Keep Breathing - Ingrid Michaelson

Keep Breathing - Ingrid Michaelson

I love this song... I love singing along to it, it's catchy, but has simple words. Somedays when I'm having a bad day, I like to sing this song and it makes me feel better and gets me through the rough day. I hope that you'll enjoy it, and that you'll all sing it when you need to remember to just "keep breathing" and you'll make it through the rough days!

I know I'm failing at my weekly posts, but I will come back to them... I have lots of pictures to share. Brandon and I have both been working LOTS, and have been tired, so I'll be back posting soon. I'm lucky that he works so hard, I hope that teaching jobs will come our way soon, so that we can work hard in a different way! Love you Bran!

PS... sorry the video isn't more exciting, couldn't find anything better!

A Busy August week...

Monday August 16th, 2010- Sunday August 22, 2010

Another week of summer has come and gone, and it's crazy that September is getting closer and closer. This is the first year I'm looking forward to the school year starting, 1. because I'm not in school this year and 2. we can start substitute teaching and making some money. Bring on September. I'm also looking forward to Halloween and Thanksgiving, I love those two fall holidays, and the decor that can come along with them. This week has been a quieter week, but still full of lots of FUN!

Monday August 16th, 2010

Today we went over and checked out the new bath & body works in micmac mall and I LOVE it! Brandon was laughing at me because I was so giddy and excited walking towards the store. I didn't really need anything, but Bran treated me to some candles, a lip gloss and an anti bacterial hand gel. I was a very happy girl. Then we headed over to my in-law house for my sister-in-law Meaghan's birthday dinner, and as usual my mother-in-law Laureen out did herself, the meal was delicious and was followed up by a cold stone cake. I think those cakes are taking the lead as my favourite cake. They are a mix of ice cream and cake it's the perfect mix, plus the icing they use is ummm ummm good! Anyway it was a fun night with family, we are very lucky to be part of such wonderful families!

Brittany and Ian looking as cute as always! Britt works at the new Bath & Bodyworks

Here is the birthday girl Meaghan and he sweetie Jason, this is her last birthday as a family of two, next year our little niece will be there to celebrate with us all!

Chelsey and Ryan, so in love... plus ryan didn't want his picture taken as always, but I don't give up... he should just realize I'm not going to stop taking pictures!

Sarah and Jaccob... i love Jay he'll always play along with my pictures, he actually tries to make a new face in every picture... what a guy!

Bran and I... our serious picture wasn't the greatest, Bran had angled his face strange... so I chose to post this one because I think it's a lot of fun... plus these faces make our faces look skinny!

Tuesday August 17th, 2010

Nothing too exciting happened, I worked until close. Our kids section is coming along and it's looking awesome... can't wait to have the new section open for business, you'll all want to come and check it out!!

Wednesday August 18th, 2010

Today started my first of three days off... we took it easy, hit the gym, walked to the grocery store and took it easy. Brandon went over and did some painting with his dad, when he got home we watched one of our shows, we are currently trying to get through season 2 of The Big Band Theory and we LOVE it, we laugh like crazy at this show, seriously if you haven't watched it you should, especially if you need a good laugh!

Thursday August 19th, 2010

Today my little sister finally came to visit me, it was nice to visit and see her face again. She also was around and hung out with my survivor girls. I hadn't seen them in a few weeks, so it was great to have everyone together. We watched my friend Laura's birthday gift that I had made her. It was a video of our friendship from grade primary until present. It was a lot of fun to watch with the girls. We had a great night and wonderful visit. I'm so lucky to have a group of friends like them in high school.

Friday August 20th, 2010

Day three of being off and I've been enjoying going to the gym and getting some things done around the apartment. Tonight was a fun one, I had a little nap and then waited for my friends to arrive... my friends being Monica and Kathy... we were trying to get the whole card gang together but it just didn't happen, but we had a blast anyway!! Great company, great conversation and great cards made. We had a blast and I'm looking forward to stampin' club starting up in the fall.

This was a little 3x3 card and it's so cute and easy to make... I need to order an owl punch to make it, but I want that great punch anyway so it all works out... this will be a baby card for someone!

This was card number too... simple but cute, I love the little BEE happy, although next time I think I'll make the little bee stand off the card a little bit.

