Take Joy My King

Girls Night In

2012-02-08T14:02:00.000-08:00

Matt was away last weekend for volleyball so I took advantage of my time and hosted a ladies night in. We filled our evening with all things girlie...we ate, pampered & chatted!

Linden was the only boy allowed:)

we ate well!

had a little issue with the bubble bath and the jets in the foot bath:)

Jess with her paraffin hands

Michelle & Ev

foot massage time

chatting:)

Lynden - shocked at what girls do for fun

bump!

stripes

Baby W...almost ready to make an appearance

the finished product

full bellies, pretty nails & good fellowship - it was a nice night in:)

Seasons of Love!

2012-02-08T13:38:00.000-08:00

I've added just a few touches to our home in honor of Valentine's Day...

Chalkboard change and a easy DIY heart garland

a simple Jones soda bottle with the V-day loving

"Be Mine"

just a little red & pink touch for the fireplace mantle

the LOVE tree!

Baby Meg

2012-01-22T19:33:00.000-08:00

Our sweet baby girl is growing up so fast! Meg is now living in a village and has brothers and sisters and a mommy! Below are pictures from December that were taken by a dear friend that is currently living in Uganda.

Meg and one of her sisters.

Meg with her mama!

Now that Meg has moved to the village we are able to sponsor her! That means for the next 18 or so years we will be helping pay for her to eat, go to school, have health care etc. We feel honored! This also means that we will have communication with her via e-mails and mail and will be able to watch her grow from afar!

Her life is such a miracle from God - praise be to Him!

Winter Frosting

2012-01-22T19:06:00.000-08:00

For the past week we have been living in a winter wonderland - it has created some crazy driving conditions, but it is also so BEAUTIFUL.

The view from our place...

I love it!

All of our Christmas decor came down at the beginning of the month leaving the house a bit of a blank canvas for me:) As such I have been doing a little crafting lately and thus operation WINTER frosting!

Coffee Filter Wreath

There are approx 500 coffee filters on this bad boy:)

new snowflakes for the canvas

"Baby it's COLD Outside!" - couldn't be more true this past week (well BC cold... -10!)

Winter Fireplace

the three trees are styrofoam wrapped with yarn

the tree balls were 2 for a $1 - they just needed a little white spray paint

the jars I had - just filled them with little tea lights

the snowflake garland was a printable from the internet and I just sewed all the pieces I cut together

VERY cozy for our cold, dark, winter nights - it's so NICE!

Winter Wonderland!

2012-01-15T21:01:00.000-08:00

After having a brown Christmas I was eagerly awaiting the white stuff:) on Friday night Abby got a dump of snow - it was a beautiful winter wonderland - we had to go out and enjoy it a little!

Baby is BACK!

2012-01-09T22:01:00.000-08:00

Matt is back in the saddle again - some things have happened - and Matt has decided to finish his last year of eligibility playing volleyball at CBC! People have been shocked and surprised - it has been fun to watch. Matt could not be happier - he LOVES the game!

This pic was taken on his way to his first game of his 5th and final season!

Brunch for the Boys

2012-01-09T21:43:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday morning Cheryl and I (along with our wonderful husband's) made brunch for the entire volleyball team.

Chef Phil

Chef Matt

It was a bit crowded in our little place but it worked - I like to call it cozy:)

The brunch did the boys well - they won their game that night in 3:)

The Bearcats take on San Diego

2012-01-08T10:29:00.000-08:00

Over the Christmas break, my teammates and I took a trip to beautiful San Diego, California to play some matches and bond as a team. As you can see, the sun was out in full force and it was a balmy 26 degrees the week we were there.

Beach volleyball anyone?

On New Year's Eve we attended the Red Bull No Limit New Year's event and were fortounate enough to see a pair of daredevils, on a dirt bike and the other on a snowmobile, fly through the night sky 412 ft across a canal. Quite impressive!

When we were not playing volleyball, we took in a few sites around the city. Here at the San Diego Zoo the first animal we encountered was an actual bearcat. What a coincidence?

Our last day. Goodbye San Diego...goodbye sunshine:(

Morgan Family Christmas!

2012-01-02T09:40:00.000-08:00

On Boxing Day we headed down to Didsbury for Christmas with the Morgan's! We are so thankful that they 'waited' for us - we have very old traditions on the Morgan side :)

Morgan Family - love!

The evening we got there we opened gifts - Dad reading the Christmas story - from a different gospel than our story the previous day - plus dad interjects his thoughts in between verses - he can't help it - it's the pastor in him:)

Nathan

Matt

Becca

Dad & Mom

We all went together for mom and dad's gift this year...it was a fun one to watch them open...

an IPAD!

Nathan teaching them how to use it

Christmas morning stockings

another Morgan family tradition - a picture in front of the set - been doing it my entire life!

Merry Christmas indeed!

Kaminski Family Christmas!

2011-12-30T21:37:00.000-08:00

This is the first Christmas in 4 years that I didn't work!!! Soooo off to Lloydminster we went for Christmas with the Kaminski's! It was such a treat to be home for Christmas!

We started our time in Lloyd with a new Kaminski family tradition (as of last year):) Christmas tree meatloaf!

The final creation about to go into the oven.

Dan & Hailey before the Christmas Eve Service...

Matt and I after the service

After church on Christmas Eve we came home - played some games - ate WAY to many appy's and then watched a Christmas movie.

Christmas morning!!! Reading the Christmas story...

Gift Time!

Dad

Hailey

Dano

Matt

Mom

Hailey gave me one of the sweetest gifts - a story book about adoption - "God Found us You" - if your going to read it get the kleenex out!

We so enjoyed our time at home in Lloyd with family and friends - relaxing and celebrating.

Scrabble...it's what they do:)

Kaminski Family - love!

So thankful that God sent His Son to the world - Happy Birthday Jesus!

A Canadian Pastime

2011-12-29T13:49:00.000-08:00

On Christmas Eve we headed to the rink to see good friends and play a rousing game/round (not really sure about the lingo used here) of curling! It was a VERY fun time of play and fellowship!

some of the crew

Matt getting his slide on

Dad - about to push off!

just call me Skip!

Hailey, Mom & Dan strategizing:)

our Post Game faces!

The entire crew - SO FUN to have EVERYONE home all at once - truly a Christmas miracle!

