Buhahahhahahahaa!

IT IS TODAY!!!! hahahhaha! Ok, I'm going for a looonnnng walk here, to clear my mind... I'll still leave the post I'd put up this a.m. (to show you WHY I need to go clear my head.) I shall repeat 100 times in my head ... IT IS the 28th it IS the 28th It is the 28th...


I messed up big-time everyone... haha, its ALL MY FAULT! Cicero, you needn't worry that your dear OLD Mither might not recall a happening from 50 years ago, for I'm so scatter-brained at my age (only 1/2 of hers!) that her memory seems BRILLIANT compared to mine these days. I'm talking about... being a certain little "bird" who hopped about letting folks know that its our dear friend Valinda's birthday ... TODAY.

Well, its actually TOMORROW. Ayeah.... (ducking at the shoes being thrown from South Africa and USA...) Well hay, folks, there's two GOOD things about this, perhaps three...

1. We did not forget Valinda's special day
2. We DEFINATELY surprised her
3. We can breath a sigh of satisfaction that its DONE!

You know what's funny? I chatted with my SIL Judy last night and we were TALKING about this and it did not "click" in my mind that the 28th was not TODAY till about 4 a.m. when I woke up with a big "OOPS" going on in my brain.

So... without further ado, I'm going to Join my dear friends to celebrate not only Valinda's birthday, but my daughter's and friend Bonnie's too! Happy Birthday TOMORROW to all of you!

credits:
All KimB Stuffs

Happy Birthday Dezrae!

It's your birthday, but we got the gift...
a gentle, sweet, beautiful daughter
who is always a pleasure to be with.
You glow with sensitivity and compassion
generated from the depths
of your warm heart and and kind soul.
A loving mom, a peacemaker,
a woman full of the joy of life,
that's you.
Anyone who spends time with you
is privileged to know
such an extraordinary person.
You are a great joy in our lives.
We love you and cherish you and treasure you
and wish that every one of your birthdays
will be the happiest yet.

By Joanna Fuchs

Dezrae, we wish you lived closer so we could celebrate with you, but you will be thought of. Hope you get royally spoiled (not Royale-ly cause if you read my last post you'll know what I mean) Have a fabulous day!

credits:
Kristin CB - flowers
sorry, can't remember the other kit?

Birthday Blessings

Instead of counting candles,
Or tallying the years,
Contemplate your blessings,
As your birthday nears. Consider special people
Who love you, and who care,
And others who’ve enriched your life
Just by being there. Think about the memories
Passing years can never mar,
Experiences great and small
That have made you who you are. Another year is a happy gift,
So cut your cake, and say,
"Instead of counting birthdays,
I count blessings every day!"

By Joanna Fuchs

Bonnie, this is a wonderful opportunity to tell you how dear you are to me. I hope this year is one of being creative and discovering new talents and realizing your hopes and dreams. I'm so glad we DO live close enough that I can actually give you a real Birthday Hug ... tomorrow!

credits:
KristinCB - Beauty kit
(may be a mix of your other kits too)

Bright Joy

On your birthday,
I’m thinking about how much light and sparkle
you freely dispense wherever you go,
how your sunny smile lights up any gathering.
Every birthday marks another year
of you radiating positive, happy energy,
contagious happiness
that infects all who come in contact with you.
May your next birthday find you the same--
glowing from within,
beaming bright joy on everyone you meet.
I feel blessed to know you.

By Joanna Fuchs

Valinda... YOU are the first person to visit and leave love at so many of our blogs. You ALWAYS have an encouraging word, you bring sunshine into all our lives. Its been a rare day when I would find myself AHEAD of you in a strip of comments on a blog. I count on you and have come to cherish and value each one! I'm looking forward to getting to know you more this year, to fellowship with you too.

I KNOW your family and Jim will spoil you, girl!

SOOOOOO.....

Even though I've been 'retired' from designing for a while now, I set aside a day to create a kit to give away to honour each of you. I hope you enjoy!

