Of the two options for celebration today -- Backwards Day or Inspire Your Heart with Art Day, we had hoped to celebrate art by visiting the Vancouver Art Gallery. But then we remembered that a dear friend of ours from our former congregation was on her way to Asia to serve with OMF, and that today was her commissioning service, so we opted to celebrate Backwards Day instead.
To do so, we enjoyed sleeping in this morning and going to church in the afternoon instead. A backward Sunday from what we normally enjoy to be sure. We also tried walking backwards, and I considered talking backwards that seemed too mentally exhausting. ;-)
What did you do to celebrate today?
Tomorrow marks the beginning of February! Here's what's on the calendar for February:
1 National Freedom Day
2 Ground Hog Day
3 The Day the Music Died Day
4 Thank a Mailman Day
5 National Weatherman's Day
6 Lame Duck Day
7 Send a Card to a Friend Day
8 Clean out your Computer Day
9 Toothache Day
10 Umbrella Day
11 White T-Shirt Day
12 Winter Olympics
13 Get a Different Name Day
14 Valentine's Day
15 National Gum Drop Day
16 Do a Grouch a Favor Day
17 Random Acts of Kindness Day
18 National Battery Day
19 National Chocolate Mint Day
20 Cherry Pie Day
21 Card Reading Day
22 Be Humble Day
23 Tennis Day
24 National Tortilla Chip Day
25 Pistol Patent Day
26 Tell a Fairy Tale Day
27 Polar Bear Day
28 National Tooth Fairy Day
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Inane Messages
We've all had them; bizarre messages on our answering machines, that make no sense, are for totally random people, or that simply annoy us to no end. Well, today is the day to apparently celebrate those -- or perhaps to do something to try and curtail them. Whatever the case may be, it was hard to know how to celebrate this day.
We attempted to call my parents, in the hopes that they would be out running errands and we could have our chatting 15 month old leave a jibber jabber message on their machine... but alas they were home. ;-) So instead we chatted for a bit, which is always a nice way to celebrate any day when we are you separated by the miles.
So, if you happened to spend time today celebrating Inane Answering Machine Messages Day, I'd love to hear about it!
Tomorrow: Backward Day or Inspire Your Heart with Art Day!
(Get a jump on planning how you will celebrate the days in February! Go to HolidayInsights.com)
We attempted to call my parents, in the hopes that they would be out running errands and we could have our chatting 15 month old leave a jibber jabber message on their machine... but alas they were home. ;-) So instead we chatted for a bit, which is always a nice way to celebrate any day when we are you separated by the miles.
So, if you happened to spend time today celebrating Inane Answering Machine Messages Day, I'd love to hear about it!
Tomorrow: Backward Day or Inspire Your Heart with Art Day!
(Get a jump on planning how you will celebrate the days in February! Go to HolidayInsights.com)
Friday, January 29, 2010
It's Puzzling
Today we had the option of celebrating either National Cornchip Day or National Puzzle day (neigther of which are actually "national" days since apparently this would reguire an act of Congress in the US). Since we didn't have cornchips in the house, and frankly could stand to eat less chips in general, we opted to celebrate puzzles.
Ironically the day started out on the slow side for me, as I work up in a fair bit of pain. Somehow I managed to pull my back how -- how is a puzzle to me though, but after a few advil, a good dose of coffee and a tender backrub from my hero I was good to go. Bring on the puzzles!
While I steer as far away as possible from mind-bending puzzles that make me want to pull my hair out, my hubby and I love jigsaw puzzles and have several framed in our home. When we were in our "jigsaw puzzle framing" kick several years ago, I found a cute Noahs' Ark puzzle that I bought in the anticipation of some day putting it together with the children we had. What we didn't know at the time, was just how hard it was gonna be to have any children!
So today was a special day, as we put together a puzzle with our miracle child. It was fun to watch her face change from a puzzled expression to an expression of awe as the picture came into being. The puzzle didn't last long, but it was fun while it lasted.
What did you do to celebrate today?
Tomorrow: National Inane Answering Message Day!
Ironically the day started out on the slow side for me, as I work up in a fair bit of pain. Somehow I managed to pull my back how -- how is a puzzle to me though, but after a few advil, a good dose of coffee and a tender backrub from my hero I was good to go. Bring on the puzzles!
While I steer as far away as possible from mind-bending puzzles that make me want to pull my hair out, my hubby and I love jigsaw puzzles and have several framed in our home. When we were in our "jigsaw puzzle framing" kick several years ago, I found a cute Noahs' Ark puzzle that I bought in the anticipation of some day putting it together with the children we had. What we didn't know at the time, was just how hard it was gonna be to have any children!
So today was a special day, as we put together a puzzle with our miracle child. It was fun to watch her face change from a puzzled expression to an expression of awe as the picture came into being. The puzzle didn't last long, but it was fun while it lasted.
What did you do to celebrate today?
Tomorrow: National Inane Answering Message Day!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
160 Years
I have to admit, when I learned that today was National Kazoo Day, my first question was -- "what is a kazoo?" Honestly, I've heard the word but had no idea what it was! ;-) So, I used this day of celebration as a way to educate myself on all things KAZOO, and it turns out that they have a loooooooooong history! Check out this article: National Kazoo Day 2010 Marks Instrument's 160th Birthday - AOL News.