TOMS

2011-12-29T13:37:00.000-08:00

did you know that 80% of the world's blindness is avoidable?!

TOMS is an organization that is known for their One for One giving - for example - every pair of shoes you buy from them they give a pair away to someone in need! In the past year they started selling sunglasses and in their one for one mentality have been giving 'sight' to others with every pair of glasses sold. Sight is being given through 1. treating medical ailments causing blindness 2. giving prescription glasses or 3. performing different eye surgeries. Check out their website - it explains it way better www.toms.com

just modeling our new glasses on a sunny December day!

now - go and buy - and bless someone with the gift of sight!

Fun Festivities of the Holidays!

2011-12-29T12:42:00.000-08:00

Just some random Christmas fun...

Matt did some Christmas baking while I was at work

Tiny Stockings

Visiting Alise and getting to do all things wedding!

Ezra giving his Auntie kisses:)

(sorry to Ryder - he is a cutie and i didn't take any pics of his visit with us!)

Meeting Cooper for the first time!

Sawyer - she is growing up so quickly!

Sawyer learning from the best.

Love this family!

Happy Christmas!

2011-12-20T21:46:00.000-08:00

Christmas Date Night

2011-12-11T10:18:00.000-08:00

Last night after church (which was great - "Come Desire of Nations Come") Matt took me on a little twinkle tour of Abbotsford!

Some people go light crazy - I love it!

Just driving around ahhhing and ohhhing at people's brilliant displays of lights!

Back at home after our tour we popped some pop corn and watched the Grinch!

My favorite...comfy, cozy watching a Christmas movie with only the lights of the Christmas tree on!

NICU Christmas!

2011-12-11T10:13:00.000-08:00

We had Matt's two work Christmas parties last weekend (sorry no pics) and this past Friday night was the NICU Christmas Party. We rented a hall, had a full Christmas dinner, gifts & games - it was a great night!

Some of the lovely ladies I'm privileged to work with!

Cookies with Trish

2011-12-11T09:54:00.001-08:00

Trish was here overnight on Thursday - she helped us with our yearly sugar cookie decorating time:)

Christmas Frosting

2011-11-27T21:36:00.000-08:00

Wreath

I need more cards for my little ribbon.

Christmas Tree Canvas

the tree (minus the tree skirt - pardon us!)

just some little book page Christmas trees

the Reason for the season!

frosted...just the way it should be:)

Thanksgiving Weekend

2011-11-27T21:01:00.000-08:00

One of the very best parts of being a dual citizen is that we get to celebrate Thanksgiving twice a year! Ever since I was little we celebrated Thanksgiving both in October as well as November...which really, can you ever have too much turkey - or be thankful for too much?

Becca was able to come up for an extra long weekend to celebrate with us - for that we were thankful!

Preparing the feast.

our Thanksgiving meal

Becca and I did some crafting that evening with a thrift store plate, some paint and stencils:)

Matt with his home-made apple pie - it was DELICIOUS!!!

In our house, the Christmas season begins on the Friday after Thanksgiving Thursday.

Out came the Christmas decorations and the fun continued on.

That evening we watched ELF (as per the Kaminski household tradition).

Saturday morning we woke and had cinnamon bun brunch!

And Saturday night we headed out to a Christmas concert - complete with a full choir and orchestra!

I love this time of year - so good to celebrate with family - so much to be thankful for!

More Crafting!

2011-11-27T20:30:00.000-08:00

ohhh the crafting/creating that has been happening in our household:)

1. PILLOWS!

I am slowly trying to learn the fine art of sewing...I started with throw pillows. I had some old pillows that were looking a little worn to say the least. Off to the discount bin at the fabric store and bingo bango the pillows have new life!

Here is a 'before' shot of our living room...

A more current shot of the room....so much crafting has been done!

2. WREATHS

I had some ladies over for a wreath making party.

my final product!

3. BAKING

Matt has been on a bit of a baking kick. Within 24 hours he had made no bake chocolate cookies, an apple pie & a German chocolate cake!

isn't it pretty?!

mmm mmm

Welcome...

2011-11-15T13:44:00.000-08:00

Since being married Matt and I have made our own "welcome" sign for our house - figure it might as well be us welcoming you here instead of just the words:) Here is our latest attempt to fill the welcome frame:)

Oh How The Years Go By...

2011-11-15T13:32:00.000-08:00

Last week I met two girlfriends for lunch in Langley...what a treat! Sarah, Denise and myself met almost 10 years ago during our first week at university - can't believe that it is almost 10 years ago?! The three of us lived through four years of nursing school - following graduation Denise moved out East and Sarah spent a year working in Hawaii and of course my story you know:) Everyone is now back within a 30 min distance from each other - married - some expecting:) and of course all still being fantastic nurses! Denise is done her Master's and his working as a clinical instructor at TWU - she has come full circle! Sarah is working ER and taking her Master's as well! What a treat to see these two and catch up - it's like no time was lost! 10 years....crazy!

Weekend with the sibs!

2011-11-09T20:39:00.000-08:00

I had a fantastic weekend with my brother and sister!!! On Thursday night, Becca and I (Matt had to stay in Abby to coach volleyball), flew down to LA to hang out with our brother for the weekend! Nathan spoiled us rotten all weekend - he is a great tour guide and it was, as always, so good to spend time together!

Nathan got us a swanky hotel to stay in...The Fairmont in Newport Beach - complete with a bedroom, living room and 2 bathrooms!!!

one of the bathrooms...don't worry we used both the tub and the shower - in fact one morning Becca used the tub and then the shower in the same setting!

On Friday, Nathan took us to take part in one of his favorite hobbies...shooting! Becca and I had never done this - Nathan was a good teacher!

I got a little excited - Nathan is yelling at me while the pic is being taken not to turn around with a loaded gun in my hand:)

the professional!

not to bad for my first go at it!

he has done this before

E for effort:)

after the shooting range we headed back to the hotel for a board game afternoon (another one of Nathan's favorite things!)

that evening we headed out to the Melting Pot Resturant!!!

such a fun place - there is a burner in the middle of the table where the melting pot sits - we dipped a cheese course, meat course & of course a chocolate dessert course!

the meat course...steak, shrimp, tuna, chicken & beef tenderloin

after supper we headed over to the swankest movie theatre I have ever been too - stole this pic from the internet, but this is what the theatre looked like. We sat in lazy boy recliners - had complimentary blankets, pillows and popcorn - there were waiters too - just in case we needed anything - we could just push a button on our table and they would come tend to us.

