Margo's Memories & Musings

Halloween Time!!!

2010-10-06T13:23:00.005-04:00

Here's a layout I did of Morgan using My Mind's Eye line from the Scrapping Nook!!

YIKES!!!

2010-04-30T15:09:00.004-04:00

I can't believe how long its been since I posted!! So much has been going on the last few months.....

I'm now working at the Scrapping Nook!! Wahooooo!!! Love, love, love it there!! :-)

Tomorrow is National Scrapbooking Day and I am attending a class at The Nook with the fabulous Vicki Boutin as the teacher! Can't wait!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

2009-10-31T15:41:00.005-04:00

Hope you all have a fun & scary Halloween! My favourite time of the year! But I so miss having kids at home, just not the same anymore.... the decorations all around the house & outside have been cut down for sure!
Check out what Morgan made me and mailed to me all the way from Calgary! I absolutely LOVE IT!! She knows her Mama well!

WOW!!!

2009-09-17T13:00:00.008-04:00

It has been forever since I've blogged on here...... I think I need to get some scrapping done!! I have so many fabulous pictures to do up from my niece Meredith's wedding in July - and of course of my beautiful family - Morgie came home with Carlos for a week during the wedding - as well as Taylor and Jennifer! Who by the way are GETTING MARRIED!!! Congrats to Taylor and beautiful, wonderful Jennifer. We are so very happy!!!
Enjoy the following collage from Meredith & Hyland's wedding - photos include my nieces Merie, Bethany & nephew Matthew - Morgan, Taylor, Jennifer & Carlos - my parents with the bride & groom and Allan & I with all our kids!!

Maya Road

2009-04-07T19:50:00.004-04:00

I am making a run tomorrow to The Scrapping Nook in Fonthill to load up on all the new Maya Road products that have just come in!! Can't wait!!!!

New Colour!!

2009-03-18T14:22:00.004-04:00

Whenever our girl changes her natural blonde to darker... her poor Daddy just can't handle it!! Morgan just sent this picture apologizing... LOL
First Daddy goes.... "Noooooooo"... then looks at the pic "It looks not bad" then looks some more "She's beautiful!" Always Daddy's girl no matter the colour of her hair!

Fast Blizzard in Calgary!!

2009-03-16T12:15:00.001-04:00

A Few More Layouts.....

2009-02-27T16:06:00.002-05:00

Supporter of.....

2009-02-05T17:31:00.003-05:00

http://oneworldoneheart.typepad.com/

I am so very sad that I missed the deadline to have a giveaway... I did this last year and loved it. But I am thrilled to be able to check out all the wonderful participants blogs...

Someone needs you..........

2009-01-20T21:41:00.002-05:00

Pet adoption and

rescue powered by

Scrapping Time!!

2009-01-04T11:58:00.003-05:00

She's Home!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-24T16:16:00.001-05:00

All Ready For Santa......

2008-12-19T22:55:00.003-05:00

Groovy Girl Giveaway!

2008-12-12T16:32:00.003-05:00

A friend of mine is having a fun giveaway on her blog for either a Groovy Girl or Groovy Pet.... go to her blog and check it out! Thanks KA!! :-)

http://kristi-annas.blogspot.com/2008/12/groovy-girls-blog-candy.html

"SheetLoad's Blog Candy Blow Out"

2008-11-10T11:20:00.011-05:00

Do you love "Blog Candy"? Then head over to Sheetload of Cards to win some!!!

- Link to SheetLoad of Cards post - http://sheetload.blogspot.com/2008/11/november-blog-candy-blow-out.html
(copy and paste the above addy - for some reason I can't get it to link today)

4 lucky winners will split the loot below!!! Have fun!!!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

2008-10-31T18:47:00.001-04:00

MARRIED 30 YEARS!! WOW!! ~ October 14th

2008-10-13T11:11:00.004-04:00

I think I'll keep him! Heck, I got him all broke in now! ;-)

Look Who's 50! ~ October 7th

2008-10-13T11:09:00.002-04:00

BAD BOYS, BAD BOYS...............

2008-10-02T18:39:00.005-04:00

You know that song? Well this is what I sing everyday at about 6:30 pm.... because about 50 big black crows come into our neighbourhood and "caw" their brains out flying from tree to tree...
Here's a pic of a couple trees in our back yard...... you can see about 4 of them flying in the air, but another 50 or so of their cohorts are in the branches of the tree! They do this every friggin night and early morning too.

Bad boys, bad boys
Whatcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do
When they come for you???