So as I ponder the long history of an instrument I only really learned about today, and consider whether or not to hit the dollar store in search of a kazoo my toddler can drive me crazy with, I ask you this: "what did you do to celebrate today?"
Tomorrow: National Puzzle Day!
So as I ponder the long history of an instrument I only really learned about today, and consider whether or not to hit the dollar store in search of a kazoo my toddler can drive me crazy with, I ask you this: "what did you do to celebrate today?"
Tomorrow: National Puzzle Day!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Home Sweet Home
There's something very homey about a warm piece of chocolate cake fresh from the oven. Something that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and a fresh glass of milk or cup of hot chocolate and sigh... And today was a good day to do just that. It was Chocolate Cake Day, and with the crisp air outside it was a fitting end to a day full of play and rest. A fitting end to a home sweet home kind of day.
What did you do to celebrate today?
Tomorrow: National Kazoo Day!
What did you do to celebrate today?
Tomorrow: National Kazoo Day!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
He's Worth Celebrating...
Today was an easy day to celebrate, for today was "Spouse's Day." I've said it before, and I'll say it again -- I'm married to a wonderful man. But I didn't know how wonderful until we welcomed our little girl into our home 15 months ago. Being a daddy has made him a better man.
So as I sit here, typing this message and listening to tender way my spouse reads to our little girl as they cuddle before bed, I celebrate my spouse. My friend, my lover, my partner. I couldn't ask for a better companion on this journey called life. And what a journey it is.
What did you do to celebrate today?
Tomorrow: Chocolate Cake Day! Yes! ;-)
So as I sit here, typing this message and listening to tender way my spouse reads to our little girl as they cuddle before bed, I celebrate my spouse. My friend, my lover, my partner. I couldn't ask for a better companion on this journey called life. And what a journey it is.
What did you do to celebrate today?
Tomorrow: Chocolate Cake Day! Yes! ;-)
Monday, January 25, 2010
Opposite...
Today was "Opposite Day" ... designed to have some fun by doing or saying the opposite of what you actually mean. With my hubby in class all day and my toddler unable to understand the concept of "opposites," I struck out in celebrating this day. But it was fun to think about how this could be a fun day to celebrate in the future, when my daughter is old enough to appreciate the silliness of doing and saying the opposite all day.
All I really did to celebrate today was change my Facebook status this morning to "Just ate dinner. It's Opposite Day. Good night all." Exciting eh? ;-) Oh, and of course when my hubby came home I said "good bye." Maybe next year it will be more exciting. LOL!
Did you celebrate Opposite Day today? If so, how?
Tomorrow: Spouse's Day!
All I really did to celebrate today was change my Facebook status this morning to "Just ate dinner. It's Opposite Day. Good night all." Exciting eh? ;-) Oh, and of course when my hubby came home I said "good bye." Maybe next year it will be more exciting. LOL!
Did you celebrate Opposite Day today? If so, how?
Tomorrow: Spouse's Day!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
With Compliments
Mark Twain once said, "I can live for two months on a good compliment." Words of encouragement, affirmation, support -- a compliment can lift the spirits, give hope and make a bad day good.
Today was "Compliment Day," and while we struggled to be the right frame of mind to offer words of encouragement to each other today, we were reminded of how important affirmation is. Our toddler thrives on it, and so do we.
Did you compliment someone today? Are words of affirmation and praise for others given readily by you? Keep Mark Twain's words in mind as you go about this week, and make a point to make compliments more apart of your vocabulary!
What did you do to celebrate today?
Tomorrow: Opposite Day!
Today was "Compliment Day," and while we struggled to be the right frame of mind to offer words of encouragement to each other today, we were reminded of how important affirmation is. Our toddler thrives on it, and so do we.
Did you compliment someone today? Are words of affirmation and praise for others given readily by you? Keep Mark Twain's words in mind as you go about this week, and make a point to make compliments more apart of your vocabulary!
What did you do to celebrate today?
Tomorrow: Opposite Day!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Pitter Patter
Today is "Measure Your Foot Day" according to HolidayInsights.com. It was supposed to be a day to literally measure the size of our feet, but honestly who wants to do that?
Instead, it seemed like a fitting day to "stamp" our daughter's foot as a keepsake for the years to come. I did this not long after she was born, and of course have countless pictures of her cute little feet through her 15 months of life, but given the celebration of the day it seemed like a good thing to do.
Today's "celebration" did get me thinking about how else we can measure our feet though. I mean, yes, we can literally bring out a tape measure and calculate the length of each foot; but with a growing little person in our world it occurred to me that there was another way to look at this day.
As I sat and observed my daughter today, I noticed just how much she imitates me/us. She watches everything we do with such curiousity, and then purposefully tries to copy what she sees. It's cute to watch her imitate us as we walk in our shoes, but in watching her try our shoes on and then clop around in them a fear grips me that I've never experienced before. The fear that comes from knowing that she's watching me, learning from me, and that how she turns out, how she acts, what she thinks and believes about the world, about life, about God, will be largely detemined by watching me and how I react to these things. The measure of my life can be taken by watching my daughter as she grows and moves out to conquer the world. That's a scary thought, and one that is driving me to my knees more now than ever.
We still can't believe we hear the pitter patter of little feet in our house... but those little feet are a challenging reminder of just how carefully we need to walk as she follows closely behind.
