GiST: Day 18

1. CAA for unlocking my van tonight. I have been working the odd evening at a hotel my friend works at. They are short staff for banquets, so I have been picking up the odd shift. Tonight, I got home at 8:30pm, emptied the van, went to pick up a pen off the floor, heard something fall out of my hands, thought nothing of it. I proceeded to lock the van and walk in the house. Then it dawned on me, I locked the key in the van. Frantically I went searching for our spare key. The one I put somewhere where I would not loose it. I could not find it anywhere. Knowing Chad had to go to work soon, I phoned CAA and they had someone come in ten minutes. They are wonderful.

2. Eating on the job. After I finished clearing tables and the banquet doors were closed for speeches, the head of catering allowed the staff to fill a plate with food before the kitchen cleared the tables. It was wonderful.

3. My husband, for helping me clean the house the last two days. We are not finished, but we have made some great progress together. He re-configured our amp and speakers to allow our mp3 player to play from the amp. Did I mention I love him!

4. Pooky bear receiving a free round of mini golf in her goodie bag from the birthday party she went to today. What's even better, is I found another coupon for free mini golf on top of our fridge tonight. We will definitely be going mini-golfing next weekend.

5. The nice weather we had today. It was gorgeous. I let Pooky bear wear runners to the birthday party this afternoon so her feet would not get hot in her boots. She thought it was great. I now realize she needs new runners.

6. An excuse to go shoe shopping. Pooky bear and I have a love for shoe shopping. I told her next weekend I will take her to buy new runners and new puddle boots. I need a new pair of black dress shoes. This is a very good thing. Maybe I will buy a new purse as well..?

March 27 GiST: Day 17

1. Bowling with my family. Because I have been working so much, Chad decided to not do anything with his friends this weekend so he could spend more time with his family. Last night we decided to go bowling then go out for supper after. We had a blast. I am sure we will go again soon.

2. Watching Quantum of Solace after the children went to bed. It had been so long since we watched the movie in the theatre. I nearly forgot how brilliant the movie was.

3. Finding a book I used to read as a child while working. I happened to glance at an end cap display and saw the book. I quickly finished working, then went back to buy the book. I was going to save the book for a rainy day, however, I forgot to take the book out of the car before going bowling. Little monkey nearly sat on it. Mental note: do not leave items i am wishing to save for later on the girl's car seats. Oops!

4. Talking birthday cards. It is my cousin's birthday, so I had a lot of fun going through all of the talking cards at the store. They make me happy.

5. Finally winning a free coffee with Tim Horton's Roll Up the Rim. After 15 coffees, I have finally won simething! YEAH!

GiST: Day 16

1. Listening to music I like. It is how I clean my house and how I survive several trips to Saskatoon.

2. Having chocolate for breakfast. Seriously, it is the best! If you have not tried it, I highly recommend it. However, parental discression is advised.

3. Not living out of a suitcase. I have already unpacked and washed all the clothes I took to Vancouver. I think this is a first for me. Normally it takes me a week to fully unpack my suitcase.

4. Having Mom 2 Mom today to make up for not having Mom 2 Mom on Tuesday. It was so much fun to watch Tara's reaction to the mint chocolate I brought with me. (She loves mint chocolate).

5. Dropping off a box of chocolates to Terra to help cheer her up. I knew my friends would love me just a little more this week. Hee! Hee!

GiST: Day 15...a few days late

1. Getting my van back today!!!! I am super excited to be driving the van again. Although the car was nice with the heated seats and XM radio. My hips are extremely thankful for the van returning home to us. My girls are equally pumped about our van's return. My husband does not share his joy though. I think he felt younger driving the car.

2. Supreme Basics. I needed to print some important documents today, so I saved the documents on my flash drive and went to various office supply stores. Staples did not have a USB port compatible with my flash drive. Then Office Depot advised me it would not be printed until the morning. So, at that point, I was praying if it was at all necessary to print the documents today or not. Shortly after asking God for direction, I remembered Supreme Basics was not too far away. I quickly headed over there and a gentleman helped me out. Printed the documents in the matter of minutes and didn't even charge me. My answer from God was clear.

3. Seeing my girls this morning when they woke up. It is so exciting seeing their face after I have been gone, even for a day. The interesting point for this is they still have yet to ask what I got them from Vancouver. They are going to flip when they find out it is gourmet chocolates and suckers.

4. Flying home with 7 boxes of gourmet chocolate. Could my week get any better? I have a feeling my friends are going to love me just a little more this week.

5. My husband, for all he has done for my family and I this past week. I think I will keep him around.

GiST: Day 14

1. A productive work day.

2. Plans for this week end.

3. Clean sheets on my bed.

4. Only having one cup of coffee while on the road today.

5. Coming home 2 minutes earlier than I anticipated from work.

All in all today was a simple day.

