Happy Halloween

This is a pic of the girls as we were heading out the door this morning.. They plan to be witches at school and then a poodle and tiger tonight for the pumking walk. Trick or treat!

Oh, and this is the pumpkin that my group at the office carved up - nice, hey?

I've completed my REIKI level One training!

I am so excited to bring this into my life and to my massage clients.. I had a great time learning this from a good friend of mine. Just thought that I would share what I have been up to!

Reiki (ray-key) is a multi-faceted spiritual energy that can be used to help us with meditation practices, spiritual growth, healing relationships, manifestation of goals, and activating the Divine healing power within all living beings. Reiki is a tool to help us develop “wellness consciousness” and also to understand, on an experiential level, what it truly means to be “One with all Creation”.
Reiki is usually considered to be a “hands-on healing technique”. This is one application, but it is so much more. Mikao Usui discovered this healing art in Japan in the late 1800s. The Japanese Kanji characters that represent the word Reiki can be translated to mean; Rei = Spiritually guided or wisdom of God and Ki = Life force energy.
As we know, everything in our Universe is energy. There are many forms of healing energy and Reiki is one of many healing rays. Reiki is unique in that it is truly guided by the Divine heart and the Divine mind. This energy is infinitely wise and knows precisely what we need to relax, release stress, and activate the healing power within.
All forms of healing whether traditional, complementary or alternative have an impact on the human subtle energy system. Each method also carries a unique vibrational frequency and consequently will create different effects. A beautiful characteristic of Reiki is that it has the ability to harmonize energies that may normally be incompatible and can create the best possible outcome. Therefore Reiki enhances anything we do.
Many people are practicing techniques to improve their health such as meditation, exercise and improved diet. As this is done, a deeper awareness often develops concerning the flow of subtle energies in and around the body and the connection between these subtle energies and one's health. This developing awareness validates the ancient idea that strong life force energy contributes to good health. Conversely a diminished supply of life force energy can contribute to illness. The existence of life force energy, and the necessity for it to flow freely in and around one's body to maintain health, has been studied and acknowledged by health care practitioners and scientists. Our body is composed not only of physical elements such as muscles, bones, nerves, arteries, organs, glands, etc.; it also has a subtle energy system through which life force energy flows. This subtle energy system is composed of energy 'bodies' which surround our physical body and assist us in processing our thoughts and emotions.
The energy bodies have energy centers called chakras, which work somewhat like valves that allow life force to circulate through the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual bodies. We also have energy meridians and nadas. These are like rivers, or streams, which carry our life force energy throughout our physical body, to nourish us and assist in balancing our body’s systems and functions. Our physical body is alive because of the 'life force energy' that is flowing though it. If our life force is low or blocked, we are more likely to become ill, but if it is high and free flowing, we more easily maintain health and a feeling of well-being. One thing that disrupts and weakens the flow of life force energy is stress. Stress is often caused by conflicting thoughts and feelings that get lodged in one's subtle energy system. These include fear, worry, doubt, anger, anxiety, etc. Medical research has determined that continual stress can block the body's natural ability to repair, regenerate and protect itself.
75%-95% of all visits to doctors are the results of reaction to stress. The effects of unreleased stress range from minor aches to major health concerns, such as heart disease, digestive disorders, respiratory and skin problems.
Stress can also activate our fears and cause our life force energy to diminish. When this happens we weaken our ability to respond to fear appropriately and to transform it.Reiki is a technique that aids the body in releasing stress and tension by creating deep relaxation. Because of this, Reiki promotes healing and health.
The Reiki system is comprised of techniques for transmitting this subtle energy to yourself and others through the hands, eyes or chakras into the human subtle energy system. Reiki restores energy balance and vitality by relieving the physical and emotional effects of unreleased stress. It gently and effectively opens blocked meridians, nadas and chakras, and clears the energy bodies, leaving one feeling relaxed and at peace.

Ninety one and wearing leather chaps.. a lesson for us all.

All right people ~ this one absolutely tops the charts for me.

My grandpa (Opa) is one of the most fantastic and amazingly youthful people that I know. His youthfulness is bar none one of his best qualities. I have had the pleasure of living within minutes of them (Oma & Opa)for my whole life - until they moved to Abbotsford a few years ago. I miss them so much!