Instead, it seemed like a fitting day to "stamp" our daughter's foot as a keepsake for the years to come. I did this not long after she was born, and of course have countless pictures of her cute little feet through her 15 months of life, but given the celebration of the day it seemed like a good thing to do.
Today's "celebration" did get me thinking about how else we can measure our feet though. I mean, yes, we can literally bring out a tape measure and calculate the length of each foot; but with a growing little person in our world it occurred to me that there was another way to look at this day.
As I sat and observed my daughter today, I noticed just how much she imitates me/us. She watches everything we do with such curiousity, and then purposefully tries to copy what she sees. It's cute to watch her imitate us as we walk in our shoes, but in watching her try our shoes on and then clop around in them a fear grips me that I've never experienced before. The fear that comes from knowing that she's watching me, learning from me, and that how she turns out, how she acts, what she thinks and believes about the world, about life, about God, will be largely detemined by watching me and how I react to these things. The measure of my life can be taken by watching my daughter as she grows and moves out to conquer the world. That's a scary thought, and one that is driving me to my knees more now than ever.
We still can't believe we hear the pitter patter of little feet in our house... but those little feet are a challenging reminder of just how carefully we need to walk as she follows closely behind.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Blondes
We're celebrating National Blonde Brownie today with... you guessed it... blonde brownies for dessert! Having never made these before I put out a plea to my Facebook friends for a good recipe. I got a great one from an old friend from highschool (thanks Mary Howard Larson, LOL!). Here it is:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Melt 1/2 cup butter in a saucepan.
Stir in 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, followed by 2 eggs and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla.
Next, mix in 1 1/2 cups of flour and 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
Last, mix in chocolate chips.
Spread into a grease square pan and bake for 30-40 mins or until done.
(note - this is not a picture of the brownies I made...
just a random picture I got off the internet! LOL!)
What did you do to celebrate today?
Tomorrow: Measure Your Feet Day! Hummmm....
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Melt 1/2 cup butter in a saucepan.
Stir in 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, followed by 2 eggs and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla.
Next, mix in 1 1/2 cups of flour and 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
Last, mix in chocolate chips.
Spread into a grease square pan and bake for 30-40 mins or until done.
(note - this is not a picture of the brownies I made...just a random picture I got off the internet! LOL!)
What did you do to celebrate today?
Tomorrow: Measure Your Feet Day! Hummmm....
Thursday, January 21, 2010
What's in a Hug?
It's National Hugging Day!
It's amazing how the simple act of giving or receiving a hug can lift your spirits. My favourite part of the day is when my toddler wakes from her nap and greets me from her crib with a big hug. She's a great little hugger, probably because we are hugging her all the time. It's a skill I want her to be very familiar with, and a gift I want ther to give freely -- in the appropriate context of course! :-)
A hug is a handshake from the heart. ~Author Unknown
You can't give a hug without getting a hug. ~Author Unknown
A hug delights and warms and charms, that must be why God gave us arms. ~Author Unknown
Hugs are the universal medicine. ~Author Unknown
Hugging has no unpleasant side effects and is all natural. There are no batteries to replace, it's inflation-proof and non-fattening with no monthly payments. It's non-taxable, non-polluting, and is, of course, fully refundable. ~Author Unknown
Don't know how to hug? That's ok, nowadays you can learn everything you need to know about pretty much anything from the Internet! Here's an e-how on hugging: http://www.ehow.com/how_4456576_hug.html.
Now go hug someone and celebrate this day!
Tomorrow: National Blonde Brownie Day! Yum!
It's amazing how the simple act of giving or receiving a hug can lift your spirits. My favourite part of the day is when my toddler wakes from her nap and greets me from her crib with a big hug. She's a great little hugger, probably because we are hugging her all the time. It's a skill I want her to be very familiar with, and a gift I want ther to give freely -- in the appropriate context of course! :-)
A hug is a handshake from the heart. ~Author Unknown
You can't give a hug without getting a hug. ~Author Unknown
A hug delights and warms and charms, that must be why God gave us arms. ~Author Unknown
Hugs are the universal medicine. ~Author Unknown
Hugging has no unpleasant side effects and is all natural. There are no batteries to replace, it's inflation-proof and non-fattening with no monthly payments. It's non-taxable, non-polluting, and is, of course, fully refundable. ~Author Unknown
Don't know how to hug? That's ok, nowadays you can learn everything you need to know about pretty much anything from the Internet! Here's an e-how on hugging: http://www.ehow.com/how_4456576_hug.html.
Now go hug someone and celebrate this day!
Tomorrow: National Blonde Brownie Day! Yum!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
P is for Penguin
Today we celebrated the little tuxedo-clad birds with a happy feet! Penguins!
Apparently today's celebration of "Penguin Awareness Day" falls during the annual migration of our tuxedo-clan friends. And it's, once again, a day that would be perfect for homeschooling families -- for families with children old enough to appreciate the study of penguins. But alas my almost 15-month-old daughter, who has the attention span of a gnat, is not yet old enough to appreciate the study of penguins, so the best I could come up with to celebrate the day was to watch Sesame Street's "P is for Penguin" video, followed by some dancing and wiggling to a scene from Mary Poppins (the classic dance scene between Dick Van Dyke and some animated penguins). We talked about renting Happy Feet, but that movie is too long to hold Abbie's attention, and there was too much good stuff on TV tonight... ;-). Maybe next year.
How did you celebrate today?
