:: Book Review ::

:: I am a reader, I love to read. Nowadays I don't often find "spare" time to read, but when I'm on a trip or sitting in the backyard with the boys I often have a book in my hand and just the other day my Mom gave me a book that I had been wanting to get - it's called "20 and Counting" by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar ::

:: I am fascinated by their lifestyle and high standards and admire their ability to serve Christ - they are not "weird" for wearing modest clothes nor are they "odd" for having what seems like a few hundred kids, they are simply listening and obeying what Christ has told them to do and act on where they are convicted ::


:: So I have been reading their book and boy have I read amazing things and felt completely convicted for not listening closer to what Christ wants to do through me by obeying Him! ::

:: I am just over half way through and I have re-read parts over and over so that it really sinks in - some of it is so encouraging and other parts terribly overwhelming ::

:: If you don't know anything about this family, know this, they have only ever had one mortgage - they now live in a 7,000 square foot home on acreage and owe no money except their taxes. They pay cash for everything and depend on God for EVERY need, and He provides. Their first mortgage was for $19,000.00. Currently they use Quicken software to balance their expenses, this is the same software we started using at the beginning of the year {it's hard to get used to but worth the effort}. Now if those facts don't blow your socks off, I don't know what will -- Who can say that they wrote a cheque for $85,000.00 from your bank account, not borrowed money from the bank but actual money that you had saved! Goodness me, I have a lot to learn! ::

:: All in all I have totally enjoyed reading this book and I can't wait to sit and watch an hour of their family interaction on TLC's Show "18 kids and Counting" on Tuesday night ::

:: Ps. I love biographies, have you read any that are a "must read", if so I would love to hear which ones they are!

:: The Bachelorette Episdoe No. 9 ::

:: So I have to admit, I missed the first half {aka: all the good stuff} as we were out looking at a future RV for us {which is still being discussed and prayed about} -- but I did get the down low on what happened ::


:: Here are my 2 cents ::

* I think that Reid & Jill are "just friends" material, but I don't think we've seen the last of him yet...poor guy he needs to learn to buck up and say what he feels!

* I thought Kiptyn was sure to be the one voted off the island this time around, but no he still there - I don't see what she sees in him, but Paul does, He thinks they will end up together.

* Ed, Ed brought his parents to Hawaii to meet Jill, oh boy! What brownie points he earned!!! I want it to be Ed & Jill in the end, he's my vote

:: What are your thoughts? I love that they are staying in the islands, it's truly one of the most romantic places on earth! ::

:: 30 Day Challenge ::

:: Hop over and visit these blog lovelies that have also joined me in the 30 day blogging challenge ::

* Meg *
* Nadine *
* Elyisha *
* Crystal *
* Nadine B *
* Anita *
* Susan *
* You could be next! *

* Happy Bloggging *

:: Home-Made Cookies {kinda} ::

:: Hey Lovelies, I hope y'all had a great weekend...mine was full of celebrating the new and the old {more on that later!} ::

:: Thank you for all of your well wishes, thoughts and prayers for us and this road we're on. I can say that we can truly feel the prayer and the hand of our Heavenly Father on us -- You are a part of my family and I know that you have our best interest at heart - so thank you again ::

:: I've been meaning to post this recipe for quite a while but I totally forgot about it ::


:: So here is a recipe for super easy home baked cookies, they are great when you want the aroma and not all the hard work of measuring or if you have some little ones at home that want to bake cookies ::

:: Cake Mix Cookies ::

1 package of cake mix (any flavor)
1 large egg
1/4 cup of oil
1/4 cup of water
1 cup of chopped nuts, raisins, oatmeal, coconut, chocolate chips, M&M'S® etc.
(anything you like in cookies)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Combine cake mix, egg, oil, and water. Beat until well blended. Stir in remaining ingredient (s).

Drop by teaspoon about 1 inch apart onto greased cookie sheet.

Bake for 15 minutes or until done. Makes about 4 dozens.

:: *If you are from the USA or shop down there, make sure you check out Fred Meyer for their deals on cake mixes, they often have cake mixes on for $0.75/piece or max $1.00..such a good thing to have on hand for these cookies - especially in the summer when you can smash ice cream between them, yummy! Oh, and double chocolate {chocolate cake mix & chocolate chips} is one of my favorite combo's for this recipe ::

:: I'm off to finish folding laundry, fixing dinner and getting ready to look at a motor home tonight - we're praying about investing in a little trailer or motor home so we'll see what the Lord decides to do with this dream - pray with us if you would! ::

:: See you tomorrow lovelies, for a challenge and my thoughts on The Bachelorette ::

:: Jacob's 3rd Birthday Celebration ::