My Aunt (whom I consider to be my second mother ;)) Just send me these photos - from Thanksgiving this year. They are of my Uncle Pete (love you too!) & my Opa (who may I say.. is 91 this year) out riding a HOG... chaps and all!

So the lesson of the day? Never grow up!

*sigh, you can see how these work conferences are tough on me..

I was on the organizing comittee for a Regional conference for work. We decided we would try to make the environment as personal and peaceful as possible. So.. we headed to the LOGpile Lodge in Smithers, BC. It is absolutely gorgeous there.. the food is so fantastic, the scenery even better.
I was there for 2 nights / 3 days. Poor me.

This one is the view when checking in..

This one is the room.. note.. no TV, no Radio, no clock.. just silence.

This one is the view from my personal balcony..

This one is the personal balcony..

Proof that I really do have menonnite heritage..

Last weekend my mom and I (who is straight from California) decided to do some canning. I actually love canning, I love how it looks and I certainly love it in the middle of winter to have such lovely preserves.
We pickled cucumbers, carrots, and I tried something new.. pickled green tomatoes. They sounded so interesting that I thought "what the heck, why not?" So I will update you if there are as good as I am hoping. We used my hague-mom's recipie for the pickles cause her recipie kicks ass.. ooohhh, I can't wait till late October when they are ready.
We also did 40 lbs of stewed tomatoes. Yum - it's so much better homeade.

And I just can't resist.. to post a pic of the kids. Aren't they so cute???

Some recent pictures..

A couple of weekends ago we went camping with my sis and bro-in-law & nephews to Ormond Lake. We only went for one night but it was so much fun.. the kids made a huge fort in some willow trees, we went quading, we sat in the sun, they fished, we walked, *sigh, I love to camp. It's so relaxing. Here's a couple pictures from that trip!

Food Meme

How do you like your eggs?
Over easy

How do you take your coffee/tea?
Adore Coffee - always with one sugar (or sweetner) and one cream.

Favourite breakfast food:
IF --- I had a chef.. It would be crepes with sugar.
SINCE --- I do not, a protein shake w/ PB

Peanut butter:
Yum, like it with lots of stuff - especially w/ apple slices.

What kind of dressing on your salad?
Hidden Valley Ranch.. there is no other kind that's as fantastic.

Coke or Pepsi?
WATER

You’re feeling lazy. What do you make?
Depends on who is there for the meal... if it's my family and I am super lazy bone sack-ish, Bacon, eggs, toast. If it's just me.. rice cakes and cheese melted on the top.

You’re feeling really lazy. What kind of pizza do you order?
Cheese, mushroom, feta

You feel like cooking. What do you make?
Curry Chicken w/ rice and steamed & Salted Endame

Do any foods bring back good memories?
Angel Food Cake - every year my mama makes me one for my birthday.. YES, even now!

Do any foods bring back bad memories?
Food no, drink yes... DAMN you Peach Schnapps.

Do any foods remind you of someone?
Ozzy style Popcorn.. reminds me of my granpa Oz, he had a bowl on his table 24hrs a day until he passed away. Fried noodles.. my mama. New Years Fritters.. my oma. Orange popcicles.. my hubby.

Is there a food you refuse to eat?
sushi.. icky

What was your favourite food as a child?
Wareniki and Sausages.

Is there a food that you hated as a child but now like?
Onions.

Is there a food that you liked as a child but now hate?
Nope

Favourite fruit and vegetable:
Fruit: Pineapple
Vegetable: Fresh "just outta the garden" carrots. Grape tomatoes are a close second.

Favourite junk food:
Sweet & Salty Kettle Popcorn

Favourite between meal snack:
Almonds

Do you have any weird food habits?
Other than I stand at the table.. cut everything up to bite size pieces prior to resting my butt down to eat. But that's not wierd is it???

You're on a diet. What food(s) do you fill up on?
Cottage cheese w/ fresh dill.

You're off your diet. Now what would you like?
Back to popcorn.

How spicy do you order Indian/Thai?
Wimpy-ish... I don't like spicy and I don't "do" risky.

Can I get you a drink?
Yeah... a chilled glass of PINK TRUCK wine please.

Red or White Wine?
White & Blush

Favourite dessert?
Chocolate log.. made from whip cream and small chocolate wafer cookies.

