our honey sweet life

olive's friend pop

2010-03-05T08:30:00.000-08:00

The cutest line of childrens clothing i think i've ever seen!

Check out the store here olive's friend pop
There's really too many beautiful pieces for me to post!

My Favorite Winter Recipie

2010-03-01T07:47:00.000-08:00

Masala Chickpea Soup

1 carton vegetable broth
4 cups water
1/4 cup of rice
Smidge butter/olive oil
3 cups chopped onion
2 cups chopped celery
1tbsp masala
1tsp garlic powder
1tsp chili powder
28 oz can diced tomatoes
19 oz can chick-peas (i usually drain them)
1tbsp molasses

empty carton of vegetable broth into a large pot and add rice
bring to a boil and simmer.
in a large pan add butter, onion and celery.
cook on high heat until veggies are soft and translucent.
when your veggies are ready, use a little bit of water to lift all the drippings off the bottom of the pan.
pour the entire contents of the veggie pan into the rice pot.
add spices.
after the rice has been simmering for about 30 min add the tomatoes, beans, and molasses.
let the flavors mingle for at least 10 min
and
serve.

I find soup is a really great dish to be creative with.
Feel free to add your own inspired ingredients to this recipe.
I know mine is never the same twice.
For example I will often double the tomatoes, use fresh garlic, and add a little bit of maple syrup...mmmm
Enjoy :)

On the look out...

2010-02-22T20:02:00.000-08:00

We are keeping our eyes open for a sweet little doggy
to welcome into our little family.
We love dogs and Simon is just as keen...So we've done a lot of research and these are our top 3 picks...

Weimaraner

Weimaraner's are courageous, alert, intelligent and protective. They are very energetic and eager to work. If you don't have time for a lot of exercise and activities, this breed is not for
you! Weimaraner's are very intelligent and love nothing more than to please their masters. If they have an opportunity to be dominant they will take it so you have to be a confident leader. They are freindly with children and other dogs. They are usually friendly towards strangers unless they are feeling threatened in some way. It is important to socialize them with other pets and children when they are puppies to promote tolerance and harmony in the future.

Boxer

" The character of the Boxer is of the greatest importance and demands the most solicitous attention. He is renowned from olden times for his great love and faithfulness to his master and household. He is harmless in the family, but distrustful of strangers, bright and friendly of temperament at play, but brave and determined when aroused. His intelligence and willing tractability, his modesty and cleanliness make him a highly desirable family dog and cheerful companion. He is the sould of honesty and loyalty, and is never false or treacherous even in his old age." 1938 AKC Boxer breed standard.

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are active, gentle, easy-going, bold and intelligent. They are popular household pets because they are so social and devoted to their family. They are great with children, strangers, and other dogs. With their great brains they are easily trainable and very obedient. Labs can handle all the knocks and bumps of a rough and tumble family life, and with their even temperament they won't ever take offense.

We are also visiting our local animal shelters to see if we can find a dog to rescue that will fit into our family... we've had no such luck at the shelters so far.

...Moving On...

2010-02-15T17:23:00.000-08:00

I am SO excited for what I am about to show you!
I've been poking around a lot of home design
stores, blogs, websites...
basically everywhere
looking for ideas to help our home reflect us a little better than it does right now.
This week I will take you through our new place and give you a sneak preview of what's to come.

On the docket today is

Simon's Room

Right now Simon's room is a dreadful shade of terra cotta
with not a whole lot else going for it...
But
Here is the vision...

I found this great (Out of this world) wall decal set online by a company called Wallies
Instead of doing the wall full on black I'm thinking a nice navy will be dark enough
for example
Midnight Navy By Benjamin Moore

And... Some rug ideas

Simon is going to LOVE it!

CORRECTION

2010-02-15T17:11:00.000-08:00

HAHAHAhahahahahah!!!!
Actually... I am NOT
pregnant!
Although after reading your comment's
I must agree, I kinda made it sound like I could be.
Sorry.
But now that we have a lot of extra space, not to mention
almost everyone that we know around here is pregnant
...