Saturday August 21st, 2010

I worked today and it was a little slow because it was a beautiful day out. I was of in the afternoon and took some time to relax on the sofa. I tried to make a new stir-fry tonight and it was actually pretty yummy. Sonja came by tonight, we've had two hangouts in two weekends and it's a lot of fun. We ran to the store to get a treat and then came back to hangout and transfer some of sonja's pictures onto my computer... so she should be posting some cute pictures soon! Little Clara was an angel again sleeping peacefully and looking adorable. I can't help but take pictures of her.

Little Clara snuggling with her mommy

Little baby yawns are ADORABLE!

I also finished another book tonight... here is a summary of the book...

Synopsis:

Shay Bourne - New Hampshire’s first death row prisoner in 69 years – has only one last request: to donate his heart post-execution to the sister of his victim, who is looking for a transplant. Bourne says it’s the only way he can redeem himself…but with lethal injection as his form of execution, this is medically impossible. Enter Father Michael Wright, a young local priest. Called in as Shay’s spiritual advisor, he knows redemption has nothing to do with organ donation – and plans to convince Bourne. But then Bourne begins to perform miracles at the prison that are witnessed by officers, fellow inmates, and even Father Michael – and the media begins to call him a messiah. Could an unkempt, bipolar, convicted murderer be a savior? It seems highly unlikely, to the priest. Until he realizes that the things Shay says may not come from the Bible…but are, verbatim, from a gospel that the early Christian church rejected two thousand years ago…and that is still considered heresy.

Change Of Heart looks at the nature of organized religion and belief, and takes the reader behind the closely drawn curtains of America’s death penalty. Featuring the return of Ian Fletcher from Keeping Faith, it also asks whether religion and politics truly are separate in this country, or inextricably tangled. Does religion make us more tolerant, or less? Do we believe what we do because it’s right? Or because it’s too frightening to admit that we may not have the answers?

I was a little nervous reading this book, only because I'd heard from a few people that they didn't love this book as much as some of Jodi's other books. But I actually really enjoyed it a lot. It was quite fascinating, and I wasn't sure what was going to happen.It was an interesting story to think about, and to look at the argument that was being put forth by the lawyers in the book. I also liked the fact that the characters from Keeping Faith were in this story. I love when that happens and I love knowing what happened to the characters from the other story. I enjoy her books and this one didn't let down.

I started another book of course right away called "The Wednesday Letters" by Jason F. Wright... here is a little summary...

The Wednesday Letters is the story of Jack and Laurel. Married 39 years, the Coopers lived a good life and appear to have had a near-perfect relationship. Then one night, with his wife cradled in his arms, and before Jack takes his last breath, he scribbles his final "Wednesday Letter."

When their three adult children arrive to arrange the funeral, they discover boxes and boxes full of love letters that their father wrote to their mother on every single Wednesday. As they begin to open and read the letters, the children uncover unimaginable adventures and the shocking truth about their past.

The Wednesday Letters has a powerful message about redemption and forgiveness. And it just might inspire you to begin writing your own Wednesday Letters.

I'm excited to get into it further and enjoy the story. I'll let you know how it goes.

Sunday August 22nd, 2010

today i went to church and enjoyed it a lot. Sonja taught in RS and did a wonderful job, the conversation and class participation was wonderful. It was about motherhood and although I don't have any children yet, it still spoke to me. Good Job sonja!

Sadly I had to work today, I love where I work, but I strongly dislike working on Sundays. It spoils my Sundays, I do not feel the need for Sunday shopping at all, more people need to stay home with their families and friends on Sundays, but what can I do. Luckily I was working with two older men at the store Frank and John and they are a HOOT. I always have great chats, and they both are so sweet!

August so far...

So I've decided to try something new for my blogging, I'm envious of all my friends who can update everyday, but I just can't seem to do it. So I think I'm going to try to do a once a week update, a little recap of the week. That way I have a record of my week, and can still share the highlights with all my blogging friends. So fingers crossed I can keep this new goal up! Here are the past two weeks, hope you make it though my fun little recap- there are pictures as always!

Tuesday August 3rd, 2010

I worked at 6 am this day, and boy was I ready to be done work that day. I love my job, but the 6 am shifts can be tiring. Luckily Sonja picked me up from work and I was able to go down and spend sometime with her adorable little family. I got to play with the kiddies, cuddle Clara and watch some of transformers, I still haven't seen it fully through, someday! That night Kathy and I went and saw ECLIPSE and is was amazing, sooooo good! I could have watched it right away after the first viewing. (I've since watched it again) I had a great night out with my big sister, we always have fun together, laughing and chatting! Thanks for a fun night sis!!

This little girl cracks me up, she is such a hoot and gives me big hugs I just love her!