The perfect nightcap?
If we are talking drinks.. an early grey tea
If we are not.. some good good lovin' from my hubby

Spanky new cell phone

It was time.. about 2 years ago to get a new phone. What sealed the deal was the fact that Collin "dreamt" that he was a cell phone technician and decided to take apart my phone becuase parts of it were wiggly. He promptly woke up - hmm.. possibly I am not a cell phone tech?? Who knew.
So.. sad Jenny - had to go shopping. TORTURous.
It has a built in mp3 player which I l~o~v~e and can wirelessly play my music by FM transmission! Check it out!

The Great Grey Owl

I took these pictures of this great grey at my parents house.. only about 5 feet from their sundeck - very cool. He was hunting some smaller birdlings and stayed around for at least an hour.

Summer Fun

When we went to drop the kids off for their 2 week adventure with Grama and Papa, we met them in Barkerville. The kids thought it was very cool, though for them and the other neices/nephew - it might as well have been called Gophertown. They spent so much time trying to get a picture or a feel of these little guys. Who are very friendly and will actually eat right out of your hands. So they had a great time.
I have fond memories as well of the CANDY SHOP and got a snap of the kids in front with their suckers! It was a good time all in all. We spent 2 days in the town of Wells, BC which is just minutes from Barkerville. The kids went on to the Enchanted Forest, Crazy Creek, Miette Hot Springs & so much more..
Now they have a week to enjoy in Fort St. John and just hang out. We sure miss them but it's been a nice break for Collin and I. Today is our 8th Wedding Anniversary. WOW - hard to beleive that too. Things are great for us and we are looking forward to a lot more happy years together!

Being without child(ren)

This weekend we are packing up the troops (the girls) and heading off to Barkerville, BC. This kids are set to spend 2 weeks with Gramma Gisele. WHOO HOO! They are so excited. I swear they have wanted to pack for weeks now.. everyday we get the countdown. I am so happy that they are getting this opportunity to spend so much quality time with them.. but I have to say.. only one question comes to mind.
WHAT THE HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO DO WITHOUT KIDS? I mean seriously, this will be the first time in over 9 years that Collin and I have "been without child(ren)". It's going to be odd, nice -- but odd.
We have no idea what we will do, we have been throwing around a few plans here and there but so far we have come up with nothing! I am sure we will think of S~O~M~E~T~H~I~N~G ;) that we can do!
Honestly I think it will be harder on me than them.. I will miss them!

For the love of ETSY

I don't know if everyone out there has discovered ETSY or not.. it's like E-bay but for the earth concious. Everything listed is handmade or recycled. I love the concept and even more, I think there is something much better about things you know are handmade. It makes paying a price for something really feel worth it, feel like it took a real person a real amount of time.
I find that I can spend hours on ETSY looking for anything and everything.. so I am trying to also make some stuff so that I can open up my own ETSY store. I am crafty dammit and I really enjoy sewing (well small projects) which fits in nicely to the ETSY environment. I have started to make coasters.. shown below. I've also made a bunch of "Oh so hot" - rice bags to heat up.
Once I get it figured out how on earth to set up my store I will post a link here! If you've never been there - follow the link on my daily addictions list. It's fantastic!

"Blacky" the rabbit that won't stay away!

About a week and a half ago, Blacky the rabbit got loose. Millie had been cleaning out her cage and accidentally didn't latch the gate - so in the morning.. NO BLACKY. There were no tears shed by Millie and she actually said "I'm not sad anyway, we would give her away when we move to town." So away we went on our merry life.. low and behold, the girls and I were out on a bike ride and a man in a van pulls up and says - "Are you missing a rabbit?" and hold up a rabbit with striking resemblance to our beloved BLACKY. *sigh* in the presence of the children I could not say "Hmm, nope sorry sir - no rabbits here!" So we again have our little compost-a-holic back in our lives again. The girls are happy, so I guess we are happy.

Also, we have had some lookers at the house but so far nothing as far as an offer has come in. Although we did have a couple last night that seemed a little interested so we will see how that goes. Collin said that he slept with his fingers, eyes, & toes crossed last night! Can't imagine how that would be comfortable - but whatever works, I guess!

We watched a beautiful great grey horned owl last night from mom & dad's deck. It was hunting about 10 ft from the deck.. very cool. We got lots of great pictures and the kids found it quite interesting. He stuck around for at least an hour then we left so who knows how long he was there.

