Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New year.

Mid December

Mid December, I always say that December isn't a real month. You hit December 1st, 15th and then it is Christmas! So really you only have two days to get everything done in-between all the fun events that leave us breathless and can't miss out on. I am not sure why the events aren't spread out a bit, because boy do we need some fun in January and February when we are just plain tired of winter.
I have been working on the Christmas farmers market items, the sale was on Saturday and we did okay. Regardless of how "sales" are, it is a wonderful day just being able to sit with Amanda and Hannah and chatting with those who go by our table. We have a notebook to keep track of the sales but also to record comments that we hear as people go by about how nice our things are, even if they don't buy anything. I would insert a picture of some of our items, but the computer is being stubborn, a few weeks ago, it wouldn't accept that I put NEW ink in. This week it won't read our camera cards.
This week is the set up for Bethlehem Star event at our church. It includes a Bethlehem village, a play and a walk thru Central park New York in the gym. I have hopefully finished with costumes and now can help with decorating and then will serve hot chocolate at the event. Add that to finishing up Christmas gifts, making cookies, a bit of work, and a special order, it makes for a fun and varied week. I think the key will be a giant list to keep me on track.
Thanks to Amanda, I have my tree up. Her encouragement of "Come on Mom, we can do it ourselves" won, and off to the store to get a tree. I must say the sawing off the bottom was the most fun and dangerous. Amanda held the tree and I did the sawing, and neither of us got hurt, which was pretty amazing.
Until next time, and hoping that your mid December will be stress free...is there such a thing?

Snow

Snow....alot of people can hardly wait until the snow flies. As for me it is more like prison in someways. It rules my day and my plans. It brings fear and dread into my life. I do force myself to go out and try really hard not to let it ruin my plans, but it is hard. Not exactly "sunny-thots".
I am thankful that we live in town, if worse comes to worse I can walk. I am thankful that we live in the flat part of town, no scary hills to climb or skid down. I am thankful to live in BC rather then Alberta and beyond, where winter is way too long of a season.
I just know in heaven there won't be any snow, at least not on the roads, I am sure that snow doesn't stick to gold. Until next time~Terri

A little fall picture of what I see everyday when I look out my back patio door. Of course everyday there are fewer leaves and less sun it seems. How I dread the coming of winter, it snows and I cry!

My empty nest trial run is over....Hannah is coming home! We are excited for us, but sad for those she has left behind. In Taber she has learned a great deal and I am sure the new found confidence will look good on her. As for me, I am quite proud of myself, I didn't crumble, I passed the test and God took such good care of me. until next time, Terri

The honey do

The honey do list. Most people make a list for their husbands, but not me, well.... not officially anyway. This honey do list is for me, thus the cute cup with scrapbook paper. Each paper has a lovely job on it. I call them "messy spots". I have plenty! This is just for the upstairs....downstairs is another whole issue. I do cheat abit...I pick two papers and chose between them. So far I have chosen the easy ones, the pantry, coat closet and bathroom cupboards. The point is that they are getting done, and picking kind of makes it more fun. I have always tried to put a twist on doing chores. Sometimes I put the timer on, sometimes I pick which rooms to do by numbering the rooms and rolling the dice, and the same way I am doing the messy spots. The girls remember doing "chore games" when they were little. I think certain things were bombs and had to be picked up very quickly before they exploded. Just have to add alittle fun! How ever the work is done, it does feel good to have clean spaces again. So I continue....more messy spots to be conquered.

Just a quick glimpse of fall. I am so happy to use my moms tablecloth that my Grandma made for her. I think fall is about the only time I like orange! Isn't it pretty! So much work that went into it, and Grandma made alot of tablecloths, pillowcases and dresser scarves. How precious are they now and what a privilege to have them as part of my home.

Canadian Thanksgiving, even after 32 years of being in Canada, still seems too early to celebrate thanksgiving in October! This year we had our turkey dinner on Monday. Poor Gerry had a toothache, not so much fun for him. I even made pumpkin pie, the big secret...buy the crust, the rest is EASY!

This time Dave, Laura, Amanda, Gerry and I went to the pumpkin patch on St Anne's road. Ryan was working and Hannah is in Alberta, we missed you guys!

A great place to take family pictures. I don't even know how long we have gone, but we love it!