:: We celebrated Jacob's birthday quite a bit after his actual day, but it didn't matter a pinch, he was just delighted to have the lovely people in his life all in one place to celebrate him, in full train style! ::

{click on photos to enlarge}

:: We spoke for months about what he wanted to have for his birthday theme, and the overwhelming response was "tchuu chuu" --- So we had a train themed party and oh what a party! ::

:: We drank yummy tea and lemonade and ate candies before dinner too! ::

:: Just look at all the family we had to celebrate with us, what a wonderful time of celebrating! ::
{top left to right: Papa (Jacob's paternal great grandfather), Grampie, Auntie Lindsey, Cousin Denay in the bouncy thing that Jacob hates, schmozzle of kids on picnic blankets, Jacob and his favorite big girl friend - Madelyne, The Pink Bakers singing happy birthday, Uncle Trevy, Aunty Christy & Cousin Denay}

:: We ate cake, and cake and more cake - it was so fun to see his face when he woke from his nap and the cake was ready, he couldn't believe it -- he licked it, but don't tell the guests ;) ::

:: We BBQ'd in good 'ol Summer style, hot dogs and hamburgers all around, it was a beautiful thing! Poor Cole doesn't seem to agree in that bottom photo!?! ::

:: And of course a few photos of the grandparents with the big little 3 year old boy! ::

:: We love you so much Jacob and just couldn't help but celebrate in true Choo-Choo style with you! Thank you to all who were able to make it out to celebrate our biggest little boy, we love and cherish you all! ::

:: Happy Birthday Marm ::

:: Today is my Marm's birthday, she's a great Mom full of love, sincerity and goodness --- she is truly what a Momma should be ::

:: Here is a little questionnaire I had her fill out a while back, so Happy Birthday Mom - I pray you know how much you are loved today and always! ::

* * *

Where do you live?

Surrey, a Burb of Vancouver

what is your favorite color?

hmmm…..I wear a lot of black, but I love all colors

what is your favorite city?

I love living in Vancouver, but I love the feel of small town america

What is your favorite thing to cook?

All things that I like to eat….that is a VERY large variety! Love chicken with different sauces on top…roasted or stir-fried veggies….apple betty. I love being in the kitchen….but I don’t spend as much time there as I used to….

What beauty product can you not live without?

foundation and lipstick

I am NOT low maintenance….I give myself facials all the time…I am not a 5 minutes and I’m ready for the day kinda girl…..

what is your favorite nyc restaurant?

Film Center Café It’s small, quaint and has amazingly good food

What is one thing you can’t help but splurge on?
pedicures

What is your favorite word?

Woo-hoo (as crazy as it sounds – the g-kidlets know it’s me when I call it out)

What movie can you recite by heart?

It’s a Wonderful Life and parts of The Muppets Christmas Carole


What is your favorite thing to do on the weekend?

Breakfast out with friends or family

Which tv show makes you happiest?

All home design programs…I’m addicted

What is your favorite beverage?

Diet Pepsi with lime wedge

What is one trend that totally victimized you?

Probably the ‘fitness’ clothing lines…..I am SO NOT a fitness guru, and to wear the yoga pants and stuff is VERY comfortable, but I feel so not justified to wear it.
If you could trade lives with anyone for a day who would you chose?
I can’t think of anyone I would rather be….corny I know but true

What is your favorite comfort food?

Okay…true confession time. I take equal parts of chocolate chips, butterscotch chips and peanut butter….melt it in the microwave, stir it until all melted and mixed together and pour it over vanilla ice cream . After a bowl of that…nothing really matters any more.

What famous person do you think you most resemble?

Sally Fields

What is your favorite adventure that we've shared?

Life is always an adventure with you….I love to shop with you, lunch together….antiquing and bargain hunting.

Holidays together are a top of the list favourite, too

What was the best piece of advice you were ever given? Who gave it to you?

Business – Never accept no from someone who doesn’t have the authority to say yes. (I have used this SO OFTEN, but I can’t remember who I got it from)

Personal – Lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.

What three possessions do you value most?

Hmmm….I love my home and I’m very thankful for it

I love things with history…hand-me-downs like my Mom’s silver candle sticks

What three non-material things do you value most?

My Hubby, my kids and their spouses, and my grandkidlets

When was the last time you told someone you loved them? Who was it?

