Ana Martel

Just For Laughs

2010-12-09T19:16:00.000-08:00

Featuring the Martel Dancers

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

heh.............MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The things I do when I am bored....

Sisters, Sisters

2010-12-02T08:23:00.000-08:00

Sisters, sisters
There were never such devoted sisters,
Never had to have a chaperone, no sir,
I'm there to keep my eye on her
Caring, sharing
Every little thing that we are wearing
When a certain gentleman arrived from Rome
She wore the dress, and I stayed home
All kinds of weather, we stick together
The same in the rain and sun
Three different faces, but in tight places
We think and we act as one
Those who've seen us
Know that not a thing could come between us
Many men have tried to split us up, but no one can
Lord help the mister who comes between me and my sister
And lord help the sister, who comes between me and my man

Halloween pics

2010-11-02T07:34:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving, autumn, red hair and Marmora

2010-10-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

I did it! I survived Thanksgiving day. The delicious dinner and great company made all the prep and work so worth it... and did I mention the cook/pajama fest. Never mind then.

And what a FAIL!!! ... we took no pics. (although here is something for you to feast your eyes upon, fatty! :P )

But! I will share some great memories with you from last week. :)

I got to spend a few days up in Marmora with the Wallaces. They've got the cutest little restaurant going on. Yummy food too. I missed out on Japanese night though. :(

Now for some vanity autumn pics with my red hair.

Small Update

2010-09-29T22:02:00.000-07:00

So here are some attempts at autumn decor. :)

2010-09-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

So, here are a few happenings of the past months... in a nutshell:

I’m 20! And so far it has been great!

Summer was beautiful, but has finally come to an end, I wish it could last forever... or at least for another year. By then I’ll be (hopefully) driving and bad weather will have no hold on me. :D It is so cold... and is only going to get worse.

But then again, how can I complain when I’ve got this?

Davida is coming! She’s been saying that for a while now, but I know that this time she will not let me down... for my hearts sake. I haven’t seen her since 2007 and I miss her terribly.

I’ve been working part time at East Side Mario’s for quite a few months now. It’s nice. Whole different experience working at a restaurant. But the other employees are great, so I am pleased.

I dyed my hair. Pics coming soon.

I couldn’t blog without a pic of my baby, now, could I? It is simple, but I love it.

If I could, my house would be filled with fall decorations... like this one. Pumkins, hay, leaves, even scare crows are all so...warm. :D
one day......
Okay, that will have to do for now. Honestly, I had sort of given up blogging. But it was so discouraging to check the blog and see that you were still visiting it. I’d hate myself if I were you. So I promise I’ll be letting you in on all the juicy as well as boring details of my life from now on, okay? Love ya!

Puerto Vallarta

2010-04-23T22:00:00.000-07:00

So here are the pictures I promised to post of the XD. You ready? :P
My XD was located in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. We stayed at Clube Meza del Mar, an all-inclusive resort right at the beach. It’s been a while since I’ve been a real beach, and I am sad to say that I didn’t enjoy the sun as much as I should have...but hey, there were so many other stuff to do, I was kept real busy.;) So no, I don't have a beautiful tan...yet. There is a whole summer ahead of me. *Whop whop*
Anyhow, this one was beautiful.

I’ll show you around.

At dinner we were treated with the gorgeous view of the sun setting over the ocean.

The XD in itself was wonderful. I feel so....refreshed. :D The classes were awesome. Thank you all who put your time and effort into it. I am so very grateful. :-*
After the classes most would go down to the beach for volley ball, rugby, and swimming, or just to enjoy the beach and others. ;D

a little rugby with Lain and Andre

Then there were the evenings...god! those were fun.
Wednesday I went to a pool party, and danced away to some Latin rhythm... until some thoughtful guy decided that the pool needed some company and so he threw me in. I then tried out my surfing skills with Danny. Hmmm....I don’t think it worked out to well. :P

Friday night we went to the Malecon... (sort of a boardwalk with beach on one side and clubs and what not on the other). We met up with others at a club and danced some more...with the local Mexicanos.

I got to meet some wonderful people there. Beautiful people, friendly people, great personalities...I love’m. :D

All the Men and Chicas... about 60!

Mui Guapos!!!

After Party - crashing at Maria's room... munching away on some food Checko the Hero got us.

Humphrey marketing his Asian pizza to the other unsuspecting rooms :P

On the last day we followed Danny to this rock driving place in the middle of nowhere. It was enjoyable though. I took pictures of crabs....and watched. That was scary enough. Bestest yet was returning on the back of the pickup with Humphrey and Danny.

there is a crab among those rocks :D

Coming home was another 24 hour adventure. Driving, flying, a 9 hour layover in New Jeresy, then flying again...tyring to get any sleep we can. Crashing at an airport is NOT the way to go.
But the sweetest thing yet is returning home, tired and missing all those down south, and being greated by a beatiful "Welcome home" sign and many voices screaming at once how much they missed us and giving one, two, three hugs at a time. It is good to be home.