Tomorrow: National Hugging Day. Now that's a day I can get into! :-)
Apparently today's celebration of "Penguin Awareness Day" falls during the annual migration of our tuxedo-clan friends. And it's, once again, a day that would be perfect for homeschooling families -- for families with children old enough to appreciate the study of penguins. But alas my almost 15-month-old daughter, who has the attention span of a gnat, is not yet old enough to appreciate the study of penguins, so the best I could come up with to celebrate the day was to watch Sesame Street's "P is for Penguin" video, followed by some dancing and wiggling to a scene from Mary Poppins (the classic dance scene between Dick Van Dyke and some animated penguins). We talked about renting Happy Feet, but that movie is too long to hold Abbie's attention, and there was too much good stuff on TV tonight... ;-). Maybe next year.
How did you celebrate today?
Tomorrow: National Hugging Day. Now that's a day I can get into! :-)
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
That's corny!
Q: What did the baby corn say to the mommy corn?
A: "where's pop corn?"
That's right (insert drum roll here), it's National Popcorn day! Now this is a holiday I can get in to! Yum!
As I considered how to celebrate this corny day, it occurred to me what a great "homeschooling" day this could be if my daughter was old enough. I was surprised at how much info, educational and fun, there was on the web about this tasty snack! We could study the history of popcorn, the science of popcorn, the different ways to pop the corn, the various uses for popcorn, and even play with some recipes that use popcorn!
But alas, all I can do to celebrate this holiday with my daughter this year is introduce her to the wonderful stuff and see if she likes it. Here's hoping she doesn't like it... ;-) ... more for me!
Wanna celebrate National Popcorn day with your family? Check out this website all about the corn that pops!
Tomorrow: Penguin Awareness Day
A: "where's pop corn?"
That's right (insert drum roll here), it's National Popcorn day! Now this is a holiday I can get in to! Yum!
As I considered how to celebrate this corny day, it occurred to me what a great "homeschooling" day this could be if my daughter was old enough. I was surprised at how much info, educational and fun, there was on the web about this tasty snack! We could study the history of popcorn, the science of popcorn, the different ways to pop the corn, the various uses for popcorn, and even play with some recipes that use popcorn!
But alas, all I can do to celebrate this holiday with my daughter this year is introduce her to the wonderful stuff and see if she likes it. Here's hoping she doesn't like it... ;-) ... more for me!
Wanna celebrate National Popcorn day with your family? Check out this website all about the corn that pops!
Tomorrow: Penguin Awareness Day
Monday, January 18, 2010
Winnie the Pooh
Today was a good day to celebrate with our toddler. While Elmo is her best-est buddy, Winnie the Pooh isn't far behind. So in honour of the birthday of Winnie's creator, A. A. Milne, today we celebrated Winnie the Pooh. We read Winnie stories, dressed in a Pooh outfit (well, our daughter did), ate from Winnie the Pooh dishes, and played with our Pooh stuffy. We did everything but eat honey! ;-)
What did you do to celebrate today?
Tomorrow: National Popcorn Day!
What did you do to celebrate today?
Tomorrow: National Popcorn Day!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Ditch Day
Today's is "Ditch New Year's Resolutions" day. But what do you do when you didn't make any resolutions? ;-) Nothing to ditch, so nothing to celebrate? Wrong!
Today was also the Golden Globe awards. Sherman and I have made watching such award shows (Emmys, Grammys, Golden Globes, and of course the Academy Awards) an annual tradition since we were married. So, instead of "ditching" today, we celebrate our day with our tradition. The only thing I guess we "ditched" is the diet! ;-) Take out Chinese food is part of our annual tradition.
What did you do to celebrate today?
Tomorrow: Winnie the Pooh Day! Whoo hoo!
Today was also the Golden Globe awards. Sherman and I have made watching such award shows (Emmys, Grammys, Golden Globes, and of course the Academy Awards) an annual tradition since we were married. So, instead of "ditching" today, we celebrate our day with our tradition. The only thing I guess we "ditched" is the diet! ;-) Take out Chinese food is part of our annual tradition.
What did you do to celebrate today?
Tomorrow: Winnie the Pooh Day! Whoo hoo!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Day of Nothingness
Today, in honour of "Do Nothing Day," we decided to enjoy the sun (a rareity lately) and venture out to the Bloedel Conservatory at Queen Elizabeth Park. I realize it doesn't sound like "doing nothing," but instead of "doing nothing" (and in the spirit of making these days of celebration have a higher purpose), we wanted to find a way to put meaning into doing nothing.
So, we opted to put our efforts of "doing nothing" into an area of our life that is consuming us at this moment -- our future ministry direction. We think, pray and seek out God's leading for where He wants us right now daily -- hourly even. And the stress of it can often take it's toll. It seemed fitting then, to use this day as a break from all that. To use this day to "do nothing" about the need to find my husband a new place to serve. We chose to "do nothing" about looking for a job, talking about finding a job, etc., for one whole day. And it was glorious. ;-)
What did you do to celebrate today?
Tomorrow: "Ditch New Year's Resolutions" Day!
So, we opted to put our efforts of "doing nothing" into an area of our life that is consuming us at this moment -- our future ministry direction. We think, pray and seek out God's leading for where He wants us right now daily -- hourly even. And the stress of it can often take it's toll. It seemed fitting then, to use this day as a break from all that. To use this day to "do nothing" about the need to find my husband a new place to serve. We chose to "do nothing" about looking for a job, talking about finding a job, etc., for one whole day. And it was glorious. ;-)
What did you do to celebrate today?
