MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Dear Family and Friends,

Welcome to the first official "O'Neil Family Christmas letter"!!!

It has been a VERY exciting Year for the O'Neil's...A whirl-wind some might say, but a tonne of fun at the same time...

The REAL excitement began when Brad accepted a new Job which allowed him to move back to the Ottawa area from Toronto and finally this allowed him and Stacy to be in the same city once again...He packed up his belongings and headed home on Thursday night… His first day at the new job and first day back in Ottawa officially would be Monday December 5th...!!!

A lot happened that first weekend home. Brad and Stacy moved in together...Brad proposed to Stacy the following afternoon. That afternoon and evening they spent sharing their BIG NEWS...with EVERYONE!!! The following day Brad celebrated his 30th birthday!!! Talk about packing a lot in....?!?!?!?

Christmas last year seemed to sneak up on us with all the excitement, but I guess it does every year!!! Brad and Stacy stayed in Ottawa last year for Christmas and celebrated with the O'Neil/McCready clan (Brad's Family)! Brads sister Kim and her husband Jason also shared exciting news with the family over the holidays...They were expecting their first Child come July 2006...What and Exciting year it was gearing up to be...

Early in the new year came talks of the wedding...planning etc. Thank goodness mama light was able to make a trip up early in the new year, to help put the planning in perspective...It was a very successful weekend...I believe we actually chose a wedding date, picked a venue and bought THE DRESS all in that weekend!!! Oh we also went to a wedding show...now that was a hoot!!! Stacy and brad set a date to marry on July 15, 2006 and much of the winter and spring involved planning for la part-y!!!

By spring and four months after Brad, Stacy would also celebrate a milestone birthday...the big 3-0!!! Something she had been dreading for the last 5 years (since she nearly fell apart on her 25th...)...BUT, It was a fantastic birthday, and turning 30 didn't turn out to be all that bad after all...

In May Brad started another new job, with a new security company. It was a great move for him as he is since been spending less time out of town for work. Things seem to be working out great with the new company so far...Stacy still works at a law firm in the intellectual property department in downtown Ottawa and loves her job...

The spring and summer consisted of road trips (days and weekends), baby showers (Kim) and wedding showers (Stacy)...which in turn meant that Brad got to do quite a bit of golfing early on in the summer...Stacy never even swung a club this summer...a little disappointing, BUT, she had more important things on her mind...

July arrived before Brad and Stacy ever imagined...They welcomed the arrival of their new nephew (Logan)...who actually arrived the day of their Wedding rehearsal party on July 14th...!!!

On July 15th, Brad and Stacy married and it was the just the beginning of their happily ever after...The weather was perfect (ok, it was a little HOT)…They were surrounded by many close family and friends who came from near and far. It was so amazing to see so many people there to share in our special day. Especially for Stacy it was a little extra special because she was able to see a lot of her family and friends that she rarely sees because of the distance. The O'Neil's thank you all again for an amazingly special time!

Following the wedding, Stacy and Brad hopped in their car and headed out for their ROAD TRIP HONEYMOON...They had an absolute blast...visiting such places as...upper state New York, Vermont, Rhode Island and Cape Cod. They saw a lot in the 5 days they were gone...and plan to see more of the east coast soon...

The rest of the summer and early fall was spent by the new happy couple (now offiacially THE O'NEIL'S), enjoying each other as well as attending several more weddings for good friends of ours...It was like an extended party of our own !!!!

The O'Neil's spent a good part of the fall relaxing in Ottawa/Gatinea and now gearing up for winter I suppose...

Just recently we've shared some more exciting news with our friends and family...so, if you haven't heard yet, the O'Neil's are expecting their first child in late July, 2007!!! Like they say, Never a dull moment... and it’s obvious they couldn't be more thrilled and will look forward to the next few months preparing for the little one and facing all the fun times and challenges that might come with the new baby!!!

Brad and Stacy will be spending the holidays again this year in the Ottawa and with the McCready's. Mama Light will arrive for a short visit just after the holidays which we are very excited for. Unfortunately papa light will be working and in south America , unable to join us this visit.

So,...It has been a very exciting year for the O’Neil’s and they are looking forward to the upcoming year even more now...

Hope this letter finds you and your family doing well!!!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and of course all the Best for the upcoming 2007!!!

