tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26696155533021061622024-03-13T00:49:19.418-04:00A Mother's WishA Mother's Wish
...for her children's dreams to come true.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04828446398677256936noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669615553302106162.post-54114070654634461582012-05-12T23:46:00.001-04:002012-05-13T00:05:53.409-04:00A Love Story<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My daughter Jen met the man of her dreams - Adam. They enjoyed special times together and their love grew even stronger. Then it happened - he proposed!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For one year, they discussed where to get married. Finally, they decided on a Destination Wedding in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On May 4, 2012 surrounded by family and friends they became husband and wife in Punta Cana along the ocean shore at sunset - a fairytale wedding!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A True Love Story!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Love and hugsssss, Susan</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">xo</span></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04828446398677256936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669615553302106162.post-75421987087446443872012-01-07T17:18:00.000-05:002012-01-07T17:18:53.109-05:00Happy Days and Exciting News!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>A new day has come -- if you listen carefully, you can hear her breathing! :D</em></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></div><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Help yourself to a cup of tea/coffee and let's get started.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Have you ever been lost for words and then suddenly ~ *poof* ~ there's a flood?</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Sometimes, I'm so overwhelmed with emotion that I feel the need to shout.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>So here goes . . .</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>My son is getting married in 7 days and I couldn't be happier for him and his beautiful wife-to-be!</strong></em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>See you after the wedding!</em></span></div></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzhRQWPHrwb0GuQRnsnQfcS31Klv2FpBaENQtsT279bN7A8wbo3bejyV39PBFb1ddNn5MPR7Qc72Qiw8q93bQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Love and hugsssss,</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Susan xo</em></span></div><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em></em></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/377/22BF071E70E8A2E298766178092A9803.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04828446398677256936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669615553302106162.post-53925039145151903022011-12-18T22:59:00.000-05:002011-12-18T22:59:07.281-05:00Meet Me On MondayThe Christmas Edition of <a href="http://nevergrowingold.blogspot.com/search/label/Meet%20Me%20On%20Monday">Meet Me On Monday</a><br />
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<center><a href="http://nevergrowingold.blogspot.com/search/label/Meet%20Me%20On%20Monday"><img border="0" src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee487/nevergrowingold/MeetMonday-1.jpg" /></a></center><center> </center>A wonderful way for bloggers to meet new friends and get to know each other better.<br />
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<strong>1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?</strong><br />
I use both but more wrapping paper than bags.<br />
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<strong>2. Real or artificial tree?</strong><br />
Real tree – I love the fresh pine scent.<br />
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<strong>3. When do you put your tree up?</strong><br />
I like to put the tree up two weeks before Christmas.<br />
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<strong>4. When do you take your tree down?</strong><br />
I usually take the tree down a day or two after Christmas day.<br />
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<strong>5. Do you like eggnog?</strong><br />
I don’t really like eggnog.<br />
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<strong>6. Do you have a nativity scene?</strong><br />
I have a small table-top nativity arrangement.<br />
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<strong>7.</strong> <strong>Favorite Christmas Movie?</strong><br />
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.”<br />
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<strong>8. Favorite Christmas cookie?</strong><br />
I’m not much of a cookie eater but, my children love peanut butter cookies – so that is what I usually make.<br />
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<strong>9. Where will you eat Christmas dinner?</strong><br />
We’ll be joining my daughter and her future in-laws for Christmas dinner.<br />
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<strong>10. Angel, bow or star on top of your tree?</strong><br />
I have a star on the top of my Christmas tree.<br />
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<strong>11. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?</strong><br />
The chaotic, last minute rush and the crowds pushing and shoving.<br />
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<strong>12. Do you like Fruitcake?</strong><br />
I have never liked Fruitcake.<br />
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<strong>13. What are you most excited about the holidays?</strong><br />
Being with family! It’s the only time of year that we all get together and it’s wonderful.<br />
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<strong>14. Do you open presents Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning?</strong><br />
On Christmas eve, the children are given one gift to open – otherwise, presents are opened on Christmas day.<br />
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<strong>15. Will you still be wrapping presents on Christmas Eve?</strong><br />
Not this year. :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TRNyOi9UUvI/Tu61wt5zEqI/AAAAAAAAAp4/nmyrdRBqlsU/s1600/n710106455_1650890_7545+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TRNyOi9UUvI/Tu61wt5zEqI/AAAAAAAAAp4/nmyrdRBqlsU/s1600/n710106455_1650890_7545+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a></div><br />
