:: Summer is here! ::

:: Here are some shots from our weekend . . . two weekends ago. Okay, so I'm a little behind on the blogging front!??!? ::

:: We thought summer had arrived in BC, we were wrong....It's now very, very cold and we forgot that we ever brought out the pool and romped around in our bathing suits all day ::

:: Come back Mr. Sun , Come back! ::

:: My Mom invited me to go to a Women's breakfast @ her church so the shot in the top left corner is just before we left and then the picture in the middle on the right is of the pedestal plate and dome I won from a door prize while we were there. What fun! I usually never win. Well actually now that I think of it, I wasn't supposed to win it. My friend Lyla was sitting where I ended up sitting but we adjusted the seating plan so everyone could see and voila I ended up in the winning seat. So sorry Lyla, maybe next time you'll win ;) ::

:: The rest of the shots are from our weekend around the house. It was a wonderful weekend and so much fun to see the boys play in the yard. They are the reasons we moved here & we are so blessed! ::

:: Perfect ::

:: I've been away from posting anything until I composed this post ::

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:: I want to talk to you about your impression of me ::

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:: I want you to know, I am FAR from perfect ::

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:: I don't do everything well. I have struggles just like everyone else. I have things in my life that I don't talk about on here. I don't talk about them on here because I'm embarrassed about them or because I'm concerned of what y'all would think ::

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:: I am "glass half full" kinda girl (on most occasions). I love my life. Some of the aspects in my life are challenging to me, and I'm working on those. My point is I am generally a very positive person, that doesn't mean that everything in my life is "perfect" or the picture of perfection ::

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:: I have daily challenges with relationships in my life, weight loss, finances etc. Pretty much everyone has these same challenges in your life on one degree or another ::

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:: However since this blog is a very public blog (as in everyone in my life pretty much knows about it) and it gets close to 60 views a day, I need to limit my information and sensor what I write about (which, let me tell ya is very difficult for me) ::

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:: I would never want to write anything that would affect my friends or family in a negative way, but that doesn't mean me or my life is "perfect". I, in no way would I ever want to give off that impression. I do have a wonderful life and that is what I want to share with y'all ::

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:: One key in my life is my Savior. Not my husband, not my kids, not my family, not even my friends (no matter how good y'all are). My God is my rock, He is my right hand, He is the one I call on for the simple things, He is my passion. He is what I want to show to you. He is my desire, He knows me best. He wants to see me be the best I can be. He is the one I want to bless with my life. He is the one I want to have shine through me ::

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:: I strive to do all things in excellence through Christ. I don't always succeed, but I don't dwell on not succeeding, I pick myself up and try again. Because Christ is with me, when I succeed and when I fail He is there for me. His love for me doesn't change ::

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:: I want you to know this because I have been feeling challenged on why I don't write about some of my struggles. However when I read back on my blog, I have written about my struggles. I've just chosen to write about them once they are resolved and usually they turn out alright, for the better or even better then I could have ever imagined. Then instead of a trial or a problem, they turn out to be something great ::

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:: So I ask as you read my blog you look beyond the post and see what I had to go through to get to the end result that I have written about. More than likely I had to walk through a bunch of mud and gunk to get to the end result. I would also suggest that if you are in the midst of a trial or struggle (no matter how great or small) that you remember that the story is not finished. That what you are going through can be determined by your outlook and the choices you make ::

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:: What would a book be without some good problems, a fight here or there and then a happy ending? Well, I'll tell ya, I sure wouldn't want to be reading that book! So expect that God wants your story to have a happy ending, no matter how crappy or dramatic the story is now. He wants it to end well and He will take care of you through it all ::

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:: Okay, I didn't want this to be a preach-fest, but I truly feel like I may be misunderstood and that y'all think I live in a dreamy world with roses with no thorns, cake with no calories and children with no poopy bums. If this is what you see my friends, I'm sorry but you are sadly mistaken...I would be living in heaven if that were the case! ::

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:: Enough is enough, I think I have gotten my point across. It has only taken me five days to write and publish this stupid post! ::

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:: I hope you "get" me and if you have ANY questions about what I am like or what I think please feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment ::