We're "thinking" about it

;)

Keep you posted

On Again

2010-02-12T19:14:00.000-08:00

well after many very busy days we finally feel like we can take a minute and catch our breath.

*sigh*
we are finally moved in and set up...kind of ;)
this move has opened up a new chapter in our lives and we are so excited for what God has in store for us this year.
there has never been a time in our lives where we have felt so at home and content.
i am so looking forward to getting back into our routine...
and some of the other things I love so much.
blogging.. more regularly PLEASE FORGIVE ME!!!
reading
decorating my home
running (i know i don't even believe it myself!)
gardening
...and baby growing
Well honestly we have some serious space to fill so we'd better get at it...right?
hehe ;)

We're In Business

2010-01-27T07:06:00.000-08:00

While we've been running around like crazy trying to get this place packed up little Simon has been working hard in advancing his transportation skills!!!
He's Walking :)

Juggling

2010-01-21T11:21:00.000-08:00

Well first I want to apologize for the absence of regular posts...
I think it's been almost two weeks since I've posted...ooops!
This month I've returned to work from my maternity leave...all in all I've gotta say it's been really great. Simon only has to be in child care for two days a week and we've found a really great daycare so that definitely helps. I wonder if it'll ever get easier to leave him there. I really hope so. We'll see I guess. I've slid right back into everything at work though without for
getting too much. It's great to see my old clients...and they seem to be happy that I'm back too, so that's a plus. We have been able to keep pretty busy at the spa. I'm so thankful for this because a lot of spa's in the area have not been so fortunate and have fallen victim to the crummy economy.
So between my work schedule, making sure everyone's got clean clothes to wear and a healthy supply of food on a regular basis, not to mention packing for the big move next week...it pretty much has me running flat out with little time for much else.
Speaking of packing... off I go...

Cool Finds

2010-01-08T21:29:00.000-08:00

Today I was perusing the web... hopping from one cool blog to the next looking for inspiration and cool stuff in general. There are A LOT of amazing blogs out there, and they just seem to suck me in like a tornado. Once it finally spits me out I'm hours behind in my daily schedule...oops!
One of the very cool blogs I came across today is called Down and Out Chic. It's general theme is that style can fit into a tight budget, which is definitely something that's rolling around everyone's minds lately. Today she featured an Etsy artist called Bird in Flight Boutique with a very special giveaway. I love stumbling upon giveaways like this because
A. I get to enter them, of course!
AND
B. I discover a new Etsy store I feel like I never would have found on my own...because Etsy is just so HUGE!
Pop on over to check it out!

Mr. & Mrs. Bunny

2010-01-08T09:00:00.000-08:00

Well it's about time!!!
I know, I know.
This was my biggest project of the holiday season. I wanted to share it with you all so badly before Christmas...but they were gifts for my sweet little niece and nephew, and I didn't want to ruin the surprise!
As soon as I laid eyes on the pattern I knew it would be the perfect choice for these precious kiddies, and I just had to make them. I got the pattern from Hazelnuts Bunny Tutorial. I was super nervous to make these little critters because I have never done anything like this before but her instructions were very clear and easy to follow. It was the perfect project to start out with...and now I'm hooked! I see many more stuffy projects in my future ;)

Step 1 Cut out tiny little pieces of felt.

Step 2 Try and sew all these itsy bitsy pieces together so that it resemble a rabbit...

Coming together...

Bunny appendages.

Feeling...not so full.

Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Bunny!

Profile shots.

Their sweet little tails.

Ta~da! Finished...Sigh :)

The kids just loved their little handmade friends!

