it our 'Holiday Party'. The same policy applies to any other employees who are not Christians. There will be no Christmas tree or Christmas carols sung. We will have other types of music for your enjoyment.
Happy now?
Happy Holidays to you and your family,
Pauline.

***************************************************************************

FROM; Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: 6th November 2004
RE: Holiday Party
Regarding the note I received from a member of Alcoholics Anonymous requesting a non-drinking table...you didn't sign your name. I'm happy to accommodate this request, but if I put a sign on a table that reads, "AA Only", you wouldn't be anonymous anymore!!!! How am I supposed to handle this? Somebody? Forget about the gift exchange, no gift exchange allowed now since the Union Officials feel that $10.00 is too much money and Management believe $10.00 is a little cheap!!!
NO GIFT EXCHANGE WILL BE ALLOWED!!!
Pauline.

***************************************************************************

FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: 7th November 2004
Holiday Party
What a diverse group we are! I had no idea that December 20th begins The Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which forbids eating and drinking during daylight hours. There goes the party! Seriously, we can appreciate how a luncheon at this time of year does not accommodate our Muslim employees' Sorry! Did I miss anything?!?!?!?!?!
Pauline.

***************************************************************************

FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All F**ing Employees
DATE: 8 November 2004
RE: The F****ing Holiday Party.
Vegetarian pricks I've had it with you people !!! We're going to keep this party at the Grill House whether you like it or not, so you can sit quietly at the table furthest from the "grill of death"(as you so quaintly put it), you'll get your f***ing salad bar, including organic tomatoes, but you know tomatoes have feeling too..........they scream when you slice them, I've heard them!!!!! I'm hearing the scream right NOW!! I hope you all have a rotten holiday, drink drive and die.
The Bitch from HELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

***************************************************************************

FROM: John Bishop - Acting Human Resources Director
DATE: 9th November 2004
RE: Pauline Lewis and Holiday Party
I'm sure I speak for all of us in wishing Pauline Lewis a speedy recovery, and I'll continue to forward your cards to her. In the meantime, the management has decided to cancel our Holiday Party and instead, give everyone the afternoon of the 23rd December off with full pay.

Thursday's THINK ABOUT IT on Friday.......

Christmas decorations (Coming soon!!!!)

TUESDAY'S PHOTO DAY CANCELLED FOR THIS WEEK!

As I had much to post about in the last week(including photos)...........I have decided there is no need to post for Tuesday of this week!!!!!

Welcome......Tayte Jaira

CONGRATULATIONS Mom & Dad(and Athena & Reeve).........as you already know she is a real sweetheart!!!!







It's not very often I ASK to get my picture taken.....but when a new baby comes along I am always up for a picture!!!!

It's a WRAP.........and a GOOD one!!!!

Well to wrap up an ALREADY GREAT week...............there is a BABY ON THE WAY, and if all goes well it will arrive DEC. 15th!!!!! I will head back to the city this afternoon.......gotta see baby!!!!

Update later today!!!!

Weds. funny on Friday(thanks Blanche)

Sorry for the mix up here..........but I can't wait until Weds.

Two sides to everything.................

A man and his wife are dining at a table in a plush restaurant, and the husband keeps staring at a drunken lady swigging her drink as she sits alone at a nearby table. The wife asks, "Do you know her?" "Yes," sighs the husband, "She's my ex-girlfriend. I understand she took to drinking right after we split up seven years ago, and I hear she hasn't been sober since." "My God!" says the wife, "Who would think a person could go on celebrating that long"

My Weds. funny on Thurs.

Well yesterday we found out we had an extra CHRISTMAS guest.................................I'm guessing you will find this a little funnier than I did!!!!!
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MOUSE, and it's not MICKEY!!!!!!


a real life sneaky one............in the HOUSE!!! Yes the traps are set.........24 hours, nothing yet.....he/she had better find their way to the peanut butter by morning!!!!