Andre at the airport. lols

I miss everyone and hope that all is great with each one of you. I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. I am so glad I got to know you.
xoxox

_____________________________________________________________
2 Myths flunked:
Myth No1: All of Texas is dry, dessert, cowboy land.
Flying over Houston I was pleasantly surprised with all the greenery, flowers and such. Wow.
Myth No2: Brazil’s got the craziest driving in the world.
OMG! I was so wrong! The driving there is crazy! It seems like everybody does whatever they please, and that while speeding! That was a real shocker, but then again, I am just a paranoid girl when it comes to driving.
Myth No3: Spanish is easy.
It is not. Period.

Pooh Time

2010-04-08T19:14:00.000-07:00

The layout can't get any worse, but this is a little something we quickly put together for mom while she got off her pc for a few seconds. So yeah, that is my little energetic Pooh. It was his birthday just yesterday. Wow, 9 years old! I don't think it sank in yet. See if you get it...
Goodnight.

*I love you Pooh!*

Bond night

2010-03-26T13:27:00.000-07:00

The internet has been especially crabby lately, so I apologize for my lack of posts. I’ve been meaning to get some pictures up from last week’s party. I guess it is never too late, eh? I don’t usually take pictures anymore, so anything I post will most likely be pictures that most of you have seen on facebook. But as some of you either don’t have an account, or don’t have access, I’ll start posting them here. Okay?
So some awesome people threw a birthday party for Ceci. The theme was 007/James Bond. It was nice to see everybody looking so spiff, as well as meeting some new faces. :D I know such beautiful and handsome people! I tried to impersonate Vesper Lynd from Casino Royale. I don’t know if I pulled it off so well (the look), with my bangs and all.
Okay, here we go... (I can only upload a few right now)

best bond eva!

birthday girl .xxxxx

Oh! Great news! I’ll be going to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for a week. I’ll be staying at an all inclusive resort right by the beach! Oh, how I miss the sun. The weather has been so gloomy and cold. So I’ll be sure to bring my camera along this time.
xoxo

GO GOLD

2010-03-03T09:33:00.000-08:00

It was quite the party at home last Sunday as we all gathered around the projector in our living room to watch the hockey finalists of the Olympics, Canada and the US, battle forGold. With us Canadians hollering and cheering our team on, America didn’t stand a chance ;-). It was a good game, intense, competitive, and very scary at a point (when the Americans scored and tied the game in the last 20 seconds! making us go into overtime). But dear Crosby saved the game. It was about time! And so we earned our 14th Gold medal... breaking the record of the most gold medals ever in an Olympic season. Good job Canada!
Here are some captured moments:

Cheering the teams on. It takes a lot of guts to wear that paint on your face Kevin...I'm surprised you lived through it. ;-)

"HE SHOOTS! HE SCORES!" WE WIN! Excited and relieved faces.

Celebrating

Just proud to be Canadian. :D

LUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!

Robin acting like a winner. Go Crosby!

"Cowboys are SO HOT right now"

2010-02-25T14:24:00.000-08:00

Why do we love cowboys?
Cowboys have a romantic, even heroic image. These men are pictured as ruggedly handsome, gentle yet tough, strong, sensual, brave and loyal, daring, independent, manly...and oh, I can go on! Every girl has that one (or more) romantic fantasy with that perfect cowboy. Admit it.
So here I am, just joined the long list of hopelessly in love girls, lost in the fantasy world of cowboys. They do that, these cowboys.

They are the new “knights in shining armour.”

....So, pretty much Texas, Here I Come! in search for my cowboy. ;-*

I am so pleased...

2010-02-23T10:33:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning to a white backyard. I have been waiting for snow all winter long and now it is finally here. (I can make snowmen! And pummel the guys with my awesome snow fighting skills) :D

Last night my favourite Ice Dancers thrilled us all with an amazing performance and made history by becoming the first Canadians to win a gold medal for ice dancing. (Not to mention that Canada also had two other big wins today on curling and hockey)

Canada is doing so good...I'm loosing my voice from all the cheering.

I had a wonderful weekend with the Photo’s. Cha and Lixy are such kindred spirits and make the most delicious food ever. :D I miss them already. And Jason. And Greg. And Joey. And those two nice quiet boys. J (all that was missing was dear Tomomi-chan)Thanks guys for having me.

Okay, I’ll share some of the pics.

beer pong nice shot!

scrambling for the ball :D

And cha took pictures of me in the snow... my first since coming here.

And here is the result of the snow storm at home: Had a huge snow fight.

Faces

Sophie

Hungry???

So that's that...but I promise to be posting more often.

cheers

2010-01-12T08:29:00.000-08:00

New Year’s Reflections

Looking back on the months gone by,
As a new year starts and an old one ends,
We contemplate what brought us joy,
And we think of our loved ones and our friends.

Recalling all the happy times,
Remembering how they enriched our lives,
We reflect upon who really counts,
As the fresh and bright new year arrives.

And when I ponder those who do,
I immediately think of you.

Thanks for being one of the reasons I'll have a Happy New Year!

By Joanna Fuchs

Happy New Year!

2009-12-03T14:16:00.000-08:00

Family Pics

Montreal

with Grandmaman

My little tough guy.

Happy Birthday to.... MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

I'm called to the kitchen for God knows what, and..."Surprise!!!" People, party hats, party whistles, cake, icecream, and more.

19 candles...

