The Willows

A door has been opened. I've been given a sweet opportunity to be something big. The nerves are there. The butterflies are doing their thing. But the giddyness has overtaken them both. Let me explain.

I work at The Willows Golf & Country Club in Saskatoon, one of the swankiest places to golf or hold a function in the city. I love it. Seriously. Out of any job I've ever had, I really feel that this is it. I've found my niche. It's a really neat place. It's luxurious, it's very people-oriented, everyone I work with is fantastic, and let's be honest, it's just plain pretty. (both of the pics on this post are of The Willows - the first being the clubhouse I work in and the second being part of the golf course) I started last September and have been working in the office, doing reception,

invoicing, (you name it) ever since. Life's been good. Another perk is the fact that Warren and I live in Stonebridge, which is literally 3 minutes away from this place. Love it.

So anyway, I was recently offered a very different, higher-up position. And.......I took it. You are now reading the blog of the new Events Coordinator at the Willows. Eeeeekkkk!!! I know. I'm freaking out. So what this means is a few things. Any and all functions, events, weddings, meetings, banquets, and parties go through me. I'm the one who sits down with the bride-to-be and her mom and goes through all of the possibilities, the planning and the ideas for her big day. I'm the one who meets with the president of a big corporation to plan out his big annual meeting to be held at our clubhouse. I'm the one who coordinates and juggles 5 different events within one day. Once again, Eeeeekkkk!!! Last week was my first week and I gotta say, it's a big learning curve. I was so tired after each day. But you know what? I'm diggin' it. I'm ready for the challenge. I'm able to really be creative in this new position too, which is a very good thing. This is gonna be great and I feel very lucky and blessed. I'm waitin' on summer and a new golf season to start. Hope they're ready for me.*

The Thaw

Let me just say that I am one happy girl with the way things are shaping up outside. Um hmm. I look out the window and guess what I see? Water. Lots and lots of water. The snow has begun its melt and where I normally would find it in me to gripe about the soupiness and mud surrounding our poor little house, I am bound and determined to smile about it. This year, my attitude will be different. That's right.

I've been at my wits' end this past month at the ridiculous amount of snow and the freezing temps that continue to hit us hard out here in the prairies. Swear words. Actual, full on swear words have graced my thoughts many days. Mostly because I'm beyond tired of my long walk up to the clubhouse from staff parking at work where I basically feel like my face is gonna break off each morning. And even if I wanted to cry, I couldn't because my tears would freeze and we all know that would be a disaster.

BUT, finally, I think I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Bring on the mud! Bring on the floods! It's all part of the process to what I would consider a very happy ending. Warren and I have wondered if we should invest in a canoe so I can paddle my way to work. Hee hee. Ah well, I am ready for some warmth and sunshine. I can hardly wait for spring. It's killing me.*

Spending the Night With Oscar

Anyone who knows me well knows my die hard obsession with Hollywood award shows. I LOVE them. And anyone who knows this about me would also most likely know that the Oscars is the most important one - kind of the big finale at the end. The Oscars is the fanciest, the biggest and the most elaborate of them all.

For as long as I can remember, I've spent Oscar night infront of the TV, watching, admiring and closely following the stars as they walk the red carpet and are interviewed by entertainment show hosts, such as Mary Hart, Ryan Seacrest and Ben Mulrooney, to name a few. I don't know why I get so caught up in all of the glitz - Warren just laughs at me - but I'm not gonna lie to ya, I love the glamour. I love the gowns. I love the couple sightings. I love seeing who took who and who's wearing what, who's presenting and who's gonna win. I love the speeches. I love the emotion and the anticipation. There's something special and thrilling about Oscar night and I've always loved it. Actually, all the Bartel girls always have.

This year, Mel had me over and we had our own little Oscars night. It was great! She had made some fun snacks and we munched and gabbed together for the whole evening infront of the TV. It was really fun. My mom even called us halfway through to see who's dress we liked the best, who we thought would win, etc. Hee hee.

