The (Not So) Single Life

Homeowners at Last!!

2008-03-27T12:12:00.002-06:00

Dwayne and I have been house hunting since January, put offers on 5 houses and we finally got one!! We are soooo excited!!! Throughout the whole process we prayed that God would give us patience with His plan and His timing, and that He would lead us to the house He wanted us to make our home.

When we initially went to look at the house, the owners were there to show us around because they were selling it privately. We loved the house, the owners were really nice and we decided to write an offer on it. The owners had originally planned to look at offers on the Monday at 6pm, but they went out of their way to call our realtor, meet with him, and look at our offer on Monday morning. At around 1:00 that afternoon we found out they had accepted our offer. The amazing thing was that these owners had prayed that God would show them who He wanted to buy this house. They knew when we walked in their door that we were the ones God had brought to them. Praise the Lord!! God's plan is so perfect!

There are so many great things about this house: all the appliances are included, it backs onto a huge school yard/park (which happens to be pretty much the only thing that separates us from Brad & Karla's house), all new paint, laminate and carpet, central air, central vac and the list goes on. We are so excited to move in on April 30. We've already started packing and making plans for where everything is going to go. Here is just one picture of our new home. I will try to post more once we've settled in.

Merry (Belated) Christmas

2008-01-19T21:09:00.000-06:00

Just thought I'd give a run-down of our Christmas in pictures.

We spent the weekend before Christmas at my parents' place. It was so fun to all be together, and especially to watch the two newest members of our family experience their first Christmas.

Carter giving us some laughs by letting us goof around and take funny pictures. Priceless!!

Trying to be just like Grandpa.

What's that? I can't quite hear you with these socks on my ears.

Ayla enjoying the Bumbo seat.

Carter trying to open his presents.

Showing off his vest that yours truly lovingly made. I'm so glad it turned out and that it even fits him.

I love this picture of my Mom admiring her grand-daughter, Ayla.

Even the whole extended Wiens clan was able to get together for a Christmas celebration.

My Grandma Wiens with all her great-grandchildren: Abbie, Carter, Caleb, and Ayla

And of course the annual Wiens grandchildren picture. I chose to post the goofy one because it just really makes me laugh.

I think I get the prize for being able to open my mouth the widest, but my sister Karla (above me and to the right) is a close second.

My wonderful family.

It was very exciting for Dwayne and I to celebrate our first Christmas together as a married couple. Here we are, VERY early Christmas morning, after opening all of our wonderful gifts from each other.

After our own little Christmas celebration we headed over to Dwayne's parent's for a very filling Christmas dinner. Dwayne's mom cooked such a huge and delicious meal for everyone.

This is what it looked like AFTER we had eaten. Did anyone even eat anything?

Under the tree was a mound of presents that we worked our way through.

We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing, eating more food, and watching the kids play with all their gifts.

The boys: Dwayne and his nephews Jayden, Levi and Mackenzie.

Mackenzie goofing off (as always) with his Uncle Dwayne.

Overall we had a fantastic Christmas and the New Year has been bringing lots of exciting adventures, as well.

With my birthday coming up next month, Dwayne decided to give me an early birthday present - a ticket to see Michael Buble in concert.

I have been listening to jazz music for many, many years and have been enjoying Michael Buble's music since he first came out. I (easily) convinced my sister, Karla, to come with me and the concert was just last night. It was soooooooo FANTASTIC!!! I'm so glad I went and I would go again in a heartbeat. He is so entertaining, funny, and has such an incredible voice. I think I was grinning through the whole concert. Thanks again to my wonderful husband for his very thoughtful gift. I love ya, babe!!

I also got my hair cut yesterday. So far I really like it, but I'm still sporting what my hairstylist did with it. We'll see how well it works once I try and style it by myself.

Dwayne and I have started the exciting, but at times, difficult process of looking for a house. If you're not familiar with the housing market in Saskatoon, I'll let you know that it is really crazy, especially for those of us who are not already in the market. Please pray for us in our search. We're probably going to have to make some really quick decisions once we find something we want.

That's all for now!

Does anyone still read this thing?

2007-10-23T18:11:00.000-06:00

For anyone who actually still checks this blog - I'm sorry!! But, aren't you excited to see a new post?! I actually have some very exciting news, so it will be worth your while. My older sister and brother-in-law, Alissa and Joel, just had a baby girl yesterday - their first. She is the most beautiful little girl I've ever seen.

These are the exact same pictures from Joel & Alissa's blog, but it's all I have so far.

Ayla Jae Dueck
October 22, 2007

With Daddy
and
Mommy

I also have a precious nephew, Carter, who deserves some photo time on my blog, as well. I have so much fun with him. I love being an Aunt and I can't wait to start spoiling my new niece.

Another stolen picture from my other sister, Karla's blog.

I realized I haven't taken many pictures of Carter lately and he's changed so much since the last picture I took of him (below).

And I can't forget my amazing, incredible, handsome husband.

I'm a Newlywed!!

2007-06-18T18:45:00.000-06:00

My excuse for not updating this blog is that I'm a newlywed. I have better things to do than sit at my computer. You have to remember that I started this blog when I was single and had no life. Pretty much nothing to blog about either. But now that I'm married, have a busier life, more to blog about, I don't have the time to sit at my computer when I get home from work where I just spent 8 hours staring at a computer screen. Anyways, enough of the ranting.

Dwayne and I were married on May 12 and it was the PERFECT day!! It was like a fairytale for me. I'm posting a link where you can see some of our pictures, which turned out fabulously, once the rain, hail, and funnel clouds cleared away!!