Yesterday, my hubby

:: Our Road ::

:: I've been away from here for a bit of a sabbatical --- not that I wanted to be away, it just happened that way ::

:: Life isn't always pretty or what you expect, but one thing that doesn't change is God's sovereign love and plan for us ::

:: I will share about the road we have been walking when I feel compelled to do so, for right now I ask that you pray for my little family and know that we are seeking Him for everything ::

:: This song has been on repeat in my car for the past few days, it certainly sums up what and how I have been feeling ::

Edge of the Water By Tammy Trent

You know my heart
You've seen the darkness in it
The disappointment that dims the innocence of it
And my soul knows
And so it goes
How beautiful you are
Bright and morning star
I bow down and kiss your feet
The feet that lead me from the dark
When my faith is shaken
My way is lost and jaded, and I don't know where to turn
Afraid but not forsaken
And my soul knows
And so it goes
how wonderful you are
Redeemer of my heart
I reach out and kiss your hands
The hands that wear loves scars
And when I stood on the edge of the water
With fading hope there would be a tomorrow
You held me safe in your hands
Reminding me that I would walk again
How powerful you are
You've carried me this far
I look up and kiss your face
The face that sees inside my heart
The face that sees my heart

:: May this post touch you wherever you are at and know that you are not alone in what you are walking, that is the one thing I know for sure. He is with me always ::

:: The LORD is close to the brokenhearted,
and he saves those whose spirits have been crushed ::
:: Psalms 34:18 ::

:: I'll be back soon lovelies, on a lighter note, I'm sure ::

:: The Bachelorette Episode No. 5 ::

:: Whistler Whistler Whistler -- One of the most beautiful places in BC and they were there, enjoying the beauty that BC has to offer. It was an incredible show last night, just for the scenery let alone the drama! ::

:: So the show starts out with Michael and Jillian Zip Lining it to first base {apparently she saw something I didn't, I wasn't sold that he was going to get a rose}. But he did. Poop. I was disappointed, he reminded me of an ex of mine {that will remain unnamed - to protect the innocent, hence the fact that he's an ex}. Anyway, back on track here. She apparently likes the crazy jazz hands. Humph ::

:: While back at Fairmont Chateau Whistler Testosteroneville there is still talk of certain guys not being there for the "right" reasons aka: to get with Jillian. When there is the infamous knock at the door. The following guys are invited to a "snow day" with "Jilly" - - - Wes, Kiptyn, Jake, Reid, Mark & Ed. Which means that Jesse will get the last one on one date ::

:: Jillian heads out with all the guys on the group date snowmobiling it throughout Whistler back country, and chooses Robby to ride with her. He talks to her about the whole girlfriend issue and she's pretty sure that he doesn't have a girlfriend. He puts her mind at ease and she's thankful to have that out of the way ::

:: Tanner talks to Jillian about watching her back and she gets frustrated that he should be more worried about getting to know her instead of trying to tell her what to do. Then Wes comes and grabs "babe" for some one on one time and just slithers into her heart. Yuk. I can see how she would be wooed by him in the situation, but when you see it from our vantage point, he's so slimy! She says she's glad he's there. Can I get another Yuk!?!? ::

:: Later that night Kiptyn and Jill get some quality {make-out} time in and then she spends some time with Reid - they are both just goofs together and he's a fun guy to be with but I don't think he's "the one" ::

:: In the midst of all this Ed has had calls from his work back home regarding his job and that it's no time to be goofing off for a chance at love {the recession is in full swing in the US of A at this time and everyone is having to fight for their positions}. Ed is torn, but feels that he needs to tell Jillian what's up. She pulls him aside knowing that something is wrong and he tells her his dilemma -- She understands and then follows suit and gives him the rose from the group date. Oy, way to make it harder for him Jill! ::

:: Meanwhile, Jesse is getting ready to "break the ice" on his one on one date will Jillian, they head out in a ski plane --- which is apparently totally un-romantic, but I wouldn't be complaining! They have an epic flight over the mountains & land on a local glacier. It's a beautiful site and they feel like they are the only ones on earth - they play like little kids in the snow. Super fun, super cute and all around just a out-of-this-world time - us Canadian girls are just good fun! ::

:: They head back in the plane to the hotel and get ready for dinner then meet up again, they talk about if he's ready to commit and if she's willing to move out of Vancouver...both answer YES. They hit the hot tub and she gives him the rose, it's a good thing but I'm not sold. I still really like Ed and I'm worried that he's going - humph. ::

:: They kiss. Surprised!?!?! ::

:: Poor Ed is feeling the pressure and meets with Jillian to talk about his choice. He tells her that if he doesn't leave than he's letting 6 or 7 people down vs. just letting her down. He can't do that. So he tells her he's leaving, but he wants to keep the rose. She is obviously upset and starts crying immediately - I can't blame her, she had kept Ed there for a reason. She feels that this is once in a lifetime and she wishes that he could have just taken the chance. I understand her point of view but I also understand and respect his. They hug and say good-bye. He knows she's upset and doesn't blame her, but I don't think this is the last we'll see of Ed...what are your thoughts?!?!? ::


:: There is no cocktail party - Jill's not in the mood since she just basically got dumped by Ed {aka: my work is more important than you} - so she heads into the rose ceremony knowing exactly who is going ::