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:: I am going to leave you with this song, I have had this song in my head all week and cannot get it out of my heart and mind. It truly expresses how great God is and what he wants for us ::

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:: I have posted the lyrics below as well as a link (or two because I'm indecisive) to youtube to listen to the song ::

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Might to Save

By: Hillsongs Music

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Everyone needs compassion

A love that's never failing

Let mercy fall on me

Everyone needs forgiveness

A kindness of a Savior

The hope of nations

Savior

He can move the mountains

My God is Mighty to save

He is Mighty to save

Forever

Author of salvation

He rose and conquered the grave

Jesus conquered the grave

So take me as

You find me

All my fears and failures

Fill my life again

I give my life to follow

Everything I believe in

Now I surrender

Shine your light and let the whole world see

We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwWYfwuTeaw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYqogpLpC5Q

{FYI :: I had to put in these stupid things "~" between each paragraph so there would be spaces, blogger isn't cooperating with me! }

:: Why? ::

:: Seriously ::

:: Why did they need to add chocolate to their repertoire? :: :: Wasn't perfectly brewed, delish, strong coffee good enough? :: :: Why didja have to go and mix the two together on me? Now that is just dangerous! ::

:: A knock @ the door ::

:: Last week, Thursday to be exact I heard a knock at the door... ::

:: When I answered I found a sweet little girl that I love so much holding this ::

:: Now this is how the story goes, I get a call on Wednesday morning by this sweet baby girl's mom asking if I would be able to help cut her and her sisters hair. Being the loving Auntie I am, I says "sure, come on over". They arrive all ready to have their locks trimmed....now I thought, surely I wouldn't be trusted to actually CUT their hair!?!!? Who would do that? I use Sun-In in my hair for crying out loud (oh, side note: sorry Candice, I just remembered you emailed...I will email you back asap)! Nope, it was all me. So my thought is "well it's just hair, It'll grow back if I ruin it too much!" ::

:: As you can tell by the flowers the hair cuts went well and both little ladies looked perfectly trimmed, they may come back, if they do, I know I've done a good job. If not, that's okay at least I didn't ruin it too bad! ::

:: My new blog will be www.shawnasccc.com (Shawnas cakes cards & cuts). Ha Ha Ha, I'm just joking! ::

:: Thanks for the flowers lovely ladies, they were not expected but so welcomed! The flowers came from my favorite little flower shop called Flowers & Co. and to top it off they included some freesia...freesia just smells like wedding to me. I love it! ::

:: I am blessed to be me and an Auntie...if only by love! ::

:: I'm here... ::

:: Hey Y'all! Happy Monday to ya! ::

:: We had a super weekend full of lotsa livin' and it has left me quite deflated. I'm sure you understand ::

:: I will be around these parts tomorrow but right now I am recovering from going on a walk to and from Costco and from doing a whole bunch of laundry but not quite finishing the job (it's always been an issue for me) ::

:: I will download my pictures from the weekend tomorrow but I will be having guest for breakfast so it will be after that ::

:: Hope y'all have been enjoying the amazing weather (including the thunderstorm we had yesterday) ::

:: Blog atcha soon! ::

:: Last Night ::

:: I gathered a whole bunch of good girls at my house and we sat around chattin' and making cards to fill all of our card boxes for the next few months - Thanks all for coming out I had a wonderful time visiting with y'all! :::: Here are my designs from the night :: :: I finished 18 cards in total, not bad for a few hours work! ::
:: I decided to make some mini brownie cupcakes and some lemon squeeze cupcakes for the event. They turned out great and went quick - I love baking! (& apparently so does Jacob as he was grabbing the cupcakes off the plate during the photoshoot)::

:: Thanks again gals - y'all are so fun! ::

:: Request from A S A Q D ::

:: Per the bellow request ...

" this isn't a question so much as a request! now that you've told us how you and paul met- can we see a wedding photo sometime?! "

...here are pictures of our beautiful wedding. Because we were united in marriage before the digital revolution I had to dig these out of the crawl space and scan them in ::

:: It was a great flashback to our amazing wedding day and a fabulous kick in the butt to get loosing the baby weight that I gained by not having a baby (ha!) ::

* Wedding Day Stats *

September 21, 2002

Paul was 25

I was 21

Ceremony @ Christian Life Assembly in Langley

Reception @ Northview Golf & Country Club in Surrey

Photo's by Yaletown Wedding Gallery

ENJOY!

