Random shots from the weekend.......

A soccer player, playing baseball.....WTG Curtis!



Doug holding the bat so Randy can't swing........BRAVE guy!



Megan(not sure how she is holding), Blanche, and Carla
Smile Carla(She didn't want her picture taken)!



Sweet, Sweet.....Clinton & Bridgette's 3rd of 3 little girls!



1st cousins.....oldest to youngest of those present!
Randy, Russell, Blanche, James, Me, Kelly, Daryl, Douglas, Judy, & Dixie!




Rhonda a her little guy!



A bicycle built for two.......Dixie & Judy!

The GALS..........sisters!

Auntie Teresa and someone dear to her........Jared(& his girlfriend)!

Happy 25th Anniversary Auntie Teresa & Stanley

Happy 75th Birthday Stanley

Auntie Ellen connects one............running to 1st!

Back at the RANCH.........

Abbie and her porker puppies!!!

Little Miss Daisy

Emily's triplets

Baba.........looking GREAT!


And on the road home.........now that is a yard of lilacs(old farm yard)!

off to the Mom's cabin in my rental wheels!!!

Lookin' forward to seeing many cousins, and ALL my Aunt's on Mom's side........it's been awhile since they have ALL been together..........great photo op coming our way!!!

It's Auntie Teresa & Stanley's anniversary, and Stanley's 70th birthday.......it's a camping/casual affair at Fork Lake(will be staying at Moms' cabin(Mann Lake a few miles away)..........can't wait for some GREAT visiting!!!

I'll do a REAL update when I get back.........maybe even Sunday evening!!!

got SCHMUKED tonight.........

the gentleman that hit me is charged with driving with undue care and attention/careless driving(or something of that sort), and I have a bit of a stiff arm, and neck!!! I seen the colision coming so I think I must have tensed up.......causing the stiffness, I'm sure it will be short lived!

Daniel figures the car is a right off.......the old gal is DONE!!!

POLL RESULTS

How old are my visitors(please choose your age group)?
Votes so far: 9
0-12-0 (0%)

13-20-0 (0%)

21-30-2 (22%)

31-40-5 (55%)

41-50-1 (11%)

51-60-0 (0%)

61+-1 (11%)

Provincial Track Meet results..........

SUNBURN!!!

You know the old story.......Mother knows best?

Mother: "Daylan, you better take some sunscreen"
Son: "Mom, I won't need any!"

Even though he didn't take sunscreen, he did get some from someone on the track team, apparently not enough........OUCH!!!!

100 days of photo tips!

Someone share this on a scrapbooking site...........check it out!
http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?article=100in100_II&op=academy_new

SINCE MY LAST POST.......

I've probably taken 1000+ photos.......literally........I'm not kidding!!! I have so many to share, I don't know where to start!!!!

(in no particular order)
1st-a wedding

2nd-a grad

3rd-a piano recital

4th-my last visit to Baba & Gidos farm(as I know it)

5th-a days work for an almost 92 year old man

6th-a visit to Auntie Ellen & Uncle Fred's!

Pouring rain track day......

We've all heard of BEFORE & AFTER.......

here is another example!

usually one looks better in the after shots........not this time around........LOL!!!

Strong scent(nice)in the entrance???

The last couple of evening I could smell a scent in the entrance, and couldn't for the life of me figure out where it was coming from? Then it hit me........maybe it was the Hoya plant Baba gave me........."she smells so pretty when she's blooming"(as Baba would say)! So I searched the plant for a hidden bloom........nothing??? Then while I looked deeper through the jungle in the entrance I found this........

WOW.......this thing is huge, over 2 feet long I'm sure? This is the bloom with THE SCENT.......and as Grandma Knapp would say, "have you ever seen the likes of it"?

from my May 13th post(Bachelorette)

Here is the BONNYVILLE boy.......in FINE form!!!

http://www.tv.com/video/14165/week-1-season-4?o=tv&tag=video;thumb;1

Little bit of BRAGGIN' comin' your way!!!

Well, well, well........guess who's going to be published her FAVORITE magazine........CANADIAN SCRAPBOOKER MAGAZINE? If you have guessed me.......you are partially correct...........this is a two part story with Danica being the 2nd half(actully I'm probably the 2nd half)!!!!

Anyway the story goes like this.........

Danica took some fantastic shots of Natasha at her & Ashley's 2007 birthday party(don't be fooled they are not birthday type pictures), and because they were so GREAT I couldn't wait for the chance to scrapbook them.............with me so far??? I completed a double page layout, let it sit, thinking in the back of my head.......this one might be good for submitting.........never did(probably scared of rejection), then decided.........yep I'm going to GO FOR IT.......WHAT the HECK!!! The layout was submitted to CANADIAN SCRAPBOOKER(call for APPLE photos)...........and I'm HAPPY to announce.........my layout(with Danica's photos)was picked..................YES we are BOTH over the moon about this!!!