A BIG day for ALBERTA, and a BIG day for NATASHA

Smiles & Cameras were plentiful amoung the proud audience!!!!

Concentration!!!!

A little peek at Dad, and Auntie Dana!


When you're in playschool and you're in a Christmas concert..........that's about as BIG as it gets!!!! Nastasha did a VERY good job performing in the concert............her Mom & Dad thought for sure(as did Grandma)Natahsa would basically be there, not really participate(Natasha is often VERY shy).............I'm happy to report we were ALL wrong!!!! WTG little Missy!!!

It was so cute how Natasha was tapping her toes through EVERY song.........I tried so hard to get a picture, but every time I clicked her feet would hit the ground........oh well.........here's the proof of my efforts!!

the ceremony itself.........Goodbye & Hello all in one!!

THINK ABOUT IT........IT'S A BIG DAY IN ALBERTA!

These days don't come around very often.......I am very happy I made the effort to attend the swearing in ceremony for Mr. Edward Stellmack...............ALBERTA'S 13th premier!!!! Below you will see a few of the site & sounds of the event!!!

FESTIVE PHOTOS CHRISTMAS 2006

I just LOVE these pictures!! They were taken on the spur of the moment......the set up makes me laugh............one diaper, a pair of panies, a flat sheet, black towel, and a SANTA hat, and that's it.........oh my...almost forgot, and TWO LITTLE SWEETHEARTS!!!!!

wow it's been quite some time since I did a layout..........happy with this one!!!!

WHAT'S UP THIS WEEK..........

Oh man, this week is going to be a crazy one!
I need to:
Make and mail out Christmas cards
Go to Natasha's playschool Christmas concert(I can't wait, I can already see myself laughing........little kids are so darn cute, no matter how they perform)!
Finish making and deliver my Christmas goodies
on, and on the list goes!!!!!

Did a double page layout today..........................feels good, it's been awhile since I've scrapped!!!!! Love the page..........great pictures of you know who!!!!! Will post in the morning when I can take a decent picture in nature light.......tried to night, but it's YELLOW!

Also waiting for the arrival of Brett & Dolci's baby.............I'll be heading to the city, as soon as I get THE CALL!!!!!

That's about it........looking forward to a great week of things I LOVE TO DO!!!!!

HEY LORI.......SO GLAD YOU CHECKED IN!!!

My SIL is a regular visitor to my blog............and I am so excited that she has signed on and left me a message.....THANKS LORI, hope to you post often!!!!

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS WHILE I COUNT MINE!

Often when we/I think of blessings we/I think of little ones........therefore the blessings I think of today are the four little ones that arriving in our family over the next several months. One on my side of the family(hopefully he or she will arrive by the end of this week(due the 17th)), and the next three are on my husbands side, due Feb. Apr., & May!!! Dec., Feb. & April's babies are the 3rd in each of these families, and the May baby is first for T.J. & Rhonda, I am so excited for them!!!!

I am hoping these 4 little BLESSINGS all arrive safe & sound, healthy and happy!!!! Watch for a NEW ARRIVAL post......hopefully on or before Dec. 17th!!!!!

AROUND THE HOUSE(Sat. post on Sunday)

Well, I just loved my Sat.....................I was alone from 10ish-7:00p.m., and basically did what I WANTED ALL DAY!!!! It's a GREAT feeling!!!!!

I was productive.....................laundry, and other everyday stuff! Pulled out a few more Christmas decorations, but best of all I FINALLY got some of my CHRISTMAS GOODIES made. Note: I said some.........much more to go!!!!! I made 2 batches of Eatmore bars, one batch of Caramel popcorn, and 4 batches of Trail Mix! Sunday I will make Poppycock, more Caramel popcorn, more Eatmore bars, and then Peanut Brittle on Monday.