Love,
Stacy and Brad

Happy Birthday Mama LIGHT!!!

Happy Birthday Mama!!! We wish we could be there to hang out with you today and maybe even have some cake and ice cream?!?!? Hope you have a wonderful day!!!
Also, Aunt Kathy shares a birthday with mama Light!!! We hope you have an awesome day today as well!!!

Love Stacy and Brad xoxoxox

Mama & Papa Lights new CRITTER...

MORE OF MAMA's Critters...

^Deer in the Backyard^
^American Bald Eagle, Looking from the deck^

Here is a photo of one of mama and papa Light's new Critters. They have affectionately named him Hootie. Hootie has decide that this is quite the resort he has stumbled across in his ventures and that perhaps he'd like to stay!!! I mean he does afterall have free access to the all you can eat seafood buffet (aka mama Lights gold fish pond)!!!

^Hootie perched up on the upper deck railing...likely eying the gold fish down below^

I have been waiting to update the blog regarding this past weekend as Liam was SUPPOSED to email me some pics to accompany the events detailed from Sunday...
I have no pics yet Liam so I guess I'll go ahead and update for now and add the pics later...

Not too much exciting but a good weekend nonetheless for the O'Neils...

Friday night we braved the shopping malls to try and get more Christmas shopping done. To our surprise it wasn't really all that busy out which was odd given the time of year it is. We figure either the majority of the population in the Ottawa area is either totally on the ball this year...OR...the people of Ottawa are totally procrastinating ... Either way, lucky us...

On Saturday we ventured out as well for a bit more shopping...We accomplished a bit, but nothing too exciting...In the afternoon we rearranged our living room furniture...We had been talking about it for ages and finally did it. We both really like the new set up...
In the evening we had Jarred, Amanda, Josh, Pat and Michelle over for a few drinks...we also went for supper at Sam Sneads (one of our local watering holes). It was nice to get together with them since we haven't really seen them since our wedding in July...

Sunday, Brad and I made up our usual big breakfast and then spent the rest of the afternoon resting/napping. On Sunday evening we headed out to CP to Join Chris and Jim and "the kids" in decorating the tree! It was alot of fun (I'd show you pics if Liam would email them to me...HINT HINT)...After we sat down and had Jim's HOMEADE stew...Delicious!!!! Thanks Chris and Jim for the lovely time!!!

That about sums up what's new ... Or at least what's new that can be discussed on the blog for now...;)

Tonight is supposed to be my work holiday party, but I've decide not to go...
Instead one of the lawyers at work offered up tickets to see "The Importance of being Earnest". I'm really looking forward to seeing it as I read the play in OAC English and totally loved it!!!

Well that's all I have for now...Will update (hopefully with some new pics) next weekend!!!

Cheers,
:)

No Happy Birthday announcement for my hubby...?!?!?!

...AND...My sincere apologies!!!

MY POOR HUSBAND got to spend his birthday watching his wife suffer from the flu...I won't get into the details, but the night before was complete torture...the day of Brad's birthday he had to spend alone as the MOST energy I had was to force down 1 or 2 soda crackers and a few sips of gingerale...Loads a fun , i tell ya!!!

On top of it, the poor guy had to look at his cards and present sitting in the kitchen ... ALL DAY...untill i could crawl my way into the living room and onto the couch. At that time I was able ... for about 4 minutes to try and look excited and enthusiastic...I think i actually did remember to wish him a happy birthday?!?!?

Anyway although I am starting to feel better (a bit) I feel like a horrible failure of a wife....

So, my dear husband...here is my official HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you post!!! I hope it wasn't too terrible for you ... hopefully this weekend will be a little more exciting.... :)

Love, The Wife. xoxox

Santa Clause Parade in CP!!!

This is our Nephew Logan with his Grandpa and Nanny!!!
Uncle Brad is showing Logan how to walk!!! Yes, he is ONLY 4 month old...but he is VERY smart!!!
Logan with Mom and Dad and Grandpa and Nanny!!!
Brad and Stacy watching the Santa Clause Parade in CP!!! We could not have asked for a nicer evening ... the weather was GREAT!!!
Here comes the big guy himself!!! I've been REALLY GOOD ALL YEAR...Hope he noticed!!!
Watching the parade...
Abbie and Stacy...
Jason, Logan, Kim and Nanny:

After the Parade Uncle Bill and Aunt Patti-Ann invited us all over to their house for a VERY LOVELY meal and a few drinks....UMMMMMMM...
Thank you so much, everything was delicious!!! :)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING...

