Thankful Beyond Expression

October is a time when we officially make time for giving thanks. Of course, I am thankful all year round. How could I not be? I'm relatively healthy, I have a handsome, responsible husband, I have 3 healthy, happy boys, and I have everything I need and more besides.

Yesterday was a gorgeous day here in Newfoundland. A cool fall day. Time for relaxing around a fire in the backyard and taking pictures of my little treasures. Well, not so little anymore. This weekend Carter and Caelan got toast and juice for themselves for breakfast! They're speeding ahead and Mom is having trouble keeping up!

Take a look at the cutie pies! :)

Yeah Mon!

October 2011!! I can't believe it! Isn't it still supposed to be summer?

We're just back from a fabulous vacation at the Gran Bahia Principe in Runaway Bay, Jamaica! Yeah Mon!!

Here are a few shots from the relaxing week. Above we are posing outside the Orchid Restaurant with the Entertainment Team. We all got to know each other and have some fun together. Terry even reminded them of the history of where the national Jamaican dish originated! Ackee and saltfish! Newfoundlanders would trade saltfish for the Jamaican rum! We were a little sad to say goodbye and exchanged hugs 'til next time! :)

This next photo was taken while relaxing around the pool which we spent a large percentage of our time doing. No better way to stay cool in Jamaica.

This is a man who entertained us while touring a pottery shop. I pointed to my camera asking his permission to take his picture. He was happy to oblige and struck a pose. Then he boldly pushed his hat towards me on the floor. Hmmmm! I guess I had to pay to take his picture! lol Jamaicans are well ahead of their time! :) Why didn't I think to have people pay to take my picture? lol

Here's my handsome husband relaxing in the lobby of the resort! Isn't that shirt sooooo his colour? He looks like a tall, cool glass of water! :)

I think this next one is my favourite. The sun setting over the beach with the palm tree and its coconuts silhouetted!

These Jamaican colored hats were the product of a friendly Jamaican craft vendor around the pool. She obligingly fixed them so I could photograph them. The colours of the Jamaican flag are green, gold and black. Green representing the lush vegetation, gold the ever present sun and the black the strength and creativity of its people.

Doesn't this one just invite you to forget all your responsibilities and soak in the sun, surf and sand?

And lastly, the beautiful colours of the Carribean Sea as seen from our plane.

All in all, a fabulous week! Can't wait to go again!! Yeah Mon!!

It's All About Ella

One hardly needs to say a word to describe this photo shoot. It's all about Ella, so sweet Ella! Wouldn't you agree?

50 lbs Lighter!

I promised I would write a blog so that my sisters who are living away in Ontario could see the new me. So, here it is . . .

It's been a year and a half and to date I am 51 pounds lighter than I was. I have a goal to lose approximately 30 more. It's been a journey and one that continues!

Not only am I lighter physically, but psychologically. You knew you were gonna get that from a social worker, right? :)

For all of you who wanted to see my skinny self . . .

45 lbs lighter.

Along with my handsome husband, all ready for Casino Night at the Sheraton.

The journey continues as I am in week 3 of Tely 10 Training. Woo hoo!!

:)

Mother's Day . . .

Really enjoyed my Mother's Day this year. I always do. It's forever a blessing to be the mother of the three cutest boys in the world! :)

This morning I was pampered and enjoyed breakfast in bed. Of course, I had to share my strawberries with Caelan and then Carter. But that's what mothers do, right?

Then I came downstairs only to be surprised with some beautiful blue hydrangeas. The best part was spending the afternoon with my family having a fire and relaxing in the back yard. And I still have lobster to enjoy for supper!! Yum!!

Happy Mother's Day to all the special mothers I'm blessed to have in my life! My mom, my mom-in-law, my sisters and an abundance of friends! Hope your day was as pleasurable as mine!

Finally Spring!

Man, spring has been cold in Newfoundland! We're sooooo ready for some sun and warmth! Still, every opportunity we get to go outside, have a fire and roast weiners and marshmallows, we take advantage!! Today was one of those days.

Of course, a cloudy day is a perfect day for photos of my boys, too!! No matter what the weather, they're cutie pies!! At least I think so! :)