Showing posts with label christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christmas. Show all posts
Believe
Christmas is a season for childlike faith and innocence, when we are invited to believe that anything is possible.
As we grow up, though, the stories so cherished in childhood simply become harder to believe. Most of us grow skeptical about life, including the story of Christmas.
Yet, two thousand years ago, God invited two very different people to believe in Him for the impossible and what happened next changed their lives forever.
What would it take for us to experience the miracle of Christmas in our time and in our lives? What would happen if we could, once again, just Believe?
As we grow up, though, the stories so cherished in childhood simply become harder to believe. Most of us grow skeptical about life, including the story of Christmas.
Yet, two thousand years ago, God invited two very different people to believe in Him for the impossible and what happened next changed their lives forever.
What would it take for us to experience the miracle of Christmas in our time and in our lives? What would happen if we could, once again, just Believe?
BAND FROM TV!!!
For Christmas I received a ticket to see Band from TV at the Fallsview Casino on Sunday, March 7, 2010. And I wasn't the only one going - Dave, Mikol, Renee and I were all going to go see some of our favourite actors ROCK IT in Niagara Falls!!! I couldn't wait!!
ET Canada announced it http://www.bandfromtv.org/videos/view/?mid=26151_video_37 and then all of the sudden it seemed like it was here and over.
Unfortunately security was really strict and I didn't actually take any pictures:( I'm sharing some of the ones I found on-line so that you can enjoy part of the experience too.
BAND FROM TV members include Greg Grunberg & Adrian Pasdar from HEREOS, Hugh Laurie & Jesse Spencer from HOUSE, James Denton from DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, Scott Grimes from ER, and Bob Guiney from THE BACHELOR.
OK, so I didn't really find pictures of James Denton or Bob Guiney, but they were definitely there.
The gig started out with Hugh Laurie introducing the show: "Husbands and wives, illicit lovers, people who will become illicit lovers, people who became illicit lovers last night and are now slightly regretting it, high rollers, low rollers and hockey fans - the Avalon Theatre in association with the Fallsview Hotel and Casino are proud to present for your delight, entertainment, edification and sheer shuddering physical pleasure, the one, the only, BAND FROM TV!" http://www.hughlaurie.net/BfTV/bftvintro.wav
The billboard announcing the concert. Too bad they're missing Scott Grimes:-(
Adrian Pasdar - what a cutie! He didn't get a lot of singing time, but really looked like he was having a lot of fun on the stage. Ok, well, maybe not so much in this picture.
Scott Grimes hailing for crowd support. When we went, I was unaware that he was part of the band, but his energy and enthusiasm were contagious and I loved the music he added into the mix.
At one point "Grunny" got out from behind the drums and started looking for people to come and dance with him. So he gets off the stage and goes up and down the aisle grabbing people. My hand was one of the ones he grabbed and he held it the whole way down the aisle before dancing with me in front of the stage. Talk about an amazing first dance EVER! I so wish I had pictures:(
Greg Grunberg - what can I say? I held hands and danced with GREG GRUNBERG at the BAND FROM TV concert at Fallsview Casino on March 7, 2010!!! Yes, that would be Greg Grunberg from "Felicity", "Alias" and "Heroes". Mmm hmm...
Jesse Spencer exhibits some of his crazy cool fiddling skills - so much so that Hugh Laurie and Bob Guiney kneel in awe. I'm not 100% sure, but I think this was during "Devil Went Down to Georgia" performed by Jesse Spencer and James Denton.
Hugh Laurie - if you didn't know already, he is an amazing piano/keyboard player. Here's he's starting the intro to "Baba O'Riley"
http://www.hughlaurie.net/BfTV/maryann.wav - a sound clip of Hugh Laurie's performance of "Mary Ann"
http://www.hughlaurie.net/BfTV/circles.wav - a sound clip of Hugh Laurie's performance of "Will it go round in Circles"
This picture was taken by Scott Grimes.
This picture was taken by Scott Grimes.
Bob Guiney sings "Don't Try to Explain" at the Fallsview Casino on March 6, 2010
Jesse Spencer and James Denton perform "Devil Went Down to Georgia" at the Fallsview Casino on March 6, 2010
James Denton performs "Viva Las Vegas" at the Fallsview Casino on March 6, 2010
James Denton performs "Mary's Place" at the Fallsview Casino on March 6, 2010
Little clips of the Band from TV's performance from the Niagara Falls (Fallsview Casino) show on March 6, 2010
Little clips of the Band From TV's performance from the Niagara Falls (Fallsview Casino) show on March 7, 2010
Oh yeah, I'm one of the screaming fans you can hear in the audio/video clips. I was completely hoarse by the end of the concert. I LOVED every minute of it!!! Would LOVE to do that again!!!