And so, the highlights. I thought Ellen did a fantastic job hosting. She's a hoot. I get such a kick out of her. I was thrilled that Jennifer Hudson won - talk about a comeback. First she's booted off American Idol and now she's won an Oscar! That's magic. Oooh... and I loved it when Jaden Smith and Abigail Breslin presented. So cute. It was kind of refreshing to have two little kids up there. I love watching guys like Clint Eastwood and Steven Spielberg - they're sensational - legends of our time. Man, have they accomplished lots in their careers, artistically. It's inspirational to me. Okay, so let's talk dresses. I thought Helen Mirren looked beautiful - she looks so glamorous for her age. Penelope Cruz - very feminine and romantic with a modern funk, Maggie Gyllenhaal - very old Hollywood, and of course, the always favorite Reese Witherspoon. Are we loving the hair, ladies? She's just doing her thing. The nasties? I was bummed at Gwyneth's choice - can we say Mother Earth meets the fish lady? Eewww! What was she thinking? And what about Meryl Streep? I love her, but c'mon...what was that, a trench coat? That was shocking, considering her latest movie was 'The Devil Wears Prada'. You'd think she'd step it up a notch.

All in all, a great success. Another beautiful and wonderful evening full of style, class and surprises. And it all happend at the Oscars.*

Squeals, Giggles and the Shock of a Lifetime

Something fantastic has just happend. You know those moments in life where something completely catches you off guard in the most wonderful way and all you can possibly do is utter a small but excited squeal? Almost a gasp. Your heart begins to pound against your chest and your eyes are huge. It's something you've always known would happen...it was just a matter of when.

Friday, I got the call. About 1:30pm, I answered with my usual, "Good afternoon, The Willows, Cyndy speaking", only to hear my little brother on the other end, rather than the expected golf member or possible client inquiring about room rentals or facility details. What the heck? Why was he calling me at work...from Ontario?? All at once, he started laughing and asked, "So, uh, I was wondering how you'd feel about adding another sister to the family..." What? WHATTT??? Are you kidding me??

Yup. That's right. Jon and Karen are freakin' engaged!!!

This is huge. First of all, he's my little brother...and secondly, he's a weiner!!! Karen is incredible. I love her to bits and have considered her my sister for years already - she has litterally been a part of our family for about 7 years. She's come on family vacations with us, slept over and been a part of Christmas morning and been there for each and every holiday. Good times, Kar!

These guys started dating somewhere around grade 10, I think. Nuts. I remember when they were both in grade 9 (I was in grade 12) and I remember Kar bobbing all around the school with her short little curly fro - so cute. I remember when Jon had a forever crush on this little girl....and now here we are. You have no idea how stolked I am about this. I have always said that when they get engaged, it's gonna be huge. Well, it is. I'm blowing my mind here.

Guys, just wanted to send out a few whoop, whoops and let you know that I am so, so excited for you two and what's ahead. God has blessed you both for years and I can only imagine how great the future will be. I also just wanted to tell you how much I value you both as friends in my life - we have so much fun! You are a true example of how I think a relationship should be done. I admire you both a lot. Keep going. Jon, this is fantastic - you stud...and Kar, I can hardly believe that we really and truly are gonna be sisters!! My giddyness continues...*

Now, That's More Like It!

Well, it's official. Some really good friends of ours - Tyler & Nelly - are engaged! We are SO excited for these two. They're such great people. We love them to bits.

Tyler is Warren's best friend from Optometry in Waterloo. Practically brothers. He's the best. The guys did their residency together in Alabama during their last year. They have a really cool friendship.

And Nelly was my roomie for my 2nd year in Graphic Design in Waterloo - we shared an apartment. She's adorable. Someone I love and admire for her happy spirit and spunky wit. We had ice cream together almost every night - it became an obsession. Hee hee. She bought me an actual ice cream maker for our wedding!

Tyler and Nelly are both optometrists and are living in Vancouver, BC. We can hardly wait to get out there to see them and celebrate this new chapter in their life. Hopefully in the next month or two...

