Weekend Update Linkup

This weekend has been … well busy yet relaxing at the same time. At some point yesterday though, I came down with a serious cold. I slept for most of the day and still feel like crap. I was going to call in sick but all my ‘go-to’ supply teachers were already working today so I’m powering through.

Friday, 

hubby and I had a lovely little date night with 4 other couples. It was great catching up with great friends. We rented a private room at Osaka Hibachi which was nice and cozy. One thing that was extremely difficult, was watching everyone eat all the yummy sushi! That is definitely one thing that I miss eating while being pregnant. What I ordered ended up being really yummy as well but I cannot wait until I can eat regular sushi again! Once supper was over, this mommy-to-be decided to call it quits for the evening while everybody else continued on to the Tide & Board Pub. Originally, I thought I would be up for staying out all night but then extreme fatigue set in. I have no problem going home early because I know it will only due Baby J good!

Saturday, I relaxed most of the day! Saturday night, I decided to join my best friend for supper as she celebrated one of her friend’s birthdays. We headed to Five Bridges to eat and I had a wonderful time. I really only knew the birthday gal and my best friend but enjoyed meeting some new friendly faces. It was a fun evening and I was able to be home early enough to get some rest. Gotta love pregnant life!

Sunday, as previously mentioned, was spent mostly sleeping. I slept-in until 11am and then went for a nap in the afternoon … 3 hours later I woke up. Obviously caught some sort of bug and am still suffering today unfortunately. Hopefully will shake this ASAP.

Hope you all had a great weekend!

I’m linking up for the first time here!!!! …

Friday’s Letters

Dear students please stop driving me crazy. I guess I should have realized that handing out bobble head pens to each and every one of my students after a field trip was a recipe for disaster. We have two more weeks of French and then will be switching over to the English program. Can you say excited much?!

Dear husband thank you for being so good to me during my pregnancy. You have never once complained and are always making sure that I am well looked after. I love you so much and could not have asked for a better husband. You’re the absolute best.

Dear Baby J we cannot wait to see you during our first ultrasound which is 1 week and 5 days from now. I am very excited to find out whether or not you are a girl or a boy. Originally, I was thinking you were a girl then my thoughts turned to boy and now I have no clue. You have certainly kept me guessing. It will be so exciting to tell our family and friends this exciting news.

Dear home renovations thank you for turning out so beautifully. Now that the wall has been torn down in our kitchen/dining room, I love our house that much more. We have so much more room and it feels much more spacious. I had the girls over last weekend and we spent the majority of the time sitting at the kitchen island!

Dear second bathroom (addition) reno you will have to wait!

Dear blog friends thank you for following me. Any suggestions on how I can make my blog better? I have ordered a new template which should arrive within the next two days. Excited! I am also considering changing my blog name considering it is very generic. I am having such a difficult time deciding on one that is catchy, fun and different. Any suggestions?

Stay tuned for some major changes to this blog!

 

 

Friday’s Letters

Dear 2012, What a fantastic year! 2012 saw so many amazing things happen. I really thought nothing could top 2011 (the year we got married) but 2012 almost managed to do so. The year began with a trip to visit my parents in Key West, Florida during March Break. My husband and I are both teachers so we always have a week off in March. My parents decided that for Christmas, they would buy us tickets to go down and visit them for a week. Mom and Dad actually made the trek down to Key West from the East Coast of Canada. We had an absolutely fantastic week with them! It was so nice for my husband and I to spend time with both of them. We had a great time enjoying the nice weather, eating yummy suppers and playing some fun card games. Then in April, we were graced with the birth of our precious miracle niece, Molly. She was born prematurely and weighed-in at 2lbs. 1oz. She is now 9 months old and we love her very, very much. Following this, we enjoyed the weddings of my best friend as well as my brother. My best friend had been my Maid of Honor for my wedding in 2011 so it was awesome to do her the same honor this summer. The summer was filled with tons of pre-wedding related events that were tons of fun. September 1st, my brother married his best friend out in Red Deer, Alberta. My whole family flew out West for the big day. We had a great time touring around Calgary and Banff. It was the first time my husband saw the Mountains on the Alberta side so it was pretty special. Upon our return, my husband and I finally decided it was time to start a little family. We had enjoyed a fully year of marital bliss and knew that we were ready to have our family grow . Sure enough, I got pregnant immediately!!! I am beyond grateful that it was as easy as it was because I know it can be much more difficult for some. I also know how high the rate for miscarriages can be. I would like to say that I’m not scared but the thought does cross my mind from time to time that this could still be a possibility although I know the chances decrease significantly after 12 weeks so I am really hoping we are in the clear! I’m starting to get REALLY EXCITED because we get to find out if it is a GIRL or a BOY on January 30th. I know some prefer the surprise but hubby and I would like to be fully planned by the time the little one arrives. We’re thinking of throwing a gender reveal party sometime next month to share the news with all our family and friends. 2012 was pretty exciting but I have a feeling 2013 will bring tons of new adventures and excitement with Baby J!