Tomorrow: "Ditch New Year's Resolutions" Day!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Mad Hatters
It was National Hat Day today, so to celebrate I considered taking a stroll to Fort Langley to visit Roxann's of Fort Langley (a cute hat shop). However today was a rather blustery, horrible rainy day -- not ideal for strolling. Besides, who really wants to visit a shop filled with hats and other trinkets that could be ruined in under 10 seconds by a inquisitive toddler?
So, instead I made paper pirate hats with my daugther, and then we had fun when Daddy came home trying on the various hats we had in the house. We aren't a hat family, so we didn't have many... but we had fun anyway. ;-)
What did you do to celebrate today?
Tomorrow: National Do Nothing Day
So, instead I made paper pirate hats with my daugther, and then we had fun when Daddy came home trying on the various hats we had in the house. We aren't a hat family, so we didn't have many... but we had fun anyway. ;-)
What did you do to celebrate today?
Tomorrow: National Do Nothing Day
Thursday, January 14, 2010
The Things We Do to Our Pets!
Ok, so today is "Dress Up Your Pet" day, but alas the Lau house is void of any pets. So instead we found the next best thing... a stuffed animal in my daughter's collection! We searched through her many "stuffies" and found the only one that truly resembles a real-to-life animal.
My 14 month old loves clothes, and especially loves watching me dress her beloved babies and stuffies in said clothes. She's not old enough yet to have the dexterity to do it herself, so she hands me what she wants, and then giggles with glee as the clothes come alive on her beloved pets.
Such was the case when we dressed up her "pet" rabbit this morning. In honour of "Dress Up Your Pet" day, here is our "pet"...
In addition to dressing up our silly little "pet" rabbit, I also took a break from work today and enjoyed laughing at pictures on the web of those who truly did dress up their pets! Check these out!
How did you celebrate today?
Tomorrow: National Hat Day!
My 14 month old loves clothes, and especially loves watching me dress her beloved babies and stuffies in said clothes. She's not old enough yet to have the dexterity to do it herself, so she hands me what she wants, and then giggles with glee as the clothes come alive on her beloved pets.
Such was the case when we dressed up her "pet" rabbit this morning. In honour of "Dress Up Your Pet" day, here is our "pet"...
In addition to dressing up our silly little "pet" rabbit, I also took a break from work today and enjoyed laughing at pictures on the web of those who truly did dress up their pets! Check these out!
How did you celebrate today?
Tomorrow: National Hat Day!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Dreaming...
Today is "make your dreams come true" day, and while really the only "dream" on my list that I could think of is impossible to make come true today (going to Italy for a month and touring the vineyards, museums, art galleries, ruins, etc.), it did occur to me that one of my biggest life dreams is coming true right before my eyes. Her name is Abigail, and she is by far the biggest dream I'm ever wished for, and the one I honestly thought would never come true.
Each day my little dream brings new joy and meaning to my life. And each day we fulfill a dream on my "dreaming list" together as she grows and we do new things together. So, while she isn't big enough yet to sit and watch "Cinderella" with me (another thing on my "dream list"), she is the perfect age to cuddle at bedtime as I sing "A dream is a wish your heart makes..."
Here's to all the dreamers out there...
What did you do to celebrate today?
Tomorrow: "Dress Up Your Pet" day
Each day my little dream brings new joy and meaning to my life. And each day we fulfill a dream on my "dreaming list" together as she grows and we do new things together. So, while she isn't big enough yet to sit and watch "Cinderella" with me (another thing on my "dream list"), she is the perfect age to cuddle at bedtime as I sing "A dream is a wish your heart makes..."
Here's to all the dreamers out there...
What did you do to celebrate today?
Tomorrow: "Dress Up Your Pet" day
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
A note to our Pharmacist
Today is National Pharmacists Day. My hope was to celebrate this by going to our local pharmacy with a note of thanks, but alas this darn cold kept me house-bound today. But then again, that doesn't mean I can't give a shout out on this blog to all those in the pharmaceutical field! So...
... to all those who serve our needs in pharmacies around the globe, thank you. Thank you for putting your expertise to use to ensure that, when we need them, we get the correct dosage of the appropriate meds. Thank you for your wise words of counsel when we pick up those meds, and the added advice you give to help us and our families stay healthy. Thank you for doing what is likely an overlooked and often thankless job.
How did you celebrate today?
Tomorrow: Make Your Dream Come True Day
... to all those who serve our needs in pharmacies around the globe, thank you. Thank you for putting your expertise to use to ensure that, when we need them, we get the correct dosage of the appropriate meds. Thank you for your wise words of counsel when we pick up those meds, and the added advice you give to help us and our families stay healthy. Thank you for doing what is likely an overlooked and often thankless job.
How did you celebrate today?
Tomorrow: Make Your Dream Come True Day
Monday, January 11, 2010
Puddle Jumpin' - Gene Kelly Style!
Today is "Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friends" day, which is appropriate since it's been raining cats and dogs outside! However, since I personally hate getting messy/wet like that, not to mention the fact that our family is recovering from colds, Gene Kelly's "splashing" will have to do!
From one of my all time favourtie movies... consider THIS a "spalsh" in your direction today! Enjoy!