WEDDING PICTURES

To view the pictures, your screen must be set at 1024x768 pixels resolution. (If you operate in Windows you can change this in your control panel, click on display, and under the settings tab.) Click on the link above (or go to www.celestialphotography.ca), click on enter site, click on the proofing section, and enter the password "bricks". The pictures may take a bit to load, but they are gorgeous and they won't be available to view online for too much longer.

Here are a few samples of how beautiful our day was. Enjoy!!

In other news, 12 days after our wedding (just 2 days after our honeymoon), my baby sister, Karla, and her husband, Brad, had their beautiful baby boy, Carter Hayden. He was 3 1/2 weeks early, but still weighed in at 8lbs 11oz. I'm so proud of all them and so excited to be an Auntie!

About an hour after he was born.

A very proud and excited Auntie Heather!

This is Carter at about 3 weeks old!

It's so exciting having a nephew to spoil. And at the end of October, my older sister, Alissa, and her husband, Joel, are expecting their first baby. I can't wait!!

Invitations? Check!!

2007-03-04T18:36:00.000-06:00

The invitations are finally done!!! On Saturday night, my parents, Dwayne's parents and my sister Karla came over and helped me make our wedding invitations. Dwayne would have loved to be there, but he had to work. We spent about 3 1/2 hours putting together 135 invites, with only one break for donuts, cake, cookies and coffee. Here are a few pictures of our exciting evening.

The moms getting everything just right!!

Karla's busy counting - seeing how much longer she has to stay awake.

All four of us hard at work!

At 11pm we were finally finished. I would love to show you all a picture of the finished product, but I don't want to put all that personal info on the internet. Sorry!!

In case you were wondering, here's what the men did all night - watched hockey!!

More Birthday Festivities

2007-02-14T08:00:00.000-06:00

(Make sure you read the post previous to this one as this is a continuation of it.)

This is what I saw when I got to my desk in the morning. What a spread!!

After work the birthday festivities with a most delicious supper. Dwayne surprised me with a dinner at The Keg - my favorite restaurant. Yummmmmm! Steak!

From Dwayne I got tickets to "The Producers", which is coming to Saskatoon in March.

After our scrumptious meal, we went to a movie of my choosing. I chose "Dreamgirls".

I loved the movie and I thought the music was fantastic.

Overall, it was a fabulous birthday.

Thank you, Dwayne, for making me feel so special!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!

2007-02-13T12:15:00.000-06:00

Today I'm celebrating 26 years of being on this earth and it is definitely the best year yet - with being in love, planning a wedding with the man of my dreams, and looking forward to the many wonderful years I get to spend with him. God has blessed me abundantly and I'm so thankful for all He has given me!!

By 8:00 this morning there were already so many people that made me feel special on my birthday. At 7:00, while getting ready for work, I get a call from Dwayne to wish me a Happy Birthday. I arrive at work at 7:45 and the top of my desk is filled with food from my co-workers. Healthy treats, too, since they know I'm trying to lose a few pounds for the wedding. They are so thoughtful and caring. I have the best co-workers ever!!! Then at 7:58 a phone call from my parents, singing "Happy Birthday" in harmony. That was really nice!!

That's all so far, but I'll be sure to update on the rest of the festivities and maybe even get a few pictures in there.

We've Gone Digital

2006-12-23T10:06:00.000-06:00

Dwayne and I finally joined the digital world and bought ourselves a new Canon S3 IS digital camera for Christmas. Now I can finally update this blog with pictures the instant I take them. We actually got the camera about a month ago and are still figuring it all out, but here's an update in pictures.

Dwayne & I celebrated one year of being together on Sunday, Dec 3. Along with giving me these flowers, he also came over with Tim Horton's coffee and made me breakfast (bacon, eggs, pancakes, toast) before church. He gave me a variety of gifts from picture frames to a crossword puzzle book. I gave Dwayne a cross pendant to go on the chain I had given him on the night we were engaged. After lunch we saw the new James Bond movie and then Dwayne took me to The Cave for supper. Then it was my turn!! I took Dwayne to an indoor rink to go skating, then a romantic drive through the Enchanted Forest, and then to Tim Horton's for donuts and coffee/hot chocolate. For those of you who don't know, Tim Horton's is a special spot for us because it was the first place we went to together - where everything started!!

Levi, Brittany, Jaslyn, Janessa

These are some of my (future) neices & nephew that were involved in the Sunday School Christmas program at church (West Portal).

Dwayne & I, Kendra & Peter

Jessi & Tyler, Shane & Jessica

Above are pictures from our Christmas banquet at church which involved a delicious turkey dinner and a concert by Steve Bell. Yep, that's right - Steve Bell played exclusively for our Christmas banquet. What a treat!! And we had front and center seating. We sat with some of the people from our care group - Kendra, Peter, Jessi, and Tyler. Shane (Tyler's brother) and his friend Jessica also sat with us. For those Bethany people out there that may not know, Kendra Barkman and Peter Dueck are dating. Also, Shane and Tyler are younger brothers to Ryan Dueck, yet another Bethany alumnus.

The incredible and very talented Steve Bell telling one of his many entertaining stories.

That's all for now, but I'm sure there will be more once Christmas and all of the festivities are underway.

Merry Christmas!!!

BIG NEWS!!!

2006-12-14T08:17:00.000-06:00

As you may have noticed from the new ticker at the top of my page, I'm going to be an Auntie!!! My little sister, Karla, and her husband, Brad, are expecting a baby on June 16, 2007. I am sooooo excited!!! And I'm so glad I don't have to keep it a secret anymore.

So, not only will I be gaining 3 nieces and 3 nephews on May 12, when Dwayne and I get married, but I'll get a brand new niece/nephew a month later in my own family. That means Karla will be 8 months pregnant for the wedding and she's a bridesmaid. It's presented some challenges, but I am more than willing to deal with those challenges because I couldn't be more thrilled for Brad and Karla. Congrats you two!!

