December 31, 2008

2008 - A year end review!

I can hardly believe that today is the very last day of the year 2008. From last year to this year - much has changed. A lot of wonderful things have happened and we give all thanks to God for everything! Here are some of the highlights:

- Travelled to the Bahamas for our 5th year Wedding Anniversary. A well needed and deserved trip for us both!
- We moved into a new home up in Ajax
- Saj went from contract to permanent with the Ministry of Education - YAY
- Our car is finally paid off - YES
- I finally got a leather jacket - I've always wanted one!
- Saj got the iPod touch - he loves it
- We've been helping out with our youth group - and really love it. Its amazing to connect with the kids and watch as they've been growing. What a blessings.
- God has been teaching me patience - and we've seen what being patient can do.
- Good health. May we never take that for granted

This list can go on and on. God has been faithful and we've seen a lot of our dreams come true in 2008. Were not sure what 2009 holds, but we go in knowing that we serve a mighty and awesome God who loves us and takes care of His children!

December 26, 2008

Wonderful Christmas - and my friend got engaged =)

Well yesterday was Christmas and it was such a beautiful day spent with family for us. We woke up in our dream home on Christmas day. We made coffee and did our personal gift exchange for each other before heading over to my parents place for breakfast. Saj got me a leather jacket. I was so excited because I've always wanted one - but just never could bring myself to picking one up. Saj did a great job because I love the coat. I got Saj the Ipod touch. He's loving it. In fact - he's on it right now. He such a music guy and loves tech things so I just had to get one for him. I love that he loves it so much.

We had breakfast at my parents house which was tons of fun. Then later for dinner we spent time with Saj's side of the family. That too was a fun time for us.

Another exciting thing that happened that day was that my friend Lisa was going to be proposed to and didn't even know it -haha. Her boyfriend told me on December 13th at our Christmas gathering that he was going to pop the question to her on Christmas day. I was freaking out with excitement. He's such a good guy and treats her so well. I have no worries cause I know that she's in good hands and she has met her match. When he finally popped the question to her - she called me and laughed and was like "you knew and didn't tell me." That was the best. What I love the most about this is that when Saj was going to propose to me, Lisa knew about it and was on pins and needles awaiting my call. That's exactly how I felt all Christmas until I got her call. So for me to know ahead of time was the greatest feeling ever. I loved it so much =)

It looks like 2009 is going to be a wonderful year for so many. Between weddings and babies there is much to celebrate!

Cheers =)

December 21, 2008

Shopping on Saturday December 20th - Never Again!

I suppose I knew this would happen, but Saj and I still ventured out to do/start our Christmas shopping. Things have been so busy that we just haven't had the time to shop. With work being so busy for us both, we would never want to go out once we came home for the evening. Then on the weekends - well you just get tied up with other errands, sleeping in, social gathering, dinners, etc. So this past Saturday we decided to try and hit the malls. The first mall we went to was Pickering Town Centre. The parking lots were pretty full - but within about 5 minutes or so we finally found parking. We didn't spend much time at the Pickering Town Centre. There were only a few stores that we wanted to go to. Our next stop was Fairview Mall. BIG MISTAKE!! Just finding parking alone took us about 30 minutes or so. It felt like it was boxing day. I remembered going shopping on Boxing Day at Fairview mall with my brother, Andrew and Psegga and it was the same kind of madness. As we were driving around and around and around - it brought me back to that moment when we were teenagers. Finally, we found a spot - GREAT. We hit a few stores at Fairview Mall, but got what we were looking for - for the most part. Now trying to get out of Fairview mall proved to be very tricky and just pure madness. It took us just about an hour to get out of the parking lot and onto the highway. It was crazy. It felt like we were literally sitting on the Don Valley parkway during rush hour. NO MOVING. I honestly didn't think that we were going to get out. Saj was good - but I could tell that he was slowly losing his patience as was I. So we just turned on our Christmas Cd and talked and just tried to be patient. It was hard - but we eventually got out, Praise the Lord!