:: The rose ceremony starts with Michael & Jesse already having roses, and since Ed removed himself there will only be one other guy going home, I was hoping that they would still send two home, but no such luck. Seriously, we need to get rid of some of this excess phat & quick! ::

:: Jillian proceeds to give roses to the following dudes in this order: Reid, Kiptyn, Robby, Jake, Tanner & Wes -- So poor Mark is heading home ::


:: Sneak Peek into next weeks episode looks rather juicy - oy vey! They head into the Rocky Mountains and experience some downs & some ups (!) --- Can't wait to see what next week brings. So, what are your thoughts, who are your front runners? And do you think that poor Jillian is looking a little stressed out these days?!?! ::

:: Sorry this update is late, I was waiting for the official photos to be posted so I could add them to my recap! ::

:: Ps. this is dedicated to New Mama "C" since she had just birthed her first baby last night I'm sure she'll have to catch up on the latest bachelorette news by tuning in here ;) --- Congratulations C & D, many blessings on your new little lovely family! ::

:: We've been to the beach ::

:: And so have Grammie & Grampie, different sides of the ocean, we were in Birch Bay, they were in Hawaii, yeah a bit of a difference! :::: But they are coming home early tomorrow morning and we can't wait! ::
:: See Grammie & Grampie, it's your turn to deal with this at the beach ;) :::: See you in just a few hours - Aloha! ::

:: The Bachelorette Episode No. 4 ::

:: Last night all the guys headed to Vancouver and stayed in one of the loveliest hotels here - the infamous Fairmont Vancouver Hotel. They had a glorious suite ::

:: Jillian welcomed them and had a glass of champagne with them to welcome them to Vancouver, left an envelope and exited the suite. The card was for a one on one date w/ Kiptyn. The card says "let's cook up some love, Vancouver Style" - aka: Market fresh, and Granville market was where they started out. It's one of my favorite places to go on a date too! ::

:: They have great chemistry {surprise!} and really enjoy each others company...Kiptyn gets a rose. He's happy, she's on cloud no. 9 and all is good! ::

:: While back at Vancouver Testosteroneville - the guys receive an envelope that has group date written all over it....they open it and yup, there it is a group date for: Jesse, Tanner, Jake, Robby, Ed, Wes, Michael, Reid, Juan & David...so left behind is Mark & Mike --- Bets are on that Mark will go, that's what I thought too ::

:: The group date comes around and Jillian takes them all curling and it's a real competition, the reds against the blues. And the winning team gets to spend the evening with Jillian! Bring it on says the boys, well in the end the red team wins and they head off to the harbour with Jill. On the boat Jake steals some alone time with Jill and it was worth the investment, she needed to hear from him. David also stole some alone time and tried to plant a kiss on Jill. She turned and he then accused her of not wanting to kiss him. Duh! What would give you that idea!?!?? He's mad and says that it's just a challenge to get her to kiss him. Yuk. ::

:: Jillian ends the date by giving Jesse the rose, he's delighted the other guys are picked...perfect planning on the producers part ;) ::

:: The next day the two on one date starts with Mike & Mark, they arrive at Stanley Park and get onto the polo field where there is a helicopter waiting by, of course there is, isn't there always a landing pad in the middle of the polo field?!?!! They take off taking in the sights of the city, it's a phenomenal sight! Then they head up to the top of a local mountain {Grouse} and dine together, all three of them. Mike is trying to pull out all the stops and ignore that Mark is there with them. Mark gets some alone time with Jillian and really opens up, I guess it worked because she gave Mark the rose & Mike headed down on the gondola ::


:: So now we have Kiptyn, Jesse & Mark with roses --- but then everything gets smashed to smithereens, Tanner in some alone time with the camera says that someone has a girlfriend at home. Word gets to Jill {shocker!} and she puts the cocktail hour on hold until someone bucks up and says that they have a girl at home. No one does, so Jillian leaves with Chris. They talk about the situation and the guys she likes, then she returns to the suite to see if the guy/guys have come to their senses. Nope. So she leaves again and contemplates who to keep and who to ditch ::


:: She comes back in and gives roses to Reid, Robby, Ed, Michael, Wes, Jake, Tanner. So sent home is David {wow, big surprise!} & Juan - But don't forget that Mike was kicked of the mountain earlier ::

:: Next week they all head up to Whistler for a little R & R - it'll be good...but I'm still not really "sold" on anyone of them in particular. But I do like Kiptyn, he's not too pretty, he lives in Cali and seems level headed --- What do you think??? ::

:: I guess we shall see! ::

:: I'm off to go for my walk this morning, then do some gardening, it's beautiful here! ::

:: Happy Tuesday Ya'll ::