Niagara Falls - with family

Not exactly family...but we love'm

didn't make it past the door. Maybe next time. :)

Karaoke time with Ramzi

at the Lake

Fishing!!!!

And Cec, a little worried about being behind me while swing my rod after...anything. :D

loving some poor animals

Mothers' Day

Pooh prepared picnic/breakfast for mom... Cute.

Festivals!

Canada Day. On our way...

I failed again. :( I Didn't really take any nice Fall pics... But here's one just for the sake of it.

Fattest Clowns

2009-11-12T19:22:00.000-08:00

Good News! I just got my computer back...so that means I'll start posting again. I couldn't take one more day after these 5 months of silence.

I don't have my hard drive with me at the moment, so the pictures will have to wait...as well as the tales of what I’ve been getting myself into. So be ready...any day now.

The best time of year has to be summer and fall... ok....I might be of a different opinion in a couple of months. But so far that stands. :D ok...I'm rattling.

Oh...here is a little peek. Halloween! Right before we left to the party. Still not fully dressed. :P

don't you just love the old men? I'm supposed to be a geisha, don't question it. txs

And here are the kidoes before "trick-or-treating." Robin, Pirate, Cowgirl, and a fire"girl"

okay...these next pictures I'm borrowing from ppl's albums on facebook...thanks guys...heheh

Fiesta!!!

Some fav "new" faces-->>>

These are everywhere...so one more place couldn't hurt. :D

So I'll be seeing you around. :)

Broken Road

2009-07-13T10:30:00.000-07:00

.....by Rascal Flatts

Festa Junina

2009-07-12T08:55:00.000-07:00

*Buah buah buah......*
I'm longing for just that. Yes, the music, the clothes, the dancing, the food...All of it.
Thought I should let you know. hehehe

Vamo????

2009-07-09T07:46:00.000-07:00

If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, “Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.”—Martin Luther King, Jr.

Sunday II

2009-07-07T12:43:00.000-07:00

Well, I think I've overdone a little on pictures for one day...

but.....

here's justa few more... (eeeeeeee)

With Jonny

lol...he loves me.

(what? random plate in my hands... okay okay, common, it was a BBQ...I couldn't stay away)

Singing my heart away about some dancing queen

Sunday

2009-07-07T10:59:00.000-07:00

Sunday was Frankie's birthday (BBQ..it's actually tomorrow * HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRANK! :D* ) so there was quite a crowed at home...yikes!! (whatever, I love it all)

Anyhow, here are some pics with my sister.

After eating breakfast outside...(don't mind the tired eyes ..heheh ), Mom dragged us out to the petting zoo and some random park.

Breakfast...still in dreamland.

At the farm:

Prettiest peacock ... and the cutset little llama

Never seen so much hay! Now I really feel like a country girl. Where is my hat!!!

monkeying around... we were picking berries...now, I don't know about Robin

Trying not to fall off....

I'm back

2009-07-06T18:56:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know, I’ve been pretty negligent lately; no excuses.
But here is a little of what I’ve been up to. :D

Picnic:

-Just the classic thing to do on a pleasantly sunny weekend: have a Picnic and see some faces you don’t see every week (and...btw.... Vicky is so cute!)

-My first time ballooning! It was actually fun (even though it was pouring ½ the time and we were all drenched) people were still in a festive mood and wanted my pitiful balloons. Just you wait; I’ll be a pro balloonist in no time.

OH! Good news! My brother will be coming up for a month (August). I am so glad it all worked out as I don’t think I ever missed him this much.

And it just gets better! Marie-Anne is now living here... YAY! I couldn’t have asked for someone better. She is just great—funny, crazy, creative, smart, fun, cooks up some amazing meals, and is so very beautiful (and much more, just didn’t want to get you too jealous ;) lol. (Love ya!)

I love the summer here. The list of the fun it brings is endless (yes, we make do without the beaches).

Okay, I'm getting a little annoyed with the slow internet, so I'll get some more pics when I've got a little more patience in me...

(coming soon: Maire's visit!!!)

Bits of Nothing

2009-06-10T20:29:00.000-07:00

--All this bikini body talk has gotten me a little....itchy. I'd better shape up and exercise, eh?

--We’ll be having a talent night for our Home sometime in July, and I am clueless as to what to do. I was thinking about trying out my upside down jumping jacks, what do you think?

--These are the prettiest eyes I’ve seen in a long time... and I miss them.

--Book of the month --> Emma, by Jane Austin.

...About Emma Woodhouse, a “handsome, clever, and rich” but rather spoiled girl who overestimates her matchmaking skills. ...Jane Austin’s an amazing writer who enthralls her readers (she sure had me) in her captivating, ironic, romantic comedy. I just couldn’t put the book down. …Definitely a “must read!”

I Love it!

