This is where I'm at today...you?

Take some time to become still in God's presence. Slow your breathing through the following exercise Inhale: Breathe in the peace of Christ Exhale: Breathe out anxiety of the day. Inhale: Breathe in the gentleness of Christ. Exhale: Breathe out mental clutter and distraction. Inhale: Breathe in freedom in Christ. Exhale: Breathe out that which binds you. Inhale: Breathe in the joy of Christ. Exhale: Breathe out discouragement. Inhale: Breathe in the love of Christ. Exhale: Breathe out selfishness and personal agendas. Continue until you feel at rest before God

Spring???

Well, it's time change day. I saw the first points of my tulips and hyacinths in the garden. The neighbour of our duplex raked the front yard and Ray raked the back yard. All the fall leaves are cleaned up and we're ready for the brown grass to turn green...that might take awhile but we're waiting.

We went for a walk and knocked on Karl and Lisa's door to invite them to the park...only to find them already at the park. This new park is a great discovery. It is perfect distance...not to close so it feels like a bit of a walk, yet not too far that the kids are exhausted by the time we arrive. It is right off the green way and from what we can gather - will have washrooms when the building is finished.
We met friends and family and all agree this is a great new destination for bike rides.

So Spring...whenever you would like to arrive, we're ready for you !!

change...

There are times when change is just something that needs to happen. There often isn't anything that you can pin point as a moment when all of a sudden that need appears inside us, but there it is. That's what happened to me.
If it hits both of us we usually re-arrange furniture or move but since neither of those things are happening any time soon...

One moment I looked at the picture in the living room and from that moment on I have wanted to change it. I had no idea what exactly I was hoping for - just a change.

That's where friends come in. I have a friend whom I have joked as my personal shopper (she picked out a few outfits for me while shopping that I love but probably wouldn't have bought without her input) and a sister-in-law who just has the eye for design. I mentioned I have been looking and thinking of what I wanted instead of the picture. Instantly they had ideas. My budget had some input too though...
Therefore my dream for change actually came true...just in time for my Mom's visit.
Thanks ladies, I love it!!

Before...











after...

Christmas moments to remember...

Cousins preform the Nativity story...



Someone stole the camera and these moments were captured too...

gifts from India...

Moments with Grandpa...


gifts for family...

Family moments...

Moments with cousins and Gramma

Virtual Christmas with family

moments with friends...

Chocolate House

Gingerbread is so last season....just kidding. I love Gingerbread but I love Chocolate even more....

Thanks to the two builders here...we have a straight, soild formed house.

Decorated by Kyla and Mark, chocolate melted by Mom.

Snowmobiling

Another thing we tried this winter was letting the kids have a go at snowmobiling...yes they were in a controlled environment...for any Grammas and Grandpa's reading this out there....







We went up to Big White for the day and enjoyed walking around the village. We saw the snow mobiles and thought it would be something for sure Mark would love but Kyla - not so sure.

When we were considering this inside the shack, I was thinking out loud about what happened when Kyla wanted to go on Daddy's motorcycle...she got the helmet on but freaked out and refused to get on. I was not about to pay for her to go on this snowmobile only to have her do the same. The man offered to allow her to put the helmet on and IF, IF she rode it, he would charge us. I agreed.

They both loved it! LOVED it I should say. Mark was sad he had to share "his" time with her but really, they both had equal amount of time for exactly what we paid for. Mark might have enjoyed venturing off of the track a bit more but Kyla was content and excited to go around and around the track. For the first time, I think it was perfect.

snowboarding

I picked up this board for Mark to practice "snowboarding" with. He loved it. Amazingly enough he got on the board and had the balance and stability to get down the toboggan hills with ease. He obviously doesn't get his sense of balance and charisma from his mother. I would have fallen a few times before even reaching the bottom - that is if I hadn't jumped off after just starting to move.