OCTOBER 1ST!!!!!!!

2008-10-01T20:49:00.006-04:00

Time to get the decorations going!!!!! Just a few fun things I have around.....

"Use Your Stash" blog....

2008-07-02T16:27:00.007-04:00

Check out this fun new blog!!

http://useyourstash.blogspot.com/

"Shout Out to SheetLoad"

2008-06-19T14:20:00.000-04:00

http://sheetload.blogspot.com/

Check out their new June Issue!! Click here to go to the ready to download issue.
http://sheetload.blogspot.com/2008/06/june-issue-is-ready-for-download.html

Sheetloads of Shortcuts!!

2008-06-19T11:52:00.008-04:00

Check out the new "sister site" to "Sheetloads of Cards"... http://sheetload.blogspot.com/

The new site is called "Shortcuts" http://sheetloadshortcuts.blogspot.com/

SUMMER OF '69 CONTEST!!!

2008-06-06T19:44:00.006-04:00

Join us at "The Scrapping Nook" for a fun summer long contest on the message boards! Challenges, games, prizes to be won!!

I know I'll be there!!!

http://www.thescrappingnook.ca/

May 25, 2008

2008-06-04T19:03:00.011-04:00

The Big 5-0!! Happy Birthday Allan!!

I flew Morgan in from Calgary as Allan's birthday gift!!
Boy, was he surprised and happy!!

Birthday Cake Time!!

Brother and Sister Happy To Be Back Together Again!!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Pop Art......

2008-03-27T15:43:00.003-04:00

1st Day of Spring....

2008-03-20T12:35:00.006-04:00

Look what I found in my gardens under the snow.... my snowdrops are coming up!

And a couple pussywillows are popping!!

And here's Allan and Tabitha looking through the window, watching the birdies outside....

Happy St. Patty's Day from Baxter!!

2008-03-13T17:57:00.001-04:00

Don't send a lame St. Patrick's Day eCard. Try JibJab Sendables!

OOOOOPSSS!!!!

2008-03-12T19:11:00.003-04:00

I forgot I was tagged by Shelly B!! ;-)
Here's what I have to do: *Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.*
1. I love reality shows... lame I know, but I do love them.
2. I hate bare feet, I have to wear socks 24/7.
3. I got a tattoo when I turned 40. It's a butterfly just above my wrist.
4. I love anchovies, pig tails, calamari, blue cheese and all kinds of weird stuff.
5. I wish I lived in Walt Disney World, Florida. Notice I said "in".
6. I got married a week after I turned 20 & have been happily married for almost 30 years now.
7. I have severe sleep apnea and have to use a CPAP machine at night.

Neat New Blog - Sheetload of Cards

2008-03-06T17:59:00.003-05:00

Check it out.... great blog

It's a very cool monthly newsletter that gives you a pattern and all the cutting guides for making a ton of cards out of a few sheets.

They also have a bunch of great contests going on right now where you can win some "blog candy".

http://sheetload.blogspot.com/

From My Valentine.....

2008-02-14T17:22:00.003-05:00

Beautiful tulips, a wonderful card and chocolates...............

AND THE WINNER IS............................

2008-02-14T13:13:00.003-05:00

"Enzie Shahmiri said...
Thanks for visiting my blog and particpating in the One World One Heart giveaway.

Please count me in - I love the teddy!"

ONE WORLD ONE HEART GIVEAWAY....

2008-02-09T14:37:00.000-05:00

I stumbled across this website the other day http://oneworldevent.blogspot.com/ and just absolutely loved what it represented.... so I decided to join up and have a giveaway.... now I am not a talented artist like most of these fabulous people, but I do have a cute Boyd Bear Lady Bug to giveaway..... ladybugs are lucky! So please post and leave a comment with your email addy and on Feb. 14th I will draw for a winner and one lucky person will win... Lady B. Bug Bear.
Oh just a note... those wonderful people that visited my blog and commented before I had a chance to post this will be included in the draw.

Wintertime Scrapping....

2008-02-08T17:11:00.001-05:00

Here's a couple new layouts I just did up..... brrrrrrr, now I'm cold!

A Little Christmas Cheer......

2007-12-13T16:49:00.000-05:00

From me to you.....
Click here....... http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1368310619

White Crap.....

2007-11-17T17:34:00.000-05:00

This is just what I found when I opened my back door to let Baxter out.... snow covering my gorgeous in full bloom herb garden!!

"Leaving on a jet plane........