Saturday morning we slept in and then had a brunch on our patio at the hotel:)

Hot chocolate in wine glasses - we had to make due with what we had:)

and then our Saturday...we went to the happiest place on earth...Disneyland!

and much to our delight they were taping the very Merry Christmas Parade (which - in the Morgan household - is a Christmas tradition to watch)

Mainstreet USA

3D Rides

the spinning tea cups

fun times!

and to top it all off - the band OneRepublic was at Disney doing a free 'concert' for the taping of the Christmas special.

and then in the evening, when it was dark, they taped their segment of the Dick Clark's Rocking New Years Eve...they sang the song "Good Life" with the castle lit up behind them and then Disney fireworks shooting off during the song - it was magical! strange though to be in November and experience Christmas and New Year's in the same day...TV is all on strings!

our picture with Mickey (it's a terrible one but still proof that we were there)

evening snack - Mickey Pretzel

everytime we go to Disney Nathan has to try to pull the sword out - it never budges!

little sister - big brother

got my ears:)

Sunday lunch at Ruby's resturant and the end of the pier

and one last stop on the way to the airport on Sunday - we toured the Queen Mary

Nathan playing with the ships guns

Becca and I

What a great weekend!

Love my brother and sister - wish we lived closer, but treasure our times together!

Halloween

2011-11-02T21:04:00.000-07:00

This year Matt and I both worked on Halloween - so there wasn't much candy or partying for us:)

Matt was 'helping' me get my stuff ready for the dressing the babies up - he dressed himself up in the process.

Decor at the office

Ev and I dressed up for work as Mario and Luigi

The babies loved it:)

The glasses were a hit!

Happy Halloween to all!

Abbywack Grind

2011-10-27T22:11:00.000-07:00

There is a hike out in the lower mainland called the Grouse Grind - it is very well known out here and is basically like hiking up steep stairs for about an hour. Just recently a girl from work heard about the Abbywack (it's between Abbotsford and Chilliwack) Grind. It's not quite as hard as the Grouse Grind...but almost!

The hiking crew (sorry for the terrible picture quality!)

Elissa hiking up the mountain with her 16 lbs daugher - isn't she an amazing mom!!!

Fall = Beauty!

there were HUGE leaves on our hike!

Jeanne

there were some VERY steep paths

this is a picture of the path - going STRAIGHT up:)

we made it!!! the fog lifted while we were up there and the view of the Sumas flats was lovely!

you have to jump!

picture right before we left the lookout

trail heading down the mountain

perfect activity for a beautiful fall day with beautiful women that I am blessed to work with!

Little Boys and Pumpkins!

2011-10-22T21:14:00.000-07:00

Correna, Ezra & Ryder came for a visit this past week - crazy how much little boys grow up in such a short period of time. We had seen them both at the end of July and already they are both SO different - crazy!

Ezra trying to 'hide' in the fridge!

while cleaning up supper Ryder wanted to be held, but I needed both hands and thus the African baby wrap came into play:)

One of the great things about having littles come to visit is being able to partake in fun activities that without kids are just weird! It was a beautiful fall day so we went to a pumpkin patch with the boys.

Ezra, Correna & Ryder on the hayride

Ezra, all smiles, enjoying a beautiful fall day

cowboy at heart

just doing a little milking in the petting zoo

corn maze!

good times had by all

pumpkin picking!

probably my favorite picture of Correna of all time!

brothers

mom & sons

Ryder

yes I am forcing Ezra to take a picture with me...don't judge:)

tummy time

my husband is my favorite!

Ryder is such a smiley baby!

how cute is this?!

Baby L

2011-10-22T20:56:00.000-07:00

A friend from work had her little guy a few weeks ago so a couple of us went to visit the new mommy and her cutie!

Sleeping baby snuggles!

tiny baby smile

peaceful

baby print

I am blessed to work with some pretty amazing ladies!

(did you notice that ALL of us were wearing stripes...totally not planned!)

Beauty

2011-10-22T20:52:00.000-07:00

the view from our back deck...we serve a creative God!

27 years!

2011-10-16T21:27:00.000-07:00

I celebrated a birthday on Sat - the big 27:) I worked nightshift on the 14th going into the 15th so had to come home and sleep a little bit of my birthday away. When I came home Matt had this little spread waiting for me...waffles and gifts, what a perfect combo:)

Waffles taste soooo good after being up all night!

Reading my birthday card from my parents - always full of wisdom:)

While I napped Matt went and helped friends of ours pack their moving van and then I brought over pizza's at noon for the moving crew.

We are going to miss our friends very much - we are already excited to see them at Christmas! Menno will be so much older the next time we see him!

After lunch we had a meeting at the bank for RSP stuff - isn't that what everyone does on their birthday?!

And then it was back home for present time!!!!

the 'nifty fifty' lens!!!!

testing out the new lens...

what a difference - my photos may never be the same again

SEWING MACHINE!!!! Thank you mom and dad - let the sewing crafts commence!!!

I also got a tripod - this pic was us testing out the tripod - it works amazingly!

And for the evening....Top of Vancouver Revolving Resturant!!!

It had AWESOME food, AWESOME ambiance and of course the company was AWESOME!!!

I loved it!!! We got there to see the sunset and then the darkness with the city lights - it was a prefect night - so clear!

The entire resturant revolves in a full circle every 60 min. We stayed for two hours...glorious!

The elevator ride was a bit bumpy - aka made you want to throw up your food on the way down...here's a 'green' pic of us:)

Then home for a cookies and cream cheesecake!

Happy 27 - what a great day - I am blessed - here's to another year full of adventure and possibility - to God be all glory!

Fishing for Pinks!

2011-10-16T20:57:00.000-07:00

Matt has gone out a couple times this year to fish for 'Pinks' and has been successful - we currently some fish in the freezor!

Sunday afternoon was beautiful so we packed a lunch and after church went out to the river.

Happy Fisherman!

It's a beautiful area and a beautiful time of year out here.

My post while the husband is fishing - reading a book in my cushy lawnchair:)

No luck with fish yesterday, but a couple of weeks ago Matt caught a big one - here is is post fillet.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-10-10T22:47:00.000-07:00

We shared a great Thanksgiving together! We had our feast on Sunday night and talked about things that we are thankful for - things in the past, things in the present and things in the future that we look forward to! Praise Jesus for every good and perfect gift...we are blessed!