Personal Use Only

download

Kind hearts are the garden,

Kind thoughts are the roots;

Kind words are the blossoms,

Kind deeds are the fruits.

I am just blown away – I received not one, not two but THREE blog awards yesterday. How could a person have a bad day, even if it is was a Monday, when she recieved these awards? DO tell. Each one touches me deeply. I don't do lotteries, but I imagine if I did I could not feel any more 'rich' should I win a windfall of money. No, I think this is much, much finer than this.

This FIRST award was given to me by my friend Sherry. Thank you so much, Sherry. I'd promised Sherry wayyyy back when the Sophia Sarducci Shoppe closed that when I got back into designing that I would come and work at her store, Digital Designers Den. I'd thought I'd be back at it this month, but I must confess – I don't know whether its the blah weather, or just holiday-lag, but I just don't feel so creative at all! I'm picking away at some small ideas and I suspect one day its going to come flooding out – then watch out y'all!

I've also been thinking, if I get REALLY creative, there is another shop that I would ALSO be very proud and eager to sell at, so I will keep you posted. I feel SO loved and appreciated by my designing friends. Each one of you has been a huge inspiration and encouragement to me, and its not easy trying to pick where I'll sell. You all might be the reason I come back and design up a storm, you know? Just to hang with you!

Anyways, Sherry's award comes with the hope that I'll share seven random things about myself and then to share my blog with seven others. Hmmm, well I usually shirk away from all this but hay, if you are sweet enough to reward me I'll take a stab at it.

Random Me things:

• I sometimes put potato chips on my sandwhiches when I don't have any lettuce, to get that satisfying c.r.u.n.c.h.
• 
  
• I can't sleep if the closet door is open, can't sit if a cupboard door is open.
  
• 
  
• I can spell missisipi londonderry by memory – from some school lesson learned all those years ago, probably like grade 5 or something. Go figure what your brain will remember. What good would something like this ever do me? I ask you that?
• 
  
• I can write backwards with ease.
• 
  
• Sometimes I like to wear polar fleece shirts inside out, and socks too (hay, whats with that, anyways, they always make the outside softer than the inside)
• 
  
• I love to rake and sweep. I could do it all day long.
  
• 
  
• I hum my own little anonymus tune when I'm really REALLY happy, like when my husband is nearby. I'm hoping one day he will put my little hum to music :)
  

My award is passed to:

Judy – I love your blog, Sister-in-Law because you fill it with all our family. I love your many photos and slideshows of my brother and the up and coming grandkids. You always have encouragement and pretty poems and your wonderful layouts. Coming to your blog is like having a visit with you. I'm so glad you keep it up. I'm always touched that you use my Scrapbooking products and elements and promote me. I hope I make you proud.

Nina – I love your blog, Little Sister, because I get to see this creative side of you. I'm still amazed when I see each one. I love your sense of design, how you put your elements and papers together. You have such a good artistic style! I love that we share blog hops now, and its another way we can connect each day. You're my one and only, real life sister and now we are blog-buddies too.

Shirley – I bet each one of you reading this here today, have had a visit at some time from Shirley. Shirley is such a loyal visitor and friend, and a rare one who I notice will visit any links when we ask for prayer or encouragment for someone. I see she always follows it up and not only visits but leaves a comment. It touches me to see you do this, Shirley. You've earned a special place in my heart!

Sharon - Sharon, I'm not picking on you, but your blog does not get updated much – I keep visiting to find out more about YOU, for I sense you are such a kind, sweet person. I KNOW why your blog does not get much attention, for you are always “out of the house” so to speak, meaning you are at all our blogs, giving us your time and attention. You are true to leave us some love each time, and your words and visits mean a lot to me. Thank you so much.