--Oh! I got a haircut. *clap clap*

Hockey Night

2009-06-09T19:52:00.000-07:00

I know, this is so weird...why would I ever waste my time on this??? But, yup, it is happening...sat through 5 whole games!!! (Might not seem like much, but for a former hockey antagonist I’d say so)
So there I was again this evening, happily munching on chips, fries, nachos, and sipping my beer. Nothing really special, no great Canadian teams made it very far this year *sigh*, only the Red Wings and Penguins in their 6th game. But it was scary enough to keep me there.
See you Friday! ;-D

them beauties

2009-06-08T19:31:00.000-07:00

OMG!!! Look at what I found while randomly flipping through some blogs... Dan, Vera, Aggie, Katya, Bia, Daria, Olenka, and Cookie. They all look so big and grown up! And look! there is a new one! Nadia, is that her name? Awww...they are such a wonderful/handsome family. (And the girls are the prettiest things alive.) The time I spent with them is unforgettable.
I havn't written any of you for ages, and I am truly so sorry! I promise to do better. :D
I love you guys

Karaoke

2009-06-08T11:17:00.000-07:00

Gee, that was a good weekend! Friends, cake, ice cream, movies, cold/sun, games, more fun, Doritos, beautiful girls, pretty flowers, chocolate, massage (that Jonny guy’s the best!), some sleep,... you name it! All that was missing was a good party. I guess I can’t have everything, eh?

The 'cherry on the top' was the karaoke! Ohhhhh how I adore that. We should do it more often. I just pity the unfortunate ones who have to put up with my singing (which, if you haven’t noticed, I just LOVE doing, anywhere...that and flowers) Thanks guys .

Now, I don’t have any pictures myself... sigh... but I’ll try to get a hold of some.

Hoping you had as good of a weekend.
--Ana

More Pics

2009-05-31T14:19:00.000-07:00

Pics of my two brothers and me...

Jonny! Whoa, that guy is getting huge! Pretty soon I'll be asking him "how's the weather up there?"

Then there is Robin... well, he is getting there.

laughing uncontrolably at his routine "kiss on the nose"

And lastly there is me, who will shortly be "eating thier dust". :)

Happy Birthday Mom

2009-05-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday mom!
I couldn’t have ever asked for a better mom. Thank you for putting up with me for all these years (If I were you I don’t think I would have lasted over 3 months--:D). I truly admire you. And whats best is that I know that if I ever need a mentor or a friend, I can go to you—thank you! Just saying “I love you” sounds terribly inadequate, but I guess that it will have to do for now, eh?
I LOVE YOU!

New Somethings

2009-05-29T17:06:00.000-07:00

Look at what Robin found sunbathing last Sunday!
It is so cute and small...our new little pet.

Look at him go!

2009-05-28T17:51:00.000-07:00

From Frisbee, soccer, fresco ball to volley... (anything slightly round) my little guy is always there, creaming the big bullies.

My Beautiful Spring

2009-05-27T15:50:00.000-07:00

I'll give you a little peek...

An apple tree

crab apples

the pond

and the geese (see the little
goslings???)

More apples

and pears

maple leaf

and dandelions

daffodils

and tulips

These are just skimpy pictures, you have to be here to enjoy it entirely.

....It just gets better.

The Cutest...

2009-05-20T15:43:00.000-07:00

How Do I Love You?

How do I love you?
Let me count the ways;
I love you on your very best
And very worst of days.

I love to see you laughing
And dancing in the rain,
And even if you make a mess
I love you just the same.

I love to hear you sing,
I love to see you smile,
I love the way you take each day
In your own unhurried style.

I'm happy when you're happy
I'm sorry when you're sad
And even though it may not show
I love you when you're bad.

I love to watch you sleeping
Tucked away in dreams
I love to hear you whisper
All your future hopes and dreams.

I love to watch you play
And all your silly ways
I'm sure you'll never know
How much I love you more each day.

How do I love you?
It's impossible to say;
For if I had a million days
And time enough for all the praise
I couldn't tell you all the ways
I love you.

The Best Thing About April...

2009-05-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

Aries and Taurus’s, Happy Birthday!!!
(Forgive the pictures, they were all I could scrape up at the moment...)

March 27 - Micky

April 7 - Robin

April 22 – Abrahim.....

...and Joana

April 29 – Marie

May 16 – Oil and Elaine (this picture *wow* is veeeerrry old, but again...it's all I could find)

OMG...I’m running out of time...ummm....Danny, LISA, Crystal, Robin, Paloma, Arthur, Jessin, Vicky, Martin, Naty, Amy, Anne, Bonnie, Chris, Paul,John, Ali ,Liam, Tiago, Miguel......... Vovo, Angie, Andy, ...oh, my dear brain! Umm....Oh! Jonny! RACH, Anna, Christina and Kevin.....er....so, so many more. Hey, I might have forgotten yours...but don’t be harsh on me...I still love you. I’m not the best at this. :D All of you, Happy Birthday! The BESTest of wishes. Love You.

Hey! I can't forget the man of the day, can I? ( I know, you are a Gemini, but hey, I might as well...)
Happy Birthday.........
PEDRO!!!!

*cheers*

I hope this birthday is the happiest yet! Don’t forget us up here (including Mom, Robin, and Jonny) who will be thinking, wishing, and hoping all day for the "best" things to pop into your life this year. I really love you.

Okay....someone here NEEDs to go to bed...... Goodnight.
xxXXOOooooOOOxxoozzZZzzzzZZzzzzzzzzzZZzzz

To My Mother

2009-05-09T23:30:00.000-07:00

God made a wonderful mother,

A mother who never grows old;

He made her smile of the sunshine,

And He molded her heart of pure gold;

In her eyes He placed bright shining stars,

In her cheeks fair roses you see;

God made a wonderful mother,

And He gave that dear mother to me.