Hoping that you all found time to give thanks!

Fall

2011-10-05T19:35:00.000-07:00

The days are getting shorter and colder - the leaves are still green, but fall is definately in the air - so it was time to celebrate the changing of seasons by doing a little crafting and decorating.

My new fall wreath made with inspiration from pinterest:)

To make this cute little wreath al you need is yarn, felt, glue gun, scissors and a green foam wreath. I got my yarn and felt at Walmart for cheap cheap!

Rosettes up close!

my 'welcome' blocks that I bought a few years ago at Superstore in the after fall sales:)

my chalkboard mirror with a little extra fall bling

fireplace - I added a few orange rosettes to the barn window - an orange ribbon to the terrarium - Matt brought home some little twigs for my new $1.00 vase from a local thrift store (I'm hoping to add a few colored leaves to the twigs once they start changing color and falling) - love my 3 toilet paper pumpkins

I had seen these little pumpkins last year at my friend Jessica's house. They are so simple, all you need is scrap fabric and toilet paper rolls - I made my stems out of old cereal boxs cut up and added a little 'leaf' greenery.

Now it's time to light some candles, make some tea and settle in under a warm blanket - welcome fall!

Menno turns 1!

2011-10-05T13:54:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Matt attended Menno's first birthday party (I had to work). It's hard to believe that it has been an entire year since he was born - we have had such fun watching him grow and change over the past year. We will miss the Friesen's very much when they move to Alberta later this month.

Epic marshmallow fondant cake made by Alysse!

The Friesen's

Menno enjoying his cake.

Happy 1st Birthday Menno James!

Crafting

2011-10-05T12:28:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of a few more crafting projects that I have been doing.

We had an empty space in our new place to fill - we found an old beat up dresser at our local Salvation Army Thrift Store for cheap - it just needed a little TLC!

painting out on our deck

The finished product! I filled wholes, sanded and repainted the dressor. I also repainted the handles (a few different color before settling on the same color as the dressor).

I bought the four glass knobs at home depot.

Matt bought this beautiful old barn window a few years ago for me for Valentine's Day. It has been hanging in our house but needed a little something something added to it...

The new and improved window! I spray painted the window white and added some scrapbook paper in the windows - it looks great hanging above our fireplace.

"be AWESOME today"

This little display is above our fridge. I painted the plate (0.25 at local thrift store) with different stencils. The plant is old and the willow crayons are made by Matt's Papa.

stay tuned...more crafting to come!

Chicago

2011-09-26T13:31:00.000-07:00

We just got back yesterday from a quick get away to see our good friends Thomas and Ruthie who recently moved from Seattle to Wheaton (a suburb to Chicago). We packed in a lot of goodness into just a few days. They are such great hosts and fantastic tour guides...look at everything we saw...

Buckingham Fountain

The famous "Bean"

the spitting wall - modern art is weird - it's famous though so we took a pic

Garrett Popcorn - famous in Chicago - at peak time people wait in line for hours to get their popcorn - it was really really good!

Matt enjoying his Chicago style hot dog

The Chicago Theatre

Chicago Cultural Center (home of the world's largest Tiffany glass dome - not the one in the pic)

random cow

United Center - home of the Bulls and Blackhawks

Navy Pier

famous Navy Pier ferris wheel

we were there so we had to ride it!

R & T

so gross but so funny!

anchor with Lake Michigan in the background

Chicago really is a beautiful city with amazing architect as well as many beautiful green spaces to break up the concrete of the downtown

FREE zoo!

lizard, lizard, lizard

John Hancock Building

we went to the lookout on the 96th floor - so cool! you can go up for free if you stop in at the lounge - however - I didn't bring my ID (as if I look younger than 21) so no drinks for us - but for the brief 5 min we were up there is was VERY cool!

LouMalnati's - the best deep dish Chicago style pizza in the city (or so the guide book told us!)

it was really really good!

the four of us!

we so enjoyed our time with great friends! How fun to be able to see T & R's new home, school and city. We had great time of fellowship - it's always great to catch up in person instead of over e-mail! What a blessing we have in lifelong friends!

Ensuite

2011-09-26T12:16:00.000-07:00

Decorating our en-suite started with a bath mat and a shelf. The bath mat is beautiful (sorry no pics - it's currently in the dryer!) It's from winners - cheap cheap - DKNY blue, white and grey - love it! The shelf was a gift to Matt made with love from his Grandpa. We have had it since we were married and finally have room to put it to good use!

Beautiful shelf - made with love!

Beautiful shelf - finally being used!

Frames were 0.25 at Sally Ann - I spray painted and distressed them. Willow trees were both gifts. Mason jars were someone else's junk - q-tips and cotton pads were bought and used daily.

Another thrifted frame spray painted above our toilet - in it our marriage covenant to each other - aka our vows. It's a good reminder to have them out - now when I'm brushing my teeth at night I'm reminded of the promises I have made!

the finished product!

A-Dawg!

2011-09-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago (life has been too busy to keep the blog up to date - sorry!) Alise and I met up for a little get away in Kelowna. We had a GREAT time just the two of us relaxing, eating, visiting - solving the worlds problems - it was glorious! I miss this girl!

We stayed at Green Bay - which is fun becuase it is where we first met - working the waterfront together. While we were at GB we went checked out our names in the wood - after each summer of working the waterfront the staff of that year write their names in the wood - it's kind of a right of passage.

This 'SJ' was from 2007 - the summer I got engaged - hence the diamond ring:)

Alise = Cali

Relaxing...

While we were solving the worlds problems we talked a lot about Nathan - Alise's then boyfriend. Alise and I said good-bye on Wednesday and on Saturday night I got a phone call late at night - Alise and Nathan had gotten engaged!!!!! WHOOP WHOOP - my friend has found the one whom her soul LOVES!!!! I feel blessed to have been able to spend time with Alise pre-engagement and I am excited about her upcoming wedding! To a long and beautiful life together - praise be to Jesus for what He has done!

Photography

2011-09-26T09:42:00.000-07:00

One of my co-workers doubles as a professional photographer:) She has been kind enough to offer great advice regarding my photography skills. Last week she took a friend and I outside for our first photography lesson and look at the results!