As some of my readers know, I have made these Christmas goodies for years...........I have never really taken the time to figure out the cost.......................this year I did................YIKES!!!!!! Never had a clue............to date I have spent $275+ on nuts, butter, corn & lilly white syrup, brown sugar, raisons, chocolate chips, etc., etc...............I can't believe it!!!!!! Yesterday I went to Safeway for bulk Smarties(trail mix), when the cashier weighed the bag it was $40(wowzers), I took some out..........so if you get some Trail Mix and there are not very many Smarties, you'll know why!!!!!

I am expecting Sunday to be pretty good day as well..........never thought I would say I love NFL football(keeps the men in the house, out of my hair)!!!!!

Another ALBERTA funny!!!

Snorkelling in Canada's Great Reefs...ALBERTA STYLE!!!

Delivering a eulogy............tougher than I thought it was going to be!!!!

Karen asked me to deliver part of the eulogy at Nick's service..............my part would be written by their daughter, all I had to do was read it on her behalf. So my first thought was if I don't have to write it, it should be easier to deliver! Not sure where I came up with that idea, but was I WRONG!!!!! It of couse was way more personal, and emotional simply because the daughter wrote it...........very hard to get through!!! I had it all rehearsed in my mind..........I would speak directly to them. When I got to the podium I caught a glimpse of them crying, and needless to say my eyes never made contact with them once while I was speaking. I knew if I did that would have been it................so instead I played it safe looking onward, and at that I barely made it through!

If you visit my blog often you will remember a post(about 6 weeks ago)complete with Bride & Groom photo's............the gentleman that passed away was the Father of the Groom! It's such a bittersweet memory now..........everyone was so happy............miles of smiles......so soon we gathered again.............and of course not a smile in sight!!!!

IT'S A WRAP.........thank goodness!!!!

I am so glad this week has come to an end..........if fact the last two weeks!!! I am glad to kiss both of them GOODBYE!!!! I haven't be so sick for so long..........ever(with the exception of surgery)!!! Besides being sick it has been a crazy busy, stressful two weeks!!!!!

I haven't even thought about Christmas.............no shopping, not much decorating, no baking, etc., etc.......yikes, look out next week, I will be in HIGH GEAR!!!!!! Wish me luck!!!!

THINK ABOUT IT...........

My 1st THINK ABOUT IT day unfortunately revolves around death(sorry, loyal readers)!

Whether we want to or not there are times when this subject is right there in front of us, there is NO dancing around it! Well..........this week it's been right there in front of me, and many back home family, friends & neighbors.

Coming from a very small town of 400+ people it's hits everyone pretty hard when there are 3 deaths in a week or so, and 2 near death accidents!

Yesterday was the funeral for a long time family friend, and the anniversary of my Grandma K's death. Yes, we all know that life can change in a minute, we all know we should treat others as we wish to be treated, do we have bridges that need repairing, things that should dealt with before it's to late???? The message from the Minister/Family was ARE YOU READY? Makes alot of sense, but we don't take the time to stop and think about it!!!! Besides the family, this unexpected loss is very hard for my brother(and his wife)................this gentleman was a VERY good friend/neighbor to Daryl & Lori(Karen refers to Daryl as Nick's 3rd son). As with most deaths, good memories are what helps you get bye...................glad to know they shared many!!!!!

Of the two near death accidents I speak of one is my Aunt and Uncle(and their Great Grandson(8 years old))who barely escaped carbon monoxide posioning.......they literally would have died in minutes!!!! By the time the rescue workers arrived they were at the point of being unconcious and had to be cared out on stretchers!!!! The second is a head on collision(one person in each vehicle, both from the SAME small town)...blowing snow, icy roads! One of the people who is most seriously injured is my husband's cousin's husband........both his legs are crushed, and other injuries of which I am not sure!!!! He has been in surgery every other day since Tuesday...............and will have a VERY long recovery!!!!! The other person in the accident is not hurt very bad(compared)...........she is the mother of four young children..................I think both people could have very easily been gone, but luckily even with serious injury they are both still here!!!!!