Construction Zone

2010-01-07T19:51:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!
We are just trying to find a new look for the new year...
Thanks for bearing with me while I'm a wee bit new in the art of blog design

Taking Stock

2010-01-03T13:52:00.001-08:00

This last week has been a time of deep reflection for me, and I'm sure for many of you too. I did a lot more looking back than I usually do. I'm generally ready to shove the past year out the door and get on with the next one. In my contemplation I realized I have learned a lot about myself this year that I think will really help me with the years to come. I'm anxious to see how these realizations will affect this next lag of the journey.
I am absolutely a lover of black and white. Black in my closet and white on my walls ;) but seriously I really thrive in an environment where there is only right and wrong with nothing in between the two. When there is clear definition like this everything is simplified and there is no room for insecurity, because it's either right or it's wrong! Unfortunately for me there is very little black and white in this world. We live in a compilation of colors that more often result in varying shades of gray than any other crisp definite color. This has been a huge eye opener for me especially on the parenting front. There are no constant variables, black or white. However there are some very opinionated people who feel very strongly about imposing their parenting paradigms. I feel like I have found peace and confidence in my right to raise my children according to my convictions and personal experience during my first year as a mom. I have also come to embrace these strong opinions with objectivity without immediately doubting my own parenting beliefs, because there is sometimes helpful information hidden in them.
It's pretty common knowledge that what you eat and exercise can have an impact on how you feel. This year I learned just how much it really does make a difference. It was probably made so apparent by all the crazy postnatal hormones. But nevertheless when I wasn't working out and eating a balanced diet...I was a lunatic... Apologies to my dear sweet husband.
So this next year I will try to use these lessons to help make life a little easier. As most of you know Wayne was a running machine last year, so this year I plan to run with him a little more. As a matter of fact I will be running the 5k race in the Boogie the Bridge, a local charity run on May 2nd. We'll see how that goes then who knows maybe I'll go for the tri-triathlon. Anyone care to join me?

A sigh of relief

2009-12-30T09:00:00.000-08:00

Well today is a very happy day for us... I got a call from our Realtor last night and he said, "Congratulations, we have a sold house!" The subjects officially come off this afternoon, but nonetheless I feel like I a can exhale. Today I will also be touring the home we have our eye on with my father and an inspector to see if there are any red flags that my untrained eye has missed. Unfortunately Wayne must work so he will miss out on the inspection. So the beginning of this year also marks a new beginning for our family in our new home...Hopefully we'll last a little longer in it than we have in previous ones.

The Big Party!

2009-12-28T08:47:00.001-08:00

Well last week was such a full week with Simon's birthday right on top of Christmas and all I've done for you is reminisce... So here's what actually happened this year!

Simon's birthday was so special! We were able to rent a room at the local zoo, there were just more guests than our home would hold and it's not exactly a season you can just hang out at the park. It worked out really well because every Christmas the zoo puts on a display with lights strung out into different shapes so it gave us a nice location for his birthday with a place to warm up and do cake and stuff like that too...I was so caught up in "Simon's birthday" that I forgot to take any pictures of the lights, but there was an ark filled with animals and a frog pond, a nativity scene, and countless other illuminated creations...it was actually quite pretty.

We did take a tour around the park on their little train... Simons favorite part was definitely the generaters strategically set up across the park. I thought that was quite hilarious. It was soooo cold we didn't really spend much time outside though. Immediately after the train came to a halt our party of passengers made a mad dash for the indoors. Ok...it wasn't that bad...but close. We warmed up with some yummy hot chocolate and home baked goods. Then we did all the traditional party things like the happy birthday song with cake and gifts. Simon thought all the attention was pretty neat. Close to 8 pm as our party was winding down we turned out the lights in the room and had front row seats to the little fireworks display to finish our night with a bang!

Here are a few captured memories from the evening...

I tried to make little spider cakes...of course they didn't turn out exactly how I pictured them... but they were cute, and kinda fit in the theme

...and the train

Proud Mom & Dad...It was sure cold out!

It was so hilarious to watch him with the cake...He got so excited as soon as he tasted it and it was literally gone in a matter of minutes.

Simon really appreciated all of his gifts. He was so excited about all the attention, and loved the fireworks too!

