Because life is full of parties!

Guess what I did.......

2011-03-23T15:11:00.007-06:00

I went to the circus!!

My good friend and clown mentor Rainbow the Clown's birthday was on Friday so we decided what better way for two clowns to celebrate one's special day then at the circus.

I saw camels for the first time

I even got to ride on an elephant!

I was actually really nervous about it but while in line I started talking to this little girl who decided that she would ride with me so that I didn't get scared.

Look how cute she is?

Look how freaked out I am!

I also got to see a few of the Shriners Clowns that I know preform as well.

This is Koko the Clown and I afterwards.

All in all it was a great day and I can't wait to do it again next year.

Did anyone else go to the circus while it was in town?

Remembering Brittney McInnes

2011-02-01T21:01:00.003-07:00

A year after a beautiful girl was taken so tragically from us we celebrate her life and channel the grief that everyone feels into something positive.

As a tribute to 17 year old Brittney McInnes, who was slain on January 17th, 2010, the SuperBritt Scholarship Fund has been launched in collaboration with the Legacy Children's Foundation. The scholarship will help low-income youth further their education in the arts.

Anyone wanting to donate can go to SuperBritt

How does this story relate to me you ask. I had the privilege of not only having Brittney in my Girl Guide troupe but also had the opportunity to have her work along beside me as a Jr. Spark leader. I remember her beautiful smile, bright eyes and her laughter while playing with the girls. She had an amazing spark about her and will be truly missed by many.

My day

2011-01-10T09:39:00.010-07:00

Yesterday was my birthday but this year instead of turning another year older I decided to stay back a year.

I had a wonderful conversation with one of my best friends that lives in England. I love hearing her being a mom with her two little ones as I don't get to see her often and miss so much.

Jade was a sweetheart and baked me a cake.

Sunny just has to be in the spot light too!!

Made dinner complete with appetizers.

Candles and flowers.

She also was kind enough to use ever dish in the kitchen and leave them for me to wash this morning.

Now it is a new day and the beginning of a wonderful new year.

A chance to make my Big 40 (again) the best year ever!

Giving back to the community.....

2010-12-20T17:02:00.006-07:00

I've had a wonderful month between clowning, portraying Mrs. Clause and giving back to my community.

Our Clown Alley had the honour of singing Christmas carols at a lovely retirement home last Monday. Now imagine a group of clowns, singing and playing instruments for the first time together.....not the prettiest sounding carols but they sure were fun. We even had a few of our quests join in! They were all very thankful to have us there and we were very thankful for them not to walk out on us! Now that being said they might have just turned down their hearing aides, while smiling and nodding their heads.

For those that haven't seen me in clown recently that is me on the end with the purple hair. I'm wearing my new outfit which I LOVE!!!!

The other thing I "had" to do last week was help my good friend Laura Soby on one of her photography jobs. She had lost her voice and couldn't cancel this job so I went to be her voice.

While at the job I happened to come across an AMAZING fundraiser for the Calgary Firefighters Burn Treatment and had to do my civic duty and support my community by purchasing a calender.

Now I know what you are all thinking.....but sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and work hard to help out a friend in need. I sure tried to do the best that I could.

Nothing makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside like helping out your community!!

SCORE!!!!

2010-11-18T09:16:00.006-07:00

The other day I decided to stop into Value Village to see what I could find and guess what?????

I found more buttons!!!!!

Look at this little family of buttons...there is a daddy, a mommy and a baby button to complete the family.

This isn't the best picture but these little guy is so cute....

And the funniest this is I found these buttons on none of then 'National Button Day'

It's been a while.....

2010-11-07T21:23:00.003-07:00

The last month and a half has just flown by. It has been very busy but great.

I had a blast working at Kooza. Met some wonderful people and got to see my first Cirque du Soleil show with my good friend Laura .

I have also had a chance to doing a few different event with my clowning while learning a few new tricks but I will go into more detail in another post.

My new space is almost done too!! I have been busy cleaning, sanding and painting Jade's old bedroom to make it into my office/clown/scrapbooking/sewing room. Again I will go into more detail in another post.

So my friends that is what I have been up to. I hope to get back to blogging more now that things have settled down (hahaha)

I joined the circus

2010-09-16T09:38:00.008-06:00

And I didn't even have to run away!! I am going to be working for Cirque Du Soleil on the Kooza show. I am so excited!!

I had my first night of training on Tuesday. We were taken on a tour of areas that the general public never gets to see and we are never able to see again. I had the opportunity to see where the performers practice, where they put on their costumes and where they just hang out in their "living room". Really it is like a little village that travels. Truly amazing!

The whole set up only takes 7 days, which is unreal if you see what goes into setting it up. I only worked one day on setting up the merchandise and I worked my tail off, I can't imagine working the full seven days doing it.

So if you get a chance I highly recommend going to the circus while it is in town. It is well worth the money for an amazing experience that you might never see again.

Where did August go???

2010-09-01T22:44:00.009-06:00

I can't believe that August is over and it is already September. I'm just not ready for fall yet!

We had a busy August around here starting with heading to see Mike's parents in Vancouver.

They have such a beautiful garden. I love the colour of the hydrengas, they remind me of my grandma.

We had a chance to visit Granville Island, which I haven't been to in many years. Although I would never live here, I do love to look at the beautiful buildings and all the boats in the ocean.

And of course we had to do a bit of shopping too. This is a great picture of the kids. Look they are hugging instead of fighting!!!!

On the way back home we stopped at the SkyTrek Adventure Zone. The kids have been wanting to stop here for the last couple of years. Although they weren't able to go on the full course, they did have a blast on the tower, swing and rock wall.

Back home I found some beautiful flowers blooming as well as lots of berries. I didn't get nearly as much time in my garden this summer as I would have liked but I'm sure next summer will be better

And that pretty much sums up August......now onto September

Buttons, Buttons and more Buttons!!!!

2010-07-30T10:36:00.007-06:00

For any of you that know me well, know that I am a bit of a button whore, yes you heard that correctly. I LOVE LOVE LOVE butttons and I hit the jackpot yesterday.

I took a quick boo in the Value Village yesterday and found two big bags of assorted buttons. There was enough to fill an ice cream bucket.

Aren't they beautiful!!!

These are a few of my favorites, well so far as I have only played with them for a little bit.

This one I think is a great find. It is a little button from Expo 1967 in Montreal!!

Hmmmm.....now should I do some work or should I run my fingers through the buttons again????

Magic in the forest....