I Love YOU Mom!

Just My Luck

2009-05-09T10:13:00.000-07:00

For many months it’s been like this; the same thing happens again and again (and again). Whenever it is my turn to take the kids out on P.E., it rains. And not like it rains a lot here in Markham. No way. It is just a personal vendetta the weather has against me. Completely unlucky.
I then have to resort to racking my brain to come up with some indoor method to “de-energise” their hyper bodies (I’m thinking about Robin here). Sometimes it is jumping over couches that are over half their size, or maybe diving through hula hoops, or some fast forward dancing game (or ven Zumba Rapido!!!), and the list goes on...I am getting sidetracked here.
But today, ah today, was indeed a fortunate day. The clouds determined to hold back their showers for about half an hour -- Enough time for me to take some pictures...Again, I had to.
Here are a few.

Jenny and Robin.

Vanessa being a bully

"my Bonnie girl..."

One little monkey...

And another

Not only was I offered many beautiful flowers...

But look at the crown they surprised me with -- cushion and all! Such loves!

Isn't the way she puts her tongue out while she runs so cute? hahaha

We couldn't forget Nicky's little tadpole, could we?

Or the pretty mushrooms...:D

So once it started raining again, we went inside to play a game of...

SNAKES AND LADDERS.

And after many ups...
...and downs

HURRAH to the chapmion... :D

They are all wonderful kids. I love them so much.

Another week has gone by

2009-05-04T17:17:00.000-07:00

Last night Tashi and I decided to go on a long 3 km trek to WalMart. And all that for what? Ice cream, of course. Couldn't go on one more day without it.

So We walk....

Take Pictures....

Take our time...

And then...we se it...

And buy some McDonald Ice cream...notice our huge satistied smiles...

Oh, Ferd, the nice guy that he is... he picked us up.

Being the gluts that we are, we couldn't get enough, so we buy a large tub :D

A very different night.

2009-05-03T18:41:00.000-07:00

Oli, being the erratic guy that he is, decided to camp out one cold April night in the far corner of our back yard. Of course, I couldn't miss out on the fun, so I joined in, along with Andre, Elaine, Tasha, Jonny, and Brandon. I’ll tell you all about it.

So, after a long, tiring meeting, I head out with my little flashlight into the darkness toward the small "bonfire" where I see "them ruffians" BBQing some chicken, beef, and marsh mellows. We all sit around, burn the meat (and, naturally, the marsh mellows as well. There always has to be at least one major “urbanite” around when we are camping—and I think I just might have been that one.), and chat for a while until exhaustion takes the better part of us.

We all sandwich into the tent and cuddle into clusters for warmth. I'm comfortably squashed between Oliver and Tasha. I fall asleep to the jokes of rain, raccoons, red ants, coyotes, and any other thing that could possibly ruin the night. We all agree that rain would be the most chaotic, but then again, looking up at the starry sky (sweet Oliver thoughtfully did not add the cover, so that those who have difficulty sleeping could just stare into the endless beauty), it seems most unlikely to rain. So I fall into a pretty peaceful sleep, considering the circumstances.

The next thing I know, I am awakened to an unfamiliar drumming sound. And then—SPLASH!—a large rain drop falls into my ear...eeeeeekkkkkkk... Oh great! Who ever heard about checking the weather report before camping out, eh???? Oli then mentions that the tent cover is just behind the tent....outside!!! Wonderful! But, who will do it?

“I'll go, if someone else comes along" Tasha says. Suddenly, all is silent. I think I even heard someone fake a snore.

"Errr...." a small, weak voice breaks the silence. "I'll go with you, Tashi." I look around, wondering who said that. Then it dawns on me...I DID!!! Ohhh dear... I wrap my scarf around myself one, two, three times, climb into my boots, and step out into the cold -30 early morning air (felt like it). Sure enough, the "tent's roof" is just outside. Tasha and I struggle to pull it over the tent, which now seems like it couldn't get any higher, while the wind threatens to blow our small frames away. We hear some comments from the boys in the tent. "Wow, those girls have been taking awesome pills..." Those jerks!!! I just want to sleep. But hey, once again, we save the day. We are heroes…er…ines!!!

Well, thankfully, the rest of the night went by quite uneventfully. We woke early the next morning to the sound of geese and roosters (who were obviously trying to cause some type of commotion for their community)

Well, yep, that's how camping works around here. I actually find myself thinking when will we do this again??? Odd, eh?

Here are some pictures Tashi took... :D

Oliver building the fire...

Somehow he (I think its Jonny) managed to not burn his marshmellow.

Warming ourselves.

hahaha...this is so his trademark. pretty freaky really, suddenly he jumps in front of your face like this.

Notice the long johns. We were all in our PJs

Oh look, here I am looking like a goof... just grabbed anything that looked relevanlty warm.

Pretty fancy eh? Grilling our meat...

Me again, being a fatso.

2009-04-19T09:40:00.000-07:00

At last, after four years of waiting, I watched City of Angels. It is the best movie I've seen in a long, long time. It is so beautiful. Ok...wtv, soon I'll get over it. But until then (huahuahua), I'll saturate you with pictures, words, videos, and more things about it. Jk. Just a little, okay?