I'd also love to get their CD, except it's only available through amazon.com which means they don't ship to Canada :-(
ET Canada announced it http://www.bandfromtv.org/videos/view/?mid=26151_video_37 and then all of the sudden it seemed like it was here and over.
Unfortunately security was really strict and I didn't actually take any pictures:( I'm sharing some of the ones I found on-line so that you can enjoy part of the experience too.
BAND FROM TV members include Greg Grunberg & Adrian Pasdar from HEREOS, Hugh Laurie & Jesse Spencer from HOUSE, James Denton from DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, Scott Grimes from ER, and Bob Guiney from THE BACHELOR.
OK, so I didn't really find pictures of James Denton or Bob Guiney, but they were definitely there.
The gig started out with Hugh Laurie introducing the show: "Husbands and wives, illicit lovers, people who will become illicit lovers, people who became illicit lovers last night and are now slightly regretting it, high rollers, low rollers and hockey fans - the Avalon Theatre in association with the Fallsview Hotel and Casino are proud to present for your delight, entertainment, edification and sheer shuddering physical pleasure, the one, the only, BAND FROM TV!" http://www.hughlaurie.net/BfTV/bftvintro.wav
The billboard announcing the concert. Too bad they're missing Scott Grimes:-(
Adrian Pasdar - what a cutie! He didn't get a lot of singing time, but really looked like he was having a lot of fun on the stage. Ok, well, maybe not so much in this picture.
Scott Grimes hailing for crowd support. When we went, I was unaware that he was part of the band, but his energy and enthusiasm were contagious and I loved the music he added into the mix.
At one point "Grunny" got out from behind the drums and started looking for people to come and dance with him. So he gets off the stage and goes up and down the aisle grabbing people. My hand was one of the ones he grabbed and he held it the whole way down the aisle before dancing with me in front of the stage. Talk about an amazing first dance EVER! I so wish I had pictures:(
Greg Grunberg - what can I say? I held hands and danced with GREG GRUNBERG at the BAND FROM TV concert at Fallsview Casino on March 7, 2010!!! Yes, that would be Greg Grunberg from "Felicity", "Alias" and "Heroes". Mmm hmm...
Jesse Spencer exhibits some of his crazy cool fiddling skills - so much so that Hugh Laurie and Bob Guiney kneel in awe. I'm not 100% sure, but I think this was during "Devil Went Down to Georgia" performed by Jesse Spencer and James Denton.
Hugh Laurie - if you didn't know already, he is an amazing piano/keyboard player. Here's he's starting the intro to "Baba O'Riley"
http://www.hughlaurie.net/BfTV/maryann.wav - a sound clip of Hugh Laurie's performance of "Mary Ann"
http://www.hughlaurie.net/BfTV/circles.wav - a sound clip of Hugh Laurie's performance of "Will it go round in Circles"
This picture was taken by Scott Grimes.
This picture was taken by Scott Grimes.
Bob Guiney sings "Don't Try to Explain" at the Fallsview Casino on March 6, 2010
Jesse Spencer and James Denton perform "Devil Went Down to Georgia" at the Fallsview Casino on March 6, 2010
James Denton performs "Viva Las Vegas" at the Fallsview Casino on March 6, 2010
James Denton performs "Mary's Place" at the Fallsview Casino on March 6, 2010
Little clips of the Band from TV's performance from the Niagara Falls (Fallsview Casino) show on March 6, 2010
Little clips of the Band From TV's performance from the Niagara Falls (Fallsview Casino) show on March 7, 2010
Oh yeah, I'm one of the screaming fans you can hear in the audio/video clips. I was completely hoarse by the end of the concert. I LOVED every minute of it!!! Would LOVE to do that again!!!
I'd also love to get their CD, except it's only available through amazon.com which means they don't ship to Canada :-(
wishing everyone a merry christmas
This is one of my fave vidoes to remind me of exactly why we celebrate. Enjoy!
C is for Cookie
So Christmas is almost upon us again. That means I've done a lot of baking already (and boy, it's more than I even planned for).
Mom and I have made Cornflake Cookies, Sachertorte Cookies, Siropskuchen, Peppermint Cookies, Almond Crescents, Snickerdoodles and Starbucks Cookies with various helpers (my sister, cousin, sister-in-law, nieces and nephew).