Merry Christmas All

2009-12-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

Photo thanks to The Nativity Story

I wish everyone a very
Merry Christmas
I pray that you are all showered with blessings
As we have been.

The Birth of Jesus
About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David's town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancee, who was pregnant.
While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel.

An Event for Everyone
There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Saviour who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."
At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises"

Glory to God in the heavely heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.

As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." The left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.
Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they'd been told!

Luke 2: 1-20

A Very Special Time Of Year

2009-12-23T11:27:00.000-08:00

This post will be some entries from my journal last Christmas...which I don't remember at all because it was completely overshadowed by the arrival of our little bundle, Simon :)

December 21, 2008
Well it's 6 o'clock in the a.m. I think I've been up since around 3:30 or so... just can't sleep.
Wayne had yesterday off and he'll be off until Jan 2nd! I'm thankful for these couple of day's we'll have before baby. I think we're still pretty awestruck at whats about to happen. Some time tomorrow we'll have a little baby to love and care for. The idea is so surreal I don't think there's any way our hearts could be prepared for this. We'll just have to wait and experience it ourselves.

December 22, 2008
This morning we got up bright and early, we had to be at the hospital by 8. We arrived on time and went to the Labor and Delivery floor. Our nurse, Wanda, got me changed and hooked up to a monitor right away. We were hoping to go in as soon as we arrived but we knew that would never happen. Our nurse checked to see when we would most likely get called and they told her it wouldn't be until after noon for sure. I was anxious and super hungry. Even though I was in the hospital about to have my baby I couldn't wrap my head around it. The rest of the day felt like a dream, partly because of the serious drugs I'm sure... At around noon Wanda took us across the hall to the maternity floor and we got settled into our room for what we thought was going to be a long wait. Our new nurse Cara came and introduced herself to us. She told us that she had just checked in with the OR and they tolder her not till after supper!
About an hour later I'd settled into the movie WALL.E and Cara came back in a panic and said ,"Ok, lets go have this baby!" The nurses shooed me into the hall onto the transport bed and forced me to swallow the most nasty stomach neutralizing solution known to man. They were telling us we really needed to hurry and before you knew it we were off to the OR. Wayne had about ten seconds to call mom and let her know it was time.
It was time to meet my baby and I still didn't understand exactly what was going on. Talk about nerves and anxiety...everything was sooo rushed too so that didn't help at all. They wheeled us into the OR waiting room where we had to stay for a bit. I was so scared and very close to tears...I almost couldn't hold them in. After a bout half and hour the nurse came back and took me into the OR to be prepared for the operation...without Wayne. Now I know this is standard proceedure, but it was the worst part for me. I was terrified, all I wanted was for him to be there with me, and I knew he was just as scared on his own out in the waiting room. I just had to breath deeply and try no to let my nerves get the best of me.
The room was very intimidating. What I remember the most are the three huge spaceship shaped lamps over top of the bed that I was lying on and all of the people in the room...Everyone said there would be a lot of people in there and not to worry, but it still surprised me. They put up the curtain after I had my spinal, then the doctors cam in and got set up... FINALLY they let Wayne in! I was so happy and relieved to see him. He said that he'd seen Elna out in the waiting room (a family friend who works in the OR). I thought that was so great 'cuz it she was able to distract him from the worry a little bit.
Before I knew it the doctors were telling Wayne to have a look at his new baby boy! It was so surreal. They put this little guy on my chest and I couldn't believe he was mine. We took a few pictures and just hung out while they sewed my back up.When they were done Wayne went down to the nursery with the babe and I went to the recovery room. I was in there for not quite and hour but it felt like an eternity. They wheeled me back down to maternity and it took 5 nurses to heave me over onto my bed. Once I was settled Wayne and the baby come down and I got to hold him for real... The nurse who handed him to me was like, "Ok...time to put him on your boob!" For some reason I forgot that he needed to eat right away and thought that I'd just be able to look him over and cuddle him...then I realized that I'd never breast fed anyone before and started to have a mini panick attack. (so funny now looking back). So... we had to try breast feeding out right away. Our nurse coached me and it went well.
We talked about what we might name our boy and we weren't quite sure but all we knew is that he just wasn't Jack. We had a few visitors that first day...Mom, Maggie, Sam, Ryan, Beki, and Chris. Not too many, but it was just right.

