30 Day Facebook Challenge-Post #17

{Post 151/365: Original Post: (17/30) FatCatMomma}

Something that has a huge impact on me over the last while.

Something that has had a big impact on my life recently are all the changes I've had to make because of the progression of my polycystic kidney disease. PKD is a progressive hereditary disease that I inherited from my father's genes and sadly is a very strong gene in my family.
Pic shows what healthy kidneys look like and an idea of what mine look like. A person with PKD can live a long, healthy, normal life if they have good habits and no other complications, without ever having any problems from their kidneys at all. Tho many of us can also have other problems and complications as well. For example, I also have type 2 Diabetes and high blood pressure.
I've made many dietary changes and still working on many others while I try to keep myself healthy, in good spirits and HERE longer.

30 Day Facebook Challenge-Post #16

{Post 150/365: Original Post: (16/30) FatCatMomma}

Someone who inspires me.

Nancy inspires me with her ability to LOVE me no matter what I'm doing and NOT judge me.
She is positive, loving, beautiful, the closest thing to a REAL sister I've ever had and I will never mind her opinion or "bossing" me because I know it always comes from the deepest place of love for me. What is not to be inspired by from all that? LOVE YOU so much Nanc! xo My life is sooooooo much better with you in it!! xo

30 Day Facebook Challenge-Post #15

{Post 149/365: Original Post: (15/30) FatCatMomma}

I want to visit Africa just once before I die! :)

30 Day Facebook Challenge-Post #14

{Post 148/365: Original Post: (14/30) FatCatMomma}

Someone I Can't Live Without:

Life would not be life without him: my BEST FRIEND, my lover, 

my soulmate, my anchor, my rock, my everything.
I LOVE you sweetness! xo

30 Day Facebook Challenge-Post #13

{Post 147/365: Original Post: (13/30) FatCatMomma}

Something I Crave

I crave panzerotti a LOT!! It's one of my fave things ever

 and I want to learn how to make them myself!

30 Day Facebook Challenge-Post #12

{Post 146/365: Original Post: (12/30) FatCatMomma}

Something I LOVE

I LOVE this tattoo that hubby got to represent none other than...ME!!! :D
AND my name too :oP permanently tattooed on my hubby's skin forever...is that LOVE or what??!! hehehe
(need a better pic-but you get the point!)

30 Day Facebook Challenge-Post #11

{Post 145/365: Original Post: (11/30) FatCatMomma}

Something I HATE

Never ever could enjoy the flavour of asparagus!!

It's hubby's fave and the boy likes it too but please give me brussels sprouts instead!! lol

30 Day Facebook Challenge-Post #10

{Post 144/365: Original Post: (10/30) FatCatMomma}

Music I Listen to When I AM:
Happy-Love Is My Religion-Ziggy Marley, I'm Yours-Jason Mraz
Sad-A Toute Le Monde-Megadeth, love songs, mellow
Bored-Blues, Reggae, Metal-whatever
Hyper-AC/DC, Kiss, Dragonforce
Mad-none believe it or not then I might CLEAN...hmmmm if I'm cleaning I listen to Clarence Carter or Lionel Richie lol

30 Day Facebook Challenge-Post #9

{Post 143/365: Original Post: (9/30) FatCatMomma}

Something I am Proud Of:

I am proud of this bracelet. It is my first really beautiful 3-strand creation

 and I want to continue making them!
It is also MY OWN...not created from a pattern...

just out of my own head. It says to me that I CAN make beautiful things! :)

30 Day Facebook Challenge-Post #8

{Post 142/365: Original Post: (8/30) FatCatMomma}

A Pic That Makes Me Laugh

This pic of WIP(Shawn) & Maribelle(Mary) bangin heads 

at our Halloween party one year always makes me laugh!
You guys BOTH ROCK!!!!! :D

30 Day Facebook Challenge-Post #7

{Post 141/365: Original Post: (7/30) FatCatMomma}

My children are the people who have always had the biggest impact on me 

since the day they were each born:
Marcel Gerry Donovan- July 15, 1989 

(Marcel for his grandfather, Gerry for his father, Donovan for me...