Update......finally!!

2006-11-27T10:04:00.000-06:00

Okay, Janice. You gave me the kick in the pants I needed to update this thing. So here you go!!

The wedding plans are coming along very nicely. We have all the big things planned and booked. Now we just have all the little details to think about like invitations, decorations, menu, etc. I am open to any advice or tips all you old married folk might have for us.

Dwayne and I had our engagement pictures taken almost 2 weeks ago and they turned out really well. They make me really excited to see what our wedding pictures will be like. For some reason I can't post them here so if you want to view the pictures, just click on the underlined "engagement pictures" link.

Basically, all that's been happening since my last post is wedding planning stuff so I really have nothing else to update on. We're finally able to focus on things other than wedding - like CHRISTMAS!!! I am SOOOOO excited for Christmas this year because it's the first Christmas Dwayne and I will spend together. (Last year I was in Mexico for Christmas.) It's hard to believe that this next weekend we'll be celebrating ONE YEAR of being together. This has definitely been THE BEST year of my life and I can't wait to spend the rest of my years with Dwayne.

The Ring

2006-09-08T11:34:00.000-06:00

Thanks to my brother-in-law, Joel, I've got some pretty good pictures of the ring. It's still better to see it in person, though. That is, if you're not blinded by it's brilliance.

Dwayne and I had looked at rings several months earlier, but nothing jumped out at me as being "the one". So he took all the features that I liked from the rings we saw and worked with the jeweller to design the perfect ring. It means so much to me and makes the ring so much more special to know that Dwayne took the time and effort to create this beautiful ring. You did an amazing job, honey. I am so proud to wear it and show it off!! Anyways, on with the pictures.

There's a total of 13 diamonds in that baby, which happens to be my favorite number. (I was born on the 13th)

My fingers look EXTREMELY long in this picture, but I assure you that I am not giant. It's a good side view of the ring. Dwayne said the jeweller wanted it to look like a sun/star burst.

This is us just a few hours after Dwayne popped the question. We are soooo happy!!!

There will be more pictures coming soon, along with the whole romantic engagement story. Stay tuned!!!

Goin' To The Chapel.....

2006-09-06T10:03:00.000-06:00

....and we're gonna get ma-a-a-rried!!!!

On Saturday, September 2 at about 8:30pm (just after sunset), at the end of the pier at Clear Lake, Dwayne asked me to marry him. It was so beautiful and romantic. Absolutely a dream come true!!! And the ring - the most beautiful I have ever seen - designed by Dwayne and made just for me.

I cannot describe how excited I am to know that I will be spending the rest of my life with my Prince Charming by my side. There will definitely be pictures of the ring coming as soon as I get them. And I will probably be asking for advice as I get into all of the planning details of the wedding. A date hasn't been set yet, but we want it to be sometime in May/June 2007.

EEEEEEEE!!!! (That's an excited squeal.) I'm so excited!!!

My Celebrity Look-Alikes

2006-08-31T08:04:00.000-06:00

I saw this on Patti's and Janelle's blogs and thought it was so cool. So here's mine!!

This was too much fun, so I tried another picture with both me and Dwayne in it. The results were quite hilarious and I don't think they look anything like us. However there was a picture of Yasmine Bleeth that I thought looked more like me than any others, but she was last out of 10 on the list so her picture doesn't show.

I had to choose this format for Dwayne's so you could see that they matched him up with Evander Holyfield.

I tried one more picture of Dwayne to see what it came up with. I can kind of see the resemblance with Kevin Costner, but I have no idea where they came up with the rest of them. Dwayne is far better looking than any of them!!!

Abbie's First Birthday!!

2006-08-09T19:41:00.000-06:00

Well, I finally have an excuse to post cute baby pics just like so many of my other blogging friends. My cousins Matt & Ruth's daughter, Abbie, (I guess, that makes her my cousin-niece) just celebrated her first birthday on Thursday, August 3. The party was a bug theme, hence the bug antennae we're all wearing. Matt & Ruth did a wonderful job of putting on a great party for everyone - both the kids and the adults. I was very entertained by all the kids (& Brad) running around and knowing that I didn't have to deal with putting to bed sugar-filled children.

Abbie is not quite sure what to make of the whole party scene.

After the face painting, BBQ supper and gummy worm guess, it was time for birthday cake. Here's the birthday girl with her wheelbarrow of dirt and worms cake.

And of course there has to be some messy cake-eating pictures.

Ch-ch-changes

2006-08-08T09:26:00.000-06:00

Oh so many changes in these last few weeks. First of all, I'm moving, which seems to be a trend among many of the people whose blogs I read. I'm not just jumping on the moving bandwagon. I actually got notice from the property managers of our apartment complex that I have to be out by the end of August because they are turning the building into condos. So after a little searching, some excitement, some let-downs, and some more excitement (apartment hunting was a little bit of an emotional roller coaster for me), I found a 2-bedroom basement suite to live in. It's in a great area of the city and it's closer to EVERYTHING I do and all the people I see. I've been in my tiny, one-bedroom, less than 600 sq ft suite for over 2 1/2 years now, so I'm very excited to move in, have a change of scenery, and a lot more room. I'll try to post some pictures once I'm settled in.

Another big change is that my roommate has found another place to live. That's right, I have actually given my dear cat, Niko, away to a new home. He was a wonderful companion while I was single. He was always such wonderful company on those many days when we would sit at home together. But now I have another man in my life who is so much more important and special. It was time for Niko to become someone else's companion - someone who had more time to spend with him. Although Niko could sometimes be a nuisance, I think it's just his presence that I miss the most. It just seems so quiet now in the mornings and evenings, when I'm getting ready for work or settling down for the night, and Niko isn't there talking to me and rubbing against my legs. And of course there's the absence of his warm, extremely heavy body on me when I wake up in the morning. It's been a little bit of an adjustment this last week that he's been gone. But it's all for the best.