Victoria – You came to ME when I was working at Sophia Sarducci and you asked me if you could be my CT (creative team for those of you who don't scrapbook) I'd always loved you coming by, but you can't know how that tickled me. I always wanted a CT, but had NO idea how one went about having, or treating one. What was expected etc. You took it on and showed me what was what. You promoted me on your own time. Thanks for this, and when I design again I'd be honored for you to do this again!

The SECOND award is from my smart, funny and faithful friend Betty, who lives in Paraguay. Betty and I have come to know each other well over the past year – partly because I pester her with a bazillion questions and she’s kind enough to answer. We’ve also begun to pray for our children together. I love that we do this together, Betty. Betty is going through some trails right now with both her parents. I’m sure if the ONE thing you did today, was stop by Betty’s blog and leave her some encouragement, well, that could be your ‘good deed’ for the day, the thing that would make a difference to HER.

I’m rewarding Betty’s award to:

Gina – Gina and I have been blog friends, and real, I've seen you live friends, for the longest of any of my blog friends. She and I have history, which says much. Gina is so much more than a blog friend, she's a constant inspiration to me. She's a modern day pioneer who takes whatever life throws her and never lets her circumstances crush her. She's an example to me of a Godly friend who's outlook and motivation come from her Christian walk. She's witty, she's faithful, trustworthy and she's 12 feet tall in my eyes. Thank you, dear friend for always being here for me.

Valinda – Valinda, you and I have also been blog friends for ages, and you have been my most faithful blog friend with your daily visits and good words. You and I too, have become friends who pray for each other, friends who communicate not only on our blogs, but we share our lives and friendship offline too. I count each encounter with you as a jewel in my day.

Ariela – I consider your blog (Baking and Books) best as well because its always packed with such great recipes, advice and bits of you. You're a wealth of information and inspiration and I'm sure my day is richer each time I visit with you. I've only been a visitor over the past few months but I already have learned so much. Your blog is delicious!

Elizabeth – What makes me include your blog (Just Us) is how you always include your husband in it. Its very evident you have a wonderful, close marriage and family. I love how your blog shines with the joy of FAMILY. Your blog is a like a beacon of goodness in a very 'me' world. Thank you for allowing us to share in your life, through your blog. Oh, and your photography is wonderful too!

Cicero Sings – Cis, your blog is a little slice of BC. You allow us to sojourn in your stunning corner of this beautiful province, and educate us on the local flora and fauna. Your photography is stunning and your baking makes my mouth water each time I visit. I always bring a cup of coffee to my blog-read at your site, for I know I'll be staying and 'chewing' on your good posts! I've truly enjoyed getting to meet and know you and look forward to 2009 as a year our freindship is enriched even further!

My THIRD award comes to me from my friend Alicia. Alicia is my snowflake friend, that is, she’s like finding a snowflake in the middle of summer. She’s refreshing and a Godly woman and her posts are always an inspiration to me. She’s a reminder to me always, of God’s grace. Her words are always good Spiritual fodder for me to chew on all day long. She’s also got a great sense of humour and I love her “It was not me” posts on... I think its Mondays. THANK YOU Alicia, for your award, and your visits and prayers!

Alicia’s award comes with the request that I tell you five things I’m addicted to, and to pass this award on to five people. My five are:

Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day – yes, highly addicted. I just can't stop making it. Its too easy and simple and there are countless ways to make the stuff. I could not imagine what I did before I found this.

Bengal Spice tea from Celestial Seasonings – it makes a great hot, cold or chai. I sometimes simmer bags on the stove with a bit of milk, to sip when I want. It makes the entire house smell nice!

Cleaning rags – I keep rags in the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room. I grab one and do a quick wipe down of things and they get tossed in the washer. They make my life so much easier, wipe and done! No big cleaning days anymore.

Hawkins Cheesies – These are a Canadian snack and they're wonderful.

Body Shop's Vanilla Spice body lotion. Mmmm... I smell like... Bengal Spice tea, sorta. Heady, rich, soft yet spicy... mmmm to the nose. I'm not a perfume girl much, this is my choice instead.

