30 Day Challenge - Someone I want to give a second chance

Dear Fibre Op (OK, I know its not a person...get off my back)

I woke up this morning and noticed that you some how erased ALL my PVR'd shows that were being stored for a rainy day. Why? Have I done something to hurt you?

One more chance...that's all you get. Do it again, and I'm cancelling your ass.

Sheena

30 Day Challenge - The last person I kissed

Dear Mark,

"I can't believe we are married". Its true. I know you always think that I'm saying it in a way I don't mean. I really mean that I can't believe that I found someone as sweet and caring as you AND that he lived 5 houses up my street my WHOLE entire life. Thats so bizarre to me! It was meant to be. I can't really remember what life was like before you. Our relationship was fast and intense and fun from the beginning. It didn't take me long to realize it was you that was missing from Rhyan and I's life. You joined our little family and we have been a team of 3 (until Miss A - now it's 4). I wouldn't trade my life for anyone elses. Also, it sure helped that you share a first name with the only celebrity on my "list". I love you.

Love,
Sheena
xxoo

30 Day Challenge - Someone I judged by my first impression

Dear teenage boy cashier at Wal-Mart,

At first I just assumed you wouldn't affect my cashing out in any kind of way, good or bad, or offer any smiles or small talk. You sure surprised me! You were so friendly and funny.

I think your good natured personality is being wasted.

Sheena

30 Day Challenge - Someone that broke your heart the hardest

Dear Blank,

You suck.

Sheena

30 Day Challenge - Someone that pesters my mind...good or bad

These girls don't "pester" my mind....but they are always on it.

Dear Rhyan and Aedhyn-Ann,

You are always in my thoughts. Always. I know that everything I do, have done and will do in the future affects you in some way. Because of that you are both the very first thing I think of when I wake up just like you are both the very last thing I think about before I fall to sleep. I only want good things for you. I work hard everyday to be the mother you deserve. Some days I fall short, but I'm only human, and other days I make up for those shortcomings with special treats or fun one on one time. My girls are my whole heart. You are both my "sunshine".

Love,
Mommy

xxoo

30 Day Challenge - The person I want to be

Dear PERFECT Sheena,

Your husband knows how much you love and treasure him and somehow you never get bitchy with him over stupid things. I love how you don't sweat the small stuff and try to live life day by day. You never want to call in sick and always wake up exactly when your alarm goes off, never pushing snooze...not even once, forget about twice. You never have cravings for chocolate or doritos and eat an apple every day! You're an expert flosser and it makes you so proud to not have the dental hygienist give you lectures every 6 months. You always give people the benefit of the doubt, and you don't judge others. You couldn't care less what others think of you and never let anything anyone has to say bother you! You always have time to do your hair and make up perfectly and never lose your blow dryer. You never complain about emptying the green bin or doing the dishes. You don't get overly competitive during simple board games, you never stalk your teenager via Facebook.

I want every statement you just read to be true. There are some days they are closer to being true then others, but nobody is perfect! :)

xx
The REAL Sheena

30 Day Challenge - Someone from my childhood

How do I choose?

Dear Jordan Knight,

You were and still are my favorite New Kid. I can't quite hit that high note you do during "Step by Step", but man oh man, I'm going to keep trying. You don't even realize how close my childhood BFF Tara-Lee and I came to having a throw down over you. I tried to tell her you prefer brunettes to blondes, but she wouldn't listen.

xx
Sheena

30 Day Challenge - Someone not in my Province/Country

Dear People of Newfoundland,

Can you all throw a couple bucks in towards a trip for me to come there? Without sounding too demanding, I'd like it to be during the George Street Festival. I'd like to stay here: http://www.newfoundland-hotels.com/26_monkstown.htm

May as well throw in some food and beer money.

Much thanks,

Sheena

30 Day Challenge - The person I miss the most

Dear Amber,

I know we tell each other all the time how much we miss each other, I think I miss you more. I don't have any reason why, I just know its true. I think about you everyday. I'm always torn between being mad that my best friend is in Alberta and being so incredibly happy for you and how much you have accomplished since moving there. Way to make it complicated...jerk.

You are one of the happiest, funniest, smartest, most beautiful and caring people I have ever met. Your friendship has meant the world to me. I'm beyond thrilled that you found a great man like Ryan. Although I know that you are independent and will never NEED someone to keep you safe, I know in my heart that Ryan is the man that will do just that.

Love you
Miss you

xx
Sheena

See you in August :)

30 Day Challenge - Someone I have drifted away from

Dear friends from Junior High,

Did you have as much fun during those 3 years as I had? So many laughs and good times! I really loved my years at MacLennan Junior High. I loved the person I was becoming and all my friends who were all a huge part of that process. I still consider some of you to be my good friend. For those of you who I don't see anymore, thank you for helping me come out of my shell and giving me so many happy, funny memories. I'm very appreciative!

xx
Sheena

30 Day Challenge - Someone I wish could forgive me

Hmmm. I'm having trouble coming up with a post for this. I truely hope that there isn't anyone out there holding a grudge or not able to let go of something I've done in the past that has caused them any pain. If there is anyone out there who feels that way I hope they seek me out to tell me! I don't like unfinished business. I'm sure there are a few people bopping around feeling this way, I'm human and have made mistakes (1 or 2 haha).