I am so thankful for the wonderful gifts God has blessed me with, My husband, our kids, our friends and church family. Psalm 100:5~ For the Lord is good and his love endures forever, his faithfulness continues through all generations. Until next time~Terri

Projects

When I first started to blog, I thought it would be full of the projects I do. It is not that I don't have projects going all the time, I just don't blog about them! So I will tell you about the things I am working on. The Maple Leaf pattern is one that I had wanted to do for a long time. I found this material when I went to Pentiction with my friend Debbie. This is such an easy block to do, I can see myself doing a bigger sized one with all the colors of Autumn. The next group of pictures is what I call my "nod to mod". I have been seeing some quilts that only use plain fabrics. It has been mulling in my mind for awhile, and last night I decided to give it a try. I had limited fabric, so that made the choice easy, a table runner. The squares are the front, the stripes for the back. I really love it, and even though it might be out of my box in some ways, it is still in the colors I love. My friends tell me I can only sew things that are blue, maybe green, and a dash of pink....oh dear, they are probably right! Now to finish these things up and on to another idea or two. Until next time~Terri

The white board is back

The white board is back. It has been a fixture in our house for a very long time, filled with schedules and things that can not be forgotten. It did have a rest with just Hannah and I at home. I am not sure if that says that we didn't have a life....or that we were able to remember what was going on during the week and didn't need it written down. But it is back....and this week it is full. To add to the white board I also have lists and use my "life book" as well. The "life book" is just a calendar book with plenty of space to write what is coming up in the week. It is something that had gone by the wayside as well, hand in hand with the white board, having a lovely holiday in the quiet somewhere. Ahh, the quietness of empty nest....where did it go? This is how I know God takes care of me. I am not sitting in Hannah's room crying...um I can't get into Hannah's room as it is full of furniture from when I rearranged the living room....sorry Hannah. I am wonderfully busy, and as long as I write in my "life book" and the white board, I will be able to see God's hand in my days. Until next time~Terri

Empty nest grocery shopping

Today I almost lost it in the grocery store. It just suddenly hit me that I am shopping for one during the week. I have no one to ask...what do you want for supper? I have determined that I will not make myself lame, unhealthy meals and will not eat leftovers forever. Funny how different my shopping list is with just cooking for me. I am not complaining at all. It was easier to ask the kids what they wanted as it guaranteed they would eat and enjoy what I made. But it is certainly different. I tried to make iced tea for one...um it's yukky and not up to my usual standard and will have to try again. I have gotten out the onions, mushrooms, peppers, and potatoes again, and cook "husband meals" a bit more. I have invited Amanda and Ryan for supper every Tuesday before they head to JR youth, and can share some of my meals with Laura when she works the late shift at Hunters. So what did I have for lunch today? Ichiban, right from the Styrofoam cup....it will get better. Until next time~

These days

Our lives have been full of events that have twisted our days into something completely different these days. As many of you know of Gerry's accident on the motorbike. He called me from the ambulance, so I knew he was okay. A fractured finger, now with pins holding it together, and 50 some stitches in his hand mostly and a spot on his arm. We are at stitches out and cast on tomorrow. In 4 weeks the cast and pins out, and hopefully finished with this twist of September. I must say, I don't mind him being at home and doing things for him. I know when I drive him to Kelowna it makes him nervous, I don't usually do the driving, and I make me nervous too! I kind of enjoy making meat and potato meals, rather the "girl" meals all the time. I think he will return to work next week if possible, and I will miss him very much.
Our other event these days is the trip to Taber.Alberta to take Hannah there to live with Wanda (Gerry's sister) and Harry. Sounds bad, people kind of look at us like....ah...not getting along???? Um NO...that is not the case at all. This has been in Hannah's thoughts and prayers for awhile now. With Gerry's accident it kind of put a different spin to that as well....when are we taking Hannah to Taber??? Finally decided, we drove convoy style in three vehicles. Wanda returning from taking Tim to U Vic, Hannah in her car, Gerry in the van and I was the talking floater. I spent time with everyone, I was beginning to get a complex that perhaps I was just not really needed in this whole plan! How thankful I am that Gerry was with us, Hannah's car got a flat tire on Labor day Monday, in Golden. We got some new tires, doubled the value of Hannah's car and were on our way. I was very impressed by Hannah, she drove the entire time, good for you Hannah, I was bursting with pride! We stayed a few days to settle Hannah in and to spend time with Wanda, Harry, Steve and Bethany, it was a great visit. We are so blessed to have them look after Hannah for us. She just wanted a change, she has always been the one to ask..."so when are we moving?" My answer was usually....ummm never? She already has a small job. If you think of her please pray, it is very difficult to move and do something so different. We all miss her terribly.
As for me, I am pretending she is at camp. Will see how long that works out for me! I call it "shallow thinking", only going for the surface stuff right now until I can handle the deep stuff. Likely the deep part will happen once Gerry returns to work, and believe me not any amount of make-up will cover the fact that I am in the deep thinking part of this whole thing. Maybe a small prayer for me too! Until next time....Terri

Fridays favorite

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 A promise to hold on to as I enter into the next stage of my life.