lol well a masculine version of me)

Amberle Sarah-Anne- June 26, 1990 

(Amberle named for a character in my fave Terry Brooks book -The Elfstones of Shannara, Sarah-Anne because I always thought it pretty)
Gibson James Peter- Feb. 6, 2001 

(Gibson for a character in the movie The Sure Thing named Walter Gibson

 because his friends always called him Gib for short-which I thought was cool, 

James for my father, Peter for his father ;) lol)
Life with them has been a mixture of joy and sorrow, fun and drama, 

stress and worry, pride and love.
Children can test the limits of your endurance and also in a single moment 

give you all the meaning and purpose in life that you need!
I love each of them more than they ever will imagine and I am happy, 

honoured and proud to be their mother. :)

30 Day Facebook Challenge-Post #6

{Post 140/365: Original Post: (6/30) FatCatMomma}

FAVE Superhero and Why...

Fave super hero...IRON MAN...always has been always gonna be...who's not gonna LOVE a powerful, strong man in an iron suit with a soft center?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol

Not to mention now that he's played by Robert Downey Jr.

Wooooohoooooo!! ;)

30 Day Facebook Challenge-Post #5

{Post 139/365: Original Post: (5/30) FatCatMomma}

Somewhere I Have BEEN

This is a pic of one of the light houses in Tobermory.

It's a cute fishing village we visited shortly after we got married

to celebrate our new family together.

Both of us would love to visit again because it is such  a lovely place.

Hopefully we can go BEFORE the youngest is grown and moved out!! lol

30 Day Facebook Challenge-Post #4

{Post 138/365: Original Post: (4/30) FatCatMomma}

Bad Habit I wish I didn't have.

I have a bad habit of eating junk food to comfort myself when I feel blue and sad.

My worst things are the potato chips and now that I have kidney issues the salt and the potassium are both very bad for me. I try to make better choices now but sometimes STILL the only thing that works is a bag of chips and some dip to munch on. 

30 Day Facebook Challenge-Post #3

{Post 137/365: Original Post: (3/30) FatCatMomma}

Me & My Friends

There are still many people missing and it would be awesome 

to do a group picture of the whole set of us but in the meantime these are some of my best friends!

Back Row: (left to right) My son Marcel, my friend Nancy (who is my sister in spirit), my best friend Amy (who is also my sister-in-law), and Mary (who is hubby's cousin and therefore mine too!)

Front Row: (left to right) ME, my hubby Peter,  his sister Denise, his younger brother Skylar (who is married to Amy) and our friend Shawn (who is also Mary's fiance ).

30 Day Facebook Challenge-Post #2

{Post 136/365: Original Post: (2/30) FatCatMomma}

...wish I could get this as a portrait tattoo.

This is a picture of my father.  It is my favourite picture of him. I don't know why, I just like the way it feels to me. I have that hat hanging on a nail on the wall in my room.  Hubby has worn it before for his cowboy costume for Halloween but, I don't wear it. I just keep it because it is a reminder of the beautiful spirit and talent that was my father. He made that hat himself. He also made many other leather work items like purses, belts and moccasins. In fact, he also taught me to do some things with leather work as well. I wasn't as passionate about it as he was, but I definitely enjoyed it as something to do WITH him.

He died the year I turned 23 and I still miss him very much. 

Love you dad. xo

30 Day Facebook Challenge- Post #1

{Post 135/365: Original Post: (1/30) FatCatMomma}

1. I learned to read when I was about 4 or 5 and I have never stopped reading since!

2. I am the girl who will LOOK IT UP if I don't know something.

3. A little known fact amongst even my friends is that I have earned 4 diplomas through correspondence courses. (Art, Journalism/Short Story Writing, Managing Your Own Business, and Wildlife/Forestry Conservation)

4. I have been known to read a dictionary on occasion because i LOVE words.

5. I believe reading makes a person smarter so I've been known to gift a newborn their very first BOOK!

6. I read to all three of my children while they were in the belly. ;)

7. I can be alone (without people) but I cannot live very long without the comfort of a cat.

8. I love SHOES! (I AM a shoe diva!)

9. Being capable of learning the drums and PLAYING them feels like PURE joy!

10. I LOVE a good story.

11. My mom's best friend had 4 boys who I grew up with (both loving and hating them just like brothers) ;) and are probably a BIG part of the reason I love boys so much! lol