This is kind of a funny picture actually - it's at Warren and Tyler's grad weekend in June of last year, but it was the best one I had of the four of us. We sure do miss hanging out together!! BIG CONGRATS!! Can't wait for what's ahead...*

My Cup Runneth Over...

Oh boy. The thing with being an auntie is that it fills your heart so full with love for these little munchkins, that I can't even imagine what it will
be like to have my own someday. We had Dave, Mel and the babes over for supper last week and as usual, we were entertained. I think it's so funny watching the girls because I see so much of Mel and I in them. The Mother Hen and the "I don't have to listen to you" Kid. Love it. I'm a very lucky auntie.*

A Sad Sort of Day

Today I'm really missing two very special people in my life - my two best friends from home, Lish and Genelle - we've been together since
our diaper days.

I'm finding it really tough to faithfully keep in touch and make regular phone calls, emails, etc. since moving out here. I really hate it. I hate being so far apart and having to rely on these things to stay up-to-date and close with these girls. It's so frustrating, especially when all I want is to be with them - spend an evening vegging in our sweats over a bowl of popcorn and share what's been on our hearts with each other. There's nothing quite like a childhood friend - they are the ones who truly know you and have been a part of your history, the very thing that makes you who you are. I guess today, I especially wanted to say how much I love you, Genelle and Lish and to know that even though we're not always great at regular phonecalls, etc, I cherrish you and miss you with my whole heart. You guys are extremely special to me.....I can't wait to see you again, whenever that may be.*

Ode to My Ford Focus

I got stuck on the way to work today....real stuck. There is SO MUCH snow out here, it's ridiculous. I'm still not in the mindset of a true Saskatchewan resident yet, so of course, I never think to pack an extra touque, scarf, gloves, snowpants, shovel, etc. in my car at all times, like everyone else I know. So here I am, in my flimsy little dresspants and dressy coat, FREEZING in the -22 degree weather - sooooooo cold!!!! People were coming in shifts to try and get me out and no one seemed to be able to do it. Warren was out of town early this morning at a clinic, so he was no where in sight. By the time things started moving, there were five men around my car. Kinda embarassing. Kinda funny. Hee hee. Aw, my little Focus. She had a rough start to her day. But after 45 minutes of pushing, freezing, heeve-hoing, and freezing some more, I was back on track and at work. I've felt chilled ever since...*

A Good Mix

Not much new to report.

It's been a bit since my last post, so I figured I'd empty my mind on screen and see for myself what's actually been going on these past few weeks. Lots, actually. And then, not a whole lot. Hmmmm...

I'll admit it. I feel I've run into a mild case of the winter blues. I always find the months of January and February a struggle to mull through 'cause they're so cold and blustery, they feel so dang long (especially in the west) and there really isn't any special holidays or occasions to anticipate. Meh. Once spring hits, I'm good. I've always been a person who loves to have something to look forward to, to get excited about. Ah well, I'm still incredibly blessed and pumped abouy my life, so that's good enough for me. I'll look forward to summer...

Warren and I continue down the road of life-changing decisions, regarding his practice. Things in that area are good. Real good. We're in the midst of deciding to buy or buy in and associate with another....all good things. Whenever we get stressed, we look at each other, shrug our shoulders and laugh and realize, Shoot! At least we have options! We know that there are many people desperate for work. We're in a very good place.

I can't seem to get enough of being an auntie. What a treat to be living in the same city as my nieces. It never gets old. Mikayla and Brookie continue to maintain my state of awe at how creative and hilarious God is. Those two are fantastic! I thoroughly enjoy my conversations with MJ, which are shockingly mature and of course, full of drama. Oh man, how I can relate to that little munchkin, it's pretty funny. Hee hee. And then Brookie. She's so mobile and carefree and she's trying sooo hard to get her words out. I love witnessing the new words and the fresh discoveries of toddlers. It's like a miracle right before your eyes - pretty sweet. Pretty amazing. The more I'm with the girls, the more excited I get to embark on the journey of motherhood myself. Not yet...but sometime.