2007-11-15T17:57:00.000-05:00

don't know when I'll be back again." Remember that old song from John Denver? Well, that was my 26 year old daughter Morgan yesterday. She boarded a plane to relocate to Calgary, Alberta (4 hour plane ride away from us) to continue her career as a Chef and to have new adventures. I sure am going to miss that girl of mine.

PRESENTING..........

2007-11-09T19:21:00.000-05:00

Kate Anabella Winner!!!
Born November 7, 2007 weighing in at 10 lbs. 4 oz.

This is my brand new baby niece.... born to my niece Jennifer and her hubby Jesse! Isn't she gorgeous? Look at those chubby legs! LOL Here's a photo of the happy family.... Jesse, big brother Wyatt (22 mon.), Mommy Jennifer holding Kate and big sister Emma (3 yrs)....

Halloween.........

2007-11-01T16:54:00.001-04:00

Baxter hopes you all had a fun Halloween!

WOW........ 29 years!!!

2007-10-14T12:55:00.000-04:00

Today is Allan and my 29th Wedding Anniversary! How time flies!! We have been very blessed throughout our years, especially with our 2 wonderful children. I have been very blessed with such a wonderful man!! You name it, he does it! My Mother says I am very spoiled, and yes I agree. Not many men will work full-time, garden like crazy, cook, clean, laundry and still have fun times with their wives. LOL
I love you with all my heart Allan....... for infinity and beyond!!

Thanksgiving.....

2007-10-11T11:34:00.001-04:00

This past Monday we celebrated Thanksgiving...... for my American friends that is when Canada celebrates it. Morgan and Taylor both came down from Toronto and spent 2 days at home. Since Sunday was also my birthday! Morgan actually surprised me by showing up on Sunday, as I didn't expect her till Monday. Taylor also brought his new girlfriend Jennifer, who we met for the first time. We really liked her and Taylor is soooo happy! :-)
So we enjoyed the turkey with all the fixings and had a wonderful time together. I am so thankful for my wonderful family and am truly blessed with 2 gorgeous, wonderful children and a fabulous, loving husband!
Here's a couple pictures to share from that day...........

My Brother Kevin.........

2007-10-06T14:28:00.001-04:00

I just got this great picture of my Mom and my brother Kevin.... thought I would post it and talk some about him......
Kevin is 6 years older than I am and has been married for 30 years to Laurel and they have a 25 year old son, Travis. Oh yeah, also Barley - their cute yellow lab. Kevin is a licensed Pro Golfer and now lives way up North in "cottage country" running a fabulous golf course/resort. Laurel and him have been there for about 2 years now... previous to that he has run a number of golf courses in the Niagara area. Kevin is the "strong silent" type. LOL A lot like my Father and like my son Taylor. In fact Taylor is a Poole through and through, just like Kevin and my Dad and my sister's son Matthew. I see a lot of similarities between the 4 of them. Anywho, the first picture is Mom and Kevin, the 2nd is of the lake that Kevin and Laurel live on. Just beautiful area. The last is at the 18th hole at his golf course with my sister Pam, and Mom.

Guest Design Team Layouts

2007-09-20T18:51:00.000-04:00

So..... for the month of September I have been a "guest designer" at The Scrapping Nook (my LSS) http://www.thescrappingnook.ca/
I created a mini-album and 3 layouts from the "Dream Street" kit they provided for me. I'm planning on doing 1 more layout (have enough paper left). I've had fun and thought I would post my layouts....

HAPPY 61st ANNIVERSARY.............

2007-09-08T00:05:00.000-04:00

Mom and Daddy!!! I love you both so much!!!
I see I got this posted after midnight.... their anniversary is Sept. 7th. This is a pic I took tonight when Pam, Joe, Allan and I took them out for dinner to celebrate.

1st Day of School....

2007-09-05T22:46:00.000-04:00

Okay, all the Mommy's are blogging about back to school......... well, my baby had his 1st day of school today at a new school. Okay, okay....... it's university..... LOL And he's almost 23 years old........ but it still was his 1st day at a new school! Taylor has already graduated with a diploma from Sheridan College and now he is working on another diploma at a new school. Here's some info on it.......
"The Ontario College of Art & Design (OCAD) is Canada’s largest university for art and design, specializing in creativity and innovation. Established in 1876, the university has more depth and breadth in visual arts and design programs than any school of its kind in Canada. OCAD students enjoy a one-of-a-kind learning environment that combines an experiential, studio-based education with liberal studies, which is recognized with a BFA or BDes.
OCAD graduates are well known for their creative skills. Their work continues to enrich our country’s culture and add value to the economy and everyday lives of Canadians. OCAD’s research profile includes an institute for art and design education, the Beal Centre for Strategic Creativity at OCAD, an institute in design, creativity and innovation and large-scale projects in mobile content and technology."

