:: Crocodile Dock ::

:: Last week Jacob attended his first Summer program "Crocodile Dock" through my parent's church Southgate ::

:: Our church Summer Camp doesn't allow 3 year olds to attend, so we signed Jacob up for Southgate's Camp ::

:: Here he is on his first morning of Camp ::

:: He went for one weeks straight every morning from 9 am - noon, it was a good process, with a few tears the first day and Mommy & Cole not leaving until 9.30 am but every day it got better and Jacob loved Camp day with Reuben, Lainey & Meredith ::

:: Thank you to all who made Crocodile Dock a fabulous memory for Jacob! {& Cole...Cole was right on in there and didn't want to leave, gosh, my two kids could not be more different!} ::

:: Ney Ney ::

:: Little Miss. Ney Ney {as my boys call her} came to visit us for the afternoon, what a fun little thing she is, she's such a happy mix of my brother and his lovely wife. This little love is so pleasant and easy to be around, she's just delightful! ::

:: Look at my boys checkin' her out ::



:: Grammie hosted a back porch picnic with all the trimmings including home-made blueberry ice cream! ::

:: The kids played in the wadding pool and just loved it! ::

:: Cole in deep conversation with Denay - ha ha ::

:: Christy also brought her Cousin Brittany {you can read Brittany's Mom blog here} along and we had a great time, sorry I just got a picture of your arm Christy and your leg Brittany, both extremities are mighty nice {wink wink} - apparently I was much more intent on taking pictures of the bathing beauties! ::

:: It was a great time to relax in the sun together and enjoy the company of family, isn't the Summer great for days like this?!?! ::

:: Hint Hint Hint ::

:: I know I know, two posts in one day --- I'm living on the edge! ::

:: This post is more business than fun, I'm not sure if you know about this program so if you do, just disregard the rest of this post ::

:: I have many many many blogs I read daily - but I couldn't do this without a {life saving} tool that Miss. Jamie passed on to me called Google Reader ::

:: Jamie was over one day and actually set up my account for me, and let me tell you I now have 200+ blogs that I read {some of them I just scan} daily but it only takes me usually a half hour of my precious time ::


:: One draw back is that quite a few of my "real life" friends have blogs but they are private, thus the account is not able to be set up for viewing...so if you want to save some super time in your day by blog-hopping, here's a hint, get an account for Google Reader - you will wonder why you hadn't done it earlier! ::

:: It's a fabulously beautiful day today and I've got the whole day to hang at home with my boys, I've gone for my run, waved to the construction workers on my normal route {and I even got to go without the babes this morning & came home to a made bed and breakfast ready! Thanks again babe!}. So now I'm just going to catch up on some laundry, maybe read a little and enjoy the day - Happy {day after} Hump day to you! ::

:: Old House New Look :: Front Door ::

:: So, back about a month ago, we made some major changes to the exterior of our home...one of those major changes was our front door ::

:: We don't have a lot of spare money hanging around, and who knew that a front door cost $500+ ?!?!?! So purchasing a new door was out of the question, but I had a vision and that was to paint the whole thing (frame, window & door) - heck a $10 can of paint is much cheaper than a whole new door, and it will do until we can afford to get a new door (& pay cash for it - ha ha) ::

:: Here is the before, Oy Vey! ::

:: And here is the after ::

:: We also decided that the hideous lattice needed to go, so we replaced it with mature boxwood bushes and we added proper soffits, moved the house number to above the door and installed pot lights. I also spray painted the door knob, a new door knob we could have afforded, but why buy a new one when you can paint the current one?!?! ::

:: All in all, it wasn't as easy as just painting the door, that was really just the start of it! ::

:: Tomorrow you might get to see what I did with the horrid amber glass window on the inside?...we shall see! ::

:: Ps. notice anything else that we changed? ::

:: Happy Day 3 of the 30 day blog challenge! ::

:: 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