From our house to yours, Merry Christmas Everybody!<br />
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Love Susan<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/377/22BF071E70E8A2E298766178092A9803.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04828446398677256936noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669615553302106162.post-33044358376896602232011-12-11T23:31:00.014-05:002011-12-12T02:42:42.865-05:00Meet Me On MondayI've just joined a wonderful group called, "<a href="http://nevergrowingold.blogspot.com/search/label/Meet%20Me%20On%20Monday">Meet Me on Monday</a>" hosted by Java from "<a href="http://nevergrowingold.blogspot.com/">Never Growing Old</a>."<br />
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This is what 'Meet Me on Monday' is all about:<br />
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"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!" <br />
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Each Sunday, 5 questions are asked and we answer them - sharing a little about ourselves.<br />
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<center><a href="http://nevergrowingold.blogspot.com/search/label/Meet%20Me%20On%20Monday"><img border="0" src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee487/nevergrowingold/MeetMonday-1.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Questions and answers:</span></u></b><br />
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1. <b>Tomorrow I'm going to _________?</b><br />
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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!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3A2zvqDNEk/TuV9OdNACXI/AAAAAAAAAok/W8QQ989HwLU/s1600/Engagement+Phtos+051+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3A2zvqDNEk/TuV9OdNACXI/AAAAAAAAAok/W8QQ989HwLU/s320/Engagement+Phtos+051+%25283%2529.jpg" width="272" /></a></div><br />
2. <b>Pudding or Jello?</b><br />
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Although I like both pudding and jello, I’d have to pick pudding as my favourite.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gn8jgL1znyU/TuV4W9DlFdI/AAAAAAAAAoU/z-QXiGMIY6k/s1600/pudding2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gn8jgL1znyU/TuV4W9DlFdI/AAAAAAAAAoU/z-QXiGMIY6k/s400/pudding2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
3. <b>What book are you currently reading?</b> <br />
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I’m currently reading “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b0aufnqjGQA/TuV389yTm8I/AAAAAAAAAoI/lRlicHBzAXI/s1600/200px-Thehelpbookcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b0aufnqjGQA/TuV389yTm8I/AAAAAAAAAoI/lRlicHBzAXI/s400/200px-Thehelpbookcover.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>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.<br />
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4. <b>What is the first concert you went to see?</b><br />
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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.”<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IaOlmOWIJd4/TuV5iuKVr0I/AAAAAAAAAoc/nxmCvSb6VBc/s1600/les-miserables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IaOlmOWIJd4/TuV5iuKVr0I/AAAAAAAAAoc/nxmCvSb6VBc/s320/les-miserables.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br />
5. <b>What is your current weather?</b><br />
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The weather is cold with temperature at 0 degrees celcius/32 degrees fahrenheit.<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="155" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://weather.yahoo.com/badge/?id=24143200&u=c&t=default&l=horizontal" vspace="0" width="278"></iframe><noscript><a href="http://weather.yahoo.com/canada/ontario/m1h-1y3-24143200/">M1H 1Y3 Weather</a> from <a href="http://weather.yahoo.com">Yahoo! Weather</a></noscript><br />
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Until next week, take care and keep smiling!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/377/22BF071E70E8A2E298766178092A9803.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a><br />
Please feel free to pop over and join us at, <a href="http://nevergrowingold.blogspot.com/search/label/Meet%20Me%20On%20Monday">Never Growing Old</a>.<br />
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<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=119557" type="text/javascript" ></script>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04828446398677256936noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669615553302106162.post-74430280760763630942011-11-30T23:05:00.002-05:002011-12-01T08:10:59.480-05:00What is Forever Love?<div style="text-align: center;">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. </div><div style="text-align: center;">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.</div><div style="text-align: center;">How about you? Do you believe in forever love? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">In my humble opinion, the answer to my question is in the heart-warming finale of the movie <strong><em>"Notebook."</em></strong> It tugs at the heart and brings tears to your eyes. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"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 - </div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>'Forever Love.'</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04828446398677256936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669615553302106162.post-11710353551702477262011-11-25T08:37:00.000-05:002011-11-25T08:37:46.963-05:00Fleeting Thoughts<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bMPBTeqFnew/Ts86t0P99-I/AAAAAAAAAg4/0xbOOHaj2UM/s1600/307983_10150277592821456_710106455_8290017_2336966_n+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bMPBTeqFnew/Ts86t0P99-I/AAAAAAAAAg4/0xbOOHaj2UM/s320/307983_10150277592821456_710106455_8290017_2336966_n+%25282%2529.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><br />