Silhouette Shot!

Baby Bump picture

Heart

Ev was a great model for the shoot:)

I learned so much - I'm excited for lesson #2!

Terrarium

2011-09-26T09:33:00.000-07:00

When I was home this summer, my mother in law had the idea that I could make a terrarium and it wouldn't die on me - I'm not good with plants! I am proud to announce that my terrarium is both living and thriving after almost a month being in my home!

A terrarium is a simple little project - you just need a plant, small amount of potting soil, moss, rocks and a vase.

The finished product!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

2011-09-17T22:23:00.001-07:00

Hard to believe it, but our little baby girl Meg turns 2 years old tomorrow! She is such a miracle and is truly a living example of God's faithfulness and grace. I am so thankful for the time that I was able to spend with her - I am forever grateful. I miss her, often, but need to remember to be thankful for the time I had. I pray for her and hope that someday we will be able to meet again.

Happy 2nd Birthday Meg - we love you!

Painted Curtains

2011-09-17T22:08:00.000-07:00

The idea of painted curtains probably sounds a little strange to all of you, but I am working on a very strict budget and pretty window treatments are crazy expensive for big windows - I needed a cheap fix to my dilemma and thus painted curtains sounded great!

I went to Walmart and bought $8.00 twin flat sheets, paint, a small foam roller and painters tape.

I ironed the sheets - you don't want wrinkles in your paint stripes.

taped out my stripes - my sheets are 96 inches and so easy math gave me 12 stripes even

and then I painted - two coats

important to peel the tape off before your paint dries completely

and voila - painted curtains - a window treatment for $20!

Chalkboard Mirror

2011-09-17T21:55:00.000-07:00

Matt went to a skills Canada competition when he was in high school and made this pretty mirror - isn't he talented? I loved the look of it, but had some ideas of my own to do with it...

I painted it white and then chalkboard painted the mirror portion of it

now we have this great ever changing quote board - it's been very fun to have

Gallery Wall

2011-09-17T21:39:00.000-07:00

I have been crafting:) We had a awesome summer, but were away a lot and therefore our apartment has taken some time to fully come together.

our new gallery wall

in process - all of the frames were either previously owned, given to us, or thrifted for $0.75 or less

one of my thrifted frames - on sale for $0.25

the same frame spray painted white with some crafting wire strung and a few clothes pins added - makes it easy for picture changes to happen - how often to we stick a photo in a frame and leave it for years?!

we found this beautiful antique mirror at our local flea market

we took the mirror out and spray painted the frame. then my very crafty father-in-law made this BEAUTIFUL K for us!

and the end result - I will explain it all starting at the top left...

1. clock - previously owned (PO'd)

2. small white frame - PO'd and received a fresh coat of paint

3. prairie scene - painted my Matt's Grandpa Kaminski of the house he was raised in

4. frame with wire and pics - see above

5. BEAUTIFUL K - see above

6. small white frame - PO'd by my parents - loved the curves - spray painted and just placed in a sheet of scrap-booking paper that matches the color scheme of the room

7. black frame - PO'd

8. feet washing painting - a perfect wedding gift painted by our extremely talented sister-in-law!

9. Africa LOVE pic - a gift from a very special friend of ours that we shared our lives with in Uganda - her sister painted it for us - I found a frame at a thrift store that fit it perfectly!

C.O.W.

2011-09-07T09:19:00.000-07:00

Matt just finished running C.O.W (Columbia Orientation Week) at CBC. He was in charge of the three days events. He has been planning this all summer and had quite a team working under him to make everything run smoothly! It was a great orientation...I have heard the best one CBC has ever had:)

Here are just a VERY few pictures of some of the events (of course no pics of the fun games etc but these few will have to suffice).

EARLY Sunday morning before the excitement began. Matt designed these shirts for all the orientation staff.

Welcome and Registration.

C-Groups

Sunday evening Welcome/Worship Service.

I wish I had pictures of yesterday's C.O.W. challenge - a huge relay type race for the c-groups to compete in. The entire event was cow themed - let's just say Matt bought a lot of ice cream, butter, milk, rubber glove utters and a cow tongue for the event. The weather was AMAZING for all three days and everyone looked to be having a great time! Today classes start at CBC and Matt is back to work at his other job:)

Camping

2011-08-28T21:50:00.000-07:00

We just got home from a glorious weekend camping at Hick's Lake with friends - the washing machine is currently running at full capacity! We had fun times of fellowship, great food (everything tastes better when your camping) and AMAZING weather!!! We did a lot of relaxing! It was a great way to cap off a GREAT summer!

BC has so many beautiful places - we spent all day Saturday and most of Sunday floating:)

(So sorry for the lack of pictures - I guess I was to busy relaxing my face off!)

Magdanz Wedding

2011-08-25T12:51:00.000-07:00

We were blessed to get to attend the Eric and Christine's wedding this past weekend! We flew in on Friday night and had a fun evening with Mom & Dad K. Sat we were able to head up to the hospital and visit the newest member of the Akre side of the family:) Sat afternoon/evening we celebrated with the Magdanz's! What a BEAUTIFUL God-honoring wedding and reception! We couldn't be happier for the new couple and really don't think Eric could have picked a better woman - Christine is perfect for him and such a BEAUTIFUL woman both inside and out - you can meet Christine for 5 min and feel like you have known her for years - lovely! Their wedding was also like a reunion for us - we were able to catch up with a lot of our favorites (also a treat to have both sets of parents in the same place!). Sunday we spent the day with our Kaminski family and got a tour of Dan & Hailey's new home - soooo cute!!! Sunday evening was spent with good friends and Monday we relaxed and hung out with one of our favorite Aunt & Uncle before heading home with a very full love tank!

The wedding...

Eric waiting for his bride

the beautiful bride

2 becoming 1

their smiles tell it all:)

Mr. & Mrs. Magdanz

love them!

love him!