GiST: Day 13

1. Truthfulness. In it's purest form with the best intentions.

2. Understanding and accepting the truth for what it is and where it comes from.

3. God, for answering prayers in short notices.

4. Friends who feel comfortable calling "after hours" to make sure I am OK.

5. Prayer and scripture. I would not be who I am today with out them.

6. You, for reading my blog.

Monday, March 16. GiST: Day 12

I went to bed at 8:30 last night, so I missed posting. Here it is:

1. My car not being written off by SGI.

2. Maaco for not taking SGI's suggestion to bend out the dented part and paint it. They are going to replace the entire side panel for the driver's side. For a van, that is a lot of money.

3. The 2009 Hyundai Sonata I am currently driving right now. It is fully loaded with heated seats and XM radio. Am I going to want my van when it is done?

4. Talking with my new manager. I have had chances to work with Elaine in the past, specifically with my last conference, so it was a very comfortable transition. I think it will be a lot of fun working with her.

5. Finding out I fly to Vancouver next Monday. This is an exciting trip for me as I have never been to B.C, however, I am not able to visit with people I want to see. I will be by the airport which is out in the boonies. To make up for it I am going to wave in the directions of all my firends while I am there.

Gist: day 11

1. Watching my girl's fashion show they put on for family time. Today the theme was "guess which scooby they are". It was super fun. Who knew you could have a princess cheer leading tourist scooby!

2. Pancakes for supper. My recipe consisted of me grabbing ingredients and mixing until I had the right consistancy. They were seriously the best pancakes I have ever made. Chad noticed they were different from the usual and asked which recipe I used. I commented, "I think I can make them again?!" He was impressed I had no recipe, but seems concerned I will not have the exact same recipe next time. We will have to see

3. Spending a day in your PJ's. Although the weather was beautiful and all of the windows were open in the house, I was not feeling very well this morning, so Chad declared it a HOME DAY. It was nice.

4. The weather getting nicer. I am looking forward to a snow-free environment. Now if only we could skip spring for my allergies and stay in summer mode all year round, that would be great! Highly impossible, but I could breathe and be warm all at the same time.

5. Catching up on all of the T.V shows I missed the nights I went to bed early last week. It made tonight's procrastination justified. "I have to watch the shows tonight. I work every day this week, which will require me to go to bed early, which means I need to tape more shows, which will use up more memory on the DTVR. So, by watching my shows tonight, I can delete them. Creating space for this week's entertainment." See, it is all justified and fabulous.

Saturday, March 14. GiSt: Day 10

Saturday was very busy day, so I am posting for Saturday now.

1. My husband for letting me sleep in this morning and for taking pooky bear to ballet while I relaxed at home with little monkey.

2. Pooky bear for taking us swimming as a family today. She has been receiving allowance money for feeding the cats. Since then, she has been thinking of things she wants to buy or do with her money. She was the one who suggested swimming for the family. At first I was against the idea of her paying, but then I realized it would help teach her responsibility. I also knew it would only cost $11.00, so she wouldn't use all of her money towards swimming. Did I ever mention how much I love and appreciate that girlie.

3. Wal-mart re-usable large grocery bags. I know this sounds strange, but the bag was the perfect size to hold 6 of our beach towels, personals, and brush. I didn't have to worry about the bag getting wet. It was awesome. I don't know why I never thought of using one before for swimming, it will definitely be my bag of choice in the future.

4. My friend, who invited me to attend the SHEA awards tonight. It was so much fun. I felt special being able to wear my little black dress and my black aldo shoes. I so rarely have a chance to wear that combination. I looked fabulous, so did the other ladies I went with, I might add.

5. Going out for iced tea after the awards and participating in awesome girl talk. It was nice. I like being a girl. Most days.

GiST: Friday, March 13 :Day 9

1. Names of streets in Saskatoon. There is a street called Cope St where they are building a series of senoir's complexes. What is even funnier is the St is right next Brand Dr where there are major retailers. Too funny. I am thankful for things that make me laugh.

2. Being able to listen to Wired 96.3 all the way to Regina Beach coming home from Saskatoon. This is a first for me. Normally there is no reception past Chamberlain, so it was a happy drive home for me!

3. My husband for vacuuming while I was working today. This was a huge task in it self, so I am very thankful I did not have to do it myself.

4. Large Double, Double with a shot of french Vanilla Tim Horton's coffee. I had three today because each time I ran out, I wanted more. And fortunately, there was a Tim Horton's where ever I had to drive. What I am not liking is the fact I am still awake because I had three coffees.

5. Being greeted by my children when I walk in the door after I have been working all day. I love how excited they are that I am home. It show me they missed me as much as I missed them. They are super cute kids!

Gist: Day 8

1. My husband for doing the errands this afternoon, so I could work from home. I really dislike having to venture downtown, and am super thankful he is going for me.

2. Sleeping for 12 hours straight. Yep, I think that is a first in a long time. I went to sleep at 8:30 last night and woke up at 8:30am.

3. My husband again for letting me sleep in 30 minutes later this morning. Our girls woke up before me, so Chad took care of them until I woke up because he was still awake. I think I will keep that man of mine!

4. Watching people's reaction when I share the Reese's cookies with them. It is awesome to see their expression of joy on their face.

5. Frodo cuddled by my side while I "work". Hee Hee!

Grace in Small Things: Day 7

I am posting this early because I am planning on going to bed early tonight. Whether I do or not is a good question.

