Hail to Friday!

Yep, it's Friday! Yay!

Gonna run in the Cooper's Run 5k on Saturday. He was a little 4 year old who got run over. So sad. Such a darling boy. They are raising money in his name to donate to an elementary school. He is definitely an angel who had to leave this earth way too soon.

Happy Friday!

Star Thursday...and a bunny

Look, look..it's a bunny! (Hi Jase!) This bunny cloud was right outside my work just a little bit ago. Isn't it cute?

And here is the star for Thursday...
Don't you think sometimes that it would just be nice to be a kid and believe in things that as we grow older we tend to not believe in anymore? When you are a kid, anything is possible. So why can't we still think that way all of the time? I know- when you are older, then reality sets in and you have responsibilities. I know I know...I've heard it all.

But still, I think it would be great to just believe. To just have that child-like faith. To wish upon a star and really think that your wish will come true. And really believe it too.

I'm going to adopt that philosophy.

Happy Thursday.

Yes this is a quick rabbit Wednesday...

I am rushing to get a boatload of work done today...so it is a quick rabbit Wednesday. (No, that is not a holiday of any sort and no I doubt you would get good luck from saying it first thing in the morning...) Just wishing you a "quick rabbit Wednesday"!

It's a good day.

Had to add this story...

My brother Jason's birth mom (and she and her family are a huge part of our family) sent this story. I think it is totally how it is for Jason now. I love this story. This is a story for anyone who has lost a loved one.

The Dragonfly Story

Down below the surface of a quiet pond lived a little colony of water bugs. They were a happy colony, living far away from the sun. For many months they were very busy, scurrying over the soft mud on the bottom of the pond. They did notice that every once in awhile one of their colony seemed to lose interest in going about. Clinging to the stem of a pond lily it gradually moved out of sight and was seen no more.

"Look!" said one of the water bugs to another. "one of our colony is climbing up the lily stalk. Where do you think she is going?" Up, up, up it slowly went....Even as they watched, the water bug disappeared from sight. Its friends waited and waited but it didn't return...

"That's funny!" said one water bug to another. "Wasn't she happy here?" asked a second... "Where do you suppose she went?" wondered a third.

No one had an answer. They were greatly puzzled. Finally one of the water bugs, a leader in the colony, gathered its friends together. "I have an idea". "The next one of us who climbs up the lily stalk must promise to come back and tell us where he or she went and why."

"We promise", they said solemnly.

One spring day, not long after, the very water bug who had suggested the plan found himself climbing up the lily stalk. Up, up, up, he went. Before he knew what was happening, he had broke through the surface of the water and fallen onto the broad, green lily pad above.

When he awoke, he looked about with surprise. He couldn't believe what he saw. A startling change had come to his old body. His movement revealed four silver wings and a long tail. Even as he struggled, he felt an impulse to move his wings...The warmth of the sun soon dried the moisture from the new body. He moved his wings again and suddenly found himself up above the water. He had become a dragonfly!!

Swooping and dipping in great curves, he flew through the air. He felt exhilarated in the new atmosphere. By and by the new dragonfly lighted happily on a lily pad to rest. Then it was that he chanced to look below to the bottom of the pond. Why, he was right above his old friends, the water bugs! There they were scurrying around, just as he had been doing some time before.

The dragonfly remembered the promise: "the next one of us who climbs up the lily stalk will come back and tell where he or she went and why." Without thinking, the dragonfly darted down. Suddenly he hit the surface of the water and bounced away. Now that he was a dragonfly, he could no longer go into the water...

"I can't return!" he said in dismay. "At least, I tried. But I can't keep my promise. Even if I could go back, not one of the water bugs would know me in my new body. I guess I'll just have to wait until they become dragonflies too. Then they'll understand what has happened to me, and where I went."

And the dragonfly winged off happily into its wonderful new world of sun and air.......

What a fun night last night!