What did you do to celebrate today?
Tomorrow: National Pharmacist Day
From one of my all time favourtie movies... consider THIS a "spalsh" in your direction today! Enjoy!
What did you do to celebrate today?
Tomorrow: National Pharmacist Day
Sunday, January 10, 2010
A Peculiar Kind of Love
I find it ironic that today, a Sunday, is "Peculiar People Day." After all, what better place to find some pretty peculiar people than in church on a Sunday morning. We Christians certainly are a peculiar bunch -- especially in the eyes of the world! But then again it makes sense when you consider that we serve a pretty peculiar God.
Now it may sound blasphemous to call God peculiar, but think about it for a second. The Almighty God chose to leave Heaven, and all the comforts afforded Him as God of the universe, to come down to the earth and take on human form. To live among us, as one of us. I don't know about you, but in my own humanness I can't fathom doing such a peculiar thing! But He did it, and He did it for the most peculiar of all reasons -- because He loved us. He loved despite our inability to understand Him or truly love Him in return the way He deserves. Sounds pretty peculiar to me, especially when I know I don't deserve His love.
So here's to a peculiar God, and the peculiar way He chose to express His love for humanity. I may be peculiar for accepting that love, but I will never, ever, regret it.
What did you do to celebrate today?
Tomorrow: "Step in a Puddle and Spalsh Your Friends" Day
Now it may sound blasphemous to call God peculiar, but think about it for a second. The Almighty God chose to leave Heaven, and all the comforts afforded Him as God of the universe, to come down to the earth and take on human form. To live among us, as one of us. I don't know about you, but in my own humanness I can't fathom doing such a peculiar thing! But He did it, and He did it for the most peculiar of all reasons -- because He loved us. He loved despite our inability to understand Him or truly love Him in return the way He deserves. Sounds pretty peculiar to me, especially when I know I don't deserve His love.
So here's to a peculiar God, and the peculiar way He chose to express His love for humanity. I may be peculiar for accepting that love, but I will never, ever, regret it.
What did you do to celebrate today?
Tomorrow: "Step in a Puddle and Spalsh Your Friends" Day
Saturday, January 09, 2010
"Playing God"
I was extremely skeptical about today's "holiday" -- "Playing God" day. After all, as my fav Christian artist puts it, "God is God and I am not." But the Holiday Insights people put a different spin on how to celebrate this day that I found helpful. So instead of trying to be God (or "play" God), I chose to instead consider how I see God working through the people around me.
So today I celebrate my husband. Through God's work in him, I see God's love for me... in the unconditional way he loves and accepts me just as I am; in the faithful love and gentle care he has for our child; in his patience; in his servant-heart as he let me sleep today, making breakfast for the babe and even in bringing home pizza so I could rest today. He may not be playing God, but he's allowing God work through him to remind me of how he and HE cares for me.
Thank you Lord for my husband - my lover, my friend.
What did you do to celebrate life today?
Tomorrow: Peculiar People Day
So today I celebrate my husband. Through God's work in him, I see God's love for me... in the unconditional way he loves and accepts me just as I am; in the faithful love and gentle care he has for our child; in his patience; in his servant-heart as he let me sleep today, making breakfast for the babe and even in bringing home pizza so I could rest today. He may not be playing God, but he's allowing God work through him to remind me of how he and HE cares for me.
Thank you Lord for my husband - my lover, my friend.
What did you do to celebrate life today?
Tomorrow: Peculiar People Day
Friday, January 08, 2010
Tiny Bubbles
Is it a coincidence that bubble bath day follows bean day? LOL!
In honour of sudsy baths, a soak in the bath will be just what the doctor ordered for me now that hubby and baby have lovingly shared their germs. As for how the rest of the family will celebrate... check out the current fav video link in our house from our friends at Seasme Street.
How did you celebrate today?
Tomorrow: Play God Day
In honour of sudsy baths, a soak in the bath will be just what the doctor ordered for me now that hubby and baby have lovingly shared their germs. As for how the rest of the family will celebrate... check out the current fav video link in our house from our friends at Seasme Street.
How did you celebrate today?
Tomorrow: Play God Day
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Let's Rock!
So our day of celebrating "Old Rocks" was supposed to include a family outing to the Othello Tunnels in Hope. But alas poor hubby has contracted the nasty cold that our toddler has been battling, so instead he has spent the day in bed while the babe and I have played quietly. We've put our adventure in the tunnels on hold, and instead I cued up a video on Seasme Street's website about rocks.
The celebration of old rocks today did get me thinking about the sure foundation I stand on Christ though. It's good to know that, in the storms of life, my faith is built on the Solid Rock of Jesus. "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name. On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand." "He's my Rock and my Redeemer; He's the reason that I sing. I desire to be a blessing in His eyes."
What did you do to celebrate today?
Tomorrow: Bubble Bath Day!
The celebration of old rocks today did get me thinking about the sure foundation I stand on Christ though. It's good to know that, in the storms of life, my faith is built on the Solid Rock of Jesus. "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name. On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand." "He's my Rock and my Redeemer; He's the reason that I sing. I desire to be a blessing in His eyes."
What did you do to celebrate today?
Tomorrow: Bubble Bath Day!
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Full of Beans
We are full of beans today - literally and figuratively - as we celebrate Bean Day!