Work at The Willows is good. It's a bit slower these days (obviously) without a golfing season in full swing (no pun intended) but still humming with constant events, meetings, weddings, conventions, etc. I get a real joy out of visiting with the members and other people while going about my day. It's fun. I am very much anticipating the warm weather and fresh season to bring about busyness and excitement. Should be good.

Well, other than these few tidbits (I do hate that word, actually), it's time to shut 'er down and go grab a treat. I'm thinking it's either gonna be ice cream with orange juice (aka the Ronny Bartel Homemade Orange Julius invention that continues to blow my mind each time I have it....mmmmmm.....) or popcorn. Ha ha. Who am I kidding....here's hoping we're not out of ice cream just yet.

See ya.*

A Mexican Fiesta and Sugar Cookies

This Christmas will be tucked away at the top of my stash of incredible memories forever. It was....well....perfect, if I can be so bold in saying that. I will charge ahead here and give you my best attempt at a recap of the eleven days I spent with my family over the holidays - though I know already that my musings and recollections won't do it justice...even if I do throw in a few photos. And yet, I feel a need to try to organize my thoughts and take myself away from my present situation to reminicse. So, here goes.

December 16th (which was the day I had been waiting for for months) brought the long-awaited flight home to see my family once again. Dave, Mel and the critters, along with Warren and I, flew home on the first flight out of Saskatoon that morning. It was early, but we were pumped and in high spirits. It was amazing to be together with my family again. Words cannot express.

The next morning, we left for our 6-day vactation to Mexico, where we stayed at this beautiful 5-star resort on the Riviera, just outside of Cancun. It was easily my favorite vacation I've been on, up to date. It was just a good, good time together as family. Many high points. Our main reason for the trip, of course, was to enjoy a week of chill time and hanging out together before my brother Steve and Vicki got married on the beach on day number 5 of our time in Mexico. There were 18 of us in total. A really good group, consisting mainly of family from both sides and then a few extra friends too.

I love vacactions even more, now that we're all adults. It's a lot of fun to just be able to do our own thing and enjoy it together at our own pace. There was absolutely no stress on this trip, no real scheduele. We took our watches off on the first day and didn't look at them until we were heading home. It was a week of sleeping in, eating too much (and the food was delicious), drinking too much (I was hooked on daqueries and pina coladas), lounging by the pools and playing beach volleyball by the ocean. The evenings were wonderful - we'd usually all go out for a nice dinner together and then relax in the big lounge area, sipping drinks, playing games, listening to the live entertainment, dancing and visiting. Lots of laughter on this trip. Lots. It was good for the soul.

And then the wedding. Oh...the wedding. It was quite possibly the most beautiful wedding I've ever been at. So small, so intimate, so personal. Steve looked amazing and Vick, she was truly a vision. The wedding was very beachy and casual. We were all barefoot. All of us. Jon played guitar as they walked down the isle and Dave married them. Their vows were really sweet. The wedding itself was set on the beach, right infront of the ocean. Down the isle they rolled a long white strip of material where they had sprinkled rose pedals from back to front. They stood under a simple trellis adonned with bright tropical flowers and ivy. They had set up about three mini rows of white covered chairs to seat the family. It was just a incredibly romantic. It really was. For the reception, we all sat at a big table on the deck, overlooking the waterfront. We enjoyed a delicious dinner, a few speeches were made, a few wisecracks were said and then on with the dancing! It was a blast. The whole shindig ended and we all saw the two lovebirds off in the lobby, as their taxi whisked them off to their honeymoon destination - another resort in the area.

And so, our trip in Mexico soon came to an end and though we were sad to leave this tropical oasis, the celebrating and making of memories was not over yet. It was back to Mom and Dad's place (Ontario) where we enjoyed Christmas festivities and some more chill time together.

