Meet Me On Monday

The Christmas Edition of Meet Me On Monday

 A wonderful way for bloggers to meet new friends and get to know each other better.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
I use both but more wrapping paper than bags.

2. Real or artificial tree?
Real tree – I love the fresh pine scent.

3. When do you put your tree up?
I like to put the tree up two weeks before Christmas.

4. When do you take your tree down?
I usually take the tree down a day or two after Christmas day.

5. Do you like eggnog?
I don’t really like eggnog.

6. Do you have a nativity scene?
I have a small table-top nativity arrangement.

7. Favorite Christmas Movie?
Oh, that’s a hard one. I love most Christmas movies – especially the tear-jerkers - but, Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without watching, “The Christmas Carol.”

8. Favorite Christmas cookie?
I’m not much of a cookie eater but, my children love peanut butter cookies – so that is what I usually make.

9. Where will you eat Christmas dinner?
We’ll be joining my daughter and her future in-laws for Christmas dinner.

10. Angel, bow or star on top of your tree?
I have a star on the top of my Christmas tree.

11. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
The chaotic, last minute rush and the crowds pushing and shoving.

12. Do you like Fruitcake?
I have never liked Fruitcake.

13. What are you most excited about the holidays?
Being with family! It’s the only time of year that we all get together and it’s wonderful.

14. Do you open presents Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning?
On Christmas eve, the children are given one gift to open – otherwise, presents are opened on Christmas day.

15. Will you still be wrapping presents on Christmas Eve?
Not this year. :)

From our house to yours, Merry Christmas Everybody!

Love Susan

Meet Me On Monday

I've just joined a wonderful group called, "Meet Me on Monday" hosted by Java from "Never Growing Old."

This is what 'Meet Me on Monday' is all about:

"Blogging is a funny thing...we tell our most intimate thoughts for all to read and yet most of the time I find myself sitting and wondering, "who is this person!?" I know them...but yet I don't know them! I want to know who the person is behind all those words so I thought of a great way for all of us to "meet" each other!"

Each Sunday, 5 questions are asked and we answer them - sharing a little about ourselves.




Questions and answers:

1. Tomorrow I'm going to _________?

I’ll be spending the day with my husband, daughter, her fiancé, and her future in-laws. We will be going to the city hall for the marriage licence in preparation for Adam and Jen’s destination wedding (Punta Cana, Dominican Republic) in May. Afterwards, we'll be going out to dinner and drinks – an exciting time!

2. Pudding or Jello?

Although I like both pudding and jello, I’d have to pick pudding as my favourite.

3. What book are you currently reading?

I’m currently reading “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett

The author really understands Southern life and has made great efforts to understand what life was like for black women who served white families. She presents sad stories that leave a great glimmer of hope. The book also has wonderfully light-hearted moments, humorous moments, and strikingly funny insights into women and their behaviour.

4. What is the first concert you went to see?

I don’t think I've ever been to a live concert. I preferred the theatre and the first show I saw was, “Les Miserable.”

5. What is your current weather?

The weather is cold with temperature  at 0 degrees celcius/32 degrees fahrenheit.


Until next week, take care and keep smiling!


Please feel free to pop over and join us at, Never Growing Old.

What is Forever Love?

I've heard the words, "Forever Love" many times and have also heard many 'nah-sayers' stating that it doesn't exist. I, for one, believe that it does exist. I have watched my two children fall in love and continue to see the gleem in their eyes and actions. I hope it lasts forever. 

I've also been married to the same man for several decades and even though we've had the occasional argument, we're still in love. I can't see myself being with anyone else.

How about you? Do you believe in forever love?

In my humble opinion, the answer to my question is in the heart-warming finale of the movie "Notebook." It tugs at the heart and brings tears to your eyes.

"Notebook" is a story about a man and a woman from different backgrounds, with individual problems - but, there's one thread that connects them together throughout the years and that's - 

'Forever Love.'

Fleeting Thoughts

With age comes the realization that there are things in life that I would have loved to have had - but, with age, the little things and the fleeting moments that caught me off guard, shine even brighter.