So for all the Mommy's out there..... this Mommy envies you that you can hug and talk to your kids when they get off the bus or walk home from school today and everyday.... mine is 2 hours away from me and it's just not the same.

Fun at The Nook!!

2007-09-04T20:24:00.000-04:00

I'm having fun so far being the guest designer at The Scrapping Nook this month. I started up a month long Bingo (since I am The Nook Bingo Queen ;-) I have a tendency to win the late night challenges, what can I say, I have a fast finger and am a night owl!) Of course a prize for the winner at the end.
Also I have 3 other challenges going on..... one is a "Labour Day" layout challenge ~ to do a layout of your "labour/childbirth" or to do a layout of how you labour at your job, in the garden, at home etc. etc. I've had lots of great entries into the challenge and someone will be winning a RAK!
Another challenge I have is to dump your purse on the counter, take a picture and then journal about its contents etc. etc. in a layout. Another RAK for this challenge.
Last but not least..... Button, button, who's got the button? challenge..... using tons of buttons on a layout... not 5 or 10 but TONS. Another winner will be drawn out of the entries.
Here's one I did with lots of buttons of Morgan when she was little.......

Guest Designer at The Scrapping Nook

2007-08-28T12:06:00.000-04:00

I was so thrilled (and yes a bit nervous) to be chosen to be the Guest Designer at
http://www.thescrappingnook.ca for the month of September. I get to come up with some fun challenges for all the girls and to play with and design some layouts with some fun goodies! Looking forward to it all and to get "designing"!!

Froggie Heaven....

2007-08-26T15:30:00.000-04:00

Yep, I am in froggie heaven.... we have 2 garden ponds in our backyard and we love to have goldfish and tadpoles in them.... this year has been the BEST for both. We must have at least 40 goldfish and 30 frogs this year and they are so much fun to watch. I so enjoy looking for them amongst the water hyacinths. They love to jump out of the pond and go investigating and them you can see them hopping like crazy to get back to the water before you get too close to them. The sit all around the edges of the pond sunning themselves or on top of the leaves of the water plants. Some are huge, others are small. Allan caught them all as tadpoles at St. John's. I hate for winter to come because I know they will be going away to find somewhere to hibernate, but for now they give me so much pleasure. If you click on the photos below, you can see them up close and personal! :-)

Bath and Body Works.....

2007-08-24T16:17:00.000-04:00

This is what happens when you go to the States and visit Bath and Body Works.... I LOVE Bath and Body Works and we don't have them in Canada. Sooooooo, I love to stock up on the handsoaps when we are there. I got a good stash today, just in time as I had just run out of my last stash. Now we will have happy good smelling hands again. ;-)

If You Go Down To The Woods Today........

2007-08-19T16:59:00.000-04:00

You're sure of a big surprise.
If you go down to the woods today,
You'd better go in disguise.
For every bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain because
Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic........
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today was our Family Church Picnic and the theme was A Teddy Bears Picnic. We had alot of fun and I was crowned "Queen Den Mother Bear"!! I received a crown and a honey bear as my bouquet! :-)
I had the tables all decorated up etc. in the theme and got all the prizes for the games etc. We had a bbq with salads and desserts that everyone brought. Then games, prizes and lots of fun!
Here's a few pics of the day.

Okay, who stole my son??

2007-08-17T00:26:00.000-04:00

I have this kid named Taylor.... a thoughtful, deep thinker, quiet, talented, observer of life...... did I mention quiet? He moves away up to Toronto to attend University.... to the big bad city from a small town.... will it gobble up my son and spit him out in little pieces? Or will it swallow him whole? Well, let me tell you .... it has done none of this...... instead this kid has turned into an outgoing, enthusiastic man of the city!! He has conquered it from one end of the city to the other, has blossomed and turned into the 22 year old (almost 23) he is today. Taylor is a very very VERY talented artist. He already has graduated and earned a diploma from Sheridan College and is now involved in another 3 year university program at OCAD to get another degree. Of course he is majoring in art/illustration/painting.
He has even mentioned becoming a teacher! My son?? The quiet thinker?? And you know what else this kid has become?? An accomplished musician/singer/writer! He performs with his friend Dani singing in Pubs! Taylor plays the guitar, banjo, harmonica, glockenspiel (yes, I said glockenspiel) all which he has basically taught himself. And sing.... this kid can sing!! I never heard him sing in his entire life till this year!! I love this kid... and I love the man he is turning into! I am very proud of him and all that he does! Of course he will always be my baby. And he knows it too! LOL Yes, my kids still continue to amaze me.