Sheena

30 Day Challenge - Someone who has caused me a lot of pain

Not interested in writing this one. The person who comes to mind is no longer in my life in a direct way so why bother! Life's too short to write letters to people like that :)

Trek Atlas

You may have read my recent post about the family of 5 who are travelling the world with their three children. The Ingram has been telling their story on this blog http://www.oursonnylife.com/

Little Trek passed away Thursday, June 21 in Thailand with his family holding him and singing his favorite songs to him.

I know that I will continuing following their adventure and will think of Trek often, as I have in the past 4 months I have been reading about him and his family.

30 Day Challenge - Someone deceased that I would like to talk to.

Dear Papa Hardy,

I didn't get to know you very well in the 7 years I had with you before you passed away, but I still feel as though you "get me". Not sure how I can explain it, but I just know you understand me and I feel like I understood you and who you were/are. The title of this post is supposed to be directed at someone who I would like to talk to...but I'm cheating a bit because I do talk to you in my head. All the time. Sometimes it's about things that are going on in my life that I need to get off my chest and can be overwhelming but I can't bring myself to say them out loud to anyone right away and sometimes it's about a silly thing one of the girls did or said that day. I don't expect you to answer me back, I can imagine you have quite a few people like me talking to you everyday. You're busy just taking it all in.

Thanks for listening.

xx

Sheena

30 Day Challenge - Someone I'd like to talk to more

Dear cousins,

I won't name names, but you will know who you are...
Whenever we get together all I do is smile and laugh and think to myself how much I adore you guys!
We don't see each other as often as we would like to because of busy schedules and life in general. I guess that is something that makes our visits so much fun and every time I leave you, I think that we need to start making time for more of those times!

xx

Sheena

30 Day Challenge - Someone I would like to meet

I've been thinking about this for a few days now. I've gone back and forth between political figures, movie stars, musicians, I've even considered the bloody Kardashion's for goodness sakes (but only for Scott Disick because I think he is frickin hilarious). I can't think of just one person I'm DYING to meet. But, there are a group of people who I get asked about probably 2-3 times a week. I've decided that is who I'm going to choose.

Ahem.

Dear Hardy's from Gabarus,

Are we related? I don't even really know? I usually say "no" to someone when they ask me if I'm a "Gabarus Hardy" or I say something like "oh probably from WAY back". Its so confusing. I just want to be a Hardy from Westmount but people in CB want me to be from Gabarus. I'd like to meet you to help me decide if I should just play along and say that yes, in fact, I am a Gabarus Hardy and I'm damn proud of it.

Sheena

30 Day Challenge - Dear Internet Friend

This lady isn't exactly a friend, but I feel as though I know her through her beauitful heartfelt blog. I've been following her story for quite some time now and it's the most raw, sweet and heart wrenching tale. Her blog address is http://www.oursonnylife.com/ (I also have it on my blog list on the side of my page).

Her name is Chelsea Ingram. She and her husband and their three young boys have set out on a magical adventure travelling the world. Their youngest, Trek, is 13 months and was diagnosed with Neimann Pick Type A. Its a rare genetic disorder and is terminal. This family has recognized that they don't have much time left as a family of five and they are embracing life. Where most parents would curl up in the fetal position and accept defeat, Chelsea and Jarett have made the decision that they are going to make the rest of Trek's life the happiest, free living, and most comfortable time for him. I never know if I'm going to be laughing or crying when she posts a new entry.

I feel connected to them now.

Check out her blog, you won't be dissapointed.

So....
Dear Chelsea,

You will never know how much I admire you. Your strength amazes me. Peyton, Conner and Trek are so beautiful it almost hurts to look at them. Thank you for sharing your story.

xx

30 Day Challenge - Dear Ex

Dear Ex,

I wish you all well and hope you are as happy and satisfied in your life as I am in mine!

Sheena :)

30 Day Challenge - Dear Stranger

Dear Stranger,

Maybe it's the Cape Bretoner in me but I like you so much better if you would smile back at me when I pass by. And to be fair, most of you do!

Thanks,
Sheena

30 Day Challenge - Dear Dreams

Dear dreams,

The other night you really freaked me out.
Please leave the vampire version of Matt Damon out of my brain next time.


Thanks,
Sheena

30 Day Challenge - Dear Sibling

Dear sister,

I have so many funny, happy memories that come to mind when I think of you, I can't possibly narrow it down to just a few. Even though technically you are the "little" sister, in many ways, you are the "big" sister too! I usually get my best advice from you and you are one of the few that can talk me through a freak out and get me to see things more clearly. After you let me vent to you, I always feel so much better!
Thank you for that, and also for giving me a nephew who is the most beautiful little boy the THE WORLD!

xx

30 Day Challenge - Dear Parents

Dear Mom and Dad,

You guys are the best! Thank you for being behind me every step of the way. I can't remember a time in my life when I couldn't count on you. You have helped me conquer many things and accomplish many goals. I wouldn't be as satisfied and happy as I am today, without you. You both taught me what it was like to be a present parent. i know that you are two big reasons why Rhyan is as lovely, smart and kind as she is today.

xx

30 Day Challenge - Dear Crush

sigh.