He held my face in his little hands and said, "Mommy, I'm never going to leave home because I want to live with you forever."

She reached out - a melted piece of chocolate in the palm of her hand - "Mommy, I saved a piece for you."

Their whispered words of "I love you more" as I tucked them in at night.

Shared hugs and kisses - snuggling - giggles and smiles.

Their pouting lips before they shared a "hurt."

They, too, carved deep within my heart.

Her shuffling gait when she wore my high-heels.

Feeling his tiny arms tighten 'round my waist

- the comfort he found was mine.

A single rose she picked. "Mommy this is for you."

Their rolling eyes of mischief

Their snickers, their sighs and goodbyes.

When I spoke the words, "Did you miss me, kids?"

I was really saying, "I missed you."

These special moments in time

Are mine. Yes mine, all mine!

Tonight, I sit and wonder.

Do they still miss me?

Cherished memories of watching my children grow through the years.
I'm never far behind them - with my camera. :))

"Dance with Me"

When we’re young and we dream of love and fulfillment, we think perhaps of moon-drenched Parisian nights or walks along the beach at sunset.
No one tells us that the greatest moments of a lifetime are fleeting, unplanned and nearly always catch us off guard.

Many moons ago, I took my four-year-old son to an elegant department store, where the melodic notes of a classic love song drew us toward a tuxedoed musician playing a grand piano. We sat down on a marble bench nearby, and he seemed as transfixed by the lilting theme as I was.

I didn’t realize that he had stood up next to me until he turned, took my face in his little hands and said, “Dance with me.”

If only those women strolling under the Paris moon knew the joy of such an invitation made by a round-cheeked boy with baby teeth. Although shoppers openly chuckled, grinned and pointed at us as we glided and whirled around the open atrium, I would not have traded a dance with such a charming young gentleman if I’d been offered the universe.
The little things in life mean the most ~ Cherish them!

Somewhere Out There

When my children grew up and moved away from home, memories of days gone by became my constant companions. Many things trigger these memories – a statement, a photo, a chance acquaintance from the past, and certain songs.

Years ago when my children were under 5 years old, they use to sing the song, “Somewhere Out There” from the movie, “The American Tale.” They would watch the movie over and over again singing along with the animal characters. They sang the song so much that they began to sound just like these characters. I remember watching them from afar and smiling in amazement. It was so adorable and heart-warming. Obviously, their voices have matured since then – but, the memories are alive and well. Now when I listen to the song, I drift back in time. The lyrics take on a meaning of their own. The composer speaks of love and the dream of finding it someday (somewhere out there).

This sweet tune has a  prophetic message for me in that both my children, having sung this song so many times, have found this love.

 Jen has found her ‘true’ love and is soon to be married and John has found his soul-mate – someone he loves with all his heart and will no doubt marry in the near future. This triggers my smile.

Yep, memories are precious moments stored in our hearts forever and dreams really do come true.

My Daughter's Wedding in the making . . .

Love is in the air!

One of my dreams has come true - my daughter, Jen is engaged to be married to a wonderful man and they are planning a Destination Wedding. It warms my heart when I see them together. They truly radiate love.

Adam and Jen's Wedcation 2012: Wedcation in Punta Cana!: Welcome to our wedding blog! We are very excited as we count down the days to our beach ceremony in Punta Cana . We hope you can celebrat...

Where, oh where did the time go?

I sit alone these days with two empty rooms in my house. There are tell-tale signs that they were once used extensively- my son's and daughter's bedrooms. I remember with a smile on my face the many times the three of us spent together. Boy, do I miss those cherished moments.

I can also sit back with pride knowing that they've grown up and are living happy, productive lives.

Where did the time go - Infancy, childhood carefree days, daycare, elementary school, highschool, university, the vacations, holidays, parties. . . I could go on and on but that would make me feel old. :))

When I was a young mother, I could never imagine the day my children would leave home and start a life on their own. I remember them saying, "I'm never going to leave home, Mom. I'm going to live with you forever." I guess I heard it so many times that I started to believe it.