I had such a fun night last night. I got to see my sweet friends (there's a lot that I got to see...) I got to see Christine and Mark and Jess and Ashley and John. I should be seeing them more than I do since they don't live so far away. We all met at sweet friends (who I don't see as much as I would like either) Amy, Michael, Catherine, Emma, Spencer, and David's house. A beautiful new home and wonderful friends. They live a little further away but not much. And then we all got to be with our sweet friend Cori who is visiting from Michigan. Her sweet husband and my former hometeacher Dave could not be here because of work. But she brought her beautiful children. Chloe, Caleb, Gideon, and Hillary. Those curls of Hillary's! So adorable. She looks like a Campbell's soup kid. What a fun evening. It was the best reliving some fond memories with everyone and just enjoying each others' company. How I miss all of these amazing friends that I first met in my ward and neighborhood. I am blessed to know them. And I hope I never lose touch with these amazing friends. What a fun reunion last night.

So I had to share my cutest car antenna topper that Mark and Christine bought for me when they were in DisneyWorld. I doubt I will put it on my antenna because I don't want it to suddenly be misplaced by someone who may covet it. I LOVE IT, Christine and Mark! You guys are so thoughtful! It is the cutest!

Happy Tuesday!

Yay for Monday!

It is Monday. The weekend really was great. Things are all good. Yay!
I hope to accomplish a lot of work. At work. And off to a fun dinner with friends tonight. It will be a fun evening of visiting and eating. Yay that Cori and family are visiting.

A Contemplative Weekend

I will explain about this photo a ways down in my ramblings...

So, I had a very contemplative weekend so far.

Thursday night was amazing at the temple. My heart was touched. I was super busy with my assignment but it was so wonderful to see so many patrons that came to do the Lord's work. I went home tired but so fulfilled.

Friday I spent some time with my little mom. Did a few errands. Went to the track.Not much else.

Saturday, we met as a family at my sister Deb's home. A lot of the family couldn't come but we had an enjoyable time. Until I got distracted and offended one of my brother-in-laws. It hurts my heart that I was that thoughtless. He is an amazing man and I feel very remorseful. I hope that he and my sister will forgive me. I could list why I got distracted but in the end, it was my mistake. I hope they know I love them. I left there feeling upset at myself. In fact, all weekend.

Then that night, my friends and I went to Emerson Drive. They are a country group now residing in Nashville. But they are all from different parts of Canada. That was special to me. Don't get me wrong- as I have said before "I love the United States and proud to be a citizen" but I also have such tender feelings for Canada. I was born and raised there. Vancouver means so much to me. It always will. And I stand proudly to be from Canada and to now live in the United States. I am so grateful for my heritage. And I love that my dad is from Finland. These guys in Emerson Drive had amazing harmonies and the fiddle player was spectacular. It said in their bio that he plays Mozart. I can believe it! I loved listening to them talk. I also have that Canadian accent. I get teased about it off and on from my friends. Which I don't mind because I know they care about me. It is my heritage. It is where I am from. The way I speak comes naturally to me and I can't change it nor would I want to just because some people (might) think it is silly how I talk. Nor will I ever apologize for it. Just like where I live now- people speak differently with some of their words and name pronunciations. We are all unique individuals. Accept us for who we are.

I wanted to add that Emerson Drive sang a song last night that really touched my heart. They lost a band member this last year. He took his own life. How extremely tragic. They wrote a song for him and sang it last night. The part that really touched me was when they talked about how much they miss him. How they wonder if he is laughing or crying. And is he thinking about them as much as they think about him. My eyes teared up thinking of my sweet brother Jason. Some days I miss him so much. I know that Heavenly Father took him when it was his time. I know that. But I also miss him so much. I can't believe it has been 15 months now since we have been able to talk to him, to hug him. That song reminded me of how I feel sometimes. Wondering how my Bumper is doing. I know he isn't crying. I know he is smiling. His huge smile that lights up a room, the sky even! And I hope he knows we are thinking of him. That we miss him so much. And I always hope he is thinking of us.