Certificate

2011-08-25T12:44:00.000-07:00

Over the last year I had been taking courses to complete my NICU specialty certificate. I had finished my classes as of last April, but had not yet received my papers in the mail making it legit! Well, they have arrived and to my surprise my certificate reads..."Advanced Specialty Certificate - Neonatal Nursing Specialty with DISTINCTION" - who knew - the distinction part - it was exciting:)

Quality Time

2011-08-25T12:37:00.000-07:00

We have had a busy summer with all of the partying that we have been doing! Matt and I hadn't had an "unplanned" weekend together for the entire summer until two weekends ago when we both had a Friday night and all day Saturday off together - GLORIOUS!!! Friday night we had a great supper at home and then headed to the movies. On our way home we picked up a slice of cheesecake and steamers from a local coffee shop. We brought our treats home and sat in our lawn chairs on the deck enjoying the heat of a late summer evening - GLORIOUS!!! Saturday morning I woke up to the below picture - Matt made waffles and syrup and cut up some fresh necterines - GLOURIOUS!!! We spent the day getting stuff done together...such a treat! My husband dates me well - I am a blessed woman!!!

Crafting...

2011-08-25T12:25:00.000-07:00

We have been doing a lot of crafting since we have moved. A couple of weeks ago Matt, oh so kindly, made these cute soap jars out of mason jars - they turned out great!

I am a bit of a soap snob - I know what I like and I stick to it! Bath & Body works foam soap is my favorite, but sometimes the soap containers don't go well with the decor, a cute mason jar always goes well with the decor:)

we had to make one for each of our three sinks!

Perfect!

NICU Babes making Babies!

2011-08-18T13:20:00.000-07:00

Last week the NICU girls got together to bless two of our girls that are about to have babies!

I made these scary cupcakes for the event (they didn't turn out exactly the way I wanted:)

the beautiful mama's to be!

they were showered with blessings - the NICU ladies are great givers!

currently our newest baby of the crew - she is such a happy, cute baby!

story time....:)

the laughs that followed story time!

the crew - I work with a FANTASTIC group of ladies!!!

our view

2011-08-16T21:31:00.000-07:00

People have asked for pics of our new place - we are still in the process of decorating, but here is a picture taken last night of our view:)

Cam & Jolene's Wedding

2011-08-16T20:23:00.000-07:00

The final leg of our summer vacation sent us even farther east into Manitoba for the wedding of Matt's cousin Jolene to Cam.

On our way to Manitoba...Saskatchewan is VERY patriotic about their Riders!

Once in Manitoba we attended the wedding rehearsal followed by the rehersal dinner - Cameron's mom made these cute treats for dessert.

Papa enjoying his treat!

at the farm, where the dinner was, there was a small herd of mini horses

we played with them for a bit

The wedding took place in a little town called Carman - it is the friendliest, cutest town - both times we have been there we have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!

Matt and Dan did a GREAT job singing during the wedding - they got RAVE reviews!

My handsome husband!

Jolene and Uncle Dave

The beaming bride and groom!

Jolene's dress was amazing...see the above picture and the picture below is her dress for the dance - it's the same dress just without the big skirt - such a great idea!

The next few pics are a few family photos - what better thing to do between the wedding and reception than take photos:)

Mom, Hailey and my pretty toes

Brothers x2

Kaminski men

Hailey and Dan

Mom and Dad K

all of us - this picture is a little 'Sears Portrait studio':)

such a great weekend celebrating the union of a wonderful couple!

The Cabin

2011-08-11T08:38:00.000-07:00

We were able to spend 5 days at the cabin with Mom and Dad Kaminski.

Unfortunately, the cabin had been hit pretty badly by a storm the week before so there was a lot of clean up to be done outside the cabin - the boys worked hard cutting and hauling trees.

Look at this sexy lumberjack!

Tons of firewood!

The weather was not the greatest while we were up there, but we made the most of it by playing lots of games...

and reading lots of books!

Reading in the book nook....bliss!

We opted for indoor fires instead of outdoor ones this year.

The one cool things about having bad weather is being able to watch the beautiful SK sky:)

Our traditional cabin photo (not the best shot - but it's tradition!)

We are so thankful to be able to have this very special place to retreat to - it was another GREAT year at the lake!

Oh The Places We Have Been

2011-08-11T08:15:00.000-07:00

And thus begins a new series on the Kaminski blog...."Oh The Places We Have Been." In our travels across Canada we have seen many strange, large things that small towns are known by - we would like pictures next to these objects. We have taken a few pics over the years, but now it's time to get serious about it:) So here our are pics from this last trip...

Large T-Rex - Drumheller, AB

Large Coffee Pot & Mug - Davidson, SK

we got thirsty while we were there so decided to try the coffee

Large Indian Head - Indian Head, SK

Large Turtle - Turtleford, SK

Love Filled Saturday!

2011-08-11T07:44:00.000-07:00

After spending a week in the Dids, Matt and I continued on our way up to see the Kaminski side of the family. On our way we stopped and saw some people we love:) So many people all in one day - it was glorious!

We met Alise and Nathan for brunch in Edmonton.

My sweet friend!

Matt and Nathan were getting jealous of Alise and my photoshoot...so they got in on some of the action:)

How cute are they?!

Next stop was the Oliver household. Sawyer was napping when we arrived so before we left she woke up to a household of people - she took a little while to warm up to us post nap.

Love this face!

We are friends again:)

Just doing some reading

Our final stop of the day was the Parkinson farm for supper and games.

We had a GREAT meal and dessert was a delicious Saskatoon Berry Pie - Ezra LOVED it!

I enjoyed my cuddles with Ryder!

Smiles!

Matt and Ezra playing

Auntie and her little men

Calgary Stampede

2011-08-07T08:07:00.000-07:00

During the week we were home in Didsbury the Morgan clan decided to check out the Calgary Stampede. Mom and Dad had been before, but for all of us kids, it was our first time and it was a GREAT time!

Pre-Stampede (we borrowed the hats so we would look like we belonged!)

Welcome to the Stampede!

If you look closely to the left of the pic you will see a large human canon - we watched a man launch himself out of that sucker....very strange.

Becca can now check 'picture with 2 RCMP' off her bucket list:)

"Morgan" very fitting

yup - I'm just up to my elbow in a cow's butt palpating it's unborn calf - no big deal

Nathan riding a torpedo - no big deal

Nathan and I on our first ride of the day

there we are WAY up there - very fun ride - I highly recommend it!