2010-07-06T17:46:00.007-06:00

Recently I had a chance to get away for the weekend with my good friend Laura and visist Radium. While I was exploring the forest around where we were staying I noticed it was full of magical touches. Evidence of fairies were everywhere and I couldn't resist capturing some pictures. Can you just picture a few little fairies sitting on these stool having a little chat while resting their tired little feet on the soft moss floor?

I believe this is one of their front doors, complete with a fugus overhang to keep out the rain.

And then there is the man in bark that is watching over his fairy friends

A beautiful little flower with a raindrop waiting to be collected in a little fairy basket. Maybe to be used to wash their cloths?

And last but not least another little fairy house for me to share.

YAH ME!!!!!

2010-06-26T14:05:00.002-06:00

I just finished my first week at my new job. Yes you heard right, I have a new job. It is with the Superleagues Ball Hockey and so far I am loving it. I am their Office Assistant so I not only get to use my skills in administration but I also get to help out planning and putting together events and tournaments. Right now it is only part time but in the spring it will be going to full time. The best part is I get to work from home and continue with my clowning!!!

My Graduate....

2010-06-04T17:48:00.004-06:00

This past weekend we attended Jade's grad. The ceremony was long and very early in the morning but I was very proud to see my baby girl walk across the stage.

Later on in the evening we all went out for a wonderful dinner and pictures at the Delta South.

Here are a couple of pictures that my mom took, the first one is Jade and the second on is Jade with her boyfriend Chris who also graduated.

My very good friend Laura Soby, owner of Soul Photography took a ton of pictures as well. I will post some as soon as I get them

It was a clown kind of weekend

2010-05-25T19:40:00.007-06:00

This weekend was the annual clown convention and boy did I learn a lot this year. It started on Thursday with a few classes, a bbq and some fun games and ended on Sunday. Although there wasn't nearly as many people there this year as last year it was still a ton of fun

I even had breakfast with the one and only Mad Hatter!!
This is me and Bombin The Clown. He is an amazing entertainer, so very talented and a wonderful person.
Here is Bumper and I. He is part of our alley here in Calgary and in the running to be our COAI representative here in Canada.

I forgot my clowning glasses but I am wearing my new purple wig. What do you think?

Fresh Spring Colours

2010-05-19T13:35:00.005-06:00

I finally did it......I finally painted by bedroom and ensuite. It hasn't been done since we moved in 13 years ago and boy did it ever need done. Unfortunately I forgot to take before pictures but here are a couple of after pictures.

The first picture is of the ensuite. The cabinet above the toilet is a favorite find of mine. I think I have been hanging onto this for the last 5 or more years just waiting to use it. A coat of white paint and some great metal flower handles and tada!!! A great looking cabinet!!

And this is the bedroom. I painted one wall the same green as the ensuite, Asparagus green, and then other walls a lighter green called Celery green.

The two pictures above the bed were another great find. They are vintage bird pictures from the 40's. And yes I actually put up some curtains, this is a first in my house. I actually bought these beauties for the main bathroom shower but they ended up being to long so I decided to add another colour to my room and put them in here.

What do you think?

a little present for me.....

2010-05-02T21:03:00.004-06:00

I was out in my garden the other day (just before the snow storm) cleaning up and noticed a little something left behind for me again this year.

This year it is a little white marble. Over the last few years every spring I seem to find one or two little glass marbles in my garden when I do my spring clean up. One year they were a beautiful blue, another year they were green.

I believe that they are from my fairy friends that seem to like to visit my garden every year so I have decided to build them a nice little garden of their own this year. I will place it out front by the big everygreen where they can play with all the little birds that come to live there.

Where do I begin......

2010-04-19T10:50:00.002-06:00

It has been so long since I updated my blog I am not sure where to start.

The beginning of Feb we took our trip to Disneyland. It was great but not long enough. We had time to go to the theme parks and look around a bit but didn't have time to go to the beaches, downtown LA or shopping. I would post pictures but they are all trapped in my old laptop at this time.

Next I had a nice little trip to the hospital by ambulance. So much for not going to the hospital this year.

At the beginning of March I lost my job. This has been very hard for me as most of you know I LOVED my job. Since then I have been trying to figure out what to do with my life. I'm sure everything will work out in the end but for now I am just puttering along.

I have had the opportunity to do a couple of kids birthday parties with my clowning and have been working on crafts with my Stampin Up to keep busy.

Now the weather is nicer it is time to get outside and work in the yard and take the dogs for more walks.

In a nutshell that has been my life for the last couple of months. I hope to get back into my blogging so keep checking back.

Have a great day!!

Pictures...

2010-01-11T13:00:00.004-07:00

On Sunday I had a great time with my good friend and amazing photographer Laura Soby and here is the pictures to prove it! I had just come from doing a birthday party as Wally Woo hoo and stopped by as Laura had never seen me dressed in my costume before. As we were sitting around playing with her adorable puppies Laura starting taking some casual photo's of me and here are the results.

So Excited!!!!!

2010-01-07T20:02:00.005-07:00

I can't believe it we have booked our first vacation!!! Mike and I have been together for 19 years, the kids are 17 and 12 and we have never gone real vacation before. After about three years planning we book a trip in Febuary to........

I can't wait to meet Tinkerbell in real life!! We are also going to take a day trip to Sea World and to Universal Studios.

Ten for 2010

2010-01-02T22:44:00.005-07:00

I saw this post over at Dreams Intertwined and thought it was a great idea so here is my 10.

Remember that as Heidi says "these are not resolutions, but aspirations, steps in a forward direction to create good habits that will last"

1. Listen to me - this includes listening to what I say as well as what my body and mind is telling me.

2. Spend more time with friends - I really miss just hanging out with friends, chating, having coffee, scrapbooking etc.

3. Be more creative - Not only by doing the crafts that I have put aside but think more creatively in my work, clowning, life in general.

4. Live a healthier life - I have cleared a space for my Gazell and Mike is buying me a WII fit for my birthday for starters.

5. Volunteer - I used to be involved with Girl Guides and loved it but haven't done much volunteering in the last two years and I really miss it.

6. Enjoy my time alone - With the kids getting older and being gone from the house I tend to either clean and run errands. I need to start embracing my time alone and use it for me.

7. Do more baking - I love baking and haven't done much of anything in the last year.

8. Try new things - I am very much a routine kind of person, sticking to the same things so I would like to try something new every month, a new food, craft or activity maybe.

9. Finish started projects - I have a few projects that I have started and haven't finished as of yet. I think I will write them all done and start going down the list.

10. Get more organized - I started organizing different rooms in my house but I also need to organize my life in general.