Sheila xox

Ps. I’ve linked up with Ashley’s Friday Letters over on her blog The Sweet Season. First time entry! : )  

Instagram

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1, 7, 13 and 17: The star of my of my Instagram pictures, my sweet loveable rescue dog, Boots! Here he is going for a walk, enjoying some relaxing time on the couch, snoozing in the hallway & lastly putting himself to bed (in our bed) at 6pm on a Saturday night. Guess someone wasn’t happy he was kept up late on Friday evening!

2 and 3: Hubby & I coached a basketball team this year and this was our year-end brunch with the girls. They gave us gift cards to our favorite stores. Hubby = 150$ Source for Sports & Me = 150$ LULULEMON!! : )

4, 5, 6, 9 and 10: Attended my friend’s bachelorette! Complete with ‘Banana Golf’, ‘YouTube video-making: Call me maybe’, mustaches/crowns & of course, TP bridal gowns! Fun times for sure! Love those ladies.

8: I am completely obsessed with Jodi Picoult lately. Working on reading every single one of her novels. This is my newest read: Nineteen Minutes!

11: Almost pool time! Pool opens up Monday morning. Very much looking forward to summer vacation, reading & tanning by the pool.

12: Reminiscing about last summer. Best day of my life: August 13th, 2011.

14 & 15: New nails & outfit!

16: My two favorite boys relaxing on a Friday night!

I’m linking up with Jenni over at Story of My Life. You should too!

Hope you had a great week/week-end!

 

Sheila xox

Sometimes & Always Linkup

Sometimes: I wonder how a baby that weighs 2lbs1oz can be so feisty!

(Our lovely tiny niece, Molly!<3)

Always: Hubby & I will love Molly!!!!!!!

Sometimes: I wonder why it’s so hard to think “Eat Healthy”

Always: seem to find my way to the fridge to eat some cheese. Oopsies!

Sometimes: I think that our lovely SPCA-rescue dog Boots,
could totally use a new little friend from the SPCA …

(Meet Pearl, ain’t she just the cutest little thing. Almost looks kinda like our Boots-ey)

Always: I am reminded by my husband that we are able to handle 1 dog quite comfortably right now but a second will be more money $ & more walking … etc.
He always enjoys jolting me back to reality!

 

Link up with the lovely Megan & her post “Sometimes & Always”

 

Sheila xox

Sometimes & Always #1

This is my first ‘Sometimes & Always’ post …
& I’m linking up with Megan from Mackey Madness!

Sometimes: I feel like working out…

Always: I can’t pass up an opportunity to add a little cheese to my dinners.

Sometimes: I attempt to make supper
(I wish this was more in the ‘always’ department as I’m sure my husband would as well lol)

Always: Walk my sweet, loveable Boots everyday!

Sometimes: Feel organized as school.
I am totally organized this week (only took me all weekend to do so) & I hope it stays this way!