Ray took Mark up the mountain to give actual snowboarding a try. He called from the cell phone after taking the lift for a second time...."I did it mom!" "I went so straight and so fast...I love it". I was so proud of him. After talking with Ray I learned that yes he did fall a few times and yes, it was a bit scary watching him go straight down the hill without turning - but he had picked it up quite fast.

Good job Mark. We're proud of you!

skating

Skating is a fun past time for winter months. This year Mark is doing much better getting going and is working on stopping. Kyla on the other hand, this is her first time on skates. She did AMAZING. Used the bar for a bit and wanted to try without after only going around a few times. She falls and gets up with a big smile on her face - AGAIN...

I love watching both of these kids learn so fast and each year they surprise me.

Christmas

here are some of my favorite memories of this last Christmas season.

We volunteered as a family to be in the church Living Nativity...

Family Photo shoot

Photos by Lisa Haywood

India

Ray's trip to India was life changing, amazing and yet he is still "processing" it all. This is something I didn't not feel I should be blogging about as it was not my trip. Here are just a few pictures of his time there...

Scrabbler

Scrabble is a game I don't play much. There are a few in my family that love this game. I myself am an increablably awful speller. I get intimidated playing with some but I do enjoy the game enough to play.

Last night, I played Scrabble with my mom and my mother-in-law. I can say the game was close. I knew my mom was playing so I had the Official Scrabble Dictionary ready for this game. Normally Trudy does not play with this book, but she was willing this time to humor us.

For my game, I might not have the correct definition but I can come up with a word. Sometimes I even have the correct spelling - if I"m lucky.

I for some reason was on an "ER" frame of mind. Luckily I found myself having the "ER" letters almost every time I picked up. I played words like "sitter" which you may laugh but I actually had the correct definition without looking it up ! - "one that sits". I played "winger" but I thought it was hockey not soccer - oops...oh yeah and my mom played that word (oops) but we didn't allow "yaada" as in "yaada yaada".
I came up with "QAT" but didn't know the definition...for those of you who are interested it means an evergreen shrub. I even got to play it on a triple word spot.
I'll know the definition next time if Trudy will allow it (it can only be found it the Scrabble dictionary)!

Thanks ladies for a great game!!

ps...When I do my spell check for this blog...QAT does not register as a word nor does YAADA YAADA!!!

A photo shoot

KVR

The chance to enjoy a beautiful fall day up a mountain...who would pass this up?









We spontaneously agreed to go up to the KVR...aka...Kettle Valley Railroad. As the 2 Dads and 4 kids took off riding bikes I was able to walk along the path with our respite girl at a much slower pace. I would say it was quiet and but it wasn't but it sure was peaceful.
We took time to look out and enjoy the view, stop at benches, point out the chip monks, birds and squirrels.



At the 10th bridge we finally caught up to the bike riders. If you look closely you can see one running towards me on the bridge.
I walked about 7 1/2 km and the bike riders went further than that.

We passed through 2 tunnels and over 10 bridges.
Great job kido's!

visiting Dad

I had a great time surprising Dad for his birthday. Thanks to Jessica and Mikaela (and Norm) we pulled it off.











Dad and Carolyn and I went for a walk and toured a small village.

I got to hang out with all of them and meet Phil. I loved just being there. Apart of the everyday things and helping around. I loved seeing my dad's face when we surprised him and I loved just being with him for his birthday!

I got to met his house group and see them bless him.

I was blessed being there as much as I hope I blessed you Dad by coming! Your words to me will never be forgotten. Thanks!

this picture was for the kids...they wanted to say hi to Nala, Teddy and Cloe!

Dad and Carolyn spend much time preparing the healthy drinks. Shoping, preping and then of course Dad has to drink them.

The green one tasted like drinking liquid grass. I tried both green and orange. We're praying they work for you Dad as that's gross to drink every day.

I had fun playing with Dad and the old train. He's getting ready for 3 grandsons to come and play with. What great memories were shared and moments together!

Thanks again girls and Carolyn for helping this surprise happen. And I love you Dad!!