My award gets forwarded toooooo:

KimB – your blog IS fabulous! Your blog is always a treat for the eyes with all your marvelous photography and chic designs. You haul us around on your little 'adventures' and what truly shines through your blog is your SMILE – it beams out from your little corner of the internet. You have a heart as big as all (since I don't know South Africa at all I have to use the good old USA) ... well as big as all Texas. I love ya, my SA girlfriend! You truly have no idea at all how your kind heart and generosity are overwhelming. You cause me to want to be better. You put your love into action. Our friendship is a FIRM ROCK on which I count on. Always!

Louise - You just popped up in my blog comments one day and became an instant freind. You're SO creative and have taken not only some of my designs, but others as well and transformed them into amazing hybrid projects. You're a great designer in your own right as well and I'm always curious to come by and see what you'll be making next. I have a strong suspicion you could make something beautiful out of ANYTHING.

JanMary – Another prayer friend, we continually place our needs with each other. I love JanMary's descriptions and passion for her homeland. You're so multi-talented it would be hard to put a shine on just one thing. You give us all a sense of what life in Ireland is like, and what your traditions are, and good craft ideas. You have a lovely family and we are treated to your capturing them on 'film' and then get to see how you create your powerful digital layouts. I'm always looking forward to a visit to your place!

Bunny – You make me LAUGH. You always have some quirky funny thing on your blog. You are a square peg in a round hole – meaning you are completely unique and creative. Don't change one thing about yourself.

Amy – somehow you got so busy you almost slipped off everyone's radar – but not possible, girlfriend! You were just off edjikatin yerself and being busy with raising your sweet little Emma. You still came out now and again to offer some pretty designs and promote others too. I sorely have missed you while you've been off getting 'booksmart'. Thank you for all you do, and not forgetting us.

Linda – You're so full of energy you would put the Energizer Bunny to SHAME! You're always cooking up something new and fun and you squeeze every single drop out of life. You're generous to a fault and you keep us amused with even your tales of computer woes! You are a wonderful encourager to all. Thank you for being my friend.

Soooo - now I think I've fulfilled my award requirements.... LOL, I bet nobody is going to award me for a looong time now, for fear I'll send it BACK haha! Actually, I've really enjoyed this as its given me an opportunity to ponder on what wonderful friends I've been blessed with and been able to express and share this.

Wow, how can it NOT be a great day today - I ask you?

Happy New Years, Everyone!

I'm back and refreshed from the holidays. Not caught up, but back and refreshed.

Before I launch into my first post of the year I want to thank each of you who blessed me this Christmas - you know who you are. I am a bit overwhelmed and it will take me a bit to properly thank everyone.

I feel so blessed, and at the same time, I'm hyper-aware of those who 'don't have'... of the economy and how so many are losing their jobs and my heart is moved. I'm going to really work hard in 2009 to find ways to minister to the needs I see. I'm not into 'resolutions' as such, rather into filling the needs I am able to. Instead of a resolution, I'm working towards filling this scripture - making it come to reality in my life and the lives I'm in contact with:

His divine power has given us everything we need
for life and godliness
through our knowledge of Him
who called us by his own glory and godliness.

Through these He has given us
His very great and precious promises,
so that through them you may participate
in the divine nature
and escape the corruption in the world
caused by evil desires.

For this very reason,
make every effort to add to your faith goodness;
and to goodness, knowledge;
and to knowledge, self-control;
and to self-control, perseverance;
and to perseverance, godliness;
and to godliness, brotherly kindness;
and to brotherly kindness, love.

For if you possess these qualities
in increasing measure,
they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive
in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

But if anyone does not have them,
he is nearsighted and blind,
and has forgotten
that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

Therefore, my brothers,
be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure.
For if you do these things
you will never fail,
and you will receive a rich welcome
into the eternal kingdom of
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:3-11

In other words - in clear language that applies to my own life, my desire is to simply LOVE - love my friends, my neighbors, the world. To open my eyes, to open my heart, to get my hands dirty, to waste less time on judging people and their actions and to spend more time helping.