NOTE: I took the photo above the other day from outside my door. Ever since my brother passed away, the sky has huge meaning to me. I think of him when I look up in the sky. Though I believe that he is right here with us on the earth. Not above in the sky. All those that have passed on from this earth are all around us. This I know in my heart. And it gives me great comfort that they are around us.

This morning I also just came home from a missionary farewell in Highland. My friend Beth's son is leaving for the MTC on Wednesday. He is going to Jakarta, Indonesia. His talk also really touched my heart. He spoke about how he had to decide about a year ago if he wanted to go on a mission. As it is each boy's choice. He pretty much did decide that he wanted to but then his father was found to have cancer last November. Everyone had high hopes and prayers that he would somehow win the battle but in February he did pass on. It was such a sad time for all of us as friends. And our hearts will always go out to them as time passes. Nathaniel mentioned in his talk how his father didn't fear dying but did fear that he wouldn't be there to lead his children in the right way as they grow up. The right path. (Luckily they have an amazing mother who has more strength than I sometimes think she realizes. Along with other family and friends who care so much for Nathaniel and his sisters.) Nathaniel then wondered, after his dad passed away, if he needed to not choose to go on a mission. That his mission was to stay with his family and to take care of them. But when he prayed about it, he felt peace and calm in his heart. He knew that it was right for him to go on a mission. That his dad and mom wanted this for him. That our Savior wants this for him. As he finished his talk, I went up and told his mom that the way he speaks that he sounds like he is a returned missionary. He will touch the hearts of those people in Indonesia and plant many seeds. I am so thankful for missionaries. That is how my parents found the gospel. I would not trade this foundation in my life of the gospel for anything.

I am grateful.

A quick post Thursday

I am here at work at 5:30 am. Eek! Our company is having convention. And we need to come early to get on buses to go to convention...Y A W N! Not that convention is boring. No! Much excitement in the air. I am just Y A W N-ing because it is SO early. And today is my temple night. It is all good. And I am glad to be a part of all of this. But if I look like I am a little dozy- you will know why!

Here's to a great Thursday! (And I may be moving as slow as a snail today...) Yah- not too cute of a drawing. Eew!

I LOVE this quote: "What I am is not out there, it is in me." —Helen Keller

"Kicking a banana via a bird" Wednesday

Wow- this must be an awfully big bird...or a really teensy weensy banana...

Yep, just a random drawing. No special significance this fine day of Wednesday. Other than I just felt like drawing a bird that is kicking a banana.
Hey maybe if anyone feels upset about something...maybe they could go kick a banana. I don't think the banana would mind and it could maybe get out some pent up frustations you might have?

Okay enough of that. Though I must say that kicking a banana: maybe not a common practice but eating a banana a day gives you great potassium. Though watch out for those mosquitoes. They smell the potassium in your blood.

Happy Wednesday! Can't believe July is winding down. Sad. I love Summer!!!

Happy Duck Tuesday!

It's a good day. The sun is shining.

And I am taking a new oath...to let tense issues and situations roll off my back. I get too caught up in how I sometimes am treated or in how I react in situations. I am going to have this as a goal this year. To be calm. To not stress. To enjoy each day. And not be controlled by things that I usually let control me.

So like this little duck, as he lets things roll off his back...I hope to do more of that.

It's like my friend Dave said one time and it stuck with me... "no worries". I love that. He also is a calm person. I love calm. So I need to work on calm all around me. No more getting so easily bent out of shape. People around me will offend me. That is human nature. And I am certainly not innocent...believe me, I am well aware of sometimes when I have offended and I know there are times when I have offended and not realized.

So here is my motto saying: "No worries." I just need to appreciate each day. And let that "water" roll off my back.

Happy Tuesday!

Monday is a ride...

Ah- it is Monday! Oh yay! Actually it is good. I got a touch of the flu this weekend. Headache and yucka stomach. Not enough to throw up, gratefully. Just enough that I needed to slow down. Which is a good thing considering I have been going a mile a minute the last month or more.