Well, now everyone has pretty much tuned out from my incessant cat-talk, but those are some of the changes right now. Really there were only 2 major changes, but it seems like a lot. Maybe it's because it all came down in one day. I gave my cat away and I found out that I got the basement suite within hours of each other last week Sunday afternoon. Oh, and I also got a phone call from my Grandma (she's moving from her house into a condo) that afternoon and she told me that she wanted me to have her piano - that's like a dream come true!! What an emotional roller coaster that day!!

**On a little side note....I wanted to post some pictures of Niko, but once I downloaded a picture it woudn't show up. I'm thinking it's because the files are too big. For those blogger pros or computer whizzes (Dwayne's out right now so I can't ask him), how do I make the picture files smaller so I can put more pictures on my posts? I wanted to put more pictures of Abbie's birthday on, too, but once I had downloaded a certain amount, it wouldn't let me put anymore on. HELP!!

Update to come...

2006-07-12T16:43:00.000-06:00

Someone has anonymously requested an update. Believe me, I haven't forgotten about my blog. It's just that I've been busier this summer than I ever thought I would be. I don't know how all of those young mother friends of mine keep up with their blog when they have a family to look after. Right now I'm in the middle of rehearsals for the opera "Don Giovanni" and we aren't done the show until July 21. I expect my summer will slow down a little bit after that. I will try very, very hard to update once the opera is over. Sorry, sorry, sorry to all of you who check this blog. Which probably isn't very many by now. Oh well!! Please keep checking. To appease those of you who mostly just look for pictures on blogs, here's just a couple of my most recent favourites.

My dad took this one with his new digital camera when we were lounging one Sunday afternoon by the river.

Me and Dwayne at my cousin Caitlin's wedding on the May long weekend.

Simple Pleasures

2006-04-25T14:35:00.000-06:00

My dear friend Janelle tagged me to list 10 of my simple pleasures. For those of you who know me well, you know that I easily find pleasure in many of the simple things. But here are the first 10 that came to mind:

1. Being anywhere that Dwayne is.
2. The warmth of the sun on my face.
3. The smell of a forest after it rains.
4. Watching TV with my cat curled up on my lap.
5. Steak BBQ'd by my Dad.
6. Sleeping in.
7. A really good cup of coffee/ice coffee.
8. Singing my heart out.
9. Playing piano.
10. Going home to the farm and hanging out with my family.

The last time I tagged people with one of these I got a pretty low response, so I'm just going to tag Dwayne. But if Joel, Brad or anyone else want to join in, please feel free.

April Showers

2006-04-11T13:05:00.000-06:00

It's raining today and it's not even that cold outside. It really does feel like springtime. And hopefully these April showers will bring May flowers.

Well, I'd like to apologize for not updating my blog sooner. Especially to those of you who are diligent checkers and are getting sick of seeing the same ol' thing and nothing new day after day. Maybe it's just that I don't think people would find my life very exciting. But for those friends and family who live far away, I know you probably just want to know what I've been up to in the last while. Here's what's been going on in my life in the last month:

**Warning** You'll notice that Dwayne will be mentioned extensively in the remainder of this update, so if you're sick of hearing about him, too bad. You'll just have to get used to it!!!

I've joined a new care group at church (West Portal) that's led by my sister, Karla, and our friend, Kendra Barkman. It consists of 3 young married couples, Dwayne and myself, and a couple single people. So far we've been having a lot of fun together and I've both been challenged and encouraged by our weekly meetings.

I went to my first Pie Supper with Dwayne's family. That's right - our entire meal consisted of just pie. I think there were 7 pies in total and I'm proud to say that I had 5 pieces. We all thought it was pretty funny when Levi (Dwayne's 3-year-old nephew), after eating his pie, asked his mom what was for dessert. All that sugar was a little overwhelming so we ended the meal with some meat, cheese, pickles and crackers.

On March 11, Dwayne's younger sister (Brenda) and brother-in-law (Albert) had their first baby - a beautiful little boy named Mackenzie Albert. I just think he's so sweet and lovable, even though he's already wet himself on me.

I attempted to nurse Dwayne back to health from a nasty cold/flu that's lasted over 2 weeks and it's very slowly disappearing.

With the help of about 15 other people, I was part of a surprise moving party for my dear friends, Rod & Janelle. We packed up pretty much their whole house, drove it all out from Saskatoon to Warman, and unloaded it into their brand new house in about 3 hours. It was so much fun to be a part of that experience! And to Rod and Janelle - Dwayne and I will continue to drop in on you when we're strolling through town. (For those of you who may not know, Dwayne lives in Warman.)

I passed the 3 year mark in my employment with the City of Saskatoon (City Hall).

Along with the other women in Dwayne's family, I was included in the planning for the baby shower for little Mackenzie (and Brenda & Albert). It was planned for this past Saturday as a surprise to Brenda. We ended up getting them to Dwayne's parents house by inviting them over for pizza and Brenda thought it was a little strange that we were all there when their parents were gone at a wedding. While Brenda left the room to feed Mackenzie, Dwayne and I decorated the living room (with help from the kids). When Brenda returned we thought she had no clue what was going on even though the decorations were in clear sight. We sent her downstairs to do something while we set everything else up and then as people were arriving we told her to come back upstairs. We thought we had her completely fooled, but she was onto us the whole time. We ended up having a lot of fun and I met a few more people in Dwayne's extended family.