If there's one thing we have learned from this experience, its that we will not leave our Christmas shopping till the last minute. Were going to try and get it done by at least the first weekend in December so that by this time say next year, all we'll doing is wrapping up our gifts =)

December 18, 2008

Final Exam

Today was my final exam for a class which I've been taking at Durham College - Business Computers Applications 1. I definitely had mixed emotions going in today. In one sense it was the end finally. But at the same time I was going to miss my Prof, the people who I made friends with, and getting off work early on Thursday's to actually take my class. I still can't believe that its all over. I began my class on September 18th and now December 18th marks the very end. When I first started off in mid September I wasn't too sure what to expect. I didn't know that I was going to enjoy it so much and would want to learn like how I have. I didn't have to take this class - but I wanted too for fun and to stay up to date on all the new applications out there.
I will certainly miss Wendy Johnson - my Prof. She had so much patience with us and always helped us when we were stumped. I will miss Ryan and Gayle who I sat in between. They were great company and we always helped each other out.
I have no clue how to spend my Thursday evenings now. Perhaps I'll take another class in the new year - after all it was a great class. I just hope to have another wonderful Prof like Wendy =)

December 15, 2008

Half the month is already done!

I can hardly believe that half the month is already done. It feels like just the other day December hit and already we've reached the half way point. December always seems to be like that. Between work parties, Christmas gatherings, dinners, events - your days literally fly by. I haven't even started my Christmas shopping. There just hasn't been any time!

Although this is a busy time of the year - I love it. I love the Christmas decorations and connecting with people and writing out Christmas cards and mailing them out. I also do love the shopping part too. Its so much fun to shop for other people. My goal for the month of December is to really enjoy the season, the great smells of baked goods and to appreciate all of the great blessings which the Lord has blessed my life with =)

November 29, 2008

Our First Big Christmas Tree!

So Saj and I finally have a Big Christmas Tree and we are so excited about it. We've had a smaller tree since we've been married - which we still do love. But this year, we finally got a big tree. We actually got a great deal on it too and at the Bay of all places. They were having major sales last weekend and thankfully we were able to snag one for under $100.00 believe it or not. We bought the finishing touches yesterday and today, and now its up and we just love it. We went with a silver theme. At first I wanted to do the gold and cranberry thing, but than we just started to really like how the silver things were looking. Now were starting to get more excited for this beautiful Christmas season. Its almost hard to believe that Christmas will be here in less than a month.

I personally hope that December goes slow so that we can take in and enjoy the beautiful scenery and the happier people around, plus enjoy the music and all those wonderful Christmas treats. Oh how I just love the Christmas treats :-)

November 22, 2008

Too busy to blog!

So I just realized that I haven't had the chance to blog in a long while. Between being busy at work, personal functions, baby dedications and getting over a lovely cold, I feel like I've been all over the place.

Last Sunday November 16th, precious baby Rachel was dedicated at our church. She did so well, and was as cute as can be. I absolutely love this girl, as you know from one of my older blogs. It was a great celebration with the family and friends of the proud parents - Jerry & Olga. I enjoyed taking tons of pictures at the event.

Other exciting news is that Saj (my husband) has finally become permanent at his workplace. He's been working for the Ministry of Education since last year, and he's been on an official contract since the end of April, but starting Monday November 24th, he's becoming official - YAY!!!!! It's been quite the journey getting to this point. One day we'll have to write about our life. Although we've been married for only 5 years, there is so much that has happened. We know that with each thing that may come up against us, its really just preparation for something bigger. I just have a feeling that God is truly preparing us for something - not too sure what, but it is something. We'll leave it in His hands.

The last thing which I've been battling is being sick. Gosh, I take my vitamins and everything too. I guess its just that time of the year where more germs are everywhere. Now I don't leave the house without a bottle of hand sanitizer, and I try to wash my hands often. I'm pretty much almost over this last cold, but its still just annoying. It takes so much out of you, and its hard to work and function well, but thankfully it is going away and I'm sure that by Monday I'll be back to my old self. I'm going to need all the strength in the world for next week. It's definitely going to be a busy work week!

So in a brief nutshell, that's been life over the past couple of weeks. I hope to do regular blogs again, cause I've missed doing it!

November 8, 2008

Hy-Hope Farm

There's this little cute farm not too far away from where we live that I've been going to. Its called Hy-Hope-Farm. They have great apples, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, garlic, etc, etc. I really like this place because first and foremost everything is freshly grown. There's no chemicals or things used on their products. You can definitely taste the difference.

The first time I went to this place was with my friend Heather and her husband Jay and their son Josiah. I liked it right away. I was also shocked that they took debit too. Wow I thought. A debit machine at a farm? But hey, they are smart because I didn't have cash on hand to buy things, but a debit card was indeed in my wallet.