2009-04-15T10:37:00.000-07:00

I read this today, and thought it was so nice. It reminds me of the movie "Pass It On" (that’s a good movie!). Anyhow, just read it.

The Chain of Love
Author unknown
He almost didn't see the old lady, stranded on the side of the road. But even in the dim light of day, he could see she needed help. So he pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out. His Pontiac was still sputtering when he approached her. Even with the smile on his face, she was worried. No one had stopped to help her for the last hour or so. Was he going to hurt her? He didn't look safe, he looked poor and hungry.
He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. He knew how she felt. It was that chill which only fear can put in you.
He said, "I'm here to help you ma'am. Why don't you wait in the car where it's warm? By the way, my name is Bryan."
Well, all she had was a flat tire, but for an old lady, that was bad enough. Bryan crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tire. But he had to get dirty and his hands hurt. As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down the window and began to talk to him. She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only just passing through. She couldn't thank him enough for coming to her aid. Bryan just smiled as he closed her trunk. She asked him how much she owed him. Any amount would have been all right with her. She had already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped.
Bryan never thought twice about the money just about helping someone in need, and God knows, there were plenty who had given him a hand in the past. He had lived his whole life that way, and it never occurred to him to act any other way.
He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back, the next time she saw someone who needed help, she could give that person the assistance that they needed, and Bryan added, "...and think of me." He waited until she started her car and drove off.
It had been a cold and depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home, disappearing into the twilight.
A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe. She went in to grab a bite to eat, and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas pumps. The whole scene was unfamiliar to her.
Her waitress came over and brought a clean towel to wipe her wet hair. She had a sweet smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day couldn't erase. The lady noticed that the waitress was nearly eight months pregnant, but she never let the strain and aches change her attitude.
The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger. Then she remembered Bryan. After the lady finished her meal, and the waitress went to get change for her hundred dollar bill, the lady slipped right out the door. She was gone by the time the waitress came back. She wondered where the lady could be, then she noticed something written on the napkin under which were four $100 bills. There were tears in her eyes when she read what the lady wrote. It said: "You don't owe me anything, I have been there too. Somebody once helped me out, the way I'm helping you. If you really want to pay me back, here is what you do: Do not let this chain of love end with you."
Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day. That night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money and what the lady had written. How could the lady have known how much she and her husband needed it? With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard.
She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered softly, "It's going to be all right. I love you, Bryan."

*
All that is given cheerfully and generously to another comes back to you and enriches your life in unexpected ways.—Mottos for Success

Our Exiting Weekend...

2009-04-14T18:58:00.000-07:00

Ok, not that exiting, but we did get to take a few pictures for you. Cheers! Here you go:

Just Smile :D

2009-04-13T11:09:00.000-07:00

Smiling is infectious; you catch it like the flu,

When someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too.

I passed around the corner and someone saw my grin

When he smiled I realized I'd passed it on to him.

I thought about that smile then I realized its worth,

A single smile, just like mine could travel round the earth.

So, if you feel a smile begin, don't leave it undetected

Let's start an epidemic quick, and get the world infected!

The world is like a mirror: Frown at it, and it frowns at you; smile at it and it smiles too. –Herbert Samuels

Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been. -Mark Twain

A winning smile makes winners of us all.

There are two ways of being rich. One is to have all you want, & the other is to be satisfied with what you have.

If you don't enjoy what you have, how could you be happier with more?

Some pursue happiness--others create it.

Do yourself a favour and smile.

A question...

2009-04-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

What do Canadians find so horrendous about these poor little creatures?

look at them!

feel the love in their eyes.....

All they want is a cuddle.

I should adopt one...

Ok, all that to say: "I LOVE RACCOONS."

We DID it!

2009-04-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, finally we watched Ben Hur. And, hey, I loved it. And, wow, the horses...no words. I'd give anything for them. Well, most anything. :D

They will be my weeks crush.

Judah Ben-Hur

And...*sigh*... the four gorgeous horses.

Ok...that's it, I'm a dork....

Come, come on Baby, I feel like a Woman!

2009-04-12T12:44:00.001-07:00

The best thing about being a woman
Is the prerogative to have a little fun

Oh, oh, oh, go totally crazy-forget I'm a lady
Men's shirts-short skirts
Oh, oh, oh, really go wild-yeah, doin' it in style
Oh, oh, oh, get in the action-feel the attraction
Color my hair-do what I dare
Oh, oh, oh, I wanna be free-yeah, to feel the way I feel
Man! I feel like a woman!

For tashi

2009-04-09T10:28:00.000-07:00

"Tash, is the cutest thing, ohhh ohh, Tash...is the cutset thing, ohh ohhh yeah"

Whatever..just trying to get on your case.
Love ya!!!

Valentines Colour

2009-04-08T14:31:00.000-07:00

Look at that nail polish. Sorry, the nails were feeling a little left out.

2009-04-07T19:18:00.000-07:00

Who remembers this song? It is my favourite nursery rhyme.