On Sunday we celebrated Easter with Dwayne's family. It consisted of a very delicious turkey dinner, playing with the nieces and nephews, hiding their Easter baskets and helping them find them, relaxing, visiting, holding Mackenzie, eating candy and chocolate, faspa (for those non-Mennonites, that's a light lunch which basically consists of buns, cheese, meat, pickles, etc.), and eventually we all went home. It was such a wonderful day and I just love spending time with Dwayne's family. They are all so warm, inviting, and I always feel welcome and accepted when I'm with them. They even include me in all the teasing and joking around.

So that's the latest on the exciting happenings in my life. I'll post pictures of all these events once I get them developed. I know I'm behind the times. I still don't have a digital camera.

This weekend I'm planning to go to Winkler, Manitoba for the Easter break for a gathering with my mom's side of the family. Unfortunately, Dwayne won't be able to come because he has to work the whole weekend. I won't see him for almost 5 days. Boo hoo!!

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Easter weekend!

My Muppet Personality

2006-03-23T10:40:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Andrea Padgett for this fun little tidbit!!

You Are Kermit

Hi, ho! Lovable and friendly, you get along well with everyone you know.
You're a big thinker, and sometimes you over think life's problems.
Don't worry - everyone know's it's not easy being green.
Just remember, time's fun when you're having flies!

The Muppet Personality Test

A Busy February!!

2006-03-06T20:49:00.000-06:00

Wow, I can't believe another month has passed and what a busy one it was. Now that life has slowed down a little bit, I can let y'all know what was keeping me so busy. The first half of February was filled with rehearsals for "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" (which I've already talked about in some previous posts). My 25th birthday was on February 13, but the celebrations started already on the 10th when the girls I work with brought an incredible amount of food to work - 3 cakes, muffins, nut mix, meat/cheese/pickle/cracker tray, veggies & dip. What a spread and soooo yummy!!

Then on Saturday (the 11th), after a whole day of rehearsal, Dwayne's family had a party for me at his parents place with lots of KFC chicken, fries and cake - more yummy food!!!

Dwayne & I (with 2 of his nieces - Brittany & Jaslyn) with my cake of many (25) candles.

Some of the other party-goers - Dwayne's parents in the foreground, his brother-in-law and sister, Joe & Theressa, in the background.

Going clockwise from the front centre - Dwayne, Andrea (holding son Jadyn) & Stan (Dwayne's sister-in-law & brother), Brenda & Albert (Dwayne's sister & brother-in-law)

That night I also got my Valentine's Day gift from Dwayne - a dozen beautiful roses - and since we would both be busy all day on Valentine's Day, we had our own little celebration on Sunday. We were supposed to go out for dinner, but after a long dress rehearsal I was exhausted, laid down for a nap and woke up to Dwayne buzzing my apartment suite. So we ended up just ordering in and relaxing.

A blurry picture of the roses Dwayne - my Valentine - gave me. What a sweetie!!

On my actual birthday, it just happened to be my day off from work and Dwayne didn't have to work until later in the day, so we just hung out and relaxed. Then I had a dress rehearsal in the evening. For the rest of that week (from the 14-18) I worked all day and had performances in the evenings. I was super busy and tired, but I had so much fun doing the show. It was a blast, the run went really smoothly - no major mishaps - and lots of my friends and family came out to see it. I think there was someone out there cheering me on every night we performed. So thank you to all of you who came out for and supported me and Saskatoon community theatre. It was definitely the funnest show I've ever done and I'm really starting to miss it now that it's all over.

A few pictures from our dress rehearsal and some other candid shots taken in the green room.

The opening number.

Lucy admiring Schroeder.

Listening to Linus' deep observations on life.

I got a "C" in coat hanger sculpture? (my very fun monologue)

"Beethoven Day"

Singing about "My Philosophy"

The baseball game

Closing number - "Happiness"

"Hooray!!"

The cast

Myself and Christine, our fabulous accompanist.

My wonderful hairdresser, Heather, making me look like a cute, five-year-old. And below I'm posing with her adorable daughter, Madeline. We're both sporting very cute, curly pigtails.

The cast: (back row l-r) Robin/Snoopy, Ashley/Lucy, Joel/Charlie Brown, Me/Sally, (front row l-r) Christine/accompanist, David/Schroeder, Chris/Linus

Since my parents and Grandma were out from Regina on the weekend to see the show, the birthday celebrations continued on Sunday (the 19th). We ordered in LOTS of Chinese food and it was so good (even the next couple days after that).

The next week was busy with this and that and then I finally got a chance to relax last weekend. I used some banked hours to leave work early on Friday and Dwayne and I headed out to my parents farm for the weekend. We all had a great time relaxing, visiting, eating. I also enjoyed sleeping in and playing piano. My parents and Dwayne had an opportunity to get to know each other a little better. Saturday was a beautiful day of fresh snow, sunshine, and blue sky so we took advantage of it and went snowmobiling. We had a blast speeding through the fields, but I sped a little too much over a hard drift of snow and Dwayne and I both flew off the side. We felt fine and I was laughing about it, but the next morning I couldn't move my neck without it hurting. When we got back to Saskatoon I made an appointment with the massage therapist and she said that I had a minor sprain. It's feeling a lot better now, but it still needs a little work done on it before it's completely better.

Life finally seems to be slowing down a little bit and I can catch my breath. Maybe I'll actually get a chance to catch up on my housework and even get some Mexico pictures posted on my blog.

**I guess my life really hasn't slowed down that much since it took me almost a week to write this posting and get it published on my blog.

The Review

2006-02-17T09:15:00.000-06:00

So here is the review that was in the Saskatoon StarPhoenix yesterday. I was pleased that the writer didn't have anything bad to say, but I thought he did a very poor review. There wasn't really that much reviewing of the performance. It was basically just a run-down of what the show was all about. Nothing to really write home about, but nothing to complain about either. I'm just excited that my name was in the paper and that nothing bad was said about me!! All the stuff written in blue are my own comments.