I loved cuddling Miss Clara all bundled up and adorable!

I love baby hands and feet and how they are all smushed up, so cute!!

***

Wednesday, August 4th, 2010

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO US!!

Brandon and I celebrated out THIRD wedding anniversary this day. It's crazy that it's been three years, it feels like yesterday and I know this sounds like a cliche, but it does feel like yesterday that we got married. We've come a long way, and have a lot more ahead of us. I'm excited for what the future holds for us. I worked today another 6 am shift, so a nap was needed when I got home. We relaxed a bit and then went out to the Keg for dinner with Brandon's parents. The treated us to an amazing meal, and great company. We are very lucky to have them in our lives. I think it was the best Steak and potatoes I've ever eaten, my mouth still waters thinking about it! We both had dessert too which was YUMMY and Brandon isn't normally one who gets dessert. We came home and watched couples retreat together, which was pretty funny. All my card friends will be shocked, but I haven't finished his card yet, but it's looking super cute as always!! I love Brandon so much, and although we drive each other crazy sometimes, we wouldn't want to be with anyone else!! Here is to another fun year!

My adorable in-laws Laureen and Peter sharing a tasty dessert!

Me and my sweetie pie, eating some sweetie pies... YUM!

Brandon and Karen Bing: Three years Married!!

***

Friday August 6th, 2010

Today was a fun filled, busy day! We celebrated my brother-in-law Jaccob's birthday and Ethan's 4th birthday! We also headed downtown to 3D miracles to find out if we are getting another niece or nephew. Brandon's sister Meaghan is expecting the first grandchild on the Bing side, and we are all so excited for this new addition to the family. There were 13 of us in total in the ultra sound room, and most of us felt that the baby was going to be a boy... well we were all WRONG... It's a BABY GIRL!!!!!!! We were all so excited and I think everyone was amazed at the quality of the ultra sound. Jason bought everyone an It's a Girl sucker and we all enjoyed celebrating and being there as a family!

Brandon and I being excited outside the ultra sound office!

Oh yeah!!!! another little girl to dress up and have fun with

The proud parents showing off the pictures of their little girl

look at her adorable baby bump, she looks amazing!

Baby Girl Stewart is due on November 25th, 2010

That evening Brandon had to work, so I headed down on the bus to Ethan's 4th birthday party. He was super psyched for his birthday, he just wanted to open presents sooooo bad. It was pretty funny. He had a great time, got some thoughtful gifts and had DELICIOUS cupcakes! It was a wonderful celebration for a special little guy! Me and my buddy Karington were hangout again. She is such a hoot!

Jacob and the Nelson fam came to celebrate cousin Ethan's birthday... I got to see Jakes new smile. I was so excited for my little buddy!

Some of the Nelson Girls, three beauties... Sarah, Karington and Jessica

The delicious cupcakes that JoLynne made, the fondant was DELICIOUS, which normally I wouldn't say, I could have eaten all of them myself. The cupcakes were cookies and creme, and each one had an oreo cookie at the bottom... YUMMY!

Love his cheese ball face in this picture

Mr.Chubs enjoying a cupcake... he's getting so big

Love seeing Miss Clara and I got another snuggle in today too!

Monday August 9th, 2010

Happy Birthday Keah!! Mike and Keah were down in the city for an appointment with the girls, so they came down early so we could celebrate with them. We had a delicious summer lunch and some cake, and got to snuggle our little girls. It was exciting to finally get to see them. I haven't seen them since they went home and it's been too long! Both girls are getting bigger and cuter by the day. I only got to hold Emmy, but I also got to feed her a bottle which was super special. Next time I'm getting my snuggles in with both girls. Mike and Keah are doing so great as parents of twins, I'm impressed by them every time I'm around them!

Me and Emmy. The girls were wearing dresses we gave them at their baby shower, when they were both under 2 lbs. It's amazing to see them big enough to wear them now. I'm so proud of them and all the growing that they've been doing. They looked beautiful in their dresses

Sleepy miss finley... she seriously has the most perfectly shaped eyes and lips. what a beauty!

The kiddies helping auntie kiki with her birthday cake

The O'Hearon Family, looking cute and color co-ordinated!

Keah, Emmy, Mike and Finley

This is the FUNNIEST thing ever. See this stool, he could totally just get up and get off the chair, but he doesn't. He's put on here for a time out, and as soon as his bum hits the stool, he puts his hands upto his eyes and starts crying, like sobbing. I know I shouldn't laugh, but it's so funny. He doesn't even like to go near the stool... what a funny kid!