12. I dream in vibrant colours and details like watching movies in my head.

13. If I don't know the actors or actresses in a movie I will LOOK IT UP! lol

14. I have been cooking Christmas dinner for my friends every year since I was 18. (22 years)

15. I am quite often too serious so I appreciate people who make me laugh! :)

30 Day Facebook Challenge

{Post 134/365: Original Post: FatCatMomma}

Facebook Challenge

Previously I did a 30 day Facebook Album Challenge and I am going to blog a little about each photo over the next 30 days. I enjoy doing these challenges and some days I forget or get too busy and then too tired and miss a day or two...and sometimes I get sick and lose my focus but, for the most part it is a challenge that keeps my mind occupied and gives me something to do.
I hope you'll enjoy reading about my challenge!

Day 01 - A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself.
Day 02 - The meaning behind your Facebook status.
Day 03 - A picture of you and your friends.
Day 04 - A habit that you wish you didn't have.
Day 05 - A picture of somewhere you've been to.
Day 06 - Favorite super hero and why.
Day 07 - A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you.
Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh
Day 09 - Something you're proud of in the past few days.
Day 10 - Songs you listen to when you are: Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyper, Mad.
Day 11 - A picture of something you hate.
Day 12 - A picture of something you love.
Day 13 - A picture of something you crave alot.
Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.
Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die.
Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you.
Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently
Day 18 - Nicknames you have; why do you have them.
Day 19 - Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play.
Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.
Day 21 - Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at.
Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book.
Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change.
Day 25 - A picture of your day.
Day 26 - A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member.
Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of.
Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile.
Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss

Happy Birthday Hubby!

{Post 133/365}
Happy 40th Birthday Hubby!
I hope you will enjoy your Conan episodes streamed from laptop to tv and everyone coming next Saturday to celebrate your birthday with you at Wabora's hibachi tables.
Life begins at 40 and so will ours! xo

---

French Proverb
Forty is the old age of youth; fifty is the youth of old age.

“Maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had, and what you've learned from them, and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.”

30 things I like about Boys

{Post 132/365: Original Post: Burgers, Boys & BEER}

Just a recap of the 30 Day What I like About Boys challenge:
I like boys who:

1 are FUN
2 are SWEET
3 are SMART
4 are STRONG
5 Smell good
6 Fight with me for fun
7 Listen to me
8 Defend my honour
9 Got MY back
10 have pretty EYES
11 have a lovely SMILE
12 Tell the Truth
13 are a good uncle, brother, son
14 Love his mom
15 are Cool
16 Laugh a lot and are funny
17 Encourage me
18 Support me
19 Understand me
20 have hands bigger than mine
21 give Strong Hugs
22 Make me feel safe-physically and emotionally
23 speak nice words instead of crude because I deserve that ;)
24 share his jacket/sweater with me
25 have long hair (or short, or none is cool too)
26 don't like seeing me cry and so try tomake me laugh to cheer me up
27 value my opinion
28 can BE my rock
29 believe in me
30 think they are smarter than me and find out...maybe not so much! ;) lol

awwwwww really what is NOT to love about boys?

30 Day WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BOYS Challenge: Post #29

{Post 130/365: Original Post: (29/30) Burgers, Boys & BEER}

There is nothing in the world like a boy who BELIEVES in ME.

He will be unfailingly supportive, encouraging, helpful and ON MY SIDE!

A boy like this makes it much easier to CONTINUE to believe in myself...especially during times when self-doubt can creep in. It is the best thing in the world to know that you have a secondary person to keep your dreams and goals on track!

30 Day WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BOYS Challenge: Post #28

{Post 129/365: Original Post: (28/30) Burgers, Boys & BEER}

I like a boy who can be my ROCK.

Sometimes I am emotional and fragile and it helps to have a boy around who I know is strong and capable of keeping me steady. I am capable of taking care of myself but life is much easier when another person can help share the load. 