Lavender’s Blue

Lavender’s Blue diddle-diddle
Lavender’s green.
When I am king diddle-diddle
You shall be queen

Call up your men diddle-diddle
Set them to work
Some to the plough diddle-diddle
Some to the pond

Some to make hay diddle-diddle
Some to cut corn
While you and I diddle-diddle
Keep ourselves warm

:D

Oh, while I’m at it, (hehehehehe) i'll just go ahead and add my "second favouritest". It is "A Frog He Would A-Wooing Go" by Barney (yep, the dinosaur).

A Frog He Would A-Wooing Go

A frog he would a-wooing go,
m - m - m - m ,
A frog he would a-wooing go,
Whether his mother would let him or no,
m - m - m - m.

He rode right to Miss Mousie's den,
m - m - m - m ,
He rode right to Miss Mousie's den,
Said he, "Miss Mousie, are you within?",
m - m - m - m.

He said, "My dear, I've come to see",
m - m - m - m ,
He said, "My dear, I've come to see,
If you, Miss Mousie, will marry me?"
m - m - m - m.

So Uncle Rat he rode to town,
m - m - m - m ,
So Uncle Rat he rode to town,
And bought his niece a wedding gown,
m - m - m - m.

The first to come was bumblebee,
m - m - m - m ,
The first to come was bumblebee,
He strung his fiddle over his knee,
m - m - m - m.

The next to come was big tom cat,
m - m - m - m ,
The next to come was big tom cat,
He chased Miss Mousie and Uncle Rat,
m - m - m - m.

The next to come was big black snake,
m - m - m - m ,
The next to come was big black snake,
And on his head was a wedding cake,
m - m - m - m.

The frog and mouse they went to France,
m - m - m - m ,
The frog and mouse they went to France,
And this is the story of their romance,
m - m - m - m.

(P.S. this is all for Josie)

2009-04-07T19:05:00.000-07:00

It is Pooh's Birthday! The little guy is 8 now!!! Common, just yesterday I was singing him to sleep in his cradle. Very soon he’ll outgrow me.
Sunday we had a little birthday party for him. Oh, I love my brother to bits.

Give me Jesus!

2009-04-07T18:43:00.000-07:00

Ok, don't mind the pictures, I like the song and his singing. So there.

2009-04-07T17:48:00.000-07:00

This is insane!!! Just yesterday I was outside in my summer clothes. It was such a warm day! The grass was even green. I thought winter had left me for good.
Well, it proved me wrong. Sigh.... This morning I woke up to a blizzard. The ground is back to its “white splendour”.

But enough sad talk. Check this video out. I heard Jenny playing piano while I cooked, and I just had to share it with you. I think it is soooo cute. :D

April Fool's!!!

2009-04-01T18:01:00.000-07:00

7:00 A.M. : RINNNGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My peaceful dreams are shattered by the furious alarm clock. He doesn’t give me any slack, does he? I roll over, and mumble to Tashi something about getting up.
Gosh, why do I feel so tired? Every fraction off my body is screaming for just a few more seconds of sleep. I try to cheer myself up. I put on a smile, jump out of bed, and open the shutters. What! It is pitch dark outside! Something is really wrong...
Twenty minutes pass, I have attempted everything to try to get some daylight into my brains. I sneak into Mom’s room. Hmmm, that’s odd, she is still sleeping. My eyes randomly shift to her clock. 6:00 A.M.! Someone had sneaked into my room while I slept and had set my clock an hour earlier today. Ohhhhhhhhhhh... I’m gonna murder the wicked soul. You who know me would all agree, one of the most precious things to me is my sleep.
Well, at least I found out before it was too late. I’ll try to get some sleep. I am feeling really grumpy right now.
7:15: I still feel groggy and my muscles ache. Vengeance is still in my mind...then it hits me. It is April fool’s day! I think I can find it in me to forgive...
Lainey walks into the room. “My alarm randomly rang at 6 A.M. today,” she chuckles “and it was 7 on my clock. And not only mine but all the clocks downstairs. Weird, no?” I see I wasn’t the only one.
7:30: Tasha runs in, her face red. “There is mayonnaise in the toothpaste tube!” Oh Dear, I guess I’ll have to look elsewhere for some toothpaste. Maybe in the Boys Room?
The bathroom is busy. I’ll just wait and chat with the boys. Andre walks in with his Pjs still on carrying a large black bag. He tells me how he had to go outside today in the cold spring morning air (it was also drizzling) to retrieve his clothes which were dumped into the canoe in our large pond. Poor guy.
Oli snickers to himself from the corner of the room.
Andre eagerly rips the bag open and is surprised as he stares down at garbage. And so the hunt continues for his clothes. I won’t be seeing him for a while.
Just then somebody storms out of the bathroom. “Who peppered the toilet paper!!!” he screams. Oh, that was nasty. And what’s worse, he is so sure that I did that! Wtv. Once again Oli smiles in satisfaction.
I hear some banging coming from Mom’s room. Robin is screaming “let me out, let me out.” It reminds me of little Michael in Mary Poppins. He is desperately trying to get out of the room, but the door knob is soaped.
It seems like people are more at risk and fall for just about anything when they just woke up.
Ok, enough. I am boring myself right now, and I’d be surprised if you are still reading.
There were many more nasty pranks today (10 x worse!!!) . I should tell you all about them. But then again, I guess you’d have to be there to enjoy. :D
Have a Happy April Fool’s Day!!!