Not much new here

We've had a good summer so far, the weather is finally nice here.. it's been hot!
The girls have been wearing bikini's for 6 straight days. It's so nice to be able to just relax and enjoy that the mosquitoes are too hot to eat us alive.

No luck yet on selling the house but we are still trying to be patient. Here's a little slideshow of a few recent pictures - enjoy!

Random Acts of Kindness

This morning was typical of so many mornings in the last while - we slept in 25 minutes too late and everyone's schedule is just a bit off. Coffee did not get made, hair-do's excaped the brush, and socks - well they only have to match if someone can see them!
So of course along with all that comes a shift in mood by all as well - a little on edge, a little assuming and arrogant - Cue guilt trip to husband who leaves the house 15 minutes prior to us.

So in my/our frenzy to get to daycare/work on time.. I decide today is the day that I just can’t go without coffee any longer – I AM TOO WEAK FOR LENT. So I will go to Tim Hortons.

To my delight there is only 1 car ahead of me.. a small, beautiful, successful without children & living in Vancouver kind of car. I admire – get to the window and she says.. “free today ma’am, the gentleman in front of you paid for your coffee!” Did he feel my sexy glare at his “bumper”? Nonetheless – these small, rare Random Acts of Kindness are really what makes a persons day – something un-expected, and lovely. So thanks to you Mr. Hot Vancouver convertible – you made my day!

Oh how I love a good dinner party!

On the weekend we went for dinner with some great friends of ours, the girls always have a fantastic time at their house. It's so unique (with a circular staircase) they have so much to do; run around the acreage, check on the chicken & their eggs, ride the horses, play in the garden, watch the birds.. the list could go on and on.
The meal was fantastic as always and this time there was an additional treat of 2 other couples that came along as well. 2 of which I have met through work and their spouses (who we have not met) but were so lovely and great for conversation!
Heather was one of the women there - she (as you will tell from the pics below) is a great photographer! She got these shots of the girls while out on the range with our hostess!


*sigh* this of course re-affirms to me that I NEED a new camera - a lovely one like this one. So that my picture value could improve. I'd also love to take a course on photography too. Ooh and just in case SANTA is reading this -- I'd also love a digital video camera! Promise, I'll be nice.

For Sale

Our house is for sale.. officially - just came onto the real estate website this morning. Check it out! Later on today it will have pictures of the inside of the house - wish us luck with a quick sale!

I'm a buck tooth beaver

Well this weekend (among other things) Millie lost her 2 front teeth. One Sunday, one Monday. So of course in true pre-teen spirit, Oaksana taught her sister to try so say the phrase above - which we all know.. without front teeth ends up sounding like the "F" word. Hilarious.

Tooth #1

Tooth #2

Wishin' & Hope-in'

It's been a mad fury of looking at houses to see what' on the market here, we are hoping that we can do a couple of things with this move. We would like to be closer (as in --IN TOWN) so that we are not constantly driving back and forth from town, we would like something that is not so difficult for me to look after whilst Collin is away at school for the next 3 years, and to get ahead a bit financially. We have been very fortunate with the last 2 houses that we've bought/sold that we've done work to them and made a bit of a profit each time.. and who doesn't like that?
So we are hoping to get into something that is mid-range (i.e. under $200,000) so that maybe, just maybe we could be mortgage free prior to needing a wheelchair!

The market is good here, but it seems that we are a picky bunch.. we want 4 BDRMS, 2 BATH, side by side parking, a place to park the holiday trailer & sundeck & a fenced yard. Who knew that would be so hard to find? We have looked at about 6 houses, and non are EXACTLY what we need, but there is one.. that we all just feel at home in.. but.. we are "Wishin' & Hope-in' & Pray'in & Smoke'in (well Collin is)" until we hear back about our offer. *sigh* it's hard to wait.. patience is not a virtue that I would say either of us possess!

If this one doesn't work out.. I just don't know.. guess we will have to make up a plan B!

UPDATE =
Well plan A did not work out, we can't come to an agreement on the price. We are both OK with it though - this was offer #2 on this same place so it just is not meant to be. We'll just keep lookin'

We've got the ITCH.. ..... ... again!

We might be selling our house and buying a new one.. that's all I am going to say for now.. oh and buying a holiday trailer again too... we will see. I will update once we know anything final!