HA, HA.........too funny!!! I never had the layout posted, but just had to post the removed for publication sign. I see it SO often, and now that I can post it........I thought WHY NOT!!!! I know I'm a NUT!!! (sign lifted from somewhere on the web.......I think maybe from the SCS gallery)!

Watch for the FALL issue due Sept. 1st(I think).............buy it, then flip the pages looking for Miss Natasha.............isn't that EXCITING!!

Now the wait to see it in print..........that's going to be tough!!!

Don't worry about remembering to pick it up once it hits the newstands............I'LL REMIND YOU........LOL!!!!

*************
PART 2 of being published!
Yes, more bragging........there is a part 2..........I will be published in this issue TWICE!!! lol..........can you believe it? I barely can!!! The 2nd part will be a set of 3 THANK YOU greeting cards.........watch the S.W.A.K. section of the magazine.....that's where they'll be!!!

I've had the experience of this before(cards being published)with the SPRING issue of 2007 where I did a Shower invite, Wedding invite, and a Wedding thank you card......and although I haven't ever been on a huge mission to get published(submitting time and time and time again) it sure is a neat feeling to be picked when you do decide to GO FOR IT!!!

A couple of my latest layouts I would like to share!

Both of these were done for online challenges.........that is how I get much of my scrapbooking done.........the challenge of it all, inspires me to GET SOMETHING DONE!!!

one of Baba

Oval tile reads:
Baba's 88th Birthday celebration at the Glendon Seniors hall.
On this day she proubly wears the blouse made for her by her daughter Georgette.
She is happy here.......just love this picture!


and one of Daylan

and now you are 18
quote reads: time will change you beyond imaginations; for now I hold you close as though time does not exist............

Just heard today....not sure where I can confirm.....

the next round of The Bachelorette will have a contestant from Bonnyville........a Brousseau...........Paul Brosseau!!! How exciting is that..........I am wondering if he is a Grandson of Paul Brosseau from Brosseau's department(grocery)store???

Dana confirmed this for me.........it's true(thanks Dana)!!!

Mother's Day Picture

The 3rd year in a row this video makes me laugh.........enjoy!

night 3 of 3(10.05.08)

well tonight I am exhausted, and waiting for this night to be OVER.......it's the night of the SAFE GRAD party!!!!

All should go well as it was well planned/organized.....should be SAFE, so that is good!!! I'm looking forward to a good nights sleep............tomorrow(Sunday)!!!

The weekend went GREAT(so far).........Daylan(& the boys)were well behaved, Danica & Lori took LOTS of GREAT pictures, ceremonies were nice, meal was delicious, company was GREAT, and the list goes on!!! Thanks to EVERYONE that helped make this a DAY TO REMEMBER!!

**updated 11.05.08**
Well the happy graduate arrived home safe and sound! It appears the Sharpie pens that were meant for signing t-shirts made it onto the faces of some!
this one's for his sisters, and Adam & Evan!

09.05.08-the BIG day

here are a few glimpses of the BIG day!!!

one of Mom's(me)favorites!

Here are all the guys having a CONGRATULATIONS shot for Daylan!!!
shot courtesy of Auntie Betty, a bottle of Irish whisky she bought for Daniel in Ireland a few years ago.........saved for a special occasion!!!

The 3 musketeers.........Daylan and his cousins Adam & Evan!


Awwww......so cute, Daylan & Kirsten!!!


Daylan, thanks so much for being such a great sport for pictures.........love the smile!!



Every guest we had in attendance was special(of course).......all the way from little Ashley age 2,

right up to Gido age 91!

I am especially thankful Gido was able to attend........it wasn't easy for him, but he made the effort, and I think he was pretty proud to attend the graduation of his youngest Grandchild. This has been a goal of his for some time.......he has mentioned it to me several times.........how he wants to make it to Daylan's graduation..............thanks so much to Daryl & Lori for making this possible!!!


Natasha LOVED all the pretty girls in princess dresses!!!






and you can find a few more here........
http://mylittlepieceofparadise.blogspot.com/

Baby Sleeping (Lullaby)

for those that visit Danica's blog this might not be news......

but for my visitors that don't...........run quick..............click quick..........May 3rd post!
http://mylittlepieceofparadise.blogspot.com/

we will meet the little one just before Christmas 2008.........I can't wait(and I already have a scrapbook page done about he or she)!!!

fits just right......