Fridays favorite

Old fashioned birthday parties. Summer days of years ago. Cake, friends and of course a craft all adds up to alot of fun and some sweet memories. Happy Birthday my summer girls, Amanda, Laura and Hannah!

Friday's favorite...a good find

My search is done!

I have been looking for a chair just like this.

Salvation Army.....$25.00.

The plan?

To recover it in wonderfully wild fabric.

Makes me happy....yeah!

August long weekend

This summer I was really looking forward to meeting Gerry's brother John and Tammy in Jasper over the August long weekend. I had even said," it is too good to be true," and perhaps I was right. Tammy had gotten very ill and we had to cancel. So sad. Now we were left with a long weekend and no plans. But we live in a beautiful part of the world, and many come to visit, so why not take advantage of our local surroundings.

Saturday after Farmers Market we decided to float down the river, from the bridge in Enderby to the Waterway park. It was only an hour, which was perfect in my books!

On Sunday, we skipped church and headed to Nakusp with Amanda in our van and Hannah and her friend Jessica following behind. It was a bit cooler, but enjoyed the break from the heat. Hannah, Jess and I did go into the water, but not for very long. We had a nice picnic lunch and Hannah and Jess left to go to camp, while Gerry, Amanda and I stayed and walked along the lovely pathway strewn with flower gardens and a view of Arrow Lake. It was a perfect relaxing day. Oh the days of summer and memories....thank you Lord for both. PS~ Glad you are feeling better Tam, maybe another time!

Fridays favorite...My dog Sadie

Sadie, she is such a good dog.
Always glad to see you... even if
you only stepped out to take out
the garbage. I love the wiggle in
her walk, excitement in her bark, and
how she tries to fool me into feeding her
more then twice a day.

Fridays favorite~unexpected deal

I needed runners BAD.

Getting one pair was a bonus, but getting two pairs for only $59.00...wow!

I have very happy feet now.

Fridays favorite

Fans...we have 6 different models, plus ceiling fans. We would not survive this hot Okanagan summer without them.

Therefore, they are my favorite for this Friday.

Adjustments 101

July has been hot for the most part. At the beginning of the month it was unbearable. But as time goes by we adjust to the heat. It reminds me a bit of what I am just entering into....empty nest. I am sure it will be unbearable at the beginning. As time goes by, I will adjust. I don't want to kick and scream my way thru this next faze of life, I want to be gracious. It is quickly approaching regardless of how I handle it. So with empty nest in sight I have begun a few things to keep myself busy.
1) Farmers Market in Armstrong on Saturdays with Amanda and Hannah. The girls sell cards and I am selling baby things, we love it. If you want more details you better phone, I could talk all day long on this subject.
2) I joined the gym with Laura, not that I have gone yet, the big start is tomorrow. I had several orientations last week, and a good try at selling the idea of my own personal trainer...only to be so rich to afford such a thing! I will pass and Laura will be my trainer.
3)I have begun to pray for a job. And I am picky! NO Sundays and only 3 days a week. I still want to do Farmers Market next year, only earlier then July, so will need the winter to sew.
I think that is a good start to expanding my horizons.

Friday favorites

My new serger!

I love it...

I can thread it....

I can do a rolled hem!

My old serger,

I hated it....

could NOT thread it EVER...

it is on it's way to Mexico...

I'm sorry Mexico.

Friday's favorites

Relaxing on the beach on Amanda's lunch hour...glorious!!! What glorious thing do you do in the summer?

New railing

Our temporary railing, so the dog wouldn't fall off. I am sure the neighbors wondered, what kind of railing is that!!??!!

Our new cosy spot on the deck. Thanks Gerry for such a great job.

Friday favorites....

Okanogan cherries, need I say more!

Friday Favorites

My favorite chairs. They are perfect for relaxing in the evening, a glass of iced tea, watching the world go by. What is your favorite way to relax?