2009-03-16T19:33:00.000-07:00

I am really missing a wonderful person right now.

The month you spent here, Hannah, will always be one of those "times worth remembering." I only wish it could have lasted just a little longer.
I am missing the 10 km treks to WalMart in -30 weather for the sole purpose of *ohhhhhhhh* chocolate, jumping into your bed first thing in the morning to satisfy my "cuddle-craves", the many hours spent unsuccessfully trying to take pictures, our McDonald dates, laughing at the dumbest stuff (Yi......hahhahaha), but most of all...your dimples (they are soooo cute! I am in love).

there you go...

the date...

We took these pictures at Valentine’s Day. Alas, Tashi's "outstanding photography skills "didn't get a chance to shine "due to the terrible lighting and camera" (and, I must admit, that is partially true...But I guess we just don’t make to good models :P...crack)... but thanks for trying Tashi. Love ya!

She is:

-wonderful

-gorgeous

-cute at the same time

-funny

-sweet

-a friend

-and more

I believe she is pretty much one of the "nicest persons" I've met. :D

"How do I love you?

It's impossible to say;

For if I had a million days

And time enough for all the praise

I couldn't tell you all the ways

I love you."

*wink*

You are EVERYTHING!!!

2009-03-16T19:25:00.000-07:00

Everything, by Lifehoue.
Great Song!

Spring is just around the bend!

2009-03-09T15:19:00.000-07:00

Yep! I saw the first robin today! Good-bye winter... ;)

2009-03-05T11:22:00.000-08:00

If I can endure for this minute
Whatever is happening to me,
No matter how heavy my heart is,
Or how "dark" the moment may be—
If I can remain calm and quiet
With all my world crushing about me,
Secure in the knowledge God loves me
When everyone else seems to doubt me
If I can but keep on believing
What I know in my heart to be true,
That "darkness will fade with the morning"
And that this will pass away, too.
Then nothing in life can defeat me
For as long as this knowledge remains
I can suffer whatever is happening
For I know God will break "all the chains"
That are binding me tight in "the darkness"
And trying to fill me with fear—
For there is no night without dawning
And I know that "my morning" is near.

Brazil Pictures - Angra, Buzios, and more...

2009-02-24T12:55:00.000-08:00

Some more old pictures. These are also pretty old(I'm so little!). :

Rafa. I hope he's lost that thing on his head...

awwwww.....pretty much the best Mamae ever!

And Dad...

Vovo & Vovo (below) and some of the many grand kids.

Mom, Robin, and Jonny.

2009-02-24T11:13:00.000-08:00

I just HAD to post these pictures! They were taken sometime in 2007(...heh), but I love them.

Do Good Anyway

2009-01-29T17:11:00.000-08:00

People are unreasonable‚ illogical, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
The biggest people with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest people with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.
People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
Fight for some underdogs anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.
Doing the right thing anyway, in spite of opposition or your own feelings, is the making of great men and women; it's the path to success.

Marie

2008-11-29T15:52:00.000-08:00

Marie came for a visit!

Time couldn't fly any faster;"quase nem deu pra matar saudades".

Summer Camp - Toronto

2008-10-31T13:07:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the summer Teen Camp held here in Toronto. Four days of fun, sports, fellowship, classes, and just enjoying life. :D We all camped out at... (gosh I am terrible at names)...some camping site near Lake Simcoe. The main sports were Soccer (whoop whoop!) and American Football. (I am quite sold on American Football actually, would you believe it? )

We also went swimming at the beach (Lake Simcoe) - and what a beach! Lol. I am rather paranoid of the huge waves, so I was pretty content with my “waveless”, “saltless” beach.
Ok, ok, I’ll quit rattling and “let the pictures begin.”

The JETTs and their team leaders : Elaine and Andre.

The Seniors and some other "intruders".

The best team ever! The JR's, with team leaders: Ana (looking fat) and Eman.
Man, do those guys look angry....

Soccer, Football, etc...

That Oli guy, always hogging the ball...

Classes:

The skit. (hahahhahahha)

Hello...I am here....

2008-07-15T11:55:00.000-07:00

Hmmmmmm....a new blog, lets see if I can keep this one up....

Any news? Hey, I am in Canada! Cheers! Living with Mom, Jonny, and Robin...as well as some other awesome individuals...
Anyhow, we just moved in to a "farm" house, barn and all (LOL). It is actually real nice, with what, six acres or more, and even a pond and a stream with all these geese, ducks, fish, crayfish, a massive snapping turtle, muskrats, field mice, and snakes—poisonous, and definitely an anaconda (I wasn’t able to prove it to Oli and all “them” other Canadians yet, I haven’t seen one myself. But how do I know? “i just know” ) and other weird crawling stuff. We also have an apple orchard.
Oh! I almost went crazy during spring with all the beautiful flowers!
So here are some pictures of the house and property:

Pooh, infront of the house...it looks so much better now with the gardens!

Robin and Lise, see the pond???

Tulips and Dandilions...the Dandilions looked great, the whole property was yellow.

Blossoms from our Crab-apple tree.

Ze snapping turtle

The pair of Canadian geese...where are they now!!!