Melancholy.....

2007-08-14T20:44:00.000-04:00

I think that's the word that describes me right now.......... we just found out that our beautiful talented daughter is moving to Calgary, Alberta to further her career as a chef. Morgan is 26 years old now... a young, strong woman on her own - good of heart, talented and well loved. But in my heart she is still my baby. I so remember the day she was born... how I wanted a little girl so bad - that had her Daddy's dimples... I was so blessed to get just that and way more!!
Calgary, another province....... 40 hours of driving or 4 hours on the plane to see her........ not just so close that I can reach out and touch her, hug her, kiss her.
I am so very proud of the woman she has become. I love her with all my heart. I wish her all the best and pray that God protects her on her new adventure. I'll miss my baby girl, my friend, my love..... but I am soooooo very proud of her and know my love will never ever change - no matter how far away she is - she is always close to me in my heart. I love you Morgan Leigh!

100th Scrapbooking Layout for 2007!!

2007-08-09T13:02:00.000-04:00

Yep, as of this layout posted I have finished 100 scrapping pages in 2007! I have never scrapped so much as I have this year! Maybe it's because I have no kids at home anymore and I have my own scrap-room now.... ??? I do know though, that all the challenges from The Scrapping Nook and from Classy Coordinates, that I am kept very busy and they are so much fun!
This is Morgan Leigh at 13 months... hard to believe that was 25 years ago! I love lilacs and I love my beautiful bald blonde baby!! ;-)

Blue Jays Game

2007-08-07T20:14:00.001-04:00

Allan and Morgan went to Toronto today to enjoy some Daddy/Daughter time together and saw The Jays play The Yankees....... they had a great time even though the Jays lost. Their seats were in the nosebleed section in the hot and humid weather.... poor guys. Glad I didn't go sweat it out! LOL

I've been "Scattergoried" tagged!!!

2007-08-03T12:41:00.000-04:00

Tara from The Scrapping Nook tagged me...... ;-p LOL

The game is SCATTERGORIES ... and it's harder than it looks! Here are the rules:

* Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the questions.
* They MUST be real places, names, things ... NOTHING made up!
* If you can't think of anything, skip it.
* You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question.
* If your name happens to start with the same letter as mine, sorry, but you can't use my answers!

Once you've completed your tag, tag 4 others!! Have fun and I can't wait to see your answers!!!

My Name is Margo:

1. Famous singer/band: Madonna
2. four letter word: Milk
3. Street: Main St.
4. Colour: Mauve
5. Gifts/presents: Magazine subscription
6. Vehicle: Mazda
7. Things in a souvenir shop: Maps
8. Boy Name: Mark
9. Girl Name: Mary
10. Movie Title: Mr. Mom
11. Drink: Milk
12. Occupation: Mailman
13. Celebrity: Mark Walhberg
14. Magazine: Memory Makers
15. U.S. City: Macoomb, IL
16. Pro Sports Teams: Montreal Canadiens
17. Fruit: Mango
18. Reason for Being Late for Work: Make-up crisis
19. Something You Throw Away: Milk bags
20. Things You Shout: Move!
21. Cartoon Character: Mickey Mouse

Okay, now I am tagging....... Melonie, Patti, Sherry

Flying Flowers.......

2007-08-01T17:07:00.000-04:00

I love Butterflies, especially in my gardens. I was lucky to be able to get up close pics of this Monarch the other day. They are just amazing, beautiful creations.
Oh yeah, to prove how much I do love butterflies.... here's my permanent butterfly who goes everywhere with me. ;-)

I'm Done!!

2007-07-23T02:15:00.000-04:00

Harry Potter has been read, devoured and enjoyed!!!! :-) I read it non-stop from beginning to end....... it's a wonder I can still see straight!! :-)

Tomorrow..................

2007-07-20T22:14:00.000-04:00

NEW SUMMER DO!!