Always: Love when people read my blog. I still feel like a newbie so whenever I get comments or a new follower, I jump for joy! : )

& Lastly … Sometimes: My most challenging students surprise me in showing me the most love.

This totally made my day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sometimes & Always

Sheila xox

Project 365–Week 5

This week was one of the best weeks I’ve had in a long time … I am finally starting to feel a tad bit more organized. I did learn this week however; that getting organized is a lifelong process. I have come to terms with this. Things will eventually get done and there is no need to stress over it today.

Here are my Instagram pictures for Week 5  …  

Friday, January 27th: Boots-ey in his usual sleeping position.

Saturday, January 28th: Meet Captain. My best friend’s friend’s boyfriend’s dog (did you actually follow that … hehe). He isn’t allowed on hardwood (notice the floor).
I think he would get along with my dear little Boots just fine!

Sunday, January 29th: Made Eggs Benedict for the first time. I accidentally made the sauce 3-cheese … which unfortunately did not work out as I had planned. I still enjoyed them but next time I think I’ll stick to one type of cheese … Did I mention I have a slight addiction to cheese. Ya. 

January 30th: New makeup day! My skin is much lighter during the winter months & I had to find makeup to match. Love Smashbox!

February 1st: Winter Wonderland. What you can’t see here is our in-ground pool. 4 More months until we will be using it again!!

February 2nd: Surprise, surprise. Another picture of Boots. Can you say spoiled, much!?

 
I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend.

Go Giants, Go! : )

 

Sheila xox

Project 365–Week 1

I found another great linkup today of a project that I am actually already doing on my own: Photo Project 365
Basically a person takes a picture everyday for the entire year so that by the end of the y ear we have 365 photos (or in this year’s case 366). 

Electrically E has introduced a great linkup for this project. Today will be the first of my 52 link-ups for her Project 365 link-up for 2012. Another great linkup to get my blog out there to other readers. Every Friday, we will post our photos from the week (the weeks run Friday to Thursday) … so stay tuned for all my picture posts on Fridays. I should also note that these photos are all taken with my iPhone 3 – not the best quality but still does the trick.

January 1st: Boots xo

 

January 2nd: Our Extra Bathroom Add-on Reno “Before Picture”
(There’s A LOT of work to be done!)

 

January 3rd: Tuna melt = Yum.

 

January 4th: Breakfast of champions!

 

January 5th: Enjoying the new Christmas gift from the in-laws!

 

Happy weekend to you!

Sheila xox

Fill in the blank Friday {Linkup}

I’m trying to participate in more linkups so that I can get my blog out there to more readers. I came across this fun/quick linkup hosted by Lauren over at the little things we do …

… that little thing that I don’t have much of during the work week when I am teaching/planning for long hours & then coaching basketball most nights.
I have had lots of free time this holiday break though & can speak from that …

1. One of my favorite things to do when I have free time is curl up on the couch or in bed with my husband & our dog, Boots, and watch a good movie or catch up with stuff on our PVR.

2. When I have free time I tend to spend a lot of time on Pinterest (follow me at sheilajohnston) or on my laptop in general. There are times when I am motivated and go through drawers to organize, clothes to give away, but then other times I like to just do ‘nothing’.

3. If I had an entire day completely to myself I would read an entire Jodi Picoult book by the fireplace with a nice glass of vino. Picoult is my absolute favorite author. When I start reading her books, I cannot put them down. I’m currently reading Songs of the Humpback Whale (really good so far).

4. I would prefer to spend my free time (alone or with others…) half & half .. with friends and alone. I enjoy spending time with my friends going on coffee dates, having the girls over for appetizers & games … but I also love just staying home and ‘vegging’ out or catching up on uncompleted Pinterest projects.

5. Most of my free time happens on weekends or during vacation time (2 weeks at Christmas, 1 for March Break, and 2 months for summer … oh the joys of being a teacher!!).

6. The best thing about free time is that it is wide open. You are not obligated to be anywhere or adhere to anyone. It is totally up to you & how you are feeling on that day : )

7. The next time I have free time I should probably work on house renovations or get ahead in my school planning but instead, I’ll just sit around and relax!