Kirsten's ready too......

Daniels suit is at the cleaners......

my hair is done......
Daylan's hair will be done within the hour......
tux has arrived, final fitting tomorrow.....
everything is falling into place........
maybe Mother of the Graduate should go shopping.....and get SOMETHING to wear!!!!

GUESS WHAT/WHO I SAW TODAY........

one of Camrose's favorite citizens...............THE SWANS are out!!! They are so beautiful.......I've been watching for them.......and today, there they were......basking in the sun at Mirror Lake.................WELCOME BACK!!!!

Off to a GREAT start.........

Day 1 and I'm already behind.........need to pull a double whammy tomorrow!!!

Maybe 2 bathrooms!!!


I did get a few things done today.........just not what I had planned!!! Got some paint to start painting all the trim in the house........might work on that tomorrow!!! Went and helped Daylan & Kirsten pick out their flowers for grad, did some scrapbooking, and started making the cards for the formal card class I am hosting next week........hope to finish them up tomorrow!!! Hmmmmm.........seems like I was busy all day........what the heck else did I do........?????

Friday Funny for You.......thanks Jean!

Pretty funny...............and TRUE!!!

DOG DIARY
8:00 am - Dog food! My favourite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favourite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favourite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favourite thing!
12:00 PM - Lunch! My favourite thing!
1:00 PM - Played in the yard! My favourite thing!
3:00 PM - Wagged my tail! My favourite thing!
5:00 PM - Milk bones! My favourite thing!
7:00 PM - Got to play ball! My favourite thing!
8:00 PM - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favourite thing!
11:00 PM - Sleeping on the bed! My favourite thing!

CAT DIARY
Day 983 of my captivity…

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.

They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.

In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking.

I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches.

The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

I need to WHIP MY HOUSE into SHAPE!!!

Seeing my DIET challenge isn't going so well, I am going to set a NEW challenge..........yep WHIP MY HOUSE INTO SHAPE(it seems that will be easier than whipping myself into shape...LOL!) I am going to go room by room......cleaning, sorting, pitching........you get it right??? One thing about moving....everything is all nice and organized when you settle in.........well it will be 4 years this July since we moved to Camrose(can you believe it).........I'm not moving.........so it's time for an OVERHAUL!!!!

My goal is to DONE May 4TH(actually the end of the day on the 3rd).........one room per day.....10 rooms/10 days!!!

I have one room in the house that isn't going to be a part of this challenge........that one is going to take a week itself........hahahahaha......my craft room downstairs!!! I think I'm going to gut it(take EVERYTHING out)......and make this Daylan & Adam's hangin' out room.........reason being......it has a DOOR ON IT........and I don't have to look at the MESS.........LOL!!!! Goal for this one..........before my craft garage sale......beginning of June!!

Wish me luck..........I'm starting tomorrow(did some cleaning today......but not a specific room)!!!!

THINKING ABOUT JUDY......

thinking tomorrow is your BIG DAY............your last day of work!!!! So happy for you..........I'm sure.......even though you are anxious to GET OUT OF THERE.....it will be a hard day(of sorts)..............you've been there ALONG TIME!!!

Anyway...............come 4:30 tomorrow..........you will be a STAY AT HOME wife/mom/grandma, and loving every minute of it(I'm sure)!!!!............ENJOY............you deserve it!!!!

Eva Cassidy - Over the Rainbow

I could listen to this over, and over, and over again!!!!

I'm a new soul

not sure why I like this so much..........music/words/voice/video...but I DO!!!!

Poor guys........they got here a little early, just in time for the BIG snowfall!!!

Adam's going home..........

can you believe 1st year is OVER???

I can't!!!

I have to admit when it was time for Adam to come to Camrose I was quite worried(s t r e s s e d)about how things would go.............ANOTHER teenager in the house.......and in total I would be living with 3 beings of the opposite sex.........3 MALES.......oh my!!!!

I am happy to report all went well.......much better than I imagined it was going to!

So lets get the bad stuff out of the way...........Adam(like his side kick Daylan)is a little on the messy side, didn't pick up very often.......and he turned 18 during the year so that changed things up a bit, but not much!!!! There..............my negative comments are DONE!

Now I will add............Adam was great to have!!! He is very well mannered, quiet, respectful, always called to let me know what he was doing, did what he was asked(usually with little delay), asked 1st if he wanted to invite someone over................AND............he is VERY easy to cook for.........NOT fussy at all!!!! Whenever I asked him what he wanted to eat, he would always say "it doesn't matter, anything"..........can one ask for more.........I don't think so!!!