I long to become more 'real', to be prayerfully bold and open when I need to, and to 'shut up' in other instances. That is a real hard one for me, when to speak out and when to hold back. Both things can really be a problem at times.

One thing I must say, I learned so much about love from my unsaved friends, who selflessly gave to me - teaching me some very Christian values. So many of you have impressed me and moved my heart!

So, on to the New Year.

A quick recap to the holidays - We went to the coast to be with our family. We left on a bitterly cold day, cold even for here (could have EASILY froze you a huge iceberg, Kim *wink*) We made it to a Princeton, thats a 1.5 hour drive from here - and at that point we considered turning back. It was SO cold and our van's inside heater was not putting out any heat. We had to keep what little heat there was on the engine so the gas lines would not freeze. Our toes and fingers were frozen and Jack Frost was painting up the INSIDE of our van windows. I heated some warmers in the microwave of a service station and Mr. Miles fired up our portable propane camp heater, enough we could stare moving around again.

We eventually did make it to the coast, and a good thing too, for it was the only day we would have been able to drive in the conditions.

The rest of the time there we were pretty much snowed in. With Mom and her fantastic and generous cooking and our sister in law and daughters, and our daugther Dez (who braved the drive all the way from Calgary in the bad conditions *spank* then hugs) It was a wonderful time of family. We came home the day before yesterday, after having to spend one extra day because our van Sabastian acted up on the freeway, but got him looked after with an oil change and checkup.

Good to go, good to be home. Its snowing here and looks like we're staying put here too.

I'm going to keep this brief but will return in the next few days. In honour of the new year I've created this New Growth Alpha for you - it symbolizes the new growth I'll be striving for this year. I hope you enjoy - and be looking for some coordinating add-ons in the coming days.

Personal Use
(I've used this alpha in my new blog header!)

download

I'm speechless!

I open my mailbox to find yet another parcel awaits me. I've been totally spoiled over the past few months with parcels from my blog friends - first it was JanMary in Ireland, then Cicero from BC and now from my blog friend Betty - all the way from Paraguay!


Betty has been so patient to answer my ever pesky questions about her corner of the world and it was particularly touching to me that she included some home-made jam. She'd tried to explain what the flavor was like on her blog, but now I get to try it myself. I'm AMAZED it made it all the way here, unharmed! Why, I've sent items here within our own province which has not survived so nicely.

LOVE the little hat, Betty, it lives on my keychain now. Did you make the angel? Is there a story behind it? I will treasure it, thank you.

I'm sure your hand made jam gives me a much better taste of the fruit than anything I could buy here. Who knows, one day its not inconcievable that I might taste it right from the trees! Turns out we have a friend in common who is not so far away from you!


My friend Amalia was very excited when I showed her these photos, she says the chocolate is VERY good, and I can now attest to this!

As I said Betty - I honestly can't find the words to thank you for your generosity. I'm so blown away by how thoughtful and kind my blog friends are. (Miles is so incredulous too, by all your generosity, my friends!)

Betty has a blog HERE where you can find tons of interesting facts about Paraguay, her family, great recipes and some funnies too. Its a must-favorite blogsite.

*****

I'd like to thank Amy for sharing her blog header with us - she used my Worship the King Mini Kit. I think this is so wonderful - your girls are too cute! Why not stop into say hello to Amy today and you might just learn some new 'baby language' while you're HERE.

If you've used any of my elements or kits and would like me to feature you on my blog, just send me a jpg along with the credits and I'll do my best to post them here.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NINA!
(click to view larger)

Card Credits:
Paper - LLW - Fall Splendour
Elements - LLW - Fall Splendour and Chance of Rain

Card reads:

Even though you're 'getting on'
You're still pretty 'spunky'
And no matter how the years pass by,
You're still a 'little monkey'!

