What can I say.......I'm a bad blogger..

Or am I just busy and stressed??? Maybe a little of both, maybe a little depressed too.  You see, in 5 more days, my husband and 2 boys are packing their stuff in Lukie's truck and they are heading to Edmonton to look for work.

I will truely be on my own this time while Luke is away. Any other time he has had to travel for work, I always had the boys to look after.  I will be all alone.  Luke worked for 6 months last year....so that means he had 6 months off. 

As many of you know, we have been renovating our basement (which cost a bunch!) and now Luke needs to go somewhere to work to pay for it.  There is no work here in the Toronto area where he can make money like he can in Alberta, even after living expenses.

I will enjoy some of the quiet time without him around. I will scrapbook again now that I have an awesome space to do it in, I will visit friends, I will read and I will do some organizing and cleaning, and I will play on the computer, but I will miss my husband.

Maybe, I will even have time to blog............

Happy Friday

Friday is here again....man the weeks go by very fast, but yet, there never seems to be enough time...

So, here is my list of things I want to get done.....(maybe before Luke leaves for the west and some I will do when he is gone)

• now that I have backed up the computer.....take the 10,000 photos I had on it off........maybe it will work better
• put the last of the Christmas stuff away thats in my dinning room
• up date the maps on the GPS
• take the old lap top in to Future shop to have the new operating system installed
• clean out the pantry
• pack for our trip
• organize my night stand
• get the dimmers installed
• have the lights above the island made to be all even
• take a load of unwanted "stuff" to the Goodwill
• unpack all my scrapbooking stuff
• go pick up my earring that I thought I lost
• paint all the new doors for the basement
• buy blinds for the basement windows
• paint the beds
• find someone to do a website for me
• clean the office

And thats just the beginning.......

I Must Tell You.......

I feel truly blessed...........

I have such a wonderful husband, friends and kids.  Everyone has pulled together to help finish our basement so that I could get back to my hobby of scrapbooking.

The amount of hours that Luke has spend down in that basement standing, or on his knees on concrete; I just don't know how he did it.....

We started off the renovation with a friend who started the framing of my scraproom.  Then Luke got laid off, so he continued with the help of a couple of true friends who came and put in many housrs of work without asking for anything in return....talk about true friends!!  Not to mention, Luke Jr and Nolan who also put in many hours. 

We also have a great friend who came and did our plumbing and is coming back to put in the sinks now that the cabinets are going in. And, I can't forget Luke's brother Tim who did the electrical work for us.  

I really am very grateful for everyone who thinks enough of Luke and I to lend us a hand.  I think everyone knows how passionate I am about scrapbooking and can't wait to get back at it.

Words cannot say thank you enough to my friends, and family, to say how much I appreciate your friendship.  And my husband Luke who I know, is doing all this for me cause he loves me.

Love Claudia

Vacation Time in January 2010

Luke and I are heading away for some fun in the sun in the middle of January.  After all the moving, and the wedding last year, and the renovations to the basement....it's time for some "down" time. 

This is the Grand Paradiso Bavaro Beach Resort and Spa in Punta Cana Domincian Republic.

It's been years since Luke and I have been in the Dominican. We are looking forward to some down time.  We have been so busy over the last year with everyone moving, and Katie and Taj's wedding, and getting settled into our new home....besides, Luke will probably be heading out west for work after we get home. 

Vacation schedule is tight this year....so I have to watch.....but who can resist this..........

19th Annual Children's Wish Car Rally

Some of you know that Luke and I particpate in the Children's Wish Car Rally. This was the 19th year for the car rally and Luke's and my 3rd year of particpation. We had a great time. 

Michele and Rick came in 1st again this year and we came in 2nd!!! Not sure how many cars, the statistics are not in yet.  (I think there was about 54 cars)  Next year Rick and Michele will be moving up from the recreational rally to the competitive rally.

The over night spot was the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto.....very nice hotel!!

When everyone was at breakfast, Debbie announced that the silent auction had raised approximately $24,000.
If anyone wants more information about attending next years car rally, let me know and I will put you in touch with the right person. It really is a great cause.

Claudia and Luke

Thursday Thirteen

It's Thursday...just like below, only this time its thirteen things I am thinking about.