...to our AMERICAN family!!!
Hope everyones belly's are filling today with TURKEY, GRAVY AND ALL THE FIXINS!!!! Yay!!!

Cheers,

Hanging up the CHRISTMAS lights!!!

This past weekend it was warm enough and dry enough for Brad to hang our Christmas lights!!! Yay!!! This will be our third Christmas together and the third time we have hung the lights...Seems we finally have it down and this event occured without incedent!!!

I'm so excited...and now, with the pretty white lights up...I am ready for a bit of snow...!!!

Above are the lights the evening we hung them...
Above is my wonderful husband doing all the important hard work!!!

**My apologise for not keeping up with the blog the last week...but I had a terrible cold and zero energy. I'm now feeling MUCH better, so hopefully I will keep up a bit bettter...

Everyone have a great week!!!

Visit from an old friend!!!

Michael, Christine and Stacy:

This past Saturday I had a visit from an old friend of mine...This is Christine and her son Michael. They were visiting family in the area which gave us a chance to see each other for a few hours in the afternoon.

Chris and I met in grade nine...A VERY long time ago...16 years - ish...We were side by side through everything for four years. We always reminisce about the good ol days...we certainly had some fun times... Through the years we have stayed very good friends and although we don't get to see each other all that often or talk that often we are always able to pick up right where we left off...

What American Accent do you Have?!?!?!? QUIZ

Here's my results for this cool quize I took today!!! Thanks to Wanda and Dave who I 'copied' it from!!!
Apparently I have a North Central accent! I would aggree with that!!!

What American accent do you have? Your Result: North Central "North Central" is what professional linguists call the Minnesota accent. If you saw "Fargo" you probably didn't think the characters sounded very out of the ordinary. Outsiders probably mistake you for a Canadian a lot.
The West
The Midland
Boston
The Inland North
The South
Philadelphia
The Northeast
What American accent do you have? Take More Quizzes

Happy Birthday SHEILA!!!

Wow, where did the last week go??? I noticed that it has been OVER a week since I last updated the blog. Although we have both been "busy" we don't really have a whole lot new to report!!!
Last weekend we did have a great visit with Marc and Amanda who were intown overnight for the Dixie Chicks concert. After the concert that night they came to stay with us for the night. We stayed up the latest we've been up in a long time...LOL...I'm sure it was pat 3 am by the time we all hit the sack...but we had a great visit!
The next morning before our guests hit the road we (or should I say brad) put on one of his infamous breakfasts that generally are accompanied with a stay at Chez O'Neil...
We didn't do too much the rest of that weekend, but it was nice to relax a bit, that's for sure.
Can't really update too much for the last week either...nothing out of the ordinary...Just busy at work and relaxing in the evenings. God are we getting boring? NAhhhhh.....
Well I should mention one thing that is new these days...I started playing Volleyball again with the City of Ottawa "women in Sports" league. I forgot how muched I missed it since I haven't played the last 2 seasons. Anyway...It is glad to be back. Once my team starts actually winning some games ...maybe i'll post a few action pictures!!!!
Well that brings us up to date pretty much. It's Saturday morning...we just finished our big Saturday breakfast and trying to decide what to do this weekend!!!
Tune in Monday, hopefully I will have something exciting or perhaps a picture or to to share!
Everyone have a great weekend!!
Love,
Stacy & Brad xo

Alot Has Happened In Two Years!!!!

Two years ago from today (well actually it was the 28th, but two years ago that was a Thursday)...Brad and I had our first date!!!
Wow!!!