We started out our day with the Christian's drug of choice, coffee, which of course is extracted from a bean. We then did some grocery shopping where we purchased several cans of beans - black beans, chick peas (which are also known as garbanzo beans), pork n' beans, etc. And followed up at lunch with some leftover green beans.
As we wind down our day we will also read of the classic children's story, "Jack and the Beanstalk," after a meal of pork n' beans on rice. Top all that off with some jelly belly beans for dessert, and some silliness since we are all "full of beans," and it's safe to say we will have had our fill of beans today!
What are you doing to celebrate today?
Tomorrow: Old Rock Day!
We started out our day with the Christian's drug of choice, coffee, which of course is extracted from a bean. We then did some grocery shopping where we purchased several cans of beans - black beans, chick peas (which are also known as garbanzo beans), pork n' beans, etc. And followed up at lunch with some leftover green beans.
As we wind down our day we will also read of the classic children's story, "Jack and the Beanstalk," after a meal of pork n' beans on rice. Top all that off with some jelly belly beans for dessert, and some silliness since we are all "full of beans," and it's safe to say we will have had our fill of beans today!
What are you doing to celebrate today?
Tomorrow: Old Rock Day!
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Have a Bird
We had big plans for how we'd celebrate National Bird Day today. Creative plans! But alas, whatever my daughter has been fighting she has lovingly passed on to me. So instead of a trip to a local conservatory to bird watch, followed by a video rental of Hitchcock's "The Birds", I have napped the day away while I listen to the joyful sounds of my husband playing with his little girl.
All has not been lost in our day of "bird celebration" however. We started the morning with "bird's nests" for breakfast (some people call them "toad in a hole"), and followed that up with videos of Big Bird on Sesame Street's website. A few birds have been had too in some momentary toddler-style meltdowns, but alas... not real birds.
Giving thought to our feathered friends today, not to mention my own chance to spend some unexpected time just resting, has led me to remember a familiar passage in The Word. It's a timely reminder given the uncertainty of the months before us as we wait on the Lord to lead us to a new ministry opportunity. Man these words encourage you today as you celebrate birds with your family:
"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
What are you doing to celebrate today?
Tomorrow: Bean Day! "Beans, beans the magical fruit..."
All has not been lost in our day of "bird celebration" however. We started the morning with "bird's nests" for breakfast (some people call them "toad in a hole"), and followed that up with videos of Big Bird on Sesame Street's website. A few birds have been had too in some momentary toddler-style meltdowns, but alas... not real birds.
Giving thought to our feathered friends today, not to mention my own chance to spend some unexpected time just resting, has led me to remember a familiar passage in The Word. It's a timely reminder given the uncertainty of the months before us as we wait on the Lord to lead us to a new ministry opportunity. Man these words encourage you today as you celebrate birds with your family:
"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
What are you doing to celebrate today?
Tomorrow: Bean Day! "Beans, beans the magical fruit..."
Monday, January 04, 2010
Trivia Day!
What's the deepest land gorge?
What film features Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau trying to pull off an insurance fraud?
Where were the cancelled 1940 Summer Olympics to have been held?
How many reindeer pull Santa's sleigh?
How many times a day does the typical person go to the bathroom?
What day is today?
It's Trivia Day!
In honour of a day my husband loves (I call him my fountain of useless (oops, I mean useful) knowledge), it's Trivia Day! Time to annoy (err... impress?) those around you with how much you know about random things. Or, in my case, time to show your family just how little you know! ;-) In honour of Trivia Day today, we are dusting off our old Trivial Pursuit game and having some fun.
But as I was thinking about how to celebrate this day, it occurred to me that there was another way to look at this. While focusing on trivia can be fun and even entertaining, focusin on the trivial can lead to heartache. Trust me, I'm a pro.
So in the spirit of finding purpose in each day of celebration, I'm spending today focusing less on the trivial. Here's to a day when I enjoy each moment, savour the time with my family, and count my blessings in the midst of the storm.
What are you doing to celebrate today?
Tomorrow -- National Bird Day! ;-)
What film features Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau trying to pull off an insurance fraud?
Where were the cancelled 1940 Summer Olympics to have been held?
How many reindeer pull Santa's sleigh?
How many times a day does the typical person go to the bathroom?
What day is today?
It's Trivia Day!
In honour of a day my husband loves (I call him my fountain of useless (oops, I mean useful) knowledge), it's Trivia Day! Time to annoy (err... impress?) those around you with how much you know about random things. Or, in my case, time to show your family just how little you know! ;-) In honour of Trivia Day today, we are dusting off our old Trivial Pursuit game and having some fun.
But as I was thinking about how to celebrate this day, it occurred to me that there was another way to look at this. While focusing on trivia can be fun and even entertaining, focusin on the trivial can lead to heartache. Trust me, I'm a pro.
So in the spirit of finding purpose in each day of celebration, I'm spending today focusing less on the trivial. Here's to a day when I enjoy each moment, savour the time with my family, and count my blessings in the midst of the storm.
What are you doing to celebrate today?
Tomorrow -- National Bird Day! ;-)
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Festivious Sleeping
Ahhhhh, sleep. It's a good thing.