Then poor Baba had more heart problems, coupled with a bout of phemonia.............she seems to be bouncing back(at 88), I am amazed at how tough she is!!!!

I think that about sums up my THINK ABOUT IT................more than enough for one week, my brain is already on overload!!!!

JUST FOR FUN!!!

This is an old one............but it probably suits the way most ALBERTAN'S are feeling right now!!!!

Aug 12:
Moved to our new home in ALBERTA. It is so beautiful here...............the landscape is so majestic. Can hardly wait to see it with snow. I love it here!


Oct 14:
ALBERTA is the most beautiful place on earth. The leaves are turned all the colors and shades of red and orange. Went for a ride through the beautiful country and saw some deer. They are so graceful, certainly they are the most wonderful animal on earth. This must be paradise.........I love it here!


Nov 11:
Deer season will start soon. I can't imagine anyone wanting to kill such a gorgeous creature. Hope it will snow soon............I love it here!


Dec 2:
It snowed last night. Woke up to find everything blanketed with white.................it looked like a postcard. We went outside and cleaned the snow off the steps and shoveled the driveway. We had a snowball fight (I won), and when the snow plow came by, we had to shovel again. What a beautiful place..........I love ALBERTA!


Dec 12:
More snow last night..............I love it! The snow plow did his trick again to the driveway...............I love it here!


Dec 19:
More snow last night, couldn't get out of the driveway to get to work. I am exhausted from shoveling...........Damn snow plow!


Dec 22:
More of that white shit fell last night. I've got blisters on my hands from shoveling. I think the snow plow hides around the curve and waits until I'm done shoveling the driveway. Asshole!


Dec 25:
Merry @*!!@#@! Christmas! More friggin snow. If I ever get my hands on that S.O.B. who drives that snow plow, I swear I'll kill the him! Don't know why they don't use more salt on the roads to melt the ice.


Dec 27:
More white shit last night. Been inside for 3 days except for shoveling out the driveway after that snow plow goes through! Can't go anywhere............car's stuck in a mountain of the white STUFF.........the weatherman says to expect another 10" of the same shit tonight. Do you know how many shovels full of snow 10" is?


Dec 28:
The friggin weatherman was wrong. We got 43" of that white shit this time. At this rate it won't melt before next summer. The snow plow got stuck up the road and thE dirty bugger came to the door and asked to borrow my shovel. After I told him I had already broke six shovels shoveling all the shit he pushed into the driveway, I broke the last one over his head.


Jan 4:
Finally out of the house today..................went to the store to get food and on the way back a damned deer ran in front of the car and I hit it. Did about $3,000 damage! Those friggin beasts should be shot................wish the hunters would have killed ALL!!!!!!


May 3:
Took the car to the garage in town. Would you believe the thing is rusting out from that lousy salt they put all over the road.


May 10:
Moved back South................I can't imagine why anyone in their right mind would want to live in a flippin' FROZEN, SNOW filled province they call ALBERTA!!!!!

A FEW MORE PHOTO'S.........they're not mine!

Special Thanks to Dolci..........all these photos are from and e-mail she sent me........great photography.......check them out!!!

WHAT'S UP THIS WEEK.........

Oh my goodness............first off I need to make a LIST!!! It's going to be a busy one...............and I NEED to stay on track!!! I need to get working on my christmas goodies so they can be deilivered by mid month!

I came across a great company this weekend at the Camrose Spirits of Christmas Craft Sale. I want to share a little info about them..........as I was so impressed! Stay tuned!!!!

OKAY HERE'S THE SCOOP.......
It's a NUT company, yes you read right NUTS!!! They have been around for quite some time(25+years)but I haven't ever heard of them. They have been coming to Camrose Spirits of Christmas craft fair for many years.........and people were literally lined up at the door to get into the hall to buy NUTS! They are VERY seasonal, only operate(sales wise)from Sept. 1st-mid Dec.. All of their sales are either form their website, or a select few shows they attend(2 in Alberta(Airdie & Camrose)and 4 in B.C.). They come to Alberta with two semi trucks packed with nuts, dried fruit, gift trays, etc., etc.. At the end of their season(Camrose was their last show)they donate EVERYTHING to charity groups..........isn't that amazing! WTG!!!!!