We were released from the Hospital on Christmas day. It felt so good to be home.
Thanks for taking this trip down memory lane with me!

Picture Perfect

2009-12-18T22:04:00.000-08:00

I was doing some browsing on Etsy today and I came across this amazing artist with a few pieces that I just HAVE to have!

The Barnacle Whale

You and Me

The store is Native Vermont Studio
ooops...where did that hour go?
Getting lost on Etsy is about the easiest thing a woman can do!

Tids and Bits

2009-12-16T11:03:00.000-08:00

Sarah Louise

· November 29

· Aesthetician, and Mother extraordinaire

· Enjoys… certain domestic activities including: baking & cooking for friends, hosting various festive gatherings, anything that involves spending time with friends or family, card making, scrapbooking (both old school paper, & digital), books and reading, wine tasting, music and singing (in the shower & car), not to mention the more recent seamstress fever.

· My most favorite things include: acoustic piano’s (they look and sound beautiful, I hope to own one someday), my new sewing machine, watching my son discover new things, helping someone forget about their situation and relax…even if it’s just for an hour or so, MarthaStewart.com (if you can’t tell), 3 doors down, Francine Rivers, Roasted Garlic & Red Pepper Popcorn, art & artistic people, Psalm 42:5 for when I’m feeling low…
Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul?
Why are you crying the blues?
Fix my eyes on God –
soon I’ll be praising again.
He puts a smile on my face.
He’s my God.

Sarah's Christmas Baking List 2009

2009-12-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

Every year I create a list of goodies I plan on making for the holiday season. I don't know why but I rarely ever make the same treats each year. What can I say...variety is the spice of life :) Anyways I thought I'd Share this list with you since I am so excited to make everything on it...

Chocolate Crackle Cookies

Who knows maybe you'll get to try some ;)

Wednesday Afternoon Treasure Hunt

2009-12-09T20:00:00.000-08:00

This afternoon Simon and I bundled up to go on a little hunt for some pine cones! I wasn't sure how many nice ones I would find because it is way past time for collecting them but luckily we have a pine tree forest in our back yard, so I was able to get just enough! I was in the midst of climbing up the little hill that leads to the hopefully not too dead pine tree forest behind our place when I realized that it was actually a really steep treacherous mountain that I was stumbling up (a little more entertaining than we bargained for). I didn't want to climb back down the hill with Simon in his wrap because I have a history of falling down hills just like this one, and I thought it would be kind of cruel to flatten the boy in the process. So we headed up...and up...and up...into part of the protected park in our neighborhood. There are trails and pine trees everywhere it is actually quite beautiful...I wonder why we don't go out there more often... hmm...

It is so precious to watch him discover new things! I must say, as always, he was a trooper as I crouched down and squashed him every time I went to pick up a perspective pine cone. Eventually we could see the high way from the trail and he was content watching the big trucks go by...bbrrrrbrrrrrbrrrrbbrrrr, which means "car" in Simon's language. So Sweet.

Speaking of Sewing...

2009-12-04T09:15:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday was my birthday...and it was WONDERFUL! We spent the day with friends and family, and even went for a little road trip...to Sunpeaks. It was beautiful, and it feels like Christmas up there! Oh my word, so much snow! Anyways... I had a choice in my gift this year. It was between a REAL piece of artwork or a sewing machine. This was an incredibly hard decision. I LOVE art. I think it is so amazing what people are capable of creating. So we looked around all sorts of different artsy places in town but nothing really jumped out at me (that we could afford) and being (hopefully) on the cusp of a move I'd like to wait and see what kind of pieces I'd like for the new place. By process of elimination, and with much excitement I would like to introduce you to my new sewing machine!