Hy-Hope Farm is a great little place and its opened year round. The people are friendly, and the service is great!

www.hyhopefarm.ca

November 5, 2008

Goodbye to Mr. Goemans

My close friend Marney lost her father yesterday afternoon. John Goemans has been battling cancer for a number of years, and he lost that fight yesterday afternoon. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side till the very end.

I have some great memories of Mr.Goemans. He was great friends with my dad, and often they would get together and fellowship. Marney would often talk about her dad with such pride. She loved him dearly, and enjoyed how open they could be with one another. He also treated me very well. It was like I was his daughter too.

My prayer is that God would give Marney, her sisters, and especially Karen Goemans (John's wife) strength during this time. You will be missed greatly Mr.Goemans. Love you!

November 1, 2008

Shaken, but not moved!

Wednesday October 29th marks a day that I hope to never experience again. We came home after work to find that our place was broken into. We were robbed!

When something like this happens, a flurry of things run through your mind. Why us? Who's mad at us? Why now? Millions of questions.

The good thing about all of this was that it could have been way worse. Who ever broke in just took my jewelery box and mp3 player. I'm ticked that the very nice gold bracelet that my husband got me one birthday was taken, plus some other jewelery which I got from the Bahamas which I loved.

We are feeling a lot better now. We've taken some serious measures to feel more secured. In fact, we love our space so much more now. We were shaken, but we will not be moved.

October 28, 2008

Isabella Faith comes home!

Yesterday the greatest news happened for my dear friend Rhonda and her husband Andy. Not only was it their 7 year Wedding Anniversary, they finally got to take home their firstborn daughter Isabella which Rhonda said was "the best anniversary present ever." Isabella was born on Thanksgiving weekend, but she wasn't due until early December. Her entrance to the world was very early and sooner than they had expected. Needless to say they didn't have time to finish up all those little things that you would want to get done before the arrival of a baby. I remember reading the email from Andy and thinking to myself, "what, are you kidding me?" But as I read the continual email's and updates of how things were going, I was so impressed with both of their attitudes and the way they handled things. They were over the moon with excitement and joy because they finally got to see their daughter. They spoke mostly about all the good things happening and didn't focus too much on the negatives. It hasn't been an easy road for them even getting to this point, but God has been so good to them. The love, and strength that these two people have is incredible. Its a strength that can only come from God. They love their daughter so much and I am amazed and thankful to God for helping Isabella get stronger and stronger each day. What a true blessing that little one is to her family and all who see her!

October 26, 2008

I love Olga & Baby Rachel!

Olga and her daughter Rachel are absolutely beautiful people. Jerry (Olga's husband and Rachel's father is also very cool. I just didn't have a recent photo on hand . Sorry Jerry :-)
I love the weekends when I get the chance to see the whole Sen family. I especially love spending time with Rachel. As you can see from this photo she's absolutely stunning and happy. She really is always like this. She loves to smile at people and laugh, and now she's really exercising her vocal cords because she can let out quite the sounds which I find cute. I'm truly obsessed with Rachel. There's just something incredibly special about this little girl. She has a way of making you happy. I suppose most babies have that affect, but I feel so connected to this special little girl. She definitely has her parents traits. She looks a lot like her father and you can already tell that she has a sense of humour, plus she loves to laugh a lot just like her pops. Olga is one of the sweetest people I know. She always has something positive to say about people, and she's happy for you when good things happen in your life. She's also there for you if your going through a rough spot and you need support or prayers. And can I just throw in that she makes amazing lasagna. Seriously - amazing! The love that they have for their daughter is so evident. But who wouldn't love this girl. Just look at her. She's sweet, adorable, innocent and precious as can be.

Thank you Lord for these special people. They make my life happier and I'm just so blessed to have them. They are not only my friends, I love them like family!