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

Sheila xox

Ring Bling Linkup!

 

Linking up with Happiness is …

This link-up was such a wonderful idea.

It came at a particular good time for C Mae over at Happiness is,
considering she just recently got engaged
(congratulations you lucky girl, so happy for you!!) …

When I saw C Mae’s link-up idea, I immediately thought this would be an excellent way for me to get my blog out there to others. I am still in the process of getting into the routine of writing often but it is so hard when you think no one is even reading them … I know what you are all thinking:

‘Boo hoo … Cry me a river!’ I know…

I really should stop feeling sorry for myself. I know that it takes a while to gain more readers & followers. One must be patient & stay positive! …What better way to spread some blog love by linking up with other wonderful bloggies.

If I were a more experienced blogger …
this is when I would re-direct you to my ‘engagement story’ …
but I didn’t get around to writing one yet.
So what better time than now! ….
Here goes:

**********************************************************************************************

My proposal was an amazing surprise! ...

I had no idea my husband was going to propose ..
it was a total shock (a ridiculously good one at that)!

It was the 2nd of October (2010) as I woke up that Saturday morning for my first university class for my Masters in Education. Later that day, my hubby (boyfriend at the time ..hehe), had asked me to attend a football high school staff lunch-in with their significant others. I, of course, said yes. I asked him that morning while I was getting ready what the dress code was and he said casual
(as he was trying not to give anything away) ..

I left for class and Ryan dropped me off at the university so that he could pick me up afterwards, that way we would only have one car. He picked me up at noon. The lunch-in was only starting around 2pm, so we had some time to kill.

We decided to go for a wine tasting at Magnetic Hill Wineries in Moncton, NB
and then later went to the Zoo to feed the ducks and check out some of gift shops
(which was hilarious because it was definitely after-season
& the shops were totally empty).

The afternoon had turned out so nicely.
I commented as to how the little 'date' afternoon turned out to
so lovely & was totally unexpected.

Finally, we arrived at the lunch-in which hubby had planned/booked (for his high school football staff) at the B&B we always go to for all our family suppers/gatherings for special occasions or holidays. We were the first ones to arrive
(which I didn’t even think was odd)
but the chef told us she was busy in the kitchen getting things prepared
and that we should just make ourselves at home until the others arrived.

Acting as though he had some time to kill, Ryan went upstairs to check out the bedrooms (which I have already seen numerous times). All of a sudden, he yelled out to me and told me I should come up stairs to 'Check something out'. I had no idea what he possibly could be showing me as I have already seen the bedrooms.
Little did I know that this was waiting for me ….

I walked in the room and there he was standing with the ring, flowers on the bed, a card on the night stand and champagne bottle as well. I was THRILLED! I was so shocked and so excited .. as tears of joy ran down my face. I asked him if he was serious (ha ha) and he of course said 'yes'! .. He finally gained enough courage to actually asked me to marry him and we enjoyed a glass of champagne before heading home.

On the drive home, he mentioned we had to change because we were getting professional pictures taken with a friend of his to capture the moment. After the photo shoot, my parents had a private dinner planned for us and my family.

We finally arrived home, and to my surprise all our family & friends were waiting for us there for a Surprise Potluck/Engagement Party for me/us
- all planned by my amazing husband.

It was the most perfect day ever!!! One that I will never forget… 

My ring:

is a Round Brilliant 1.2 carat diamond
I have a white gold band.

We were engaged for 10 months & got married on
August 13th, 2011 in Moncton, N.B.

See below …

My poor husband had a difficult time putting my band because I was SO warm and my fingers were a tad bit swollen. It was a very HOT summer day! We couldn’t help but laugh … such a funny moment.

(A shout-out to my amazing photographers TFL Studios!)

Et Voilà, my amazing engagement ring paired with my lovely wedding band. Love them. They are with me at all times, I never take them off!

Link up with Happiness is
and show off your ring bling!

Sheila xox