I am waiting for her to arrive from the warehouse with great anticipation. Every day I stumble across more and more projects that I can't wait to try. I know the hardest part of getting this machine will be to finish one project before I start the next...this will be my goal!

Some Inspiration.

2009-12-02T17:00:00.000-08:00

I have been feeling extra crafty this holiday season. It's like I'm having a contest with myself to see how much more I can load onto my plate than I did the previous year. I am most excited to share my debut in "soft sculptures" with you... they are not yet completed but I thought I'd share with you some of the inspirations and tips I've come across for this special little project. There are a few skills necessary for making these soft creatures that I find a little tricky, and I have a lot to learn when it comes to sewing. I think this little felt filled adventure has ignited a bit of an obsession...we'll see how long it lasts for!
This simple tutorial teaches you how to make a tidy little knot...it has been so useful to me because I have had trouble making a knot substantial enough to do the job without making my little creature all lumpy and rather hideous. The pictures I've posted today are not my creations, but they are my inspiration(and mine surely won't be quite so grand). Abby Glassenburg is the creative talent behind these magnificent soft sculptures.
You can see more of her work on Etsy, or check out her blog for fun craft ideas and previews of her projects.

I'll post picts of my own creations when they have been completed. Wish me luck!

oh and before I forget...
Andrea Boccelli's new Christmas Album is AMAZING!

a thousand words

2009-11-27T13:31:00.000-08:00

Well here they are...a few of our favorites!
I'll let them do all the talking.

Christmas Tree Dilemma

2009-11-25T12:30:00.000-08:00

I can't wait to pull out all of the Christmas boxes and get the decorations up... which I think I will work on this week. But we have one kinda major problem when it comes to the traditional focus of Christmas decor.
Not only do we have a tiny little living room, but we have decided to keep out house on the market through the holiday season. The tree we usually use makes our space feel maybe a wee bit too "cozy". So I am looking for some alternative ideas to a Christmas tree this year. So far this is all I've found... and I've got to admit... not really any of them suit my style.

Do you have any other ideas? The tree needs to use space efficiently and be economical too...

the most amazing man

2009-11-23T22:13:00.000-08:00

By the time the weekend arrived I was starting to feel the heaviness of the dreary weather... and I also must admit that the responsibility of being primary care for a completely dependent little munchkin can sometimes be a little overwhelming and it definitely takes its toll. I felt like I was almost about to fall apart.
Saturday afternoon I was preparing to host book club. Something I was looking so forward to. (I love all the ladies in our book club. We meet whenever we can and visiting with them always cheers me up!) Anyways... I was just trying to avoid a meltdown while I was getting ready cuz I knew I'd get a good dose of cheer with the ladies in a few hours and that everything would be ok...BUT... I could feel the tears brewing and the meltdown crashing towards me...
WHEN
the most amazing man came to me and said..."honey why don't you get outta here right now and go check out that store downtown that you've been jonesing to browse!"
and then I cried... and pulled myself together...and with a gingerbread latte in hand, I shopped! Alone, in my favorite store... sigh.
The rest of my evening was so lovely. Us ladies had a great visit discussed our not so recent read, and picked out our next.
Wayne is such a great man. He knows just how to cheer me up and I am so thankful for such an understanding husband.

A+ Mr. Winsor ;)

For the love of sleep.

2009-11-18T20:05:00.000-08:00

So my day is coming to a close... I must say it's my favorite time of day. I have a few spare minutes to myself before bed to wind down and get ready to turn in. With Simon tucked cozy in his crib it's my turn to relax. In these precious solitary moments I like to...

~ work on my latest crafty project
(knit.scrapbook.sew.etc.)
~ read, a recently acquired hobby that i adore
~ take in some quality entertainment
(grays.private practice.big bang theory.)
~ test my knowledge of wine
(don't know much but my knowledge in this category is ever expanding)
~ the occasional bubble bath

Some or all of these activities combined also make for a 5 star evening :)

Now it's off to finish some Christmas cards, then bed for me.
Goodnight All!