Anyway I feel okay today. Grateful.

So my nephew Marcus cracks me up. My sis Deb told me that on Saturday Marcus was rolling his little matchbox cars around on the kitchen floor. Interesting thing though was that he had taped the doors shut on the little cars. And also another thought to note: he next to never plays with those cars anymore. (He has other toys to amuse himself.) So finally Deb heard one of his sisters say to him, "Marcus, you better let them go." Deb stopped and wondered what was going on. What was in those cars? You better let "what" go? She quickly found out...Marcus had captured these tiny green grasshoppers out in their field and decided to give them a ride. Isn't that so kind of him? ; )

Anyway, Marcus released them (outside of course) and they hopped away...probably never quite the same again.

Funny Marcus!

Great Pioneer Day Concert...?

I went with some friends to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Pioneer Memorial Day Concert on Friday night.

Great songs and beautiful atmosphere.

Though the one letdown was that a friend's friend met us there. And she is nice enough but was not too up on appropriate behavior. At the end of the song "The Battle Hymn of the Republic", she proceeded to cheer and woop it up and make a trilling sound for quite a while after. Luckily the clapping (from everyone else in the whole conference center) kind of drowned her out. But I could not help myself and had to quickly hide my face with the program. I truly wanted to get up and run out. So embarrassing. She also did this after a couple of more songs.

I really had nothing to say as I was so surprised by her behavior.

Oh well. The moment is over. Phew.

(Note to self: don't attend any more events like that if she is coming. Or look for a quick exit place to sit. Or better yet, just don't sit near her again.)

Thursday...lalalalalala

Yep that is me singing mindlessly trying to have you forget that I haven't posted an illustration for a couple of days...including today. Lalalalalalalala...

Do I really have an excuse? Not really. Other than my evenings seem to be jam-packed as of late and my work days are the same.

So it's Thursday. Yee haw! It is a good day. Temple night tonight. That always rejuvenates me for the week. Just a good feeling to do service and to humbly help in such a sacred work. I am very grateful. I am grateful that I am allowed to have this opportunity in my life. I feel very blessed.

"Random Thoughts" Idea from Fer

So my friend, Fer, wrote out random thoughts on her blog today. I love that. I am going to try it. Hold on...

-I love the sun shining outside my window. The breeze moving the tops of the trees gently.

-I have to say that I don't like the yellow grass outside my window...supposed to be where wild flowers are supposed to grow...So far, in the 5 years we have been here, that hasn't really happened.

-The window installer guys are coming tomorrow or Monday to re-attach my shutters. Yay! Such a relief. Love my windows!!!

-Pretty blue sky. Love it.

-I am thinking of ideas for stamp sets as I type this...really I am.

-Just watched Larry swirl some cotton candy on a paper cone a bit ago. Fun. Nope, I didn't eat the cotton candy. Am saving it for Christy when she comes in tomorrow.

-Cotton candy is weird...spun sugar. Who'd a thunk?

-I get to leave in an hour. Yay. I am doing the full 5 miles at the track tonight. Even though it is melty outside.

-I love the app "Angry Birds". It's hilarious.

-I am stuck on a level right now.

-Not that I am playing this game at work. It was from last night.

-I want to create some amazing and wacky illustrations at home. Just need to figure out what I want to do.

-And start.

-I better get to that stamp set.

-Maybe I will throw in random thoughts from time to time...but then mostly I do that on my blog anyway.

-Oh, and my stomach hurts. I am used to green stuff for lunch...lettuce, spinach, etc. Didn't have that today.

-But we did celebrate Andrea. I will miss her so much. But I will keep in touch.

-Yah, no drawing on my blog today.

-And my friend Cori is in town...I am SO happy. Love her.

Seriously

I have got to stop letting some people get to me. That is all I have to say on the matter.