30 Day WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BOYS Challenge: Post #27

{Post 128/365: Original Post: (27/30) Burgers, Boys & BEER}

I like a boy who values my opinion.

A boy who appreciates and values a woman for more than the package she comes in is an awesome boy. A woman has a brain and talents and capabilities that need to be supported, nurtured and encouraged and the boy who knows and does this is definitely one worth having as a friend!

30 Day WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BOYS Challenge: Post #26

{Post 127/365: Original Post: (26/30) Burgers, Boys & BEER}

I like a boy who doesn't like it when I cry and therefore tries to make me laugh or cheer me up.

Boys are the best at making me laugh and cheer up when I feel sad or depressed or upset in any way.

They are the best at making me laugh any time really.

I love boys who make me laugh but especially when they are being sweet and tender.

30 Day WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BOYS Challenge: Post #25

{Post 126/365: Original Post: (25/30) Burgers, Boys & BEER}

I like boys with LONG HAIR! lol
But, really I must also admit I like short hair as well and also no hair at all is sexy too!
All boys have something attractive about them but yeah, I like the rock star hair the best!!

30 Day WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BOYS Challenge: Post #24

{Post 125/365: Original Post: (24/30) Burgers, Boys & BEER}

I love a boy who will SHARE his SWEATER/JACKET with me when I'm cold.

This is a very sweet thing that I have appreciated about boys since my very first best BOY friend.

It is a thoughtful thing for a boy to do and also chivalrous.

He's giving up his own comfort to keep you warm and comforted because you are important to him.

What is NOT to love about that?

30 Day WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BOYS Challenge: Post #23

{Post 124/365: Original Post: (23/30) Burgers, Boys & BEER}

I like boys who love and respect me enough to NOT say some of the rude and crude things that boys say.

I am a nice sweet girl who shouldn't have to hear such nasty things!!

On the other hand, once in awhile I have said a few choice words myself.

I like that they forgive me for that!! lol

30 Day WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BOYS Challenge: Post #22

{Post 123/365: Original Post: (22/30) Burgers, Boys & BEER}

I love a boy who makes me feel "safe".

I do not just mean because he's a big, strong guy and can kick ass either! lol

I mean a boy who feels like a safe haven, feels like home, feels like the person you can trust with all your weaknesses and imperfections and flaws and know that they will not judge you or laugh at your insecurities but rather hold the fragile parts of you safely and gently.

That is a safe haven you can learn to stretch your wings from and then FLY!

30 Day WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BOYS Challenge: Post #21

{Post 122/365: Original Post: (21/30) Burgers, Boys & BEER}

I like a boy who gives STRONG HUGS. There is nothing in the world like being hugged by your boy and feeling safe and sheltered in his arms. :)

(Pretty much I love hugs from everybody!) However, I appreciate boys hugs because sometimes the give you a great big crushing bear hug and you think they might even break you but, it just makes you breathless and feeling LOVED!!!!!!!!!!!!

WHAT is not to LOVE about that??? ;)

30 Day WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BOYS Challenge: Post #20

{Post 121/365: Original Post: (20/30) Burgers, Boys & BEER}

I like a boy with HANDS BIGGER than MINE! LMAO

I have boy wrists. I have bigger hands than most girls because I'm a big girl.

Never been a dainty little miss and never going to be so in some strange and ridiculous way a man with hands that are bigger and allow mine to fit INTO them make me feel...a little more dainty, a little more safe, a little more protected. I don't know why this is such an important thing to me and/or if it really makes me a complete nutbar but I really LIKE the idea of a man being bigger and stronger and my protector.  I don't really NEED it but, it is a nice feeling to have someone who makes me feel it. :)

30 Day WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BOYS Challenge: Post #19

{Post 120/365: Original Post: (19/30) Burgers, Boys & BEER}

I like a boy who tries to UNDERSTAND your needs and then does his best to fulfill them.

I like a boy who understands your perspective or point of view and is ok with it being different!

I like a boy who understands and accepts that a woman is an emotional, sometimes fragile human being who needs compassion and nurturing.

AMEN that there are boys all over the world who know how to listen, understand and accept you as you are!!