1. What time do I have to get up tomorrow in order to meet Gino and Sandra before we start the 19th Annual Children's Wish Car Rally.
2. Who did I forget to put on our Christmas Open house invite list.
3. Where will we end up at the end of the car rally.
4. I must make a grocery list and start baking for the open house.
5. I had better start to think about decorating for Christmas...it's a bigger job then I remember I'm sure.
6. Do I really want to go to the William Ashley sale again?
7. I wonder why Nolan's dryer isn't here yet...they did sat around the 15th, didn't they?
8. Do I really want to eat Indian tonight when we meet Dan and Laurie?
9. Watching Amazing Race on Sunday night by myself cause Luke picked up a 4 day job working nights will be weird.
10. I wonder if my name will come up from the waiting list on the Scrapping on the Road girls for their trip in September?
11. I must remember to start the order for Christmas baskets for my manager.
12. Lunch next week with Mel on Tuesday and Bev on Friday will be fun.
13. I must get Nolan over to set up my treadmill now that it has found its way upstairs. 

Thursday Thirteen

What’s the Thursday 13?



The Thursday 13 is a weekly meme with a simple theme: each Thursday you blog a list of 13 things. What kind of things? Any kind! Just come up with a list theme and run with it. One week you may list “13 things on my mind” and maybe the next week you’d list “my top 13 favourite movies”, or "13 favourite dinners."
 
So here goes....13 things I am looking forward too
 
1.  Dinner on Saturday night with Randy and Arlene
2.  The Children's Wish Car Rally next weekend
3.  Dinner tonight cause Luke is cooking and I don't have to.
4.  Getting the office cleaned up and organized
5.  Christmas...can you believe it?...me looking forward to Christmas
6.  Seeing Katie and Taj's house now that they have grass
7.  Scrapbooking again......its been like forever and I am suffering
8.  Getting on the treadmill again now that its finally made its  way upstairs    (Thanks Lukie and Nolan)
9.  Survivor, CSI, and Grey's....they are on TV tonight
10. Getting my scraproom drywalled and painted
11. Going to the William Ashley sale one more time
12. A trip to a sunny place in February
13. Driving home from work in my new Ford Edge Luke bought me for my birthday.

The Secret

The Secret.
It is truly is a great book, a book that can help you to put into action the way you "think" you believe. You may think you live this way, but do you? Have you ever started out having a good day, then something happens and the rest of the day is down the toilet?? What ever caused your good day to turn bad, is what you have to get out of you mind, and start to think positive thoughts.

The book says.....What you think about the most or focus on the most, is what will appear as your life......

If you are complaining, the law of attraction will powerfully bring into your life more situations for you to complain about...

The law is simply reflecting and giving back to you exactly what you are focusing on with your thoughts. With this powerful knowledge, you can completely change every circumstance and event in your entire life, by changing the way you think!

So, the next time you find yourself walking around with a frown, or mad at the world, or nothing going right for you, stop, think about where your mind is wondering and I bet the thoughts won't make you smile.....

Make a list of happy thoughts, things that make you smile and bring joy to your life....bring it out when this happens, read it, and think happy thoughts..and change the way you live.

Have a great day everyone

Claudia and Luke

Happy Birthday to Me.........

Today, is my 50th birthday. I have been dreading this day for a long, long time. I can’t believe that 50 years has past. 50 years!!!! wow........
I don’t feel like I am 50 years old!

Doesn’t that sound like a long time? .......50 years????
Everyone has been trying to tell me that I would wake up today and feel the same way I felt yesterday…..well, I don’t. I feel like I have been cheated. Cheated because, these past 50 years went by way to fast……kind of like the speed of light. Yet I look back at all that has happened, all all the places I have seen....

When I look at statistics, they say I (or women in general) should or probably would only live for another 36+ years, to age 86+……..not 50 more years like I just finished. I want to live another 50 years.

What will life be like at 63, 75, 80 or 92 or even at 100?
Will it be like it was when I was age 27 or 38 or like I am today at 50? I think probably not. I am more than likely on the decline of life versus the incline. Although, I just might live to the age of 100 considering both my grandmothers did.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not giving up at all.  I still have lots, and lots to live for. I have a truly very blessed life. The life I have is really more than I could have wished for and certainly more than I ever asked for. I have a wonderful husband and I have 4 wonderful kids.

I know there is still lots in store for me and as the years go on, Luke and I will continue to travel and see more of the world. We will cross off many places on our “bucket” list.