2007-07-10T20:23:00.000-04:00

It has been so blazing hot these last couple days and my hair was driving me nuts! So I told Julie, my hairdresser, to thin, thin, thin it out today! I have thick hair and she has to razor it like crazy to thin it out.... when she was done I said more! LOL So here it is, me sitting outside in 90 degree weather (but they say it feels like 102 or more) with my new thinned out hair. It may not look different then other times but believe me, it feels like a weight has been taken off of my head! Now, if she could only thin out my body!!!! ;-)

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS........

2007-06-29T18:34:00.001-04:00

When you try and have a Canada Day photo shoot with your dog, who isn't in the mood for it.......

Gee, I Never Thought.........

2007-06-29T12:20:00.001-04:00

that I looked like my Mom.... but these 2 pictures side by side kinda do look alike.....

HAPPY 83rd BIRTHDAY MOM!!!

2007-06-29T12:02:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was my Mom's birthday.... June 28th..... Doesn't she look great?? I am truly blessed to have such a healthy Mom at this age! I love you Mom!

TAGGED!!!!

2007-06-18T14:02:00.000-04:00

My good friend Melonie from "Classy Scrappers Forum" has tagged me - I realized I was tagged in April and since I live such a boring life I'm just going to repeat it!! With a couple little revisions! ;-) I know, I know........ that's cheating. But I won't tell if you won't!

Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. At the end of your blog, you need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog! OK, here goes:

1. I have a tattoo on my wrist of a butterfly with stardust flying behind it. I got it when I turned 40!
2. I met my husband at work, but I had to "retire" when we got married because married couples aren't allowed to work at the same place of business, even though it is a family run business with tons of their family working there!
3. I am 8 years younger than my sister and 6 years younger than my brother. I am a happy surprise my Mother says!
4. If it was truly possible I would live somewhere that has lots of land and have tons and tons of animals. Seriously, I mean 120 dogs and 150 cats at least! Just call me the weird old cat/dog lady.
5. I grew up in a golfing family - my Father, brother and sister were all champions... my brother is actually a golf pro. I hate golf. ;-)
6. I hate cooking but my daughter is a fantastic chef... go figure.
7. I can't draw worth beans or carry a tune but my son is a talented artist and a talented musician/singer... go figure again.
Oh yeah, I'm adding a number 8. I HATE BAREFEET!!!! My own that is. I wear socks 24/7... except in the shower. I can't stand the feeling of my feet being bare.

I think everyone I know who has blogs has been tagged already!

MELLOW MONDAY....

2007-06-11T20:22:00.000-04:00

Today was a nice day...... one of those days where you spend with your hubby out shopping for a bit, out for lunch - Chinese buffet and then back home to chill and work in the backyard.... gorgeous weather for a day like this. We bought some cute new dragonfly lights to hang in the gazebo, an adorable new birdhouse that is a clay watercan with a warty old toad on top...... we hung those up and added lots more fairy lights all around the patio.... looks so pretty. The sprinkler was on and I even played in it for awhile. Baxter enjoyed laying in the cold wet grass to cool off. Here's a few pics of our day today.......

Finished!!!

2007-05-28T18:16:00.001-04:00

Well, after working hard for at least 6 days Allan has finished off the back corner and we created a Fire Pit seating area!! That nasty weed is gone and in its place is a fun area where we will have bonfires and roast marshmallows!! What back breaking work this was for Allan.... tons of digging, lugging dirt, stone, blocks, plants etc. etc. etc. I think the poor guy can rest now!
I think..... ;-D

What a Man!!!

2007-05-23T15:58:00.000-04:00

I tell you........... my hubby is THE BEST!! Among his many, many, MANY things he does for our family is the "grunt" work of gardening...... he loves gardens as much as I do, which is wonderful! We haven't been that happy with a back corner of our yard the last year or so..... this stupid weed took off and killed all my perennials and just choked out the whole garden..... so on Allan's week off this week he is re-vamping it all. It is very time consuming and hard work and he is out there in high 80 degree weather doing it for hours and hours on end. He decided to rip out the gardens, flatten it all and tarp it (to help choke the weed out so it doesn't grow back) then will make a sitting area there with flowers in containers etc. etc.... we are still working out finishing details but I will post a pic when it is all done...... here is a "before" pic and a "in construction" pic. Yes, he still has a smile on his face! :-)

Queen Victoria Day

2007-05-21T15:47:00.000-04:00

Well, what a beautiful day weather wise for Victoria Day!!! Gorgeous blue skies, warm weather, birds singing, flowers blooming, peaceful heaven on earth....... until night falls......... then all hell breaks loose at our house..... because all the fireworks start around the neighbourhood and city and Baxter is ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIED of fireworks!! He has spent the last 2 nights as a shivering bowl of jello trying to hide anywhere he can because of the fireworks some of the neighbours have been doing the last couple days........ tonight will probably be worse because the city has them and I just know more people will be popping them off everywhere!!! I feel so bad for him, but we can not calm him down no matter what we do. Poor baby has even been jumping into the bathtub of all things trying to get away from the noises!! Hopefully tonight will be the last of them......... until Canada Day - July 1st........... Oh joy!!!