Now these aren't in any particular order, so I am not going to go down the list but rather touch on few things throught the year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!

Giving back....

2009-12-22T17:54:00.004-07:00

Two weeks ago the Volunteers in Action group from my work bought 23 Christmas trees to donate to The Magic of Christmas. Each team could decorate with what ever theme they wanted. The team I was on decided on a candyland theme with both real candy treats as well as decorations that either looked like candy or represented something to do with candy for the years to come. We even had a tree skirt with candies on it!

Also the team that I am presedent of at work, Manchester United decided to celebrate National re-gift day on the 17th of this month by having people at work bring in new items that they have recieved but have never used before. Since most of the items were either for small children or adults we also decided to purchase some gift cards for those teens out there that might not have anything for Christmas either.

Then today two co-workers and myself filled two vans and my truck with everything to deliver to The Magic of Christmas people to hand out on Christmas eve.

Here is a picture of us before we loaded up everything. Although you can't actaully see everything in it's glory it gives you an idea of what we delivered.

I'm back!!

2009-12-19T14:34:00.004-07:00

Hello all, sorry I haven't posted in what seems like forever. Truth be told I actually lost interest in posting for a bit then the other day realized that I have stopped doing a lot of the things that I used to love doing so I decided to get back into posting as well as a few other things I have been putting off.

Monday night I re found my love of clowning again, something else that I have push aside for the last few months.

I was invited to go Christmas Carolling at the Glamorgan Manor. One of my fellow clowns dad had lived there before his passing away last year. She has made many friends there and thought it would be a great opportunity for us to bring some Christmas joy to them.

Although I am not the best singer I put my heart and soul into it. Seeing the smiles on their faces and watching them sing along with us help me remember why I became a clown in the first place.

Here is a picture of my friends and I from that night.

Oh where, Oh where....

2009-11-11T22:47:00.002-07:00

Have I been??? I can't believe it has been so long since I have posted. Life has been very busy.

For a quick run down. Work has been wonderfully busy. At the end of October I had the opportunity to spend 2 days in Kanaskis at the Delta. We were having our Congress there. It was such a nice treat to stay in a hotel and what a beautiful area.

As for home life we finally started renovating our bathroom. What a great time I had smashing those ugly tiles into little bits. Everything is almost done. We just have to finishing painting and we can soak in the tub and enjoy!

I will post some pictures as soon as I have a moment to download them onto the computer now that the dust has settled.

Belated Thanksgiving

2009-10-14T19:37:00.005-06:00

As we were out of town for Thanksgiving I haven't had a chance to say HAPPY THANKSGIVING to everyone yet. I hope everyone enjoyed their time with family and friends.

We ventured up to my Mom and Dads in Armstrong, BC sat morning. It was a great drive up, sunny and not much traffic or construction.

Sunday we visited Davisons Farm where we enjoyed the animals, what was left in the orchard and picked out a couple of HUGE pumpkins.

Unfortunatly Mike dropped Coltons so Monday morning we cut up the pieces, cooked all the pumpkin and canned it for cooking at a later date. We also roasted the pumkin seeds for a delicious snack.

I just love the colour of these seeds

On the way home we stopped for a break at the bottom of the trail to Taylor Lake. I think this would be a great hike on a warmer day but made for a great little break from driving.

Do you know what today is?????

2009-10-09T17:07:00.007-06:00

October 9th is National Moldy Cheese Day. Yah for moldy cheese!!!!

Ok maybe not Yah for moldy cheese but I bet it got ya thinking about why on earth would there even be such a day. Well I was thinking the same thing so searching I went. Here are a few facts that you just might not know and if you do......well then I have no comment.

Today there are places that actually inject mold into the cheese on purpuse to make blue veins. I will take my cheese without blue veins please and thank you.

Did you know that here in Canada there is actually a school for mold. It's called the Mold Academy. "Son where are you going to go to school after you graduate? Dad I am going to the Mold Academy says Billy"

Jelly Belly's actually have a moldy cheese flavored jellybean. That being said they also have pencil shavings, babywipe and vomit flavored jelly beans.....need I say more.

Well I am off to grate some cheese for dinner and wait for tomorrow to come as tomorrow is Cake Decorating Day!! YUMMY!!!

I wonder if anyone has made a moldy cheese cake????

Reaping the rewards....

2009-10-06T21:09:00.005-06:00

of a neglected garden. I started out with great plans this spring to have this wonderful huge garden filled with an abundance of fresh veggies. The kids and I started out with 8 tomatoe plants, 4 zuchinni plants, 2 pumpkin plants, 2 kolbrabie plants, then we planted carrots, peas, lettuce, spinach and potatoes. First the weather ended up very cold and wet this spring, then the neighbourhood bunnies decided to munch down on most of the plants. It wasn't looking very good. Add my life getting to busy with work, digging up my front yard, vacation and being sick. Needless to say I REALLY neglected my poor vegige garden.

Last week I decided to stop by and take a look at what had become of my garden and to my surprise I actually had veggies to be picked.

Here are the tomatoes that survied the first frost.

Some yummy carrots.

Two huge and two small zuchinni. I can't wait to make bread with these bad boys.

And a very impressive kolrabie if I do say so myself.

I still have to go back and dig up the potatoes. I only dug up 2 out of about 25 plants and already ended up with a dozen potatoes. You can see a few of them behind the Kolrabie

I'd like to introduce......

2009-10-03T13:17:00.002-06:00

Princess Glam of Glitters

This is my new blog I started to showcase my cards and such.

As most of you know, I already have a large amount of Stampin' Up products so when the opportunity came to join as a demonstrater I decided to jump on in with both feet.

Please take a look and tell me what you think.

Up, down, Up down....

2009-09-28T13:05:00.002-06:00

This is the way Colton's fever has gone for the last two days. Although it isn't nearly as high today as it was yesterday. I called the Health Link line this morning and they assured me it wasn't H1N1 just a bad cold so that is good. They said if it isn't getting better by tomorrow then take him into the doctors. I have an appointment tomorrow afternoon so I think if he isn't better I will take him in instead of going for me.

On a happier note this has given me the opportunity to do some crafting in my room and what a prefect day to sit inside with some tea and crafts.

I will post some pictures later of what I have done. I have to find my cord for the camera for me to put them on the computer.

102.3....

2009-09-27T15:23:00.002-06:00

That is what Colton's tempature is today. Poor little guy. He started with a bit of a cough on Friday, which wasn't to bad as he had the day off school. Saturday he woke up with a worse cough and a bad headache.