Christmas in at the Bartel house consisted of lots of eating (namely Christmas goodies), loud music, evenings by the fire, games and of course, a whole lot of good conversation. We spent a day at Grandma's, Christmas Eve at church and Christmas morning eating crepes specifically prepared by Dad and Kayla, as we had anticipated. It was fun to, once again, experience Christmas through the eyes of two munchkins. It somehow seems to warm your heart.

What a holiday. What a wonderful holiday.

Today, I find myself feeling somewhat sad and heavy-hearted at the fact that this magical eleven days of my life, a time that was so strongly anticiapted, is over. And yet, I can smile and smirk at the memories that will forver be embedded in my head of this special time that was shared by the people I love. And that is why we keep going. Because there is always something more, something to cling to and get silly about. I'm looking forward the next big thing, whatever that may be.*

Snow Babies

Since moving out here earlier this year, I have had to get used to the fact that Saskatchewan is a snowy place for basically most of the year...well, not really, but it just feels like that to this summer girl. Though I live for skirts, tanks and flip flops, I have had a new appreciation for the snow this year, especially around the holidays. I thought I'd stick a few pics of my two favorite girls enjoying this winter wonderland.*

A Masterpiece, After All These Years

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER® recounts the tale of a shy, young reindeer whose Christmas spirit is dampened because his shiny red nose has made him the laughing stock of all Christmastown. Frustrated by their inability to fit in, Rudolph and his friend Hermey, the Elf who wants to be a dentist, set out on their own. However, they soon find themselves pursued by the Abominable Snowmonster. They flee to the island of Misfit Toys in the Arctic wilderness where Yukon Cornelius, a prospector they meet along the way, comes to their rescue. Returning to Christmastown, they learn that bad weather may cause Christmas to be canceled. But Rudolph's headlight--his illuminated nose--saves Christmas by serving as a beacon to guide Santa's sleigh.

Last night, after lots of flipping, I stumbled across this old 1964 classic - also a Bartel favorite for many, many years. I was ecstatic, and forced a less-than-enthused Warren to sit and watch(enjoy) with me. By today's standards, the animation is terrible, but I think it's adorable and I love it every year I see it. The message is so clear and so relavent, even years after the making.*

The Magic

We've been crazy busy this last stretch before Mexico. I love it though. I have always loved the Christmas rush and the hussel and bussel of a busy city in December. As for the old cranks who didn't learn enough from their mothers about which fingers are inappropriate to flash at the rest of us when they're edgy, they're missing out. Believe me, an angry shopper is an unecessary setback for those of us who are out and about, Starbucks gingerbread latte in hand, humming an old carol, and looking to have a good time. Yes, it's busy and yes there are lots of people - more than the norm - and yet, let's all chill and enjoy all of the little hints of magic that surround us throughout this season we all claim to love so much. That's what I'm doing and I've felt so in love with this time of year, once again.

This is Warren and my first Christmas together in our own place. It's been really special. We got ourselves a real tree - just a little guy that smells so wonderful each time we come into the room - and we decorated it with MJ and Brookie a week or two ago. It was a hoot. Of course, the lower half of the tree looked pretty flashy (and loaded) while the rest of it was pretty bear. Ah well, kids are good for laughs and making memories with. Kayla was so particular about her placement of ornaments, while Brookie just sat on the floor, grunting, clapping and eating all of our Christmas cookies. Everyone was happy.

To me, Christmas is 100% about family and spending time together. It doesn't even matter so much what we're doing anymore, as I get older, I seem to hang on to the memories and the anticipation of being together more than ever. I gotta tell ya, knowing that in just over a week, we'll be squishing the white sands of Mexico between our toes from beach chairs, drink in hand, makes me very happy.

Songs I'm really into these days:

How to Save a Life - The Fray
Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol
More Than Words - Extreme
Crash - Dave Matthews Band
River - Sarah McLachlan
Wintersong - Sarah McLachlan

Jon, don't slack on the Christmas chain, you silly nugget. Keep the tradition alive.

