A good week just passed...I made it through month end at work (well I still have 2 days technically to get through)...which is a huge accomplishment for me...it's the first one since Ange (friend/coworker) transferred with our firm out to Vancouver...So I am handling the billing in our department...Scary but...With any luck nothing major will come back and bite me in the....well you know. A big thank you to Ange for being SO patient with my phonecalls since she left :) Next month is sure to be better!!!!

Brad also started a new job/position here in Ottawa last week. So far so good. Seems to be a great company with a bright future. What we've seen so far it looks like he will be a part of a pretty good team!

Another great weekend to report!!! A big thank you to mother nature for providing an appropriate amount/combination/timing of rain and shine!!! It truly was a beautiful weekend. We have the tans (or burns in my case) to prove it!!!

This great weather of course means that NOTHING (or not alot anyway) was accomplished inside the house. No major activity outside..just the usual...lawn mowing, watering, weed pulling and car washing...Fun none the less.

We went and saw The Da Vinci Code. A pretty good movie in my opinion. I read the book first, so to to say the least I was a little skeptical about the movie. I thought it was well done (if you consider how much had to be crammed into two and a half hours. Apparently the movie is doing quite well at the box office as well. To be honest though...even though yes, it was a good movie I really only rushed out to see it to see what all the hype was about...The movie is probably just as good if you wait till it comes out on DVD. But, that's just my opinion.

Some notable events this weekend:

First, I meant to do post for these two events on the actual days...but unfortunately the time got away from me, so I apologize and will insert here:

Happy Anniversary to mama and papa Light who celebrated 31 years on May 18th!!!
Also, Happy Anniversary to mama Christine and papa Jim who celebrated 21 years on May 25th!!!

My cousin Shaun was married this weekend!!! Congratulations to Shaun and Jessica who were married this past Saturday in California!!! We really wish we could have made it out there to share the day with you guys!!! We can't wait to see the pics and here the stories (and with dad and uncle Dennis at a party together...I am SURE there will be stories)!!! Again...CONGRATS!!! We are very happy for the two of you.

Saturday also Celebrated the birthdays of Laura and her son Eddie!!! Happy birthday(s) again!!! We had a wonderful time on Saturday visiting and celebrating with you!!!

...and last but not least...CONGRATS to Abbie and her roommate Allie...who moved into their new apartment this weekend!!! It is a very cute little place!!! I think you guys will enjoy it, especially once you are all settled in!!! Let us know if you guys need anything else, OK!!!

Well that is about all for now... :)

AROUND THE HOUSE...

The Patio furniture...Just re stained! Great job Brad!!! With any luck the weather is going to cooperate and we will get the deck stained too!!!

AROUND THE HOUSE...in the back yard

My favorite...The blooming apple trees!!!

AROUND THE HOUSE...front entrance

May Long Weekend 2006

May Long Weekend!

6th Annual Duvall Cottage Weekend!!!

A GREAT big thank you to Krista, Shannon and Shawnette, for another wonderful May long weekend up at the Duvall cottage!!! As always, you guys have gone above and beyond to make sure we all had a great time!!! This years theme was awesome....and the t-shirts to commemorate the event were a great idea...ESPECIALLY for those who may not remember a whole lot about the weekend (ah hem)!!!
Thanks again girls!!!

Today we...

...Got our Marriage license!!!! I'm pretty sure that translates into "Stacy is now OFFICIALLY the boss" ....?!?!?!?!

Muuuhahahahahahahahahah ***Evil Laughter***

Wedding - RSVP DEADLINE in Less Than a Month!!!!

...The RSVP deadline is in less than a month!!!!

Please...Please...Please...Accept or decline your invitation and drop your reply card back in the mail very soon!!! ...There is even a stamp already on it...so no excuses!!! :)

Brad and I are getting VERY excited and look forward to sharing our day with our families and close friends...!!!

PROJECT UPDATE

Brad has completed the first phase of reconstruction on the front step!!! So far so good. I can stop worrying about people walking up the stairs...falling...breaking a limb and suing...Second phase (primer and granite finish) to start once the rain has stopped.

