Inside My Purse

My purse sometimes feels heavier than I think it should...and I discovered why a couple days ago! I have this thing with lip balm, as most girls do, and have always had at least one in my pocket, backpack, or purse since probably grade 7.

Lately I had been wondering how it was possible to lose some of my lip balms. It's normal to lose one every now and then, but there have been a number that had gone missing. I recently found a hole in the lining of one side pocket in my purse, and with a little digging, discovered things had fallen through the hole and landed in the space between the lining and the leather! Five minutes later, and after much excitement...
I'd like to point out that all the lip balms were given to me--I don't have a lip balm-buying addiction! Three were stocking stuffers, and two come from Clinique bonuses...in my defense. My purse now feels lighter, and I don't have to wonder how I lost these anymore!

Peterborough Family

After 5 months of living in Hamilton, Jon and I finally made the trip to Peterborough to visit some of the Nayler family! Peterborough is where my dad grew up, and everyone except for him still lives there. From Hamilton, Peterborough can take between 4 and 5 hours by bus, but thanks to my generous Aunt, we were able to rent a car, which takes only 2 hours and 15 minutes! Turns out renting a car was cheaper than the bus anyways! It was also very convenient as far as getting around the city. As Jon's term has just begun, and I am only working very little right now, it was the perfect time to visit!

We stayed with my grandpa, which is something I love to do. Jon and I have made 2 'just us' trips to Peterborough, and it is so relaxing and fun to have my grandpa all to ourselves! It's so neat hearing stories from his childhood, some of his experience(s) in WWII, of his relationship with my [deceased] grandma, and of my dad's childhood. I love learning more about other people's lives, and especially when they involve my family! As a grandchild growing up in another province, even though we visited every summer, I have not been able to get to know my grandpa in the casual way my cousins have. The visits we have had, however, have always been very special and I value them greatly. We hope to make a couple more trips out while we live so close.

Here is a picture of my grandpa and I. After it was taken, I asked him if he had smiled and he said, "I don't know." I'm pretty sure at the age of 87 you know whether you are smiling or not! He's funny and I love him! In hearing him talk, I noticed that, mixed in with my mom's personality, I think have inherited some of my bluntness from him! Can you see the resemblance to my dad?

Some other family members we were able to visit included my Auntie Sandy, Uncle Bryan, Uncle Dave & Aunt Carole, my Uncle Len, and my cousins: Kristan (and her adorable baby girl Sierra), Michael, Stephen, and Victoria, and my cousin Ashley and her husband, Robin. And that's not all of them!

My Auntie Sandy and me. You might not be able to tell in this photo, but we share the wide-eyed Nayler genes (or "Bambi eyes" as Janessa and I call them) that my grandpa also has.

My cousin Ashley (my wedding photographer if anyone recognizes her!) & me.

Before the Peterborough visit, we were treated with another visit. Jordan, April, and Cori-Anne were on their way back to Nova Scotia and stayed with us from Thursday to Friday, just before we left for Peterborough. It was so great to see them again! That, and I scored some wonderful Auntie cuddles with Cori-Anne. She is SO cute! Here are a couple of pics of my beautiful neice.

This picture of Jon makes me want to have a baby!

Soooo cute!

Home Visit and Now

Back in Hamilton after a wonderful home visit to Winnipeg for Christmas. We were able to spend some quality time with both families, see many friends, and feel the cold that Hamilton does not have! Some highlights included seeing friends and family, experiencing one of the best Nayler Christmases ever, having laughing-so-hard-we're-crying sessions, and meeting our new niece, Cori-Anne who is ADORABLE!! Even though our visit ended off with both Jon and I burdened with the flu, it was a most excellent time. So I'll leave the description of our holiday at that. I've included a few of my favourite pictures from the holidays.
And now, I am back to the job search. I was feeling quite motivated the other day, but now have this heavy feeling and am not excited one bit about trying to get a job. Even as I type, I should technically be dropping off resumes to local businesses, but find myself procrastinating. Sigh.

It's a new year, though, and even though it doesn't feel any different than 2008 yet, I know this year brings with it much change and excitement. So I look forward to that.

A Post!