* The song I walked down the isle to is still by far my favorite song, as far as isle walks go! It's called Highlands Cathedral by Amy Grant. Click on the link below then under her picture it says "listen to samples" click on that and it's number five. When the song climaxes (near the end of the sample) that is when the doors opened and my Dad & I started down the isle.

This was at 10:14 am (aprox) and it was the first time Paul saw me.

It was my most favorite memory of the day!

http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Remember-Amy-Grant/dp/B000028TV3

:: A S A Q D ::

:: Okay in an attempt to spice up this day (it's very blah here in Vanc. today) I've decided to do something I've never done before. Ready for it? Here it comes...::

:: It's "ASK SHAWNA A QUESTION DAY" ::

:: Here are the rules ::

No. 1 - There are no rules.

No. 2 - Ask me whatever you want.
No. 3 - If you have never posted a comment on here, now is your chance.

No. 4 - You can post your question anonymously if you are too shy to have your name attached to it.

No. 5 - Again, there are no rules.

No. 6 - Have fun!

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:: Edited to add answers ::

Q: What kind of camera would you buy if money were no object?

A: I would buy two, one for my purse so that I always have a quality camera within reach and then I would buy a bigger one for photo shoots and deliberate shots.

This would be my purse one:

And I would like a Canon like this one or the Nikon equivalent:

Q: What is your favorite beauty product?

A: Yikes, this is a hard one...I have a few things that I absolutely love ::

* Lip gloss, doesn't really matter how cheap or expensive as long as it's clear and shiny it's all good

* Mascara, I really like mascara....don't wear it every day but it is a favorite and I have used this one forever:

* Self Tanner, I want to look good when I get old so I use self tanner instead of the natural sun (most of the time!* Sun-In, I don't "dye" my hair but I do use a form of peroxide in it called Sun-In. It works like a charm and I pay $8.00 for a bottle and the bottle lasts me the whole year through

Q: What decorating style are you?

A: I don't know? I would say I'm have quite a mix of styles...I like fresh clean lines, but on the more traditional side of clean...not modern. I wouldn't say that I have a "style" I just like what I like. It sometimes changes but pretty much stays the same.

I have always loved white, all white, white, white, white. If I lived by myself with no kids or boys for that matter I would have white everywhere. It's just not practical for my life right now.

I don't like wood, most of my items in my house if they are wood they are painted...I know someone is turning over in their grave but natural wood is just not my style. I do have bits and pieces of it here and there for contrast (& Paul's) sake :)

Q: How did you meet your husband, tell us your 'story'

A: Here is a synopsis of our relationship thus far, it's a fairly loaded question, so it may be a post all to itself:

We met in April 1999 @ bible study

I liked him immediately, for him not so much

Started dating July 18 1999

First kiss 5 nights after we started dating

He told me he loved me 10 days after we started dating, I waited to tell him I loved him until we had been dating for 3 months (I know I'm a jerk!)

We got engaged on March 30th 2002

Married on September 21 2002

Q: What did you want to be when you grew up? (As a child, then as a teen?)

A: A Policewoman or a Nurse - they still remain the same, I have variables in my life that are not conducive to doing either

Q: What's your favourite outfit?

A: Anything that is in a size 8 - kidding, no, no I'm not kidding....I would just be happy to be a size 8 again.

Q: Can you pick a favourite movie?

A: That's easy, "Hope Floats".

Q: What do you like on your popcorn?

A: Butter & Salt - I'm French ya know!

Q: How do you take your coffee?

A: Black, my other lover is coffee.

Q: What's your favourite snack food at Starbucks?

A: I don't really have one, I always get the fruit 'n grain bar because it's nutritionally the best thing for me, but typically I just get an 1/2 caf americano extra hot

Q: What is the hardest part of your day?

A: I don't think I have a "hardest part" of my day, it just depends on what I have planned for my day. But typically what I find to be the most difficult on an ongoing basis is getting myself ready as well as everyone else in the house. I'm always last on the list.