Charlie Brown vignettes highlight childhood memories
REVIEW By Silas Polkinghorne for the StarPhoenix
It's just an average day for Charlie Brown and company, but it's pretty darn entertaining nonetheless. Saskatoon Gateway Players' latest musical theatre production, You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, has no storyline, instead featuring a series of quick-witted vignettes culled from the comic strip lives of Charlie, Sally, Lucy, Schroeder, Linus, and, of course, Snoopy. These vignettes highlight the depressing as well as the joyful moments of childhood, and do so in a simply charming--and perhaps timeless--fashion. Although Chalres M. Schulz's Peanuts cartoon was first published in 1950, its stories and characters are no les poignant now, as demonstrated in this stage adaptation by Clark Gesner. Surely there are still Charlie Browns who pine after little red-haired girls. Surely there are still Charlie Browns who strike out in baseball. Under the direction of Kelly Brophy, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown moves effortlessly from one scene to the next, making for a lively and animated production. Many scenes will make audience members nostalgic for classic Peanuts comic strips. The most dramatic example is Snoopy, played by Robin Burlingham, who enacts a wartime flying mission atop the doghouse, attempting to bring down the Red Baron. Then there's Charlie, with a paper bag over his head, or trying to fly a kite, or hoping to receive just one Valentine. "Nothing echoes like an empty mailbox," says Charlie. Joel Swaan is the indecisive Charlie Brown to a Tee, with slumped shoulders and a monotone delivery. Swaan's singing voice is meek and a bit hoarse, well-suited to the often mopey, pessimistic character. [The reason Joel's voice sounded hoarse was because he was sick and was losing his voice. We were just glad he had any voice at all. Fortunately, it's pretty much back to normal now.] As Snoopy, Burlingham is excellent, drawing eyes away from the main action with antics in the background. Burlingham lounges and stretches on top of the doghouse in one scene. In others, she mischievously tries for a giggle from the audience--and succeeds. Burlingham is also great in Snoopy's loungy show-tune, Suppertime. [She does such a great job and totally steals the show.] All around, the music is cheery and tuneful, the numbers brought to life here under the musical direction of Carol Wylie. Ashley Smith's vocals shine as she plays the forceful, flirty, and "crabby" Lucy. [She played the perfect Lucy.] Linus, played by Chris Jensen, presents an ode to his ever-present blanket, a hoppy, joyful tune complete with some hilarious tango-dancing. Later on, Linus's wordy, academic take on a Peter Rabbit book report gets big laughs, as does his excited recitation of facts, on joust about any subject, throughout the musical. [Also a fellow Gateway newcomer, like me.] Heather Wiens is convincing as the chipper Sally, who in one scene deliberates over just who is responsible for her poor grade for a coathanger sculpture. David Ong delivers a solid performance, too, as the Beethoven-obsessed Schroeder. [Ah, Davie--the baby of the cast--he grew into this part so well and played it magnificently.] It's amazing how a few simple costume items or props--like Schroeder's tiny piano--can evoke these Peanuts stories that everybody remembers. A "good grief" now and then helps, too. You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown runs until Saturday at Castle Theatre. Call the box office at 653-1200 for ticket information.

So there it is!! I wish all of you could come see it. It is such a hilarious and entertaining show because it was so well-written. Such a joy to perform!! I can't believe there's only 2 performances left!!

What A Rush!!!

2006-02-16T08:32:00.000-06:00

Gateway Players brings the Charles M. Schultz characters to life in the musical You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, from Feb. 14-18 at Castle Theatre, Aden Bowman Collegiate, 8 p.m. nightly.This revised version of the Broadway musical adds Charlie's younger sister, Sally, to the cast of Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Schroeder and Snoopy.Created by Clark Gesner with additional lyrics and music from Andrew Lippa.

Starring are Chris Jensen (front), Robin Burlingham (left, sitting), Heather Wiens and Ashley Smith; Joel Swaan (back left) and David Ong. Photograph by : SP Photo by Gord Waldner

This is what was in the Saskatoon StarPhoenix on Tuesday, just in time for opening night. Opening night was so much fun - the audience was really responsive, laughing in all the right spots, and our energy as a cast was very high. Now I'm just waiting to read the review, which is supposed to be in the paper today. I'll make sure I post that as soon as I can. We've only had 2 performances, but the run is going very well so far. The whole cast is having a blast and this is definitely the funnest (I know that's not a real word) show and the best role I've ever been in. I'm really going to miss it when it's over, but I don't want to think about that now. I'm just going to savour each moment that I can. I get such a rush when I'm on stage singing, dancing, acting, feeding off of the laughter and reactions from the audience. I come home from a performance and I have to stay up for an hour or so just to calm down from the adrenaline rush. As a result, I've been pretty tired this week because I have to get up at 6 every morning for work. Oh well, it's all more than worth it for me. I LOVE MUSICAL THEATRE!!!!

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

2006-02-01T11:22:00.000-06:00

For those of you who don't already know or may have forgotten, I'm very excited to be playing the part of Sally (pictured here) in Saskatoon Gateway Players musical production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown". Rehearsals have been going well and performance time is almost here. I would love to see the smiling faces of my friends and family in the audience. Performances are Tues, Feb 14 - Sat, Feb 18 and tickets are on sale now for $14 (Tues) or $17 (Wed-Sat) if you purchase them in advance, which you'll want to do since it's arranged seating. The show is really great, upbeat, funny, cute - the songs are so much fun and the script is really well-written. If you'd like more info or want to purchase tickets you can contact me or can go to the Gateway Players website by clicking on the following link: http://www.gatewayplayers.com. I can't wait to see y'all there!!

I've Been Tagged!!