Dad and Becca

Mom and me - mom's not a big rides rider - I took her on the swings

we are way up there - mom was white knuckling it the entire ride:)

doesn't matter if your nervous during the ride - you just have to look hard core when the ride is over:)

Matt and Nathan pumped for the Ring of Fire

they are at the very front

Bumper Cars!

dad was a menace

so much fun was had!

we ended the evening in the grandstand - we watched the Chuck Wagon Race Finals

trying to pretend like we know anything about that sport

Becca and I sporting our borrowed hats:)

the Grandstand Show was AMAZING and the fireworks OUTSTANDING! Calgary knows how to put on a show!

Another GREAT day!

The Dids

2011-08-04T20:56:00.000-07:00

It was such a treat for all of the Morgan's to get together in the summertime! We had a lot of fun - as always!

There were some game nights.

Air hand ball

The competition continues

Becca and I spent the majority of the week putting together a picture book of our immediate family - from 1974 to present. It was a lot of work, but we are so happy we did it. It was fun to reminisce as we worked.

Matt spent a lot of his time fishing:)

While we were home we celebrated Becca and Mom's birthday as we will not all be together for either of those days.

Becca made mom a picture calender for her birthday.

Near the end of the week we headed to Drumheller to see the Passion Play.

We loved the Dinos

At the Passion Play - it was VERY well done!

For this...I am thankful!

Trishy came to visit the last night we were there - always good to see her and always fun to play a couple rounds of the Blitz!

Love vacations - family, food and fellowship...sooooo blessed!!!

One of Those Perfect Days

2011-08-04T20:35:00.000-07:00

Becca came up a few days before our official vacation started. On one of the days that I had off from work we went to a local tea house for lunch. It was a beautiful little shop with great food!

After lunch we headed down the street to get our nails done.

I got a Shellac manicure - I highly recomend it - it lasted 3 week without chipping!

Becca got a pedi - the flower was a nice touch!

Great day to be a girl!

Visit from a Friend

2011-08-04T20:29:00.000-07:00

My good friend Andrea was up in Canada for the month of July taking a course at TWU. She came by for supper and catch up one evening before we left for holidays. So great to see her - I miss living upstairs or just down the hall from her - she is a beautiful person!

Good-bye Friend...

2011-07-14T20:13:00.000-07:00

My roomie from college is moving across the US from Seattle to Chicago where her hubby will be attending Wheaton. Ruthie and I have been fortunate enough to live within two hours of each other for the majority of our time post university - we have gotten together a couple times a year which has been such a treat! Our times visiting each other will be a little more spaced out now - we are going to miss the Cairns, but are excited for this new chapter of life for them!

Last week, Ruthie and I got together for one more afternoon together in Fairhaven - we painted pottery while we shared about life and solved the world's problems.

The finished product...

As my good friend Michael says..."Friends are friends forever if the Lords a Lord of them and a friend will not say never and the welcome will not end. Though it's hard to let you go in the father's hand we know that a lifetimes not to long to live as friends!"

Safe journey Thomas and Ruth - know that you are loved and will be missed!

A Night with Menno!

2011-07-13T11:26:00.000-07:00

We babysat Menno the other night - we had a great time - he is easy to please and so full of laughs!

Airplane Rides

Rider Pride

YAAAA!!!!

Go Riders Go!!!

Hahaha - this picture makes me laugh - Menno was having a great time giggling away and then every time we took a pic he was so serious!

Smorgasbord

2011-07-07T10:44:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy couple of weeks - below are some random shots to share...

During the playoffs we were house hunting - this evening in particular Matt had worked all day and then went to check out a house before picking me up from work - he got to my work a little early and wanted to watch the game - I came into our little staff room and saw Matt hanging out with the ladies...no big deal:)

Grandma Akre's Crepes - only skilled professionals can make these properly

Matt has mastered the art!

Moving up in the world...

On June 30/July 1 we moved from the first floor of our apartment up to the fourth floor - we love our new place - we have a guest bedroom (hint hint), there is no one above us and we have big windows and LOTS of sunlight - note that it no longer looks like these pics - we have moved in - we will have to post 'after' pics at some point

Retirement Party - a wonderful nurse that has worked in our unit for the past 20 years has retired! I had the privilege of working with her for the past 4 years - she will be missed!

Pre Game Show

2011-06-27T20:45:00.000-07:00

It was a new experience for me to be on the groom side of the getting ready - let me tell you much more relaxed and laid back to be a man than a woman:)

Good look for Dano:)

Matt almost ready

Brothers

a gift from the bride and groom - Dano socks

the boys ready...it only took about 30 min start to finish!

The Ceremony!

2011-06-27T19:46:00.000-07:00

Dan and Hailey's wedding ceremony took place in a field behind Hailey's house - it was a beautiful setting for a beautiful ceremony!

the band

team #1

team #2

team #3

team #4

team #5

team #6 (my personal favorite!)

parents and groom

mother and son

the boys

the girls

cutest flower girl!

the stunning bride and her proud parents

soooo gorgeous!

Dano seeing his bride for the first time (tears and smiles!)

love...

the vows

communion

the ceremony ended with a kiss from heaven - a little rain - it didn't phase the very happy bride and groom - there love for each other was so evident!

The After Party!

2011-06-27T17:49:00.000-07:00

The wedding reception took place in a giant tent on the Nelson's property. Hailey had decorated it beautifully! It was a night full of laughter, fellowship and dancing!

Instead of cake the couple opted for pies made with love by friends and family.

the head table

the happy couple

Nic and Ryder

Cash!

I'm pretty sure Hailey smiled like that the ENTIRE day:)

the traditional singing of "Bless This House"

Norwegian Wedding Cake

it was a chilly evening - the quilts were essential for warmth:)

love!

we are excited - a new sister!!!

Cutie Ryder and Correna

Matt had his fair share of pies:)

first dance

son and mother dance

ushers and Will

decorating the get away car

and they're off!

Just Married!

Wedding Rehearsal

2011-06-27T17:02:00.000-07:00

Dan & Hailey's wedding rehearsal was on the Friday night before the wedding - it was a warm, sunny evening - a lovely time of fellowship and fun:)

Beauty...

Great food!

Mom, Dad, Matt and I all wanted to give Dan and Hailey something 'handmade' along with their wedding gift. Hailey is one of the most creative people I know and always gives the most thoughtful, handmade, beautiful gifts. So over Easter when Matt's parents were out we spent the day in Bellingham painting pottery for the newlyweds - they did not turn out all that professional, but they were painted with a lot of love!