On my own I've made a couple of batches of Sachertorte Cookies, Almond Crescents, Lunch Munch Cookies, Candy Cane Chocolate Chunk Cookies and Tangerine Blossoms.
With my friends Dave & Mikol, I made 8 different varieties of biscotti (including Chocolate-Cherry Biscotti).
And the baking is not finished yet. It's insane.
But I must admit, I really enjoy it. The cookies are generally smaller than at any other time of year. And they are more work than "normal" cookies are. But the results are so yummy and satisfying.
Tangerine Blossoms were a new one for me this year. The day that I made them, my nephew came over. He right away wanted to try one. So I gave him one and asked if he liked it. His response was "It's yummy, Tante Carolynn! It tastes like macaroni and cheese!"
Just for your reassurance, they do not actually taste like macaroni and cheese, but they are good.
Mom and I have made Cornflake Cookies, Sachertorte Cookies, Siropskuchen, Peppermint Cookies, Almond Crescents, Snickerdoodles and Starbucks Cookies with various helpers (my sister, cousin, sister-in-law, nieces and nephew).
On my own I've made a couple of batches of Sachertorte Cookies, Almond Crescents, Lunch Munch Cookies, Candy Cane Chocolate Chunk Cookies and Tangerine Blossoms.
With my friends Dave & Mikol, I made 8 different varieties of biscotti (including Chocolate-Cherry Biscotti).
And the baking is not finished yet. It's insane.
But I must admit, I really enjoy it. The cookies are generally smaller than at any other time of year. And they are more work than "normal" cookies are. But the results are so yummy and satisfying.
Tangerine Blossoms were a new one for me this year. The day that I made them, my nephew came over. He right away wanted to try one. So I gave him one and asked if he liked it. His response was "It's yummy, Tante Carolynn! It tastes like macaroni and cheese!"
Just for your reassurance, they do not actually taste like macaroni and cheese, but they are good.
my christmas letter
This past Christmas was a festive and busy time spent with family and friends. Sabrina (my sister), Briar (my sister-in-law), my Mom and I started out the new year with a relaxing day at one of the spas in Niagara-on-the-Lake. I was also able to do quite a bit of scrapbooking when my Creative Memories consultant hosted her annual “Jumpstart January” weekend. I got a lot of pages done. Sabrina also returned to Winnipeg, MB in January and then traveled to Guatemala with her team (she’s a team leader for CMU’s Outtatown Discipleship School).
February had an academic focus with many assignments due before reading week and many tests and midterms after reading week. We celebrated the 30th birthday of my brother, Wes, in style at “the Barns” (our nursery barns) which had been cleaned and decorated before being filled with friends and family and food. Later in the month, my brother, Gary, and my parents went to Paraguay, South America for a few weeks to visit friends and family.
March brought with it the opportunity to participate in Gateway’s winter VBS. We traveled to the Avalanche Ranch where kids had “a wild ride through God’s word”. The kids had a great time meeting the different creatures who reminded us that: God is real, God is with us, God is strong, God is awesome, and God is in charge. I was really excited that I could bring Kaityn along this year.
In April, my friend, Vittoria, got married. I am so excited and happy for her. It was a beautiful ceremony and a fun reception. The only thing that put a damper on the day for me was the fact that I had to write one of my exams that day.
This spring and summer I took a couple of courses at Brock. Although it made life a little busier, it was all for a good cause because they were necessary to my program. Sabrina also came home for the spring and summer.
This year, as part of one of my courses, I had a placement in the Grade 1/2 class at Col. John Butler School. I absolutely loved every minute of it and hated to see the end of the school year in June. On June 28, we celebrated my nephew’s first birthday! Rowan quite enjoyed the “Thomas” party, but didn’t seem too sure about the icing on his cake. He is such a little boy and curious about everything.
In July we had planned another “girls’ nite” (Briar, Sabrina, Mom and me) and we bought tickets to see “Shakespeare in the Vineyard” (an annual, outdoor event at Henry of Pelham Winery in St. Catharines). This year’s production was “A Winter’s Tale”. We got poured on, so we went to the Keg for coffee and dessert. Despite the uncooperative weather, we had a great time.
This summer I also had the opportunity to tutor some kids. It was a challenge to come up with fun and interesting things to do (lots of Dr. Seuss!), but I really enjoyed it.