We have given him something to take down his fever and now he is sleeping away.

I hate seeing my kids sick no matter what age they are.

Facepainting...

2009-09-13T13:08:00.004-06:00

I had the most amazing opportunity to take a class with Mark Ried this week. Mark is a master face and bodypainting who was in town from New Mexico to teach a couple of classes this week. I am so thankful to be able to take is class. Although he was a tough teacher, I wouldn't of learned as much as I did in such a short time and for that I am thankful for his teaching techniques.

Here are a couple of pictures that I took of Mark's work.

And here are a couple of pictures of my practicing during the class. Oh to be half as good as Mark. That is a dream of mine.

Colton is an anger purple monster and then my pretty little flowers (sorry the picture isn't to clear)

Now to get practicing some more at home. If anyone has children that they want to lend out for me to practice let me know. My kids are getting tired of lending their faces.

The journey continues....

2009-08-30T21:56:00.004-06:00

After much deliberation I decided to rent a sod cutter to finish the front lawn this weekend. Mike was so helpful and puttered along until he got what he could up with it before we took it back. He won't let me use power tools or apparently anything that has a motor anymore.

After all the hard work was done I got to do the fun part and go shopping for plants. I ended up going to three garden centers before heading home with these lovely plants.

Although I didn't get everything I needed it is a good start.

Then today I saw an add on Kijjii that there was someone who just happened to be up the street that had mulch that they were giving away so off I went to pick it up. I should have enough to put a layer around the plants once they are planted.

All in all it was a good gardening weekend if I do say so myself.

The transformation begins

2009-08-23T20:48:00.004-06:00

For some time now I have wanted to dig up my front yard and have a wonderful shrub and perenial garden instead of the ugly dry grass. After years of dreaming, planning, looking at books and other gardens I decided to take the plunge and start the transformation this summer.

With help from Janice at Calgary Gardening Coach I have a plan in place and I am ready to go. Oh wait I need to get rid of the grass first don't I? Let me tell you this is not the funniest job I have ever done.

I started digging it out with my shovel only to find that I am bringing up far to much dirt with the grass and by the time I take all the dirt off the sod I have done double the work. I look up on the internet and find out that there is sod cutters. Great I think, I will rent one and save myself some time and pain. Nope....no-one who has any that are actually working at the moment. A guy at Rona shows me this small square shovel that he used to take up his lawn so I buy it and head home thinking life is going to get better now.....WRONG!!! This one works worse then the one that I already have.

So this is as far as I have gotten

And this is what is left to do.

If anyone would like to come by and help me.....PLEASE come on by!!

On a brighter note here are some lovely flowers that are already growing in my garden.

Back from holidays

2009-08-16T21:25:00.005-06:00

We left last Saturday for our week long trip to BC. This time we decided to drive straight through to Mike's parents in Vancouver....oh what a BAD idea!! It was way to long of a drive for all of us. Sunday and Monday it rained in Vancouver so we didn't do to much but visit with Grandma and Grandad and do a bit of shopping.

Tuesday the weather was nicer and we took the ferry up the coast to Gibsons and then onto Sechelt. I have been there since I was a little girl so it was a great experience.

We had fish and chips at Molly's Reach, from the Beachcombers show. Not sure how many of you remember that one from when you were kids, but we used to watch it on Sunday nights on CBC.

Not the best picture of the family but I wanted to get the sign in too.

Wednesday we drove to the end of the line so to speak until we came to the end of the road on the coast. We decided to take a 'short' walk along a beautiful trail to see the Skookumchuck rapids. What a treat that was, after walking for a half an hour we asked someone coming back if we were almost there, "No", she says "It's another half hour or more and the trail gets more difficult up ahead". Mike's mom and I look at each other and decide to head back and let Mike and the kids venture on. We didn't see them for another hour and half and they were so tired by the time they got back.

On the way back to get the ferry home we stopped at the beach for the kids to take a swim in the ocean. Jade found this beautiful purple starfish that Colton wanted to take home but we left him there in is home on the ocean floor.

Thursday we headed up to Armstrong to my parents for a couple of days and again got stuck indoors because of the rain.

Saturday we headed home and here we are!!

I hope everyone had a great week.

Where did my clown go???

2009-08-06T21:16:00.004-06:00

Have you seen this clown???
I don't know where she is, as I haven't seen her but I do miss her. It has been a while since I have done any clowning be it meetings, classes or just playing around and I have to say I really miss it.

Sometimes I think my regular life gets in the way of my clown life which is sad as I am so happy and well .......me when I am in clown.

I think maybe I might put on my face and dance around just for the heck of it!

My week in Toronto

2009-08-01T21:48:00.010-06:00

I had a wonderful week in Toronto. Laurie-anne and I left Calgary on a 8am flight to Toronto on Monday morning arriving to a lovely sunny afternoon. After getting checked into the hotel we took a walk down the Quay or Waterfront as they call it. It was beautiful, full of sailboats and charter ships. We had an early dinner and drink on the patio of a great little Irish pub, did some people watching before heading back to the hotel. Tuesday morning bright and early our course started. It was such a great course too.

Tuesday afternoon we strolled through what they call the path which is basically an underground mall. Then Wednesday we headed back down Queen Street to look at all the little unique shops. It was quit the experience. They really do have some beautiful building there. The little pub that we stopped at was built in 1844. We also went pass Much Music and the CTV station before heading back to the hotel for the evening.

Wednesday night we headed back down Queen to this great little hole in the wall vintage shop where I convinced Laurie-anne that she could totally pull off wear a sixties style dress. I also bought a great dress from the late 50's.

We then headed towards the CN tower. I never realized how tall it was until I was standing at the bottom of it. They also had some beautiful gardens all around the tower. Afterwards we headed up King street and found out that Canada has it's own little walk of fame where we have famous squares in the sidewalk instead of stars. I was a little disappointed that there wasn't one for Jim Carey though.

This was the view of the tower from my hotel room as we were on the 41st floor.

Thursday night I walked around the downtown area near the hotel on my own, taking pictures of the great architecture that is there to be seen. Here are a few pictures that I took This is city hall built in the 1800's as well. The clock goes off every hour one the hour, twenty four hours a day, seven days a week....I think you get the idea.

This is one of the old churches near the hotel. It was built in 1822 I believe.

Friday we ended up getting an earlier flight home arriving at 8pm. It was a lovely trip, nice to see the sites, and have some fun as well as learning a ton at the two course we took but I have to say a week away from home was enough for me.

Happy Birthday Colton!!