Norwegian Wedding Cake

2011-06-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

Mom Kaminski was in charge of making the Norwegian Wedding Cake for Dan & Hailey's wedding. The cake is very detailed and intricate to make - mom did a great job - with only a little help from Auntie Cindi and Nicole.

the flags represent the heritage of Dan and Hailey

the cake is rigged so that during the reception with the bride and groom try to pick up the cake the number of rings that come up is meant to be the number of children that the couple will have - looks like we will be Auntie and Uncle to three little people:)

Sawyer turned ONE!

2011-06-27T14:11:00.000-07:00

While we were in Lloyd we were able to visit with Morgan, Nikki and Sawyer for an evening. Sawyer had just had her first birthday the week before so to keep the party going by heading out to the Lloydminster petting zoo after, of course, a wonderful supper in town.

Matt excited to be at the zoo - Sawyer was not as excited:)

the reptile room

petting a calf

checking out the lions!!! (yup lions in Lloydminster....very strange!)

Matt feeding the alpaca

baby goat

I think the baby goats were my favorite...

until Nikki made me hold one...

and it started to eat my hair...

it tickled and I may have freaked out a little:)

these kids were eating anything they got their little mouths close to

Sawyer riding a goose - it was VERY tame!

back at the house after the zoo we gave Sawyer her birthday present - a singing card - hours of entertainment for a one year old:)

Happy 1st Birthday Sawyer Rose - we love you!

Ryder Paul Parkinson

2011-06-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

Ryder was born on June 6th and we were blessed enough to meet him just 2 short weeks later!!! Correna and I spent the day together on Tuesday and it was such a treat! We had a nice breakfast in town with the boys and then headed out for a relaxing afternoon basking in the beautiful weather and catching up on life in person (way better than over the phone)!

Welcome to the world Ryder - we love you so much already!

Skype!

2011-06-27T13:16:00.000-07:00

We LOVE skype!!! We have been able to keep in contact with friends from all over the world because of it - such a treat!!! Last Sunday night Matt and I were able to skype my sister in Oregon, brother in California and my parents who were in Romania - such fun!

Father's Day 2011

2011-06-17T19:23:00.000-07:00

We have been blessed with incredible Dads who love the Lord and have chosen to be very intentional in raising their children. Both of these men have greatly shaped who we are and we are forever thankful for it! Know that we love you both - HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Dad Morgan

Dad Kaminski

The White Rock

2011-06-11T11:21:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, after I woke up from night shift, Matt and I went on a little date afternoon to White Rock. Sunday has been one of the very few days that the weather has felt like summer - so we took full advantage of the situation!

Matt with the pier in the far off background.

LOVING the sunshine!

ice cream and the beach - two of my favorite things!

CANUCK FEVER!!!

the FAMOUS "White" Rock

bliss.

3 years!

2011-06-03T11:41:00.001-07:00

Matt and I celebrated our 3rd year anniversary last weekend. Our actual anniversary, on the 24th, was a work day for both of us. Matt worked during the day we went out to dinner and then I worked nights - we went away on the weekend to celebrate.

In the morning when I woke up, on the 24th, these beautiful flowers greeted me in the kitchen!

A beautiful arrangment both in sight and smell! The lillies are still thriving a week and a half later!

We went down to the states for our weekend away. We had a great time - stopped at the outlets, ate good food, saw a chick flick at the theatre - my husband is a good man!

Here we are in our hotel room practicing our moves - someday we are going on the road - we have mad hidden talents:)

DONUTS! Matt had never been to a Krispy Kreme store - unfortunaely the donuts were not serving HOT, but we still enjoyed ourselves.

they are sooo good - melt in your mouth good!

I am so thankful for this man - I could not ask for a better husband! Matt is kind, giving, loving, protective, gentle, calm, steady, faithful, hardworking, thoughtful, organized, clean, adventorus and really really good looking! It is so fun to look back on the past three years together - we have done so much and I look forward to the next 50 together. I am a blessed woman!

May Long

2011-05-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

I worked this past May Long Weekend and so Matt headed out on a boys fishing trip! It was a cold weekend, but he loved it and he caught a BIG one:)

Practicing casting with his new (grad present) fly rod!

the boys

another grad gift put to good use

BEAR!

the BIG one!

Celebrating Grannie

2011-05-20T10:14:00.000-07:00

We got home from our cruise - unpacked, did laundry, visited with the Olivers, worked a full day and then just over 24 hours later were on a plane to Regina. Matt's Grannie Kaminski went to be with the Lord the previous Friday after battling with ALS for a year. Grannie was a remarkable woman and lived a beautiful life, even as she battled with one of life's most horrific diseases.

Best Friends - Papa and Grannie

This picture was taken a year ago when Matt and I returned home from Africa. Grannie was not yet diagnosed with ALS but wasn't feeling 100% at the time - however despite that they made the drive from Regina to Lloyd so that they could see us and welcome us home.

Our time in Regina was well spent. It was so good to see family and of course celebrate Grannie's life. She planned her own funeral and it spoke of her humble nature, it was not focused on her but on her Lord - it was beautiful. Grannie was well loved - the funeral was huge, hundreds of cards were sent and meal upon meal was dropped off.

I didn't take very many pictures of our time in Regina - here is one of the final day we were there - the Kaminski men playing a rousing game of Scrabble on the deck.

Papa concentrating hard on his next move.

Us with Mom and Dad K right before they dropped us off at the airport.

We were blessed to have a long lay over in Calgary and met Mom and Dad M for coffee!

Grannie will be missed by all who knew her, but we rest in knowing that she is in heaven and we will see her again someday! She left a legacy here on earth that will remain for years and years to come!

Olivers in Abby!

2011-05-20T09:52:00.000-07:00

Morgan, Nikki and Sawyer were staying at our house while we were on our cruise - it was fun to come home to them - we miss having them in Abby!

Sawyer picked us some beautiful 'welcome home' dandelions!

the house is full of giggles when Sawyer is here:)

Matt and Sawyer

more giggling!

playing dress up with Auntie!

we came home unpacked and then repacked to go again - Sawyer tried to sneek into our luggage:)

Sawyer checking things out with the boys

Nikki was here too - I don't know why I don't have any pictures of her - she is looking beautiful as usual!!!

So nice to see old friends - we miss our days living in the same town but enjoy the treats of seeing each other a couple times a year. We are excited for them and all that the next couple of months are going to bring there way!