I know I will retire from work one day, and now that I am 50, that day is closer than it is further away. I will also continue to enjoy my favourite pastime of scrapbooking and cooking for friends and family; and have my scrapbooking retreat that we are building to look forward too.

So, if like everyone is telling me that 50 is the new 40, what happens if my mind says I am only 30?

This past weekend, my husband, dear friends and family surprised me with a birthday party.  It was wonderful to have the people who mean the most to me in life, around me in a group to help celebrate.  I missed my mom and dad, but Luke's mom was there and she has helped to fill the void I feel.

So I start my day the way I did yesterday and the day before....waking up before Luke, getting the coffee cups out.....taking his lunch out of the fridge and making sure he is up.  I will have my 2 cups of coffee with Luke before he goes out the door with Nolan; just like I have done for the past 10 years. 

I will shower, get dressed, watch a little Canada AM and Breakfast television.  I will get into my car and drive to work.  Tonight Luke and I will watch Survivor and CSI and go to bed around 10 pm, and tomorrow I will start all over again. 

The only difference is that as of today.....I am going to make sure that I appreciate everyday I am here on this earth.  I am going to appreciate all that I have and all that is given to me, and I am going to live my life like I haven't lived 50 years all ready.

Happy Birthday to me

7 Things

What do you know........I don't post in like forever, then 2 days in a row.
But this is a tag, I stole the idea from Jasmines blog. http://jassys.blogspot.com/
So this is how it works...I will post, and at the end I will tag a couple of friends and they have to do it on their blog.

7 Things I Did Before

• smoked
• worked as a waitress
• wore a size 12
• listened to rock music
• learned to drive on a standard
• liked Christmas
• had a tooth knocked out

7 Things I Do Now

• have an opinion
• love to cook for family and friends
• vote
• scrapbook
• travel
• read
• still miss my mom

7 Things I Want to Do

• see more of the world
• become a grandma
• loose 50 lbs (or more)
• ride a motorcycle of my own
• see the Grand Canyon again, and over and over again
• retire to do my hobby lots more
• live long enough to be where I feel I am finished with my life

So I tag.....
Barb
Veronica
Karen and
Jenn

Lets see your "7" list

Home Again, Home Again

Luke and I are home from our trip. We didn't make it to Portland, but that's ok...cause Seattle was such a beautiful city we spent all our time there.  We stayed at the Sheraton downtown and walked all over. It kind of reminds me of San Francisco cause of all the hills.

I had never shopped at at Nordstroms before and it was faboulus.  The Pike Market is so wonderful, I think we wandered around down there in the sun for about 4 hours.  We went to the Seattle Space Needle too.  I had been there before on a trip with Cindy and mom, so this was Luke's first time.

Once we got back to Cindy and Gerards, we had so much fun.  We went to watch the boys play football ..twice!! .  I don't know very much about football, but they were sure having fun.  I bet I took 300 pictures.

On Friday, Mom, Cindy, Rueben, Luke and I met, Blair, Dawn and Rusty downtown Vancouver for a great...and different dinner at a Brazilian place.  It is advertised as a buffet but, they bring all the meat around on swords and slice it off onto your plate....as much or as little as you want.  It was very cool and the boys loved the dancers.

We had a yummy Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday at Cindy's...with all the fixings.   She went way over board...but it was sooooo good.

Monday, Luke and I left early and drove into Stanley Park to see all the big cedar trees and the Lion's Gate bridge.  What a beautuful place in the centre of such a big city.  The last time we were here it was raining and foggy. Not this time.  We also went to breakfast in Gastown.   

After that we all headed to Dawn and Rusty's for dinner.  Rusty wanted to show his "smoking" skills off to Big Luke.  Rusty has a bbq smoker and made pulled pork and sausages for us.  Now....Luke is buying a smoker...he has been convienced.

Luke said that if it rains this time that he would never come back......someone must have been listening cause we had 7 days of nothing but sun.

I have to say were had a great time.  I really enjoyed Vancouver this time since the weather was great.  The boys are so much fun, and Cindy and Gerard gave up their bedroom for us.....how cool is that!!

Lots of Changes

Well, like usual, there are lots of changes going on in our life. First, we head to Vancouver tomorrow and we are taking Luke's mom with us.  Luke and I had a credit with Air Canada that we needed to use or we would have lost it...so, its off to Vancouver to see Cindy, Gerard and the boys.