First phase of the rain barrel is also complete. Wire mesh and screen are bolted to the top (to keep kids and mosquito's out). Now we just have to paint it to looks nice and blends in!!! Hopefully we don't get SO much rain that we can't move the barrel in order to paint...

...Crummy weather brings inside projects...

This weekend...paperwork (no fun but accomplished)...yeah for us!

...Painting of the downstairs rec room has commenced!!! Hello "Washed Clay"...Okay, okay...it may not sound too attractive, but it is a really great shade of BEIGE...ish!!! I've run into problems with this paint project but with any luck another coat or two will do the trick. If not, we will put furniture in the room, hang pictures over the imperfections and call it good. Might also have to implement a candle light only rule...

Brad re-stained our deck furniture...and I must say ...I am very impressed!!! It looks perfectly new!!! I can't wait to see how it stands up to rain and intense sun light! The brand of stain boasts a 5, 10 and 15 year warranty...I can't remember what patio furiture falls under...

We also picked the color for our deck (to be painted)...as it is on the project list for this year...It's a great shade of green...but we won't be able to start that for a few weeks yet...

That about brings us up to speed on the project list...I'll be sure to post pics as we accomplish each project!!!

Cheers,

...A Mother's Day Feast!!!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY MAMA CHRISTINE!!!

We are so glad that we were able to Spend the afternoon with you and Papa Jim on Sunday!!! ...And of course, we can't wait to do it again!!! Ummm,,, Especially if Bradley puts on another great feast like the one last night!!! YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMM !!!!

See you again soon,

Love Stacy & Bradley
xoxo

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

I know that Mother's Day is not until Sunday...But I wanted to Post this today since I won't be able to be together with my Mom on her day ( boo ) ...I wanted her to know that I will be thinking of her right through the weekend...until Sunday...and then everyday after that too...until next MOTHER'S DAY...!!!

You can count on three things in life: moms will always give advice, kids will always believe they know it all, and eventually, we will always realize our moms were right all along. Luckily, the cycle gets shorter as we age, and the advice just becomes more valuable with time.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MAMA LIGHT

There are so many moments
When I want you to know...how much you
matter to me, and how much I thank you
for being such a wonderful mother.

If there is happiness in my heart,
it is because you helped put it there.
If there is gentleness in my beliefs,
it is because you showed me how to care.
If there is understanding in my thinking,
it's because you shared your wisdom.
If there is a rainbow over my shoulder,
it is because of your outlook and your vision.
If there is a knowledge that I can reach out and
I can really make someone's dreams come true, it's
because I learned from the best teacher of all.
I learned...from you.

In the times of my life, whether we
are near or far, please remember, Mom,
that there could never be any mother more wonderful...than the one you are.


Mom - I wish I was there or you were here so that we could spend the whole day together!!! I will see you soon!!!

LOVE Stacy XOXOXOXOXO

No More Hospital Green in the Upstairs Bathroom!!!

...Painting of the upstairs bathroom took place last Saturday!!! No more gross "hospital wall green"!!! We welcome our new "Amazon Grey" walls with open arms!!!

Painting of the walls downstairs...Currently taking place. Photo's to come!

Stacy & Brad & "Mr. Ed"...???

2 MONTHS, 1 WEEK and 5 DAYS...but who's counting

...Brad and I are getting very VERY excited for our upcoming nuptials!!! Also we are very excited to share this event with our very close friends and family. Some of you will be traveling from out of town...some from near and some from far...and some from really far...

I thought it would be a good idea to post a few links we thought might be of interest. Even for our local friends and family perhaps you'll find some suggests that interest you as well...

WESTPORT, Ontario
http://www.westportrideaulakes.on.ca/directory.cfm

OTTAWA (National Capital Area)

Tourist Attractions that may be of interest...