Nine days and counting...*

Grocceries

Time to get grocceries. Ah, the groccery store. It almost feels like a creative expedition to me - coming up with new recipes and concoctions as I shuffle up and down the isles. I always start with a list, which I generally complete, but let's be honest, there are always a few fun and unexpected add ons - some to satisfy my ever present sweet tooth (obviously), and though he would never admit to it, Warren too, delights in finding treats in the pantry every now and then.

And so, the list (or at least the list I'm going in with):

broccoli crowns (probably 3-4)
asparagus
Christmas oranges
lettuce
baby potatoes
peppers (red, green)
spinach dip
soft taco wraps
deli meat (1/2 lb. black forrest ham, shaved)
chicken breasts
frozen corn
stir fry veggies
milk
eggnog (obviously)
cran/rasp juice
egg noodles
cous cous
sour cream
pasta sauce - Classico tomato & basil
liquid chicken broth
parmesean cheese
cereal - probably Captian Crunch
chips (x2)
Tostitos rounds
pop (Diet Coke)
Christmas chocolates (maybe Turtles...oooohhh)
vanilla ice cream
apple sauce

Whew! It's gonna be a biggie. Here's to good food and good times.*

I'll Be Home For Christmas

Before I get started, please note that I know I am totally copying Jon's Christmas blog entry - even some of the points - but only because we're family and I didot him on many on the list. We grew up in the same house...c'mon.

So, my favorite things about Christmas:

- RELAXATION - no setting the alarm for work the next day. We're all home and we are extremely chill and relaxed. We wake up late, have crepes (which only Dad knows how to make) and coffee in our pj's, while listening to one of Mom's Christmas CD's LOUD in the family room. Almost always, someone has to make a trip to the mall to buy something last minute... or to the shop to finish "tweaking" their special project for Mom.

- Mmmmm...eggnog....

- Christmas music - love it. LOVE it!! You can scoff if you wish but I really cherrish old CD's like Evie's Christmas and Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton Christmas. They never get old to me. They just feel like home.

- Finding the perfect gift for someone...and knowing that they're gonna love it....and then watching their eyes light up when they open it.

- The song, I Want a Hippopotomous for Christmas.

- The tree - when it's all lit up and glowing in a darkened family room, close to the fireplace. Beautiful.

- Oh, the Christmas chain. A Bartel family tradition.

- Mom's huge stash of peanuts, nuts, Quality Street chocolates and Jelly Bellies on the coffee table. No one really knows how to stop eating them...

- Dad obsessing over his esspresso and forcing a cup into every empty hand, convinced there's nothing quite like it.

- The bright pots of poinsettias Mom has strategically placed in every nook and cranny around the house. Oh...and the Dickens Christmas village above the living room fireplace - it gets bigger every year, with tradition. I love coming home to a decked-out house.

- The famous claymation Rudolph Christmas special on TV - with the abominable snowman and Yukon Cornelious... every year.

- Wrapping presents.

- Dad leading Christmas carols at church on Christmas morning...every single year for as long as I can remember.

- Knowing that every year, Mom will get up at 5:00am, Dad will act like Scrooge, we'll all jump on him to get him out of bed - it's such an act and it's the same every year, but it's somehow funny every time... that there's one gift that will make Mom cry every year... that Dad will always genuinely love it from the bottom of his heart if you get him a) needle nose plyers, b) a flashlight, or c) a shammee

- Wondering when it happend that Christmas shifted from you and your siblings opening gifts to watching Mikayla and Brookie opening gifts...and being more than okay with it.

...And it all just gets better with age. I am such a sucker for this season and all of the tradiations and memories it includes. And to think I get to go home in a few short weeks to enjoy it all over again...*

Random

Warren made supper last night. It was one of the two dishes he seems to excel at - omletes (the other being the tried and true Kraft Dinner, which he is convinced takes a certain level of skill to make properly). We had some good eatin'. Though I usually do love to cook and create in the kitchen, I was tired...still feeling kinda meh and ucky from my bout of flu that I've been fighting this week. He offered and I bit. And so, trying to forget about the splatters, the grease and the spills - in typical Warren fashion - I enjoyed a bacon/cheese/pepper filled omlete. Deeee-licious!

