June 23-24

For the first time in over a  decade I got to spend a portion of my birthday celebrations with my best friend from high school, the lovely Shandai… with her friends Sam and Ryan. We were supposed to go sailing but the wind was against us (literally and figuratively) so instead we went out for amazing Mexican food, a wade in a nearby lake…

Shandai and Sam

With Ryan

and a trip to an amazing pet store with one of the largest selections of fish in the country. Including multiple sting ray (1499.00 no warranty!). All kid free time! Lots of fun.

Then it was back home to play with the bubbles with the kids…

And get a start on the playset.

Monday (which is far from my favourite day) was my BIRTHDAY! 34 yrs old I am! Which meant first and foremost that we had a half day of school to accomplish… of course!

Ken was up first and had the kids all draw me a special picture! Note the slurpees and smarties!

My birthday cake!

Karyn had sent a package that just managed to get through customs and get to me ON my birthday! What timing! She really DOES know me well… and included items for Canada Day as well.

Shirts for the girls, Canadian bits… note the yarn used as filler in the box!

In the evening we lucked out with Sean to babysit so Ken and I could go out to Khan’s Mongoli Grill and have all you can eat buffet there. OMG amazing! Like the Mongoli Grill we used to go to in Canada but cheaper and did I mention ALL YOU COULD EAT? Small bowls more often… less sauce choices but… yum!

I had Japanese tea.. soooo good

Practice chopsticks the waitress suggested I take home for Emanuel to practice with.

Then off to the Source to walk around and pick up a manga… I got some lovely facial moisturizer with some money on the back from Ken’s folks. Sensitive skin and everything and enough money for a manga and then… I am hoping to get to a yarn shop and spend the rest on soft, snuggly yarn!

Did I mention I got all dressed up, fascinator, gel eyeliner and all??? Cuz I did!!

Here is a good view of the eyeliner after all is said and done

Totally dressed up

I think I am on a roll for trying books I am not generally in the market for. This romantic seasonal tale has a touch of sadness, healing and growth… Born from the grief of two individuals trying to make their way through life after loss. Joy finds a place in this story as does faith and compassion. Inspirational and at times heart rending, A Little Christmas Magic by Sylvie Kurtz is a gem.

Elly and her son Jamie are happy in their home, their family of two repairing their hearts after the death of Jim years previous from cancer. They are well known in town and determined to spend their life being happy as Jim wanted. This chef is still guarding her heart and has yet to love again. Jamie is a joy fill of silly knock knock jokes. 

Enter Logan, the broken ex cop dealing with the death of his beloved daughter Sam and completely not ready to love or really live again. Add in Christmas and put the two across the street from each other. Elly, the queen of projects has decided that Logan needs to smile again after a chance meeting and this book with its ups and downs is their road to joy. Inspirational, loving and rather silly at times… a modern story with a timeless message of healing, love and faith.

A Little Christmas Magic