Luke and I will leave mom there for a visit while we drive down to Seattle and then on to Portland.  We have never been to Portland, and I think we are going to the Little People Big World farm...check it out.  I understand that their farm is open only for the month of October for pumpkin season.  I watch the show on TV and Luke catches it once in a while too.  It will be fun.  Map Quest says its about a 5 hour drive from Cindy's.

http://mattroloff.com/

We are now officially kid free....Nolan got his house last Thursday and we all helped him move in, so now its just Luke and I.  Nolan was our first child to buy a house and the last one to move in.  Luke Jr, Katie and now Nolan are all home owners.  We are so proud of all of them.

The basement is on hold for the moment.  Rick (MisLucy's husband) is away on their wonderful vacation on a Mediterranean Cruise and won't be home till October 19th. but what is done so far is great.  Actually I am getting excited  at the idea of actually having a place to scrap again.

And finally....Luke is getting laid off again.  He phoned me this morning and said this is more than likely his last week.  So, what does that mean? is he going out west? to the Bruce? is there work around here?  I guess I will just have to wait and see, but I know Luke and he will do whatever it takes.

Talk to you all when we get back and I will post pictures of our vacation.
Claudia and Luke

Starting a New Blog

I am trying to start a new blog, but that one is taking all the information from this one......I don't want that.

The new blog is going to be about my Scrapbooking Retreat. We spoke to a friend this week who is going to come and start studding the walls, and Luke and I were out last night costing out the drywall, studs, kitchen cupboards, doors etc.

I want to start this blog and keep some pictures of the progress we are having. Luke seems to think we will still be able to be open by January....I have my doubts.

So, watch for my new blog.......Cozy Lands Scrapbooking Retreat. Pay us a visit and leave a comment; hook us up on your blog, and watch for the announcement of our open house cause I will be giving away a free weekend.

Check it out.....
http://cozylands.blogspot.com/


Happy Scrapping

Tired

We are so tired. Moving in this family started way back in January 2009 when Nolan began his move out of his apartment and into our house. He had purchased a townhouse in Cambridge but it wouldn't be ready till October, so he moved home to save some cash. His big move....into our house and storage was in February.

Then, we had to get our house ready to be put on the market. So that meant staging the house for potential purchasers to see it in the best possible way. In order to do that, we had to pack up things and putting them into storage. Luke Jr. and us split a storage unit with Nolan. This also meant that 2/3's of my scrapping stuff went into this storage area too....this was February and March. This is a very important point because this is now September.

Then in May was Katie and Taj's wedding. As soon as they were home from their honeymoon we had the job of cleaning out Katie's house from all her university years because we sold that house. We started packing her up to get ready for their move into their new home.....with a short pit stop of living with us for just over a month. This meant that every weekend, we would go down to Thorold or Katie would come up with stuff.......to be put into yet another storage unit.

In the mean time, (July) Lukie got his house here in Guelph and moved in and took all his stuff out of storage we put Katie's in.

We got our new house August 12, 2009 and we moved in, without some of our stuff, including all my scrapping stuff cause its way at the back of the storage unit along with Nolan and Katie's stuff. Nolan, Katie and Taj came with us.

On September 3, 2009 Katie and Taj got their house and we moved them in....and went back over the next couple of nights to help them get settled. This past weekend, Luke and I were finally able to get into the storage unit and get some of our boxes...but, none of my scrapping stuff!

Now, Nolan is anxiously awaiting his moving day....which will be around the 1st of October. His date has been moved up, but we are not actually sure of the date till he gets the paperwork. Then we will all move him in....and that is when we will finally get the rest of our stuff...including all my scrapping stuff.

Luke and I will be heading to Vancouver October 6th so I would imagine all of our stuff will be put in the garage till we get home and can get at unpacking the remainder of our stuff.

So as you can see......we are tired, really tired, and if we ever talk about moving again remind us to make sure our kids are not moving that same year.

Saratoga Springs = Vacation

Luke and I are in Saratoga Springs for our yearly vacation. This is year 14 and the 140th running of the Travers. Luke said the attendance was really low this year and we noticed a number of places had closed down, but, we still enjoyed ourselves and found lots of bargains too.

Katie and her friend Amanda came with us for 3 days and they had a blast. Katie got lots of great things for her new house (which she gets this Thursday).