You Want an Update? I'll Give You an Update...

Life - at large - is a very good thing. Man, has it been changing for me this past year. My world is so different from a short 11 months ago - when I was a single, Ontarioan (is that a word?), living under my parents' roof and working for the big guy. Wedding planning consumed my scheduele and dreams of becoming a wife consumed my thoughts. For months on hand, Warren and I were apart (yuck) and my evenings were full of phone calls from Alabama.

Now, fast forwarding to the present tense, I am a wife (of almost a year), living in Saskatoon, SK, in a new house we designed and had built. I work at the Willows Golf and Country Club and Warren's an Optometrist, practicing here in the city out of the Canada Building downtown. I'm finally living close to my big sister and bro-in-law and their two little munchkins, which I love...and far, far away from the rest of my family, which I hate. I am having so much fun being a little Martha Stewart in our very first home together - I really love cooking, cleaning and entertaining. Seriously. Our evenings are full of errands, phone calls, emailing, visiting with friends and family, and of course, watching our obsession on TV - Grey's Anatomy.

This summer was a busy one. We moved to Saskatoon at the end of June, right after Warren's grad - just in time for Brad (Warren's brother) and Angel's wedding. We love hanging out with these two - never a dull moment when you're in their company. Angel's my newest sister and I love that girl. She's a riot. One line after another.... Her and Brad are ranching out near Watrous, SK and living the cowboy life. Angel also has her own business on the go, which I think is pretty cool. It's a clothing company which she named "Halo Rodeo Co.", selling women's western wear. She's got some pretty trendy, out there stuff.

More recently, Warren's youngest brother, Devin, and his girlfriend, Laura, just got engaged. We're exstatic for them! Laura's a real sweetheart and we can't wait to complete our Toews family. I get another sister!! It's so great watching the two of them together - giddy, excited and anticipating a full life together. What a blessing. They are planning for a June 2007 wedding.

If the twinkling Christmas lights and store window displays haven't already given it away, I am overjoyed at the fact that the Christmas season has found us once again. In a month, we'll be busily wrapping presents, munching on sugar cookies and replacing our regular tv sitcoms with Christmas specials. Christmas carols - which for some reason, I never grow tired of - will serenade us from errand to errand and the smell of gingerbread and evergreen will overwhelm our senses. Yes, it's that wondeful time of year and Warren and I couldn't be more excited. And this year will be different once again....very different.

My brother, Steve, and his fiance, Vicki, will be getting married on the beaches of Mexico! Yeah, he is! And so, another wedding. And another sister!! Vick's the best! She's been a part of the fam for quite some time now and a good friend of mine for even longer. She brings out the best in Steve and we couldn't be happier. When she asked me to stand up for her as a bridesmaid, I was extremely honored. On December 17th (which happens to be mine and Warren's first anniversary), the whole gang flies down to the Mayan Riviera together for a full week of swimming, palm trees, tanning, pina coladas, and catching up. Hello good times! At the end of the week, on the 21st, those two crazy lovebirds will say their vows barefoot and on the beach. The following day, as they continue on to their honeymoon, the rest of us will fly home to Ontario for Christmas. There is much to look forward to and the season has only begun.

And so, life keeps moving. Changing. Evolving. Growing fuller. Whether it's new additions, old memories or things to look forward to, God continues to bless and push us forward. And that is a very good thing.*

The Miracle Worker

So anyway, I've been doing a lot of heavy thinking lately. Hear me out.

I've been thinking a lot about trusting God and what that really means. Faith, I guess you could call it. Truly believeing in your heart that God will take care of you and the huge importance of letting go to what we hold onto so tightly to - letting Him lead. It's so easy for us to try to control everything....and then all at once, frantically ask God to bail us out when we're at our end, when we should have been doing that from the start.