I am also impressed with how the BOYS got along.......wondered how Daylan would like having someone here ALL THE TIME when he was so used to being alone........I think they did GREAT!!! To my knowledge they were never really annoyed with each other......if they were they did a good job of keeping it to themselves!!!

Love this picture..........after Adam hauled his things out to his car I thought he was ready to hit the road, but he told me that he had to wait for Daylan to get home because Daylan wanted to play Rock Band one more time before he left(10 songs)..............how cute is that(I know.....I should be WAY BEYOND using the word cute, but I can't help it)!! So Adam waited for Daylan(an hour & a bit).........they played their 10 songs(one hour)then Adam was HOMEWARD BOUND.............thanks Adam!!!

DID YOU KNOW.......I didn't.........

when a chicken closes it's eyes their bottom eyelid goes up..............unlike us humans who's top eyelid goes down!!!

Isn't that AMAZING!!!

Danica discovered this while watching her NEW chickens go to sleep.........Natasha thought this was pretty funny!!!!

NEW poll.........check it out!!!

results from the last one:

Here are a few of my favourite SPRING THINGS......which one of these three is your favourite?

Babies out for SPRING WALKS-2 (25%)
Pussy Willows-4 (50%)
The 1st time you see a ROBIN hopping across your lawn-2 (25%)

Votes so far: 8
Poll closed

WHAT'S NEW?..........since the last time I blogged(seems like forever ago)!!!

in no particluar order...........

1. Made this up on Photoshop(I am really lacking in Photoshop skills).....Daylan's grad is May 9th......coming very fast!

2. I've been to the farm(with Danica & the girls).........they had a ton of fun!! It always run, run, run when we are out there! Got to see a newborn calf, Jeepers pups, went to a hypnotist in Glendon(Lori & Danica were on stage)I laughed VERY hard!!!
3. Baba is feeling much better, is now coming to terms with the fact that she won't be going back home(the application for long term care has been approved)..........she is not happy about this!!! I didn't get to visit with her much this time, due to other commitments. Thankfully Danica was able to get there more than I, G & R, T & J were out as well.......so there was no shortage of visitors!!! The best part about the visit(for me), she didn't have to ask me(as she always does)......how are the girls.........they were right there!!! She was thrilled as always to see them...........she so loves the little ones!!!
4. Did a class in Elk Point for those in my downline(from that area)..........it was a great hit, and I loved doing it, can't wait until next time!!
5. Dana is in Mexico!!
6. Daniel is babysitting Oscar & Olive!!
7. Daylan & Adam's social life is exhausting me!!
8. Danica is now the proud owner of chickens!!
9. Daniel put new flooring in the family room..............you don't know how glad I am that RUG is gone!!!
10. Betty came out for a visit yesterday............love them!!!

...............what else............I'm sure there is MORE????

oh crap........forgot this little tidbit!!!

11. I know you have probably heard enough about this subject already.........but have to share pictures!!! You would think those of us that have lived in Alberta forever would be used to these Spring blizzards.........not me, they seem to get harder and harder to deal with!!!

Backyard............COVERED!!!


Front deck!!!


Adam's car on the street!


our car on the driveway!! Daylan was out & about so his is cleaned off!

yes...........the WHITE stuff WAS all gone......but as you can see.......IT'S BACK!!!!

12. Daylan was picked from the Camrose High School football team to try-out for the Alberta Northern Senior team.........he went to try-outs, but unfortunately didn't make the cut!!!
13. ??.......thinking!

Lori sent me some funnies this morning.......here are my favorites(out of 30)!!

1. My husband and I divorced over religious differences. He thought he was God and I didn't.

4. Some people are alive only because it's illegal to kill them.

6. Don't take life too seriously; No one gets out alive.

9. Earth is the insane asylum for the universe.

13. God must love stupid people; He made so many.

17. Being "over the hill" is much better than being under it!

23. Stupidity is not a handicap. Park elsewhere!

27. Ham and eggs. A day's work for a chicken, a lifetime commitment for a pig.

2 months today.........

Baba's been in the hospital!!

7 RANDOM THOUGHTS (MARCH)

1. Another month with LOTS of Birthdays(two in a row)!
2. Easter in March(doesn't happen very often)! Visited Baba, and then on Sunday got to attend a GREAT Easter Hunt at Betty's!!!
3. Baba........getting better, feeling lonely!
4. Pussy Willows
5. Busy time with SU over, with the end of SAB!
6. Weight lose is at a stand still........actually that's not true........I've gained weight!
7. Last but not least..........last day of the month......my birthday!!! I am in the last year of my 40's, not sure how well I will adjust to 50!!!