2009-07-25T22:37:00.003-06:00

Today was my baby boys birthday.....12 years old already. Time just goes to fast.

This afternoon we opened family presents here at the house and then went to see the new Harry Potter movie with Coltons best friend Issac. It's hard to have parties in the summer when everyone is away on vacation.

Here is Coltons new friend Pappa Squawkers - He had been eyeing this puppet for months now.

After the movie we went to A&W for supper ( Colton's new favorite place to eat) and back to the house where the boys played the new WII game for a couple of hours before having cake.

This is the cake I made for him this morning. I couldn't believe how hard it was to find something with the Harry Potter theme this year, there was nothing out there so I had to improvise and make due with what I had. Not my best work but Colton enjoyed it and that is all that matters.

The day ended with a big hug from Colton which seem to be coming farther apart these days as my little Bubbaloo grows into a young boy.

How does my garden grow...

2009-07-05T17:32:00.005-06:00

Not to bad at the moment. I have noticed that things aren't growing and blooming at the same rate or time as usual. I decided to take a few pictures the other day of what was blooming in my garden.

This is the last iris of the season

I'm not sure on this little beauty, she was given to me by a wonderful lady last year.

A wonderful yellow lily that was given to me several years ago by a friend

My Crainsbill Geranium from my mother inlaw. This lovely plant has been in my garden since we moved to Calgary and now graces a few friends gardens as well.

And here is our precious little kitty Rosie Posie enjoying her time in the garden as well. She was demanding to have her picture taken as well.

Well thats it for now. I hope you enjoy my flowers as much as I do.

YAH HOO!!!!!

2009-07-04T14:03:00.003-06:00

Or should I say WOO HOO, as in WALLY WOO HOO!!!!!

I survived my first Calgary Stampede Pre-parade and it was amazing to say the least.

My day started out at 4am with my alarm going off, I rolled out of bed, made coffee and started getting ready. Breakfast first as it takes me about an hour to put on my make up. Then into my costume and out of the house at 5:30am.

Heading north on the Deerfoot at 5:30am dressed in full clown you get a lot of double takes from people driving by. lol

By 6:15am we were downtown at Fort Calgary to meet up with everyone else, decorate the golf cart and head to the big tent for a pancake breakfast.

At 7:15am we were heading to 6th Ave to start the preparade and away we went. The first couple hundred feet I was very nervous but that settled down as soon as I saw the faces of everyone light up as we walked by.

I was surprised at how many people wanted to have their pictures taken with us, what a honour to know that you are that appreciated.

As we went along the route everything just seemed to come naturally to me. We danced, skipped, ran around the cart, talked to people, kids and adults alike, cheered and clapped.

We finished the route around 10am. Then went to breakfast at this cute little cafe called Serendipity's in Inglewood. While there we were spotted by several people, hard to missed 11 clowns sitting down for breakfast. One little boy was so excited when he saw us that he begged his dad to come in and say hello to us. What a sweetheart. Another couple came in with their little one and asked if we could pose for a picture with her as it was her first Stampede.

All I can say is WOW!! What an experience of a lifetime. I would do it over again in a second.

As I didn't have my camera with me I don't have any pictures but as soon as I get some sent to me I will post them for everyone to see.

Have a great day and remember to smile!

An interesting moose on the loose day!

2009-06-26T16:51:00.002-06:00

Well today was an interesting day for more then one reason. Yesterday was Coltons grade six grade. Not a big deal to some but sad for me. Not only as is my little baby boy growing up and going to jr. high but we are also leaving a school and wonderful teachers that have been there for the last eleven years that my kids have been at the school. One teacher has been a life line to me and my two kids since Jade was in grade one. I wanted to get her something special and not a 'teacher' gift but Colton wanted to give her Tobleron so we compremissed and bought her a beautiful handmade basket from Ten Thousand villages and filled it with two of every kind of Tolberon we could find at the store.

So here we are enjoying the grad, watching the kids get their certificates, listening to teachers memories and watching a great slide show of pictures when we are told that we can't leave the building at the moment as the school is in a lock down because of a moose! Yes you read right. I guess the moose was in the playground at the school and for precautions they locked down the school. Wouldn't want to moose to get to close to the little kiddlets.

Then today I stop by home before picking Colton up on his last day of school to find out that our lovely dog Sunny has eaten is certificate. Boy did the teachers laugh when I ask if they could do another one as the dog ate the original one. Just in case they did believe me I brought the eaten one with me.

Now onto the adventures of summer.

The Power of a Smile Day is today!!

2009-06-15T12:09:00.004-06:00

Today, June 15th is Power of a Smile Day

Feel the power. Give everyone you see a big, friendly, "I like you" smile. You never know, you're warm smile just might turn someone's day right around...for the good!

Love may make the world go round. But, a smile makes the world a happy place. A smile is a powerful thing. Best of all, it's contagious. However, we do note that in order to be effective, a smile must be sincere. People can see right through phoney or forced smiles.

Spend the whole day with a big, bright smile on your face. Flash a toothy smile to everyone you encounter.

A smile is so powerful, that it can:

· Add years to your life
· Make you a happier person
· Make someone else a happier person
· It's a mood change for the giver and the receiver
· Improves relationships
· In business, it sends a great customer service message

In this day and age, we live in a world which is fast paced, exciting and often stressful. In a world run by money, it is rare that a second is taken to appreciate others and smile.

Just in case you've ever doubted the power of smiling... It takes twice as many muscles to frown as it does to smile. Smiling is the most recognized form of beauty, friendship, acceptance and goodwill. A smile can lower the blood pressure of everyone who sees it. And smiling can even lengthen your life. That's a lot of payback for something that's so easy to do - and free!

The options are many, have a Smile-Off and see who can smile the longest. To make it harder, see who can smile the longest without laughing or have a Biggest Smile contest. It doesn’t matter what you do so just start smiling and build a happy world.

Belated Clown Fun

2009-06-12T19:13:00.006-06:00

I am a little late posting this information but that's ok.

Almost a month ago now I attended my first Clown Fun event and what an event it was. Starting on Thursday afternoon there were classes, lectures, jams and so much laughter until Sunday afternoon.

Thursday I left work at noon so I could registar and start my classes. Although there was a big BBQ for everyone I had to miss it this year.

Friday was again full of classes and then Friday night we had our very own Clown Idol which was so funny. Afterwards we took over a nearby Boston Pizza where there was about 25 of us (half in clown costumes) twisting balloons.

This clowny friend looks surprised...I think a balloon just popped beside her!