These days, we are all so over-confident in ourselves, our lives, our work, that we've become too independent. We haven't lived through a war, we haven't lived through starvation, we haven't really had any reason to feel uncomfortable. Because of this, we don't see a need to rely on God because we're doing just fine. All of our accomplishments, all of our success is considered ours and somehow we feel we're earned it and deserved it for all that we've done.

Because of this, we are a generation who doesn't believe in miracles and doesn't really expect great things from God. We don't live with the same anticiaption that our grandparents had in waiting with this great hope and excitement for what God will do next - we don't have that same expectancy. We seem to become doubtful and edgy as soon as we can't deal with what's been placed in our laps, when we need to be looking to God sincerely for guidance and with anticipation of how He will follow through.

No, we're not living in the desert with Moses, but I still do believe in my heart of hearts that God does perform miracles every day. We have to learn to be quiet before Him and watch them unfold.

Just some thoughts as I wrap up my afternoon...*

Back in the Saddle...

Okay, it has been almost a year since my last post, I know. The reason for starting my blog in the first place was to celebrate the countdown to my wedding. So, I've been Mrs. Toews for almost a year now and I think I'll try and bounce back into the blogging world. After all, it is a great way to keep the world informed and share what's on my mind and in my heart.

And so...hello again. This is my official re-introduction back into this modern form of diologue and expression.

Here's hopin' somebody will listen.*

It's me...Mrs. Cyndy Toews!

Hello, hello!!! I'm back.....and I'm MARRIED!!
I am now officially Mrs. Cyndy Toews. Pretty neat, huh? What a whirlwind these past few weeks have been.

This first pic is me and my dad. Doesn't he look proud? I love it. This was taken minutes before we walked down the isle. We were both a little teary and so we made a pact to tell jokes as we walked down, so we would be okay. We did and we were all smiles. My dad's pretty special to me.

Oh, the wedding.....it was pure magic. I loved the day...everything about it. It was so much fun!!!! There's something really special and meaningful about packing everyone who's important and significant in your life from all areas and time spans into one room to celebrate with you. Humbling, actually.

What a beautiful day. I wish I could do it all over again. And Warren.....WOW! My heart was overflowing like it never has before. Love has a whole new meaning for me now. The fact that I get to share my life with this guy blows my mind. I praise God for bringing such a wonderful guy into my life, and blessing me with our marriage.

Next pic: Here we are, for the first time, Mr. & Mrs. Warren & Cyndy Toews!!!

I guess I also just wanted to take a sec to thank all of you who prayed for us during this time. I was a weeping mess the week before the wedding - nerves, sentiment, feeling overwhelmed, busyness and overload. But the wedding day was pretty close to tear free and I laughed lots, smiled tons and savored each moment. I truly had the best day of my life. Thank you! Prayer is a wonderful thing.


Next pic: Warren and I, with our wedding party close behind, leaving the church right after the ceremony for pictures with our photographer. We were so giddy here and were laughing about what had just happend...were we really, truly married??? What the heck??

The wedding itself was gorgeous!!! I can say that because my aunt and two ladies from our church (friends of my mom) decorated and it was unlike anything I've ever seen before. It was very Christmasy - suitable for December 17th. We had over 45 real Christmas trees packed with mini white lights and it looked like a fairytale. And it smelled wonderful!! It was decorated very rustic and crude - cedar roping, grapevine, rustic barnwood, logs, split-rail fencing, etc. I loved everything about it. The weather couldn't have been better!! It was really snowy - the fluffy kind. It was still - no wind. It was really sunny with blue skies. Oh man, what a blessing!

Well, there's much to be said...much to update you all on. And pictures. These are only a few candid pictures that my Uncle Jim took during the day...there's a lot more where they come from. But for tonight, I thought I'd give you a quick little glimpse of the day and give you a mini summary of my thoughts. I'll continue to show pics and update. But, it's late. I'm tired. And I think I'll go snuggle up to my hubby as I fall asleep. Love you guys!