My sister shares a part of me,
That no one else shall ever see,
And when the days and miles divide us...
The bond we have will live inside us,
Together, sharing dreams, love and laughter...
My SISTER for always,
My FRIEND, forever!

YAY! It's my sister's birthday today. Nina is my only sister, and my 'little' sister. Its funny this phrase for she's not really 'smaller' than me, we are about the same build, but I suppose its because her years are smaller than mine. Thinking in this way, she is a lot 'littler' than me.

Sometimes when I look at this beautiful, self assured, witty, talented lady - my mind morphs back to a little girl with a smile from ear to ear and impossibly long blonde braids in a little brown polyester jumpsuit... you were always such a cute little imp, Sis!

Now, I think you've outgrown the word 'cute', but you are sweet and kind and downright FUNNY at the most unexpected times. You brighten up my days with our conversations and I'm constantly in wonder that my sister has become such a dear, dear friend to me over the years.

Mr. Miles and I are thinking of YOU today and hope you are being lavished, wherever you read this from! We love you!

*****

You may notice, I've added new permanent link to my blog for the website for Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes A Day. Since I've become addicted to working (or shall I say BAKING) my way through this amazing book I thought it would be of value for you to be able to just click to find out about this book yourself. The Authors - Jeff and Zoe are very helpful and prompt should you have any questions about their recipes. Be sure to check back often, and send your friends as there are new ideas and recipes being 'cooked up' every so often.

*****

If you are sitting in the cold and wet today, like me, you might want to cuddle up with a big mug of hot coffee and take a 'virtual vacation' to Guatamala where my new blog friend Betty is Oh, so patiently answering my questions I keep peppering her with about the beautiful place she is living. She's gone and written a good, long, interesting article about the fruits native to the area she lives. A GOOD read! Just click HERE to visit.

I LOVE to ask, Betty, for you actually answer. Warning though, one answer is leading to more questions, we could be at this for quite a while LOL! Thank you for taking the time to do this!

Pumpernickel Rye Bread - without the Rye?

I just can't stop baking bread!

There are so many wonderful variations of this super easy bread that I can't help but keep some going. Today I decided to make Pumpernickel Rye Bread, but you know what? I had no rye flour. That did not stop me. I put in all the ingredients it called for, just using the white flour instead of the rye and then I added in a tad extra molasses and a cup of bran. I plan to buy both rye and whole wheat flour next trip to the city.

Our diets are going well despite this. We ration our bread eating to a few slices a day. We give lots away. Its just fun to make.

The Moon over Osoyoos, BC

I thought I would share a few photos with you. This ones not mine. This was a photo taken by our friend Roger from his back yard. He has allowed me to share it with you. I know he lives a few miles out of town and must be higher up than us cuz the moon is very SMALL in our back yard. LOL! - great shot, Roger!

And Roger and Marie are my friends with the Alpacas. I took my friends Elaine and Jim up to meet them because they used to raise sheep and thought they might enjoy meeting these fleecy critters too.

I love the eyes - they are so huge and expressive!

Oh Bother! - Visitors AGAIN!

Like she could care less if we stayed or went.

Friends with FOOD!

Its an entirely different story if you bring something edible along. These are my friends Jim and Elaine taking part in the chow line.

What a camera lens smells like...

I'm sure the critters think I'm strange with my lens stuck up to their snouts etc.

Is it real?

The long necks of these guys are nice for hugging, but can appear to make some several-headed groups!

No-One checked with ME!

This is the head lady, for I'm sure I've seen this look on a teacher I had once.

Marie and a friend.

Marie and Roger have always been very gracious and accommodating to the friends I drag up to their place. If they charged, they could add a new wing onto the Alpaca's shelter, or give them some exotic premium food! Really, I can't thank you enough for all the times we've invaded your place.

And then SHE said...

I dunno, do you think Jim and this gal were having a good gossip? I thought I heard...