September came and Sabrina left for Winnipeg again. Berlin started preschool and Kaityn moved up to Sr. Kindergarten. KidsWay, Gateway’s Sunday School program, also began in September. This year we’ve combined the Sr. Kindergarten and the Grade One classes together so I’ve got a rather large group of energetic kids. My semester at Brock started and I was given a new placement. This year I am helping out with the Rainbow B.R.I.D.G.E. program. This is an alternative education program for kids that are at risk of dropping out. I was really nervous about it because I am used to working with younger kids (these are Grade Eights), but I genuinely love it and look forward to going each week. Berlin, my niece, turned three on September 10 and we celebrated with a “Diego” party. She loves warm and fuzzy things, it doesn’t matter what it is, if it’s warm and fuzzy she loves it.
Harvest time arrived with its whirl of machinery. The grapes came off without any hitches and then began the waiting for the cold weather so that the ice wine grapes could be picked too. To celebrate her 30th birthday, Briar went to visit some good friends in Burundi, Africa. She had an amazing time.
On November 28, Kaityn, my niece, turned five. She had a “Swimming Princess” party (a pool party with a Disney Princesses theme). She loves reading (and is very good at it) and gives great big bear hugs (grrrr!).
The beginning of December has been a bit busy and stressful as I am in the midst of writing exams. But exams will be done soon. Christmas programs at church, family gatherings and getting together with friends will round out the month. In the midst of all the usual hubbub of the holidays, I hope this holiday season has found you with peace and joy. Take the time to reflect on the Reason for this wonderful season. Wishing you a blessed Christmas and hoping that you’ll experience God’s unending love, amazing joy, and perfect peace throughout the coming year.
With much love and many prayers,
Carolynn
February had an academic focus with many assignments due before reading week and many tests and midterms after reading week. We celebrated the 30th birthday of my brother, Wes, in style at “the Barns” (our nursery barns) which had been cleaned and decorated before being filled with friends and family and food. Later in the month, my brother, Gary, and my parents went to Paraguay, South America for a few weeks to visit friends and family.
March brought with it the opportunity to participate in Gateway’s winter VBS. We traveled to the Avalanche Ranch where kids had “a wild ride through God’s word”. The kids had a great time meeting the different creatures who reminded us that: God is real, God is with us, God is strong, God is awesome, and God is in charge. I was really excited that I could bring Kaityn along this year.
In April, my friend, Vittoria, got married. I am so excited and happy for her. It was a beautiful ceremony and a fun reception. The only thing that put a damper on the day for me was the fact that I had to write one of my exams that day.
This spring and summer I took a couple of courses at Brock. Although it made life a little busier, it was all for a good cause because they were necessary to my program. Sabrina also came home for the spring and summer.
This year, as part of one of my courses, I had a placement in the Grade 1/2 class at Col. John Butler School. I absolutely loved every minute of it and hated to see the end of the school year in June. On June 28, we celebrated my nephew’s first birthday! Rowan quite enjoyed the “Thomas” party, but didn’t seem too sure about the icing on his cake. He is such a little boy and curious about everything.
In July we had planned another “girls’ nite” (Briar, Sabrina, Mom and me) and we bought tickets to see “Shakespeare in the Vineyard” (an annual, outdoor event at Henry of Pelham Winery in St. Catharines). This year’s production was “A Winter’s Tale”. We got poured on, so we went to the Keg for coffee and dessert. Despite the uncooperative weather, we had a great time.
This summer I also had the opportunity to tutor some kids. It was a challenge to come up with fun and interesting things to do (lots of Dr. Seuss!), but I really enjoyed it.
September came and Sabrina left for Winnipeg again. Berlin started preschool and Kaityn moved up to Sr. Kindergarten. KidsWay, Gateway’s Sunday School program, also began in September. This year we’ve combined the Sr. Kindergarten and the Grade One classes together so I’ve got a rather large group of energetic kids. My semester at Brock started and I was given a new placement. This year I am helping out with the Rainbow B.R.I.D.G.E. program. This is an alternative education program for kids that are at risk of dropping out. I was really nervous about it because I am used to working with younger kids (these are Grade Eights), but I genuinely love it and look forward to going each week. Berlin, my niece, turned three on September 10 and we celebrated with a “Diego” party. She loves warm and fuzzy things, it doesn’t matter what it is, if it’s warm and fuzzy she loves it.
Harvest time arrived with its whirl of machinery. The grapes came off without any hitches and then began the waiting for the cold weather so that the ice wine grapes could be picked too. To celebrate her 30th birthday, Briar went to visit some good friends in Burundi, Africa. She had an amazing time.
On November 28, Kaityn, my niece, turned five. She had a “Swimming Princess” party (a pool party with a Disney Princesses theme). She loves reading (and is very good at it) and gives great big bear hugs (grrrr!).