2006-01-24T12:13:00.000-06:00

I was tagged by my friend Patti Friesen, and although I'm a little late in responding, I know she will be impressed that I have posted on my blog 2 days in a row.

7 things I would like to do before I die:
1. Get married
2. Have kids
3. Write music
4. Record a CD
5. Travel the world
6. Learn how to play guitar
7. Buy a house

7 things I can't do (yet):
1. Snap my fingers
2. Anything athletic
3. Watch an entire game of hockey on TV (but I think I'll have to get better at that soon, right Dwayne?)
4. Dance (I've got thick Mennonite blood flowing through my veins)
5. Play poker
6. Budget my money (but I'm gonna start, Mom & Dad, really)
7.

7 things that attract me to blogging:
1. Conveniently keeping friends and family updated
2. Keeping up with friends
3. Finding out what old friends have been up to
4. Seeing everyone's pictures when I can't be there to see things in person
5.
6.
7.

7 things I say most often:
1. I can help you
2. Do you have a bill with you?
3. Thank you
4. Sorry, we don't accept credit cards.
(Those first 4 are because I work on the front lines at City Hall)
5. I have to do laundry
6. Niko! No!
7. Down, Niko!

7 books I love
1. Memoirs of a Geisha (so far - I'm in the process of reading it right now)
2. Bible
3. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime
4. The Shopaholic books (by Sophie Kinsella). I know that some people might think that's kinda lame, but sometimes you just need a light read that makes you laugh.
5. Jean Val Jean
6. Anything that's historical fiction
7. Cookbooks

7 movies I watch over and over:
1. The Sound of Music
2. Sister Act II
3. It's a Wonderful Life
4. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
5. Mary Poppins
6.
7.

7 people I want to join in, too (you've been tagged!!)
1. & 2. Joel & Alissa - Above & Beyond
3. & 4. Brad & Karla - The Life and Times...
5. & 6. Jill & Trevor - Wedding
7. Dwayne

2006-01-23T18:03:00.000-06:00

Here is the long-awaited picture of my wonderful boyfriend, Dwayne. Sorry it's taken so long (Patti), but I've been busy with work, trying to get stuff done at home, rehearsals for Charlie Brown and, honestly, I've been spending most of my free time with Dwayne.

The picture was taken at my apartment during our little pre-Christmas celebration together, since I was in Mexico over the holidays. (I'll post pics of that trip eventually, too.) Dwayne had planned a date for us and it was a surprise for me what we would be doing. After work he picked me up at my place and drove us to what I thought was going to be a restaurant. We ended up going to the Off Broadway dinner theatre in Saskatoon to see their Christmas production. What an awesome surprise!!! Especially since Dwayne has never really gone to plays/musicals like I did growing up. We both enjoyed the food and the show. Then we went to my place to exchange gifts. But Dwayne, being the romantic man that he is, had packed a few things to make the evening even more special. He had brought along a bottle of sparkling cranberry/apple drink, crystal glasses to drink it out of, and a box of Harden & Huyse chocolates. YUMMY!!! What a wonderful evening it was!!

Well, it's time for me to head off to yet another rehearsal for Charlie Brown. I promise I'll be back soon to do some more updating!!!

Life Is Changing - For The Good!!

2005-12-21T08:35:00.000-06:00

So it's been way too long since I last updated and so much has happened. I've been really busy with changing jobs and everything. I've actually accepted a different job since my last posting and started it a few weeks ago. It's still a permanent position and in the same department. It's a job that I had done temporarily over a year ago. So I'm now working in the Customer Service area and my position also involves being a back-up cashier, which I really enjoy.

Like everyone else, I'm busy getting ready for Christmas. But unlike everyone else, I'm not busy buying gifts. Our family decided not to exchange gifts this year because we're going to Mexico for Christmas!!! We leave on Dec 24 and arrive back on Jan 1. My grandma is taking our whole family, so there will be 21 of us there. I am so excited!!!!

A lot of my time has also been taken up by a certain special someone. So you can all stop asking the question (that I've been getting a little tired of giving the same answer for for years) of whether there are is a special man in my life. The answer is, "YES!" God has brought an incredible, sweet, caring man into my life named Dwayne Peters. I would love to tell you all about him, but it would take me forever to write it all in this blog. If you want to know more you'll just have to e-mail me or give me a call. Although, you'll probably be hearing more in the blogs to come since he's a pretty big part of my life. Pictures will be coming soon! I guess I'll have to change the title of my blog.

May God bless you all with a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

Life is Good!!

2005-11-09T20:56:00.000-06:00

In the last few weeks there have been some awesome things happening in my life. Prayers are being answered and life has just been swell!! Many of you know that I have been working in a temporary job for the city of Saskatoon for over 2 1/2 years, just waiting to get a permanent position. After many applications, interviews and rejection letters, I finally got a permanent job. YAY!!! I love the girls I work with right now and enjoy going to work each morning - a huge blessing. My new job is in the same department as I'm in now, but in a different area. So I still get to work with the same great people, which was one thing I was really worried about when applying for other permanent positions. I'm not exactly sure when I start the new position, but it will probably be sometime in December or January.

Many of you also know that musical theatre is a huge passion of mine and I was quite involved when I lived in Regina. I got to know a few of the people in the Saskatoon theatre community when I sang in the opera "Die Fledermaus" this summer. On Monday I auditioned for a part in the musical "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown", which is being put on by Saskatoon Gateway Players. There were only 6 parts (2 women, 4 men, and Snoopy-man or woman) so I didn't get my hopes up for a part. Plus, I'm a new face and in smaller cities like Saskatoon and Regina, it's usually always the same people in all the shows. But, only 10 minutes ago I got off the phone with the director and I accepted the part of Sally. I am so pumped!! But I absolutely cannot forget to thank my very dear friend, Janice Mills. She encouragingly pushed me to audition when I never would have if she hadn't told me I should. THANKS JANNY!! So I'm super excited and giddy right now about life and I'm never going to be able to sleep tonight. AHHHHHH!!!