MOMMY'S DAY......

2007-05-14T20:34:00.000-04:00

I had an absolutely, positively FABULOUS Mother's Day........ Allan took the day off from work so that we could go up to Toronto to Morgan's restaurant for supper. Taylor was working with her that night so it was perfect to see both of my babies. When we arrived there was a table set for us with a beautiful bouquet of flowers on it for me and a bouquet of Tootsie Pops for Allan! Allan's birthday is next week so the kids set up a double celebration for us. There were cards from each of the kids for us at our place settings. After lots of hugs and kisses our meal started.... first we had a "martini shrimp cocktail with Morgan's homemade mango salsa", then a mixed greens salad with slivers of apple, strawberries, candied walnuts and raspberry vinaigrette. I had salmon encrusted with shrimps & scallops with a creamy dill sauce, sweet potato fries and asparagus. YUMMY!!!! Allan had the special Slacks homemade hamburger (that was huge) with bacon & cheese, along with herb roasted potatoes and asparagus. He loved my sweet potato fries so much that Taylor brought him a dish of those too. To finish off the meal we had Morgan's homemade chocolate marble cheesecake topped with fresh berries soaked in Grand Marnier and also Morgan's homemade Green Tea Creme Brulee. All to die for!!! We got to spend time with the kids and chat which was wonderful. I love my kids!!! :-)

Warm May Sunny Day......

2007-05-08T15:57:00.000-04:00

Need I say more?

I Love My Kids!!! :-)

2007-05-02T14:14:00.000-04:00

Here's a picture of Taylor and Morgan working together....... I am truly blessed that I have such wonderful kids. They truly love each other and really enjoy each others company. Not only did they live together in an apartment for a year, but now Taylor is working some for his sister! As you know, Morgan is the Head Chef of a restaurant in Toronto, Taylor now lives in Toronto attending University etc. Well, Taylor has been looking for a job FOREVER during off-time from school....... Morgan's assistant just left her job at the restaurant and Taylor is now working part-time in the kitchen helping Morgan. He gets to do the "grunt" work. LOL Now how many brothers and sisters grow up being great friends and loving each other throughout their lives (and they are 4 years apart too), then moved out and lived together for a year and now working together. Guess Daddy and I did good! ;-)

DANG COLD....

2007-04-23T13:02:00.000-04:00

Okay, I'm not talking about the weather....... the weather is gorgeous now!!! But I'm talking about this friggin head cold that I have. I haven't had one all fall/winter long..... why do I get one now when it's so beautiful out?? My eyes are watery, my nose is stuffed up, coughing, my head hurts..... have I whined enough?? One good thing today, my forsythia came out in full bloom. I love the bright yellow shining out in the backyard.

Cars........

2007-04-17T20:24:00.000-04:00

Cars are like men....... you can't live without them and you can't shoot them. ;-p
And even when your kid is 26 years old, they still need Daddy to deal with them.
Poor Morgan's car broke down in Toronto a few weeks ago.... first thing she did was call Daddy. Then she had it towed all the way down here to Welland. (1 1/2 to 2 hours away) Thank goodness I buy her CAA Plus!! Since Allan knows reliable mechanics here we thought that was best. $2300.00 later it's fixed. She blew the transmission (stupid Mazda used a FORD transmission, piece of crap) Sorry all you FORD lovers. ;-) Now, we are talking an older car here, but we had just bought her new tires and brakes...... so we couldn't justify getting rid of it. We thought we were done with it, but just now Allan walked in the house and said, you know what... it's time to get the timing belt done on her car....... another $400.00 or more cost. When does it stop?? Like I said..... you can't live without them and you can't shoot them. ;-)

TAG ~ I'm It!!

2007-04-12T19:13:00.000-04:00

My friend Lori from "The Nook Forum" has tagged me - its my first tag so let's get on with it........ actually this is hard, I must live a boring life!!!

Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. At the end of your blog, you need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog! OK, here goes:

1. I have a tattoo on my wrist of a butterfly with stardust flying behind it. I got it when I turned 40!
2. I met my husband at work, but I had to "retire" when we got married because married couples aren't allowed to work at the same place of business, even though it is a family run business with tons of their family working there!
3. I am 8 years younger than my sister and 6 years younger than my brother. I am a happy surprise my Mother says!
4. If it was truly possible I would live somewhere that has lots of land and have tons and tons of animals. Seriously, I mean 20 dogs and 50 cats at least! Just call me the weird old cat/dog lady.
5. I grew up in a golfing family - my Father, brother and sister were all champions... my brother is actually a golf pro. I hate golf. ;-)
6. I hate cooking but my daughter is a fantastic chef... go figure.
7. I can't draw worth beans but my son is a talented artist... go figure again.
Oh yeah, I'm adding a number 8. I HATE BAREFEET!!!! My own that is. I wear socks 24/7... except in the shower. I can't stand the feeling of my feet being bare.

I think everyone I know who has blogs has been tagged already!

Dumbo Auntie Margo!!!

2007-04-09T13:39:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I get this adorable picture from my niece yesterday of her 2 kids, Emma and Wyatt........ I'm ohhhhhhing and ahhhhhing over the picture and reading their shirts... how cute are they!!! I'm laughing cause Wyatt has a "big Brother" shirt on thinking that because he is getting so big and almost the same size as his big sister Emma that they got him this shirt too...... not realizing that Jennifer and Jesse are announcing they are having another baby!!! Soooooooooo, Emma and Wyatt are both going to be a "big sister and big brother" now to a new little one!!! I am so thrilled for Jennifer and Jesse!! How I wish we lived closer.... they live in North Carolina!! Morgan and Jennifer are basically the same age and grew up very close personally together..... even though they have always lived so far apart. They have always had such a great friendship and love for each other. Boy, can 2 girls be so different in the stages of their lives now!! So, yep.... I'm going to be an Auntie again!! I can't wait!!

HAPPY SNOWY EASTER!!!

2007-04-08T16:33:00.000-04:00

Today is Easter Sunday and a very cold snowy one at that! After church service we had an Easter dinner at our home.... I made a special birthday/Easter cake to celebrate Morgan's birthday as we didn't get to see her till now. I love the before and after shots... looks like the cake exploded its guts! ;-) The Easter bunny also visited but now he leaves money for the kids instead of toys! My, how time has changed things!

Easter Table

2007-04-07T20:37:00.000-04:00

I spent the day today cooking and getting ready for Easter dinner at our house tomorrow. Morgan and Taylor are coming home and my MIL, SIL, SIL & BIL are all coming for lunch after church. Here's a pic of my table. Happy Easter Everyone!

SPRING???

2007-04-05T13:39:00.000-04:00

Okay, what happened?? Today it is 25 degrees F!! Snow!!! Look at my poor pansies!!

HAPPY 26TH BIRTHDAY MORGAN!!!

2007-03-30T10:12:00.000-04:00

Wow, I can't believe my beautiful baby girl is 26 today!! It just seems like yesterday that she was born! I remember that day so well..... I was sick as a dog, LOL, puking my guts out as our Pastor held a bowl for me. I was rushed in for an emergency c-section as Morgie had gone into distress...... minutes later a gorgeous perfectly healthy 10 lbs 12 oz. baby girl was born!!! She looked just like her Daddy!! Allan wasn't in the room with me, but they told him to watch through a little window... big mistake on the doctors part... he could see everything and almost passed out seeing waters and blood gushing! LOL
My baby girl is now 26.... a fantastic chef running her own kitchen in a great restaurant in Toronto! I am so proud of her and what a wonderful kind, loving person she is. So accepting of all and truly loved by all. She is a great kid! Happy Birthday my dear sweet Morgan Leigh!!

SPRING HAS SPRUNG!!!

2007-03-28T20:02:00.000-04:00

Today and yesterday have been GORGEOUS!! I was outside taking some pictures of my crocus and pussy willows budding....... check out the purple and white crocus, it has a bee sitting on it!! I'll be scrapping these photos very soon!!

Baxter had a nice time being out in the warm weather also.... no tippy toeing through snow today!!

Welcome - To A Little Of This, A Little Of That And A Whole Lot Of Nothing!!!

2007-03-26T13:11:00.000-04:00

Thought I would sit down and work on a blog...... nothing fancy, no inner secrets...... just having fun!! So welcome to Margo's Memories & Musings........