Then after a full day of classes, a huge group picture and more laughs on Saturday we had a banquet and show that was put on by the headliner Norm Barnart. He did the funniest show I have ever seen as Normondo the Great. Here is a link to his website. http://normbarnhart.aces-show.biz/

Here are three new clowny friends enjoying themselves at the banquet.

And father and son Hobos that came from BC for the weekend. I just love their makeup and costumes.

Finally all of the fun came to an end on Sunday. My head was stuffed full of so much information I am still trying to get it all out. I also bought some great new items for magic tricks, balloon animals and facepaints.
I can't wait until next year. I am hoping to be more involved and look forward to seeing old friends as well as making new ones.

Clowning, clowning and more clowning....

2009-06-06T19:23:00.004-06:00

As the title says I have been learning so much this month about clowning. The first Monday of the last three months I have been taking classes in preparation for the pre-stampede parade. I have been asked to join a great bunch of other clowns to walk the parade route before the big parade to entertain the crowd. I am very nervous and very excited about this opportunity. I have learnt a fair amount from my friend Snickles. I also had the privilege to meet Lovable Louie, aka Reverend Nadine Rodgers. She was amazing!! We learnt how to do improve and boy it's harder then you think. I have discovered that I have a "spot" that I am afraid of. Nadine suggested that I use the "spot" in my act to get over it. So this is what I have been practicing over the last few days. We also came up with a great little skit for the parade. All I will tell you is it has to do with a butterfly net and smiles. You will have to come down and see me if you want to know more.

Stay tuned more clowning to come.....

Quick trip

2009-06-04T13:55:00.008-06:00

Well as promised I am back and ready to up date you all on what has been happening in the last month.

I am going to work my way backwards from last weekend. Colton and I took a quick trip to BC to see both my parents and my best friend from high school who was in from England for a bit. I hadn't seen her in about four years yet it was just like yesterday. Funny how that is.

The weather was great for traveling, sunny all the way there and back. We saw a coyote by Bragg Creek, a herd of Elk by Banff and a few dears as well. We stop at one of our favorite spots on the way up. It is called Finn Creek. One of the reasons I like it is because it is right by the river surrounded by a forest. I love going into the woods and walking on the thick moss. While there this time I came across this lovely little flower.

Once we got to Armstrong we had a chance to visit with Grandma and Pappa for the afternoon and Saturday morning before heading to the river to meet up with my girlfriend and her family. I had never met her daughter (who I could of taken home with me, to cute for words) and haven't seen her son since he was about six months old. It was great to watch the kids play and have fun while we got to catch up a bit. Here are a couple of pictures from that day.

After a weekend of playing in the sun and visiting it was back to Calgary and what a long drive that was. There was so much construction going on. Although we did have time to stop and collect some rocks. We never go anywhere without bringing back rocks.

I got back just in time to unload the truck, drop off Colton and head to another clown class, which I will leave for another post.

Where did May go???

2009-06-02T09:18:00.002-06:00

Ok so I didn't actually get on much in May did I. For some reason time seemed to fly by and I missed May.

I have done so much since I last posted that I haven't had time to update anything so I thought I would back track and get everyone updated on my busy, crazy but fun life.

Every month at work I help put out a newsletter at work and one of the columns that I do is weird and wacky holidays so I thought I would share some of these with you.

June 2
Leave the Office Early Day

June 5
Doughnut Day or Donut Day

June 7
Chocolate Ice Cream Day

June 8
Upsy Daisy Day

June 10
Ball Point Pen Day

June 13
Raggedy Ann & Andy Day

June 14
Pop Goes the Weasel Day

June 15
Power of a Smile Day

June 16
Fudge Day

June 18
Recess At Work Day

June 19
World Sauntering Day

June 20
Go Skateboarding Day
World Juggling Day

June 22
Stupid Guy Thing Day

June 23
Let It Go Day

June 25
Hand Shake Day

June 26
Take Your Dog To Work Day
Ugly Dog Day

June 29
Please Take My Children To Work Day

I like to participate in these days here at work or while I am out and about. Just think wouldn't it be great to buy a big box's of donuts from Tim's and just randomly hand them out to people on June 5th for Donut Day or on June 15th try smiling at everyone you make eye contact with for Power Of The Smile Day. Some people may think your a little nuts but I bet it will really make you happy.

I am off to do some work now as I took last Friday and yesterday off but I promise to be back later with a bunch of updates from the last month.

Have a great day!

Clown Alley

2009-05-05T19:26:00.008-06:00

The last Monday of every month I make the trek to the other end of the city to spend a few hours clowning around. It's such a great time for me. The people there are like old friends. always there is you have a question or need some advice. It is a great little "family" to belong to.

I thought I would share a news clip of a few of the Clown Alley members on tv recently.

And now I am off to work on a new clowm outfit. I will post pictures when I get something done.

Wow,....where does time go?

2009-05-03T10:02:00.002-06:00

I just looked at the last time that I posted and can't believe it has been over a month already.

To catch everyone up, it has been a very busy month but not for the good. I have been off work on sick leave, had an accident with a chainsaw to my face and my dad is in the hospital.

I have to say that I just haven't felt like writing anything but that will change now. I am feeling better and I know my dad will pull through.

I spent yesterday spring cleaning my garden and feel renewed. I love playing in the dirt, seeing what has come back from last year and to start planning what will be done this year.

I'm actaully excited to be back blogging!!

awwww vacations.....

2009-03-24T10:56:00.003-06:00

No where hot and sunny, no where exotic, no where I have never been but somewhere I want to be.

Here I sit in my moms computer room, no kids, no husband, no sounds, sipping my coffee and catching up on what is going on with my friends back home as the dogs lie at my feet.

This is vacation for me.

We decided to head to BC for spring break again this year. The difference is I stayed behind at my parents house for a quiet visit with them while Mike and the kids went on to Vancouver to visit his parents.

So far it has been great. My mom and I went to a couple of scrapbook stores yesterday, I made them one of my type of Lasagna (no red meat, no dairy), we have had time to just sit and chat, have a few laughs and re live some memories of past.

Today we are planning to go to a couple of second hand shops that are always on our list of things to do while we are here, as well as doing some scrapbooking and then out for dinner.

These things may sound like simple normal things to do for some of you but for me and my parents, it doesn't happen to often so I am going to cherish this time with them and enjoy every minute.

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!"

2009-03-20T21:11:00.005-06:00

Happy first day of spring everyone and what a beautiful sunny day it was.

Although I did have running around to do today I still made time to check out what was happening in the garden.