2005-10-19T13:56:00.000-06:00

I've had a few people asking me about the CIBC Run for the Cure that I participated in on October 2. I went down to Regina that weekend and participated (walked, not ran) as a part of a friends and family team (pictured here) called "Breast Cancer Busters". This was my second year with this team and it was a great experience once again. There were 3 cancer survivors (in pink shirts) on our team, including my grandma (standing behind me to the left). It was a very chilly and windy morning, but my mom and I kept warm by walking the 5km really fast. With the help of my many donors/sponsors, I was able to raise $408.00 for breast cancer research!!!! I was amazed by the generosity of so many people. Thank you all so much for your support, not only for me, but for the cause. It's greatly appreciated by everyone!

A tribute to roommates

2005-10-12T20:29:00.000-06:00

First off, I have to apologize to 2 very wonderful friends of mine whom I failed to mention as being short-term roommates. I'm so sorry Jen and Janice. It wasn't that I forgot about you, but it's just so hard for me to think of those times without tears coming to my eyes because I just wanted you both to stay longer. My time living with each of you was just too short!! That's why I failed to mention you as being my roommates. (Those last few sentences were meant to be read melodramatically.) Seriously now, I love you both. You were fabulous, inspiring, encouraging, supportive and entertaining roommates (Jenny especially with your dancing and singing). So, here are some pics of all of my roomies and just a few of the great times we had together.

Rachelle, Elissa, and myself on one of our roomie dates.

Elissa, the homework warrior. The headband actually helped her write a better paper.

The lovely Jenny (practicing her moves and tunes for "Jade") whom I was honored to share a roof with while she broke into the Saskatoon music scene.

Myself, Jen, and Elissa - roomie date.

"Princess" Janice lived with me for about a month during one of her practicums in Saskatoon - far away from her Gord (her husband) in Calgary. Needless to say, I was quite entertained by hearing one-side of telephone conversations of a newly-wed couple.

For my last roommate - my sister, Karla - our little apartment holds what I'm sure is one of her favorite moments: the night Brad proposed to her. Here's the two of them just minutes after their engagement.

So there are all of my beloved roomies, besides my current one - the handsome feline, Niko. Thank you all for the great memories, laughs, roomie dates and all the different things I learned from each of you. You helped to shape me into the person I am today (sounds cheesy, but it's true). I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Help Me Run For The Cure

2005-09-20T16:55:00.000-06:00

I haven't completed bringing you all up to date on my life yet, but I have an important message I want to get out to everyone before I continue with that. I know that everyone has been affected in some way by someone who has or has had cancer. And who knows if we might be the next one. Many of you have already received an e-mail from me about the "CIBC Run For The Cure" in Regina. But, for those who haven't please read the message below and consider supporting me as I walk (I'm not a runner) to help find a cure for breast cancer. I'm walking with a team of 12 other women (so far) and 2 of them are breast cancer survivors, including my Grandma. My goal is to raise $150 dollars, which really isn't that much, but every single dollar counts.

I am participating in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, on Sunday, October 2, 2005, and I am asking for your support.

I am one of more than 170,000 participants who will all be walking or running on October 2. The money I raise will go to fund breast cancer research, education and awareness programs across the country.

I need your support because with it, the Foundation can continue to fund the research and programs that are helping improve the quality of life for families touched by breast cancer.

Donating online is quick, easy and secure! You can pay by VISA, MasterCard or American Express. Within 20 minutes, you will receive a tax
receipt for any donation that has been successfully received.

To donate click here
https://www.cibcrunforthecure.com/html/p.asp?t=1270212&l=1

If you are interested in participating in this year’s Run, there is always room for one more! The event takes place in more than 40 communities across Canada. You can search for Run locations by visiting www.cbcf.org.

Thank you. I appreciate your support!

Heather Wiens

A Little About Me

2005-09-13T20:33:00.000-06:00

Many of you who have checked out my new blog are friends that I haven't seen or heard from in a long time. Thanks for stopping by and leaving comments. I'm still trying to figure out how everything works on this blog - i.e. how to get pics and stuff on.

Anyways, for those of you that I haven't had contact with in a few years here's a little about my life over those years. After finishing 3 years at Bethany Bible Institute (now known as Bethany College), I moved to Saskatoon, my first experience of living in the city. It took some adjusting, but I'm starting to like it. However, I'm still a farm girl at heart and need my open spaces at times. I lived with 2 other girls (Elissa Foth - now Toews - and her friend Rachelle Willems) in a 2 bedroom apartment. I went to Saskatoon Business College and took an accelerated administrative assistant course (7 months). Within those months, Rachelle moved out and Elissa and I moved to a 1-bedroom suite just 2 floors down. I also started attending West Portal Church and connected with old friends (from Bethany) and made some new ones.

Soon after finishing business college I got a temporary job as an administrative clerk at Saskatoon City Hall. And I've been working there ever since - almost 2 1/2 years. In those years my roommate Elissa moved out and got married, my younger sister, Karla, moved in, moved out and got married. And now my roomie Niko lives with me and does his best to keep me company. That's right, a boy moved in with me, and I've included a few pictures of him here. Isn't he handsome?

Whew!! I actually got those pictures to work. I think I'm getting the hang of things. Well, that's the basics about my life so far. This last year I've actually been able to do a wee bit of travelling in our lovely country, so I will write about that and put up some pictures the next chance I get.

First Posting

2005-09-12T17:04:00.000-06:00

Okay, I'm new to this blogging thing, so here is my first posting. I hope I can keep up with this, but my life is not too exciting. Here goes nothin'.