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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.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">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."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">She reached out - a melted piece of chocolate in the palm of her hand - "Mommy, I saved a piece for you."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Their whispered words of "I love you more" as I tucked them in at night.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Shared hugs and kisses - snuggling - giggles and smiles.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Their pouting lips before they shared a "hurt."</div><div style="text-align: center;">They, too, carved deep within my heart.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Her shuffling gait when she wore my high-heels.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Feeling his tiny arms tighten 'round my waist</div><div style="text-align: center;">- the comfort he found was mine.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">A single rose she picked. "Mommy this is for you."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Their rolling eyes of mischief</div><div style="text-align: center;">Their snickers, their sighs and goodbyes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">When I spoke the words, "Did you miss me, kids?"</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was really saying, "I missed you."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">These special moments in time</div><div style="text-align: center;">Are mine. Yes mine, all mine!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tonight, I sit and wonder.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Do they still miss me?<br />
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Cherished memories of watching my children grow through the years.<br />
I'm never far behind them - with my camera. :))</div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04828446398677256936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669615553302106162.post-34567940487119590572011-11-02T03:20:00.004-04:002011-12-07T17:37:22.457-05:00"Dance with Me"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dv_8LiNWVpI/TrDrcBBIUzI/AAAAAAAAAgg/-3ssBVG6vWs/s1600/Aww.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dv_8LiNWVpI/TrDrcBBIUzI/AAAAAAAAAgg/-3ssBVG6vWs/s320/Aww.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="contentbodytextnormal" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>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.</em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></em></span><em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="contentbodytextnormal">No one tells us that the greatest moments of a lifetime are fleeting, unplanned and nearly always catch us off guard.</span><br />
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<span class="contentbodytextnormal">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.</span><br />
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<span class="contentbodytextnormal">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.”</span><br />
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<span class="contentbodytextnormal">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.</span><br />
<span class="contentbodytextnormal">The little things in life mean the most ~ Cherish them!</span></span></span></em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04828446398677256936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669615553302106162.post-35935250407573494222011-10-28T00:58:00.003-04:002011-12-07T17:39:10.522-05:00Somewhere Out There<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>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.</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>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).</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>This sweet tune has a <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>prophetic message for me in that both my children, having sung this song so many times, have found this love.</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.</em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Yep, memories are precious moments stored in our hearts forever and dreams really do come true.</em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw97AyiuxPx_mbCqnjltdw3E2-A77NyH-NJwk8ILHTKpHxg8UmEdxowNRfX0Z03wBWbR-tPQDramx3yrb95Fw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04828446398677256936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669615553302106162.post-63953367312718446072011-10-04T22:25:00.000-04:002011-10-04T22:34:54.453-04:00My Daughter's Wedding in the making . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SZXQu_wmT64/TovA1yhfp1I/AAAAAAAAAgI/RhyehBC8mfI/s1600/Engagement+Phtos+074+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SZXQu_wmT64/TovA1yhfp1I/AAAAAAAAAgI/RhyehBC8mfI/s320/Engagement+Phtos+074+%25283%2529.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love is in the air!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">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.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://adamandjenwedding.blogspot.com/2011/08/wedcation-in-punta-cana.html?spref=bl">Adam and Jen's Wedcation 2012: Wedcation in Punta Cana!</a>: 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...Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04828446398677256936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669615553302106162.post-413131752620085562011-08-14T22:53:00.000-04:002011-09-07T22:58:42.503-04:00Where, 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.<br />
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I can also sit back with pride knowing that they've grown up and are living happy, productive lives.<br />
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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. :))<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">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.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">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!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ylrZ5t8IodM/TkiIgAnr0eI/AAAAAAAAAfw/bf-XpBK5Bdk/s1600/Jen+as+a+child+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" naa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ylrZ5t8IodM/TkiIgAnr0eI/AAAAAAAAAfw/bf-XpBK5Bdk/s320/Jen+as+a+child+011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>John and Jen as infants<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_JzkRos70AQ/TkiI4O9muFI/AAAAAAAAAf0/3ZV1PtFj3H0/s1600/Jen+as+a+child+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_JzkRos70AQ/TkiI4O9muFI/AAAAAAAAAf0/3ZV1PtFj3H0/s320/Jen+as+a+child+035.JPG" width="252" /></a></div> Childhood years<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Omzb0BAmiDQ/TkiJHmameSI/AAAAAAAAAf4/hquhkWzIUMg/s1600/Dinner+with+Jen+and+Adam+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Omzb0BAmiDQ/TkiJHmameSI/AAAAAAAAAf4/hquhkWzIUMg/s320/Dinner+with+Jen+and+Adam+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>John and Jen today.<br />