Hummingbirds are amazing

It's Tuesday. And I really need to get some sleep. Just a little draggy in the mornings... ; )

I saw a hummingbird in my backyard just for a short while on Saturday. They amaze me. They move so fast...while they are staying still. And they just seem magical to me.

Have a very happy Tuesday!

Monday? Really?

Reality hit this morning. The alarm went off. Rude. Can't we switch our work week with the weekend? 5 days off and 2 days of work. Sounds good to me!

Here's a little sketch for Monday.

We got to go to a North Van Canada Reunion party on Saturday. So fun.

The killer whales are converging...I think Asher set that up.

Cutest cake ever! Lisa is so talented! I posted this photo on FB and a former Vancouver ward member asked if the red on the cake was bacon...hello! That made me laugh.

B and A with the blow up canadian beach ball. How fun!

The Vancouver Aquarium tribute. I miss that aquarium.

The kids having a grand time in the pool.

Ah yes- doesn't everyone eat better when they know that the cheese on their burger is the shape of a canadian maple leaf? Too cute!

Little peanut containers with the flag waving proudly.

It was a fun get together. Just relaxed and laid back. Everyone had a wonderful time.

Happy Monday!

What a wonderful weekend so far...

And here are all of us racers from our group for the Freedom Festival Race on July 5th. Woohoo! We did it! And it was great fun! Thanks Analane for the photo!

I also got 6 new windows installed yesterday! If windows can be beautiful, these are! I love them! Thank you, Window World! Thanks so much Jared for removing and reinstalling my blinds! You are the B E S T! Happy birthday tomorrow!

I also got to help in the Mt Timp Temple office last night for 2 and a half hours. We are extra busy with Provo Temple being closed for 5 weeks so we were asked to sign up to help with an extra shift and also a couple of hours in the office. The job in the office is to call two different lines and listen and write down the names that people call in for the Prayer Roll. It was just a fun time and also getting to know the workers in the office last night. One sister was just so sweet and I felt prompted to tell her all our experiences since my cute brother Jason passed away. It was a tender time for me for sure and she also got emotional. Words were shared that can only be shared in the temple. It was such a great evening. And President and Sister Brown were there. They are so cute. President Brown told the sister who was showing me how to do the phone stuff that she needs to watch out for me (Hinting that I am a little bit slow. Really funny there, President Brown!). I love the people I work with at the temple.

And then to top it off, Che' and Jared and I got to eat cafe rio after! Yum!

Today so far I went to the track, got my oil changed, and mowed my lawn. Off to the North Van Reunion party today and then lastly...but not leastly (is that a word? It should be!) off to see "110 Degrees in the Shade" starring Audra McDonald (from Broadway fame).

Such fun times! I have to say I feel very grateful.

(I also found out today that the Vancouver Temple is the 131st temple that has been built on this earth. 1 3 1. I like that number.)

Hi ho to Thursday!

Such a great thing...I woke up at 1am this morning. That's not so good. The good thing was that I realized I still got to sleep for 4 more hours! Now that was VERY good.

This is a drawing I did for a friend.

Happy Thursday. It's a good day!

Happy Wednesday all day!

Can't believe it's Wednesday already! That's what happens when you have a Monday off. Makes for a nice short week for sure! Yes!

Here is a drawing I created and colored for our company magazine for an article spread a couple of years ago. It was printed a lot bigger than this. It is of women celebrating. Perfect. It's good to celebrate. To be grateful. To enjoy life.

A fun-filled packed weekend!

I loved it that July 4th was on a Sunday this year. This way we got to enjoy 4th of July festivities on Saturday and Monday. So on Saturday, my sister Karen and two of her boys and I went to the hot air balloons fest. Too windy to let a lot of them take off. But this Alexander's one went for a ride.