Some things that have happened since my last post:

- Turned 25
- Made good Hamilton friends
- Worked at a bookstore (in addition to the tutoring)
- Had many a cry
- Had many a laugh--one that was so hard it made me cry, actually!
- Became at peace with not renewing my Ontario Teachers Certification/not teaching while in Hamilton
- Painted with watercolours and oils..and quite loved it (and still do love it)
- Had a mom visit
- Caught and held on to a couple colds!
- Have had obvious answers to prayer and have experienced God's grace, faithfulness, and love in many ways
- Read some awesome books
- Took care of the sweetest dog for a weekend
- Sang with Jon at an art show

Things have been so busy that I have yet to decorate the house for Christmas! This is something I LOVE doing, and is an important tradition for me. So, even though we won't be here for Christmas, the decorating will be done this week!! Despite the lack of decoration, a heck of a lot of Christmas music (which I love) has been playing!

Right now Jon and I are looking forward to our Winnipeg Christmas visit! We fly out from Hamilton this Friday (the 19th) and are there till the 31st. Our visit is already looking pretty packed, but in a really good way. I am so looking forward to seeing family and friends from 'home!' Let the countdown begin...see you soon!

I'll leave you with a painting and some photos:

Break

I'm not going to post for a while. Maybe in November.

Thanksgiving in Hamilton (and another pie, finally!)

Friday: Relaxing night at home
Saturday: Cleaning the apartment, dinner at a pub & an evening walk...

Sunday was such a great day/evening. While Jon spent time reading for school, I went out and collected some colourful leaves. It was in the low 20s on Saturday, so the weather was perfect for spending time outside. While my pumpkin pie was baking in the oven, I "waxed" the leaves to make table decorations for Thanksgiving. Jon and I then went out to the "Rail Trail" by the escarpment for a lovely fall bike ride. The colours out here are beautiful--I love autumn in Ontario! Here is one of the views from our bike ride

We saw a garder snake on our ride! I love snakes (non-poisonous ones) and was thrilled to see this one...Jon and I laugh every time we look at my ridiculously happy face in this picture!


Sunday evening was then spent at Dale & Brian's place just outside of Hamilton (Dale is Jon's 2nd cousin) for a Thanksgiving dinner. They had some friends over from Toronto as well, with 2 of their 5 kids. Before supper we went for a gorgeous walk on part of the Bruce Trail, and saw a waterfall. We were kicking ourselves for forgetting to bring our camera!

I slept in till about 11 am on Monday (wow, that felt amazing) and then proceeded to prepare for our own Thanksgiving meal. The place got pretty warm as it reached 25 C (27 C with the humidex) yesterday! That with the oven and stovetop going all day made for one hot kitchen! Definitely a difference between Manitoba and Ontario. I had a great time getting things ready, and the results were delicious! I can now say I have made my own Thanksgiving meal. And the only thing that was from a can was the canned corn! The meal consisted of: a roast chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, rolls, dressing ("stuffing"), brussel sprouts, a carnival squash, and corn. And of course, pumpkin pie with whipped cream for dessert!

Where East Meets West

In Winnipeg, we consider ourselves to be central in terms of Canada and Ontario (and beyond), to be "out East." Here in Hamilton, people consider "here" to be central, and the Maritimes to be "East." I guess in terms of football, or even just BC, Winnipeg would be considered "East" too. Hm. Aaaanyways...

Jon and I have been happy to meet up with a number of people from "out West" the last few weeks...

In September, Kara was taking a massage therapy course in Toronto for a weekend. The Sunday she left, we met up at the Pearson airport and had a wonderful visit. It was so fun to catch up in person, and see a familiar face!

On Thursday (Sept. 25), Jon's parents flew in from Newfoundland, where they were visiting April, Jordan, and little Cori-Anne, and stayed with us till Sunday. We were definitely spoiled and we loved it! Their visit included dinner outings, baby picture viewings (Cori is sooo cute!), a wedding, brunch, and good conversation. Not only were we able to see mom and dad H, but we also had the chance to visit with our good friends Roger & Kelly (and their adorable girls, Cadance & Addyson), and their family as Cortney (Roger's sister) got married on Saturday. For some bizarre reason, we have no photographic evidence of a Hildebrand visit (mom and dad H do...) but we do have some photos of Rog & Kelly.

Last week on Thursday, I had the chance to visit with Alissa and Ayla! They were visiting Alissa's aunt and uncle in Guelph, and they were kind enough to stop in for an afternoon. We went for a Fall walk (and were rained on a bit), and chatted in the apartment over tea (as well as played with stuffed animals, sang and danced with Ayla). I may post some pics from that day later. It was a treat to spend time with both mother and daughter. Thanks for visiting!

The next visit we look forward to is my mom, in November!