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Where did the time go? How fast time flies by!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Your children are not your children.</div><div style="text-align: center;">They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.</div><div style="text-align: center;">They come through you but not from you,</div><div style="text-align: center;">And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you. . .</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.</div><div style="text-align: center;">You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with </div><div style="text-align: center;">His might that His arrows may go swift and far.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;</div><div style="text-align: center;">For even as he loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable."</div><div style="text-align: center;">by Kahlil Gibran</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wknfn0VFaZM/TmgvAyv9_FI/AAAAAAAAAgE/GtALPAQZy1c/s1600/Bird+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wknfn0VFaZM/TmgvAyv9_FI/AAAAAAAAAgE/GtALPAQZy1c/s320/Bird+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04828446398677256936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669615553302106162.post-42753107530678394532011-07-22T23:53:00.000-04:002011-10-28T04:22:10.828-04:00My son, John - A Success StoryAs 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.<br />
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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.<br />
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I'm so proud of John for sticking to his guns and striving for something that makes him happy!<br />
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When he's happy, I'm happy! :))<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwpIKK0EFSgqeeSQekWt7iL7fF7nHTk6gbSLi_Pp9wdktAT2mRTsytd-2u1dnhgftZ3E_OkRG5WmwUQo3an6w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04828446398677256936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669615553302106162.post-46361087244832284622011-07-22T19:41:00.001-04:002011-12-07T17:41:40.847-05:00To My Daughter . . . I Believe in You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t0FNOkELPIk/TioWr6LIEiI/AAAAAAAAAfE/WL7kq9EmMLE/s1600/7fdc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t0FNOkELPIk/TioWr6LIEiI/AAAAAAAAAfE/WL7kq9EmMLE/s1600/7fdc.jpg" t$="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>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? <br />
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) :))<br />
Tonight, I was reminiscing of days gone by ~ back to the yester-years when Jen was a wee baby!<br />
I remember the nights we sat together and talked for hours.<br />
She would share her dreams. Everything seemed to be moving so slow for her back then.<br />
Boy ~ does time fly!<br />
Many a night she would reveal her fears ~ “Mom what if I fail?”<br />
But deep down inside, I knew she would succeed! Hey, us moms know these things. :)<br />
I heard a song tonight and my dear Jen came to mind.<br />
She reached up high, grabbed a star and now she’s shining bright!<br />
I’m so very proud of her but miss those precious moments together.<br />
Jen has indeed succeeded beyond my wildest dreams! I knew she would!</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><em>I believed in her!</em></strong></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br />
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</div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04828446398677256936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669615553302106162.post-67504086604731667342011-05-22T13:49:00.001-04:002011-12-07T17:46:42.068-05:00I Love You More!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KJy7XVdzG54/TdlQTwTfsoI/AAAAAAAAASE/O66SVmSLVMw/s1600/Jen%2B1.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609603111181070978" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KJy7XVdzG54/TdlQTwTfsoI/AAAAAAAAASE/O66SVmSLVMw/s320/Jen%2B1.bmp" style="float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 267px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>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 ~</em></span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>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." </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>"And I love you," she replied. </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>"Oh, yeah," I taunted, "well, I love you more." </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>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." </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>"I love you more than a volcano!" I countered--a favorite family phrase in these battles of love. </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>"But, Mom, I love you from here to China." </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>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." </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>It was my turn again, and I made the move that usually brings victory. "Too bad, chickadee. I love you more than the universe!" </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>On this day, however, Jen was not going to give up. I could see she was thinking. </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>"Mom," she said in a quiet voice, "I love you more than myself." </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>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. </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Jen is now 27 years old and we still have these “I love you more” matches. I still maintan ~ </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>“Jen, I love you more ~ More than forever and a day.” </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>I await her response. :)))</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Hugsssss to all!</em></span>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04828446398677256936noreply@blogger.com0