Luke and I head for home tomorrow morning. I will be glad to sleep in my own bed.
Nice having our new netbook to travel with and can check in on everyone.......next is Skype!!

We get home tomorrow and the moving work begins again, cause Katie and Taj will be moving....then Nolan........does it ever end?

Happy 14th Anniversary to US....

Today is our 14th wedding anniversary.......immagine....14 years...who da thunk it? Well it has been a great ride so far....we really have a very blessed life, and are so right for each other.

Tonight we will celebrate it at the Charcoal Steak House for a nice dinner. We have been so busy with the move and trying to get everything done in the house, that dinner out, just the 2 of us is what we need.

Last House Update Before We Move In

No kitchen taps yet.......by Wednesday though.

The house is almost ready. Mattamy called to day to set a time for our PDI.........pre-delivery inspection, and we went last Friday at 8 AM. The granite and marble will be in by then. The lights they provide are horrible....so I can't wait to get the new ones up.

I am really excited, but there will be lots to do when we move...and not just getting everything out of boxes and put away. Luke has to run the gas line to the stove, dryer and BBQ. He has to run the water lines for the water softner, he has a exhaust hood to put up. Barry is coming over to do all the new lights and ceiling fans for us. Luke is hoping to get into the house tonight to hang the blinds . He has to called someone to install the garage door openers......and then there is the matter of him working too.

The new appliances will be delivered on Thursday August 13th; and Bell, Cable, Future Shop and the appliances are all coming on that day too.

So...until we get settled, I won't be posting again.

Come see us.......

Claudia and Luke

Blog Candy

Hey everyone; my girlfriend from 2 Gals Scrapping is giving away some really cool blog candy.......do you like clear stamps???? that what she is giving away

go take a look and say hi to Veronica for me....

http://a-day-in-the-life-of-sweet-pea.blogspot.com/

New House Update

Wow the house is coming along fast.....and its ours in 22 days!!! We can't wait.........it is going to be so nice........I love the colour of our front door, but hate the colour of the garage door....so that will be changed soon after we move in!

So, we now have all the interior doors are painted and hardware installed. Ceramic is all installed, tub's toilets and mirrors are installed. We think the cabinets will be in by next week. We even have grass......

This is the granite for our kitchen. Luke and I had to to to Bolton to make sure its what we wanted......its beautiful but don't understand why they call it Deer Brown when there is no brown in it?

The laundry room doors....are 8 ft.

So now its just packing, packing and packing.

We can't wait!

Friday Fill In's

It's Friday....you know how it works. Copy and paste into your blog and change my answers in blue to your own answers.

1. I am happy in my in my life most of the time.

2. My favorite thing for dinner lately has been, all things bad for me.

3. I've been fortunate to have a pretty blessed life and 4 wonderful kids.

4. A nice long walk is what I should be doing again - twice a day.

5. I could really use, a week of just puttering and doing what I want with nobody to bug me.

6. When all is said and done, I will probably not leave Luke.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to seeing whats been done on the house, tomorrow my plans include 2 classes at Scrapbooks by Design and dinner with mom and Sunday, I want to get as much packed as I can before next weekend.

I Belive

I got this from my sister....its worth printing



''I BELIEVE''.....

A Birth Certificate shows that we were born.

A Death Certificate shows that we died.
Pictures show that we lived!
Have a seat . . . Relax . . . And read this slowly.

I Believe...

That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other.
And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe...
That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I Believe...
That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I Believe...
That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I Believe....
That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I Believe...
That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I Believe...
That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I Believe...
That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe...
That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I Believe...
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I Believe...
That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I Believe...
That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I Believe...
That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

I Believe...
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I Believe...
That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I Believe...
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe...
That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others; sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I Believe...
That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I Believe...
That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but, we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe...
That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life Forever.

I Believe...
Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I Believe...
That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I Believe...
That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.

I Believe...
That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I Believe...
That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything.

Friday Fill In's

Hey everyone



Friday is here. You know how it works. Copy and past to your blog. Anything in blue, you need to change to your own answers. Let me know if you are doing it and I will visit your blog.



1. You know you're old when you get asked if you want the senior's discount

(eh Michele?!!)