It is always so exciting for me to see the first buds on the bushes

and the first green leaves on the plants in my garden.

I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden. ~Ruth Stout

I have to agree with this quote, nothing is better then spring in your garden.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-17T16:29:00.007-06:00

Even if you are not Irish, you are most likely wearing green today to celebrate. The question is WHY?.... So you don't get pinched silly!

The thought is if you wear green, it made you invisible to the Leprechauns, which was good because they would pinch anyone they could see. So the pinching is to warn and remind you about the Leprechauns.

Now just what does a Leprechaun look like and why are they so special?

A Leprechaun (Irish fairy) looks like a little old man. He's about 2 feet tall and dresses like a shoemaker with a cocked hat and leather apron. A Leprechaun's personality is described as aloof and unfriendly. They live alone and pass the time by making shoes. They're special because they also possess a hidden pot of gold. If you listen closely for the sound of their hammer you might be able to capture one. If you do you can force him (with the threat of bodily violence) to reveal where he's hidden his treasure. Be careful! Do not take your eyes off him for if you do he will surely vanish and your hopes of finding his treasure will vanish with him.

Here is a picture incase you don't know what one looks like.

Want to be lucky this St. Patrick's Day?

Follow this advice:

1. Find a four-leaf clover.

2. Wear green (so you don't get pinched).

3. Kiss the blarney stone.

4. Catch a Leprechaun if you can.

In honor of the festivities I leave you with this Irish blessing:

May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow and may trouble avoid you wherever you go!

Cheers to you all!!!

Fun Friday!

2009-03-13T19:06:00.003-06:00

What a great Friday I have had.

First I went to work only to leave by 10:30am. Took Colton to the Dr. and he had a great check up. He is now weighing a wopping 68 pounds and is 4feet 9inches tall. For those who don't know this is a big accomplishment for him as he as always been very under weight for his age.

Next we headed over to Ginzo Sushi for a fabulous lunch, checked out a little nick nack store that had tons of spring items for your garden and house.

And finally off to the movies to see Inkheart. Which was a great movie I might add.

Now it's time for a little down time before we get ready for our night of tv.

I hope everyone else had a Fun Friday too!!

Mamas got a new toy!!!!!

2009-03-05T18:23:00.004-07:00

Isn't she pretty? I have been wanting a new phone for a while now and finally convinced dear hubby it was a good idea to get one now. So I opted on this beauty. I haven't figured out all the buttons yet but I do know I can check my emails, call people and take pictures with it so far. Oh and play a game that I am not very good at yet. lol

Where did the week go???

2009-02-21T21:33:00.004-07:00

I can't believe it is the weekend already. I'm not sure where the week went but it sure flew by.

Last weekend my good friend Sara passed on the 4-4-4 meme. Sara's blog is such an inspiring blog to visit. Now to get down to business....

“Go into your photo archive, pick the 4th folder in the archive, select the 4th picture in the folder, and write about it. Then tag 4 other people to do the same” Now most of my pictures I download onto CD so mine aren't that old. Here is the picture.

This was taken by my daughter Jade, November 30th of last year. We were at our companies Children's Christmas party at the Lynnwood Ranch. It was a beautiful day for those of us that don't skate but as you can see a little to nice for those who were wanting to skate on this pond.

As I know that Joanne, and Jennifer have already been tagged I won't tag you again but here are the people I did tag.

* Laura at Picture this...Scrap Happens
* Giggles at Giggles 'N' Balloons
* Christy at Scraps of Life
* Libby at Libby's Little Addiction

Participate if you and when you wish. Please let me know when you do as I would love to see the pictures.

My first MoJo Monday project....

2009-02-16T22:32:00.004-07:00

I came across this great blog called Mojo Monday. Every Monday they put up a sketch of a project that you need to follow ( you actually have a whole week to complete your project ) Once you have completed the project you then post it on your blog or website.

Here is the sketch that you needed to follow.

And here is my first Mojo Monday project. What do you think?

A Sunny time...

2009-02-16T10:48:00.009-07:00

Look at this beautiful baby girl! (Sorry the pictures are a little dark)

Roady has had a playmate over the weekend and it has been great. Sunny is a happy girl whos name fits her personality perfect. They have been playing outside in the snow, gone for a few car rides, picked out snacks at the pet store and napped on the couch. It has been great to see Roady playing and getting along with another dog. My baby boy is all grown up now! I'm so proud of him for having a new friend.

Don't they look cute together???

Have a sunny day!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

2009-02-14T21:02:00.004-07:00

Better late then never right?

This morning was nice, I actually had some quiet time before the kids got up.

Once Colton got up it was cartoon after cartoon......luckly for me there was a Charlie Brown Valentine on. I love watching Charlie Brown, reminds me of when I was a kid.

I had to post these pictures of Colton with his new stuffy. It got his eye the other day in Walmart and I couldn't resit getting it for him.

Monday Motivation Needed.....

2009-02-09T16:24:00.005-07:00

Well I have survived another Monday! Oh wait a minute it's not over yet is it. lol

I have to say the way it started out this morning, I didn't think I was going to make it through the day. I actaully find this alot lately. Not that I don't like my job as I LOVE it but it always seems that Monday morning is so rushed and everyone either sleeps in, get ready slow or is very grumpy and well today I finally had enough. I was the grumpy one! Actually I was upset that I don't have more control over what goes on around me and started to feel sorry for myself and then I say this quote and things just didn't seem all that bad.

So this is my little Monday Motivation for anyone who needs it.

Enjoy your week!

Valentines Day Fun....

2009-02-07T19:21:00.006-07:00

With less then a week until the most loved and dreaded day of the year I decided I needed to decorate my office so off to the dollar store I went. To my surprise there is a TON of decorating items available to choose from and not the tacky stuff either! Ok, well they did have some tacky stuff but a lot of great stuff too.

Well with my office decorated I came home and looked around at my bare house. All that is left is a few snowmen and snowflake lights from Christmas. Hey snowman are for the winter not just Christmas so never you mind.

Any way on the search I went to see what was new and interesting but wouldn't cost a ton of money to decorate and I came across a few sites that I thought had some great ideas on them so I thought I would share with you all.

The first site I found was http://www.dollarstorecrafts.com/. They had this really cute card to make with buttons. I just love it and I think I will have to make one.

The second site I found was http://www.skiptomylou.org/. I love these stained glass heart and the little drum candy holder.

So now I am inspired and feel creative. Off I go to see what I can come up with. I hope you all enjoy these sites as well.

THE MOST DANGEROUS CAKE RECIPE EVER!