The Rideau Canal
http://www.rideau-info.com/canal/

Gatineau Park
http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/bins/ncc_web_content_page.asp?cid=16297-16299-10170&lang=1

The Parliament Buildings
http://www.parl.gc.ca/

The Haunted Walk of Ottawa
http://www.hauntedwalk.com/

The Royal Canadian Mint
http://www.mint.ca/royalcanadianmintpublic/

The National Art Center
http://www.nac-cna.ca/splash.htm

The National Gallery of Canada
http://www.gallery.ca/

Museums that may be of interest...

The Museum of Nature
http://www.nature.ca/

The NEW Canadian War Museum
http://www.civilization.ca/cwm/cwme.asp

The Museum of Civilization and IMAX Theater
http://www.civilization.ca/

The Canadian Science and Technology Museum
http://www.sciencetech.technomuses.ca/

Shopping that may be of interest...

The By-ward Market
http://www.byward-market.com/

The Sparks Street Mall
http://www.sparksstreetmall.com/

The Rideau Center
http://www.rideaucentre.net/forms/index.asp?template_id=39

Other areas that may be of interest...

Perth, Ontario
http://www.beautifulperth.com/

Carleton Place, Ontario
http://www.carletonplace.com/

A Baby Shower for Kim!!!!

...Surprise!!!!! Mama Christine hosted a wonderful baby shower for Kim on Sunday!!! Kim and Jason are expecting their first baby in July!!! ...The treats were delicious and Kim received alot of great stuff for the new baby!!!...Miss Madison was a big help too during this event!!! I have never seen anyone so enthusiastically pass out presents that were not for them!!! LOL.

Congratulations Kim and Jason...We are very excited for the arrival of the little one!!!

Jamie Allen and Brad O'Neil

Aunt Brad and Max!!!

Max Playing Soccer

Video Hosting - Upload Video - Photo Sharing

Stewart Park, Perth Ontario

Festival of the Maples - Perth Ontario

...An early start to our day on Saturday... After a fantastic greasy breakfast at Thruway (sp?) we ventured out to Perth for something called Festival of the Maples...

http://www.mestern.net/festivals/Perth/index.php

It was nice. The weather was great...There were lots treats...The crowds were not too annoying...So yes, it was nice.

I have some Video footage...I may post it later (for a laugh)...

Later on in the afternoon we had a wonderful visit and lunch with Jamie and Marilyn and Max (Photo shown). Video to follow...

After a long day in the sun and outdoors..What better way to wind down then at Pat and Michelle's in Ottawa for a cold beer and a glimpse of the hockey game!!!

GO SENS GO!!!!

Ahhh another wonderful day. And quite frankly...How lucky am I to get to spend days like these with such a wonderful fiance...?!?!?!

Nice Weather Brings OUTDOOR FUN!!!

...Well it's only May...But things are well under way in regards to our out door projects for the summer. So far we have done one major clean-up...raking the lawn, cleaning out the garden areas, sweeping the dirt from the driveway that has built up from the winter...That sort of thing.

A week ago we put down some grass seed in hopes of thickening up some bare spots in the front and back and guess what?!?!?! It has started to grow!!! Sadly...This is very exciting in our world!! Brad mowed the lawn for the first time this season over the weekend...Also...Very exciting...!

As soon as it warms up just a little more and a little more consistent I am going to start throwing some perennials into the ground and have a crack at gardening. For those of you who know me well...Please get up from the floor and STOP laughing at me...I think it is going to be okay....REALLY!!!...I started a herb garden inside and so far things are growing...We'll See.

We have made a small list of things that we need to try and accomplish outdoors throughout the summer. Unfortunately time seems to be sneaking by super fast so I dunno... Some of these things include: Repairing the front step...THAT is a priority... We would also like to put a seal on the driveway...not necessarily a priority, but it would be nice...You know aesthetically for the pleasure of passer byers... Should we find time among all the activity going on (planning the wedding...getting married...etc ect) we would also like to Strip and repaint the deck.

Well feel free to check back in...ohhhh say...September to see if we accomplished any of these tasks...LOL