Q: If you could go away for one day, where would you go? and what would you do?

A: Charter a plane to Hawaii with Paul & I and spend 12 hours there playing in the sun & surf, watch the sunset from a lanai while we are enjoying dinner, then head back home. 6 hours there + 12 hours enjoying Hawaii and then 6 hours home = perfect day!

Q: If you had 15 dollars to spend, what would you do with it?

A: I would go to Michael's to buy a set of fondant cutters that I saw the other day then take the other $10 and walk to Starbucks with my boys tonight and buy us each a coffee and share a treat

Q: Favourite scent?

A: Anything tropical ~ Coconut or Satsuma (that is currently what I am wearing) or Peony body spray by Bath & Bodyworks

Q: Best time saving tip?

A: Life is too short to be un-organized- I want to be organized so I can enjoy what I'm doing for the rest of the day (that is my motto when Paul says I'm micro managing/organizing our life @ midnight).

A: Do your make-up in the car - if you are ever looking for my make-up at my house you will never find it. It is always in my car. I have never had a car accident while doing my make-up, they have all been caused by other factors ;)

Q: What would your ideal date be with Paul?

A: A night downtown Vancouver, dinner out, a hotel room, Granville island for a picnic lunch and walking around the sea wall.

Q: What is your favourite item of clothing in your closet right now?

A: My little black linen & cotton two button shrug that I got for $14-

Q: Do you have a mentor or someone of inspiration for life?

A: I have lots of influential people in my life that I draw different things from. I have a wonderful resource of family & friends that when called upon will mentor and support me.

Q: Biggest fear?

A: Throwing up.

Q: Favorite food?
A: This is a really hard one, but I do love a wonderful Grilled Chicken Salad (Milestones has a great one)

Q: Favorite recipe?

A: It depends what I'm making

Appy:

Hot Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Entree:

Classy Chicken

Dessert:

Social Apple Betty or Pavlova or . . . I love making desserts!

Q: If you could go on a missions trip anywhere, where would you go?

A: Ooohh this is a loaded question

1) I would return to Albania and travel through Macedonia to Kosovo again

2) I would LOVE to go to Israel...that is a dream of mine to do with my boys when they are old enough

Q: Biggest regret? (this one may be too personal, so no worries if you don't want to answer)

A: I really can't think of any regrets, not worth mentioning at least ("I wish I wouldn't have had that brownie last night" - that is a regret of mine).

I asked Paul and he said, "I don't think you have any specific regrets do you?" and honestly, I don't. I have taken everything I have been dealt and everything that I have chosen to do and turned it to being a positive in my life.

I think I came out of the womb knowing what I wanted and how I wanted it. I'm pretty sure of what is good for me and what I'm going to regret. So I don't take the chance on doing something that I might regret.

Q: What are you most proud of?

A: My trust in the Lord

Q: What does the word "family" mean to you?

A: It is everything to me

:: May Long Weekend ::

:: Over the weekend we . . .

:: Drove by fabulous farms set against a sky of blue :: :: Jacob took time out of the morning routine to sit back and read (wish I had too) :: :: Enjoyed time out to take a swing :::: Went shopping then stopped at the beach to have a picnic ::

:: Enjoyed wonderful company ::

:: Watched baby touch the ocean for the first time ::

:: And love every minute of it (unlike his older brother who stayed in the stroller the whole time) ::
:: Stared up at the beautiful sun-lit sky ::
:: Took time to take in all of God's fabulous creations ::

:: I hope your weekend was half as great as mine, then I know you too had a great time ::

:: I'm still fighting off this stupid cold and have been living through drugs but I didn't let that hold me down! ::

:: Right Now... ::

:: I am . . .

* Enjoying a childless night (they are sleeping soundly in their beds)

* Watching "Dancing with the Stars" finale

* Folding laundry

* Listening to Paul pick through the bag of candy

(obviously he doesn't like all of candies in the bag)

* Playing with Picasa

* Blogging all of my nothing-ness

. . . I will be back with pictures from our weekend. My shoulders have almost recovered from my burn {bad Shawna, I know, I know} but it was so enjoyable to be in the sun and feel the warmth of it so close ::

:: Stay tuned y'all ::