The beginning of December has been a bit busy and stressful as I am in the midst of writing exams. But exams will be done soon. Christmas programs at church, family gatherings and getting together with friends will round out the month. In the midst of all the usual hubbub of the holidays, I hope this holiday season has found you with peace and joy. Take the time to reflect on the Reason for this wonderful season. Wishing you a blessed Christmas and hoping that you’ll experience God’s unending love, amazing joy, and perfect peace throughout the coming year.
With much love and many prayers,
Carolynn
Reflections of 2006
In the beginning of January, I was able to do quite a bit of scrapbooking. We had our annual “Jumpstart January” weekend with Jolene Klassen (my Creative Memories consultant) and I got a lot accomplished. My sister, Sabrina, returned to Winnipeg, MB and then traveled to Guatemala with her team (she’s a team leader for CMU’s Outtatown Discipleship School). My brother, Gary, also traveled the world as he headed to New Zealand to work at a winery as part of his undergraduate studies at Brock. For me, the month also quickly shifted focus as many of my assignments were due.February also had an academic focus with many assignments due before reading week and many tests and midterms after reading week. My parents went to Paraguay, South America for a few weeks. I had the house to myself, sort of. My friend, Leah, came to stay with me, but our schedules were so crazy that we barely saw each other.
March came and went without too much excitement. There were more assignments and my parents came home. Ella, my “niece” (Jim and Tina’s daughter), turned one on March 15 and we celebrated with a big party a few days earlier. My church also had its annual VBS during March Break. This year, we had a Fiesta in Mexico. The kids had a great time meeting the different creatures who reminded us that Jesus is our friend, our life, our leader, our Savior, and our helper. I must admit, I did too.
In May I found a part-time job for the summer with Visiting Angels Inc. (an on-call health care service). I did the staff scheduling and a lot of office duties. I took a Spanish course at Niagara College. Between school and work, I managed to spend some quality time with friends as well.
June was a busy month. My mom treated “us girls” to a weekend in Pennsylvania and a show at the Sight and Sound Theatre (very cool). I also traveled to Paraguay for some weddings (my friends Dennis and Mardi and Wesley and Rony). The traveling was quite an adventure (definitely a long story, so I’ll try to post it another time). My time in Paraguay was good – I got to spend time with family and friends I met while I was there in 2004. While I was gone, I was also blessed with the arrival of my nephew, Rowan, on June 28.
In August I began to look for a new job for during the school year (my class schedule did not allow me to continue to work for Visiting Angels Inc.). I went to several interviews, and accepted a position at NuComm International. At the end of August, I began my training and started working there part-time. I was also invited to housesit for my friend, Nancy, from August 11 until September 23. I must admit, it was nice to be on my own and have some independence.
The fall semester at Brock began on September 7. Between school and work, my social life dwindled. The Sunday School program at my church also started up again and, once again, I’m helping out with the Grade 1 class. My niece, Kaityn, started school this year as she’s in the Jr. Kindergarten class at Virgil Public School. And my niece, Berlin, turned two on September 10 and we had a big party for her on September 16.
October was busy as usual. My family did not get together for Thanksgiving this year. I was housesitting at my aunt and uncle’s place, so a few friends and I had a chicken dinner and celebrated Thanksgiving together. Right after Thanksgiving, I began my placement for my Child and Youth Development class. Once a week I go to Colonel John Butler Public School in Niagara-on-the-Lake and help out in the Grade 1/2 class. I’ve been enjoying that a lot.
In October and November, I was plagued with terrible headaches and many migraines. At the end of November, the doctor finally prescribed a medication that helped and I was able to get back into the swing of things. Austin, my “nephew” (Jim and Tina’s son), was born on November 14. On November 28, we celebrated Kaityn’s 4th birthday. She is a huge fan of Dora the Explorer and the theme of the party reflected that.
In the midst of all the usual hullabaloo of the holidays, I hope this holiday season has found you with peace and joy. Take the time to reflect on the Reason for this wonderful season. I wish you a blessed Christmas and hope that you’ll experience God’s unending love, amazing joy, and perfect peace throughout the coming year.
Boxing Day
These are my nieces and nephew on Christmas Morning. Kaityn is 4 years old, Berlin is 2 years old, and Rowan is 6 months old. I am so thankful that they live just around the corner from us and that I get to see them very often. They are SOOOO cute!!! Anyhow, I just thought I'd get this out there so that you can see just who I'm talking about when I talk about my nieces and nephew.Hope you're all enjoying your holidays!
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Love ya lots!
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