Her Story, the nutshell version:

After a week of talking on the phone, Brad finally convinced Stacy that they should get together for an actual "date". Stacy of course was very amused..intrigued perhaps by the past week of telephone conversations and agreed. Stacy wondered if a home-cooked meal at her place was perhaps moving a little too quickly...however, she figured, what the heck does she have to lose...?...go for it... She purposed the idea...he quickly agreed. The next night they had a dinner date set! Yay. Stacy was, probably for the first time in her life, perhaps a little nervous about a date...Was it the subject himself...the pressure of having to cook dinner...? What was it...?
Well here we are...7pm on a Thursday night...Doorbell rings...Oh my goodness...she feels FAINT...she might actually pass out...Doorbell rings again (and if you know Brad, you know it rang several times after before Stacy got to the door)...
Stacy answered the door (looking totally radiant - of course), perhaps a little hesitant (cause of course, although she had talked to him several times on the phone since they had met...would he in fact be as "cute/hot" as he seemed that one fateful ... ok two fateful nights they had briefly met at Gracie's)....
Oh wheeewwwwwwww.....Not only is he "cute/hot"...he is tall , dark and totally Handsome. Somethin' to write home about perhaps...?...So far so good Stace.
Well normally this (where she has answered the door and he is standing there with a bottle of wine and flowers, looking SO handsome) would be an awkward part in the date...BUT, not so much. She invites him in, he accepts...gives her a hug...proceeds to the kitchen to poor two glasses of wine and check on dinner...He's been here a mere few minutes and has made himself at home...Excellent!!!
Dinner that night, if I do say so myself...was pretty tasty...The wine was..uh OK...hahah it took Stacy about 6 months to tell Brad that she really did not like red wine that much. That said, she has grown to like it more...
They did the dishes together that night and then headed off for a few hours to the Casino de Lac Lemy. It was a great first date.
They didn't by any means come home from the casino rich that night but they did end the evening with plans for another date...
Brad and Stacy spend alot of time together that Halloween weekend...things never felt awkward, they talked and laughed and well...that was the start of many more dates and alot of good times...
Both of them discovered early on that they had "found the one"...and they have already been married for 3 months and 1 week!!! YAY!!!
So will they celebrate? Nah...probably not formally since now they will get to celebrate their wedding anniversary every year in July...BUT, the anniversary of their first date will always be fun to remember as it has turned out to be the best date ever for them both.

Happy First date Anniversary to us!!!!!

Brad, Madison and Adam

^Aunt Dorothy/Grandma with Ethan^

Not too much to update on the blog today :( ... Last week was a pretty quiet and LONELY. Brad was away for business in Toronto from Wednesday morning until Sunday afternoon. I was left to fend for myself. booo... I'm writing this entry so I must have done OK. BUT, I REALLY miss my husband and it is really good to have him back home. I think he missed me too.

Saturday night I had a great supper with my friend Claire who I work with and some of her friends...It was a celebration for her birthday...HAPPY BIRTHDAY (again) CLAIRE!!! Sadly, I bailed on the bowling activities...I hope it was a hoot though!?!?!?!?

On Sunday, Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Bob hosted a wonderful Lunch and had us all over as Christopher, Miranda and Ethan are home for a visit. It was our first time meeting ... or should I say seeing Ethan (as he was asleep nearly the entire time we were there). He is a gorgeous little boy!!! We are VERY happy for Chris and Miranda, proud parents of Ethan...Congratulations again!!!

Sunday evening, we spent some time at and had a very yummy Italian supper at mama Chris's and Papa Jims - Thank you!!!!

Well, That about sums up the excitement for now. I'll aim to be a bit more exciting this week. Sadly, I have no pics from the weekend (What the heck?!?)! Someone email me some ...

New Side Bar Feature...

...Every so often I will update and or add some features of the sidebar (located on the RHS of the page) on our blog...make sure to check it out once in a while...

Recently I found a cool little Polling tool (copied from a fellow blogger friend of ours)...
Anyway...it's just for fun...I will try to update the questions on a weekly (maybe bi-weekly) basis.

Also...I want to see MORE comments posted for us in the "chatterbox"...also located in the sidebar! :) Pllleeeaaase!!!! :) I REALLY look forward to reading them!!!

Happy Humpday,
The Mrs.
:)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Papa Jim!!!

Some Pics from the BIG birthday Party:

Brad, LIAM & Kim

Happy 60th PApa JIM!!!

Darren and Melissa

*** A special THANKS to Scott from the AGAVE GRILL for taking such good care of us durring the birthday celebration!!!

It Fit !!!

My husband has been VERY determined to get the garage organized in such a way that we would be able to fit the car into the garage!!!