My Hannah

Look at this beautiful girl. How my heart swells with pride. She is not at the top of her class, in fact she HATES school. I know that she is a smart girl, in more ways then book smart. This last year has been a difficult one for her, making a decision that was not popular with anyone. Losing some friends, being put on the back burner. Any youth that sits with their parents in church, there is something amiss. But in all of that, she has grown so much in her relationship with God. It shows, a quiet confidence that is budding and growing. Congratulations Hannah, you have graduated.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

June and December...so much the same

Lilacs in May, the beginning of spring, my favorite flower and season.

Well it has been a month since I have written. June and December are so similar, you turn the calendar and begin running. So many things to do and wonderful events to celebrate, at least that is the way it is in our lives.

Here is the list of celebrations and events.....ready? Our 32nd anniversary, church family camp, my birthday(#53), Hannah's graduation from high school, Amanda and Ryan's 2nd anniversary, Father's day, and an overnight retreat for me (yes I remember how to ride a bike and boy was it fun!). In the space of one week I went to a funeral, wedding and baby shower. Mix that in with ordinary life and it leaves a very busy June.

Fabric fatigue

After many years of fabric collecting and building a stash, I have come to have Fabric Fatigue. The first thot that grips me is what was I thinking getting that piece of fabric? My second thot is great, that goes with absolutely nothing that I already have or that anyone else has.





So I need an idea of how to get rid of my fabric in a nice way, something useful either for me or someone else. Hmmm, an idea brewing, out come my dishes....

BULLS EYE!!! As in bullseye quilt. A great way to use up all my stash. I will start with the rejected dark colors, make as many blocks as I feel like doing. I will decide if I will cut them into quarters and sew them back together to look more scrappy or not. SCRAPPY is not my thing, but think I can do this. I am pretty excited with the idea of using some of my fabric that I have lost love for and being able to make something of use to someone. A great summer project! Until next time, take care~ Terri

The front yard quick makeover

Hello...we have had a distraction from the backyard to the front yard. It has been in my mind for awhile now. With Gerry in between jobs for a few days the opportunity arose, and ta da, a new look for the front. We had thot of getting rock, but opted for bark mulch...less of a commitment and already had the brick.
I have had to admit that I am a failure at gardening, yes I AM A BLACK THUMB. So I am saying goodbye to the side weed garden that once actually produced lovely sweet peas. It will be given over to the grass that always wins. I will plant a few flowers in pots in the front, things that grow for black thumbed people like me, geraniums and petunias. I might even buy the pretty but more expensive Martha Washington geraniums, just for fun. Until next time, enjoy spring!

The arrival of spring

The arrival of spring has happened pretty fast. One weekend in the back yard our trees had nothing except for the very beginning of a bud. By the next weekend, the same tree was in full glorious bloom with bees buzzing everywhere. So...the capri's are on, flip flops out, and the screen doors open....spring!
Pictures of the backyard from a different view, nicely clean and a blank space ready for alot of work and fun. This is where I bow out of the planning. I have no idea of the hows and whys of building. The crew I will be on is the "can I get you a glass of cold homemade iced tea, hot coffee, or freshly baked goodies?". I can hardly wait to start! Until next time~Terri

Just a few pictures...

~Hello, it has been awhile, no I have not fallen off the face of the earth! I am just moving through the season, enjoying the days as they come along. We have had a lack of snow this winter which I was thrilled about, the best winter yet! I am waiting for the warm days of spring, but so far I continue to wait.
Laura and Dave's quilt is finally done, seems I work in spurts. Laura picked out the colors and approved the pattern of "shooting stars". I am very pleased with how the quilt turned out and so are Laura and Dave. My friend Darlene Dixon did a lovely job of the quilting.
Our spring project is finding the backyard. Gerry took the climbing equipment out last year, sure had some good memories of those days when the girls were little, sniff, sniff. Last weekend with the help of our friend Darren and his bobcat, out goes the sand. The yard is level and ready for a new look. The bad part for this week is that the front yard looks as bad as the back yard did. Kind of just makes you want to throw your garbage out the front door, we kinda look like rednecks, yikes! We are getting some looks from neighbor's, Gerry said I should put a sign out that says, "sorry, not for sale". Funny. I will be glad for a dump run this weekend!
So whenever I do a blog, with pictures I never know how it will look, I am sorry if it is ugly, and will perhaps ask Amanda for a lesson in blog layout..again! But it does catch you up, ugly or not. Until next time, Terri