2. My heart is needing some tender loving care.


3. Total Relaxation and week with girlfriends would be wonderful.



4. I have felt the wrath; of Luke's anger and its not nice.


5. Gah, won't these people, ever return a phone call to tell us about window.



6. Get that very cool comforter for your bed that you saw.



7. And as for the weekend, tonight, I am going out for dinner with Luke, tomorrow my plans include, an apt to see the granite and marble for the new house and Sunday, I guess I will be cleaning fruit (cause its strawberry and cherry season and Taj will bring me lots) and making a family dinner.



Happy Weekend everyone

Claudia and Luke

Blue Rodeo - Update

Luke and I are headed to Lewiston New York on Tuesday night to see my favourite group Blue Rodeo!! Wednesday is Canada Day, and we are both off work, so we decided to stay the night and do a little summer clothes shopping for Luke.

Check Blue Rodeo out at: http://www.bluerodeo.com/

They are playing in a free concert at Artpark in Lewiston.

http://www.artpark.net/

Now....all we have to do is hope it doesn't rain!!

UPDATE: What a great place for a concert. Luke and I got into Lewiston and had dinner and a couple of beers at a great BBQ place and headed to the concert. We had no idea what to expect but it kind of felt like going to the Performing Arts place in Saratoga Springs. We carried in our lawn chairs and walked up the hill......wow.....there must have been 20,000 people there. We made our way up near the front - and if I hadn't forgot my camera, I would have a picture. We were at the side of the stage about 20 feet back.........you could see the sweat on Jim Cuddy's face!!

I'm off to see who is playing there again.......I want to go back!

What's New with our House

Front porch and driveway...see the steps are in too.

They are struggling with my potlight at the very peak.

The view from upstairs looking at the front door.

The house is coming along very nicely. All the brick and siding is done, the drywall is all done, taped and mudded, sanding done, ceilings are in and now the painting has begonThey have finished all the eavestrough...and are installing the pot lights outside. They even have the first layer of our driveway done. The furnace is in, water and gas meters.....and the hot water tank is in (its in the wrong spot...but it in and is going to be moved)

This is goin to be our kitchen.........wait till you see it finished!!

I think next they start the tiling........I think........maybe the trim.

Don't forget you can leave us a message.

Claudia and Luke

Friday Fill In

You remember Friday Fill In's.... copy and paste and take out my words in blue and put in your own.

1. I must see so much more of the world before I die.

2. You can't stop thinking about what will happen if I loose my job.

3. I wish I never had to buy a size 20 or over again.

4. Luke has helped me change my life.

5. I know the song Your Love Amazes Me (it was our wedding song) by heart.

6. If I weren't so afraid, I would be totally stress free.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to our drive up and dinner at the Redwood with friends, tomorrow my plans include scrapbook shopping, and the wonderful sunset at Sauble Beach and Sunday, I want to have a nice relaxed drive home with Luke!

Anyone taking on my Friday Fill In challenge?
Have a great Fathers Day weekend everyone.

Claudia and Luke

Another Funny

A Funny

I Saw a Funny Thing

MisLucy, Ginny and I went shopping in Sterling Heights Michigan last Friday and on the way home we saw.....a storm chaser??? is that what he is? That's the funnest antenna and any car I have ever seen. Also, when we drove by him....he had on headphones, but by that time I was laughing so hard I forgot to get a picture of that. Oh....by the way, he had a woman with him and she didn't dare look our way cause I am sure she knew we were laughing.

I wonder how he fits into his garage??hmmmmm

Update on our New House

We have a roof and shingles and brick....YEAH!

This is the front.

And the back.


This is going to be my kitchen.

Fron the side. We are trying to get an additional window in the basement on this side.


And this is standing in the loft looking into the livingroom...and the fireplace is in....

45 Lessons Life Taught Me, by Regina Brett

I couldn't help but post this. It was writted by Regina Brett' 90 years old of the Plain Dealer Cleveland Ohio and it his her most requested column.

I personally have been having some troubles in my life lately and have been feeling a lot of stress. How I ever worked at Onward Willow for those many years and felt like this all the time...I will never know. I hate stress!! and I am not good at it either.

Luke is so good at keeping my stress level down. He doesn't want me to worry about anything and takes it all on himself. I thank him for that......I love you Luke.

This was sent to me in an e-mail by my sister.....it is so good I had to post it.

Please enjoy!


Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio
"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone...
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay cheque.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else. 20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion, today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."