Dear Crush:

I love all your movies, but I can't be sure if it's because of the acting or not.  I think it's so cool that your brother was a New Kid on the Block. I still like you better though. You are my second favorite "Mark" in the whole entire world!

Sheena
xx

30 Day Challenge - Best Friend Letter

I don't just have one best friend. I have a few. Although they are each different in their own ways, just like our relationships differ I feel the same about each one.

Dear Best Friend(s)

Thank you for laughing with me, getting into trouble with me, sticking up for me, including me in your families and helping me become who I am today. I will love you forever and ever. You have at least one quality, if not more, that I strive to develop within myself.

Thank you for having my back and making sure I know it.

xxx

30 Day Challenge

Since i seem to be lacking ideas to post on this blog, here is a fun challenge I came across that will have me writing for 30 days! Now, those of you who know me probably realize it will most likely take me 60 days to complete this challenge, c'mon, go easy on me!

Here is the list of people I have to write a letter to and post:

Day 1 — Your Best Friend
Day 2 — Your Crush
Day 3 — Your parents
Day 4 — Your sibling (or closest relative)
Day 5 — Your dreams
Day 6 — A stranger
Day 7 — Your Ex-boyfriend/girlfriend
Day 8 — Your favorite internet friend
Day 9 — Someone you wish you could meet
Day 10 — Someone you don’t talk to as much as you’d like to
Day 11 — A Deceased person you wish you could talk to
Day 12 — The person you hate most/caused you a lot of pain
Day 13 — Someone you wish could forgive you
Day 14 — Someone you’ve drifted away from
Day 15 — The person you miss the most
Day 16 — Someone that’s not in your state/country
Day 17 — Someone from your childhood
Day 18 — The person that you wish you could be
Day 19 — Someone that pesters your mind—good or bad
Day 20 — The one that broke your heart the hardest
Day 21 — Someone you judged by their first impression
Day 22 — Someone you want to give a second chance to
Day 23 — The last person you kissed
Day 24 — The person that gave you your favorite memory
Day 25 — The person you know that is going through the worst of times
Day 26 — The last person you made a pinky promise to
Day 27 — The friendliest person you knew for only one day
Day 28 — Someone that changed your life
Day 29 — The person that you want tell everything to, but too afraid to
Day 30 — Your reflection in the mirror

Shall we begin?

Yep, I'm still here.

AHMAHGOD

It has been FORVER since I have posted on the blog. To those of you (hi Mom) who actually check occasionally: sorry! and thank you!

So, a few updates...

Rhyan is preparing for Summer Vacation. Which means lots and lots and lots of Soccer! Try outs are all through and now we are just waiting for the season to begin. Her Club Volleyball Season finished up second weekend in May, we were able to travel to Halifax as a family of 4 to take part in the Provincials. Our girl played her heart out, she did amazing. We are beyond proud of her and the dedicated athlete she has become. Rhyan also received SILVER HONORS in school this year. Her Academic and Sports Awards are taking place tonight and we are so thrilled to be able to see her walk across the stage and receive the recognition she deserves. She's our little SuperStar.

Aedhyn-Ann is 20 months now and I'm sure I can see the very beginning of horns growing up out of her head. Oh my badness. But, it's not an "I'm going to go insane, my kid will end up a murderer" badness...it's more like a "Wow, she has a hilarious sense of humor and shut up because she is listening to EVERYTHING we say" kind of badness. So funny this kid. She started using the potty, sleeping through the night and putting 2 and 3 sentences together over night. I'm afraid I'm going to wake up and find her in the bathroom shaving her legs for the first time, she is growing so fast.

I started a new job recently and I love it. It is the most rewarding, selfless, exciting, and important job I've ever had. I now work for a local non-profit organization that helps children and their families with developmental delays of all kinds. I absolutly adore getting to visit all my families every week and playing with the children. I can finally exhale. Feels good.

Last month, my girls took part in a photoshoot with the Fab John Ratchford or Ratchford Photographic (www.ratchfordphotographic.com) and just today I receieved the proofs....

Look at that face!

My beautiful teenager.

These girls are my whole heart...look at how stunning they both are.


I really plan on being back in less time then it has taken me since my last post! See you then
xx

13

My sweet Rhyan will be 13 on the 5th of April. Whaaaattt? Where in the world did those 13 years go? I know, you hear everyday how children grow up so quickly. Well, your going to hear it one more time today. ITS TRUE! I still remember looking at her tiny little face while she was sleeping in the carseat on the way home. She was so small and I was so scared that I would mess up being a parent so young.

Every day of every year of her life she has made me laugh and smile and wonder how did she turn out so lovely and smart? This girl, this TEENAGER has brought me to tears because I am so proud of how kind and well behaved she is.

Love you Rhyan Christina,
To the moon and back.
xo

A tad late but.......

MERRY CHRISTMAS friends!!

I sincerely hope you all had a wonderful Holiday! We were busy as usual in our Happy Little Home, but tis the season, right?

XO's