October 24, 2008

Alone in the office - nice but quiet

Right now I'm alone in the office which can be nice, but its also so quiet. I love all of the different personality's that I work with. You've got Stephen who we call "the office diva." Right now he's on the road and won't be back until mid November. I miss his daily updates. He seems to know what's going on around the world all of the time. Then there's Eric. Eric is a very cool and easy going person. He adds much fun to our office and he'll always go on a Starbucks run for us. I especially love picking on Eric because its just so much fun. I tend to Hiss at him (for no apparent reason - but because it drives him crazy I continue to do so, hehehe). Eric's on the road till next week. He's been in the States working. Then you've got Ryan. Ryan can either drive you absolutely crazy, or make you laugh. He's into this new thing which is to hug all the guys in the office. It can be funny, but sometimes disturbing. Ryan's an odd ball, but he totally fits in our crazy office. He's also a hardworking individual. We also have the lovely Siobhan (pronounce "shove on"). I call her "the office princess." She's loads of fun and adds good energy to our crazy bunch. Her passion for new students coming in is definitely something to admire. One of her newest best friends is actually a new student to our school from Newfoundland who she recruited. I have to admit, that student is a gem. Then we have Nikki. She's new to our office. She literally just started a week ago and already she's on her way to an event. She's good for our office. She's friendly and super eager to learn her job and do it with excellence. You can already tell how much passion she has, and its only been a week. And lastly, there's our boss Phil. He left out early today. I have to admit I've got a great boss. He's not one to stress you out at all or look over your shoulder. He leaves you to do your job. I have no clue how he puts up with all of our different personalities, but he does.

We are family. Its nice to have that feeling especially at work!

October 23, 2008

7 Week Old Josiah

Today class ended early because of our test. I was happy to leave out earlier because that meant I could spend time with one of my best friends, Heather and her new born son Josiah who is 7 weeks. Josiah is a cutie and so snugly and fun to be around. Lately he's been more of a challenge for my friend because he hit a new peek in his development where he wants to be held all of the time, and his sleep time is all over the place. He is doing even more cuter things now like smiling more and making a lot more cooing sounds which is adorable. I had the chance to hold him and even try to get him to sleep (which lasted for all of 10 minutes). I showed Heather a trick that one of my friends showed me, which was to turn on the exhaust fan over the stove. Something about that sound will make most babies fall asleep. Within two minutes or so of rocking him around the stove, it finally made him sleep but it didn't last long though :(

Its funny how much a baby can change your life. Before you could do pretty much anything, but after having them they truly do rule your lives in a good way. Babies are blessings and a great gift from God. Although this stage for my friend is a bit more harder, like she said to me before I left "this too shall pass."

October 22, 2008

Twins Again!


Yes, yes, it happened again. Christie and I were twins for the day. By twins, I mean we were wearing the same sweater vest. The picture posted isn't from today, but its from another time where once again we wore the exact same sweater vest and it was on an Encounter Day at Tyndale, (An Encounter Day is an event where prospective students come to Tyndale and see if its the right place for them to be). It is always funny when we do go into work and see each other. We both have the same reactions "oh no, not again." Of course we laugh it off, because it is funny. So many people think that we actually plan it out, but really we don't. I suppose great minds do think alike!!!!
By the way, the guy in the middle is Christie's husband Josiah.

October 21, 2008

Snow in October?

I could hardly believe that it snowed today in October. Thankfully the snow didn't stay on the ground, but still it was strange. I don't mind snow, I just don't enjoy driving in it or shoveling it. It is pretty to look at though, especially during the Christmas Season. I'm still trying to enjoy this Fall with the beautiful trees and leaves, and semi warm days where you can still get away with wearing sandals -haha. I'm not ready for it to be over already.

Perhaps this was just one freakish day and tomorrow we'll be back to the beauty of the Fall Season.

October 20, 2008

Viewing Monday through fresh eyes!

Another Monday is here and how we decide to approach our day is really up to us. We can either hit the snooze button on the alarm clock and say, "Oh gosh, its Monday grrrr." Or we can get up and say, "Wow, thank you God for another Monday." I have to admit, I wasn't all that chipper this morning because I didn't get enough sleep. I took a really long Sunday afternoon nap which in turn made it harder for me to sleep at night. So I was up way past midnight prepping a lasagna which Saj and I will be enjoying for our dinner tonight. I believe that Monday's can be really great days if we allow it to be. The funny thing is, I often find Monday's to be one of the fastest days of the week. Its usually a slow start in the early morning, but by mid-morning I find myself into the swing of things at work and the time literally just flies by.

I'm not sure how your Monday is going but hopefully your having a good one. If your not, whatever is stressing you out, or making you frustrated try and cast those feelings aside and enjoy the rest of your evening. Life is truly too short to sweat the small stuff.

Happy Monday to You!!!!!!


October 19, 2008

Welcome to the World of Blogging!

So this is my first blog ever! I have to admit that this is something that I've wanted to do for some time, but only now I'm stepping out of my shell to begin this journey. I was inspired by my friend Kathy (although I don't think she knows this yet). She always blogs, and I always find what she writes very interesting. So I thought to myself one day this past week, "enough is enough, just do it already." So here I am ready to join the world of blogging!