I spent the afternoon with the Nelson family and had a delicious dinner with them. Jeff is amazing at making mashed potatoes, yummy. That night my old roots manager and close friend Terri came over. She lives in Ontario now, and we hate that she is so far away. She's become a friend to the whole family and is one of the sweetest people that I know. Anyway she was in town for a visit and she came over to make cards with me, Kathy and mom. We had so much fun and made some really cute cards. I'm thankful every time I get to spend some time with terri. I hope she knows just how sweet and awesome she really is!

***

Tuesday August 10th, 2010

This day started off with some visitors to our house, we watched the Nelson 5 this morning, and had a lot of fun as always. They had breakfast with us, and we got some donuts too, they were so yummy! The kids watched a movie with uncle brandon, they drew us some new pictures and we just laughed and had a fun time. I love those kids so much, they have a special place in my heart and I love every minute that I get to spend with them. It makes me sad that they are all growing up so quick, although I am excited to see the big kids that they grow up to be!

uncle brandon made a ceral box hat for Miss G to wear...

Someone was a little excited about his timbit!

***

That night after we both got home from work we headed out to the cottage which was in windsor, it was so dark out, we went the wrong way twice, but the signs we were looking for were so hard to see, one of them was completely hidden in the dark. We saw two large racoons and a porcupine, which was crazy exciting for us city people!!

***

Wednesday August 11th, 2010

We only had 2 days at the cottage and we were planning on using those days to the fullest. It was fun to be around family and just laugh and relax. We spent most of the day on the lake, which resulted in a sun burn for me, a pretty bad one, but i didn't let that slow me down, since it was my own fault. We hung out on the dock, went out on the boat, did some swimming, got some sun, did some reading and had some lunch. We had a delicious BBQ dinner and played apples to apples that night. Brandon and I watched Return to Me that night in bed, and it was a good movie, we both actually really liked it, it surprised me that bran liked it!

Brandon teasing his sisters Chelsey and Brittany... trying to tip them..

My mother-in-law Laureen getting some sun on the dock

The girls and lucy hanging out on the dock...

Brandon up on the water skis... he's so good!

He also went out on the tube too... he had some great wipe outs on that

I made Brandon take this so I could prove that I saw in the lake.... and yes I do know how to swim, I just prefer to wear the life jacket so I can just relax and float in the water

Brandon and I happy to be out if the city and out in the sun

***

Thursday August 12th, 2010

Day two at the cottage... we had a yummy pancake breakfast this morning, I haven't had blueberry pancakes in forever, they were delicious. Due to my burn I spent the morning relaxing inside, I was able to finish my book, The Girl With The Dragon Tatoo which was really interesting, and good, but I don't think it's a book for everyone, it can be a bit graphic is some parts, but a really interesting story. It wasn't a book I normally would have chosen, but I enjoyed it. I have the next book in the series, The Girl Who Played with Fire on my bedside table. We went into Windsor for some lunch, and we ate at this small cafe and bakery called the Snapdragon, and it was delicious! We all really enjoyed our meals, Laureen and I had salads, they had cranberries, walnuts, red onions and feta in it and it was SUPER yummy and served with a biscuit. The we went out and did some go carting, I'd never done it before, so I was pretty excited. It was a hot day, so it was great to have the wind in my hair. We did 10 laps and I enjoyed everyone. It's fun to see your family all zooming around! We headed back to the cottage to get in the water. We did some swimming and I tried water skiing. I didn't get completely up, but I tried my hardest. My father-in-law gave me the trooper award that day because I was not giving up! Eventually I just got so tired that I had to call it a day. Brandon and i took the boat out and did a little fishing, although we didn't get anything, it was just nice to be out on the water. We had a nice outside dinner, and then headed back to the city. It was a great two days, we always have fun when we are with the family, we had two perfect days at the cottage the weather was the BEST it could have been and we are thankful for that!

Me excited about my salad... we ate outside too which was so summery and nice... I have a new love for Feta... I want to make more salads at home with feta in it!

Everyone but Peter ready to go cart... he's a good little photographer... but don't worry he carted with us!

here I am in my cart and ready to go...

back on the lake, I wanted bran to do a jumping picture and he kindly played along... I think it turned out awesome and his face in it is priceless!

here I am in the lake, with my water ski's strapped on, and I'm still smiling!

here I am struggling to get up but I ALMOST did it!

We've had a busy few weeks but we've been enjoying our summer, hope you enjoyed my recap!