1. Having a productive work day. I was able to work from home and in the field and accomplish more than I expected to. I consider that a good day.

2. Finding out I am going to have the chance to fly to Vancouver sometime at the end of this month, or the beginning of next month. I have never seen the ocean and am tickled pink to have the opportunity to see it. An added perk is being close to many friends. Yeah!

3. Bacon, eggs, toast and assorted oranges for supper. My girls both loved the clementines and blood oranges. Pooky bear asked to take a blood orange for snack tomorrow. I wonder what the other kids will think when she tells them it is a blood orange. Oh to be in kindergarden again!

4. Finding out my friends cat will be OK. She was having digestive problems, but now everything has worked out of her system and she will be fine.

5. Bedtime. I am very thankful for bed time.

One of my favourites

ARROGANT WORMS ARE COMING TO REGINA!!!

Can you tell I am excited!

GiST: Day 6

My list is short and sweet today, is that a bad thing?

1. Having the ability to work from home, especially on a cold day.

2. My husband making supper while I lay down and relax.

3. Oh Henry cookie's. Do I have to say more?

4. Children in bed before 8:00pm. It is a wonderful thing!

5. My electric heating pad. I would freeze with out it.

GiST Day 5

1. Tonight's episode of Corner Gas. The episode reminded me of how much I don't like it when people kiss me on each cheek as a greeting. I find it socially awkward when someone greets me with two kisses. It is even worse when I attempt to "blend in" and greet people with the two kiss greeting. The V.P, of the company I work for, advised me I need to loosen up when participating in the 2 kiss greeting. Ha! Yeah, that will only happen when saliva stops coming in contact with people's lips.

2. Left overs. I was very impressed the roast did not dry out over night. It made left over night that much better.

3. Play doh. It can occupy my children for hours. It is fabulous. Plus, I like to play with it as well. It is fun to pretend you are a child.

4. Pooky bear for suggesting she use her allowance money to take the family swimming on Saturday. (We will go swimming, but we will pay) She is so thoughtful. She is the type of person who would give you her shirt she was wearing if you needed it. She is a good cookie, I think I will keep her.

5. Being able to relax and watch some of my favourite shows on T.V.

GiST Day 4

1. My children eating all of their supper. I made an amazing pot roast and served it with whipped potatoes and honey dilled carrots. Both of the girls ate all of their food. Pooky Bear beat me eating. That was way out of the ordinary.

2. My pot roast. Did I mention how wonderful it was! It came out so tender and moist. I highly recommend braising, then searing, then mirepoix with 1 cup of water to make a quick broth in the skillet used for the searing. Then pour the broth along with the mirepoix on top of the roast, cover then bake at 350. All of that = YUMM!

3. My "niece" coming over this afternoon. It was fun to watch the three girls play together. Little girls are cute!

4. Our left over candy stash from last night. Mmm. I am definitely brushing my teeth longer tonight!

5. My cat, for recognizing I needed someone to cuddle with tonight.

Saturday GiST Day 3

Sorry for the lateness.

1. Swedish berries. Boy, do I love them. I had them last night while I helped make my aunt's wedding invitations.

2. My mother-in-law for babysitting the girls so Chad could come with me and spend time with Mark.

3. Nicky's cafe. Such a wonderful place to eat. There are very few places in town where I can order cabbage rolls and perogies. Also, there cinnamon buns are AMAZING!

4. Wall-E. It is such a good movie, I highly recommend for everyone. We watched it again last night with friends.

5. Having time with my husband alone. It was only for 45 minutes while we went for supper, but it was nice.

GiST: Day 2

1. MacDonald's play structure in the east end of town. It provided a change of scenery for the children and a chance for me to sit and chat with a good friend of mine.

2. My DTVR for recording House at 3:00am. It is the one show I have an obsession with watching every night.

3. My friend's dog, Molly. She is a Bichon Shih tzu . I will never own a dog like her, but she is very dear to my heart.

4. My husband for working 12 hours last night during inventory. I can't imagine counting all that medication.

5. The paper person for delivering the flyers for this week. We have not had flyers for at least a year. Either this will allow us to save more money; or because I can track the sales, spend more money. Time will only tell.

Grace in Small Things: DAY 1

A friend of mine has beeng posting 5 things she is thankful for each day. She will do this for a full year. I think it is a wonderful reminder to be thankful every day for what God has done for us. So, here I go:

1. My little monkey, who chose raisins as her choice of snack food while shopping at the grocery store. It is important to note she chose the raisins after walking through the candy/chip isles and did not ask for anything.

2. Being reminded of how big our children have gotten. While at the grocery store, the clerk was an old babysitter for us when pooky bear was 2 years old. She was so excited to see them and could not get over how big they are. Moments like that make me happy.

3. Friends calling me back after they have seen I called on their caller ID. I admit I am not always good at this myself, so I really do appreciate it when it is done for me.

4. Having supper on the table at 5:00pm. It feels good to let the children play after supper and not have to rush to get them ready for bed.

5. A nice cup of tea. I have never been much into drinking tea, however, with my caffiene limitations I have grown to appreciate a nice cup (more like mug) of tea.