Their name is RANCHO VIGNOLA website www.ranchovignola.com

They do fundraisers, and have a wholesale club. If you can get $500 in orders you will save 10-30%, and FREE SHIPPING......considering the weight of NUTS, that is a HUGE savings in itself!!!!

AND

their products are TOP NOTCH..........very fresh, GRADE A I would say!

Well my excitement for this comes from all the Christams goodies I make...........most calling for peanuts, pecans, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, banana chips, etc., etc.. Just need to pick up popcorn, butter, lily white syrup, corn syrup, and I am set and ready to GO!!!!!

OH, and the pistachios.................YUMMY!!!!!

WHAT'S SOOOOOOOOOOO FUNNY????

Most of you have already seen these a few times.........they have been around for awhile(I even seen them featured on CNN as a VIDEO OF THE DAY)

Oh my word............these poor little guys are laughing so hard they are almost crying!!!!

If this isn't contagious, I don't know what is!!!

LAUGHTER is the BEST MEDICINE(as my Grandma ALWAYS said!)

Don't forget to GIGGLE!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P6UU6m3cqk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFn-CAtGzGQ

AS PROMISED............LONG OVERDUE!!!!

I am going to kick things up a notch or two on my BLOG!!!!

My original threat(from Nov. 8th)was to GET NASTY to attrack more regular viewers...........but I realized VERY quickly(the same day)that was a NASTY attitude(LOL)!!! I even got a phone call from a concerned family member(and an e-mail from a friend)wondering what was WRONG with me(YIKES)?????? Yes, I am perfectly fine...............nothing is wrong(but thanks for checking in on me)...........I just had a weak moment(I guess), thought things were pretty boring here at JUST4U & Me!

Anyway.................the plan now is, to follow the daily regiment to the right --------------------> (see it?)

I hope you will check in often..........I will try VERY hard to update daily!

Have a great day..................hope to see you soon(here at JUST4U & ME)!

And for you lurkers..........I know there are more of you, COME ON.......say HI(check the Nov. 20th post below(I am down on my knees))!!!!

THANKS SO MUCH to those that took the time to say HI(count 11), much appreciated! I think that's a record at JUST4U(peanuts to some/milestone for me (LOL))

TOOK THE QUIZ ON RENEE'S BLOG...........

not sure I like the results!

You date like you are 12 years old.
You like to be friends first, and chill with your partners. You may not be very experienced in dating, which your prospective lovers catch onto quickly - but they still find it adorable.



Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com

For the TATOO lovers in the crowd............

Kim.....don't show this one to Dustin! LOL!

I am DOWN ON MY KNEES............

I know there are many regulars that visit my blog and NEVER post a comment.......................THIS IS A POST CHALLENGE! Please, please, please..........simply a HI will do!!!! Just this once, then I will never bug you again.............well not for a VERY LONG TIME!!!!

note: this is not a you read it................leave a comment rule! Simply a HI post!

GIDO'S 90TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS!

Together again..........very poor picture(my camera was outside in the cold and the lens was all frosted...grrrr!)
I have posted before the connection I see between Gido & Miss Natasha............I love how content they look sitting together!!!!!

We won't quit trying to get a good picture of the GREAT-GRANDKIDS
with Baba & Gido..........quite the challenge......and quite the HANDFUL!

CAKE TIME!!!

HAPPY BIRITHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!

another poor photo..........sorry!
Gido with his sister Auntie Katie........a very special lady!
Anyone need a positive attitude.........she has been dealt much in her life, and she is right up there on my list of THE HAPPIEST PEOPLE I KNOW.................SHE'S A PRO!!!!

GUESS WHO'S WALKING NOW?

Look out everyone............here I come!!!!