The Colenutt Wedding

2009-11-16T09:36:00.000-08:00

This weekend I had the pleasure of attending a very special wedding! Weddings are generally beautiful and precious occasions, however this one was particularly so. My cousin Libby and I have a special relationship that has grown from bickering toddlers into a sisterhood of sorts. Everything about the wedding was absolutely stunning!
Here are some of my favorite memories of the day.

Family Photos

Sisters

The Dance

Jiving it up

Peter & Elizabeth Colenutt
November 14, 2009
Ceremony: Hope Reformed Church
Reception: Beatty Street Drill Hall
Vancouver

In my spare time...

2009-11-13T09:13:00.000-08:00

Well being that this is our blog I guess it's about time I did a post. As some people know last year I decided to join the Canadian Ski Patrol Systems, I'm not sure if I was having a "hero complex" or just somehow thought I needed more to do! So last spring I completed all my on hill training and I have spent the last 10 weeks juggling work schedules and family time. So that I was able to attend a 4 hour class every Tuesday and Thursday then do about 4 hours homework every week. Well now that all the training is over and I have passed the testing I know how to splint your broken leg or wrist, strap you to a back board and get you off the mountain in a toboggan. Hopefully my duties at Sun Peaks this winter won't involve too many serious injuries, but if they do happen we'll be there to help. Now all we need is some more snow! If you have some time check out the CSPS website www.csps.ca See you on the mountain I'll be up there every second Sunday starting Nov. 22.

...a moment of silence

2009-11-11T10:47:00.000-08:00

I have listened to stories my Grandfather has told about living in the war with sheer amazement, not being able to comprehend the emotion of it all. Imagine hearing an alarm go off in your city and having to go running through the streets to a special underground shelter...and then not making it into the shelter in time, (or just out right refusing to go). So you watch the glow of bombs that litter the night sky and listen to the whistle of the bombs soaring through the air, praying that you and your family will be spared. Then deciding to risk your life and the lives of your family members to try and escape. You travel with no more than the clothes on your back through the mountains and to the border of the neighboring country, where you may or may not be welcomed. To be accepted is life...a strange life in a strange culture with a language and customs you don't understand. A life of sacrifice and learning and not fitting in, being the outsider from an enemy country. But life nevertheless, a new beginning. Unfortunately there are hundreds of thousands of families who share this story.

These stories are all I know of war besides what we all see on tv and in the movies. Taking full advantage of all of the freedoms that I have been so blessed to enjoy has come with ease. Never having experienced war personally makes it very simple to go about my everyday life without even a thought to the sacrifices that have been made for me to live with the basic liberties that are my right as a human being. The privilege to love my God, speak what's on my heart, bear and raise my children with the values I hold dear, to be educated and work, to love and be loved.

So let us pause, share a moment of silence to remember all of the men, and women who have selflessly given their lives so that we may enjoy ours freely.

In Honor of Monday Night

2009-11-09T21:36:00.000-08:00

The whole universe was in a hot dense sleep...

the most hilarious show EVER...we think so anyway! Laughing our butts off as we speak :)

check it out

A Shout out to all my fellow holiday addicts.

2009-11-06T07:36:00.000-08:00

Every fall as the weather cools and the stores fill with holiday cheer, it's almost as if I can feel the glitter of it all running through my veins. I can't help but be taken over with excitement the coming festivities brings. By the time November comes, it's like I'm wearing a holiday themed blindfold. My life becomes a collection of lists, full of ideas for decorating, gift giving, and party planning. For example I went to the supermarket today for cucumbers ( a salad must have) and left with a cart full of Christmas decorations! As I sit here on my couch just writing about Christmas I am getting butterflies in my belly...like the kind you get when your falling in love!!! How pathetic is that, however I certainly am not the only one.

Butterflies anyone? Well I suppose that's enough for today... but really I could go on forever!