Here is the infamous pig balloon. And my sis and two of her boys.
Then that night I went to Stadium of Fire with some friends. Carrie Underwood performed. She has an amazing voice.
Here is one photo of the festivities in the stadium before it got dark.
Fireworks. Woohoo!
And more! (I'm just glad that I wasn't in the group of spectators that got hit by some wayward fireworks in the stands. Eek. Smoke billowed all around them but there were no injuries. Phew.)
So then on Sunday, it was nice to sing patriotic songs and to have testimony meeting and to hear people remind us of how blessed we all are.

And then on Monday morning I ran in the Freedom Festival 5k. Woohoo. Here is my racing chip on my shoe. I ran the whole time until the last 3/4 of a mile was a slight uphill and so i had to walk a little but still ran most of it. We got a medal that says "Finisher" on it and the shirts were fun this year. Like racing shirts.
And here is one lone photo of the parade. Showing the temple and wagon and pioneers. FYI- do you see those people on top of that roof above the parade? Don't slide off! By the way- there were lots of floats and bands and the parade lasted about 2 hours.
Then after the parade, our family met at my sister deb's for a bbq. Yum. I was so hungry. And then after we went to the stables where their horse Sundance is. This first picture is of a new colt that is a few days old. Cute. We also met an albino filly but I didn't take a photo. Should have.
Here is my brother-in-law Troy with Sundance.
A close up of Sundance.
Troy and Sundance and Kiley and Kolby.
And there you go. I was so tired when I got home on Monday late afternoon. I just laid around and watched tv and was so unmotivated to do anything else. It was a funfilled funpacked weekend. Now back to reality and work.

Speaking of red balloons...

So I know I had a red balloon drawing in my earlier post today...well look at how funny Marcus is. He blew up one of his birthday balloons under his shirt. What a nutty kid!

Friday...yay!

Yay-it's Friday! Happy day! Hurrooh, hurraay!

Marcus and Ben- my nephews. Celebrating Marcus---his birthday party. They went swimming. Fun! And here they are opening presents...or Marcus is.

Lissa and their older sister Kemyla. And Ander to the left. Eating cake.
Lana and their sister Zoey. Not eating cake at the moment.
Ben and Ander. And Lissa's arm.
My sis Karen and her youngest son Wy.
I am glad they had a fun time. I was at work. Ah well. I have to pay my bills. ; )

Happy long weekend!

It's Thursday. Canada Day! And Rabbit-Rabbit day!

Canada Day is today. July 1st. Frequently referred to as "Canada's birthday", particularly in the popular press,the occasion marks the joining of the British North American colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada into a federation of four provinces (the Province of Canada being divided, in the process, into Ontario and Quebec) on July 1, 1867. Canada became a kingdom in its own right on that date, but the British Parliament kept limited rights of political control over the new country that were shed by stages over the years until the last vestiges were surrendered in 1982 when the Constitution Act patriated the Canadian constitution.

It is also Rabbit-Rabbit day today. You, the avid readers of my blog already know that when it is the first day of the month that you are not to say anything on the 1st of the month until you have said "rabbit-rabbit". This ensures you a month of good luck...supposedly. If anything it is just fun to try to remember each month. Thanks, Keddy, for introducing me to this fun monthly event! May you all have good luck each month...even if you do have the beginning stages of alzheimers and can't seem to remember this simple task.

So I keep meaning to post this little drawing I did of a co-worker of mine. Jen got married in June and for her reception she gave the small children a few crayons and a print out of this drawing. Some of the final pieces of artwork were quite hilarious. A couple of children apparently felt the need to draw extra hair on the groom, Sam's, head. One even added a full beard. It was fun to see the final colored pieces. (And I need to add that some of the shading came out a little dark on Jen's face. I have decided when drawing portraits that I can get a softer look when I can also color it all in with the different colors. Or even add more pencil shading to it. But since it was for coloring I needed to keep it more simple. So there.)
Happy Thursday! So excited for the long weekend!!! I get to go see the hot air balloons take off, go to the Stadium of Fire with Carrie Underwood performing. And watch the parade. Just lots of fun events. Woohoo!

Now to be serious and get some work done today...and tomorrow.