2009-02-04T20:27:00.007-07:00

I got this in an email today and I had to share.

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

4 tablespoons flour

4 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons cocoa

1 egg

1 tablespoons milk

3 tablespoons oil ?(or real butter)

3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional-- NOT!)

a small splash of vanilla extract

1 large coffee mug

Add dry ingredients to mug and mix well.

Add the egg and mix thoroughly.

Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.

Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract and mix again.

Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts (high).

The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!

Allow to cool a little, then tip out onto a plate.

EAT! (This can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous.)

And why is this most dangerous cake recipe ever?? Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!

Now does this look like a little piece of heaven or what?

Enjoy!!

Been clowning around....

2009-01-29T20:52:00.017-07:00

What a week!! Monday I officially joined the local Clown Alley. At our meeting we learned how to balloon twist. It was a lot of fun. I am very surprised that I only popped a tiny part of one balloon. Not to bad for my first time every trying to twist and I was told I wouldn't be able do it with my nails.

Here are a few pictures of my first creations. Don't laugh to hard.

We have a little blue guy who is supposed to be a Thomas the Tank Engine but looks more like a blue squirel, a monkey holding a banana, a pirate sword, a very lopsided hat and a orange poodle.
Can you tell which is which????

Then on Wednesday I was invited to a facepainting jam where I met some great ladies and learned a few new techniques. Now to find some faces to practice on.

My new office!!!

2009-01-27T21:49:00.006-07:00

I'm so excited. Yesterday I finally got to move into my new office. At our old office I shared the space with Lisa and although it was great 99% of the time sometimes it was a little crowded.

Here are a few pictures, not the best but it gives you the general feel of the space.

As you can see I still have some unpacking and organizing to do but I think I will live in the space for a bit first. I am also gettng another cabnet to put all my books in so that will take care of a few boxes.

Found Treasures!

2009-01-25T17:58:00.006-07:00

Nothing excites me more then finding treasures. I am one that loves going into second hand shop, flea markets and antique shop. I seem to be drawn to the past, sometimes I think I was born in the wrong era. I love vintage clothes and now own quite a collection, thanks to my Grandmother. I also love vintage nik naks although I have to admit I am getting better at not getting everything I find.

One shop I love to visit is called the Cat's Eye here in Calgary. It is a wonderful mixture of vintage and second hand treasures. I have bought great skirts for work, a beautiful dress for my fairy character Tangle and now I can add a great little yellow straw hat as well as a red leather jewlery box/purse.

These little treasures I am going to add to my clown costume for my character Wally Woo Hoo. They match perfect!!

Happy Sunday!!

2009-01-18T09:45:00.004-07:00

It's a beautiful sunny morning here and as I sit in the rare silence of my house, drinking coffee I feel blessed to have the life I have.

Last night I went to a scrapbooking crop with some great friends and really enjoyed myself. Although I got no scrapbooking what so ever done I still feel like I accomplished something. Sometimes it's the little things in life that make a huge difference.

Some little things that I think make a huge difference in my life at this time are:

Friends
Family
Puppy dog kisses
Sunny days and laughter.

Sometimes we need to stop and take a moment to think of these.

On that note. What are some little things that make a difference in your life?

Hope everyone had a great Christmas!

2008-12-26T18:34:00.002-07:00

Sorry I've been MIA on the blog. Life has gotten in the way of being able to sit and write something.

I promise to be more diligent about updating in the future.

Having A Cookie Exchange!!

2008-11-17T15:06:00.004-07:00

So I got suckered into hosting a cookie exchange from a few friends of mine last week and I have to tell you after doing some research on what exactly a cookie exchange is, looking for some great recipes and doing some planning I am very exciting now!

Here are a few details that I have come up with in case you yourself would like to gather a few friends, neighbours or co-workers and host one too.

I asked 12 guests to bring 13 dozen cookies - 1 dozen for tasting and 1 dozen for each guest. If this sounds like to much for your guests to do try 7 dozen cookies - 1 dozen for tasting and 1/2 dozen for each guest. Sometimes 7 dozen is more manageable for a person to bake than 12 dozen.

I will be serving coffee, tea and sparkling cider or punch for the beverage. To make it easier for each guest, I will also provide bags for everyone to take home their cookies in. I think I will get some great large paper bags and stamp something in a cookie theme on them along with some ribbon to attach their name

Other options would be to prepare some containers for your guest. It could be a decorated box, plastic tray with colored cellophane or decorated with stencil or you can buy cookie tins for everyone in a craft store.

For Decor...

As my party is in the beginning of Dec I am hoping to have the house decorated already with some Christmas items. Set a nice table where you can put all the cookies and recipes. I will also put on some Christmas music, and lights or candles. I found some great Christmas themed plates and napkins that I will use as well.

This is just optional...

But if you want to give your guest a little something as a token for coming in your party. You can buy a medium size gift bag and fill it with an apron, a few cookie cutters, mini rolling pin or extra kitchen/cooking gadgets (measuring spoons etc) a cookie scented candle, sprinkles, blank recipe cards and a spatula!

Or go to your local baking, or dollar store and pick up some metal cookie cutters. Set up a small Christmas tree near the exit, and hang the cookie cutters on the tree with red ribbon. Set up a small sign near the tree instructing guests to choose one to take home.

Another idea is to have a huge basket of Christmas party favors ready for each guest to select as they leave. This can include many of the homemade Christmas ornaments you've been working on or some baking related gifts - Christmas cookie cookbooks, rolling pins, Christmas cookie cutters, decorative sugars, and sparkles. Everyone draws a number when she arrives and it corresponds to a wrapped package in the basket.

No one will go home empty handed!

My first offical post.....by Jodi

2008-11-09T19:49:00.002-07:00

Ok so here I go....my first official post actually written by me!

I am by no means a writer at all so please bare with me while I get used to this whole Blog idea. My ideas for this blog besides keeping in touch with friends and family is to help everyone out with party tips, ideas, recipes and more.

Please let me know if you have a question or comments.

Talk to you soon.

My first attempt... ok Laura's!!!

2008-11-04T19:48:00.004-07:00

Welcome to Wally's Blog, a place where you will find out all the latest and greatest party ideas to make "that" day extra special..... Here we have a few pics of my favorite things... my wonderful family and my sweet pup Roady... what a handsome fellow!!! Oh and let's not forget Rosie!

Ok that is all for now, I am sure Laura may add her personal touch to this when I am not looking, however... we trust her.... I think!!!!

for now

Wally Jo... Clown extrodinaire!!!