I'm beaming with pride today knowing my children are happy but a piece of my heart is sad because I no longer see them on a daily basis. I can only be here if they ever need me and support them along life's journey.

To all young mothers out there . . . Cherish every moment while your children are still young and take lots of pictures because it helps to remember the early years. Time stands sill for no one and your children grow up so fast.

Empty Nest Syndrome does make a visit when your children move away from home but the love you have for them remains forever and helps you get through the lonely times!

John and Jen as infants

 Childhood years

John and Jen today.

Where did the time go? How fast time flies by!

"Your children are not your children.

They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.

They come through you but not from you,

And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you. . .

For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with

His might that His arrows may go swift and far.

Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;

For even as he loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable."

by Kahlil Gibran



My son, John - A Success Story

As a child, my son John was a dreamer - something that he carried with him throughout his life. As early as I can remember he had a pen in his hand - always writing. He would sit for hours taking notes. It was always his dream to be a writer. It was his passion and I'm happy to report - his dream came true.

John is an editor, screenwriter, freelance journalist for several magazines/newspapers and co-founder of BDX Dance e-Magazine. Many doubted that he'd ever be a writer simply because he was big, muscular and an athlete - an All-Star football player. He was a "jock" and some thought he would go on to be a pro football player. What they forgot was that he was also a scholar and creative thinker who never gave up on his dream.

I'm so proud of John for sticking to his guns and striving for something that makes him happy!

When he's happy, I'm happy! :))

To My Daughter . . . I Believe in You

When my daughter was younger, she liked to play dress-up ~ funny hats, long beads, gloves and high-heels. Here she looks like the poor little rich girl. She had just finished watching the movie, "Little Princess" starring Shirley Temple. In hindsight, I wonder ~ What was going through Jen's little head – What was she thinking?
How fast the years pass. Today she’s a 27 year old woman and I’m playing dress-up ~ the poor little rich mom ~ (minus the rich) :))
Tonight, I was reminiscing of days gone by ~ back to the yester-years when Jen was a wee baby!
I remember the nights we sat together and talked for hours.
She would share her dreams. Everything seemed to be moving so slow for her back then.
Boy ~ does time fly!
Many a night she would reveal her fears ~ “Mom what if I fail?”
But deep down inside, I knew she would succeed! Hey, us moms know these things. :)
I heard a song tonight and my dear Jen came to mind.
She reached up high, grabbed a star and now she’s shining bright!
I’m so very proud of her but miss those precious moments together.
Jen has indeed succeeded beyond my wildest dreams! I knew she would!

I believed in her!

I Love You More!

Our children give us more than they will ever know. The scope of their hopes and dreams leave us humbled and awed. Every antic, every question, every conversation carries the power to make us recognize what is truly important in this life. Too often, we miss these moments of truth and beauty. We fail to recognize them for what they really are: glimpses of heaven before our time ~


It all began as we were standing in front of the bathroom mirror, me fixing Jen's fine, blonde hair. I was putting in the final elastic of a spunky pair of pony tails and finished with, "I love you, Jen."

"And I love you," she replied.

"Oh, yeah," I taunted, "well, I love you more."

Her eyes lit up as she recognized the cue for the start of another "I love you more" match. "Nuh-uh," she laughed, "I love you the most."

"I love you more than a volcano!" I countered--a favorite family phrase in these battles of love.

"But, Mom, I love you from here to China."

We volleyed back and forth a few favorite lines. "I love you more than peanut butter"...Well, I love you more than television"..."I even love you more than bubble gum."

It was my turn again, and I made the move that usually brings victory. "Too bad, chickadee. I love you more than the universe!"

On this day, however, Jen was not going to give up. I could see she was thinking.

"Mom," she said in a quiet voice, "I love you more than myself."

I stopped. Dumbfounded ~ Overwhelmed by her sincerity. Here I thought that I knew more than she did. I thought I knew at least everything that she knew. What a wonderful expression of love ~ she loved me more than herself.

Jen is now 27 years old and we still have these “I love you more” matches. I still maintan ~

“Jen, I love you more ~ More than forever and a day.”

I await her response. :)))

Hugsssss to all!