In honour of the "Festival of Sleep Day," not to mention just a plain good idea for our family as we struggle through caring for a very sick toddler, we are all about the sleep today. The timing of this day of celebration couldn't come at a better moment for us either. Today marks our first Sunday with absolutely no obligations, no place we need to be, no responsibilities of any kind, and the ability to choose to do anything we want in quite a while. After 3+ years of early, frantic, "rush out the door and grab breakfast on the way" Sunday mornings, it felt good to cuddle up in our PJs and enjoy several extra hours of sleep.
Yes, we skipped church today -- shocking to some I know. But it felt good, and it was good to remember that Jesus took time to rest too.
So how did you celebrate today's festival of sleep?
In honour of the "Festival of Sleep Day," not to mention just a plain good idea for our family as we struggle through caring for a very sick toddler, we are all about the sleep today. The timing of this day of celebration couldn't come at a better moment for us either. Today marks our first Sunday with absolutely no obligations, no place we need to be, no responsibilities of any kind, and the ability to choose to do anything we want in quite a while. After 3+ years of early, frantic, "rush out the door and grab breakfast on the way" Sunday mornings, it felt good to cuddle up in our PJs and enjoy several extra hours of sleep.
Yes, we skipped church today -- shocking to some I know. But it felt good, and it was good to remember that Jesus took time to rest too.
So how did you celebrate today's festival of sleep?
Saturday, January 02, 2010
"Run Up the Flagpole and See If Anyone Salutes" Day
I'll be honest, when I read the name of this "holiday" I was baffled. How and why on earth would you do such a thing as a way to celebrate a day? And who in their right mind thought that would be a good "holiday"?!?!
However it turns out that this day is more easily celebrated than you might think. According to Holiday Insights, "run up the flagpole and see if anyone salutes" is an expression used by those in the advertising and print media world. It means to "float an idea to see what people think or if they even notice." Their advice is to be creative. "Use this day to try and test new ideas and concepts. Don't limit the ideas to business applications. In your personal life, try out a new dress or clothing style, perhaps a different haircut. Or, maybe buy a new houseflag and run it up the flagpole to see if anyone salutes...or even notices."
So, since this blog concept is still so new, and frankly because I'm too exhausted from being up all night with a sick toddler, I'm using my overall concept of this "365 Celebrations" blog as my "new idea" that I'm "floating out there" to see if anyone notices! If you are reading this, I'd love your feedback on the overall concept of this blog, the idea of finding things to celebrate everyday, and the intent to put meaning and purpose into even the most mundane of days. Here I am, "running up my flagpole." Has anyone noticed?
What will you do to celebrate today?
However it turns out that this day is more easily celebrated than you might think. According to Holiday Insights, "run up the flagpole and see if anyone salutes" is an expression used by those in the advertising and print media world. It means to "float an idea to see what people think or if they even notice." Their advice is to be creative. "Use this day to try and test new ideas and concepts. Don't limit the ideas to business applications. In your personal life, try out a new dress or clothing style, perhaps a different haircut. Or, maybe buy a new houseflag and run it up the flagpole to see if anyone salutes...or even notices."
So, since this blog concept is still so new, and frankly because I'm too exhausted from being up all night with a sick toddler, I'm using my overall concept of this "365 Celebrations" blog as my "new idea" that I'm "floating out there" to see if anyone notices! If you are reading this, I'd love your feedback on the overall concept of this blog, the idea of finding things to celebrate everyday, and the intent to put meaning and purpose into even the most mundane of days. Here I am, "running up my flagpole." Has anyone noticed?
What will you do to celebrate today?
Friday, January 01, 2010
January 1st - New Year's Day
It's day one in my "365 Celebrations" blog and I'm already struggling in knowing how to proceed. Should be an interesting challenge when I am finding day one hard! LOL!
The new year brings a new set of uncertainties for our family, as my husband's ministry at our church ended with 2009. Facing 2010 with no idea what will be next on the "job" horizon for us leaves us feeling anxious. It makes starting this daily celebration blog hard, but also emphasizes for me the need we have right now to focus on something - anything - right now.
So in the spirit of the new year, the new (hopefully) adventure awaiting us, and the prospects of new things to celebrate each day, I'm focusing this first day of celebrations on all things new. New clothes to wear thanks to wonderful Christmas gifts. New toys for us all to play with (new Wii games for mom and dad, and new toys for the toddler). New recipes to try for our New Year's Day meal (peach glaze for the ham, etc.). New plans for our day to day routine now that daddy is home 24/7 for the forseeable future. A new calendar of celebrations to plan out. And a new day and year in which to praise HIM and go deeper in our walks with Him.
What are you doing to celebrate today?
Happy New Year everyone!
The new year brings a new set of uncertainties for our family, as my husband's ministry at our church ended with 2009. Facing 2010 with no idea what will be next on the "job" horizon for us leaves us feeling anxious. It makes starting this daily celebration blog hard, but also emphasizes for me the need we have right now to focus on something - anything - right now.
So in the spirit of the new year, the new (hopefully) adventure awaiting us, and the prospects of new things to celebrate each day, I'm focusing this first day of celebrations on all things new. New clothes to wear thanks to wonderful Christmas gifts. New toys for us all to play with (new Wii games for mom and dad, and new toys for the toddler). New recipes to try for our New Year's Day meal (peach glaze for the ham, etc.). New plans for our day to day routine now that daddy is home 24/7 for the forseeable future. A new calendar of celebrations to plan out. And a new day and year in which to praise HIM and go deeper in our walks with Him.
What are you doing to celebrate today?
Happy New Year everyone!
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