....and TA-DA!!! Even before the first official flurry!!! YAY!!!

October 8, 2006

Madison and Uncle Jim havin' a chat:
Auntie Stacy and Logan:
Brad, Stace, Ali & Mama Chris:
"THE GIRLS" (Alison and Abbie):

THANKS Mama Chris and Papa Jim for a wonderful thanksgiving dinner on Sunday night!!!

Mama and Papa Light, We missed you guys ALOT!!!

Aunt Kathy and Uncle Earle, WE MISSED YOU TOO!!! Aunt Kathy...Feel BETTER soon!!! xoxo

Grandpa, Nanny and Baby Logan:
Brad & Stacy:

October 7, 2006

The O'Neils

King Mountain at Gatineau Park

HAPPY THANKSGIVING...for the CANADIAN side of the friends and family...!!!

We hope everyone has a wonderful and safe holiday (LONG) Weekend!!!!

Happy Turkey eating!!! YAY!!!

Love Stacy & Brad
xoxo

The T-Fal Ultraglide iron

During "the merge" we came out with two irons!!! Excellent...Just in case there was ever a mad dash down to the laundry room for a great iron-off...!!! Yeee-ah!

Sadly, within a week...both of our irons kicked the bucket. Imagine...we had planned one of them to go in the Spring 2007 garage sale we plan to have. Not so much.

Anyway, we did purchase ourselves a NEW IRON over the weekend...and I MUST say... I REALLY LIKE IT...especially the ultra glide feature...our cloths practically iron themselves!!!

So...if you are in the market for a new iron (and the less expensive of those in the iron world), i would recommend The T-Fal Ultraglide Iron!!! wooo hooo!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AL!!!

HAPPY THIRTY-SOMETHING BIRTHDAY TO AL!!! Hopefully even after all the drama and excitement you still had a good birthday!!!

Al's first BIRTHDAY as a HUSBAND!!! His wife, of course as always...spoiled him (rotten)!!!

Al's idea of Birthday fun....A GAME OF MONOPOLY!!!!

THESE are the "HAPPY" Monopoly Pictures...

...As we like to keep the content of the blog somewhat uplifting and positive...I will only touch briefly on the outcome of monopoly...

...Lets just say...even a monopoly game played in our "thirty-somethings" can not be played without lying, cheating, stealing and / or fighting ...

It was not a happy ending, at least for the Monopoly game. The boys retired to the living room to watch sports of sorts. The girls put on their party cloths and headed out to Grace O'Malley's (former stomping grounds) for a couple drinks.

Thanks to Mike for driving us there...and of course thanks to brad for coming to get us and making sure (even after all the Monopoly drama) that we lovely ladies made it home safe.

Also Thanks to the Mc - Papineau's for Supper on Saturday AND Sunday night!!! :)

CIBC FUNDRAISING UPDATE!!!

Edited on: October 2, 2006

Well...WE DID IT!!! Even through the rain...and the chill...!!! We walked our 5 km and lived to tell about it!!! It was a great walk and for an amazing cause. It was emotional (reading about 'who' people were walking for...some survivors, some who sadly did not survive...) but inspiring to see all the people (14,000 participant at the Ottawa runsite) who came out to participate...I am glad we participated! Papa Jim even walked with us!!!! YAY!!!

AGAIN, We just want to thank EVERYONE who has supported us in participating in this event (especially through your donations to us)!!! So far we have raised $725.00 between us towards the CIBC RUN FOR THE CURE!!!

Please remember that donations will be accepted for this event online until October 31st!!!

Here is a picture of us at the end of our walk!!! Wooo hooo ... WE DID IT!!!

Mama Chris and Bradley:


Some runners...if you look REALLY CLOSE...you might be able to spot Mama Chris, Papa Jim and myself:

More runners (going up Wellington):

This was on the way to the walk...all us Happy Little Campers in the RAIN:

Mama Chris and Papa Jim in the backseat on the way to the race...SHHHHhhht...BE GOOD BACK THERE!!!!

Ahhhh... What a morning!!!

And last but not least I shoul mention...

...We hope Mama Chris enjoyed her BIRTHDAY brunch (compliments of Chef Brad) Chez O'Neil!!! Ummmmm Bacon and Eggs!!! Again... HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA CHRIS!!!!!