Thanks to marthastewart.com for all the beautiful photos!

C'mon In!

2009-11-04T14:57:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd invite you into my home today... I love my home, even though it is not very practical for a family (4 level split town home = millions of stairs). It has a very unique layout with super high ceilings, and I must say I haven't seen many homes quite like it. As you can tell from the pictures I really feel most comfortable in my home when everything is in it's place. Whatever the colour scheme I like for my space to be warm and inviting. The colours in my home right now are all very warm and neutral which is a really safe and easy palate for me. Anywho, enough jabbering... here's a peek!

Exterior...Tall and Slim, looks pretty plain from the outside. Nothing is as it seems.

Living room... here's a look at my beautiful ceilings! LOVE!

And the rest of my living room comfy cozy...

Kitchen & Dining room... once again it looks small BUT there's tonnes of counter space and all the storage you need!

The Big Backyard... Actually it's a cement patio...perfect for relaxing with a bevy! And it's on a green belt complete privacy... until the drunk naked neighbor hops the fence :s (A story for another day)

Our Bedroom... It's very simple and sparse. Who can relax in clutter? Not I!

The En suite... Now that I've experienced this luxury, I don't think I could ever go back. The down side... ANOTHER bathroom to clean, but totally worth it!

And Finally Simon's Room... Once again LESS is MORE.

Slide of hand

2009-11-01T19:42:00.000-08:00

It may be hard to tell because this puppy is just sooo cute, but he is actually a real little boy! Who knew?

This Halloween we had made arrangements to go out for a night with friends... like the best of plans ours were foild by an ensuing empidmic. Instead we spent the night with our sweet son ... er...puppy ;) Which was absolutely delightful!

The long awaited day.

2009-10-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

thanks to sunpeaksresort.com for the beautiful photo

I have been waiting for this day for a couple of months now... needless to say I am sooo EXCITED that it has finally arrived!!! Today our little family is going to take some time out of our daily grind to commemorate this very special season in our lives. Our long time family friend and photographer extraordinaire Karly Ford is going to help us with this wonderful project. We will be traveling up to Sunpeaks after lunch to spend our afternoon frolicking in a winter wonderland of a backdrop for our photos. These will be our first family photos since Simon was born, and he is nearly one year old. So we have a few very special milestones that we'll be capturing today.
If you are not familiar with Karlys work I strongly suggest you take a look. Of course I love to support local talent, but our supporting her has little to do with the fact that she is local, but more to do with the the simple truth that she is amazing!
Here is her website ... dive right in.
www.karlyfordphotography.com

So you bake like a pro eh?

2009-10-28T14:47:00.000-07:00

Some of us are uber talented in the domestic arts...others are not. I have a little secret for those aspiring Marthas out there who just aren't quite cutting the mustard. Treasure this gift and use it for those moments when you need to support the fascade of domestic diva. These tasty treast are extreamely easy. Enjoy!

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

1 c mashed banana
1c miracle whip
3/4c brown sugar
2 c flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 c chocolate chips

Mix bananas, brown sugar, & miracle whip;
Mix soda, flour, & choc. chips, add to banana mixture;
Fill muffin tins & sprinkle with a bit more sugar;
Bake 350 for 20 - 25 min.

The sinister seach for jack

2009-10-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

I love nothing more than a memory making adventure! With every new season fresh ideas emerge and the hunt for a new and exciting excursion is on. I am finding a maternal obligation to nurture these findings into meaningful traditions more than ever before. This no doubt being the result of the arrival of Simon our son.

It was a stormy Sunday afternoon when we ventured out to claim our choice carving pumpkin. Wind biting cold and rain coming down, we braved the elements to find...a frost bitten, putrified decaying patch of pumpkin. Mmmm...

I suppose it's off to the supermarket for our collection of festive gourds this year! With Halloween fast approaching and Thanksgiving already gone our pumpkin patch calamity is just a wee bit belated, but nevertheless much appreciated.